Conference Championship Previews:
BIG 10: Penn State vs Oregon
Penn State gets a chance to play for a BIG 10 title for the first time since 2016. After a shocking upset this weekend where the Michigan Wolverines beat the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Nittany Lions get to go to Indianapolis to compete for a first round bye in the playoffs. They will be facing the undefeated Oregon Ducks who have shown to have none to very little weaknesses. Penn State will need to get pressure on QB Gabriel and take every opportunity they have to score points. Prediction 38-14 Oregon, the Ducks jump to an early lead and Penn State will not be able to catch up offensively.
SEC: Georgia vs Texas
This is the second time these teams will face each other this year. Texas played their worst game offensively in the 1st matchup and still were able to compete with the Bulldogs. Georgia has been very inconsistent this season but their best games have come on the biggest stages. I believe if you watch the Texas vs Texas A&M game the Longhorns look dominant and if they play like that, they can win the National Championship. Prediction 24-10 Texas, the Longhorns will avenge their only loss of the season in Atlanta. I don't see Georgia being able to score many points against this defense and Quinn Ewers will play much better.
BIG 12: Iowa State vs Arizona State
This has the potential to be a shootout, both defenses are not as great as the other top teams in the country. That being said, whoever wins this game will go to the playoffs. Everything is on the line. You either win this game or you play a meaningless bowl game. Prediction 31-28 Arizona State, the Sun Devils will use their best player Cam Skatteboo to wear the Cyclones down. I believe it’s a dog fight in the 4th quarter but Skatteboo puts the game on ice within the final two minutes.
ACC: Clemson vs SMU
Congrats to SMU for making the conference championship and most likely the college football playoffs. This game will depend on what version of the Clemson Tigers will show up. They have been pretty consistent this year until they get into close games. They have been known to run the ball when they are down and not push it down the field. Prediction 35-24 Clemson, I believe in experience and Dabo Swinney has it. He has had runs in the playoffs and has won national championships. This is a do or die scenario for the Tigers if they win, their in. If they lose, it's a failed season.
Mountain West: UNLV vs Boise State
Once again we will have another rematch from the regular season both these teams have a playoff spot on the line. Boise State will be able to host UNLV where in their first matchup they went on the road and got the win. Ashton Jeanty, the leading rusher in the country, was held to his worst game of the season against the Rebels with only 3.9 yards a carry. Prediction 38-27 Boise State, I believe the Rebels won’t be able to replicate what they did against Jeanty the first time around and the Broncos were still able to win in that game. I believe Jeanty goes for over 5 a carry and the Broncos earn the G5 playoff spot.
Conference Championship Losers?
Penn State: If the Nittany Lions lose to the Ducks in Indianapolis, they are in the playoffs it just depends on where they are seeded. I believe if they get blown out in the game they could fall past the Buckeyes as they would lose to common opponents and they lost the head to head matchup.
Georgia: Same situation as Penn State if they lose they will be in because you can’t fault them for making it into the championship game. It will depend on how they lose but a third loss on your resume can really drop you in the rankings.
Iowa State: The Big 12 will never get as much recognition as the other conferences do. The Cyclones will be out of the playoffs and will not play in a meaningful bowl game.
SMU: They will get into the playoffs no matter what. A two loss team with the second loss coming in a conference championship game will not hurt their chances. But, they could be looking at a 10-12 spot and a first round road playoff game.
UNLV: They will be out of the playoffs as only one G5 team will have a chance to go. Even with a win against Boise State there's a chance that the Rebels won’t even get in the top 12.
