Breaking Down College Football's 2017 Conference Title Game Matchups
Chaos has engulfed Championship Week.
Last week, the nation's top two teams in the most recent College Football Playoff Top 25, Alabama and Miami, both suffered their first defeats of the season. That leaves plenty of intrigue and only two FBS squads unbeaten as we enter the final games.
This weekend, nine FBS leagues will hold their championship games, with varying stakes and lots of interesting subplots. Many teams are playing for playoff berths or waiting and hoping tumult helps punch their playoff tickets.
We took a look at all nine games, examined why they matter and picked our favorites to win. Here's a look at this week's conference title game matchups.
American Athletic Conference Championship Game
1 of 9
Game info
Memphis at UCF. Noon ET Saturday, Spectrum Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Players to watch
UCF sophomore quarterback McKenzie Milton has been excellent in his second season as a starter, spearheading the Knights' potent offense. He has thrown for 3,301 yards with 30 touchdowns and six interceptions and also rushed for 429 yards and six scores. If Memphis has any hopes of winning the AAC, he must be contained.
Memphis senior receiver Anthony Miller is the best wideout in the AAC. He has 78 catches for 1,212 yards and 14 touchdowns, but had one of his worst games earlier this season vs. UCF, making three grabs for 37 yards.
The Tigers also need a big game from Riley Ferguson. He's thrown for 3,500 yards with 32 touchdowns against eight interceptions, but threw for 321 yards and a touchdown with three interceptions in the teams' first meeting.
The favorite
UCF has gone from winless to 11-0 in two seasons under Scott Frost, who has emerged as one of the nation's hottest coaches. The Knights play a fun style of offense that averages 48.3 points per game, which is best in the nation. Memphis is No. 2 nationally, averaging 47.0 points per game, but the only team to slow the Tigers was UCF, which took a 40-13 win in the teams' regular-season meeting. This game is at home for UCF, and it's hard to imagine Memphis stopping the Knights with a title on the line.
The stakes
This could be the last game at their respective schools for both Frost and Memphis coach Mike Norvell, who are strong candidates for Power Five jobs. The winner will likely take the Group of Five's New Year's Six bowl bid, but it might be an interim guy coaching that game, no matter who emerges. Regardless, this will be a points-fueled, fun game to watch if you like offense and passing.
Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game
2 of 9
Game info
Clemson vs. Miami. 8 p.m. ET Saturday. Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Players to watch
Clemson junior Kelly Bryant has been highly capable in his first season as the Tigers' starting quarterback. He has thrown for 2,426 yards with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions and is also Clemson's second-leading rusher with 639 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Clemson's offense sputtered without him in its only loss at Syracuse. Freshman tailback Travis Etienne is a speedy, game-breaking back who is the Tigers' leading rusher with 720 yards and 12 scores on just 97 carries.
Miami needs a strong game from junior quarterback Malik Rosier. He has thrown for 2,798 yards with 25 touchdowns against nine interceptions but was briefly benched in last week's 24-14 loss at Pitt. The Hurricanes defense has been special, and senior defensive end Trent Harris is an important piece with 8.5 sacks, second in the ACC.
The favorite
In a topsy-turvy season, Clemson's resume (save the Syracuse loss) is good, with wins over Auburn, Virginia Tech and Louisville (the latter two on the road). The Tigers are playing their best when it matters most, as a 34-10 whipping of a Top 25 South Carolina team showed. This is Clemson's third consecutive ACC title game, and this group knows what it takes to win. Miami is no pushover, but the Tigers' strength on defense, offensive playmakers and big-game experience will make the difference.
The stakes
Even after Miami's loss, this game still looms as a likely play-in for the College Football Playoff. Win and you're in. Lose, and you become a two-loss team on the outside looking in. The loser should still make a New Year's Six game, but it'll have to work through the sting of a missed opportunity first.
Big Ten Conference Championship Game
3 of 9
Game info
Ohio State vs. Wisconsin. 8 p.m. ET Saturday, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Players to watch
Assuming he has recovered from a knee injury sustained before a win over Michigan, J.T. Barrett will be crucial to Ohio State’s hopes. The athletic senior quarterback has thrown for 2,717 yards with 33 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Wisconsin freshman tailback Jonathan Taylor has been a revelation, rushing for 1,806 yards and 13 scores. The Badgers defense ranks No. 2 nationally, allowing 12.0 points per game, and junior linebacker Ryan Connelly is a key cog. He has 71 tackles and 10 tackles for loss on the season.
The favorite
Wisconsin is one of two remaining FBS unbeatens along with UCF. While the Badgers have taken some flak for their softer schedule, they haven't been challenged severely all season, with their lowest margin of victory a 17-9 win over Purdue. They’re a well-rounded team. The Buckeyes are flashier and own wins over Penn State and Michigan, but looked vulnerable in losses to Iowa and Oklahoma. Wisconsin will finish its unbeaten season and move into the College Football Playoff.
The stakes
With a win, Wisconsin would almost certainly clinch a playoff berth as the only remaining Power Five unbeaten team. Ohio State has two losses. Another defeat would end its playoff hopes, but with a win, it could sneak in as the No. 4 seed if chaos (perhaps in the Big 12?) happens elsewhere. But it's no certainty.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
Big 12 Conference Championship Game
4 of 9
Game info
Oklahoma vs. TCU. 12:30 ET Saturday, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Players to watch
Oklahoma senior quarterback Baker Mayfield is a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist and a strong favorite to claim the trophy this year. He is a brash, freewheeling leader who is very productive; Mayfield has thrown for 4,097 yards with 37 touchdowns against five interceptions. His top target is wide receiver Marquise Brown, who has 46 catches for 894 yards and five scores. If TCU hopes to hang with the Sooners, it needs a big game from senior quarterback Kenny Hill. Hill has thrown for 2,604 yards with 19 touchdowns and five interceptions and has been largely efficient this fall.
The favorite
Oklahoma has been the class of the Big 12 all season with an excellent offense keyed by Mayfield and averaging 45.3 points per game, No. 4 nationally. The Sooners would likely already be in the playoff if they didn't have to play in the title game, but they did defeat TCU 38-20 on Nov. 11 in Norman. Expect OU's offense to roll and punch its ticket to the four-team playoff.
The stakes
The Big 12 revived its championship game after being left out of the College Football Playoff multiple times. It's ironic because league officials will be holding their breath for an Oklahoma win that preserves the Big 12's spot. A win by two-loss TCU would knock the league out of the playoff mix again. Commissioner Bob Bowlsby will be neutral, but chances are he'll be humming "Boomer Sooner" under his breath.
Conference USA Championship Game
5 of 9
Game info
North Texas at Florida Atlantic. Noon Saturday, FAU Football Stadium, Boca Raton, Florida
Players to watch
Florida Atlantic sophomore tailback Devin Singletary is one of the top Group of Five players. He has 1,630 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground. He has rushed for at least 100 yards in 10 consecutive games. Junior safety Jalen Young is a ball hawk; he leads C-USA with five interceptions. Meanwhile, North Texas sophomore quarterback Mason Fine has been much improved in his second season as the starter. He has 3,393 passing yards with 27 touchdowns against 11 interceptions but threw for 283 yards with two scores and two interceptions in the teams' first meeting.
The favorite
Lane Kiffin has done a remarkable job rebuilding Florida Atlantic in his first season in Boca Raton. After a 1-3 start with losses to Navy, Wisconsin and Buffalo, the Owls ran the table in C-USA, winning eight consecutive games. They have a powerful run offense that averages 283.4 yards per game, No. 6 nationally. North Texas is 7-1 in league play but already fell 69-31 to FAU earlier this season. They allow 33.3 points per game and it's hard to see them reversing that trend long enough to hang with the Owls at home.
The stakes
Neither team is likely to grab the Group of Five's New Year's Day spot, but the winner of this game gets to pick the bowl it wants to attend. So that will be a nice subplot and reward for the C-USA champion.
Mid-American Conference Championship Game
6 of 9
Game info
Akron vs. Toledo. Noon ET Saturday, Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
Players to watch
Toledo has a powerful, balanced offense. Senior tailback Terry Swanson is a durable workhorse who has toted the rock 210 times for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns, his first 1,000-yard season. But the Rockets' key is senior quarterback Logan Woodside, who has thrown for 3,451 yards with 24 touchdowns against three interceptions, including a 304-yard, five-touchdown, one-pick effort in last month's win over Akron. He's a great under-the-radar passer.
Akron senior quarterback Thomas Woodson's status is uncertain. He has missed the last three games with a suspension. If he can't play, the burden to move the Zips offense falls on freshman QB Kato Nelson. Nelson has 732 yards passing with six touchdowns against two interceptions this season, but threw for just 69 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a regular-season-ending win over Kent State.
The favorite
Toledo is the most complete team in the MAC and has an exciting offense that averages 38.7 points per game, No. 15 nationally. The Rockets already ripped the Zips 48-21 in their previous meeting on Oct. 21, and even on neutral turf, it's hard to see this matchup turning out much differently. Expect the Rockets to roll to a MAC title.
The stakes
Unlike last season, the MAC champion isn't likely to earn the Group of Five's New Year's Six bowl bid. The MAC doesn't have a clear pecking order for its bowl tie-ins, basing them on geography and best possible matchups. But the champion will likely get significant input on where it wants to land for the postseason, so that's something to play for beyond the conference crown.
Mountain West Conference Championship Game
7 of 9
Game info
Fresno State at Boise State. 7:45 p.m. ET Saturday, Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho
Players to watch
Boise State freshman defensive end Curtis Weber has been productive in his first season of college play. He has eight sacks in 12 games, tied for second in the Mountain West and a half-sack off the league lead. The Broncos need him to be at his best Saturday against Fresno's pass attack. Sophomore tailback Alexander Mattison is the latest in a long line of productive Boise backs. He has 1,024 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. Fresno State's turnaround has been keyed by junior quarterback Marcus McMaryion, who has thrown for 2,212 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions.
The favorite
This is one of the odder league title games in that it's a rematch of the previous week's meeting. In a schedule quirk, Boise State visited Fresno last week after both teams had clinched their title berths. Fresno State won 28-17, but it's questionable how much Boise actually revealed, knowing much bigger stakes loomed next week. The Broncos are 5-1 at home this season, and Boise is a tough environment for visitors. We're guessing that will give them a big boost this week.
The stakes
The Mountain West champion is unlikely to grab the Group of Five New Year's Six bid, but the league champion is ticketed for the Las Vegas Bowl.
Pac-12 Conference Championship Game
8 of 9
Game info
Stanford vs. USC. 8 p.m. ET Friday, Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Players to watch
USC sophomore quarterback Sam Darnold began the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate but hasn't quite lived up to those expectations. However, he still enjoyed a good season. He had six 300-yard passing games, and piled up 3,462 yards with 24 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He threw for 316 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions in the teams' first meeting.
Stanford junior tailback Bryce Love has filled the shoes of Christian McCaffrey quite capably, emerging as one of the most explosive players in college football. He's rushed for 1,848 yards with 16 touchdowns and has 10 100-yard rushing games, including a 301-yard effort against Arizona State. He's more than capable of breaking off a big, game-changing run or two.
The favorite
USC and Stanford have already faced off this season, with the Trojans taking a 42-24 win on Sept. 9. USC has fallen short of College Football Playoff-sized expectations, but a Pac-12 title would be a nice consolation prize. Stanford is looking for its fourth league title in six seasons under David Shaw. The Trojans defense has been suspect at times this season, but if it can hold Love to 100 yards or so with no big plays, Clay Helton and Co. will take home a title thanks to a superior passing game.
The stakes
The Pac-12 is all but certain to be shut out of the College Football Playoff, and thanks to the Rose Bowl's status as a semifinal host, the winner won't even smell roses. But the victor will vault into the New Year's Six bowl mix, while the loser will likely fall out. So beyond a league title, there's the not-so-small matter of a much better bowl destination on the line here.
Southeastern Conference Championship Game
9 of 9
Game info
Auburn vs. Georgia. 4 p.m. ET Saturday. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Players to watch
Auburn has enjoyed a strong running game this season, but Jarrett Stidham has been as advertised in his first year as the starting quarterback. The sophomore has thrown for 2,682 yards with 16 touchdowns against four interceptions and can also make things happen with his legs; he's rushed for 153 yards and four scores in a read-option scheme.
While Georgia has thrived with freshman Jake Fromm at quarterback, the senior tailback duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel has made the offense go. Chubb has rushed for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Michel has added 903 yards and 13 scores. Together, they'll play a huge role in the Bulldogs' success or failure Saturday.
The favorite
Auburn is one of the nation's hottest teams. The Tigers whipped Georgia 40-17 and Alabama 26-14 in Jordan-Hare Stadium in a three-week span, handing both teams their first defeat of the season. However, the Tigers' run game is beat up, with Kerryon Johnson leaving the Iron Bowl following a shoulder injury. If he can't go, the Bulldogs defense could feast against a more one-dimensional offense. Expect Kirby Smart to make adjustments, and a neutral-field environment could even the playing field as well. Georgia is the pick here, but this is a total toss-up.
The stakes
The stakes for this game are huge. It's hard to see the SEC champion being left out of the College Football Playoff, and the winner will likely secure a berth, with the loser being left out. With one-loss Alabama also lurking on the playoff periphery, it's unlikely that the playoff would take both division champions if they chose to take two SEC teams. So for playoff hopes, winning here is of the utmost importance, although the loser will still make a New Year's Six game.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
