College football final weekend: When & where to watch the 7 biggest games

December has arrived, ushering in the much-anticipated conference championship weekend in college football’s top division. This year's matchups hold exceptional significance, with all five power leagues vying for a coveted spot in the playoffs.

Here's a rundown of the top seven games to watch, ranked by their potential for entertainment and their impact on the final rankings.

1) SEC – No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 8 Alabama
Time/TV: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, CBS

In a clash of perennial powerhouses, Georgia faces Alabama with playoff implications at stake. The Bulldogs aim to secure their spot with a win, while the Crimson Tide, though formidable, must contend with uncertainties. Both teams approach this showdown as a must-win, promising an intensity dialed up to 11.

2) Pac-12 – No. 3 Washington vs. No. 5 Oregon
Time/TV: Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
In the last Pac-12 championship as we know it, Washington and Oregon vie for a playoff spot in a rematch of their nail-biter earlier this season. Expect a high-scoring affair as quarterbacks Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. make their Heisman cases, with defensive standouts aiming to tip the balance.

3) ACC – No. 4 Florida State vs. No. 14 Louisville
Time/TV: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Despite setbacks, the short-handed Seminoles face Louisville in a bid to prove themselves in the playoff race. While Florida State's QB Tate Rodemaker aims for a solid performance, Louisville relies on RBs Jawhar Jordan and Isaac Guerendo to set the tone. A potential ACC title hangs in the balance.

4) Big Ten – No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 17 Iowa
Time/TV: Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, Fox
Fresh off overcoming archrival Ohio State, Michigan faces Iowa in the Big Ten championship. The Wolverines must not underestimate the Hawkeyes, known for stellar defense led by LB Jay Higgins. Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy seeks patience in a game that could play at Iowa's pace.

5) Big 12 – No. 7 Texas vs. No. 19 Oklahoma State
Time/TV: Saturday, noon ET, ABC
Texas, in an ambiguous playoff position, confronts Oklahoma State in a game with high stakes. A Longhorns win doesn't guarantee a playoff spot, but a loss eliminates them. The Cowboys, with a season marked by irregularities, look to capitalize on a flashy Texas offense.

6) American – No. 24 SMU at No. 18 Tulane
Time/TV: Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, ABC
Despite being overlooked in the CFP rankings, SMU's contest against Tulane likely determines the New Year’s Six bowl representative from the group-of-five conferences. The absence of QB Preston Stone poses a challenge for SMU, while Tulane aims to secure a second consecutive New Year’s Six bowl appearance.

7) Conference USA – New Mexico State at No. 22 Liberty
Time/TV: Friday, 7 p.m. ET, CBSSN
Undefeated Liberty faces New Mexico State, eyeing a major bowl with a win and a Tulane loss. The Aggies, enjoying unprecedented success, present a challenge. With both teams eyeing post-season success, this matchup carries historical significance for New Mexico State and potential accolades for Liberty.