College football is back in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 12.
1. Tennessee at Georgia
Tennessee has just one loss on the season, which was to Arkansas. They have a big win over Alabama and are still in the SEC and CFP race. The Volunteers can help solidify their spot in the CFP with a win, but a loss could put them on the bubble. Their defense has been impressive this season, allowing just 12.6 points per game. Getting good defensive play could be the key to the game.
If Tennessee’s defense play well, Georgia’s offense will need to play better. They managed to score just 10 points against Ole Miss in week 11 and have been struggling with turnovers. Primarily, Carson Beck has had trouble with interceptions in conference play. If he plays well, Georgia can win and keep their CFP hopes alive. They have two losses this season, which were to Alabama and Ole Miss, so they likely need to win out to make the tournament.
2. Missouri at South Carolina
Missouri hasn’t played their best this season, but sit at 7-2 on the season. Although they were ranked 24 in the initial CFP rankings, head coach Eli Drinkwitz has mentioned that they are still alive for the CFP. That might be a stretch, but they will have to beat South Carolina to keep that dream alive.
South Carolina has three losses on the season, which were to LSU, Ole Miss and Alabama. It has been an impressive season for the Gamecocks. They have been fueled by a good defensive line, which helped the whole unit just allow 17.2 points per game. While they are likely out of the SEC and CFP, racking up wins can help Shane Beamer build momentum for next season.
3. Boise State’s Test
Boise State was ranked 12th in the initial CFP rankings and are the clear favorite to be the group of five representatives in the CFP. They have been led by star running back Ashton Jeanty, who is one of the Heisman favorites with over 1,700 yards rushing this season. They are tied for the lead in Mountain West play with Colorado State and UNLV is just a game behind (although Boise State does have the head to head tiebreaker).
With how close the top of the Mountain West, Boise State might be able to afford just one conference loss. They have a tough test this week against San Jose State, who is 6-3 on the season. The Spartans could test Boise State’s pass defense, as they run the spread and shred offense that moves the ball through the air well. If Boise wins they are one step closer to one of the biggest seasons in school history.
4. Washington State
There aren’t many marquee games this week, which means crazy things might happen. That might happen, but these weeks give the spotlight to other teams who have been playing well this season. Washington State has had a great season with an 8-1 record. They have flown under the radar because they aren’t in a conference, but have an outside shot at making the CFP.
This week Washington State plays a 4-6 New Mexico team who has a dynamic quarterback in Devon Dampier. While the Cougars will be favored to win, a team that hasn’t been seen much this year is worth watching, especially if they could find themselves in the CFP race.
5. ACC Race
The ACC will have a tight race to find out who will play in their championship game. SMU is currently leading the conference in its first year in the conference. They have just one loss on the season and it came out of conference to BYU. The Mustangs play Boston College this week.
Miami lost their status as the frontrunner in the conference by losing to Georgia Tech last week. They have just one conference loss and are idle this week, so they will be watching Clemson, who also has just one loss in the conference. The Tigers play at Pittsburgh, a team with just two losses in the conference this season. This week could see a lot of changes in the ACC race.
Make sure to check out our college football page for more content like 5 things to watch in college football week 12!
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!