Pac-12 Team Props: Win Totals
Yesterday, we examined and analyzed some fun player prop bets out of the Pac-12 Conference, so naturally, the only reasonable and logical transition is to go to team props today. And fortunately, Bovada‘s got some juicy ones for bettors before the season begins with its win total props. Let’s take a closer look at each squad and how many games they may win this year.
Arizona Wildcats – Over 7.5 (-130), Under 7.5 (Even)
With the nation’s leading rusher from a year ago, Ka’Deem Carey, returning and with one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, the Wildcats should have some success in 2013. They should easily win their first three games – which are against UNLV, Northern Arizona and UTSA – and then they only have to worry about winning five in conference to cover the over on this bet. With the amount of talent they have, this is something they should pull off. Take Arizona to win over 7.5 games at -130.
Arizona State Sun Devils – Over 7.5 (-155), Under 7.5 (+125)
While the Cats have a very soft non-conference schedule, the Sun Devils do not. The Devils play Notre Dame and Wisconsin and don’t have nearly the offensive arsenal that Arizona has. So, I’m not sure why ASU is favored to cover the over here, but I would bet the under at +125.
California Golden Bears – Over 4 (-140), Under 4 (+110)
With all the stiff competition in the Pac-12 this season, it will be difficult for a team like Cal to stand out. And the Bears certainly aren’t taking the easy road in playing Northwestern and Ohio State this season. Considering the Bears only won three games last year, I can’t see them improving on that mark with a tougher 2013 slate. Take Cal to finish under four wins.
Colorado Buffaloes – Over 3.5 (Even), Under 3.5 (-130)
The Buffaloes only celebrated one win last season. To improve to four wins in a stacked conference is certainly a lot to ask and with Fresno State and Colorado State on their non-conference schedule, I just don’t see it. Take Colorado on the under here.
Oregon Ducks – Over 10.5 (-200), Under 10.5 (+160)
As the favorite in the Pac-12 again this season, Oregon is expected to be dominant once again. They’ve only lost three games in the past three seasons and considering they’ll likely play an extra game with the Pac-12 title, I like their odds to win 11 this year. The odds don’t play out well at all, but it seems pretty safe to take the Ducks on the over here.
Oregon State Beavers – Over 8.5 (+110), Under 8.5 (-140)
The Beavers surprised just about everyone by winning nine games last season and even though they don’t have the most talented squad in the conference, I could see them doing it again in 2013. When looking at their schedule, it wouldn’t be crazy to think they could jump out to a 7-0 start, which would mean they would only require two more wins the remainder of the season to win the over.
Stanford Cardinal – Over 9.5 (-110), Under 9.5 (-120)
Despite looking shaky on offense without Andrew Luck, the Cardinal managed to win 12 games a year ago with one of the best defenses in the country. It certainly won’t be an easy road to 10 wins, especially with Notre Dame on their schedule, but underestimating Stanford just hasn’t paid off lately. I like the Cardinal to win over 9.5 this year.
UCLA Bruins – Over 7 (-105), Under 7 (-125)
Like OSU, UCLA was also a pleasant nine-win surprise last season, but can the Bruins duplicate that success without one of the nation’s top rushers in Jonathan Franklin? It won’t be easy, but with a well-rounded squad and with Brett Hundley, who is one of the best young (and very much underrated) quarterbacks in the country, I like the Bruins can get it done and cover the over.
USC Trojans – Over 9.5 (-110), Under 9.5 (-120)
USC finished a disappointing 7-6 last season and without star QB Matt Barkley this year, I have no idea why it is favored to win 9-10 games. The Trojans should be fairly strong, but there won’t be many easy games in the conference and they’ve still got Notre Dame to deal with on the road this season as well. This is an easy call. Take the under.
Utah Utes – Over 5.5 (+115), Under 5.5 (-145)
Moving to the Pac-12 has been a rough adjustment period for the Utah Utes, but they improved last year, winning five games. Unfortunately, other teams in the conference are improving too and there just won’t be many wins to come by for the Utes. Look for Utah to finish under six wins this year.
Washington Huskies – Over 7.5 (-130), Under 7.5 (Even)
Every year, we think the Huskies will be better and every year they seem to wallow in mediocrity. With a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against Boise State and Illinois, the Huskies are likely to do it again and finish with 6-7 wins. Take the under.
Washington State Cougars – Over 4.5 (-105), Under 4.5 (-125)
The Cougars only notched three wins in 2012 and although they showed flashes of improvement, can we really expect them to win five games in the ultra-competitive Pac-12? I think not. Take the under.
