The stage is set for the 2024 College Football Playoff, with 12 teams vying for the championship. After securing conference titles, Oregon, Georgia, Boise State, and Arizona State have earned direct entries into the quarterfinals. This leaves eight other contenders to battle it out in the first round starting December 20.
The first game of the playoffs features an in-state rivalry with Notre Dame hosting Indiana. With both teams holding an 11-1 record, Notre Dame enters as a 7.5-point favorite with over/under odds of 51.5. This matchup promises to deliver a thrilling start to the playoff season, scheduled for December 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN.
In another compelling face-off, SMU meets Penn State at Beaver Stadium. Both teams have shown strong performances, with SMU standing at 11-2 and having achieved 2-1 against AP-ranked opponents. However, Penn State, also 11-2 but with a less favorable 1-2 against top teams, is favored by 7.5 points. The game will take place on December 21 at noon and can be viewed on TNT/Max, with an over/under set at 52.5.
Clemson will challenge Texas in Austin, further heating up the competition. Clemson, with a 10-3 record, is an underdog at +340 against a well-prepared Texas team, which boasts an 11-2 record and better statistics against AP teams. Texas is a 10.5-point favorite for this game, scheduled for 4 p.m. on December 21 on TNT/Max, with an over/under line of 53.5.
Finally, Tennessee travels to Columbus to face Ohio State. Both teams have identical 10-2 records, making this matchup particularly intriguing. Ohio State enters as a 7-point favorite, with an over/under total of 47.5. This clash concludes the first round on December 21, featuring on ESPN/ABC at 8 p.m.
The opening round of the 2024 College Football Playoff is set to provide football fans with intense competition and riveting performances. As the favorites and underdogs prepare, the betting odds suggest closely contested games that could lead to surprising outcomes.
Source: Espn
