Conference championship weekend is upon us, and it promises to be a thrilling showcase of college football! With five pivotal games on the slate, the outcomes will have a direct impact on the 12-team College Football Playoff picture. Fans, players, and coaches alike are gearing up for what could be a defining moment in their seasons.
Key Matchups to Watch
First up, we have the Mountain West championship game featuring No. 19 UNLV and No. 10 Boise State, kicking off Friday at 8 p.m. The stakes couldn’t be higher! The winner is likely to secure the Group of 5 automatic playoff berth and could even earn a coveted first-round bye. But keep an eye on the Big 12 championship game between No. 16 Iowa State and No. 12 Arizona State, which takes place Saturday at 12 p.m. ET. The result of that game could heavily influence the playoff landscape.
Moving to Saturday, the SEC championship game will see No. 2 Georgia face off against No. 5 Texas at 4 p.m. in Atlanta. This rematch of their earlier encounter promises to be electric, as both teams are projected to be in the playoff field. Later that evening, No. 3 Penn State will battle No. 1 Oregon at 8 p.m. in the Big Ten championship game. These matchups are crucial for playoff seeding, and the excitement is palpable!
And let’s not forget about the ACC championship game featuring No. 18 Clemson against No. 8 SMU at 8 p.m. The Tigers are looking to become the three-loss team that breaks into the playoff conversation. Will they succeed?
Realignment and First-Year Teams
It’s fascinating to note that Arizona State, Texas, Oregon, and SMU are all first-year teams in their new conferences and are favored to win their respective games. Did realignment work? This weekend might just provide the answer!
Our Track Record Against the Spread
As we dive into our championship week picks, let’s take a moment to reflect on our performance against the spread during the regular season:
- Straight up: 191-54 (20-3 in Week 14)
- Against the spread: 121-124 (16-7 in Week 14)
With that in mind, let’s break down our picks for championship week!
Championship Week Picks Against the Spread
Friday, Dec. 6
- Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State (-4) (7 p.m., CBSSN) in Jacksonville, Ala.
Western Kentucky and Jacksonville State face off in a rematch of their Week 14 clash, which the Hilltoppers won 19-17. The Jaguars are riding a seven-game winning streak under coach Rich Rodriguez, and running back Tre Stewart is a force to be reckoned with. However, Western Kentucky’s quarterback Caden Veltkamp has the potential to shine.
Pick: Western Kentucky pulls off an upset, winning 28-27.
- No. 19 UNLV at No. 10 Boise State (-4) (8 p.m., Fox) in Boise, Idaho
This game is pivotal for the Group of 5 playoff berth. Boise State edged out UNLV 29-24 in their previous meeting, and both teams are ready to battle. The performance of Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen will be crucial.
Pick: Boise State wins 31-21 and covers the spread.
- Tulane (-4) at No. 24 Army (8 p.m., ABC) in West Point, N.Y.
The American Athletic Conference championship pits Tulane’s balanced offense against Army’s rushing powerhouse. Tulane is looking to bounce back from a loss, while Army aims to capitalize on a home-field advantage.
Pick: Tulane wins 28-20 and covers the spread.
Saturday, Dec. 7
- No. 16 Iowa State at No. 12 Arizona State (-2.5) (12 p.m., ABC) in Arlington, Texas
This Big 12 championship is a win-and-in scenario for both teams. Arizona State’s running back Cam Skattebo could exploit Iowa State’s defense, while the Cyclones will rely on quarterback Rocco Becht to manage the game effectively.
Pick: Arizona State wins 32-25 and covers the spread.
- No. 2 Georgia at No. 5 Texas (-3) (4 p.m., ABC) in Atlanta
In this rematch, Georgia looks to avenge their earlier loss. The quarterback battle will be key, and Texas’ defense has been impressive.
Pick: Texas wins 26-24 but fails to cover the spread.
- No. 3 Penn State at No. 1 Oregon (-3.5) (8 p.m., CBS) in Indianapolis
This clash features two of the top scoring defenses in the nation. Oregon’s quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been stellar, but can Penn State’s defense rise to the occasion?
Pick: Oregon wins 30-20 and covers the spread.
- No. 18 Clemson at No. 8 SMU (-2.5) (8 p.m., ABC) in Charlotte, N.C.
Clemson is looking for an upset to keep their playoff hopes alive. SMU’s high-scoring offense will be a challenge for the Tigers.
Pick: SMU wins 34-31 and covers the spread.
As we gear up for this exhilarating weekend of college football, the excitement is palpable. Which teams will rise to the occasion and secure their spots in the playoff? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this championship weekend will be one for the books!
