Saturday will host the four Power Conference title games that will shape the College Football Playoff field. The series consisting of twelve teams will be announced on Sunday afternoon.
Here’s what we’ll be following on Saturday (scroll down for live updates).
Given the chaotic and even nature of the Big 12 this season, it feels like no outcome would be a surprise in this matchup. Iowa State has found its groove on offense as the season has progressed, but the defense can be leaky, and that could be a problem against Cam Skattebo and Arizona State.
Georgia used a dominant performance from its defensive front to overwhelm Texas in the first meeting, and Texas’ offensive line could be thinner on Saturday. Georgia’s offense also squandered some opportunities in that game. A loss for the Bulldogs would also be their third of the season, but given their current rankings, it’s very difficult to see Georgia out of the 12-team playoff field.
Is the Big Ten title game a play-in for the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff? The Ducks enter as the only undefeated team at the highest level of college football, while Penn State took advantage of Ohio State’s loss to Michigan to sneak into the title game and move up one spot in the CFP rankings.
The ACC title game could have the most at stake. An SMU win would likely give the conference just one team in the College Football Playoff. A Clemson win could mean two more conference berths, but only if the playoff committee keeps an 11-2 SMU team ahead of a 9-3 Alabama team that defeated Miami (10-2) in the penultimate set on Tuesday of rankings.
The Sun Devils are in control at halftime after a strong first half from Cam Skattebo.
Touchdown State Arizona!
The Sun Devils find themselves in the end zone just before halftime as Cam Skattebo caps off the quick drive with a short touchdown run. That’s 140 yards and 2 touchdowns for him in the first half.
ASU24, ISU10
Cam Skattebo breaks another long run!
The ASU star took a simple run and broke several tackles for a 53-yard gain, putting the Sun Devils in the red zone.
The Cyclones couldn’t do anything with their possession, so ASU will have the ball back at home with just under 2 minutes left in the half.
ASU kicks it away
The Sun Devils couldn’t do much after the long pass and punted back to the Cyclones. That’s the first point of the game with 2:39 left in the first half.
ASU hits a long pass
Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt just threw it up and somehow Malik McClain landed it for a 43-yard gain and the Sun Devils are already over midfield.
Iowa State is missing FG
The Cyclones had to settle for a 46-yard field goal attempt, but Kyle Konrardy missed the target so they came away with nothing. That is the first ride of the match that did not yield any points.
ASU17, ISU10
The Cyclones are on their way and are already approaching the red zone during the subsequent drive. There is some quality execution on the offensive side of the ball in this game.
Touchdown State Arizona!
The Sun Devils take advantage of the long run and find the end zone again on a short run from Cam Skattebo.
ASU17, ISU10
Skattebo breaks down in the long term
Arizona State is already near the red zone after Cam Skattebo broke about a dozen tackles on a 47-yard run.
Iowa State settles for FG
The Cyclones moved the ball with ease until they got into the red zone. Then Arizona State’s defense strengthened and forced a short field goal attempt.
We’ve got a ball game in Arlington, folks!
ISU10, ASU10
End of 1Q: ASU 10, ISU 7
The Sun Devils are in the lead for the time being, but the Cyclones are moving the ball at will and already within the red zone.
Touchdown State Arizona!
The Sun Devils take advantage of that deep ball and cap off the drive with a short touchdown from QB Sam Leavitt to take the lead.
ASU10, ISU7
ASU converts on fourth deep ball
On fourth down at their own 34-yard line, the Sun Devils made a play action, hitting a deep pass from Sam Leavitt to Melquan Stovall for 63 yards.
What a courageous call from Kenny Dillingham!
Iowa State Touchdown!
The Cyclones have the first touchdown of the day after an 11-play, 75-yard drive culminates in a short TD pass from Rocco Becht to Carson Hansen.
ISU7, ASU3
The Cyclones have put together a solid ride and are now within the red zone.
ASU on the board first
After a quick drive that featured a 28-yard run by Cam Skattebo, the Sun Devils faced a fourth-and-short in the red zone and opted for a field goal.
ASU3, ISU0
We’re on the road in the Big 12 title game with Arizona State vs. Iowa State!
The Sun Devils will have the ball first.
What to watch: Viewing guide for college football championship weekend
Click on the photo above to read the story. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
