I would just like to start by saying GO BLUE! The Wolverines pulled it out, and absolutely dismantled Ohio State in the second half. It was not even close to the outcome that I was predicting, but I can complain with the result. Michigan has the chance now to be back-to-back B10 Champs, and a chance at making it to the CFP for the second consecutive year. A very exciting time to be a Wolverines fan. Michigan will play in the B10 championship game this weekend, and every other power 5 conference will have its game this weekend. Truly the best time in sports. Let's get into each game, our predictions, and bets.
Big Ten Championship
Michigan will play Purdue in the Big Ten Championship Game this Saturday night. The line currently sits at Michigan -16.5 and the over is at 51.5.
The Big Ten really needs to figure out their conference alignments. The fact that #2 Michigan, #5 Ohio State, and #8 Penn State are all on the same side of the conference is stupid. Purdue, who is 8-4, sneaks their way into the championship game, because Iowa (the worst offense in the country) lost to Nebraska. I hope the Big 10 does something about this because they divisions have been uneven for a while.
That Iowa loss in my opinion was heartbreaking. Iowa would have been another easy game for Michigan because they literally don't play offense. Purdue on the other hand, thrives on being the underdog and is known to upset big opponents. I have a hard time seeing Michigan losing this game after what they did to OSU, but Purdue does scare me a little bit. I don't bet on Michigan, but I would suggest taking the over, and possibly Boilermakers +16.5. I can see this game ending 42-27 Michigan.
Big 12 Championship
The most interesting championship game in my opinion is the Big 12 Championship game between Kansas State and TCU. Undefeated, 3rd ranked, TCU is currently a 2-point favorite, and the total is set at 62.
TCU has somehow had a perfect season thus far. A win this weekend would secure their spot in the CFP for the first time ever. Despite a perfect season, TCU continues to be disrespected by Vegas, and has had very low lines, and in some cases have found themselves as heavy underdogs. However, TCU continues to surprise everyone. Can they do the same this weekend?
Kansas State is playing really good football right now, and in my mind, the line is exactly what I think it should be. As a Michigan fan, I am the biggest TCU fan this weekend. I would love a matchup against the horned frogs in the semifinal game, but I am uncertain that it would happen. I think Kansas State takes this game, and the under hits as well. I hope TCU proves me wrong like they have all year, but I think K State wins this game 24-20.
ACC Championship
A game that has no playoff implications takes place this weekend between Clemson and North Carolina. Clemson sits as a 7-point favorite, and the total is at 63.5.
The ACC has been terrible this year, and a bad loss by Clemson last week has taken all playoff hope for the Tigers. UNC was also in contention, but like Clemson, suffered another bad loss. It will be odd not having an ACC team in the Playoffs, but it is rightfully so.
I think Clemson is pissed and take it to the Tar Heels on Saturday. I love Clemson -7, and I will throw in the over just for shits and giggles. UNC could find themselves down quick and take to the air. I think this is going to be a high scoring blowout where Clemson wins 43-27.
SEC Championship
This was supposed to be a very exciting game with a lot on the line, but a bad loss for LSU last week has ruined the excitement factor. Georgia is the heavy favorite at a 17.5-point favorite, and the total is at 51.
Georgia is the consensus #1 in the country, but they have still struggled at times to fully pull away in games. They definitely keep games interesting, and I think that will be the case this weekend. I do worry that Georgia will make a statement win, but I just think the odds of that are very low. I like LSU to cover this game, and I would lean to take the under of 51.
If Georgia wins by 30, then the other three playoff teams should be on high alert, but their play down the stretch this season hasn't been overly impressive. LSU is coming off a terrible loss, and they don't have a chance at making the playoffs, but they can still end the regular season on a high note. I think they cover with ease in this game with a final of 24-16.
PAC-12 Championship
USC will get their chance at revenge this week against Utah in the PAC 12 Championship. USC's only loss came to Utah 43-42, and the Trojans, now with a chance at the playoffs, will be eager to take down the Utes. USC is a 3-poiint favorite and the total is at 67.
This is my most confident play of conference championship weekend. As much as I hate it, I think USC covers this game easily. Caleb Williams and USC have really turned it on these last couple weeks, and I believe that there is too much on the line for USC to not blowout Utah. I am predicting a score of 40-17 in favor of USC. I think this game will get out of hand very quickly.
That is all I got. Go Blue, Go Frogs, and Godspeed!
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