College Football Week 13 Conference Championship Clarity Unfolds

As the 2024 college football season approaches its conclusion, the stakes have heightened with conference championship scenarios coming into focus. The combination of conference expansion and the phasing out of divisions complicates the landscape, yet pivotal games in Week 13 offer potential league title clarity.

In the American Athletic Conference (AAC), SMU is poised for a title game berth in their inaugural ACC season. A victory against Virginia will secure their place, though the Mustangs retain a buffer with opportunities in remaining games. Their rivals, Miami and Clemson, however, lack such luxury. Miami faces potential elimination with a loss against Wake Forest if SMU triumphs over Virginia, while Clemson’s fate hinges on upsets elsewhere due to its completed conference slate.

Meanwhile, in the Big Ten, Indiana‘s prospects are straightforward: a win against Ohio State propels them to the championship game against Oregon. Ohio State and Penn State still linger in title contention but require favorable outcomes in the tiebreak scenarios.

The landscape in the Big 12 remains a tapestry of possibilities, with nine teams still targeting the conference championship game. Each of the top teams, including Colorado and Brigham Young, must win while relying on specific rival results to maintain title hopes.

Conference USA presents a simpler situation where Jacksonville State is nearly secure. Victory in either of their final matches guarantees their championship game appearance. Western Kentucky also holds a distinct advantage with a win over Liberty.

Across the Mountain West Conference, Boise State could clinch a title game berth with a win against their opponents, assisted by a potential UNLV loss. The Sun Belt Conference necessitates clean slates from Louisiana and others to preserve their championship chances.

The southeastern conference, packed with contenders like Texas and Alabama, involves intricate tiebreak scenarios. Losses by candidates like LSU have narrowed the competitive field. Texas and Texas A&M‘s closing clash promises high stakes for the SEC standings.