The early line for the November 9 showdown between the country’s top-ranked teams has Alabama pegged as more than a touchdown favorite against LSU.
The AP Poll has LSU and Alabama listed at No. 1 and 2, respectively, but in the latest CFP odds from SportsBetting has LSU has the fourth-best odds to take home the national championship behind Bama, Clemson and Ohio State.
On October 10, the Tigers were +9.5 on a neutral field against Alabama in a potential CFP matchup so they have certainly climbed in the oddsmakers’ power ratings the last few weeks. However, the unknown status of Tua Tagovailoa has the book being cautious with the spread.
“We kind of middled the line not knowing if Tua is going to be out there or not,” said Adam Burns, oddsmaker at SportsBetting “If he plays, the spread will get to or around -10. If he doesn’t, look for it to settle around -7. He’s worth 3-4 points to the number.”
In the other battle of unbeatens on Nov. 9 that are idle this week, Penn State is listed as a 6.5-point favorite against the surprising Gophers.
Oklahoma took a hit across all futures markets following its loss to Kansas State. The Sooners’ CFP odds went from 6/1 to 20/1, and their chances of qualifying to the four-team playoff went from -200 that they would advance to +250 currently.
Also, these latest title odds for the Crimson Tide (+275) mark the first time all season that they have been the sole favorite. Alabama and Clemson have been co-favorites a few times this year, but this is the first time Bama has had the outright best odds.
View Yes/No odds to make CFP (14 teams):
College Football Playoff
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Alabama
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11/4
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Clemson
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3/1
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Ohio State
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3/1
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LSU
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9/2
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Georgia
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12/1
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Oklahoma
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20/1
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Oregon
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20/1
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Penn State
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20/1
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Florida
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50/1
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Utah
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50/1
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Baylor
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80/1
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Iowa
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100/1
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Minnesota
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100/1
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SMU
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150/1
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Texas A&M
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250/1
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Appalachian State
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500/1
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Cincinnati
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500/1
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Finally, fresh Heisman Trophy numbers don’t reveal many changes, but it is worth noting that Joe Burrow is now the odds-on favorite after being +125 last week.
Oklahoma’s setback didn’t hurt Jalen Hurts’ Heisman chances too much as he is still second at +225 after being +200 last week.
Tagovailoa’s odds are the highest they’ve been all season. He has been as low as +150 and was listed at +300 just a week ago.
Heisman odds
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Joe Burrow
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-125
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Jalen Hurts
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+225
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Tua Tagovailoa
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+500
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Justin Fields
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+600
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Chase Young
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+2500
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The biggest service plays on LSU-Alabama will be at OffshoreInsiders.com