The College Football Playoff semifinals are set, with none of the top seeds remaining among the last four teams. The semi-finalists are Texas, Ohio State, Penn State, and Notre Dame.
Users of college football betting sites seeking insight into how to wager on the semifinal matchups can look at key statistics in several categories, including defense, quarterbacks, and kicking.
According to longtime bettor Billy Walters, these are the categories he considers when wagering on football games. Walters is the author of the book Gambler: Secrets From a Life at Risk.
Below are figures showing where the last four teams rank statistically in defense, passing, and kicking. The four teams have formidable defenses worth considering when making bets.
Where Teams Rank On Defense, Passing, Kicking
Defense
| National Rank | Team | Yards/Game |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio State | 244.6 |
| 3 | Texas | 277.9 |
| 5 | Penn State | 288.8 |
| 8 | Notre Dame | 295.3 |
Source: ESPN
Passing
| National Rank | Team | Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Texas | 3,653 |
| 29 | Penn State | 3,204 |
| 38 | Ohio State | 3,052 |
| 102 | Notre Dame | 2,357 |
Source: USA Today
Kicking
| National Rank | Team | FG % |
|---|---|---|
| 69 | Ohio State | 74% |
| 96 | Penn State | 70% |
| 108 | Texas | 66.7% |
| 134 | Notre Dame | 44.4% |
Source: USA Today
Futures Odds
The current futures market gives Ohio State the best chance to win the national title.
Monitor the latest college football odds before placing your bets.
Game Information
Semifinals
The two upcoming NCAAF bowl games will host the College Football Playoff semifinals: Notre Dame vs. Penn State in the Orange Bowl and Ohio State vs. Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
National Championship
Monday, Jan. 20
TBD vs. TBD, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Game Information: NCAA.com