As the regular season winds down, there is no more room for losses. Last week, we saw Ole Miss, Oregon, and UCLA likely have their playoff hopes derailed. This week won’t bring many blockbuster matchups, but we will see a couple of interesting rivalry games and some important PAC 12 action. Here are your top five college football matchups of week 12.
5. Illinois (7-3) at No. 3 Michigan (10-0)
When: Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Big House, MI
Spread: Michigan (-18)
Michigan will look to stay undefeated ahead of their season finale against No. 2 Ohio State. A loss for the Wolverines will likely spoil their playoff bid. Illinois will try to play spoiler here after dropping their last two games. This matchup will feature the first and second-ranked defenses in the country, so the spread for Michigan feels a bit high to me. We could be in store for a real grinder of a game if Michigan’s offense fails to find its rhythm.
4. No. 22 Oklahoma State (7-3) at Oklahoma (5-5)
When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Memorial Stadium, OK
Spread: Oklahoma (-7)
This will be one of the final annual Bedlam games before Oklahoma makes its transition to the SEC in 2025. While this matchup didn’t live up to the preseason hype, Oklahoma State will be playing for a shot at a conference title while Oklahoma looks to get bowl eligible with a win.
3. No. 4 TCU (10-0) at Baylor (6-4)
When: Saturday, 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: McLane Stadium, TX
Spread: TCU (-2.5)
Another team that is looking to win out—and likely needs to win out—is TCU. The committee finally gave them the playoff spot they deserve, but one slip-up and they’re likely out for good. The spread for this game surprisingly favors TCU by less than a field goal, despite the Bears losing 31-3 at home last week. This should be a fun in-state rivalry game with national implications.
2. No. 10 Utah (8-2) at No. 12 Oregon (8-2)
When: Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Autzen Stadium, OR
Spread: Utah (-2)
One of two big west coast matchups, the winner of this game will have a good chance to play in the Pac-12 championship. The conference is so close right now that five teams still have a shot, so it’s a complete mystery to know how it shakes out. If Utah can win, they’ll have the best shot at clinching with their last game being against Colorado. Oregon will need to win this game and a rivalry matchup against No. 23 Oregon State to clinch. For the first time in years, I’m very excited to see how this conference plays out.
1. No. 7 USC (9-1) at No. 19 UCLA (8-2)
When: Saturday, 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Rose Bowl, CA
Spread: USC (-2)
The other big west coast battle will be a historic rivalry game between the neighboring Los Angeles schools. The teams have enjoyed a huge resurgence at the same time, setting up an exciting battle with both playoff and conference title implications. USC is likely the only Pac-12 team with a playoff bid but will have to go through No. 19 UCLA and No. 18 Notre Dame to get there. It’s probably the most difficult path for any contender, but the playoff is all but guaranteed if they can win out. UCLA will be looking to play spoiler while also fighting for their spot in the Pac-12 Championship. This will be the first-ranked matchup between these two since 2014.
(All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook)
Get the latest sports news via Fantom Sports Industries. Follow us on Twitter via @Fantom_sports. Like us on Facebook via Fantom Sports Industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel via Fantom Sports. Subscribe to our Newsletter! Shop Fantom Sports Industries:Merch.
Invest in your favorite athletes like stocks with “Prediction Strike!” Use code FANTOM when you sign up