How To Bet on College Football

Who doesn't love college football? Well, there might be some, but who cares - we love it! 

Betting on NCAA Football becomes particularly fun during the lead-up to the bowl games and the post-season playoffs.

Before you start betting (not just on college football but on any sport) it helps to understand betting lines and odds. These are the basics that help you figure out what’s going on behind the scenes and make smarter picks. 

Knowing how point spreads, totals, and odds work doesn’t just make betting more fun—it also gives you a much better shot at winning over the long run. Take a little time to learn them, and you’ll see the difference in no time!

NCAAF betting lines and odds

Let's start with some betting concepts: spreads, totals, and moneyline bets.

Point spreads

When betting the spread you're picking a team you believe will win while accounting for a specific number of points that acts as a handicap. You'll see either a favorite (-) or an underdog (+).

Here is a video that explains the concept of spread betting in detail:

Totals

Totals betting (also called over/under) doesn't require a specific team to win; instead, the idea here is to guess the predictions for the combined score and predict whether the total number is lower or higher.

For every NCAA game, a total is set, and you will have the option to wager on whether the final score will surpass (OVER) or fall below (UNDER) that predetermined total.

Watch this video to better understand how totals betting works:

Moneyline

With moneyline betting your objective is to predict the game's winner. There's no requirement for a particular point difference, so just go with the team you think is better (or that you support).

Here is an example of this work. Consider the matchup between Georgia and Alabama. The line reads Georgia Bulldogs +1 at Alabama with a total of 57.5, Georgia at +100, and Alabama at -120.

So what does that mean in effect? 

Consider this: The Georgia Bulldogs are the underdogs with a 1-point advantage. Adding the +1 to their score grants a winning bet if they win the game. Conversely, the Alabama Crimson Tide requires a victory by more than 1 point to fulfill a -1 bet. The total of 57.5 signifies the anticipated combined score. Wager OVER if you expect the score to exceed 57.5 and UNDER if you believe it'll be lower.

Regarding the moneyline, a +100 means parity – a successful $100 bet would lead to a $100 payout; for the favorite where the odds are -120, a $120 bet would result in a $100 profit.

Here is a video about moneyline betting:

When contemplating odds, it's helpful to understand the three odds formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional.

• American odds. Displayed as +125 or -125, these figures clarify moneyline bets. The value helps ascertain potential payouts.
• Fractional odds. Multiply the fractional representation by your bet amount to calculate the potential profit.
• Decimal odds. These odds exhibit the entire payout (including the initial bet) for every $1 wagered. For instance, 2.25 translates to a $2.25 profit on a $1 stake.

If you really want to geek out on this, read this article about odds and probability.

Going back to the example above: the Georgia Bulldogs is the underdog by a point and the odds are +100. Picking them to win outright with a $100 wager generates a $100 profit, totaling a $200 payout. For the favored Alabama Crimson Tide, a $120 wager yields a $100 profit and a $220 payout. 

Makes sense?

College football bets that we like

There's an array of betting possibilities to choose from:

• NCAA Champion. This type of bet allows you to predict the season's ultimate winner. Before the season begins, oddsmakers assess team strengths, offseason moves, and other factors to assign odds for each team's championship potential. These odds can evolve based on in-season performance. For instance, you might encounter odds like Alabama +600, Clemson +900, Ohio State +1200, and so on.
• Conference title winner. Similar to the previous bet, this wager involves picking the team you believe will clinch their conference title. Conferences like the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and more, will offer odds for conference title victories. You can place this bet before the season's start or even as the season unfolds.
• Heisman Trophy winner. With this bet, you predict the player who will be awarded the Heisman Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding player in college football. You can place your bet before or during the season, capitalizing on your insights about standout performances.
• Freshman of the Year. This bet lets you predict a standout freshman player who will make a significant impact during their debut season. It's an opportunity to anticipate promising newcomers who could exceed expectations set by oddsmakers.

There are also a number of prop bets you can make

Props involve placing bets on something specific to happen within a game. For instance, in a hypothetical game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes, you might encounter opportunities to bet on scenarios like:

• A quarterback surpassing or falling short of 250.5 passing yards
• A running back achieved more or less than 85.5 rushing yards
• A receiver picking up more or less than 78.5 receiving yards
• The total points scored being above or below 48.5

Best betting sites for NCAAF betting

Understanding parlays and teasers in NCAA football betting

Here’s a quick breakdown of how parlays and teasers work and what you need to know.

Parlays: High risk, high reward

Parlays let you combine multiple bets into one, giving you the chance to win bigger payouts.

• How it works: A parlay links two or more individual bets. To win, every bet in the parlay has to be correct.
• Why it’s appealing: The odds and potential payout increase with every bet you add.
• The downside: Even one wrong prediction means the entire parlay loses.

Parlays are great for bettors looking for a high-risk, high-reward opportunity, but they require careful research to ensure each leg of the bet has a solid chance of hitting.

Teasers: A safer alternative

Teasers offer more flexibility by letting you adjust the point spread or total score, but they come with lower payouts.

• How it works: A teaser involves at least two bets, with adjusted point spreads or totals in your favor.
• Example:
  • The Oklahoma Sooners are favored at -7, and the total score is 59.5.
  • With a 6-point teaser, the spread shifts to -1, and the total score moves to UNDER 53.5.
  • To win the teaser, both adjusted bets must be correct.

Teasers are perfect for bettors looking to reduce risk, as the adjusted spreads make winning more likely, but the tradeoff is a smaller potential payout.

Which is right for you?

• Parlays: Go for these if you’re confident in multiple bets and want a bigger payout.
• Teasers: Use these if you want more control and less risk, even if it means a lower return.

Both options bring a unique dynamic to NCAA football betting, giving you more ways to strategize and enjoy the game. As always, bet responsibly and make informed decisions!

How to bet on the NCAAF Playoff

The NCAA Football Playoff is the highlight of the college football season, offering some of the most exciting betting opportunities of the year. If you’re ready to dive in, here’s how to make the most of it.

Do your research

Before placing any bets, dig into the details:

• Team strengths and weaknesses: Look at how the teams have been performing, their standout players, and any recent momentum.
• Player injuries: Keep an eye on injury updates that could impact key matchups.
• Coaching strategies and history: Check how teams and coaches have fared in similar high-pressure situations.

Get familiar with betting markets

There are plenty of ways to bet during the Playoff, so know your options:

• Point spreads: Predict if the favored team will win by a specific margin.
• Money lines: Bet on the outright winner, no point spreads involved.
• Totals (over/under): Bet on whether the total combined score will be over or under the set number.

Try prop bets and futures

• Prop bets: These are fun bets on specific events, like how many touchdowns a player will score or total passing yards.
• Futures: Bet on outcomes like which team will win the National Championship or make it to the final game.

Manage your bankroll

This is key to staying in the game:

• Set a betting budget before the Playoff starts and stick to it.
• Avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford just because you’re feeling confident.

Use trustworthy, licensed US sportsbooks

Make sure you’re betting on a licensed and reputable platform that offers competitive odds and a user-friendly experience.

Stay in the loop

Keep up with injury reports, team news, and expert analyses throughout the Playoff. The more informed you are, the better your chances of making smart bets.

What to expect during the Playoffs

The NCAA Football Playoff features the top four teams from the season in a knockout-style tournament. Semifinal games take place in prestigious bowl matchups, with the winners advancing to the National Championship. Betting markets are open throughout, so you’ll have plenty of chances to get involved.

Whether you’re betting on spreads, props, or futures, the Playoff is packed with opportunities. Do your homework, stay disciplined, and enjoy the excitement of the biggest college football event of the year!

Quick tips to better NCAA betting

Here are some key tips to help you bet smarter:

• Focus on conferences. College football is made up of diverse conferences, each with its own quirks and dynamics. Specializing in a specific conference or set of teams can give you a deeper understanding of their play styles, rivalries, and trends.
• Consider home-field advantage. Home teams in college football often perform better due to the crowd’s energy and familiarity with the field. Make sure to factor in home versus away performance when analyzing matchups.
• Pay attention to weather conditions. Outdoor games can be heavily influenced by the weather. Rain, snow, or wind can affect passing and scoring, so always check the forecast and consider how it might impact the game.
• Avoid emotional bets. Betting with your heart instead of your head is a common mistake. No matter how much you love a team, base your bets on stats and analysis, not loyalty or bias.
• Compare odds. Not all sportsbooks offer the same odds. Shopping around for the best lines ensures you’re getting the most value for your bets.
• Start with individual bets. While parlays may offer big payouts, they’re much riskier. If you’re new to betting, stick to individual bets until you gain confidence and experience.
• Track your performance. Keeping a record of your bets, including wins, losses, and your reasoning for each wager, can help you refine your strategy over time. Learn from your mistakes and build on what works.
• Try live betting. Live betting lets you place wagers as the game unfolds, giving you a chance to respond to momentum shifts or new developments in the game.