Championship Week Picks - Thank You

Miami’s 8-4 season was far more successful than my picks campaign in 2016. Despite winning 60% the past two weeks, my overall record is 142-152. I am picking exactly ten games as a hail mary attempt to end the year with the term this column has made “famous” - Precise Mediocrity. Thank you to everyone who has read my articles this season. I sincerely appreciate all of the feedback I receive, both positive and negative. State of the U has experienced incredible growth over the past year thanks to our readers and I’m privileged to be a part of it. I hope you’ll all join me for the upcoming roller coaster that is bowl season.

MAC Championship

WESTERN MICHIGAN -17 vs Ohio - 7pm tonight

Row the boat with P.J. Fleck and Western Michigan for one final time before he takes a bigger job. The undefeated Broncos won all eight MAC games by two touchdowns or more.

Pac-12 Championship

WASHINGTON -8.5 vs Colorado - 9pm tonight

It's been a dream season for the Buffaloes, but they'll come up short tonight. Washington has the better defense and QB Jake Browning should have a big night.

Saturday

KANSAS STATE +3.5 at Tcu - 12pm

AAC Conference Championship

TEMPLE +2.5 vs Navy - 12pm

Navy is getting all of the publicity, but Temple has won six straight games. The Owls defense has allowed just 23 combined points the past four games and will be ready to stop the triple-option. Temple is 11-1 ATS this season.

Conference USA Championship

WESTERN KENTUCKY -9.5 vs Louisiana Tech - 12pm

LT won the first matchup 55-52 in October, but Western Kentucky is at home on Saturday. QB Mike White and WR Taywan Taylor are an explosive combination.

"Big 12 Championship"

OKLAHOMA STATE +11.5 at Oklahoma - 1230pm

OKST has been underrated all year and if the referees didn't cost the Cowboys a game against Central Michigan, this game would have even bigger playoff implications. The team with the ball last wins a close one.

SEC Championship

FLORIDA +24 vs Alabama - 4pm

Alabama's main focus in this game should be avoiding injuries to key players. The Tide win 23-0.

Mountain West Championship

WYOMING +7 vs San Diego State - 745pm

Try to forget about the Wyoming's debacle last week against New Mexico. The Cowboys beat SDSU a few weeks ago and will be ready. RB Brian Hill should have another big game against the Aztecs.

ACC Championship

CLEMSON -10 vs Virginia Tech - 8pm

The loss to Pitt was a wakeup call for Clemson. The 56-7 domination of South Carolina showed this team is refocused and ready for another playoff run. Clemson is used to being on the big stage and should win by 14+.

Big Ten Championship

Wisconsin vs Penn State UNDER 46.5

I haven't done this all season, so why not do it as my 304th and final pick. Both teams will struggle to score and both coaching staffs will play conservative. I expect a close game - something around 20-17 or 24-21.