Championship Weekend is the last chance for teams to prove that they belong among the elites in college football. It could mean a better bowl game, or it could mean a shot at the National Championship. With that being said, here are all the conference championships being played this weekend ranked from least significant to the most significant.
10. MAC Championship
The MAC Championship features the Northern Illinois Huskies vs the Buffalo Bulls. The Huskies are making their seventh appearance in 9 years, while the Bulls return for just the first time since 2008. This year has little to no importance to the college football landscape, as the game will just determine who plays in the better bowl game.
Prediction: Northern Illinois 31-20
9. Sun Belt Championship
This will be the first Sun Belt Championship in history. In only it’s fourth year at the FBS level, the Appalachian State Mountaineers have had astonishing success, and they show no signs of slowing down. They will face the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns for the conference championship. The Mountaineers are heavily favored in the contest, and I see no reason why they shouldn’t. This could get ugly fast.
Prediction: Appalachian State 44-17
8. Conference USA Championship
In 2014, UAB announced that they would bring their football program to an end. After a two year absence, they brought it back. Now, they are playing for a conference championship in only their second season back. Both UAB and Middle Tennessee State make their first appearance in the Championship game. They also have the same conference record, at 7-1. Look for it to be a close contest early, with UAB pulling away at the end.
Prediction: UAB 34-20
7. Pac-12 Championship Game
Washington returns to the Pac-12 Championship Game for the second time in three years. Utah is making their first appearance in it. With Utah starting quarterback Tyler Huntley out, it could get bad fast for the Utes. The game doesn’t have much riding on it, as both teams have been virtually eliminated from the College Football Playoff. But, with a trip to the Rose Bowl on the line, it could get interesting.
Prediction: Washington 28-17
6. Mountain West Conference Championship
Both of these teams are no stranger to the Mountain West Conference Championship. Fresno State has been to it four times since the championship game made it’s debut in 2013. Boise State has been to three. This will be a big game because of two reasons. First, it will be the first time that both teams are ranked heading into the game since it started. The second, is that if UCF loses to Memphis in the AAC Championship Game, the winner of this game could clinch a spot in a BCS bowl game. Boise State beat beat the Bulldogs by a touchdown earlier this season, and this time it will be no different.
Prediction: Boise State 28-21
5. AAC Championship Game
Last season, the UCF Knights and Memphis Tigers gave us one of the most exciting games of the season. A 62-55 double overtime thriller in the AAC Championship Game. In their meeting in the regular season earlier this year, the Knights pulled out a one point victory over the Tigers. If UCF wins this game, their College Football Playoff hopes stay alive, although they would need some upsets this weekend to get in. UCF is without star quarterback McKenzie Milton, and it could play a huge factor in who wins this game.
Prediction: UCF 28-26
4. ACC Championship
Clemson has dominated the ACC over the past four seasons, as they have won the past three and are looking to win their fourth in a row. Their opponent will be the Pittsburgh Panthers. It will be their first time playing in the championship game. If Clemson wins, they will advance to their fourth consecutive College Football Playoff. Pitt will put up somewhat of a fight, but Clemson runs away with this one.
Prediction: Clemson 49-24
3. Big Ten Championship
For the first time since the Big Ten split up into divisions, Northwestern will be in the conference championship game. Their opponents will be the defending Big Ten champs Ohio State Buckeyes. Dwayne Haskins is having a historic season for the Buckeyes, and he shows no sign of slowing down. The defense can be spotty at times, but the offense can put up points lime it is nothing. While Ohio State still isn’t a lock in the College Football Playoff if they win, they will look to try and convince the committee that they are good enough to get in.
Prediction: Ohio State 56-21
2. Big 12 Championship
In a rematch of what many consider to be the best rivalry in college sports, the Oklahoma Sooners will face off against the Texas Longhorns. Oklahoma will most likely clinch a spot in the College Football playoff with a win, and Texas could get in if they win, but they would need multiple other highly ranked teams to lose also. Texas defeated Oklahoma in a high scoring affair earlier this season, and this game looks to be no different. So lets get ready for The Red River Rivalry Pat II.
Prediction: Oklahoma 48-35
1. SEC Championship
In a rematch of the National Championship Game last season, the Georgia Bulldogs will look to avenge the 26-23 loss to the hands of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Two of the keys to beating Alabama are efficient quarterback play, and controlling the line of scrimmage. Luckily for Georgia, they excel in both those categories. A win for either team would guarantee a College Football Playoff berth, and the loser isn’t quite out of the picture yet. In a matchup of what could be the top two teams in the country, we can only hope for a great game.
Prediction: Georgia 23-20