The college football season gets closer with each passing moment and for football fans across the world the excitement is building just the same.
However, while most fans will turn out their televisions on most Saturdays this fall, they don’t realize there is an opportunity to bet on the product that they love.
If you fall under that umbrella, then stress no more! This guide will dive into the depths of sports betting and how to do so for college football.
Let’s begin!
>> Latest college football odds
Best Sites For Betting On College Football
- MyStake: Best variety for bets
- Bovada: Most consistent site at putting out bets quickly
- BetOnline: Great user-friendly option to get into sports betting
- MyBookie: Plenty of unique betting options
- Sportsbetting.ag: Best book for parlay building
Terms to Know When Betting on the 2023-2024 College Football Season
Moneyline Betting
Moneyline betting is a style in which the bettor is fully choosing based on who they believe will win the matchup. Oftentimes these lines will be skewed to who the books favor in a match up, but allow more cement betting from users so that the score doesn’t impact the results of their bet.
Pros: This approach when betting can benefit users because there is less left up to chance. When betting strictly on who will win, there is likely a higher hit rate on bets even if there happens to be smaller returns when betting on favorites. Another positive of this approach is that underdogs often get points, but if you bet on them to win, the potential return will be higher.
Cons: When betting on favorites, the returns from your bets will be smaller more often than if you were to bet on them covering the spread. If betting on underdogs, you may find yourself in an unlucky situation should they overperform, but narrowly fail to secure the victory.
Overview: Betting on the moneyline is a good way to first get started with sports betting as it is a lot more straightforward than other lines offered. However, it’s still a trusty approach to use for experienced bettors as well. Give it a try this college football season, and see how you like it!
Spread Betting
When it comes to spreads, sportsbooks will assess matchups across college football and place an expected point differential on the matchup that bettors are able to bet on. For example, the favorite in the matchup could be expected to win and the spread is -6. This means that the team will have to win by six points or more in order for those who bet on that spread to hit on their wagers.
Pros: Betting on spreads is an intriguing system as it creates an even stronger intensity in match ups throughout the season. Not to mention that when these spreads are created, it is generally put out with even odds, allowing for bettors to get a chance at equal return on their money. There are also some books that offer alternative spreads, which can result in safer bets or larger profits for bettors who choose to use them.
Cons: Spread betting can be frustrating at times as there are plenty of times where you may have bet on the correct team, but they didn’t win by enough points, or maybe you had a bet looking good for a team to cover the spread but then a bad call or play pushes the score outside of your window. There is more stress with each and every play, which can be a blessing and curse when money is on the line.
Overview: Betting on spreads is a good introductory style of betting as well, but also a good way to try to put your knowledge to the test against sportsbooks. Finding point spreads that seem a bit lopsided or inaccurate in regard to the match up is a great way to find success as a bettor and earn back some solid profits.
Over / Under Betting
The over/under approach to betting is when sportsbooks will place an overall point total on the game shared between both teams. So if there is a line set at 56.5 then if the teams combine to score 57 or more, the over would hit. If the teams combine to score 56 or less, then the under would hit.
Pros: Taking the approach of betting on over & under bets is a nice way to eliminate the intensity of the game that depends on one team to deliver results, and instead grants you the chance to depend on both teams. Betting on the over, you get a chance to root for highlights and big plays, which is when the game is easiest to enjoy. There is also a set number, so once it’s hit you’re already able to check it off as a victory before the game has concluded.
Cons: While betting on over or under can be a nice way to avoid individual team results, you are relying on both teams to meet your expectations. Especially in games where you may bet the under, it can be stressful for anytime a score happens, and that score is even more attainable should there be overtime.
Overview: When it comes to betting, taking picks on the over / under is something that you should try a few times at low stakes just to get a feel for how you do. If you find yourself fairly effective at it or feel strongly for a matchup though, it’s certainly worth the consideration.
Player Props
While it isn’t always available on the college football betting scene, player props are certainly an option to consider when offered. The way these bets work is you’ll be able to bet on a player’s statistics in the game. There are times it has to do with the amount of yards a player will have, their odds to score a touchdown, or possibly even the number of catches they’ll rack up over the course of the game. This is also an over/under system of betting, as you will be able to pick on either side of the yardage or scoring mark set by the platform.
Pros: The big positive of player prop betting is the variety that there is when it’s offered. Bets on individual passing yards, rushing yards, and receiving yards are generally offered which gives you plenty of various lines to consider, increasing the chances you’ll find something you like. Much like betting the over on game score, you can also get the results early for your bets making it easier to sit back and relax for the rest of the game.
Cons: While the players on the same team aren’t competing against one another, they are when it comes to sports betting. Watching as the receiver you picked to get over 72.5 yards doesn’t get targeted can be frustrating and takes your focus away from the game as a whole. Also the overall game plan changes from week to week so an outing that doesn’t match the expectation is very common.
Overview: Player props are a cool style of betting to find a wide range of variety and choices. It can be difficult to get a good feel for player production early in the year, so make sure to bet with plenty of research in this category, but they offer a lot of cool opportunities for bettors.
Parlays
A parlay is a combination of bets, putting a wager on a combination of lines that you’re hoping will collectively occur. For instance, if you were to put five bets together on a parlay it would be called a “5-leg parlay” and you would need all five bets to be correct in order to win money. This is a risky method of betting, but it can also create larger returns if successful.
Pros: Putting together a parlay is very tempting, and can be a fun way to put your knowledge to the test. It also ups the odds when combining your bets creating an opportunity for you to potentially bring in some big time profit. Parlay betting also makes sense in same-game situations.
For instance if you thought Ohio State spread was going to win a game, you might also bet on WR Marvin Harrison Jr to hit the over on his receiving total, and the over for the total score of the game. Having all of these aligned in the same game creates a chance to follow the path of your betting narrative, which will be explained in further detail later in the article.
Cons: While parlay betting can be fun, it’s a very classic situation of letting your eyes get too big. The total payout is going to be higher in this betting system, but the chance of you hitting on all of the connected bets is very risky. Plenty of caution needs to be taken in this approach, so do your research and bet responsibly.
Overview: Parlay betting is a cool way to put your knowledge to the test, but perfection is hard to achieve. If you decide to try it out, start with smaller parlays like 2-3 leg bets rather than combining a large amount of varying wagers.
How to Bet on the Upcoming College Football Season
After reading up and learning more on sports betting, you now may be wondering what the process is for starting. There can be some confusion on where to begin, but we got you covered. Here is a step by step guide to sign up at one of the best sites in Bovada!
Step 1 – Register at Bovada
- Click here to visit Bovada and click the green ‘Join’ button
- Fill out all the sign up details needed
Step 2 – Validate your account
- Check your email account for the validation link
- If you don’t see it, try checking your junk folder
- Once you’ve found it, verify your account by clicking the confirmation link
Step 3 – Deposit and play
- Deposit using your preferred payment method
- Take advantage of the sites promotional offer
- Research bets and begin placing them
Best Bets For The 2023 – 2024 College Football Season
So now it’s time to get some guidance for bets to consider, whether it’s game props, or season-long bets, there is plenty to consider for this upcoming year of college football, so let’s dive in.
MAC East Division Winner: Ohio Bobcats (+250) – via BetOnline
Analysis: The Bobcats were able to go 10-4 last season and win the division even with QB Kurtis Rourke going down with an injury late in the year. This season, they return plenty of valuable pieces from last year’s squad that should keep this team rolling.
The MAC is no easy conference, and there is a lot of chaos throughout the season, but behind one of the nation’s best QBs in Rourke, the Bobcats should be favorites to win the division and at +250 odds, that’s definitely worth the risk.
Week 1: South Carolina ML vs North Carolina (+130) – via Bovada
Early season hype surrounding teams is often based on the level of their quarterback, and North Carolina has one of the best in the country in Drake Maye. However, they have a lot of holes on their roster that don’t project well against an South Carolina team that is made for the SEC and finished last year hot.
The Gamecocks should be favorites in this game, but taking advantage of the books in week 1 is a great way to start the year. So do some research and consider tailing this one, as South Carolina looks like a good bet for both these team’s season opener.
ACC Conference Winner: Clemson Tigers (+144) – via MyBookie
The Clemson Tigers have had a bit of a dip in production in their past couple of seasons compared to what fans are used to, but things should return to normal this season. Last year, the Tigers finally made the move to QB Cade Klubnik and he showed promising flashes that should only grow in his second season with the program.
The big change for Clemson was the hiring of TCU Offensive Coordinator Garrett Riley. With him involved the offense that has been stagnant in years past should take a major step forward and help support what has consistently been a championship caliber defense.
The ACC will be tough with teams like Florida State, Duke, North Carolina, and many other teams. However, the Tigers should be able to walk away this season victorious.
Regular Season Wins: Utah Utes O/U 8.5: OVER (+110) – via MyStake
The Utah Utes seem to be in a steady cycle of disrespect when it comes to national attention and respect. This is a program that won the Pac 12 last season and returns plenty of starting talent from last season.
The big question mark for Utah is QB Cameron Rising who got hurt last year, but he is expected to be healthy and ready to go for the season opener, so getting in on over 8.5 wins now is a great leg up to have on the sports books.
Even with a schedule that features USC, Oregon, and Washington for a loaded PAC 12, expect the Utes to be up for the challenge and have a great year that ends with a record better than 8-4.
Bo Nix – Total TD Passes 2023 Regular Season Over/Under 26.5: OVER (-105) – via Sportsbetting.ag
When Bo Nix transferred to Oregon many were scratching their head on why the Ducks decided to bring him in. However, Nix became one of the top passers in the country. What was once a QB mocked for his inconsistencies, now became a bonafide stud in the college football world.
Nix opted to return to Oregon for his fifth season of college football, and he should relish the opportunity. Last season, he threw 29 touchdown passes, so this line seems a little surprising. With star WR Troy Franklin and a very experienced offensive line to protect him, expect Nix to beat this line comfortably on his way to a stellar final season.
Best College Football Betting Strategies
The world of college football is pure chaos, so you need to go in with a sound plan before you start placing bets. Down below, we’ll share some expert tips to help you get ahead of the books, and improve your chances each week as a bettor.
Create An Account With Multiple Sports Books
There are numerous platforms that offer their services for betting on college football, and signing up with as many as you can could be great for your approach to betting. Comparing odds, taking advantage of sign on promotions, and finding books you feel most comfortable using can all be a huge benefit to you, and it’s absolutely necessary to do so for your own benefit.
Bet In Line With Your Expected Narrative
When betting on college football, you need to think of how you expect the game to go before placing bets. If you think betting on USC is going to go over on the points, then you likely expect Caleb Williams to have a great day and could consider betting on his over for passing yards. Keeping bets from overlapping is a huge step in the right direction to successfully bet effectively.
Take Advantage of Promotional Offers
Both when you sign up and every week there will be bets and boosted odds offered by sportsbooks that you will want to consider this college football season. Taking advantage of these offers could lead to additional funds in your account and regardless of what you do, more money will never hurt.
Thinking of what to bet on? Check out the early Super Bowl 2024 odds and predictions.
Best Sites to Bet On The 2023-2024 College Football Season
MyStake: If you like promotional offers, head to MyStake as they drop countless opportunities each and every day, perfect for the college football season. New users are eligible to receive a 100% deposit match up to $500 with a minimum deposit of $20.
Bovada: Want to get in on the action quickly each week? Bovada is the book for you as they’re quick to stay up to date on offered lines and odds. Also make sure to take advantage of their 50% deposit match for new sign-ups up to $250 using fiat currency or a 75% match up to $750 with Bitcoin using code BTCSWB750. A 5x rollover applies to both bonuses.
BetOnline: BetOline already has a large selection of bets ready for the college football season, so don’t waste any time waiting. Sign up today and you could be eligible for a 50% deposit match up to $1,000, although you’ll have to make a $55 deposit and meet a 10x rollover.
MyBookie: MyBookie does a great job standing out from the crowd by offering a ton of unique betting options over the course of the year. If you sign up now you could be eligible for a 50% deposit match of up to $1,000 with a $50 minimum deposit.
Sportsbetting.ag: Sportsbetting.ag is a great platform for live betting as they’re constantly updating their odds to reflect any circumstances. For live action or quick new lines on news, this is a great sportsbook to use. By signing up, you couldl be eligible for a 50% welcome bonus up to $1,000 using code SB1000, although a $55 minimum deposit and 10x rollover apply.
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Guide to Betting on College Football: FAQs
When Does The College Football Season Begin?
The College Football season kicks off on August 26th at 2:30 PM EST when Navy and Notre Dame face off at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. The Fighting Irish are 20 point favorites in the game.
What Is The Best Betting Prop For College Football?
When it comes to betting on college football, the best prop varies by individual. If you are new, try some low wagers on a few different props of varying styles and see which one you have the best feel for. From there, you should hopefully figure out what works for you.
Is Betting On College Football Safe?
Betting on college football is plenty safe, especially when sticking with trusted sportsbooks like the platforms we promoted above! Overall, just be sure to bet responsibly and with plenty of research in order to ensure you give yourself the best chance each week.
What Is Conference Realignment & How Will It Impact College Football?
Conference realignment is when programs move from their original conference over to a new conference often due to financial incentive and a potential upgrade in competition & prestige.
The structure of college football has changed drastically over the past few years and in 2024 we will see a ton of moving pieces. The impacts this year though are only that schools like BYU, Cincinnati, Central Florida, and Houston have moved to the Big 12. As a result, the American Athletic conference added Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, North Texas, Rice, UAB, and UTSA. The domino effect of that led to the Conference USA adding Jacksonville State, Liberty, New Mexico State, and Sam Houston.
Many more changes will come in the coming seasons, but for now these are the changes you may notice this year.
How Many Teams Are In The College Football Playoff?
The college football playoff will only field four teams this season, but next year the field will expand to 12 teams in total. The FBS used to operate as a bowl system where only two teams would compete for the National College Football Championship until 2014 when they adopted a playoff system.
Ready to Bet on College Football for 2023-2024 Season?
With everything we had to teach you, you are now ready to head into the world of betting on college football. This season looks to be exciting with a ton of new faces around the country and it being the last year before major conference realignment. The most important thing is to remember to try to enjoy yourself, because that’s the best way to have fun this season.
If you are looking for the top sites to use, make sure to take a look at what Bovada has to offer.
Regardless of what platform you end up using for your sports bets this season, please always bet responsibly.
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