The final week of the regular season culminates with the Conference Championships. Several intriguing matchups that will most certainly determine a new 4th place participant. That tells you I give FUGA little chance of upending the Fighting Goat Boys in Atlanta. Utah, Baylor and Oklahoma are all just on the outside looking in and hoping to whip their opponents to a frothy finish so as to impress the committee and get them in the top 4.
So Friday night, Oregon and Utah kick off the festivities. The Ducks (They're just so fast) were kind of the Cinderella favorite to make their way into the playoffs, but blew any chance they had with a loss to Arizona State a couple of weeks ago. Herbert is the real deal and could normally take over a game by himself. However, I don't see it happening here. Why? Just a guess. You see, I know exactly squat about the Utes, other than the fact they're from Utah. They are from Utah, right? Word has it they also have a pretty good football team. And the X factor here is that they have everything to play for while Oregon is probably a bit deflated and Herbert most likely won't be taking too many chances and risk going all Tua.
Utah: 38
Oregon: 28
Baylor vs. Oklahoma Part Doo. In their first match up, Baylor channeled their inner ATL and let a 28-3 lead slip away, and the Sooners mounted a furious rally to edge Da Bears. Prior to, and since that game, Baylor has handled it's bidnezz while the Sooners seemingly have to find ways to win every week. Okie is a long shot to make it even with a second win Saturday. Baylor, on the other hand, is much like Utah. This is their Super Bowl to get to the Super Bowls. And this version of the Bears is not like the high flying, outscore everybody 56-48 teams of recent years. They actually can play a little defense. I'll take the Bears.
Baylor 30
OU 24
Another rematch has 10-2 Wisconsin squaring off against the Growhio State Bulkeyes. tOSU pulled away in the second half of their first game and cruised to a 38-7 win. The Badgers played them pretty much skrate up for 2 quarters but didn't have anything offensively for the Buckeyes. Wisky has been looking good down the home stretch and just knocked off some Gopher Poon with ease. On the other hand, OSU has only been tested once this season a couple of weeks ago against Penn State. They still pulled out an 11 point win, if memory serves. Otherwise, it's been a demolition derby for the Nuts. I see this one being closer than some think but in the end...
Ohio State 28
Wisconsin 14
LSU and FUGA will meet in the ATL to decide the SEC Championship. We all know what both these teams are about. I weebled and wobbled on this game a few weeks back when it was apparent they would meet. At one time, I thought FUGA's defense had what it took to slow down the LSU freight train. In addition, I thought LSU's D was highly suspect and could give up points in bunches. I don't be thankin' dat way any mo. Yes, FUGA plays some stout D. Best in the league. But other than racking up points against lowly G. Tech, they can't score. And their leading receiver is out as well. I'm cooking up some Jambalaya Saturday night and hopefully watching those filthy dogs from the Cesspool of the South get that ass tapped.
LSU 37
FUGA 17
What say ye, Brethren?