Conference championship week has arrived in college football, which means the playoffs are the dominant topic of conversation. OK, that’s usually the case anyway, but the final lineup is far from decided. As such, there are competitions on the championship schedule that will be of interest not only to the participants but also to other teams, some of whom are not even playing this weekend.
Then there’s the sport’s highest individual honor, and for the first time in years, the Heisman race is far from settled. Several candidates will be able to present a final argument before the vote.
With all that in mind, here are Saturday’s games in order of importance for your viewing prioritization:
SEC: No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 2 Alabama
Atlanta, 4 p.m. ET, CBS
Why watch: It goes without saying – but we’ll say it anyway – that the winner of this contest will advance to the College Football Playoff, likely as the top seed. What’s not as clear is the fate of the runner-up in the playoffs. 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 won’t is not completely out of the question. Most playoff experts think Georgia is either a winner or a loser. Although the Crimson Tide have survived since their lone loss at Texas A&M, their recent performances haven’t made any resounding statements. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, haven’t been threatened since their season opener against Clemson, although that lack of second-half drama could become an issue if the game is within earshot of the quarterback of Alabama, Bryce Young and Co. The Tide’s struggles against Auburn, however, do not bode well for the offensive line’s ability to handle DT Jordan Davis and the Bulldogs’ even more accomplished front. Georgia RB Zamir White will need air coverage from QB Stetson Bennett or possibly JT Daniels, and LB Will Anderson, Alabama’s chief disruptor, will try to make sure the air game stays on the ground.
Why it might disappoint: It’s hard to imagine this becoming a blowout, although even the Tide’s high-powered offense can struggle under pressure. As mentioned, Georgia doesn’t need to be in comeback mode, and it remains to be seen how effective it will be if Alabama manages to take the lead.
Big Ten: No. 3 Michigan vs. No. 12 Iowa
Indianapolis, 8 p.m. ET, Fox
Why watch: The Wolverines have flipped the script on their recent history with arch-nemesis Ohio State and are in a prime position to claim a playoff spot. All that remains is this meeting with the Hawkeyes, somewhat unlikely winners of the West Division who needed help on the last day of the regular season to get here. There are too many teams ahead of Iowa to crack the top four, but a trip to the Rose Bowl is a desirable goal. The Wolverines managed 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 may have to test the deep waters a bit. Iowa QB Spencer Petras returned to the starting job after contributing to last week’s comeback at Nebraska, but Michigan DE Aidan Hutchinson and LB David Ojabo will make his job difficult.
Why it might disappoint: The Hawkeyes have found creative ways to win for much of the season, but their lack of offensive consistency will be difficult to overcome this time around. If Michigan gets a multi-score advantage by intermission, it might be over.
SEVEN SCENARIOS: Here’s how Saturday’s games could play out – and what that means
American: Houston No. 16 against Cincinnati No. 4
4 p.m. ET, ABC
Why watch: The AAC champion will be in the running for a major bowl bid, but the Bearcats are hoping for more. The fact that the Cougars enter the game ranked should support the argument that Cincinnati would have a playoff-worthy resume if it went 13-0. UC has been all business over the past two weeks with blowout wins over 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 hits the right notes with lead 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 might disappoint: Tune has 26 TD passes to his name but has also been picked off 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: No. 5 Oklahoma State vs. No. 9 Baylor
Arlington, Texas, noon ET, ABC
Why watch: The Cowboys’ victory over Bedlam rival Oklahoma ensured that the Sooners would not participate in this competition since the Big 12 reinstated its championship game in 2017. Instead, OSU will return to the Bears, whom the Cowboys beat 24-14 in October. 2. OSU would have a strong playoff case at 12-1 with a win. Baylor would need a few more results to advance later, but could have good reason to move into the top four, even with its two regular season losses. Despite last week’s great first half, Oklahoma State is far from an offensive juggernaut. QB Spencer Sanders will have to be careful when attacking the Baylor secondary which has as many interceptions (12) as touchdowns returned. Baylor RB Abram Smith can take over a game if he establishes a rhythm, but the Cowboys’ omnipresent LB Malcolm Rodriguez won’t make that easy.
Why it might disappoint: Despite the Big 12’s reputation for high-octane offenses, don’t expect many fireworks from this one. Big games might be rare, but they should still be competitive into the latter stages.
ACC: Pittsburgh No. 15 vs. Wake Forest No. 18
Charlotte, North Carolina, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Why watch: The national championship isn’t on the ACC’s radar this year, but the Heisman just might be, making this matchup of high-powered offenses definitely worth the watch. The Demon Deacons are seeking their first ACC crown since 2006. The Panthers were dominated by Clemson in their only title game appearance in 2018 and are hoping to win their first championship since joining the league. Pitt’s candidate for the sport’s highest individual honor is quarterback Kenny Pickett, who threw 40 touchdowns and broke many of Dan Marino’s school records. His main target is WR Jordan Addison, who has 17 scores and 1,353 receiving yards. Wake’s trigger is quarterback Sam Hartman, who has thrown 34 touchdowns and ran for 10 more. His main weapons, WR AT Perry and Jaquarii Roberson, both have over 1,000 yards and have a combined 21 TD catches.
Why it might disappoint: This could only happen if a team started giving the ball away too frequently. Even so, a trail is unlikely to be safe. It might end well after midnight with all the balls in the air, but it’s worth missing out on a little sleep.
Follow college journalist Eddie Timanus on Twitter @EddieTimanus
