College Football Playoff Picks 2025- Quarter Final (Wednesday 31st December-Thursday 1st January)

The College Football Playoff is going to change in the years ahead and there is little doubt about that.

However, we do look to have a solid eight teams left who will be vying to end the season as National Champions and the Quarter Final match ups look good.

The Playoff Picks begun with a 3-1 run in the First Round, although the last of those games should have also secured a win when the Oregon Ducks allowed a late Touchdown and a backdoor cover against the James Madison Dukes.

Hopefully that can be built upon in the Quarter Final with the four games to be played on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs Miami Hurricanes: Last season was the first in the new format of the College Football Playoff and all four First Round winners were able to beat top four Seeded opponents.

That includes the Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1) crushing a Big Ten rival in Oregon, but this time it is the Buckeyes who have been sitting and waiting to see who they would face Dallas.

Most may have expected the Texas A&M Aggies to be that opponent, but they were upset at home by the Miami Hurricanes (11-2) who have already proven the Playoff Committee were correct in bringing them into the Bracket.

The win over the Aggies was not the most eye-pleasing performance, at least not from an Offensive point of view, and the Hurricanes have to be aware that they are going to need to be better all around to upset the Number 2 Seed. Miami have been set as a considerable underdog in the contest, but that win on the road has to give them belief that they are able to make this a very competitive outing.

Much of the heavy lifting is going to have to be done by the Miami Defensive unit, who just limited the Aggies to 3 points at home.

They are a team that have been very strong at the Line of Scrimmage and that has made it very difficult to run the ball against the Hurricanes, which is going to be something that the Buckeyes may struggle to do with any consistency. Ohio State have been very good at running the ball all season, but there has been a feeling that they have struggled against strong fronts and the Hurricanes are about as good an opponent as Ohio State will have faced this season.

If the Hurricanes can at least slow the rush, they will feel they can unleash a pass rush that Ohio State will have rarely seen and that can put Quarter Back Julian Sayin under pressure. He has shown he is capable of finding big throws when they are needed this season and the Buckeyes are very talented in the Receiver positions, but the Indiana Hoosiers showed the blueprint to beat them and the Miami Hurricanes can certainly play their part on this side of the ball.

A bigger question is can the Miami Hurricanes find enough Offensive output to stay with the Buckeyes? They struggled in poor conditions against the Aggies, but playing indoors will help, although the Hurricanes also have to have a lot of respect for what this Ohio State Defensive unit can put together.

The Buckeyes numbers have been really strong all season on this side of the ball.

Carson Beck has experience, but the pressure is likely going to be carried by the Quarter Back with the Buckeyes Defensive Line capable of closing down the running lanes for the underdog.

He will be well protected, which will help, and Beck will have seen what the Indiana Hoosiers were able to do against the Buckeyes Secondary.

Fernando Mendoza managed to throw 222 yards against Ohio State and the Miami Hurricanes may need something similar to keep this one close on the scoreboard.

As long as the Miami Hurricanes can play a clean game Offensively, this opening Quarter Final will be a battle of field position and that should mean the spread is a bit too high for the favourite to cover, even if they are to win and move through to the next Round.

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs Oregon Ducks Pick: Out of the four Quarter Final games to be played in the College Football Playoff, this is the one with the shortest spread and there is every reason to believe it could come down to a final possession to separate the two teams.

Last year the Oregon Ducks (12-1) were the Number 1 Seed as the unbeaten Big Ten Champions, but they were placed in the First Round in 2025 and crushed the James Madison Dukes. The final score is much closer than the game panned out, although the Ducks will feel there is still room for improvement if they are going to move into the Playoff Semi Final Round and get the better of the Big 12 Champions.

All season the Texas Tech Red Raiders (12-1) have been overlooked and that is going to give this team a lot of motivation.

The one loss was in a game where they had to play with a backup Quarter Back, but Texas Tech look ready to go, although they will note that the teams that were Seeded higher were all beaten in the Quarter Final Round last year. This is something that everyone will be keeping an eye on with some believing the lay off between games is a problem for the Seeded teams, especially as they are going up against an opponent that has played at least once in December in the First Round.

In this one the Oregon Ducks- the lower Seed- have been set as favourites, but that could be partly down to the familiarity people have with a school that has been operating at a much higher level than Texas Tech in recent years.

However, the era of the transfer portal has been exploited by Texas Tech and others to quickly change the fortune around any team and the Red Raiders have the personnel on both sides of the ball to spring the upset.

Oregon have gotten the better of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the past, but it feels this game is going to come down to how they can perform Offensively against one of the best Defensive units in the College Football picture.

An immediate problem could be at the Line of Scrimmage with the Ducks unlikely to rip off big gains against this Red Raiders Defensive Line and that will mean Quarter Back Dante Moore needing to make plays with his arm. He will be confident in doing that, but Moore struggled in the loss to the Indiana Hoosiers in the regular season and this is a Texas Tech team that really gets after the Quarter Back when they have pushed an opponent into obvious passing situations.

You do have to expect the speed and talent in the Oregon Offensive unit to come to the fore and make some big plays, but Dante Moore will have to be very aware of the capabilities of this Secondary in taking the ball away. This is another area where the Red Raiders have to be the stronger of the two teams if they are going to pull the upset, but there is a lot of confidence in Texas Tech about the strength of the team on the Defensive side of the ball.

The Red Raiders Defensive unit are the focus in this one as people want to know how they can step up to the elite of the Big Ten level.

However, it would be foolish to ignore the Offense and what they may be able to do in this game to give the Big 12 Champions an edge.

Behren Morton has really played efficiently from the Quarter Back position and he is going to be hugely encouraged by some of the passing numbers allowed by the Oregon Secondary in recent games. Most importantly, the Red Raiders Offensive Line may feel they can at least keep Morton in third and manageable spots by having some success at the Line of Scrimmage and that will be key to ease the Ducks pass rush pressure and give the Quarter Back some time to make plays down the field.

The expectation around this game is that it is going to be really close and it would be a surprise if it is anything else.

You have to like the Oregon Ducks with the experience they have in both Coaching and playing at this time of the year, but Texas Tech Red Raiders have been having a strong season and are perhaps underestimated.

If the Defensive front can do what they have been, Texas Tech may just have enough to edge to the victory and just remind the Big Ten and SEC that they are not the only Power 4 Conferences with legitimately strong teams playing within them.

Indiana Hoosiers vs Alabama Crimson Tide Pick: If you want to know what kind of impact the transfer portal and NIL deals have had in College Football, just have a look at the spread for this Playoff Quarter Final.

The long-time contenders Alabama Crimson Tide (11-3) and 'blue blood' are not only the lower Seed, but they are significant underdogs against the Indiana Hoosiers (13-0). Take away the names and it makes a lot of sense with the unbeaten Big Ten Champions building on a strong run in 2024, but it is still jarring for older College Football fans.

You have to believe the Crimson Tide are going to be highly motivated by the spread, even if some will pretend players and Coaches do not pay attention to the Vegas oddsmakers.

They have already overcome some of the criticism by being included in the Playoff by coming back from 17-0 down to beat the Oklahoma Sooners on the road in the First Round and earn revenge for a regular season loss. However, this feels like a significantly tougher challenge for the Crimson Tide against an opponent that has beaten the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks this season, two teams that also make up the final eight in the Playoff Bracket.

A season-long problem for the Crimson Tide has been at the Line of Scrimmage and an inability to run the ball.

This is not expected to change in this Quarter Final with the Hoosiers Defensive Line able to clamp down on the run and that means the pressure is on Quarter Back Ty Simpson. He has been inconsistent at times this season, which is not surprising without much support on the ground and having to convert third and long spots all over the field, while Simpson has seemingly been playing through an injury over the last several weeks.

Assuming the Crimson Tide don't change the habit of a 2025 season on New Year's Day, Ty Simpson is going to be put under incredible pressure by the Indiana pass rush. The Quarter Back has perhaps not been good enough with his footwork to make up for escaping pressure around him and Simpson could have a really tough day keeping the chains moving against one of the premier Defensive units in College Football.

All of this means the Crimson Tide are going to need the Defense to step up for them, but they are expected to be given a stern examination.

Much like Indiana, Alabama's Defensive Line have to be confident that they can at least slow down the Hoosiers run game, although perhaps not to the same extent as will be expected on the other side of the ball.

Some believe Quarter Back Fernando Mendoza is potentially going to be the Number 1 Pick in the NFL Draft next April and he is expected to showcase some of his talents against a Secondary that will also be pushing onto the next level. However, the Crimson Tide have been struggling against the pass against the stronger competition faced and this is where the Hoosiers may take command of this Quarter Final and avoid having another Number 1 Seed beaten in this Round following Big Ten Champions Oregon falling twelve months ago.

Fernando Mendoza has largely avoided mistakes in the passing game as well and so there is a feeling the Indiana Hoosiers will pull ahead and then have the pass rush pin back their ears on the other side of the ball.

This could lead to a turnover or two in their favour and the Indiana Hoosiers can show why they are considered the team to beat in the Playoff with a comprehensive victory.

Stephen Daley is missing for the Hoosiers, which is a blow, but Indiana can make up for that and still move into the Semi Final later this month.

Georgia Bulldogs vs Mississippi Rebels Pick: Everyone was interested to see how the Mississippi Rebels (12-1) would react to the Lane Kiffin drama, but they were big favourites in the First Round of the Playoffs and made that count on the field. This is a much more significant test for the Rebels as they face the Georgia Bulldogs (12-1) for a second time this season, a team that went on to win the SEC Championship with a dominant win in early December.

The game in mid-October ended in an 8 point win for the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, while a dominant Fourth Quarter saw them dominate the yardage and pull clear of the Rebels.

A lot feels like it has changed for Georgia since then- the younger players have grown and grown and crushing wins over Texas and Alabama has underlined the improvement being made. Importantly it looks like the Bulldogs have gotten stronger Defensively, which is where all SEC teams look to dominate, and they will feel they are going to be able to exert their strengths in this one.

So much of this Quarter Final is going to be decided when the Mississippi Rebels have the ball.

They should be pretty well prepared now the Kiffin drama is behind them, although there is still some uncertainty as to how the Rebels will look next season. Trinidad Chambliss has made the Quarter Back position his own, but rumours continue to swirl that he may make a move in the transfer portal with many expecting him to join his former Head Coach with the LSU Tigers.

In the first meeting with the Bulldogs, Trinidad Chambliss had 263 passing yards with a Touchdown and added two more on the ground to go along with 42 rushing yards. A similar performance will be needed if the Rebels are going to pull the upset, but the Rebels have to be aware they are going up against a much stronger looking Georgia Defensive unit in this one.

Everything begins up front with the Georgia Defensive Line absolutely clamping down on the run in recent games and they will be very keen to put the Rebels behind the chains and see if Trinidad Chambliss can beat them with his arm.

The Quarter Back is expected to have some successes, although time in the pocket may run out pretty quickly against this Georgia pass rush. Trinidad Chambliss also has to be very aware of the turnovers that the Bulldogs Secondary have been creating and none of the last four opponents have scored more than 10 points against the SEC Champions.

Improving Defensive performances have perhaps contributed to Georgia looking a bit more conservative Offensively with the idea to make sure they win the field position battle.

Gunner Stockton had 289 passing yards and 4 Touchdowns in the home win over the Rebels, but the passing numbers are way down in recent outings with the Bulldogs not asking as much from the Quarter Back.

That may be the case in this Quarter Final with the Bulldogs Offensive Line looking to establish the run and they will certainly feel they can do that in this game. The Rebels Defensive Line has been vulnerable at times throughout the season, but recent games have seen the Rebels give up a bit more on the ground and this should be music to the ears of Georgia fans.

Putting Gunner Stockton in third and manageable spots should mean he has a bit more time in the pocket to make his throws down the field, while there have been some lanes that have been exploited through the air against the Rebels in recent games. He may not have the same totals as the regular season win, but Stockton will certainly feel he can help the Bulldogs keep the chains moving.

As long as he can avoid turnovers, Gunner Stockton should lead the Georgia Bulldogs to success, even if repeat games in one season are always very different to the first. However, the Rebels showed in the First Round that some things do not change in the second dominant win over Tulane this season and they may just not have the consistency to keep up with an improving Georgia Bulldogs team looking to make amends for a relatively early exit twelve months ago.

MY PICKS: Miami Hurricanes + 9.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet365 (1 Unit)

Texas Tech Red Raiders + 2.5 Points @ 1.95 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Indiana Hoosiers - 6.5 Points @ 1.83 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Georgia Bulldogs - 6 Points @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)

First Round Playoff: 3-1, + 1.67 Units (4 Units Staked, + 41.75% Yield)

Week 15: 2-2, - 0.29 Units (4 Units Staked, - 7.25% Yield)

Week 14: 5-2-1, + 2.44 Units (8 Units Staked, + 30.50% Yield)

Week 13: 3-3, - 0.35 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.83% Yield

Week 12: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)

Week 11: 1-5, - 4.09 Units (6 Units Staked, - 68.17% Yield)

Week 10: 3-3, - 0.33 Units (6 Units Staked, - 5.50% Yield)

Week 9: 3-3, - 0.19 Units (6 Units Staked, - 3.17% Yield)

Week 8: 2-3, - 1.18 Units (5 Units Staked, - 23.60% Yield)

Week 7: 4-1, + 2.62 Units (5 Units Staked, + 52.40% Yield)

Week 6: 2-4, - 2.22 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37% Yield)

Week 5: 1-5, - 4.20 Units (6 Units Staked, - 70% Yield)

Week 4: 2-4, - 2.14 Units (6 Units Staked, - 35.67% Yield)

Week 3: 4-4, - 0.36 (8 Units Staked, - 4.50% Yield)

Week 1: 1-4, - 3.14 Units (5 Units Staked, - 62.80% Yield)

Week 0: 2-1, + 0.75 Units (3 Units Staked, + 25% Yield)

College Football Picks- Playoff Quarter Final 2024 (Tuesday 31st December-Wednesday 1st January)

The new College Football Playoff does bring some uncertainty to the table as we move onto the Quarter Final Round.

For starters, teams are not that accustomed to having to play multiple games over the festive month and that is the case for the four First Round Winners.

Of course, we don't really know how teams that have been given a Bye through to the Quarter Final will fare having spent over three weeks on the sidelines preparing rather than competing.

You can look at the previous years in the NFL when those teams that received a Bye through to the Divisional Round would struggle against teams that are in a much more competitive mindset. This is a potential factor going against the top Seeds in the Quarter Final Round, although it also has to be noted that three of those that have come through the First Round have been set as favourites against higher Seeded opponents.

The four Quarter Final games are going to be played across two days, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, and the Picks can be read below.

Boise State Broncos vs Penn State Nittany Lions Pick: The new First Round of the College Football Playoff was disappointing in terms of drama, and the hope is that the Quarter Final games in the new format will be much more competitive.

This is going to be the first time that a team will be facing an opponent that has had a Bye since the Championship Week of the regular season and in the years ahead we may have more of an indication as to how that will affect performances.

The Penn State Nittany Lions (12-2) crushed the SMU Mustangs at home and they will next face the Boise State Broncos (12-1) in Arizona. Both of these teams may feel they are on the 'weaker' side of the Bracket, especially with the injuries suffered by the Georgia Bulldogs, but focusing on the future and ignoring the present would be a mistake.

All eyes will be on Ashton Jeanty, the Boise State Running Back who was a leading contender to win the Heisman before coming up short in the voting to a deserving Travis Hunter. He will be playing behind the Broncos Offensive Line which has been very effective at setting up the run all season and Jeanty is going to feel he can earn the 132 yards needed on the ground to smash Barry Sanders single season record in the NCAA.

The battle at the Line of Scrimmage is expected to be key to the outcome of this game and the Nittany Lions Defensive Line have played the run very well all season. They will believe they can at least contain Ashton Jeanty to some extent and try and force the Boise State Broncos to have to get the ball out of the hands of their best player and make Maddux Madsen beat them from the Quarter Back position.

Maddux Madsen has benefited from having a superstar at Running Back, but he has been efficient and it has been possible to attack this Penn State Secondary. Being in front of the chains is important, but Madsen is also well protected by the Boise State Offensive Line when he has had to drop back to throw the ball and the Quarter Back has been careful enough with his decision making.

This is important with the Nittany Lions capable of stepping in front of the passing lanes, while Boise State have not had a high level of competition this season as the non-Power 4 representative in the Playoff. However, they did push Big Ten Champions Oregon Ducks all the way very early in the season and that will give the Broncos confidence as they chase the upset.

We know it will be a test for the Broncos at the Line of Scrimmage when they have the ball, but the Boise State Defensive Line is also going to have to try and stop this Penn State run game.

It feels like a big challenge for the Broncos who ended the regular season struggling at the Line of Scrimmage and they now have to face a Nittany Lions Offensive Line that have helped the team power the run game. Everything could come down to this battle in this Quarter Final and Penn State moving the ball on the ground with some big runs will just negate the Broncos pass rush and also allow Drew Allar plenty of time from the Quarter Back position.

There is plenty of pressure on Allar who has been facing a lot of criticism and the same goes for Head Coach James Franklin who has come up short in big spots. The first two Playoff games could not have been much more welcoming for Penn State and their Head Coach-Quarter Back combination and Drew Allar may feel more comfortable without having to be the one to win this with his arm.

Avoiding turnovers is going to be key on both sides of the ball, but the edge has to be with the Penn State Nittany Lions after their dominant win over SMU in the First Round. This is a game being played on a neutral ground, but the Nittany Lions look to have the edge when it comes to establishing the run with any kind of consistency and the Nittany Lions may make enough plays late on to secure a cover of what is a big spread.

Arizona State Sun Devils vs Texas Longhorns Pick: After being tipped up to finish in the basement of the Big 12 in their first season in the Conference following a move away from the Pac-12, the Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2) have stunned the naysayers.

Instead of planning for the 2025 season while others enjoyed the Bowl Season, the Sun Devils crushed the Iowa State Cyclones in the Big 12 Championship Game to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. Not just earn a spot, but earn a Bye through to the Quarter Final in Atlanta where the Sun Devils will be in a familiar underdog spot.

There they will be facing the Texas Longhorns (12-2) who left the Big 12 to become a member of the SEC and who were beaten in the Championship Game in this Stadium in early December. The defeat did not prevent Texas from earning a spot in the Playoff, but they had to crush the Clemson Tigers, the ACC Champion, in the First Round to earn their spot in this Quarter Final.

The Longhorns were significant favourites to beat Clemson and did exactly what was expected of them and Texas will be heading into this Quarter Final as the strongest favourite of the Round.

A huge challenge awaits Arizona State even if the team has the momentum of having won six games in a row.

They will not have faced too many Defensive units of the power of the Texas Longhorns and this balanced Sun Devils Offense is going to need to have planned to produce their absolute best in this game. Everything begins with Cam Skattebo and the run game and the Sun Devils Defensive Line have been very strong up front all season, although we have to keep coming back to the fact that they will not have tried establishing the run against a Defensive Line like the one the Longhorns trot out onto the field.

It may mean more pressure on Sam Leavitt at Quarter Back who has exploited the fact that he has a star Running Back playing behind him. All credit has to be given to Leavitt for putting up the numbers he has and this Longhorns team can be attacked through the air, but that becomes much tougher when you think the Sun Devils are without their top Receiver Jordyn Tyson.

Facing a SEC Defensive unit after a season playing in the Big 12 is a big gap to bridge and Arizona State would have needed every top player to be available.

The pressure will be on the Sun Devils Defense to try and keep the team in the game, but they are also going to be playing a unit that they have not met every week. The Longhorns showed their power at the Offensive Line in crushing the Clemson Tigers, although the Arizona State Defensive Line will certainly feel they are playing at a decent level and can at least force Quinn Ewers to have to make some big throws.

Texas fans have perhaps been a little critical of Quinn Ewers with Archie Manning sitting behind him, but this should be a game in which the Quarter Back is given time to make his plays down the field. Interceptions have been a concern, and probably dropped Ewers stock a little bit, but he did enough to keep Texas moving in the First Round win over Clemson and that might be all the Longhorns need in this one too.

With the likelihood of the SEC team winning the turnover battle overall, Texas may just exert their strength and quality on the contest and they may just be able to make a few big Defensive plays in the Fourth Quarter to match the kind of margin produced in the win over the Clemson Tigers.

Oregon Ducks vs Ohio State Buckeyes Pick: The expectation was that these two Big Ten teams would have their rematch in the Conference Championship Game, but an upset on the final week of the regular season prevented that happening.

If the College Football Playoff had been re-Seeded after the First Round games, a real argument could be made to have the Oregon Ducks (13-0) and Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2) as 1 and 2, rather than 1 and 8 as they are heading into the Quarter Final.

Much of the blame lies with the Buckeyes losing to the struggling Michigan Wolverines in the final week of the regular season, which meant missing out on the Conference Championship Game. That meant missing out on a top five Seed and the chance to avenge the one point loss to the Oregon Ducks in the regular season.

Earning redemption in the College Football Playoff Quarter Final would be even sweeter than winning the Big Ten Championship, but there is plenty of pressure on Head Coach Ryan Day. The blowout win over the Tennessee Volunteers in the First Round just served as a reminder of why the Buckeyes have been considered a National Championship contender with the talent on the roster, but that loss to the Wolverines has really stuck in the throat and they have to prove themselves on the field.

The Rose Bowl is the venue for this huge game and it should produce a quality atmosphere with the winning team likely going into the College Football Playoff Semi Final as the big favourite to win it all in January 2025.

Both teams are going to be confident that they have the Offensive playmakers to win this game, but the Buckeyes and Ducks have plenty of confidence in the Defenders that will be on the field.

Establishing the run will be important for Ohio State who will have just seen the Oregon Defensive Line struggling to produce their best down the stretch. Having almost a month off between games is not ideal for the Ducks, even if the players will be rested, and the Defensive Line has to just show out a little better and try and put Quarter Back Will Howard behind the chains to try and stall drives.

Will Howard has over 3000 passing yards with 29 Touchdown passes and 9 Interceptions, while the Buckeyes Offensive Line have given him plenty of protection in the pocket. That Line will be tested by this Oregon pass rush which has made a huge habit of rattling the opposition Quarter Back and bringing them down, which has also contributed to the strong numbers the Ducks Secondary have put together.

The Quarter Back took the blame for the loss to Oregon in the regular season having failed to understand the clock management needed when running with the ball and watching time expire. This is clearly motivating Will Howard to bring his best to the Rose Bowl for this Quarter Final and he has the kind of Receiving talent to put the Buckeyes in a strong position to win this one.

There is plenty of talent on the Ohio State Defensive unit too, but the Ducks will feel their own Offensive unit can keep things ticking over.

Dillon Gabriel has over 3500 passing yards with 28 Touchdown passes and just 6 Interceptions and being careful with the ball, while also highly aggressive with the passing plays, has helped Oregon to an unbeaten record and a Big Ten Championship in their first season in the Conference.

In the first meeting, one that was hosted by Oregon, the Ducks were able to establish the run which opened things up for their Quarter Back to find his playmakers through the air.

The Oregon Quarter Back had a few more yards compared with Will Howard in the regular season meeting and Dillon Gabriel was well protected by his Offensive Line. It just offered Dillon Gabriel the time to make good decisions with his passing and the Oregon Ducks may just have the edge in what is expected to be another shoot-out between arguably the two best teams left in the Playoff.

Losing twice to the same team in the same season is simply not something that Ohio State have been used to doing and it has been almost 130 years since that last happened.

The Buckeyes may also feel having the First Round game against the Tennessee Volunteers will mean the rhythm remains, but this could come down to a final possession with little between the two top teams in the Big Ten.

With that in mind, taking the points looks the best way to approach this one and the Oregon Ducks have to be upset with being set as the underdog, especially after putting together an unbeaten season. It may be the motivation that helps them edge the Ohio State Buckeyes again, but taking the points looks the best play in a game that could be decided by as little as the regular season game was.

Georgia Bulldogs vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pick: Time has been afforded to the SEC Champions Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) who upset the Texas Longhorns in the Championship Game to earn the Number 2 Seed and a Bye through to the Quarter Final.

However, things have not landed perfectly for one of the pre-season favourites to win the National Championship and that is because the Bulldogs have had starting Quarter Back Carson Beck ruled out for the entire post-season.

Instead it will be Gunner Stockton who will be playing behind Center and this is a tough test for the inexperienced Quarter Back as he prepares to face Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-1).

The Fighting Irish overcame an early season upset and worked their way through a pretty comfortable schedule to earn their Playoff spot without being a member of any of the Power Conferences. In the First Round they were able to dominate the Indiana Hoosiers, but this is a big step up for Notre Dame when they travel to New Orleans for this Quarter Final.

Head Coach Marcus Freeman may be under a bit more pressure to lead Notre Dame deeper into the post-season with an inexperienced Quarter Back facing his team, but this is also a big step up compared with many opponents that the Fighting Irish have faced in the regular season. Momentum is with the Fighting Irish, but this is an opponent from the SEC and it will be a significant test for all on their side.

All of the focus will be on the Notre Dame Offensive Line who have dominated opponents up front and who will have seen Georgia's Defensive Line just have some issues up front as the season wound down. All that is good about this Fighting Irish team begins with establishing the run and they should be able to keep Riley Leonard in positive positions on the field, especially as the Quarter Back is very comfortable tucking the ball and taking off himself.

There have also been some holes in the Bulldogs Secondary as they have struggled to replace those who left at the end of last season.

Riley Leonard is a capable passer too and it should mean the Fighting Irish are able to move the ball with some success, even against this SEC Championship level of team.

Another question for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to answer is how they can stand up to this powerful SEC Offensive unit, even if the Bulldogs are using their backup Quarter Back. The Georgia Offensive Line is big and strong and they may be extra focused to push forward and establish the run to make things that much more comfortable for Gunner Stockton.

The Bulldogs will feel they can get the run established and they will also feel the time between the SEC Championship Game and this Playoff Quarter Final will have been used well enough to have Stockton feeling comfortable. The idea has to be to keep this game competitive and not put an inexperienced Quarter Back in a position where he feels he has to win the game, even if there are one or two holes in this Secondary that Stockton will be able to exploit.

Notre Dame do have a set of players that will be looking to turn the ball over, although the injury suffered by Rylie Mills does hurt the Fighting Irish pass rush. Putting Gunner Stockton in front of the chains should mean the Bulldogs Offensive Line can give him a clean pocket, although avoiding turnovers will still be a test.

Overall this is a system run by the Bulldogs that Gunner Stockton would have had plenty of time to understand and it should mean a close, competitive game.

Both teams have to play with real belief and we don't really know how the long layoff will affect the Georgia Bulldogs. In previous years in the NFL, we have seen teams lose rhythm against those who have been fighting to earn spots in the next Round of the Playoff and that might just give Notre Dame a narrow edge in this one.

They are being given the points and those could make all the difference in the last of the four Quarter Final Playoff games scheduled.

MY PICKS: Penn State Nittany Lions - 11 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Texas Longhorns - 12.5 Points @ 1.91 Ladbrokes (1 Unit)

Oregon Ducks + 2.5 Points @ 1.86 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Notre Dame Fighting Irish + 1.5 Points @ 1.91 Bet Fred (1 Unit)

Playoff First Round: 3-1, + 1.72 Units (4 Units Staked, + 43% Yield)

Week 15: 3-3, - 0.28 Units (6 Units Staked, - 4.67% Yield)

Week 14: 6-2, + 3.50 Units (8 Units Staked, + 43.75% Yield)

Week 13: 4-4, - 0.36 Units (8 Units Staked, - 4.50% Yield)

Week 12: 3-6, - 3.23 Units (9 Units Staked, - 35.89% Yield)

Week 11: 1-5, - 4.15 Units (6 Units Staked, - 69.17% Yield)

Week 10: 1-6, - 4.05 Units (7 Units Staked, - 57.86% Yield)

Week 9: 4-2, + 1.82 Units (6 Units Staked, + 30.33% Yield)

Week 8: 2-4, - 2.23 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37.17% Yield)

Week 7: 6-3, + 2.55 Units (9 Units Staked, + 28.33% Yield)

Week 6: 3-2, + 0.82 Units (5 Units Staked, + 16.4% Yield)

Week 5: 0-5, - 5 Units (5 Units Staked, - 100% Yield)

Week 4: 3-2, + 0.73 Units (5 Units Staked, + 14.60% Yield)

Week 3: 3-5, - 2.35 Units (8 Units Staked, - 29.38% Yield)

Week 2: 2-4, - 2.26 Units (6 Units Staked, - 37.67% Yield)

Week 1: 4-2, + 1.64 Units (6 Units Staked, + 27.33% Yield)