The stage is set for Championship Week in college football with the best teams in the country playing for their respective conference titles. While it is almost unbelievable that Alabama isn’t playing in the SEC Championship game, that doesn’t change the fact that it is one of a couple of games that will essentially serve as national quarterfinals to help determine which teams make it in to the College Football Playoff. Here is a look at the top televised games for Championship Week in college football.
SEC Championship Game
#6 Georgia Bulldogs vs. #4 Auburn Tigers
Saturday, 4:00 PM ET – CBS
As weird as it will be that a one-loss Alabama side won’t play in the SEC Championship game, the reality is that Auburn did what it took to get there instead including last week’s thrilling Iron Bowl win over the Crimson Tide. While it doesn’t make sense to completely write off Georgia, the Tigers dominated them in a 40-17 win earlier in the year and could do it again if they are healthy. The key will be the status of Tigers running back Kerryon Johnson, who suffered a shoulder injury in last week’s win over Alabama. Johnson has averaged 5.1 yards per carry while rushing for 1,276 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. If Johnson is good to go, Auburn will be tough to beat. The SEC Championship game will essentially serve as a national quarterfinal with the winner likely headed to the College Football Playoff. Even without the Tide, it should be the most highly anticipated game of the week.
Pick: Auburn -2.5
Big Ten Championship Game
#8 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. #3 Wisconsin Badgers
Saturday, 8:00 PM ET – FOX
While either Auburn or Georgia is likely headed to the playoff, it will be a lot more difficult to make a case for a two-loss Buckeyes team even if they win the Big Ten Championship game. That won’t make this game any less important for the Buckeyes though as they have the chance to add some hardware while keeping Wisconsin from reaching the playoff. The status of injured quarterback J.T. Barrett will be important to watch. If Barrett is good to play, Ohio State will have the edge. If Barrett can’t play or is substantially limited, the Buckeyes hopes take a major hit. The Badgers have repeatedly come through in big games this season and will have something to prove when they take the field on Saturday night. While Buckeyes fans will be pulling for their side, it’s likely a good majority of the country will be pulling for an Ohio State loss. At the very least, Wisconsin should be able to keep this game close.
Pick: Wisconsin +5.5
ACC Championship Game
#7 Miami Hurricanes vs. #1 Clemson Tigers
Saturday, 8:00 PM ET –ABC
Miami’s perfect season ended with a stunning loss to Pitt last week. However, the Hurricanes path to the College Football Playoff could still be clear. If Miami upsets Clemson and hands them their first loss of the year then there is a good chance they get in. Meanwhile, the Tigers will get the chance to defend their national title with an ACC Championship game win over the Hurricanes. Clemson has been absolutely rolling over opponents while getting healthy over the past few weeks. It will be interesting to see if they can keep it going with their season on the line on Saturday night in prime time. Based on what we have seen from both teams of late, it will be tough for Miami to keep this game close.
Pick: Clemson -7.5
Big 12 Championship Game
#10 TCU Horned Frogs vs. #2 Oklahoma Sooners
Saturday, 12:30 PM ET – FOX
Oklahoma senior quarterback Baker Mayfield has thrown for 4,097 yards and 37 touchdowns with just five interceptions while leading the Sooners to an 11-1 record to cement his status as the Heisman trophy favorite. Now he will look to add some hardware to his collection and book Oklahoma’s spot in the playoff with a Big 12 Championship game win. The Sooners dominated TCU in their first meeting of the year with a 38-20 win. Mayfield threw for 333 yards and three scores in that victory and could be primed for another big performance against a suspect Horned Frogs defence this Saturday afternoon.
Pick: Oklahoma – 6.5
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