The excitement around college football is reaching a fever pitch as the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season were unveiled Tuesday night. But while the Oregon Ducks soared to the No. 1 spot, it’s the Ohio State Buckeyes who opened as betting favorites to ultimately hoist the national championship trophy.
Ohio State Buckeyes Sit Atop Betting Odds
According to the oddsmakers at ESPN BET, Ohio State checks in with +325 odds (bet $100 to win $325) to win the College Football Playoff, putting them ahead of No. 1 ranked Oregon at +400. The Georgia Bulldogs, who sit at No. 3 in the initial rankings, also have +400 odds to claim the title.
The Texas Longhorns (+500) and surprising Miami Hurricanes (+1200) round out the top five betting choices. Notably, the Alabama Crimson Tide have the fifth-shortest championship odds at +1200 despite being slotted all the way down at No. 11 in the committee’s first rankings release.
Key Matchups Could Shake Up the Playoff Picture
This weekend’s slate of games brings immense playoff implications, with several high-stakes showdowns on tap. According to sources, the Big Ten East clash between Ohio State and Penn State could vault the winner into the driver’s seat for both a conference title and playoff spot.
Out west, Oregon aims to validate its No. 1 ranking in a tricky road test at Washington. And in the SEC, Georgia puts its unbeaten record on the line against surging Mississippi State. How these matchups unfold could prompt major adjustments to the championship odds by this time next week.
Betting Markets Bullish on Big 12, Bearish on Clemson
The betting markets seem to be higher on the Big 12’s playoff chances than the committee, as the undefeated Kansas State Wildcats are getting decent +10000 odds (bet $100 to win $10,000) to win it all despite being unranked. On the other hand, perennial playoff participant Clemson sits at 50/1 odds after clocking in at No. 23 in the rankings.
Bold Bets on Non-Traditional Contenders
For those seeking a high risk, high reward wager, the SMU Mustangs at 75/1 and the Colorado Buffaloes at 100/1 provide juicy championship odds for teams ranked in the committee’s top 20. And from the dark horse department, Army at 500/1 and Missouri at 1000/1 are in the mix for ambitious long shots.
The great thing about the playoff system is it keeps so many teams and fanbases engaged into November. The betting odds reflect that parity and hope across the college football landscape.
– Veteran oddsmaker for a major sportsbook
Forecasting Playoff Futures a Challenging Task
While Ohio State, Oregon, and Georgia appear to be separating themselves as the betting favorites, recent history shows that the playoff picture can change dramatically between the first rankings and the final field of four. Unexpected upsets, injuries to key players, and the natural ebb-and-flow of a college football season means the only certainty is uncertainty.
But that unpredictable nature is a huge part of what makes betting on the playoff race so compelling. The next twist of the plot could come as soon as this Saturday. Buckle up and enjoy the wild ride to the finish!
