Week 12 College Football: Rivalry Games Crucial for Bowl Aspirations

The final stretch of the college football season is upon us, and Week 12 is pivotal. Rivalry games will significantly influence bowl aspirations for many teams. With only three weekends left, 59 teams have secured bowl eligibility, while another 19 teams can clinch a spot with one more win.

Bowls and Contenders

This year, there are 82 bowl spots available, making it unlikely for any team with a losing record to qualify. However, some teams with fewer wins still have opportunities if they navigate their remaining schedules effectively.

Teams on the Hunt

• Penn State (3-6) – The Nittany Lions need to win all their remaining games to be bowl eligible.
• Rutgers (5-5) – Their last game against Ohio State may be a critical bowl bid matchup.
• Clemson (4-5) – They must defeat either Louisville or South Carolina to improve their postseason chances.
• Florida State (4-5) – A victory over Florida in their season finale might be necessary.
• North Carolina State (5-4) and North Carolina (4-5) – Only one of these teams may earn a bowl invitation.

Impacts of Rivalry Games

Rivalry games are crucial as they can determine who secures a coveted bowl berth. The outcome of contests like Kentucky vs. Tennessee Tech and Miami vs. Pittsburgh will influence conference standings and bowl placements.

Potential Bowl Locations

• Accurate playoff placements will be decided based on conference championships.
• Bowl games include the Cotton Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl, and Sugar Bowl, all occurring from late December to early January.

Playoff Structure Notes

This season marks the second year of the 12-team College Football Playoff format. The top five conference champions, along with seven at-large teams, will participate. The four highest-ranked teams earn the advantage of first-round byes.

Current Bowl Matchups

Here are some key upcoming bowl matchups:

With the playoff picture still taking shape, every game counts. Fans should closely watch these rivalry matchups, as they may have larger implications beyond mere bragging rights.