Championship Week: Breaking Down the Biggest Matchups, Key Players, and What Teams Need to Do to Win
It’s that time of year again, folks—Championship Week is here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With College Football Playoff first-round byes on the line, every snap, every tackle, and every decision will be magnified. Let’s dive into the biggest matchups, the players to watch, and what each team needs to do to hoist their conference championship trophy.
SEC Championship: No. 2 Texas vs. No. 5 Georgia
Mark your calendars for Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. ET on ABC because this rematch is going to be electric. Georgia handed Texas its only loss of the season earlier this year, but can the Bulldogs do it again in Atlanta?
What Texas Needs to Do to Win
The Longhorns need to avoid falling into the same trap as their first meeting with Georgia, where they found themselves in a 23-0 hole. Playing catchup is not a recipe for success, especially in a hostile environment like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will be packed with Georgia fans. Texas must establish the run game to avoid putting too much pressure on quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. In their last matchup, Ewers was sacked five times, and Manning was sacked twice. If left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (ankle) is limited or out, pass protection could be a major issue.
Defensively, Texas needs to replicate what Ole Miss did to Georgia earlier this season. The Rebels sacked quarterback Carson Beck five times and forced an interception, holding him to just 186 passing yards. Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron will be key in forcing turnovers and putting Georgia in obvious passing situations.
What Georgia Needs to Do to Win
For Georgia, it’s all about physicality. The Bulldogs need to dominate the line of scrimmage and establish their run game while preventing Texas from doing the same. Turnovers have been a problem for Beck, who threw 12 interceptions in six games before a clean performance against Tennessee. If Beck can replicate that efficiency, Georgia will be in good shape.
Special teams could also play a pivotal role. Kicker Peyton Woodring and punter Brett Thorson have been outstanding this season, and their contributions could tip the scales in a close game.
ACC Championship: No. 17 Clemson vs. No. 8 SMU
Set for Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, this matchup pits a seasoned Clemson team against an SMU squad making its first ACC title game appearance.
What Clemson Needs to Do to Win
Experience is on Clemson’s side, as the Tigers have won seven of the past nine ACC championship games. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has been solid this season, throwing for 3,041 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. However, Clemson’s run defense has been shaky, allowing over 200 rushing yards in losses to Louisville and South Carolina. Fixing that will be crucial against SMU’s dynamic offense.
What SMU Needs to Do to Win
SMU has thrived on being opportunistic, forcing 21 turnovers and scoring four defensive touchdowns this season. Quarterback Kevin Jennings is 9-0 as a starter, and running back Brashard Smith has been a force, rushing for 1,157 yards and 14 touchdowns. To win, SMU must match Clemson’s physicality and force turnovers.
Big Ten Championship: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 3 Penn State
This clash of titans kicks off Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Oregon is the only undefeated FBS team left, but Penn State’s defense is no joke.
What Oregon Needs to Do to Win
Oregon’s speed and versatility make them a nightmare matchup. Running back Jordan James has been a revelation, rushing for 1,166 yards and 13 touchdowns. The Ducks need to challenge Penn State’s secondary with their talented receivers and limit turnovers to stay undefeated.
What Penn State Needs to Do to Win
Penn State’s defense leads the FBS in yards per rush allowed (2.66). Stopping James and forcing Oregon into a low-possession game will be key. Offensively, quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren must find ways to exploit Oregon’s defense.
Big 12 Championship: No. 15 Arizona State vs. No. 16 Iowa State
Arizona State has defied expectations all season, and they’ll look to cap it off with a Big 12 title on Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. ET on ABC.
- Arizona State: Running back Cam Skattebo is the key. He’s second nationally in forced missed tackles and will need to carry the load with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson out.
- Iowa State: The Cyclones’ defense must stop Skattebo and rely on their dynamic receiving duo of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Mountain West Championship: No. 10 Boise State vs. No. 20 UNLV
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty has been unstoppable, but UNLV’s defense will look to replicate their earlier success in containing him. This Dec. 6 showdown at 8 p.m. ET on FOX promises fireworks.
Quotes of the Week
“We’re playing for a freaking championship. That’s not good. It’s great.” – Clemson coach Dabo Swinney
“Absolutely not. Ashton Jeanty is the best football player in the country.” – Boise State coach Spencer Danielson
“It’s not payback. We have it in the back of our minds what they did to us. We have respect for them, but we don’t fear them.” – Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron
Originally Written by: Chris Low
