Football is considered one of the most popular sports of all time, and it’s even more popular with sports bettors. In fact, both NFL and College football has a strong following and wagers, despite only one being a professional sport. It’s essential to understand the critical differences between the two platforms, especially when it comes to betting. Without a strong knowledge and understanding, you may find your losses adding up. Both college and NFL football display odds the same way, despite being different leagues, but the similarities end there.
Currently, there are only 32 teams in all eight divisions of the NFL. Comparatively, the Football Bowl Subdivision has 130 Division 1 teals in 10 conferences. While you may have a solid understanding of handicapping within the NFL, trying to accomplish the same with college ball would be a full-time job. Although there are databases currently available to compare stats for these teams, it’s arguably much easier to look at 32 squads and their prior performance against a specific opponent.
A school finds talented players from high schools around the country, using the head coach to recruit them. There is no draft, and most of the schools continue to see success because of their boosters backing with significant money. The NFL has talent distributed through the draft; top college players go to teams that tanked prior season.
Although many sports media outlets will establish their own lists and standings, there is currently no list of rankings for NFL teams. On the other hand, college football teams will have an official list of the top 25 ranked teams. This list will have a considerable impact on wins and will significantly influence the team’s overall success.
For example, a favored team winning marginally (or losing) can significantly impact the overall standing. Teams are encouraged to destroy opponents and run up the score for optimized rankings. For the NFL, the score doesn’t influence any part of the standings. Essentially, college football demands ranking. Standings dominate the NFL.
When it comes to the NFL, a spread will typically range from 3 to 14 points. The teams are more evenly matched, creating an equal distribution of power. For college football, talent mismatches can come with a massive point spread. In fact, the spread can be 20 points or higher. There are known teams within college football that will destroy opposing teams. Likewise, OVER/UNDER numbers will be much higher with college football than the NFL due to the scoring discrepancies.
While a professional football player has a multi-million dollar contract to fall back on, college football players don’t have the same luxury. The average football player in college is only 18-23 years old. With age comes emotional and mental maturity that you simply don’t have in your teenage years. Understanding betting odds also means understanding the players behind the team. Costly mistakes, stereotypical anxiety, and emotions can influence a player’s performance overall. While statistics can significantly improve your chances of educated betting, identifying critical differences in players can make your bets even better.
In the NFL, overtime is sudden death. When the first time scores by field goal, touchdown, or safety, the game ends. Should no team score during this time, the game is declared a tie. The only exception to this rule is playoff games, when a game will continue until someone is declared a winner.
College football games are given additional periods until a winner is determined. Every overtime period is one possession for each team, determined by a coin toss. The drive starts at the opposing 25-yard line. There is a chance to score a touchdown or kick a field goal.
In the NFL, a player has to be forced down for a play to be over. This contact rule is substantially different than college football, where a play is dead when any part of the body touches the ground that isn’t hands or feet.
One of the most significant games in the world of betting is the Super Bowl. Fans will find themselves able to place a wager on almost every component of the game, from the half-time show, the coin toss, and even the spread. It’s the culmination of an entire season, ending in one final game. When it comes to college football, the bowls aren’t as significant, partially because there are so many, with winners occasionally making it to the championship game.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
