CFB Championship Weekend Selections

Happy Friday, everyone! It’s December 3, which means we have the college football conference championships this weekend! Tonight starts off with the Ryan Conference USA Championship between UTSA and Western Kentucky, and the Pac-12 Championship Game between #10 Oregon and #17 Utah. Of course, that’s not all that happens this weekend. We see the rest of the conference championship games all day tomorrow. Anyways, here are my picks for the conference championship games:

Western Kentucky (8-4) (-3.5) at UTSA (11-1)

In the Ryan Conference USA Championship, UTSA hosts the Hilltoppers in a rematch of a shootout earlier this season. Expect the same type of game tonight. With UTSA having a home-field advantage, that will certainly help. However, it won’t be what gives them the win. They need the defense to prevent Western Kentucky from scoring. The Hilltoppers average 43.2 points per game! UTSA wins their first Conference USA Championship.

Tune into Western Kentucky at UTSA at 7 PM ET on CBS Sports Network.

#10 Oregon (10-2) vs. #17 Utah (9-3) (-2.5)

Why is Utah favored, may you ask? It has to do with the Utes’ blowout win over Oregon in Salt Lake City just weeks ago. Should the same outcome happen? I don’t think so. Oregon is 4-0 in the Pac-12 Championship Game, and they’re familiar with what to expect from Utah now. Watch out for Kayvon Thibodeaux. He had an unbelievable game in the championship last year against USC. Expect a similar performance from him in Las Vegas tonight. Oregon secures the Pac-12 spot in the Rose Bowl Game.

Tune into Oregon vs. Utah at 8 PM ET on ABC.

#9 Baylor (10-2) vs. #5 Oklahoma State (11-1) (-6)

Oklahoma State has been unbelievable this season, with wins over Boise State, Kansas State, Baylor, and Oklahoma. This will be a rematch of the October 2 matchup, where the Cowboys won 24-14. Now, Baylor has the slight home-field advantage, with the game being in their home state of Texas. With Oklahoma State’s top defense all season, the Pokes punch their ticket to at least the Sugar Bowl, and maybe even the College Football Playoff.

Tune into Baylor vs. Oklahoma State on Saturday at 12 PM ET on ABC.

Kent State (7-5) (-3.5) vs. Northern Illinois (8-4)

Northern Illinois is going to their eighth MAC Championship in the last twelve seasons. That is absurd. Kent State won in a shootout in Kent, but Northern Illinois gets their revenge tomorrow.

Tune into Kent State vs. Northern Illinois on Saturday at 12 PM ET on ESPN.

Utah State (9-3) at #19 San Diego State (11-1) (-6)

San Diego State has won 11 of the last 12 games against Utah State. So there’s dominance for the Aztecs already coming into this game. The game is in Carson, where San Diego State calls home while their new stadium gets built. So, it’s a semi-home venue for them as they host the Mountain West Championship Game against the Aggies. The Aztecs head to the LA Bowl with a stellar performance from their defense.

Tune into Utah State at San Diego State on Saturday at 4 PM ET on FOX.

Appalachian State (10-2) (-2.5) at #24 Louisiana (11-1)

The Sun Belt Championship should be a fun one, as the Ragin’ Cajuns are at home hosting Appalachian State. With the home-field advantage Louisiana has, I think they win despite the Mountaineers leading the series 8-2.

Tune into Appalachian State at Louisiana on Saturday at 3:30 PM ET on ESPN.

#1 Georgia (12-0) (-6.5) vs. #3 Alabama (11-1)

Yes. I’m calling for an upset. Alabama has won six straight against Georgia. The last time the Bulldogs won against the Crimson Tide, the year was 2007! Georgia’s top defense will make this a low-scoring game, but with Bryce Young leading Alabama’s offense, I’m calling the upset in the SEC Championship Game. This also means more to Alabama than it does to Georgia.

Tune into Georgia vs. Alabama on Saturday at 4 PM ET on CBS.

#21 Houston (11-1) at #4 Cincinnati (12-0) (-10.5)

I wanted to call for an upset win here, but it is not likely at all. Houston has not lost since Week 1, but when the game is in Cincinnati, you’ll struggle. Especially when Cincinnati is ranked top-10 in scoring offense and defense. Houston can score too, but I don’t think that will be presented against Cincinnati’s defense.

Tune into Houston at Cincinnati on Saturday at 4 PM ET on ABC.

#2 Michigan (11-1) (-11.5) vs. #13 Iowa (10-2)

I’m expecting a low-scoring game, just like the last time these two teams faced off. Iowa has a great defense, and probably a better one than Michigan. However, the Wolverines’ ability to score will lead them to a Big Ten Championship. Also, watch out for Aidan Hutchinson, who is possibly the best defensive player in college football.

Tune into Michigan vs. Iowa on Saturday at 8 PM ET on FOX.

#15 Pittsburgh (10-2) (-3.5) vs. #16 Wake Forest (10-2)

Pittsburgh has a slightly better defense than Wake Forest, but I think it will all come down to who has the ball last in this game. I’m expecting a shootout, between two of the best quarterbacks in the ACC. Everyone has praised Kenny Pickett, but where is the love for Sam Hartman? Wake Forest has a better offense, so expect them to stay in this game. However, it’s their defense that has to make big plays. They showed up against Boston College last week, why can’t they show up in Charlotte? Wake Forest wins their first ACC Championship since 2006.

Tune into Pittsburgh vs. Wake Forest on Saturday at 8 PM ET on ABC.