The Alabama Crimson Tide look well on their way towards securing the SEC regular season title for the second time in the last three years as dominant Nate Oats’ kids have been to this point of the college basketball betting season logging 17-2 SU and 12-6-1 ATS records. Initially +775 underdogs to pull off the feat, BetRivers Sportsbook currently has Roll Tide installed the -235 odds-on favorites to seal the deal even though Brandon Miller and his mates have a date with Tennessee in Knoxville on February 15. It’s tough to envision Bama stumbling to that point with each of its next four opponents owners of losing records in conference play.

But crazier things have happened, so let’s give it the ‘ol college try and see if we can’t pinpoint a few teams that could give Alabama a run for SEC bragging rights. The following are my recommended favorite, underdog, and longshot selections to add to the futures odds portfolio with January coming to a close.

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Favorite to Bet: Tennessee Volunteers

While I find it hard to fathom any team in this conference standing in the way of the runaway truck otherwise known as Roll Tide, it would likely be the Vols who only have a home loss to their credit against Kentucky in SEC play. Rick Barnes’ kids clock in as the No. 2 ranked team in the country per the most up to date Pomeroy Ratings, and they get the benefit of hosting Bama in the rival’s only scheduled regular season dustup.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better defense than the one Tennessee trots onto the hardwood every passing game. It concedes just over 54 points a game (No. 2) and limits all opposition to the lowest field goal and 3-point shooting percentages in the country. On top of all that, it’s ninth best in the land at forcing turnovers! But that’s where all the fun ends. While the offense has some nice pieces in Zakai Ziegler (10.6 PPG/4.8 APG) and Santiago Vescovi (12.5 PPG), neither is considered a game changer that can create their own shot when the game calls for it. The offense is also extremely reckless with the ball turning it over at a near 20 percent clip (No. 267). If forced to pick a team to win the SEC other than Alabama, my reluctant choice right now would be the Volunteers. That being said, it’s not worth taking the plunge at the current price point.

Underdog to Bet: Florida Gators +12500

Florida took its sweet ‘ol time getting used to new head coach Todd Golden’s schemes at both ends of the court. But now that were nearly 20 games into the season, the Gators look to be showing signs of a team that can play with the big boys having logged wins in four of the last five matchups against Georgia, @LSU, Mizzou, and @Mississippi State. The lone defeat occurred in a tough 54-52 decision at Texas A&M in one of the crazier end-games I’ve ever seen.

College basketball bettors will know real soon about whether Colin Castleton and co. have the intestinal fortitude to pull it off with the next four games set to go @K-State, Tennessee, @Kentucky, and @Alabama. Should it fare well, you won’t be able to sniff the current 125-1 return!

Longshot to Bet: Missouri Tigers +20000

I’ve come away extremely impressed with the job Dennis Gates has done to turn around what had been a floundering Missouri Tigers basketball program. Remember, this team wrapped 2021-22 with a 12-21 record in Cuonzo Martin’s fifth season at the helm. Mizzou currently stands 15-5 overall and 4-4 in conference play having already taken on the likes of Kentucky (W), @Arkansas (L), Vanderbilt (W), @Texas A&M (L), @Florida (L), Arkansas (W), Alabama (L), and Ole Miss (W).

Following this weekend’s SEC/Big 12 battle against former conference rival Iowa State, a now healthy Kobe Brown will get the pleasure of running up against LSU, @Miss State, and South Carolina before the schedule gets tougher in the middle of February. I’m well aware how big a long shot flier I’m taking here. If the switch flips and the team starts to figure out how to win away from Columbia and play even a semblance of league average defense, this dart throw lottery ticket could cash!

Bet SEC College Basketball Futures Odds at BetRivers Sportsbook