No. 2 Clemson vs. Pittsburgh – ACC Championship, Charlotte
Clemson has a chance to do something that hasn’t been done in the history of ACC football: win four consecutive conference titles. They will get the opportunity to accomplish this feat against Pittsburgh on Saturday night. Pat Narduzzi’s squad is built on being physical and running the football. The Panthers average 232 yards per game and they will try to use thishat in order to milk the clock and play keep away from an explosive Clemson offense.
With Clemson’s defense being embarrassed last week against South Carolina, the Tigers will look to re-establish the dominance they’ve had since September. This game should be a rout for Clemson, setting up a date with Notre Dame in South Beach in the College Football Playoff.
Clemson 52 Pitt 6
No. 4 Georgia vs. No. 1 Alabama – SEC Championship, Atlanta
A playoff spot is on the line Saturday afternoon as the Tide and Dawgs meet up in a rematch of last year’s National Championship game. This might be Nick Saban’s best offensive unit since he’s been in Tuscaloosa with Tua at quarterback. The Tide are averaging 49 points a game, so this one seems like a lock for Alabama, especially when you combine that with their defense, right? Georgia may have something to say about that. Kirby Smart’s squad also has a high powered offense, averaging 480 yards a game, led by a bruising rushing attack.
The key in this game is who can get pressure on the quarterback. Georgia is near the bottom of the SEC in sacks with only 20, and that’s not a good recipe for success going up against an offense like the Tide. Georgia could keep this close for a half, but the Tide should pull away as they look ahead to the College Football Playoff.
Alabama 42 Georgia 20
No. 5 Oklahoma vs. No. 14 Texas – Big 12 Championship, Arlington
Oklahoma will have a chance to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff with a win over Texas on Saturday, if Alabama defeats Georgia. The game between the Longhorns and the Sooners could very much be a shootout like it was at the beginning of October. Oklahoma is led by Kyler Murray, who could win the Heisman next weekend in New York and has been lighting up scoreboards with the Sooner offense, averaging 50 points a game. The same can be said for Texas and quarterback Sam Ehlinger, as their offense is averaging 413 yards per game.
The obvious question in this game is can anyone play some defense? The only thing that slows these two offenses down is wrong routes ran or someone missing a block. If you like points, you’re going to like this one. Murray is the best player in the country and will show why on Saturday in what will be another instant classic.
Oklahoma 62 Texas 55
No. 21 Northwestern vs. No. 6 Ohio State – Big Ten Championship, Indianapolis
Ohio State made an emphatic statement with a dominant win over their rival, Michigan last Saturday. The next step is beating Northwestern on Saturday night. Ohio State is led by quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who has shown that he’s an effective passer in a Buckeye offense that’s predicated on running the football. J.K. Dobbins has been steady this season with 961 yards on the season. Dobbins may need to be a threat in the passing game because the Wildcats only allow 134 yards per game. Northwestern has been the surprise of the Big Ten West division, led by quarterback Clayton Thorson who hasn’t put up flashy numbers, but has been consistent in leading a Wildcat offense that’s averaging 351 yards per game, but only 23 points.
The difference in this game may be Ohio State’s secondary against Northwestern’s passing game. Can they follow up their strong performance against Michigan and can Haskins have a similar performance from last week? This game may stay close for a half, but the Wildcats just don’t have enough offense to hang with the Buckeyes.
If Georgia can upset Alabama, Ohio State has definitely made a case in the last two weeks for the Playoff, but we’ll have to wait and see when the selection committee comes out with their final rankings on Sunday.
Ohio State 48 Northwestern 28
Stay tuned for our Bowl Pick ‘Ems for some of the biggest bowl matchups including the College Football Playoff Semifinal games in the next few weeks!
