The opening round of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff has concluded, and the excitement is building as we head into the national quarterfinals on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. With the stakes higher than ever, fans are eager to see which teams will rise to the occasion and vie for the coveted 2024 National Championship.
Betting Odds Shift After First Round
As the College Football Playoff national quarterfinal matchups are officially set, FanDuel Sportsbook has updated the betting odds for the eight remaining teams still in contention. This is where things get interesting! The odds reflect not only the teams’ performances but also the shifting dynamics as they prepare for their next challenges.
The fifth-seeded Longhorns have made a significant leap in the odds, overtaking No. 1 seed Oregon as FanDuel’s favorite to win it all. After defeating ACC champion Clemson 38-24 last Saturday, Texas saw its odds jump from +360. This surge suggests that bettors are feeling optimistic about the Longhorns’ chances as they gear up for the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against this year’s Big 12 title winner.
Key Matchups on the Horizon
The Longhorns (12-2), who were last season’s Big 12 champions, will face off against Arizona State (11-2) in the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on New Year’s Day. This matchup is particularly intriguing, as Arizona State is led by powerful running back Cam Skattebo, who has been a force all season long.
Meanwhile, the eighth-seeded Buckeyes (11-2) have also seen their odds improve dramatically after a commanding 42-17 victory over ninth-seeded Tennessee. Ohio State finally showcased the talent that had them pegged as preseason favorites, and their odds jumped from +500, indicating a renewed belief in their championship potential. They will face a rematch against undefeated and No. 1 seed Oregon in the Rose Bowl, a game that promises to be thrilling given their previous close encounter.
The Ducks and Their Challenge
Speaking of the Ducks (13-0), they enter the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl as 2.5-point underdogs, despite their perfect record. Their earlier victory over Ohio State, a nail-biting 32-31 win on October 12, adds an extra layer of excitement to this rematch. With Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel at the helm, Oregon boasts a high-powered offense that averaged nearly 450 yards per game this season. Can they maintain their momentum against a resurgent Buckeyes team?
The SEC Champion Bulldogs (11-2) also face a unique set of challenges as they prepare for their matchup against Notre Dame (12-1) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. After losing senior quarterback Carson Beck to a season-ending injury, Georgia has turned to Gunner Stockton, who led a second-half rally to secure the SEC title. Despite the uncertainty, oddsmakers have shown confidence in the Bulldogs, with their odds slightly improving to +500.
Notre Dame’s Winning Streak
On the other hand, Notre Dame is riding high with an 11-game winning streak after defeating in-state rival Indiana 27-17 in their first-round game. While the final score might suggest a close contest, the game was largely dominated by the Fighting Irish, who led 27-3 in the fourth quarter. However, oddsmakers remain skeptical about their chances against Georgia, despite their impressive run this season.
The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions (12-2) have also seen a boost in their odds after a dominant performance against No. 11-seed SMU, where they outrushed the Mustangs 189-58. With a powerful ground game led by Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, Penn State is poised to make a statement in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl against Boise State (12-1), the Mountain West champions.
Boise State’s Longshot Status
Despite being the lone Group of Five team remaining, Boise State has seen their odds drop significantly, making them the biggest longshot in the playoff. However, they feature the NCAA’s best running back in Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, who is just 132 yards shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ NCAA single-season rushing record. Can Jeanty lead his team to an upset against the Nittany Lions?
As we gear up for these thrilling matchups, it’s clear that the 2024 College Football Playoff is shaping up to be one for the ages. With teams like Texas, Ohio State, and Oregon vying for glory, fans are in for a wild ride. Who will emerge victorious and claim the ultimate prize? The drama unfolds on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!
