College Football Conference Championship Game Picks
It’s officially conference championship week, and as the biggest week in college football gets set to ensure, it’s time to take a closer look at six games that will undoubtedly shape the postseason picture.
No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 3 Alabama
The Crimson Tide nearly dropped a tough game to the Auburn Tigers in overtime. The offense was stagnant, only scoring late in the 4th quarter.
Georgia not only has the top defense in the country, but they also have one of the best defenses in NCAA history. Despite facing high-level competition, the Bulldogs only have allowed 6.92 points per game.
Alabama is a better team than they looked like last Saturday, but beating the top team in the country for an SEC championship might just be an insurmountable task.
Prediction: Georgia 28, Alabama 3
No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 13 Iowa
One week removed from getting the monkey off his back and finally defeating Ohio State, coach Jim Harbaugh now looks to capture his first Big Ten title with the Wolverines.
Iowa has a strong defense capable of raining on Michigan’s parade, but they struggle to score, and against a defense that boasts the talent the Wolverines have, it could make for a tough day for the Hawkeyes.
Ultimately, this will be a Big Ten classic that sees Michigan come out on top because they simply outmatch the Hawkeyes on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: Michigan 31, Iowa 21
No. 5 Oklahoma State vs. No. 9 Baylor
The last time these two squads met, the Cowboys took a late lead to walk away with a 24-14 win. With one of the top defenses in the country, the Cowboys have only allowed 281.4 yards per game and 16.42 points per game.
Their defense each week has had incredibly impressive performances.
Baylor has taken steps forward since then and found its identity under head coach Dave Aranada, but ultimately, Oklahoma State is playing as a well-rounded unit that should etch out another win over the Bears.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 27, Baylor 17
No. 10 Oregon vs. No. 17 Utah
Just a few weeks ago these two teams clashed in a game that saw the Utes come out victorious. Behind linebacker Devyn Lloyd and a stout defense, Utah has been rolling.
Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown struggled mightily last time and he will be the key to success for the Ducks the second time around. He turned it around last weekend in a big rivalry game against Oregon State, posting three touchdowns.
Still, if Utah can keep Oregon’s offense even somewhat quiet, that can allow the Utes running game to thrive and find a rhythm, something I see them doing as they beat the Ducks once again, just in a tighter bout this time around.
Prediction: Utah 34, Oregon 24
No. 4 Cincinnati vs. No. 21 Houston
Houston has risen in the rankings and rightfully so, they have had a strong season behind signal-caller Clayton Tune.
They’ve beaten tough competition, like a stout SMU team earlier this season, and they look poised to match up well against a Bearcats team that handled business despite the added target on their back in recent weeks.
In one of the biggest games of quarterback Desmond Ridder’s career, it won’t be easy to navigate as Houston has the third-best pass-rushing attack in the country.
The Bearcats have everything to lose, whilst Houston has everything to gain, but behind defensive back Ahmad Gardner and a veteran team, the Bearcats should eke out a statement win before heading into the College Football Playoff.
Prediction: Cincinnati 31- Houston 28
Dylan Price is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email dvp5625@psu.edu.
