We're here at Week 12 of the College Football season, which means almost all SEC teams get to have their mid-November cupcake on their schedule. Despite the built-in BYE weeks down south, there are still quite a few interesting matchups to watch this weekend. Here's all the big games to watch!
Week 11 Record: 9 -10
Overall Record: 110 - 58
Illinois at #3 Michigan
After having the BIG 10 West Division nearly locked in, the Fighting Illini now find themselves with a 4-way tie for first place with Minnesota, Purdue and Iowa all joining Illinois at 4-3 for conference play. The Illini have lost the last two games and now travel to the Big House to take on the Wolverines. Both teams have a solid rushing attack and stout defenses. However, I think Michigan is far more legit than the Fightin' Illini. Michigan 34, Illinois 14.
#4 TCU at Baylor
This is a BIG trap game for TCU to watch out for. Coming off a big win on the road at Texas with all the pageantry and hype from College Gameday, a road trip to your arch rival is just a recipe for disaster. Luckily the FROGS are quite adept at finding a way to win tough games. TCU keeps on winning and beats rival Bears 27-24.
#15 Kansas State at West Virginia
The Wildcats are looking to hold onto that number 2 spot in the Big XII so they have a revenge opportunity against the Frogs. West Virginia had a surprising win at home against Oklahoma last week that likely saved their coach (at least for now), so don't count them out with this game being played in Morgantown. They will need to stop the run, but I think K-State will be too tough on defense to let this one slip. Wildcats win on the road 28-17.
Iowa at Minnesota (Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale)
A bronze Pig Trophy is on the line as the Hawkeyes and Gophers meet for their annual BIG 10 West Battle. Both teams are tied for first in the division with records of 4-3, so this is a big game with only one more week before we go to conference championships. I will actually be attending this game today rather than the Husker game, so be sure to look for me on TV! I have the unique opportunity to rep my 'skers by wearing my BEAT IOWA hat and BEAT MINNESOTA sweatshirt. I'm excited to see a new stadium and rivalry game in person, but this will certainly be a cold, gridlock BIG 10 game. Iowa's stout defense should shut down the Gopher offense, but scoring for themselves is an entirely different question. I think the first team to 20 (if they get that many) wins this game and having watched Minnesota in person and with them being at home I'll give them the not. Gophers win the Pig as they beat Iowa 20-17.
#22 Oklahoma State at Oklahoma (BEDLAM)
Unfortunately the last BEDLAM game doesn't have much spice to it as the Sooners come in at 5-5 still trying to make a bowl game and the Cowboys have been embarrassed multiple times this year. This is yet another historic rivalry conference re-alignment is killing off and it's sad no one is making an attempt to keep it with a permanent non-conference matchup for rivalry weekend like Georgia Tech/Georgia, Florida/Florida State or Clemson/South Carolina. Nonetheless, this is still BEDLAM and crazy things happen. Oklahoma State is a 7 point underdog on the road despite being ranked and this one should be a shootout. Both defenses have been a mess this year and I really don't know who to trust. Oklahoma very rarely loses BEDLAM though, so I'll take them at home 40-35.
#7 USC at #16 UCLA (Battle for LA)
The Trojans and Bruins are square off in a major conference showdown that could make things very interesting in the PAC-12. Without divisions this year, there are multiple scenarios that could lead to teams leapfrogging over someone they've lost to due to weird tiebreaker rules. USC sits atop the conference and has their best (still slim) shot at making the College Football Playoffs. However, they're ranked #7 without having played or beaten a ranked team. UCLA slipped up last week, losing to Arizona, but don't discount the Bruins. Having watched them play a lot this year, look out for this offense. USC's got all they hype with Caleb Williams, but Dorian Thompson-Robinson is a veteran QB with a lot of weapons from ex-Michigan RB Zach Charbonnet and ex-Duke receiver Jake Bobo. This could be a high-scoring affair and I'm sure USC is out to prove they are the real deal. I'm not quite sure I buy it yet, so Bruins it is. UCLA 44, USC 37.
#10 Utah at #12 Oregon
The Ducks slipped (literally) up last week and lost a game to the Huskies they certainly should not have. They need to rebound quick with a dangerous Utah team coming to town. Again, the PAC-12 could get really interesting the last couple weeks trying to see who will go to the conference championship. Utah is always tough on defense and poses a big threat to Oregon, but they struggle on the road and you know Oregon is looking to make up for last week. S'co Ducks as they win 37-31.
Wisconsin at Nebraska (Battle for the Freedom Trophy)
It's been a decade since the Huskers last beat the Badgers in Football (and unfortunately half that time in Volleyball as well). The Freedom Trophy didn't even exist last time the Huskers won this game. Both teams are not good this year and this will be a cold, rugged game in Lincoln today. The Badgers will look to lean on RB Braelon Allen who has over 1,000 yards with 10 TDs on the ground. The Husker defense should hold solid for a while, but if the offense doesn't start something soon this game will putter out in favor of the wrong red and white team. Casey Thompson is expected to return for Nebraska which should help significantly, and if they were going to beat Wisconsin this would be the year. However, I still can't trust this team to make it to 20 points before their opponent as Nebraska is usually done scoring after the second drive at best. Wisconsin wins again as the Huskers fall on Senior Day. Badgers 21, Huskers 10.
Quick Hit Predictions
#1Georgia at Kentucky - Headaches early but DAWGS win big 38-13.
#24 NC State at Louisville - Watch out for the Cardinals, Louisville with a sneaky one 24-21.
Texas at Kansas - Jayhawks need to score early if they want to win this game. Get Texas down quick. However, the defense is too much, Hook 'Em. Texas 28, Kansas 17.
Texas Tech at Iowa State - Cyclones have a stingy defense, but the Red Raiders should take this one 33-27.
Boise State at Wyoming - A little Mountain West action to keep you on your toes. Great rivalry game but the Broncos still have this number 34-20.
#14 Ole Miss at Arkansas - The Hogs hung around with LSU last week without KJ Jefferson. If he's able to go today I like their chances. Woo Pig Sooie upsets 24-21.
Syracuse at Wake Forest - Both teams have fallen from the ranks quick but have great QBs to watch in this one. Demon Deacons at home, I'll give it to Sam Hartman. Wake Forest 33, Syracuse 28.
Thanks for reading my gameday predictions and remember to watch for me on TV up in Minnesota. GO
BIG RED!
#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando
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