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College football is extremely popular to bet on, though legality varies by state. This guide will teach newcomers how to bet on NCAAF games, including odds, common bets, strategies, and key terms.
With this information, anyone can start handicapping college matchups like a pro!
NCAAF Betting Odds and Implied Probability
NCAAF betting odds represent potential payouts and the implied probabilities of outcomes.
For example, Alabama is a -250 favorite against Ole Miss. The odds of -250 mean you risk $250 to profit $100 on Bama winning.
The implied probability is calculated by: Odds / (Odds + 100)
For Alabama at -250, this is: 250 / (250 + 100) = 71.4% implied probability that Alabama beats the spread.
Knowing how to convert odds to probabilities allows bettors to find value by comparing odds to teams' real chances.
NCAAF Betting Markets
The most popular NCAAF bets are on the:
- Point spread: Betting on teams covering margins of victory
- Moneyline: Wagering on teams to win games outright
- Game total (Over/Under): Betting whether teams will score over or under a set number
- Team totals: Betting on an individual team's points scored
NCAAF Prop Bets
NCAAF prop bets allow you to wager on outcomes like:
- Player props for passing, rushing, receiving yardage
- Team props like total sacks, turnovers, or tackles
- Game props on specific events or scenarios
NCAAF Betting Tips
Useful NCAAF betting strategies involve monitoring:
- Home field advantage and crowd impacts
- Rivalry showdowns where emotions affect play
- Coaching matchups based on styles and histories
Common NCAAF Betting Mistakes to Avoid
Like any sport, there are some potential pitfalls to be aware of when wagering on NCAAF games:
- Betting too many games: Stick to matchups you have an edge in rather than betting on dozens of games.
- Making too many parlays: Fun but risky, parlays have a low hit rate. Use sparingly
- Betting unfamiliar teams: Only wager within your knowledge base, not just to have "action."
- Chasing losses: Avoid trying to immediately make up for losses by over-betting.
- Ignoring injuries/suspensions: Make sure to factor in players missing time.
- Not shopping for best lines: Compare odds across books to get maximum value.
- Betting drunk: Always bet with a clear, sober mind. Emotions cloud judgment.
NCAAF Betting Glossary
Key NCAAF betting terms include;
Push: When a wager results in a tie with no winner or loser.
Line movement: Fluctuations in the odds based on betting trends and market activity.
Bad beat: When you lose a bet in heartbreaking fashion on a late or improbable event.
Middle: When you bet on both sides of a line and win both wagers.
Backdoor cover: When a team covers the spread with meaningless late scoring.
Teaser: Adjust the spread in your favor for lower odds, usually 6 points.
Parlay: Combining multiple wagers together into one bet for a bigger potential payout.
Hedge: Placing a second wager to reduce overall risk on your original bet.
Cover: When a team wins by exceeding the betting spread.
Chalk: The favorite in a contest, derived from chalk lines showing favorites.
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