Championship Week

Championship Week-Impact Games-Friday

MAC Championship-17 Western Michigan vs Ohio

This is the biggest game (so far) in Western Michigan football history. A win here almost certainly will make them the highest rank Group of 5 Champion, which will place them in a New Year's 6 Bowl. A loss will give them a 12-1 season with no New Year's Bowl and the thought of what could have been a perfect season is done.

Prediction: Western Michigan 41, Ohio 20

PAC-12 Championship- 4 Washington vs 8 Colorado

This game has major playoff implications for both teams especially Washington. If the Huskies win, they will almost definitely be in the Playoff. However, if Colorado wins, the PAC-12 winner would not be guaranteed as the Buffaloes would have to see what happens in the ACC and Big Ten Championship Games. They would also have to see if a PAC-12 Championship would override a loss to Michigan. Either way, there is a lot to play for on both sides, and it should be a fun game.

Prediction: Washington 27, Colorado 24

Championship Week-Impact Games-Saturday

AAC Championship-19 Navy vs Temple

Since Western Michigan won, Navy's chances at a New Year's 6 are probably done unless the committee values an AAC Champion with 2 losses over an undefeated MAC champion. The Owls have been strong down the stretch, but Navy's offense was unstoppable last week.

Prediction: Navy 34, Temple 28

Conference USA Championship-Louisiana Tech vs Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky has been the best team in the conference this season. The game will likely feature a lot of offense.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 49, Louisiana Tech 37

Big 12- 10 Oklahoma State at 9 Oklahoma

The default Big 12 Championship Game does not have Playoff implications, but it is still the Bedlam game where the winner will be crowned the Big 12 Champion. The Sooners are yet to lose in conference play and are at home.

Prediction: Oklahoma 48, Oklahoma State 41

SEC Championship-1 Alabama vs 15 Florida

Even with a loss, Alabama will likely remain in the Playoff. The Crimson Tide have been unstoppable for most of their games, so it does not seem like a loss to Florida is even possible.

Prediction: Alabama 28, Florida 7 

MWC Championship-San Diego State vs Wyoming

Without Ohio winning over Western Michigan, A Temple win over Navy would mean nothing to the MWC Champion since the winner of this game has no chance at a New Year's 6 Bowl anymore. Still the winner of this game gets a great alternative prize to play in the Las Vegas Bowl. San Diego State has looked better, but the Mountain Division which Wyoming played in was much tougher.

Prediction: San Diego State 28, Wyoming 27

ACC Championship-3 Clemson vs 23 Virginia Tech

It is a do or die game for Clemson's Playoff hopes. A win and they will very likely be in. A loss and the Playoff does not seem as likely. Clemson has had its inconsistencies at time during the season that has made some of their games unexpectedly close. Will this be another one of those games? The Hokies have their eyes on a New Year's 6 Bowl, so Justin Fuente and company would love to spoil Clemson's chances to clinch that spot.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 30, Clemson 27

Big Ten Championship-6 Wisconsin vs 7 Penn State

This could be the most interesting game of the day especially if Clemson was to lose, which would make this a likely play-in game for the Playoff. If Clemson wins, what are the chances of the winner of this game to be taken over Ohio State, which did not win the Big Ten? Penn State has looked very good down the stretch and was the only team to beat Ohio State this season. Wisconsin has looked good especially on defense all season. This is definitely the most anticipated game. 

Prediction: Penn State 21, Wisconsin 20