This weekend will feature 3 very important matchups in terms of playoff scenarios and possibly one of the most important weeks of the year. For a few teams this weekend some people are saying it’s a win and you’re in scenario but i’m not sure that’s entirely true. With a win from Georgia, Utah and Oklahoma it will be all up to the committee so there is really no set in stone path to playoff for any team not named LSU, Ohio State or Clemson. This could be the most interesting conference championship weekend we’ve had in a long time, so many different things could happen to make the playoff picture an absolute mess. With that being said, let’s get into this weekends games and the impacts they may have on the playoff picture.
PAC-12 Championship
#6 Utah vs #14 Oregon
Possibly the most important game of the weekend is also the first game of the weekend. Unfortunately this game could have been so much more important than it is as Oregon was upset by Arizona State a few weeks ago leaving Utah as the only possible hope the PAC-12 has to make the playoffs. Way back in August I did say Oregon would win the PAC-12 so I still stand by that take, Oregon wins 27-21 and starts the weekend off with pure chaos.
Big 12 Championship
#9 Baylor vs #7 Oklahoma
Here we have a rematch in Jerry’s World of one of the craziest games of the season. Baylor blew a 28-3 lead to Oklahoma a few weeks ago and looks to redeem their only loss by beating OU this weekend. This game will have a huge impact on the playoff picture but the winner is still not guaranteed a spot. I believe Oklahoma doesn’t let Baylor redeem their loss and wins in a shootout 48-45.
SEC Championship
#4 Georgia vs #2 LSU
In my opinion this matchup is the most certain matchup of weekend. What I mean by that is that LSU is certainly in the playoffs no matter what, but they’re obviously not going to take this game off because the difference between the 1 and 2 spot is possibly the greatest it’s ever been since the 2 seed would have to most likely take on Clemson in the semi-final instead of an easier game vs Utah, Oklahoma or Baylor. And the certainty of the game on Georgia’s part is that I think if they win their certainly in, or at least they have the best shot to get in if they win while Utah, Oklahoma or Baylor still get a win. I still think LSU gets this win pretty handingly by winning 35-17.
ACC Championship
Virginia vs #3 Clemson
And here is the most boring power 5 conference championship game of the weekend. This is the only game i’m 100% of a win and your in scenario, If Clemson gets this win they’ll be in and even if by some miracle they loss they would still probably get in. Clemson wins this one 42-14.
B1G TEN Championship
#1 Ohio State vs #12 Wisconsin
If Wisconsin didn’t slip up vs Illinois this game could be a very interesting one but unfortunately that’s not the case. Ohio State is already in the playoffs just like LSU but is really looking to make a case for the 1 seed. I expect a similar result as the first meeting between these teams, Ohio State secures another B1G TEN title by the score of 35-10.
By Andrew Kalb
Wingspan Sports 