We had an awesome game on Friday to kick off the college football playoffs! Now, let’s dig into Saturday’s college football payoff predictions. Our CFB guru Sam Pasco shares his expert picks for Saturday’s postseason action.
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No. 10 Miami at No. 7 Texas A&M
- Saturday, December 20 — 12:00 PM ET | ABC / ESPN
- Spread: Texas A&M -3.5 | Total: 48.5
Texas A&M hosts as an 11–1 team against a 10–2 Miami squad that earned an at-large bid. Miami quarterback Carson Beck leads this matchup with 3,072 passing yards, 25 TDs, and 10 INTs. Kyle Field is one of the strongest home-field advantages in the playoffs, even with an early kickoff. Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed adds a rushing element Miami hasn’t consistently faced this season.
Miami finished with a strong turnover margin, while Texas A&M ranked near the bottom nationally in takeaways. That contrast is why the spread is under four despite the venue. This game likely swings on which quarterback avoids the first big mistake.
- Expert Pick: Texas A&M Moneyline
No. 11 Tulane at No. 6 Ole Miss
- Saturday, December 20 — 3:30 PM ET | TNT / HBO Max / truTV
- Spread: Ole Miss -17.5 | Total: 56.5
Ole Miss is 11–1 and favored heavily at home against 11–2 Tulane. These teams met earlier this season, with Ole Miss winning 45–10 in Oxford. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has 3,016 passing yards, 18 TDs, and just 3 INTs, making him one of the most efficient QBs in the playoffs. Tulane’s defense, however, ranks near the top nationally in forced turnovers.
The key betting angle here is uncertainty: Ole Miss is playing without Lane Kiffin, after all his drama, can his team focus? Tulane has already seen this offense once and enters with nothing to lose. A repeat blowout is possible, but the spread assumes perfection from Ole Miss.
- Expert Pick: Tulane +17.5
No. 12 James Madison at No. 5 Oregon
- Saturday, December 20 — 7:30 PM ET | TNT / HBO Max / truTV
- Spread: Oregon -21 | Total: 47.5
Oregon enters at 11–1 and hosts its first-ever College Football Playoff game at Autzen Stadium. James Madison is 12–1 and making its CFP debut after winning the Sun Belt. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore has 2,733 passing yards, 24 TDs, and 6 INTs, leading the Ducks’ explosive offense. Oregon averages over 40 points per game and ranks top 10 nationally in many offensive categories.
James Madison’s defense is disciplined, but this is a significant jump in speed and depth. The spread reflects Oregon’s ability to separate late, especially at home. This is the clearest talent gap of the weekend.
- Expert Pick: Oregon -21
- Lean: Over 47.5
