Big games noon to night
Conference championship week has arrived in college football, and that means the playoff is now the dominant topic of conversation. OK, in this day and age it usually is anyway, but the final lineup is far from decided. As such, there are contests on the championship slate that will be of interest not just to the participants but to other teams as well, some of whom aren’t even playing this weekend. Here are the Saturday games in order of importance for your viewing prioritization.
SEC in Atlanta: No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 2 Alabama
4 p.m. ET, CBS
Why watch: It goes without saying – but we’ll say it anyway – that the winner of this contest will be in the College Football Playoff, likely as the top seed. What isn’t as clear is the playoff fate of the runner-up. Alabama would be a long shot at best with a second loss given that no twice-beaten team has yet made the top four under the current format, but there are enough variables this year that it wouldn’t be entirely out of the question. Most playoff pundits believe Georgia is in win or lose, but a few voices in the wilderness point out that the team’s overall resume might not actually be as strong as it would appear since a number of the Bulldogs’ opponents have underachieved. In any event, UGa would be advised to leave nothing to chance. Although the Crimson Tide have survived since their lone setback at Texas A&M, their recent performances haven’t made resounding statements. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, haven’t been threatened since their season-opening slog against Clemson, though that lack of second-half drama could become an issue if the game is within shouting distance for Alabama QB Bryce Young and Co. The Tide’s struggles against Auburn, however, don’t bode well for the offensive line’s ability to handle DT Jordan Davis and the Bulldogs’ even more accomplished front. UGa RB Zamir White is going to need some air cover from QB Stetson Bennett or possibly J.T. Daniels at some point, and LB Will Anderson, Alabama’s disruptor in chief, will try to make sure the aerial game stays grounded.
Why it could disappoint: It’s hard to see this becoming a blowout, though even the Tide’s high-powered offense can struggle under pressure. As mentioned, Georgia has not needed to be in comeback mode, and it remains to be seen how effective it is should Alabama manage to jump in front.
Big 10 in Indianapolis: No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 12 Iowa 8 p.m. ET, Fox
Why watch: The Wolverines flipped the script on their recent history with archnemesis Ohio State and are now in prime position to claim a playoff berth. All that remains is this date with the Hawkeyes, the somewhat unlikely winners of the West Division who needed help on the final day of the regular season to get here. There are too many teams ahead of Iowa to swipe a top-four slot, but a trip to the Rose Bowl is a desirable goal in itself. The Wolverines were able to keep things remarkably simple on offense against the Buckeyes as RB Hassan Haskins ran wild. He might actually have a harder time getting around Hawkeyes LB Jack Campbell and S Jack Koerner, so QB Cade McNamara might have to test the deep waters a bit. Iowa QB Spencer Petras has regained the starting job after helping lead last week’s comeback at Nebraska, but Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson and LB David Ojabo will make his job difficult.
Why it could disappoint: The Hawkeyes have found creative ways to win for much of the season, but their lack of offensive consistency will be hard to overcome this time. If Michigan builds a multiple-score advantage by intermission, it might be over.
American Athletic: No. 16 Houston at No. 4 Cincinnati
4 p.m. ET, ABC
Why watch: The AAC champ will be in line for a major bowl bid, but the Bearcats are hoping for a little more. The fact that the Cougars enter the game ranked as well should help the overall argument that Cincinnati would indeed have a playoff-worthy resume should it get to 13-0, but naturally the Bearcats must get there first. UC has been all business over the last couple of weeks with decisive wins against SMU and East Carolina,
with QB Desmond Ridder looking sharp and LB Joel Dublanko leading a dominant defense. The Cougars will counter with QB Clayton Tune, who often strikes the right notes with primary WR Nathaniel Dell, and CB Marcus Jones, who has a team-high five interceptions and can be a game changer on special teams.
Why it could disappoint: Tune has 26 TD passes to his credit but has also been picked eight times. The Bearcats’ defense is third in the nation in interceptions with 17, and it’s hard to see the Cougars keeping pace if that number increases by two or more.
Big 12 in Arlington, Texas: No. 5 Oklahoma State vs. No. 9 Baylor Noon ET, ABC
Why watch: This is the first game of the day that will have the attention of fans and the committee. The Cowboys’ comeback win against Bedlam rival Oklahoma assured that the Sooners would not be participating in this contest
since the Big 12 reinstated its championship game in 2017. Instead OSU will renew acquaintances with the Bears, whom the Cowboys defeated 24-14 on Oct. 2. OSU would have a strong playoff case at 12-1 with a win. Baylor would need a couple of other results to go its way later but might have a case to leapfrog into the top four, even with its two regular-season losses. Last week’s big first half notwithstanding, Oklahoma State is far from an offensive juggernaut. QB Spencer Sanders will have to be careful attacking the Baylor secondary that has as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns surrendered. Baylor RB Abram Smith can take over a game if he establishes a rhythm, but Cowboys ubiquitous LB Malcolm Rodriguez won’t make that easy.
Why it could disappoint: Despite the Big 12’s reputation for high-octane offenses, don’t expect a lot of fireworks from this one. Big plays could be few and far between, but it should still be competitive well into the latter stages.