CFP Top 6
1.Georgia 12-0 (8-0) Next Week: 2.Alabama (Atlanta)
2.Michigan 11-1 (8-1) Next Week: 16.Iowa (Indianapolis)
3.Alabama 11-1 (7-1) Next Week: 1.Georgia (Atlanta)
4.Cincinnati 12-0 (8-0) Next Week: 21.Houston
5.Oklahoma State 12-1 (8-1) Next Week: 9.Baylor (Arlington)
6.Notre Dame 11-1 (0-0) Next Week: N/A
Key games this weekend (Rankings based off of CFP Poll)
Pac-12 Championship
17.Utah vs. 10.Oregon (Las Vegas) (Friday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
Oregon was absolutely humiliated by Utah in Salt Lake City two weeks ago. Can QB Anthony Brown and potential top pick Kayvon Thibodeaux (a DE) win in Las Vegas despite having no chance at a second CFP berth? Utah’s ground attack and defense were not handled well by Oregon’s defense, even as talented as it is. The game should definitely be closer than the first. Projected Score: Utah 34, Oregon 20
Big 12 Championship
5.Oklahoma State vs. 9.Baylor (Arlington) (Saturday, 12 PM ET, ABC)
Oklahoma State defeated Oklahoma in the Bedlam game for the first time since 2014 and thus rides in with tons of momentum. QB Spencer Sanders has continued to progress over the season as well as a very underrated season. Baylor QB Gerry Bohanon has been the catalyst for Baylor’s success this season as well as its defense keeping the Bears in games. It should be a fun one from Jerry World. Projected Score: Oklahoma State 38, Baylor 28
American Athletic Championship
21.Houston at. 4.Cincinnati (Saturday, 4 PM ET, ABC)
A win for Cincinnati will put them in the College Football Playoff. Houston poses a lot of challenges offensively for Cincinnati so Bearcat QB Desmond Ridder will have to be phenomenal to win this game. Projected Score: Cincinnati 31, Houston 28
SEC Championship
1.Georgia vs. 3.Alabama (Atlanta) (Saturday, 4 PM ET, CBS)
Alabama has struggled the last three weeks with wins over LSU (by 6), Arkansas (by 7), and Auburn (by 2 in 4OT), so everything suggests that the most dominant defensive team in the country will dominate this game and former Nick Saban assistant Kirby Smart finally defeating his mentor. But, history gives Saban and Alabama more than just a slim chance to win. If Georgia’s offense, led by QB Stetson Bennett and RBs James Cook can sustain enough offense, things look good for the ‘Dogs. Likely Heisman finalist and Alabama QB Bryce Young and receiver Jamison Williams will not let this one get out of proportion early. Projected Score: Georgia 35, Alabama 20
ACC Championship
15.Pittsburgh vs. 16.Wake Forest (Charlotte) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, ABC)
The QB battle between Pitt’s Kenny Pickett and Wake’s Sam Hartman will headline the first ACC Championship without Clemson in some time. Expectations of a shootout are definitely realistic as two of the top ACC offenses battle. Projected Score: Pittsburgh 45, Wake Forest 38
Big Ten Championship
16.Iowa vs. 2.Michigan (Indianapolis) (Saturday, 8 PM ET, FOX)
With Wisconsin’s loss to Minnesota, Iowa got the pleasure of winning the Big Ten west. Red-hot Michigan won the Big Ten east by defeating Ohio State. If Iowa cannot handle Michigan’s running game led by Hassan Haskins, expect a Michigan win. Projected Score: Michigan 38, Iowa 21
