The college football year has come to a close, and it’s time for 10 teams to play one more game in hopes of winning their conference. Here are my predictions for each game.
ACC Championship – (4) Florida State vs. (14) Louisville
Both of these teams have had a very impressive season. Louisville shocked the football world this year and went 10-2, breaking the top 10 in the rankings a few times and also going on a six game win-streak to start the season. Florida State also had a great season, completing a perfect regular season and ranking within the top-5 for the majority of the year. Even though both teams have been impressive this season, I think that Florida State will win this match-up (even in QB Jordan Travis’ absence). QB Tate Rodemaker and WR Keon Coleman will lead the Seminoles to victory in a close 34-30 shootout.
Big Ten Championship – (2) Michigan vs. (16) Iowa
This game will be a battle of great defenses. Both Michigan and Iowa rank within the top 10 in total defense, both allowing roughly 280 yards a game and each giving up less than 15 touchdowns this season. However, I believe that JJ McCarthy and the Wolverine offense will cut up the Hawkeye defense easily. They managed to move the ball pretty efficiently against a good Ohio State defense, and they have many weapons to use, from RB Blake Corum to WR Roman Wilson. I think that this game won’t be as close as many analysts have predicted, and I have Michigan earning the #1 ranking in the College Football Playoff with a decisive 31-7 win.
Big 12 Championship – (7) Texas vs. (18) Oklahoma State
The Big 12 Championship has historically been a very entertaining game. Last year, Kansas State survived in a 31-28 win over #3 TCU, and I think that this year’s game will be very similar to last. Texas has been a great team this year, powering their way over tough opponents such as Alabama and Kansas, and they have recently come off a blowout 57-7 victory over Texas Tech. Oklahoma State has also been impressive this year, and they managed to beat Oklahoma, a team that Texas lost to this year. I predict that this game will follow typical Big 12 suit in a high-scoring offensive shootout. In the end, I think that Texas’ offense will get it done and prevail over the Cowboys 48-38.
PAC-12 Championship – (3) Washington vs. (5) Oregon
This year, the PAC-12 Championship is the game I’m most excited for. I think that this will also be a high scoring match-up since both Washington and Oregon have Heisman candidates at quarterback, and it will be very similar to their first matchup on October 14. Huskies’ QB Michael Penix will find WR Rome Odunze for at least one touchdown, and he’ll also throw for over 300 yards in this game. However, I think that Bo Nix will play with a chip on his shoulder and lead the Ducks’ offense to their first PAC-12 Championship since 2014. The Ducks will prevail in this matchup, winning in an exciting 28-24 contest.
SEC Championship – (1) Georgia vs. (8) Alabama
Lastly, the SEC Championship. I think that Alabama has come a long way from potentially missing playoffs earlier this year, and Jalen Milroe has certainly proved himself to be their QB1. Alabama will also be playing for a spot in this year’s playoff, as the winner will most likely be in and the loser dropping out. I also don’t think Georgia has what it takes to beat such a physical team. I feel that the Bulldogs have had a really easy schedule and they’re only 12-0 because they haven’t played many quality opponents. Although I think Georgia is a good team, I don’t think Kirby Smart will be able to muster a win in this historic rivalry. Nick Saban will lead the Crimson Tide to their 30th SEC Championship in a 31-24 win.
