TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Odds-makers in Las Vegas give the University of Alabama and Auburn University football teams the best odds to win the Southeastern Conference championship, according to ESPN. The Crimson Tide lead the highly competitive pack with 5-2 odds and the Tigers finish right behind with a 15-4 shot at taking home the title.
CG Technology, a Las Vegas-based sportsbook company, listed the SEC as the most competitive league in the country entering the 2015-2016 season with six teams given single-digit odds. Although Alabama and Auburn lead the pack, Georgia (5-1), LSU (8-1), Ole Miss (8-1), Tennessee (8-1), and Arkansas (10-1) are right behind.
While the SEC has a statistically competitive slate, many other conferences do not. The Big Ten, the home of reigning national champions Ohio State, has been projected to be the least contested of the Power 5. The Buckeyes open the season at 1-2 favorites and the next closest team, the Michigan State Spartans, opens with a 13-4 shot to win.
The national title picture is even more competitive than the SEC. Ohio State is the favorite to repeat as College Football Playoff champions and has been given a 7-2 shot to do so. Alabama follows right behind their 2015 Sugar Bowl opponents with a chance of 7-1. Auburn, who had originally been given 20-1 national title odds, has skyrocketed up the board and now boasts betting odds of 10-1.
Though given great respect from national odds-makers and media, the Tide and Tigers still must deal with great uncertainties at home. Alabama has yet to name its starting quarterback and Auburn still faces serious concerns regarding defensive improvement. Despite the question marks, demand to see the teams in action again is high. Alabama and Auburn currently have the most and second most expensive opening non-conference ticket prices in the country.
The Alabama Crimson Tide next take the field against the Wisconsin Badgers on September 5 from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas at 7 PM CT. The Auburn Tigers return against the Louisville Cardinals on the same day in the Georgia Dome at 2:30 PM CT.
