In an electrifying atmosphere, ESPN brought College GameDay to Athens, Georgia, for an exciting Week 12 showdown between Tennessee and Georgia. This highly anticipated SEC clash took center stage on Saturday evening, drawing fans from all corners to witness the action unfold.
ESPN College GameDay Picks for Week 12:
As the excitement built ahead of the big game, the College GameDay crew made their predictions, showcasing their insights on a variety of matchups. With so many intriguing games on the slate, fans were eager to hear what the experts had to say. Here’s a breakdown of their picks:
Tennessee at Georgia: While Kirk Herbstreit abstained from making a pick since he was calling the game, the rest of the crew was firmly behind the Bulldogs. Desmond Howard, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, and Cody Rhodes all chose Georgia, with Lee Corso even taking a moment to admire Uga, the beloved Bulldogs mascot.
Texas at Arkansas: In this matchup, McAfee put his faith in the Razorbacks, but the consensus leaned towards the Longhorns, with the rest of the analysts siding with Texas.
LSU at Florida: Howard expressed his belief in the Gators, but the majority of the crew stood by the Tigers, showcasing the competitive spirit of this SEC rivalry.
Missouri at South Carolina: In a surprising twist, every analyst picked the Gamecocks to come out on top this week, highlighting the unpredictable nature of college football.
Tulane at Navy: This matchup saw a split decision among the crew. Howard, Saban, and Herbstreit chose the Green Wave, while McAfee, Rhodes, and Corso backed the Midshipmen, making for an interesting debate.
Kansas at BYU: Rhodes and Herbstreit threw their support behind the Jayhawks, while the rest of the analysts opted for the Cougars, showcasing differing opinions in this intriguing contest.
Utah at Colorado: With Coach Prime at the helm, the entire crew believed the Buffaloes would secure a victory in Boulder, reflecting the excitement surrounding Colorado’s resurgence.
Arizona State at Kansas State: Despite the Sun Devils’ recent successes, only McAfee believed they could pull off an upset against the Wildcats, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of college football.
Boston College at SMU: The Mustangs received unanimous support from the crew, indicating their confidence in SMU’s ability to dominate this matchup.
Clemson at Pittsburgh: In a surprising turn, only McAfee predicted that the Panthers could take down the Tigers, showcasing the diverse opinions among the analysts.
Full CGD Analyst Picks for Week 12:
As the predictions rolled in, each analyst shared their thoughts on the upcoming games:
Desmond Howard: Georgia, Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Tulane, BYU, Colorado, Kansas State, SMU, Clemson
Nick Saban: Georgia, Texas, LSU, South Carolina, Tulane, BYU, Colorado, Kansas State, SMU, Clemson
Pat McAfee: Georgia, Arkansas, LSU, South Carolina, Navy, BYU, Colorado, Arizona State, SMU, Pittsburgh
Celebrity Guest Picker – Cody Rhodes: Georgia, Texas, LSU, South Carolina, Navy, Kansas, Colorado, Kansas State, SMU, Clemson
Lee Corso: Georgia, Texas, LSU, South Carolina, Navy, BYU, Colorado, Kansas State, SMU, Clemson
Kirk Herbstreit: No pick for Tennessee at Georgia, Texas, LSU, South Carolina, Tulane, Kansas, Colorado, Kansas State, SMU, Clemson
Cody Rhodes Joins the Fun
Adding to the excitement, the College GameDay crew welcomed a special guest this week. The celebrity guest picker was none other than Cody Rhodes, known as “The American Nightmare” and the Undisputed WWE Champion. A native of Georgia and a passionate Bulldogs fan, Rhodes became the second WWE superstar to join the program in 2024, following Sheamus, who made picks during the crew’s visit to Ireland in Week 0. His presence brought an extra layer of enthusiasm to the festivities.
The Thrill of College GameDay
With College GameDay in Athens, the energy was palpable. Fans gathered to celebrate their teams, creating an electric atmosphere that only college football can provide. The predictions and insights shared by the analysts added to the excitement, as everyone eagerly anticipated the matchups ahead. Will the Bulldogs live up to the hype? Can the Razorbacks pull off an upset? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football fans are in for a thrilling weekend!
As the games unfold, the passion for college football continues to shine brightly, bringing fans together in support of their teams. Whether you’re cheering for the Bulldogs, the Longhorns, or any of the other teams in action, this weekend promises to deliver unforgettable moments and fierce competition. So grab your snacks, gather your friends, and get ready for an exhilarating day of college football!