SEC showdowns highlight college football games in Week 12 impacting the playoff
- - SEC showdowns highlight college football games in Week 12 impacting the playoff
Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY November 14, 2025 at 12:36 PM
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Before we embark on our weekly attempt to provide you, the discerning college football follower, with our recommendations on which games are most worthy of attention, we feel compelled to reiterate that our standard reminder to keep your remote handy is not mere boilerplate.
As we have seen over many years, sometimes the most memorable moments this sport has to offer come from unexpected places – like Happy Valley last week. In short, always be prepared to find games not appearing on this list in case circumstances warrant.
Bearing all that in mind as ever, here are the seven games of greatest impact for Week 12.
No. 10 Texas at No. 5 Georgia
Time/TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: It hasn’t always been pretty for the Longhorns, but they’ve managed to stay in the hunt in the crowded SEC. They have two chances to pick up a top-five win down the stretch, starting with this tough assignment between the hedges in Athens where the Bulldogs rarely lose. This is Georgia’s final conference game, though the team will be wearing the big target again in their season finale against Georgia Tech. Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton and RB Nate Frazier mostly had their way last week with Mississippi State, on the same field where Texas needed a miraculous comeback aided by a Ryan Niblett punt return to escape earlier in the season. But LB Anthony Hill Jr. and his fellow Longhorns defenders have for the most part been able to avoid playing from behind. After a rough start to the season, Texas QB Arch Manning has improved his completion percentage. The explosive downfield plays in the passing game have been infrequent, however, and Bulldogs DB K.J. Bolden will look to keep it that way.
Why it could disappoint: The Bulldogs were finally able to secure a drama-free victory, and they might produce another if they can grab an early lead. The Longhorns have staged a comeback or two despite their offensive struggles, but such a scenario would be harder to envision in this setting.
No. 10 Oklahoma at No. 4 Alabama
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC.
Why watch: The Sooners find themselves on the cusp of playoff consideration and almost certainly need this win to stay there. The Crimson Tide will have other notions, of course, as a victory in this one will just about assure them of a spot in the SEC title game. QB Ty Simpson and the Alabama offense were not sharp against LSU a week ago and could again find yards hard to come by against the SEC’s stingiest defense, anchored by veteran LB Kip Lewis. But the Sooners have also struggled to produce points, and those problems are exacerbated when QB John Mateer forces the issue. Expect to see Tide LB Justin Jefferson nearby wherever the ball ends up.
Why it could disappoint: Like the Longhorns, the Sooners must avoid falling into an early hole in hostile environs. The Crimson Tide have clearly learned to finish since their season-opening setback, and they’d like to remove any suspense from this one.
No. 9 Notre Dame at No. 23 Pittsburgh
Time/TV: noon ET, ABC.
Why watch: This road trip is the last major hurdle for the Fighting Irish as they look to get to 10 wins and, in all likelihood, a return to the playoff. But the game is just as important for the Panthers, who are very much in the ACC championship mix and wouldn’t mind picking up a resume boost as a bonus. Pitt has been on a roll since handing the QB reins to true freshman Mason Heintschel, who has thrown for 12 scores and run for another. He’ll have to be careful against the Notre Dame pass defense, featuring DB Tae Johnson, that has snared 16 interceptions. The Fighting Irish RB tandem of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price has been finding the end zone on a regular basis. The effort to keep them out will be led by Panthers LB Kyle Louis, who is usually around when the defensive unit does something big.
Why it could disappoint: With two important conference games on the horizon, it’s conceivable Pitt would throw in the towel in this one if things aren’t going its way. It’s more likely, however, that the Panthers will be motivated to make a statement with this national spotlight opportunity.
Iowa at No. 18 Southern California
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.
Why watch: After coming agonizingly close to an upset of Oregon that would have shaken up the playoff picture, the Hawkeyes must regroup quickly for this long road trip. The Trojans, who will play those same Ducks themselves next week, can put themselves into the conversation but must handle this challenge first. USC QB Jayden Maiava and his offensive playmakers were somewhat slow out of the gate last week against Northwestern. That could be the case once again as they face LB Karson Sharar and the hard-hitting Iowa front seven. Hawkeyes QB Mark Gronowski and RB Kamari Moulton might have more success in the ground game this week, though Trojans LB Eric Gentry frequently finds his way to the ball.
Why it could disappoint: As we often say here, Iowa games can be tough to watch at times. But the payoff is often worth it, as the game-changing play could occur at any time.
TCU at No. 12 Brigham Young
Time/TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN.
Why watch: The #Big12AfterDark offering this week features the Cougars still in a good position as far as the conference race is concerned but very much in need of a bounce-back performance after nearly being whitewashed by Texas Tech. The bowl-eligible Horned Frogs are capable of playing the spoiler role in the final few weeks but are out of the championship equation thanks to a couple of three-point losses. BYU’s top priority will be reestablishing its potent ground attack for both QB Bear Bachmeier and RB LJ Martin, which might not be easy against LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr and the swarming TCU defense. The Frogs moved the ball effectively in last week’s loss to Iowa State, but QB Josh Hoover was picked twice. WRs Eric McAlister and Jordan Dwyer are dangerous weapons, but Cougars DBs Evan Johnson and Faletau Satuala will be ready to pounce on errant throws.
Why it could disappoint: It won’t if both offenses are able to find their footing. A blowout either way isn’t out of the question, but both teams have participated in their share of nail-biters this season.
North Carolina State at No. 16 Miami (Fla.)
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.
Why watch: If you like ACC chaos – and who doesn’t! – this is the window in which it could play out in real time once again. For the second time this season, the Hurricanes had a get-right game after a damaging loss but must now find November consistency, a commodity that has been notably absent from the program in recent years. The Wolfpack have already caused havoc in the conference race and look to create more, cementing a postseason spot in the process. What Miami needs most is a clean game from QB Carson Beck. He can expect Wolfpack DBs Ronnie Royal and Asaad Brown to try to limit his top aerial threat, WR Malachi Toney. NC State QB CJ Bailey can also be mistake prone, but his group is even harder to stop when RB Hollywood Smothers has room to operate. They must steer clear of Miami DE Rueben Bain, a candidate for several national defensive awards.
Why it could disappoint: Three of the Wolfpacks’ four losses have been by double digits, so any such deficit here would be an ominous sign. Miami fans will be understandably nervous if matters are still unsettled in the fourth quarter.
No. 19 Virginia at Duke
Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2.
Why watch: Meanwhile, a couple other contenders in the jumbled mess that is the ACC square off in what amounts to an elimination contest. Both are coming off disappointing losses, so there will be maximum intensity from the opening kickoff. Like the Blue Devils’ previous setbacks, ball security was the main culprit last week at Connecticut. QB Darian Mensah can usually find open targets when he has time, but UVa DE Daniel Rickert wants to make sure he doesn’t. There is cautious optimism that Cavaliers QB Chandler Morris might be available after a late hit knocked him out of last week’s loss to Wake Forest. Backup Daniel Kaelin was able to move the sticks but couldn’t get the team into the end zone, a trend Duke DB Caleb Weaver will try to continue regardless of who is taking snaps.
Why it could disappoint: It shouldn’t given Virginia’s frequent dalliances with overtime. But the Blue Devils do have the fire power to pull away if they take care of the ball, and the Cavaliers might not keep pace if the offense is not at full strength.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College football games to watch Week 12 feature SEC slugfests
Source: “AOL Sports”
