
2024 ATS Record
Blaine Duncan: 37-27 (Championship Week: 5-4)
TD Wood: 27-36-1 (Championship Week: 4-5)
Mallory McCormack: 33-31 (Championship Week: 6-3)
Greg Bosworth: 26-38 (Championship Week: 5-4)
It’s the first twelve-team playoff in college football history, and the Taking Bets writers will give these games a shot. Our writers are the host of The Staredown Mallory McCormack, host of Takin’ On Sports TD Wood, editor-in-chief Blaine Duncan, and co-host of Takin’ On Sports Greg Bosworth!
Blaine Duncan
Four games, eight teams, and four advance. These games look close on paper.
Indiana (+6.5) at Notre Dame - Prudence tells me not to go with the team I want to win and instead make a judicious decision. To hell with it. I’ll roll with the Hoosiers for the upset: they not only beat the spread, but they get the W in South Bend.
SMU (+8.5) at Penn State - It’ll be a tough environment for the Mustangs, but I like what Coach Lashlee has done and I am not convinced Penn State can win the huge, important games under Franklin.
Clemson at Texas (-12.5) - The Longhorns probably had the playoffs on their vision boards since April. They’ll outman the Tigers. No hope for Clemson this time, and they really shouldn’t be in the playoffs.
Tennessee at Ohio State (OVER: 46.5) - I do think that the Buckeyes get the win, but I can see the Vols going to Columbus ready to go, too. The over/under looks a little low for this game, so give me the over.
TD Wood
I have no words for my performance this season. As for the new 12-team CFP, I’m excited. It certainly needs some tweaking, and you’ve heard me opine on what I think those tweaks should be on Takin’ On Sports. The first round games are all intriguing in their own way, so it should be a fun weekend.
Indiana at Notre Dame (-6.5) – The Hoosiers story has been fun, but I think Notre Dame is playing some of the best ball in the country, maybe the best. This one will be back and forth until the Irish pull away late with some good old fashioned defense and running the ball.
SMU (+8.5) at Penn State – This one is my pick for the first first round upset of the 12-team era. The Mustangs have the kind of offense that can drag the Nittany Lions into a shootout, and I don’t think James Franklin’s boys have that kind of win in them. If they’re going to pull it out, it’ll be a sloppy affair.
Clemson at Texas (-12.5) – Clemson earned their way in, for sure, but I’m still not sold on the Tigers as a legit contender. They nearly blew the ACC title game, and I just don’t see them hanging with the Longhorns’ potent offense. Texas has their own issues, but I think Sark and his staff will flex a little bit in this one.
Tennessee (+7) at Ohio State – I don’t really have a lot of confidence for the Buckeyes to make my preseason National Champion prediction for them to come true, but maybe if I pick the Vols here I’ll put some of my bad hoo doo on them and Ohio State will at least embarrass them here.
Mallory McCormack
Well, we wanted chaos and we got it. And I’ll be honest, I think the committee got it right (sorry, Bama), but don’t be surprised when in 2026 it expands to 16 teams. Also I wanted Jeanty to win the Heisman, but even I have to admit what Travis Hunter has done is incredible. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about, so let’s dive in to games.
Indiana (+6.5) at Notre Dame - I will say that this is the game that intrigued me the least until I realized that whoever wins this has to play Georgia. The same Georgia whose starting QB is looking for surgical opinions and whose backup got knocked out in the SEC Championship game. But I digress…I think Indiana has a chip on their shoulder. Whether they pull off the win or not, I’m not sure, but they’ll keep it close.
SMU at Penn State (-8.5) - I think SMU making it in is the right choice. But Penn State hosting a white out? Good luck, SMU. You may need it.
Clemson at Texas (-12.5) - I think Texas learned their lesson in Atlanta: don’t overlook anyone. And if Dabo’s quote after being selected is about how he’s finally going to meet Matthew McConaughey, well, I worry this is going to be a blow out in Austin, which I am rooting for.
Tennessee (+7.5) at Ohio State - I think Tennessee’s defense is the dark horse of the playoffs. Plus, my boss is a Tennessee fan, so I may be angling for a little extra niceness at the end of the year.
Greg Bosworth
College football fans have been waiting for this day forever and tonight and tomorrow should be glorious with on-campus playoff games being played.
Indiana (+6.5) at Notre Dame – This might be my favorite game of the weekend. The battle of Indiana with one of the most storied football schools in history going up against one of the most storied basketball programs in college history. I expect a classic game and wouldn’t be surprised in the least if Mr. "Google Me" has the last laugh in South Bend.
SMU (+8.5) at Penn State – It is going to be miserable tomorrow in Happy Valley and most don’t have the Ponies having any chance of pulling the upset. I am not sure if they win the game but am confident they are talented enough to hang with the Nittany Lions. Rhett Lashlee will have his team ready and it will be interesting to see what James Franklin fares in another big game with all eyes on his team. Even with the bad weather I wouldn’t be shocked if this turns into a high scoring game.
Clemson at Texas (-12.5) – I am hoping for four entertaining games, but this is the one I just don’t think will be very good. I get the feeling that Clemson is just happy to be there and Sark is looking to get to that next level of greatness. The Longhorns defense and running game will be too strong and if you have any last minute holiday shopping to do, this game may give you the small window you need.
Tennessee (+7) at Ohio State – This of course is the most anticipated of the opening playoff weekend. We all want to see how the Buckeyes bounce back after their embarrassing loss to Michigan and we all want to know exactly how many Vols fans will be in the Horeshoe. A strong running game and a good defense are two of the best things that a road team can have going into a hostile environment. The Buckeyes need to remember they have a dynamic receiving core and can beat anyone. Ryan Day has looked miserable all of 2024, and can we at least let this guy crack a smile tomorrow? I say yes, but it will be the classic ending of the first playoff weekend.
Note: All games are against the spread. Odds are taken from MGM Grand Sportsbook.