Championship Weekend is here, and this is the first time that I can remember there being heavy stakes in all Power Five conference championships. In the SEC, you have Alabama that is on the outside looking unless they get a win over Georgia. In the ACC, the Seminoles must prove they can win without Jordan Travis. Texas could fully be back if they win the Big 12 and the CFP believes they are worthy of the spot. The Pac 12 has two legitimate CFP contenders, and they could make the road difficult for each other. And in the Big 10 a loss from Michigan to Iowa could make us all scratch our heads and completely confound potential CFP rankings. It should be an exciting weekend, so here is our 2023 College Football Conference Championship Games preview.
ACC Championship
No. 4 Florida State vs No.14 Louisville
The Noles are going to be right on the edge of making it into the College Football Playoff. They have had a perfect season thus far but losing quarterback Jordan Travis could be a nightmare for this team. Louisville losing to Kentucky last week was a blow to the Noles chances, as they could have used a win this week against a top-10 team to strengthen their resume. Louisville has not looked sharp over the last three weeks, but they have a stout defense when they come to play. My guess is that FSU gets the win, but it’s not convincing enough to keep them in the top four. Prediction: FSU 28 Louisville 23
SEC Championship
No. 1 Georgia vs No. 8 Alabama
The Iron Bowl never disappoints and a last-second heave to the corner of the endzone quite literally kept the season alive for Alabama who now gets a shot at Georgia in the SEC Championship game. It would be really hard for us to say that Bama shouldn’t be in the CFP if they beat a team like Georgia who is on a historic win-streak. I don’t think this is the same UGA team that we have seen in past years, but I would say the same thing about Alabama. There is far more pressure on the Tide in this game and I just don’t think the Dawgs waiver. Prediction: Georgia 31 Alabama 24
Pac 12 Championship
No. 3 Washington vs No. 5 Oregon
This is going to be the most impactful conference championship of the weekend. Both teams have an argument for making the CFP with a win in this game. Heck, even if Washington lost, I would still make an argument for them. This was an incredible game during the regular season and the Huskies narrowly won by three points. The difference since that game has been stark. Washington has four one-score wins since then while Oregon has nearly blown out every single team since. I think the Ducks make this thing a nightmare for the selection committee with a win. Prediction: Washington 29 Oregon 34
Big 12 Championship
No. 7 Texas vs No. 18 Oklahoma State
The Longhorns are big favorites entering this game and for good reason. The Oklahoma State Cowboys had a good win in Bedlam over Oklahoma but have had a pretty average season outside of that and were almost upset by BYU in the season finale. With Quinn Ewers back under center, I don’t see this Texas offense being tripped up by much. OSU is an experienced team and Gundy is great in these situations, but I pick the Longhorns to roll. Prediction: Texas 35 Oklahoma State 21
Big 10 Championship
No. 2 Michigan vs No. 16 Iowa
The only way this game would have an impact on the CFP is if Michigan were to lose which I just don’t see happening because Iowa cannot score points. They have scored a total of 60 points over the last five games which is historically bad. The Wolverines just beat their best opponent on the schedule and should have no issue rolling in this one. Prediction: Michigan 24 Iowa 6