The College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals are set to take center stage, drawing significant attention from bookmakers and bettors alike. According to Joey Feazel, head of football trading at Caesars Sports, the matchup between Ole Miss and Georgia is generating the most betting activity, raising concerns among bookmakers.
As the countdown to the quarterfinals continues, four key matchups are poised to influence the betting landscape. The game between Ole Miss and Georgia stands out due to its one-sided betting action. “The big one that we’re really circling and seeing one-way action on is the Ole Miss-Georgia game,” Feazel noted, indicating this game could have substantial implications for sportsbooks.
Key Matchups and Betting Insights
The quarterfinals will kick off with the highly anticipated clash between Miami and Ohio State. With Ohio State boasting a 12-1 record, their only loss came against Indiana in the Big Ten title game. Moreover, the Buckeyes hold a 10-2-1 record against the spread, making them a formidable contender. They are currently positioned as 7.5-point favorites over Miami, a line that has fluctuated to as high as -10 before settling at -9.5 just hours before the 19:30 ET kickoff.
Feazel indicated that the betting action on this game is balanced, with some bettors taking Miami on the moneyline while others favor Ohio State at -9.5. The total points line is also a point of interest, with sharp bettors pushing it down to 40.5 after earlier support for the Over.
The second matchup features Oregon against Texas Tech. Oregon secured a convincing 51-34 victory in the first round, though they did not cover the spread as 21-point favorites. Opening as slight favorites at -1, the line has moved in Oregon’s favor, reaching -2.5 ahead of their noon ET kickoff on January 1. The betting has been more favorable towards Oregon, though there remains a notable amount of support for Texas Tech.
Highlighting the Underdogs and Favorites
In the Rose Bowl, Indiana faces Alabama in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Indiana, the No. 1 seed, is considered the story of the season, having made the playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Hoosiers opened as 6-point favorites, a line that quickly shifted to -7 as bettors backed them following their victory over Oklahoma.
Feazel noted the betting trend mirrors that of the Miami-Ohio State game, with many bettors attracted to Alabama’s moneyline at +200. The possibility of an upset by Alabama remains a point of interest for many, as they seek to capitalize on favorable odds.
The final quarterfinal features an SEC showdown between Georgia and Ole Miss. Georgia, who had a first-round bye, is looking to capitalize on their previous victory over Ole Miss earlier in the season. The opening line favored Georgia by 6 points, which has seen some fluctuation, now sitting at -6.5. Feazel reported that while sharp action has come in on Ole Miss, the public is heavily backing Georgia, particularly on futures bets tied to their championship hopes.
As the CFP quarterfinals draw closer, bookmakers are preparing for a whirlwind of betting activity. The outcomes of these matchups could have lasting implications for both teams and sportsbooks, making the next few days crucial for all involved.
Patrick Everson, a sports betting analyst for FOX Sports and senior reporter for VegasInsider.com, emphasizes the importance of monitoring these betting trends as the games unfold. In a landscape where every wager counts, the stakes have never been higher.
