2021 Week 12 Preview

I can’t believe we are already to week 12! Last week saw a very big upset: Baylor took down previously undefeated Oklahoma. Caleb Williams was benched in the game for Spencer Rattler but the Sooners were still only able to score 14 points. The best result of the weekend was Kansas upsetting Texas in Austin in overtime. Auburn also gave up 40 unanswered points to lose to Mississippi State and also lost QB Bo Nix for the rest of the season to a broken ankle. The season is wrapping up, but plenty of chaos can still happen. I will be on the road on Saturday to make the trip to Tuscaloosa to watch the Hogs play. Let’s dive into week 12!

My Record: 5-1 last week, 43-23 overall (65%)

Notable Games
3Oregon at 23Utah
This is an important game in the Pac 12 and will probably be a preview of the Pac 12 championship game in a couple of weeks. Oregon has been riding the win over Ohio State all season and, except for their weird OT loss to Stanford, that has worked just fine for the Ducks. Utah is the best team that Oregon has faced in conference play, and they can be very feisty. I think Oregon is the better team and their ability to run the ball is what should win this game for them. The Utes had a bit of a weird game against Arizona last week, but that probably was because they were looking ahead to this game. This game has potential to be really interesting and close.
I am picking Oregon

7Michigan State at 4Ohio State
This is an extremely important game. Ohio State is (begrudgingly) one of the better teams in the country. Their loss back in the beginning of the season to Oregon has been hindering them a bit, but as long as they both keep winning, it probably won’t matter. Michigan State is a very good team and Mel Tucker has done a great job of making this team competitive. I think this game will be close in the first half, but, as in most games this season, I expect Ohio State two pull away in the second half. I don’t think Ohio State will be down for this game because they are looking ahead to Michigan next week, but it could make this game a bit closer than expected.
I am picking Ohio State

SMU at 5Cincinnati
Every game Cincinnati plays for the rest of the season is extremely important. They need a big win over SMU in this one and I’m not sure they can do that. I think they will win the game but based on the way SMU like to play and Cincinnati’s recent close games, this one could come down to the final possession. This should be a fun and exciting game. The Bearcats will probably remain on the outside looking in unless the teams ahead of them lose. Even then, Cincy will need to win their final three games, including the AAC Championship against Houston, comfortably. I think we are all rooting for Cincinnati as we finish out this season.
I am picking Cincinnati

10Wake Forest at Clemson
This is a very interesting game in the ACC. Clemson has been down this season, mostly because of their offense. They have improved during the season and their defense has been outstanding. Wake Forest did lose a shootout to North Carolina a couple weeks ago, but it wasn’t a conference game so Wake Forest is still in the driver seat for their division. While Clemson is the best defensive team that the Demon Deacons will face this season, I think Wake Forest just scores too many points. I expect this to be a pretty close game, but the lack of offensive prowess is really making me doubt Clemson.
I am picking Wake Forest

UAB at 22UTSA
This is a huge game in the Group of 5 ranks. UTSA is one of three FBS teams that remains undefeated this season. The Roadrunners had a bit of a scare with a not-so-good Southern Miss team last week. They ended up winning the game by 10 but showed they can be vulnerable. UAB is a very good team and would like nothing more than to get a big win over UTSA in this game. This is probably the toughest test UTSA has faced all season. I think this game is very, very close, but this being a home game for the Roadrunners is the edge they need.
I am picking UTSA

Louisiana at Liberty
Here is another very interesting Group of 5 game. Louisiana has only lost one game this season and it was in week one against Texas. While that is a very bad loss, they have been impressive this season. Liberty has also been a very interesting team this season. They have a great QB and have been fun to watch. Louisiana has probably played well enough to be ranked in the CFP. I think they will get a win in this game and will be ranked next week with some help from other teams losing.
I am picking Louisiana

21Arkansas at 2Alabama
Arkansas played an ugly game last week against LSU but was able to pull out an overtime win after an INT on LSU’s possession then a FG by freshman kicker Cam Little. I don’t have any illusions that Arkansas will win this game, but I am excited to be there in person to watch my Hogs play. The lookahead potential of the Iron Bowl is probably diminished because of Auburn’s loss last week. I really hope Arkansas scores a couple of TDs, but I will have a good time with my husband at this game no matter what. I also want Arkansas to be ready for the Missouri game, I hate losing to them most of all.

Top 25
Charleston Southern at 1Georgia
21Arkansas at 2Alabama
3Oregon at 23Utah
7Michigan State at 4Ohio State
SMU at 5Cincinnati
6Michigan at Maryland
Georgia Tech at 8Notre Dame
9Oklahoma State at Texas Tech
10Wake Forest at Clemson
11Baylor at Kansas State
Vanderbilt at 12Ole Miss
Iowa State at 13Oklahoma
14BYU at Georgia Southern
Nebraska at 15Wisconsin
Prairie View A&M at 16Texas A&M
Illinois at 17Iowa
Virginia at 18Pittsburgh
19San Diego State at UNLV (Friday)
Syracuse at 20NC State
UAB at 22UTSA
Memphis at 24Houston (Friday)
Tennessee State at 25Mississippi State

Other Games
Air Force at Nevada (Friday)
Florida at Missouri (both teams are 5-5)
Virginia Tech at Miami (both teams are 5-5)
UCLA at USC
Florida State at Boston College