Jumping on early lines before the profit fizzles out or a spread jumps or shortens can sometimes be the key to hitting or not hitting a bet. For the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, there's more postseason games for us to wager on. Luckily, FanDuel has us covered by already releasing lookahead odds for the four meetings that follow the first-round tilts.
Shockingly enough, the four teams that earned automatic byes are underdogs in five of the eight hypothetical matchups. Below are those hypothetical College Football Playoff Quarterfinal odds.
fiesta bowl: boise State vs penn state or sMU
| Matchup | Favored Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Boise State vs Penn State | PSU -11.5 (-110) | O/U 54.5 (-110) |
| Boise State vs SMU | SMU -6.5 (-115) | O/U 59.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 12 from FanDuel
Whether Penn State or SMU advances, Boise State opens as the underdog in the Fiesta Bowl. I would infer that has everything to do with the fact that both the Nittany Lions and Mustangs ranked inside the nations top 10 for rush defense, allowing 103 yards or fewer.
It's not a secret that Ashton Jeanty has been the heart-and-soul of this unexpected Broncos herd that has rushed its way into the CFP. FanDuel is suggesting both Penn State and SMU will be able to limit him.
Peach bowl: arizona State vs Texas OR Clemson
| Matchup | Favored Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State vs Texas | TEX -13.5 (-105) | O/U 51.5 (-110) |
| Arizona State vs Clemson | CLEM -4.5 (-110) | O/U 53.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 12 from FanDuel
Similar to the Fiesta Bowl, regardless of the first-round outcome, it doesn't seem sportsbook will be very high on Arizona State. The Sun Devils open as underdogs either way, though the 13.5-point line is brutally disrespectful should they clash with the Longhorns at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If you have faith in Arizona State, now is a good chance to jump on them at this price.
I can confidently guess that Kenny Dillingham and his team are crossing their fingers, hoping to meet Clemson. The Tigers defense is just weaker, allowing 139.1 rushing yards per game compared to the Longhorns giving up 103.6 YPG. The Sun Devils rest their offense on the Cam Skattebo's shoulders... or should I say legs?
The senior has gained over 170 yards on the ground in back-to-back performances while collecting five touchdowns. He's playing out of his mind and I'd be more willing to place my money on him getting ahead of Dabo Swinney squad than Steve Sarkisian's bench.
rose bowl: oregon vs Tennessee OR Ohio State
| Matchup | Favored Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon vs Tennessee | ORE -4.5 (-115) | O/U 52.5 (-110) |
| Oregon vs Ohio State | ORE -1.5 (-104) | O/U 53.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 12 from FanDuel
Spoiler alert! Oregon is the only team that is favored in their respective quarterfinal meeting regardless of its opponent. Though the Ducks are hovering eerily close to a potential Pick 'Em matchup should they meet their newest Big Ten foes, the Ohio State Buckeyes.
My advice is to jump on the point total early, which is comparable in either outcome. All three teams here rank in the top 15 for scoring offense. I'm also expecting a bloodbath between Tennessee vs Ohio State in the first-round, taking turns beating each other up offensively.
A blowout in the opening round nearly guarantees the total for the Rose Bowl to jump.
sugar bowl: georgia vs notre dame OR Indiana
| Matchup | Favored Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia vs Notre Dame | ND -1.5 (-110) | O/U 46.5 (-110) |
| Georgia vs Indiana | UGA -6.5 (-106) | O/U 52.5 (-110) |
Odds as of December 12 from FanDuel
Oh, there's some excitement in the Sugar Bowl hypothetical odds! FanDuel is giving the Irish the favored title should they advance to line up agains the Dawgs at Caesars Superdome. There's some uncertainty surrounding Georgia right now and whether Carson Beck will be healthy enough to start after an elbow injury in the SEC Championship.
I like Notre Dame at this price before the spread potentially grows to a number I feel uncomfortable with. The Irish have covered in eight-straight, six of which were double-digits.
