Leavitt uncertainty unsettles LSU-Ole Miss betting market
Sam Leavitt’s doubtful designation briefly narrowed LSU’s advantage before bookmakers moved the Tigers back towards favouritism.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt’s doubtful status has introduced uncertainty ahead of Saturday night’s meeting with Ole Miss, prompting a sharp but short-lived movement in the betting market.
The spread initially shifted from LSU as a three-point favourite to 1.5 points after the designation was reported on Wednesday night. Most sportsbooks then moved it back towards LSU, with the line settling around 2.5 points.
Caesars Sports head of football trading Joey Feazel said Ole Miss would likely become favourite if Leavitt was unavailable. His final status had not been confirmed, and LSU had not identified the nature of his injury.
Both teams entered the game with 2-0 records and 1-1 marks against the spread. LSU’s wins have included home victories over Clemson and Louisiana Tech, while Ole Miss defeated Louisville 41-38 at a neutral venue.
The matchup also marks Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss as LSU’s coach after he left the Rebels the previous December. Feazel said LSU had attracted strong betting interest since its win over Clemson and expected further action on the Tigers and the Over.
The total had fallen to 57.5 by Wednesday night from an opening figure of 59.5. In another Week 3 market, early sharp betting on Houston moved Texas Tech’s line from -9.5 to -7.5, according to Fox Sports’ account of bookmaker activity.
