The College Football Playoff field is set. SEC Champion LSU battles Big 12 Champ Oklahoma in one semifinal. Clemson takes on Ohio State in the other semifinal. Check out an analysis of the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship odds!
Updated 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship Odds – December 10th
- When: Monday, Jan. 13 at 8:00 pm ET
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- TV: ESPN
- Live Stream: ESPN+
Odds to Win the 2010 College Football Playoff National Championship Odds
Are the favorites’ odds on LSU justified?
At first glance, no. The +125 odds on LSU are terrible because the Tigers must not only beat Oklahoma, but they must also beat either Clemson or Ohio State. In effect, LSU’s odds to win the National Championship are less than at even money because the Tigers must win 2 games instead of just 1 game.
But, a closer look reveals that LSU has the best shot of winning 2 straight games against top tier opponents. The Tigers have already done that this season. They beat Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Georgia. No other team can say they’ve beaten 4 highly-ranked squads. Not only did LSU do it but they also covered in all 4 wins.
So, yes, the odds are low. If you like the Tigers, back them at the +125, though.
Among the 4 College Football Playoff contenders, who is the smart play?
Both Clemson and Ohio State deserve long looks to win the National Championship. Clemson went undefeated SU. They finished the regular season going 7-1 against the spread. The defending champions stepped it up on the defensive side in their final 8 games. 7-of-8 opponents scored 14 points or less.
Ohio State beat the better teams, though. The Buckeyes took down Wisconsin, Penn State, and Michigan. They beat Wisconsin twice. The Badgers battle Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Penn State takes on Memphis in the Cotton Bowl Classic. Michigan goes against Alabama in the Citrus Bowl.
While the best team Clemson beat this season was Texas A&M, the Buckeyes conquered 3 new Year’s Six Bowl participants. Although both Clemson and Ohio State are good plays, the Buckeyes are the smarter play.
