Predicting Conference Championship Game Overreactions

Preview of a Weekend Filled with Drama

College football’s championship weekend always delivers plenty of excitement. Over two days, 18 teams will battle for league glory and more. With the introduction of the 12-team College Football Playoff era, five spots are automatically reserved for the highest-ranked conference champions, adding significance to an already monumental slate of title games.

Notre Dame’s Bumpy Road

Sony Notre Dame shouldn’t be in the projected playoff picture, having lost crucial games and only beating lesser opponents recently. As championship games unfold, all eyes will be on #11 BYU in the Big 12 Championship. A victory over the #5 Texas Tech could lead to BYU surpassing Notre Dame in rankings.

Changes in the ACC

It’s astonishing that teams tied with a 6-2 conference record left the fifth-loss Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Championship Game. This supports a narrative of mismanagement in a league that saw its best contender, Miami, sidelined. If Duke wins, the ACC may need to reconsider its championship game criteria.

Heisman Showdown - Sayin vs Mendoza

The highly-anticipated Big Ten Championship Game will spotlight #1 Ohio State versus #2 Indiana. Despite a promising season for both quarterbacks, Julian Sayin and Fernando Mendoza, defensive prowess will likely shape the game’s outcome more than individual performances.

James Madison’s Momentum

Lastly, James Madison is well-positioned to benefit from the ACC’s challenges. Following a dominant season capped by a 59-10 triumph against Coastal Carolina, they’ll take on Troy in the Sun Belt Championship, keeping their playoff aspirations alive.