2022 Conference Championship Game picks

Photo by Los Angeles Times

Pac 12 Championship (Las Vegas, NV)

Utah vs. USC (USC -2.5)

A rematch of the early season thriller where Utah pulled out a 1-point win. I believe Utah has a great chance to do it again. They won’t be in Salt Lake this time, but I do like Utah with their offense to keep up with USC and with Utah to come up with a timely stop. It will most likely be another high-scoring game, but Utah has the better defense. Utah covers

My Pick: Utah +2.5

Big 12 Championship (Arlington, TX)

Kansas St vs. TCU (TCU -2.5)

This is another rematch with TCU winning 38-28 earlier in the season. In that game, TCU came back from a 28-10 deficit. This was the first game that Will Howard played in for the 2022 season. Howard led KSU to four touchdowns in the first half but could not get anything going in the second half. TCU will be better prepared for Howard to play in this game. TCU wins and covers.

My Pick: TCU -2.5

SEC Championship (Atlanta, GA)

LSU vs. Georgia (UGA -17.5)

Georgia is clearly the better team, and with Jayden Daniels missing some time last week against Texas A&M due to an ankle injury, Georgia stamps their ticket to the playoff with an emphatic win. UGA didn’t get it done in last year’s SEC championship game, but did win the National Championship, so they will want to make up for it. UGA’s defense lost a lot to the NFL, but they still hold opponents to under 80 yards rushing.

My Pick: Georgia -17.5

ACC Championship (Charlotte, NC)

Clemson vs. North Carolina (CLEM -9.5)

This will be a high-scoring affair with the Tar Heels offense and struggling defense. We could also see Cade Klubnik in place of D.J. Uiagalelei since Clemson will not be going to the College Football Playoff, and Klubnik is the team’s future. This will be a tight game, and I see UNC staying with Clemson to cover.

My Pick: North Carolina +9.5

BIG TEN Championship (Indianapolis, IN)

Purdue vs. Michigan (MICH -16.5)

Can the Spoilermakers do it again versus another #2 ranked team? Purdue has 9 wins against #2 ranked teams when they are unranked, and Jeff Brohm is 3-0 versus top 3 teams when his team is unranked. Michigan will be without their stud running back, Blake Corum, who will undergo knee surgery.  The three-touchdown score is a lot to cover, so I will take Purdue, even though it did come down by a half-point.

My Pick: Purdue +16.5