Conference Championship Previews

Friday Night

#17 Western Michigan Vs. Ohio (Detroit)-  7:00 ESPN2

#8 Colorado Vs #4 Washington (Santa Clara)- 9:00 Fox

Western Michigan tries to complete an undefeated season when it takes on Ohio in the MAC Championship game.  Ohio is led by a strong defense, which is going up against a top tier Bronco attack.  In the PAC 12 Championship game, Washington tries to clinch its spot in the college football playoff.  Washington QB Jake Browning has struggled against the top two defenses he has seen this year, and can’t afford to do that against Colorado.  The Buffaloes have the best defense in the Pac 12, and their offense has turned it around in recent weeks. 

Saturday Day

Temple @ #19 Navy- 12:00 ABC

#10 Oklahoma State @ #9 Oklahoma (Bedlam Game)- 12:30 Fox

Navy has an outside shot of making it to the Cotton Bowl, particularly if Western Michigan losses on Friday night.  The Midshipmen have punted just twice in the month of November, and put up 75 points last weekend.  The Owls have a strong defense, and enough offensive firepower to match Navy.  The key to this game is getting an early lead.  Navy is not built to play from behind, but are tough to come back on.  Oklahoma and Oklahoma State are playing for the 111^th time.  Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook has become a dark horse candidate for the Heisman trophy, while quarterback Baker Mayfield made it to New York last season.  However, the Sooners defense has been terrible all year long, particularly against the pass.  If QB Mason Rudolph gets going, the Cowboys could put up over 50.

Saturday Afternoon

#1 Alabama Vs #15 Florida (Atlanta)- 4:00 CBS

In the SEC Championship game, Alabama is 23 point favorites over Florida.  Alabama has played just one game so far this season in which they won by less than double digits.  The Crimson Tide defense is one of the best in the land and are facing a struggling Florida offense.  The Gators are averaging just over 11 points per game in the month of November, and will need to score off turnovers to have a chance in this one.  Florida’s defense is quite good against the run, and will need to force Alabama freshman QB Jalen Hurst into 3^rd and long situations.  Hurst can also make big plays with his feet, which the Gators must stop.

Saturday Night

#3 Clemson Vs #23 Virginia Tech (Orlando)- 8:00 ABC

#6 Wisconsin Vs #7 Penn State (Indianapolis)- 8:00 Fox

In the ACC Championship game, Clemson tries to wrap up its second straight playoff appearance.  They will have to beat Virginia Tech, who comes in ranked 23^rd.  The Hokies have been streaky this season, but can beat anyone in the country when they will.  However, they can also beat themselves with turnovers, which happened in their losses to Tennessee and Georgia Tech.  Clemson’s high powered offense should be able to score against Virginia Tech, and this game will come down to their defense.  In the Big 10 Championship game, both Wisconsin and Penn State are outside shots to make the playoffs.  Wisconsin’s offense has struggled against the top teams it has played this season, however, their defense has rose to the occasion during these games.  Penn State, on the other hand, got blown out by Michigan, but managed to upset Ohio State.  In the Ohio State game, Penn State used a non-offensive touchdown for offense, and may need one in order to get enough offense to defeat Wisconsin.