2024 college football odds reveal a transformed SEC landscape, particularly with the arrival of Oklahoma and Texas, both of which departed the Big 12.
With these additions, the SEC will abolish its traditional divisions, allowing all 16 teams to compete directly against one another. Consequently, the SEC Championship Game will now showcase the top two teams based on conference standings at the season’s end, rather than the winners of each division.
In its inaugural SEC season, Texas is projected to have one of the highest win totals, tied with Georgia, indicating a highly competitive environment.
Quinn Ewers, who led Texas to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023, will return as the starting quarterback, bringing valuable experience to the Longhorns.
Despite Texas’s strong position, many experts still view Georgia as the team to beat in the SEC for the upcoming season.
The Bulldogs are set to return 16 starters, including Carson Beck, a preseason Heisman favorite, along with standout defensive back Malaki Starks, which solidifies their formidable presence.
A significant shift will also occur at Alabama, where Nick Saban’s retirement opens the door for Kalen DeBoer. The question remains: can DeBoer successfully fill the legendary coach’s shoes?
Challenges loom for DeBoer, as Alabama faces its lowest preseason title odds and projected win total since 2008, reflecting a potential shift in power dynamics within the conference.
Here’s a snapshot of each SEC team’s projected win total at DraftKings Sportsbook as of August 10:
Georgia
Over 10.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 10.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Texas
Over 10.5: +140 (bet $10 to win $24)
Under 10.5: -170 (bet $10 to win $15.88)
Alabama
Over 9.5: +120 (bet $10 to win $22 total)
Under 9.5: -140 (bet $10 to win $17.14 total)
Ole Miss
Over 9.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 9.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Missouri
Over 9.5: +135 (bet $10 to win $23.50 total)
Under 9.5: -160 (bet $10 to win $16.25 total)
LSU
Over 9: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 9: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Tennessee
Over 8.5: -170 (bet $10 to win $15.88 total)
Under 8.5: +145 (bet $10 to win $24.50 total)
Texas A&M
Over 8.5: -120 (bet $10 to win $18.33 total)
Under 8.5: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Oklahoma
Over 7.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 7.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Auburn
Over 7.5: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
Under 7.5: -145 (bet $10 to win $16.90 total)
Kentucky
Over 6.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 6.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
South Carolina
Over 5.5: -115 (bet $10 to win $18.70 total)
Under 5.5: -105 (bet $10 to win $19.52 total)
Arkansas
Over 4.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Under 4.5: -110 (bet $10 to win $19.09 total)
Florida
Over 4.5: -155 (bet $10 to win $16.45 total)
Under 4.5: +130 (bet $10 to win $23 total)
Mississippi State
Over 4: -150 (bet $10 to win $16.67 total)
Under 4: +130 (bet $10 to win $16.45 total)
Vanderbilt
Over 3: -125 (bet $10 to win $18 total)
Under 3: +105 (bet $10 to win $20.50 total)
Texas Over/Under 10.5 wins
Texas officially joins the SEC for 2024, but its schedule is filled with potential pitfalls.
It is predicted that they will drop two of their twelve games.
Despite a successful 2023 season culminating in a College Football Playoff appearance, the Longhorns face challenges. They lost key players, including two receivers, two defensive tackles, and a running back, all drafted within the first 52 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft.
While Texas has replenished its receiving corps through the transfer portal, questions linger regarding the defense. Last season, the defense excelled at stopping the run but struggled against teams with effective passing games. With two top run-stuffing defensive tackles now in the NFL, the replacements may not match their predecessors’ performance.
The impact of a weakened pass rush raises concerns about the passing defense’s effectiveness. This could potentially lead to two losses.
Texas faces a critical two-game stretch against Oklahoma in Dallas, followed by a home game against Georgia. Splitting these games is essential to maintain a winning record above ten. Winning both is feasible, but defeating Georgia after facing Oklahoma presents a significant challenge.
Overall, Texas is viewed as a solid 10-win team, and betting on that outcome seems prudent.
Alabama to win the SEC
Alabama is undergoing a significant coaching transition with Nick Saban’s retirement and Kalen DeBoer stepping in as the new head coach. Although some players have transferred, DeBoer managed to retain a substantial portion of the roster while also bringing in new talent.
DeBoer has a history of immediate success wherever he coaches. He transformed a struggling Washington program, leading it to championship contention within two years. His impressive record of 104-12 over five years at Sioux Falls (three-time national champion), two years at Fresno State, and two years at Washington (Pac-12 champions) speaks to his coaching prowess.
The Alabama schedule appears favorable for a potential SEC title game appearance, provided they can handle their opponents. They will face Georgia at home following a bye week and will also play at LSU after another bye week, with a challenging trip to Tennessee sandwiched between home games against South Carolina and Missouri.
This is a prime opportunity for Alabama to secure favorable odds for the conference title, making it a strategic bet to keep in mind as the season progresses.
Ole Miss at Florida
Florida’s schedule heats up after a bye on October 26, featuring a challenging four-game stretch: Georgia in Jacksonville, Texas in Austin, LSU at home, followed by Ole Miss in Gainesville.
This sequence includes four consecutive matchups against top-12 teams, which may significantly impact Florida’s season and potentially lead to the end of Billy Napier’s tenure.
By the time Ole Miss arrives in Gainesville, Florida’s roster could be fatigued. Notably, Ole Miss will have a bye week to prepare, giving them an edge in this matchup.
This game is expected to see a significant spread, likely exceeding a touchdown by kickoff, making it a betting opportunity worth capitalizing on before the season kicks off.
