FAST FACTS, BETTING ODDS: Defense Anchors College Football Semifinalists

Article By
+1 Other GDC - Icon - Blue - Arrow Down
Last Updated: 
Share On Your Network

The College Football Playoff semifinals are set, with none of the top seeds remaining among the last four teams. The semi-finalists are Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, and Notre Dame.

Users of college football betting sites seeking insight into how to wager on the semifinal matchups can look at key statistics in several categories, including defense, quarterbacks, and kicking. 

According to longtime bettor Billy Walters, these are the categories he considers when wagering on football games. Walters is the author of the book Gambler: Secrets From a Life at Risk.

Below are figures showing where the last four teams rank statistically in defense, passing, and kicking. The four teams have formidable defenses worth considering when making bets.

Where Teams Rank On Defense, Passing, Kicking

Defense

National RankTeamYards/Game
1Ohio State244.6
3Texas277.9
5Penn State288.8
8Notre Dame295.3

Source: ESPN

Passing

National RankTeamYards
10Texas3,653
29Penn State3,204
38Ohio State3,052 
102Notre Dame2,357

Source: USA Today

Kicking

National RankTeamFG %
69Ohio State74%
96Penn State70%
108Texas66.7%
134Notre Dame44.4%

Source: USA Today

Futures Odds

The current futures market gives Ohio State the best chance to win the national title.

Monitor the latest college football odds before placing your bets.

Game Information

Semifinals

The two upcoming NCAAF bowl games will host the College Football Playoff semifinals: Notre Dame vs. Penn State in the Orange Bowl and Ohio State vs. Texas in the Cotton Bowl.

National Championship

Monday, Jan. 20

TBD vs. TBD, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Game Information: NCAA.com

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon Linkedin Icon Email Icon Copy Link Icon