AUSTIN, Texas - ColoradoDesk -- College football is finally back, and the stakes couldn't be higher.

According to new projections from OddsTrader.com, Week 1 of the 2025 season may already decide the fate of some of the nation's top programs.

While the College Football Playoff is still months away, three opening-week matchups stand out as potential elimination games — contests that could determine whether a team earns a playoff berth or is left on the outside looking in.

The full analysis can be read here: College Football Returns: Why OddsTrader Projects Three Potential Elimination Games

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Three Week 1 Showdowns to Watch

• No. 1 Texas @ No. 3 Ohio State – Aug. 30, noon ET
• No. 9 LSU @ No. 4 Clemson – Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m. ET
• No. 6 Notre Dame @ No. 10 Miami (FL) – Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m. ET

"These games may be played in August, but they could have December-level consequences," said Garrett Chorpenning, analyst at OddsTrader. "The results could decide which teams earn first-round byes or even make the playoff at all."

Why They Matter

The College Football Playoff now features a 12-team format, but the margin for error remains razor-thin.

Teams that stumble early often find themselves fighting uphill the rest of the season. OddsTrader's research shows that even one Week 1 loss can derail playoff hopes, especially for schools like Notre Dame that don't compete in a conference championship.

What Fans Will Find on OddsTrader
OddsTrader is more than just projections. Fans can access:

• Live college football betting odds updated in real time
• Team and player matchup data for every game
• Weather reports and trends that impact results
• Expert computer picks and analysis

These tools help both bettors and casual fans stay informed and engaged throughout the season.

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About OddsTrader
OddsTrader.com is a trusted platform for sports fans and bettors, offering live odds, matchup data, betting insights, sportsbook reviews, and state-by-state guides to legal wagering. Covering the NFL, NCAAF, NBA, MLB, and more, OddsTrader provides the information you need to make smarter picks.

Full Article URL:  https://www.oddstrader.com/betting/analysis/college-football-returns-why-oddstrader-projects-three-potential-elimination-games/
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