We’ve reached the point of the college football season where one result can make or break some team’s season. And with the expanded playoff field, there are more teams that can fall under that umbrella entering Week 12.
There are major matchups in the SEC that could see teams lose an opportunity to reach the conference championship game. The Big 12 also has some key showdowns that might provide some upsetting moments. But they aren’t the only leagues that have high-stakes pressure this Saturday that can cause surprises.
So which games are the likeliest to produce those moments?
That’s why the USA TODAY Sports college football staff is here. Scooby Axson, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith and Eddie Timanus weigh in with their bold predictions for Week 12 of the college football season:
Georgia takes early playoff snub personally
Let Georgia tell it: they are one of the best teams in the nation, and despite the difficult schedule, their resume, and who they have beaten so far, they certainly won’t get an argument here.
But the playoff committee, which is the deciding factor, sees it differently. With a 2 in the loss column, Georgia’s next defeat will have them watching the postseason festivities with the rest of us.
When Tennessee comes to town on Saturday, it will be essentially a playoff eliminator, so it would behoove the Bulldogs to get their act together sooner rather than later, especially on offense, and not give the ball to the other team.
For the Volunteers, who have lost seven straight to Georgia, a victory would go a long way to establishing them as a legitimate title contender, but they will have to wait until next year as the Bulldogs take control early and come away with an impressive win. — Scooby Axson
WEEK 12 HIGHLIGHTS: The seven games you should watch this Saturday
WEEKEND FORECAST: Expert picks for every Top 25 game in Week 12
Arizona State joins Big 12 title race
The amount of teams in the race to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff through the Big 12 is startling to dwindle, but a new team will join the fold in Arizona State. Kenny Dillingham deserves major props for what he’s accomplishing with the Sun Devils. After a 3-9 first season, he’s 7-2 this time around with a strong running game that has been complemented with solid quarterback play. Arizona State will visit a Kansas State team that has been a little shaky recently. As good as the Wildcats are at stopping the run, Cam Skattebo and company find holes and push through a big time road win. At 8-2 and 5-2 in conference play, Arizona State jumps in the playoff rankings and heads into a big-time showdown with Brigham Young with a chance to make the conference title game. — Jordan Mendoza
BYU tastes first defeat after visit from Kansas
Kansas isn’t intimidated by the raucous nighttime environment at BYU and scores an upset with major playoff implications. While BYU would remain the favorite to finish first in the Big 12 standings and play for the conference title, this loss would virtually guarantee the conference is a one-bid league. Kansas might be 3-6 but it’s a very good 3-6, if that means anything. The Jayhawks have won two of three, including last week’s win against Iowa State, and their six losses have come by a combined 30 points. KU could easily be 5-4, even 6-3. — Paul Myerberg
LSU falters at Florida
The Tigers remain in contention for the SEC title after last week’s loss to Alabama but it requires the Crimson Tide and Tennessee to lose. That seems unlikely, so expect LSU to have a bit of a dip in emotion heading to Gainesville. Meanwhile, Florida has an opportunity reach a bowl game with a win Saturday and then beating either Mississippi or Florida State. The Gators also get back quarterback DJ Langway, who played well enough to to have them in contention against Georgia before an injury forced him out. Look for the Swamp to provide a decided advantage for the home team, and Billy Napier to finally get the breakthrough win he needs to reach the postseason and build momentum for the 2025 season. — Erick Smith
Boise State to face tough test from San Jose State
Life is pretty good for Boise State right now. With a credible Heisman candidate and a favorable playoff committee ranking, the Broncos are right where they need to be coming down the stretch.
But hang on. Saturday’s trip to San Jose State has high danger potential. The Spartans are already bowl eligible themselves and are more than capable of putting up a big score. Sure, Boise has star running back Ashton Jeanty, but San Jose has an All-America candidate, too. Nick Nash leads the nation in receiving yards per game at 128.4 and catches with 86, while snagging at least one touchdown reception in all nine games this season. Oh yeah, he’s thrown a couple TD passes as well.
Boise State will be fine if it takes care of the ball, but that has been an issue of late. The Spartans’ defense has 22 takeaways, including 16 interceptions. The Broncos will probably get out with the win, but don’t be surprised if it’s still in doubt in the final quarter. — Eddie Timanus
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