Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Alabama, Oregon open as more than touchdown favorites in college playoff

football

Alabama defensive back Nick Perry (27) breaks up a pass on Auburn wide receiver D’haquille Williams (1) as Alabama defensive back Landon Collins (26) looks on during the second half of the Iron Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama won 55-44. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

College football semifinals

Which side is the best bet in the college football semifinals?
Ohio State plus-10 — 28.6%
Oregon minus-8.5 — 25.0%
Alabama minus-10 — 23.8%
Florida State plus-8.5 — 22.6%

This poll is closed, see Full Results »

Note: This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

The scrutiny of the college football playoff committee’s selection of the final four teams quickly gave way to a conversation on the betting lines in Las Vegas.

The Westgate Las Vegas Superbook posted point spreads for the two college football semifinals within minutes of the matchup announcement.

No. 1 Alabama opened as a 9.5-point favorite over No. 4 Ohio State for their Sugar Bowl meeting, while No. 2 Oregon lays 8.5 points against No. 3 Florida State in the Rose Bowl.

Action on Alabama has already pushed the spread a half-point to minus-10, and there’s plenty of time for movements before the two games kick off on New Year’s Day.

The lines unintentionally give credence to those complaining about the committee’s decision to move Ohio State into the top four while dropping TCU three spots since last week. TCU projected as only a 3- or 4-point underdog against Oregon or no more than plus-7.5 versus Alabama, meaning oddsmakers rated the Horned Frogs above both the Seminoles and Buckeyes.

TCU tied for the nation’s best against the spread record at 10-2, but that’s the only title they’ll be able to claim this season.

The Superbook also updated its future odds to win the national championship. Alabama is now Even money with Oregon right behind at plus-160 (risking $1 to win $1.60). Ohio State is next at 7-to-1 with Florida State the longest shot at 8-to-1.

Accounting for the house’s hold percentage, the odds give 79 percent likelihood to Alabama or Oregon — the teams who would have met for the national title under the old BCS format — winning the title.

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

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