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30 Facts About College Football Conference Championship Games

Amy Kornegay

Written by Amy Kornegay

Published: 04 Dec 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Al.com

What makes college football conference championship games so special? These games are the thrilling climax of the regular season, where the best teams from each conference battle for supremacy. Held typically on the first weekend of December, these matchups not only crown conference champions but also have a huge impact on the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection. From the Power Four conferences like the SEC and Big Ten to the Group of Five conferences such as the AAC and MAC, each game is packed with high stakes, historical rivalries, and potential upsets. Whether it's Texas facing Georgia in the SEC or SMU clashing with Clemson in the ACC, these games are must-watch events for any college football fan.

Key Takeaways:

  • College football conference championship games are the climax of the season, with high-profile matchups and historical significance. Wins can secure playoff spots, while losses may eliminate teams from contention.
  • Betting odds and projections provide insight into the predicted outcomes of these games, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for fans.
Table of Contents
01Schedule and Dates
02Notable Matchups
03Power Four and Group of Five Conferences
04Championship Game Venues
05Historical Significance
06CFP Implications
07Recent Upsets
08Streaks and Dominance
09Aspirations and Debuts
10Key Matchups
11Betting Odds and Projections
12Money Line Odds and Over/Under Totals
13Conference Records and AP Top 25 Rankings
14Historical Rivalries and Rematches
15The Final Whistle

Schedule and Dates

College football's conference championship games are the climax of the regular season. They typically occur on the first weekend of December, but there are some exceptions.

  1. The American Athletic Conference (AAC), Conference USA (CUSA), and Mountain West Conference (MW) games are played on Friday, December 6.
  2. The rest of the Power Five conferences play on Saturday, December 7.

Notable Matchups

This year's conference championships feature some high-profile and exciting matchups.

  1. Georgia faces Texas in the SEC Championship.
  2. Penn State takes on Oregon in the Big Ten Championship.
  3. SMU battles Clemson in the ACC Championship.

Power Four and Group of Five Conferences

Understanding the structure of college football conferences helps in grasping the significance of these games.

  1. The Power Four conferences are the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and SEC.
  2. The Group of Five conferences include the AAC, CUSA, MW, Sun Belt, and MAC.

Championship Game Venues

Each conference has a designated venue for its championship game, adding to the tradition and excitement.

  1. The SEC Championship is held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
  2. The Big Ten Championship takes place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Historical Significance

These games have a rich history and are often steeped in tradition and rivalry.

  1. The SEC Championship has been a premier event for decades, frequently featuring top-ranked teams.

CFP Implications

The outcomes of these games can significantly influence the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.

  1. A win in a conference championship can secure a team's spot in the playoff.
  2. A loss might eliminate a team from contention.

Recent Upsets

The 2024 regular season saw several upsets that have set up intriguing championship matchups.

  1. Arizona State's victory over rival Arizona helped them secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship game.

Streaks and Dominance

Some teams have impressive streaks and records heading into their championship games.

  1. Boise State Broncos are on a 10-game winning streak and have won 11 straight home games.
  2. SMU has completed a sweep of their first ACC schedule without losing a conference game, extending their conference winning streak to 17 games.

Aspirations and Debuts

Teams have various aspirations and milestones they aim to achieve in these championship games.

  1. Clemson is seeking its eighth ACC crown in the past 10 years.
  2. Texas is competing in its first year in the SEC and has national title hopes.

Key Matchups

Some matchups are particularly noteworthy due to the teams' histories and current form.

  1. Army will face Tulane in the AAC Championship game.
  2. Jacksonville State vs. Western Kentucky in the CUSA Championship game is a rematch of their earlier meeting.
  3. Ohio vs. Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship game features two Ohio schools with a history.
  4. Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship game sees the Ragin’ Cajuns making their fifth appearance in seven years.

Betting Odds and Projections

Betting odds and projections provide insight into the predicted outcomes of these games.

  1. In the SEC Championship, Texas is favored by 2.5 points over Georgia.
  2. FiveThirtyEight Football Power Index (FPI) projections show Texas projected to win by 4.2 points with a 62% probability.
  3. In the Big Ten Championship, Penn State is projected to win by 1.3 points with a 54% probability.

Money Line Odds and Over/Under Totals

These metrics offer additional perspectives on the games.

  1. In the Big Ten Championship, Penn State is listed at +150 to win outright, while Oregon is listed at -175.
  2. The over/under total for the Big Ten Championship is 49.5 points, with the over and under both listed at -110.

Conference Records and AP Top 25 Rankings

The regular season performance and rankings of teams provide context for the championship games.

  1. In the SEC Championship, Georgia has a 10-2 record with 6-2 in the SEC, while Texas has an 11-1 record with 7-1 in the SEC.
  2. In the ACC Championship, SMU is ranked No. 9 in the CFP, while Clemson is ranked No. 12.

Historical Rivalries and Rematches

Some conference championships feature historical rivalries or rematches, adding an extra layer of excitement.

  1. The SEC Championship often pits two of the most storied programs in college football against each other.
  2. The CUSA Championship game between Jacksonville State and Western Kentucky is a rematch of their earlier meeting.

The Final Whistle

College football conference championship games are the thrilling climax of the season. These matchups, held on the first weekend of December, determine the best teams in each conference and heavily influence the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection. From the Power Four conferences like the SEC and Big Ten to the Group of Five, each game carries significant weight. High-profile matchups, historical rivalries, and potential upsets make these games must-watch events. The outcomes not only crown conference champions but also shape the postseason landscape. Fan engagement, media coverage, and betting interest add to the excitement. Whether it's Texas seeking redemption in the SEC or SMU's dominance in the ACC, these games leave a lasting legacy. The stakes are high, the atmosphere electric, and the impact profound. College football fans eagerly await these pivotal moments each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do college football teams play in conference championship games?
Teams face off in these matchups to crown the best squad within their conference. Winning means not just bragging rights but often a shot at national playoffs or bowl games. It's a crucial step for teams aiming for the top.
How are teams selected for these games?
Selection varies by conference. Some use divisions within the conference, with the top team from each division clashing in the championship. Others might pick the teams with the best conference records. It's all about showcasing the best of the best.
Can a team with a few losses still make it to a conference championship game?
Absolutely! It's all about performance within the conference. A team could lose non-conference games yet dominate in conference play and secure a spot. It's never over 'til it's over.
What's at stake in these championship games?
Beyond the trophy and the glory, winners often secure spots in prestigious bowl games or the College Football Playoff. For many players, it's also a chance to shine in front of NFL scouts.
How does a conference championship game affect a team's national ranking?
Winning can boost a team's ranking significantly, especially if they defeat a highly ranked opponent. It's a key moment for teams on the cusp of national recognition or playoff contention.
Are there any traditions unique to these championship games?
Each game has its own flavor, with traditions ranging from pre-game festivities to post-game celebrations. Fans and teams alike cherish these rituals, adding to the game's excitement.
What happens if the championship game ends in a tie?
College football uses overtime rules to ensure a winner is declared. Games can extend into multiple overtimes if needed, making for some unforgettable finishes.

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