College Football Playoff Player Props for First Round

A new-look, 12-team College Football Playoff will kick off with four first-round games this weekend.

These four CFP matchups are even more special because they will occur on campus. Notre Dame, Penn State, Texas, and Ohio State will all have the honor of hosting a College Football Playoff game, and the atmosphere at all four locations should be excellent.

To help set the stage for a monumental weekend, read on for my favorite college football player props based on the latest college football odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook:

College Football Playoff Player Props – First Round

Indiana vs. Notre Dame Player Prop Prediction

According to the updated college football betting market, my favorite Indiana vs. Notre Dame player prop prediction is over 29.5 receiving yards (-115) for Omar Cooper Jr. against the Fighting Irish on Friday.

As explained in my Indiana vs. Notre Dame prediction, I expect the Fighting Irish to continue playing a lot of man-to-man defense in the CFP. That means opposing teams will test true freshman Leonard Moore, who was targeted 10 times against USC.

Cooper doesn’t need to see that volume to clear this prop, as he averages 21.1 yards per reception. I like his chances of clearing this receiving line on two or three catches, a feat he’s accomplished in nine of 11 games this season.

Prediction: Omar Cooper Jr. Over 29.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

SMU vs. Penn State Player Prop Prediction

Per the latest college football lines, my favorite SMU vs. Penn State player prop prediction is over 37.5 receiving yards (-115) for Harrison Wallace III in a favorable matchup against the Mustangs on Saturday.

Wallace is technically PSU’s top receiver, if not counting tight end Tyler Warren. Wallace has averaged 58 receiving yards per game, clearing this line in nine of his 11 games this year.

I expect Wallace to maintain his excellent form against SMU’s outside cornerbacks, which ranked 117th in the FBS in PFF coverage grade. I have an edge on this over at 39.5 yards or better.

Prediction: Harrison Wallace III Over 37.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

Clemson vs. Texas Player Prop Prediction

Based on the updated college football betting lines, my favorite Clemson vs. Texas player prop prediction is under 265.5 passing yards (-125) for Quinn Ewers ahead of Saturday’s kickoff at 4 p.m. ET.

Given that Texas is a double-digit favorite at home, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a more conservative game plan. Ewers threw the ball a season-high 46 times in an overtime loss to Georgia during the SEC title game.

That’s not in Texas’ best interest, as evidenced by Ewers only clearing this passing yards prop three times in his past 10 games. He averaged 242 passing yards per game this year, closer to what I project him to finish with on Saturday.

Prediction: Quinn Ewers Under 265.5 Passing Yards (-125)

Tennessee vs. Ohio State Player Prop Prediction

According to the latest college football odds, my favorite Tennessee vs. Ohio State player prop prediction is Emeka Egbuka’s anytime touchdown odds (+155) in the final game of the first round at 8 p.m. ET.

Egbuka scored nine receiving touchdowns this season for the Buckeyes, trailing only Jeremiah Smith (10). Smith is +115 to score, but Ohio State’s slot receiver might earn more targets with Will Howard wanting to mitigate Tennessee’s pass rush.

Egbuka has scored in seven of his last 10 games, and his chances of continuing that streak are better than these odds suggest.

Prediction: Emeka Egbuka Anytime Touchdown (+155)