Quick Thoughts on College Football Win Totals

The Las Vegas Hilton has released its odds on win totals for the 2011 college football season. Gamblers have been waiting for this for weeks. A few quick hitters, and keep in mind the totals are for the regular season (i.e., excluding bowls and conference championship games):

*First things first: Oklahoma opened at 10 (even). If I had to go one way or another, I'd take the over. I really don't have much confidence in it, though.

*Texas at 8 (even) is one of the more intriguing numbers on the board. The Longhorns have so much more talent than nearly every opponent on their schedule. Even with entirely new schemes on both sides of the ball, I just don't buy that UT will lose five games this year.

*I like the over on Arkansas at 8 (even). Despite losing quarterback Ryan Mallett, the Razorbacks' offense should be no less explosive this year. Plus, the schedule is pretty favorable. Road games against Vanderbilt and Ole Miss look like cannon fodder at the moment. I don't think it's expecting too much to think the Hogs will get at least one from among Alabama, Texas A&M and LSU.

(Editor's note: Arkansas is actually 8.5, so, obviously, that makes this a little less enticing.)

*Conversely, I can't get on board with all the hype surrounding Arizona State this year. With a total of 8 (-120 over), I'm feeling the pessimistic side of that proposition.

*I know TCU lost a lot from last year's undefeated Rose Bowl winner, but that program has been so consistent under Gary Patterson. At 9 (-130 under), the over looks tempting.

*Maybe the strangest total: BYU at 8.5 (-155 over). To me, that is a clear admission that Vegas has no handle on the Cougs.