When betting on college football, you always want to look for that extra information that will help you get an edge on the books. Often, I find that smaller schools games are good opportunities to get that edge. Information isn’t as widely available here, and the oddsmakers don’t spend quite as much time on these games.
Injuries are extremely important in college football, and there have recently been some very key injuries for smaller school teams. Let’s take a look at a few teams that you should adjust expectations (and your numbers) for in the coming weeks due to these injuries.
Utah State QB Chuckie Keeton- Keeton was one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country, but he is now out for the season with a Torn ACL and MCL. Keeton had thrown 18 touchdowns and just two interceptions so far this year, and he was the guy who made this offense go. Utah State won’t be even close to the same team without him.
Louisiana-Monroe QB Kolton Browning- Browning was the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year last season. He led the Warhawks to a win at Arkansas last season. He was the team’s leading passer and rusher in 2012. Browning was having another very good season, but he is now out for the year with a quad injury. The Warhawks were destroyed by Western Kentucky last week in their first game without him.
San Jose State WR Noel Grigsby- San Jose State has an elite quarterback in David Fales. Fales is having a good season again this year, but the team hasn’t been quite as good overall. Fales’ top target was Noel Grigsby, and he has been out for the past few weeks. Grigsby is listed as out indefinitely with a knee injury. As long as he is out, this Spartans offense isn’t quite as dynamic.
Rice LB Cameron Nwosu- Nwosu is the most talented player on the Rice defense, but he hasn’t been able to play at all this season. He is getting closer to a return, but there is no date listed as of yet. Nwosu is a game changer on defense, and the Owls would get a huge boost if and when he does return.
Always keep an eye on the injury report before placing your bets, and don’t overlook the small schools! There’s a plethora of injury information out there, and if you are ahead of the game on the injury front, you are much more likely to finish the season with a bigger bankroll.
