2024 College Football Playoff odds: Who will emerge from the first round?

We’re down to the final 11 teams in college football.

The College Football Playoff round was announced on December 9th and the revamped tournament to determine the next college football champion is set to begin.

First the first round.

There will be four games – Notre Dame has already beaten Indiana – and a place in the quarterfinals is at stake. Let’s look at the odds for every game at DraftKings Sportsbook starting December 21st and find out what you should know about each game from our college football experts at FOX Sports.

No. 12 CLEMSON (+410) @ #5 TEXAS (-13.5, -550)
Saturday, 4:00 p.m. ET, TNT/MAX
O/U: 50.5

What you should know: “One of the biggest differences between last year’s Texas team and this year’s team is the significant improvement.” Longhorns‘ Defense under fourth-year coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski. In 2023, Texas ranked 35th in total defense (336.7 yards per game) and 15th in scoring defense (18.9 points per game) before being defeated Washington in a high-scoring semi-final. … This year, however, Texas ranks third nationally in total defense (249.5 yards per game) and second in scoring (12.5 points per game), providing plenty of ballast for an offense that has lost in four games was held to 25 points or less against conference opponents, including both losses to Georgia. … The Longhorns are also tied with Notre Dame for the most takeaways in college football with 28 (nine fumbles recovered, 19 INTs), the program’s highest since 2009. The improvement in Kwiatkowski’s defense is the reason the Longhorns are good enough “To win the National Championship title.” — Michael Cohen

Should the Longhorns play Arch Manning in the CFP?

No. 11 SMU (+250) @ #6 PENN STATE (-8, -310)
Saturday, 12pm ET, TNT/MAX
O/U: 53

What you should know: “The Nittany Lions simply have a better defense and a game that is too dangerous not to win this game. Not to mention the home environment is traditionally one of the most intimidating in college football. SMU should not completely ignore this. Quarterback.” Kevin Jennings certainly caught Penn State’s attention. The dual-threat QB led a miraculous comeback in the ACC Championship Game and the Mustangs nearly defeated Clemson. However, he doesn’t always face a defense like Penn State’s. Defensive end Abdul Carter is one of the best players in the sport and leads Penn State with 10 sacks, which also ranks 12th best nationally. Not to mention, the Nittany Lions were able to edge out Oregon in the Big Ten title game, which is nothing to sneeze at. Ultimately, Penn State, which has struggled in crucial moments like these in the past, will get a decisive victory when it needs it most. Sheet Litman

No. 9 TENNESSEE (+235) @ #8 OHIO STATE (-7, -290)
Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
O/U: 46

What you should know: “After all the backlash and doubt directed at Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who together devised a bizarre game plan in their team’s stunning loss to Michigan last month, it seems unlikely that the Buckeyes braintrust will fall victim to one again Short-sightedness will… Both men readily admitted that they planned and coached poorly during the Buckeyes’ biggest game of the year and failed to capitalize on a clear talent advantage across the board. Day and Kelly are certainly coming up with something Respond better when facing a Tennessee defense also known for its strong front seven Volunteers They rank ninth nationally with 93 tackles for loss and are 11th in fewest rushes over 20 yards allowed with eight. This should be the week that Ohio State encourages quarterback Will Howard to rely on his incredible trio of receivers. Michael Cohen

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