Brothers Chris and Glenn Gronkowski sure know a whole lot about football. Both played big-time college football, at Arizona and Kansas State, respectively, and both played in the NFL. If that’s not enough to convince you, keep in mind they can always ask their older brother, a guy by the name of Rob, who catches passes in New England, for some inside expertise.
But do they know a whole lot about football gambling?
We’re about to find out. The Gronk brothers have agreed to talk to Get More Sports every week during the upcoming season about their thoughts on the league, specifically as it pertains to gambling lines and bets.
That started with Preseason Week 1, when Chris and Glenn told GMS some of their top over/under picks on NFL season win totals, their picks to win each NFL division and an over/under pick on their alma mater’s season win total in the college football universe.
There’s plenty of info to peruse in both Glenn’s and Chris’ interviews, so be sure to read through both of them. But, in the space below, let’s take a closer look at their college football win total picks.
Gronkowski Picks:
Each of the brothers focused on their alma mater and the win total
Chris’ pick: Arizona UNDER 7.5 wins
Analysis: Chris doesn’t come right out and say he’s picking the under, but it’s pretty clear he thinks his beloved Wildcats will struggle in 2018 under first-year coach Kevin Sumlin.
“Arizona has a new head coach, which makes it hard to win when you have yet to recruit many of your own style players. This could be a tough season for Arizona.”
It’s true that Sumlin has had a chance to recruit many of his own players. But Chris, who played at Arizona from 2007-’09, first as a linebacker and then as a fullback, also admits he doesn’t often get to stay up for all of the Wildcats’ games, so perhaps he missed how talented some of those players were.
That’s particularly true for quarterback Khalil Tate, who is a dark horse Heisman candidate and whose style of play might remind some of Johnny Manziel, who found great success under Sumlin at Texas A&M.
Arizona’s defense struggled last year, but the Wildcats return nine starters on that side of the ball and should improve. With that said, it might be best to FADE this particular Gronk pick. Tate, Sumlin, an improved defense and a schedule that sees Arizona avoid the two powers from the Pac-12 Conference’s North Division, Washington and Stanford, mean the over 7.5 wins might be the best play.
Glenn’s pick: Kansas State OVER 6.5 wins
Analysis: Kansas State might not return as many starters as Arizona — there are nine to replace, including All-Big 12 cornerback D.J. Reed. But Glenn gets right to the point when he says that no matter the situation, it seems like longtime coach Bill Snyder and his staff always maximize the potential of the roster.
“Although Kansas State may not have top recruits or the most compelling team on paper, they have learned to overcome challenges through preparation, hard work and determination.”
Nonetheless, there will be challenges to reaching seven wins to go over the season total. The Wildcats are short on skill-position players returning, and replacing Reed is just part of overhauling the secondary. Not to mention, the Big 12 requires its teams to play all nine of its counterparts, which means there’s no dodging the likes of Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma State or TCU (of course, it also means K-State gets to play bottom feeder Kansas).
Despite all this, Glenn, who was a fullback at Kansas State from 2012-’15, is confident in his old coach and school. Very confident, actually.
“I believe the Wildcats surprise everyone again and pull out an 8- or 9-win season despite the difficult Big 12 schedule.”
Well, eight or nine wins would certainly be a surprise, and Kansas State might not have the experience or the schedule to reach those totals. But to win the bet, they only need to reach seven wins, and on that matter it’s best to FOLLOW Glenn on this bet. History says Snyder and company will get it done.
Looking forward
It will be fun to follow these picks all year long and to see what Chris and Glenn Gronkowski have to say about the NFL and college football. Both were All-Conference Academic picks, so they’re smart guys and they certainly know their football.
Be sure to check out Get More Sports for more predictions and gambling talk from Gronkowski’s.
