Mountain West Conference: 3 Season Win Totals to Consider
Air Force, San Jose State and UNLV still offer some appealing odds
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Picking a few of the win totals
As we head into the middle of the summer, some will begin counting down the days to the start of college football. One of the more intriguing conferences this year will be the Mountain West, and with as many as four teams vying for a legitimate claim to the conference championship, the season is expected to be competitive throughout.
For those watching the Mountain West with a betting eye, as sports betting continues to be legalized across the country, Regular Season Win Totals offer a months-long opportunity for wagering that many may be attracted to. One can avoid the surprises that may spring up in a single game in favor of the season-long view, where the quality of the team (for better or worse) is predicted to find itself. In this article, we’ll look at three Mountain West teams that offer some interesting perspectives on their season and odds that may still offer value to the betting public.
First, a disclaimer about the odds presented: these odds are available as of the time of this writing. Odds and lines will vary across sportsbooks, including the actual number of season wins. Please look across as many options as available to look for the most favorable odds and prices before placing your wagers. With that in mind, here are three Mountain West teams that you may want to consider.
Mountain West Football: Circa Sports Reveals 2022 Championship Odds
Air Force Falcons
Odds Available: (At Caesars) Over 8.0 -125; Under 8.0 -105 (At DraftKings) Over 8.5 -110; Under 8.5 -110
The Falcons come into this season off a 9-3 record, return their starting quarterback, and feature an offensive line expected to be among the Top 20 in the nation. The defense returns at least six starters and should remain among the top half of the conference in 2022. The schedule is extremely favorable, including seven home games and a neutral site game versus Army in Arlington, TX. They will play Boise State at home, San Diego State on the road and avoid Fresno State altogether. Overall, the Falcons are expected to be favored in almost every game this year. That schedule, along with the returning experience on this team, makes the Falcons one of the top teams in this conference, expected to vie for the conference championship game in December.
Prediction: Over 8.0 -125 (available at Caesars Sportsbook)
San Jose State Spartans
Odds Available: (At Caesars) Over 5.5 -125; Under 5.5 -105 (At DraftKings) Over 6.5 +125; Under 6.5 -145
In short, San Jose State will be an interesting team this year; a mid-tier team seeking to bring in a few new pieces while gaining ground within the conference. New quarterback Chevan Cordeiro comes to the Spartans from Hawaii and is expected to lead the offense as a
dual-threat QB, while also adding wide receivers via the transfer portal to quickly improve the passing game. It can be a daunting task, but a defense ready to prove itself returns starters at every level. The Spartans are expected to be favored in six or seven games this year, and will face Fresno State, San Diego State and Utah State all on the road. Still, if you believe in the additions on offense, the schedule should allow San Jose State to get to six wins and a bowl game once again.
Prediction: Over 5.5 -125 (available at Caesars Sportsbook)
UNLV Rebels
Odds Available: (At Caesars) Over 3.5 -125; Under 3.5 -105 (At DraftKings) Over 4.5 +110; Under 4.5 -130
If you like to get anxious about a wager, one that you’ll need to keep an eye on all season, this is one to watch. UNLV will be looking for a new quarterback this offseason, with returning starters Doug Brumfield and Cameron Friel competing with transfer Harrison Bailey to lead an offense looking for more balance overall. The defense brings back a number of starters, and while that may not sound promising for a team that finished 2-10 in 2021, the experience at all levels should help.
The schedule is tough, including a brutal four-game stretch over five weeks (Air Force, at Notre Dame, at San Diego State, Fresno State) before finishing at Hawaii and against Nevada at home to finish the season. If UNLV can get early wins against Idaho State and North Texas at home, then New Mexico, there is a chance they can get to four wns by beating either Hawaii or Nevada in November. Even with some eventual stability at quarterback, this is a tough Over to recommend. But if you’re willing to stare into the abyss that is the UNLV offseason, this one could be too good to pass up.
Prediction: Over 3.5 -125 (available at Caesars Sportsbook)