What Does -4 Mean in College Football Betting?

A -4 point spread in college football betting means the favorite must win the game by at least five points to cover the spread. If the favorite wins by exactly four points, the bet results in a push (a tie), which refunds all stakes.

The corresponding side of a -4 point spread is +4. That means the underdog must win the game (by any margin) or lose by three or less points to cover the spread. If the underdog loses by exactly four points, it’s a push.

How a -4 Spread Bet Wins or Loses

Winning Bet: You bet on Nebraska -4 against Maryland. The Cornhuskers beat the Terrapins by five points (30-25).

Losing Bet: You bet on Georgia -4 against Texas. The Bulldogs lose to the Crimson Tide by six points (20-14).

Push Bet: You bet on SMU -4 against Clemson. The Mustangs beat the Tigers by four points (27-23).

Difference of -4 Point Spread vs. Moneyline

In point-spread betting, the margin of victory matters. In moneyline betting, the margin of victory doesn’t matter; only the final outcome matters.

In the case of a 4-point spread, the favorite could win the game by four points — which would result in winning tickets for all moneyline bets — but push the spread.

Spread vs. Moneyline Odds & Payouts

Spreads and moneylines almost always have different odds. For example, here are odds for an Arizona-Arizona State game:

Spread: Arizona -4 (-110), Arizona State +4 (-110)

Moneyline: Arizona -125, Arizona State +100

If the Wildcats win by five points, a point-spread bet with a $20 stake would return $38.18 (including stake).

If you bet the same amount of money on the Wildcats’ moneyline, a win would return $36 (including stake).

Use BetMGM’s Betting Payout Calculator to calculate the potential payout of a bet or convert odds to/from American odds, decimal odds, or fractional odds.