Let the debate begin, as the playoff picture begins to take shape. This is part of what makes college football so great. As it stands right now, there are at least 9 teams that feel they have a case to be in the 4 team playoff. The CFP Committee has the final say, and with any luck the Conference Championship games will help clear things up. It’s been a long journey, but we have finally reached Championship Week in the college football season.
PAC 12 Championship Game
#8 Colorado VS #4 Washington
Friday; 6pm FOX
History will be made Friday night, as this is the first PAC 12 Championship game for both Colorado and Washington. This will be the first time since 2008 that the PAC 12 champ will not be Oregon or Stanford. These teams are evenly matched on paper, and both well balanced teams. The Huskies come in ranked #21 in total offense, while Colorado is #29. On the defensive side of the ball, the Buffaloes are ranked #13, and the Huskies #17. The stage is set for sophomore QB Jake Browning to lead the Huskies into the College Football Playoffs.
SEC Championship Game
#15 Florida VS #1 Alabama
Saturday; 1pm CBS
Let’s be honest, Alabama doesn’t even need to win this game to make the playoffs. But, a win in this game will secure the #1 spot. Alabama is heavily favored, which may give Florida some motivation to at least make this a game worth watching. Both teams come in with stacked defenses; Bama ranked #1 in total defense, and the Gators ranked #6. Offenses are likely to struggle, as the Crimson Tide come in ranked #23, and the Gators are a disgraceful #114 in total offense.
BIG 10 Championship Game
#7 Penn State VS #6 Wisconsin
Saturday; 5pm FOX
This game has all the makings of a classic BIG 10 match-up. Both teams feel they have a good chance to make the playoffs with a win. One of the huge questions in this game is the health of Wisconsin QB Alex Hornibrook. He was knocked out of last week’s game, and is listed as “questionable” for the Championship game. The Badgers and Nittany Lions rely heavily on their defenses, as Wisconsin comes in ranked #7 and Penn State comes in ranked #20 in total defense. Points will be at a premium, with the Badgers coming in ranked #91 in total offense and the Nittany Lions ranked #56.
ACC Championship Game
#23 Virginia Tech VS #3 Clemson
Saturday; 5pm ABC
Lord only knows what to expect here, as these two teams have played the role of “Jekyll and Hyde” all season. Both have looked impressive at times, and have also looked very anemic at various points throughout the season. Clemson is obviously the superior team when they bring their A game, ranked #8 in total defense and #12 in offense. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech is ranked #19 in total defense and #38 in offense.
Top Ten
#1 Alabama
#2 The Ohio State
#3 Clemson
#4 Washington
#5 Michigan
#6 Wisconsin
#7 Penn State
#8 Colorado
#9 Oklahoma
#10 Oklahoma State
Who’s In?
I could spend another 5 paragraphs discussing the various scenarios that create opportunity for each team vying for a playoff spot, but I’m not sure anyone would read it… So, I think the best course of action is to hash it out in the comment section below. I ask you, Who’s In?
This name will curse the Hawks, Go Saints! #BFS
1