Ohio State Emerges as Top CFP Championship Favorite After Dominant Rose Bowl Victory

Ohio State Emerges as Top CFP Championship Favorite After Dominant Rose Bowl Victory

By Michael Harrison

January 2, 2025 at 04:38 PM

Ohio State dominated Oregon in a 41-21 Rose Bowl victory, establishing themselves as clear favorites for the College Football Playoff National Championship.

The Buckeyes took control early, building a commanding 34-8 halftime lead against the previously undefeated No. 1 Oregon Ducks. ESPN's Win Probability Index gave Ohio State a 99.4% chance of winning when leading 31-0 in the second quarter.

Players celebrate Kansas City Chiefs victory

Players celebrate Kansas City Chiefs victory

This victory follows Ohio State's impressive 42-17 win over Tennessee in the CFP first round, showing remarkable improvement since their regular-season loss to Michigan.

Coach Ryan Day, who faced criticism after a fourth straight loss to Michigan, credited his team's resilience: "When you surround yourself with great people, with great character, you find yourself working through difficult times."

Current Championship Odds:

  • Ohio State: +120 (DraftKings, ESPN Bet)
  • Texas: +320
  • Penn State: +500
  • Georgia/Notre Dame: +700

Next up, Ohio State faces Texas in the Cotton Bowl Classic on January 10, where they're favored by six points. Texas advanced after a double-overtime victory against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.

The other semifinal features Penn State against the winner of the postponed Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame, scheduled for January 9 at the Orange Bowl.

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