Alabama, Miami Losses Upend College Football Playoff Odds

Posted on: November 27, 2017, 03:00h. 

Last updated on: November 27, 2017, 03:23h.

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Expertise: Commercial Gaming.

The odds for which team will win the College Football Playoff changed dramatically after a wild weekend where both Alabama and Miami were upset.

Auburn Football
Auburn fans storm the field after its team upset Alabama, 26-14. The win moved the Tigers to No. 4 in the polls and gave them a chance to compete in the College Football Playoffs. (Image: AP)

The No. 1 Crimson Tide lost to No. 5 Auburn, 26-14, while the Hurricanes were defeated by Pitt, 24-14.

Both were favored despite being on the road. Alabama was a five-point pick and Miami was a12-point selection. For Nick Saban’s team it was only the second time his squad wasn’t favored by more than 10 points. They were a 7 1/2-point choice in the opening game of the season against Florida State and won, 24-7.

Miami’s loss was more expected. The team had experienced difficulties away from home, winning its last two road games by four and five points. Coach Mark Richt does not believe his season is over despite the defeat.

“I still think there’s an awful lot to play for,” Miami coach Mark Richt said. “We have no idea what’s going to happen in the big picture.” 

Clemson is the new No. 1, followed by Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, and Miami.

Odds Reflect Chaos

Before Thanksgiving Day weekend sportsbooks had Alabama the solid favorite to win the national championship. They opened at 3-1 and with their dominance throughout the season they moved to 4-7.

But Westgate LV Superbook assistant manager Jeff Sherman dropped them to 4-1. They are joined by Oklahoma and Clemson and it is the first time this season the Crimson Tide have not been the sole favorite.

Alabama was trying to become only the third team in the history of the AP Poll to be No. 1 from preseason to the final poll. Florida State did it in 1999 and USC achieved it in 2004.

The Hurricanes had a drop as well. They fell to 15-1 after being 10-1 the prior week. They opened the season at 30-1.

Auburn shot up to 9-2 after opening at 25-1 and Ohio State and Georgia are at 7-1. Wisconsin, the only undefeated team remaining in the top 10, sits at 10-1 despite moving to No. 3 and receiving 10 first-place votes.

Championship Weekend

If the College Football Playoff Rankings committee follows the Associated Press Poll on Tuesday night the four teams that would be in the postseason would be Clemson, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Auburn. Alabama, Georgia and Miami would be hoping for losses to move up.

Which could definitely happen. Saturday is when conference championships are played and they could provide even more turmoil. Clemson will face Miami in the ACC Championship game on Saturday in Charlotte. The Tigers are a 9 ½-point favorite and the game could decide who goes to the playoffs.

The SEC Conference Championship on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will also likely put the winner in the top four when the final vote is cast on Dec. 5. Auburn will face Georgia and is a 2 ½-point pick.

The Big 10’s title game will have Wisconsin against Ohio State and despite Wisconsin the higher ranked team and undefeated, they are a 6-point underdog when the play Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Oklahoma will most likely get a spot if it defeats Texas Christian University when the two meet on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The Sooners are a 7-point favorite.