Championship Week Showdown: Expert Picks, Predictions Against the Spread, and Key Odds for College Football’s Biggest Games

The stage is set for one of the most thrilling weekends in college football as 18 teams compete across conference championship games this Friday and Saturday. With postseason implications on the line, teams are not only vying for conference glory but also positioning themselves for coveted spots in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Here’s a breakdown of what’s at stake and predictions for some of the weekend’s marquee matchups.

Big 12 Championship: No. 16 Iowa State vs. No. 15 Arizona State
Kickoff: Noon ET, ABC
The Big 12 Championship kicks off Saturday’s action with No. 16 Iowa State facing No. 15 Arizona State. Both teams are battling for a CFP berth and potentially a first-round bye. Iowa State boasts a stingy passing defense that could prove decisive, especially with the Sun Devils missing standout receiver Jordyn Tyson. A victory for the Cyclones would end a 112-year conference title drought.
Prediction: Iowa State +2.5

SEC Championship: No. 5 Georgia vs. No. 2 Texas
Kickoff: 4 p.m. ET, ABC
This heavyweight clash features two teams likely to secure CFP berths regardless of the outcome. However, seeding is on the line. Georgia seeks redemption after losing to Texas earlier this season. Despite a hostile crowd favoring Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Longhorns’ stout defense and playoff-ready mentality could give them the edge.
Prediction: Texas -2.5

ACC Championship: No. 17 Clemson vs. No. 8 SMU
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Clemson faces SMU in a high-stakes battle for a CFP spot. The Mustangs, dominant for most of the season, have an opportunity to control their own destiny. Clemson, on the other hand, needs a win to stay in contention. While the Tigers’ inconsistency has been evident, SMU’s well-rounded approach may tip the scales in a close, hard-fought game.
Prediction: SMU -2.5

Big Ten Championship: No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 1 Oregon
Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET,
The final game of the day is a showdown between No. 1 Oregon and No. 3 Penn State. Oregon enters as a narrow favorite, but Penn State’s all-around talent could make this a closely contested matchup. Oregon’s depth at wide receiver and its ability to exploit mismatches give the Ducks a slight edge in what promises to be a thrilling game.
Prediction: Oregon -3.5

What’s at Stake?
With the CFP on the horizon, Saturday’s games will solidify the playoff picture and provide clarity on which teams will secure top seeds and first-round byes. No. 1 Oregon, No. 2 Texas, No. 3 Penn State, and No. 8 SMU are all eyeing key victories to cement their playoff standing, while teams like No. 5 Georgia and No. 17 Clemson hope to keep their championship dreams alive.