The College Football Playoff rankings just dropped, and Miami (FL) is sitting pretty at No. 1, also claiming the top spot in the AP Top 25. Sounds like they should be cruising, right? Think again. This weekend, the Hurricanes are rolling into South Bend to face Notre Dame, and in a truly wild twist, Miami is going in as an underdog. This isn’t just unusual; Yahoo Sports research says it’s the first time a team ranked No. 1 in the CFP is an underdog against a squad ranked outside the top 10. Yeah, let that sink in.
The Rankings Don’t Tell the Whole Story
So, the first CFP rankings came out Tuesday night. Miami snagged the top spot, followed by Georgia at No. 2. Notre Dame, despite being No. 4 in the AP poll, landed at No. 11 overall in the initial CFP list. You’d think a No. 1 team facing a No. 11 team would be a lock. But the oddsmakers, and frankly, the betting public, are seeing something completely different. It’s a head-scratcher of epic proportions, and it’s got everyone talking about what “ranking” really means right now.
Betting Lines Are All Over the Place
Right now, Notre Dame is up to a 6.5-point favorite at some sportsbooks, after opening at -4.5. The line has actually moved *further* in the Fighting Irish’s direction. What’s even crazier? The early betting action at DraftKings Sportsbook shows that 75% of the wagers and 76% of the total money is on the underdog Miami to cover the spread! Joey Feazel, lead college football trader at Caesars Sportsbook, told Yahoo Sports they’re seeing “two-way action,” with more money coming in on the Notre Dame spread but also on the Miami moneyline. Feazel himself has Notre Dame ranked No. 2 in his power ratings, with Miami at fifth, and feels the current number is “right.” He also noted the offseason line had Notre Dame closer to -10, with “sharper action” coming in on the Fighting Irish early.
Heisman Race Gets Shaken Up
As if the game itself wasn’t enough drama, this matchup is about to send ripples through the Heisman trophy market. Miami quarterback Darian Mensah just surged to favorite status at +150 at BetMGM, surpassing Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith (+275) after the Hurricanes’ nail-biting 38-35 win over North Carolina. Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney isn’t far behind with +325 odds. Even Notre Dame QB CJ Carr is in the mix at 12-1. The outcome of this game isn’t just about a win or loss; it could totally flip the Heisman conversation on its head, with some serious movement expected depending on how these guys perform under pressure.
This epic showdown kicks off Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. With a No. 1 team as an underdog and the Heisman race hanging in the balance, you know everyone will be glued to their screens. Get ready for some serious football.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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