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- Jacob Rhee

I was only planning to make predictions for the college football regular season, but I feel like giving out more rewards. Same rules apply; every time I pick a winner incorrectly, it costs me $15 in rewards. I will be predicting the outcomes of the Power Four conference championship games, as well as all 11 playoff contests. That’s 15 extra chances to inflate the Prize Pot. Let’s go.

Big 12 Championship Game: No. 11 BYU vs. No. 4 Texas Tech

The pick: Texas Tech wins, 23-16.

I was pretty startled by BYU’s postgame press conferences, after losing to the Red Raiders a month ago. That did not sound like a football team that just had its perfect campaign spoiled. The Cougars… weren’t even really upset? It was half strange, and half commendable. Those dudes were 100 percent convinced that they’d get another shot at Texas Tech. Well, here we are.

Joey McGuire’s guys score more than 2019 Oklahoma. They give up fewer points than 2024 Ohio State. If you’re still hesitant to jump on the bandwagon, I’m not quite sure what you’re waiting for. As we’ve discussed in the past, a bias against the Big 12 can indeed be quite the difficult thing to shake. There is nothing fluky about this squad, though; the Red Raiders have an efficient quarterback, the nation’s best front seven, and a clear identity. That’s a championship-contending formula at any level.

I’m rolling with Texas Tech today, without a moment of hesitation. 12-1, a conference title, and a first-round bye? The magic carpet ride continues in Lubbock.

SEC Championship Game: No. 9 Alabama vs. No. 3 Georgia

The pick: Alabama wins, 30-24.

I’m sorry, Georgia fans. I’m sorry. If I had to pick a national champion right now, it’s the Dawgs. I should probably make that clear.

Since my seventh birthday, the Dawgs have beaten Bama one time. One time! 11 total meetings. That feels impossible, but it’s true. The most dominant program in our sport has been getting discarded by a conference rival for the better part of two decades. I placed my trust in Kirby Smart when the schools met in September, because he’s downright invincible between the hedges. Apparently, those rules don’t apply when it’s a sea of crimson helmets on the opposing sideline.

The Tide sinks into dangerous bubble conversations with a loss here. If they’re the first crew excluded from the bracket for a second straight season, those fans will be an absolute mess. Fortunately for them, I think Germie Bernard comes through with a special fourth quarter. Alabama claims the SEC.

Big Ten Championship Game: No. 2 Indiana vs. No. 1 Ohio State

The pick: Ohio State wins, 27-17.

It’s not an exaggeration to label this an era-defining night for the Hoosiers. Zero victories in their last 32 battles against Ohio State. Zero outright Big Ten titles in the last 80 years. A chance to wash it clean, an hour away from campus.

The Heisman - I hope, at least - hangs in the balance this evening. One against two. Winner gets the top seed in the bracket, and stands alone as the nation’s only undefeated squad. The folks ready to unveil a there’s-nothing-to-play-for argument should save their breath. They’re just wrong.

I actually like the way IU matches up a little bit. Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt are fantastic, and they’ll pose a difficult challenge for the Buckeyes’ unapologetically brash corners. Still, I like OSU a touch more at almost every position group. Fernando Mendoza commits a couple of turnovers, and the conference crown finally heads back to Columbus.

ACC Championship Game: Duke vs. No. 17 Virginia

The pick: Duke wins, 31-28.

Look, we kind of understood that things would get weird with the 12-team format. I’m not sure that I was anticipating this. With a win, the Cavaliers receive a ticket to the dance. If they lose, James Madison joins Tulane in the field. Those are the options here.

If anyone even remotely cared about the college Coach of the Year award, I’d be publicly campaigning for Tony Elliott. Quite frankly, UVA deserves a ton of credit for keeping him around; not too many guys are fortunate enough to get a fourth season after compiling an 11-23 record. He’s got his offense churning out over 31 points per game, with a signal-caller that is relatively mediocre. Impressive stuff indeed.

My love for Darian Mensah reigns supreme, however. I’m excited that a national audience is going to learn how good this kid is. 52 total touchdowns and just 10 interceptions for his career, and he’ll be hoisting a trophy in 12 hours. Give me the Blue Devils to spoil Virginia’s dreams.

My predictions for the 12-team College Football Playoff field:

1) Ohio State (Big Ten champion)

2) Indiana

3) Texas Tech (Big 12 champion)

4) Oregon

5) Alabama (SEC champion)

6) Georgia

7) Ole Miss

8) Texas A&M

9) Oklahoma

10) Notre Dame

11) Tulane (AAC champion)

12) James Madison (Sun Belt champion)

• Week 14 Results: 5-1

• Overall Season Picks Record: 54-30

• Current CFB Prize Pot: $450

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