Excited yet depressed. That's the feeling that's overcome me while I'm writing this post. I am excited about the large amount of quality football that I will be consuming tomorrow, but after this weekend, Bowl Season is all that remains left of what's been a phenomenal football season. I'm also a little disappointed that South Carolina isn't playing in the Georgia Dome tomorrow, but I'll get over that, too.
Maybe.
Last week, I finished 7-5. I couldn't forecast that crazy finish at Jordan-Hare, and I was certainly wishfully thinking about Johnny Manziel going nuts. Unfortunately, that game came down to Texas A&M's Defense to step up and make a play, and we all know the one thing that Texas A&M's Defense doesn't do well in particular is just that. My 7-5 finish last week put me at 102-28 for the year. That's roughly 79% straight up, so I'll take it.
Conference Championship Saturday will (as it always has) have dire implications on Bowl Season, and this weekend will decide who will appear in the National Championship game. Let's start picking some champs:
(6) Oklahoma State 28
(17) Oklahoma 36
This is a vital game for both teams. Oklahoma State earns a trip to a BCS game with a win, but I'm going to predict against them. Oklahoma will be more physical in the trenches, and Bob Stoops will use their 15th best rushing attack in the country to keep the Pokes' potent offense off the field.
Southern Methodist 13
(16) UCF 45
Central Florida will earn a BCS-game birth after they win big against SMU. Blake Bortles and Storm Johnson form an offensive duo that is highly underrated. If I'm right on this one, it will be very interesting to see what team Central Florida draws in a BCS matchup.
(25) Texas 23
(9) Baylor 38
This one could be closer if Baylor can't take care of the football, and Texas' offense can stay on the field. The sad truth for Longhorn fans is that Bryce Petty is going to use this game from momentum, as Baylor is going to be right back in the hunt next year.
Conference USA Championship Game
Rice 24
Marshall 46
Oddly enough, both of these teams started their seasons 0-1. Both teams have extremely efficient offenses, but the difference in this game will be that the Thundering Herd can play defense behind their explosive offense. This will create a lopsided game in Marshall's favor.
PAC-12 Championship Game
(11) Arizona State 23
(7) Stanford 31
Stanford will win in an extremely physical contest, and the Cardinal will be seeing Roses. Side note: Marcus Mariota is coming back to Oregon next season, and Chris Peterson will be coaching Washington. This conference will be an extremely interesting one to watch in 2014.
 |
| Well, the Ducks have a BCS game now at least. |
Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game
(20) Duke 10
(1) Florida State 63
Yes, this pick is ridiculous. With no charges hanging over Jameis Winston's head, the Seminoles are cleared for take-off. Thursday's press conference served as the de facto Heisman Trophy presentation.
Big Ten Championship Game
(10) Michigan State 28
(2) Ohio State 30
The Buckeyes will win a close one. A lot of sportswriters seem very confident that the Spartans will win this game. Like the PAC-12 Championship and the SEC Championship that's yet to be previewed, this game will be a very, very physical game. It'll ultimately be determined by what quarterback can make a play late, and Braxton Miller's the guy for the job.
Mountain West Championship Game
Utah State 17
(23) Fresno State 41
If you haven't had a chance to watch a Mountain West game this season, then this will be one worth a look. Derek Carr and DaVante Adams are one of the best passing/receiving tandems in the country, and had Fresno not dropped a shootout to San Jose State, they would be knocking on the door for a BCS Birth. Fresno State's offense is the second best in the country, sitting between Baylor and Oregon. Not too bad of company if you ask me.
SEC Championship Game
(5) Missouri 31
(3) Auburn 34
This will be the best game of the day, and I'm sure it won't disappoint. Auburn has been the most clutch team in the country this season, and maybe even ever. I said "the catch" against Georgia was the greatest play in SEC history, and sure enough, Gus Malzahn's Tigers found a way to top it. They didn't top it against just anybody either, the Tigers just happened to knock off Alabama with the craziest play in SEC History.
This game will be a hard-hitting, emotional, chess match that will be a prime example of what is great about college football. Two unsuspecting Tigers meet in Alabama. I talked with a couple of friends about this game, and one of my friends said that Dorial Green-Beckham fits the raw mold of a Megatron type receiver. I had to agree with my friend, and I think Green-Beckham could get a lot of targets and could score a lot of points. Both of these teams and Alabama could play with any team in the country, and I hope one of them will get a shot. I think the conference deserves a chance to defend what it's held for seven years, and a playoff truly can't come soon enough. This being stated, who's to say that the playoff won't choose the four best teams? *YIKES*
So as always, thanks for the read. If you're not following my work on ChatSports.com, then you're missing out! Check it out here, and give me a follow. I also started another blog for my ranting that's unrelated to sports that you can visit by clicking here. Be sure to follow me on twitter: @griffaldo !
No comments:
Post a Comment