College football Week 12 predictions: Picks against the spread

The upcoming SEC Championship rematch between No. 10 Texas and No. 5 Georgia is set to be a defining moment for Arch Manning, the highly anticipated quarterback who has faced criticism and struggles in his first season as a starter. Despite being ranked 48th in quarterback rating and 59th in QBR, Manning has shown improvement in his past two performances, giving hope to the Longhorns as they aim for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Texas, coming off a bye and four consecutive wins, has made adjustments to support Manning behind a shaky offensive line and lacking ground game. Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s changes have allowed Manning to excel by getting the ball out quickly, a strategy that may prove effective against Georgia’s uncharacteristically weak defense. The Bulldogs, known for their strong defense in the past, have struggled this season, ranking 128th in sack percentage and facing close games in most matchups.

Manning’s success is crucial for Texas to have a chance against Georgia, but the Longhorns also boast a top defense that leads the nation in sacks and ranks second against the run. With a strong defense and a resurgent Manning, Texas has the opportunity to upset Georgia and keep their playoff hopes alive.

In other key matchups, Clemson is favored over Louisville, Oregon is expected to dominate Minnesota, and Wisconsin is predicted to cover the spread against Indiana. Notre Dame, led by a strong scoring margin, is favored over Pittsburgh, while Northwestern is expected to challenge Michigan with their top-20 defense.

Alabama, with Heisman contender Ty Simpson at the helm, is favored over Oklahoma, and Texas Tech is predicted to continue their dominant season against UCF. N.C. State is expected to cover the spread against Miami, USC is favored over Iowa, and Florida is predicted to show fight against Ole Miss.

Utah is favored over Baylor, UCLA is expected to cover the spread against Ohio State, and BYU is favored over TCU. South Carolina, Florida, and BYU are highlighted as best bets for the week, with the season record standing at 73-92.

As the college football season progresses, each game becomes more crucial for teams vying for playoff spots. The upcoming matchups will test the resilience and skill of players like Arch Manning, as they strive to make a mark in the competitive landscape of college football.