College Football Week 12 Predictions – 2020

Week 11 had some very close calls with ranked teams but not a whole lot changed inside the Top-25, did I mention Michigan go devoured by Wisconsin? Week 12 is has a ton of importance in the Big Ten and Big-12 relatively speaking of course. Next week will be the first official College Football Playoff Rankings so that should only add to the hype for the rest of November and December.

Marquee Matchup

#3 Ohio State vs. #9 Indiana: The upstart Hoosiers get their shot at glory against the blue blood Buckeyes in Saturday’s biggest game. Indiana QB Michael Penix Jr., WR Ty Fryfogle, and company try to pull off an upset that would send shock waves to rest of the country. Every since the Hoosiers defeated Penn State in overtime, the victories keep rolling in and last week they skunked Michigan State. Beyond a ranked at the time Penn State win, Ohio State has beaten up on Nebraska and Rutgers. With fewer games then the SEC and ACC this marquee matchup has that much more riding on it not to just get the win but look dominant doing it. Turnovers will obviously play a part but this game will come down to the running attacks and the Hoosiers are averaging less than 100-yards a game. Both teams field a competent defense so it will come down to getting the football across the goaline.

The Pick: Ohio State 38 Indiana 27

#10 Wisconsin vs. #19 Northwestern: The Badgers have only two games to speak of this season but man were they dominate in both outing, especially the 49-11 beat down they put on Michigan. The Wildcats started with a bang beating a pretty good Maryland club 43-3 but have done just enough to get bye in recent games. The Odds are the winner of this Big Ten game will advance to the conference championship. Northwestern is a quality program and it’s easy to see they’re well coached but they won’t have the firepower to overwhelm an overall better Badgers squad. Expect a heavy dose of run and play action that leads to big plays and more points in the end for Wisconsin.

The Pick: Wisconsin 27 Northwestern 16

Under The Radar 

#14 Oklahoma State vs. #18 Oklahoma: Normally this would be a huge game on the national scene if it weren’t fact that the Big-12 has been eliminated from a chance of making the National Semifinals. Once the Cowboys loss to Texas in overtime is was all she wrote. The Sooners loss two early ones and have now strung together 4 wins in a row and still have an outside shot at winning the league crown. Oklahoma State is usually known for offensive like the rest of the top programs in the Big-12 but this year it’s the Cowboys defense that has stood out. The outcome to this one will be on the table for both teams to grab and take hold of in the fourth quarter.

The Pick: Oklahoma 34 Oklahoma State 30

Saturday Upset Special 

#21 Liberty will score a minor upset to NC State as a 4.5 point road dog.

Hardcore Barnburners

#7 Cincinnati vs. Central Florida: The Bearcats try to keep their undefeated record alive and Central Florida with two losses has nothing to lose and could break the hearts of many Cincinnati fans.  Did I mention the over/under is set at 65.5 this one will be a blast.

#20 USC vs. Utah: Utah finally gets to play their first game of the season and USC has scored late in both of their wins setting up for a perfect barnburner game for the hardcores.

Against The Spread

Kentucky, yes Kentucky has the best defense statically speaking in the SEC which lends itself to the Wildcats losing by less than 30-points to the mighty Tide.

Arizona could push Washington to the point they lose by less than the 11-points.

Don’t be shocked if Indiana loses by less than 20.5-points to Ohio State.

Take it to the Window

Boise State will win by at least 14-points as a favorite against Hawaii.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio or TheGruelingTruth.Net

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