Are ranked vs unranked college football matchups as predictable as we think?
Week 2 of the 2023 college football season is in the books. With that, let's review how ranked squads faired against their unranked opponents.
Ranked Vs Unranked Betting Trends
| Timeline | Straight Up Record | SU Profits | ATS Record | ATS Profit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Games | 929-252 (79%) | -$4213.9 | 558-590-32 (47%) | -$8429.95 |
| Week 2 Games | 71-16 (82%) | +$1255.26 | 38-45-4 (43%) | -$1057.23 |
As the ranked vs unranked betting trends show, wagering on the ranked favorites is a losing proposition. Which is to be expected, considering sportsbooks set their lines to heavily favor ranked teams. However, you can see that the ranked win straight up 79% of the time for all games. So, if you're looking to add a likely leg to a parlay then that's an enticing route to take.
Clearly, the betting trends show betting on the favorite against the spread is not profitable.The most rewarding area in terms of profit is betting the ranked straight up during Week 2 games against an unranked opponent.
Ranked Squads vs Unranked in week 3 History
In 2022, 21 of the 25 ranked teams faced unranked opponents. Predictably, those favored squads went 20-1 SU. As No.19 Troy was upset by unranked Appalachian State. The Mountaineers are seemingly always on the glamour end of upsets. Aside from that, all other games went according to oddsmakers plans.
Last season, the largest ranked vs unranked college football line was No. 4 Michigan's 47.5-point spread against Connecticut. The Wolverines demolished the Huskies 59-0. Proving that even the largest point spreads can be favorable in certain situations.
🚨NEW: Week 3 College Football AP Pollhttps://t.co/DOAF81bxOQ pic.twitter.com/WzeDU36KuC
— On3 (@On3sports) September 10, 2023
2023 Week 3 Ranked Vs Unranked Betting Options
A captivating Week 3 college football slate is on the docket. As we enter the nitty-gritty of the schedule, there are a number of intriguing ranked vs unranked matchups for bettors to handicap.
The college football ranked vs unranked slate also includes some fascinating conference battles.
No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (-27.5) Vs South Carolina Gamecocks
Georgia welcomes South Carolina to Sanford Stadium after breezing past Ball State 45-3 last week. In theory, the Gamecocks should provide the Bulldogs with their toughest test of the young season.
However, the last time we saw Spencer Rattler and South Carolina take the field, their offensive line was manhandled by the North Carolina defense. If the Gamecocks' protection problems persist, this game could get ugly. Sophomore pass-rusher Mykel Williams is an absolute force of nature. Look for Williams to wreck the South Carolina gameplan on Saturday.
No.11 Tennessee (-6.5) vs Florida
"The world's largest outdoor cocktail party" kicks off from the Swamp this weekend as the Tennessee Volunteers battle the Florida Gators.
Incredibly, the Gators are 8-2 SU and 6-4 ATS in their last ten versus the Volunteers. That being said, Tennessee coach Josh Heupel's offense is so much more explosive than Florida's. Moreover, the Vols defense has been making waves. Tennessee leads the nation in sacks and is second in the country in tackles for loss through two weeks.
DISRUPTORS!
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) September 13, 2023
The #Vols defense has been causing 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙘 in the backfield!
• Lead the nation in sacks
• 2nd in the nation in TFLs pic.twitter.com/eWyUVjra0G
While the Gators may be just as talented defensively, it's tough to see Florida keeping pace with Tennessee for four quarters. The likes of Joe Milton and Bru McCoy will haunt Gators fans for weeks.
