Oklahoma Sooners Football: Big 12 Championship Game Thread, how to watch, and final thoughts

Well, Sooner Nation, we are finally here — the Big 12 Championship Game. I wrote about my emotions leading up to OU Senior Day last week. At this point, I’m just trying to take in the spirit of what remains of this incredibly special and promising season.

The Oklahoma Sooners are now one win away from a second College Football Playoff berth in the last three seasons. A third-straight Big 12 title is just hours away, as well. In the way is a familiar foe in the TCU Horned Frogs. While this expects to be a contested matchup with no love lost between the conference’s two best teams this season, OU’s talent will look to prove, once again, that it’s just as overwhelming for head coach Gary Patterson as it was the first time around.

Instead of giving my Sooners game pick and score prediction here, I thought I’d give you my predictions for all the conference championship games that will affect the playoff picture. But first, here’s how to watch No. 3 Oklahoma vs No. 11 TCU:

Coverage Info:

TV: FOX 11:30 A.M. CT

Live Stream: FoxSportsGo

TV Commentary: Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman, Petros Papadakis, Mike Pereira

Radio: OU Radio / TuneIn / TuneIn (Español) / SiriusXM84

Big 12 Championship Preview/Week 13 College Football Viewing Guide (plus Jack’s gambling picks)

Head down to the comments section for the game thread, where we’ll be asking questions, making predictions and discussing the day’s action with y’all.

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ACC

No. 1 Clemson vs. No. 7 Miami – The ‘Canes will be exposed for the overrated phonies they are this season. Brent Venables’ defense puts the brakes on The U’s offense and season. Kelly Bryant will play (nearly) mistake-free, and the Tigers will claim their third-straight conference title and waltz into the College Football Playoff as the nation’s top-ranked team. After that, however, Clemson will be exposed, too. (Tigers 24, ‘Canes 14)

SEC

No. 2 Auburn vs. No. 6 Georgia – While this rematch could go the other way this time around, it’s hard to pick against two-loss Auburn, perhaps playing the best football in the land along with the Crimson & Cream. Star rusher Kerryon Johnson injured his shoulder last weekend. If that has any impact...nah, Auburn still wins behind a solid outing from Jarrett Stidham, 27-17.

Big 10

No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 8 Ohio State – The Ohio State Buckeyes finally prove they’re the best in the Big 10, yet again. The Badgers could ugly it up early, but the dynamic athletes and big-game experience will kick in for tOSU further into the game. The Buckeyes could be knocking on the door of a possible CFP bid with a convincing win over unbeaten Wisconsin. The CFP committee members, led by Texas Tech Athletic Jock Supporter, er I mean, Director, would never allow that over beloved Alabama, would they?? (tOSU 38, Wisconsin 13)

Big 12

No. 3 Oklahoma vs. No. 11 TCU – The Oklahoma Sooners against the world. Last week’s CFP rankings and Big 12 award snubs just removed any doubt about OU wrecking shop this Saturday and beyond. Convention points to this game being closer than the previous matchup played three weeks ago in Norman. Given Gary Patterson’s nuance, it is likely the TCU defense shows up to play a much better ballgame today in Dallas. But the Horned Frogs just don’t match up well with Oklahoma. Baker Mayfield and Lincoln Riley’s hyper-charged offense, which has now established itself as the masterclass of college football, ultimately allows the Sooners to pull away and capture a third-straight conference title along with a berth in the College Football Playoff. (Sooners 35, Frogs 23)

How I see the final CFP rankings shaking out:

1) Clemson

2) Auburn

3) Oklahoma

4) Ohio State

This year already marks the first season in the brief history of the College Football Playoff that a two-loss team is in the top four. After Championship Saturday, there will be two such teams. I’m not convinced the committee will do the right thing here. In fact, I’m not sure Ohio State is ever the right thing, ever.

But I’m also not sure Alabama’s name in spite of their resume is enough to carry them into the playoff this time. The Big 10 champion Ohio State Buckeyes will be the surprise team to grab the fourth and final spot among the playoff between college football’s best.

Until then, enjoy all the championship Saturday action, fellow Sooners. Gear up for one exciting finish to this storybook season!