The TV schedule worked out pretty good because the teams involved in the first two games might think they still have something to play for. If UGa beats LSU in the ATL the the two previous championship games are for naught.
Friday night Utah will attempt to make a playoff candidacy statement against Oregon. The Utes are a six and a hook favorite.
Noon Saturday is the Big 12 = 10 championship game at Jerry's World. Both Baylor and Oklahoma have playoff hopes. This is a rematch of the wild Jekyll-Hyde game from Waco. OU is a nine point favorite.
The center of the playoff world will be the SEC championship game at 3:30 pm. LSU is a lock for a playoff bid. If UGa upsets LSU then UGa will be get a 2nd playoff bid for the SEC as a one loss SEC Champ.
Prime time will have a meaningless game and a game that should be over by end of 1st quarter.
THE Ohio State University has a lock for a playoff bid. Unless Wisconsin does to THE Ohio State University what the Buckeyes did to the Badgers in 2014, a 59-0 wipe out, the Big 10 = 12 game is meaningless.
The other game is Clemson as a 28 and a hook favorite meets the 3 loss Cavaliers in the ACC Championship game. Clemson should roll easily and get a playoff bid as a undefeated Power 5 champion.
I’m very interested in that Utah/Oregon game. Outside of USC using a 3rd string QB that beat the Utes, this will be the only team they’ve faced with a potent QB and passing attack. I’d throw Washington State into that category too historically but their offense is completely bi-polar this season.
I was thinking Oregon probably wins this one but lurking around on the Oregon boards, they are really down on their QB Herbert. Kid is gonna probably be a first round draft pick. Seems like Oregon fans are generally in meltdown mode over this game, in large part due to him.
Sadly, I predict PAC 12 refs play a significant factor in this one if it is at all close.
Utes 37 to 15 loss in the title match ends Utah’s national title hopes. Utah and Georgia could have been spoilers, but no more.