Week 12 of the college football season is here, and honestly, it’s loaded with matchups that could totally shake up the rankings. There are three huge games between ranked teams, including a prime-time showdown with No. 10 Texas visiting No. 5 Georgia. And yeah, there are plenty of other games worth keeping an eye on too.
As always, here are our expert picks and predictions against the spread for every game involving an AP Top 25 team. Let’s just get into it.
Top Matchups to Watch
No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 23 Pitt
The Fighting Irish are rolling into Pittsburgh for a clash of two-loss teams. Notre Dame’s riding a seven-game win streak, and Jeremiyah Love has been electric, piling up 458 rushing yards on 8.5 yards per carry over the last three games.
Pitt’s run defense is no joke, letting up just 2.4 yards per carry. Notre Dame’s won the last four meetings, but this one feels like it could be tense.
- Pick: Notre Dame wins 28-23 but fails to cover the spread.
No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 4 Alabama
Alabama’s looking for a little payback after last season’s 24-3 loss to Oklahoma. The Crimson Tide are favored by seven, and honestly, their home-field advantage is real—they’re 5-0 ATS at home this year.
Oklahoma’s defense is tops in the SEC, but they’ll have their hands full with Ty Simpson, who’s only been sacked three times in his last three games.
- Pick: Alabama wins 26-17 and covers the spread.
No. 10 Texas at No. 5 Georgia
This is the main event—Texas heads to Georgia for a game everyone’s talking about. The Longhorns are desperate to avoid a third loss, but Georgia’s still in the thick of the SEC championship hunt.
Gunner Stockton has been clutch at home for the Bulldogs. Playoff hopes are on the line for both teams, so expect fireworks.
- Pick: Georgia wins 28-20 and covers the spread.
Other Notable Games
Clemson at No. 19 Louisville
Clemson’s run defense is going to have to step up against Louisville, who ran for 210 yards in last year’s meeting. Louisville’s favored by 3.5, but Clemson’s defense might keep this one tight.
- Pick: Louisville wins 27-24 but fails to cover the spread.
Minnesota at No. 7 Oregon
Oregon’s finally back home after some low-scoring road wins. Minnesota’s had a rough time stopping the run away from home, so the Ducks are heavy favorites for a reason.
- Pick: Oregon wins 38-13 and covers the spread.
Wisconsin at No. 2 Indiana
Indiana’s offense can light it up, while Wisconsin’s been stuck at just 14 points per game in their last seven. Even with a big spread, Indiana’s been solid in these spots.
- Pick: Indiana wins 38-10 but fails to cover the spread.
South Carolina at No. 3 Texas A&M
Texas A&M’s shooting for win number ten, but South Carolina’s coming off a bye and could make things interesting early. Still, the Gamecocks just can’t seem to get their offense going on the road.
- Pick: Texas A&M wins 31-14 but fails to cover the spread.
No. 18 Michigan at Northwestern
Michigan had a week off and now they’re trying to stay alive in the Big Ten playoff race. Northwestern’s defense has not looked good against ranked teams, so Michigan’s in a good spot to cover.
- Pick: Michigan wins 30-16 and covers the spread.
Arizona at No. 22 Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s still got a shot at the Big 12 title game and they’re back home after a bye. Arizona’s been shaky on the road, which gives the Bearcats the edge here.
- Pick: Cincinnati wins 31-23 and covers the spread.
No. 25 South Florida at Navy
South Florida’s playoff hopes are riding on this one. Navy’s had trouble as an underdog, and with some possible injuries, South Florida should get it done—even if the spread’s a stretch.
- Pick: South Florida wins 30-22 but fails to cover the spread.
UCF at No. 8 Texas Tech
Texas Tech’s defense is stacked with All-American talent, and UCF just hasn’t played well on the road. The Red Raiders should roll in this one.
- Pick: Texas Tech wins 35-10 and covers the spread.
No. 14 Georgia Tech at Boston College
Georgia Tech’s run game should have a field day against Boston College’s weak run defense. Plus, the Yellow Jackets are coming off a bye, so they should be fresh and ready.
- Pick: Georgia Tech wins 38-17 and covers the spread.
NC State at No. 16 Miami, Fla.
Miami’s offense is pretty balanced, but NC State’s been all over the place this year. Miami should win, but the spread might be a bit much.
- Pick: Miami wins 34-22 but fails to cover the spread.
Iowa at No. 17 USC
USC’s offense at home is tough to stop, and that’s bad news for Iowa. The time-zone jump could make things even harder for the Hawkeyes.
- Pick: USC wins 30-18 and covers the spread.
No. 20 Virginia at Duke
Duke’s been in a funk lately, and Virginia’s Chandler Morris might not be 100%. Even so, Duke’s the pick here, but it could be close.
- Pick: Duke wins 30-27 but fails to cover the spread.
Appalachian State at No. 24 James Madison
James Madison just cracked the AP Top 25, so there’s some pressure. Still, with the home crowd and a good history against App State, they should pull it off.
- Pick: James Madison wins 34-20 but fails to cover the spread.
New Mexico State at No. 21 Tennessee
Tennessee’s passing game should have a field day against New Mexico State’s secondary. I’d expect the Volunteers to put up a big number here.
- Pick: Tennessee wins 56-14 and covers the spread.
Florida at No. 9 Ole Miss
Ole Miss is looking to take advantage of Florida’s recent problems, especially with turnovers. The Gators’ defense just hasn’t been able to keep up, so the Rebels are big favorites for a reason.
- Pick: Ole Miss wins 35-17 and covers the spread.
No. 15 Utah at Baylor
Utah’s offense is clicking, but Baylor’s a tough place to play. Still, the Utes’ run game and current form make them the safer pick to cover.
- Pick: Utah wins 38-28 and covers the spread.
UCLA at No. 1 Ohio State
Ohio State in prime time against UCLA? That should be a showcase for the Buckeyes’ offense. With the home crowd and their recent form, it’s hard to see them slipping here.
- Pick: Ohio State wins 45-10 and covers the spread.
TCU at No. 12 BYU
BYU’s got a pretty tough rushing game, especially with LJ Martin leading the way. TCU, on the other hand, seems to always end up in tight matchups.
Most folks expect BYU to take this one, but honestly, that spread feels a bit too generous.
- Pick: BYU wins 28-24 but fails to cover the spread.
If you’re looking for a deeper dive or just want more predictions, the full article’s over at Sporting News.
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