Alabama is the favorite to win the College Football Playoff National Championship next year, so it’s not surprising that they are the top pick to be one of the four teams in the postseason.
The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook released odds on Tuesday for teams to make the College Football Playoff, and put the Crimson Tide at -220 to earn a coveted postseason spot.
Clemson and Ohio State are next at +125, and oddsmakers believe Georgia would be the fourth team in, and has them at +150. The Bulldogs lost to Alabama in last season’s Championship game, 26-23.
Clemson made the final four teams last year, but was beaten by Alabama, 24-6 in the semifinals. The other team that made the playoffs was Oklahoma, who lost to Georgia in the other semifinal, 54-48 in double overtime.
The Sooners, who rode the arm of quarterback Baker Mayfield, have the worst odds of any of last year’s teams that made the playoffs. With Mayfield a professional, oddsmakers don’t believe Oklahoma will be the force it was last season and has them at +600 to return to the playoffs.
Trying To Stay No. 1
The Crimson Tide are 2/1 to repeat as champions and also a-130 pick to win more than 10.5 games this season. They only possible challenge for Coach Nick Saban is at quarterback, and it’s a good problem to have.
Alabama has two quality quarterbacks that will be competing for the starting job. The coach has junior Jalen Hurts and sophomore Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa took over for a struggling Hurts in the championship game and led the team to a comeback victory. He could very easily be the starter when the team faces Louisville on Sept. 1.
Last week Saban told reporters that there is no controversy at the position and he sees roles for both players.
“It won’t be difficult at all,” Saban said, “because what we’re trying to do is give the guys an opportunity and that’s the fair thing for both of them, and that’s really what our goal is.”
Building College Dynasties
Both Georgia and Ohio State could easily end up at the top of the poll, especially after the successful high school recruiting session both had. The two are No. 1 and 2 depending on the college recruiting website.
Georgia Coach Kirby Smart was extremely pleased with the players he got, and believes they will be title contenders again.
“I think it’s great,” Smart said of signing the nation’s top class. “I think it’s great for the fan base, but I’d trade that No. 1 ranking for the last No. 1 ranking in the college football poll. That’s what’s important is what you do on the field, and that’s what we’ll be measured by as coaches, what we’re able to do with this class, what they’re able to do in development.”
Clemson didn’t have as strong a class as the Buckeyes or Bulldogs, but they did get the No. 1 ranked player in the country, which is a big reason they are so high to compete for a national championship.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who was from Georgia, spurned his state’s university and signed with the Tigers. He is expected to start this season.
