Entering October of the 2021-22 NCAAF season, there are still several college football programs lingering around with an unblemished record, hoping to sneak into the CFP Selection Committee’s good graces once decisions are rendered.
The most dominant conference in College Football, as well as in the odds posted at legal NCAAF betting sites, is the SEC.
However, the Southeastern Conference is split into two divisions, and within its design creates a scenario where only one unbeaten, or un-tied team can be produced following the SEC Championship Game.
All current projections suggest that the Alabama Crimson Tide and the University of Georgia Bulldogs will face each other this December for the SEC Title, with the loser likely included in the College Football Playoffs as an at-large selection.
So, who are some other teams that have a shot at finishing the season without a loss and putting their best foot forward for the Selection Committee?
The Oregon Ducks
Atop the Pac-12 Conference with a 4-0 record and a win over Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State, the Ducks are sitting in prime position to earn a final four spot in the 2021-22 NCAAF Playoffs.
They are currently the third-ranked team in the AP Top 25 and College Football Playoff betting sites place them fifth overall in their championship odds with a +1600 moneyline.
Oregon currently has -120 odds to win the Pac-12, which is a full 520 points of separation from their nearest competitor, the USC Trojans – their most likely opponent in the conference title game on December 3rd.
The Winner Of Notre Dame vs. Cincinnati
Although neither the Cincinnati Bearcats nor the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have done much to impress pollsters and oddsmakers, nevertheless, one of these programs will escape from this weekend’s game with an undefeated win-loss record and a clear path to the CFP.
The odds for the College Football National Championship favor the Irish, but the fate of both programs will be determined on the field this weekend at Notre Dame Stadium.
The Bearcats are currently favored to win by 2 over the Fighting Irish this Saturday, and if they can secure a victory in what appears to be their final test of the 2021-22 season, then perhaps Cincinnati will qualify for the postseason as a member of a non-Power Five Conference.
The Penn State Nittany Lions
Ranked number four in the nation and coming in at number six at online sports betting sites, the Penn State Nittany Lions have the toughest road ahead out of any of the previously mentioned teams.
After this weekend, the Nittany Lions will face the fifth-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes at their house, with a visit to the Ohio State Buckeyes coming up on October 30th.
If Penn State can make it through that gauntlet unscathed, then they’ll still have to beat the Michigan Wolverines at home on November 13th, and then win a Big Ten Conference Championship Game on December 7th.
The Nittany Lions are favored to finish second in the Big Ten this year with a +450 moneyline, and the perfect time to bet on Penn State may be right now before they complete the aforementioned improbable run and win their Conference.
Yahoo! Sports, Bovada Sportsbook
