4 Conference Championship Matchups to Watch this Weekend
Championship weekend his here! While there are plenty of Championship games this weekend, we wanted to focus on the big ones. These games listed will without a doubt have Playoff implications. All of these games below will be close and very entertaining in their own way. Whether you like offense, defense, teams who can do both and much more. Buckle up for a Championship weekend of high caliber that we have been waiting for 2 years!
UH Athletics/The Daily Cougar
Fansided
American Athletic Championship
#21 Houston Cougars vs. #4 Cincinnati Bearcats
What's at stake
A Bearcat victory would seal the deal and become the first-ever Group 5 team to make the College Football Playoff. It's not very important in how they win, but the more significant the point differential, the better. For Houston, a victory would diminish the Playoff hopes of the Bearcats, and they would most likely become the highest-ranked Group 5 Champion. If this happens, they will make a New Years' 6 bowl and extend their win streak to twelve.
Who to watch
(Left) Houston CB #8 Marcus Jones: For the Cougars, Jones has been one of the more underrated talents in the nation. While he is a pretty stout defender, his talents have been highly utilized as a kick and punt returner. He has four total return touchdowns this year. If the Coogs want to win, Marcus will need to contribute to special teams and defense.
(Right) Cincinnati QB #9 Desmond Ridder: He's been "that guy" for the Bearcats this year and the past few seasons. He has become a mature Quarterback that can hurt you on the ground and throwing. He's tasked with a tough defense vs. Houston; it will be the toughest they have played since Notre Dame. If Ridder can keep the unforced errors at a minimum, he can be the hero the Bearcats need to clinch a playoff spot.
Gary Cosby/ USA Today
Dawg Nation
SEC Championship
#3 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. #1 Georgia Bulldogs
What's at stake
As we see it, the Georgia Bulldogs have already clinched a spot in the Playoff. It's just a matter of where. If they beat the Tide, they stay at number 1. If they don't, it gets complicated. Alabama would clinch a spot in the playoff while Georgia would be ranked behind them somewhere. Alabama is in do or die mode coming into this game, it should make this championship competitive and exciting.
Who to watch
(Left) Alabama QB #9 Bryce Young: The first-year starter for the Tide has had plenty of great moments this season. One of which came last week vs. Auburn, where He led the Tide to a comeback win. Even in a game where he struggled greatly, he still had the girth to win the game for Alabama. He will need to be the catalyst for the Tide to win.
(Right) The Georgia Defense: No, this is not lazy writing. To say that the Georgia defense is a reason for this team's success is an understatement. They are THE reason they are successful. They are number one in the country in fewest points allowed, yards allowed, and most impressive: only allowing 7 touchdowns through twelve games(also fewest in the country). If the defense we've come to know shows up, this might be a tough day for Alabama.
Heartland College Sports
Sue Ogrocki / ASSOCIATED PRESS
Big 12 Championship
#9 Baylor Bears vs. #5 Oklahoma State Cowboys
What's at stake
The Cowboys have high stakes coming into this game. They are seeking their first-ever championship game win in school history and trying to get a spot in the playoff (this is possible, but they will need help by other teams losing). On the other hand, Baylor returns to the Big 12 Championship 2 years later to put their program back on top with a win. They would need even more help than OSU to get in the Playoff but are still hungry for a championship. This game does not feature Oklahoma or Texas for the first time in years. The world is excited to see new teams in the Big 12 rise to prominence. The Bears and the Cowboys have an opportunity their schools have been pushing for years. It should be a blast of a rematch in which OSU won 24-14.
Who to watch
(Left) Baylor LB #2 Terrel Bernard: This young man has been the source of this Baylor defense success this season. He's second on the team with 62 tackles and has a team-high five sacks. If he wants to help his Bears win, he will need a big game by slowing down this Cowboy offense. "Defense wins championships" as they say, so let's see if Bernard and his squad can live up to that.
(Right) Oklahoma State QB #3 Spencer Sanders: When you look at this man's stats, you probably won't think that highly of him. However, if you see the plays he makes, you would feel much differently. He's very dynamic and methodical at the QB position. Sanders has had plenty of moments this season where he has had to carry his offense on the run and throwing. He has shined in the big moments, and we believe that this weekend is another chance for Sanders to shine once again.
Charlie Neibergall/ AP Photo
Trent Knoop/ Wolverine Wire
Big 10 Championship
#13 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. #2 Michigan Wolverines
What's at stake
The Wolverines come into this one red hot. After their 15 point victory over #2 Ohio State, they look to win their first Big 10 Championship since 2004 and earn a spot in the playoff! Coach Harbaugh has slipped up in the past; we'll have to see if he can overcome this Iowa squad. With a victory, the Hawkeyes' highest possible post-season destination would be the Rose Bowl vs. the Pac 12 Champ. If you like defense and low scoring, this game is for you.
Who to watch
(Left) Iowa RB #15 Tyler Goodson: With over 1,000 yards this season and a total of 7 touchdowns, Goodson is by far the biggest threat offensively for the Hawkeyes. Their defense has been tremendous all year, so it's going to be up to Tyler and his offense to rack up as many points as possible over this strong Michigan defense.
(Right) Michigan DE #97 Aidan Hutchinson: This guy is THE reason Michigan came out victorious over #2 Ohio State. He had 3 sacks in that game over an offensive line which was considered the best in the country. Shutting down this Iowa offense will not be as challenging for Hutchinson as Ohio State. With scouts eying him at this game, expect him to blow a fuse.