The NCAA had a choice on Friday to vote on canceling fall sports for 2020 or delaying the vote. They decided to delay the vote and wait for more information before making a decision.
This was what the major conferences wanted from the NCAA, so it was no real surprise. The NCAA Board of Governors could have made the decision to cancel all fall sports, but FBS football is separate and could have been ruled on later.
If the Board of Governors had made the decision to cancel the rest of the sports besides football, it would have put football in a tough spot. This buys everyone a little more time before the next meeting during the first week of August.
Notre Dame to the ACC?
The ACC is looking into an 11-game schedule with independent Notre Dame joining the conference this season. It is unknown whether the Fighting Irish would be eligible for the ACC title game.
Everyone in the league would play a 10-game conference schedule and one non-conference game. The Fighting Irish would have to cancel two of their games against Navy, Arkansas or Western Michigan.
Two of those would have to be removed from the schedule. While not traditional, Notre Dame joining the league this season would make them the immediate favorite for runner-up behind Clemson.
Conference Championship Odds
With most conferences choosing a conference-only schedule, if there is college football this year, we will cover some of the odds and our picks to win each conference.
American Athletic Conference
Favorites: UCF (-100)
The Knights are a Top 25 team and deserve to be the heavy favorites. Dillon Gabriel was fantastic last year and should lead another impressive UCF offense. I don’t like betting on conference champions at 1/1 odds, so I recommend passing on this conference altogether.
Long Shot: Navy (+1600)
Getting 16/1 is pretty good odds for a team that had a really nice 2019, going 11-2 and 7-1 in the AAC. While they lost quarterback Malcolm Perry, the triple-option attack won’t miss a beat. They have an outside shot at winning the title.
Atlantic Coast Conference
Favorites: Clemson (-600)
Clemson is far and away the best team in the conference. Even if Notre Dame joins the conference, it will not affect the Tigers’ odds. Still, -600 is just too big of a number. I’d rather bet Clemson to win the national title and at least get some money back.
Long Shot: Nobody
I do not like anyone else in this conference.
Big Ten Conference
Favorites: Ohio State (-250)
Like Clemson, the Buckeyes are huge favorites to win their conference title. The difference is that there are other teams in the Big Ten who are talented enough to give Ohio State a run for their money.
I like the Buckeyes a lot, even in a conference-only schedule, so I’m willing to throw down a bigger bet here to make money.
Long Shot: Minnesota (+2000)
The Golden Gophers had a great year last season. While they lost some talent, they are a well-coached group that, with an upset, could end up bringing home a conference title and some serious ROI.
Big 12 Conference
Favorites: Oklahoma (+120)
Jalen Hurts is now with the Philadelphia Eagles, but this team has plenty of talent. Lincoln Riley is a talented coach who should be able to win with whoever he chooses at quarterback.
Long Shot: Baylor (+2500)
Dave Aranda is the new head coach after winning a national title with LSU. He takes over a group that went 11-3 and made the conference title game. While I like the Sooners, 25/1 is good enough odds to throw a little money down on the Bears.
Stay tuned next week for a preview of the rest of the conferences.
