How to bet on 2024 College Football smartly, responsibly
Author:
Zach
Published:
Sep 4, 2024
,
07:44 p.m.
ET
Even if you have already read our 2024 college football betting guide, this article dives deeper into specific approaches to betting on college football intelligently and responsibly. It offers strategies to encourage sustainable play, while highlighting the importance of responsible gambling.
Betting on college football can be an exciting way to increase engagement with and enjoyment of the sport, but if you’re going to take part, it's essential to do so with both knowledge and caution. With the 2024 college football season officially underway, bettors have gotten a taste of the countless wagering opportunities available each week. However, the sheer volume of games and the unique dynamics of college football require a disciplined approach.
Smart approaches for betting college football
When betting on college football, preparation and strategy are key. Here are some smart approaches to consider:
Thorough Research
Unlike the NFL that has just 32 teams, college football features a wide range of talent levels across 10 different conferences and 134 programs. Without a draft or salary cap, the playing field is often not level. The top coaches regularly recruit the best talent, and more recently bring them on board with NIL (Name, Image & Likeness) opportunities and/or through the transfer portal.
Researching team stats, player performances, coaching styles and even weather conditions can help increase your chances. Pay attention to matchups, such as a team’s strength in the run game versus their opponent’s ability to defend it. The more information you have, the more informed your bets will be. For extra insight, consider listening to college football podcasts or reading articles from unbiased, data-driven experts.
Don’t Bet on Every Big Game
It’s tempting to place bets on every high-profile game, especially with marquee matchups being hyped every week. For example, the Saturday slate on October 12 – featuring matchups like Texas vs Oklahoma, Ohio State vs Oregon and Penn State vs USC – has already garnered plenty of media attention from gambling outlets and college football enthusiasts.
However, a game featuring two top teams doesn't mean it's a good betting opportunity. Sometimes, the best value can lie in less-publicized games where there is less betting action. Focus on games where you have a better understanding of the teams involved and avoid betting just for the sake of it.
Look at Trends and Form
In college football, trends can be particularly telling. Teams often follow patterns, whether it’s consistently covering the spread at home or struggling against specific conference rivals. Analyzing trends can help you identify patterns and make more informed bets. Additionally, current form is critical; a team on a hot streak may be so because of an easy part of their schedule, or they may have figured out something schematically.
Home vs. Away: Impact of Home-Field Advantage
Home-field advantage is a significant factor in college football, often more so than in professional sports. College football’s eight largest stadiums hold a capacity of over 100,000 people. Outside of motorsport raceways, these eight stadiums are the largest sporting venues in the country.
The atmosphere in college stadiums can be intimidating, and travel can take a toll on young athletes. For example, Texas A&M’s Kyle Field, the fifth-largest stadium, is renowned for its passionate fans, known as the “12th Man.”
In Week 1, #20 Texas A&M was a slight favorite against #7 Notre Dame, partly due to their home-field advantage. Notre Dame’s offensive line was unproven and they had a new transfer quarterback under center. However, their excellent defense exploited a weak A&M offense under a new coaching staff. Understanding the impact of playing at home versus on the road, and then looking deeper into the matchup, can help you make better betting decisions, particularly when considering the spread.
Keep Track of Injuries, Suspensions and Other Player News
College football teams can be heavily impacted by injuries and suspensions, especially since depth can vary greatly between programs. An injury to a key player or a suspension can drastically alter a team’s chances in a game. Staying updated on the latest injury reports and team news is essential for making informed bets. Also, consider how long a player has been out and the performance of their replacement, if any.
Motivation at the End of the Season
As the season progresses, motivation can become a critical factor in college football. Teams fighting for bowl eligibility or a conference title may be more motivated than those with little to play for. Additionally, some players may sit out games to avoid injury ahead of the NFL Draft. Understanding the motivations of teams and individual players as the season winds down can play a key role in betting strategy.
How to bet on 2024 NCAA College Football responsibly
While betting on college football can be enjoyable for many, there are also serious risks, so it’s important to bet responsibly. Here are some tips to help you keep play sustainable and healthy:
Limit the Number of Bets: With the extreme volume of college football games every week, it’s easy to get carried away. Stick to a select few games where you’ve done thorough research rather than spreading your bets too thin.
Avoid Betting Under the Influence: Making betting decisions while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to poor choices, as risk evaluation skills and critical thinking decrease. Although drinking at college on Saturday game days is common, sports betting should never be part of that.
Know When to Stop: If you find yourself losing more than you’re comfortable with, you should step away. Betting should be an enjoyable activity, not a source of stress or financial strain. Sportsbook apps nowadays have features like user-initiated “Cool-off Periods” that will help protect you from yourself by blocking more bets for a set time.
Risks of betting on college football
Betting on college football comes with its own set of risks, many of which stem from the sheer number of games and factors to consider. Here are some of the risks to be mindful of:
Number of Games: Many games can mean many dollars risked for some bettors. It also can be an opportunity to “chase” losses by betting more in hopes of winning back what was lost earlier. That is an extremely dangerous behavior and a tell-tale sign of a gambling problem.
Peer Pressure: College football Saturdays are a social event for many, and the excitement can lead to peer pressure to bet more than you planned. It’s important to stay true to your strategy and not let others influence your betting decisions, whether that be what you bet on or how much you risk.
The Excitement Factor: The thrill of college football, especially when rooting for your favorite team, can cloud your judgment. It’s easy to get caught up and place bets based on emotion rather than logic. Always approach betting with a clear mind and a well-thought-out plan.
Know someone with a gambling problem? How to help
If you know someone who may be struggling with a gambling problem, it’s important to approach the situation with care and concern. Here’s how you can help:
Express your concerns in a non-judgmental way. Let them know you’re worried about their gambling and that you’re there to support them.
Suggest that they take a quick online gambling self-assessment test or reach out to professionals who specialize in gambling addiction.
Provide them with information on available resources, such as counseling services, support groups and online tools.
Recovery from gambling addiction can be a long process. Offer your continued support and be patient as they work through their challenges.
At Birches Health, individuals can engage in a range of resources and care options to help struggles with gambling addiction. Birches treatment is designed to fit into your schedule and provide the support you need, wherever you are. If you or someone you know could benefit from Birches’ services, there are several ways to start:
You can also call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in contact with the Birches team right away.
