Ohio State Favored in College Football Playoff Rematch Against Oregon
The College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals are set to deliver a highly anticipated rematch between No. 1 Oregon and No. 8 Ohio State. Despite Oregon’s undefeated record and No. 1 seed, oddsmakers have positioned the Buckeyes as slight favorites following their dominant 42-17 win over Tennessee in the opening round of the playoffs. The Buckeyes opened as 1.0-point favorites at DraftKings and 1.5-point favorites at BetRivers, underscoring their perceived momentum heading into the New Year’s Day clash.
Revisiting the Regular Season Showdown
The teams last met on Oct. 12 in one of the most memorable games of the season, with Oregon securing a dramatic 32-31 victory at Autzen Stadium. In that game, Oregon leaned on its high-powered offense, which outlasted Ohio State’s dynamic attack. However, the Buckeyes were haunted by missed opportunities, including key turnovers and a failed two-point conversion attempt that could have flipped the outcome.
While a rematch in the Big Ten Championship seemed likely, Ohio State stumbled in a shocking upset loss to Michigan in their regular-season finale, ending their bid for a conference title and positioning them as the CFP’s No. 8 seed. The Buckeyes now have a chance to avenge both that loss and their earlier defeat to the Ducks.
Oddsmakers’ Perspective: Why Ohio State Is Favored
Oddsmakers appear to be leaning on Ohio State’s performance in their emphatic victory over Tennessee. The Buckeyes showcased their offensive firepower and defensive dominance, leaving no doubt about their readiness for the CFP. Meanwhile, Oregon has had nearly a month of downtime since their Big Ten Championship victory over Penn State.
While Oregon’s perfect 13-0 record and top ranking are undeniable, the extended layoff could impact their rhythm. Conversely, Ohio State has the benefit of having played a high-stakes game more recently, keeping them sharp heading into the quarterfinals.
The Road Ahead
The CFP committee has been criticized for giving Penn State an easier path through the playoffs despite their loss to Oregon in the Big Ten Championship. Penn State faces Boise State, a third-seeded team from the Mountain West Conference, as a 10.5-point favorite.
In contrast, Oregon’s path is considerably tougher, with a potential gauntlet that includes Ohio State, No. 5 Texas, and No. 2 Georgia. Similarly, Texas faces a strong Arizona State squad as 13.5-point favorites, and Georgia takes on No. 7 Notre Dame in a game where the Bulldogs opened as slim favorites.
National Championship Picture
The journey to the title requires three straight wins in the CFP, a tall task for any program. Among the quarterfinalists, Texas and Ohio State have emerged as the top two betting favorites to claim the championship, with odds of +340 and +380, respectively. Oregon, despite being the top seed, is listed at +400, reflecting the challenges of their potential playoff path. Georgia and Penn State follow closely behind at +550 and +475.
Boise State and Arizona State, the two longest shots in the field, sit at +7000, but each carries significant upset potential.
Final Thoughts
Ohio State and Oregon will undoubtedly deliver another thrilling chapter in their growing rivalry. With both teams boasting high-powered offenses and proven defenses, the quarterfinal showdown could come down to execution and adjustments. For the Buckeyes, the opportunity to avenge their early-season loss and keep their title hopes alive will serve as powerful motivation. For Oregon, protecting their unblemished record and proving they are deserving of the No. 1 seed will be their driving force.
