The wait is over, college football fans. The matchups and betting odds for the 2024 bowl season have finally been released, and there’s no shortage of intriguing showdowns on the slate. Headlining the action is the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, which will see the sport’s top title contenders battle it out in a new expanded format.
New Playoff Format Shakes Up Betting Landscape
The expanded playoff field means more high-stakes games for bettors to sink their teeth into. According to oddsmakers, here are the early lines for the playoff quarterfinal matchups on New Year’s Day:
- No. 1 Georgia (-7.5) vs. No. 8 Clemson in the Peach Bowl
- No. 2 Michigan (-3.5) vs. No. 7 USC in the Rose Bowl
- No. 3 Ohio State (-6) vs. No. 6 Alabama in the Fiesta Bowl
- No. 4 Oklahoma (-2.5) vs. No. 5 LSU in the Sugar Bowl
The Bulldogs are favored to defend their national title, but they’ll face stiff competition from a talented Clemson squad in Atlanta. Michigan-USC shapes up as a classic Big Ten vs. Pac-12 clash in Pasadena, while Ohio State and Oklahoma are slight favorites over their SEC foes.
Other Notable Bowl Odds & Matchups
Beyond the playoff, there are plenty of other marquee bowl games for fans and bettors to get excited about. Some of the most anticipated non-playoff matchups include:
- ReliaQuest Bowl: No. 11 Alabama (-10) vs. Michigan
- Citrus Bowl: No. 15 South Carolina (-9.5) vs. No. 20 Illinois
- Alamo Bowl: No. 17 BYU vs. No. 23 Colorado (-3)
- Holiday Bowl: No. 21 Syracuse (-11) vs. Washington State
The Crimson Tide will look to salvage their season against the Wolverines in a battle of college football blue bloods. South Carolina is a heavy favorite over Illinois in Orlando, while Colorado is giving a field goal to BYU in San Antonio. Syracuse aims to cap a strong campaign against the Cougars in San Diego.
Early Line Movements to Watch
While the opening lines provide a benchmark, seasoned bettors know that the odds are always in flux leading up to kickoff. Some notable line movements to keep an eye on in the early going:
- The Peach Bowl line has shifted from Georgia -7.5 to -6.5, suggesting some early action on Clemson.
- Oklahoma has gone from -2.5 to -3 against LSU in the Sugar Bowl, with money trending toward the Sooners.
- The Holiday Bowl total has ticked down from 61.5 to 59.5, indicating bets on a lower-scoring affair between Syracuse and Wazzu.
“The expanded playoff has definitely generated a lot of buzz and betting interest. We’re seeing some sizable wagers come in on the quarterfinal matchups already.”
– Oddsmaker at a major Las Vegas sportsbook
Of course, line movements are only one piece of the handicapping puzzle. Savvy bettors will also be weighing factors like matchups, motivation, and potential opt-outs as they formulate their bowl picks. Injuries and suspensions in the lead-up to the games could further shake up the betting market.
Conclusion: Let the Bowl Bonanza Begin
With the matchups locked in and the odds posted, the stage is set for an epic 2024 college football bowl season. From the thrill of an expanded playoff to the pageantry of the New Year’s Six and beyond, there’s no shortage of betting opportunities for gridiron enthusiasts.
Whether you’re backing favorites like Georgia and Ohio State or hunting for live underdogs, the key is staying disciplined and doing your due diligence. Consult multiple sources, shop for the best lines, and above all, enjoy the games. May your bowl wagers be merry and bright!
