Week 12 has arrived, and with it comes another slate of high-stakes games that could impact the College Football Playoff race. The excitement is palpable as teams battle not just for glory but for a coveted spot in postseason play. What will the outcomes be? Let’s dive into the matchups that have everyone buzzing!
Key Matchups to Watch
Tennessee’s road trip to Athens to take on Georgia will headline the Week 12 slate. Questions surrounding the strength of both offenses have been the main concern heading into Saturday. Still, the consensus opinion from the College GameDay podcast appears to predict a low-scoring victory in favor of the Bulldogs. Rece Davis and Pete Thamel both favor Georgia at -10, while Matt Miller is leaning towards the under (O/U 47.5). Will Georgia’s defense be able to stifle Tennessee’s attack?
Illinois vs. Michigan State
The Spartans can become bowl-eligible with wins in two of their last three games. If they lose to Illinois on the road on Saturday, winning out will be their only option if they want to make the postseason for the first time since 2021. Meanwhile, the Fighting Illini will be looking to snap a two-game skid and still have a shot to win 10 games this year. Rece Davis and Matt Miller both predict Illinois at -2.5, while Pete Thamel is daring enough to pick Michigan State to cover and win outright. Who will rise to the occasion?
BYU vs. Kansas
In a surprising twist, BYU boasts a perfect 9-0 record in 2024, yet the College GameDay podcast’s majority favors the 3-6 Jayhawks. Rece Davis picks BYU at -2.5, but Pete Thamel and Matt Miller are siding with Kansas to cover and win outright. The Cougars have proven they can win in multiple ways this season, but Kansas appears to be playing their best football just in time for this all-important game. Can the Jayhawks pull off the upset?
Iowa State’s Quest for History
Iowa State may no longer be in the conversation for the College Football Playoff, but they’re in strong shape to win 10 games for the first time in program history. With 7 wins and three games left on their regular season slate, not to mention the bowl game, the Cyclones are poised to make history in 2024. Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Matt Miller all agree on Iowa State at -9.5. However, Cincinnati is just one win away from becoming bowl-eligible and would love to down Iowa State on the road. Will the Cyclones seize their moment?
Colorado vs. Utah
Colorado would be in the Big 12 Championship game if the regular season ended today. Like Iowa State, the Buffaloes can win 10 games during the regular season if they win out. However, Utah is hungry after controversially losing to rival BYU. Rece Davis and Matt Miller pick Colorado at -11.5, while Pete Thamel stands alone in his pick for Utah to cover the two-score spread. Can the Buffaloes maintain their momentum?
Texas vs. Arkansas
Texas is looking to separate itself as the team to beat in the SEC heading into the postseason. Rece Davis and Matt Miller both favor Texas at -13.5, while Pete Thamel goes against the grain by picking Arkansas to cover. Arkansas hasn’t been the easiest place for top 10 SEC teams to play this season. Will Texas assert its dominance, or will the Razorbacks pull off a surprise?
Washington vs. UCLA
Both teams sit around the middle of the Big Ten Conference rankings heading into the final stretch of regular season action, but that doesn’t mean this game lacks significance. Both programs still have the chance to become bowl-eligible by the end of the season. Washington can secure that status with a win on Friday night. Rece Davis picks Washington at -4, but Pete Thamel and Matt Miller are siding with UCLA to cover and win outright. Which team will rise to the occasion?
Tulane’s Championship Aspirations
Tulane came in at No. 25 in the most recent College Football Playoff rankings and can earn a quality victory over the 7-2 Navy Midshipmen on Thursday night. With all signs pointing toward the Green Wave meeting Army in the AAC Championship game, Tulane must take care of business against the Black Knights’ bitter rivals first. Rece Davis, Pete Thamel, and Matt Miller all agree on Tulane at -7. Can they keep their championship hopes alive?
As Week 12 unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With teams vying for bowl eligibility and playoff contention, every game matters. Will the favorites hold their ground, or will underdogs rise to the challenge? The excitement of college football is in full swing, and we can’t wait to see how the weekend plays out! Get ready for some thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments!
