FIW staff picks Notre Dame at Pittsburgh and top Week 12 games in college football

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Notre Dame will take on the Pittsburgh Panthers this weekend, and it’s going to be a big one as it’s a top-25 matchup along with ESPN’s College GameDay on campus.

The Irish have another chance to show the nation that they’ve shaken off their two early losses and are still contenders to make the College Football Playoff. Pitt might not see this game the same way, as they also have two-losses, but are going for the automatic ACC bid.

This isn’t the only game this weekend that has CFP implications, so it should be another very fun weekend of college football. The staff here of Tim Healey, Dave Miller and Michael Chen pick the winner of Notre Dame at Pittsburgh along with the top games of Week 12 below.

No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners (7-2) at No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1)

Game data: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST on ABC

Healey – This is a coin-flip for me — well, actually, no, it isn’t, because the Tide are at home. Neither school is dominant this year, but both are very, very good, and the Crimson Tide will probably have the edge from being in front of their crowd.

Miller – The Sooners have not been fantastic in terms of explosiveness or red-zone efficiency under coordinator Ben Arbuckle, while the Crimson Tide have been able to rely on a passing attack that has been sharp under OC Ryan Grubb. While ‘Bama has not been able to consistently run the ball at an efficient rate, it has QB Ty Simpson, who is completing 66.9 percent of his passes for 2,461 yards with 21 touchdowns and just a single interception. Give me the Tide at Bryant-Denny.

Chen – After the Tide’s Week 1 loss to Florida State, I thought the program was heading in the wrong direction, however, they’ve turned everything around. Simpson is Heisman Trophy contender and they look to be on a different level than most other teams. Oklahoma has been good, but not nearly at the same level. Alabama takes this one.

No. 21 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3) at No. 17 USC Trojans (7-2)

Game data: Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST on BTN

Healey – Iowa almost got by Oregon at home — but the Hawkeyes are now on the road against a team that’s better than they are. I think USC takes this one without too much trouble.

Miller – Can the Hawkeyes get over the heartbreaking loss last weekend at home against Oregon?All three Iowa losses have come against ranked teams by a combined 10 points. This is a very solid Hawkeyes unit under Kirk Ferentze. But this feels like a different USC team than the ones over the last few years under Lincoln Riley. With a solid run game and a QB in Jayden Maiava who is legit, it’s a tough task for the Iowa defense. But the Hawkeyes defense brings it.Give me the Trojans on a late fourth-quarter drive.

Chen – Iowa is exactly who they’ve been under Kirk Ferentz, good but not great, and that will show again against USC. The defense will always keep them in games, but the lack of offense for so long is so odd. The Trojans score enough to get the victory.

No. 10 Texas Longhorns (7-2) at No. 5 Georgia Bulldogs (8-1)

Game data: Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CST on ABC

Healey – Texas is hard to read. Some say the Longhorns are better than they are, others think the two-loss team is underachieving. Georgia is likely better, though, and the Bulldogs are home. I think Georgia gets a close win.

Miller – Both teams have a path toward the both the SEC title game as well as the College Football Playoff, but both paths take a hit with a loss.The Longhorns are fresh off a bye week and are seeking revenge for two losses against the Bulldogs last season, including in the SEC title game. QB Arch Manning has improved weekly and has a chance to attack a secondary for UGA that has been a bit vulnerable. I like #hookem on the road.

Chen – Georgia has the makings of a title contender, while Texas is an enigma. They either look like one of the best teams in the country, or they look average at best. It’s not easy going into the Bulldogs home and leaving with a win, and I don’t think that happens, as Georgia ends the Longhorns bid at a playoff spot.

Tim Healey – contributor

Notre Dame has been shocked by Pitt before, and a road game against a Pitt team in the Top 25 will be tough. But the Irish should have the talent to win. A lot depends on how Notre Dame plays. If the Irish beat themselves the way they did against a not-very-good Boston College team, the Irish could be looking at a stressful win — or heartbreak.

But if Notre Dame plays clean and avoids penalties and turnovers, the Irish should be able to ride quarterback CJ Carr, running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, and an improved defense to a win.

Pitt will likely hang around and keep it close even if the Irish play well, but if properly utilized, talent should win out.

Notre Dame 31, Pitt 17

Dave Miller – contributor

Again, as I have been saying for several weeks, this Marcus Freeman-coached squad isn’t losing a regular-season game the rest of the year.The Panthers have reeled off five straight wins behind true freshman QB Mason Heintschel, who has topped 300 passing yards in four of his five starts while throwing for 12 touchdowns against five picks.I think Chris Ash’s defense rattles Heintschel, who may put up some numbers but will also make critical errors.

The path to the CFP continues in a 33-19 Irish win.

Michael Chen – site lead

The playoff committee will get one last look at the Irish against a ranked opponent, and while Pitt isn’t that highly ranked, a loss could cause them to drop out. This is a very interesting game, as the Panthers have had a lot of success throwing the ball, while Notre Dame has had plenty defending the pass. It’ll be good vs. good there, and a very fun matchup.

However, the Irish offense should have a big advantage against Pitt, as quarterback CJ Carr hasn’t slowed down, and running back Jeremiyah Love is gunning for the Heisman. Notre Dame should have plenty of offense, and stop the Panthers enough times to come away with another victory.

Notre Dame 38, Pittsburgh 13

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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: FIW staff picks Notre Dame at Pittsburgh and top Week 12 games

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