College football Week 12 preview: Five best games to watch this weekend highlights several matchups with significant implications for conference championships and the College Football Playoff. As the season progresses, fans should pay close attention to the unfolding drama on Saturday.
One of the most exciting clashes features No. 7 Tennessee traveling to face No. 12 Georgia Saturday night. The big question remains: Will the Volunteers have their starting quarterback on the field? Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are under pressure to find their offensive rhythm and avoid a third loss in the SEC.
In the Big 12, six teams are still vying for a spot in the title game. This week, No. 17 Colorado aims to defeat Utah, who may still be recovering from a tough emotional loss the previous week. Later, No. 6 BYU seeks to maintain their undefeated record against a Kansas team that just secured a crucial win over Iowa State. The potential showdown between Colorado and BYU in Dallas for the Big 12 Championship Game is on the horizon, but both teams must continue to win as the season progresses.
Here are the five standout games that fans should keep an eye on this weekend:
Utah at No. 17 Colorado (noon ET)
Utah Utes
UTAH
+11.0
+331
O 45
17
Colorado Buffaloes
CU
-11.0
-439
U 45
Colorado must secure victories to reach the Big 12 title game. They face a formidable opponent in Utah, a team that has historically dominated this matchup, winning 11 of the last 12 encounters.
Nebraska at USC (4 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app)
Nebraska Cornhuskers
NEB
+7.5
+229
O 51
USC Trojans
USC
-7.5
-289
U 51
Both Nebraska and USC come into this game after making significant adjustments to their offenses. Nebraska’s head coach, Matt Rhule, has appointed Dana Holgorsen as the new offensive coordinator, hoping to revitalize the team’s performance.
No. 23 Missouri at No. 21 South Carolina (4:15 p.m. ET)
Missouri enters this matchup with momentum after an impressive victory over Oklahoma, where they scored two touchdowns in the final moments of the game. This thrilling comeback sets the stage for an exciting clash against South Carolina, who is also on a three-game winning streak.
The Gamecocks will rely heavily on running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders and defensive end Kyle Kennard to continue their successful run against ranked opponents.
No. 7 Tennessee at No. 12 Georgia (7:30 p.m. ET)
7
Tennessee Volunteers
TENN
+9.5
+281
O 47
12
Georgia Bulldogs
UGA
-9.5
-364
U 47
Tennessee faces uncertainty with quarterback Nico Iamaleava listed as questionable due to a concussion. His performance has been pivotal, throwing for nearly 1,900 yards this season. If he cannot play, head coach Josh Heupel will have to depend on backup Gaston Moore, who has limited experience this season.
Kansas at No. 6 BYU (10:15 p.m. ET)
Kansas Jayhawks
KAN
+2.5
+113
O 56.5
6
BYU Cougars
BYU
-2.5
-136
U 56.5
BYU is on the brink of something special, aiming to stay unbeaten after a narrow victory over Utah last week. Their path to the Big 12 title game is straightforward: win their remaining games. Kansas, despite their record, is a competitive team that could disrupt those plans, coming off a recent win that showcased their offensive capabilities.
As the excitement builds for these pivotal matchups, fans can expect an action-packed Saturday in college football. Each game not only carries the potential for thrilling plays but also shapes the landscape of the postseason.
