DEALING WITH LOSSES
WHEN I was in Las Vegas last week, I planned on visiting a sportsbook or three. There were multiple bets I wanted to make — Alabama’s Jalen Hurts to win the Heisman Trophy at 20-1, and Oklahoma State to win the national title at 40-1, for example — and others I still was debating. Of course, blackjack reeled me in first. There, at the Wynn, I built up a nice bankroll. After winning three straight hands, I vowed to leave when I next lost. But, I won again and again and again. I lost count of the streak. I simply kept increasing my bets, and kept collecting more chips.
Eventually, I received a pair of 8s, so I split. Another 8 came out, so I split again. Then once more, so I split once more. The 20-something guys on both sides of me laughed a little louder each time.
The first hand ended with 18, the second with 14. Facing the dealer’s 5, I felt fine.
The third hand produced an 11, giving me no choice but to double down. The fourth hand played out exactly the same. My profits all had been pushed forward, requiring me to open my wallet, to double down again.
I received a 17 and a 21. Finally, the dealer turned over an 8, giving her 13. You know what came next. The dealer sheepishly smirked, and slowly flipped over another eight. I stood up and walked away. Post photographer Anthony Causi remained seated, more stunned than me.
Clearly, I should have gone straight to the book.
At least football provides an afternoon or evening or season of entertainment before agony arrives.
Alabama (-7) over Florida State: Last year, Alabama opened with a 52-6 win over USC in Arlington, Texas. The previous year, the Crimson Tide opened with a 35-17 win over Wisconsin, also in Arlington. In 2013, Virginia Tech was on the wrong side of a 35-10 meeting with Alabama in Atlanta. In 2012, the Tide embarrassed eighth-ranked Michigan, 41-14, in Arlington. So, yeah, Nick Saban will have his team ready.
INDIANA (+21) over Ohio State: The Buckeyes could be on their way to another playoff appearance, but the underrated Hoosiers will give the home crowd a thrill for at least a half.
OKLAHOMA STATE (-17) over Tulsa: Oklahoma State senior Mason Rudolph is another attractive futures bet, currently at 25-1 to win the Heisman. Last year, the Cowboys quarterback threw for more than 4,000 yards, with 28 touchdowns and four interceptions.
RUTGERS (+27) over Washington: The Huskies easily could win by 50, but the big number is a lot to ask for a team playing its season-opener thousands of miles from home.
Utah State (+27) over WISCONSIN: The Badgers may not allow a touchdown, but it’s rarely their strong suit to pile them up, either.
PENN STATE (-301/2) over Akron: Last year, the Zips allowed more than 33 points per game. This year, they could look exactly the same. The defending Big 10 champions should, too.
Maryland (+19) over TEXAS: New head coach Tom Herman is expected to fix everything, following three straight losing seasons by the Longhorns. He might, considering what he accomplished at Houston, but it’s going to take more than one week.
Florida (+4½) over Michigan: In a battle between two of the country’s best defenses, don’t bother trying to figure out who might break through. Just grab the points.
Temple (+181/2) over NOTRE DAME: The Fighting Irish are far better than last year’s 4-8 record suggests, but they haven’t earned this amount of respect yet, facing last season’s AAC champions.
USC (-26) over Western Michigan: Unfortunately, this game comes about nine months too late.
Purdue (+24½) over Louisville: While Lamar Jackson takes the early lead in the Heisman race once again, the Boilermakers’ new offense — under former Western Kentucky coach Jeff Brohm — should be able to hang around in a shootout.
Byu (+17) over Lsu: The game has been moved to New Orleans, but any advantage the Tigers gain from what was supposed to be a neutral-site game is negated by the Cougars already having played this season. BYU wasn’t great in its 20-6 win over Portland State, but its defense is legitimate, and will keep it close against LSU’s always-mediocre pass attack.
West Virginia (+4) over Virginia Tech: The bar has been raised for the Hokies after winning 10 games last season under first-year coach Justin Fuente, but a step back seems obvious with redshirt freshman Josh Jackson taking over at quarterback. West Virginia also has a new quarterback — Florida transfer Will Grier — who should boost an already potent offense in his long-awaited return.
Texas A&M (+3) over UCLA: To the hot seat goes the loser.
Tennessee (-3) over Georgia Tech: The Volunteers were expected to make a leap last year, and ended up going .500 in conference. Jump on the orange-and-white now, while everyone else is still sleeping. The talent is still there.
BEST BETS: Penn State, Alabama, Maryland
2014-16 RECORD: 381-370-7