2024 CFP odds: Back Buckeyes to win, cover in Cotton Bowl!
With excitement building, only four teams remain in the college football playoff picture. The initial eight matchups, aside from a thrilling conclusion between Texas and Arizona State, lacked the anticipated drama. Remarkably, the four top seeds, all of which received a first-round bye, found themselves eliminated in their opening games.
It’s worth noting that none of the bye teams were favored in their respective matchups, indicating a need for a reassessment of the seeding process. This surprising twist adds an intriguing layer to the tournament, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football.
As the season winds down, fans should relish the final moments of college football until Week 0 later this year.
No. 7 Notre Dame (-1.5, 45.5) vs. No. 6 Penn State
Both squads enter the semifinals with impressive records. Notre Dame triumphed over Indiana and Georgia by significant margins, while Penn State dominated SMU and Boise State, outscoring them by a total of 52 points.
A key factor to watch is Penn State’s extended break since their last game on December 31. In contrast, Notre Dame faced a tough Georgia team just two days later on January 2. This difference in game rhythm could impact their performance.
Both teams have combined for four low-scoring games in the playoffs, suggesting another defensive battle may be on the horizon.
No. 8 Ohio State (-6, 53.5) vs. No. 5 Texas
Not long ago, this matchup seemed evenly contested, but now Ohio State is favored by 6 points.
The line shift raises questions: has it moved too far, or is it justified?
Following their shocking defeat to Michigan, the Buckeyes have shown resilience that makes them a formidable opponent. They convincingly defeated the underdog Tennessee 42-17 in the first round and then overcame the previously unbeaten Oregon 41-21. However, the latter score does not reflect how dominant Ohio State was, as they led 31-0 within the first quarter against Oregon. This impressive performance positions the Buckeyes as strong contenders for the national title.
