Nebraska Cornhuskers' In For Breakout Year Says Football Handicapping Guru

It’s safe to say most of the Big 12 was happy to see Colt McCoy leave for the NFL. Even though he slipped in the draft, he was college football’s consummate winner. Maybe college football betting fans can consider picking teams other than Texas this year?

Here’s some betting advice for the Big 12 in 2010 from Shea Matthews of ScoresOddsPicks.com

COLORADO (50 TO 1)

No point spending too much time on Colorado. It could get the odd flier bet, but with only three winning games in 2009, and with a brutal schedule —why bother .

KANSAS STATE (20 TO 1)

The Wildcats have a few things going for them —especially the secondary. But they’re missing a few crucial components in this particular conference.

The Big 12 is pass-happy; Kansas State struggles to rush the passer. Kansas State also lacks the offensive explosiveness of the other teams in the conference.

MISSOURI (12 TO 1)

These guys play some entertaining football. Running the no-huddle offense, Blaine Gabbert is the real deal and probably one of the nation’s top Heisman Trophy candidates.

Since the Tigers also defend the pass well, they’re a real threat. They’re the anti-Kansas State.

NEBRASKA (2 TO 1)

Move over, Texas. I don’t care how good Ndamukong Suh is. Nebraska is still a powerhouse team even with its stud gone from the front seven.

Their running game ranked sixth in the nation and the offense returns nine starters.  The Cornhuskers “D” is still loaded with talent.  A national title run isn’t impossible to imagine.

OKLAHOMA (3 TO 2)

Sports betting fans can’t count out Oklahoma. Landry Jones was viewed as Sam Bradford’s fill-in last year, but gets the reins all to himself, and he wasn’t half bad in 2009.

They’ll keep scoring, but their suspect secondary could hold them back against studs like Blaine Gabbert.

TEXAS (2 TO 1)

We at least know the Longhorns will return one of the nation’s top defenses in 2010. But how will the offense fare without McCoy?

Garrett Gilbert didn’t totally crash when he got a shot in the BCS title game last year, but he just doesn’t have that same pedigree. I’m not sure Texas can keep up with Nebraska.

TEXAS A&M (16 TO 1)

In a conference that features lots of big offensive stars, Texas A&M has one of its own. Jerrod Johnson added 500-plus rushing yards to his 3,500 passing yards last year, but this team’s suspect run defense could be disastrous when it runs into Nebraska.

TEXAS TECH (18 TO 1)

Could Texas Tech sneak up on the field? The potent offense gets seven starters back, and rumor has it that Tommy Tuberville will transform the defense into a new beast this year. If that happens, look out!

The betting pick:   I like Missouri and Texas Tech as intriguing sleepers. They could take the place of Texas and Oklahoma, both of which need to reload after losing superstar quarterbacks.

But this sports betting secrets of the pros still sees Nebraska as the class of the conference this year. The “D” should remain ferocious and the running game is still a powerhouse.