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  • Notre Dame vs. Indiana: Preview, how to watch the College Football Playoff first round game

    Notre Dame vs. Indiana: Preview, how to watch the College Football Playoff first round game

    9:04 pm, December 8, 2024

    No. 7 Notre Dame will host No. 10 Indiana in the first game of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The game will be played on Friday, December 20 at Notre Dame Stadium.

    • WHEN: 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 20
    • TV: ABC/ESPN
    • STREAMING: WatchESPN

    8:20 pm, December 8, 2024

    Notre Dame football

    The first game of the 12-team playoff is an in-state rivalry between two 11-1 teams as No. 7 Notre Dame will host No. 10 Indiana on Friday, December 20 at Notre Dame Stadium.

    Notre Dame enters the playoff on 10-game winning streak, including big wins over Army and Southern Cal in their last two games where the Irish combined for 98 points. Quarterback Riley Leonard has thrown just eight completions over the last two games, as ND prioritizes running the football. Running back Jerimiyah Love ranks near the top of the nation with 15 rushing touchdowns on the season.

    In the midst of the best season in program history, Indiana looks to keep the magic going behind first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke has led the Indiana football revolution, ranking top-10 in completion percentage and passing touchdowns. Indiana ranks second in the nation in scoring offense after a season-high 66 points in their last game.

    Notre Dame   Indiana
    11-1 Record 11-1
    Independent Conference Big Ten
    39.8 Points Per Game 43.3
    13.6 Points Against Per Game 14.7

    Jeremiyah Love (949 yds)

    		 Leading Rusher Justice Ellison (811yds)
    Beaux Collins (427 yds) Leading Receiver Elijah Sarratt (890 yds)
    Jack Kiser (64 tackles) Leading Tackler Aidan Fisher (108 tackles)

    8:12 pm, December 8, 2024

    The final College Football Playoff rankings of the season set the bracket for the 2024 College Football Playoff. Here is the full top-25:

    RANK SCHOOL RECORD PREVIOUS
    1 Oregon 13-0 1
    2 Georgia 11-2 5
    3 Texas 11-2 2
    4 Penn State 11-2 3
    5 Notre Dame 11-1 4
    6 Ohio State 10-2 6
    7 Tennessee 10-2 7
    8 Indiana 11-1 9
    9 Boise State 12-1 10
    10 SMU 11-2 8
    11 Alabama 9-3 11
    12 Arizona State 11-2 15
    13 Miami 10-2 12
    14 Ole Miss 9-3 13
    15 South Carolina 9-3 14
    16 Clemson 10-3 17
    17 BYU 10-2 18
    18 Iowa State 10-3 16
    19 Missouri 9-3 19
    20 Illinois 9-3 21
    21 Syracuse 9-3 22
    22 Army 11-1 24
    23 Colorado 9-3 23
    24 UNLV 10-3 20
    25 Memphis 10-2 25

    8:07 pm, December 8, 2024

    The 2024 College Football Playoff Bracket

    The winner of Notre Dame and Indiana will move on to face No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2025.

    8:00 pm, December 8, 2024

    Since the College Football Playoff was established in 2014, seven teams have won a national championship. Michigan won the last version of the four-team playoff in 2023.

    Here is every College Football Playoff Champion:

    SEASON CHAMPION SELECTING ORGANIZATION
    2023 Michigan CFP
    2022 Georgia CFP
    2021 Georgia CFP
    2020 Alabama CFP
    2019 LSU CFP
    2018 Clemson CFP
    2017 Alabama CFP
    2016 Clemson CFP
    2015 Alabama CFP
    2014 Ohio State CFP



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  • Oregon earns top seed in College Football Playoff bracket, Rourke takes on Notre Dame

    Oregon earns top seed in College Football Playoff bracket, Rourke takes on Notre Dame

    The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative.

    Perfect or 100 per cent fair? Well, nobody ever believed that.

    The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favour of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult.

    It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year.

    It treated underdog Boise State like a favourite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2.

    It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out.

    It gave the sport the multi-week tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history.

    All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites.

    Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favourite to win it all, put it best when he offered: “Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.”

    Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it.

    Alabama comes up short in bracket’s biggest debate

    The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid.

    Alabama of the SEC didn’t play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired.

    “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We’re really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work.”

    The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU’s schedule wasn’t nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson.

    “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.”

    Crimson Tide AD gracious, but looking for answers

    Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point.

    “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media.

    He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time.

    “That is not good for college football,” Byrne said.

    Georgia, Boise State, Arizona State join Oregon with first-round byes

    Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 title winner Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye.

    All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

    Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner.

    Automatic byes, bids make bracket strange

    The conference commissioners’ idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season.

    The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round.

    Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games.

    What the matchups look like

    No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces … Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh?

    No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn’t play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces … Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected.

    No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces … Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do?

    No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State, Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces … Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later.

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  • College Football Playoff expert picks: Alabama or SMU in last spot? Notre Dame, Texas or Penn State at No. 5?

    College Football Playoff expert picks: Alabama or SMU in last spot? Notre Dame, Texas or Penn State at No. 5?

    The SMU versus Alabama debate for the final at-large bid in the 2025 College Football Playoff has understandably stolen the spotlight entering Selection Sunday. There is also significant consternation about how the first few teams outside the top four conference champions will be decided. Ultimately, how the committee interprets those league title game results will have ripple effects throughout the field. 

    Let’s start with the debate over the final at-large bid.

    Alabama held that spot in last Tuesday’s penultimate CFP Rankings, and it looked in good shape to maintain that slot after CFP chairman Warde Manuel said the rankings were locked for teams not playing conference championship weekend.

    However, there was a doomsday scenario: Clemson pulling off an upset over SMU in the ACC Championship Game with the Mustangs playing well enough to warrant a spot in the field.

    Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, that’s exactly what happened Saturday night. Clemson freshman kicker Nolan Hauser’s 56-yard walk-off game-winning field goal not only propelled the Tigers into the field as an automatic qualifier but gave SMU a more-than-reasonable chance to receive an at-large bid.

    SMU (11-2) has fewer losses than Alabama (9-3) but exists in a similar space as Miami (FL) in that it lacks resume-boosting wins. The Mustangs are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, while Alabama has a 3-1 record against teams, including a win over newly crowned SEC champion Georgia. Furthermore, Alabama’s strength of schedule (18th) is considerably better than that of SMU (75th) as the Tide’s opponents had a combined record of 82-50 while the Mustangs’ were 83-75. 

    The SMU case? Well, it went undefeated during ACC regular-season play (8-0), and its two losses are nowhere near as bad as Alabama’s 21-point defeat to 6-6 Oklahoma (in which Bama scored 3 points) or its road loss to 6-6 Vanderbilt. SMU’s wins against Louisville and Pittsburgh were notable at the time, too. 

    If Alabama ranked a spot above Miami in the penultimate CFP Rankings, one could surmise it deserves to hold the same spot when compared head-to-head against SMU given the argument is identical. And that may be exactly what happens!

    However, SMU finished as a Power Four conference runner-up in a tightly-contested ACC title game it lost 34-31. If the CFP Selection Committee completely dropped SMU out of the field, it would set a dangerous precedent for conference championship games, which are generally major money makers for leagues. It would essentially incentivize teams to not seek out those opportunities so as not to lose and potentially fall all the way out of the playoff field.

    Alabama got the benefit of the doubt last season as it received the final spot over undefeated Florida State in a decision that still roils the ACC. This time around, the ACC has a better chance of bouncing an SEC team out for the last at-large bid. 

    How will the top three at-large bids shake out?

    The committee doesn’t simply have to decide what to do with ACC championship loser SMU. It also needs to figure out where to put one-loss Notre Dame, SEC runner-up Texas and Big Ten runner-up Penn State. The Fighting Irish were No. 4 in the penultimate CFP Rankings, while the Longhorns were No. 2 (slated for a first-round bye with an SEC win) and the Nittany Lions placed No. 3 as the second Big Ten team behind No. 1 Oregon.

    Texas (11-2) lost to Georgia, 24-19, in the first SEC title game to reach overtime, a contest the Longhorns easily could have won. Penn State (11-2) fell to the Ducks in a one-score 45-37 loss. And then you have Notre Dame (11-1), which did not play Saturday but in theory could slide up if Texas and Penn State both move down.

    Texas’ only two losses are to Georgia, giving it the best defeats of the group; however, Penn State’s two losses (Ohio State, Oregon) are in the same neighborhood. Notre Dame has by far the worst loss to Northern Illinois (7-5), a seventh-place MAC team. That it came at home, too, making it the worst loss of any CFP contender. 

    The ‘Horns are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, a major knock on their resume. The Nittany Lions hold a singular top 25 win (No. 19 Illinois), while the Irish only possesses one top 25 win over AAC champion Army West Point (No. 24). Army’s win Friday night over Tulane only strengthens ND’s argument. 

    Just like with Alabama and SMU, it will be interesting to see whether the committee chooses to penalize teams that competed in league title games, especially ones that were extremely close. Notre Dame has been steadily moving up the rankings in recent weeks, and there’s an argument it should jump Texas and Penn State. It almost certainly would in a normal week. 

    However, in this scenario, it feels more likely that the committee will keep Texas and Penn State ahead of Notre Dame. That’s not an insignificant decision, either, given how the field is shaping up.

    If Notre Dame ends up as the No. 7 seed, that sets up a possible quarterfinal against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. If Notre Dame instead receives the No. 5 or No. 6 seed, it would likely play Boise State or Arizona State in a quarterfinal.

    The tougher question will be how the committee weighs Texas versus Penn State. The resumes are fairly similar, and both lost marquee conference championship games by single scores. Texas was ranked higher than Penn State entering Saturday night, which might end up being the slight edge that puts the ‘Horns in the No. 5 seed.

    Keep on reading for expert picks on slots No. 5-7 in the College Football Playoff field along with which team our CBS Sports college football writers believe will receive the final at-large bid. You can also check out a complete slate of 2024-25 bowl projections from bowls expert Jerry Palm.

    College Football Playoff projection

    The top two seeds of the CFP are all but a formality after Oregon remained undefeated by beating Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game and Georgia knocked off Texas for the second time this season to win the SEC Championship Game. Boise State (Mountain West) and Arizona State (Big 12) will be the other conference champions who receive byes given Clemson (ACC) has three losses.

    While there is an argument that the Sun Devils should be the No. 3 seed above the Broncos, ASU was ranked five spots lower in the penultimate CFP Rankings. As such, bowls experts Jerry Palm and Brad Crawford both agree the top four seeds — each receiving first-round byes — will shake out as follows:

    1. Oregon (13-0)
    2. Georgia (11-2)
    3. Boise State (12-1)
    4. Arizona State (11-2)

    College Football Playoff expert picks

    Here’s how our college football staff would vote in the key spots — choosing teams Nos. 5-7 and the last at-large bid in the field — if they were members of the CFP Selection Committee.



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  • Notre Dame routs Navy, Indiana stays unbeaten and more from college football Week 9

    Notre Dame routs Navy, Indiana stays unbeaten and more from college football Week 9

    We’re in the thick of college football season with Week 9 action underway.

    Here’s a look at the results from Saturday:

    Indiana remains undefeated 

    Indiana celebrates in win over Washington.

    Indiana continued its perfect start, outlasting Washington, 31-17, to improve to 8-0 in front of a raucous home crowd. The Hoosiers capitalized on early defensive stops and a clutch 67-yard pick-six by D’Angelo Ponds, who jumped a screen pass in the first quarter, giving Indiana a 7-0 edge that it never surrendered.

    Tayven Jackson, stepping in as quarterback, connected on a 42-yard strike to Omar Cooper Jr. in the second quarter, extending the lead to 14-0. Washington responded with a quick touchdown drive, but Indiana’s defense forced critical stops, holding the Huskies to a field goal late in the fourth quarter to keep a two-score lead intact.

    Justice Ellison led the charge offensively with a late third-quarter touchdown, capping an eight-play drive where he was the focal point. The Hoosiers added a fourth-quarter touchdown on a short run from Jackson, making it 31-14 and sealing the victory. Indiana’s balanced attack totaled 318 yards, while its defense disrupted Washington’s rhythm, tallying three sacks and forcing two turnovers.

    Indiana’s undefeated record remains intact as it marches toward a potential appearance in the Big Ten title game.

    No. 12 Notre Dame routs No. 24 Navy  

    Notre Dame players celebrate against Navy.

    One of the most intriguing matchups heading into Week 9 of the college football season was No. 12 Notre Dame vs. unbeaten No. 24 Navy. A fast start by the Irish crushed any hopes for a potential upset on the neutral site field at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with the Irish defeating the Midshipmen, 51-14. 

    Navy entered the day averaging a whopping 44.8 points per game to rank third in the nation. Notre Dame’s defense kept Navy’s high-powered offense at bay, holding the Midshipmen to just 14 points. Turnovers also proved crucial, with the Irish recovering five Navy fumbles on the day that helped lead them to the blowout win.

    Notre Dame’s offense also continued to soar since their Week 2 home loss to Northern Illinois. Quarterback Riley Leonard put together an efficient day both on the ground and through the air rushing for 83 yards and going 13-for-21 with 173 yards passing and 3 total touchdowns.

    Notre Dame looks to continue its winning streak next weekend against a struggling Florida State team in South Bend. 

    No. 4 Ohio State escapes Nebraska in nail-biting finish

    Ohio State FB

    After a tough one-point loss to Oregon snapped its win streak, Ohio State sought redemption at home.

    Nebraska, however, had other plans. With a fierce second-half surge, the Huskers turned the Buckeyes’ bounce-back bid into a dogfight. Even so, Ohio State held strong, clinching a 21-17 victory.

    After Nebraska scored its first touchdown to take a late 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter, the Buckeyes answered with a touchdown drive to reclaim the lead at 21-17.

    As time dwindled, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese was called for targeting, giving Nebraska the ball near midfield and a chance to spoil the Buckeyes’ redemption. But Ohio State’s cornerback Jordan Hancock clinched a game-sealing interception with just 1:16 left on the clock.

    This victory propels Ohio State to a 6-1 record, keeping them in the Big Ten and national title race. However, with an undefeated Penn State awaiting next week, the Buckeyes will need to make key adjustments to keep their championship hopes alive.



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  • College Football Playoff Rankings projection: Alabama and Tennessee fall out of field, Notre Dame hops in

    College Football Playoff Rankings projection: Alabama and Tennessee fall out of field, Notre Dame hops in

    Oregon made quite the statement heading into college football’s midseason junction, holding off previously-unbeaten Ohio State to move up in this week’s national rankings. The victory validates the Ducks as one of the College Football Playoff national championship frontrunners and puts the Buckeyes in the unfamiliar position of needing to play flawlessly over their final six games in hopes of a rematch.

    Will the SEC’s top challenger behind Texas please stand up? Coming off stunning upset losses on the road, Alabama and Tennessee failed to impress at home, needing late-game stops to avoid upsets against South Carolina and Florida. The Crimson Tide and Vols are on the outside looking in for our updated midseason projection given lackluster recent play and challenging schedules the rest of the way.

    It’s hard to imagine a three-loss SEC team making the field this season given the strength within other conferences along with Notre Dame’s opportunities ahead. The margin for error is almost zero over the next six weeks and change for Kalen DeBoer and Josh Heupel’s teams.

    The Big 12 continues to be college football’s most unpredictable league given the sample size. BYU, Iowa State and Texas Tech are the lone unbeatens in conference play, but the Cougars have the most favorable slate remaining and do not face a nationally-ranked team through the end of the regular season. The Red Raiders and Cyclones meet on Nov. 2.

    Projected CFP Rankings

    1. Texas

    SEC champion

    The Longhorns’ unbeaten mark will be tested Saturday night against Georgia. This feels like the SEC’s biggest game of the year, but given how much parity we’ve seen across the league through seven weeks, we’re approaching that connotation with caution. Texas is playing lights out defensively, yet hasn’t faced a quarterback of Carson Beck’s caliber this fall.

    2. Oregon

    Big Ten champion

    Oregon pushed ahead in the league title picture with the program’s landmark victory over Ohio State. It’s a matchup we’d love to see for a second time in Indianapolis between two of the nation’s heavyweights given the 12-round fight witnessed in Eugene. The Ducks replace the Buckeyes as the projected Big Ten champion this week.

    3. Clemson

    ACC champion

    No team in college football is hotter than the Tigers. Dabo Swinney said after the season-opening loss to Georgia that his team’s goals remained out front if they could flush the setback and get back to business. They’ve managed to do by shredding every ACC opponent they’ve met thus far. Over his last five starts, quarterback Cade Klubnik has 21 total touchdowns and one turnover. 

    4. BYU

    Big 12 champion

    Until BYU falls, the Cougars are staying put at No. 4 in these projected playoff rankings as the league champion. This has been a special season for Kalani Sitake, whose teams has beaten SMU and Kansas State — opponents who have combined for 10 wins.

    5. Ohio State

    Oregon won the first fight, but will the Ducks win the war? That’s a question we’re asking after the Buckeyes simply ran out of time on the road at Autzen Stadium. Ohio State clearly showed it belonged in the conversation amongst the nation’s elites, but losing left tackle Josh Simmons is a significant blow. In this scenario, as the projected five-seed and Big Ten runner-up, the Buckeyes would finish 11-2 overall.

    6. Miami

    The Hurricanes are the ACC’s lone remaining unbeaten, but have managed to escape multiple hiccups in recent weeks after fourth-quarter comebacks against Virginia Tech and Cal. Can Miami keep surviving late-game situations like this? 

    7. Georgia

    Kirby Smart will do everything he can to give unbeaten Texas its “welcome to the SEC” moment on Saturday night. After seeing his regular-season winning snapped a few weeks ago at Alabama, the Bulldogs coach can’t afford another setback before November if he intends on getting back to the league title game in Atlanta.

    8. Penn State

    The Nittany Lions needed a spotlight moment and took full advantage over the weekend at USC. Drew Allar was terrific in the second half, leading his team on a game-tying possession before the defense came up big in overtime. With a home bout against Ohio State upcoming, Penn State looks the part as a projected playoff team.

    9. Texas A&M

    With Alabama and Tennessee moving out of the playoff projection this week because of uninspired performance, the Aggies, who had a bye, are in. Matchups with LSU and Texas are the only contests left against nationally-ranked competition and Mike Elko’s squad hasn’t lose since the season opener. They’re red-hot and playing their best football at an opportune time. 

    10. Notre Dame

    Speaking of the Fighting Irish, that victory at Texas A&M on Aug. 31 looks better and better as the season progresses. Notre Dame has side-stepped the loss to NIU with four straight impressive wins and still has opportunities to strengthen the resume against Navy, Army and USC. With this schedule, they should make the playoff as long as they get to 10 wins.

    11. Iowa State

    Defense prevails for the Cyclones. If you’re in control of your own conference championship and playoff destiny at midseason, you’re doing something right and this looks like a special group under Matt Campbell. The goal is to get past UCF this weekend before the open date to fine-tune any issues prior to hosting a pivotal contest with Texas Tech.

    12. Boise State

    Staying put as the projected Group of Five champion, the Broncos could potentially get in the top-four mix if they win out, with Oregon (who beat the Broncos) taking the Big Ten, and perhaps the ACC champion having one loss. Running back Ashton Jeanty is the Heisman frontrunner and would be a nightmare matchup in the postseason for a higher-seed. 

    Projected CFP first-round games

    • (12) Boise State at (5) Ohio State — Winner plays (4) BYU
    • (11) Iowa State at (6) Miami — Winner plays (3) Clemson
    • (10) Notre Dame at (7) Georgia — Winner plays (2) Oregon
    • (9) Texas A&M at (8) Penn State — Winner plays (1) Texas

    Opening-round matchups at campus sites based on this Week 7 projection features Boise State at Ohio State, Iowa State at Miami, Notre Dame at Georgia and Texas A&M at Penn State. That’s two first-round home games for the Big Ten, one for the ACC and one for the SEC.

    Winners of those four games would move on to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at bowl sites including the Fiesta (Dec. 31), Rose (Jan. 1), Sugar (Jan. 1) and Peach (Jan. 1). Among notable tie-ins in the expanded playoff, the Sugar Bowl automatically gets the highest-ranked SEC or Big 12 team in the quarters, so second-seeded Alabama would be playing in New Orleans.

    Alabama, Tennessee now on the bubble

    This weekend’s SEC showdown at Neyland Stadium could be a playoff eliminator of sorts for the loser of Alabama-Tennessee. There are noticeable weaknesses for both teams and right now, the Crimson Tide’s offensive line is at a disadvantage going on the road to face one of the most talented defensive fronts nationally. The Vols have their own issues and need to get the passing game fixed with Nico Iamaleava at quarterback.

    Army, Navy jump in the national rankings

    For the first time since 1960, these two service academies are ranked inside the AP Top 25 this week. Bravo to Jeff Monken and Brian Newberry for what they’ve accomplished this season. The mission’s not over at either program, especially since both will play Notre Dame in the coming weeks before finishing out the schedule and trying to win the AAC.

    SMU, Pitt rising in ACC race

    All the buzz surrounds Miami and Clemson in ACC discussions, but don’t dismiss the Mustangs and Panthers. Pitt is unbeaten and plays SMU and the Tigers over the next five weeks. Pat Narduzzi has won the ACC before, but doing so with this transfer-laden squad and former Alabama signal caller Eli Holstein in charge would be his most impressive coaching feat.



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  • College football odds, picks, bets, predictions for Week 7, 2024: Computer model likes Notre Dame, Vanderbilt

    College football odds, picks, bets, predictions for Week 7, 2024: Computer model likes Notre Dame, Vanderbilt

    The Week 7 college football schedule looks like one of the best of the year, with high-profile rivalry games like Texas vs. Oklahoma and critical top-25 matchups like Ohio State vs. Oregon and Ole Miss vs. LSU. The Buckeyes are ranked No. 2 in the AP Top 25 while the Oregon Ducks are ranked No. 3, and the winner of Saturday’s matchup in Eugene could have the inside track on winning the Big Ten championship. The latest Week 7 college football odds list Ohio State as the 3.5-point favorite while the over/under is at 52.5 points.

    Meanwhile, No. 1 Texas is a 14.5-point favorite over No. 18 Oklahoma while No. 9 Ole Miss is a 3.5-point favorite over No. 13 LSU in the Week 7 college football lines. So how should you be handling those matchups, and what other Week 7 college football spreads can you capitalize on this weekend? Before locking in any Week 7 college football picks on those games or others, be sure to see the latest college football predictions from SportsLine’s proven model.

    The model simulates every FBS college football game 10,000 times. Since its inception, it has generated a profit of well over $2,000 for $100 players on its top-rated college spread football picks, and is 8-4 on top-rated picks over the past two weeks of this season. Anyone who has followed it has seen strong returns. 

    Now, it has turned its attention to the latest college football odds and Week 7 college football betting lines on the spread, money line and over/under. Head here to see every pick.

    Top college football predictions for Week 7 

    One of the college picks the model is high on during Week 7: No. 11 Notre Dame (-23.5) cruises to a blowout win over Stanford in a 3:30 p.m. ET matchup on Saturday. Notre Dame was the significantly better side when these teams met last season, covering the spread as a 26-point road favorite in a 56-23 win. The Fighting Irish have won 10 of their last 12 home games, and they have covered the spread in six of their last eight games overall.

    Stanford has struggled dating back to the end of last season, covering just twice in its last eight games. Additionally, the Cardinal have been consistently bad away from home, going 5-11 against the spread in their last 16 road games. SportsLine’s model expects those trends to continue on Saturday, as Notre Dame is scoring more than 40 points and covering the spread in nearly 60% of the latest simulations. See the rest of its Week 7 college football picks here. 

    Another prediction: Vanderbuilt covers as 13.5-point road underdogs against Kentucky in a 7:45 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday. The Commodores are coming off their biggest win in program history, knocking off No. 1 Alabama as 22.5-point home underdogs. The win improved Clark Lea’s program to 3-2 and gave Vanderbilt its first win over an AP Top 5 program in school history.

    New Mexico State transfer Diego Pavia went 16-for-20 for 252 yards and two touchdowns without an interception while also rushing for 56 yards in the victory. Pavia has thrown for eight touchdowns without an interception so far this season and has also rushed for 335 yards and two touchdowns. Vanderbilt also won the turnover battle 2-0 against Alabama and that’s a big reason why the model has the Commodores covering in over 60% of simulations. See picks for every other game in Week 7 here. 

    How to make college football picks for Week 7

    The model has also made the call on who wins and covers in every FBS matchup in Week 7, and it’s calling for a whopping 10 underdogs to win outright. You can only get every pick for every game at SportsLine.

    So what college football picks can you make with confidence, and which 10 underdogs win outright in Week 7? Check out the latest college football odds below, then visit SportsLine to see which teams win and cover the spread, all from a proven computer model that has returned well over $2,000 in profit since its inception, and find out.

    College football odds for Week 7

    See full Week 7 college football picks, odds, predictions here

    Wednesday, Oct. 9

    New Mexico State at Jacksonville State (-20.5, 59)

    Thursday, Oct. 10

    Coastal Carolina at James Madison (-9.5, 61)

    Middle Tennessee at Louisiana Tech (-4.5, 49)

    UTEP at Western Kentucky (-19.5, 57.5)

    Friday, Oct. 11

    Northwestern at Maryland (-10, 45.5)

    UNLV at Utah State (+19, 65.5)

    Utah at Arizona State (+6.5, 45.5)

    Saturday, Oct. 12

    Clemson at Wake Forest (+20, 60.5)

    South Carolina at Alabama (-21.5, 50.5)

    Stanford at Notre Dame (-23.5, 45.5)

    Texas vs. Oklahoma (+14.5, 50.5)

    Penn State at USC (+5.5, 51)

    Mississippi State at Georgia (-33.5, 53.5)

    Florida at Tennessee (-15.5, 55.5)

    Ole Miss at LSU (+3.5, 64)

    Ohio State at Oregon (+3.5, 53.5)

    Iowa State at West Virginia (+3, 53)

    Kansas State at Colorado (+4, 56.5)



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  • College football Week 5 winners and losers: Notre Dame leads way

    Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) and offensive lineman Pat Coogan (78) celebrate a touchdown during their game against Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

    No. 14 Notre Dame is never going to live down this month’s loss to Northern Illinois, especially with the Huskies dropping two of three since the upset in South Bend.

    But the College Football Playoff math still favors the Fighting Irish: win out and you’re (very likely) in the 12-team field.

    Saturday’s 31-24 victory against No. 17 Louisville will help repair Notre Dame’s reputation. In a game they had to have given the lack of major contenders on this year’s schedule, the Fighting Irish overcame a sloppy start to beat a team ranked near the top of the ACC.

    In fact, this win against the Cardinals may end up being the high point on Notre Dame’s record heading into the final playoff rankings in early December.

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  • College football Week 5 winners and losers: Notre Dame leads way

    Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) and offensive lineman Pat Coogan (78) celebrate a touchdown during their game against Louisville at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

    No. 14 Notre Dame is never going to live down this month’s loss to Northern Illinois, especially with the Huskies dropping two of three since the upset in South Bend.

    But the College Football Playoff math still favors the Fighting Irish: win out and you’re (very likely) in the 12-team field.

    Saturday’s 31-24 victory against No. 17 Louisville will help repair Notre Dame’s reputation. In a game they had to have given the lack of major contenders on this year’s schedule, the Fighting Irish overcame a sloppy start to beat a team ranked near the top of the ACC.

    In fact, this win against the Cardinals may end up being the high point on Notre Dame’s record heading into the final playoff rankings in early December.

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  • Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M prediction: College football odds, picks

    Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M prediction: College football odds, picks

    Two top-25 teams will square off on Saturday night when No. 7 Notre Dame heads to College Station to face No. 20 Texas A&M.

    This matchup is loaded with intriguing storylines, from former coordinators returning to their old stomping grounds to a head coach going up against his former player.

    While it’s always good to utilize power ratings as part of our analysis, there are some intangibles we simply can’t ignore that could end up being the difference in cashing a winning ticket.

    Let’s take a closer look at the matchup.

    Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M odds

    Team Spread Moneyline Total
    Notre Dame +3 (-112) +130 o47 (-110)
    Texas A&M -3 (-108) -155 u47 (-110)
    Odds via DraftKings

    Notre Dame preview

    The decision to hire Marcus Freeman looks very sound, as Notre Dame’s third-year head coach improved to 10-3 last season after going 9-4 in his first year.

    In recent years, there have been questions about whether the Irish could compete with some of the powerhouses in college football from a recruiting perspective while still maintaining its stringent academic requirements.

    However, elite coaching and the ability to put together a game plan can help level the playing field.

    According to 247Sports, Notre Dame’s roster ranks 10th in the recruiting site’s Talent Composite Index.


    Duke transfer Riley Leonard takes over at quarterback in South Bend.
    Duke transfer Riley Leonard takes over at quarterback in South Bend. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    What’s surprising is the Fighting Irish have lacked some continuity at quarterback, which is easily the most critical position on the field.

    They have had a different starting quarterback in each of their last four seasons, and that trend will continue this year with senior Riley Leonard transferring from Duke.

    Leonard struggled through an ankle injury last season, which limited him to seven games.

    His numbers certainly took a hit as he completed 95 of 165 passes (57.6%) for 1,102 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

    He’ll hope to return to his 2022 form when he went 231 for 363 (63.6%) with 2,974 yards, 20 touchdowns and just six picks.

    Texas A&M preview

    Mike Elko takes over following the firing of Jimbo Fisher after another underwhelming season at A&M. Elko worked under Fisher as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

    His familiarity with College Station makes his transition as head coach somewhat seamless. Elko could have more success getting the best out of his players than Fisher.

    While Fisher certainly had his critics, one thing you can’t say is that he wasn’t a good recruiter. The Aggies consistently had one of the best recruiting classes and this season is no different.

    Texas A&M ranks seventh in 247Sports’ Talent Composite Index while boasting seven five-star players compared to just one for Notre Dame.

    This team is pretty balanced as it returns 18 starters, with nine on offense and nine on defense. Quarterback Conner Weigman started four games last year before a broken left foot bone ended his season.

    In those four games, A&M went 3-1 with Weigman completing 82 of 119 (68.9%) passes for 979 yards while tossing eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

    The Heisman hopeful is a talented quarterback who football insiders believe has a chance to play on Sundays. 

    Betting on College Football?

    Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M pick

    I’ve almost had to set aside my power ratings for this matchup because of a set of unique circumstances that come into play.

    For example, Notre Dame’s starting left tackle, Charles Jagusah, will miss the entire year after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in preseason. Notre Dame’s offensive line is extremely young and inexperienced, with just six starts among the group.

    There’s also the angle of Leonard being on the opposite sideline against Elko, whom he played for while at Duke.

    You’d have to think that if anyone can put together a game plan to stymie Leonard it would be his former head coach who has a defensive background.

    Lastly, according to Action Labs, in games that involve two ranked teams, favorites are an overwhelming 463-375-17 (55.3%) for 60.78 units.

    All of that has me going with the Aggies against the spread as my best bet.

    Pick: Texas A&M -2.5 (-120, FanDuel)

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  • Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M prediction: College football odds, picks

    Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M prediction: College football odds, picks

    Two top-25 teams will square off on Saturday night when No. 7 Notre Dame heads to College Station to face No. 20 Texas A&M.

    This matchup is loaded with intriguing storylines, from former coordinators returning to their old stomping grounds to a head coach going up against his former player.

    While it’s always good to utilize power ratings as part of our analysis, there are some intangibles we simply can’t ignore that could end up being the difference in cashing a winning ticket.

    Let’s take a closer look at the matchup.

    Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M odds

    Team Spread Moneyline Total
    Notre Dame +3 (-112) +130 o47 (-110)
    Texas A&M -3 (-108) -155 u47 (-110)
    Odds via DraftKings

    Notre Dame preview

    The decision to hire Marcus Freeman looks very sound, as Notre Dame’s third-year head coach improved to 10-3 last season after going 9-4 in his first year.

    In recent years, there have been questions about whether the Irish could compete with some of the powerhouses in college football from a recruiting perspective while still maintaining its stringent academic requirements.

    However, elite coaching and the ability to put together a game plan can help level the playing field.

    According to 247Sports, Notre Dame’s roster ranks 10th in the recruiting site’s Talent Composite Index.


    Duke transfer Riley Leonard takes over at quarterback in South Bend.
    Duke transfer Riley Leonard takes over at quarterback in South Bend. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

    What’s surprising is the Fighting Irish have lacked some continuity at quarterback, which is easily the most critical position on the field.

    They have had a different starting quarterback in each of their last four seasons, and that trend will continue this year with senior Riley Leonard transferring from Duke.

    Leonard struggled through an ankle injury last season, which limited him to seven games.

    His numbers certainly took a hit as he completed 95 of 165 passes (57.6%) for 1,102 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

    He’ll hope to return to his 2022 form when he went 231 for 363 (63.6%) with 2,974 yards, 20 touchdowns and just six picks.

    Texas A&M preview

    Mike Elko takes over following the firing of Jimbo Fisher after another underwhelming season at A&M. Elko worked under Fisher as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.

    His familiarity with College Station makes his transition as head coach somewhat seamless. Elko could have more success getting the best out of his players than Fisher.

    While Fisher certainly had his critics, one thing you can’t say is that he wasn’t a good recruiter. The Aggies consistently had one of the best recruiting classes and this season is no different.

    Texas A&M ranks seventh in 247Sports’ Talent Composite Index while boasting seven five-star players compared to just one for Notre Dame.

    This team is pretty balanced as it returns 18 starters, with nine on offense and nine on defense. Quarterback Conner Weigman started four games last year before a broken left foot bone ended his season.

    In those four games, A&M went 3-1 with Weigman completing 82 of 119 (68.9%) passes for 979 yards while tossing eight touchdowns and two interceptions.

    The Heisman hopeful is a talented quarterback who football insiders believe has a chance to play on Sundays. 

    Betting on College Football?

    Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M pick

    I’ve almost had to set aside my power ratings for this matchup because of a set of unique circumstances that come into play.

    For example, Notre Dame’s starting left tackle, Charles Jagusah, will miss the entire year after suffering a torn pectoral muscle in preseason. Notre Dame’s offensive line is extremely young and inexperienced, with just six starts among the group.

    There’s also the angle of Leonard being on the opposite sideline against Elko, whom he played for while at Duke.

    You’d have to think that if anyone can put together a game plan to stymie Leonard it would be his former head coach who has a defensive background.

    Lastly, according to Action Labs, in games that involve two ranked teams, favorites are an overwhelming 463-375-17 (55.3%) for 60.78 units.

    All of that has me going with the Aggies against the spread as my best bet.

    Pick: Texas A&M -2.5 (-120, FanDuel)

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