We’re down to the end of the road, college football fans. Here are the I-81 predictions for the nine conference championship games happening this weekend.
All times ET
Friday, Dec. 5
Kennesaw State at Jacksonville State (Conference USA Championship Game)
7 p.m., CBS Sports Network
This game is between two teams I am very high on. Kennesaw is over-producing with its new coach Jerry Mack — I think he is going to land a huge job soon. I think Kennesaw wins the rematch, but I’m taking the over 59.5.
Troy at James Madison (Sun Belt Championship Game)
7 p.m., ESPN
James Madison is probably the most competitive Sun Belt team I’ve ever seen. The Dukes win big!!
Taking the over 47.5.
North Texas at Tulane (American Athletic Championship Game)
8 p.m., ABC
Both teams have lame duck coaches, with Tulane’s Jon Sumrall headed to Florida and North Texas’ Eric Morris going to Oklahoma State. That makes me think they come out flat.
I’m taking the under 66.5, and I think North Texas wins because I have family on campus.
UNLV at Boise State (Mountain West Championship Game)
8 p.m., FOX
This is simple: Boise State wins.
I’ll take Boise State -4.
Saturday, Dec. 6
BYU vs Texas Tech (Big 12 Championship Game — Arlington, TX)
12 p.m., ABC
This is going to be my favorite game to watch this weekend. BYU with Cookiegate ruining Penn State’s coaching search, while Texas Tech unloading a dump truck of money for this roster has paid dividends that I’d love to see in my 401k.
I’ll take Texas Tech to win, but my bet is the over 50.5.
Western Michigan vs Miami (Ohio) (MAC Championship Game — Detroit)
12 p.m., ESPN
Look, Miami made a championship game — just the one from Ohio.
I’m taking Miami to win and the moneyline at +110.
Georgia vs Alabama (SEC Championship Game — Atlanta)
4 p.m., ABC
Trying to hide my personal feelings for both teams is hard, but I think Georgia wins, though I wouldn’t put my money on that.
I feel better about the over 47.5.
Virginia vs Duke (ACC Championship Game — Charlotte)
8 p.m., ABC
John is a UVA alum — this is the first time in a long time that the Cavaliers have had a consistent team.
I’m taking UVA and UVA -3.5. (Editor’s note: If Mark jinxes UVA with this pick, I will shave his beard off while he sleeps.)
Ohio State vs Indiana (Big Ten Championship Game — Indianapolis)
8 p.m., FOX
I love that Indiana is good at football. I wish Ohio State wasn’t.
I think Ohio State wins, but I would not be surprised if Indiana has some magic left.
I’m taking the over 47.5.