The conference championships picture is getting clearer by the week. Our own Stan Becton outlined his predictions as to which programs are going to take home their conference’s trophy this season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here are his Power Four predictions:<\/p>\n
ACC \u2014 Virginia
The ACC still has three teams undefeated in conference play \u2014 Georgia Tech, Virginia and SMU. However, none of the three play each other head-to-head. If the trajectory remains, two of these teams will meet in the conference championship game with Miami on the outside looking in.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Becton predicts it will be Tech and UVA, with the Cavaliers prevailing against a week Yellow Jackets rush defense.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Big 12 \u2014 Texas Tech
The Big 12 is wide open with three one-loss teams and two undefeated in conference play. BYU and Cincinnati sit on top of the standings right now, but each has a much tougher remaining schedule than Texas Tech and Arizona State. Becton predicts the road will be too tough for the top two right now, and the Sun Devils and Red Raiders will meet in the title game with Texas Tech coming out on top.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Big Ten \u2014 Ohio State
Becton believes Ohio State is the runaway favorite to be the Big Ten champion, and for good reason. The Buckeyes own a suffocating defense headlined by linebacker duo\u00a0Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles in the middle and All American safety Caleb Downs at the top. The offense has picked up steam as of late, and it would be hard to pick against the reigning national champions in a weak Big Ten.\u00a0<\/p>\n
SEC \u2014 Alabama
Alabama has hit its stride since a Week 1 loss to a now floundering Florida State team. Kalen DeBoer’s\u00a0 offense is the best if not one of the best in the SEC, and the Tide does not face another top offense the rest of the season. Ty Simpson should be able to out-score the rest of the sub-par offenses on Bama’s schedule as the Tide roll into the SEC championship undefeated in conference play. They of course have some competition in Texas A&M and other one-loss conference foes, but right now, Alabama is the team to beat.\u00a0<\/p>\n