Pac-12 Player Props
With so many explosive offenses and young talented players, the Pac-12 Conference should provide college football fans and bettors with plenty of thrills and excitement this season. Most of those bettors will get their kicks by wagering on the point spreads of each week’s games, but as always, there are more bets to be made and Bovada‘s got some great ones with its player season-performance props.
Who will lead the conference is passing, rushing and receiving this season? These are the types of wagers that get us revved up for football season and we just can’t help but take Bovada up on the action. Check out our picks below for some of our favorite 2013 prop bets!
Most Passing Yards – Brett Hundley, UCLA (Even); Marcus Mariota, Oregon (-150); Taylor Kelly, Arizona State (+220)
Marcus Mariota certainly had the most successful season of any quarterback in the Pac-12 last year for the Ducks, but interestingly, he had the fewest yards of the three candidates for this prop. This was because Mariota only had 330 attempts, which resulted from the fact that he only played half of most of Oregon’s games. Oregon destroyed its opponents last season and Mariota simply wasn’t needed late in those blowouts.
Even though the Ducks have a new head coach in charge this season, they will almost certainly enjoy some lopsided wins, which means Mariota may once again not get the attempts necessary to lead the conference in passing. Even though he is unquestionably the most talented thrower in this group, I would have to side with Brett Hundley, who also led the Pac-12 last year, throwing for nearly 3,750 yards. And Hundley should improve entering just his sophomore season, so take him at Even odds.
Most Rushing Yards – Barry Sanders Jr., Stanford (+425); Bishop Sankey, Washington (+250); De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon (+200); Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona (+190); Storm Woods, Oregon State (+300)
De’Anthony Thomas is the most well known running back in this grouping, but like Mariota at quarterback, he doesn’t get the attempts needed to lead the conference in any particular category. Sure, he’s easily the most explosive back and can turn any play into a long touchdown, but his small frame prevents him from being an every-down type of back like other runners listed here.
The best choice here is Ka’Deem Carey and the biggest reason why is he led not only the Pac-12 in rushing last year, but the entire nation! Carey racked up more than 1,900 yards on the ground in 2012 and unless the Wildcats drastically change their offensive approach – which wouldn’t make any sense – then I’d say it’s safe to take Carey again this year. Place your wager for Carey at +190.
Most Receiving Yards – Austin Hill, Arizona (+350); Brandin Cooks, Oregon State (+300); Kasen Williams, Washington (+400); Marqise Lee, USC (-190); Shaquelle Evans, UCLA (+425)
USC’s Marqise Lee is the big favorite here and for good reason; he finished 2012 with more than 1,700 yards receiving, which placed him second in the entire country. However, Lee has already suffered a shoulder injury – albeit a minor one – in training camp this season. Although he should start the season healthy, there is some obvious concern as to how effective he will be and without Matt Barkley to throw to him this year, those impressive numbers from a year ago might be down a bit in 2013.
Lee is still not a bad pick, but you’d be getting better value by betting on Austin Hill, who finished 2012 ranked sixth in the nation in receiving yards. Yes, the Wildcats are more of a running team with Carey, but when they do go to the air, the they’ll likely look for Hill often. Take Hill at +350 with this prop.
