No. 6 Tennessee is set to clash with No. 11 Georgia in one of the most anticipated SEC showdowns of Week 12 in college football. This matchup is not just another game; it feels like an elimination battle for the Bulldogs (7-2), who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 28-10 defeat at Ole Miss. Georgia has struggled on the road, suffering two losses this season, but they will be back at home, where they haven’t lost since October 12, 2019, against South Carolina.
Tennessee (8-1) finds itself in a precarious position as well. A loss to Georgia would thrust them into a two-loss cluster, jeopardizing their hopes in the SEC championship race. Historically, the Vols have struggled against the Bulldogs, having lost the last seven meetings in the series by an average of 26.4 points per game. However, they are coming into this game with a glimmer of hope, as quarterback Nico Iamaleava is expected to play despite suffering an upper body injury against Mississippi State in Week 11.
Week 12’s Notable Matchups
This thrilling matchup between Tennessee and Georgia is just one highlight on a packed Week 12 college football schedule. Fans can also look forward to Utah visiting No. 18 Colorado at noon ET and No. 24 Missouri squaring off against No. 23 South Carolina at 4:15 p.m. ET. With 18 games involving top 25 teams this week, the excitement is palpable, making it a must-watch weekend for college football enthusiasts.
Analyzing the Stakes
Is this an elimination game? It certainly feels like it for Georgia. After their recent loss, the Bulldogs are under pressure to perform, and their home advantage could play a crucial role. Meanwhile, Tennessee is eager to break their losing streak against Georgia and keep their championship dreams alive. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the atmosphere is sure to be electric.
Key Players to Watch
One player to keep an eye on is Dylan Sampson, who leads the SEC with 1,129 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. His performance could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. Additionally, the effectiveness of Iamaleava, especially after his injury, will be crucial for the Vols as they look to secure a victory in a series that has been dominated by Georgia in recent years.
Looking Ahead: More Week 12 Picks
As we dive deeper into the Week 12 schedule, here are some key matchups to watch:
Saturday, Nov. 16
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No. 3 Texas (-15) at Arkansas (12 p.m., ABC)
The Razorbacks have struggled as home underdogs this season, and Texas boasts a formidable defense. Expect Texas to dominate, winning 41-20 and covering the spread. -
No. 25 Tulane (-6.5) at Navy (12 p.m., ESPN2)
Tulane’s explosive offense will be a challenge for Navy, but expect a close game. Tulane wins 34-24 and covers the spread. -
No. 2 Ohio State (-30.5) at Northwestern (12 p.m., BTN)
Ohio State’s defense is a powerhouse, and they should easily handle Northwestern, winning 38-7 and covering the spread. -
No. 13 Clemson (-10) at Pitt (12 p.m., ESPN)
Clemson needs to step up their passing game, but they should edge out Pitt, winning 31-24 but failing to cover the spread. - Utah at No. 18 Colorado (-10) (12 p.m., Fox)
This matchup will be a test of strength, but Colorado is expected to win 27-20, failing to cover the spread.
Even More Exciting Matchups
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No. 21 LSU (-4.5) at Florida (3:30 p.m., ABC)
Both teams are looking to recover from recent losses, but LSU is expected to win 28-18 and cover the spread. -
No. 3 Penn State (-28.5) at Purdue (3:30 p.m., CBS)
Penn State’s defense should dominate, leading them to a 42-7 victory while covering the spread. -
No. 22 Louisville (-20) at Stanford (3:30 p.m., ACC Network)
Louisville is expected to take control, winning 42-21 and covering the spread. -
Virginia at No. 8 Notre Dame (-23) (3:30 p.m., NBC)
Notre Dame has been unstoppable, and they should win 42-17, covering the spread. - No. 24 Missouri at No. 23 South Carolina (-13) (4:15 p.m., SEC Network)
South Carolina is on a roll, but Missouri will put up a fight. Expect South Carolina to win 26-18 but fail to cover the spread.
Late Night Showdowns
As the day winds down, keep an eye on these evening matchups:
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No. 1 Oregon (-14) at Wisconsin (7:30 p.m., NBC)
Oregon is poised to win 34-17 and cover the spread. -
No. 6 Tennessee at No. 11 Georgia (-9) (7:30 p.m., ABC)
This is the game everyone is waiting for. Expect Georgia to win 26-21 but fail to cover the spread. -
No. 19 Washington State (-13) at New Mexico (9:30 p.m., FS1)
Washington State is expected to win 35-28 but fail to cover the spread. - Kansas at No. 7 BYU (-3.5) (10:15 p.m., ESPN)
BYU should edge out Kansas, winning 31-24 and covering the spread.
With so many thrilling matchups on the horizon, college football fans are in for an exhilarating weekend. The excitement of the SEC showdown between Tennessee and Georgia is just the tip of the iceberg!
