2019 Conference Championship Previews
Since there are so many games today, I’m just going to do brief previews of each game. I previewed last night’s game yesterday. Here are the rest of your 2019 Conference Championship previews.
Big 12 Championship: #6 Oklahoma (11-1) vs. #7 Baylor (11-1)
When: Saturday December 7, 12 PM ET
Where- Dallas (Arlington), AT&T Stadium
TV: ABC
A rematch of an all-time classic from a few weeks ago. Last time, Baylor jumped out to a huge lead only to see the Sooners mount their largest comeback in school history. This time there’s even more on the line. With Utah’s loss last night, the winner of this game is likely in the driver seat for the final playoff spot. Will the Bears defense show up or will Oklahoma’s explosive offense be the story?
Sun Belt Championship: #21 Appalachian State (11-1) vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (10-2)
When: Saturday December 7, 12 PM ET
Where: Boone, NC; Kidd Brewer Stadium
TV: ESPN
Appalachian State dominated the FCS ranks and has made the transition to FBS look easy. Since moving up in 2014, they’ve won at least 10 games in each of the last 5 seasons, including the last 3 Sun Belt titles. This year, they have a small chance of being the Group of 5 representative in the New Years’ Six bowls. Louisiana set the school record for conference wins and total wins in a season this year. Very similar defensive numbers on each side, but expect App State’s offensive balance to be the difference in a somewhat low scoring game.
MAC Championship: Central Michigan (8-4) vs. Miami Ohio (7-5)
When: Saturday December 7, 12 PM ET
Where: Detroit, Ford Field
TV: ESPN2
The Chippewas made a remarkable turnaround under new head coach Jim McElwain this season after only winning one game last season. Moving Tony Poljan from QB to TE has proven to be a good move. He is tied for second on the team in receiving touchdowns. Transfer QB Quinten Dormandy has started 8 games this year and found some stability after a rough couple of years in Tennessee and Houston. Miami may struggle in this one. Their offense is on the low-end, and they actually give up more points than they score themselves.
Conference USA Championship: Florida Atlantic (9-3) vs. UAB (9-3)
Is this Lane Kiffin’s last game at FAU before going to Ole Miss? The Owls have owned the conference since he arrived, and I expect to see more of the same in this game.
American Championship: #20 Cincinnati (10-2) vs. #17 Memphis (11-1)
When: Saturday December 7, 3:30 PM ET
Where: Memphis, Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
TV: ABC
A rematch of a game that just happened last week. Memphis needed to win that to reach this championship game, and now they are the hosts. A win likely puts them in the Cotton Bowl. In last week’s game, Cincinnati came out flat. They gave up a touchdown on the opening kick, their offense looked pretty lost without QB Desmond Ridder (at least in the first half), and their defense simply didn’t show up. Damonte Coxie and Antonio Gibson seemed to cause a lot of issues for the Bearcats’ defense. Both these offenses can make plays. It’ll come down to which defense shows up. Regardless, it’s almost always a good game when these two get together.
SEC Championship: #2 LSU (12-0) vs. #4 Georgia (11-1)
When : Saturday December 7, 4 PM ET
Where: Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
TV: CBS
This obviously projects as a great game. An LSU win likely opens up the final playoff spot, while a Georgia win throws the system into chaos. LSU would still have a good chance to be in with a loss because they have been dominant this season. QB Joe Burrow is playing spectacular football and has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Georgia’s defense should give them all they can handle, as they give up the 2nd least points to opponents in the country.
Mountain West Championship: Hawaii (9-4) vs. #19 Boise State (11-1)
When: Saturday December 7, 4 PM ET
Where: Boise, Albertsons Stadium
When these teams played earlier this year, Boise won a high scoring affair. The Broncos have had another great season. It seems like every year they are at the top of the Group of 5 Teams. A Cincinnati win in the American gives Boise a strong chance at the Cotton Bowl. Hawaii once again has a strong passing attack. QB Cole McDonald is a little interception prone but is also still having a solid season. Cedric Byrd is the main threat with Jared Smart and JoJo Ward as great complements. I would expect a similar game to the last one: high scoring, but the Broncos winning by double digits.
ACC Championship: #23 Virginia (9-3) vs. #3 Clemson (12-0)
When: Saturday December 7, 7:30 PM ET
Where: Charlotte, Bank of America Stadium
TV: ABC
It’s basically a foregone conclusion that Clemson will win this game and be in the playoff (again). Heck, in this conference that’s pretty much the case every year. Clemson’s defense lost many starters to the NFL after last season but is still one of the (if not THE) best defenses in the country. On offense, they have a balanced attack with difference-makers at every position. Virginia has some talented players, but they are not quite where they need to be to compete with the Tigers.
Big Ten Championship: #1 Ohio State (12-0) vs. #8 Wisconsin (10-2)
When: Saturday December 7, 8 PM ET
Where: Indianapolis, Lucas Oil Stadium
TV: Fox
This matchup features a couple of dominant defenses. Wisconsin started the year looking elite, and Ohio State has been unstoppable all season. Ultimately, this one comes down to which offense can be more explosive, and Justin Fields and the Buckeyes have been one of the best in the nation with threats all over the field.
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