College Football Game Picks: Week 12
Games this week will heavily impact the College Football Playoff picture as we could pretty much know our Orange and Cotton Bowls after this week.
With a win this week the Bearcats might still not be able to convince those in charge that they are worthy of the playoff. Dabo Swinney might tell the high-flying Demon Deacons that he still owns them even when Clemson fails to be ranked.
With these matchups, it feels like College Football brings gifts like it’s Christmas before we even get to Thanksgiving.
No. 10 Wake Forest Demon Deacons versus Clemson Tigers
The Demon Deacons climbed the ranks yet again after fending off the NC State Wolfpack in a 45-42 shootout. It was not pretty for Wake Forest as Sam Hartman had a 42.6 completion percentage and three interceptions.
Clemson’s defense is one of the best in the country as it ranks in the top 10 in Red zone defense, scoring defense, and tackles for loss.
The Demon Deacons have not won the Atlantic Division since 2006 and will hit a hiccup as they fall to Dabo Sweeny and the Tigers in dramatic fashion.
Prediction: Clemson 34, Wake Forest 31
No. 21 Arkansas Razorbacks versus No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide
Bryce Young took out New Mexico State early as he threw for 270 yards and 5 passing touchdowns.
The Crimson Tide defense ranks No. 4 in rushing yards per game allowing 83.5 which is what the Razorbacks rely on.
Arkansas’ win over LSU was based on taking advantage of mistakes and riding the leg of Cam Little when they could not cash in on those opportunities.
It will take more than field goals to beat this high-scoring Alabama offense.
Prediction: Alabama 48, Arkansas 20
No. 4 Oregon Ducks versus No. 24 Utah Utes
If you did a blind test showing the characteristics of these teams, it would be hard to decide who is who. Each team can run the ball effectively with multiple guys in the backfield with quarterbacks that facilitate games.
Oregon took Ohio State earlier this season by the horns and took a surprise victory.
The Ducks have experience in big-time games and can challenge the likes of Alabama and Georgia.
Prediction: Oregon 44, Utah 41
SMU Mustangs versus No. 3 Cincinnati Bearcats
Desmond Ridder last time these two teams played ran for over 170 yards and had four total touchdowns.
Ridder comes back this year off of a game where he threw for over 300 yards and scored a TD on the ground.
SMU can generate offense with Tanner Mordecai at the helm with 6.6 yards per play but will have to face a Bearcat defense that only allows 4.3 yards per play.
SMU also ranks 107th in opponent yards per pass attempt in an effort where Ridder will need to do it both through the air and the ground to get the W.
Prediction: Cincinnati 30, SMU 24
Matthew Gelhard is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at mgg5264@psu.edu.
