This past weekend, college football’s power four conferences played their championship games. The power four conferences include the Southeastern Conference, the Big Ten, the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the Big 12. There were some great games that had a big effect on the college football playoffs.
The Big 12
Iowa State and Arizona State were both playing for a playoff spot Saturday afternoon. The winner was guaranteed a playoff spot with the new college playoff rules.
The game started out close, but Arizona State took the lead and never looked back. They would go on to win 45-19, led by running back Cameron Skattebo, who rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns.
Arizona State earned the four seed in the playoffs, while Iowa State did not make the playoffs.
The SEC
Georgia and Texas put on a great game Saturday evening. The game started out slow, with both defenses making plays.
Then on the last play of the first half, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck got injured and was ruled out of the game. Gunner Stockton filled in for Beck and led Georgia to a scoring drive right out of the half.
Texas would kick a field goal late in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Texas got the ball first in overtime, but was only able to kick a field goal. Georgia then got the ball and running back Trevor Etienne ran it in for the game winning score.
Georgia would go on to get the number two seed in the playoffs and Texas received the five seed.
The Big Ten
Oregon and Penn State were all about offense. Both team’s defenses have been great this season, but this game would not reflect that. The game was a shoutout, with both teams answering the call when the other team scored.
In the fourth quarter, Oregon held a 14-point lead. Penn State scored and would go for two, but the Nittany Lions did not convert on it.
They would get the ball back late in the fourth and looked to put together a game-tying drive. On the second play of the drive, Penn State quarterback Drew Alllar looked to take a deep shot, but was picked off by Oregon cornerback Nikko Reed.
With the win, Oregon kept the one seed for the playoffs. Penn State received the sixth seed for the playoffs.
The ACC
Clemson and Southern Methodist University was a fight until the final whistle.
Clemson needed to win to get into the playoffs and SMU was looking to win the ACC in their first year as a member of the conference. Also, a win would guarantee SMU a playoff spot.
Clemson was up 24-7 at half and had a 31-14 lead heading into the fourth and final quarter. SMU fought back and tied the game, but a 56-yard Clemson field goal would win them the game at the final whistle.
Both teams ended up getting into the playoffs, with Clemson receiving the 12 seed, and SMU earning the 11 seed.
Overall, it was a great weekend of college football. With the playoffs and bowl games just around the corner, it can only get better.
