The stakes are sky-high as ever as Week 12 of the college football season is upon us. There are several key matchups shaping playoff destinies and even conference titles, both of which make this week an exciting week in CFB.
Before you start placing your bets on these games, we’re breaking down the most exciting games and highlighting the best picks and prop bets for each.
The Bulldogs face a must-win situation as they host the Vols in a game loaded with College Football Playoff implications — for both sides.
Georgia’s surprising loss to Ole Miss last week left their playoff hopes up in the air. They’re a staple in the CFP, but this year might be different if they can’t get on track.
Tennessee, on the other hand, is clinging to its playoff position but they enter with some major offensive concerns, scoring just 24.5 points per game in the SEC so far. That’s not a good look.
Georgia’s QB Carson Beck has struggled up to this point, particularly with turnovers. So far, he’s tossed 12 interceptions in conference play.
Tennessee’s defense, which boasts the top-ranked rushing defense in the nation, will likely force Beck to throw more often and under pressure. On the other side of the ball, Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava’s status is uncertain. His potential absence could shift the momentum heavily in Georgia’s favor if he’s not in the game.
Tennessee’s offensive struggles, combined with Georgia’s desperation, set the stage for a low-scoring slugfest. If Nico Iamaleava is sidelined, the Volunteers’ offense will find it tough to crack Georgia’s defense.
Pick: Georgia -3.5
Prop Bet: Carson Beck Over 1.5 interceptions
Texas continues its march toward an SEC Championship Game berth and that doesn’t surprise us one bit. However, Arkansas looks to spoil the party at home.
The Longhorns have been dominant as of late, winning 7 of their 8 victories by at least 19 points. They’re firing on all cylinders. Sure, Arkansas has some big issues, but they’ve been a tricky underdog, already upsetting then-No. 4 Tennessee earlier this season. Don’t sleep on the Razorbacks.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is red-hot. He’s coming off a 5-touchdown performance last week. Arkansas’ freshman running back Braylen Russell, who racked up 175 rushing yards against Mississippi State, will unquestionably test the Longhorns’ run defense.
The biggest takeaway is that Arkansas has struggled defensively, giving up 63 points to Ole Miss just 2 weeks ago. That’s a prime opportunity for the Longhorns to take advantage of.
Texas has been absolutely unstoppable on the road and will absolutely exploit Arkansas’ defensive gaps. Still, the Razorbacks’ offensive firepower could keep the game closer than expected, but not enough to notch the win.
Pick: Arkansas +12.5
Prop Bet: Quinn Ewers Over 2.5 touchdown passes
Colorado is surging under Neon Deion, with a Heisman-contending QB in Shedeur Sanders and the best two-way star in the country — Travis Hunter — leading the charge. Utah, on the other hand, has been reeling with 5 straight losses coming into this week. Despite this, their defense remains among the best in the Big 12 which is surprising.
Utah’s defense will need to contain Sanders. He has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, and if any team can slow him down, it’s the Utes.
Meanwhile, Colorado’s defense, much improved this season, will focus on dominating Utah’s inconsistent and shaky offense led by freshman QB Isaac Wilson.
Colorado’s offensive weapons will simply be too much for Utah. Even against a strong defense, they’ll wear them down and keep them on the field. Expect the Buffaloes to cover and keep their playoff hopes alive in Week 12.
Pick: Colorado -11.5
Prop Bet: Travis Hunter Over 100 total yards (receiving and defense)
Two struggling teams meet in a pivotal SEC clash.
While LSU is looking to salvage its slim playoff hopes, Florida is just trying to notch 2 wins in its last 3 games to reach bowl eligibility. That’s interesting in the fact that they came into this season highly favored. The Tigers have won 5 straight in this rivalry, but Florida’s home-field advantage could be a factor that derails their hopes for making the CFP.
LSU’s defense has been shaky against mobile QBs, and Florida’s DJ Lagway will do what he can to exploit this — if he’s healthy. The Gators’ defense, however, will have a difficult time keeping LSU’s passing attack at bay. They have a solid group of high-octane receivers.
If Lagway plays, we’re expecting a high-scoring game. Florida should keep it close enough to cover the spread, even if LSU pulls out the win.
Pick: Florida +7.5
Prop Bet: Over 54.5 points
Week 12 promises plenty of drama, with each game carrying major stakes. We’ll be following these games closely and even throwing a few bets down. This week is shaping up to be an awesome week of football.