“Bear Bets” are real wagers that Chris “The Bear” Fallica is actually making.
Best 2024 college football futures bets are on the horizon as the season approaches, making it essential to place those preseason wagers now.
Chris has already provided insights into his top futures bets, sharing his expertise through both written articles and his “Bear Bets” podcast. He has also highlighted national championship and College Football Playoff futures that are worth considering.
For regular readers, it’s clear that Chris emphasizes sharing his picks at the exact prices he secures, offering actionable bets that others can replicate.
Ryan Day to win Bryant Award
The Buckeyes have made significant moves in the transfer portal, bringing in Chip Kelly as their offensive coordinator and securing the nation’s top recruit, Jeremiah Smith. The pressure on Day to deliver results is immense, and awards like this often hinge on narrative. If Ohio State triumphs over Michigan and captures the Big Ten title, Day could very well be a frontrunner for Coach of the Year.
Jeremiah Smith to win Biletnikoff Award
On the topic of Smith, Chris has already placed a 150-1 bet on him for the Heisman Trophy. He also jumped at 30-1 odds for the Biletnikoff Award, underlining Smith’s exceptional talent.
RJ Harvey to win Doak Walker Award
With the Nittany Lions no longer facing Ohio State and Michigan annually, a 10-2 finish is less likely. However, in the restructured Big Ten and with a 12-team playoff, a 10-2 record could secure a CFP spot. Penn State’s defense remains formidable, and while Chris has some reservations about quarterback Drew Allar, he trusts the running game and defense to achieve at least 10 wins.
Missouri Under 9.5 wins
While many are optimistic about the Tigers, Chris believes this enthusiasm is largely driven by their schedule, which features only one top-six SEC team, Alabama. Although Brady Cook and Luther Burden are impressive players, the loss of several defensive contributors and running back Cody Schrader raises questions. The Tigers were fortunate last season, finishing 4-0 in one-score games. Chris wonders if that luck will hold, especially with tough matchups against teams like Auburn and Oklahoma.
Chris is willing to take a chance against the Tigers achieving 10 wins this season.
Big 12 Under 1.5 teams in College Football Playoff
The current Big 12, which combines elements of the old Big 12, Pac-12, and AAC, appears to be a one-bid league. Chris does not foresee multiple 10-win teams emerging, and a 9-3 record is unlikely to qualify for the playoffs. The preseason poll reflects this, with only one Big 12 team, Utah, barely making it into the top 12.
With no standout teams and a lack of clear favorites, Chris opts to support the Jayhawks in this unpredictable landscape. He is skeptical of Arizona’s prospects this year due to defensive losses and coaching changes.
Chris had previously placed a bet on Kansas to finish under eight wins, but that opportunity has passed. He believes Kansas, under new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes, could contend for nine or ten wins if quarterback Jalon Daniels remains healthy.
Chris has high hopes for Syracuse this season, especially with Mackey Award contender Oronde Gadsden returning and former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord joining the team. The coaching change to Fran Brown, a respected former Georgia assistant, adds to the optimism.
He previously placed a bet on Syracuse at over 6.5 wins, but that line is no longer available. Chris believes Wisconsin will struggle to secure seven wins, facing a challenging schedule that includes matchups against USC, Alabama, and Penn State.
The performance of Tyler Van Dyke will be crucial in determining Wisconsin’s success in 2024.
Both Iowa State and Virginia Tech are teams to watch, with Iowa State boasting significant returning production and Virginia Tech showing promise under quarterback Kyron Drones. However, Virginia Tech’s schedule poses challenges, including road games against Miami and Syracuse.
While both teams have potential, Chris believes Iowa State has the more favorable path to nine wins compared to Virginia Tech.
SMU is being regarded as a sleeper in the revamped ACC, but Chris remains cautious due to their past performance against Power Four teams. While the roster may be better suited for the challenge, the recruiting rankings suggest otherwise. Their schedule includes tough matchups against Florida State and TCU, which will be telling for their credibility.
In contrast, Chris is optimistic about UCF’s prospects this season. The addition of KJ Jefferson and Doak Walker candidate RJ Harvey is expected to create a strong offense. With a rebuilt defense featuring Power Five transfers and new coordinator Ted Roof, UCF is positioned well for its second year in the Big 12, especially with home games against competitive teams like Colorado and Utah.
