Canzano: College Football Playoff picks, thoughts, and predictions

Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Sugar Bowl

Will Howard ran out of time against Oregon in their first meeting. (Photo: Naji Saker)

The opening round of the expanded College Football Playoff was a snooze. All the favorites won. The games weren’t compelling. But we were told — be patient — the quarterfinal rounds should be a lot better.

Boise State vs. Penn State with Ashton Jeanty on the national stage? What happens in the Oregon-Ohio State rematch? Will Arizona State make fools of the oddsmakers and shock Texas? And who wins Georgia vs. Notre Dame?

I have strong thoughts.

I went 4-0, picking the opening-round College Football Playoff winners. I was 1-3 picking the games against the spread. I’m hunting for a 4-0 performance for the quarterfinal round.

My 2024 record vs. the spread this season: 89-85-1 (.511)

My record picking games straight up: 128-47 (.731).

My thoughts, picks, and opinions for the quarterfinal games of the CFP: