While the NFL still has plenty of weeks left in its regular season, the college football season is already coming to a close. Or, at least it seems that way, as all the big playoff games are set. So, what are the college football championship odds for 2023?
College football playoff details
The semifinal games are set for on Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California. The Michigan vs. Alabama game will begin at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Day. Then, the Washington vs. Texas game is scheduled for that evening. After those two games shake out, the College Football Playoff title game will happen Jan. 8 in Houston, Texas.
The Michigan Wolverines have the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff and will play the legendary Alabama in the Rose Bowl semifinal. Michigan finished their regular season 13-0 for the second time in a row with a win over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game over the weekend. That victory also marked the team’s third consecutive year winning the conference title. Alabama, although not undefeated this season, made the playoffs thanks to a big win over Georgia in the SEC title game.
Elsewhere, after snagging their first Big 12 championship over the weekend, the Texas Longhorns jumped four spots, taking the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff. They’ll go up against No. 2-seed Washington in the Sugar Bowl semifinal.
Who’s favored to win the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl?
Alabama is actually the underdog in the Rose Bowl, as Michigan opened as 2-point favorites over Alabama on Sunday (Dec. 3) at ESPN BET. As for the other matchup, according to ActionNetwork.com, Texas opened as a 3.5-point favorite over Washington for the Sugar Bowl.
Who’s favored to win the College Football National Championship in 2023?
As for the final game, Michigan started as the national championship favorite, at +175, followed by Alabama (+200). Texas and Washington opened at +275 and +700, respectively, according to ESPN BET.
Takeaways
The college football championship is always an exciting time. Time and time again, we seem to see the same names at this point. It’s not like the NFL, where one year the L.A. Rams win the Super Bowl, and then they’re out for the next decade. Alabama is a really familiar name at this level. Michigan, Texas and Washington are also no strangers to this spotlight. But, off these four teams, Alabama certainly has the most experience on this stage.
Nick Saban is one of the most revered coaches of all time, and he’s also one of the most hated. It’s not always fun being on top. No matter what you think about Saban, it’s difficult to deny that he’s an incredible coach. He’s probably the best college football coach in the history of the game. Even though Michigan is favored to take it all, I just don’t see Saban and his team folding. In the end, I think Alabama is going to take it all. Now, if Michigan does somehow win the championship, it might convince Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to take whatever NFL deal comes his way. (Not that he wouldn’t anyhow.) It’s no secret that he’s always flirting with the NFL and wanting to get back there, and leaving college football on top could make that even more desireable.