This weekend’s conference championship games will determine the final shape of the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket.
Legal online college football sportsbooks have lines posted for each conference championship game happening this Friday and Saturday. Below, we take a look at each of the lines that have an impact on the final 12 CFP teams.
Sun Belt Championship Betting
- Friday at 7:00 PM — Troy vs. James Madison (#25)
- Spread: Troy +23.5 (-110) | JMU -23.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Troy +1100 | JMU -2800
- Total (O/U): 47.5 (Over -110 | Under -110)
A James Madison win solidifies their CFP hopes as a highly-ranked conference champ, but they may need a Tulane or Virginia loss to get a nod.
Troy is a heavy underdog, and an upset would shake up perceptions. A JMU loss obliterates their playoff resume, placing them well outside the final top 12 rankings.
AAC Championship Betting
- Friday at 8:00 PM – North Texas (#24) vs. Tulane (#20)
- Spread: North Texas -2.5 (-110) | Tulane +2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: North Texas -135 | Tulane +115
- Total (O/U): 67.5 (Over -105 | Under -115)
Tulane has the edge to boost CFP consideration, likely sealing the 12 seed with a win, according to CFP sportsbooks. However, North Texas is a slight favorite, and neither would make the playoffs if the Mean Green get the win.
Big 12 Championship Betting
- Saturday at 12:00 PM — BYU (#11) vs. Texas Tech (#4)
- Spread: BYU +13.0 (-105) | Texas Tech -13.0 (-115)
- Moneyline: BYU +400 | Texas Tech -575
- Total (O/U): 49.5 (Over -110 | Under -110)
Texas Tech is favored to clinch a top CFP spot with a victory, strengthening its title and playoff bid. BYU’s upset would cause major upheaval, elevating the Cougars’ position while jeopardizing Texas Tech’s automatic qualifier hopes.
There is an outside chance that both programs would make the playoffs if BYU wins.
SEC Championship Betting
- Saturday at 4:00 PM — Georgia (#3) vs. Alabama (#9)
- Spread: Georgia -2.5 (-110) | Alabama +2.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Georgia -140 | Alabama +120
- Total (O/U): 48.0 (Over -110 | Under -110)
Georgia is a favorite and will likely confirm the #2 spot if they defeat the Crimson Tide. An Alabama upset could propel the Tide into the top 4, but a loss places them in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.
A Georgia loss could shake up the top four, leaving their playoff spot precarious.
ACC Championship Betting
- Saturday at 8:00 PM — Duke vs. Virginia (#17)
- Spread: Duke +3.5 (-110) | Virginia -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Duke +145 | Virginia -170
- Total (O/U): 58.0 (Over -110 | Under -110)
Virginia is favored to win, and they should secure a strong CFP position with an ACC title. Duke’s upset would dramatically improve their playoff chances, causing a significant shift in CFP rankings and ACC pecking order.
There is also the possibility that the ACC champs will miss the playoffs with a Blue Devils win.
Big Ten Championship Betting
- Saturday at 8:00 PM — Indiana (#2) vs. Ohio State (#1)
- Spread: Indiana +4.0 (-110) | Ohio State -4.0 (-110)
- Moneyline: Indiana +165 | Ohio State -195
- Total (O/U): 47.5 (Over -115 | Under -105)
Ohio State is the clear favorite to cement the top CFP seed with a win, while Indiana’s upset would send shockwaves through the playoff field, possibly vaulting Indiana to the top seed. The loser would face uncertain CFP futures depending on the committee’s evaluation, but could remain in the top 4.
Bovada Sportsbook (Bovada Review) | ESPN
