Betting on college football is growing by the day and today we look at when and how bettors can wager on the underdogs. One of the original college football betting systems for college underdogs was called “power underdogs” by Gold Sheet’s Mort Olshan. In essence the theory was to bet on good teams when they were looked upon as underdogs by sportsbooks. Here are two situations in which this theory applied:

1. Ranked Teams as Underdogs – The rule of thumb when betting on ranked teams as underdogs is to bet on the teams to win outright. Teams that are ranked tend to have the best football programs in the country. Meaning to say that although they are ranked as underdogs, they have every chance to at the very least cover the point spread.

From 1985 until now, ranked teams as the underdog have put forth an impressive record when point spread betting. In that 25 year span, ranked underdogs have amassed a record of 737-419-18 for a winning percentage of over 60. As well in the last two years the ranked underdogs covering the spread have combined for a record of 43-29-1 for a win percentage just under 60.

2. Home Teams as Underdogs – When ranked teams are viewed as underdogs, it is more common to view them like this when they are on the road. Nevertheless, teams that are ranked and deemed an underdog at home in the last 25 years have put forth a record of 178-81-6 good enough for a win percentage of 68.7.

One interesting note about home team underdogs is the fact that the teams win percentage against the spread drops significantly when they face other ranked teams at home. For instance, since 1985, when home underdogs face fellow ranked teams at home they only have a record of 120-76-6 good enough for a 61.2 win percentage.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 23rd, 2010 at 10:35 pm and is filed under NCAA Football. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.