The excitement is brewing as the 2024-25 College Football Playoff heads into the quarterfinals, slated for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Four thrilling games are set to unfold, offering some of the best action in college football. Here's a look at what you need to know for the betting scene around these matchups, featuring teams with star players, explosive offenses, and playoff stakes at an all-time high!

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: Penn State vs. Boise State

Matchup: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State Time: Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Odds: Penn State -11, Total 52.5

The quarterfinals kick off with a showcase of talent between Boise State and Penn State. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, a bull in a china shop this season with 2,497 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, poses a significant threat to Penn State's defense, which has struggled against potent ground games. Can Jeanty lead the Broncos to an upset?

Penn State counters with a dynamic duo in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, boasting over 4000 combined rush yards and 41 touchdowns. This matchup is set to be a back-and-forth battle, with both teams having shown offensive explosiveness. Expect lots of big plays as we predict the total points to soar above 52.5 in what could end up being a high-scoring affair!

Betting Pick: OVER 52.5 Points

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Texas vs. Arizona State

Matchup: No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas Time: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m. ET on ESPN Odds: Texas -14, Total 51.5

As Texas steps onto the field, there’s an air of pressure to uphold their storied tradition against a rising Arizona State team that is ready to capitalize on the Longhorns' inconsistencies. Quarterback Quinn Ewers has demonstrated flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with turnovers—a critical factor as Arizona State’s opportunistic defense seeks to exploit mistakes.

On the other side, Arizona State's Sam Leavitt and Cam Skattebo are crafting a potent offense. With Skattebo providing versatility in both rushing and receiving, he could create mismatches against Texas' defense. Don’t sleep on the Sun Devils; they have all the tools to cover the generous spread, and there’s potential for a shocking upset!

Betting Pick: Arizona State (+14)

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Ohio State

Matchup: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State Time: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 p.m. ET on ESPN Odds: Oregon +2.5, Total 53.5

In another compelling showdown, Oregon faces Ohio State after both teams secured their spots in the playoffs. Oregon’s sixth-year QB Dillon Gabriel leads an offense that has been on fire with a staggering 77% completion rate. With an offensive line allowing only three sacks in five games, they present a formidable challenge to the Buckeyes' defense.

Ohio State may hold recent victories, yet Oregon's consistent performance throughout the season and the tactical genius of head coach Dan Lanning could swing this matchup in Oregon's favor. Expect a competitive game, and while the spread is tight, Oregon’s overall level of play suggests they can emerge victorious.

Betting Pick: Oregon (+2.5)

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Notre Dame

Matchup: No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame Time: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m. ET on ESPN Odds: Georgia -2, Total 44.5

The final game features a high-stakes clash between Georgia and Notre Dame. With the Fighting Irish missing star defensive lineman Rylie Mills, their defense faces significant challenges when going up against Georgia’s potent offense, spearheaded by the electrifying Trevor Etienne. Despite having a backup QB, Gunner Stockton, the Bulldogs have the offensive depth to capitalize on Notre Dame's vulnerabilities.

However, the real question is whether Notre Dame can overcome this adversity with a resilient game plan. With pride on the line, expect both teams to fight hard, but the facts suggest Georgia may have the upper hand.

Betting Pick: Georgia -2

These quarterfinal matchups are poised to serve up thrilling football filled with big plays, potential upsets, and intense narratives. Whether you're rooting for an underdog or wagering on the favorites, this could be a pivotal moment in college football history. So, gear up for an unforgettable New Year's weekend of playoff excitement!