How to Bet on College Football: A Complete Beginner's Guide
What is College Football Betting?
College football betting is the act of wagering on the outcome of NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) games. With over 130 teams and a passionate fanbase, college football offers a unique and exciting betting landscape. From regular-season matchups to the College Football Playoff, there are countless opportunities to test your knowledge and potentially profit from the sport.
Basic Rules and Format
The college football season is divided into the regular season, conference championships, and the postseason, which includes bowl games and the College Football Playoff. The regular season typically runs from late August to early December, with each team playing around 12 games. The postseason is a series of bowl games, with the top four teams in the country competing in the College Football Playoff to determine the national champion.
Types of Bets Available
College football betting offers a wide variety of wagers, including:
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Point Spread: The most popular way to bet on college football. The sportsbook sets a margin of victory for the favored team. The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can win the bet by winning the game or losing by less than the spread.
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Moneyline: A simple bet on which team will win the game outright.
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Totals (Over/Under): A bet on the total number of points scored by both teams in a game.
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Prop Bets (Propositions): Bets on specific events within a game, such as a player's total rushing yards or a team's total touchdowns.
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Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes like which team will win the national championship or which player will win the Heisman Trophy.
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Parlays: A single bet that combines multiple individual wagers. All wagers in the parlay must win for the bet to pay out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Bet
- Choose a Sportsbook: Select a legal and reputable online sportsbook.
- Create an Account: Sign up and deposit funds.
- Find the College Football Section: Navigate to the college football or NCAAF section.
- Select a Game: Choose the game you want to bet on.
- Choose Your Bet: Select your desired bet type (point spread, moneyline, etc.).
- Enter Your Wager: Decide how much you want to bet.
- Confirm Your Bet: Review your bet slip and confirm your wager.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Betting on Your Alma Mater: Avoid letting your school pride cloud your judgment. Bet with your head, not your heart.
- Ignoring Key Numbers: In football, some margins of victory are more common than others (e.g., 3, 7, 10). Be aware of these key numbers when betting the point spread.
- Not Shopping for the Best Lines: Different sportsbooks can have slightly different odds. Over time, getting the best line can make a big difference to your bottom line.
- Chasing Losses: Don't increase your bet size to try and win back money you've lost. This is a quick way to deplete your bankroll.
Tips for Beginners
- Specialize in a Conference: With so many teams, it can be overwhelming to follow them all. Focus on a specific conference to gain a deeper understanding of the teams and their tendencies.
- Pay Attention to Strength of Schedule: A team's record can be misleading if they have played a weak schedule.
- Look for Letdown Spots: Teams can sometimes have a letdown performance after a big win or an emotional game.
- Consider Motivation: A team's motivation can vary depending on the situation. For example, a team playing in a meaningless bowl game may not be as motivated as a team competing for a conference championship.
- Have Fun and Bet Responsibly: Set a budget and stick to it. Sports betting should be an enjoyable form of entertainment.