Let’s be honest—the first round of the college football playoffs wasn’t exactly thrilling. Sure, if you had a parlay filled with all the favorites, you were probably feeling pretty damn good. But for the rest of us chasing that sweet underdog chaos, it was a bit more boring to watch. Even Sean McDonough called the Notre Dame game a bit of a dud—and he wasn’t wrong (unless you’re an Irish fan).
But here’s the thing about playoff football: you have to battle through the pain if you want to be a champion. The stakes skyrocket in the quarterfinals and the matchups should get more heated (they better!).
We’re talking about powerhouse programs colliding, a few potential spoilers in the mix and a bunch of bets that will either leave you celebrating with champagne or sobbing into a bowl of queso. If round one was the appetizer, round two is the full-on feast. Open your Golden Camel app and find a comfy seat—let’s breakdown all the action for round two!
Betting Lessons from Round One: Tales of Triumph, Tears, and Avoidable Mistakes
Before jumping into round two, let’s take a moment to reflect on—and hopefully improve on—our first-round CFB Playoff predictions. We nailed it with Texas bulldozing Clemson, proving that sometimes the obvious choice is the right one. We were right about Quinn Ewers making Clemson’s defense look like a speed bump on the Longhorns’ road to redemption. That “Texas domination” headline? Chef’s kiss.
On the other hand, our Notre Dame skepticism was extremely misguided to say the least. They dominated and proved they’re not just shiny helmets and good intentions. Riley Leonard and company made Indiana look like they accidentally wandered into the wrong tournament. As a football fan, you simply have to admire the performance of Leonard, Jordan Faison, and Jeremiyah Love. Those boys can play. And for that world-class performance against Indiana, their reward is the Georgia Bulldogs.
Obviously, Indiana was not our finest bet of all time. That team has simply baffled us all year and they just didn’t show up in their two biggest games of the year. As such, we acknowledge our big misses, right alongside our big wins, and we move on.
In the same vein, Ohio State bounced back much stronger than expected and dominated Tennessee. Tennessee and the points never had a chance in that game, which should delight the Buckeye faithful in Golden Camel nation, even if some of us followed our buddy Juan right off the cliff.
Wins and losses aside, the second round of the first real college football playoffs is no time to back down or bet scared. It would be useless (and likely debilitating) to start second-guessing that magical intuition that has gotten us this far. So onward we go…. deeper into Holiday Madness, taking what we can from round one and firing away again!
Second-Round Showdowns: Chaos, Betting Angles, and Storylines
The beauty of the second round is simple: no more easy outs. Every team left standing has earned their spot (hate the selection rules, not the team), either through grit, dominance, or a little sprinkle of chaos. After a season of exciting clashes and new, budding rivalries, we’ve arrived at some marquee matchups with 8 teams left in the playoffs, that are as enticing for bettors as they are for fans. Whether you’re chasing the underdogs or doubling down on the big boys, round two has something for everyone.
Like Ashton Jeanty trying to break records and extend Boise State’s improbable run facing the steamroller that is Penn State. Meanwhile, Texas and Arizona State clash in a matchup that pits pure talent against scrappy grit. And in the most dramatic settings imaginable, the Rose Bowl gives us Oregon versus Ohio State in a classic throw back to the Conference of Champions, while Georgia and Notre Dame headline the Sugar Bowl in what might just be the heavyweight fight of the season.
Every game is packed with high stakes, incredible storylines, and betting angles that could make or break your holiday bankroll. Let’s dive in.
College Football Playoffs
Quarterfinals
Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise St vs. No. 6 Penn St
When: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
TV Coverage: ESPN
Betting Lines and Odds
- Penn State: -11
- Total: 52.5
- Moneyline: Penn State -450, Boise State +340
| Site | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BetMGM |
Penn State -11.5 | 52.5 |
Penn State -450, Boise State +340 |
|
DraftKings |
Penn State -11 | 52 |
Penn State -440, Boise State +340 |
|
Caesars |
Penn State -11 | 52 |
Penn State -440, Boise State +335 |
|
ESPN Bet |
Penn State -11 | 52.5 |
Penn State -450, Boise State +340 |
|
FanDuel |
Penn State -10.5 | 52.5 |
Penn State -450, Boise State +340 |
Matchup Breakdown
Boise State enters this game as the higher seed, fresh off a well-deserved first-round bye and powered by the phenomenal season of Ashton Jeanty, who’s been nothing short of a human highlight reel. The Broncos’ dream season has brought them here, but now they face Penn State, a battle-tested Big Ten juggernaut fresh off a dominant first-round win. If the Broncos thought the Mountain West prepared them for this moment, they’re about to find out just how big of a jump it is to face a defense like Penn State’s.
This matchup is a clash of styles. Boise thrives on explosive plays and creativity, leaning on Jeanty’s ability to slice through defenses and carry an entire offense on his back. Penn State, on the other hand, is a no-nonsense, smash-mouth team that thrives on suffocating defense and methodical offense. While the Broncos are rested, Penn State comes in hot, with momentum and a defensive unit that plays like a wrecking ball with a vendetta.
Key Matchup to Watch: Ashton Jeanty vs. Penn State’s Defensive Line
Jeanty has been the heart and soul of Boise’s offense, racking up over 2,000 rushing yards and making defenses look silly all season. But Penn State’s front seven isn’t your typical Mountain West opponent. Led by linebacker Abdul Carter, this group specializes in clogging running lanes and forcing offenses to get creative. If Jeanty can find daylight, Boise has a fighting chance. If not, it could be a long night for the Broncos.
What to Watch For
- Boise State’s Play Calling: With Jeanty likely keyed on by the defense, Boise’s coaching staff will need to dig deep into the playbook to keep Penn State guessing. Expect misdirection, screens, and maybe even a trick play or two.
- Penn State’s Game Management: The Nittany Lions excel at controlling the clock and grinding down opponents. If they can keep Boise’s offense off the field and wear down the Broncos’ defense, it’ll be game over.
- Turnover Battle: The Broncos will need to create opportunities—whether it’s forcing a fumble or picking off Drew Allar—if they want to level the playing field against Penn State’s sheer talent.
Key Players to Watch
- Boise State:
- Ashton Jeanty (RB): With 2,000+ yards and a nose for the end zone, Jeanty is the Broncos’ everything.
- Ahmed Hassanein (DE): If Boise has any hope, Hassanein needs to disrupt Penn State’s backfield.
- Penn State:
- Drew Allar (QB): The guy who makes the Lions roar. Efficient and deadly when given time.
- Abdul Carter (LB): He’ll be hunting Jeanty all night.
Bets to Consider
- Penn State -11: Boise’s luck might run out against a superior opponent.
- Under 52.5: Defense wins championships, and Penn State’s is suffocating.
- Ashton Jeanty Anytime TD: Even in a losing effort, Jeanty finds the end zone.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 4 ASU vs. No. 5 Texas
When: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
TV Coverage: ESPN
Betting Lines and Odds
- Texas: -13.5
- Total: 51.5
- Moneyline: Texas -535, Arizona State +400
| Site | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BetMGM |
Texas -13.5 | 52.5 |
Texas -550, Arizona State +400 |
|
DraftKings |
Texas -13.5 | 51.5 |
Texas -535, Arizona State +400 |
|
FanDuel |
Texas -13.5 | 50.5 |
Texas -500, Arizona State +400 |
Matchup Breakdown
This matchup pits a red-hot Texas team against an Arizona State squad that thrives on chaos and unpredictability. Texas comes in riding the high of their round-one beatdown of Clemson, with an offense that’s as sharp as their confidence is sky-high. Meanwhile, Arizona State, fresh off a bye, has had extra time to prepare for what many consider an uphill battle. The Sun Devils might not have the star power of Texas, but they’ve made a season out of scrapping their way through tough opponents, and they’ll need every ounce of that grit to hang with the Longhorns.
The clash here is one of style: Texas is a well-oiled machine with explosive talent across the board, while Arizona State operates like a scrappy underdog in a bar fight—unpredictable, relentless, and just dangerous enough to cause some damage. The key will be whether ASU’s defense can contain Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns’ relentless offense. If they can’t, this game could get out of hand fast. But if the Sun Devils can create turnovers or hit on some big plays early, they might just turn this into the most surprising showdown of the round.
Key Matchup to Watch: Cam Skattebo vs. Texas’ Front Seven
Arizona State’s hopes rest on the chunky legs of the versatile Cam Skattebo, who can punish defenders as a power runner or slip into open space for a clutch catch. He’s the spark that keeps their offense alive. But Texas’ front seven isn’t about to let him have an easy day. With their combination of speed and physicality, the Longhorns will aim to bottle him up and force ASU to find answers elsewhere.
What to Watch For
- Texas’ Early Dominance: The Longhorns love to strike early and often. If they can build a quick lead, it’ll force Arizona State out of their comfort zone and into a game of catch-up they’re not built to play.
- Arizona State’s Grit Factor: ASU has thrived this season by embracing chaos. Whether it’s a trick play, a gutsy fourth-down conversion, or an unexpected defensive stand, they’ll need to pull every rabbit out of the hat to keep this close.
- Turnovers and Momentum Shifts: If ASU can force mistakes from Quinn Ewers or capitalize on special teams, they could hang around longer than expected.
Key Players to Watch
- Arizona State:
- Cam Skattebo (RB): The two-way star must shine to keep ASU alive.
- Javan Robinson (CB): Tasked with slowing down Texas’ receiving corps.
- Texas:
- Quinn Ewers (QB): Running the show with laser precision.
- Jaydon Blue (RB): A dynamic playmaker with breakaway speed and the agility to leave defenders grasping at air.
Bets to Consider
- Arizona State +13.5: ASU’s scrappy enough to cover late.
- Over 51.5: Both teams have the firepower to turn this game into a high-scoring shootout.
- Jaydon Blue Over 80.5 Rushing Yards: He’s been a workhorse.
Rose Bowl Pres. by Prudential: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio St
When: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET
Where: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
TV Coverage: ESPN
Betting Lines and Odds
- Ohio State: -2.5
- Total: 55
- Moneyline: Ohio State -135, Oregon +115
| Site | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BetMGM |
Ohio State -2.5 | 54.5 | Ohio State -140, Oregon +115 |
|
DraftKings |
Ohio State -2.5 | 55 |
Ohio State -135, Oregon +114 |
|
Caesars |
Ohio State -2.5 | 55 |
Ohio State -135, Oregon +115 |
| ESPN Bet | Ohio State -2.5 | 55.5 |
Ohio State -135, Oregon +115 |
|
FanDuel |
Ohio State -2.5 | 55.5 |
Ohio State -132, Oregon +110 |
Matchup Breakdown
There’s no stage quite like the Rose Bowl, and this matchup between Oregon and Ohio State feels like it’s ripped straight out of a Hollywood script. On one side, you have the Ducks, led by Dillon Gabriel, the Heisman finalist who has electrified college football all season. On the other, Ohio State—a perennial powerhouse with a roster stacked with NFL-bound talent but carrying the weight of yet another loss to Michigan. It’s a clash of styles, legacies, and stakes, and the winner of this game could very well be the team that rides the momentum all the way to the championship.
Oregon enters this game as the No. 1 seed, a testament to their season-long dominance and a depth chart that seems to have no weaknesses. They’ve got the offense to score in bunches, the defense to keep opponents in check, and the confidence that comes with being the top seed.
Key Matchup to Watch: Dillon Gabriel vs. Ohio State’s Secondary
Gabriel has been the centerpiece of Oregon’s offensive juggernaut, and his ability to exploit defenses through the air will be critical. Ohio State’s secondary, led by standout cornerbacks and a safety group that can hit like linebackers, faces the daunting task of containing one of the most efficient passers in the nation. If Gabriel can get into a rhythm early, it could spell trouble for the Buckeyes. But if Ohio State’s defense forces mistakes, the balance shifts dramatically.
What to Watch For
- Oregon’s Tempo: The Ducks thrive on their ability to keep defenses on their heels with quick strikes and relentless pace. Ohio State’s defense will need to slow the game down to avoid being overwhelmed.
- Ohio State’s Playmakers: Jeremiah Smith is the Buckeyes’ not-so-secret weapon. The freshman phenom has torched defenses all year, and if he gets loose, Oregon’s defense could find themselves in a track meet.
- Quarterback Pressure: Will Howard has shown poise under pressure, but Oregon’s pass rush could make his life miserable. Protecting him will be priority number one for the Buckeyes’ offensive line.
Key Players to Watch
- Oregon:
- Dillon Gabriel (QB): Can he carve up Ohio State’s secondary?
- Jordan James (RB): Versatility makes him a game-changer.
- Ohio State:
- Jeremiah Smith (WR): Buckeyes’ top playmaker and the X-factor.
- Will Howard (QB): QB will likely be under pressure all night and Ohio St’s fate likely hangs on how he responds.
Bets to Consider
- Oregon +2.5: The Ducks have been too clutch to ignore.
- Over 55: Both teams bring firepower.
- Jeremiah Smith Anytime TD: We expect to see Howard give him plenty of chances, even if he’s double teamed.
Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame
When: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET
Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Betting Lines and Odds
- Notre Dame: -0.5
- Total: 44
- Moneyline: Notre Dame -105, Georgia -115
| Site | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BetMGM |
Notre Dame -0.5 | 44 | Notre Dame Even, Georgia -120 |
|
DraftKings |
Notre Dame -0.5 | 44 | Notre Dame -105, Georgia -115 |
|
Caesars |
Notre Dame -0.5 | 44 |
Notre Dame -105, Georgia -115 |
| ESPN Bet | Notre Dame -0.5 | 44 |
Notre Dame +105, Georgia -135 |
| FanDuel | Notre Dame +1.5 | 44 |
Notre Dame -102, Georgia -120 |
Matchup Breakdown
The Sugar Bowl is the quintessential heavyweight showdown, pairing Georgia’s suffocating defense against Notre Dame’s veteran leadership and offensive firepower. Georgia enters the game with their usual aura of dominance but faces an uphill battle without their starting quarterback, leaning on backup Gunner Stockton to step up in the biggest game of the season. On the other side, Notre Dame looks to Riley Leonard, their poised and experienced leader, to guide the Irish to a statement win and cement their playoff legacy.
This clash isn’t just about skill—it’s about grit. Georgia will look to impose their will in the trenches, aiming to control the tempo and lean on their elite defense to force mistakes. Notre Dame, however, brings a balanced offense and a calm under pressure that has propelled them through a challenging season. It’s a battle of Georgia’s relentless physicality versus Notre Dame’s steady hand, and the winner could easily ride this momentum to the championship game.
Key Matchup to Watch: Georgia’s Defensive Line vs. Notre Dame’s Offensive Line
The line of scrimmage will be the battleground where this game is won or lost. Georgia’s front seven has been a nightmare for opposing offenses, but Notre Dame boasts one of the best offensive lines in college football. If Riley Leonard has time to throw and Jeremiyah Love can find running lanes, the Irish will have the upper hand. If Georgia can dominate the trenches, though, it’s going to be a long night for Notre Dame.
What to Watch For
- Gunner Stockton’s Performance: The young quarterback steps into the spotlight under immense pressure. Can he manage the game effectively and avoid costly mistakes against a disciplined Notre Dame defense?
- Notre Dame’s Balance: With Riley Leonard’s passing precision and Jerimiyah Love’s dynamic rushing ability, the Irish have the tools to attack Georgia’s defense from multiple angles. The question is whether they can execute against such a formidable opponent.
- Turnovers: Georgia’s defense thrives on creating chaos. If they can force Notre Dame into mistakes, they’ll have the chance to tilt the game in their favor.
Key Players to Watch
- Georgia:
- Nate Frazier and Trevor Etienne (RBs): Georgia’s dynamic backfield duo combines power and explosiveness, with Frazier grinding out tough yards and Etienne providing big-play potential to keep defenses guessing. They will play a bigger role with Beck out.
- Arian Smith (WR): A blazing fast receiver, Smith can stretch the field and create explosive plays. Look for him to be a key target on deep routes, testing Notre Dame’s secondary and opening up opportunities for the run game.
- Malaki Starks (S): The heart of Georgia’s secondary, Starks is a ball hawk with the ability to shut down deep threats and make game-changing plays in coverage. His leadership will be key against Notre Dame’s balanced attack.
- Notre Dame:
- Riley Leonard (QB): The Irish’s steady leader, Leonard excels with accuracy, composure under pressure, and the ability to extend plays. He’ll be the key to breaking through Georgia’s defense.
- Jeremiyah Love (RB): A versatile back with a mix of power and speed, Love can grind out tough yards or break away for big gains, keeping Georgia’s front seven on their heels.
- Jordan Faison (WR): A deep threat with excellent hands, Faison has the speed to stretch Georgia’s defense and create game-changing opportunities.
Bets to Consider
- Notre Dame ML: When in doubt, take the experienced QB.
- Under 44: This game has defensive slugfest written all over it.
- Riley Leonard Over 200 Passing Yards: He’s the Irish’s best chance to win and has a variety of weapons to help get him over.
1st Annual Golden Camel Holiday Madness
Bracket Challenge
The battle between Artie and Ryan for 1st Annual Holiday Madness Bracket Challenge is tight after the first round. Here’s where things stand heading into the CFB Quarterfinals:
Artie – 2 pts
Ryan – 1 pt
Artie’s Holiday Madness Bracket
Artie grabbed two points with his Texas and Ohio State victories, putting him in the lead. His bold prediction of Arizona State in the finals will be put to the test this week as they face Texas in the Peach Bowl. The first holiday madness could be over quick if ASU comes through for him. Georgia to win it all won’t matter if Texas goes down this weekend.
Ryan’s Holiday Madness Bracket
Ryan, on the other hand, is riding Texas as his saving grace after a rough first round. With only one point on the board, his Cinderella pick of Indiana to the finals crashed in the first round. But his hopes are still alive and well if Texas can dominate like last week. His hopes rest entirely on the Longhorns carrying him to glory—and keeping him from paying for Artie’s surf-and-turf.
Texas vs Arizona State to determine the first Holiday Madness! What a glorious way to start the new year and the first real college football playoffs.
Embrace the Holiday Madness
Let’s face it—college football playoffs aren’t for the faint of heart, and neither is betting on them. Round one taught us that luck doesn’t play favorites, underdogs don’t always bark, and sometimes you’re just one missed field goal away from an existential crisis.
But round two? This is where the true fun begins. It’s chaos wrapped in strategy, sprinkled with just enough uncertainty to make every snap feel like the biggest moment of the season. Whether your first-round picks soared or crashed, it’s time to double down, embrace the chaos, and remember: nobody ever became a legend by betting scared.
And for those who claim they can keep track of all this action without losing their minds—you’re lying, or you’re using the Golden Camel app. If you’re not syncing your bets, tracking props, and sweating parlays with the sleekest app in the game, you’re doing it wrong. The second round isn’t just a test of football IQ; it’s a challenge to bet smarter, have more fun, and maybe—just maybe—hit that ridiculous parlay you’ve been dreaming of.
Seriously, Download the Golden Camel App
Your second-round survival kit starts with the Golden Camel app. From live scoring to stat crunching to line moves and splits to odds comparisons, it’s the all-in-one tool for sports bettors with style. So, download the app, find those winners, and fire in some bets like a champ.
Download the Golden Camel app now and make your playoffs experience legendary!
Disclaimer: Bet Smart, Only Risk What You Can Afford, and Regret Nothing
Alright, let’s get serious for a second—kind of. Sports betting should be fun, not a fast track to financial ruin. The picks and strategies we share on this column and site are for entertainment purposes only. Seriously, think of them as your buddy’s bad jokes when you invite him to family dinner—amusing, occasionally insightful, but not something to bank your life savings on.
Golden Camel encourages you to only bet what you can afford to lose. If it’s a choice between betting the rent money and, you know, actually paying rent, definitely sit this one out. And hey, if the fun stops or you feel like betting is controlling you instead of the other way around, it’s time to call for backup. The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-522-4700.
So, have a blast, bet responsibly, and remember: the real jackpot is living to play another day. Happy betting!
