2024 college football conference championship games betting guide - ESPN

As the 2024 college football season reaches its climactic finale, Week 15 brings us the highly anticipated conference championships. These games not only determine the champions of each conference, but they also play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the College Football Playoff.

With the expanded 12-team playoff format now in place, the stakes have never been higher. From the SEC showdown between the No. 2 Texas Longhorns and No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs to the Big Ten's clash of titans with the top-ranked Oregon Ducks facing the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions, each championship game carries immense weight.

As we break down each conference championship, we'll highlight key matchups, standout players and potential game-changing factors — all through a betting lens. The focus is on providing actionable insights to give bettors an edge, whether it's spotting value in the lines, identifying trends or uncovering potential upsets on the path to a conference trophy.

All lines current as of publication time, courtesy of ESPN BET.

Pamela Maldonado explains why she likes underdog Western Kentucky over Jacksonville State in the Conference USA championship game.

Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State (-4, 57.5)
Friday, 7 p.m. ET, CBSSN

The Hilltoppers and Gamecocks meet in a rematch of Week 14, this time for the C-USA championship. Western Kentucky quarterback Caden Veltkamp has been a force, leading the conference with 22 touchdowns and ranking second in passing yards (2,665). Last week, his pinpoint accuracy sparked explosive plays of 27, 29,and 24 yards, showcasing the Hilltoppers' big-play potential.

But it's not just the offense that shines. Special teams are WKU's secret weapon. Kicker Lucas Carneiro is a game-changer,