Jim Tressel Fallout Has Sports Books Eyeing The Buckeyes

Every year, the college football off season has one story that could change the betting odds for the following season. This year, that story is Jim Tressel and his knowledge of players selling memorabilia.

The scandal actually broke during bowl season when players were disciplined for selling memorabilia to a tattoo parlor owner. At the time, Ohio State and the NCAA made the unusual decision of suspending the players involved, but allowing them to play in Ohio State's bowl game.

The move was criticized by many analysts and fans, and now word has come down that Tressel may have known long before the incident was reported that his players sold the memorabilia. Yahoo Sports has reported that Tressel may have known as early as April of last year of the rules violations.

The Buckeyes betting odds for the coming season have already slipped on the basis of the players being suspended for the first five games of the 2011 season. The Buckeyes likely would have been title contenders with the players, but their odds have been downgraded with a tough early season schedule to play without their stars.

One of the players is Heisman hopeful Terrell Pryor. The quarterback's Heisman odds have dropped drastically, with odds makers understanding that there is little change Pryor can do enough in the back half of the season that would warrant him winning the sport's biggest individual award.

Ohio State will have their hands full in their own conference, with Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan being just a few of the team's that could compete for the conference title. On a national scale, LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Oregon all will be favorites to win the BCS Championship.

March 8, 2011
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!

ACC Tournament In 2011 Will Be Tough For Gamblers To Handicap
Lakers Looking Again Like Team Bettors Can Count On In Playoffs
Professional NFL Gamblers Close To Losing Their Income
BYU Honor Code Deals A Blow To The Teams Betting Odds
NBA Betting Odds Shake Up Coming With Bibby And Murphy Signings