Texas Longhorns NCAA Betting Odds - 2007

The Texas Longhorns NCAA betting odds for 2007 are now available.  Odds to win the Big 12 South Division were listed at even.  Odds to win the Big 12 Conference were also listed with slightly better than even odds (+150).  The Texas Longhorns odds to win the 2008 BCS were a terrific +800 value with a payout potential of $800 for every $100 bet.  All Texas Longhorns NCAA betting odds for 2007 and 2008 were courtesy of BetOnLine.com

Our own Tony George feels the Texas Longhorns could go all the way this season.

George has the low down below.  Be sure to visit his site for free picks Go Here

No doubt with preseason rankings in polls as high as #2 behind USC; this is a no brainer, as they are the most talented team in the Big 12 conference. They are not the best coached team in the Big 12, which is what puts the fear of God in every Longhorn fan every year. Mac Brown has a reputation for a colossal blunder every year, and last year's loss at Kansas State cost them a trip to the title game, and then a monster upset at the hands of rival Texas AM. A very close 2-point bowl win against Iowa left a bad taste in the mouth of fans and players in Austin off a national title the year before.

On offense this team is talented and deep at skill positions, and loaded with speed. After a freshman year of learning, Colt McCoy tied and NCAA frosh record with 29 TD passes. The stage is set for the next 3 years at QB in Austin, the kid is a stud. Backed up by another in the long line of Texas RB's who can get it done, Jamaal Charles is a solid back who averaged over 7 yards per carry as a freshman and over 5 yards last year. That is the problem however this year if not corrected. The drop in OL production is an issue, and the Longhorns have to replace 3 studs that have graduated but have seasoned seniors to fill in he gaps, but line play must improve. They are loaded at WR headed up by all-world Limas Sweed, as well as Pittman and Cosby, with plenty of back-ups in the fold. This offense was 6th in the nation in scoring at 35 ppg last year, and I expect more of the same, but running the ball better will win them a championship.

On defense they are once again tough against the run, ranked 3rd in the nation last year and should be better this year. They are still loaded at DL, but the linebackers were not as solid as usual last year, but they return loads of experience. Head defensive coordinator Gene Chizek left for the Iowa State job, so secondary coach Duane Akina steps in. The pass defense was ranked 99th in the country last year and they lost 3 DB starters on that squad, and it still may be a weakness but should improve. They will need to blitz and rush the passer better this year, and with a new scheme or two should provide relief. Too much emphasis was placed on stopping the run, so man-to-man coverage was the problem, and this year expect to see more zone and Cover-two defense from Texas. I also would expect to see more blitz packages with their speed. Special teams is iffy and the worst issue they must face in fall camp, but Kicker Ryan Bailey stepped in last year, won a game at Nebraska in the final seconds and has not looked back since.

SUMMARY; All in all, Texas is a top 3 team in the nation, and clearly better than anyone in the Big 12 right now, especially at skill positions on offense. They get Oklahoma in Dallas, and a weak non-conference patsy schedule, and also get Nebraska and Texas Tech at home this year. The game at Texas AM in Dallas this year looms large in late November, but the Longhorns have serious payback in mind. Another possible upset spot, perfect for Mac Brown's reputation, is at Oklahoma State in November. Texas could easily be undefeated with this schedule, and should win the Big 12 this year and play for a national title, barring the fact Mac Brown does not fall asleep at the wheel in the getaway car this year.

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Tony George, Sports911.com

Originally published August 14, 2007 3:51 pm ET

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