Call it sudden impact.
Wednesday began the one-month countdown to the college football season. And fierce action is already underway at the betting windows and online sports apps.
The heaviest money at Las Vegas SuperBook focuses on USC — which added new coach Lincoln Riley and his Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams — and LSU, which recruited coach Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame with a 10-year, $95 million contract.
Vice president Jay Kornegay said Las Vegas SuperBook has taken the most future-book money on the Trojans, who are currently a 25/1 underdog to win their first national title since 2004. Second-choice LSU is 60/1, slotting them as the ninth overall favorite to win the championship.
Pac-12 football coach rankings 2022:Lincoln Riley, Kyle Whittingham, Chip Kelly lead list
The Tigers were fortified by eight transfers following Kelly’s high-profile move, including three defensive backs — two from rival Arkansas.
The third-most popular pick is the 100/1 Miami Hurricanes, who also have a new leader in former Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal. Miami gained 11 transfers, four of whom are potential starters.
Select college football championship odds at Tipico Sportsbook
Feud fuels hype
Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher stirred robust excitement for the season by responding forcefully to a claim by Alabama’s Nick Saban in May that the SEC rival had “bought every player” through NIL deals to assemble its No. 1 recruiting class.
Fisher roared back, assailing Saban’s comments.
“It’s despicable that a reputable head coach can come out and say this when he doesn’t get his way or things don’t go his way,” Fisher said. “The narcissist in him doesn’t allow those things to happen. It’s ridiculous when he’s not on top.”
MORE: Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher addresses Nick Saban feud, College Football Playoff expansion
Although the coaches calmed any remaining feud during SEC Media Days, their Oct. 8 matchup in Tuscaloosa is now the most anticipated of the season.
Alabama, with returning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young at quarterback, is a -145 favorite to win the SEC.
SEC title odds
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Alabama at -145
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Georgia at +150
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Texas A&M at 13/1
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Tennessee at 40/1
Ohio State’s Heisman contender
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