The LSU Tigers will be taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide in a prime-time game on Thursday night, November 8th, at 6:00 PM CT in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As always, the national television network will be carrying the game, so you’ll be able to watch the action no matter where you are in the world. In addition to betting lines and odds, you’ll also find a complete glossary of terms mentioned in the news for sports bettors.
The Main Line
The main line is usually the first set of numbers posted next to the sports betting odds. When you see the main line, it usually means the favorite (or “home” team) is going to win the game. For LSU vs. Alabama, the main line is currently -2.5 as the Crimson Tide are 2.5-point favorites. You’ll also find a small white area to the right of the main line, this is called the “Hot Line” and it indicates there is considerable activity for sports bettors in regards to the game. This could mean a number of things, including but not limited to:
- The game is close,
- There is a large number of bets being placed, and
- The oddsmakers are unsure of the outcome of the game.
Underdog
An underdog is a team that is designated as being inferior to the other team, usually by virtue of being a lower ranked team in the national football polls. For example, if LSU is ranked seventh and Alabama is ranked second, then the former is an underdog to the latter. As the Tigers enter the game as underdogs, this can have a major effect on the betting line. If you think that LSU has a good chance of winning the game, then you may want to line up on the side of the underdogs. For LSU vs. Alabama, the Tigers are +650 to win the game, while the underdogs are +1,600 to do the same.
Money Line
The money line is similar to the point spread except in reverse. In other words, instead of making money when the favorite wins, you make money when the underdog wins. When one team is favored over the other, the money line is usually the second set of numbers to the right of the main line. For LSU vs. Alabama, the money line is currently -170, meaning if you were betting $100 and the Tigers win by one touchdown, you’ll win $170 (1.70 per dollar bet). The teams are even money (0 financial damage) on the money line.
Point Spread
A point spread is the amount by which the favorite is favored to win the game. You’ll sometimes see point spreads listed instead of the standard “over/under” formats used by sportsbooks, this is because point spreads can be fractions. For example, the Atlanta Falcons are a 2.5 point favorite against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which can be written as 2.5 or 25-points. When you see a point spread, it means the game is close and it can be difficult to precisely determine who will win. For LSU vs. Alabama, the point spread is currently -2.0, which means the game is essentially a push.
Total
A total, or combined score, is the sum of the points scored by both teams in the game. For LSU Vs Alabama, the total is currently 58-17, meaning the total combined score for the game is 58 points (4 touchdowns for Alabama, 1 interception, and 4 field goals for LSU).
Over/Under
An over/under is a format used when there is no established point spread for the game. In these formats, you make money when the total score is above the stated total or when it is below that amount. For example, the betting line for the LSU vs. Alabama game is listed as -170, so if the game ends in a tie and there are no extra points scored, you’ll make $170 on your $100 bet.
Some sportsbooks will also list the over/under for the game, so you know whether or not to expect a high or low total. For LSU vs. Alabama, the over/under is currently 2.0, which means there is a 30% chance it will be above the total and a 70% chance it will be below that number.
Proposition
A proposition bet is an all-or-nothing wager in which you risk one unit (either money or goods) to win or lose a certain amount of money. For example, you can bet on the total number of points scored in an NCAA football game, or you can bet on whether or not the underdogs will win the game. For LSU Vs. Alabama, the proposition is currently -170, which means you risk $170 to win $100.
Winning Streak
A winning streak is the consecutive playing of a game by the same team without a loss. Once the team has secured at least three wins in a row, they enter a state of euphoria, during which time it is extremely difficult to beat them at their own game. For LSU, they have not lost a game since they opened their season in 2015. The streak is currently at 17-0 and they will be playing for the National Championship this coming February. Due to injuries and a suspension, their season was cut short, but the team finished 14-0 and won the conference championship.
Free Daily Play
If you’re a fan of college football, then you’ll notice that every week there is a different bonus available for new players. Sometimes it’s an easy access to bonus rounds at slots machines, or it could be an award trip to see a game or two. Each week there is something new, as the bookmakers try to keep your attention with unique promotions designed to attract sports bettors.
One of the more innovative promotions offered by the bookmakers this year is the free daily play feature. As the name implies, this is where you can find free games without any wagering requirements. Many top sportsbooks will give you free plays each day in which to participate in this manner. The catch is that you have to be aware that these are mostly fun games designed to entertain you while you wait for the real action to begin. Keep that in mind, but it’s also a great opportunity to try out a new title or two before committing to a wager. You might even wind up finding a game you like and decide to make a purchase, so do your research before playing any games you find on the web for free.