The Georgia Bulldogs are starting to look like the smart play for bettors eyeing the College Football Playoff futures market - and it’s not hard to see why. Their dominant 28-7 win over Alabama in the SEC Championship Game is aging well, especially in light of the Crimson Tide’s convincing 34-24 victory over Oklahoma in the CFP’s opening round. That transitive performance boost has given Georgia a serious bump in perception - and maybe more importantly, in value.
There’s growing buzz around Georgia as the team to beat in this year’s playoff field. Forget the Ohio State Buckeyes, Texas Tech Red Raiders, Oregon Ducks, or even the undefeated Big Ten champion Indiana Hoosiers - the Bulldogs are drawing attention for all the right reasons.
And it’s not just about the scoreboard. Georgia has found another gear, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
This unit is flying around, closing gaps, and suffocating opposing offenses in ways that remind you of the program’s national title runs. They’re peaking at the right time - and that’s everything in December.
At quarterback, Gunner Stockton isn’t putting up video game numbers, but what he’s doing is arguably more important - he’s delivering in big moments. He’s composed, efficient, and has a knack for making the right play when it matters most. That kind of poise is invaluable in a playoff setting where every possession counts.
A potential semifinal clash with Indiana looms, and that’s no walk in the park. The Hoosiers have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, running the table in the Big Ten and earning a spot in the CFP with an unblemished record. But Georgia’s dismantling of Alabama - a team that just handled Oklahoma with relative ease - is a reminder of just how dangerous the Bulldogs can be when they’re locked in.
Meanwhile, other contenders like Ole Miss, Alabama, and Miami are sitting with odds north of +1000 - and it’s clear why they’re not getting the same level of attention. Whether it’s inconsistency, tougher matchups, or just not having the same momentum, they’re on the outside looking in when it comes to true title threats.
Ohio State’s Play-Calling Shuffle Adds Uncertainty
As for Ohio State, they’ve got their own issues to sort through - and they start with the coaching headset. The Buckeyes might’ve been the odds-on favorite if not for the turbulence surrounding Brian Hartline. Head coach Ryan Day handed Hartline the play-calling duties for the Big Ten Championship Game, and the results were... uneven, to say the least.
Ohio State struggled to finish drives and couldn’t punch it in when they got into the red zone. That inefficiency cost them, and it raised questions about the offensive identity heading into the most important stretch of the season. In response, Day made a move - demoting Hartline and taking back control of the offense ahead of the Cotton Bowl.
Now, Hartline will focus on working with the receivers and assisting in game-planning, while Day resumes play-calling duties. It’s a significant shift, especially this late in the year, but it might end up being a blessing in disguise. The Buckeyes got their first loss out of the way, and with the pressure of perfection off their shoulders, they could be more dangerous moving forward.
Still, you can’t help but wonder how much smoother things might’ve gone if Day had taken the reins earlier. The Big Ten title game could’ve been a valuable dress rehearsal for his return to play-calling. Instead, it became a cautionary tale about timing and trust.
Now, the Buckeyes' fate rests in the hands of Day, freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, and a roster full of talent that wasn’t directly impacted by Hartline’s departure to take the head coaching job at USF. They’ve got the pieces - but they’ll need to put it all together quickly.
The Bottom Line
Georgia’s trending in the right direction, both on the field and in the betting markets. Their defense is surging, their quarterback is clutch, and their résumé includes a statement win over a now-validated Alabama squad. That’s the kind of profile that wins championships - and earns the trust of bettors looking for value in a crowded CFP field.
Ohio State, on the other hand, is talented enough to win it all, but they’ve introduced just enough doubt to make people hesitate. In a playoff where every edge matters, that uncertainty could be the difference between a title run and an early exit.