In the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), higher-seeded home teams enter with significant betting advantages, according to recent ESPN BET odds.
The Texas Longhorns are set as the most substantial favorites, favored by 10.5 points against Clemson. Clemson secured its spot in the CFP through a narrow ACC championship victory over SMU, which saw them clinch the game with a last-second field goal. The SMU Mustangs opened their playoff bout against Penn State as 8.5-point underdogs, but the line quickly shifted to +7.5.
SMU’s inclusion in the CFP over Alabama raised eyebrows given Alabama’s short odds to qualify until a significant odds shift occurred. Nevertheless, Clemson’s conference championship triumph edged Alabama out, catapulting SMU towards a near-certainty for a playoff spot by Sunday morning, as reflected in their evolving betting odds.
Notre Dame enters its matchup against Indiana as an 8.5-point favorite. Meanwhile, the matchup between Tennessee and Ohio State is considered the most competitive, with Ohio State favored by seven points over Tennessee.
Oregon, having secured the No. 1 seed as Big Ten champions, gained a first-round bye and initially led national championship odds at +325. However, their odds have since adjusted, now aligning with Georgia and Texas at +350. This shifting landscape underscores the volatility and competitiveness of the playoff.
Clemson saw its championship probability decline from +3000 to +5000 following the CFP announcement, while Penn State’s odds improved from +900 to +650. Despite earning a first-round bye, Boise State holds the longest odds at +6000 within the field.
As the CFP inaugural round approaches, home teams are positioned strongly in betting lines, reflecting their perceived advantages. The fluctuating odds highlight the dynamic nature of college football playoffs, with each team’s path to the championship marked by significant challenges and opportunities.
Source: Espn
