The College Football Playoffs have now entered the quarterfinal round. Four games stand between eight powerhouse programs and a shot at the national championship.
In the first round, there were two upset winners and two blowouts. With the final eight teams now firmly entrenched in the second round, CFP betting sites have posted early lines for each contest.
New Year’s Eve
Miami (#10) vs. Ohio State (#2)
- Spread: Miami +9.5 (-110) | Ohio State -9.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Miami +270 | Ohio State -340
- Total: Over 42.0 (-110) | Under 42.0 (-110)
- The Cotton Bowl – 7:30 PM ET –
Miami enters the CFP quarterfinal riding a balanced attack and confident defense, but Ohio State’s playoff experience and quarterback play make this matchup compelling.
The Buckeyes thrive in big moments, while the Hurricanes’ speed, opportunistic secondary, and special teams could cause problems.
Our Projection: Ohio State Wins, Miami Covers
New Year’s Day
Oregon (#5) vs. Texas Tech (#4)
- Spread: Oregon -1.0 (-110) | Texas Tech +1.0 (-110)
- Moneyline: Oregon -115 | Texas Tech -105
- Total: Over 53.0 (-105) | Under 53.0 (-115)
- The Orange Bowl – Noon EST
Oregon’s explosive offense meets Texas Tech’s gritty defense in a quarterfinal that promises high drama and high scoring. The Ducks’ offensive tempo can stretch the Red Raiders thin, but Tech’s front seven and home-run threats on offense make them dangerous.
Expect momentum swings and aggressive play-calling on both sides.
Our Projection: Texas Tech Wins And Covers
Alabama (#9) vs. Indiana (#1)
- Spread: Alabama +7.0 (-110) | Indiana -7.0 (-110)
- Moneyline: Alabama +210 | Indiana -250
- Total: Over 48.5 (-115) | Under 48.5 (-105)
- The Rose Bowl – 4 PM EST
Top-seeded Indiana faces a dangerous Alabama team that’s peaking at the right time, setting up a classic power vs. precision showdown. The Hoosiers boast the nation’s most efficient offense and a disciplined defense built to control tempo, but Alabama’s athleticism and playoff pedigree make them a tough out.
The question is whether Indiana’s steadiness can outlast Bama’s explosive surges in a battle of contrasting styles.
Our Projection: Indiana Wins, Alabama Covers
Mississippi (#6) vs. Georgia (#3)
- Spread: Mississippi +6.5 (-105) | Georgia -6.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Mississippi +215 | Georgia -260
- Total: Over 56.0 (-110) | Under 56.0 (-110)
- The Sugar Bowl – 8 PM EST
The Mississippi Rebels are entering the second round with an interim head coach following Lane Kiffin’s departure to the LSU Tigers. Ole Miss thrives on tempo and explosive passing, but the Bulldogs counter with physicality, depth, and playoff-tested poise.
The Dogs are favored by nearly a touchdown, but will the Rebels continue their Cinderella story?
Our Projection: Mississippi Wins (And Covers)
January 19th
While none of the eight remaining programs are a sure bet to go all the way, college football sportsbooks are suggesting that the two teams that will meet for the championship will be the same teams that played in the Big Ten Championship on December 6th.
NCAAF Futures
- Ohio State (#2) +185
- Indiana (#1) +325
- Georgia (#3) +475
- Texas Tech (#4) +750
- Oregon (#5) +850
- Alabama (#9) +2000
- Miami (#10) +2200
- Mississippi (#6) +2500
Combining the odds for betting on the CFP National Championship Game, individual game lines, and other various props from the top-rated sportsbooks, we’ve come up with the following bracket that predicts the most likely path to the title for all teams.
If accurate, the Buckeyes will be hoisting their 10th all-time National Championship on January 19th in Miami.
