5 College Football Picks Against the Spread (ATS) for the College Football Playoff and More

The college footballbowl season has already had its ups and downs, but the College Football Playoff is finally here. And so are the other games in the New Year's Six. Alabama is a heavy favorite in the Rose Bowl/College Football Playoff Semifinal against Notre Dame as many are expecting yet another one-sided affair in the semifinal round. But Clemson and Ohio State could be lining up another close battle after their semifinal matchup last season.

Let’s see if we can finish out the season on a winning note.

Note: All times are eastern.

Oklahoma (-5.5) vs. Florida, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. (Cotton Bowl)

This line has been leaning more and more in favor of the Big 12 champion Sooners as Florida has continued to lose some players from the game. We could still see some offensive fireworks, but the movement of the line suggests to take the Sooners. Oklahoma 38, Florida 32

Georgia (-7) vs. Cincinnati, Jan. 1, 2021 at 12 p.m. (Peach Bowl)

Georgia draws the Group of 5 opponent in this year's New Year's Six lineup, and the Bulldogs are a solid favorite. The emergence of JT Daniels at quarterback has given the Dawgs more confidence on offense, and it may be too overwhelming for Cincinnati's solid defense. Cincinnati belongs on the field, but Georgia will hold off these Bearcats just enough. Georgia 34, Cincinnati 26

Alabama (-19.5) vs. Notre Dame, Jan. 1, 2021 at 4 p.m. (Rose Bowl/College Football Playoff Semifinal)

Alabama has been a three-score favorite over Notre Dame since the pairing was announced by the College Football Playoff selection committee. Notre Dame's lopsided loss to Clemson in the ACC Championship Game didn't help the cause of the Irish against the spread, and it is difficult to go against Alabama in this spot even after not covering in the SEC Championship Game. DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones will not be denied by Notre Dame and Alabama cruises to the national championship game. Alabama 44, Notre Dame 23

Ohio State +(7.5) vs. Clemson, Jan. 1, 2021 at 8 p.m. (Sugar Bowl/College Football Playoff Semifinal)

Dabo Swinney gave Ohio State some bulletin-board material with his final coaches poll of the season by ranking the Buckeyes 11th. As if Ohio State needed any more motivation against the Tigers after their loss to Clemson last season. Ohio State could be hurt if wide receiver Chris Olave isn't available, but the Buckeyes have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with Clemson. Clemson wins, but the Buckeyes push them to the limit one more time. Clemson 34, Ohio State 31

Iowa State (-4) vs. Oregon, Jan. 2, 2021 at 4 p.m. (Fiesta Bowl)

Pac-12 champion Oregon may not have had the season that was expected of the Ducks, but they arrive in the Fiesta Bowl with a conference title and ready to end the year on a winning note against Iowa State. But the Cyclones have the advantage with Brock Purdy at quarterback and a stingy defense. Iowa State 31, Oregon 26

Last Week: 2-3

Season: 38-36

Podcast: CFB Playoff: Did the Committee Get it Right? And Early Playoff Breakdown and Picks

— Written by Kevin McGuire, who is part of the Athlon Contributor Network. Follow him on Patreon, on Twitter @KevinOnCFB, on Instagram, and Like him on Facebook.