Somebody explain sports 'lines' to me...

[yourchoice]

Originally Posted by hammondc

I am looking at college lines in ESPN

for example:

Texas A&M at Oklahoma State, 7:30 PM ET Preview »
BODOG.COM
OPEN
66.5 O/U
-3.5

CURRENT
67.0 O/U
-3.5


I think the O/U (over/under?) is the total points scored.
The smaller # determines the favorite. But, how do you read it? In the above example, is it saying that A&M is favored to lose by 3.5 or win by 3.5?

Also, what is the difference between Open & Current?



Thanks!

Originally Posted by Mugen910

total score will either be OVER 67 or UNDER 67

Texas A&M will start the game with a -3.5 and will need to win by 4 if you pick them.

Close, but not quite right. The home team is used as the basis of the point spread. In other words, A&M is +3.5 (will cover if they lose by 3) and Okla St. is favored by 3.5 (-3.5) (will cover if they win by four or more). Hope that helps.

And yes, the O/U is the total points scored in the game by both teams combined.