Four quarterfinal matchups in the College Football Playoff are coming up in about a week. We decided to examine these matchups a little earlier and asked the AI Model for its thoughts before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks.
Here’s what the model thinks for all four CFP games on the slate next week.
Picks Summary
- Penn State -10.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Arizona State +14 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
- Ohio State -2.5 (-110) at Bet365
- Notre Dame (+100) at Bet365
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Boise State Broncos
December 31, 2024 – 07:30 PM ET at State Farm Stadium
Where Is The Offense, Boise?
The Boise State Broncos have one of the best running backs in the nation, Ashton Jeanty. However, the Broncos have scored no more than 21 points in two of their last three games.
If the Broncos struggled to score against Wyoming and UNLV at a high rate, what are the true expectations for Boise State against Penn State? After all, the Nittany Lions held a high-powered SMU offense to ten points in the quarterfinals.
Penn State Has No Problems With Non-Power 5 Schools
The Nittany Lions haven’t lost to a non-Power Five school since 2015, when Matt Rhule was coach of the Temple Owls. As many know, Rhule is now coaching Nebraska in the Big Ten after a stint in the NFL.
He was a fabulous coach at Temple and turned that program around. Anyway, Penn State is much more talented than Bosie State, and it will show in this game.
The Pick
Take Penn State at -10.5.
NCAAF Pick: Penn State -10.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Texas Longhorns vs. Arizona State Sun Devils
Wednesday, January 01, 2025 – 01:00 PM ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Is Texas Deserving Of 12.5-Point Spread?
The Texas Longhorns are 12-2 on the season. However, they just knocked off Clemson in the first round of the College Football playoff, 38-24.
Despite winning, Texas still allowed more than 400 yards of offense from Clemson. Don’t be surprised if Arizona State creates some big plays against the Longhorns. Texas has been very good against the run. But now the Longhorns have to face one of the best rushers in college football. That won’t be easy.
Welcome Back To The Big 12!
Texas has gotten much more love since moving to the SEC. They wouldn’t be this popular of a pick/team if the Longhorns had stayed in the Big 12.
That said, the Big 12 had some really good football this year and was probably snubbed in the AP Poll throughout the season. Arizona State showed up when it mattered most. The Sun Devils defeated Iowa State, 45-19, to win the Big 12. The Sun Devils also haven’t lost in six consecutive games.
The Pick
Consider Arizona State at +14.
NCAAF Pick: Arizona State +14 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Oregon Ducks
Wednesday, January 01, 2024 – 05:00 PM ET at Rose Bowl
The Second Meeting Between Ohio State & Oregon
Ohio State and Oregon met on October 12 in Eugene, Oregon, for a Big Ten regular-season matchup. Oregon escaped with a 32-31 win over Ohio State after poor management of the clock late in the game by Ohio State.
The Buckeyes have only lost two games this season. Oregon was one of them. But it’s hard to win that same game twice, especially knowing that if Ohio State had a couple more seconds on the road, they probably would’ve won on a game-winning field goal.
Momentum Matters
While having a bye week is exciting, momentum is huge. Oregon didn’t play last week but Ohio State did. Now, on a neutral field, Ohio State has momentum while Oregon will be a bit rusty.
If Oregon comes out aggressive like it was against Tennessee last week, the Buckeyes will likely hold on.
The Pick
Let’s back Ohio State at -2.5.
NCAAF Pick: Ohio State -2.5 (-110) at Bet365
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Georgia Bulldogs
Wednesday, January 01, 2024 – 08:45 PM ET at Caesars Superdome
Life Without Carson Beck
The Georgia Bulldogs are preparing to play without starting quarterback Carson Beck. Beck was injured in the SEC Championship game and will likely not return this season.
That means it’ll be sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton, who performed well against Texas under hard circumstances. He added 12 completions on 16 attempts but also threw an interception and was sacked twice.
It’s unlikely Georgia breaks out for big gains with Stockton under center, especially against a Notre Dame team that prides itself on defense.
Can Someone Finally Beat Georgia?
The Georgia Bulldogs have had many escapes this season. The last two games for Georgia have been super close, and Georgia has pulled away.
Georgia knocked off Georgia Tech in the final regular season game but needed eight overtimes. Then, in the SEC Championship game, Georgia took Texas into overtime and got a three-point win.
Eventually, Georgia is going to fold.
The Pick
Let’s take Notre Dame on the moneyline at +100.
NCAAF Pick: Notre Dame (+100) at Bet365
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