College Football Semifinals Bracket Odds 2024: Betting Tips for Orange, Cotton Bowls
The College Football Playoff semifinals are expected to be two different types of games, based on the odds set at DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are a slight favorite in their Orange Bowl matchup with the Penn State Nittany Lions, but the Ohio State Buckeyes are a six-point favorite for the Cotton Bowl showdown against the Texas Longhorns.
Friday's clash between OSU and Texas is expected to be the higher-scoring matchup since the over/under is eight points higher than Thursday's Orange Bowl.
The oddsmakers are likely right given how all four teams have played in the postseason, and if that's the case, the offensive fireworks will again come from a game involving the Buckeyes.
Notre Dame (-1.5) vs. Penn State (O/U: 45.5)
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Notre Dame and Penn State love to run the ball and have found a ton of success on defense through two rounds of the CFP.
Something has to give on Thursday, though, and one of the two starting quarterbacks must put on a show to win the game.
The two teams have combined to allow three opponents to score over 20 points in their last 10 combined games.
Points will be difficult to come by, and if each team sticks to running the football, there could be a lot of three-and-outs and punts in the first half.
On paper, Penn State has the better quarterback in Drew Allar and the best pass-catcher on the field in tight end Tyler Warren.
If the rushing attacks are neutralized, the Nittany Lions have the edge through the air, but Riley Leonard could also surprise some people and outduel Allar.
The one sure thing about this matchup is that points will come at a premium and the game will trend toward the under.
If one of the two teams can establish a foothold in the rushing attack, they will be victorious. But if it comes down to throwing the ball, Allar and Penn State have the edge.
Picks: Penn State (+1.5) and Under 45.5
Ohio State (-6) vs. Texas (O/U: 53.5)
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It's going to be hard for anyone to pick against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
The Buckeyes blew out Tennessee and Oregon to start the playoff, and their passing attack—led by freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith—does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
The Texas defense feels a bit vulnerable at the moment since it gave up 24 points to Clemson in the first round and 21 second-half points to Arizona State before the Peach Bowl went to overtime.
Ohio State's defense has allowed 38 points in the playoff to date, and while that unit has gotten many stops, it has allowed some big plays late in games that have helped the over hit.
The Buckeyes' offensive game plan suggests the over is again in play, and it's worth noting the game will be indoors at AT&T Stadium.
The bigger question is whether Texas has the firepower to keep up with Ohio State if the game turns into a track meet.
Quarterback Quinn Ewers might have to do everything himself since the Buckeyes boast a top-five rushing defense.
While Texas does have a load of talent in the passing game, it pales in comparison to Ohio State. If Smith and Emeka Egbuka run rampant again, the Buckeyes can cruise into the national championship game.
Picks: Ohio State (-6) and Over 53.5
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