List of contenders at 12/1 odds

Several preseason nationally-ranked programs currently sit at 12/1 odds to reach the Playoff according to Westgate — Auburn, Nebraska, Utah, Oregon, Notre Dame, Florida and Washington.

What are Auburn's chances? The Tigers against Oregon and get their two toughest games — Georgia and Alabama — at home in November. You're getting a lot of bang for your buck here for the price ($100 bet gets you $1,200 if Gus Malzahn's team reaches the final four), but the question marks are plentiful and getting through the SEC West is the toughest task in college football with potential landmines everywhere.

Lot to like — or dislike about Nebraska? Blame the general public and several prominent national analysts — like Phil Steele — for the recent uptick on those feeling the Huskers could be the it team in the Big Ten this fall. We believe Nebraska is one of a few programs in college football on the verge of greatness under Scott Frost, but getting to the Playoff in his second campaign after a 4-8 season would deserve national coach of the year merit.

Nebraska has a special leader in sophomore quarterback Adrian Martinez, but at the opening price of 6/1 (now moved to 12/1) the price might be too high to risk on a team many are still projecting to finish behind Michigan and Ohio State in the league title race. And considering the Big Ten has suffered a two-year drought in the Playoff, you'd be betting on the league getting two teams in if you take the Huskers (unless you're all-in and predicting a league title from Frost and Co. in 2019).