The NCAAF championship isn't far away now. And with that, BetMGM has shown its College Football semifinals betting handles for the two games in action.
There are just two games on this weekend: Notre Dame vs Penn State and Ohio State vs Texas. According to BetMGM, Ohio State -6.0 and Notre Dame -2.5 are the most popular bets, meaning sportsbooks will be cheering for the underdogs to cover.
Below, I'll highlight where the betting action is for this round of playoffs and dive deeper into our College Football semifinals betting handles:
Notre Dame vs Penn State Betting Handle
Jan. 9, 7:30 pm ET
| Team | Spread | % Bets | % Handle | Total | % Bets | % Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notre Dame | -2.5 | 69% | 73% | O45.5 | 26% | 33% |
| Penn State | +2.5 | 31% | 27% | U45.5 | 74% | 67% |
Betting Handle per BetMGM
Ohio State vs Texas Betting Handle
| Team | Spread | % Bets | % Handle | Total | % Bets | % Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | -6.0 | 75% | 79% | O53.5 | 77% | 69% |
| Texas | +6.0 | 25% | 21% | U53.5 | 23% | 31% |
Betting Handle per BetMGM
Penn State Had it too easy
As our NCAAF expert, Josie Costigan notes, Penn State had an easier route to the semifinals by beating Boise State.
Last week, Indiana’s second-ranked rush defense couldn’t contain ND rusher Jeremiyah Love, while Riley Leonard showcased his versatility, passing for over 200 yards and rushing for 80 against the Bulldogs despite limited aerial production in the quarterfinals. Leonard is finding ways to win.
Notre Dame, the second-best passing defense Drew Allar will face this year, held Ohio State to 146 yards and a pick in Week 10, contributing to a game that hit the UNDER at 47 points.
Josie with the public on Notre Dame and the points, plus the UNDER 45.5. The Irish have covered the spread in 10 consecutive games.
Buckeyes A Popular Bet
David Caraviello's OSU-Texas preview has all the insight you need.
The Longhorns started hot with five covers in their first six games but have since struggled, allowing opponents like Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Arizona State to hang around, including a near-collapse in the CFP quarters. Meanwhile, Ohio State has shown ruthless efficiency, dominating everyone but Michigan and covering five of six, with the lone miss still a 24-point win. The Buckeyes are steamrolling their way toward a national title, and their dismantling of Oregon, a team that beat them earlier, proves they’re the best squad in this playoff.
Most Bet Player Props: Notre Dame vs Penn State
- Jadarian Price to score anytime touchdown (+185)
- Jeremiyah Love under 38.5 rushing yards (-115)
- Harrison Wallace over 39.5 receiving yards (-115)
- Jordan Faison over 42.5 receiving yards (-115)
- Riley Leonard under 1.5 passing touchdowns (-300)
Most Bet Player Props: Ohio State vs Texas
- Jeremiah Smith to score anytime touchdown (-125)
- Treveyon Henderson over 23.5 receiving yards (-115)
- Treveyon Henderson under 43.5 rushing yards (-115)
- Quintrevion Wisner under 61.5 rushing yards (-115)
- Jeremiah Smith over 84.5 receiving yards (-115)
Smith to score a TD is a very popular bet. The OSU freshman has become a scoring force, racking up five touchdowns in his last three games, including a dominant 187-yard, two-TD outing against the Ducks. With Texas's secondary exposed by Cade Klubnik’s 336-yard, three-TD performance in the opening round, Smith could be in for another big day.
