Conference Championship Weekend has come and gone, Selection Sunday is in the books, and the College Football Playoff bracket is officially set. Some teams are thrilled, many are furious, and a handful of games completely reshaped the playoff picture.
The battle for the number one seed came down to the wire, the nightmare scenario for one Power Four conference actually unfolded, and another league’s hierarchy became crystal clear with a dominant championship performance. Let’s break down who won, who made the playoff (and who didn’t), and how to approach early playoff and bowl betting.
Biggest Games and Upsets of the Week
Indiana 13, Ohio State 10
The Hoosiers showed up ready to shock the world and grab the top seed, and they did exactly that. Indiana’s defense delivered a masterpiece, allowing Ohio State to score only during a six-minute stretch between late in the first quarter and midway through the second. The pass rush totaled five sacks, and in a game where every yard mattered, that pressure was the difference.
Georgia 28, Alabama 7
This game carried major stakes. Georgia needed a win to secure a first-round bye. Alabama needed a win simply to stay alive. In the end, both things happened thanks to the committee, but the game itself was far more lopsided than the final score suggests. Ty Simpson struggled throughout, and Alabama’s offense looked like a second-tier unit against an elite Georgia defense. The Bulldogs should feel great about their form entering the playoffs.
Duke 27, Virginia 20
Everyone wondered what would happen to the ACC if Virginia lost… then it actually happened. Chandler Morris was outplayed, Virginia collapsed in the key moments, and a sure playoff berth evaporated. We cover more of the ACC fallout below, but this one game reshaped Selection Sunday more than any other.
CFP Final Seeding: Who Snuck In and Who Fell Out?
In
#12 James Madison
The Dukes needed help, and they got it. Their stellar season and the ACC chaos put them into the final spot.
#10 Miami Hurricanes
Miami sneaks in at 10–2, jumping Notre Dame in one of the most controversial decisions of the CFP era. See our Selection Sunday breakdown for the full story behind the drama.
#11 Tulane Green Wave
Tulane posted a 13-point win against one of the nation’s best offenses and secured another playoff spot for a non–Power Four program.
#9 Alabama Crimson Tide
Despite getting dominated by Georgia, the committee chose not to punish Alabama too heavily for a conference title loss, especially in a week where many playoff contenders were idle.
Out
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The biggest shock of Selection Sunday. Notre Dame immediately blasted the committee’s decision and announced they will skip their bowl game, something we have never seen from a powerhouse program. They do have an argument when comparing resumes with Miami, and even more so considering Alabama’s inclusion.
Virginia Cavaliers
They controlled their own destiny and blew it. Instead of a playoff spot, they’ll now face Missouri in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.
BYU Cougars
Texas Tech handled them with ease, knocking BYU out of contention, but overall the Cougars should still feel encouraged about the season.
Betting Strategy: Adjusting After Conference Championship Week
First-Round Playoffs Will Be a Mixed Bag
Oklahoma–Alabama should be a tight matchup, but several other first-round games project as lopsided. Miami–Texas A&M could be a sneaky value spot if Miami’s defense shows up.
Bowl Season = Chaos
Bowl betting is all about motivation. Some teams feel snubbed, others feel satisfied, and some simply don’t care. Research matters more now than any other time of year.
Draft Opt-Outs Will Affect Lines
Expect a wave of opt-outs from draft-eligible players, especially in low-tier bowls. Always check who is actually suiting up before betting a side.
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