College Football Playoff Betting: Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl breakdowns
Here’s an overview of some items that will be of note to bettors when putting money down on the inaugural College Football Playoff.
Rose Bowl Game
2 Oregon Ducks vs. 3 Florida State Seminoles
Spread: Oregon -8
Total: 71
Line movement:
| Team | Opening Line | Current Line | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | +8 | +8 | 64% |
| Oregon | -8 | -8 | 36% |
| Team | Opening Total | Current Total | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State | 71 ov | 71 ov | 53% |
| Oregon | 71 un | 71 un | 47% |
Analysis: Florida State deserves some credit for putting together the winning streak it did, but the Seminoles are in for a rude awakening Thursday.
This year's Seminoles squad can't hold a candle to last year's edition, and will meet a test far greater than any they've had this season when they take on Oregon.
The Florida State defense has struggled when making the step up in class this year, and Oregon will keep its foot on the gas from gun to gun. This could be the game in which the nation really takes notice of Ducks freshman running back Royce Freeman.
The Seminoles' fourth-quarter antics figure to keep the final margin from being too wide, but there doesn't look to be a way this ends well for them.
Prediction: Oregon 38, Florida State 27
The Play: Oregon -8
The Trend: Oregon is 8-0 ATS in its last eight games.
Sugar Bowl
1 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes
Spread: Alabama -8.5
Total: 58.5
Line movement:
| Team | Opening Line | Current Line | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | +9.5 | +8.5 | 55% |
| Alabama | -9.5 | -8.5 | 45% |
| Team | Opening Total | Current Total | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State | 58 ov | 58.5 ov | 56% |
| Alabama | 58 un | 58.5 un | 44% |
Analysis: Alabama appears poised to steamroll through the inaugural College Football Playoff, and its first victim will be Ohio State.
Too much has been made of Cardale Jones's presence under center - just about anyone can look good in Urban Meyer's quarterback-friendly system. The bigger concern is how the team's running game will fare.
Alabama ranks second in the FBS in rushing yards allowed per game (88.7) and first in rushing touchdowns allowed (3). The Tide are also the only FBS team that hasn't allowed an opposing rusher to eclipse the 90-yard mark in a game this season.
They also appear to have the most effective offense they've had under Nick Saban. Blake Sims and Amari Cooper could put this one out of reach in a hurry.
Prediction: Alabama 41, Ohio State 16
The Play: Alabama -8.5
The Trend: Alabama is 4-1 ATS in its last five bowl games.
More College Football Betting Resources
College Football Bowl Staff Picks
College Football Playoff Staff Picks
Odds courtesy Scoresandodds.com. Statistics courtesy Pregame.com. Trends courtesy Covers.
HEADLINES
- LeBron doesn't call the shots in L.A. anymore. What happens now?
- Dolphins' Hill: 'I need to be better as a leader'
- Watch: Do umpires need discretion on catcher's interference?
- Daniels swayed Miller to choose Commanders: QB has 'MVP potential'
- Brewers own MLB's best record after securing 11th straight win