2014 Pac 12 Betting Odds: Oregon State, Utah, Washington State, Colorado
Carrie Stroup here with all your 2014 Pac 12 betting odds for the long shot schools including Oregon State, Washington State, Colorado and Utah with all future odds courtesy of our friends at Sportsbook.ag.
UTAH UTES
2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 5-7 (2-7 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 6-6 (50%)
Over/Under: 5-7
Points Scored: 29.2 PPG (66th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 28.0 PPG (73rd in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 1,000/1
2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 6
Defense: Starters Returning: 5
The career of QB Travis Wilson (7.7 YPA, 16 TD, 16 INT) seemed to be over when he was diagnosed with a condition that leaves him prone to head injuries. But he was cleared to play in the spring and could reclaim his starting job over Oklahoma transfer Kendal Thompson (4-for-13, 64 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT). The winner will operate new OC Dave Christensen’s up-tempo spread offense. WR Dres Anderson (1,002 rec yds, 7 TD) emerged as a go-to receiver last year, and the Utes get back 6-foot-3 WR Kenneth Scott (360 rec yds in 2012), who missed 2013 with an ankle injury. Utah’s pass rush was excellent last year, but lost Trevor Reilly (graduation) and Jacoby Hale (injury) who combined for 15 sacks. DE Nate Orchard (3.5 sacks, 3 FF) and, if healthy, Hale (6.5 sacks) would form a solid pass-rushing combo. S Brian Blechen (8 INT career) comes back from a knee injury to lead a solid secondary.
OREGON STATE BEAVERS
2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 7-6 (4-5 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-6 (54%)
Over/Under: 7-6
Points Scored: 34.8 PPG (29th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 31.4 PPG (91st in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 1,000/1
2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
The Beavers will rely on QB Sean Mannion (66.3% comp., 4,662 pass yds, 37 TD, 15 INT) to carry the offense, but their star quarterback will have to do it without top receiver Brandin Cooks, who averaged 133.1 yards per game with 18 TD last year. After WR Richard Mullaney (788 rec yds, 3 TD) and TE Connor Hamlett (364 rec yds, 5 TD), they are thin in terms of passing weapons. Oregon State’s running game was largely non-existent last year, and it lost three starters on an offensive line that will pave the way for RBs Storm Woods (477 rush yds, 6 TD) and Terron Ward (521 rush yds, 5 TD). Defensively, OSU brings back a solid secondary, including All-Pac-12 candidates in S Ryan Murphy (74 tackles, 3 INT) and CB Steven Nelson (6 INT). LB Jabral Johnson (94 tackles) leads a quality linebacking corps, but generating a pass rush will be an issue after DE Scott Crichton left for the NFL.
CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 1-11 (0-9 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 2-10 (17%)
Over/Under: 5-6-1
Points Scored: 23.0 PPG (97th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 45.9 PPG (124th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 100/1 (Field)
2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
The good news is that there’s nowhere to go but up for Sonny Dykes’ program after a disastrous first season in which they went winless against FBS opponents. QB Jared Goff (60.3% comp., 3,508 yards, 18 TD, 10 INT) returns from a shoulder injury to run the up-tempo offense. The bulk of the offensive line returns with more experience, which is good news for an anemic running game. RBs Khalfani Muhammad (445 rush yds, 6.0 YPC) and Daniel Lasco (317 rush yds) showed flashes last year. The defense can only get better after an injury-filled year that saw them allow a program-worst 45.9 PPG. New defensive coordinator Art Kaufman will simplify the system and blitz more often to make up for their shortcomings. He gets former top recruits DE Brennan Scarlett and DT Mustafa Jalil back from injury, plus starting safeties Avery Sebastian and Stefan McClure back from injuries.
WASHINGTON STATE COUGARS
2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 6-7 (4-5 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 9-4 (69%)
Over/Under: 7-5-1
Points Scored: 31.0 PPG (52nd in FBS)
Points Allowed: 32.5 PPG (97th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 1,000/1
2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 8
Defense: Starters Returning: 6
Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense is taking hold in Pullman. QB Connor Halliday (62.9% comp., 4,597 pass yds, 34 TD, 22 INT) showed steady development last year, increasing his completion percentage by 10 points and throwing 16 TD with only 5 INT over his final five games. He’ll once against be among the FBS leaders in pass attempts, and has a couple of potential stars in WRs Gabe Marks (807 rec yds, 7 TD) and River Cracraft (614 rec yds). The loss of three starters on the offensive line is a concern. The defense is still a work in progress, and was usually under heavy pressure due to the offense’s quick possessions and turnovers. The Cougars D gave up 32.5 PPG last year, but also forced 30 turnovers. DT Xavier Cooper (5 sacks, 13.5 TFL) anchors a solid D-Line, but the secondary will sorely miss S Deone Bucannon.
COLORADO BUFFALOES
2013 Statistics:
SU Record: 4-8 (1-8 in Pac-12)
ATS Record: 7-5 (58%)
Over/Under: 7-4
Points Scored: 25.4 PPG (87th in FBS)
Points Allowed: 38.3 PPG (114th in FBS)
Odds to Win 2015 BCS National Championship: 100/1 (Field)
2014 Preview:
Offense: Starters Returning: 7
Defense: Starters Returning: 8
Even with top weapon Paul Richardson heading to the NFL, sophomore QB Sefo Liufau (7.1 YPA, 12 TD, 8 INT) leads what should be an improving offense. RB Michael Adkins II (535 rush yds, 6 TD) should push for a bigger role after a solid freshman year, giving the Buffs speed to combine with big RB Christian Powell (562 rush yds) behind a developing offensive line. Finding receiver depth beyond WR Nelson Spruce (650 rec yds, 4 TD) will be a challenge though. The defense is still looking for answers after allowing 44.2 PPG in Pac-12 games last year. There is some young talent that could step up. LB Addison Gillam (107 tackles) was the team’s leading tackler as a true freshman and has the speed and athleticism to make all-conference. DT Samson Kafovalu (3 sacks) is solid in the middle of the line, and their secondary should improve due to the raw athleticism among their corners.
- Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
