College Football Playoff Betting Lines: Ohio State vs. Miami Analysis
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is heating up as we get closer to New Year’s Eve. Four quarterfinal matchups are on deck, with a lot at stake for the teams involved.
One of the most anticipated games? The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes taking on the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
This article takes a look at how the betting lines are moving for these big games. There are some insights here for anyone itching to place a wager.
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Ohio State vs. Miami: Cotton Bowl Showdown
The Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) are set to face the Miami Hurricanes (11-2) in a high-stakes Cotton Bowl matchup. The Buckeyes, who earned a first-round bye, are coming off a narrow loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes advanced to the CFP quarterfinals with a hard-fought 10-3 victory over Texas A&M.
Line Movements and Betting Insights
Ohio State opened as an 8.5-point favorite, but the line moved to 9.5 points after the first wave of bets. Miami’s offense didn’t exactly light it up against Texas A&M, putting up just 10 points, and that probably played a role in the shift.
Ohio State’s defense has been nearly impossible to score on, allowing only 8.2 points per game. That’s a scary number if you’re rooting for Miami to break through.
If you’re leaning toward the Buckeyes, you might want to keep an eye out for a better number before jumping in. Miami’s best hope could be to put some heat on Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, just like Indiana did in the Big Ten title game.
Oregon vs. Texas Tech: Orange Bowl Battle
The Oregon Ducks (12-1) and Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1) are set to square off in the Orange Bowl. This game has already seen some wild line movement—never a dull moment with these two.
Line Movements and Betting Insights
Oregon started as a 1.5-point favorite, but early money came in on Texas Tech, flipping the line to Red Raiders -1.5. Now, though, Oregon’s back on top as the favorite, with the line sitting at 2.5 points.
There’s some buzz that Oregon receiver Evan Stewart might return after missing the whole season with a knee injury. That could be swaying the odds a bit.
If you like the Ducks, you might want to act before the line moves again. Red Raiders fans could wait for +3 or maybe just go for the money line instead.
Indiana vs. Alabama: Rose Bowl Clash
The Indiana Hoosiers (13-0) and Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3) will meet in the Rose Bowl. Indiana’s been a force all season, while Alabama has had a few bumps lately.
Line Movements and Betting Insights
Indiana opened as a 6-point favorite, but it didn’t take long for the line to climb to 7. There are still a few 6.5s out there, so it pays to shop around if you’re backing the Hoosiers.
Indiana has been blowing teams out, with an average margin of victory over 31 points per game. That’s the second-highest in the country.
Alabama’s form is a bit shaky, with two losses in their last five and a narrow escape against Oklahoma. That might give bettors pause before siding with the Crimson Tide.
Georgia vs. Ole Miss: Sugar Bowl Rematch
The Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) and Ole Miss Rebels (12-1) are meeting again in the Sugar Bowl. Their regular-season game was a wild one, with Georgia rallying late for the win.
Line Movements and Betting Insights
Georgia opened as a 6.5-point favorite, and the line hasn’t moved much. In that earlier meeting, Georgia came back from a 35-26 hole in the fourth quarter to win it 43-35.
The juice is heavy on Georgia right now, so if you’re on the Bulldogs, you might want to jump before it hits -7. Ole Miss fans, remember how tough the Rebels played last time—could be worth considering.
Betting Strategies and Tips
With the CFP quarterfinals almost here, a few betting tips come to mind:
- Shop Around for the Best Lines: Not all sportsbooks are created equal. Take a minute to look for the best number before you bet—it’s worth it.
- Consider Recent Performances: How a team is playing right now can matter more than their record. Look at their last few games before making a call.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Injuries can change everything. Check for updates, especially for key players who might suit up after missing time.
- Evaluate Defensive Strengths: Defense wins championships, or so they say. Teams like Ohio State, with a lockdown D, could have the edge in tight games.
Conclusion
The College Football Playoff quarterfinals are shaping up to be wild. Expect some real fireworks and close calls on the field.
If you’re thinking about placing a bet, it might be smart to keep an eye on line movements and any last-minute shifts. There’s a lot to consider, and sometimes the smallest detail makes all the difference.
Want to dig deeper? You can always find more info and analysis over at CBS Sports.
