The college football season is right around the corner, meaning it’s time to start looking for situational betting angles. I’m not talking about just any old angle; these are eight of the best you’ll find! Some teams will be coming off emotional games while others will be looking ahead to their next opponent.
We’ll even highlight a few old-fashioned sandwich games where a team has a tough tricky road matchup wedged between two marquee opponents. While not as delicious as a Reuben sandwich on marble rye, these are tasty profit opportunities for the college football betting season.
Texas A&M vs. Mississippi State – October 2
Next Week: Texas A&M vs. Alabama
You may remember this game as an example in our 5 Pro Tips for Betting on College Football article. This is a classic look-ahead spot for Texas A&M. There’s a good chance the Aggies will be undefeated at this point in the season, which would set up a potential top-five clash with Alabama.
I wouldn’t be surprised if College Gameday comes to town for the Bama matchup. ESPN will be talking about this and running commercials for weeks in advance.
There’s a decent chance Texas A&M will overlook Mississippi State on October 2, which opens the door for MSU to finish within the spread. Keep this game on your list of betting opportunities. Classic trap game!
Notre Dame vs. Cincinnati – October 2
Previous Week: Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin
Previous Week: Cincinnati bye
Picture this scenario: Notre Dame will battle Wisconsin on October 2. The game will be played at Soldier Field in Chicago. It’s one of the better games of that week, and both teams are ranked in the top 15 to begin the season.
After finishing a tough, gritty battle with the Badgers, Notre Dame has to turn around and play Cincinnati the following week. Cincinnati is arguably the best team outside the Power 5, and they are looking to prove that they belong. Making matters even better for the Bearcats, Cincy has a bye week prior to this statement game against the Irish.
In other words: this is not a favorable spot for Notre Dame. Money always rides behind Notre Dame as it is. So always be on the lookout for shots where they will be somewhat vulnerable.
North Carolina vs. Florida State – October 9
Next Week: North Carolina vs. Miami FL
The ACC Coastal division will probably come down to the winner of Noth Carolina vs. Miami. Everybody knows that, especially these two teams. The Tar Heels and Hurricanes will clash on October 16, and the winner will have the upper hand in the division. Of course, the division champ will have a chance to unseat Clemson for the ACC Championship in December.
It’s safe to say that North Carolina will be looking forward to their matchup with Miami. However, they have an interesting battle with Florida State one week before that. The Seminoles have been down recently, but they are looking to make a statement behind energetic QB McKenzie Milton. You better believe they’ll be looking to knock North Carolina off, and the Tar Heels may be looking ahead here.
Washington at Stanford – October 30
Next Week: Washington vs. Oregon
The Pac-12 is wide open this season. Oregon, Washington, and USC have the best odds to take the division crown, but it’s pretty close throughout. That’s a nice way of saying the Conference isn’t very strong. (Though that’s what everybody said about the Pac-12 headed into March Madness this past year and the Pac-12 did extremely well.) The Washington-Oregon matchup on November 6 could go a long way in deciding the conference.
Washington will first need to take care of business in a tricky matchup at Stanford. While the Cardinal are not expected to have a good record this season, they are still a competitive team that can hang with the top-tier competition. Also, Stanford could qualify for the “Running Dog Strategy” outlined in our 5 Pro Tips for Betting College Football article.
Oklahoma at Baylor – November 13
Next Week: Oklahoma vs. Iowa State
It’s no secret that Oklahoma vs. Iowa State could decide the Big 12 Conference in 2021. Iowa State is a legitimate top ten team while Oklahoma hopes to be fighting for a playoff spot at this point in the season.
The Sooners have an interesting road battle at Baylor the previous week. This is another classic look-ahead spot for a powerhouse team. Baylor will be treating this game as their Super Bowl, hoping to knock out one of the better teams in the country. Throw in a rowdy crowd in Waco, and this game has trap written all over it for the Sooners.
Iowa State at Texas Tech – November 13
Previous Week: Iowa State vs. Texas
Next Week: Iowa State at Oklahoma
Let’s look at the other side of the coin with Iowa State. As noted in the previous write-up, the Cyclones will play the Big 12 game of the year at Oklahoma on November 20.
Take note that Iowa State has another important matchup with Texas on November 6. This creates a sandwich game at Texas Tech on November 13. The Cyclones will be coming off an emotional game against the Longhorns while looking forward to their clash against Oklahoma.
Playing on the road against a capable team like Texas Tech is a tough spot for the Cyclones. Circle this one on your calendars. Also, watch the endless number of Iowa-plate RVs headed down to Lubbock. 927-miles from Ames to Lubbock. Day trip.
Utah at Arizona – November 13
Next Week: Utah vs. Oregon
Utah is another team that could legitimately make a run towards the Pac 12 title. They’ll have to go through Oregon in order to make that happen. Facing the Ducks on November 20 is probably the biggest game on Utah’s schedule, and they know it.
There’s a good chance the Utes will overlook their November 13 opponent, which happens to be Arizona. The Wildcats aren’t expected to make too much noise this season, but conference road games can be tricky this late in the year. Even the cellar dwellers in the Pac-12 shouldn’t be counted out on late-season home games. Pride of some kind is always on the line.
Michigan at Maryland – November 20
Previous Week: Michigan at Penn State
Next Week: Michigan vs. Ohio State
This is probably the best situational spot for betting purposes. Michigan has a difficult matchup at Penn State on November 13. Their longstanding rivalry with Ohio State is scheduled for November 27. Between those important dates stands Maryland on November 20.
It’s only human nature that Michigan will overlook Maryland in this game. The fact that this one will be played on the road is another strike against the Wolverines. The fact that Jim Harbaugh can’t beat Ohio State is another. 0-5 staring down 0-6 means tense times.
Don’t be surprised if this point spread is much tighter than expected. The Terrapins have a legitimate chance to cash in on this situation.
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