Published on: January 2, 2025, 08:54h.
Updated on: January 2, 2025, 08:54h.
Is there any team left in the College Football Playoff (CFP) that can defeat Ohio State? Based on their performance in the Rose Bowl last night, it seems unlikely.
Ohio State took a commanding lead in the Rose Bowl, leading the top-ranked and undefeated Oregon Ducks 34-8 at halftime. The Buckeyes had a 99.4% chance of winning when they were up 31-0 with over four minutes left in the second quarter, according to ESPN’s Win Probability Index.
After a disappointing loss to Michigan in the regular season finale, Ohio State coach Ryan Day has turned things around for his team. Despite facing criticism after a fourth consecutive loss to Michigan, the Buckeyes defeated Tennessee 42-17 in the CFP first round and continued their strong performance with a 41-21 win over Oregon in the quarterfinals.
Day commented, “When you surround yourself with great people, with great character, you find yourself working through difficult times. We had an opportunity to come back and play Oregon again, and that’s the only thing that mattered.”
Following their Rose Bowl victory, Ohio State will now face SEC champion Texas in the CFP semifinals.
Shortened Odds
Prior to the Rose Bowl, Ohio State’s odds to win the National Championship were at +340. After their dominant performance, oddsmakers have shortened OSU’s odds.
DraftKings and ESPN Bet now have Ohio State at +120 to win the championship. FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook have slightly longer odds for the Buckeyes at +125 and +130, respectively.
Following Ohio State in the odds are Texas (+320), Penn State (+500), and Georgia and Notre Dame (+700). The winner of the Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame will likely see their odds shorten. The victor will be favored against Penn State.
Texas Showdown
Before Ohio State can secure a spot in the CFP National Championship, they will face Texas in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Jan. 10. Ohio State is favored by at least six points at most sportsbooks.
Texas had a challenging time against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, needing two overtimes and a controversial no-targeting call to secure the victory.
The winner of the Sugar Bowl will take on Penn State in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Jan. 9. DraftKings has Penn State as a slight underdog against Georgia or Notre Dame.