Expanded College Football Playoff Sparks Betting Frenzy

The College Football Playoff‘s growth to 12 teams has ramped up enthusiasm among gamblers and bookies, with Texas and underdogs like Boise State, Indiana, and Arizona State grabbing attention. The bigger field gives more chances to experienced and casual bettors alike boosting the number and range of bets this postseason.

Texas and Oregon Lead the Odds, but Underdogs Spark Betting Frenzy in New Playoff Format

At BetMGM Sportsbook, Texas and Oregon, the unbeaten top teams, share favorite status with 7-2 odds. But lower-seeded teams like Boise State and Arizona State, with odds up to 40-1, have caught bettors’ eyes, too. BetMGM’s Seamus Magee pointed out that some gamblers like to take risks on underdogs for big payouts, which makes the betting scene less predictable, reported the Associated Press.

The bigger format has not just boosted betting. It has also let more teams play important games later in the season. Teams like SMU, Army, and UNLV, which do not get talked about for national titles, are now in the playoff picture. Magee said that right now, the playoff market has seen some of the highest betting ever at the sportsbook. This is because more teams are involved and sportsbooks are now in more states.

The SMU versus Penn State first-round matchup has grabbed attention. Penn State started as a nine-point favorite at DraftKings, but heavy betting on SMU narrowed the spread. DraftKings’ Johnny Avello praised SMU‘s toughness pointing out their strong play on both offense and defense. 

At the same time, Joey Feazel from Caesars Sportsbook noticed betting leaning towards underdogs, which differs from the usual pattern of late money backing these teams.

Playoff Underdogs Like Boise State Struggle with Neutral Fields and Tough Matchups

Despite their high ranking as the third team, people doubt Boise State‘s chances. The Broncos got a free pass to the quarterfinals for being the top-ranked Group of Five winners, but they will be the underdogs when they face Penn State or SMU. 

Feazel noted that Boise State will not have the edge of playing on their famous blue field, since their game is set for the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona. This puts them at a disadvantage. Avello also said that a few teams not in the playoffs, like BYU and Miami, might do better than Boise State if they were to play each other.

Weather is another wild card this year. Unlike past postseasons where indoor and warm-weather places were common, three of the four first-round games will happen in colder areas. Teams like Tennessee and SMU, not used to cold weather, will face challenges when they go to Ohio State and Penn State. Magee said these conditions could change how the games are played.

As fans get ready for the rest of the playoffs, the bigger format keeps helping sportsbooks. It is bringing in more bets than ever before and making the path to the championship harder to predict than it has ever been.