2021 NCAA Week 12 Picks

3:30 pm #21 Arkansas at #2 Alabama (-21, 57 1/2) - Alabamans aren't used to seeing a #2 in front of their favorite team's name, but even the staunchest supporters can see that Georgia defense is top shelf. They'll likely be meeting the Bulldogs in about three weeks, but before that have some business with Arkansas and at Auburn next week.

The Tide's only loss was a 41-38 upset at Texas A&M. Otherwise, they're a perfect 9-0 and are unlikely to let Arkansas ruin their season. Beating the Razorbacks by 21 may be another story. Arkansas' three losses are to Georgia, 37-0, Ole Miss, 52-51, and Auburn, 38-23. Since then they've won three straight, including a solid, 16-13 OT win at LSU. They are a game bunch and may give Alabama a scare.

Coin Flip: Alabama

Prediction: Crimson Tide 34 Razorbacks 29

3:30 pm SMU at #5 Cincinnati (-12, 65) - This is a must-win with style points for the Bearcats if they have any hope of making the four-team playoffs, though Alabama, Oregon, and Ohio State could suffer a loss along the way and let Cincinnati slide into a #4 spot.

That said, SMU is no easy out. The Mustangs lost by seven at Houston and by three at Memphis and they've won their three other road games. A 55-28 score over UCF last week is hard to ignore. Tanner Mordecai has thrown 37 TDs and only 10 picks, so he'll be gunning deep into the Bearcat secondary all day. Could produce an upset very easily.

Coin Flip: SMU

Prediction: Mustangs 34 Bearcats 31

3:30 pm #6 Michigan (-14 1/2, 55) at Maryland - Michigan is 9-1, following a 21-17 win at Penn State and are on the road for a second straight week. The Wolverines have to guard against looking past this game to Ohio State, but the 5-5 Terrapins are unlikely to penetrate a solid Michigan defense.

Maryland has lost five of their last six, none by fewer than 17 points.

Coin Flip: Michigan

Prediction: Wolverines 42 Terrapins 16

3:30 pm Nebraska at #18 Wisconsin (-9 1/2, 42) - The Cornhuskers pose a serious challenge any time they are on the field, despite their 1-6 conference record. They have not lost a game by more than nine points, and that was two weeks ago against Ohio State. Some of their other losses include 23-16 at Oklahoma, 23-20 in OT at Michigan State, and 32-29 vs. Michigan.

The 7-3 Badgers have won six straight and are aiming for the conference championship with just the 'Huskers and Minnesota last on the slate. Their defense has not allowed more than 14 points during that streak. So, can they win their seventh straight and do it by 10. Yes, and, No.

Coin Flip: Nebraska

Prediction: Badgers 25 Cornhuskers 20

3:30 pm Virginia at Pittsburgh (-13 1/2, 66 1/2) - A home win can wrap up the ACC Coastal for the Panthers, who enter the fray 8-2 with a 5-1 conference record. Their 30-23 overtime win against North Carolina last week was surprising in that so few points were scored. Kenny Pickett and his teammates can light up the scoreboard with the best of them.

The 4-2 Cavaliers know they have a chance to win the division if they can handle the Panthers and win next week over Virginia Tech. After back-to-back non-conference losses to BYU, 66-49, and Notre Dame, 28-3, along with lopsided losses to North Carolina and Wake Forest in the ACC diminish their chances.

Coin Flip: Virginia

Prediction: Panthers 44 Cavaliers 24

4:00 pm UCLA (-3, 65 1/2) at USC - Crosstown rivalry usually brings out the best from both sides and this one will be competitive. The Bruins have a more explosive offense and their defense is equal to that of the Trojans. UCLA may win this quite handily.

Coin Flip: USC

Prediction: Bruins 38 Trojans 26

5:30 pm #13 Baylor (-1, 50) at Kansas State - Coming off a huge, 27-14, win over Oklahoma, the Bears are still alive for a shot at the Big 12 championship game. Having beaten both the Sooners and Cowboys, they're assured a spot unless the Nov. 27 showdown in Oklahoma turns out a tie. Either the Sooners or Cowboys will have two losses and be knocked out.

All the Bears have to do is win at Kansas State and next week hosting Texas Tech and they're locked in. Gotta like those chances.

Coin Flip: Baylor

Prediction: Bears 34 Wildcats 20

7:30 pm #3 Oregon at #24 Utah (-3, 59) - While the Ducks have been getting all the press, being ranked #3 in the CFP with a win over Ohio State and a 9-1 record, the Utes have quietly won six of their last seven and can wrap up the PAC-10 South win a win over Oregon.

The Ducks were put to the test in a 34-31 win at UCLA on October 23rd, but have really not been tested since, defeating Colorado, Washington, and Washington State, all by double digits. It's somewhat surprising to see Utah favored, but, there it is.

Coin Flip: Utah

Prediction: Utes 30 Ducks 23

8:00 pm #10 Oklahoma State (10 1/2, 57) at Texas Tech - The Red Raiders have been showing up of late, except for their 52-21 loss at Oklahoma a few weeks back. They put it on Iowa State last week, 41-38, and should be up for a tussle with the Cowboys on national TV.

Problem is, OKST's only loss was a 24-21 setback at Iowa State, and since then, they've pummeled people, winning 55-3 over Kansas, 24-3 at West Virginia, and 63-17 last week over TCU. A win here puts them in line for a showdown with Oklahoma for the regular season title. Playing well on both sides of the ball.

Coin Flip: Oklahoma State

Prediction: Cowboys 42 Red Raiders 17

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IdleGuy.com October 2024, Vol. 1 #9