Projo Sports Blog

Alabama is ranked No. 1 in every poll in America.

Every one, No. 1.

Florida, on the other hand, is fourth in the BCS standings, second in the AP poll, and fourth in the USA Today poll.

The two teams play tomorrow in Atlanta for the Southeastern Conference championship and, in all likelihood -- certainly, in the case of the Crimson Tide -- a spot in the BCS national championship game.

Yet the Gators are favored by the whopping margin of 9-1/2 points. 9-1/2! On a neutral field!

Now, for those not familiar with how the Vegas line works, it must be pointed out that the oddsmakers try to establish a number such that as many people will bet on one team as the other. It's a common misconception that the "bookies" care who wins. They don't. As long, that is, as their books are "balanced." Since a bettor has to put up 110 dollars to win $100, the bookmaker pockets 10 percent, no matter which team wins. Unless, of course, more money is coming in on one team than the other, in which case, the line is adjusted, or "moves."

So perception clearly plays a big part in the point-spread. Obviously, a lot of people think Florida is a lot better than the top-ranked Tide. Is it possible that perception is that far from reality? We'll find out tomorrow.

But it's interesting to see that the nation's No. 1 team is a big underdog. Which, in reality, shows how much football fans believe in the polls.

-- Jim Donaldson

Click here to read Jim's newspaper column about the BCS.

 Tags  Alabama BCS college football Florida Jim Donaldson

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