By Skeeter Smith
It’s Conference Championship week, and with 8 teams still in the hunt for a shot at the college football playoffs, you can expect chaos to unfold here at the end of the season. Let’s dissect key matchups that could shape the outcome of this thrilling weekend.
New Mexico State vs. 24 Liberty
The Flames’ run game vs. Aggies’ defense
No one has run the ball better than the Liberty Flames this season, averaging an impressive 295 yards per game. In their matchup earlier this season, the Flames ran wild on the Aggies, putting up 250 yards on the ground. New Mexico State has to force the Flames out of their game plan to have a chance in this one. Look for Liberty receiver CJ Daniels to make an impact, as he went for over 100 yards with a touchdown in their first meeting.
5 Oregon vs. 3 Washington
Rome Odunze vs. The Ducks’ secondary
Oregon is looking not only for revenge but also for a Pac-12 title and a shot at the college football playoffs. The Huskies edged out a win in their first meeting in what was one of the most exciting games of the year. A big reason for that was star wideout Rome Odunze, who racked up 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Ducks must find a way to slow down Odunze and not get torched through the air again. Ja’Lynn Polk also had a big day against the Ducks in this meeting, so he will be another threat Oregon must keep accountable.
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18 OK State vs. 7 Texas
Ollie Gordon vs. The Longhorns’ defense
Running back Ollie Gordon has rushed for over 100 yards in 8 out of the last 9 games this season, averaging 160 yards a game during this run. However, Texas comes in with the best run defense in the BIG 12, holding opponents to just 85 yards a game on the ground. For the Cowboys to pull off the upset in this one, they will need their bell cow in Gordon to show up in a big way.
1 Georgia vs. 8 Alabama
Carson Beck vs. The Tide’s secondary
First-year starter Carson Beck has been torching defenses all season long. He’s been very efficient throwing the ball, as he’s second in the conference in passing yards and completion percentage. However, he will be facing the best secondary he’s seen all season on the biggest stage he’s been on.
The Tide has gotten better all season, specifically in the back end, and has looked like one of the better secondaries in the country. Alabama will need to be on their A-game defensively as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive by knocking off the number 1 team in the country.
SMU vs. 22 Tulane
The Mustangs’ offense vs. The Green Wave’s defense
SMU has one of the most dynamic scoring offenses in the country, averaging 41 points a game and ranking 4th in the country. On the other side, Tulane has been very good at keeping opponents out of the endzone all season, only giving up 18 points a game ranking. Look for the Mustangs to try to attack the Green Wave’s secondary, as they have been the weaker part of the defense this year.
14 Louisville vs. 4 Florida State
Trey Benson vs. The Cardinals’ defense
With Jordan Travis out for the year, Trey Benson stepped up big time last week to vault the Seminoles into victory. He will need a similar performance on the ground if he wants to keep his team’s playoff hopes alive. He will be going up against a Louisville defense that is atop the ACC when it comes to defending the run. If the Cardinals can bottle up Benson, that would force Tate Rodemaker, who’s making just his second start of the year, to have to step up in a big way.
2 Michigan vs. 16 Iowa
Blake Corum vs. The Hawkeyes’ defense
A lot has to happen for Iowa to pull off the upset, but the first thing on the to-do list will be the need to slow down star running back Blake Corum. Everything revolves around Michigan’s ability to dominate and impose their will against teams in the run game. Iowa’s defense has been the team’s strength but is going to have its work cut out for them against a team with a lot of weapons on offense.
