It’s Championship Week in college football as all of the major conferences have entertaining battles to decide their conference champions, and several of these conference championship games have College Football Playoff implications as well as other bowl games. Some old names are in the hunt while some fresh faces are looking to make the CFP in its final year of the four-team format. Plus, there’s a chance for some teams from the early days of the CFP to make a return. Let’s take a look at the Power 5 Conference Championship Games.
PAC 12 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The first power five matchup will take place Friday night when the Oregon Ducks and Washington Huskies square off in Las Vegas. Washington enters the game undefeated while Oregon only has one loss, earlier in the season to Washington. These are the only two Pac 12 teams to make the CFP with Oregon reaching the first CFP Championship game in 2014 and Washington making the CFP Semifinal Game in 2016. While Washington has the better record and the head-to-head win, Oregon has looked better in recent weeks. I think Oregon is going to win which could lead to CFP chaos depending on the other conference championship games.
BIG 12 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
This is the odd man out championship game as it is the only one not to feature an undefeated team. Still, it has the potential to turn the CFP into chaos. Texas takes on Oklahoma State at Noon on Saturday in Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Texas is 11-1 and sitting just outside the CFP Top 4. Oklahoma State is 10-2 and looking to play spoiler as they have no chance at the CFP. Texas needs to win and needs help in the other games. Both teams have struggled in games down the stretch, but both have shown an innate ability to overcome adversity. This may be the best game of the weekend, but I’m picking Texas to win the Big 12.
SEC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Once again, the SEC Championship is expected to be a heavyweight boxing match featuring two of the Top 10 teams in the country, 12-0 Georgia and 11-1 Alabama. Two-time defending CFP National Champions Georgia are once again undefeated as they continue their winning streak. The Bulldogs last loss came in the 2021 SEC Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide who they will be facing again. Alabama had the very definition of a struggle win against heated rival Auburn on Saturday. An Alabama win may throw the CFP into chaos, especially when coupled with other games this weekend. I would love to see that chaos, but until I see someone take down Georgia, I have to pick the Bulldogs.
ACC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The Florida State Seminoles won the last National Championship before the introduction of the College Football Playoff and were the only undefeated team to make the Top 4 of the first CFP. Since then, the Seminoles have struggled but they are one win away from returning for the first time since 2014. The undefeated Seminoles will face 10-2 Louisville in the ACC Championship Game Saturday night. The Cardinals are looking to play spoiler and have the best chance of completely changing the CFP. While this game is tough to pick, I’m picking Louisville to complete the upset.
BIG 10 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
The final championship game that everyone will be keeping their eye on is the Big 10 Championship Game between Michigan and Iowa. Michigan is undefeated and looking to make their third straight CFP but have also been the source of controversy. A sign-stealing scandal surrounding the team led to coach Jim Harbaugh being suspended for the final three games of the regular season. Meanwhile, Iowa is 10-2 and has an amazing defense but almost no offense of which to speak. Regardless of anyone’s opinion of the sign-stealing scandal, I’m still picking Michigan to win the Big 10 and return to the CFP.
CFP TOP 4 PREDICTIONS
Following championship Saturday, I’m expecting some changes in the CFP Top 4. While I’m expecting Georgia and Michigan to return to the top, my predictions of losses for Washington and Florida State will lead to only two locks in the top four.
My Predictions
- Georgia – SEC Champions (13-0)
- Michigan – Big 10 Champions (13-0)
- Oregon – Pac 12 Champions (12-1)
- Texas – Big 12 Champions (12-1)
First 2 Out:
- Ohio State (11-1)
- Washington (12-1)
GROUP OF FIVE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
Outside the Power Five, the Group of Five conferences also play conference championship games this weekend.
- Conference USA: New Mexico State vs. Liberty
- MAC: Miami (OH) vs. Toledo
- Mountain West: Boise St. vs. UNLV
- American: SMU vs. Tulane
- Sun Belt: Appalachian St. vs. Troy
I’m picking Liberty, Miami, UNLV, SMU and Troy to win those games.
Which conference championship game interests you most? Who are you picking for the CFP? And are there any Group of Five Championship games you are excited to see?
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