A lot is going to change in College Football over the next year. The PAC12 will soon be no more, as well as the 4 team playoff. With it being expanded to 12 teams in 2024 it’ll make it easier for teams to get in. (I’m looking right at you Penn State and Tennessee) For now, we must go over the 6 major conference championship games and teams. Shall we.
Alabama Crimson Tide: If there is one thing that needs to be said involving Alabama, they’ve done a very good job this year despite this being one of the weaker teams on paper in the Saban Era. Getting blown out by Texas in September would normally put a team to bed. WRONG! The Tide have ripped off 10 straight wins thanks to an elite defense and Jalen Milroe coming on strong in the 2nd Half. As mentioned, unlike previous years, Nick Saban and his boys have gone under the radar. And that’s a dangerous factor. Why? Because sooner or later they’re about to make a major statement. Bama has done this before in fact. Remember 2017? They won the National Championship after lurking in the shadows all season long. I could very well see this happen again. The prize is there for the taking. A shot at a return trip to the College Football Playoff is in their sights. But it’s not going to be easy for them. Because their opponent is hungry for more blood.
Georgia Bulldogs: The quest for a 3 peat has been upgraded to the difficulty of the name of the city where their campus is located. (Why because Greek Religion and Theatre) 2021 was a challenge especially considering the QB controversy that took place. Last year was the unstoppable locomotive that destroyed everyone in its path. Now the Bulldogs are attempting to do something that hasn’t been seen since the Bud Wilkenson-led Sooners during the 1950s. To do so it’s going to a gauntlet especially considering who they’ll have to go through. Losing Jalen Carter, Todd Monken, and Stetson Bennett were hard to swallow, but hey. Carson Beck has emerged as one of the best young QBs in the country, and even if Brock Bowers hasn’t been 100%, he’s still a wrecking machine with the ball in his hands. Plus there’s that legendary defensive structure they have which will probably be sent to Philadelphia after those players graduate. Will there be a new champion this year, or will Georgia reign supreme and stake their claim as the greatest team of the modern era? Time will tell won’t it?
Michigan Wolverines: The team that everyone outside of Ann Arbor loves to hate. Not only because of past reputation and tradition but because of the actions they’ve had this year. Jim Harbaugh getting caught in the cookie jar of his staff stealing signs on BIG10 opponents (Although Urban Meyer did the same at Ohio State. COPYCATS!), him getting suspended, and everyone wondering if they were right for the taking. Instead what everyone forgot was that this Michigan team may be the most talented one they’ve had since 1997. Who needs to sign steal when you have Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards in the backfield, plus JJ McCarthy thriving behind the biggest O-Line in the country. (There are plays where they have 7 linemen on the field. WHO STOPS THAT?) The scary thing about Michigan is that they’re only getting stronger. Jim Harbaugh is back on the sidelines for the BIG10 Title Game, and CFP. If they win it all this year, the narrative will be that they’ve become the Astros of College Football, but from how I see it. Them potentially winning it all will prove how salty everyone else is in America. Now I want to see it happen. DO IT JIMMY!
Iowa Hawkeyes: How the hell is this team in the BIG10 Championship Game? If you’ve watched Iowa all season it’s been a sequence of riding an easy schedule, an elite defense, and deus ex machina to where they are now. Basically the same formula that they had 2 years ago. But here comes Hawkeye fans once again to tell me that I’m wrong and they’re about to shock the world. Cade McNamara and Erick All getting injured was their death sentence. Not to mention every single game they’ve played has reached the under thanks to 3 yards in a cloud of dust style football. Something that would make Woody Hayes himself proud. I knew it when I saw them against Penn State this year. This team is not going anywhere with this offense especially against legit opponents. From how I see it, this is going to be a repeat of the spanking they received in 2021. Don’t deny it Iowa City you know it’s true.
Texas Longhorns: So now you make me eat massive amounts of crow when I had you picked for 7-5 or 8-4. Well it turns out that the much hyped QB change has helped in a big way. No it’s Arch Manning, but Quinn Ewers. Speaking of Ewers he got off to a blazing start this season. He’s cooled the last few weeks, but you still can’t take him lightly. Same with Jonathon Brooks. This year he’s taken the mantle Bijan Robinson, and in fact he’s put up better numbers for crying out loud. They have issues on defense, but they still have a talented bunch led by Jaylan Ford leading the BIG12 in tackles. They’re on the outside looking in for the CFP, which means they need a miracle to get in. It would have been really nice if they didn’t blow that game to Oklahoma wouldn’t it. (If they somehow luck their way into the CFP, I will do a monkey dance. OO OO OO OO!)
Oklahoma State Cowboys: It’s funny how a team that loses several playmakers on offense, still is one of the better teams in a loaded BIG12. How did this happen? If I can guess Ollie Gordon. One of the best RBs in the country, a man who has enjoyed a year he’s rushed for over 1500 yards and put together nine separate 100 yard games. It also helps that Alan Bowman has stepped in for Spencer Sanders and done pretty well. They’re a finesse team, but they don’t lack physicality. Especially on defense, led by Nick Martin who this year has been a tackling machine at LB. That and Cameron Epps is a ball hawk who can house you at any moment. Like I said, they have flashy skills, but they can also beat you up. All I can say is can you do me one favor. You see this opponent of yours in front of you. You’ll get a lot of people on your side if you take them down. Even if your hopes for the CFP are gone, playing with house money is dangerous alright. Please don’t let me down will you.
Florida State Seminoles: I know they’ve gone the entire season undefeated but I’ve had my doubts all season long. Whether it was getting bailed out by REFBALL against BC, or surviving against a declining Clemson team, or many other instances of playing down to their competition. Although here is what their fanbase will counter me with. Week 0 against LSU. And they aren’t wrong. That game was a stomping right from the beginning of the 2nd Half. (However it did say more about LSU) “You should be confident about FSU’s chances” I would be if Jordan Travis hadn’t suffered a devastating injury ruining his dream season. But still even if Tate Rodemaker has to step in, the Seminoles still have a very balanced roster who may not have any glamorous victories this year, but they know how to get the job done. Who will be their challenger that tries to prevent them from an ass kicking in the Final 4?
Louisville Cardinals: Really? They made it to the ACC Championship? Out of all the unknown teams in that conference it’s Louisville that makes it. Although I must say, they’ve made me eat massive amounts of crow all season. Until last week against Kentucky, this is a team that has carved through their schedule including big wins against Notre Dame and Duke. (If you exclude them laying an egg against Pitt of all teams) Led by a balanced attack on offense with Jack Plummer putting up 3000 yards through the air, plus Jamari Thrash out wide, the Cardinals have the offense to keep up with FSU. We think. They do have flaws in coverage on defense, but it’s mostly a bend but don’t break unit. This team to me is a mystery box in every sense of the word. Here lies the question. Which Louisville team will we see? The one where Jack Plummer turns into Johnny Unitas and the defense shocks everyone, or the one that lays massive eggs against mediocrity? A Cinderella Story in the making.
Washington Huskies: I love it when the biggest juggernaut in the PAC12’s final year are these guys and not the media darlings from So-Cal. Well you can thank a high flying offense with weapons across the board for this achievement. Michael Penix, he who slings the ball with ease and is often being compared to Steve Young has made a major case in being the #1 pick in the 2024 Draft. (Just don’t let the McCaskeys ruin him) Plus he has a gem in Dillon Johnson in the backfield, plus Rome Odunze, and Ja’Lynn Polk at WR. Even the defense has been potent, led by one of the better secondaries in the country with the duo of Hampton, and Muhammad locking down top receivers. On paper this is a trendy pick for a National Championship appearance. However Washington has been living on the edge recently. Most of it however is due to games being played in bad weather. And come playoff time, they likely won’t have to worry about it. I would say they’re a lock for the CFP, but their opponent in the Final Game in PAC12 History has been out for blood all year.
Oregon Ducks: Just like the Huskies, this is a team that has been under the radar all season long, and is looking to continue their endless voyage of making National Pundits look silly. Look at how many times they’ve done that this year. Crushing the darling of College Football in Coach Prime and ending Colorado’s reign, stomping Utah in enemy territory in one of the most shocking games of the season, and putting the nail in the coffin to Caleb Williams’ chase for a 2nd straight Heisman Trophy. They are loaded, on both sides of the ball. Bo Nix is making a strong case to be a high draft pick, plus Bucky Irving may be the most underrated back in the country. They have no headliner on defense, but it’s full of playmakers at every level. I see a lot of the 2018 Clemson Tigers in this squad. They may have lost by inches to Washington in their last meeting, but they’re getting another shot. Man that game is going to be awesome!
Tulane Green Wave: The competition may be shrinking in the AAC due to Cincinnati, UCF, and Houston moving to the BIG12, but these guys can still play at a high level. Other than a loss against Ole Miss, the Green Wave has dominated almost in their paths. (If they had won that game, they’d be in CFP contention. OOF!) Like last year they’ve relied on the running game. Tajae Spears may be gone, but Makhi Hughes is still very good. He hasn’t averaged 5.5 YPC for nothing. That and Michael Pratt has played mistake free for most of the year. Then there’s the defense with Jesus Machado racking up 90 tackles and being all over the field. They held off UTSA last week, but this time they’re going to face an offense that’ll test them in every way possible. I wonder if they’ll be ready for it?
SMU Mustangs: Just like Tulane, a team that has destroyed everyone in the conference, yet only has two losses thanks to playing powerhouses from the BIG12. If there is any team that has benefited off of the recent moves made by the BIG12, it’s the Mustangs. With their Run and Shoot offense led by Preston Stone and his rocket arm, they have the ability to slice defenses up with ease. However they have issues with the running game and on defense. And against a team like the Green Wave who have a potent running game it may be a problem. Although it probably won’t matter because these guys have averaged over 40 a game this season with that passing attack. (No true headliner but full of talent and depth at nearly every offensive skill position) Not to mention this may be the biggest game that the school has played in since the 80s. If they pull this off, the Curse of the Death Penalty will officially be DEAD! PAUSE.
6 games, 12 teams, and basically anything can happen. That’s why College Football is such a sight to behold. (Excluding all of the long TV timeouts) Now we need some predictions.
SEC: The two most successful programs in the nation over the last decade head to head. The ratings for this matchup will be out of control and there is little margin for error. As much as I don’t want to do this, the Dawgs unbeaten streak will be extended to exactly 2 full years. Georgia in a close one.
BIG10: This game is what I call a Captain Obvious. Michigan like they did to the Hawkeyes in 2021 and Purdue last year will run all over them, and suffocate them on defense. Jim Harbaugh’s return will be an instant success as Michigan extends its unbeaten streak in the BIG10 to 25 consecutive games. Vegas gets the over but all but 3 points are scored by the Wolves.
BIG12: Oklahoma State has been known to play spoiler this season. Just ask the Sooners. Even if Texas has steamrolled the majority of their schedule I’m not buying it. If they can’t stop Bowman, they’re going to have a long day. But luckily for them there is no way the NCAA is going to let them lose this game. The Longhorns get bailed out by High End Talent and REFBALL in a thriller.
ACC: This game is fascinating to me. The Ultimate Mystery Box sequence. Does Florida State punch their ticket to the CFP despite being banged up to hell and back? Or does Louisville prove that last week wasn’t a fluke. Jordan Travis not being out there is going to be a big factor. And it’ll affect the final outcome. Cardinals in an upset. (Lamar Jackson would love such a prediction)
PAC12: The Game of the Week! Two juggernauts at the height of their powers face off in a fight to the death in front of a raucous setting in Vegas. Which high powered offense will outduel the other, and which defense is able to make enough plays to win. You know what, I’m predicting that this game will be decided in OT… WITH THE DUCKS PREVAILING AT THE LAST MOMENT! (Bo Nix vs Michael Penix, I expect a major shootout)
AAC: One team is playing for a 2nd straight conference title, while the other is playing their biggest game in almost 40 years. I know a lot of the country will be rooting for SMU, but you can’t sleep on Tulane. They’ve been battle tested and know how to win on the big stage. (Their upset over USC last year proves it) Honestly it’s theirs to lose… FORGET ABOUT IT! Mustangs pull off a shocker thanks to their Run and Shoot offense. (I want SMU vs Penn State in the Cotton Bowl. BADLY!)
INTO THE ARENA WE GO!
Bragging Rights Sports 