Conference Championship Predictions

     Another big day in football is upon us! Championship weekend is here, and we have some big games today. Many of these conference championship games have big implications on the playoff picture, and chaos can still happen! Let's hope for something interesting today.

American Athletic Conference Championship
1. 22 Temple at 19 Houston
     Both of these teams were looking to crash into a New Year's Six bowl earlier this season, but lost a couple games in the home stretch. Temple's defense was one of the toughest earlier this season, but have struggled the past few games, especially against USF where they gave up 44 points. Houston's high-powered offense is very similar to that of USF's, and I expect them to put up a lot of points in this one. They've had a little chip on their shoulder after their UConn upset, and I think they were over looking that game too much. Houston QB Greg Ward Jr. is going to light up Temple's secondary, and the Cougars win this one 45-27.

SEC Championship
2. 18 Florida vs. 2 Alabama
     This one has potential for chaos, but the chances are slim. The Gators are coming off of a big loss to in-state rival FSU and could be looking for an upset in this one. It's definitely possible, but it will take a lot for the Gators to win this one. The big key is to stop Derrick Henry and make Jake Coker and Alabama pass to move the ball. Florida's defense is very opportunistic and creates a lot of turnovers. The big issue for the Gators is on offense. I doubt that they have found one in the past week, and I don't see them scoring a lot of points in this game. As much as I want to see the Tide fall, Derrick Henry will not be stopped and Bama Rolls to a 35-14 victory. I wouldn't be mad getting this one wrong though.

PAC-12 Championship
3. 20 USC vs. 7 Stanford
     If chaos happens, this is an interesting game to watch. IF the Tide or Clemson were to fall, I believe that Stanford should be in the Playoffs if they take care of USC again. Christian McCaffrey had over 250 all purpose yards against the Trojans earlier this season, and Stanford scored 41 points. USC has improved over the season, but I think that Stanford is too strong of a team. This one will be a little closer, but I have the Trees 34-28. Hopefully they can jump into the playoffs with this win and some chaos.

ACC Championship
4. 10 North Carolina vs. 1 Clemson
     This is the game with the biggest potential of chaos. North Carolina has not lost since the opening weekend, but they have had a very weak schedule. UNC is looking to knock off number one and try to jump into the playoff picture. Clemson's defense is very tough, but has yet to play an offense as good as the Tar Heels. Look for this game to be close, and I would love to see the upset, but I don't think that UNC can keep up. This is their first true test, so we'll see how it goes. I have the Tigers 31-23.

BIG 10 Championship
5. 5 Michigan State vs. 4 Iowa
     This is another classic BIG 10 match-up, two big bruising teams ready to grind it out. Iowa has found ways to win in close games all season long. They have not looked like a championship caliber team, but championship teams always find ways to win. Winning the line of scrimmage will be key in this game. Two tough defenses and two power running offenses. We'll see how the Hawkeyes handle the big spotlight. This will be their toughest match-up of the season as they played the weaker teams from the East Division during the regular season. I think Connor Cook will have the advantage in this game, and all the yards that Iowa gives up will finally turn into points. The Hawkeyes have been out gained in their last couple games against Purdue and Nebraska. Points are hard to get against the Hawkeyes, but this will be the best offense they have played all season. I really don't think that Iowa would be the best representative in the Playoffs for the BIG 10, but this is the game to prove it. If they win, look for it to be really close and possibly come down to the last second. I think that Sparty will take control of this game though. MSU in a close one 30-24.

     I hope you all have a great Saturday of football! I hope some chaos takes place to make the Playoff race interesting! GO BIG RED!

#CollegeFootballKnowItAll
Alex Fernando