FAST FACTS, BETTING ODDS: Defense Anchors College Football Semifinalists

The College Football Playoff semifinals are set, with the none of the top seeds among the final four. The semifinalists are Texas, Ohio State, Penn State and Notre Dame.

Bettors 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 author of the book “Gambler: Secrets From a Life at Risk."

Below are figures showing where the final four teams rank statistically in defense, passing and kicking. The four teams have formidable defenses worth taking into consideration when making bets.

Where Teams Rank On Defense, Passing, Kicking

Defense

National rank/team/yards per game

• No. 1 Ohio State, 244.6
• No. 3 Texas, 277.9
• No. 5 Penn State, 288.8
• No. 8 Notre Dame, 295.3

Source: ESPN

Passing

National rank/team/yards 

• No. 10 Texas, 3,653 
• No. 29 Penn State, 3,204
• No. 38 Ohio State, 3,052 
• No. 102 Notre Dame, 2,357 

Source: USA Today

Kicking

National rank/team/field goal percentage

• No. 69 Ohio State, 74%
• No. 96 Penn State, 70%
• No. 108 Texas, 66.7%
• No. 134 Notre Dame 44.4%

Source: USA Today

Futures Odds

According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current futures market gives Ohio State an implied 44.44% chance to win the nation title.

• Ohio State +110
• Texas +350
• Notre Dame +350
• Penn State +450

Game Information

Semifinals

Thursday, Jan. 9

No. 6 Penn State (+1.5) vs. No. 7 Notre Dame., Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Friday, Jan. 10

No. 5 Texas (+6) vs. No. 8 Ohio State Cotton Bowl, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

National Championship

Monday, Jan. 20

TBD vs. TBD, Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Game Information: NCAA.com

Odds: ESPN Bet