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College Football Playoff Semifinals Betting Props and Predictions

by Mike Allen - 1/9/2025

College Football Playoff semifinals props predictions Tyler Warren Penn State

The College Football Playoff Semifinals will be this tonight and Friday, with the title game coming on January 20 after the teams have about a 10-day break. That will mark one whole month of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

They're dragging it out a little bit more than they really need to. But, hey, football will be over for 6 months very soon. We'll all be missing the gridiron grind we've grown to love because it'll be a long year outside of March Madness and MLB's Opening Day.

It’s quite surprising the only SEC team remaining is the Texas Longhorns, a program that’s only been a part of the conference for 6 months. Another shocker for some is the resurgence of the Ohio State Buckeyes. After their loss to the Michigan Wolverines on December 1, people were calling not just for his job but for Ryan Day’s head. I get it. You have to beat Michigan if you’re the Ohio State head coach, but that loss has seemingly made them a much better team.

The Buckeyes are the most talented team in the nation. And statistically, they’re incredibly balanced. Their RB1 and RB2 have rushed for 924 and 925 yards this season, respectively. The top two Buckeye wideouts lead the team with 70 receptions a piece.

Even though the Texas Longhorns have had an extra two days to recover, a game like the double-overtime thrilling victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils will take it out of anybody.

Thankfully for the Horns, this game will be played at the Cotton Bowl, which is not too far from Austin.

In the other semifinal matchup on Thursday night from the Orange Bowl in Miami, we get a much tighter point spread of just (-1) for the Fighting Irish as opposed to the (-5.5) for Ohio State. I lean toward the Nittany Lions here, as they have a much more balanced offensive attack than the run-heavy Irish. It must be noted, however, that Penn State head coach James Franklin is just 1-14 against top five teams in his career and 3-17 against top ten teams.

Doc’s Sports offers college football expert picks for every game on our college football predictions page.

Penn State vs Notre Dame Largest Lead of the Game

Over 15.5: -120

Under 15.5: -110

I have this game playing out tightly. With both teams' strengths, mainly the Irish's, being defense and running the ball, it's hard to project either squad getting out to a big lead, and it's even less likely one pulls away towards the end.

The worry here is Penn State jumping out to an early two-score lead. This would flip the Notre Dame offense onto its head because they aren't built to come back. Either way, the 15.5 is too high. I want some plus money, but the value remains at (-110).

Pick: Under 15.5

Penn State to Win by 7-12 Points: +600

It's the same theory here as the previous prop bet. If the Nittany Lions win, they will probably do it by at least a touchdown. You can get Penn State to win by 1-6 points for (+400), which isn't bad, but I'm pretty familiar with Georgia Tech, who also needs to have the lead for their game plan to play out as effectively as possible.

I’m not thrilled to see an all-Big Ten Finals, but it’s hard to argue against their balance.

Tyler Warren 80+ Receiving Yards: +160

It may be the last time we see the 6’6”, 260-pound tight end play a college game, but fans of this freak won’t have to fret for too long, as he will probably be playing on Sundays for some time. You could get the Virginia native to go over 70 yards receiving for (-110), but his average is 78 a game, and the (+160) pays out 75% more money.

The head coach hasn't always been his best against the best, and that's why his game plan will be to lean on his All-American early and often.

More Rushing Yards

Tre Wisner (Texas): -180

Kaytron Allen (Penn State): +150

This line has been juiced more than any of the other prop bets in this category. Penn State does have a two-headed monster at running back, but Kaytron Allen said Ashton Jeanty, who?, showing us against Boise State that he’s one of the best backs in the nation.

Another blue-chip prospect stolen from the state of Virginia, the junior Allen also has his sights set on the pros.

On the other side of this wager is the Texas Longhorns' Tre Wisner. The sophomore had a solid game against Clemson but was wholly shut down versus both Georgia and Arizona State when he ran the ball 37 times on just 2.5/carry.

I don't see him breaking out against the Buckeyes, and if the script sticks to itself, the Buckeyes will have the lead late, forcing the Longhorns into passing situations.

Pick: Kaytron Allen

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