This Week's College Football Weather Forecast: Latest Delays & Reports

How College Football Players Prepare for Inclement Weather

College football players must also adapt to weather conditions when they step onto the field. To prepare for inclement weather, they make adjustments to their equipment, physical preparation, and game strategy. Here are some ways college football players prepare to play in adverse weather conditions:

Footwear

College football players wear different types of cleats depending on the weather conditions. For instance, they wear cleats with longer studs to get better traction in muddy fields, while shorter studs work best in dry conditions. Players also use specialized cleats with detachable studs that allow them to adjust the length of the studs according to the weather conditions.

Clothing

Players wear a range of clothing depending on the weather, such as long-sleeved shirts and leggings in cold weather, while they wear light and breathable fabrics in hot and humid weather. Also, being acclimated to a certain type of weather can determine the stronger team in a close matchup. 

Ball Handling

Rainy conditions can make the ball slippery and harder to handle, so players apply a stickum substance to their gloves for better grip. In extreme cases, teams may use a specialized wet ball that is easier to handle in wet conditions.

Game Strategy

Teams often adjust their game strategy based on the weather conditions. For example, in rainy and windy conditions, teams may focus more on running plays rather than passing plays, as the ball is harder to throw and catch in such conditions.

NCAAF Weather Forecast

The National Weather Service releases weather forecasts for each game at least a week in advance. These forecasts include information about temperature, precipitation, and wind. Sportsbooks will consider factors like wind speed, the chance of rain, temperature and other factors for each individual game. All of these factors play a role in how college football odds are calculated. 

Windy NCAAF Games

Playing in windy conditions can create problems for quarterbacks and give an edge to defensive backs. Strong winds, or a particular wind direction, can make it difficult for teams to pass the ball effectively, which can lead to a decrease in scoring. As a result, betting odds may shift towards the under for the total points scored in the game.

Wind Velocity	Impact on Quarterbacks	Impact on Defensive Backs
0-5 mph	No significant impact	No significant impact
6-10 mph	Completion percentage decreases by 1%	Interception rate increases by 1%
11-15 mph	Completion percentage decreases by 3%	Interception rate increases by 2%; Pass deflection rate increases by 2%
16-20 mph	Completion percentage decreases by 5%	Interception rate increases by 4%; Pass deflection rate increases by 4%
20+ mph	Completion percentage decreases by 10%	Interception rate increases by 8%; Pass deflection rate increases by 8%

Rainy NCAAF Games

Rain can have a major impact on the outcome of college football games. Rain can make the field slippery, which can cause players to slip and fall. This can impact the accuracy of passes, the ability to make cuts, and the overall speed of the game. College football odds may shift towards the under for the total points scored in the game.

Rain Intensity	Impact on NCAAF Totals	Impact on NCAAF Point Spreads
Light rain	Total points scored decreases by 2	Point spread decreases by 0.5 points
Moderate rain	Total points scored decreases by 4	Point spread decreases by 1 point
Heavy rain	Total points scored decreases by 6	Point spread decreases by 1.5 points

Snowy NCAAF Games

Snow can cause even more chaos for bettors as there can be a significant impact on totals and point spreads. Snow can make it difficult for players to see the ball and can also impact their ability to run and make cuts. This can lead to a decrease in scoring and can impact the outcome of the game. Betting odds may shift towards the under for the total points scored in the game.

Snow Intensity	Impact on NCAAF Totals	Impact on NCAAF Point Spreads
Light snow	Total points scored decreases by 2	Point spread decreases by 0.5 points
Moderate snow	Total points scored decreases by 6	Point spread decreases by 1.5 points
Heavy snow	Total points scored decreases by 10	Point spread decreases by 2.5 points

The ten teams in college football below host some of the coldest football games each college football season. The temperature affects the likelihood of field goal completion in the following ways.

Team	Stadium	Lowest Temperature (F) during winter months	Potential Impact on Field Goal Percentage
Wyoming Cowboys	War Memorial Stadium	-20	Significant decrease
North Dakota State Bison	Fargodome	-10	Significant decrease
South Dakota State Jackrabbits	Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium	-5	Significant decrease
Northern Iowa Panthers	UNI-Dome	0	Significant decrease
Minnesota Golden Gophers	TCF Bank Stadium	2	Moderate decrease
Nebraska Cornhuskers	Memorial Stadium	5	Moderate decrease
Colorado State Rams	Canvas Stadium	5	Moderate decrease
Michigan Wolverines	Michigan Stadium	6	Moderate decrease
Iowa Hawkeyes	Kinnick Stadium	7	Moderate decrease
Wisconsin Badgers	Camp Randall Stadium	8	Moderate decrea

The Impact of Weather on Odds for College Football

It’s not just typical “bad weather” that can have an impact on college football odds.

Cold weather can affect a team’s ability to grip the ball and can also impact their overall performance. Players may be slower and less responsive, which can lead to a decrease in scoring. Betting odds may shift towards the under for the total points scored in the game.

Hot temperatures can also affect the performance of college football teams, as players may become fatigued more quickly. This can impact their ability to execute plays effectively and can lead to a decrease in scoring. Betting odds may shift towards the under for the total points scored in the entire game.

Winds at certain miles per hour, not even particularly gusty winds, can shift the game odds. 

Mother nature is always on the field, so it is important to consider the weather before placing your bets on college football games. 

FAQs — NCAAF Weather

Are college football games ever canceled for thunderstorms?

College football games can be delayed or postponed due to thunderstorms to ensure the safety of the players, coaches, and fans. The decision to cancel a game is usually made by the officials or game management team based on weather forecasts and conditions on game day.

Can college football games end on a weather delay?

Yes, college football games can end on a weather delay if the weather conditions persist for an extended period and make it impossible to resume play safely. In such cases, the result is determined based on the score at the time of the delay.

What is the coldest college football game ever played?

The coldest game in college football history was between Montana and North Dakota State in 1963. The temperature was -29 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -59 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long do college football lightning delays last?

Lightning delays in college football typically last at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike. The delay can be longer if there are additional strikes in the area.

How cold does it need to be to cancel a college football game?

There is no set temperature at which college football games are canceled. The decision to cancel a game due to cold temperatures is made on a case-by-case basis; factors such as wind chill and ice can affect the safety of college football fans and players.