College Football FBS Championship Odds
It’s the eve of the 2014 FBS college football season. Let’s rejoice, shall we. Over a dozen games kick off on Thursday night highlighted by a marquee matchup between No. 21 Texas A&M and No. 9 South Carolina. And just in case you’ve been imitating Rip Van Winkle for the last year, there’s also a four-team playoff this season. A Final Four in football? What a novel idea. Which teams are the favorites to win it all next January? Here’s a look at the 2014 FBS Championship odds.
Florida State 4/1 – Despite key departures on both sides of the ball, the defending champion ‘Noles still have the reigning Heisman Trophy holder in quarterback Jameis Winston. That coupled with a very favorable schedule should have Florida State in the thick of the title race when the playoff participants are revealed.
Alabama 5/1 – We still don’t know who will be under center on Saturday when the Tide battle West Virginia. Well, we know it will be either Jake Coker or Blake Sims or maybe both. The running game will once again be potent and a reloaded defense has enough talent to be one of the SEC’s best. However, a lingering quarterback question isn’t usually a good thing.
Oregon 15/2 – Surviving the ultra competitive Pac-12 won’t be easy for the Ducks. Marcus Mariota is a legit Heisman candidate, but the defense’s ability to stop opposing offenses is still a problem. A trip to Pasadena on October 6th and a showdown with Stanford on November 1st will decide Oregon’s playoff fate.
Auburn 10/1 – Last year’s runner-up won’t start dual-threat signal-caller Nick Marshall versus Arkansas due to some naughty offseason activities, but Marshall is expected to play and will remain the starter going forward. Seven matchups against preseason Top 25 teams is brutal. Escaping the schedule with only one or two defeats seems unlikely.
Oklahoma 10/1 – Is Trevor Knight the answer under center? If he is, and the defense plays smart, aggressive football, the Sooners could secure a spot in the playoff. A November 8th meeting with Baylor could decide the Big 12 champions.
UCLA 14/1 – Like Oregon, the Bruins toughest challenge will be escaping the Pac-12. Brett Hundley is one of the country’s most exciting players and Myles Jack is a talent on the rise. They finish the season against three preseason Top 25 opponents and still have to deal with the Ducks on October 11th.
Georgia 16/1 – The ‘Dawgs lost a lot of players/leaders t to graduation, most notably quarterback Aaron Murray. Running back Todd Gurley is a Heisman candidate and head coach Mark Richt has plenty of blue-chip talent to fill the holes. Clemson and South Carolina are stiff tests to begin the season. Stumble early and Georgia could be in for a bumpy ride.
Ohio State 20/1 – No Braxton Miller for the season hurts, but a favorable schedule might keep the Buckeyes in the title running until they travel to East Lansing in November. That sad, replacing both Miller and Carlos Hyde’s rushing numbers is a huge obstacle for Urban Meyer’s offense.
Michigan State 25/1 – Here’s a dark horse worth backing. At 25/1, the Spartans have perhaps the nation’s best defense and offensive stars in quarterback Connor Cook and running back Jeremy Langford. A trip to Autzen Stadium in Week 2 will be their biggest test. Win that and Sparty could be playoff bound.
