The College Football Playoff (CFP) odds offer plenty of exciting lines for fans heading into Championship Weekend. The SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12 all hold their conference championships tomorrow or Saturday, and the results will set the stage for the CFP.
Formed in 2014 to replace the Bowl Championship Series and give more teams a realistic shot at winning the National Championship, the CFP Selection Committee is hoping come Sunday that it will be clear who the best four teams are.
At the Westgate SuperBook, Alabama, the only remaining unbeaten team from a power football conference, is the heavy favorite to repeat as champs. The book lists the Crimson Tide at 5/7.
Ohio State won’t be playing in the Big Ten title game, but look to be a lock for one of the semifinalist positions. Westgate posts the Buckeyes at 2/1.
Clemson (7/1) and Washington (12/1) enter Championship Week with the final two playoff berths. Michigan (20/1), Wisconsin (30/1), Penn State (50/1), and Oklahoma (50/1) remain on the outside looking in.
With 10 teams still theoretically in the mix for the College Football Playoff, an exciting finish to the regular season is on tap for Friday and Saturday.
The CFP is big business. Each of the four teams in the playoff receives $6 million for their conference.
Pac-12: #8 Colorado vs. #4 Washington
Friday, 9 pm ET
With Michigan’s loss to Ohio State last weekend, the Washington Huskies are now thought to control their own destiny. Beat Colorado, and a spot in the CFP should be theirs. The Huskies are 7.5-point favorites.
Big 12: #10 Oklahoma State vs. #9 Oklahoma
Saturday, 12:30 pm ET
The Big 12 doesn’t have a conference title game, however, its top two teams, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, are conveniently playing each other on Saturday. But regardless of who wins, neither has a strong chance of reaching the semifinals.
SEC: #1 Alabama vs. #15 Florida
Saturday, 4 pm ET
Alabama reaches the CFP regardless of a stunning loss, and while Florida will try its hardest to play the role of spoiling a perfect season, Vegas doesn’t think there’s much chance. Nick Saban’s squad is a 24-point favorite over the Gators.
ACC: #3 Clemson vs. #23 Virginia Tech
Saturday, 8 pm ET
Clemson also controls its own destiny. A 10-point favorite over the Hokies, Clemson is looking to make its second straight trip to the CFP and get revenge against Alabama in the National Championship game it lost 45-40 a year ago.
Big 10: #6 Wisconsin vs. #7 Penn State
Saturday, 8 pm ET
The Badgers and Nittany Lions are most likely playing for the Rose Bowl, unless Washington or Clemson slips up. That would open the door for the Big Ten winner.
Wisconsin is a small 2.5-point favorite, but if Penn State wins, a debate will ensue on whether a two-loss Lions team deserves a College Football Playoff spot over a one-loss Ohio State. The Buckeyes’ only loss came at Penn State.