B/R College Football 2024 Betting Locks: Conference Championships
Over the past six months, college football's landscape has undergone a seismic renovation.
The conferences you grew up with have gotten larger or disappeared. And the parameters to win said conference have also changed. Simply put, things are different now.
Regardless, each conference will crown one champion at the conclusion of the regular season. And we're here to tell you the teams poised to finish above all others.
Oh, and we're here to help you profit from it.
Locks of the Week will soon enter midseason form, picking college football winners each and every week. For now, however, we're surveying the futures market. Recently, we picked our favorite potential conference champion dark horses. Now, we're simply picking our favorites in each.
For the latest spreads on futures and games, head to DraftKings.
Ohio State to Win Big Ten (+155)
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The Buckeyes have made the objective clear: spend money, keep players, recruit players and win.
That theme carried throughout this offseason in both recruiting and the transfer portal, where Ohio State added elite players in running back Quinshon Judkins along with safety Caleb Downs.
They also added quarterback Will Howard, who doesn't give off "elite" vibes yet. But the former Kansas State starter is both talented and seasoned, and his presence could be an ideal ingredient for a roster already overflowing with potential.
Sure, the conference is excellent. Penn State still has plenty of talent. As does Oregon, which will enter the Big ten this year. The Buckeyes will have to travel to both environments, and neither game will be easy.
Outside of that, Ryan Day will have to conquer Michigan after a dreadful stretch, although doing so at home against a rebuilt, Jim Harbaugh-less squad feels like a much more attainable task.
In short, no team in college football has more talent. It's a matter of it all coming together at once, which has eluded Day at times.
Not this time, though. Ohio State is positioned for a monster year.
Oklahoma State to Win Big 12 (+750)
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Let's get candid for the moment.
Picking the Big 12 conference champion has been an agonizing, multi-month voyage. It has me questioning everything I know about college football. It has, simply, tormented me every step of the way.
After much thought, this is where we landed. Do we feel good about picking Oklahoma State?
Well, it's as good as it's going to get.
The reasoning begins on offense, specifically at running back. Ollie Gordon II is a certified difference-maker, and he'll operate behind an experienced offensive line. Throw in an ultra-experienced QB and young talent at wide receiver, and this offense should be a real issue.
With that established, the focus turns to the schedule. Given just how different the Big 12 looks, there is a fair amount of uncertainty. There also don't appear to be an abundance of elite teams.
Notable matchups include a September home game against Utah, which could prove to be massive. The following week, the Pokes hit the road to take on Kansas State. While this two-game swing won't determine the season, it'll factor large.
This team has the talent coupled with Mike Gundy, a proven head coach who knows his way around a big game. A lot to like here, and the value is exceptional.
Clemson to Win ACC (+350)
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It won't be pretty. Let's get that out of the way.
This isn't a vintage Clemson team. This feels like a knockoff version, albeit a knockoff that could fool plenty of folks along the way.
Defensively, this team could look like vintage Clemson. It might not ooze the star power like some of Dabo Swinney's previous teams, but there are quality players everywhere. As the offense attempts to finally solve its multi-year slump, the defense will deliver.
As for that offense, well, there is at least reason to believe things will be better. Cade Klubnik has the gifts to be special, and offensive coordinator Garrett Riley is still a future head coach and a brilliant offensive mind.
The schedule still has teeth, starting with a megalodon in Week 1. Regardless of what happens against Georgia, however, it won't impact the conference slate. The Tigers play NC State at home and Florida State on the road, which feel like the most important matchups on paper.
Other games, including a late road trip to Virginia Tech, won't be easy. But given the roster turnover at Florida State and questions throughout, Clemson is in a position to reach the playoff once again.
Georgia to Win SEC (+190)
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Coke or Pepsi?
In recent years, that's what betting the SEC felt like. Do you bet Georgia, or do you bet Alabama?
Sure, it was a little more complicated than that, although recent history tells us all we need to know. With the arrival of two elite football programs and the departure of Nick Saban, the greatest football coach to ever grace a sideline, however, things are more complicated now.
With all that acknowledged, I am going with Georgia. I am not nearly as bullish on the Bulldogs as I am with Ohio State, but years of dominance and building confidence are certainly a valued currency. Oh, and the never-ending run of 5-star recruits doesn't hurt, either
There is also QB Carson Beck, who quickly became one of the sport's surest things last fall. Having him under center, despite a slew of really good QBs within the conference, is massive. The addition of Trevor Etienne coupled with a healthy Branson Robinson (and others) at running back should also inspire a lot of confidence.
The defense, of course, is still rife with NFL draft prospects. And it had better be, given the schedule the Bulldogs are about to embark on. Road trips to Alabama, Texas and Ole Miss are all on tap, as are games against Auburn and Tennessee.
While Georgia's schedule in the past has been somewhat kind, that is not the case in 2024. This thing is monstrous, and it won't be easy.
As a result, the temptation to pick Texas, Alabama, Ole Miss or LSU was there. It just never got far enough.
Other Conference Championship Picks
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Miami (OH) to Win MAC (+250)
Don't sleep on this team as a potential playoff fit. The defense was dominant last season, especially in conference games. And the offense should get quarterback Brett Gabbert back, who missed the end of last season due to injury. While it won't impact these odds, don't be shocked if Miami (OH) upsets Northwestern in the opener.
Fresno State to Win Mountain West (+475)
Although Boise State (-110) is an overwhelming favorite, we're going elsewhere here. Tim Skipper will serve as the head coach this season after Jeff Tedford stepped down due to health concerns. While it's certainly a difficult situation to step into, Skipper has plenty to work with. All the major pieces are back on offense, headlined by quarterback Mikey Keene.
Memphis to Win AAC (+220)
Road games at UTSA and Tulane won't be easy. With that said, much of the conference will have to replace key coaches and players. Memphis will get back quarterback Seth Henigan, its most important player, along with many of his favorite targets. Although the defense needs some work, don't be shocked if the Tigers play their way into the playoff discussion.
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