Conference races, playoff spots, and bowl positioning are all up for grabs as we are a week away from Rivalry Weekend. Oklahoma fell from the ranks of the undefeated, but other than that it was relatively quiet. However, Michigan State, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Michigan, and Wake Forest have huge road tests this weekend. Now, let’s get into it as we look at the best matchups in college football with our 2021 week 12 college football watch guide.
The Falcons and the Wolfpack are still in the hunt to make an appearance in the Mountain West Championship Game. Both of these teams are very different in how they attack you from the offensive perspective. Air Force has one of the best running attacks in the country behind 1,000-yard rusher Brad Roberts. Comparatively, Nevada is paced by Carson Strong with over 3,500 yards and 28 touchdown passes for the season.
The Aztecs have made a living out of winning close games in the Mountain West. There have been four victories by one possession in conference play. San Diego State is primed for a Championship game spot but must win the last two games to secure that spot with Fresno State owning the tiebreaker. With Boise State looming next week, this has the makings of a possible trap game.
Here’s the first top 10 matchup in our 2021 Week 12 college football watch guide. Ohio State has to go through the state of Michigan to get back to the Big 10 Championship Game. This week, the Spartans come to town. C.J. Stroud is one of the hottest quarterbacks in the country and the Buckeyes offense is in full gear. Meanwhile, the upstart Spartans continue to overachieve behind Heisman frontrunner Kenneth Walker III.
Oklahoma had been flirting with disaster and it finally caught up with them in the loss to Baylor. The Sooners were dominated in the second half and now go home to face the struggling Cyclones. However, Iowa State has played Oklahoma closer than any other Big 12 team over the last few years. After an underachieving season, nothing would be sweeter for the Cyclones than to ruin Oklahoma’s chances at another Big 12 Championship.
The Demon Deacons are all but a certainty to make it to the ACC Championship Game. But, standing in their way are the kings of the conference in the Clemson Tigers. The Tigers still have an outside shot to make it back to the championship game, but ultimately find themselves playing the spoiler role. Can Wake Forest keep their playoff hopes alive with a huge road victory and bury the Tigers?
The Crimson Tide have their last home matchup before the Iron Bowl. Alabama is firmly in control of their own destiny late in the season with a Heisman candidate in Bryce Young. Comparatively, after a midseason swoon, the Razorbacks have won three straight including an overtime win against LSU. Can the Razorbacks be competitive against a top-five team on the road?
The Wolverines have a bit of a trap game as they head to College Park to face Maryland who is looking to reach bowl eligibility. Michigan still has all of its goals in front of them to win the Big 10 and reach the College Football Playoffs for the first time in program history. However, taking care of the Terps will be no small task. Can Michigan avoid the look-ahead game?
Even in losing two of its last three games, SMU provides the biggest offensive threat against the Bearcats all season. Tanner Mordecai has thrown for over 3,000 yards and has accounted for 39 touchdowns on the year. However, this is again another national stage for Cincinnati to prove that it belongs in the playoff conversation. Can the Bearcats finally take advantage of that stage and make a statement?
Our attention goes to the group of five as we preview the Conference USA game of the year between the perennial power UAB and the upstart UTSA Roadrunners. UTSA is undefeated and ranked in the top 25 for the first time in program history behind a dynamic offense led by running back Sincere McCormick. Meanwhile, after being upset by Rice, UAB has won two straight. This should be one of the best mid-major games of the year.
Even though this game doesn’t mean as much nationally, this is still one of the best rivalries in the country. The Bruins have already achieved bowl eligibility and are looking for an eight-win season for the first time under Chip Kelly. USC has been in turmoil all season but with three games remaining still could reach the six-win plateau with BYU and California still remaining.
Two of the most improved teams in the Big 12 battle it out with so much at stake. For Kansas State, after struggling down the stretch a year ago they have an opportunity to get to nine wins. Comparatively, Baylor still has a solid chance to get back to the Big 12 Championship Game. However, after defeating Oklahoma, consistency will be huge in a tough road environment in Manhattan.
South Carolina has been much better than most anticipated in Shane Beamer’s first season. Now, he has the opportunity to get the Gamecocks back into a bowl this season in hosting Auburn and Clemson. Auburn has struggled in back-to-back losses to Texas A&M and Mississippi State and has now appeared to lose Bo Nix for the season. Can they get back to their winning ways on the road?
Oregon is one of the most interesting teams in the country. They have the best win during the season. However, they have been relatively unimpressive outside of that game. Now, they have their toughest test on the road in Utah. The Utes have been particularly strong at home and have won their last three while averaging 46 points per game in that stretch.
The Red Raiders upset victory over Iowa State last weekend has springboarded them into bowl eligibility. Now, they look to do it again against a top 10 Oklahoma State team. The Cowboys come into this game as the best defensive team in the league and one of the hottest teams in the country. However, could the Cowboys possibly be looking ahead to Bedlam next weekend?
Our final game in this week’s 2021 week 12 college football watch guide has us going to PAC 12 after dark. The Sun Devils would need Utah to lose back-to-back games, but there is still a path for them to reach the PAC 12 Championship Game. Meanwhile, with six wins the Beavers will be going bowling now they are in a spoiler role.
Jason is a senior writer at Last Word on College Football. He has been with the network for five years now. He covers the Big XII, Oklahoma, and heads our Heisman Trophy weekly column.
