Championship Weekend steadfast approaches. We now know which teams will represent in the Power 5. Which games should you be keeping your eyes on? Here are our rankings.
Championship Weekend is (nearly) here. For some, the end of the season represents the chance to earn their conference’s championship. Others, on the other hand, are looking for more than just a trophy. The allure of being in the College Football Playoff is strong. Several teams vying for spots in the Playoff will have a chance to virtually assure themselves a chance to play for a National Championship next month.
For that reason, there’s a lot riding on these conference championship games. Intrigue, excitement, and a “win and you’re in” atmosphere will spark a hoard of interest this coming weekend. To that point, every conference in the Power 5, sans the Pac-12, has a chance to have its conference champion play its way into the CFB Playoff next weekend. You can’t ask for more, and while this season has had its ups and downs, we are barreling towards an epic conclusion.
What games should you be watching? All of them. You’re a college football fan. You want to watch them all. But, which has the most watchability? The most intrigue? The biggest boom-or-bust potential? Here are our rankings.
5. Stanford Cardinal vs. USC Trojans (Pac-12 Championship Game)
Why You Should Watch: There will be talent all over the field when Stanford tackles USC in the Pac-12 title game. Heisman hopeful Bryce Love, another touted Cardinal running back, will absolutely be one to watch. Christian McCaffrey was in a similar spot a few years ago, and while he didn’t go on to win the coveted award, he certainly left his mark. McCaffrey rushed for 207 yards and piled up 105 receiving yards. He even threw for a TD pass. Does Love have what it takes to match that mark? Maybe, maybe not, but he’ll likely dazzle as he does.
And, oh yeah, USC has Sam Darnold and Ronald Jones II. Darnold, a possible choice as a Top 10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft, will have all eyes watching him as he tries to give USC its first conference title in the Pac-12 title game era. Jones, like Love, is a spectacular running back who will get his chance to shine against his contemporary.
Why It’s Ranked Here: Stanford and USC won’t be representing the Pac-12 in the College Football Playoff. Maybe USC has an outside chance if absolute chaos reigns over the world. But it’s not very likely at all. The winner of this game will be Fiesta Bowl-bound, which really isn’t the worst consolation.