A lot has been written over the years concerning teams playing each other their second and even third time in a single season. Some even go so far as saying that rematches always side with the team who lost previously, especially if it's game three after losing the first two. Certainly there is historical information that will either confirm or deny that issue but the more important concern is whether or not it will have any bearing in this week's Championship games. So, as not to ignore history, going back into the archives there have been a total of 28 college football same-season rematches where one team beat the other in the first meeting. In 23 of the 28 rematches,
the team who lost the first game either won the rematch outright or played the game a lot closer then the first one! There are three such contests where teams met earlier in the year and it is those games where I focused my analysis. C-USA Championship -- Central Florida vs Tulsa Central Florida has had good success at home this season going 4-1 SU & ATS while scoring 32 or more points in every game. But, take note that UCF coach O'Leary is just 7-14-1 ATS when favored when playing an opponent whom they beat SU and an even worse 2-9-1 if line is less than 7 points. It that isn't enough underdogs in conference championship games that allowed more than 30 points in their last game are 8-1 ATS. Might be worth a look at Tulsa in this one. Big-12 Championship -- Oklahoma vs Missouri Another rematch where history says it will be close if not an outright Missouri win but before you jump on the Tigers consider that Oklahoma is 11-3 ATS as a favorite of less than 8 points against revenging conference a opponent and 5-0 ATS as a dog or favorite of less than 13 points. On Missouri's side, coach Pinkel is 13-4 ATS versus .800 or greater opposition if his team has won .750 or better. but Oklahoma has won 17 of the last 18 meetings SU in this series. ACC Championship -- Virginia Tech vs Boston College History again sides with the first game loser (Virginia Tech) but Boston College is 4-0 SUATS in 2007 against .750 or greater opponents including 3-0 SU ATS as an underdog. Plus BC holds a 6-1 ATS series edge. Is it time to buck history? Join Michael Alexander this weekend as he has heated up on the College Grid Iron and has the GUARANTEED winners on Championship Saturday at Alexandersports.
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