Avargov's Wizard Inspired College Football Picks - 2011/12

Well gang, September 1st is right around the corner, which means another wonderful season of college football. For as long as I can remember, I have tried my best to beat the spread and pick the right side on over/unders.

However, this year is gonna be a little different. After reading a thread a few months back where the Wizard wagered around $7,223,221,444 to win a nickle on the Academy Awards, I had an epiphany. When you boil everything off of it, sports betting is about one thing and one thing only....making money. To that end, this year I will ONLY be making money line wagers, and only on college football (the NFL killed me last year, like always). I will also try to make all of my picks at the Green Valley Ranch Resort near my house. You guys know I am a truck driver, so I will do my best. My wife may have to place some of them for me. I have used the ML before, but kind of thought it "unmanly" to not try to beat the spread. Man, how could I have been so stupid!

To make a long post short, I am starting my season with a bankroll of $5,000. A little less than where I finished last season. My goal is to double my money by seasons end. Can I do it? I sure hope so. Will I do it? That remains to be seen.

Just like last year, I welcome all comments and questions, and feel free to post your own picks here as well. The discussions become a bit lively on occasion.

And Wiz, thanks in advance for your inspiration!!!!!

Quote: avargov

And Wiz, thanks in advance for your inspiration!!!!!

You're welcome. The money lines require a stronger stomach, but by betting on underdogs you'll make out better over the long run.

I'd recommend checking a site like Vegas Insider to make sure that Stations has a good money line on a particular game, relative to the market. If not, go against the spread. Usually Stations does have nice money lines on underdogs.

There will be lots of times your team beats the spread but loses straight up. In those times remember to keep the faith.

And thanks for the link Wiz, I do have that site bookmarked. I can't believe the Station ML's aren't there yet. Oh well, I don't fly back in until tomorrow anyway.

The casinos usually don't post NFL money lines until the Thursday before the games.

I've never bet on sports (apart from the odd square or two during the Superbowl) but I think I'm going to give this a shot. I'll just start with $1,000 as I'm sure most of it will be gone by the end of the season. I'm going to increase my wagers (by stake %) as the season goes on to see if I can turn it into $5,000... might as well make the effort worthwhile.

I'll post my wagers (picks and amounts) and you can all watch as I fumble through the season. We could have competition (bet real money or fake, it doesn't matter so long as we all begin with the same amount) and see who ends up on top at the end of the season? Just for bragging rights here on the board but maybe someone will actually show that they have a knack for this and make some money.

Anyone else want to jump on board?

Quote: Wizard

The casinos usually don't post NFL money lines until the Thursday before the games.

I am only betting college this year Wiz. I get tired of the NFL killing my bankroll.;-)

Quote: TheNightfly

I've never bet on sports (apart from the odd square or two during the Superbowl) but I think I'm going to give this a shot. I'll just start with $1,000 as I'm sure most of it will be gone by the end of the season. I'm going to increase my wagers (by stake %) as the season goes on to see if I can turn it into $5,000... might as well make the effort worthwhile.

I'll post my wagers (picks and amounts) and you can all watch as I fumble through the season. We could have competition (bet real money or fake, it doesn't matter so long as we all begin with the same amount) and see who ends up on top at the end of the season? Just for bragging rights here on the board but maybe someone will actually show that they have a knack for this and make some money.

Anyone else want to jump on board?

I am game, but I am starting with 5k in my real bankroll. I will post all of my picks here starting today.

I suggest blogging it

First wager of year:

TCU -170 Baylor -850 for 500 LeRoys sparks, NV

I'm afraid there was a misunderstanding somewhere. I absolutely OPPOSE betting favorites on the money line in sports -- just the Academy Awards, where the winners are usually known in advance. In sports, just underdogs.

Makes these bets at your own peril.