Expert College Football Betting Locks for 2025 Conference Championship Week

For many, the offseason has already kicked off in earnest. For far fewer, the season could just be getting started.

For the rest of us, specifically those who love a buffet of point spreads every Saturday, championship week is a limited but incredibly meaningful offering.

Conference champions will be decided, as will a Heisman. A playoff bracket will be solidified, and the bowl season and College Football Playoff bracket will take center stage.

Oh, and we get to see the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in college football play. While the stakes will get higher for both soon enough, it's hard not to be excited about what Ohio State and Indiana will produce.

As for picking winners, well, that's always the goal. After a rough end to the regular season, we're looking forward to something different.

Here are our picks for conference championship weekend.

Big 12 Championship Game: Texas Tech (-12.5) vs. BYU

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The first time these two teams met, BYU put up a fight. Well, at least early on.

Although Texas Tech has overwhelmed its opponent in all but one of its games this year, the Cougars looked like a viable threat in the trenches. Then, as the game progressed, things changed. Texas Tech won 29-7, which is why this point spread is as large as it is.

The good news for BYU? This game will be played at a neutral site—AT&T Stadium—rather than on the road. That should help, of course, but will it be enough?

No. We can cut all the suspense out right now.

Indeed, Texas Tech is a lock for the playoff with a win or a loss, and perhaps that will play with some motivation. BYU, meanwhile, likely needs a win to make the bracket.

It's a fascinating spot, although Texas Tech has such enormous amounts of talent on its roster it likely won't matter.

The Pick: Texas Tech (-12.5)

In their last three games, which includes a win over BYU, the Red Raiders have outscored opponents 126-16. Tech earns a playoff bye with another massive win.

Big Ten Championship: Ohio State (-4) vs. Indiana 

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Regardless of the outcome of this glorious game, Ohio State and Indiana should be ranked No. 1 or No. 2 heading into the postseason. With that in mind, one could argue the Big Ten Championship might lack a little juice.

The counter to that, of course, is that we have two unbeaten teams led by Heisman hopeful quarterbacks looking to keep momentum going into the bracket. It's No. 1 vs. No. 2, what else do you need?

Throughout the week, this line has gone in Indiana's direction, meaning the Hoosiers are getting plenty of support. And the total, which was at 47.5, implies that plenty of defense will be played. Considering these are the top two scoring defenses in the country currently, it's hard to argue this.

Would it shock me if we got this same matchup in the national championship? Not one bit. In the meantime, though, we're siding with the most talented roster in the country along with the two best players in the country (Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs).

This won't be a blowout by any means, but Ohio State ultimately pulls away.

The Pick: Ohio State (-4)

ACC Championship Game: Duke ( 3.5) vs. Virginia

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No team has cost us more money this season than Duke, which is a strange place to start.

Indeed, the Blue Devils lost big for us against Illinois, Tulane, Georgia Tech and other spots. The oddsmakers never quite lost faith in the Blue Devils, and they clearly haven't here, either.

Despite a 7-5 record, Manny Diaz's team is on the cusp of a conference title and a potential appearance in the College Football Playoff, although this particular part is complicated.

Duke lost to this same Virginia team by double digits just a few weeks ago, and the game was at home. Despite this outcome, the spread is still relatively small.

This game will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, which should feature a smattering of both fanbases. With a total nearing 60, this game should also feature plenty of points.

For Duke, this means quarterback Darian Mensah must protect the football. If he can do that, the Blue Devils can win and send the bracket into absolute chaos. 

Sign us up.

The Pick: Duke ( 3.5)

American Athletic Championship Game: North Texas (-2.5) vs. Tulane

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If you like elimination games, then you'll love this particular offering. And if you like high-scoring football games between two feisty programs, the same logic applies.

Indeed, the winner of this game is essentially guaranteed a spot in the playoff regardless of what happens elsewhere.

For Tulane, Jon Sumrall will be on the sideline. Although he just was introduced as the head coach of Florida, he will see this through. Eric Morris, who has been named Oklahoma State HC, will do the same for North Texas.

Which team will feel the impact more?

Based on a total in the high 60s, the oddsmakers believe the offenses will still operate as planned, and we agree.

No team this season has scored more points than North Texas, which has scored 50-plus points in five of the last six games. While the competition will be improved—and they'll be asked to play on the road—it won't matter.

Mean Green, playoff bound.

The Pick: North Texas (-2.5)

SEC Championship Game: Alabama ( 2.5) vs. Georgia

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Just don't lose by a lot.

That might seem like an odd pregame strategy, but that should be the goal for Alabama as it tries to hang onto its spot in the playoff bracket.

Beating Georgia, of course, would work wonders as well. And let's not forget the Crimson Tide did that earlier this year in Athens. To date, that is the Bulldogs' only loss.

The first game featured plenty of offensive success from both teams, although neither scored more than 24 points. In many respects, that feels appropriate. Both teams are overflowing with talent, although it hasn't always come together, especially on that side of the ball.

On the other side of the ball, the teams are No. 11 and No. 12 in scoring defense.

Again, very close. If there is an advantage, though, it might be at quarterback. While Gunner Stockton is plenty capable, Ty Simpson, when given protection, is poised to take over a game.

If you watched the first game, this will look familiar. 'Bama wins a close one.

The Pick: Alabama ( 2.5)

Other Games on the Card

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Mountain West Championship: Boise State (-4) vs. UNLV

We've faded UNLV a handful of times this season, and it hasn't gone well. This time, however, a trip to Idaho and the glorious blue turf could present an issue as Boise has found its footing just in time.

MAC Championship: Miami (OH) ( 2.5) vs. Western Michigan

We are already pot committed here. I bet Miami (OH) to win the MAC before the season began at 7/1, so a win would be extra sweet. In this game, given the short number, it feels plenty alive.