College football's best games today: Schedule for Championship Saturday

Big 12 Championship Game

Why watch? Because this is the best chance by far that Texas has had to make the College Football Playoff. Sitting at one loss and boasting a head-to-head win over Alabama, the Longhorns are in position to take one of the final four positions if one of the other favorites in the remaining conference title games lose. By winning this game, Texas would move ahead of Oregon and Ohio State, but still needs either Georgia, Florida State, or Michigan to lose, too.

When: 12 p.m. on ABC

Prediction: Texas vs. Oklahoma State

Georgia vs. Alabama

SEC Championship Game

Why watch? The SEC title bout is always appointment viewing in the college football postseason, and as ever, this edition of the game is loaded with national championship implications. Georgia is the consensus No. 1 team in the semifinal with a win, and Alabama can get into the playoff by beating the Bulldogs and hoping that Texas, Michigan, or Florida State also lose their games. Whatever happens, it's tough to see the SEC champion not make the playoff in any situation.

When: 4 p.m. on CBS

Prediction: Georgia vs. Alabama

SMU vs. Tulane

AAC Championship Game

Why watch? Because the Green Wave should in all likelihood earn a spot in a New Year's bowl game with a win over the Mustangs. But looking over a lot of the national predictions, that doesn't seem like a sure thing, with a lot of picks siding with SMU, despite it losing quarterback Preston Stone to an injury. With the Mustangs looking to run the ball, watch as Tulane lines up its 5th ranked run defense against it. The unit is allowing under 3 yards per carry. Expect a close game here.

When: 4 p.m. on ABC

Michigan vs. Iowa

Big Ten Championship Game

Why watch? To see just how bad the Iowa offense is. The numbers suggest it's pretty awful, ranking 124th in scoring, 130th in passing, 104th in rushing, and dead-last nationally in total production averaging all of 4.1 yards per play. But can the Hawkeyes' defense contain Michigan? It's one of college football's best units, ranking 4th in scoring.

When: 8 p.m. on Fox

Prediction: Michigan vs. Iowa

Florida State vs. Louisville

ACC Championship Game

Why watch? FSU at No. 4 looks like the most tenuously-held position in the top four of the College Football Playoff rankings right now. The committee isn't enamored with the Seminoles' quality of schedule, especially considering the team's close results of late. Louisville is the best offense Florida State has faced since the opener against LSU, and the Cardinals are a credible threat moving the ball and stopping the run, which the Noles will focus on doing with injuries at QB. Could Florida State finally fall from the ranks of the undefeated? A loss likely drops it out of the playoff, especially if Texas finishes as Big 12 champion with one loss.

When: 8 p.m. on ABC

Prediction: Florida State vs. Louisville