Latest news with #BillBelichick
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 college football betting preview: Four games to bet right now
Every summer, while most college football bettors are counting down the days to kickoff, sportsbooks quietly drop a slate of lines that sharp eyes immediately start circling: the Game of the Year matchups. These are the games that move the needle — rivalries, playoff shapers and narrative drivers. Remember, by the time these games actually kick off, the lines will look very different. Quarterback changes, injuries, hype cycles and early-season blowouts will reshape perception and change lines. If you can spot the right angles early, Game of the Year lines offer exceptional value because you're not just betting on a game, you're betting on how the season unfolds. Here are four early-season matchups that could offer serious closing line value: Oct. 4: North Carolina at Clemson (-13.5) When scanning these early lines, I'm hunting for positions the market can't accurately price, until reality sets in. Enter: Bill Belichick coaching North Carolina. In theory, the Tar Heels should be a solid team. But can we really trust that preseason optimism will hold up by Oct. 4? On the flip side, Clemson — finally embracing the transfer portal after years of resistance — has reloaded with talent. This could be one of Dabo Swinney's most complete rosters in years. UNC opens the year as an underdog in two of its first four games (vs. TCU in Week 1 and at UCF in Week 4). Meanwhile, Clemson is expected to be a two-touchdown favorite in three of its first four contests. If both teams play to expectation, I see this line drifting up toward -16.5 by kickoff. Bet: Clemson -13.5 Oct. 4: Boise State at Notre Dame (-16.5 at BetMGM) Boise State has long punched above its weight: blue turf, trick plays, Kellen Moore, Ashton Jeanty … the whole deal. But with Jeanty gone, this roster doesn't pack the same punch. Yes, they went toe-to-toe with Oregon last year, but that was the Jeanty show: 7.7 yards per carry, three touchdowns and a 70-yard highlight run. Without that level of game-breaking talent, I see this matchup resembling more of their 2023 opener against Washington, when the Broncos were crushed 56-19. Notre Dame, meanwhile, could come into this game undefeated. The Fighting Irish are slight favorites against Miami in Week 1 and will be laying more than a touchdown against both Texas A&M (Week 3) and Arkansas (Week 5). If they enter 5-0 with three quality wins, I expect this line to creep closer to -17.5. Bet: Notre Dame -16.5 Oct. 11: Penn State (-10.5, 46.5) at Iowa Yes, Iowa's offense might not be a total disaster this year. Yes, quarterback Mark Gronowski transfers in from FCS powerhouse South Dakota State. And yes, there's some excitement. But I'm not buying it — at least not yet. Gronowski was terrific at SDSU, leading them to national titles in 2022 and 2023, but that was behind a massive talent gap in the FCS. The jump to the Big Ten will test him immediately. Iowa's early games against Indiana and Wisconsin will give us a clue. If he struggles, the market could quickly adjust expectations back toward reality. Defensively, Iowa will once again be elite. But offensively? I'm fading the early optimism. This total has room to dip toward 44 if the Hawkeyes' offense sputters. Bet: Under 46.5 Oct. 18: Texas Tech at Arizona State (-4) Arizona State is one of the darlings of the 2024 season, but on Oct. 18, it will run into a live 'dog — and my Heisman dark horse Behren Morton. Texas Tech enters this season with as much upside as any team. The Red Raiders rank second nationally in NIL spending and return their starting QB, who quietly played through a Grade 3 AC joint sprain last year. With health and talent finally aligned, I'm in. Yes, Arizona State brings back a loaded roster and solid coaching staff, but that momentum has already inflated this number a bit. Before this game, the Sun Devils face Baylor, TCU and Utah — three games in which they could stumble. Meanwhile, Texas Tech's early schedule is soft, and if it handles business, the market will catch up fast. If the Red Raiders look sharp early, this line likely closes around +1.5. Bet: Texas Tech +4
Indianapolis Star
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Experts align on Purdue's starting quarterback: Who will it be, expectations, what's the future?
One quarterback chose Purdue football in the transfer portal only after leaving to study under six-time Super Bowl champion coach Bill Belichick at his new digs at North Carolina. Three other quarterbacks had transferred, one leaving the Boilermakers after spring practice, and those remaining will compete for the starting quarterback job in Barry Odom's first year as Purdue coach. An offense that was seventh-worst in yardage last season has plenty of room to improve. And quarterback play will be a key element. So, who emerges to take the first snaps? That battle begins Thursday and will run to Aug. 30 when Purdue hosts Ball State. IndyStar Purdue insider Nathan Baird and Courier-Journal reporter Sam King huddled with IndyStar assistant sports editor Aaron Ferguson to discuss Purdue's quarterback situation. Here is their conversation. Ferguson: Which quarterback will take the first snap of the Barry Odom era, and why do you think he will win? King: Ryan Browne. That nobody stood out enough to own the position throughout spring camp probably played a part in Browne's return to Purdue after a spring under the tutelage of Bill Belichick. He has dual threat ability and, though he doesn't have a ton of games under his belt, he's played meaningful reps at quarterback in the Big Ten over the past two seasons. However, this is a competition that still may not be settled when someone steps behind center against Ball State on Aug. 30. Baird: I agree Browne seems the likeliest candidate. I would not rule out Bennett Meredith, who held his own against the wave of transfers who came in before the spring. The best case scenario, though, would be Purdue having the opportunity to give two or more contenders a lot of reps in those first two games against Ball State and Southern Illinois. It needs multiple starting-caliber Big Ten quarterbacks and, frankly, it starts preseason camp uncertain whether it has one. If this competition must extend into the season, so be it. In the context of where this program wants to be long-term, the question of who takes the first snap is almost academic. The crucial question is does Purdue have the correct QB in place for a winnable span of games in mid-October? Boiler homecoming: Why this quarterback left Purdue football for Bill Belichick, and returns to 'home for me' Ferguson: Purdue's offense was seventh worst nationally in total offense, somehow ahead of two Big Ten teams, not even gaining 300 yards per game. Most of that had to come through the air due to large deficits the Boilers faced. Obviously quarterback plays a central role in the offense but what can we expect in terms of what this offense looks like? Baird: This team wants to establish the run. It has an offensive coordinator, Josh Henson, with a background on the offensive line. It has a reliable veteran running back in Devin Mockobee. All of its quarterbacks add some running ability. Maybe most importantly, its offensive line has some upside. Jalen St. John was a second team All-Mountain West tackle but may play guard. Giordano Vaccaro was a star in Canada and is in line to succeed Gus Hartwig at center. I don't know how explosive this offense will be, but if it can control the line of scrimmage it will give itself a chance. King: Barry Odom admitted at Big Ten media days that he wanted to know how many yards away Mockobee is from Mike Alstott's Purdue career rushing record. Like Nathan said, the transfer portal included major upgrades on the offensive line, which was a liability at some spots and a reason Purdue struggled offensively. Only six Purdue players have rushed for 1,000 yards in a single season. If Mockobee gets close, that will be a positive sign for the offense, which also appears to have significantly improved its receiving corps. Henson is getting his crack at play calling and I'd expect it to be pretty balanced in competitive games. Purdue didn't have many competitive games a year ago, which dictated what it had to attempt to do offensively. Insider mailbag: What will Purdue's offense look like? What's next for Boilers basketball? Ferguson: I know the nature of this conversation is about this fall, but it's hard not to look ahead as Barry Odom tries to build a program. Does the commitment of Corin Berry at QB show what he's looking for at that position, or is that reading too much into it? And the second prong of this thought would be, is there a quarterback on the 2025 roster who could take the reins into 2026 or will the position again need to be addressed? King: Any coach who isn't trying to recruit the best players is doing a disservice to the program regardless of who may or may not be returning. Odom has said previously he wants Purdue to recruit high school talent and develop from within. Given the situation he came into, a complete roster overhaul was necessary. Among the portal pulls were two young quarterbacks who began their careers elsewhere. I'm sure QB coach Darin Hinshaw would love to see Evans Chuba and Malachi Singleton elevate into starting caliber quarterbacks beyond 2025, much like he would returnee Browne and freshman Garyt Odom. Right now there are too many unknowns to pin down a potential long-term quarterback. Baird: All of the quarterbacks on the roster could conceivably be the long-term QB of the future. All also have some mobility, which Odom said is one of the attributes they seek when recruiting that position. We know Purdue has a plethora of young options. We have no idea if it has an answer. This season will be a 12-week proving ground to come up with that solution. Or, Berry and whoever transfers in restart the competition again next spring. Insider: How Barry Odom established Purdue football recruiting base, priorities after 1,800 mile move Ferguson: The way college football rosters have been constructed of late, I don't know that the 2026 QB is on the roster. However, we do know who is for this season. And, since both are in agreement on Browne, what are expectations for him this season? Baird: He is the most experienced option on the roster. He also created a tangible spark last season — at least for one game. He says his time at North Carolina was valuable and he learned a lot from being in meetings with Belichick. What we saw against Illinois was how much his legs could make a difference in the passing game. They had to respect him as a rushing threat, and even novice offensive play caller Ryan Browne could scheme up big vertical passing plays against those coverages. Browne should benefit from a more sophisticated approach, but he also needs some leeway. He was not yet ready to seize the starting job with a wide-open opportunity last season. He may be a better October and November talent than he looks to start the season. King: While Browne is the most experienced and, likely, the most suitable option to at least open camp as QB1, he is the least experienced with this coaching staff. Chuba, Singleton, Meredith and Odom all went through spring. Expectations are hard to place, but like Nathan said, we've seen Browne's ability to make plays. He did it two years ago at Northwestern and last season at Illinois. The Oregon game didn't fall fully on his shoulders, but last season the Ducks made Browne look pedestrian just six days after his performance against the Illini. It was always Hudson Card's job last season once he got healthy. If Browne earns the starting role, I think we'll see some dashes of brilliance but I'd temper expectations.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
"Trying to impress his girlfriend": Bill Belichick reportedly took UNC job for his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson ESPN analyst claims
Did Bill Belichick take up the job at UNC for Jordon Hudson?(Image via Jordon Hudson/Instagram) Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots' legend, shocked his fans as he moved into coaching a college football team at the University of North Carolina around a year ago. The 72 year old coach's relationship with 24 year old Jordon Hudson has also been in focus ever since the two went public with their relationship, but now it seems Bill Belichick has done a lot for her. Did Bill Belichick join the University of North Carolina for his 24 year old girlfriend Jordon Hudson? ESPN analyst makes shocking revelations A few hours ago, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum made a few controversial remarks on Bill Belichick's shocking career move to the University of North Carolina. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ColorsTV (@colorstv) ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum said, 'As far as Bill Belichick... The end of his career was a disaster…He didn't win a playoff game in his last five seasons. He had losing seasons three of the last five. It was a mess at the end.' ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum added, "He should have been fired earlier than he was. This is just trying to make good, trying to impress his girlfriend." Neither Bill Belichick nor his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson has responded to these speculations and has remained silent. Bill Belichick's controversial relationship with 24 year old Jordon Hudson can never escape the criticism it gets Bill Belichick's relationship with Jordon Hudson has raised many eyebrows and many have trolled the couple. Many fans have also felt that Jordon Hudson 'involves' herself in Bill Belichick's career and is with him for his 'wealth'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Passive Income Ideas Sitting at Home Mone Undo Both claims have been strongly slammed by Bill Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson. The two have repeatedly reiterated that, despite their huge age gap, they are deeply in love with each other and are very serious about their relationship. Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson have also not shied away from their relationship and have made a number of public appearances together. FAQs When did Bill Belichick start dating Jordon Hudson? Bill Belichick started dating Jordon Hudson in 2023 Has Bill Belichick been married before? Yes, Bill Belichick was married previously but got divorced Also Read: 'She is not allowed': Bill Belichick's girlfriend Jordon Hudson reportedly barred from UNC football building amid concerns over involvement Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
ESPN sends sad message on Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders' time in Boulder
ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions Kurt Dargis made a somewhat sad revelation about Colorado Buffaloes football coach Deion Sanders: His first year in Boulder was the true ratings-grabber, but the Buffs' 9-4 2024 campaign didn't get nearly the same fanfare. Dargis mentioned Sanders in a question about whether or not Bill Belichick's North Carolina Tar Heels program could mirror the same monstrous ratings Colorado got during Coach Prime's first Power 4 season in 2023. Dargis sees potential for 'Chapel Bill" this fall. 'We have to wait and see. The potential is there. There's definitely interest in him outside the typical college football fan,' Dargis said during an interview with Front Office Sports, per FOS's Michael McCarthy and David Rumsey 'Deion was such a phenomenon. I still can't believe some of the numbers we got that first year he was there. It's too early to say.' Clearly, negativity sells. During a tumultuous 2023 debut for 'Prime Time,' Coach Prime's public beef with Cormani McClain took center stage. Accusations from Athlon Sports' Steve Corder that there was a 'gun culture' that season dominated the summer of 2024. The report has been scrubbed from the internet after a potential behind-the-scenes settlement, however. When CU turned it around, though? Nowhere near the same fanfare.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
SEC analyst reveals expectations for Bill Belichick, UNC football in 2025
UNC has plenty to prove in its 2025 football season. Can it surpass preseason expectations? All eyes will be on the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2025 college football season, thanks to their offseason hiring of 8-time Super Bowl Champion Bill Belichick as head coach. UNC, desperately hoping to turn itself into a consistent winning program, fired Mack Brown at the end of its 2024 season. North Carolina was linked to names like Matt Campbell and Jon Sumrall, but ultimately made a shocking hire for the first-time college coach. If anticipation and excitement alone decided a team's success, the Tar Heels would win the 2026 CFP National Championship. Expectations are mixed for UNC this fall, though. Friday morning on ESPN's popular "Get Up" show, famed journalist Paul Finebaum said his 2025 expectations for North Carolina are "very low." 'They are very low," Finebaum said. "He doesn't have a very good team, although he's in a workable league. I think he can win seven games, maybe steal one to go eight. But ladies and gentleman, this is not Deion Sanders coming back to college for a couple of obvious reasons. Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. He doesn't have anyone like that, therefore the eyes of the nation will be there on opening night, maybe a second or third time. But it's not going to be must-see TV. As far as Bill Belichick, the end of his (NFL) career was a disaster. He didn't win a playoff games in his last five seasons. He had losing seasons three out of his last five. He was a mess at the end, he should've been fired earlier than he was. This is just trying to make good, he's trying to impress his girlfriend, he's trying to make some money and ultimately, I don't think it's going to work.' The Tar Heels shouldn't pay much attention to what an SEC guy has to say about them. Finebaum has a good point, in that UNC doesn't have a Sanders or Hunter, but there's plenty of talent between returners and the transfer portal. TCU will be a great test for North Carolina in Week 1. The Tar Heels also get Clemson, UCF, Duke and NC State, so wins may be tough to come by. Luckily, UNC has a head coach who knows how to win boatloads of games. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
