There are thirty-nine college football bowl games, starting in the late fall and going into the winter. They offer sports bettors a wealth of opportunities. This is a time for a fresh start as these games really represent their own season. Here’s how to approach this second season of college football sports betting.
Second Season Handicapping
Although you don’t have to completely restart your handicapping by tossing out information on teams from the regular season, you do need to reassess each team on which you’re going to bet. Consider if a team has changed much since their last game (which may have been a month or more ago), and how they will approach what is the final game of the year.
Early Games
The earlier a bowl game is played, the less important it is in terms of national interest. Teams in early games tend to be those that are not nationally ranked, which often means odd matchups where one club will totally dominate the other. Plus, scores tend to be pretty inflated in these contests. Try to find some games where the point spread is fairly modest, but in which you anticipate a blow out. Wager some major units – around four – on such games,
Third Choice Teams
Many times the teams that end up in a bowl game are not those that would have been the preferred choice. Bowl games tend to have specific criteria as to which teams will participate, and it usually comes down to where teams finish within certain conferences.
As an example, consider the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, which is the sixth oldest bowl game in the nation. Starting in 2015, the bowl will feature SEC teams playing ACC teams for three years. Notre Dame will also be eligible at this time, and SEC and Big Ten teams the following three years. The teams selected to play in the Gator Bowl will depend partly upon commitments to other bowls – better teams will play in more prestigious games.
The More 50% Factor
There are presently thirty-nine competitive bowl games. That means seventy-eight Division I college football teams will participate in a bowl game. That’s about 65% of the Division I clubs. Can there be that many good college football teams in Division I? The answer to that question is, of course: no. Smart sports bettors look for major mismatches where a top-ranked team in a lesser division plays a middling team from another. The disparity can yield beneficial results to the sports bettor who does his homework.
Back to Basics
When it comes to betting the college football bowl season, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, as with any other game, you’re going to have to engage in solid handicapping practices. This is essential. Second, remember that while there is plenty of value to be found in the college football bowl season, you’re going to have to look carefully for it. Finally, be selective on the games you wager. Don’t spread your bankroll too thin, and don’t make unsound decisions by placing too many units on risky bets or games you have not properly researched.