2019 NCAAF betting news: Tight race in Conference USA

As many as eight teams are in the mix for the Conference USA title, according to the top online sportsbooks for NCAA Football betting. Let’s check out the squads and see how the outright odds are shaping up.

FAU Owls odds

+375 at Bovada

Florida Atlantic’s prospects this season could come down to two transfers from major programs: quarterback Deondre Francois from Florida State and running-back BJ Emmons from Alabama. The WR corps may be the best in the conference, but the run game is an issue if Emmons cannot take over with redshirt freshman Malcolm Davidson and junior James Charles the lead returning RBs. The defense struggled against solid offensive squads last season but will benefit from more experience as well as some solid freshman talent. The schedule favors the Owls, as they do not have to face North Texas and they play both FIU and Marshall at home.

FIU Panthers odds

+475 at Bovada

Florida International had the most explosive offense in Conference USA last season. QB James Morgan returns, the top two WRs are back in Maurice Alexander and Austin Maloney, and the offensive line is a good one with much experience. The defense was great against the pass last year but lousy against the run and that may be the case once again. The end of the season could be make-or-break for the Panthers, who face both FAU and Marshall away in two of their last three games.

Texas North Mean Green odds

+475 at Bovada

North Texas may have the best QB in the conference in Mason Fine. They also have a star in WR Rico Bussey and a few solid RBs. The defense only loses five starters, but they were some of the best players for the unit. The Mean Green were very aggressive on defense last season and may need to do that again to keep the opposing team from attacking the holes on the defensive side of the ball.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles odds

+500 at Bovada

Southern Mississippi had a great defense last season and most of the key players return on that side of the ball. QB Jack Abraham led the nation in competition percentage last season, but that was because of mostly short passes in the offense. Still, the Golden Eagles return five WRs that had at least 25 catches last season. The run game was poor in 2018 and Southern Miss have not added much to the backfield, so Trivenskey Mosley and Steven Anderson have to show major improvement. The Golden Eagles have a killer non-conference schedule, facing Mississippi State and Alabama on the road.

SEE ALSO: UCF KNIGHTS THE TEAM TO BEAT IN AAC

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Marshall Thundering Herd odds

+675 at Bovada

Marshall may be primed for a big season, but their defense has to replace many key players. The Thundering Herd’s offense could be explosive with potential star QB Isaiah Green, a solid RB duo of Tyler King and Brenden Knox, and a lot of talent on the outside even without WR Tyre Brady. Marshall will be tested early with two of their first three conference games on the road against Middle Tennessee and FAU.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders odds

+875 at Bovada

Middle Tennessee won the East Division last season and while they have playmakers on offense, they have competition for the starting QB slot and a lack of depth on defense. Still, if the Blue Raiders can get good play under center from whoever wins the job and the defense, especially the secondary, can play well, they will have a shot to repeat.

UAB Blazers odds

+975 at Bovada
University of Alabama at Birmingham won the Conference USA title last season, yet they have fallen to the seventh line of outright betting for the 2019 campaign. The Blazers were a very experienced team last year and have lost a ton of seniors. However, while both the offensive and defensive lines have to be retooled, UAB have QB Tyler Johnston III and RB Spencer Brown returning.

2019 Conference USA Football betting

Here are the latest NCAAF betting lines to win the Conference USA crown:

Florida Atlantic +375 Florida International +475 North Texas +475 Southern Miss +500 Marshall +675 Middle Tennessee +875 UAB +975 Louisiana Tech +1300 Western Kentucky +3400 Old Dominion +5800 Charlotte +6600 Rice +8100 UTEP +20000 UTSA +20000

See more 2019 NCAA Football odds at Bovada