College Football Week 12 in Review
Hey, everyone.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve already passed the middle of November. Not too many weeks of college football remaining. No!!
The playoff picture and divisional races are starting to come into focus.
Notable games
Georgia 21 Auburn 14
The Bulldogs had a legitimate SLEEPER HOLD on Auburn for the majority of the game and jumped out to a commanding 21-0 lead. Auburn clawed their way back into things with a pair of 4th quarter TDs and actually had a shot to tie the game. The Tigers outgained the Bulldogs (329-251) and had more than twice as many trips inside the 40-yard line (!) as Georgia but couldn’t capitalize on their chances. Georgia? They were 3/3 on trips inside the 40-yard line and scored a TD every time they got into scoring range. The good news for Georgia. They clinched a trip to the SEC Championship Game. But can this offense do enough against a potent opponent in Atlanta? The defense is outstanding but QB Jake Fromm was just 13/28 for 110 yards (3 TDs) on Saturday (3.9 yards per attempt).
Oklahoma 34 Baylor 31
More proof that you should NEVER shut off a college football game. You never know what might happen. The Sooners fell behind 28-3 (!) and looked like they were going to get blown out of the water. The Bears’ fortunes subsequently took an unexpected turn to DISAPPOINTMENT CITY in the second half when Oklahoma outscored them 24-0 en route to a comeback win. The Sooners have a hard time putting four quarters of decent football together BUT when they get rolling they are a tough team to stop. QB Jalen Hurts is one of our favorites and he just never gets rattled. We are almost certain to see a rematch in the Big 12 Championship Game. <grabs popcorn>
Iowa 23 Minnesota 19
The Gophers could have come THIS CLOSE to clinching a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game but will now have it ALL on the line when they face Wisconsin in two weeks. This week’s game vs Northwestern is now meaningless in terms of Big Ten implications. Iowa jumped out to a 13-0 first quarter lead and never looked back. Minnesota outgained the Hawkeyes significantly (431-290) and very easily could have won this game. It was a tough spot for them coming off the upset win over Penn St and note that this has been a HOUSE OF HORRORS for the Gophers as they have now lost nine (!) straight times at Kinnick Stadium.
Michigan 44 Michigan St 10
The Wolverines administered a big time SPANKING to their hated rival and things are starting to look really grim in East Lansing. The Spartans have clearly fallen behind the big boys in the Big Ten East and it’s hard to even think of them as a team that resides in the top HALF of the conference at this point in time. Michigan has a tough road game with Indiana on deck before the big match-up with Ohio St.
Alabama 38 Mississippi St 7
The sad news of the weekend was the serious injury suffered by ROLL TIDE QB Tua Tagovailoa. Apparently the surgery (hip) went well and he could be throwing again as early as April. Best wishes for a full recovery to a great player, and by all accounts, a REALLY good human being and teammate. From a football standpoint, ROLL TIDE needs to win their final two games (Western Carolina, Auburn) and hope for some help to get into the playoff. It doesn’t look good as we go to press but stranger things have happened.
MEGALOCKS TOP 10 after WEEK 12
This is how we rate teams based on who would win a theoretical match-up on a neutral site. It’s NOT meant to be a “playoff” ranking.
- Ohio St – Two big games coming up (Penn St, Michigan).
- LSU – Smoked Ole Miss but allowed 600+ yards. Essentially even with Ohio St in our ratings.
- Clemson – Still lurking in the weeds. Getting geared up by crushing outmatched foes.
- Georgia – Defense is elite and good enough to give LSU fits.
- Oklahoma – Make them a one-point fav over ROLL TIDE on a neutral site.
Next in line (in alphabetical order)
Alabama – Back-up QB leading the way and defense dealing with several injuries.
Florida – Talented on both sides of the ball. Legit top-10 team.
Michigan – Round out the “on-paper” top-10. Appear to be peaking.
Oregon – Need to win out for playoff shot.
Utah – Crushing and killing. Can’t wait for the battle with Oregon.
BIG GAMES THIS WEEK
Penn at Ohio St
The Buckeyes are a massive favorite in this game BUT note that Penn St is a really good squad and this is for all the Big Ten East marbles. Ohio St has been the most consistently excellent team in college football but they could blow it all by laying an egg on Saturday. Keep an eye on the health status of Penn St star WR KJ Hamler.
Texas A&M at Georgia
The Bulldogs have their ticket punched to the SEC Championship Game. Do they overlook the scrappy Aggies? Texas A&M has a lot of talent on that roster and their three losses have come to Clemson, Auburn and ROLL TIDE. We wouldn’t be shocked to see a close game heading into the fourth quarter.
Texas at Baylor
Baylor needs one more win to clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. It’ll be really interesting to see how both teams bounce back from crushing losses. Baylor lost a heartbreaker at home to the Sooners. The Longhorns lost to Iowa St on a last-second field goal.
Boise St at Utah St
As well as the Broncos have played this season they still need to beat an improving Utah St squad on the road this Saturday to clinch a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game. A loss would also open up possibilities for other Group of Five teams (Cincinnati, Memphis, etc.) to snag a big time bowl bid. This is some sweet late night action!
Enjoy Week 13!