CFP Semifinal Look-Ahead Odds | Hypothetical Betting Lines for College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff quarterfinals kick off tonight, but you can already bet on the CFP semifinal look-ahead odds for the eight hypothetical matchups that we could see in the Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 8) and Peach Bowl (Jan. 9) for next week's semifinals.

There's a limited window to bet on these look-ahead lines before the quarterfinals, so we have you covered with the latest CFP look-ahead odds and our College Football Playoff predictions for each of these semifinal hypotheticals. All games will be televised on ESPN.

🎉 Fiesta Bowl odds & look-ahead lines (Jan. 8 @ 7:30 p.m. ET)

CFP semifinal look-ahead odds via FanDuel as of Dec. 31.

Ohio State (-5.5) vs. Georgia

If both favorites prevail in the Cotton Bowl and Sugar Bowl, we'll be treated to arguably the best matchup of the season based on roster talent and recent success. Ohio State is attempting to become the second back-to-back winner of the CFP era after Georgia did it from 2021-22. While the Bulldogs looked sharp in a blowout win over Alabama in the SEC title, I don't see Ohio State stumbling against a still-inferior opponent on paper.

Early pick: Ohio State -5.5

Ohio State (-9.5) vs. Ole Miss

In this scenario, the Rebels pull off a rather stunning upset of Georgia - which is favored by roughly a touchdown in the Sugar Bowl - to set up another David vs. Goliath matchup in the semifinals. That would be one heck of a win for Pete Golding and his makeshift staff, though I'm still laying the points with the Buckeyes at anything shy of 10 points. Ohio State has the better roster without all of the locker room drama.

Early pick: Ohio State -9.5

Georgia (-3.5) vs. Miami

This is a perfect example of the type of matchup I'd be trying to target early. I don't expect Miami to upset Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl tonight, but if that actually happens, I would absolutely view the Hurricanes in a different light after a strong finish to the regular season punctuated by what would be the best win by any team this season. I'd be surprised if the line stayed at 3.5 in that scenario, so this one is worth betting early.

Early pick: Miami +3.5

Miami (-1.5) vs. Ole Miss

I feel similarly here as I do with the above matchup, though in this case, both teams would be coming off pretty sizable upsets. I would still be far more impressed with a Miami win in the quarterfinals, and I already view the Hurricanes more favorably on the field and along the sidelines - and clearly the market does, too. This isn't one I'm rushing to the window to bet, but I do like the 'Canes in this hypothetical matchup.

Early pick: Miami -1.5

🍑 Peach Bowl odds & look-ahead lines (Jan. 9 @ 7:30 p.m. ET)

Stay ahead with our updated college football bowl game odds and schedule.

Indiana (-3.5) vs. Oregon

This is the only potential semifinal matchup featuring a rematch from the regular season, which remains the lone blemish on Oregon's resume this year. I have full faith in Indiana as a legitimate contender led by Heisman Trophy winner and expected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza and back-to-back Coach of the Year winner Curt Cignetti. That said, Dan Lanning is no slouch on the other side while leading a more talented roster overall. I'd be grabbing the points here before the line crosses over the key number of 3.

Early pick: Oregon +3.5

Indiana (-3.5) vs. Texas Tech

While Oregon is laying nearly a field goal at a neutral site against Texas Tech, the Red Raiders are priced as virtually equal to the Ducks in a potential matchup with the Hoosiers. That doesn't make a ton of sense to me, and I'd be strongly inclined to either fade Oregon in the quarterfinals or Texas Tech in these semifinal look-ahead lines as a result. This feels like the incorrect price to me, so I'd back Indiana in the early market.

Early pick: Indiana -3.5

Oregon (-3.5) vs. Alabama

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is a perfect 3-0 in his career against Oregon, though those Washington teams in 2022-23 were arguably even better than his current squad. The Crimson Tide have the talent in key spots - including QB Ty Simpson, a potential top pick in the NFL draft - but faded down the stretch and have struggled to put together 60 minutes of solid football, as we saw in the first round. Even if Alabama pulls off the upset over Indiana, I'd still rather be on the Ducks in this matchup at a reasonable price.

Early pick: Oregon -3.5

Texas Tech (-3.5) vs. Alabama

This is another puzzling one to me, as the Ducks and Red Raiders are priced as essentially dead-even opponents for Alabama despite Oregon featuring just under a 60% chance to win by the latest CFP odds. That tells me the market is overvaluing Texas Tech in these hypothetical matchups, and I'd prefer to have a ticket with the hook on Alabama should it upset Indiana as opposed to waiting too long and paying a worse price later.

Early pick: Alabama +3.5

📊 CFP championship odds

See the latest college football odds and our college football picks for every bowl game.

🤔 Is it worth betting on CFP look-ahead odds?

No matter how sharp the market appears to be on paper, there is always an element of overreaction baked into these betting odds - especially late in the season when every matchup is under a spotlight and bettors are eager to attack the board the moment the clock hits zeroes.

That's why betting early can prove advantageous, especially if you expect an outlier result from the current market. For example, if you feel Indiana is undervalued and will blow out Alabama on Thursday, you'd be wise to bet early on the Hoosiers as 3.5-point favorites against either Oregon or Texas Tech. Conversely, we could see Alabama's odds shorten if it actually pulls off the upset, which could benefit those who bet ahead.

The best part about betting on CFP look-ahead odds is that your bet is voided if the hypothetical matchup never happens. So if you bet on the Crimson Tide to pull off a semifinal upset but they get beat in the quarterfinals, you'll get your money refunded.

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