Upsets in College Football Betting and Tips to Win Big

April 10, 2025 by Staff

College football has always been a playground of unpredictability. One weekend, a powerhouse team easily dominates the field; the next, an unranked underdog storms in and defeats the giant.

While this might affect teams and their fans, it also allows gamblers to hit it big. Betting on an underdog team is risky but can be highly rewarding. Since they aren’t expected to win, the odds of an underdog team in a match against a stronger opponent are high.

Popular Upsets in College Football

Throughout college football history, certain upsets have etched themselves into the memories of fans and gamblers. These aren’t just wins — they’re game-changers that redefined rankings, shattered playoff hopes, and made underdog believers out of many. Often, these games come out of nowhere and send shockwaves across the betting world. Upsets can occur due to several reasons, such as injuries, underestimating weaker opponents, etc. There have been multiple cases of upsets, all of which gamblers have benefited from. The table below reveals some of the most popular upsets in college football history:

Year	Underdog Team	Stronger Team	Initial Odds	Match Results
2007	Stanford Cardinal	USC Trojans	+40.5	24-23
2017	Howard Bison	UNLV Rebels	+45.5	43-40
2018	Purdue	Ohio State	30.5	49-20
2021	Texas A&M	Alabama	+35.5	41-38
2021	UL Monroe Warhawks	Liberty Flames	+32.5	31-28

The Influence of Upsets on Betting

When a heavy favourite loses, it shakes the rankings and the entire betting world. Intelligent gamblers analyze these upsets to spot trends: Was it a fluke or a sign of deeper issues in a team?

Furthermore, online football betting websites often adjust their odds more conservatively, making it harder for casual gamblers to find value. However, experienced gamblers thrive in this space. They take note of public overreactions and use them to their advantage in the following weeks.

Increased Payout

Betting on an underdog team is a risky yet rewarding gamble. If the team wins the game, you get to enjoy bigger payouts due to their increased initial odds. For instance, if you had placed a $10 bet on Howard Bison to beat UNLV Rebels, you would’ve won $455 in profit.

Enhanced Betting Experience

In any football game, the better teams are expected to win. This is why it surprises everyone when they lose to the least expected teams. However, for gamblers, it goes beyond surprises. It is an opportunity to win big and enjoy a profitable betting experience.

More Opportunities to Explore

With over 100 FBS teams and countless games each week, there are always opportunities for upsets. That means more betting options, more chances to find hidden gems, and more opportunities to cash in on surprise results. Smart bettors dig deeper by analyzing team stats, player form, and motivation levels before a game. Lesser-known conferences often hide underrated teams that can deliver shocking wins and massive value for those paying close attention.

To get the most out of online sports betting or casino games, developing a solid strategy is essential. If you're new to online gambling, one way to build your skills without risking real money is by taking advantage of free spins no deposit casino Canada. This allows you to practice and refine your approach before making a financial commitment.

How Gamblers Spot Potential Upsets in College Football 

Despite being an uncertain gamble, players need to know how to position themselves for upsets. This involves leveraging on upset potentials before the game begins. However, football matches are unpredictable, and winning bets aren’t always certain. But here are the ways to spot potential upsets on time:

Look for Injured Players

One of the leading causes of upset in college football is injuries. Winning teams can struggle with performance decline if key players within the squad are injured. While this may seem like a setback, it’s an opportunity for gamblers to win bigger. You can bet on an underdog team to beat a stronger team with an injury crisis.

Understand Match Game Strategies

Stronger teams implement weak strategies and tactics because they underestimate their opponents. In such cases, the least expected teams can take advantage of their opponent’s tactics to win. By taking note of the match game strategies, you can place your bets against stronger teams with weak strategies.

Leverage Home Advantage

Teams have a home advantage when they host their opponents. Regardless of their match game rating, players perform better on their home field. This creates a betting window for gamblers to place bets on lower teams that play better at home. You can strategically bet on the next upset with the increased odds and home advantage.

Study Player Form

Players’ form can determine the outcome of a game in college football, especially when it’s a key player. If a strong team’s key player is out of form, they could lose their match, even against an underdog team. You can build your bet against the team’s weaknesses and stand a chance to win big.

Examine Pre-Game Schedules

Top teams may experience performance decline due to tight schedules and extended travelling hours. This can cause fatigue in players, leading to poor performance and loss. Regardless of public perception, underdogs have a better chance of winning against a worn-out opposition.

Conclusion

Whether in college football or any other sport, upsets are unusual twists and surprises. These unusual situations defy common sense and fans’ expectations. 

Remember, football is unpredictable. Even with an injury crisis, bad pre-game schedule, or weak coaching tactics, stronger teams still have a fighting chance against lower-ranked teams. Yet, some of these lower teams have been able to take advantage of their opponent's weaknesses to win over the years. It is best to have an effective betting strategy and set budgets to avoid problem gambling.