Sean Maloney
As the college football season reaches the halfway mark, it is time to revisit the odds to win the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship. To no one’s surprise, the reigning champion Alabama Crimson Tide lead the way on the college football futures. The Tide have been simply spectacular while marching to an unblemished 5-0 start. But while Alabama has become an annual fixture in the College Football Playoff, they are far from assured of a fourth title win in seven years. No fewer than eight other undefeated teams remain in the hunt for a CFP berth this season. That provides sports bettors search for value betting picks with a wide variety of options to choose from.
MyTopSportsbooks takes a look at all the national championship favorites, and the best bets to advance to this season’s College Football Playoff. Sports bettors getting in on college football betting action for the first time should refer to our betting guide for tips on how to hone their strategies.
| College Football National Championship Odds |  |  |  |  |
| Alabama | +160 | +160 | +140 | +140 |
| Georgia | +160 | +160 | +160 | +160 |
| Ohio State | +1200 | +1000 | +1200 | +1200 |
| Oklahoma | +1200 | +1000 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Michigan | +2500 | +2800 | +3300 | +3300 |
| Penn State | +2500 | +2500 | +2500 | +2500 |
| Cincinnati | +3300 | +2000 | +10000 | +10000 |
| Iowa | +4000 | +3300 | +5000 | +5000 |
| Texas | +4000 | +4500 | +3300 | +3300 |
| Oregon | +5000 | +3300 | +4000 | +4000 |
| Pittsburgh | +6600 | n/a | +50000 | +50000 |
| NC State | +7500 | +50000 | +50000 | +50000 |
| Clemson | +8000 | +7700 | +15000 | +15000 |
| Michigan State | +8000 | +12500 | +10000 | +10000 |
| Oklahoma State | +8000 | +20000 | +40000 | +40000 |
| Arizona State | +10000 | +12500 | +10000 | +10000 |
| North Carolina | +10000 | +15000 | +40000 | +40000 |
| Notre Dame | +10000 | +8000 | +15000 | +15000 |
| Ole Miss | +10000 | +10000 | +12500 | +12500 |
| Virginia Tech | +10000 | +30000 | +30000 | +30000 |
| Wake Forest | +10000 | n/a | +25000 | +25000 |
Crimson Tide Occupying Familiar Perch
The Alabama Crimson Tide have once again been a dominant force in college football this season. The defending national champions once again enjoy their familiar perch atop the AP Top 25 rankings after opening their campaign with five straight wins. And given their recent track record of success, they once again lead the way on the odds to win college football’s national championship as a short +140 bet at MyBookie.
Roll Tide! @AlabamaFTBL shuts down Ole Miss and the Crimson Tide moves to 5-0!#RollTide #BamaGameday pic.twitter.com/0FIxCEWIcC
— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) October 2, 2021
And what’s not to love about this year’s edition of the Crimson Tide? The team has averaged 45.6 points per game during their 5-0 SU start, which has included four wins by a margin of three or more touchdowns. That success is all the more impressive considering that three of their five wins to date have come against nationally ranked opponents. However, as the Tide have learned the hard way, regular season success means nothing come time for the College Football Playoff, with top-ranked teams going on to win the national championship just twice in seven all-time editions of the postseason event.
Can Bulldogs Take Next Step?
That makes it all the more important for sports bettors to do their homework on the best and highest value challengers to Alabama’s throne. The Tide’s closest rival also comes from the SEC. Unbeaten through their first five contests, and closely trailing Alabama on the AP Top 25 rankings, the Georgia Bulldogs sit neck-and-neck with the Crimson Tide as a +160 bet at Bovada.
Georgia’s 37-0 victory over Arkansas marks the Bulldogs’ 3rd shutout victory over an AP Top-10 opponent in the AP Poll Era (1st since defeating No. 10 Alabama 21-0 in 1976).
Georgia’s 23 points allowed are the fewest through the team’s 1st 5 games of a season since 1937 (14). pic.twitter.com/xspaJqJgwo
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 2, 2021
Like Alabama, the Bulldogs have simply dominated opponents this season, allowing just 23 total points during their season-opening 5-0 run, capped by lopsided shutout wins over Vanderbilt and No. 8 Arkansas over their past two outings. Georgia faces the toughest stretch of schedule over the next three weeks, with three straight contests against nationally ranked opponents, including Auburn, Kentucky, and Florida. In addition, the Bulldogs have compiled a winning track record in recent bowl game appearances, going 6-1 in their past seven. However, they came up short in their lone CFP appearance, falling 26-23 to Alabama in the national championship game three years ago. And considering their short odds, sports bettors may want considering some higher value options.
Ohio State, Oklahoma Face Uphill Battle
Among the teams trailing the favorites are Ohio State and Oklahoma, who are pegged at +1200 and +1400 respectively at Xbet. At least one of these teams have appeared in each of the seven previous editions of the CFP, with the Buckeyes falling to Alabama in last season’s national championship contest. However, neither are currently in the running for one of the four CFP spots, and both face harrowing schedules down the stretch.
Ohio State wins. Notre Dame loses. Great day for America.
— Mekka Don (@MekkaDonMusic) October 2, 2021
That opens the door for the Cincinnati Bearcats, who enter the second half of the college football season sporting attractive +10000 odds to win the national championship at MyBookie.
Bearcats an Attractive Dark Horse
Currently pegged at No. 5 on the national rankings, the Bearcats helped their cause with last weekend’s decisive 24-13 road victory over No. 13 Notre Dame. But one of the biggest challenges facing Cincy in their bid to seize a CFP berth is the quality of their opponents the rest of the way. Four of their final eight regular season opponents currently sport losing records, a variable that must change for the bearcats to receive consideration for a CFP berth.
Bengals destroy the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
Bengals comeback win in primetime.
Bearcats crush #9 Notre Dame on the road.I can’t think of a better week in Cincinnati football. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6uBUs24pDE
— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) October 2, 2021
However, the Bearcats are well positioned to finish atop the AAC conference standings, and can give themselves a big lift with the CFP committee with a decisive performance when they battle undefeated Southern Methodist later next month.
The Pick: Cincinnati Bearcats to win CFP national championship (+10000 at MyBookie)
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you. Learn more about betting strategies by checking out our college football betting guide.
