The majority of Kentucky Derby betting enthusiasts are actually college football fanatics waiting for next season to get here already. With spring workouts getting underway this week, sports betting enthusiasts wagering on their favorite college football teams, are dying for some offseason news. For all intents and purposes here are the biggest stories this offseason.

Late last month, the new Pac - 12 conferences, announced it had signed a mega television deal, which in effect will bring each of its 12 teams more money than they could have dreamed of by qualifying for a playoff game. Over the last couple of years, the interest of various schools let alone their fans, in forming super conferences, has allowed television deals to impact the level of competition in the NCAAF.

The Pac - 12 signed television deals with ESPN and FOX late last month, and early reports tell us that the deals were worth a combined $250 million per year for the conference, without the Pac - 12 network revenue. To put this number into perspective, consider that last season, the BCS made only $28 million for the entire bowl games combined. Meaning to say, you can see why a conference would be more intrigued by signing a television deal instead of qualifying for a bowl game, as there is more incentive to do so.

Another interesting story this offseason, at least for LSU fans, is who exactly will Les Miles name as his starting quarterback to open the season. Last year, Miles used a combination of Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee, with Jefferson eventually taking the bull by the horns. However, this season, LSU also has former Georgia Bulldog transfer Zach Mettenberger. Wanting to play in the SEC where the competition is better, Mettenberger has become a fan favorite amongst the LSU faithful. The question is, will he become a favorite with Les Miles by the start of the regular season?

The March Madness betting tournament appears to many college football enthusiasts as the highlight of the offseason, before spring workouts start up. Despite the NCAA football betting season not starting until September, here are our picks for the top seeds on the AP Poll.

• Oregon Ducks - With Cam Newton of the Auburn Tigers declaring for the NFL draft after the National Title game in January and the Oregon Ducks all deciding to return to school for their senior years, we feel it is safe to say they will be number one when the season opens. Oregon Ducks fans should be thrilled, as the duo of quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James return for their senior seasons.

Add them to an Oregon defense, that remains roughly the same as last season, and it may be fair to assume, that the team will go undefeated in the regular season again this year. Last year, was LaMichael James time to shine, as he carried the rushing load for the Ducks. However, in 2011-12, we expect Darron Thomas to not only lead the NCAA but become the top pick of the 2012 NFL draft.

• Stanford Cardinals - Although they lost Head Coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL, the Cardinals aren't entirely in shambles heading into September. Why is that you may ask? Well, with senior quarterback Andrew Luck announcing that he will return for one more year to Stanford, the Cardinals went from a team that would drop considerably in 2011 to a team that should contend for a National title.

• Boise State Broncos - Another quarterback that decided to come back for his senior year is Broncos pivot Kellen Moore. Similar to Luck at Stanford, if Moore had declared for the NFL, the Broncos would probably have dropped considerably in the AP 25 rankings. In our opinion, with TCU and Auburn taking a step back this year, the Boise State Broncos are a team that should be on everyone's radars.

March Madness betting lines signal to college football handicappers, that spring workouts for the 2011 season are right around the corner. College football online betting enthusiasts have come to love offseason scouting reports, as it provides a good indication of which teams appear ready to contend and which have a lot of work to do. Here are two schools that although not ready to contend for a BCS game just yet, could spoil the hopes of some real contenders.

1. Tulsa Golden Hurricane - In 2010 the Golden Hurricane's led by quarterback CJ Kinne, wide receiver Damaris Johnson and running back Alex Singleton were able to go 10 and three on the year. However, they were absolutely ransacked by Oklahoma State, in a game played at Oklahoma. This year, the schedule works out, so that Oklahoma State has to come to Tulsa to play the Golden Hurricanes. Last season, Tulsa went undefeated at home, and there game during the beginning of the season against Oklahoma State, has revenge written all over it. What's more, Oklahoma State has a game after Tulsa against Texas A&M, meaning that they may overlook Tulsa, and end up missing a chance at BCS title berth, thanks to the loss to the Golden Hurricanes.

2.  Clemson Tigers - Last season was rather underwhelming for the Tigers as they managed to go six and seven through 13 contests. Led by running back Andre Ellington and quarterback Tahj Boyd, the Tigers face the Florida State Seminoles in week three of their season. Last season the Seminoles legitimately wiped the floor with Clemson embarrassing them by running up the score. This years, Clemson has a new Head Coach in Jimbo Fisher, and considering Fisher's last team was also beat down by Florida State, you can guarantee this game is circled on their calendars.

In a few short days the college football betting world will be center stage on every sport outlet, as National Signing Day 2011 is almost here. For those NCAA football betting handicappers unfamiliar with the annual tradition, the first week of February marks the time when American college's football programs recruit the top freshmen talent. Here are the top three recruits for 2011.

• Jeff Driskel QB - Driskel was our top pick for college freshmen quarterbacks on a recent top three top quarterback list. Currently committed to Florida, Driskel is the ideal quarterback for many division one programs. At six foot four inches tall and 225 pounds of muscle, Driskel has the build, passing accuracy and mobility that professional scouts dream about.

With former Notre Dame Head Coach and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Charlie Weis moving on to Gainesville, Driskel will surely be one of the top quarterback's in the nation in a couple of seasons.

• George Farmer WR - Currently projected as the top wide receiving threat of the 2011 National Signing season, Farmer is in a verbal agreement with USC. Once signing with the team, it is expected by many, that Farmer will emerge as one of the top receiving options in the NCAA during the 2011 season. At six feet two inches tall and only 200 pounds, Farmer has a ways to go in putting on enough muscle to play against the big boys of the NCAA.

However, given that Farmer is one hell of a talented player, with incredible speed, good hands and leaping ability, there's no reason to think he can't be a top wide receiver in the NCAA by his senior year.

• Jadevon Clowney DE - Clowney is considered by many of our colleagues to be the top player for the 2011 national recruiting class. At six foot six inches and 250 pounds of muscle, we aren't ones to argue with that assessment. Clowney's forte is the run oriented defense. Meaning to say, he can blow by blockers, and sacking both running back's and quarterback's is where he'll make his reputation.