The Impact of the Big Ten and Pac 12 Decision on Sportsbooks
The recent announcement by the Big Ten and Pac 12 that they will not be playing any non-conference football games this fall has sent shockwaves through the sports betting industry. As a result of this decision, it is likely that no sportsbooks will be offering over/under win total bets for the 2020 season. This move by the conferences is expected to have a significant impact on the world of sports betting.
Sportsbooks React to the Conference Decision
Following the announcement by the Big Ten, sportsbook director Chris Andrews of South Point revealed that he had never posted win totals for the upcoming season due to the anticipated schedule changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He had predicted that if any games were to be played, they would only involve conference matchups. Andrews views the Big Ten’s decision as just the beginning, with other conferences likely to follow suit.
Caesars Entertainment also confirmed that they had taken win totals off their board, but at this point, no other betting options have been affected. However, the cancellation of non-conference games is likely to have a broader impact on the availability of different types of bets in the coming months.
Changes to the Betting Landscape
Prior to the cancellation of non-conference games, several sportsbooks had already offered over/under win total bets for various teams. Alabama, with a projected win total of 10.5, was one of the highest numbers on the board. Clemson was the favorite to win the most games, with their win total set at 11.5, followed closely by Ohio State at 11. However, with the elimination of non-conference matchups, these win totals will become irrelevant.
Going forward, teams within these conferences will now be limited to playing at most eight conference games (nine for the Pac 12), assuming no additional cancellations are necessary. The uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic makes it impossible to guarantee the occurrence of conference championships and bowl games, casting doubt on the postseason schedule.
The Ripple Effect of Conference Decisions
While the Big Ten and Pac 12 have made their decisions, other conferences are closely monitoring the situation and considering their own courses of action. The Ivy League, for instance, has already announced the cancellation of all fall sports with hopes of rescheduling them for the spring. This decision aligns with their previous move to cancel conference basketball tournaments in March as the pandemic began to escalate.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has not yet finalized a decision on whether the season will start as scheduled and has stated that a verdict will be made later this month. However, with the Big Ten and Pac 12 already removing non-conference games from their schedules, it seems likely that the SEC will have to make similar adjustments without any input from other conferences.
Conclusion
The decision by the Big Ten and Pac 12 to eliminate non-conference football games this fall has had significant repercussions for the sports betting industry. Sportsbooks have already taken win totals off their boards, and it is expected that over/under bets will not be available for the 2020 season. The cancellation of non-conference matchups has also raised doubts about the possibility of conference championships and bowl games. As the situation continues to evolve, other conferences face the challenge of making their own decisions in the face of uncertainty caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
FAQs
1. Will there be any over/under win total bets available for the 2020 college football season?
It is highly unlikely that sportsbooks will offer over/under win total bets due to the cancellation of non-conference games by the Big Ten and Pac 12 conferences. This decision has disrupted the betting landscape and limited the available betting options.
2. What impact will the cancellation of non-conference games have on the college football season?
The cancellation of non-conference games has significantly reduced the number of games that teams will play. With the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unclear whether conference championships and bowl games will take place, further adding to the unpredictability of the season.
3. Are other conferences expected to follow the footsteps of the Big Ten and Pac 12?
While it is not certain, other conferences are likely to consider similar measures in response to the ongoing pandemic. The decisions made by the Big Ten and Pac 12 may serve as a precedent for other conferences as they prioritize the safety and well-being of their student-athletes.
4. Will the SEC make adjustments to their schedule?
While there is no definitive answer at this time, the SEC will need to carefully assess the situation and may likely have to make adjustments to their schedule. With the cancellation of non-conference games by other conferences, the SEC may need to modify their plans accordingly.
5. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted college sports in general?
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on college sports. Many conferences have already made difficult decisions to cancel or postpone sports seasons due to health and safety concerns. The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic has created challenges for college athletes, coaches, and fans alike.
