Conference Title Races

Don’t get mad at me, but here is your reminder that we have made it to the midway point of the season. The year has flown by and I am reminded to cherish each Saturday a little more. Chances are, your team has already broken your heart on at least one occasion this year. This beautiful sport can be so cruel, an erratic relationship that many of us can’t stop running to.

God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and football has not been too kind to me. While I am focused on keeping the ship afloat, others are fortunate enough to be concerned about conference titles and playoff berths. As we enter the latter half of the season, let’s reassess where the conference championship races lie.

ACC

And then there were 3. The number of remaining undefeated teams left in the conference, and that doesn’t include Duke or Clemson. While the PAC 12 has been the star of the show, don’t forget that the Atlantic Coast Conference has produced impressive results so far. There are real threats in this conference, as the possibility of more than one playing in January is a legitimate conversation. Props to the Louisville Cardinals for outperforming everyone's expectations; they also avoid a date with Dabo and Norvell this year, something interesting to point out. Mike Elko is a brilliant coach and the Blue Devils have proven to be legit. Drake Maye had a major performance last Saturday and looks to grow off this momentum. Miami and Clemson have a showdown in a couple weeks, with the loser likely being eliminated from the picture. Florida State hasn’t gone anywhere, and they are likely favorites in every game the rest of the way. There is lots of uncertainty in the ACC, even the glorious Haynes King is trying to make a name for himself. Give me the Noles over the Tar Heels.

Big 10

If you have been asleep since July and just woke up, rest assured nothing shocking has happened in the Big 10. The West is inferior, shoutout to Luke Fickell for the 4-1 start, and the three headed monster in the East reigns supreme. Divisions prove pointless yet again as there is a possibility only two teams in the West finish with a winning record. My Terrapins would have a legitimate shot to win the West if they could magically switch divisions. Fortunately, next year's addition of PAC 12 teams will revamp the conference's competitiveness. Michigan continues to pick up steam, but their schedule will be cake for the next month. Ohio State has yet to ‘wow’ me but I can’t complain, they continue to get the job done. Penn State is as strong of a contender as ever. Who the hell scheduled them and Ohio State to play at 11? Give me the Wolverines over the Badgers.

Big 12

Chances are, we just witnessed the Big 12 championship matchup last Saturday. Let’s give it up to the Baylor Bears and Texas Tech Red Raiders for leading the pack! Jokes aside, the Red River Shootout has to be one of the top rivalries in sports. What a thrilling start to the Saturday slate, and another pride booster for yours truly as I saw the potential the Sooners have. Chances are we see a rematch in December, but let’s not neglect the others. Iowa State shockingly finds themselves tied for 4th after a 2-1 start to conference play. Neal Brown has shut everyone up, for now, putting them in a prime position for a notable bowl game. Kansas continues to play solid football, even with Jalon Daniels barely stepping foot on the field. Texas Tech appears to have settled in, looking to further prove their worth this upcoming weekend against the underperforming Kansas State Wildcats. Gundy gets a much needed win at home and our Mormons at BYU continue to be in the mix. Give me the Longhorns over the Sooners.

PAC 12

The hardest to call, with 7 teams in the current AP Top 25. USC’s last three games have been within a possession in the 4th, and the ramped up schedule might prove ugly. Cam Rising has yet to get on the field and the Utes season is unknown. Oregon and Washington meet this weekend in a heavyweight showdown, looking to improve their record to 6-0. Oregon State, UCLA, and Washington State appear to be good enough to win any given Saturday. Colorado has already surpassed their preseason projected win total and will continue to provide an entertaining offense. I believe all 3 remaining undefeated teams will lose at least once before the regular season ends and tiebreakers will determine who plays for the conference crown. Give me the Ducks over the Trojans.

SEC

We don’t need to talk about the East. Tennessee won’t come out on top and with Georgia’s win last week over Kentucky, they hold the tiebreaker. Even if the Wildcats miraculously win out, there is no chance Georgia loses twice. Alabama seizes control of the West after their win in College Station, leaving them in control of their destiny. As The Notorious once said, you should have killed me when you had the chance. As unlikely as it has seemed, LSU is still a win away from reclaiming first. Ole Miss and Texas A&M need to be fighting for bragging rights, but a spot on top of the West is nearly out of the picture. Congrats Arkansas, a trip to Tuscaloosa will reward you with a 2-5 record. Give me the Bulldogs over the Tide.