Sportsbooks Split on LSU’s SEC Title Odds: Listed as Short as +700 and as Long as +1410

• Why is there a huge difference in odds for LSU to win the Southeastern Conference regular season title?
• Will Wade’s future in Baton Rouge amongst potential NCAA sanctions unclear
• The Tigers re-loaded after losing Tremont Waters and Naz Reid to the NBA

Last season the LSU Tigers men’s basketball team had a very successful season, making it to the regional semi-final round of the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2005-06 season led by the likes of future NBA players like Glen “Big Baby” Davis, Tyrus Thomas, and Garrett Temple.

The 2018-19 LSU Tigers were able to provide their fans with some of that same joy of the 2005-06 team as they finished the regular season with a record of 28-7, 16-2 in the SEC which was good enough for first place in the conference. Sportsbooks disagree on whether or not this team will be able to repeat this success.

Some have LSU listed at +1410 to repeat as SEC regular season champs while others have the Tigers listed at +700 to win the SEC regular season title. With the Conference Title odds differing across the books, what are the chances on the Bayou Bengals repeating?

SEC 2019-20 Conference Odds

Odds taken Nov. 4th

Basketball Success Fleeting in Baton Rouge

The Tigers historically have not given oddsmakers reason to believe they will be able to transfer success from one season to the next. LSU has not had consecutive seasons with less than 12 losses since the early to mid 2000’s. LSU has not won the SEC regular season title in consecutive years since the 1952-53 and 1953-54 seasons.  The pride of Baton Rouge has 11 regular season conference championships in their history which does not sound bad until you compare that to their conference counterpart Kentucky who has 49.

Kentucky finished last season with a record of 30-7, going 15-3 in the SEC which was good enough for the second best record behind LSU. The Wildcats lost P.J. Washington and Tyler Herro to the NBA draft last season.

The Wildcats is not only bringing back more talent than usual but also had the second ranked recruiting class last year, bringing in three five-star recruits in guard Tyrese Maxey, forward Kahlil Whitney, and forward Keion Brooks. The Wildcats have earned the spot as the favorites to win the SEC at +145.

Has Wade Re-Stocked Roster Enough?

Louisiana State ranked 27th in the country in points scored per game last season with 80.4. Will they be able to score at the same pace after losing two players to the NBA, Tremont Waters and Naz Reid?

LSU will need five-star recruit, Trendon Watford to have a big year along with returning players Javonte Smart and Skylar Mays. The sportsbooks are split on whether or not they can make up for the loss of those two players.

LSU battled through some distractions last season, as their head coach Will Wade missed time with the team while under investigation for his recruiting tactics.  Will Wade was accused of paying top recruits, Naz Reid and Javonte Smart, to come play for LSU. Wade looks to be in the clear for now.

LSU's Will Wade on if he anticipates any further sanctions from the NCAA:

"I think the worst is behind us. All I'm really focused on is getting ready for the upcoming season."

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 14, 2019

If Wade and LSU are punished for these accusations by the NCAA, it will not affect the regular season odds unless players transfer to other schools. The punishments would affect postseason aspirations along with scholarships for future seasons.

The oddsmakers are conflicted on Louisiana State due to their roster overturn from last season and the lack of consistency shown throughout the program’s history. The Tigers have a talented but young roster, can that roster be trusted against the likes of Kentucky, Florida, and Auburn? If you believe in this team winning the SEC regular season title, the best odds are definitely with Bookmaker at +1410.