Top Week 12 College Football Games Affecting Playoff Outcomes

Bassyonni

ago 1 month

As Selection Sunday approaches, the stakes escalate in college football. Week 12 features several pivotal matchups that could have significant implications for the College Football Playoff (CFP) race. Here, we highlight the top games that will influence playoff outcomes this weekend.

Top Week 12 College Football Games Affecting Playoff Outcomes

5. No. 24 South Florida at Navy

The CFP selection committee has included a Group of 5 team, South Florida, in its Top 25 rankings. Holding the 24th position, the Bulls lead the American Conference contenders. Strong nonconference victories against Florida and Boise State bolster their case, despite some challenging losses. To secure a playoff spot, USF must emerge victorious in the American Conference championship, and this game against Navy is crucial.

Current Rank: No. 24
Key Players: Blake Horvath (Navy), Byrum Brown (South Florida)

4. No. 11 Oklahoma at No. 4 Alabama

Oklahoma’s playoff chances hinge on their performance against Alabama. The Sooners are currently ranked 11th, needing a win in Tuscaloosa to remain competitive in the playoff picture. Alabama, despite one loss, is ranked fourth and appears secure, maintaining flexibility in their bid for the playoff.

Oklahoma’s Rank: No. 11
Alabama’s Rank: No. 4

3. No. 19 Virginia at Duke

The ACC standings are highly competitive, with five teams holding one conference loss. Virginia and Duke’s clash could significantly impact the playoff landscape. The potential for chaotic tiebreakers raises questions about the ACC’s postseason bids, especially if a lower-ranked team emerges as the champion.

Current Rankings: Virginia (No. 19), Duke
ACC Chaos: Possible one-bid conference scenario

2. No. 21 Iowa at No. 17 USC

This matchup presents an opportunity for USC to secure a vital quality win. With Iowa ranked 21st and USC at 17th, both teams aim to enhance their playoff resumes. A challenging run game from Iowa may place pressure on USC’s defense, making this an intriguing battle.

Iowa’s Rank: No. 21
USC’s Rank: No. 17

1. No. 10 Texas at No. 5 Georgia

The marquee matchup of the weekend occurs in Athens as Texas faces Georgia. Following a solid win against Mississippi State, Georgia appears strong. Texas, invigorated after a bye week, needs to perform at a high level to solidify its playoff credentials, facing two top-five teams in the final stretch.

Texas’ Rank: No. 10
Georgia’s Rank: No. 5

In conclusion, these matchups are pivotal as teams aim to secure spots in the upcoming College Football Playoff. Each game carries weight, and the outcome will shape the playoff landscape leading to Selection Sunday.