Playoff Race Heats up in Week 12 Showdowns
Week 12 of college football will bring high-stakes drama as the playoff race heats up with several headline matchups. Every team is looking to improve its College Football Playoff standing. From Texas visiting Georgia to Alabama hosting Oklahoma and Notre Dame traveling to Pittsburgh, every game holds significant implications for rankings and playoff hopes. Every contest will be action-packed as teams battle to better their position in the playoff chase.
10th-ranked Texas Longhorns Visit the Fifth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs
The Longhorns travel to Athens riding a four-game win streak and a defense that ranks first nationally in sacks and second against the run. That dominant defensive front will need to set the tone early and contain the Bulldogs' attack. On offense, Longhorns QB Arch Manning has found his rhythm, throwing for over 300 yards in each of the past two games and accounting for seven touchdowns in those victories. Gunner Stockton will have to stay composed under pressure as the Bulldogs aim to fight the Longhorns off at home, maintain their top-five rank, and strengthen their College Football Playoff resume. Texas, meanwhile, will look to walk out of Athens with an upset win to keep its playoff hopes alive. As the SEC race intensifies, this game will be a must-watch with many implications.
Fourth-ranked Alabama Hosts 11th-ranked Oklahoma
Another intense SEC matchup features fourth-ranked Alabama hosting 11th-ranked Oklahoma, as the Crimson Tide rides an eight-game winning streak. Alabama enters this game as the most complete team Oklahoma has faced all season and will look to capitalize on its home-field advantage. Oklahoma will lean on quarterback John Mateer to guide the Sooners to a win in a hostile Bryant Denny Stadium. For the Crimson Tide, Heisman trophy candidate Ty Simpson will look to stay hot and lead the offense as the Tide pursues another National Championship run.
Ninth-ranked Notre Dame Travels to Take On 23rd-ranked Pittsburgh
The Panthers rank ninth nationally in passing yards per game and have one of the best rushing defenses in the country, making them a tough challenge for Notre Dame. The Irish running back Jeremiyah Love has been dominant this season, rushing for 988 yards and 13 touchdowns. Notre Dame enters this matchup riding a seven-game win streak after dropping the first two games of the season. Love and quarterback CJ Carr will look to keep the Irish offense moving as they face a tough Pitt defense on the road, and maintain their College Football playoff hopes. For Pittsburgh, a win would not only boost its ranking but also spoil Notre Dame's playoff dreams and intensify the ACC race.
