College Football Playoff Semifinals Parlay | CFP Best Bets

Predicting the winners of the College Football Playoff doubleheader with a big parlay. Which players and teams should you target? SportsGrid has more.

Orange Bowl Betting Guide

Best Bets  | Anytime TDs | SGP | Matchup
Player Props: ND | PSU | Most Bet Props

Leg 1: Riley Leonard Under 157.5 Passing Yards (-114)

Riley Leonard’s passing prop is set at 157.5 yards, which feels like a fair number. The senior quarterback has been steady this season, though his production has noticeably tapered off in the latter part of the year. Leonard heads into this matchup fresh off a modest 90-yard passing performance in the Sugar Bowl. It marked the third time in his last four outings he’s failed to eclipse 155 yards through the air and the third instance in that span where he attempted fewer than 24 passes. Penn State’s pass defense has been a strength all season long, ranking 21st nationally while limiting FBS opponents to an average of 187.9 passing yards per game. Given these trends, the smart money is on Leonard, coming in under the 157.5-yard mark on Thursday.

Spread: Notre Dame -1.5 | Moneyline: Notre Dame -120 | Total: 45.5

Leg 2: Beaux Collins Under 17.5 Receiving Yards (-114)

We’re applying a correlated strategy here, focusing on the connection between Beaux Collins and Riley Leonard’s ability to generate offense. Collins’s production is tied to Leonard’s success moving the ball downfield. Given Leonard’s likely struggles against a stout Penn State defense, Collins’s ceiling is equally limited. In recent weeks, Collins has seen a reduced role in the Irish offense. The senior has failed to surpass 18 receiving yards in his last three games, totaling just 31 yards over that span. Even more concerning, he’s managed only three receptions on seven targets during this stretch. With his declining involvement and efficiency, it’s hard to envision Collins breaking out against the Nittany Lions. His receiving yards prop reflects this reality, and we’re banking on him falling short of the mark again.

Cotton Bowl Betting Guide

Best Bets  | Matchup Page 
Player Props: Texas | Ohio State

Leg 3: Ohio State Buckeyes Moneyline (-235)

The Ohio State Buckeyes look like the top team in college football, and it doesn’t look remarkably close at the moment. Yes, the Buckeyes can slip up, but with back-to-back elite performances against Tennessee and Oregon, we’re counting on their positive momentum to continue against Texas. The Buckeyes feel slightly mispriced here, and that doesn’t mean we’re underestimating the Longhorns. I haven’t seen enough from this Longhorns team this season to trust them in this spot against an elite roster like Ohio State. Ultimately, we don’t need Ohio State to cover the number; we need them to win outright, and I have confidence in that transpiring. 

Spread: Ohio State -5.5 | Moneyline: Ohio State -230 | Total: 53.5

Leg 4: Emeka Egbuka Over 63.5 Receiving Yards (-114)

Emeka Egbuka’s talent as a wideout for the Buckeyes often flies under the radar, but make no mistake—this guy has first-round potential written all over him for the 2025 NFL Draft. Egbuka has proven he’s built for the big stage, surpassing the mark in consecutive CFP games. Heading into this semifinal, he has all the tools to be a game-changer. I’m excited about the number we’re seeing for him and would comfortably take it up to 67.5. Egbuka is primed for another standout performance.

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Leg 5: Carnell Tate Over 38.5 Receiving Yards (-114)

As the Longhorns focus their defensive attention elsewhere in this matchup, it feels like the perfect opportunity for Carnell Tate to step up and make an impact. Tate has had an up-and-down season as a contributor, but this could be the game where the Buckeyes identify his matchup as one they can exploit. With Texas likely keyed in on Ohio State’s more prominent receiving threats, Tate has a clear path to deliver and exceed expectations. Look for him to exceed the number and play a pivotal role in the Buckeyes’ offensive strategy.

5-Leg Parlay Total: +1323

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