Opening Line Values For College Football Bowl Games

College Football Opening Line Values: Bowl Season

When it comes to gaining an edge in sports betting, the early bird gets the worm -- or the value.

Getting in early, right as the lines open, can make all the difference. Why? Because that's when the true gems, the opening-line values, are up for grabs. As the week progresses and the sharp money rolls in, those lines tend to shift, reflecting changing opinions and betting trends. So, if you're looking to stack the odds in your favor, it's all about being early.

Let's dive into the strategies and insights that can turn you into a savvy opening-line hunter. Your winning bet might just be waiting for you to pounce!

Missouri vs. Ohio State Spread

Opened At: Missouri +6.5 | Current Line: Missouri +2.5

As soon as Ohio State QB Kyle McCord announced that he was entering the transfer portal, and thus not playing in this game, the line immediately flew down from +6.5. Now, the Buckeyes will be starting backup QB Devin Brown in all likelihood against Missouri. Obviously, the Ohio State defense can hold its own, but it will be difficult for the offense to have the same type of production with a new QB that doesn't have much experience. Plus, it is entirely possible that top WR Marvin Harrison Jr. also declines to play if he enters the NFL Draft. I think the Tigers might win the game outright, so I'd grab this now. I bet it at +6.5 as soon as I heard the McCord news this morning.

Jacksonville State vs. Louisiana Spread

Opened At: Jacksonville St +1.5 | Current Line: Jacksonville St -3.5

This line has moved more than any other so far for bowl season. Some serious sharp money has flooded into Jacksonville State already, flipping them from +1.5 underdogs to now -3.5 favorites at some places. The action that it takes to move a team across both the zero and the three, two key numbers, is massive. Sharps thought that the wrong team was favored here, so I’ll take the Gamecocks on the moneyline to win this game over UL.

Arizona vs. Oklahoma Spread

Opened At: Arizona -1 | Current Line: Arizona -3.5

This is another game where it should be obvious why the line has moved. Yet another star QB has decided to enter the transfer portal, this time Oklahoma QB Dillon Gabriel. As a result, this line has gone past the key number of 3 in favor of Arizona, which has played extremely well to end the season. I played the Wildcats -1 immediately when I heard the Gabriel news this morning, but that number is long gone. Even if Gabriel played, I would have bet Arizona, as I am not a fan of this OU team. I think a good play would be to combine Arizona's ML with Jacksonville State's ML, as I think both teams have a high chance of winning their games.

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