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2020 College Football National Championship Futures Odds with Expert Betting Predictions


by - 1/8/2019

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

Well, that was… decisive. In a result that absolutely no one could have seen coming, Clemson didn't just beat Alabama last night, but they delivered a truly epic, absolutely unbelievable beatdown. The heavily-hyped quarterback showdown was, on that day at least, a total mismatch. Tua Tagovailoa looked very, very mortal, while Trevor Lawrence looked like he could, at 19, seamlessly move into the starting role right now for at least 15 NFL teams. And though no one would ever question Nick Saban's greatness, he was thoroughly outcoached on the day, and that bizarre, pathetic fake field goal will only look worse as time passes. It was an incredible game to watch - unless you are an Alabama fan.

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But that is the past now. It's time to look forward - always forward. And with odds posted for next year's National Championship at Bovada , the best way to look ahead is to take a good look for value in the futures:

Clemson (+175): There is no surprise, obviously, that the Tigers are favored again. Sure, it would be easy to overreact after a game like that. But this team brings back two incredible freshmen in Lawrence and receiver Justyn Ross, running back Travis Etienne is back, too. And while the defense loses some big pieces, they certainly have depth and talent. The ACC isn't particularly deep again next year, and the nonconference schedule isn't too tough aside from a game against Texas A&M that could be interesting. At this point it would be quite a bit more surprising if the team didn't make the playoff next year than if they did. No point betting a price like this this far ahead, but this is a deserving favorite. We live in Clemson's world now.

Alabama (+250): That is the kind of loss that can linger, but this is a tough program that will get back on track. They will have turnover like they always do, but the talent runs as deep as ever. Tagovailoa and Jerry Jeudy and big pieces back on offense, and running back Najee Harris showed off some of his potential in the title game. They have work ahead of them, but they will be fired up, and they don't lack talent. If you were tired of Alabama-Clemson IV, you might want to start at least considering the idea of the fifth straight playoff meeting next year. Neither team is going away in a hurry.

Georgia (+550): The Bulldogs got stomped in their embarrassing bowl appearance, but they get a bit of a mulligan for that game because they clearly didn't care at all about being there. Jake Fromm and running back D'Andre Swift are back next year, so they have talent for sure. The defensive line will be young and needs to be better, and they lost some important defensive pieces, but they are recruiting great. They have a decent schedule, though - they host Notre Dame, but they avoid Alabama until the SEC Championship Game. They are a year removed from the title game and could be a playoff team again. I don't love the value here, though.

Ohio State (+1200): New coach. New QB - and we don't know exactly who yet. New defensive staff. A defense that needs work. There is obvious talent here, the upside is definitely a playoff appearance, and they are coming off a 13-win season, but there is too much uncertainty to love the price.

Penn State (+1200): I'll be simple - if you are betting on this team at this price then you hate money. Too many questions, and they are coming off a disappointing season.

Michigan (+1400): Many of you know, I bleed maize and blue. So, obviously, I hate football right now. The losses to Ohio State and Florida were, frankly, disgusting. The losses to the draft are fairly heavy. And two key defensive coaches have done the unthinkable and bolted for jobs at Ohio State. It's dark days - at least basketball is going well. But Shea Patterson is back, much of the offense comes with him, and the defensive talent is strong. And they get Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State at home. This price is too low, but this could be the year. I guess. But we say that every year and it never is. I hate football.

Texas (+2500): The Longhorns feel like they were a bit ahead of schedule this year, but Sam Ehlinger is very good and is back as a junior, and there is plenty of talent around him. And they beat Oklahoma and Georgia this year, so they don't shy away from big moments. They probably aren't ready quite yet, but the coaching is excellent, and at this price they could be a fun sweat if nothing else.

Oklahoma (+3000): The Sooners are probably faced with having a different QB for the third year in a row. The last two won the Heisman, but as good as some of the options are - especially five-star recruit and all-name team captain Spencer Rattler - they aren't likely to enjoy the success at the position they have had so far. And it's really hard to trust them if the defense doesn't improve, and it is hard to believe that it will improve at this point. The price doesn't excite me.

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