CFB Week 12 Game Picks: Will Georgia survive another SEC battle?
The race for a playoff spot intensifies as Week 12 approaches. In a year where single losses have not immediately knocked teams out of contention, that all changes as we reach the business end of the season. The headline game will be Georgia vs Tennessee, which could end the Bulldogs’ Championship aspirations if it swings the wrong way. Without further ado, let’s look at our game picks for the week ahead.
Tennessee at Georgia, 7.30PM ET / 12.30AM GMT, ABC
Georgia favoured by 9.5 points
Georgia is still hanging its hat on a win over Texas earlier in the year, but a loss in this one would almost certainly knock them out of playoff contention. The only way I see the Bulldogs winning this at a canter is if the defensive line can cause havoc for the Vols QB, whether that’s Nico Iamaleava or not. I’ve completely lost trust in Carson Beck, and the thought of him facing one of the most explosive pass rushers in the SEC, James Pearce Jr. makes me wince. This is the SEC, so I expect a close one, but if the Vols get Dylan Sampson pounding the rock efficiently, the upset is on.
Pick: Tennessee +9.5 points
Utah at Colorado, 12PM ET / 5PM GMT, FOX
Colorado favoured by 11.5 points
The Buffs have a real shot at the Big 12 but must remain laser-focused during the run-in. The Utes have had a disappointing year, and the cherry on the top was a heartbreaking last-minute loss to BYU. However, they took an unbeaten side right to the death, which should be a warning for Colorado. The Buffs need to ensure Shedeur has time in the pocket. He took four sacks last week, and Van Fillinger is a high-end pass rusher for the Utes. I think Colorado’s star power means they win the game, but the Utes will make it closer than the spread.
Pick: Utah +11.5 points
Clemson at Pittsburgh, 12PM ET / 5PM GMT, ESPN
Clemson favoured by 10 points
Clemson’s loss to Lousiville was a huge blow to their conference championship hopes. It’s particularly jarring, considering how well Cade Klubnik and the offense looked. I think that unit will be too strong for Pittsburgh, whose 7-2 record is a tad flattering. They’re now on a two-match losing streak as their season unravels. They still have the Cardinals on their schedule but it’s hard to see them being a major player come the end of the season. I think the quality of the Tigers will win out big.
Pick: Clemson -10.0
LSU at Florida, 3.30PM ET / 8.30PM GMT, ABC
LSU favoured by 4 points
Any hope LSU had of the playoffs blew up in spectacular style at the hands and, more specifically, the feet of Jalen Milroe. They couldn’t stop the Bama ground game for the second year running. It leaves plenty of questions hanging over Brian Kelly, and he needs to avoid a full-on capitulation to see the season out. On the other side, Billy Napier still needs a couple of solid wins to really like he’s done a decent job versus a brutal schedule. Even with the return of DJ Lagway, the Gators’ running offense is inexperienced (lead back Jadan Baugh is a true freshman); I don’t think they’ll enjoy the success of Milroe and co. meaning LSU gets the nod here.
Pick: LSU -4.0
Nebraska at USC, 4PM ET / 9PM GMT, FOX
USC favoured by 9 points
A new era begins in Southern California this weekend. UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava is the future at QB and will get his first start this weekend against Nebraska. It comes when a much-needed boost is needed at the position, considering 5-star recruit Julian Lewis looks close to flipping his prior commitment to the Trojans. For the Cornhuskers, tough games against Indiana and Ohio State have left them battling for bowl eligibility, I have a feeling they could take advantage of Maiava’s unfamiliarity and land a blow here on the road.
Pick: Nebraska outright.
Arizona State at Kansas State, 7PM ET / 12AM GMT, ESPN
Kansas State favoured by 8 points
What a showdown we have here in the Big 12. Both sides enter this one with a 7-2 record and a chance to inflict maximum damage on a conference rival. The good news for Sun Devils’ fans is that running back Cam Skattebo is set to return. He averages over 100 yards per game this season. Kansas State is coming off the back of a blown fourth-quarter lead against Houston. QB Avery Johnson threw two picks as the offense stuttered. I expect a tight one here, so I will take Arizona State with the points.
Pick: Arizona State +8.0
Kansas at BYU, 10.15PM ET / 3.15AM GMT, ESPN
BYU favoured by 3 points
Welcome back to relevancy Lance Leipold. Kansas have been overlooked this year, rightly so given their five losses on the bounce after Week 1. Things looked much more like last year against Iowa State last week though. Jalon Daniels excelled through the air and on the ground, while running back Devin Neal ran for over 100 yards and 2 TDs. Can they be the team to end BYU’s 9 match winning streak? Utah came so close, and I have my reservations over the Cougars given their lack of a signature win; I’ll change my tune with a win here and next week vs Arizona State. For now, I’m giving a confident Kansas the nod.
Pick: Kansas outright
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.