No. 9 Colorado (10-2) vs. No. 4 Washington (11-1)
Where: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
When: 9 p.m. Friday
Television: FOX
Of note: The Buffaloes and Huskies are looking for their first conference championships since the early 2000s. Washington last won at least a piece of a conference crown when the league had 10 members back in 2000, with the Huskies last winning it outright in 1991. Colorado, meanwhile, is looking for its first conference title since 2001, when the Buffaloes were still part of the Big 12. The game features two of the best running backs in the Pac-12, with Washington’s Myles Gaskin and Colorado’s Phillip Lindsay each surpassing the 1,000-yard plateau this season.
No. 11 Oklahoma State (9-2) at No. 7 Oklahoma (9-2)
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
Television: FOX
Of note: This is the de facto Big 12 championship game, with the winner claiming the conference title. Oklahoma is riding a 15-game winning streak in the Big 12 dating to last season and an eight-game overall winning streak after opening the season 1-2. Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield has been tremendous in the Big 12 this season, accounting for 2,722 yards of total offense, 34 touchdowns and six interceptions. Oklahoma State has won seven consecutive conference games and if not for a controversial call against Central Michigan, the Cowboys would be considered a serious playoff contender.
No. 1 Alabama (12-0) vs. No. 15 Florida (8-3)
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta
When: 4 p.m. Saturday
Television: CBS
Of note: The Crimson Tide and Gators have made 23 appearances combined in the SEC title game. This is the ninth time they have squared off in championship tilt, winning four games apiece. Alabama enters the game as a three touchdown favorite. This is the largest spread in the championship series between the Gators and Tide – the favorite has gone 6-2. Alabama features the best defense in the country led by Jonathan Allen, who has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football, recording 52 tackles and 11.5 sacks for the Crimson Tide. Florida is battling injury issues and tepid play on offense, but its secondary has the potential to cause problems for Tide freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts.
No. 3 Clemson (11-1) vs. No. 19 Virginia Tech (9-3)
Where: Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Television: ABC
Of note: Clemson is looking to win back-to-back ACC titles for the first time in 28 years (1987-88). A win should clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals for the Tigers. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, is making its sixth appearance in the conference title game and its first since 2011. The Hokies are second behind Florida State (4) with three title game wins, while Clemson is in third with two. Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson is coming off an exceptional November, during which he delivered 1,400 yards of total offense, 15 touchdowns and four interceptions. Virginia Tech dual-threat quarterback Jerod Evans, meanwhile, has been a strong leader for the Hokies offense.
No. 6 Wisconsin (10-2) vs. No. 8 Penn State (10-2)
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Television: FOX
Of note: Wisconsin is making its fourth appearance in the Big Ten championship game, having won in 2011 and 2012. Penn State is making its first appearance in the conference title game, with the Nittany Lions looking for their first outright league championship since 1994. The title tilt features two of the best running backs in the conference in Wisconsin’s Corey Clement (1,140 yards, 13 TDs) and Penn State’s Saquon Barkley (1,219, 15). Barkley was hampered by an ankle injury during the regular-season finale, but he should be ready for Saturday.
– By Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel
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