Let’s take a look at some of the interesting odds-related numbers currently appearing on the Sports Options odds service.
Big Total
In this week’s Big Total matchup, Texas Tech visits No. 18 Baylor (4 p.m. PT, FSN). The posted total in this game is 79.5 to 80 points at most online sportsbooks listed in the Sports Options odds service.
The game opened at 77.5, and despite an increase of a couple of points, bettors still don’t think it’s enough. As of 9:15 a.m. PT on Friday, 68 percent of public betting action was on the over.
Why is the total so high? Both teams have porous defenses: Baylor (7-3) is third worst in the Big 12 allowing 36.2 ppg; Texas Tech (5-6) is second worst allowing 36.8 ppg.
On the flip side, both teams have above average offenses: the Bears are scoring 40.8 ppg (third in the Big 12) and the Aggies are scoring 39.6 ppg (fourth in the Big 12).
In terms of betting stats, Baylor is 8-2 on the over/under; Texas Tech is 7-4.
Little Total
In this week’s Little Total matchup, the Cleveland Browns visit the Cincinnati Bengals (10 a.m. PT, CBS). The total in this AFC North tilt opened at 36, but has since climbed to 37.5.
The Browns (4-6) have the No. 28 scoring offense in the league (14.5 ppg) and the No. 7 defense (19.3 ppg). The Bengals (6-4) have the No. 12 offense (23.6 ppg) and the No. 8 defense (19.5 ppg).
The small total seems somewhat justified in relation to the Browns, who are 3-7 on the over/under. However, the Bengals, led by their emerging star quarterback Andy Dalton, can score. They are 8-1-1 on the over/under this season.
The public sees this game topping the total with 72 percent of the betting handle on the over as of 9:30 a.m. PT Friday.
Big Spread
In this week’s Big Spread matchup, 2-9 Memphis visits 9-2 Southern Mississippi (1 p.m. PT). The Golden Eagles are listed as 36.5-point home favorites.
Southern Miss, which leads the CUSA East Division standings, is scoring 36.3 ppg, second most in the conference. Memphis, which sits last in the division, are scoring the fewest points in the conference (17.1 ppg) and have the third-worst defense (34.3 ppg).
Regardless, the inflated point spread might be a bit too high for the public: 54 percent of the betting action is on the underdog Tigers.
Big Move
In this week’s Big Move matchup, East Carolina visits Marshall (12:30 p.m. PT, CBSC).
The Pirates opened as 3-point road favorites, however, over the course of the week, the line has taken a 180-degree turn with the Thundering Herd now favored by 2.5 points at most online books.
Both teams have identical overall records (5-6) and are tied for second in the CUSA East Division standings with 4-3 conference marks.
The dramatic line swing has come despite a change at quarterback. Marshall’s true freshman QB Rakeem Cato is expected to start in place of starter A.J. Graham, who is out with a shoulder injury. Cato is 132-for-236 for 1,492 yards, 11 TDs and 10 interceptions.
The public seems to like the change with 63 percent of the betting public on the Herd.
