In order for there to be multiple Big 10 teams that win most of their games, other teams have to lose most of their games. The 2020 College Football Playoff odds put the Indiana Hoosiers in the latter category.
A potential new quarterback to pair with a new offensive coordinator are reasons for optimism towards the college football program in Bloomington. Questions along both lines and the gantlet of the Big 10 East are reasons to temper that optimism, however.
2020 Indiana College Football Playoff odds: offseason recap
Indiana sports betting starts Sept. 1, a day after the Hoosiers begin their 2019-20 campaign. That game will start to answer several questions about Indiana.
The most intriguing for fans interested in sports betting in Indiana is which quarterback(s) will be used.
Redshirt freshman Jack Tuttle transferred from Utah with immediate eligibility. It’s uncertain whether he will be the starter and/or take all the snaps, however. Tuttle was highly-recruited before signing with Utah.
He might be the best fit for new offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer. DeBoer brings with him a new emphasis on the passing game.
The problem for the Indiana offense
The Hoosiers have talented receivers to complement DeBoer’s offense, as well. The question is whether the Indiana offensive line can provide the necessary protection.
The Hoosiers allowed 22 sacks last season. Stretching the field is a huge priority in DeBoer’s offense, which requires time for receivers to get in position.
A look at the Indiana defense
The same concern is applicable on the defensive side of the ball. Opponents averaged six yards per play against Indiana last season, including 183 yards per game on the ground.
The linebackers group and secondary are deep and experienced. Whether the Hoosiers can play good enough defense to contend in the Big 10 East will rely on an improved effort up front.
That’s a daunting task. Indiana faces Michigan State, Nebraska and Penn State on the road. The schedule also includes Michigan and Ohio State for home dates.
Those questions about several positions and a menacing schedule have pinned down the Hoosiers’ playoff hopes for the coming season.
2020 Indiana College Football Playoff odds: A closer look
If third-year head coach Tom Allen leads Indiana to its first winning season in his tenure, it will be a bit of a surprise. It will be a massive upset if the team goes further than that.
Las Vegas has the Hoosiers at 5000/1 to win the 2020 College Football Playoff. Other legal sportsbooks that may or may not soon be offering legal college football betting in the Hoosier State agree:
- DraftKings +100000
- FanDuel +75000
- PointsBet +50000
Odds for Indiana even being selected as one of the four teams are equally long. DraftKings and SugarHouse have the Hoosiers at +50000 to qualify.
A huge step toward being selected for the College Football Playoff is winning the Big 10. Indiana is far from the favorite to accomplish that, however.
Other Hoosiers futures: Big 10 championship and more
PointsBet online sportsbook the biggest doubter of the Hoosiers’ Big 10 title chances, slotting Indiana as +10000 to win the conference championship game.
FanDuel is least optimistic about the Hoosiers reaching that game. The current line at that book on Indiana winning the Big 10 East is +4000. There is a very strong consensus on the Hoosiers not winning their division as seen in their win expectancy.
PointsBet is slightly more optimistic than other books on that, setting its over/under for Indiana wins at 6.5. The best line on the over is at that book, currently sitting at +120.
FanDuel carries the best line on the under at +125. The win expectancy at that book is six, however.
In both of the past two consecutive seasons, the Hoosiers have entered their regular-season finale against Purdue needing to win that game to achieve bowl eligibility. Books expect them to continue to fail to reach that mark this season.
