When it comes to college football picks, it can seem like the lines are all over the place. Teams are favored or underdogs, and there is a lot of variation in the stats. However, there are a few basics you should know when putting together your NCAAF bets.
The most important thing to remember is that betting lines are determined by odds makers. There are two ways to distribute odds: point spread and money line. For example, Alabama is a -6 point favorite against Georgia, while Auburn is a -1 point underdog. Both teams will have to score over 55 points in order for the lines to be even.
Another way to figure out which teams are more likely to win is to look at the current trends in college football. A team’s record and player turnover over the last few years are both good indicators of a team’s success. If a team has been in a winning streak recently, there is a good chance it will have a more stable lineup than in previous years.
Also, some of the most successful college football programs have a storied history. Programs such as Michigan, Ohio State, and Alabama have been dynasties. Despite recent losses, these programs still hold the top spots in their respective conferences. Their fan base can be noisy, and they are often a difficult challenge for visiting teams.
College football has changed a lot over the years. Teams have more time to prepare for a bowl game. Additionally, non-conference games have an extra meaning. When an opponent is in the Top 20 or is a major rival, it’s a big deal.
Free NCAAF picks are made daily. They are made by expert handicappers, and based on relevant stats. These experts look beyond the lines and into the player’s strengths and weaknesses. You can trust these predictions because they are based on accurate stats and a solid algorithm.
If you have been following a particular team, you may have noticed that the odds have been dropping since the season opened. This may be a good indicator of a change in strategy. If the team’s coach is disappointed with his players’ performance, they will not practice as well as they might otherwise.
In addition, many coaches try to speed up the game by running as many plays as they can. While it can help, this can also hurt a team’s performance. One reason for this is that offenses have more time to gain first downs and get into the end zone. That means that wide-outs can rack up receiving yards against suspect players. Similarly, defensive holding and perfect pocket protection can create cheap first downs.
Using free NCAAF picks isn’t as easy as it sounds. To avoid losing money, you must take the advice of the handicappers you choose seriously. Your instincts should play a role in your decision, and you should be careful not to let emotion take over your bets.