2023 college football conference championship week picks and predictions

STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Bo Nix #10 of the Oregon Ducks scrambling with the ball looks to pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
STANFORD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Bo Nix #10 of the Oregon Ducks scrambling with the ball looks to pass against the Stanford Cardinal during the third quarter of an NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Barry Odom of the UNLV Rebels looks on in the second half of a game against the UNLV Rebels at Allegiant Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spartans defeat the Rebels 37-31. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Barry Odom of the UNLV Rebels looks on in the second half of a game against the UNLV Rebels at Allegiant Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spartans defeat the Rebels 37-31. (Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

Mountain West: Boise State (-2.5) @ UNLV (O/U 58.5)

Evan:  A coworker of mine’s neighbor’s son plays tight end, I believe, for Boise State. Go Smurf Turf. Boise State -2.5

Justin: Again, I can’t tell you anything about either of these teams, so let’s just go with the favorite again. Boise State -2.5

Ethan: Boise State doesn’t even have a permanent head coach right now. Meanwhile, Barry Odom’s redemption arc is in full swing and the 46-year-old head coach has reinvented himself in Sin City. His willingness to find a really fun and forward-thinking offensive coordinator has turned UNLV into a really fun team. I think UNLV wins this one. UNLV +2.5

John: Barry Odom is having a career renaissance in Las Vegas – so much so that his name came up in the Mississippi State coaching search among others. UNLV has the better record and has basically another home game in Allegiant Stadium. There are a lot of factors that point their way in this one. UNLV +2.5

Ryan: Not betting against Boise St in a conference game this close. Boise State -2.5

Andrew: Boise has actually flipped the switch recently, and their interim is auditioning for the full-time gig. Meanwhile, ULNV hasn’t been quite great in their last few games, and I think Odom might be looking elsewhere. Boise State -2.5