There is one big game being played in the SEC this week, but the focus is on two other important conference games. The CFP could be in for a total nightmare if all the top teams keep winning. That will cause absolute chaos for the rankings as each undefeated team will claim they deserve a spot at the table. Here are our top 3 picks for 2023 College Football Week 12.
No. 1 Georgia vs No. 18 Tennessee
It seemed like Ole Miss might have had a shot at knocking off the Bulldogs a week ago. That didn’t happen. Instead, Georgia really flexed their muscles. They rolled 52-17. The Dogs haven’t been as potent on offense this season as when Stetson Bennett was under center, but this was an impressive outing where they dominated from the second quarter on. Tennessee will have their hands full. It looked like they were turning the corner with their offense until last week when Missouri beat them 36-7. There is a chance that Tennessee could shock the world, however it is unlikely after how the last two weeks went. My best guess is that Georgia dominates defensively and the Vols don’t have a lot of answers for an offense that just got Brock Bowers back. Prediction: Georgia 45 Tennessee 27
No. 5 Washington vs No.11 Oregon State
This has the chance to be the best game of the week. The Pac 12 is putting out great game after great game and it has been a blast to watch. I am still not over the fact that this is it for the Conference of Champions. Washington has a real shot at the College Football Playoff but there is a logjam of teams ahead of them that will make the ending of this season interesting. A win over a team like Oregon State would make it incredibly hard to keep them out of the top four. Oregon State has one of the best defenses in the conference and for a home game like this, they could give Michael Pennix Jr. some trouble. We keep talking about Heisman moments and Heisman games and this would be a big one for the Huskie. However, I think the Beavers show out and get the job done at home and upset the Huskies. Prediction: Washington 31 Oregon State 34
No. 7 Texas vs Iowa State
The Longhorns are still ranked highly but should they be? They may have just one loss, but the last few games have all come right down to the wire. Texas has barely edged out TCU, Kansas State, and Houston. This Texas team isn’t as legit as they are made out to be, but they do get back Quinn Ewers and that could change things. This is a down year for Iowa State, but they are bowl eligible at this point. The Cyclones can go stagnant on offense at times and their defense has struggled against top-tier scoring teams. The Longhorns aren’t that, but their chances improve considerably with Ewers starting. I expect Iowa State to keep it close and to feel their home-field advantage at Jack Trice Stadium, but I think Texas gets by. Prediction: Texas 28 Iowa State 24