What Does +2 Mean in College Football Betting?

A +2 point spread in college football betting means the underdog must lose by one point or win the game (by any margin) to cover the spread. If the underdog loses by exactly two points, it’s a push (a tie), which refunds all stakes.

The corresponding side of a +2 point spread is -2. That means the favorite must win the game by at least three points to cover the spread. If the favorite wins by exactly two points, the bet results in a push.

How a +2 Spread Bet Wins or Loses

Winning Bet: You bet on Florida +2 against Alabama. The Gators lose to the Crimson Tide by one point (45-44).

Losing Bet: You bet on UCLA +2 against USC. The Bruins lose to the Trojans by three points (37-34).

Push Bet: You bet on Houston +2 against Arizona. The Cougars lose to the Wildcats by two points (25-23).

Difference of +2 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 2-point spread, the underdog could lose the game by two points — which would result in losing 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 a Clemson-Louisville game:

Spread: Clemson +2 (-108), Lousville -2 (-110)

Moneyline: Clemson +115, Louisville -140

If the Tigers lose by one point, a point-spread bet with a $20 stake would return $38.52 (including stake).

If you bet the same amount of money on the Tigers’ moneyline, a win would return $43.00 (including stake).

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