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Michigan, Oklahoma State See Title Odds Improve; Ohio State, Oklahoma Fade

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in College Football

Updated Nov 28, 2021 · 10:07 AM PST

Michigan running back Hassan Haskins celebrating a touchdown
Michigan running back Hassan Haskins (25) celebrates a touchdown in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Ohio State in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Michigan won 42-27. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
  • Michigan beat Ohio State in Week 13, while Oklahoma State took down Oklahoma
  • The CFP National Championship odds shifted drastically as a result
  • Read below to see the updated National Title odds following Rivalry Week

College football’s rivalry week had a major impact on the CFP National Championship odds. Two new teams have become National Title contenders after earning signature victories in Week 13.

Michigan beat Ohio State, while Oklahoma State beat Oklahoma. Oddsmakers were quick to adjust the futures of all four teams following the games.

The table below shows the updated CFP National Championship odds following Week 13.

National Championship Odds

Team Odds
Georgia -220
Alabama +600
Michigan +900
Oklahoma State +1400
Cincinnati +1600
Notre Dame +2500
Ohio State +6000
Iowa +10000
Baylor +15000
Pittsburgh +15000
Ole Miss +20000
Wake Forest +20000
Oregon +20000
Oklahoma +30000
Utah +30000
BYU +50000
Michigan State +50000

Odds as of November 28th at DraftKings.

Michigan Wins “The Game”

Michigan (11-1) saw major improvement in its National Title odds after beating Ohio State (10-2) in Week 13. Hassan Haskins rushed for five touchdowns and Aidan Hutchinson had three sacks to help the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 42-17 at the Big House. It was Michigan’s first win over Ohio State since 2011.

It can’t be overstated how big of a win this was for Michigan. The Wolverines entered the game as seven-point underdogs and a history of coming up short against the Buckeyes. Not only did Michigan win the game, but they dominated the line of scrimmage, outgaining OSU 297-64 in rushing yards.

Michigan saw its National Title odds improve from +4000 to +900 after the game. It’s one of the largest jumps made by any college football team over a single weekend this season. The Wolverines have clinched a spot in the Big 10 Championship game, where they’ll need to beat a 10-2 Iowa team.

The Buckeyes went in the opposite direction of Michigan in the Title odds following the game. Ohio State faded from +300 to +6000 after losing to the Wolverines in Rivalry Week. OSU won’t be making the CFP with two losses on their resume, so their season will conclude with a bowl appearance.

Cowboys Prevail in Bedlam

Oklahoma State (11-1) also saw a huge boost in its National Title odds after Rivalry Week. The Cowboys moved from +5000 to +1400 at DraftKings after beating Oklahoma (10-2) in Bedlam. QB Spencer Sanders accounted for two touchdowns to lead OK State to a 37-33 victory in Stillwater.

This was a program-defining victory for Oklahoma State, as they beat their in-state rivals for the first time in seven meetings. The Cowboys defense has been their calling-card all season, and it came through when it mattered Saturday. OK State held the OU offense to zero points in the second half.

Oklahoma State now has a Big 12 Championship date with Baylor on December 4th. Much like with Michigan in the Big Ten Championship, the Cowboys can make the playoff by winning the Big 12. Mike Gundy’s team is looking to make the four-team CFP for the first time since its inception.

Oklahoma saw its National Title odds fade from +5000 to +30000 after losing in Bedlam. The Sooners weren’t serious National Title contenders this season due to several close losses against inferior opponents, but now we can squash any speculation that they could still sneak into the CFP.

Alabama Requires OT in Iron Bowl

Alabama (11-1) saw it’s National Title odds fade from +400 to +600 after defeating Auburn (6-6) in OT in the Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide rallied from a 10-0 deficit to beat the Tigers 24-22 in four overtimes. Bryce Young connected with John Metchie for the game-winning two-point conversion.

Alabama’s Title odds fading is due to the fact they were almost 20-point favorites against Auburn, yet needed four overtime to win. The Crimson Tide are 1-3 ATS in their last four games entering the SEC Title game against Georgia. The early betting line has UGA favored by a TD.

While the CFP committee has great respect for Alabama, it’s hard to see Nick Saban’s team making the CFP if they don’t at least play UGA very close. With recent tight wins over Arkansas and Auburn, a two-loss Alabama won’t make the CFP unless they truly impress versus Georgia.

This is the longest Alabama has been priced all season, so if you believe the Crimson Tide truly have a shot against the Bulldogs, take advantage of their +600 price tag. Those odds will shift dramatically depending on what happens in Atlanta.

What About Cincinnati?

Cincinnati (12-0) was bumped out of the top-four in DraftKings’ National Championship odds following Week 13. The Bearcats beat up East Carolina 35-13 on Friday thanks to another strong performance from QB Desmond Ridder. Cincinnati’s Title odds improved from +3500 to +1500 after the game.

While Cincinnati got a major odds boost, the Bearcats fell out of the top-four simply because Michigan and Ok State had more impressive victories. Luke Fickell’s team needs to beat Houston in the ACC Championship game and hope one of Alabama, Michigan or Ok State loses in their respective Title game.

Cincinnati is on the verge of making Group of 5 history, but they do need outside help. What’s aiding the Bearcats is the fact they hold the head-to-head win over (11-1) Notre Dame. The Irish beat Stanford 35-14 in Week 13 to keep their CFP dreams alive, but they don’t have a title game to further strengthen their resume.

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