College GameDay: Picks for Conference Championship Weekend
ESPN’s College GameDay was on-hand for one of the biggest games in recent memory. The crew was line in Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game between No. 3 Alabama and No. 1 Georgia. The energy was palpable and a big-game feel was in the air, as Nick Saban and Kirby Smart prepared for battle.
With a gigantic crowd on-hand prior to a tremendous SEC matchup, the College GameDay crew made their selections for Saturday’s games. Furthermore, a huge part of the show joined as the guest picker — Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band.
Before the Wolverines attempt to defend home-field against the Buckeyes, the time was ripe for College GameDay to make some picks. With the anticipation reaching its zenith, Brown, Desmond Howard, Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit gave their two-cents on another exciting Saturday slate.
All of GameDay’s Conference Championship Weekend picks:
No. 3 Alabama vs. No. 1 Georgia: “I don’t see any reason why Georgia cannot win this game. Im going with the Bulldogs,” revealed Howard.
“The one thing that stands out to me about Georgia is this brotherhood. The love that they have for one another, especially on the defensive side of the ball. I just can’t see that being denied today. Close game, Georgia secures the SEC Championship,” stated Herbstreit, picking Georgia.
“If the offense can’t score, they can’t win. Bulldogs all day long today. It’s our day, it’s our time,” exclaimed Brown.
“Zac, you like Georgia right? You like music, right?” Corso asked, before playing Sweet Home Alabama. “Well, I like it. I like the team that’s most desperate. And that’s Alabama!” revealed Corso, grabbing the Alabama mascot head and picking the Crimson Tide.
No. 13 Iowa vs. No. 2 Michigan: “No letdown for the Wolverines .. I got Michigan winning the Big Ten Championship Game,” stated Howard. Moreover, Brown and Corso wouldn’t dare to pick against Howard’s Wolverines.
“They will not have a letdown. Iowa’s a good team, Michigan is just too much for them,” stated Herbstreit, riding with Jim Harbaugh and company.
No. 9 Baylor vs. No. 5 Oklahoma State: “I’m going with the Cowboys to win a second time over Baylor,” stated Howard. Brown and Corso agree, riding with the Cowboys.
“I’m with all you guys — I got Oklahoma State,” revealed Herbstreit.
No. 21 Houston vs. No. 4 Cincinnati: “They got the momentum, man. 12-0. I’m feeling good, I’m picking Cincinnati on this one,” stated Brown. Howard and Herbstreit agree the Bearcats get the victory, but Corso is backing Houston.
No. 16 Wake Forest vs. No. 15 Pittsburgh: “Crazy Clemson’s not in the ACC Championship Game .. I’m going Pitt over Wake Forest,” stated Howard. Brown agrees, but Corso and Herbstreit are going with Wake Forest.
Utah State vs. No. 19 San Diego State: “I’m going San Diego State. Brady Hoke. Defense. The punter,” stated Herbstreit. Everyone is on San Diego State.
Appalachian State vs. No. 24 Louisiana: “I like Louisiana in this game .. team in the end with the ball is going to win,” stated Howard. While Brown gave a shoutout to his friend and Appalachian State alum Luke Combs, he wouldn’t pick his friend’s school to win. Corso went with Louisiana as well, but Herbstreit is riding with the Mountaineers.
Kent State vs. Northern Illinois: Howard, Brown and Corso are picking Northern Illinois, but Herbstreit is going with Kent State.
College GameDay Crew Picks:
Kirk Herbstreit: Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Wake Forest, San Diego State, Appalachian State, Kent State
Lee Corso: Alabama, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Houston, Wake Forest, San Diego State, Louisiana, Northern Illinois
Desmond Howard: Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Louisiana, Northern Illinois
Zac Brown: Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, San Diego State, Louisiana, Northern Illinois