By Chris Carlson: Rivalry week gave us so much enjoyment and it was nice to see Michigan finally get over the hump of Ohio State. No rest for the wary as Conference Championship is upon us and features a variety of interesting matchups with the headliner standout being the SEC title game. By the way if Oklahoma State defeats Baylor will the Playoff Rankings Committee still ranked Cincinnati over the Cowboys?
Marquee Matchup
#1 Georgia vs. #3 Alabama: This SEC matchup has so much riding on it for a couple of reasons. It would seem the Crimson Tide need a win to stay inside of the Top-4 and unless it’s a butt-whooping from Bama even if the Bulldogs lose they would still get in. Georgia needs this game from the mental standpoint of being a top-flight program but always falling short to Alabama. The Bulldogs defiantly look the part as a #1 having a stellar defense but also scoring 40-points a game on offense. This Alabama club is still really good and of course can’t be all the way counted out to win a chip this year. The difference in 2021 is Bama doesn’t dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides. The moon and stars align for Georgia as they find a way to beat their arch nemesis.
The Pick: Georgia 23 Alabama 17
Under The Radar
#2 Michigan vs. #13 Iowa: Jim Harbaugh and Michigan casted away their demons at least for this year by beating the Buckeyes. The Wolverines did so by running the ball down Ohio State’s throat and playing aggressive defense. A near mirror image with less high-end talent is the Iowa Hawkeyes who thrive on defense but this year no so much on the ground and pound. Iowa shouldn’t be overlooked here and will likely compete hard well into the 2nd half. Regardless if Michigan wins big or via last second field goal, momentum seems to be on their side.
The Pick: Michigan 26 Iowa 17
#5 Oklahoma State vs. #9 Baylor: The Cowboys sent Oklahoma packing last week and now have a rematch from a competitive game early this year. OKST did win the game but turnovers kept it closer then it was on paper. Both teams have solid defenses and can play ball control with a top-level rushing attack. The offense that can punch it in when inside the redzone and play-close to mistake-free will win this game. Once again to see a Big-12 title game set at 46.5-total points is a major departure from the norm and a breath of fresh air.
The Pick: Oklahoma State 23 Baylor 20
Saturday Upset Special
#24 Louisiana will win in a minor upset over Appalachian State as a 3-point underdog.
Hardcore Barnburner
#15 Pittsburgh vs. #16 Pittsburgh: Wow is it nice to have an ACC title game without Clemson involved for a change and with a major bowl at stake it should make for a barnburner.
Against The Spread
#13 Iowa will lose to #2 Michigan but not by 11-points.
#17 Utah will beat #10 Oregon by more than the 2.5-points as a favorite.
Quick Hits Recap
-Ole Miss won 10 games in the regular season for the first time in school history.
-Michigan put a halt to the 8 straight years Ohio State had beaten them with a strong win last Saturday.
-Wolverines DE Adam Hutchinson broke the sack record on Saturday with 13.
-Ohio State’s loss was their first in the Big Ten since Ryan Day took over for Urban Meyer. The Buckeyes had also defeated 21 AP-Poll ranked teams in a row.
-Nebraska scored 239 points and allowed 239 points yet somehow ended up 1-8 in the Big Ten.
-North Texas earned their first win over an AP-ranked team since 1974 by beating previously undefeated UTSA.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio and Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio