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College football conference championship game expert picks, predictions for 2022

By Cody Williams

SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 15: R.J. Herbert #11 of the Utah Utes tackles Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans during the first half of their game October 15, 2022 Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY UT- OCTOBER 15: R.J. Herbert #11 of the Utah Utes tackles Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans during the first half of their game October 15, 2022 Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/ Getty Images) /
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College football expert picks conference championship games
Tulane Green Wave, UCF Knights. Mandatory Credit: Rebecca Warren-USA TODAY Sports /

American Athletic Championship Game picks: UCF vs. Tulane

It was a massive AAC matchup on Nov. 12 when UCF went on the road to Tulane as, at the time, it felt like it could determine which of the two teams ended up in the title game. But despite the Knights coming out on top in a 38-31 showdown, they are set to meet again, once again facing off in New Orleans.

One thing that stuck out tremendous from that first matchup, though, was UCF catching Tulane off guard. The Knights behind a strong John Rhys Plumlee rushing game jumped out to a 24-7 lead in the first half and led 31-14 midway through the third quarter. While Gus Malzahn might’ve been protecting that lead somewhat, Tulane defensive coordinator Chris Hampton also made adjustments and really clamped up UCF in the second half overall.

With those adjustments in mind, I think this game is tight throughout. But when it comes to crunch time, I trust the body of work that the Green Wave have put forth this season much more than UCF, especially with how the Knights defense has been suspect of late.

Prediction: UCF 27, Tulane 33 (Tulane covers -3.5, Over 56.5)

Mountain West Championship Game picks: Fresno State vs. Boise State

Boise State completely dominated Fresno State when these two Mountain West powers squared off on Oct. 8, taking a 40-20 win to the bank on their home field. That game also dropped the Bulldogs to 1-4 on the season. But if you’ll notice, they also haven’t lost since falling in Boise.

The big key to that game was that star quarterback Jake Haener was out due to injury for that game. Since his return, however, Fresno State hasn’t scored fewer than 30 points in a single game. Moreover, his ability to sustain drives and score has put less pressure on a defense that does have its flaws but can be fine if they’re not put in bad situations.

We’ll be back on the blue turf for this game but I see the result playing out much differently. Fresno State is better than 8-4 with Haener healthy and on the field and Boise State doesn’t have the overall offensive firepower to keep up with him. Give me the Bulldogs outright to take the Mountain West with their eighth straight win.

Prediction: Fresno State 31, Boise State 27 (Fresno State cover +3.5, Over 54.5)

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