College football predictions for AP Top 25 games in Week 12
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Week 12 of the college football season sees a couple of serious SEC contests. Alabama will play host to Oklahoma and Texas will be between the hedges at Georgia. The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will be home at the Horseshoe and shouldn't have a ton of trouble with UCLA, which has struggled after a good run under interim coach Tim Skipper. One game to eyeball that could have big-time implications has Notre Dame at Pitt. Neither team can afford a loss.
No. 25 South Florida at Navy
This game has a weird betting line. The ranked team that has lost only to Miami and Memphis is a double-digit underdog against a Navy team with the same 7-2 record and coming off a lopsided loss to Notre Dame. No shame in that loss, but it makes no sense that South Florida is being discounted the way it is. Prediction: South Florida 35, Navy 31
Appalachian State at No. 24 James Madison
James Madison is on a great path to becoming a strong voice in college football. Appalachian State has had far better days. Ask Michigan fans. Prediction: James Madison 38, Appalachian State 13
No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 23 Pitt
This is likely the last chance any school has to derail a two-loss Notre Dame team from getting a CFP bid. The Panthers are 7-2 and have won five straight. The problem is that the opposition has not been strong. That said, ND lost to two teams considered CFP contenders before going on this surge. Prediction: Notre Dame 24, Pitt 20
Arizona at No. 22 Cincinnati
The Wildcats tend to lose to Big 12 teams considered among the better ones. Cincinnati would fall into that category. The Bearcats bounce back in a big way. Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Arizona 17
New Mexico State at No. 21 Tennessee
Just a cupcake game before playing some more real SEC teams. These games in November are annoying. Prediction: Tennessee 56, New Mexico State 14
No. 20 Virginia at Duke
Virginia had a lot going for it and then the Cavs were upset by Wake Forest. Duke comes in off a loss to UConn. Look for the Cavs to come up with a much-needed victory to stay in the ACC race. Prediction: Virginia 27, Duke 23
Clemson at No. 19 Louisville
One more reason for Dabo Swinney to blow another fuse. Let's presume the Cardinals fell into the trap game last week when they lost to Cal. Prediction: Louisville 27, Clemson 20
No. 18 Michigan at Northwestern (Wrigley Field)
The Wildcats and Wolverines play at the friendly confines. Northwestern is another of those schools that fattens the win column against lesser foes. Michigan is not a lesser foe. Prediction: Michigan 31, Northwestern 20
Iowa at No. 17 USC
The Hawkeyes hit the LA Coliseum after a heartbreaking loss to Oregon. USC is 7-2 and has slim dreams of finding its way up the CFP ladder. It would take a win here to keep that alive. Prediction: Iowa 23, USC 21
NC State at No. 16 Miami
The Wolfpack shocked Georgia Tech in a big way in their last game. Miami has been spiraling since being regarded as one of the top teams in the country. Look for NC State to come back to earth as the Hurricanes surge to victory. Prediction: Miami 33, NC State 17
No. 15 Utah at Baylor
The Utes' losses have come to BYU and Texas Tech. Both of these schools have CFP dreams. That means Utah does, too, although a lot would have to break its way. Prediction: Utah 31, Baylor 27
No. 14 Georgia Tech at Boston College
The perfect Rx after losing their perfect season. The Yellow Jackets visit Boston, where a 1-9 BC team awaits. This has all the elements of one that could get ugly. Prediction: Georgia Tech 45, BC 10
TCU at No. 12 BYU
BYU was knocked off its undefeated perch in a big way by Texas Tech. The Horned Frogs are 6-3 overall, but their losses came in games they needed to win to be considered impressive. Bear Bachmeier and the Cougars get it together with a victory. Prediction: BYU 24, TCU 23
No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 4 Alabama
A huge SEC clash, one of two on the day. Alabama and Tyler Simpson have been strong in winning eight in a row since what is now a peculiar loss to Florida State in the opener. Oklahoma comes off a confidence-boosting win at Tennessee. The SEC schedule is a gauntlet. Prediction: Alabama 27, Oklahoma 17
No. 10 Texas at No. 5 Georgia
Arch Manning and the Longhorns see whatever remains of their CFP hopes get dashed. Gunner Stockton will do what he has to do and not make mistakes as the Dawgs pick up a huge victory. Prediction: Georgia 26, Texas 20
UCF at No. 8 Texas Tech
UCF has lost three in a row and five of six. Make it six of seven as the Red Raiders continue to show why they are one of the teams to fear. Prediction: Texas Tech 38, UCF 10
Minnesota at No. 7 Oregon
Minnesota is 6-0 at home and 0-3 on the road. Think the Ducks' coach and players don't know that coming into this game in Eugene? Prediction: Oregon 31, Minnesota 10
Florida at No. 6 Ole Miss
The Gators' last win was in Billy Napier's final game. They have lost two in a row under the interim staff. This will be the third one as the Florida administration gets a good look at what a Lane Kiffin-coached team can do. Prediction: Ole Miss 37, Florida 14
South Carolina at No. 3 Texas A&M
Marcel Reed continues to try and make a case for a spot at the Heisman announcement in New York. The quarterback should have the better of it against LaNorris Sellers. This has been a disappointing season for the Gamecocks. Prediction: Texas A&M 31, South Carolina 13
Wisconsin at No. 2 Indiana
Wisconsin had its fun defeating Washington. Indiana got the daylights scared out of itself at Penn State. Once bitten, twice shy, as the saying goes. Prediction: Indiana 45, Wisconsin 12
UCLA at No. 1 Ohio State
The Buckeyes will roll through the Bruins, who have seen their surge stymied after interim coach Tim Skipper led them to three wins. Prediction: Ohio State 56, UCLA 10
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: AP Top 25 college football picks and predictions for Week 12
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