Betting on college football is nearly as popular as wagering on the NFL, and it attracts fans worldwide. Each college football team plays roughly 12 games per season, and with games scheduled weekly, there’s always a buzz around betting lines that captures the attention of both newcomers and experienced gamblers alike. The NCAAF is known for delivering thrilling action that keeps bettors on the edge of their seats.
In this guide, we’re going to show you excellent strategies to help you score big with NCAAF betting. Use the time between games wisely to plan your approach and boost your chances of winning.
Getting to Know the Game
Before diving into NCAAF betting odds, it’s important to get a grasp on the basics of placing bets on college football. As a beginner in the betting landscape, here’s a rundown of the common betting options you should be aware of:
Point Spread Betting
The point spread is the number of points by which a team is favored to win or expected to lose. Oddsmakers balance the playing field by assigning a point spread to the teams. For instance, if Team A is predicted to beat Team B by 1.5 points, the betting sheet will show Team A with a -1.5 spread. To win your bet on Team A, they’ll need to win by at least two points to “cover the spread.” Conversely, Team B is considered the underdog with a +1.5 spread, and if you bet on them, they must win or lose by less than 1.5 points for you to win your bet.
Over/Under Bets
Placing over/under bets is a straightforward way to get involved in upcoming NCAAF games. In this type of bet, you focus on the total points scored by both teams combined, rather than who wins. If the bookmakers set a predicted total of 50 points for Team A and Team B, and you think the actual total will exceed that, you’d bet “Over.” If you believe the score will fall below that total, you’d bet “Under.”
Moneyline Bets
For a simple approach to betting, consider the moneyline, which is just a bet on who will win. Favorites to win typically offer lower moneyline value, reflecting lower risk, while underdogs provide a higher potential payout but at a greater risk. Remember that sports betting often throws curveballs; it’s all about weighing the risks and not just following popular opinions.
Home Field Advantages: Valuable but Not Foolproof
While home-field advantage can affect player performance and betting lines, betting solely on this factor can be misleading. Most bettors, who bet for fun, often back the home team indiscriminately, driving up their odds and making them seem like a shrewd bet. However, there’s no sure bet in betting, so we suggest taking a careful look at the numbers before jumping on the bandwagon of home advantage.
Think Twice Before Placing Parlay Bets
Parlay bets can be tempting due to the big payout for a small stake, but they’re not the best strategy for those looking for consistent wins and skill development. They rarely pay off, and it’s often wiser to go for safer single bets, especially when working with a limited budget. Parlays can quickly deplete your funds due to their appealing but deceptive odds.
Beware of Public Betting Patterns
Many casual, or “recreational,” bettors place bets primarily for fun. These public betting patterns can skew the odds. By steering clear of these bets, savvy gamblers can find high-value opportunities on bets that have had their odds inflated by public action.
In Conclusion
The NCAAF is just as electrifying as the NFL, providing a stage for up-and-coming players to shine and for bettors to show their support through their wagers. If you aspire to evolve from a novice to a savvy bettor, keep these tips in mind. So, ready your bankroll, pick up that betting slip, and good luck winning some cash!
