College football conference title game matchups, dates, times

On By Littum

The games for all nine college football conference championships have been set.

Five of the nine winners automatically earn a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff. The top four playoff seeds and their accompanying first-round byes go to conference champions, while the second-highest ranked conference champion will also be part of the field.

These teams will likely come from the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Mountain West and SEC. Here are the dates and times for each conference title game.

Tulane (9-3) at Army (10-1)

Tulane had a chance to host the AAC title game with a win over Memphis on Thanksgiving. But the Tigers won 34-24 and Army beat UTSA on Saturday. The Black Knights finished conference play undefeated and will host Friday night.

SMU (11-1) vs. Clemson (9-3)

The Tigers backed into the ACC title game thanks to Miami’s 42-38 loss at Syracuse. SMU beat Cal on Saturday to post an 8-0 first season in the ACC.

Arizona State (10-2) vs. Colorado (9-3) or Iowa State (10-2)

The Sun Devils clinched a spot in the Big 12 title game with a blowout win over Arizona in Week 14. They will play either Iowa State or Colorado based on the outcome of BYU’s game against Houston. If BYU wins, Iowa State is in. If BYU loses, Colorado is in.

Oregon (12-0) vs. Penn State (11-1)

Penn State suddenly found itself playing for a spot in the Big Ten title game after Ohio State’s home loss to Michigan. The Nittany Lions promptly blew out Maryland. Oregon completed an undefeated regular season with an easy win over Washington.

Western Kentucky (8-4) at Jacksonville State (8-4)

These two teams will play each other twice in seven days. WKU beat JSU 19-17 on Saturday to clinch a spot in the title game ahead of Sam Houston.

Miami (OH) (8-4) vs. Ohio (9-3)

The Redhawks beat Ohio 30-20 earlier this season. It gave Miami the conference title as both teams finished 7-1 atop the conference.

Boise State (11-1) vs. UNLV (10-2)

The Rebels had no problem with Nevada on Saturday getting a rematch with Boise State. The Broncos won the first meeting between the two teams, 29-24.

Georgia (9-3) vs. Texas (11-1)

Both teams had to sweat rivalry games in Week 14, though Georgia’s sweat was much heavier. The Bulldogs needed eight overtimes to take down Georgia Tech, while Texas beat Texas A&M 17-7. Georgia beat Texas 30-15 earlier this season.

Marshall (9-3) at Louisiana (10-2)

The Thundering Herd clinched their spot in the title match with an overtime win over James Madison.