We are finally here at Championship Week and the scenarios are most straightforward. However, plenty is on the line from an undefeated season to a playoff opportunity. There are plenty of games involving rematches whether it’s from earlier this year or last year, or 4 years ago (in Boise/UNLV’s case). We already assume a few of the matchups are unanimous, but the rest are toss ups. Teams that lost last season are looking for vengeance, but there are also teams looking to end losing streaks against their opponents. Be careful picking teams in the conference title games this weekend. I want to believe the obvious Top 4 playoff teams will get in, but anything can happen in football. Also, don’t count out Florida State just yet.

FRIDAY

Undefeated Liberty is looking to make a statement in the college football world. The Flames torched most of their opponents with a few obstacles to overcome. Quarterback Kaidon Salter is a gem but so is running back Quinton Cooley after going off for 1251 yards and 13 touchdowns. You also have New Mexico State quarterback Diego Pavia who is a dawg since taking over as the starting quarterback midseason last year. Under his command, he guided the team to four wins in the last five weeks to become bowl-eligible and pull off a win over Bowling Green in the postseason. Now, Pavia guides NMSU to their first 10-win season since 1960 in the BIAA conference (Border Intercollegiate Athletic Association). In this previous matchup back in September, the game was fairly close at halftime, but turnovers cost the Aggies a win. However, NMSU is no stranger to Lynchburg since they won there before, and Pavia was the reason for the big win. I will be wrong, but I don’t care. It’s hard to bet against this kid that fails to quit when the going gets tough. They won eight straight games, including big wins at Western Kentucky, at Auburn, and against Jacksonville State in three straight weeks. I’ll be on the side of Pavia for the Aggies to win the championship.

MY PICK: NEW MEXICO STATE

The soon-to-be All Big Ten teams matchup in this epic Pac-12 Championship battle. The conference was by far the best from top to bottom, and yes, soon-to-be ACC teams Cal and Stanford too. Oregon and Washington stood out amongst the rest and overcame to soon-to-be Pac-2 opponents Washington State and Oregon State to decide who’s the best in the Pac-12 this weekend. Washington’s a deadly offensive team under Michael Penix and many receivers across the board. Receiver Rome Odunze leads all pass catchers with 73 receptions, 1326 yards, and 13 touchdowns. Defense has several edge rushers that impacts the game in so many ways. They are Bralen Trice, Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edefuan Ulofoshio, and cornerback Jabbar Muhammad. Oregon picked up where they left off from last season under coach Dan Lanning. They look and play like the best team in college football. They’re much better and more dangerous with a healthy Bo Nix. Returning players improved while a couple pieces added to the roster helped further their progress to compete for the college football playoffs and more. Bucky Irving, Jordan James, Troy Franklin, Tez Johnson, and Terrence Ferguson, and others contributed to the offense’s success. Defense isn’t talked about much, but they played a huge part in Oregon’s success from run stops, to pass coverage, and pass rushing. Not one player stood out on their own because everyone’s played a part as a team. Oregon’s favored, but Washington’s playing with a chip on their shoulder. However, Oregon’s loss to them hangs over their head after bypassing two field goals for fourth down plays which failed and cost them the game. It’s not likely to happen again and the team as a whole will be ready to down Washington for the last Pac-12 title and playoff appearance.

MY PICK: OREGON

SATURDAY

The MACtion had two obvious teams for the conference championship, but it wasn’t easy for either. Both went on a run in their conference and collided once in October, which Toledo held off for the win. It also resulted in Miami (OH)’s quarterback Brett Gabbert’s season-ending leg injury. Nonetheless, the Redhawks overcame adversity and relied on running back Rashad Amos and their defense led by linebacker Matt Salopek. The four-game stretch kept the last four opponents under 20 points. Holy Toledo! The Rockets flew through the MAC and overcame some adversity down the stretch to return to the MAC title game for the second straight season. Everything starts with quarterback Dequan Finn who has NFL potential. Running back Peny Boone is the other reason why the team is so good offensively. Defense isn’t always perfect, but they have stand outs at each level that impacts their defense: defensive tackle Judge Culpepper (8.5 sacks), linebacker Dallas Gant (97 total tackles), and safety Maxen Hook (3 interceptions). The matchup should be similar, but Toledo had some slow starts down the stretch after the game against Miami (OH). It’s likely low scoring to start out before the Rockets eventually starts the engine for takeoff. The Redhawks defense must keep them under 20 to have a chance. Otherwise, there’s little to no trust in quarterback Aveon Smith to keep this team in the game.

MY PICK: TOLEDO

Oklahoma State and Texas clash for one last time in the Big 12 before Texas moves on to the SEC. Both teams traveled on different paths to arrive while overcoming adversity. The Pokes were an enigma for the first part of the season. After a blowout loss at home to South Alabama and a follow-up loss to Iowa State, they were non-existent. They put themselves back in the CFB landscape after upsets against the Sunflower State, at West Virginia, and Oklahoma. They did get rocked at the Bounce House at UCF, but they did enough to qualify for the Big 12 title game. The players responsible for this illustrious run was quarterback Alan Bowman, soon-to-be All-American Ollie Gordon II, receivers Brennan Pressley and Rashod Owens, and a series of defensive players led by linebacker Nickolas Martin. Texas endured plenty of adversity after losing to Oklahoma. Quinn Ewers was hurt during the run, and Texas’s season looked bleak. On the contrary because backs Jonathan Brooks and CJ Baxter, and pass catchers Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Ja’Tavion Sanders, and Jordan Whittington did whatever it took to lead Texas to the Big 12 title game. Since Steve Sarkisian is 0-2 against Oklahoma State since taking over for Texas. Now, they meet on neutral ground and the Pokes hope to put the nail in the coffin and send both them and Oklahoma out of the conference with an L. The Longhorns know they’re within reach of the CFP and Quinn Ewers is healthy and playing well down the stretch. It’ll be a war in a sea of burnt orange, but Texas finds a way to come up with an important victory over Mike Gundy to finally hoist the Big 12 title trophy.

MY PICK: TEXAS

UNLV finally makes their mark, and oh what a special mark it was. Everything started with the game against Vanderbilt. After quarterback Doug Brumfield went down with an injury, freshmen Jordan Maiava stepped in and led the team to an unthinkable victory over Vandy. After that, they ran through their schedule with ease despite a couple of losses along the way. It looked like UNLV’s season was over after losing to San Jose State. However, the computers worked in their favor to solve the 3-way tie situation with them, San Jose, and Boise. The system chose UNLV and Boise to face each other. If it wasn’t Maiava stepping in, UNLV wouldn’t be here. In vice versa, Boise struggled for about six to seven weeks during the season. They started 3-4, couldn’t shell out wins against teams like UCF, Memphis, or even Colorado State. Despite blowing out New Mexico, coach Andy Avalos was fired. Boise ends up finishing with three straight wins, including a major victory over Air Force to boot them out of a Mountain West title opportunity. Quarterback Taylen Green and running back Ashton Jeanty are deadly forces in the backfield and will give opposing defenses fits. This matchup is likely a high-scoring one and both feature great backfields. I enjoyed UNLV’s run despite being a UNR alumni, but I rarely see the success from the Rebels. However, Boise’s still the better team and was resilient making it this far despite some shaky moments. They should outplay UNLV but expect Maiava to light things up.

MY PICK: BOISE STATE

The new-look AAC was easy pickings for some good teams trying to be great. Tulane, SMU, UTSA, and Memphis were in contention, but it’s down to Tulane and SMU. Tulane was the obvious favorite to repeat because of quarterback Michael Pratt. When he’s healthy, he’s definitely the guy to watch out for. He’s complimented by freshmen back Makhi Hughes when the team needed to replace Tyjae Spears from last season. SMU finally arrives in their first AAC title game after Houston, UCF, and Cincinnati departs for the Big 12. They reeled off eight straight wins with an electric offense led by quarterback Preston Stone. The sophomore finally shined after sitting as a backup for two seasons. He chalked up 3095 yards with 28 touchdowns with a 65.4 percent completion rate. SMU’s defense is a force up front tying the conference in sacks (40) and third in tackles for losses (87). Both teams met last season and SMU lost out on an AAC title opportunity after Tulane took them down in a 59-24 victory. SMU’s looking to throw some pressure at Tulane and see how Pratt responds. Tulane’s still the better team on both sides and it’s not enough for SMU to keep up with.

MY PICK: TULANE

This was the obvious matchup everyone should’ve expected since the offseason. However, not many expected Alabama to have a quarterback that would improve while no one expected Georgia to play inconsistent despite going undefeated once again. After Bama’s loss to Texas, they were doubted at the quarterback position and as whole, and Bama fans were nervous, scared, and skeptical all at the same time. But with patience and time, quarterback Jalen Milroe worked out as THE guy. With each win was a sense of pride as Milroe said “Roll Tide” with swagger and confidence. The 4th and 31 TD throw that won the game was a crazy sense of it, but it showed that Bama won’t go down without a fight no matter if it’s from the 41-yard line to win the championship or on 4th and goal at the 31 to win the Iron Bowl. Georgia dominated their schedule again, but they were anything but dominant. Quarterback Carson Beck was the guy from the start, but the team showed a bit of complacency. After stepping into SEC competition, there were opponents trying to eliminate the two-time champs. In four opportunities, opponents failed by 17 points or less. Outside of the conference was Georgia Tech. They had the best opportunity to upset their in-state rival but failed to keep up. In the middle of the season, the Brock Bowers injury created pause across Dawg Nation, but they were resilient enough with their defense and other options on offense to help Beck get through the season. Now, both Bama and Georgia stand here in Atlanta surrounded by hundreds of thousands of people like a gladiator match. While playoff implications play a massive part, Alabama and Georgia both want the title to help their cause. Georgia will be in the biggest slugfest of their life while Bama must play A+ football to defeat the Dawgs in their home state. Saban witnessed Georgia’s National title victory in Los Angeles in returned to the war room in Tuscaloosa to plot a way to end this. Somehow, someway, Milroe and company respond for him just enough to upset the Bulldogs that could likely drag them out of the playoff spot for good and give Alabama their pride back with an SEC title.

MY PICK: ALABAMA

Troy returns to the Sun Belt championship after another successful season. The defense is one of the best in the conference again and bandit/linebacker Richard Jubinor’s the reason that side is so good again. The offense made steady improvements under quarterback Gunnar Watson. The senior separated his TD/INT ratio from two (14-12) to 11 (26-5). He needed a receiver after Tez Johnson transferred to Oregon, and Jabre Barber was a seamless transition as the number one guy catching 60 passes while Chris Lewis caught nine touchdowns. Running back Kimani Vidal has NFL potential. His numbers improved each year and is currently at 1349 yards with nine touchdowns. If he leaves early, he’ll be a bright spot somewhere on an NFL roster. Appalachian State shook off their slow start in the first seven weeks (3-4) and went on a tear in the last five (5-0) including upsetting James Madison to save their season for a Sun Belt title appearance. Quarterback Joey Aguilar to step up as the guy and eventually flourished. He’s up to 3271 yards with 33 touchdowns and is complemented by running back Nate Noel. Former East division opponents collide, but App State owns Troy in the last five meetings. Troy is a strong group but didn’t play a tough East division that has virtually every team bowl eligible. Troy is hot, but App State’s playing hot at the right time. It’s a slugfest that likely ends with App State victorious against another good defensive group.

MY PICK: APPALACHIAN STATE

This ACC title game is different. No orange team or former Coastal team this season. It’s odd, but we need some new or different matchups, especially for Florida State and Louisville. While there may be doubters out there wanting Florida State eliminated, this roster is built for playoff competition from running backs to receivers, an improved offensive line that steadied themselves in sacks allowed and TFL’s allowed, and down to their defense that’s been a bright spot thanks to defensive end Jared Verse, linebacker Jalen DeLoach, and defensive backs Jarrian Jones and Renardo Green. Coach Jeff Brohm brought plenty of optimism to Louisville that needed an additional leg up in competition and he did. While it seems like the offense was the reason because of Brohm’s identity, the credit goes to the defense. Despite the roster turnover, they steadied themselves with linebacker TJ Quinn, defensive back Cam’Ron Kelly, and defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte leading the unit that’ll only improve. Going back to the offense, quarterback Jack Plummer found comfort with Brohm’s offense after originally playing for him at Purdue. They also have Georgia State transfer receiver Jamari Thrash as the most reliable player in the passing game. Not only that, but the running back room is an advantage for the offense led by Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo. Florida State’s road to the playoffs go through Charlotte past this stingy Cardinals defense. The Cards will do everything to end to Florida State’s run and the world expects it too. Yes, I’m very aware of Florida State’s quarterback situation and may dig into their third string if backup Tate Rodemaker’s not cleared of concussion protocol, but they find a way past that defense while pulling all the stops on Louisville’s offense by shutting down the run and forcing Plummer into an uncomfortable situation. A turnover or two is just enough to help clinch the Seminoles the ACC title and a playoff spot.

MY PICK: FLORIDA STATE

Well, this is how it all ends. The Big Ten championship game that seems very, very lopsided by all accounts. Iowa comes in as the best defense and special teams unit in the country while Michigan boasts one of the best teams in the country. There’s not much to go through because this matchup seems farce. Iowa has the best defense and special teams no question, but their offense is by far the worst in the country with no name to refute against. The only players that contribute to that side is running backs Leshon Williams and Kaleb Johnson, and tight end Erick All (if he’s targeted at all). Everyone knows about Michigan after their season started in November. It starts with quarterback JJ McCarthy and works down to running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, the offensive line, and pass catchers Roman Wilson, Cornelius Johnson, AJ Barner, and Colston Loveland. Defense is one of the best in the country competing with Iowa’s. What can Iowa do to slow down Michigan? They’re in neutral site, but optimism is still not on their side. Defense will do everything they possibly can to slow down Michigan, and punters will try to suffocate them deep in their own backfield. It still won’t be enough when they’re without all-purpose defensive player Cooper DeJean, the White Honey Badger. It probably ends as badly as it did in the 2021 Big Ten title game. Sorry, Iowa.

MY PICK: MICHIGAN

WEEK 12 RESULTS: 8-5

TOTAL RESULTS: 73-40