Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: Trent Frazier (left) and Ayo Dosunmu (right).
With Selection Sunday just over a month away, two Big Ten teams are among those creating the most liability for sportsbooks.
Illinois and Michigan lead the way at BetMGM for national championship liability, meaning those teams would cost the sportsbook the most should they win the title.
Those two teams have seen significant line movement from their opening numbers: Illinois is down to +2000 after opening at +8000 while Michigan is down to +1000 from +4000.
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The Wolverines (13-1, 8-1) hold a half-game lead over the Illini (13-5, 9-3) in the Big Ten. The two were scheduled to play on Thursday, but the game was postponed due to Michigan’s current shut down amid coronavirus concerns in the athletic department.
Only Gonzaga has more wagers on its title futures than Illinois.
Mark Few’s undefeated team has the fifth-most liability as 12% of total tickets and 18% of total dollars bet are on Gonzaga, but the book has bigger risk with two SEC teams due to price.
Tennessee and Alabama are fourth and fifth in total tickets, respectively, and third and fourth in liability.
The Crimson Tide has a controlling 3.5-game lead over Tennessee in the SEC, but both are ranked inside the top-20. The Volunteers have ranked wins over Missouri and Kansas. Alabama holds a head-to-head victory over Tennessee.
While not in the top-five for liability, Iowa has the fifth-most money wagered on title odds at BetMGM. The Hawkeyes are just 2-4 in their last six games.
If Iowa doesn’t get it done, it does appear Luka Garza will win the Wooden Award. After opening at +250 in the preseason, Garza is the overwhelming favorite with -1000 odds. But Iowa’s recent skid could open the door for other candidates.
