A look at this weekend’s conference championship games, Reverse Barometer style. Consider your picks wisely; pick the opposite of what I say (Except for Bama. Even the Barometer can’t beat them).
ACC Championship: Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
The question is – which Clemson team is going to show up? The one that lost to Pitt and should have vs. NC State? Or the one that beat Louisville and home and Auburn on the road? This game will have the biggest impact on the playoff because the Hokies have the capability of eliminating their entire conference with a title game win. The Tigers should win, but you never know with this bunch. Clemson 36, Virginia Tech 27
Big Ten Championship: Wisconsin vs. Penn State
Two Big Ten teams may still get in the playoff. The weird part – the winner of this game might not be one of them. Yes, Penn State beat Ohio State, but the Buckeyes only have that lone loss and just took out Michigan. Penn State has done it quietly this season, but they’ve also peaked at the right time. Can they do it again? Wisconsin’s D says no. Badgers 26, Nittany Lions 17
Pac-12 Championship: Washington vs. Colorado
A Washington loss opens the door for someone to get in. Maybe even Colorado, the biggest “who saw them coming” team in the nation. The Buffaloes have an intangible about them that is hard to put your finger on. I like Washington’s explosiveness but something about Colorado says don’t bet against them. Buffs 30, Huskies 24
SEC Championship Game: Alabama vs. Florida
There really isn’t a question that Alabama will win this game, it’s just by how much? This beast toys with its food and fried Gator is on the menu. Nick Saban’s biggest challenge is keeping his team motivated and interested, as this will be the only way they lose a game this season. The next question is, “Who faces Bama in Atlanta for the CFP semis?” Tide 36, Florida 9
Big 12 Defecto Championship Game: Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
The winner of this game wins the Big 12, even though it is not officially a championship game. Chaos is the only thing that can help the winner get into the top four of the CFP, but that is exactly what college football thrives on. Oklahoma State has two losses on its ledger but the one vs. Central Michigan was “iffy.” Beat OU and they have an argument, but that’s about it. Won’t matter anyway when OU wins, 40-30.
Chaos
For those of you who are rooting for the most chaotic situation possible for the CFP committee to chose the final four (and yes, I know many of you are out there), let me throw this at you:
- Virginia Tech beats Clemson
- Penn State downs Wisconsin
- Colorado outscores Washington
- Oklahoma State beats OU
- Florida beats Alabama
What then? Well, first I will tell you that Bama will still be in, as will Ohio State. So who gets the other two spots? The ACC would be out, and the Big 10 will most likely get two teams in (would you believe that they both would not have even won their division? Hello, Michigan). And the last spot would go to… I’m going to go with Colorado, though Oklahoma State would have a valid argument since they would lobby that they actually lost only one game.
Final Four Barometer
Alabama, Ohio State, Clemson, Colorado. I just can’t see the committee putting two teams from the same conference in the playoff, passing up two other conference champions in the process. Somehow, Colorado gets in.
