2019 Conference Championship Preview

The regular season is over. This is the last chance for teams to make it into the Playoff. There are about four teams looking to get that 4-seed: Georgia, Oklahoma, Utah and Baylor. There are also four Group of 5 teams looking to lock up a NY6 bowl bid. We are at the end of the season, let’s hope for one more exciting weekend.

My Record: 4-2 last week, 58-26 overall (69%)

Conference Championship Games
PAC12 Championship: 5Utah vs 13Oregon (Friday)
As mentioned above, Utah is one of the four teams with a shot to be the 4-seed in the Playoff. Unfortunately for them, they have to make a big statement in this game and get some help. First of all, they need a big win over Oregon, probably by at least three TDs. Secondly, they need Baylor to win a sloppy game over Oklahoma that would eliminate both Big 12 teams. Lastly, they need LSU to take care of business with Georgia. Honestly, all of these things are possible, but I don’t see the Utes winning this game by enough to put them into the Playoff. I think they are better than Oregon, but I find it very difficult to put a one-loss Pac 12 team into the playoff. The level of play in the Pac 12 as a whole just isn’t strong.
I am picking Utah
Preseason Prediction: Utah over Washington

Big 10 Championship: 1Ohio State vs 8Wisconsin
As much as it pains me to say this, I think Ohio State is the best and most complete team in the country. The Buckeyes blew out Wisconsin earlier this season and I don’t think this game will be much different. It might be a little closer, but I expect a comfortable win from OSU.
I am picking Ohio State
Preseason Prediction: Michigan over Nebraska (oof)

SEC Championship: 4Georgia vs 2LSU
Unless LSU gets blown out by Georgia, I think the Tigers are going to be in the Playoff. I also think it would be nearly impossible to blow out this Tiger team with Joe “Burreaux” at the helm. LSU’s defense showed out last weekend by holding Texas A&M to just 7 points. I don’t see Georgia being able to score the amount of points needed to beat this LSU team. Man, this is a tough season for me with two of my least favorite teams poised to meet in the national championship.
I am picking LSU
Preseason Prediction: Alabama over Georgia

ACC Championship: 23Virginia vs 3Clemson
Clemson should win this game by about 30 points, there isn’t really any analysis on this one. I’m just happy I correctly picked Virginia to win their division.
I am picking Clemson
Preseason Prediction: Clemson over Virginia (woo!)

Big 12 Championship: 7Baylor vs 6Oklahoma
This is probably the most important game of the weekend. Both of these teams are trying to prove they deserve to be in the Playoff. I think an OU win puts them in position to make it to the post season. I think Baylor needs a strong win to jump Georgia and Utah. These teams played an entertaining game a couple of weeks ago when Oklahoma overcame a 28-3 deficit to win. Both of these teams are very good, but only Oklahoma has Jalen Hurts and that is why I am picking the Sooners.
I am picking Oklahoma
Preseason Prediction: Oklahoma over Texas

American Championship: 20Cincinnati at 17Memphis
This game is a rematch from last week. The Tigers ended up beating Cincinnati by 10 last week and now a NY6 bowl berth is on the line. Memphis has been scary good on offense this season and I don’t see them losing this game at home. This one might be a little bit closer than last week because both teams know exactly what to expect, but I think we will get the same outcome.
I am picking Memphis
Preseason Prediction: Cincinnati over Houston

MW Championship: Hawaii at 19Boise State
Hawaii was a bit of a surprise team this season. The Rainbow Warriors have won 9 games and won their division. Boise State didn’t seem as strong this season, but they still won 11 games and only lost to BYU (who was one of the weirdest teams of the season). Boise won the matchup during the regular season by 22 points and I think they will win this one too. But congrats to Hawaii for doing so well.
I am picking Boise State
Preseason Prediction: Boise State over San Diego State

Sun Belt Championship: Louisiana at 21Appalachian State
This should be a competitive game. Appalachian State won the regular season game 17-7. Both of these teams have the ability to score a lot of points, but they also both play pretty good defense. I think App State is the better team and they get to play this one at home.
I am picking Appalachian State
Preseason Prediction: Appalachian State over Arkansas State

MAC Championship: Miami (OH) vs Central Michigan
I didn’t end up watching a lot of MAC football this season because of all of our adventures and moving. Central Michigan got to this game on the strength of their offense. The Chips score a lot of points and I just don’t think that Miami (OH) can score enough to win this game.
I am picking Central Michigan
Preseason Prediction: Ohio over Toledo (Toledo was bad this year)

CUSA Championship: UAB at Florida Atlantic
For all we know, this game could feature the future head coach of Arkansas. Lane Kiffin has been interviewed for the job and I think Arkansas would be dumb not to consider Bill Clark (but I highly doubt he will leave UAB). Kiffin might have already agreed to be the Arkansas coach but he won’t say anything until after this game. The Owls have been very good this season and have won their last 5 games. UAB has also had a great season but I think FAU is just better.
I am picking Florida Atlantic
Preseason Prediction: Southern Miss over FAU