Week 11 delivered a dramatic game-winning catch by Indiana, continued ACC chaos, and big wins by Oregon, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, and Texas Tech. Week 12 features two marquee matchups in the SEC, along with key games in the Big Ten and ACC. It’s too early to tell if the ACC will have an issue making it in the playoffs. Although unlikely, two non-power programs could sneak up and rank higher than the ACC champion. Given that only South Florida is ranked from the group of 5 at this point, it’s just people talking on TV/podcast. With 3 weeks to go in the regular season, we shouldn’t expect anything less than drama, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Marquee Matchups
#5 Georgia vs. #10 Texas:
The Bulldogs host the Longhorns in a significant SEC matchup. Besides a razor-close loss to Alabama, Georgia has won every other game normally in the 4th quarter. Last week, the Bulldogs cruised past a pesky foe, Mississippi State. The Texas offense has been in a struggle mode for most of the 2025 season. In the last two outings, QB Arch Manning and the Longhorns’ run game may have found something. The question will be, can they keep it going on the road? Georgia has a bad habit of falling behind, only to come out of halftime with their hair on fire. Texas has a better defense capable of slowing down Georgia’s rushing attack. If the Longhorns can contain the run and run the ball to help Arch out, it will help tremendously. Look for the Bulldogs to blitz Arch rather than relying on their D-line to create pressure. A 4th quarter game that Kirby Smart figures out a way to win.
The Pick: Georgia -6
-
Texas offense is struggling
-
Texas Run Game is Key
-
Georgia Defense to control the game
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#4 Alabama vs. #11 Oklahoma:
The Sooners travel to Tuscaloosa in what is likely a playoff eliminator for Oklahoma. Alabama, with no SEC losses, is safe, but the Crimson Tide must continue to win to secure the league championship. Alabama has rattled off eight wins in a row after being humbled in week 1 by FSU. The Sooners got a nice win in Tennessee and now look to earn a spot in the playoffs. Alabama’s defense is solid, but it gives up 139 yards on the ground. The problem here is that the Sooners have been inconsistent in their running game. Coming off a bye QB John Mateer’s hand should at least feel a tad better. Alabama hasn’t been able to run the ball, and Oklahoma’s defense not only stops the run but can also apply lots of pressure on QB Ty Simpson.
The Pick: Alabama –5.5
- Alabama 8 straight wins
-
Sooner run game struggling
-
Sooners defense is excellent
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Under The Radar
#17 USC vs. #21 Iowa:
USC is still in the Big Ten race with only one loss, and technically in the playoff hunt as well. Iowa is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Oregon in a style matchup they usually win. Both teams thrive off establishing the run, but it’s the explosive passing plays that make the Trojans offensive dangerous. Teams traveling multiple time zones don’t always fair well, so Iowa will have their work cut out for them to get this ‘W’.
The Pick: USC wins barely but the pick is Iowa +6.5
- Trojans in the playoff hunt
-
Hawkeye Offense struggles
- Game at USC
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#19 Virginia vs Duke:
The Cavaliers had been playing with fire ever since they lost to NC State and finally got burned by Wake Forest. The Blue Devils don’t have a shiny record but find itself a favorite at home. With quarterback Chandler Morris possibly out due to a concussion, this will be a difficult spot at Duke. The Blue Devils can score points, but they also give up a ton on defense. Should be a fun fourth quarter fitting nicely with all the ACC drama of late.
The Pick: Duke –4
- Virginia is struggling
-
Dike Possible Backup QB starting
- Duke at home
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Saturday Upset Special
Arkansas upsets LSU as a +5.5 road dog.
Hardcore Barnburners
#20 Louisville vs. Clemson:
The Cardinals have two losses in overtime. Virginia got them a while back, and Louisville went all the way to the west coast at Cal losing in week 11. Clemson defeated FSU last week and now looks to become bowl eligible. A disappointing year for head coach Dabo Swinney, that had high hopes with all the returning talent on Clemson. Louisville’s defense is shaky, and QB Miller Moss is turnover prone making for an interesting game for us hardcores on Friday.
The Pick: Louisville –2.5
#12 BYU vs. TCU:
BYU got man-handled by Texas Tech beyond their redzone defense. It’s hard to figure out which TCU team will show up from week to week. The Horned Frogs can score with the best of them but are giving up almost 25 points per contest on defense. BYU is still alive in the Big-12 standings in their quest for a rematch in the title game against Tech. A high-scoring affair will be decided late in the game.
The Pick: BYU –4.5
Against The Spread
NC State +15.5 versus #15 Miami
#22 Pittsburgh +12.5 versus #9 Notre Dame (Although after hearing Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi’s thoughts on the outcome of this game makes me think the Irish covers.)
Wisconsin +30.5 versus #2 Indiana
The College Ball Show Link:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000736208233
Quick Hits Recap & My Top 4 Plus 4 More
-My Top 4: Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Alabama.
-Plus 4 More: Georgia, Oregon, Ole Miss & Texas Tech.
-Indiana WR Omar Cooper Jr. made a memorable game winning TD catch somehow getting his foot down in the endzone, giving the Hoosiers a come-from-behind victory 27-24 at Penn State.
-Penn State has now loss 6 straight games which is their 2nd longest streak ever.
-Alabama earned their 17th consecutive home win, giving the Crimson Tide the longest streak in the FBS.
-Texas Tech handled BYU 29-7. The Red Raiders got their first win over a Top-10 opponent dating back to 2012. Tech had been 0 of 16 in that spot before winning last Saturday.
-Oregon kicker Atticus Sappington hit a 39-yard FG with 3 seconds left to defeat Iowa 18-16.
-Wake Forest upset Virginia 16-9 serving the Cavaliers their first ACC loss of the year.
-Wake Forest WR Carlos Hernandez scored on an 88-yard punt return.
-California WR Jacob De Jesus scored a on a 4th and Goal to upset Louisville 29-26 in overtime. De Jesus had 16 receptions for 158 yards in the win.
-Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia threw for 377 yards and 3TD’s and rushed for 112 yards adding a TD on the ground completing a comeback in overtime 45-38 over Auburn.
Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show available under The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast Umbrella on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter
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