There is no shortage of great games following the first two CFP matchups in the second round. We’ll get the beautiful and electric atmosphere of the Rose Bowl, where Alabama and Indiana will square off at 4:00 PM ET on New Year’s Day. To round out the second round, Ole Miss will take on Georgia in the Big Easy at 8:00 PM ET.
These games represent a shift away from the more pro-style quarterbacks featured earlier, as the signal-callers in these matchups are much more willing to use their legs. Whether through designed runs or extending plays, we should see far more variation and creativity from the quarterback position. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the available props for these games.
Alabama Crimson Tide (9) vs. Indiana Hoosiers (1)
Ty Simpson:
- Props
- Passing Yards: 240.5 (over -114; under -114)
- Passing TD’s: 1.5 (over +112; under -148)
After a shaky first half against Oklahoma, Ty Simpson and Alabama put together a nearly flawless second half to secure their spot in the quarterfinals of this year’s CFP. Against a quality defense, Simpson threw for 232 yards and two passing touchdowns. On the season, he has averaged 250 passing yards per game, along with exactly two passing touchdowns per contest. Indiana’s defense has been solid against the pass this year, allowing just 191.3 passing yards per game (22nd in FBS). This Rose Bowl environment is something Indiana hasn’t really experienced, which could work in Alabama’s favor. I think Simpson should be able to have a strong day through the air, making me lean toward the over on his passing yards. While the over on passing touchdowns is tempting, it’s a prop I’d ultimately avoid.
Fernando Mendoza:
Embed from Getty Images- Props
- Passing Yards: 220.5 (over -114; under -114)
- Passing TD’s: 1.5 (over -136; under +102)
- Rushing Yards: 21.5 (over -114; under -114)
We will see newly crowned Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza take the field for the first time since receiving the award this Thursday afternoon. Mendoza and his team benefited from a much-needed break following their Big Ten Championship victory, but they will need to bring their A-game against Alabama.
This season, Mendoza has averaged 229.2 passing yards per game, along with 2.5 passing touchdowns and 18.4 rushing yards per game. While Alabama is no longer the dominant defensive unit it once was, the Crimson Tide still boast a strong defense. On the year, they have allowed just 179.8 passing yards per game (15th in FBS) and 128.8 rushing yards per game (31st in FBS).
Historically, the most effective way to attack Alabama has been on the ground. While Mendoza will still be involved in the passing game, I expect Indiana to rely more heavily on his legs in this matchup. For that reason, I would lean toward the under on both passing projections, while favoring the over on his rushing yards.
Ole Miss Rebels (6) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (3)
Trinidad Chambliss:
Embed from Getty Images- Props
- Passing Yards: 247.5 (over -114; under -114)
- Passing TD’s: 1.5 (over +140; under -188)
- Rushing Yards: 28.5 (over -114; under -114)
Ole Miss advanced to the second round of the CFP after a dominant win over the Tulane Green Wave. In that game, Trinidad Chambliss threw for 282 yards and one touchdown, while adding 36 rushing yards. This matchup will be the first true test for the Rebels in the CFP, as they face a rematch against the Georgia Bulldogs. In the first meeting between these teams, Chambliss had a strong performance, throwing for 263 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 42 yards.
On the season, Chambliss has averaged 274.8 passing yards per game, along with 1.5 passing touchdowns and 40.4 rushing yards per game. Georgia has been stronger against the pass as of late, though on the season they’ve allowed 209.8 passing yards per game (47th in FBS). They’ve been especially stout against the run, allowing just 82.3 rushing yards per game (4th in FBS).
I think Chambliss will be required to use his legs frequently in this matchup, which makes the over on his rushing yards appealing. The passing yard projections feel a bit inflated for this matchup, so I would either lean toward the unders or avoid them altogether.
Gunner Stockton:
- Props
- Passing Yards: 224.5 (over -114; under -114)
- Passing TD’s: 1.5 (over -122; under -108)
- Rushing Yards: 36.5 (over -114; under -114)
After a long regular season, Gunner Stockton and his Georgia teammates have enjoyed a well-earned break. They return to action in the Sugar Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels, a venue where Stockton made his first career start last season. He also delivered one of his best performances of the year earlier this season against Ole Miss, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns, while adding 59 rushing yards.
On the year, Stockton has averaged 207 passing yards per game, along with 1.7 passing touchdowns and 34 rushing yards. Ole Miss ranks solidly in the top half of FBS against the pass, allowing 206.2 passing yards per game (42nd nationally). However, they’ve been far more vulnerable against the run, surrendering 153.6 rushing yards per game (71st in FBS).
With Georgia leaning into a more balanced and effective rushing attack over the past few games, I expect that trend to continue here. I would lean toward the under on Stockton’s passing yards, while favoring the over on his passing touchdowns. As for his rushing yards, I’d also lean toward the over.

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