The College Football Playoff (CFP) is once again the talk of the town as we head into the New Year. With the quarterfinals just around the corner, fans and bettors are buzzing about possible upsets—or maybe the favorites will just steamroll, who knows.
This season brought some shakeups, like the end of automatic byes for conference champs. That twist alone has made things feel way more unpredictable, and honestly, it’s refreshing. In this post, let’s look at the odds, the matchups that have everyone talking, and maybe a surprise or two for the 2025 College Football Playoff. Oh, and a few other bowl games worth your attention.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinals: Key Matchups
Heading into the quarterfinals, the betting landscape looks pretty different from last year. The top four seeds—Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas Tech—are all giving up at least a touchdown, so the oddsmakers are clearly confident. But with college football, upsets are always lurking just out of sight, which is part of the fun.
Indiana vs. Alabama
In the Rose Bowl, Indiana squares off against Alabama. Alabama’s got the history, but the Hoosiers have been steadier all year.
Indiana’s been rolling over opponents, while Alabama’s offense has been kind of a mess. The spread is Indiana -6.5, and honestly, that seems about right given how these teams have looked.
Ohio State vs. Miami
The Cotton Bowl brings us Ohio State versus Miami. Ohio State’s favored by 9.5, but Miami’s defensive front could make things interesting.
The total’s set at 41.5, so oddsmakers expect a grind. If the line creeps back to Miami +10, that might be worth a second look for anyone feeling bold.
Other Notable Bowl Games
Outside the CFP, there are a handful of bowl games that could be sneaky good—and maybe profitable. Here’s what’s catching my eye:
ReliaQuest Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Iowa
It’s a 9 a.m. kickoff in Tampa for the ReliaQuest Bowl: Vanderbilt against Iowa. Iowa’s played the tougher schedule, but all the betting is on Vandy, pushing them to -5.5.
Still, Iowa’s been rated just as good, if not better, all year. Iowa +5.5 feels pretty tempting, honestly.
Sun Bowl: Arizona State vs. Duke
In El Paso, Arizona State faces Duke in the Sun Bowl. Arizona State’s missing starting QB Sam Leavitt, so Duke’s a 3-point favorite now.
With a big drop-off to backup Jeff Sims, Duke -3 looks like a solid bet—unless you’re feeling risky, I guess.
Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs. Texas
Orlando hosts the Citrus Bowl: Michigan against Texas. Texas opened as a smaller favorite but now sits at -7.5.
Michigan’s had its drama, Texas has opt-outs, so this could be closer than most expect. Michigan +7.5 is worth considering if you think the Wolverines can keep it together.
Las Vegas Bowl: Nebraska vs. Utah
Nebraska takes on Utah at Allegiant Stadium for the Las Vegas Bowl. Utah’s giving up 14.5, but they’ve lost some key guys to the NFL and their coach to Michigan.
That’s a lot of change at once—Nebraska +14.5 could be sneaky value if you’re into that sort of thing.
Potential Upsets and Betting Insights
Favorites are expected to win, but college football loves to flip the script. Let’s zero in on a couple games that could go sideways:
Orange Bowl: Oregon vs. Texas Tech
Oregon’s a 2-point favorite over Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. Texas Tech’s had a solid season, but Oregon’s numbers and recent health make them the better pick.
Oregon -2? Not the worst idea out there.
Sugar Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Georgia
Ole Miss and Georgia meet in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia’s a 7-point favorite, but Ole Miss actually led most of their last matchup.
Ole Miss has hung tough even without Lane Kiffin on the sideline. If you like a little risk, Ole Miss +7 is worth a look.
Friday’s Bowl Games: More Action to Consider
Friday’s got even more bowl games on tap. Here’s what looks interesting:
Armed Forces Bowl: Rice vs. Texas State
Texas State is a 13-point favorite against Rice in the Armed Forces Bowl. Texas State’s season didn’t go as planned, but their numbers still look better than Rice’s.
Texas State -13 could pay off if you trust the metrics more than the records.
Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati
The Liberty Bowl has Navy taking on Cincinnati. Navy’s favored by 7, and they’re fired up to send a program legend out with a win.
Cincinnati’s roster is pretty thin after the transfer portal shuffle, so Navy -7 makes sense here.
Holiday Bowl: Arizona vs. SMU
Arizona goes up against SMU in the Holiday Bowl. SMU’s missing a few players, but overall, their roster looks stronger.
Both teams are pretty evenly matched on paper. SMU +3 could be the move if you like their upside.
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
Wake Forest faces off against Mississippi State in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Mississippi State’s run defense has looked shaky all season, and that could spell trouble against Wake Forest’s run-first quarterback, Robby Ashford.
Honestly, betting on Wake Forest +3.5 feels like it could be a smart move. There’s just something about this matchup that makes it hard to trust Mississippi State’s defense.
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