College Football Conference Championship Weekend: Top Picks and Predictions

Betting Insights for College Football's Championship Week Showdowns
College Football Conference Championship Weekend Picks and Predictions
These are the best picks and predictions for the big CFB Conference Championship games this weekend.
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Championship Week in college football is among us, and just by looking at who’s playing who, it’s apparent that the stakes couldn’t be higher. From the SEC Championship to the Big Ten Championship and everything in between, these are some of the best games of the year.

From College Football Playoff implications to the ever-important conference bragging rights, this weekend is set to deliver some fireworks in a big way. 

Here’s a look at the top matchups for this weekend and the best bets to add to your bet slips.

(3) Penn State vs. (1) Oregon

  • Penn State: o49.5 -115

  • Oregon: -3.5 -105

This Big Ten Championship features Oregon, the last unbeaten team in the nation, taking on a Penn State squad that doesn’t get enough attention despite an 11-1 record. 

Oregon has been absolutely dominant on both sides of the ball. They’re led by quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who has racked up a monstrous 3,275 passing yards and 24 TDs.

Penn State counters with their QB, Drew Allar, whose fairly efficient play (2,668 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 5 picks) has been the backbone of their success throughout the season.

The Ducks’ edge comes in their versatility. They average a whopping 448.5 yards per game. This is primarily driven by a balanced attack that includes star running back Jordan James (1,166 rushing yards, 13 TDs). Whether it’s in the air or on the ground, the Ducks are dominating.

Penn State’s defense will need to rise to the occasion for this matchup, especially against the run. They rank just 45th nationally, which isn’t terrible but they’re going up against one of the best offenses we’ve seen. The Nittany Lions' Nicholas Singleton (733 rushing yards, 7 TDs) will have to shine to keep this game close.

  • BettorsInsider Pick: Oregon -3.5

  • Prop Bet: Jordan James Over 85.5 rushing yards

(5) Georgia vs. (2) Texas

  • Georgia: o49.5 -110

  • Texas: -2.5 -120

The SEC Championship is one of the biggest games of the year — every year. This game pits Texas, fresh off their first year in the SEC, against a Georgia team seeking to close out the Longhorns for the second time this season. 

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has been nothing short of spectacular, leading an offense that notches upwards of 450 yards per game. His connection with receiver Gunnar Helm has been a huge component of this and they’re going to look to extend this streak.

Georgia’s Carson Beck (3,429 passing yards, 28 TDs) has been just as impressive, but their lack of a consistent ground game (128.1 rushing yards per game, 196th nationally) could hurt them. They rank 196th in the nation with around 128 rushing yards per game.

We expect Georgia’s defense to keep this close, but Texas has the weapons to win late and get back at the Bulldogs when it matters most. The spread is tight for a reason, but this game screams potential for a Longhorns cover. We’re thinking that the Longhorns will get a first-round bye in the CFP with the Ducks.

  • BettorsInsider Pick: Texas -3

  • Prop Bet: Quinn Ewers Over 2.5 touchdown passes

(17) Clemson vs. (8) SMU

  • Clemson: u55.5 -110

  • SMU: -1.5 -110

SMU rolls into the ACC Championship after dominating their new conference. They’re boasting an 11-1 record and a 17-game league winning streak which simply cannot be ignored.

Clemson, on the other hand, had to scrap their way here and it wasn’t always pretty. Cade Klubnik (3,041 yards, 29 TDs) anchors a Tigers offense that will be tasked with keeping pace with SMU’s balanced attack, featuring quarterback Kevin Jennings (2,746 yards, 19 TDs) and running back Brashard Smith (1,154 yards, 14 TDs).

The Mustangs’ offense has looked unstoppable, but Clemson’s defense might be the best they’ve faced this year. We’re pretty sure this one should come down to the wire.

  • BettorsInsider Pick: SMU -2.5

  • Prop Bet: Antonio Williams Over 85.5 receiving yards

(10) Boise State vs. (20) UNLV

  • UNLV: o57.5 -110

  • Boise State: -3.5 -122

The Mountain West Championship matchup is Boise State hosting UNLV in what we feel could be an offensive shootout. 

Ashton Jeanty is Boise’s powerful engine, with 2,288 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. He seems unstoppable this season. 

UNLV’s Haji-Malik Williams has also been phenomenal in his own right as he’s thrown for 1,735 yards and 17 TDs while rushing for 833 yards — a true dual threat QB.

Both defenses have struggled at times this season, but we think that Boise State’s 11-game home winning streak and Jeanty’s dominance make them the favorite for this championship game.

  • BettorsInsider Pick: Boise State -4.5

  • Prop Bet: Ashton Jeanty Over 115.5 rushing yards

(16) Iowa State vs. (15) Arizona State

  • Iowa State: o49.5 -110

  • Arizona State: -1 -102

The Big 12 Championship features two teams definitely uprooting any preseason expectations. 

Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo (1,398 rushing yards, 17 TDs) has been the conference’s best running back. Iowa State’s Rocco Becht (3,021 passing yards, 20 TDs) has been steady under center and not looking to slow down this weekend.

Iowa State’s rushing defense, ranked 111th nationally, is a problem they haven’t figured out yet and Arizona will most likely pick them apart. Skattebo’s ability to wear down defenses should lead the Sun Devils to a fairly easy win.

  • BettorsInsider Pick: Arizona State -2

  • Prop Bet: Cam Skattebo Anytime TD (-150)

(24) Army vs. Tulane

  • Tulane: -4.5 -110

  • Army: u45.5 -110

The American Athletic Championship doesn’t get the fanfare some of the other championships do, but nonetheless, it’s going to be a big game this weekend. It pits Tulane’s dominant offense against Army’s methodical triple-option attack style.

Tulane’s defense has shown a few cracks up to this point, and Army’s ability to control possession and run the clock down could make things interesting.

Still, the Green Wave has more playmakers, and quarterback Michael Pratt’s ability to stretch the field gives Tulane the edge in this matchup so that’s who we’re going with. But it’ll be close and Army will cover the spread.

  • BettorsInsider Pick: Army +4.5

  • Prop Bet: Total Points Under 45.5

Lock In Your Championship Bets

Championship Week is stacked with massive matchups and tons of betting value. Log into your favorite sportsbook and get your bet slip loaded up with some of these game bets and even a few player props — if that’s your style.

With playoff spots and conference titles on the line, you won’t want to miss out on these key games and their best betting angles.

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