What is a point spread in college football betting?

If you're just getting into betting and reading content about it, you'll see the phrase "point spread" mentioned over and over. It's the most popular type of bet in U.S. sports betting, and it's essentially a wager on the margin of victory or defeat in a game. It's especially important within the college football gambling world given the sheer amount of blowouts, especially early in the season. It was invented decades ago to deal with that exact problem: If you're betting on the margin, games can be exciting in the fourth quarter even if a team is up by 30 points. The lines are pretty easy to understand: A sportsbook will list a spread for a game, and the underdog will have a plus sign while the favorite will own a minus sign. If Ohio State was -14 vs. Minnesota, the Buckeyes would "cover" the game if they won by 15 or more points. The Gophers would cover if they won the game or just lost by 13 or fewer points. If Ohio State won by exactly two touchdowns, it would be deemed a push, which triggers a refund.

What is a total or over/under bet in a college football game?

If you don't believe in either team in a game, but you're confident there will be a shootout given poor defenses or some other factor, totals or over/unders are right up your alley. These are bets on how many points will be scored in a game by both teams. Sportsbooks will list a number, and you can bet "over" or "under" that number to win. Sportsbooks list totals for individual teams, too, and you can also bet different timeframes, like the total for just the first half of a matchup.

How do moneylines work in college football betting?

Moneyline bets are also quite popular, and they're extremely simple, too. With these, you're just wagering on which team will win. It doesn't matter how many points are scored or the margin of victory -- just a win at the end of the game. The odds can be tricky at first, but think of American odds in terms of $100 payouts. If Wisconsin is -190 vs. Penn State, you would have to wager $190 to profit $100 if the Badgers were to win. On the Penn State side, the odds might be +150, which means a $100 bet would profit $150. If mental math isn't your thing, check out our betting calculator, where we'll highlight your potential payout for any bet.

Where Can I Bet on College Football?

If you’re in a U.S. state with legal, online sports betting, there are many choices for any given Saturday college football slate. The bet365 promo code and welcome offer are among the best in the sports betting market. By combining reliable tech and reasonably priced odds — notably, the best moneyline and spread pricing on average on the market — bet365 continues to grow. DraftKings is a household name at this point. They started off as a daily fantasy sports (DFS) company a decade ago, and since sports betting launched in 2018 they've quickly established themselves as one of the top sportsbooks in the country. Sign up using the DraftKings promo code ! FanDuel is the other DFS-turned-sportsbook giant. They're a trusted name in the space, and they really excel with futures markets. If you're a first-time bettor looking to sign up, take advantage of the FanDuel promo code ! BetMGM is a big name because of its hospitality wing and hotels in Vegas, and they also excel as a sportsbook, offering odds in most legal U.S. states. You can sign up for the first time using the BetMGM bonus code ! ESPN launched in late 2023 and is a stellar new sportsbook option for prospective users. Get started by registering with the ESPN BET promo code ! If you'd like to try out a social sportsbook, consider signing up with Fliff and using the Fliff promo code ! Flliff allows users to place bets using virtual currency called "Fliff Coins" and "Fliff Cash." Unlike traditional sportsbooks, Fliff has a sweepstakes model that makes it accessible in regions where traditional sports betting is restricted. Check out our sportsbook reviews for more information on what’s available in your state and exclusive sign-up bonuses and promo codes.

NCAAF Public Betting & Money Percentages

Odds Settings

11:30 PM

48%52%

+14-110

-14.5-102

12:00 AM

68%32%

+4-107

-3.5-112

12:00 AM

58%42%

+8.5-110

-7.5-113

12:00 AM

48%52%

+28-110

-28.5+105

12:30 AM

30%70%

+6.5+102

-7-110

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12:30 AM

49%51%

29%71%

+20%

-6-105

+6-105

12:30 AM

51%49%

+7-105

-7.5+100

12:30 AM

45%55%

+21.5-108

-21.5-109

12:30 AM

32%68%

+29.5-105

-30.5-105

1:00 AM

36%64%

-13.5-105

+13.5-110

2:00 AM

38%62%

-7.5+100

+7.5-110

3:30 AM

66%34%

-3.5-108

+3.5-109

3:30 AM

62%38%

-32.5-105

+32.5-110

4:00 AM

29%71%

+7.5-109

-7.5-105

4TH 1:08

49%51%

+3-110

+4.5-115

4TH 13:17

55%45%

+2.5-105

+1.5-110

3RD 3:13

48%52%

+15.5-125

-11-110

3RD 6:27

57%43%

-2.5-110

+2.5+102

3RD 8:12

49%51%

+3.5-110

-1.5-110

3RD 3:43

20%80%

+9.5-109

-8.5-110

3RD 8:03

34%66%

+9.5+100

-7.5+100

HALF

24%76%

+11.5-115

-7.5-113

DEL 1ST

60%40%

+9.5-110

-3-110

HALF

38%62%

-7-105

+6.5+100

HALF

48%52%

-2-112

+2.5-105

HALF

56%44%

-2.5-110

+2.5-105

2ND 0:01

74%26%

-14-109

+13.5-102

HALF

48%52%

+6.5+100

-6.5-110

2ND 0:21

46%54%

+2.5-110

-2-110

HALF

61%39%

+2.5-110

+1.5-140

2ND 0:20

69%31%

-4.5-110

+4.5-105

2ND 0:41

41%59%

+12.5-105

-10.5-105

2ND 2:59

59%41%

-24-110

+28.5-115

END 1ST

59%41%

+2.5-115

+1.5-105

Final

45%55%

-14-108

+13.5+100

Final

70%30%

-10-108

+9.5+100

Final

51%49%

+4-110

-3.5-115

Final

61%39%

+5.5-114

-3.5-115

Final

71%29%

-5.5-109

+6-110

Final

57%43%

-10.5-104

+13.5-120

Final

41%59%

-7-105

+7-110

Final

50%50%

-7.5+100

+14.5-155

Final

61%39%

-2-114

+2.5-105

Final

48%52%

-16.5-105

+16-105

Final

29%71%

+20.5-110

-20.5-105

Final - OT

43%57%

PK-113

+1.5-114

Final

26%74%

+3.5-125

+1.5-108

Final

59%41%

-28.5-102

+28-105

Aggies

TA&M

335

$Longhorns Team Icon$

Longhorns

TEX

336

Final

41%59%

-2.5-110

+2.5-105

Final

62%38%

-2-105

+2.5-115

Final

61%39%

+16.5-105

-15.5-115

Final

57%43%

-10-105

+9.5-102

Final

54%46%

-14.5-105

+15.5-115

Final

34%66%

+2.5-107

-2.5-110

Final

31%69%

+20.5-115

-17-105

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Final

59%41%

13%87%

+46%

+3.5-135

+1.5-120

Final

35%65%

-6-118

+6.5+100

Final

46%54%

+2.5-105

-1.5-110

Final

65%35%

-24.5-102

+25.5-115

Final

41%59%

-7.5+100

+11-110

Final

59%41%

-7-108

+9.5-115

Final

15%85%

-11.5-105

+11.5-110

Final

46%54%

+17.5-106

-17.5-110

Final

25%75%

+4.5-110

-3.5-118

Final

48%52%

+10.5-110

-10.5-105

Final

43%57%

+3.5-115

+1.5-110

Final

26%74%

+29.5-110

-27.5-110

Scheduled	Open	Best Odds	% of Bets	% of Money	Diff	Bets
11:30 PM Beavers ORST 437 Cougars WSU 438	+12.5 -12.5	+14-110 -14.5-102	48% 52%
12:00 AM Terrapins UMD 365 Spartans MSU 366	+4.5 -4.5	+4-107 -3.5-112	68% 32%
12:00 AM Hokies VT 375 Cavaliers UVA 376	+11.5 -11.5	+8.5-110 -7.5-113	58% 42%
12:00 AM Owls RICE 355 Bulls USF 356	+23.5 -23.5	+28-110 -28.5+105	48% 52%
12:30 AM Wildcats NW 413 Fighting Illini ILL 414	+7 -7	+6.5+102 -7-110	30% 70%
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12:30 AM Crimson Tide BAMA 387 Tigers AUB 388	-5.5 +5.5	-6-105 +6-105	49% 51%	29% 71%	+20%	64,002
12:30 AM Tar Heels UNC 367 Wolfpack NCST 368	+2.5 -2.5	+7-105 -7.5+100	51% 49%
12:30 AM Bruins UCLA 431 Trojans USC 432	+9.5 -9.5	+21.5-108 -21.5-109	45% 55%
12:30 AM 49ers CHA 409 Green Wave TULN 410	+28.5 -28.5	+29.5-105 -30.5-105	32% 68%
1:00 AM Mustangs SMU 427 Golden Bears CAL 428	-10 +10	-13.5-105 +13.5-110	36% 64%
2:00 AM Rebels UNLV 439 Wolf Pack NEV 440	-9.5 +9.5	-7.5+100 +7.5-110	38% 62%
3:30 AM Bulldogs FRES 425 Spartans SJSU 426	+2.5 -2.5	-3.5-108 +3.5-109	66% 34%
3:30 AM Fighting Irish ND 429 Cardinal STAN 430	-29.5 +29.5	-32.5-105 +32.5-110	62% 38%
4:00 AM Cowboys WYO 441 Rainbow Warriors HAW 442	+10.5 -10.5	+7.5-109 -7.5-105	29% 71%
4TH 1:08 Bulldogs LT 417 Bears MOST 418	+2.5 -2.5	+3-110 +4.5-115	49% 51%
4TH 13:17 Red Wolves ARST 359 Mountaineers APP 360	-1.5 +1.5	+2.5-105 +1.5-110	55% 45%
3RD 3:13 Warhawks ULM 405 Ragin' Cajuns UL 406	+10.5 -10.5	+15.5-125 -11-110	48% 52%
3RD 6:27 Eagles BC 373 Orange SYR 374	-2.5 +2.5	-2.5-110 +2.5+102	57% 43%
3RD 8:12 Blue Raiders MTSU 423 Aggies NMSU 424	+3 -3	+3.5-110 -1.5-110	49% 51%
3RD 3:43 Blazers UAB 389 Golden Hurricane TLSA 390	+9 -9	+9.5-109 -8.5-110	20% 80%
3RD 8:03 Jaguars USA 401 Bobcats TXST 402	+9.5 -9.5	+9.5+100 -7.5+100	34% 66%
HALF Black Knights ARMY 385 Roadrunners UTSA 386	+8.5 -8.5	+11.5-115 -7.5-113	24% 76%
DEL 1ST Bearcats CIN 393 Horned Frogs TCU 394	+3 -3	+9.5-110 -3-110	60% 40%
HALF Ducks ORE 433 Huskies WASH 434	-7 +7	-7-105 +6.5+100	38% 62%
HALF Owls KENN 435 Flames LIB 436	-2.5 +2.5	-2-112 +2.5-105	48% 52%
HALF Badgers WIS 415 Golden Gophers MINN 416	-2.5 +2.5	-2.5-110 +2.5-105	56% 44%
2ND 0:01 Nittany Lions PSU 371 Scarlet Knights RUT 372	-14 +14	-14-109 +13.5-102	74% 26%
HALF Trojans TROY 399 Golden Eagles USM 400	+6.5 -6.5	+6.5+100 -6.5-110	48% 52%
2ND 0:21 Commodores VAN 347 Volunteers TENN 348	+2.5 -2.5	+2.5-110 -2-110	46% 54%
HALF Demon Deacons WF 361 Blue Devils DUKE 362	+2.5 -2.5	+2.5-110 +1.5-140	61% 39%
2ND 0:20 Tigers MIZ 407 Razorbacks ARK 408	-4.5 +4.5	-4.5-110 +4.5-105	69% 31%
2ND 0:41 Tigers LSU 383 Sooners OU 384	+11.5 -11.5	+12.5-105 -10.5-105	41% 59%
2ND 2:59 Dukes JMU 351 Chanticleers CC 352	-24.5 +24.5	-24-110 +28.5-115	59% 41%
END 1ST Seminoles FSU 339 Gators FLA 340	+1.5 -1.5	+2.5-115 +1.5-105	59% 41%
Final Falcons BGSU 303 Minutemen MASS 304	-16.5 +16.5	-14-108 +13.5+100	45% 55%
Final Broncos WMU 301 Eagles EMU 302	-5.5 +5.5	-10-108 +9.5+100	70% 30%
Final Midshipmen NAVY 311 Tigers MEM 312	+4.5 -5.5	+4-110 -3.5-115	51% 49%
Final Golden Flashes KENT 321 Huskies NIU 322	+5 -5	+5.5-114 -3.5-115	61% 39%
Final Hawkeyes IOWA 319 Cornhuskers NEB 320	-5.5 +5.5	-5.5-109 +6-110	71% 29%
Final Utes UTAH 323 Jayhawks KU 324	-10.5 +10.5	-10.5-104 +13.5-120	57% 43%
Final Bobcats OHIO 315 Bulls BUFF 316	-5.5 +7	-7-105 +7-110	41% 59%
Final Rebels MISS 317 Bulldogs MSST 318	-7.5 +7.5	-7.5+100 +14.5-155	50% 50%
Final Falcons AFA 327 Rams CSU 328	-2.5 +2.5	-2-114 +2.5-105	61% 39%
Final Bulldogs UGA 329 Yellow Jackets GT 330	-12.5 +12.5	-16.5-105 +16-105	48% 52%
Final Owls TEM 395 Mean Green UNT 396	+18.5 -18.5	+20.5-110 -20.5-105	29% 71%
Final - OT Aztecs SDSU 331 Lobos UNM 332	-1.5 +1.5	PK-113 +1.5-114	43% 57%
Final Broncos BOISE 333 Aggies USU 334	-1.5 +1.5	+3.5-125 +1.5-108	26% 74%
Final Hoosiers IU 337 Boilermakers PUR 338	-27.5 +28.5	-28.5-102 +28-105	59% 41%
Final Aggies TA&M 335 $Longhorns Team Icon$ Longhorns TEX 336	+4 -4	-2.5-110 +2.5-105	41% 59%
Final Wildcats ARI 325 Sun Devils ASU 326	PK PK	-2-105 +2.5-115	62% 38%
Final Cardinals BALL 379 RedHawks M-OH 380	+16.5 -16.5	+16.5-105 -15.5-115	61% 39%
Final Buckeyes OSU 363 Wolverines MICH 364	-9.5 +9.5	-10-105 +9.5-102	57% 43%
Final Cyclones ISU 411 Cowboys OKST 412	-14.5 +14.5	-14.5-105 +15.5-115	54% 46%
Final Tigers CLEM 357 Gamecocks SC 358	+2.5 -2.5	+2.5-107 -2.5-110	34% 66%
Final Buffaloes COLO 391 Wildcats KSU 392	+16.5 -16.5	+20.5-115 -17-105	31% 69%
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Final Wildcats UK 353 Cardinals LOU 354	-1 +1	+3.5-135 +1.5-120	59% 41%	13% 87%	+46%	22,815
Final Hurricanes MIA 369 Panthers PITT 370	-6.5 +6.5	-6-118 +6.5+100	35% 65%
Final Cougars HOU 397 Bears BAY 398	+2.5 -2.5	+2.5-105 -1.5-110	46% 54%
Final Red Raiders TTU 341 Mountaineers WVU 342	-24.5 +24.5	-24.5-102 +25.5-115	65% 35%
Final Rockets TOL 377 Chippewas CMU 378	-11.5 +11.5	-7.5+100 +11-110	41% 59%
Final Pirates ECU 345 Owls FAU 346	-7 +7	-7-108 +9.5-115	59% 41%
Final Panthers FIU 403 Bearkats SHSU 404	-10.5 +10.5	-11.5-105 +11.5-110	15% 85%
Final Knights UCF 421 Cougars BYU 422	+17.5 -17.5	+17.5-106 -17.5-110	46% 54%
Final Miners UTEP 381 Fightin' Blue Hens DEL 382	+4.5 -4.5	+4.5-110 -3.5-118	25% 75%
Final Eagles GASO 349 Thundering Herd MRSH 350	+10.5 -10.5	+10.5-110 -10.5-105	48% 52%
Final Hilltoppers WKU 419 Gamecocks JVST 420	-1.5 +1.5	+3.5-115 +1.5-110	43% 57%
Final Panthers GAST 343 Monarchs ODU 344	+29 -29	+29.5-110 -27.5-110	26% 74%

College football is one of the most bet-on sports in the United States, with billions wagered every season. As more states legalize sports betting and more bettors go online, NCAAF public betting continues to grow in popularity. Understanding how the public is wagering can help you identify potential edges and make smarter bets.

In this guide, we’ll break down public betting data, explain the difference between percentage of bets and percentage of money, and show how to use these insights to your advantage.

What is NCAAF Public Betting?

Public betting refers to the wagers placed by the general betting population on college football games. Tracking public betting trends helps you see which teams or sides most bettors favor. However, the public isn’t always right, which is why professional bettors, also known as “sharps,” often take the opposite side.

By combining public betting data with money percentages and total bet volume, you can get a clearer picture of where the smart money is going.

Tips for Interpreting NCAAF Public Betting

Look for games where the delta between bet and money percentages is large — these often indicate professional interest.
Avoid overvaluing data from games with small sample sizes of tracked bets.
Use public betting data alongside other tools, such as line movement, team stats, and matchup analysis, to make informed decisions.

How to Use Public Betting and Money Percentages in College Football Betting

We house betting data from numerous U.S. online sportsbooks, including "percentage of bets" and "percentage of money" on every college football game and major bet type.

Percentage (%) of bets: The percentage of wagers on a particular side of a game. For example, if Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt had 20,000 total bets that we've tracked and 12,000 of those are on the Vols, we'd say that Tennessee has received 60% of the bets.
Percentage (%) of money: This is the same thing except for the money. If we know the total handle, we can then calculate the percentage of money on one side or another of a bet.

Combining those two factors can help college football bettors eye bets that might be worth making. The reason is because not all bets are the same amount of money. Some bettors might place just $10 on a game, while professional bettors -- sometimes called "sharps" -- might wager $10,000.

Thus, the difference between the percentage of money and the percentage of bets can often highlight the games in which pro bettors are getting down action. And, well, they're professional and bet high amounts for a reason: It could be a good bet to take those sides.

It's also important to look at the total number of bets we're tracking, which you can see on the far right of the table above. The reason is that you don't want to put too much stock in a money vs. bet difference that has a small sample of bets. Utilizing all four factors -- bet percentage, money percentage, bet vs. money percentage (the delta), and total bets -- is recommended when using betting data to gain an advantage.

Why the Difference Matters

The difference between the percentage of bets and the percentage of money — sometimes called the “delta” — can highlight games where professional bettors are placing high-stakes wagers.

Scenario: 60% of bets on Tennessee but 80% of the money on them suggests sharp action favoring Tennessee.
Sharps bet large amounts for a reason: it could indicate a more favorable line or value that casual bettors might overlook.