SEC
College Football Predictions: Week 12
College Football Predictions for Week 12
USC vs. UCLA
Illinois vs. Michigan
Utah vs. Oregon
Tennessee vs. South Carolina
7 USC vs. 16 UCLA
Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG
Brian: The game of the week is at the Rose Bowl. UCLA is probably out of the mix to make the CFP, but they still can win the Pac-12. USC has been unbelievable in Lincoln Riley’s first year. The Trojans win a close won late.
USC 38, UCLA 35
Derrick: With Oregon falling short in Week 11, the Trojans are the Pac-12’s last hope at appearing in the college football playoff. An accomplishment that the conference has not had since the Washington Huskies qualified in 2015. Only one game will remain between the two programs, which will be in 2023. They are projected to join the B1G Conference of 2024. USC and UCLA will put on a classic at the Rose Bowl, but a few last-minute plays by QB Caleb Williams will keep the Trojans CFP hopes alive for at least another week.
USC 41, UCLA 38
10 Utah vs.12 Oregon
Photo courtesy of Clutch Points.
Brian: Even after last week’s disappointing loss to Washington, Oregon still has a chance to win the Pac-12. Utah will always be a tough team to beat as long as Kyle Whittingham is the coach. Oregon bounces back at home.
Oregon 34, Utah 28
Derrick: The Ducks’ playoff hopes went down the drain after last week’s defeat by the Washington Huskies. What remains now is a spot in the Pac-12 title game and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Under first-year head coach Dan Lenning, Oregon will become a powerhouse in the new-look Pac-12 next season. The new addition, Bo Nix, has performed like an entirely different QB since he transferred from Auburn. But we know that Kye Whittingham will have Utah ready to show up for Saturday’s big game. Expect the Utes to present some challenges to Nix and the Ducks this Saturday. But Oregon’s Pac-12 title hopes will continue once this game is over.
Oregon 45, Utah 38
Illinois vs. 3 Michigan
Photo courtesy of The Champaign Room.
Brian: Michigan faces a solid Illinois team before “The Game.” This is the perfect trap game for some teams, but not for Michigan. They win by three touchdowns.
Michigan 42, Illinois 21
Derrick: Could Michigan get caught looking past the Illini and instead be more focused on the big game against Ohio State? It’s highly possible, but I’m sure the higher-ups at Disney would be disappointed if Illinois spoiled next week’s colossal matchup. The Illini had gotten off to a hot start this season by going 7-1 in the first eight games. They have cooled off recently after back-to-back losses against Michigan State and Purdue. Their seven wins give them bowl eligibility, but any hopes of a B1G title or Rose Bowl appearance are gone. Illinois’ losing streak will be extended to three games once this game is over. The Wolverines have played at an exceptionally high level this season. Expect that trend to continue this Saturday against Illinois.
Michigan 34, Illinois 17
5 Tennessee vs. South Carolina
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Brian: The Vols still have a chance to make the CFP. The Vols’ offense is still one of the best in the nation. South Carolina keeps it close for three quarters, and the Vols pull away in the 4th.
Tennessee 35, South Carolina 21
Derrick: I’m intrigued by this contest. It’s an evening game that will be played in a hostile environment in Columbia, South Carolina. The matchup also has CFP implications due to the Volunteers being ranked no.5 in the current standings. South Carolina’s offense may be able to put up a fight against the Volunteers, but their defense does not have the personnel to get off the field on third down. That’s because Tennessee is operating on a different level regarding that aspect. The Gamecocks will make things interesting, but the Volunteers will prevail.
Tennessee 49, South Carolina 35