Quarterbacks Security Liufau for the Colorado Buffaloes, and Jake Browning for the Washington Huskies, will try to lead their teams to victory in tonight’s PAC-12 Title Game. Both QB’s have incredible seasons.
It’s College Football’s Conference Championship Weekend, and while there should be no issues with the top four teams in this week’s College Football Playoff Rankings, at least two of them could easily be knocked out with a loss this weekend. Ohio State seems to be the most secure, even though they’re not playing this weekend. Alabama, looks like a lock as well even if they lose to Florida, but that’s not guarantee, despite their number one ranking.
The other two spots are definitely up for grabs. So, can Clemson and Washington handle their business in conference title games this weekend, or can a team like Penn State, Wisconsin, or even Michigan make their way in? We’ll dive in and take a closer look with Sports and Swag’s College Football Conference Championship Weekend Picks…..
GAME OF THE WEEKEND
PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Colorado (+8) vs Washington
The PAC-12 gets our weekend started with what should be a fantastic game. Both teams are very good on the offensive side of the ball. Colorado averages over 35 points per game, and Washington is a bit better at nearly 45. Both teams loss in conference came to USC. The Trojans may actually be the best in the PAC-12, but their slow start to the season was too much to overcome.
Both teams can hurt you through the air and on the ground, but Jake Browning makes this Huskies offense a bit more dynamic. Sefu Liufau, the senior QB for Colorado is a guy that can hurt you with his arm and legs, so the Huskies’ discipline on defense will be tested.
What this game really comes down to is can Washington fight off the pressure of making the playoff? Colorado, has maybe a slim shot of making the playoff, so they come in with a lot less to lose. That gives them an advantage. Still, the Huskies are the better squad overall. Look for this game to go right down to the wire. But in the end, Huskies win the game, however take the Buffs to cover the 8 points……. WASHINGTON 33 – 27.
BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Wisconsin vs Penn State (+3)
The running back battle between the Badgers’ Corey Clement, and the Nittany Lions’ Saquon Barkley should be fun to watch and could decide who wins the game.
Both Wisconsin and Penn State rely heavily on their defense and running game, but Penn State is a bit more explosive in the passing game. That should be the difference in this game. Trace McSorley, has been the difference between a good Penn State team and a Penn State that’s looked borderline great as of late.
Both teams have a case to make the playoff if they win, but the one glaring flaw for the Nittany Lions is that 49-10 blowout loss to Michigan. It’s going to be hard for them to overcome that, but expect them to beat Wisconsin STRAIGHT UP, as the Badgers come in the 3-point favorite….. PENN STATE 27-17
ACC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Virginia Tech vs Clemson (-10)
In another matchup where one team has all the pressure in the world and the other has none whatsoever, the Clemson Tigers and Virginia Tech Homes do battle in the ACC Championship. The Tigers are clearly the better team here, but have played down to lesser talented teams all season. Still, Dabo Swinney’s bunch had only the one loss at home to Pittsburgh.
The Tigers weakness is their defense. They’re nowhere near the unit they were a year ago. Problem is, Virginia Tech’s weakness is their offense. While, the pressure of playing themselves into the playoff could be a factor, expect the expected………CLEMSON 38-20
SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Alabama vs Florida (+24.5)
Florida QB Austin Appleby has to see as little of Bama LB Reuben Foster as possible, if the Gators are to have a chance in the SEC Title Game.
Alabama comes in a huge favorite to win this game and roll into the playoff undefeated. The Gators are however, a dangerous team with a defense that could cause problems for Jalen Hurts and a Tide offense that’s struggled at times lately. But, can the Gators score is the question? The only touchdown scored by Florida in that last eight quarters of play was the 98-yard TD pass, Austin Appleby to Tyrie Cleveland, in the win over LSU.
This game could play out much like last season’s 29-15 Bama victory in the championship game. Look for Florida’s defense have their moments, but in the end the lack of offense will still be too much to overcome. Look for the Gators to cover the 24.5, but….. BAMA 27-9.
In other games…..
Take Oklahoma State (+11) at Oklahoma
AAC Championship
Take Navy (-3) over Temple
Enjoy your championship weekend! For more sports talk, as always, follow me on Twitter and like Sports and Swag on Facebook.
The post College Football Conference Championship Weekend Picks appeared first on The Sports and Swag Report.
