With the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals approaching, bookmakers are closely monitoring betting trends across all four matchups. The most significant concern for bookmakers revolves around the highly anticipated game between Ole Miss and Georgia. According to Joey Feazel, head of football trading at Caesars Sports, this matchup is expected to have the largest impact on betting outcomes.
The CFP quarterfinals feature intriguing contests, including the Miami versus Ohio State game, which kicks off on New Year’s Eve. Ohio State enters the game with a strong record of 12-1 and a notable performance against the spread, boasting a 10-2-1 record. The Buckeyes’ only loss came against Indiana in the Big Ten championship game. In their first-round matchup, Miami showcased a solid defensive effort, defeating Texas A&M 10-3 as a 3-point underdog.
Caesars Sports opened Ohio State as a 7.5-point favorite for the Cotton Bowl, with the line shifting to -10 by December 20. As of just hours before kickoff, Ohio State is favored at -9.5. Feazel noted the betting activity is split, with some backing Miami on the moneyline while others favor Ohio State to cover the spread. The total for the game has also drawn attention, with sharp bettors pushing it down to 40.5 after initial enthusiasm for the Over.
The second quarterfinal features Oregon and Texas Tech. Oregon advanced from the first round with a commanding 51-34 victory over James Madison, though they failed to cover the spread as 21-point favorites. Opening as a 1-point favorite for the Orange Bowl, Oregon has seen its line rise to -2.5 as of December 31. Feazel indicates that more sharp action has been seen on Oregon, although both teams have their supporters.
Despite their strong performance, Texas Tech is expected to face a challenge. College football betting expert Paul Stone highlighted Texas Tech’s recent successes, suggesting they could cover the +2.5 spread against Oregon. Texas Tech’s past performances against top teams indicate they could keep the game competitive.
Another key matchup features Indiana, the top seed in the CFP, facing Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Indiana, fresh off a strong season, opened as a 6-point favorite against Alabama, who recently earned a victory over Oklahoma. Feazel pointed out that there is significant interest in Alabama’s moneyline, especially with the Crimson Tide at +200, a rare opportunity for bettors.
The final quarterfinal game pits two SEC rivals against each other: Georgia and Ole Miss. Georgia, having received a first-round bye, faces a confident Ole Miss team that dominated Tulane in their opener. The betting line has fluctuated between Georgia -6 and -7, with Feazel noting a strong public backing for Georgia. The Bulldogs are also attracting bets on their future championship prospects, further increasing the stakes for bookmakers.
As the CFP quarterfinals unfold, the betting landscape is dynamic and evolving. With significant money on the line, the outcomes of these games could have far-reaching implications for both teams and sportsbooks alike. The action begins on December 31, 2023, with fans and bettors alike eager to see how these matchups play out.
