By Chris Carlson: Week 15 saw Florida get caught looking ahead by losing to LSU as a 23-point favorite.
Week 16 is for the most part Conference Championship week unfortunately Clemson is really the only team that has a ton riding on their title game.
Marquee Matchup
#2 Notre Dame vs. #3 Clemson: The rematch from a great overtime game from earlier this year between Clemson and Notre Dame is clearly the most anticipated heading into Conference Championship weekend. Notre Dame snuck a victory back in November but will the second time be a different outcome? Obviously it won’t hurt getting the 1st pick in the 2021 NFL draft Trevor Lawrence back on the field for Clemson. To be fair the quarterback position wasn’t the issue after all the backup QB D.J. Uiagalelei put up over 400 yards through air. In reality it was the running game getting shutdown and turnovers by Travis Etienne that were the really issue, well that and Clemson’s defense at times. Let’s not take any credit away how Notre Dame was able to stuff the run and accumulate over 200 yards rushing along with over 300 yards passing. The major difference in this game is what’s at stake forces Clemson in the corner and the question is will the Tigers strike back like a cornered animal. Not claiming it will be a blowout but look for Clemson to step up to the plate in this second go round.
The Pick: Clemson 33 Notre Dame 27
Under The Radar
#9 Cincinnati vs. #23 Tulsa: This AAC conference title tilt is flying under the radar because it doesn’t involve the mainstream blue-blood programs. Many experts across the country think that unbeaten Cincinnati is getting unfairly treated in the College Football Playoff Rankings. The Bearcats are in a lose-lose situation it would seem because if they win running away it will further the argument of lack of competition on their schedule. If it’s a close contest then the powers that be will say Cincy should’ve blown out that team. Meanwhile one-loss Tulsa, who almost defeated Oklahoma State the first game of the year have picked up some nice wins over Central Florida and SMU. The most glaring item in this matchup that shows up is the Golden Hurricanes give up a bunch of rushing yards which doesn’t bode well versus a team that run the crap out of the ball in the Bearcats. We can just assume that Cincinnati will be looking to soundly beat Tulsa but they better not overlook them getting caught up in the politics of the sport.
The Pick: Cincinnati 30 Tulsa 17
Saturday Upset Special
San Jose upsets Boise State as a 6.5-point underdog.
Hardcore Barnburners
#6 Iowa State vs. #10 Oklahoma: This won’t have a much at stake on the national scene however it will be a competitive game in the rematch. Can the Cyclones finish off a stellar season for the program or will the Evil Empire of the Big-12 snatch that away from them?
#12 Coastal Carolina vs. #19 Louisiana: This may not draw the attention from many College Football fans but the hardcores know this will be a great game with a Sun Belt title and respect on the line.
Against The Spread
#14 Northwestern is very good team and well coached enough to the point they could lose by less than the 20-points Las Vegas placed the Wildcats at this week on the betting lines.
Minnesota may lose to Wisconsin but there is a good chance they can lose be less than 12.5-points.
Take it to the Window
#1 Alabama is too damn good on offense to not beat #7 Florida by 17-points
College Football Conference Championship Preview! Clemson vs Notre Dame Rematch! 12/14 by RopeADopeRadio | Sports (blogtalkradio.com)
Quick Hits Recap
-Arizona State devoured Arizona 70-7, making it the most points scored on the Wildcats since 1949.
-Speaking of points North Carolina walloped Miami 62-26, Tarheels running backs Michael Carter and Javonte Wiliams put up a combined 544 rushing yards.
-Buffalo RB Jaret Patterson went over 1000 rushing yards in just 5 games this season which ties a FBS record.
-This season Duke’s turnovers have been costly to say the least, the Blue Devils had 39 turnovers nearly topping San Jose State 42 from 2017.
-Northwestern rushed for 411 yards in a clean win over Illinois 28-10.
-Rutgers now has 3 conference road wins in a row which it the longest streak since 2000.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio & Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio