Factors influencing home advantage in American collegiate football

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effect of home advantage (HA) in NCAA Division I football, and assessed factors related to why HA may exist. Game location (home/away), points differential between team scores, distances between team stadiums (short [<483 km], moderate [484–836 km], long [837–1331 km] or very long [>1332 km]), crowd number, differences in team penalty counts (penalty differential), penalty yardage differential and time zone change (Eastward or Westward direction of travel) data from two non-consecutive NCAA college football seasons (2013 and 2016; 719 games; 222 teams) were obtained. Matches played at home were associated with a ~5 point advantage (ES = 0.58 ± 0.18). Away teams traveling >484 km resulted in a moderate disadvantage (~5 to 7 points, ES = −0.61 to −0.77). When crossing time zones in a Westerly direction resulted in a ~7.5 point disadvantage (ES = −0.82 ± 0.31) for away teams. When playing at Home, larger crowds resulted in a ~6 point advantage (ES = 0.67 ± 0.36), whilst larger crowds were negatively associated with performance (~8 points; 2 points) for away teams (ES = −0.97 ± 0.27). These results suggest HA exists in NCAA Division I football, particularly evident with larger crowds. These results provide evidence that could aid logistical or periodisation strategies in preparation for games.

KEYWORDS:

• Gridiron
• recovery
• athlete
• performance
• travel
• United States

Acknowledgements

Technical or equipment support for this study was not provided by any outside companies, manufacturers, or organisations.

Competing interest

The authors do not have professional relationships with any companies or manufacturers that will benefit from this study. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.