As the college football season works its way towards the end of the regular season, the games are becoming more meaningful.
Conference standings, college football playoff spots, and of course, RIVALRIES.
Week 12 is a great slate of games, and it was hard to choose only 3.
So, without ado, HERE are the 3 games you should watch.
1) #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-2) at #22 Pittsburgh Panthers (7-2).
Game starts at 12:00 PM (Noon) (EST) on ABC.
Who thought at the beginning of the season, that Pitt would be in 1st place in the ACC? The Panthers have a chance to make a real statement. A win here, will put them in the CFB Playoff, and completely eliminate Notre Dame.
We all know about HBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price bring to the table, but it’s Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr, that has this team rolling. He’s thrown for 2,275 yards with 19 TDs to only 4 INTs. The Notre Dame defense has 25 team sacks, and the pressure they get has forced a whooping 16 INTs for this defense.
When Pitt starting QB Eli Holstein went down for the season, fans thought they were done. Instead, freshman QB Mason Heintschel has come in and has won 6 straight games. He’s thrown for 1,547 yards, with 12 TDs and 5 INTs. This is your typical Pitt defense. Fundamentally sound, and hard-nosed. They don’t “wow” you with stats, just wear you down over the course of the game.
Prediction – As much as I love seeing upsets, I can’t see it happening here. Give me the Fighting Irish, to pull away in the 2nd half for a 35-17 win.
2) #10 Texas Longhorns (7-2) at #5 Georgia Bulldogs (8-1).
Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
I’d like to say that if Texas loses, they’re eliminated from the CFB playoffs, but we all know the SEC bias is ridiculous. It’d be their 3rd loss, as they already have losses to #1 Ohio State and unranked dumpster fire Florida.
Longhorns QB Arch Manning has thrown for 2,123 yards, with 18 TDs and 6 INTs. They have no running game to speak of. It’s been their defense that have been winning these games. 34 team sacks, 9 INTs, 11 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries.
Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton has thrown for 2,040 yards, with 15 TDs to only 2 INTs. He’s also added 321 yards and 7 TDs on the ground. While the defense hasn’t been up to “Georgia standard” this season, they’re fast, fly to the football, and don’t miss tackles.
Prediction – I trust Kirby Smart more than Steve Sarkisian. Give me the Bulldogs to win at home 24-21.
3) North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-4) at #15 Miami Hurricanes (7-2).
Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.
The Wolfpack are coming off a massive upset over (then #8) Georgia Tech last week. They also have a win over #20 Virginia earlier this season. The Hurricanes started the season strong but have 2 loses (Louisville and SMU) in the last 4 games. If they lose again, they’re done.
NC State sophomore QB CJ Bailey has thrown for 2,411 yards, with 19 TDs and 7 INTs. HB Hollywood Smothers is averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He has 825 yards, with 6 TDs. Their defense is hit and miss. With this team, it’s simply a matter of which one shows up. The good (GT and VA) or the bad (ND, Pitt, Duke).
For Miami, it’s simple. QB Carson Beck has to play better than he has. He’s thrown for 2,194 yards, with 15 TDs, but he’s thrown 9 INTs. The defense has played well. 24 sacks, 9 INTs, 8 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries.
Prediction – The Wolfpack are coming off a high. There’s typically a letdown after an upset win. I see that happening here. Give me the Hurricanes to get the much need victory 28-17.
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, and onlineathens.
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