FYI, I just ran the numbers on the spread vs. money line
2 games had no spread (Bucknell and Colgate) There may have been one for Bucknell but I couldn't find it.
I assumed any spread over 13 had no money line equivalent
Only 4 games so far have had money lines (VT, Stan, Florida, NC ST)
Assume a $100 bet for each game.
Option 1: Just bet using the spread
I believe we are 9-5 so far.
If you started with $100 dollars, you'd have 418.19 right now (i.e. you are up 318.19)
Option 2: Just bet the money line
We are 4-0 vs. the M-L
If you started with $100, you'd have $208.28 (i.e. you are up $108.19)
Option 3: Bet the M-L when available, otherwise bet the spread
Under this scenario, if you started with $100, you'd have $544.65 (up $444.65)
Conclusions:
1. This year has been unique in that we've only had 4 opportunities to bet the M-L, but incorporating it into the betting strategy (via option 3) seems to maximize returns while minimizing the risk of failing to cover when we are heavy favorites.
2. This may not be the best year to go with option 2 as we will probably not be an underdog more than 1-2 times.