Skip to main content

How to Bet on College Football

Although NFL odds and Super Bowl odds are the most popular in online sports betting, NCAA football betting is gaining momentum. Saturdays are just as busy as Sundays on most betting sites as fans wager on the Top 25 teams and more. Here are some simple ways to start betting on college football.

What are college football spreads?

Spread betting is the most popular way to wager on college football games. It involves choosing a favorite and an underdog, such as LSU and Alabama. If Alabama is favored by 6.5 points at home, they would be listed as -6.5, while LSU would be listed as +6.5. In order to win the bet, Alabama would need to win by more than 6.5 points (seven or more), while LSU could either lose by less than 6.5 points or win the game outright. To prevent ties, many spreads include half-points. If the final margin of victory is exactly the same as the spread (e.g. -6), it results in a push and all bets are refunded.

What are college football moneylines?

Another option for betting on college football is through the moneyline, where you are wagering on the team you believe will win the game outright. For instance, consider the LSU vs. Alabama matchup. Alabama, playing at home, may be favored at -175, while LSU is the underdog at +150. The negative sign indicates Alabama is the favorite, meaning you would need to bet $175 to win $100. Conversely, the positive sign signifies LSU is the underdog, offering a potential $150 win for a $100 bet.

What are college football teasers?

One popular option for NCAA football betting is to use teasers, which are parlays that allow you to adjust the spread in your favor on multiple games. Instead of risking a normal parlay where it may be difficult to win all three spreads, a teaser increases your chances of winning by giving you points for each game. For example, if you play a six-point teaser on your college football picks, you can move the line six points in your favor for each of your three games. This means that a team originally favored by -9.5 would now only need to cover -3.5, making it easier for you to win your bet.

What are college football totals?

Another option for betting is to wager on the total number of points that will be scored in a game. Essentially, you are predicting whether the actual total will be higher or lower than the number set by the sportsbook. For instance, if LSU and Alabama have a total of 57.5 points, you would need to decide if the final score will be over or under that number. To make an informed decision, it is important to research each team’s offense and defense, as well as factors like weather conditions.

What are college football futures?

Another type of betting is future betting, where you are placing wagers on events that may not occur for some time. For instance, you can bet on the outcome of the National Championship or on conference and division winners. Additionally, you can place bets on player props such as predicting the winner of the Heisman Trophy, awarded to the top college football player. By conducting thorough research, you may be able to secure favorable odds early in the process.

College football betting tips & strategies

Here are a few tips and strategies to keep in mind when betting on college football.

  1. Research teams and players: Stay informed about the teams and individual players. Analyze statistics, injury reports, and previous matchups to make informed betting decisions.
  2. Understand the odds: Familiarize yourself with different types of bets, odds, and betting lines. This includes moneyline bets, point spreads, Over/Under totals, and prop bets. Understanding the odds helps you make informed decisions.
  3. Shop for the best odds: Different sportsbooks might offer slightly different odds for the same game or bet. Shop around to find the best odds and maximize potential profits.
  4. Focus on value bets: Look for bets where the odds seem more favorable than you expected. Assess whether the potential payout justifies the risk, and focus on finding value rather than simply betting on favorites.
  5. Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your bets and stick to it. Don’t bet more than you can afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses by making impulsive bets to recover money.
  6. Stay updated: Stay updated with college football news, coach changes, player injuries, and other factors that might influence the game’s outcome.
  7. Avoid emotional betting: Don’t let personal biases or team loyalties influence your betting decisions. Make objective assessments based on research and analysis rather than emotions.

Keep in mind that there is no foolproof formula for success in sports betting. It is important to conduct extensive research, carefully analyze the data, and make informed decisions in order to increase your likelihood of winning.

Examples of college football bets

There are a variety of betting options available for college football games, with some popular choices being:

  1. Moneyline bet: This is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game. For example, Team A might have a moneyline of -150, meaning you’d need to bet $150 to win $100 if they win. Meanwhile, Team B might have a moneyline of +200, indicating a potential profit of $200 on a $100 bet if they win.
  2. Point spread bet: In this type of bet, the sportsbook sets a margin by which one team is favored to win over the other. For instance, if Team A is favored by 7.5 points, they would need to win by eight or more points for bets on them to win. Conversely, if you bet on Team B and they lose by less than 7.5 points or win the game, your bet will succeed.
  3. Over/Under bet (total points): This bet involves predicting whether the total points scored by both teams will be Over or Under a specific number set by the sportsbook.
  4. Prop bets: These are bets made on specific events or occurrences within a game that may not affect the final outcome. For college football, prop bets could include things like the first team to score, the total number of touchdowns, or individual player performances.
  5. Futures bets: These are bets made on events that will happen in the future, like betting on a team to win the National Championship before the season starts or predicting the Heisman Trophy winner.

Remember, the types of bets available can vary depending on the sportsbook and the specific college football game or event. Always ensure you understand the odds and how the bets work before placing them.

Where to bet on college football

Here are our best college football betting sites: