The Big 10 rumored Expand

Sportsbook handicappers would definitely be interested if the Big 10 expands. The schools reportedly being evaluated are Notre Dame, Missouri, Nebraska and Rutgers. The Big 10 has yet to make their official comments but reports are leaking out that some schools are contemplating a move. Missouri is the one that makes the most sense. The Tigers would earn noticeably more money in the Big 10 and the travel would not be a problem. It has been said that Missouri athletics director Mike Alden, Missouri system president Gary Forsee and Columbia campus chancellor Brady Deaton got together to discuss a possible move. “You’ve got every major conference looking at how they should reposition, or if they should reposition,” Deaton said. “I don’t think all the benefits and costs are known.” The Big 10 is not the only conference that is looking at the changing college football landscape. The Big 12, Pac-10 and ACC realize that things are are evolving. Pac-10 comissioner Larry Scott said the league is considering a partnership with the ACC.

Missouri looks to be the school that is going to move into the Big 10 at some point. Sportsbook information suggested that they would stand to gain about $13 million dollars because the Big 10 pays its schools significantly more than the Big 12. Missouri has been in the Big 12 since inception but the school is not pleased with the conference. They are upset they have been underestimated for the bigger bowl games. It is the Big 12 conference selection process that has kept the Tigers out of bigger bowl games. Missouri’s governor Jay Nixon has been very vocal about wanting Missouri tomove to the Big 10.

If the Big 10 develops to 12 teams it would allow them to go to divisional play and have a conference playoff game that would be popular at the internet sportsbook. If they go to 14 or 16 teams it would mean additional money. It is not a matter of if the Big 10 expands; it is a matter of when.

NFL’s Best Running Back Affects Sportsbook Odds

Sportsbook odds denote that the Titans are 27-1 long shots to take the Super Bowl. Those odds would absolutely go up if Johnson is a holdout.  Johnson has skipped Tennessee’s voluntary practices in anticipation of obtaining a new contract. Johnson is getting some encouragement as Marshall Faulk, the Hall of Fame running back is in his corner.  He told a local paper that Johnson should hold out. "Without a doubt, if more money is what he wants, he has to hold out," said Faulk. "You have to know who you are dealing with. The Titans aren't known for caving in or paying, it doesn't matter who you are. In my opinion, there is no way he can come in and play under the current contract.''

Johnson signed a $12 million dollar contract in 2008 and he has three years remaining on that deal.  He received $7 million guaranteed as part of that deal but his base salary for 2010 is a modest $550,000.  "Chris has outplayed his rookie deal. He has beyond exceeded the expectation where he was drafted,'' Faulk explained to the paper. Chris Johnson was last season’s AP Offensive Player of the Year.  Once the end of last season he referred to needing a new deal. "That's something my agent has got to take care of, my agent and upstairs," stated Johnson.

Offshore sportsbook stats indicated that he rushed for 2,006 yards on 358 carries last season to lead the NFL. Johnson was roughly 600 yards ahead of Stephen Jackson of the Rams, who came in second place in rushing yardage. Chris Johnson was the first player in NFL history to catch 500 yards and rush for 2,000 yards in the same season. Johnson set another record as he was the first NFL player to rush for three touchdowns of 85 yards or longer in a career.  There were only two running backs in NFL history to begin their careers with more rushing yardage.  Edgerrin James and Eric Dickerson are the only other two running backs to start their careers with more yards than Johnson.