The conference championships are finally here. We have some familiar teams with rematches, but there’s also some new and unusual faces making their first appearance ever or in awhile. While Georgia solidified their playoff spot (even if they lose this weekend), it’s still uncertain who the other three will claim their spot.

One quick note: the teams highlighted in red are my underrated teams. If you haven’t realized that by now, I have underrated picks for the 2021 season and four are playing this weekend. If you want more information about my Underrated picks, check out my 2021 preview posts.

FRIDAY

C-USA CHAMPIONSHIP – 4PM PT/7PM ET [CBS SPORTS NETWORK]

WESTERN KENTUCKY (8-4; 7-1) AT UTSA (11-1; 7-1)

UTSA makes their first conference title appearance since joining the FBS. They also finished the season 11-1 for the first time in program history. Western Kentucky started 1-4 before ripping off seven straight wins while allowing 21 points or less in that span. They are also 2-0 in conference championship history. Their only conference loss was to UTSA in their first conference game by a score due to Bailey Zappe’s game-ending interception throw. Both teams have the best turnover margin in the conference and feature two good quarterbacks. However, UTSA has the best running back in the conference and Top 10 in the country. The Hilltopper’s key is stopping the run altogether.

MY PICK: WESTERN KENTUCKY

PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIP [LAS VEGAS] – 5PM PT/8PM ET [ABC]

#17 UTAH (9-3; 8-1) VS. #10 OREGON (10-2; 7-2)

Oregon meets Utah again after getting the door slammed down before entering Utah’s stadium. Utah won eight of the last nine games, including their current five-game win streak. Quarterback Cam Rising continues onward with his last name, and special teams and defense continues to dominate during their stretch. Oregon bounced back against Oregon State to play their third straight conference title game. They are 4-0 all-time and have defeated Utah in that title game two seasons ago. They have a good defense as long as linebacker Noah Sewell and defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux are active. Oregon’s offense must step up and overcome adversity with injuries affecting the skills position. Utah destroyed Oregon at home, but now they are on neutral ground.

MY PICK: OREGON

SATURDAY

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP [ARLINGTON] – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ABC]

#9 BAYLOR (10-2; 7-2) VS. #5 OKLAHOMA STATE (11-1; 8-1)

Baylor and Oklahoma State accomplished their season by defeating Oklahoma in order to play in the Big 12 championship. Baylor makes their second appearance in three seasons while Oklahoma State makes their first appearance as the new representative for the state of Oklahoma. They represent the Big 12’s top two defenses, but Oklahoma State is more consistent. Their only 30 point game allowed was to Oklahoma last week. Baylor snuck up on the college football world and sucker punched nearly every opponent they crossed paths with. But now they have their hands with the Pokes and must match them in all facets of the game.

MY PICK: OKLAHOMA STATE

MAC CHAMPIONSHIP [DETROIT] – 9AM PT/12PM ET [ESPN]

KENT STATE (7-5; 6-2) VS. NORTHERN ILLINOIS (8-4; 6-2)

Kent State makes their second appearance while Northern Illinois makes their ninth appearance. Kent State and Northern Illinois survived their non-conference games with at least a win or two before dominating the MAC to appear in Detroit. Kent State is strong offensively and quarterback Dustin Crum is up for All-MAC honors and more. He was heavily relied on to create opportunities for the offense’s success. Northern Illinois has been reluctant and resilient in the MAC all season long with one blowout loss to Western Michigan. Every other game was by one possession. Northern Illinois and Kent State met up previously in 2012, but the Huskies won 44-37 in two overtimes. Kent State won the last meeting on November 3rd and should have the talent to overcome anything that Northern Illinois throws at them.

MY PICK: KENT STATE

MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP – 12PM PT/3PM ET [FOX]

UTAH STATE (9-3; 6-2) AT #19 SAN DIEGO STATE (11-1; 7-1)

Utah State makes their first appearance since the inaugural year of the Mountain West championship, while San Diego State makes their third appearance (2-0 all-time). Utah State Blake Anderson and quarterback Logan Bonner’s success at Arkansas State rubbed off well. It was enough to make the Aggies a Top 3 offense in the conference. It was enough upset Washington State and hold off Air Force and Boise State to win the Mountain. San Diego State has quietly succeeded in 2021. They upset Utah in overtime, and held off Fresno State and Nevada to retake the West. Utah State’s offense must overcome San Diego State’s defense to win their first championship, but they’ll need Fresno’s film to figure out how. Even then, they may come up short since SDSU’s offense found a spark in quarterback Jordon Brookshire.

MY PICK: SAN DIEGO STATE

SUN BELT CHAMPIONSHIP – 12:30PM PT/3:30PM ET [ESPN]

APPALACHIAN STATE (10-2; 7-1) AT #24 LOUISIANA (11-1; 8-0)

The Sun Belt Championship might as well call themselves the Cajun-Apps Championship because App State and Louisiana’s third straight championship meeting since it’s inaugural year. Last year’s was cancelled between Coastal Carolina and Louisiana due to COVID, so it doesn’t count. App State is undefeated in the title game, but Louisiana closed in and dethroned them the last two meetings. App State reeled off six straight wins since the loss to Louisiana while Louisiana hasn’t lost a game since their first week against Texas. The Mountaineers are out for blood after destroying their opponents and their defense’s goal is to shut down quarterback Levi Lewis. However, Louisiana should be motivated to win with the seniors (and super seniors) and they want to send coach Billy Napier out on a high note with their first Sun Belt championship victory.

MY PICK: LOUISIANA

AMERICAN ATHLETIC CHAMPIONSHIP – 1PM PT/4PM ET [ESPN2]

#21 HOUSTON (11-1; 8-0) AT #4 CINCINNATI (12-0; 8-0)

Everything is right in front of Cincinnati to be the first Group of Five school in the College Football Playoff. But their true test is also right in front of them. Coach Dana Holgorsen, quarterback Clayton Tune, and Houston will be there to try and crash their party. Houston won every game since losing in Week 1 to Texas Tech. Their success came from quarterback Clayton Tune and special teams and defense led by all-purpose player Marcus Jones. Success and leadership is everywhere and Luke Fickell is credited for the program’s turnaround and rise above and beyond the Group of Five level. Houston returns to the AAC title game since it’s inaugural season in 2015. They are also 1-0 as former champs. Cincinnati won the last two meetings and are also 1-1 in the AAC title game. Houston will throw everything at them, but Cincy’s at home and are motivated to get to the college football playoff at any cost.

MY PICK: CINCINNATI

SEC CHAMPIONSHIP [ATLANTA] – 1PM PT/4PM ET [CBS]

#3 ALABAMA (11-1; 7-1) VS. #1 GEORGIA (12-0; 8-0)

Alabama and Georgia meet up again since 2019 and have crossed paths in three of the last four, including the last two years with one regular season meeting. If anyone watched Georgia vs. Alabama lately, it seems, scripted. Georgia comes out running early, they get a good lead and has a winning advantage. When Alabama is backed in a corner somewhere late in the first half or second half, they scratched and clawed with tusks, and comes back to win late. Yes, Georgia seems like a complete team, but after the last four meetings against the Tide, it’s unclear if Georgia can get it done. As American golfer Craig Statler always said, “Would you take the pressure over imminent victory?”.

MY PICK: ALABAMA

ACC CHAMPIONSHIP [CHARLOTTE] – 5PM PT/8PM ET [ABC]

#15 PITTSBURGH (10-2; 7-1) VS. #16 WAKE FOREST (10-2; 7-1)

Who would’ve expected the conference championship would not include Clemson there? (Me raising my hand). Believe it or not, Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett was here his freshmen year, but lost badly to Clemson. Pitt gets a second opportunity and their high-flying offense is ready to fly. Same goes for Wake Forest. They managed to survive the Atlantic division after Clemson nearly dragged them away from it. Their defense may not look apart, but they’re very capable of forcing turnovers on a whim. Wake Forest and Pitt makes their second title appearance ever, but Wake previously had an ACC title. Wake will come out swinging but Pickett’s been here before and wants an ACC title to go out on top with as a senior.

MY PICK: PITTSBURGH

BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIP [INDIANAPOLIS] – 5PM PT/8PM ET [FOX]

#13 IOWA (10-2; 7-2) VS. #2 MICHIGAN (11-1; 8-1)

The Big Ten championship features a bizarre matchup that no one expected. There is no Wisconsin vs. an East team that ends with State. It’s Iowa vs. Michigan. Simple. Iowa returns after a near perfect 2015 season. They still have great defense and special teams. But their offense isn’t consistent. The quarterback position is an issue but the Hawkeyes must run the ball more and be more creative. Michigan finally gets the Buckeye nut off their back to achieve their first division title under coach Jim Harbaugh. Michigan may also have three phases of football solidified for a potential playoff run. However, this is their big test against Iowa’s stingy defense and good special teams. It’s easy to say that the Wolverines will overpower Iowa but don’t underestimate Iowa’s capabilities. Iowa must play perfect offense while Michigan must play their A game. Unless Iowa’s offense has a secret weapon in their playbook to collapse Michigan altogether, the Wolverines have leverage going in.

MY PICK: MICHIGAN