Blog Article
This Week’s Targeting Winners Preview: Conference Championship Implications Abound
As we gear up for another edition of the Targeting Winners Podcast, which will be released this Friday (available on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts), let’s dive into three games that have caught our attention—each with its own compelling narrative around coaching futures and championship aspirations.
Boise State at San Jose State: Mountain West Mayhem
The Broncos roll into San Jose as 13.5-point road favorites, but don’t let that spread fool you. This game has all the makings of a classic Mountain West slugfest. Boise State’s Group of Five playoff hopes hang in the balance, with Army and Tulane breathing down their necks.
This is particularly intriguing because San Jose State’s 34th-ranked run defense is squaring up against Ashton Jeanty and the Broncos’ ground game. Add in the Spartans’ explosive receiver Nick Nash (1,156 yards, 13 TDs), and we might see fireworks. Our prediction leans Boise State 34-24, closer than the spread suggests.
Utah at Colorado: Western Pride on the Line
Colorado enters as 10-point home favorites, but there’s more than meets the eye here. The Buffaloes’ dynamic duo of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter face their stiffest test against Utah’s 8th-ranked pass defense. Coming off a controversial loss to BYU, the Utes are hungry for redemption.
The stakes? Colorado’s chasing both a Big 12 Championship berth and playoff dreams. This is a classic defense-versus-offense showdown, landing around 27-20 Colorado. That Utah pass defense is no joke, folks.
Texas at Arkansas: SEC Preview with Job Security Subplots
Here’s where things get spicy. Texas (-15) returns to the scene of one of Steve Sarkisian’s early career lowlights – that 40-21 beating in 2021. But the real story here is Sam Pittman’s job security at Arkansas.
Pittman’s situation is fascinating. The fanbase loves him personally, but what about those on-field results? Not so much. Here’s the kicker – Pittman needs two more wins, including a bowl victory, to trigger an automatic extension and bonus. After that Ole Miss embarrassment exposed some disciplinary issues, every game becomes a must-win for his future in Fayetteville.
Arkansas’s pass rush and run defense could make things interesting, but Texas’s talent advantage should prevail. We’re looking at Texas 35-24, though don’t be shocked if Pittman’s squad comes out swinging – there’s more than just pride on the line here.
Make sure to catch the full breakdown on this week’s Targeting Winners Podcast. The crew always brings insights you won’t find anywhere else, and these games deserve that deep-dive treatment.
For more in-depth analysis and daily updates on coaching hot seats across college football, keep it locked on CoachesHotSeat.com.
