Faculty Soccer Playoff skilled picks: Predictions, odds for quarterfinal spherical bowl video games

The Faculty Soccer Playoff quarterfinals function 4 marquee matchups staged at 4 of the game’s most iconic bowl video games, with semifinal spots on the road. 4 groups that earned first-round byes will make their CFP debuts, every hoping to reverse a pattern that emerged final season.

All 4 groups that obtained byes within the inaugural 12-team playoff misplaced within the quarterfinals, fueling the notion that relaxation could also be overrated in school soccer’s still-new postseason format. That dynamic may shift this yr after a tweak to the seeding components awarded byes to the 4 highest-ranked groups quite than the 4 highest-ranked convention champions.

Wednesday night time opens the quarterfinals with No. 2 Ohio State going through No. 10 Miami within the Cotton Bowl, because the reigning nationwide champion Buckeyes start their CFP run as 9.5-point favorites. Thursday brings a tripleheader, beginning with No. 4 Texas Tech in opposition to No. 5 Oregon within the Orange Bowl. Among the many 4 groups with byes, the Purple Raiders are the lone underdog, with Oregon coming into as a slight favourite.

The Rose Bowl will function No. 1 Indiana in opposition to No. 9 Alabama, because the Hoosiers look to stay school soccer’s lone unbeaten staff. The quarterfinals conclude within the Sugar Bowl, the place No. 3 Georgia meets No. 6 Ole Miss in a rematch of the Bulldogs’ 43-35 regular-season win over the Rebels.

Listed below are the CBS Sports activities skilled picks for these matchups.

Ohio State vs. Miami 

Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): The Hurricanes have talent all over the field and may even hold a slight advantage in the trenches, but Ohio State is simply stacked. The firepower of the Buckeyes offense has barely been put on full display yet as Ohio State cruised through most of its 2025 schedule. While Miami could cause some complications with its pass rush, the Buckeyes will make enough plays to put this game away. Pick: Ohio State -9.5 — Shehan Jeyarajah

Oregon vs. Texas Tech 

Thursday at noon on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): This game sets up to be a chess match throughout the afternoon, with both Oregon and Texas Tech looking to set up and eventually execute explosive plays against elite defenses. It’s a chess match that will be fascinating to watch play out and likely set up a close game deep into the second half. It’s just at some point we’re going to need a quarterback to make a game-saving or game-winning play and right now I’d rather side with Dante Moore in that discussion. He’s made some huge throws late in games this season and I like his odds more to be able and do so again.  Pick: Oregon -2.5 — Chip Patterson

Alabama vs. Indiana

Thursday at 4 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): The total for this one feels a little low. I’m not expecting a shootout, but I do believe both offenses are capable of moving the ball against these opposing defenses. Oklahoma probably should’ve scored more than it did against Alabama in the first round, and while Indiana’s defense has been exceptional, it has been prone to allowing explosive passes this season, which is an area Alabama thrives. Won’t be a shootout, but it won’t be a rock fight, either. Pick: Over 48.5 — Tom Fornelli

Georgia vs. Ole Miss 

Thursday at 8 p.m. on ESPN, fuboTV (try for free): Since giving up 35 points against Ole Miss in a 43-35 home victory over the Rebels on Oct. 18, Georgia has grown into one of college football’s premier defensive outfits. The Bulldogs’ last four opponents have averaged a paltry 7.25 points per game as coordinator Glenn Schumann’s unit has developed the teeth needed to make UGA a legitimate national championship contender. It’s hard to imagine Ole Miss playing as perfectly offensively as it did through the first three quarters of the first meeting. Look for Georgia’s defense to come up with enough key stops to help Georgia pull away and reach the semifinals. Pick: Georgia -6.5 — David Cobb

Who will win and cover in each college football bowl and playoff game? SportsLine’s computer model just simulated each matchup 10,000 times and has revealed its picks. Visit SportsLine now to see all its college football picks.