“Look at Penn State, which is a bully at home yet not so tough on the Big Ten road. The Lions barely beat USC (33-30 in overtime) and Minnesota (26-25) away from home,” Youmans said, reinforcing his point about the neutral field. He bet Boise State +11 and No. 4 Arizona State +13.5 against No. 5 Texas.

Texas is favored by roughly two touchdowns for its CFP quarterfinal against Arizona State. Can the Sun Devils spring the upset?

For Boise State, years of being the best program outside the power conference have finally culminated in a chance to play for the national title. Undefeated seasons in 2006 and 2009 ended with Fiesta Bowl wins but came before the four-team Playoff. This season is Boise’s 10th with 12 wins since 2002.