The stage is set for an epic start to the 2024 College Football Playoff, as oddsmakers have released the opening betting lines for the highly anticipated first-round matchups. After an exhilarating championship weekend that saw Oregon, Georgia, Boise State and Arizona State clinch the coveted top four seeds and first-round byes, eight other contenders are gearing up to begin their quest for college football immortality.
Buckeyes Open as Touchdown Favorites Over Vols
In the final game of the opening round on December 21st, the Ohio State Buckeyes will host the Tennessee Volunteers in a primetime clash at the Horseshoe. The Buckeyes opened as 7-point favorites, suggesting oddsmakers are bullish on their chances to advance, even against a formidable SEC opponent. Ohio State boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the nation, led by Heisman finalist quarterback Drake Maye.
Ohio State’s high-powered attack will be tough for any defense to contain. But don’t count out Tennessee – they have playmakers on both sides of the ball capable of pulling off the upset in Columbus.
ESPN College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit
The Volunteers will need a herculean effort from their own star signal-caller, Joe Milton III, to keep pace with the Buckeyes’ scoring barrage. In a matchup of contrasting styles, the chess match between Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and Tennessee defensive guru Tim Banks could ultimately decide which team moves on to the Elite Eight.
Texas Heavily Favored in Austin
Earlier on Saturday, the Texas Longhorns will host the Clemson Tigers in a cross-conference collision. Fresh off their thrilling Big 12 Championship victory over Oklahoma, the Longhorns enter the playoff as the hottest team in America, having won seven straight games. Oddsmakers have taken notice, installing Texas as a hefty 12-point favorite over the ACC runners-up.
- Texas is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as a double-digit favorite
- Clemson is 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog
The Tigers have been inconsistent away from Death Valley this season, suffering blowout losses to Notre Dame and North Carolina on the road. They’ll need to summon a much better effort to have any chance of slowing down Arch Manning and the electrifying Longhorns offense in front of a raucous burnt orange crowd.
Irish Laying Less than a Touchdown vs Hoosiers
In a rare postseason edition of a classic in-state rivalry, Notre Dame will welcome Indiana to South Bend on December 20th to kick off the first round. The Fighting Irish are favored by 6.5 points on their home turf, where they went undefeated this season. However, the Hoosiers have been giant killers away from Bloomington, pulling off stunning upsets over Michigan and Penn State.
Indiana has proven they can go into hostile environments and knock off blueblood programs. They won’t be intimidated by the mystique of Notre Dame. I expect a four-quarter battle in this one.
FOX Sports Analyst Joel Klatt
The Irish will lean heavily on their punishing ground attack, spearheaded by running back Jadarian Price. But the Hoosiers’ defense, anchored by All-American linebacker Dasan McCullough, has excelled at making opponents one-dimensional. Indiana’s ability to put the game in the hands of inconsistent Notre Dame quarterback Steve Angeli could be the key to springing yet another monumental upset.
Nittany Lions Solid Favorites Over Mustangs
Rounding out the first-round matchups, Penn State will host the upstart SMU Mustangs on December 21st in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions opened as 8.5-point favorites, a reflection of their dominant 11-2 campaign and SMU’s struggles against top-tier competition. Still, the Mustangs’ aerial assault, orchestrated by record-setting quarterback Preston Stone, is a threat to strike from anywhere on the field.
| Team | Passing Yards/Game | Rank (FBS) |
| SMU | 380.6 | 2nd |
| Penn State | 246.5 | 54th |
The Nittany Lions’ secondary, led by lockdown corner Kalen King, will be put to the test against the Mustangs’ devastating downfield passing game. Penn State’s best defense may be a good offense, as they will aim to control the clock with a methodical rushing attack to keep Stone and company on the sidelines.
With the opening lines set and the matchups finalized, the countdown to kickoff for the 2024 College Football Playoff is officially on. Will the top seeds stave off the first-round winners and advance to the Final Four? Or will underdogs like Indiana and SMU continue to defy expectations and crash the party? Buckle up for a December to remember as the road to the national championship begins in earnest.
