The college football season is a time of great excitement and anticipation for fans nationwide. As kickoff approaches, fans are gearing up for action-packed Saturdays filled with upsets, blowouts, and everything in between. With so many games to choose from each week, college football also presents ample betting opportunities.
Wagering on NCAA football games can make an already thrilling sport even more engaging but only if you bet smart. By following some strategic betting practices, you can stretch your bankroll and hopefully come out on top.
Take Advantage of Early Lines
Lines open for college football well ahead of the game, sometimes weeks before the schools take the field. This gives savvy bettors a chance to find value in the opening numbers. Teams tend to be overvalued or undervalued before they play a game. Keep an eye out for lines that seem off compared to your own projections. Seize the opportunity to get the best of it early. As kickoff approaches, public money will drive bad lines closer to where they should be. Attack early and then watch the value disappear.
Follow Line Moves
Speaking of value disappearing, following line moves is another critical strategy. Watch to see how the betting market reacts as kickoff nears. If the public is all over one side, it may drive the line up or down. But sharp bettors with inside information could also be influencing line shifts. Pay close attention to see if the smart money shows one team to be undervalued. Then, you can determine if it makes sense to follow the steam or fade it and go the other way.
Take Advantage of Soft Lines
Not all games garner the same betting attention. Rivalries like Alabama against LSU or Ohio State versus Michigan naturally draw more action than a game between two smaller programs. With less money coming in on those lower-profile matchups, sportsbooks often hang softer lines. The betting odds are a bit looser and more profitable for savvy bettors. Be sure to scan each Saturday slate for potential soft lines to target. Finding even one can make your weekend.
Shop For the Best Odds
This tip applies to all sports betting, not just college football. But it’s especially prudent with the NCAAF since games are only played once per week. Take the time to get the best possible odds. Rates vary at different sportsbooks, so check out places like FanDuel College Football Odds when betting. Just a few points difference in the spread or moneyline odds can greatly impact your bottom line. Maximize the value by putting your money down where you get the most bang for your buck.
Pick Your Spots
With an endless buffet of wagering options, it’s tempting to bet on every single game. But that’s a recipe for quickly going broke. Instead, be selective and pick your spots. Wait patiently for the matchups and lines that present an obvious edge. If there’s no clear value that stands out, it’s okay not to bet at all. Remember, you don’t have to force action just for the sake of gambling. Sometimes, the smartest wager is none at all.
Specialize in Conferences
Handicapping every team across all conferences is virtually impossible–there are simply too many moving parts. That’s why specializing can pay off. Become an expert in a particular conference or division–its strengths, weaknesses, coaches, traditions, etc. Understanding the nuances will help you identify value that other bettors may overlook. Dominating just one conference or division can be plenty profitable.
Take Advantage of Coaching Changes
One of the most significant early-season betting angles is targeting teams with new coaches. Long-tenured head coaches often have a huge impact on a program’s identity and performance. When they leave, it can shake things up in unpredictable ways. New coaches bring new schemes and philosophies. It takes time for holdover players to adjust. Watch for teams facing major coaching changes and look to fade them early in the season before they get settled.
Conclusion
By incorporating these strategic betting principles, you’ll be on your way to a winning college football season. Of course, there are never any guarantees when gambling. But making smart wagers will put the odds of success firmly in your favor. Here’s to a fall filled with exhilarating gridiron action and stacks of cash. Let the winning begin.
