College football totals were posted yesterday at BetOnline. They have totals available for every game including 10 SEC match-ups.

Below are the SEC totals and a few quick thoughts on each one.

 

SEC Totals for Week # 1

North Carolina at South Carolina  58

UNC averaged nearly 40 ppg last year, but didn’t face a defense this talented. South Carolina only returns 5 starters on defense, but they do have the best player in the country on that side of the ball. The UNC defense allowed 33.56 ppg against BCS opponents last season, but they do return 9 starters on defense. This total going over or under will most likely be determined by UNC’s offensive success.

Ole Miss at Vanderbilt   54

This game total closed at 50.5 last year and needed a late TD (52 seconds left) to send it over (27-26). Vandy losses their starting QB and top rusher from an offensive unit that averaged 22 ppg in SEC play. Ole Miss returns nearly everyone from last year’s high scoring offense. Both D’s figure to be solid.

Mississippi State v Oklahoma State  66 

Don’t really see Mississippi State matching scores with Oklahoma State in this one. Bama, Texas A & M, LSU and Ole Miss all scored 37+ on the Bulldog D last year, so look for the Pokes to be in that range. Unless you believe Mississippi State is going to win this game, it may be tough to go over this number.

Alabama v Virginia Tech  48

Virginia Tech’s offense has to be better than last season doesn’t it? Whether it is or not probably won’t matter against Bama, who will reload on defense. The Alabama offense has a few question marks along the OL, but I expect them to be just fine, especially with McCarron, Yates and Cooper at the skill positions. The Hokie D will be improved this season and from what I have been reading it could be one of Bud Foster’s best units.

Rice at Texas A & M  70.5 

The highest total on the board and for good reason, Johnny Football returns to action against a Rice defense that allowed 30 ppg last season. The Rice offense was no slouch last season either. Led by QB Taylor McHargue, the Owls scored 33 points or more in 8 of 13 games, including the last 5. On paper this one looks like it might fly over the posted total. 

Toledo at Florida  49 

No chance I would consider going over in a Florida game. Their offense is not very good, though I would expect them to score in the 30’s in this one against a non-BCS D. The Toledo offense should be high-flying again this year, but only averaged 20.75 ppg in their 4 losses. The Gators lost a lot of defensive talent, but it probably won’t be indicative in this game. 

UL-Lafayette at Arkansas  58 

Louisiana Lafayette averaged 464 ypg & 33.92 ppg against FBS competition last year and seven starters return  to the Sun Belt’s No. 1 scoring offense. The Arkansas defense wasn’t very good last year, but with Bielema taking over, I would expect them to improve. Offensively look for them to be more physical, especially in the running game. Depending on how their QB situation is looking heading into this game, I would lean over the 58. 

Washington State at Auburn 50

Two of the top offensive minds in the game bring two of last year’s worst offenses into this game. Auburn only averaged 15,73 ppg against FBS competition last year, getting shutout in their last 2 (FBS) games. WSU wasn’t much better, averaging 20.09 ppg. Neither defense was very good last season either, though WSU surprisingly had a few solid efforts. I look for both teams to be better on both sides of the ball this season, with Auburn having the higher upside.

Georgia at Clemson  68 

Two of the nation’s best offensive attacks led by two of the best QB’s in the country. Despite such a higher number, the over is the only consideration in this game. Georgia lost a lot of NFL talent on defense too, though they underachieved last year. 

LSU v TCU 43

This is a pretty low number considering how many playmakers LSU will have on the field. And if Pachall is back at QB for TCU, the Horned Frogs should be better on offense this year too. Both teams are known for their stellar D’s, but LSU lost a lot of NFL caliber talent from last season’s unit and TCU top defensive player Devonte Fields is suspended for this game. One special teams or defensive score and this one is flying over.

Please let me know if there are any totals you like, have a question about or have an opinion on.

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