The Playoff race is getting tighter than ever as we enter week 13. This weekend will prove to be critical for what the final bracket will look like. There are three games between schools still in playoff contention with another few games where a contender is on upset alert.
5. No. 9 Ole Miss (8-2) at Florida (5-5)
With its recent win over Georgia, Ole Miss remains a playoff contender but will need to win out the rest of the way. Florida didn’t seem like much of a roadblock for the Rebels a few weeks ago, but the emergence of DJ Lagway has certainly changed that. With Lagway at the helm, they already beat LSU and likely would have taken down Georgia if he didn’t get hurt during the game. While Lagway’s had a bit of a rollercoaster season, the true freshman has also shown off the ridiculous arm talent that made him the top-ranked quarterback recruit from the 2024 cycle. Florida has a great chance to play spoiler in their last home game of the season. But the Gators will have a lot to contend with in the passing game, starting with containing explosive plays that arise from play-action fakes. Defensively, Ole Miss will need their elite pass rush to play at their best to limit the big plays Lagway is capable of.
Prediction: Ole Miss 31, Florida 24
4. No. 16 Colorado (8-2) at Kansas (4-6)
While its 4-6 record might not show it, Kansas is a very dangerous team. Only one of its six losses came by more than six points. Over the last two weeks, Kansas took down two Big 12 title contenders in Iowa State and BYU. It’ll look to make it three in a row against Colorado, who currently controls its own destiny both in the conference and in the playoff race. Colorado can certainly help itself by creating pressure and preventing deep shots, but this game, just as every other Kansas game this season, is about the highs and lows of QB Jalon Daniels. One of the biggest reasons for Colorado’s immense success recently has been the play of its offensive line. Since Week 7, the Buffaloes are fifth in the Power Four with an 84.3 pass-blocking grade, according to PFF. If Colorado’s pass protection holds up, it will be another big game for Sanders leading them to victory.
Prediction: Colorado 38, Kansas 24
3. No. 19 Army (10-0) at No. 6 Notre Dame (9-1)
Saturday’s game between Notre Dame and Army in Yankee Stadium is critical for each school’s chances of making the College Football Playoff.
At 9-1 without a conference title game, another loss would likely kill Notre Dame’s hopes of making the playoff. While the win on the road over Texas A&M in Week 1 was impressive, it’s basically negated by a bad loss at home to Northern Illinois the very next week. And outside of that win over the Aggies, the Fighting Irish’s next best win is over a Louisville team that’s now 6-4 on the season. Which is why I struggle to understand why they are rank six in the first place. With a perfect 9-0 record, Army is one of three undefeated teams left in America alongside Oregon and Indiana. A win over Notre Dame would likely have the Black Knights jump Boise State as the highest-ranked Group of Five team. The last time Notre Dame faced off against a military academy, it was able to ride its run game to victory. Against Navy in Week 9, the Fighting Irish ran for 270 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 6.9 yards per carry and three yards before contact per attempt. With the Irish clicking on both sides of the ball, I think they’ll use the same blueprint in the Navy game to take down Army.
Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Army 14
2. No. 14 BYU (9-1) at No. 21 Arizona State (8-2)
Saturday’s game between BYU and Arizona State will likely determine who plays on conference championship weekend. The Cougars suffered the first loss of their season this past week to Kansas but still control their own destiny in the conference race. As long as BYU wins its final two games, it’s in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Sun Devils have won five of their last six games due to the improvement of their quarterback, Sam Leavitt. The only loss in that stretch was a game that Leavitt missed due to injury. Between Leavitt, Tyson and running back Cameron Skattebo, the Sun Devils possess multiple matchup problems for opposing defenses. For BYU, QB Jake Retzlaff has also vastly improved since last season but really struggles with pressure. Luckily for him, Arizona State hasn’t gotten to the quarterback much this season. With mostly clean pockets to work from, Retzlaff can find a lot of success against Arizona State’s defense. The Cougars win and keep their Big 12 title and playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: BYU 30, Arizona State 24
1. No. 5 Indiana (10-0) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1)
The winner essentially clinches a trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game against Oregon as long as they win their regular season finale (Michigan for Ohio State and Purdue for Indiana). The winner also nearly guarantees itself a spot in the College Football Playoff. Aside from the lack of strength of their opponents in general, the Hoosiers have yet to face a passing attack with as much talent as Ohio State’s. Aided by two potential first-round wide receivers, quarterback Will Howard is quietly having an elite season. Indiana has been on fire all year offensively, but Ohio State has arguably the best defense in the nation too. If the Hoosiers win, it will be because Kurtis Rourke turns in a Heisman-worthy performance. The Buckeyes are still stacked, and they should win a competitive game, but the Hoosiers will prove they deserve to stand with the final 12 teams in the playoff.
Prediction: Ohio State 24, Indiana 20
***
Click here for more football content!
Want to join our team? Inquire about our openings.
Subscribe to the Fantom Sports YouTube!