CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK
There are some fun Group of 5 Conference Championship match-ups, especially the New Mexico State (10-3, including a win over Auburn) vs. Liberty (undefeated and ranked) re-match (Liberty won 33-17 back in September). New Mexico State is a quality opponent and Liberty is still alive for a New Year's 6 Bowl appearance, only 2 spots behind Tulane in the CFP rankings. On that note, SMU vs. Tulane (11-1, ranked, lone loss on the road to Ole Miss) should be fun as well. Tulane was great in last year's big bowl upset win over USC and Caleb Williams, if they win they're in the NY6 again.
But the big games this weekend are the Power 5 Conference Championships, all of which have major playoff implications:
PAC-12 Championship: #5 Oregon vs #3 Washington
This one is for the final PAC-12 Title, and also serves as a wild-card playoff game. The winner of this one is in, period. Washington is undefeated, including a thrilling home win over Oregon in the regular season. That loss is Oregon's one blemish, in a game in which they mostly outplayed the Huskies. This one could also decide the Heisman. Nix is likely a shoe-in if he plays well and Oregon wins. If the Huskies win, things could get interesting. Penix hasn't been as impressive in the back half of the season, and Jayden Daniels of LSU has put up MONSTER numbers and earned most observers' nod as the best player in college football this season.
Big XII Championship: #18 Oklahoma State vs. #7 Texas
Despite being outside of the Top 6, Texas is still VERY much alive for a playoff berth. But they need help. If FSU loses and Texas wins, very high likelihood Texas gets in. Another potential path is if Texas wins and Alabama wins.
IF the playoff committee puts in a 1 loss SEC Champ 'Bama, how could they leave out a 1 loss Big XII champ Texas, who BEAT 'Bama on their OWN field by double-digits?
SEC Championship: #8 Alabama vs. #1 Georgia
Yet another Heavy-Weight prize fight between these 2 powers, who are in many ways mirror images of each other. With championship #2 now under his belt, Kirby Smart and Georgia have, for now, replaced Nick Saban and Alabama as king of the colllege football mountain. But 'Bama has a shot here to hand UGA their 1st loss in nearly 2 years, which came on Dec. 4th 2021 to . . . Alabama. A UGA win helps keep the playoff committee's job easy. An Alabama win could lead to chaos . . . .
B1G Ten Championship: #16 Iowa vs. #2 Michigan
Michigan wins again over Ohio State, and likely wins the B1G again this weekend against an AENEMIC Iowa Offense. Iowa's D is fantastic, but Michigan proved last week they can put up points and run the ball on a fantastic D. Iowa on the other hand can't score very much no matter what level of competition they face. But they're well coached. Will Michigan sleep-walk into this game and give Iowa a crack?
ACC Championship: #14 Louisville vs. #4 Florida State
The game that will provide the most angst to the CFP committee and to fans of every other playoff contender. Everyone knows FSU sans Jordan Travis is not a Top 4 team, not even a Top 12 team (Ole Miss, Mizzou, Penn State, etc. would be favored on a neutral site today). But they've earned a Top 4 spot with their undefeated run through the ACC, book-ended by victories over traditional 5-Star SEC powers LSU and Florida to begin and end their season. Everyone not wearing Garnett and Gold will be rooting for Louisville, ESPECIALLY the committee. If FSU wins, it looks like they're in. And like at least one of the other Power 5 conference champs is out, despite everyone believing they're better than FSU. If you want chaos, bickering, and rage, you want FSU to win. Go 'Noles.
Conference Championships Schedule:
Full TV/Streaming Listings: https://www.espn.com/college-football/schedule