As popular as the National Football League is the US, college football dwarfs the league in attendance by a large margin. Of course, there are a lot more college football teams than NFL teams, but even with that said, college football is certainly more popular than the NFL in some areas.
Most southern states are hot beds for college football and field the best teams each year. While Florida has several teams, few Gulf coastal or southern states have an NFL franchise other than Carolina Panthers who are based in Charlotte, NC.
NCAA Football is the lifeblood of many universities whose success depends on their boosters and football programs – almost too much so. In America’s “Bible Belt” an area known for a large number of Churches and high number of Christians, college football might be second most worshipped thing in these communities. For some, the college game is essentially a religion.
Living in Pittsburgh, I’ve watched my fair share of Pitt football games, but I have to say I prefer the professional product of the Pittsburgh Steelers much more. However, there is no doubt the college game is an amazing look at the stars of tomorrow and a sport that has spawned some rivalries that have been going on for generations.
As far as betting the sports goes, the markets are essentially the same as the NFL betting ones, but probably a little less expansive. Bigger high profile matches probably garner as much betting action as highly bet NFL games, but since there are so many college games in any given week – there is plenty of value for bettors to exploit, especially those who are well informed on the lesser known conferences. Take a look below ar the
Regular Season and Postseason
College football consists of three separate divisions, but normally only the NCAA’s Division I games are available for betting action with the exception of some Division II championship games. Division III betting markets are nonexistent in Las Vegas and through online sportsbooks but may be available on the local level.
While Divison I FCS and Divison II levels have playoffs to decide a national championship, Division I instead has the Football Bowl Subdivision. This has long been hotly debated topic among college football fans, players, schools and coaches. Many have called for a traditional playoff or at least some combination of the Bowl system and a playoff format.
Despite many challenges to the current system, there is only one Bowl game that is designated as the National Title and dozens of other bowl games that have no real importance other than the prestige of winning a bowl game. The Bowl Game system is also hugely economically beneficial to the universities, who would not want to risk giving up their riches.
One would think that a playoff format would provide the same revenue – if not more – for the NCAA, but that is a risk they are apparently not willing to take.
Anyways, the regular season lasts 13 weeks for college programs, which may or may not be followed up with a bowl game of varying importance. There are over 115 teams in Division I college football make up over three dozen conferences. The Southeastern Conference is responsible for most National Champions over the past decade and is unquestionably the most dominant conference in college football. Other prominent conferences include the PAC-10, Big 10 and Big 12.
Major Rule Differences from NFL
In the college game, the clock stops at all the same times it would in the pros with a notable exception. Anytime a college offense gets a new first down – the clock stops. This is a massive advantage, especially late in games when offenses desperately need time to run a play. Compared to the NFL, where the QB would have to spike the ball or call a timeout to get a stoppage in play.
Also, receivers catching the ball from quarterbacks will only need to get one foot in bounds versus the two feet required in the NFL.
Both of the above rules are one of the reasons why scoring is more prevalent in college football versus the pro game. Of course, the level of play is also faster in the pros, and defenses are better, so the rule changes are small but not an insignificant factor.
Finally, overtime is fundamentally different in the college game from the pros. Each team is guaranteed one possession in college football, which is not the case in the NFL. College overtime starts with both teams on the 30 yard line where they can either kick a field goal or score a touchdown. Depending on the outcome of the first team’s possession, the opponent must either match or exceed the point total of their opponent.
All of these rules contribute to more offense which is why there is much more scoring in the college game versus the NFL.
Study During the Offseason
For college football bettors, the offseason is not a time to mull over a few roster moves and notable releases like the NFL, but instead dozens of teams graduate players, lose them to the pros and welcome a new class of freshmen.
The landscape of college football changes each offseason. Think about it, what other sport can a team go from winning a championship to fully rebuilding within a few months? Studying the teams in the offseason, projecting the best recruiting classes and knowing which teams will be returning a lot of starters is crucial to my handicapping.
Having a deep knowledge of the key players of each team will go a long way to help you beat the point spread and hit your mark with totals plays. This is simply a sport where expansive knowledge of the players and teams will give players a direct advantage in the markets.
Returning Starters
This sort of goes along with studying teams in the offseason, but it is crucially significant to note teams who are returning a lot of starters to both sides of the ball, but especially the offense. These can reliable options during the first few weeks of the season, because of the familiarity that players have with each other. They are more likely be bring a better more consistent performance (at least for the first part of the season) provided that they are healthy.
Look Ahead & Let Down
Like the NFL, when the players receive their schedule for the upcoming season there is no doubt that there are some games which they are more focused on than others. A conference rival or a key non-conference away game is undeniably more important than a cupcake game at home against a perennially losing program.
The opposite is true for the team that comes in facing the powerhouse that has nothing to lose – they have this game circled on their schedule and would love for nothing more than to pull up the upset. Prominent programs may take their lesser scheduled opponents less seriously if they are a week or so within a key game or a conference rival.
This is normally a bright spot to look for a betting opportunity because the spread is normally large and the underdog is getting a lot of points. In fact, players should look to take advantage of large numbers that are not normally available in the NFL.
Too many things can happen in a football game to keep a team from covering point spreads that are regularly 20 plus points, and especially ones that are around 30 or 40.
Finding a College Football Sportsbook
Every sportsbook in the world takes wagers on college football, but what should players look for when choosing a sportsbook?
Firstly, competitive odds and markets and a solid book with a great reputation. Any site that offered reduced juice or lucrative deposit bonuses should be jumped to the top of the list. Also, if you are into team and player proposition bets for college football, be sure that the book offers these markets before depositing. The same can be said for future bets and live betting opportunities.
Wagering limits may also be relevant to some bettors who plan on betting large amounts per game and want the ability to bet a few thousand dollars with little or no hassle. I personally enjoy knowing that a few thousand dollars wagered is nothing for my chosen sportsbook, even if I’m not betting the amount myself.
Taking advantage of seasonal promotions, such as college football wagering contests, reload bonuses and other added ways to give yourself a little extra bankroll boost that can be critical for bettors who are just getting their start betting online.
