The University of Georgia’s quest to become the first college football team in over 80 years to win three consecutive national titles was derailed when the Bulldogs fell to Alabama in the 2023 Southeast Conference Championship Game.
Georgia’s lone loss that season didn’t just cost them the SEC title; it also kept them out of the football playoffs and denied them the chance to defend their back-to-back national championships. This loss allowed the University of Minnesota to remain the last team to win three consecutive national titles, a feat achieved from 1936-38.
Georgia: The 2024 Season Begins as the Nation’s No. 1
This year, Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs enter the season as the top-ranked team in the nation and the clear favorite to reclaim the SEC title. Depending on the New Jersey sportsbook, Georgia’s odds to win the conference range between +150 and +200 with the lucrative NJ bet offers.
Despite these favorable odds and having one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Carson Beck, the road ahead isn’t as straightforward as it seems for Smart’s team. Georgia will face the three schools with the next best odds to win the conference—newcomer Texas (odds of +300-350 at Garden State books), Alabama (odds of +650-700), and Ole Miss (odds of +650-800)—all on the road. The Bulldogs’ much-anticipated rematch with the Crimson Tide is set for September 28 in Tuscaloosa. They will then travel to Austin to face the Longhorns on October 19 and head to Ole Miss on November 9.
Carson Beck: The SEC’s Top Quarterback
Carson Beck, at odds of 3-2, is the favorite to lead the SEC in passing yards and shares the co-favorite spot with Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel for the Heisman Trophy. Beck is supported by standout receivers Dominic Lovett and Miami transfer Colbie Young, as well as a reliable running back in Florida transfer Trevor Etienne. The Bulldogs, as usual, are stacked on defense, with pass-rushing defensive end Mykel Williams and star safety Malaki Starks leading the charge.
Texas: The Longhorns’ SEC Debut
Texas, fresh from the Big 12 after making the college football playoffs last season, returns with its franchise quarterback, Quinn Ewers, who will keep prodigy Arch Manning on the bench for another year. The Longhorns also retain four of their starting five on the offensive line.
Ewers’ receiving corps might be even stronger than Beck’s, featuring transfers Isaiah Bond (Alabama), Matthew Golden (Houston), and Silas Bolden (Oregon State). Despite losing running back C.J. Baxter to a season-ending knee injury, the bulk of the rushing responsibilities will fall on Jayden Blue.
Alabama: A New Era Begins
Alabama faces significant changes, having lost legendary head coach Nick Saban and needing to replace 40 players from last year’s playoff team, many of whom were drafted into the NFL or transferred. New coach Kalen DeBoer faces a tough challenge, but given Alabama’s dominance under Saban, the Crimson Tide remains a formidable force in the SEC.
Ole Miss: The Dark Horse
A team to watch in 2024 is Ole Miss, the fourth choice among oddsmakers. The Rebels are expected to light up the scoreboard with highly-regarded quarterback Jaxson Dart and two of the nation’s top receivers, Tre Harris and Antowane Wells.
Finding Value in SEC Betting: Longshots and Solid Bets
For New Jersey bettors seeking value in SEC football betting, Ole Miss offers the longest odds with a legitimate shot to win the conference. However, the race is likely to come down to Georgia and Texas.
The Bulldogs, fueled by last season’s disappointment, could be unstoppable, but the challenging road games might create an opportunity for Texas. If you can find the Longhorns at +400 with New Jersey books, they might be worth a play.
Carson Beck at +150 is a strong bet to win the SEC passing title, and he could also be a solid value pick for the Heisman. However, it might be wise to hedge and wait to see if his odds improve during the season.
