Week 12 games with the most impact on the College Football Playoff
During the course of each college football season, there are Saturdays when fans can enjoy big game after big game all through the day. Last weekend we had one of those Saturdays. This week, we do not.
For the most part, the contenders for the four playoff spots have what amount to scrimmages in Week 12. That even applies to a few who have conference games. Those who have somewhat more accomplished opponents will also be in "take care of business" mode.
So the bottom line is there won’t be much, but here are the games that could have some impact on the playoff picture Saturday.
No. 18 Michigan at No. 4 Wisconsin
Saturday, noon ET, Fox
This is by far the most meaningful contest. The Badgers almost certainly will be among the chosen quartet if they can complete their Big Ten campaign unscathed, but this is one of the tests they must pass. The Wolverines aren’t mathematically eliminated in their division, but they’ll need help they aren’t likely to get. They still have plenty to achieve in their last two games, however, such as a possible New Year’s Six bowl invitation.
Last week, Wisconsin was able to overcome a couple of ill-advised passes by QB Alex Hornibrook thanks to its usual strengths, a fundamentally sound defense and a dominant offensive line that has given RB Jonathan Taylor room to operate all season. The Badgers’ defense, featuring LBs Ryan Connelly and T.J. Edwards, should be able to contain the Michigan offense in like fashion. The Wolverines have been more efficient since freshman Brandon Peters took over at QB, but he might have to take more chances this week. Hornibrook, meanwhile, will have to be less generous with the ball to keep Michigan LBs Devin Bush and Mike McCray from keying exclusively on Taylor.
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Kentucky at No. 7 Georgia
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS
This is the only game involving the SEC hopefuls that has even a remote chance of altering the picture. The Bulldogs will play for the league title regardless, and they lost the one game they could afford to lose. A second loss would make matters problematic, however, even if they can find a way to upset the Iron Bowl winner in the league title game. In any event, they need to rediscover their winning formula against the Wildcats, who have had a somewhat unpredictable but largely successful season.
When the Bulldogs saw their ground game stymied for the first time all season by Auburn, QB Jake Fromm wasn’t able to generate enough through the air to compensate. The Wildcats probably won’t have the same success stopping RBs Nick Chubb and Sony Michel cold, but Georgia would still like to get Fromm and top WR Terry Godwin opportunities to exploit UK’s leaky secondary. Kentucky also needs its ground game, led by RB Benny Snell and QB Stephen Johnson, to function. The Wildcats’ best weapon in the passing game is WR Garrett Johnson, who will likely get added attention from Bulldogs’ S J.R. Reed.
Virginia at No. 2 Miami (Fla.)
Saturday, noon ET, ABC
As impressive as the Hurricanes looked for the last two weeks, the players would do well to remember a few narrow escapes that came before and prepare accordingly. The Cavaliers, not unlike Kentucky, have been inconsistent but are bowl eligible and capable of causing trouble.
LB Shaquille Quarterman and the Miami defense that stifled Notre Dame so effectively will now turn their attention to the Cavaliers attack that has lacked punch in recent weeks. Virginia can put up points if QB Kurt Benkert and RB Jordan Ellis are clicking, but they can’t afford to see the Hurricanes donning too many turnover chains. Miami QB Malik Rosier is gaining confidence with each passing week, and he’s been getting help from RB Travis Homer. They’ll be opposed by veteran LB Micah Kiser, who leads an active UVa back seven.
Navy at No. 9 Notre Dame
Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC
The drubbing endured by the Fighting Irish at Miami almost certainly ended their playoff bid. Their goal now must be to finish as strongly as possible and position themselves for a big-money bowl spot, and for the potential of chaos elsewhere. Navy, of course, is a long-standing rival that always gives Notre Dame its best shot and now seeks a second consecutive win in the series.
First and foremost, the Fighting Irish must re-establish their physicality at the line of scrimmage that made RB Josh Adams a Heisman contender for a time. Adams himself should be closer to full speed this week, and QB Brandon Wimbush doesn’t mind taking off as well. Senior LB Micah Thomas is the mainstay of the Midshipmen’s ground defense that will have to make the most of any third-down opportunities. The Navy option is always a preparation challenge, and the Irish will have to be ready for several Navy QB possibilities. Zach Abey has been banged up but will likely start if he’s close to 100%. Malcolm Perry, who moved over from slotback to provide a spark in Navy’s win against SMU, sustained an ankle injury late in that game and might not be ready. No matter who takes snaps, Notre Dame LBs De’von Coney and Nyles Morgan must maintain their gaps.
UCLA at No. 10 Southern California
Saturday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
As matters now stand, the Pac-12 in not in the playoff mix. There is very little remaining time for that to change, but all the Trojans can do is win their regular-season finale, get ready for the conference title game and hope for a lot of craziness around the country. The Bruins’ faithful will forget about a lot of disappointments this season if the team can find a way to topple their archrival.
If nothing else, the game could be among the more entertaining tilts of the weekend if both offenses are on track. USC QB Sam Darnold has made better decisions of late, and WR Deontay Burnett has been his primary beneficiary. The Trojans must also not forget to get RB Ronald Jones involved in the game plan. They should be able to move the ball effectively against the Bruins’ porous defense. UCLA QB Josh Rosen will again have to try and win it in a track meet. He lacks Darnold’s ground support, and his receiving corps has been depleted by injuries and suspensions. But WR Jordan Lasley is back to help top target Darren Andrews.
IMAGES FROM WEEK 12 IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL