It’ no college football betting secret that in the NCAA some games are worth more than others. A testament to this is the fact that a team can go undefeated and still not qualify for the playoffs. Schools are aware of this and try to schedule a mix of both easy wins and challenging opponents in order to gain national recognition and qualify for the playoffs, or at least be invited to a bowl game. There are more than 700 FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) regular season games, and out of those only a few will play a pivotal role in determining the playoff scenery. So, heading into next season, which regular season game will have the biggest impact on this year’s college football playoffs?
September 5th Oklahoma Sooners vs. Houston Cougars
Right off the bat one thing that should stick out about this game is that it is played at a neutral site, meaning there is no home team. The game will be played at the home of the Houston Texans, NRG Stadium. The Cougars have more invested in this game and if they’re able to pull off an upset then Tom Herman’s second year at the helm could include a playoff berth. Oklahoma has a lot riding on this game as well but they can afford to make a mistake. On the other hand, if the Cougars lose then the AAC’s playoff hopes might as well go right out the window. It’s crazy to see such heavy college football betting playoff implications as early as week 1.
October 1st Oklahoma Sooners at TCU Horned Frogs
The Horned Frogs have been a part of the Big 12 ever since 2012, and ever since that fated day TCU and Oklahoma have been involved in a heated rivalry. Every time these two teams face each other the outcome is decided by one possession, and the winner usually goes on to win the conference title. This will still be early in the season and the Big 12 is notorious for being unpredictable. However, these two teams have the best roster in the Big 12 and whoever comes out on top in this conference matchup will be in a good position to win the league, even if neither team is a college football betting favorite.
October 29th Clemson Tigers at Florida State Seminoles
Jimbo Fisher and Dabo Swinney have been successful in two things, creating great football programs and an even better rivalry. To say that this game has a reputation for being intense would be an understatement. Consider that the winner of this game has gone on to win the Atlantic Division Title for the last seven years, and in the last years the winner has gone deep into the playoffs.
November 5th Alabama Crimson Tide at LSU Tigers
While beating Alabama doesn’t guarantee you an SEC West Title, no school in that division has won the championship without overcoming Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide. Last year the Tide defense proved too much for the Heisman Trophy favorite Leonard Fournette. Will the runningback be able to overcome the Alabama defense and break the Crimson Tide’s 5-year streak over LSU? It’s hard to tell but those who bet on sports should tune in as the game will have serious Heisman, and playoff, implications.
