Oh my goodness I am finally getting back to talking College Football. We have made it to the Bowl and Championship season which all hope springs a plenty in universities competing for the final 4. Lets see who is representing the Conference Championship Games in the ACC, SEC, Big 10, AAC, Big 12, and PAC 12!
SEC
Alabama Crimson Tide: Oh my goodness gracious yet another Alabama team with championship ambitions. When I saw them a few weeks ago when I was visiting their campus I was impressed with how consistent they have been in the last decade and with how they have been able to beat down everything that comes their way. This is one of the few programs in College Football that went the entire season without a single player testing positive for COVID. If they win it all this year Nick Saban will be in a class all to himself as well as “Bear” Bryant with 6 National Championships with one program in the modern era. Led by Heisman Frontrunner Mac Jones and a generational talent at WR in Devonta Smith the Tide are looking to storm past everything that comes their way.
Florida Gators: One of the most electrifying offenses in all of the country so far has gotten past their side of the SEC and got to Atlanta for a potential chance at the playoff. Kyle Trask has become the godsend QB that GatorNation has been missing since Tim Tebow and their receiver core is one of the best in the country. The main problem for these guys is defense. This past month was a challenge, they struggled to put away a soft team in Vanderbilt, lost a crusher at home to an underachieving LSU squad, and suffered injuries to their secondary. Their road to redemption begins… AGAINST #ROLLTIDE! Well it was nice knowing you this year!
ACC
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Ladies and Gentlemen prepare yourselves to face the insufferability of Leprechauns everywhere! All their students and alumni are claiming that this is going to be the year they win yet another title for that glorious Gipper. Lets see who they have? Ian Book has entered a long line of talented Notre Dame QBs with a season for the ages plus they have a menacing defense and run game. I would say they would be a lock for the Playoff but guess who their opponent is in the ACC Title game?
Clemson Tigers: The clearcut favorites to win their 3rd National Championship in 5 years this past summer has once again lived to up to the preseason hype. The only game that they have lost in the regular season was a thriller in South Bend against the Irish. The one difference in that game to this one coming up is Trevor Lawrence. He had COVID that week and this time he will be on the field. If there is one thing Clemson likes to do it is throw the ball all over the yard everywhere they go. That should be the case against a Notre Dame defense that is one of the best at stopping the run. Please win for the sake of everyone that isn’t a fan of the religion of Rudy.
Big 10
Ohio State Buckeyes: Even though they have only played 5 games this year THE Big 10 Football Factory is back for a chance at another trip to the 4 team playoff. Unlike last year when they had JK Dobbins this year Ohio State has a combination of strong running backs who can be used by the situation. The two that come to mind are Master Teague, and Trey Sermon. Then there is their stud of a QB in Justin Fields. The year he has had isn’t Heisman worthy but it could give him strong consideration of being the No 1 Pick in the upcoming Draft. To me this game could be a walk in the park because their opponent is…
Northwestern Wildcats: This team was the Cinderella Story of the Regular Season in College Football. When you think of Northwestern you think of Basketball, WRONG! This year their football team has overcome the expectations of being in the shadows of Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota and has earned the right to compete for the Big 10 Championship. The one thing that should help them out against the Buckeyes is defense. They are one of the few teams in the country that has allowed fewer than 200 passing yards per game. If the offense can play up to that immense challenge then we could have an upset! Considering Ohio State compared to other teams in the Big 10 I just don’t know what to say.
Big 12
Iowa State Cyclones: We are truly living in an alternate timeline when Iowa State has reached the Big 12 Championship Game. After a few struggles in the beginning of the season they have emerged to become one of the hottest teams in all of College Football. Breece Hall this year has become one of the best running backs in the nation by rushing for over 1300 yards and 17 touchdowns. If they are going to have any chance against the HotShot Sooners they will need Brock Purdy continue his strong play against ranked teams. If they shock the world this weekend they should be an entry to their first ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.
Oklahoma Sooners: Despite a slow start and several star players from last year like Jalen Hurts, Kenneth Murray, and CeeDee Lamb graduated last year Oklahoma has returned to being the favorite to win the Big 12. It started when they won that epic 4OT classic against archrival Texas and they have dominated their competition ever since. As usual the main reasons for success have been Head Coach Lincoln Riley and this year their QB Spencer Rattler. He isn’t as fast as Hurts or Kyler Murray but he has a cannon. The thing that makes them dangerous is that they have multiple wideouts that can destroy you. Its Colleges version of a pick your poison with guys like Marvin Mims Theo Wease, and Austin Stogner. If there is anything that this conference wanted to see, it would be this giant getting smacked!
Pac 12
USC Trojans: Probably the most insufferable fanbase in all of College Football has been gloating about how they will sneak into the Playoff despite being ranked 13. Look, Kedon Slovis is a solid QB plus their offensive line is one of the best in the nation. The only problem for these Trojans is if they fall too far behind. I doubt that will be the case but who knows. At least you have home field advantage I guess.
Oregon Ducks: There absolutely no way that the Ducks deserve to be anywhere near a Conference Championship game! This is a team that is mediocre on both sides of the ball and has severe flaws in coaching. Not convinced, this is a team that has struggled the last few weeks. They were beaten in those games by Cal, and Oregon State who are 2 of the worst teams on paper in the Pac 12! That’s what’s coming to the LA Coliseum. The only reason they are even playing is because Washington has only played 4 games and you have to play 5 just ask the Buckeyes. Knowing what I said this squad will probably prove me wrong because that’s how the College World works.
AAC
Cincinnati Bearcats: This may be the best chance that a team from American Athletic Conference has at the 4 team playoff. The way this squad has played this year gives me flashbacks to the 2011 Auburn Tigers. An unknown success story led by a generational talent of a QB. Desmond Ridder might not be Cam Newton in terms of talent but this year he has ascended to another level. You might say that this team is unstoppable against anyone in their conference but they are beatable. The way to beat them is at their own game. A mix of run and pass. You stop Ridder, you shut down that team as a whole. Will it be good for 60 minutes, THERE LIES THE CHALLENGE!
Tulsa Golden Hurricane: This team is only here in some opinions because SMU and Memphis shot themselves in the foot down the stretch but these guys are true comeback kids. They may look like they are finished when the 4th quarter comes around but then out of nowhere they come back and get the job done. This team may have no true superstar but they play to win as a whole. This is the kind of team that a Conference Championship Game needs. A Cinderella Story in making. Does the glass slipper fit, or does the clock strike midnight in Cincy. I think the Football Gods would be fine either way.
Most of these games have clear winners but this is why they play the games. The fight for the Playoff is underway and lets see who I have winning.
SEC: In the SEC I’m going with the Tide. I think the Gators will have trouble stopping the talent on Bama all night long.
ACC: The ACC will be dominated by Clemson. If the Irish barely beat them without Trevor Lawrence I think they beat them badly and that Gipper will get nothing for Christmas.
Big 10: The Big 10 will belong to THE factory of the conference which is Ohio State. I think their defense and run game will overpower Northwestern.
Big 12: The Big 12 is Oklahoma’s to lose which is why I think their speed and offensive game plan will storm past Iowa State despite the Cyclones’ feel good story.
Pac 12: Home Field despite now fans will be a huge advantage for USC so they will get the W on that.
AAC: Tulsa I know you have overcome all odds but you will probably be no match for Bearcats offensive fireworks.
WHO’S GONNA MAKE THE RUN AT THE PLAYOFF!
Bragging Rights Sports 