College Football Playoff Quarterfinals Parlay: Big 10 favored in Cotton, Orange, and Rose

College Football Playoff Quarterfinals will ring in the New Year, with a single New Year’s Eve contest on Wednesday and a trio of big games on Thursday. All three Big 10 teams (Indiana, Ohio St., and Oregon) are favored, and the SEC’s top dog, Georgia, is favored in a rematch with Ole Miss.

YouBet.com recommends the following best bets in a Playoff Quarterfinals parlay, all lines courtesy of BetMGM and times listed as Eastern.

Quarterfinal Parlay (+582): Under 41.5 (Miami-Ohio St.) – Oregon -2.5 – Alabama +7

Miami vs Ohio St, Cotton Bowl, New Year’s Eve, 7:30 p.m.

One of the nation’s highest-scoring teams in recent years, Ohio St. dropped to 21st in scoring offense this season, recording only 24 combined points in high-profile games vs Indiana and Texas. Miami, which thrived playing its first seven games in Florida, ranks only 26th in scoring offense, delivering uneven performances in recent games at Texas A&M (103 passing yards) and Virginia Tech (83 rushing yards). Both rely on top-10 defenses, with the Hurricanes stifling ranked foes Pitt (seven points allowed) and Texas A&M (three points allowed) in their last two outings, and the Buckeyes ranked first in total and scoring defense. Another low-scoring affair is projected.

Pick: Under 41.5

Oregon vs Texas Tech, Orange Bowl, New Year’s Day, 12 p.m.

After tossing four TDs against James Madison, Dante Moore will look to exploit an untested Texas Tech secondary. Red Raiders have avoided quality quarterbacks in all but one game, surrendering 319 passing yards to Sam Leavitt in a loss to Arizona St., and Moore expects to have his top three receivers back. Texas Tech remains opportunistic (31 takeaways) and physical up front, and Oregon’s defense has allowed 75 points over the last three games, but the Ducks’ firepower ultimately will prove too much for the Red Raiders.

Pick: Oregon -2.5

Alabama vs Indiana, Rose Bowl, New Year’s Day, 4 p.m.

Indiana’s defense has been special, improved from last year’s playoff team, and kept its toughest opponents (Ohio St., Oregon, and Iowa) mostly in check, allowing only an average of 15 points, recording hard-fought wins. But Hoosiers weren’t prolific at times, and Alabama ranks 14th in total defense and 15th in passing defense, logging favorable metrics vs a demanding SEC schedule. Tide cranked up the heat on John Mateer after falling behind Oklahoma early in the first round, recording five sacks and 19 quarterback pressures. And Ty Simpson and Bama’s offense have restored confidence after reeling off 34 points over the final three quarters on a formidable Oklahoma defense.

Pick: Alabama +7