UNC-Clemson is not only conference championship worth watching
Posted November 30, 2022 9:29 p.m. EST
College football’s conference championship games will answer questions for some and raise them for others.
WRAL senior multiplatform producer Mark Bergin explains the reasons to watch each conference championship game.
The College Football Playoff rankings are used throughout this story.
ACC championship game: No. 23 North Carolina vs. No. 9 Clemson (8 p.m. ET Saturday, ABC)
The last four UNC games have been decided by 3, 2, 4 and 3 points.
North Carolina (9-3, 6-2 ACC) secured the Coastal division then lost its final two games heading into Saturday night’s ACC championship game.
Tar Heels head coach Mack Brown delivered on his preseason promise to 99.9 the Fan’s Joe Ovies and Joe Giglio.
The losing streak might have cost redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Maye an invite to New York City for the Dec. 10 Heisman Trophy presentation.
The Tar Heels were always a long shot to make the CFP because Saturday marks the first time they’ve played a ranked opponent all season.
North Carolina and Clemson (10-2, 8-0 ACC) are two-loss teams, meaning the ACC will get left out of the CFP for a second consecutive season.
The Tar Heels are vying for their first ACC title since 1980.
Clemson is vying for its seventh ACC championship in the past eight years.
The Tigers will be without sophomore wide receiver Beaux Collins due to a shoulder injury. Collins leads the Tigers with five touchdown catches.
PAC-12 championship game: No. 11 Utah vs. No. 4 USC (8 p.m. ET Friday, FOX)
It’s simple if you’re USC: Win and the Trojans are in the CFP.
Plus, quarterback Caleb Williams is a heavy favorite to win the Heisman Trophy.
What a year it’s been for head coach Lincoln Riley and company. USC (11-1, 8-1 PAC-12) suffered its only loss of the season in October against Utah.
The CFP has never had a two-loss team. It’s likely No. 5 Ohio State would surpass USC if the Trojans lose.
Utah (9-3, 7-2 PAC-12) has four of its last five games.
Big 12 championship game: No. 10 Kansas State vs. No. 3 TCU (Noon ET Saturday, ABC)
TCU (12-0, 9-0 Big 12) is a 2.5-point favorite against Kansas State. Some people believe it’s a must-win game for the Horned Frogs, but here is some important historic context.
In 2014, 11-1 TCU was left out behind 12-1 Ohio State because there was no Big 12 Championship game.
In 2022, if there were no Big 12 Championship TCU would already be in the CFP. Instead, it’s possible 12-1 TCU is left out for 11-1 Ohio State who won’t play in a conference championship.
TCU enters the weekend with a 2-0 record against top 25 teams. Ohio State is 2-1 against top 25 teams.
Kansas State quarterback Adrian Martinez suffered a lower-body injury during the Nov. 12 game against Baylor. Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman mentioned this week how the team could have a special package for Martinez on Saturday.
Oddsmakers have disrespected TCU all season long. Both teams have strong records against the spread: TCU is 9-2-1 and Kansas State is 8-3-1.
Which team will Lee Corso pick during ESPN’s “College GameDay” broadcast? TCU or Kansas State
As much as Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn reminds me of Kansas State legend Darren Sproles, I don’t think Corso picks against TCU. The Horned Frogs’ offense has been among the best in the country this season.
Plus, Corso loves the Horned Frogs.
SEC championship game: No. 14 LSU vs. No. 1 Georgia (4 p.m. ET Saturday, CBS)
The cynic in me thinks everyone else is playing for second place considering how dominant the Bulldogs have been this season.
The Bulldogs (12-0, 8-0 SEC) average 488.8 total yards per game and 38.3 points per game. The defense allows 11.3 points per game.
Keep an eye on Georgia tight ends Brock Bowers and Darnell Washington aka “Agent Zero.” Both players create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses and have NFL futures.
LSU (9-3, 6-2 SEC) is coming off a 38-23 loss to Texas A&M. Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels is LSU’s leading rusher with 824 yards. He’ll need to have a big game for any chance of an upset.
Big Ten championship game: Purdue vs. No. 2 Michigan (8 p.m. ET Saturday, FOX)
Purdue vs. Michigan for the Big Ten championship … just like everyone thought it would be before last weekend.
Michigan (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten) should be ok if running back Blake Corum is limited again due to injury because Donovan Edwards looked comfortable carrying the load against Ohio State.
Edwards had 22 carries for 216 yards and two touchdowns against the Buckeyes.
It’s not necessarily a must-win game for the Wolverines to make the CFP.
Purdue (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) won three consecutive games to make the conference title game.
