Although summer has just begun, there’s an indication that autumn is not far off. Some sportsbooks in Nevada have already begun to announce odds for the college football games of the year.
Week 0, the opening week of the college football season, commences on Aug. 27 with twelve games. The bulk of the FBS teams will begin their season in the subsequent week.
The emergence of numerous sportsbooks providing early lines for college football games is a fairly recent development. Prior to the swift proliferation of sports betting across the nation, a single casino would be the first to release lines, with others trailing and doing so closer to the season.
Early lines for college football are now available throughout the state, from Reno to the Vegas Strip, for fans.
Experienced and professional sports bettors, as is their norm, seized what they identified as poor lines. These bettors pocketed most of the value present in these college football lines.
These lines are formulated according to the information possessed by sportsbook operators before the season begins. The point spreads are determined based on the bets placed by bettors.
Sportsbooks in Nevada are swift in adjusting the line in response to early bets on these games, showing their respect for such wagers. The point spreads on bets at specific properties shift, leading to discrepancies across different sportsbooks.
It’s always beneficial to compare lines and shop around before placing bets. The various sports betting apps in Nevada have made this process simpler than ever.
Top 5 college football games at Nevada sportsbooks
Over 100 college football games are already open for betting at various Nevada sportsbooks. While most of the betting lines are for well-known colleges, not every game carries the same weight.
Keep an eye on these five college football games:
No 1. Texas A&M at Alabama (Oct. 8)
When contemplating this SEC confrontation, the initial word that springs to mind is DRAMA.
The coaches of the two teams engaged in a few weeks of conflict regarding recruitment. The initial provocation came from Alabama coach Nick Saban, who accused Texas A&M of buying every player on their team. This was promptly countered by Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher.
The exchange between the two coaches seems to have ended. Going forward, their attention will be on the game in Tuscaloosa, AL on Oct. 8.
Alabama began as a -13.5 favorite at the South Point. The spread of less than two touchdowns was quickly seized, moving the line promptly to Alabama -15.
No 2. USC at Utah (Oct. 15)
The first significant challenge in the Pac-12 for Lincoln Riley, the new USC coach, is on the horizon. Riley is rapidly transforming the Trojans football team, bringing in numerous transfers, among them his ex-Oklahoma QB Caleb Williams.
Interestingly, Kyle Whittingham, the Utah coach, has served the longest term in the Pac-12, leading the Utes for the past 18 years. The game is not merely a clash of the old and the new, but also a nod to the bygone era of the Pac-12 South. The conference has recently opted to abandon the divisions.
This game at the South Point is witnessing a surge of early money, with Utah’s odds dropping from a -12 favorite to just -7.
No 3. Michigan at Ohio State (Nov. 26)
The Michigan football program had a monumental year in 2021. They defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, clinched the conference championship and made their inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff.
In college football, as is customary, the teams will undergo changes. This will be evident in Michigan’s defense, which will have a different appearance. This is due to Aiden Hutchinson, their Defensive End, being chosen as the second overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.
This year, two wide receivers from Ohio State were drafted in the top half first round of the NFL. Garrett Wilson was selected by the New York Jets, while Chris Olave was picked by the New Orleans Saints.
This year, these two teams were responsible for three of the top 11 selections in the NFL Draft. In late November, the revamped rivals will go head-to-head, with Ohio State expected to lead by 13.5 points.
No 4. Texas vs. Oklahoma (Neutral site in Dallas on Oct. 8)
The Red River Rivalry, a much-anticipated early-season game in the college football schedule, showcases the long-standing competition between Texas and Oklahoma. The teams have been facing off since 1900, and the series has been an annual event since 1929.
In 2022, Brent Venables will embark on his first year as the new coach for Oklahoma. Known for his decade-long tenure leading Clemson’s defense, Venables is set to step into his inaugural Red River Rivalry game, likely as an underdog.
The game began at South Point with the Oklahoma Sooners favored by -7. However, after a rush of money on the Longhorns, the spread decreased, leaving the Sooners as a -4.5 favorite.
No 5. Week one non-conference matchups
The initial week of the college football season features a host of non-conference games. The day’s highlights include a match between two of the most prominent names in college football, Ohio State and Notre Dame, taking place in Columbus, OH.
ESPN’s College Gameday will be present for the morning crowd, despite this being a night game. Anticipate a lively crowd as there will be ample time to gear up for the late game.
The interest in this game is so immense that ticket prices skyrocketed immediately. Currently, tickets on Stubhub begin at $372 and can reach into the thousands.
Despite the early interest in attending the game, the odds remain unchanged. Ohio State is consistently favored at -14.5.