College football season is months away, but NCAAF betting is already in full swing. Futures markets for the 2022/23 season are open at most top books, and betters are starting to check into the lines.
We suggest jumping in on the action early, as odds and lines will swing wildly once the season kicks off. If you think a team provides value at its current odds, you might want to place your wager now.
Let’s take a look at the teams in the Mountain West Conference with the best odds to win the title. Apart from looking at the futures odds, we’ll provide some tips to help you take your CFB betting to the next level.
Boise State Mountain West Conference Champion Odds +200
Boise State started as the odds-on favorite to win the MWC title at FanDuel and other major sportsbooks. In what is expected to be a breakthrough season for second-year coach Andy Avalos, they are going for their first title since 2019.
The star quarterback, Hank Bachmeier, underwent a right knee injury last December to repair his meniscus and will soon be back under center, supposedly at 100%. The Broncos have a good chance to win the title if George Holani can stay healthy, although Khalil Shakir’s loss is a major blow to their hopes.
San Diego State Mountain West Conference Champion Odds +450
Defending West division champion San Diego State and the Broncos are neck and neck at +450. Last year, the SDSU’s elite defense underperformed as they were defeated by Utah State in the championship game.
A new stadium, Snapdragon Stadium, will host the Aztecs’ home games this year. The program’s aspirations are clear—the first championship title since 2016. All-American defensive lineman Cameron Thomas, who took his talents to the NFL, will not join the team. The Aztecs also cannot count on left tackle Zachary Thomas as the Bears got him in the sixth round.
Air Force Mountain West Conference Champion Odds +450
The Air Force Falcons had an admirable 10-3 record last year and have come close to winning the title several times over the past few campaigns.
In 2021, with HC Trey Calhoun at the helm, Haaziq Daniels led their offense, acting as a key component for their success last year. Lewis and Jackson are headed to the NFL, so replacing them will be challenging. Bo Richter, Dane Kinamon, and Eian Castonguay remain the group’s backbone.
Fresno State Mountain West Conference Champion Odds +450
2018 champion Fresno State is one of the best teams in the conference. The Bulldogs are led by one of the best QBs in Jake Haener, who will play his last season for the team in 2022.
Jeff Tedford comes back as head coach after Kalen DeBoer departed for the University of Washington at the end of the 2021 season.
Utah State Mountain West Conference Champion Odds +500
A sound 46-13 win over the Aztecs carried the Aggies to an MWC title last year. Despite winning just one game in the 2020 season, Gary Andersen managed to reignite the team and bring a championship to Utah State.
Whether they can perform at that level again remains to be seen, although the departures of Nick Heninger, Justin Rice, and Shaq Bond will leave some very big shoes to fill.
Colorado State Mountain West Conference Champion Odds +3,000
Coming in at +3,000, Colorado State is one of the most promising longshots in ‘22. In addition to hiring a new head coach in Jay Norvell, they have recruited several transfers, including quarterback Clay Millen and offensive guard Tory Horton.
Last year, the Rams went just 3-9, averaging just 23.7 points per game. Due to the departures of Scott Patchan and Toby McBride, there are some voids to fill.
What to Keep in Mind With CFB Betting
Being a successful CFB bettor is not easy. Finding value and making informed picks require tons of research and analysis.
Other than that, here are some tips that might help you get over the hump:
-
- Shop for the best odds: Although most sportsbooks offer comparable odds, a few operators consistently provide slightly better prices for CFB. You should check out some college football betting sites to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
- Get a head start with a promo: Almost every major sportsbook offers a welcome bonus such as a risk-free bet or deposit bonus.
- Bet with your head, not your heart: Remember to bet on numbers and not teams. Look for good values and don’t mind betting larger sums of money. Lay off if you don’t find a profitable opportunity.
- Avoid betting on a Mountain West team to win the National Championship: It would be ill-advised to bet on a Mountain West team to win the National Championship because it has never happened before. And let’s face it, no MW team realistically stands a chance against Alabama and Georgia for the foreseeable future.
