Alabama's Odds of Making College Football Playoff Continue to Improve

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Owen Crisafulli | Last updated Dec 3, 2024 2:18 PM ET

The 2024 college football season is over, meaning that teams are turning their attention towards bowl season and the upcoming College Football Playoff. One team that could factor into the mix for the CFP is the Alabama Crimson Tide, especially if their recent betting odds surge is to be taken into account.

After suffering an ugly loss to Oklahoma in Week 13, the Crimson Tide bounced back with a win over the Auburn Tigers to finish the season with a 9-3 record. While they did not qualify for the SEC championship game, Alabama is expected to be in contention for a spot in the new 12-team CFP.

Over the past 24 hours, the Crimson Tide have experienced a surprising surge in betting markets for their odds of making the CFP, as they began Monday with +105 odds to earn one of the 12 spots. A little over a day later, though, their odds have shifted dramatically, as they now have odds of -200 to find their way into the CFP.

Latest odds this morning from Caesars to make the playoff:

SMU -250
Alabama -200
South Carolina +480
Miami +750
Ole Miss +2000
Army +5000 https://t.co/a63gqADfV7
— Mike Rodak (@mikerodak) December 3, 2024

There's no doubt that Alabama's loss to Oklahoma was not a good look, and there was concern that their CFP hopes would vanish into thin air considering how the Sooners aren't even ranked. A bounce back win against the Tigers was good to see, though, and it has helped push Alabama back into the CFP picture.

Only so many teams from the SEC will find their way into the CFP, and while Alabama appeared set to be a fringe team, in the eyes of the betting public, they have become a favorite. Ultimately, though, we won't know where the Crimson Tide stand until the next CFP rankings come out on Tuesday.

Alabama was ranked No. 11 in the latest AP Top 25 poll, and while that isn't necessarily where they will land in the CFP rankings, that is likely a big reason why they are expected to find their way into the 12-team field.

Time will tell whether or not this odds shift ended being accurate, but for now, there's reason to believe the Crimson Tide will find their way into the CFP despite the cluster of deserving teams in the SEC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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