NCAA football has firmly established itself as the pinnacle of American nonprofessional sports, capturing the hearts of fans across the nation. Over the past decade, the sport has not only grown in popularity but has also taken on a more global identity. This surge in interest has naturally led to a dramatic increase in betting on college football, particularly in the last five years. With the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money and the ongoing conference realignment, the excitement surrounding college football is at an all-time high. It seems we are on the brink of an unprecedented boom in college football betting.
Understanding college football betting
So, what do you need to know about betting on college football? From grasping the odds to exploring different types of bets, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the thrilling world of online FBS betting.
Understanding college football odds
First and foremost, understanding the odds is crucial in sports betting. College football odds are relatively straightforward once you familiarize yourself with three essential terms:
- Moneyline
- Point Spread
- Over/Under Total
These odds reflect oddsmakers’ projections for a game, including the expected winner, margin of victory, and the total points scored. Let’s break these down further.
Moneyline
The moneyline is one of the simplest forms of betting. It assigns a positive or negative number to each team in a matchup, indicating their odds to win. When you place a bet on the straight-up winner, you are essentially betting the moneyline.
A negative number (usually -105 or greater) indicates the favorite, while a positive number (typically +100 or greater) represents the underdog. It’s essential to remember that betting on a favorite yields a smaller payout, while betting on an underdog can result in a more substantial profit.
For instance, if you’re eyeing a matchup between Ohio State and Boston College, and Ohio State is a -350 favorite, you would need to risk $350 to make a $100 profit if they win. Conversely, if you believe Boston College can pull off an upset and they are listed at +350, a $100 bet could net you a $350 profit.
Point Spread
Another popular method for setting odds in NCAA games is through the point spread. This technique involves analyzing both teams’ strengths and weaknesses to predict how much the favorite will win by.
When betting the spread, the favorite has points deducted, and the underdog receives those points. For example, if Ohio State is an eight-point favorite (-8), they must win by more than eight points for you to win your bet. If they win by exactly eight, it’s a push, and your wager is refunded.
Over/Under Total
Betting the over/under, also known as the total, is a favorite among casual bettors. The sportsbook sets a projected points total for the game, and you can bet on whether the combined score will be over or under that total. If the final score exceeds the projected total, the OVER wins; if it falls short, the UNDER wins.
Types of bets in college football
As you delve deeper into college football betting, you’ll discover various types of bets that can enhance your experience.
Parlay betting
Parlays have gained immense popularity due to their potential for larger payouts. A parlay allows you to combine multiple bets (legs) into one big wager. However, all bets must win for the parlay to pay out. While you can create a parlay with just two legs, the most common parlays consist of 3-5 legs. The more bets you include, the higher the risk, but also the greater the potential reward.
Teaser parlays
Teaser bets offer a safer alternative to traditional parlays. In a teaser, you can adjust the point spread or total for each leg of your parlay by six or seven points. While this increases your chances of winning, it also reduces your potential payout. For example, if Georgia is a -7.5 favorite, a six-point teaser would allow you to bet on Georgia -1.5, giving you a better chance to win.
Player prop betting
Player prop betting has surged in popularity, mirroring the rise of fantasy sports. These bets allow you to wager on individual player performances, such as whether a receiver will exceed a certain yardage total. You can also bet on yes/no props for various game scenarios, like whether the starting quarterback will throw three touchdowns.
Futures betting
Futures betting is another exciting avenue in NCAA football. You can place bets on teams to win championships, bowl games, or individual players to win prestigious awards like the Heisman Trophy. Since these outcomes are often challenging to predict, futures bets typically offer longer odds and higher potential payouts.
Common sports betting terms
To navigate the betting landscape effectively, it’s essential to understand some common terms:
- Action – Any wager or bet you have on a game.
- Chalk – Refers to the favorite in a matchup.
- Cover – When the favorite wins by more than the required points or the underdog loses by fewer points than the spread.
- Juice – The commission built into the line offerings, also known as “vig.”
- Prop bet – A wager on a specific event happening or not happening in a game.
Frequently asked questions
What do the plus (+) and minus (-) mean in NCAA betting?
The plus (+) and minus (-) symbols indicate the point spread or betting odds. The minus sign denotes the favorite, while the plus sign indicates the underdog.
What is a “unit” in sports betting?
A unit represents the size of a given bet, typically a percentage of your bankroll. It helps bettors manage their wagers responsibly.
Where is online betting on the NCAA legal?
As of now, over 30 states and Washington D.C. have legalized online sports betting, with more states moving toward legalization. However, some states impose restrictions on betting on college sports, so it’s vital to check local laws before placing bets.
With the excitement surrounding NCAA football and the growing interest in betting, there has never been a better time to dive into this thrilling world. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, understanding the ins and outs of college football betting can enhance your experience and potentially lead to some exciting wins!
