Last weekend delivered thrilling college football action:
- Michigan defeated Ohio State for the fourth straight year.
- Georgia survived an eight-overtime clash with Georgia Tech.
- Miami fell to unranked Syracuse in a high-scoring game.
- Clemson suffered a setback against South Carolina, impacting CFP standings.
This week marks Conference Championship Weekend, with just 18 teams competing for a chance to impact the CFP picture. Let’s dive into the key matchups:
Mountain West Showdown
- UNLV vs. Boise State: A rematch with playoff implications as the highest-ranked Group of Five champion earns a playoff spot. UNLV’s defense (22.0 ppg allowed) will clash with Boise’s high-scoring offense (40.6 ppg). Boise has an eight-game winning streak against UNLV, dating back to 1976.
SEC Title Battle
- Georgia vs. Texas: Texas seeks revenge for their only loss of the season, but Georgia’s dominance at the line and home advantage in Atlanta make it a tough challenge. Texas boasts the nation’s best defense but faces a Bulldogs team thriving in high-pressure games.
CFP Ranks Debate: SMU vs. Alabama
- SMU’s No. 8 rank sparks debate. If they lose the title game, should they fall behind non-finalist Alabama? The committee must evaluate now, not punish a loss while rewarding idle teams.
Big Ten Stakes
- Penn State faces another test to prove they’re a serious contender. Meanwhile, Ohio State benefits from extra rest and refocus after losing to Michigan, setting them up for a strong playoff push.
Arizona State’s Rise
- Picked last in the Big 12 preseason, ASU is now a win away from a conference title. Their seven-win improvement marks the largest in program history.