CFP Quarterfinals Score Predictions + Best Bets

Last year the College Football Playoff took a bizarre turn in the quarterfinals. After the four home teams (higher seeds) won in the first round, all four of those teams stunned the higher seeded teams in the quarterfinals. Spoiler alert: that’s not happening again in 2025.

Honestly, last year’s format was stupid and fortunately it was corrected. If the same format was in use this year, we would be seeing a Tulane (as the fourth highest ranked conference champion) vs. Ohio State Cotton Bowl, which wouldn’t have been the least bit appealing. At least I can make a case for both sides in each of these four games.

Another note before I post this round’s picks: I’m back making picks for SportsLine once again. Certainly not how I expected things to go when I started back on here two months ago, but I’ll be posting plenty of picks there for the time being. What a wild ride but glad to be back, part of the time, around some of my favorite handicappers and people.

For more betting content, including NFL sides, totals and props, NBA and NHL analysis, sign up for Betting with Bearman newsletter (3x a week).

While I’m keeping the same scores that I predicted two weeks ago for three of the four games, here is my rationale and score prediction for each matchup:

Cotton Bowl
I was at the 2003 National Championship Game between these two schools and the amount of talent on that field was ridiculous. But I digress – both teams are coming off lackluster offensive performances in their last games, scoring only ten points each. Along those same lines, don’t expect the Miami offense to find better footing in this contest. The Buckeyes have allowed 16 or less points in every game this season and I have a hard time seeing the Hurricanes exceed that mark in the Cotton Bowl. Look for Ryan Day to open up the playbook and OSU to cruise to at least a two-score victory.
Ohio State 30, Miami 14

Orange Bowl
The Red Raiders have looked elite all season. Yes, I know it’s the Big 12 but outside of losing to Arizona State with a backup QB, their next closest game was decided by 22 points. The oddsmakers are not giving Texas Tech enough credit. That defense is a top-three unit in America. Meanwhile, who did Oregon really beat this season? Penn State? In overtime no less. Iowa? On a last second field goal. USC? Always a fade on the road. Washington? Also inconsistent. Get ready for the Big Ten PR spin after they lose this one.
Texas Tech 27, Oregon 23

Rose Bowl
Let’s think back to last year when the undefeated and top-ranked Big Ten champion entered the Rose Bowl against a team which was talented but had question marks. Final score: Ohio State 41, Oregon 21. And the game wasn’t even that close. While I don’t think this one will be a blowout like last year, did Indiana already win their National Championship of sorts by beating Ohio State and Fernando Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy? Alabama has the better athletes and showed their mettle after a brutal start vs. Oklahoma. This game should be close but talent wins out. Just in case, I love taking the points but I’ll also predict the outright upset.
Alabama 26, Indiana 24

Sugar Bowl
In their last four games, Georgia has surrendered 10, 3, 9, and 7 points. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the Bulldogs ended up winning the National Championship again, though I still lean Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. Don’t expect the wild shootout that we saw on October 18^th. Both defenses will come to play and keep this one in the 40s so we’re getting some value here. I’ll be parlaying Georgia ML + under at better than 3/2 odds late on Thursday night.
Georgia 27, Ole Miss 19

CFB Best Bets Record
Last Week: 5-3-1 (+2.3u)
2025 Overall: 46-54-1 (-14.49u)

Late Bowl Season Best Bets
(All best bets are one unit unless specified. Lines are from DraftKings)
–Reliaquest Bowl: Iowa +4 vs. Vanderbilt (-110)
–Sun Bowl: ASU ML vs. Duke (+130)
–Citrus Bowl: Michigan +7.5 vs. Texas (-110)
-Cotton Bowl: Ohio State -9 vs. Miami (-110)
-Orange Bowl: Texas Tech ML vs. Oregon (+115)
-Rose Bowl: Alabama +7 vs. Indiana (-113) – 1.5 UNIT PLAY
-Sugar Bowl: Georgia / Ole Miss Under 56.5 (-110) – 1.5 UNIT PLAY
-Holiday Bowl: Arizona -2.5 vs. SMU (-118)
(I’ll be at this game on Friday supporting my alma mater – BEAR DOWN!)

NFL Week 18 Score Predictions to come later this week.

Have a Happy New Year!