The 12-team College Football Playoff has narrowed down to its final four competitors, and the anticipated semifinal matchups are now confirmed.
In a surprising turn of events, the first quarterfinal featured No. 2 Miami pulling off a stunning upset against top-seeded Ohio State, defeating them 24-14 while entering the game as a 7.5-point underdog. No. 6 Ole Miss also shocked the college football world by overcoming No. 3 Georgia with a close score of 39-34, having been a 6-point underdog as well. Meanwhile, top seed Indiana convincingly defeated Alabama with a score of 38-3, and No. 5 seed Oregon secured a solid 23-0 win over Texas Tech.
Corbie Craig and Ed Feng, our college football experts, are weighing in on the semifinal games with their insights and best bets.
Craig points out that Ole Miss showcased its potential during its matchup against Georgia. The Rebels demonstrated exceptional composure and strong offensive line protection, managing to allow zero sacks during the game. This stability was pivotal, considering they are set to face one of the top defensive fronts in college football. With effective play-calling and a dynamic run game, Ole Miss’s quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has excelled under pressure, a crucial factor in their game strategy.
On the defensive side, Miami will need to counteract that offensive depth. While the Hurricanes have an explosive offense, they have struggled at times with consistency, especially in long-drive situations.
Craig believes that if Ole Miss can replicate its previous performance, they stand a strong chance of controlling the game flow. His best bet for this matchup is Ole Miss +3 (-110).
Feng lauds Chambliss for his impressive performance against Georgia, highlighting that he exceeded his previous metrics and demonstrated exceptional decision-making on the field. He draws parallels between Chambliss and former quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Joe Burrow, noting the advantages of their experiences in basketball, particularly in decision-making.
However, Feng also raises concerns about Ole Miss’s defense, which ranks lower compared to the other teams remaining in the playoff. With Miami’s running back Mark Fletcher Jr. on the rebound after injury, Feng suggests a bet on him surpassing 81.5 rushing yards during the game.
In the highly anticipated matchup between Indiana and Oregon, Craig notes that while both teams have shown strength, Oregon’s dependency on short fields for scoring could hinder their performance. He emphasizes Indiana’s ability to extend drives and flip field position with their punter Mitch McCarthy, which could limit Oregon’s scoring opportunities. Craig’s bet for this game is Oregon’s team total to go under 21.5 (-119).
Feng supports Indiana’s chances, agreeing they possess the capacity to win the national championship. He recalls the earlier matchup where Indiana triumphed over Oregon, and although he acknowledges the Ducks’ talent, he senses the spread in the upcoming game may be disproportionate. He suggests keeping a close eye on Oregon with a lean toward Oregon +4 or better.
With so much at stake and the emergence of surprising contenders, the College Football Playoff is shaping up to deliver thrilling moments as teams battle for a shot at the championship.