College Football Bets: What You Need To Know For the Conference Championships

And there you have it, the final act of the college football regular season has come to a close. For those of us hoping for a Romeo and Juliet-esque tragedy, or even just a surprise murder to close out the show, our writers left us hanging. Sure, Michigan-Ohio State came down to a final drive and Alabama saved their playoff chances with a miracle on fourth and a billion to score a touchdown, but every team with playoff aspirations handled their business aside from the fact that someone had to lose in Ann Arbor.

Now, that’s not to say that we didn’t learn quite a bit. Dominant performances by Texas and Oregon leave both with some cause for optimism, while teams like Alabama, Washington, and Georgia failed to impress. And then there’s FSU, who, at this point, are kind of like your annoying friend that always seems to be around even though nobody knows why anymore (no offense FSU fans, but this team aint winning anything). But, overall, everything is still on the line this weekend.

With just a small slate of conference title games to focus on, let’s get into our three things to know from the weekend that will decide who’s in and who’s out.

1. The (Possibly) “De Facto Playoff” Games

This week’s relevant title games (yes offense CUSA and AAC) can be broken into 3 pretty clear categories. The reality may not be quite as simple if all hell breaks loose, but, assuming we dont see multiple major upsets, the SEC and PAC 12 title games are essentially just an extension of the CFP.

Alabama managed to avoid fucking this game up by not losing to Auburn, and, in doing so, assured that we will almost certainly have an SEC team in the playoff. UGA wins and they take the 1 or 2 spot, Alabama wins and, with an SEC title and a single loss to Texas, the Committee isnt leaving them out (I think? See 3). It’s not exactly clear which team will pull it off since the Dawgs and Tide both looked horrible in games they should have easily won, but either Kirby or Saban will make an appearance on New Year's Eve (possibly both if UGA loses, but it would be a hard sell).

The Pac-12 seems similarly simple. Washington wins and there are no questions, Oregon wins and, given their current ranking, they should hop up into the top 4. Oddly, despite Washington winning the first matchup these two played, Oregon is an 8.5-point favorite due to their recent dominance (along with having the presumptive Heisman winner in Bo Nix). That feels like a lot of points to give up, but Washington has defensive concerns and won't benefit from home field this time. This may be the most interesting matchup of the bunch.

2. The “Just Dont Fuck This Up” Games

Category Two: Title games where only one team is relevant and should win. The first, and likely less intriguing battle, is the one between Michigan and Iowa. the Wolverines are 22.5-point favorites, and it's hard to argue that the number is unfair considering how fucking inept the Hawkeyes are. Iowa’s only hope (if you want to believe in something) is to turn this game into an ugly, 1920s-style slog. Unfortunately, Michigan is just too talented and I can't see it happening.

The more “interesting” game in this section is the ACC title game between FSU and Louisville. I put interesting in quotation marks because, by all accounts, this is not going to be a game between two good football teams. But, at 12-0, an FSU win should put them in the playoff by default which means everyone without a vested interest is hoping the Cardinals pull off the upset. Could they? Sure, FSU was anything but impressive in their win over Florida, but then again Louisville gave up 38 points at home to an unranked Kentucky team so trusting them isn't exactly smart either. I guess we just have to live with what we get on that one.

MORE: Our updated look at College Football Futures: Who will be crowned National Champion?

3. A Texas-Sized Problem

Last but not least, we have our friends in Texas. A win over Oklahoma State this weekend would put them at 12-1 with a conference title and a road win over Alabama. Pretty much the best 1 loss record you could have. But, seemingly, they look like the team who draws the short straw if FSU wins. Their one loss to Oklahoma turned slightly ugly once the Sooners lost to both Oklahoma State and Kansas, and the perception seems to be that they just haven't done enough to make it in without help. Their greatest lifeline? An Alabama win.

If the Tide beat UGA and Texas handles business, the Committee is going to be left in a HELL OF A BIND if they want to justify putting in Alabama and not the Longhorns. And how could they? Texas literally went to Tuscaloosa and beat them. But a playoff without any SEC teams seems absolutely insane too. If it comes to a choice between Bama and Texas, I truly don't envy the Committee - have fun arguing about it with your friends over a few beers…

Before diving into Dimers' college football predictions or this week's best college football bets, you should know it definitely pays to have more than one funded US Sportsbook account when betting on sports.

For example, did you know that new users at bet365 can get $150 in bonus bets after betting just $5? That's easily one of the best promos to take advantage of when betting on football this season.

Enjoy gambling responsibly. Treat it as entertainment, not a way to make money and only gamble with funds you can afford to lose. Know when to stop and seek support if needed. Remember, gambling should be a fun and enjoyable experience. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.