With the regular season mostly behind us, we now find ourselves in conference championship territory. This week delivers four championship games with enormous playoff implications. After heart-breaking road losses last week, Alabama and Miami now find themselves on the outside of the playoff looking in. If you’re a fan of those teams, not to worry – this is college football and the top four teams are all in action this week, which means some shuffling is bound to happen. If you had plans this Saturday, cancel them. You have a date with college football now.
(6) Georgia Bulldogs vs (2) Auburn Tigers
Favourite: Auburn -3
Turns out if you beat two No. 1 ranked teams (Georgia and Alabama) in a span of three weeks, the playoff selection committee looks upon you favourably despite having two losses on your resume. The Auburn Tigers are considered by many experts to be the best team in the country at this moment. Quarterback Jarrett Stidham and running back Kerryon Johnson are studs, although Johnson was visibly hurt in last week’s domination of the Crimson Tide. If he can’t play this week, it will be a huge loss for Auburn.
Georgia, having fallen from No. 1 three weeks ago to No. 6 as of this writing, doesn’t mind lurking in the shadows while the Tigers bask in praise and glory. For Georgia, the mission is simple: win the SEC championship and you’re probably in the playoff. It’s highly unlikely the committee won’t select the winner of this game as one of their final four teams considering their onerous road tests and impressive 2017 performances.
The Dawgs have also quietly destroyed their last two opponents and will be ready for this matchup with their dual running back attack of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who have combined for over 2,000 yards this season. Unlike your typical SEC contest, this one should provide plenty of offensive fireworks, so make sure you’re tuned in.
(7) Miami Hurricanes vs (1) Clemson Tigers
Favourite: Clemson -10
The ACC Championship game between Miami and Clemson is another tilt that should yield a playoff participant. Both teams have been near perfect outside of one blemish on their schedule, a road loss in the northeast. Clemson is laying 10 points to Miami thanks to their outstanding defensive front seven, but Miami is no slouch. Just three weeks ago they humiliated a third-ranked Notre Dame squad in a 41-8 rout. If quarterback Malik Rosier can remain poised in the pocket, the ‘Canes might have a shot at the No. 1 team.
(8) Ohio State Buckeyes vs (4) Wisconsin Badgers
Favourite: Ohio State -6
There are different ways to get into the playoff. The Wisconsin Badgers took it easy with the schedule and it’s paid off so far. They’re undefeated and will get in should they beat Ohio State in the Big 10 championship on Saturday. The Buckeyes are another two-loss team that’s favoured in their championship game. Ohio State has had to endure a much tougher slate of games, but the Badgers have been dominating their opponents. While their schedule hasn’t been the toughest, their margin of victory is fifth in the nation at 22.8 points per game. Expect a hardly fought Big 10 battle as both teams have their eyes on the postseason.
*Odds as of December 1, 2017