Another week, another SEC primetime matchup you can’t miss. No. 7 Tennessee travels to No. 12 Georgia in a game that is a must-win for the Bulldogs.
It’s not the only big game of the week. Here are the top five on the Week 12 schedule, ranked in inverse order.
5. No. 20 Clemson (7-2) at Pitt (7-2) | noon ET | ESPN
Clemson climbed three spots in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, while Pitt fell out after its second straight loss. Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik is quietly putting together his best season yet with 2,275 yards, 24 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Clemson’s season is on life support. The Tigers have a 17% chance to make the CFP. A tough road test awaits.
Prediction: Clemson hands Pitt its third straight loss, 31-20.
4. No. 3 Texas (8-1) at Arkansas (5-4) | Saturday | noon ET | ABC
An old Southwest Conference rivalry returns as a new SEC matchup. Texas and Arkansas first met in 1894, and Texas leads the all-time series, 56–23. Arkansas has won four of the last six matchups, including the past two. The Hogs have to slow Texas’ aerial attack. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw five touchdowns last week against Florida and has improved in all four games since returning from injury Oct. 12. That’s bad news for Arkansas which ranks dead last in the SEC is passing defense.
Prediction: Ewers has looked fantastic of late. That will continue. Texas rolls, 42-21.
3. No. 25 Tulane (8-2) at Navy (7-2) | Saturday | noon ET | ESPN2
Draw your attention to the American Athletic Conference to see two quality teams in No. 25 Tulane and Navy. Boise State currently holds the Group of 5 spot in the CFP, but both of these teams are in the mix. The winner of this game will continue on, but the loser will see its hopes dashed. Tulane runs the ball well, but Navy defends the run just as well. It should be a fun playoff-like matchup.
Prediction: Navy secures the win, 28-24.
2. No. 23 Missouri (7-2) at No. 21 South Carolina (6-3) | Saturday | 4:15 p.m. ET | SEC Network
This game isn’t the star-studded matchup that is Tennessee and Georgia, but it’s a pair of solid ranked teams. Mizzou quarterback Brady Cook’s status is unclear after he missed last week’s game with a hand injury. The Tigers still prevailed over Oklahoma. Backup quarterback Drew Pyne got off to a rocky start, but threw three touchdown passes in the second half. If Missouri’s offense can find its groove it will be tough to beat.
Prediction: It’s a tough one to call, but Pyne’s momentum from last week carries over and Mizzou wins, 28-27.
1. No. 7 Tennessee (8-1) at No. 12 Georgia (7-2) | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC
Georgia tumbled down the CFP rankings and needs a win against rival Tennessee. History says Georgia will prevail. The Bulldogs have won seven straight over the Vols and Georgia has won 28 home games in a row. How effective will Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava be? He left Saturday’s win at halftime over Mississippi State due to an upper-body injury. He’s expected to play against Georgia. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck was sacked five times and threw a pick in Saturday’s loss to No. 11 Ole Miss.
Prediction: Beck and Georgia will recover to keep their playoff hopes alive. 35-27, Georgia.
