College Football Betting – Big SEC Favorites

Florida and LSU are 16-point college football betting favorites Week 4

Tennessee at Florida (-16)

Marquee matchup in week 4 SEC action, and this key contest in the Swamp shows more emotional components involved in college football betting and handicapping. Tennessee (2-1) was dominated by the Ducks last week in Oregon, losing 59-14 while allowing over 680 yards. The Gators (1-1) had a buy following their 5-turnover performance and 21-16 loss at Miami. The Gators lackluster offense continues to be inconsistent, but would seem ready to bite this week; especially with the confidence of a season-high 555 yards offense last year against Tennessee in Florida’s 37-20 win as underdog. New Tennessee coach Butch Jones knows how to motivate and especially as underdog, as he stands 7-1 ATS as ‘Dog vs. teams with a worse record. But his Vols are likely to be victims again this week when they get swamped and attacked by a Gator defense that can put the clamps down hard. The fundamental match-ups and point-of-attack play points to a margin victory by Florida, yet trusting QB Driskel and the Gators offense along with head coach Will Muschamp’s 1-8 ATS mark as double-digit favorite makes for a betting dilemma on Florida.

Auburn at LSU (-16.5)

Another big SEC ‘Dog in a seemingly one-sided match-up. Yet Auburn enters 3-0 under new coach Gus Malzahn; matching last season’s win total. LSU is also 3-0 and playing Saturday night in Baton Rouge is always difficult for the visitor, yet you often pay a price (tax) on the betting line when supporting LSU at home. Both offenses are significantly improved following bottom 4 finishes in SEC offense last year. LSU is 39-2 SU at home on Saturday nights, and the Tigers have won 25 of their last 26 home games at Tiger Stadium. These two Tigers clawed at each other last year with LSU escaping with a 12-10 road win at Auburn as a 20’-point favorite. College football betting and handicapping shows LSU’s offense is more dynamic and stronger this season, as their new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has helped senior QB Zach Mettenberger perform better and with more confidence. LSU is averaging 46 ppg and nearly 7.7 yards per play (yppl). The defense remains pretty dominant statistically allowing 19 ppg in non-conference play, but note the Tigers are still somewhat inexperienced with just three returning starters. This is LSU’s conference opener. Auburn beat Mississippi State 24-20 last week to snap an 8-game SEC losing streak. While LSU may slow the Auburn offense a bit, must respect that coach Malzahn has successfully implemented his no-huddle, up-tempo offense and Auburn’s balanced offense is averaging over 200 yards per game both rushing and passing. Tough test for JC transfer QB Nick Marshall and Auburn, but plenty of offensive firepower and back-door potential if trailing late.

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