Northwestern enjoyed its first double digit win season since 1995 last year, finishing with a 10-3 record thanks to a 34-20 upset of Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl. There is an expectation in Evanston that this year's team could come close to doing the same as 15 starters and 54 lettermen return from last season's capable squad. The odds makers at 5Dimes do not see it that way, though, as the Wildcats are favored, at -140 odds, to win fewer than 8.5 games. Northwestern is also a fourth pick to win the Big Ten Legends Division at +325 odds ($100 wins $325) and a fifth choice at +900 odds to capture the conference championship. The latest 2014 BCS Title Odds from the offshore book have the Wildcats listed at +14000 odds to win the National Championship.

Schedule, obviously, plays a huge role in the Wildcats less than spectacular season forecast. Northwestern draws home games against Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State this year, and it has at least two difficult road assignments with both Wisconsin and Nebraska on the away docket. Early college football lines from the Golden Nugget have the Wildcats listed as a seven point dog opposite the Buckeyes and Badgers and they are getting one point against Michigan. Pat Fitzgerald's squad is a slight 2.5 point favorite against the Spartans and the Nebraska game has yet to be lined.

Northwestern Wildcats 2014 BCS Title Odds:

Northwestern Wildcats Odds to win the 2014 BCS National Championship +14000
Northwestern Wildcats Odds to win the Big Ten Championship +900 (five of 12)
Northwestern Wildcats Odds to win the Big Ten Legends +325 (four of six)
Northwestern Wildcats Regular Season Wins: Over 8.5 (+100), Under 8.5 (-140)

Golden Nugget College Football Games of the Year (featuring Northwestern):

8/31 Northwestern (-8) at California
9/7 Syracuse at Northwestern (-13)
10/5 Ohio State at Northwestern (+7)
10/12 Northwestern (+7) at Wisconsin
10/19 Minnesota at Northwestern (-14)
10/26 Northwestern (-7.5) at Iowa
11/16 Michigan at Northwestern (+1)
11/23 Michigan State at Northwestern (-2.5)
11/30 Northwestern (-13) at Illinois

CFB Games of the Year Betting
What college football bettors need to know about betting the CFB Games of the year, with insight from Bryan Leonard and host Steve Fezzik.

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