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Previewing the SEC title odds in late August is a whole lot different than it was in April.
Though the conference has barely wavered amid the coronavirus pandemic - which has forced multiple conferences across college football to postpone their seasons - it's operating under new circumstances. The SEC will play a 10-game, conference-only schedule beginning Sept. 26.
Here, we preview the conference for the 2020 season and give you all the betting info you need.
Odds to win the SEC
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Alabama | -110 |
| Georgia | +220 |
| Florida | +700 |
| LSU | +750 |
| Texas A&M | +1400 |
| Tennessee | +2500 |
| Auburn | +3000 |
| South Carolina | +5000 |
| Kentucky | +8500 |
| Mississippi State | +10000 |
| Missouri | +10000 |
| Ole Miss | +15000 |
| Arkansas | +25000 |
| Vanderbilt | +25000 |
The favorite
Lo and behold, Alabama (-110) is still the team to beat in the SEC. The Crimson Tide went 6-2 in conference play last season, marking the first time in six years they suffered multiple losses against SEC foes.
Alabama was the only team in the country last year to win at least 11 games while also posting a positive discrepancy between real victories and second-order wins, which calculate actual versus expected results. The Crimson Tide went 11-2, yet they played like a 12.2-win team; they left some victories on the table.
Plus, if there's any coach to bet in a year with some question marks, it's Nick Saban.
Biggest movers
Tennessee (+6600 to +2500)
The Volunteers crossed the finish line with some momentum in 2019. They were a perfect 6-0 down the stretch, a run that included a bowl win over Indiana.
If you're still looking to buy Tennessee, you likely missed the boat.
South Carolina (+10000 to +5000)
South Carolina originally had the toughest schedule in the SEC before shedding its non-conference games, one of which was an annual tilt against Clemson. The Gamecocks picked up games against Auburn and Ole Miss from a pool that also included Alabama and Mississippi State - not a terrible draw by any means.
LSU (+225 to +750)
LSU had the second-best odds to win the conference in April; now, the reigning national champions are at the peak of their market price. If you want to snag the Tigers, now's the time.
But buyer beware: The program is breaking in a brand-new offense that returns just 30% of last year's production after 14 players from the 2019 squad heard their names called in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Best value - Georgia (+220)
I was bearish on Georgia this spring, but the more I dive in, the more I think the Bulldogs can challenge Alabama.
There's plenty of talent across the board. The program has recruited well under head coach Kirby Smart, who's chasing an elusive national title. Georgia has been firmly in the mix over the last few years, and it's undoubtedly a contender over a 10-game, conference-only schedule.
The offense struggled to create explosive plays through the air last season, but transfer quarterbacks Jamie Newman (Wake Forest) and JT Daniels (USC) could turn the unit into a hot commodity alongside new coordinator Todd Monken.
If you aren't taking Alabama, buy the Bulldogs at plus-money.
Alex Kolodziej is a betting writer for theScore. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 12 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AJKolodziej.