UAB suffered a big setback with a 37-2 loss to Southern Miss last week. It has yet to be a team with any semblance of a pulse – also losing to WKU in Conference USA play – but there’s still time to win the West.
It’s going to take a little bit of luck, and it’s going to take wins over Louisiana Tech and North Texas to get close.
It’s already bowl eligible, and now it’s time to cement a spot.
UTEP has been feisty, it pushed Charlotte in a 28-21 loss last week, and it’s shown a few sparks. However, its defense can’t come up with a decent stop – it’s dead last in the nation in third down defense – and it’s getting nothing out of its lines.
UAB really hasn’t beaten anyone. UTSA is the only team it has beaten with a win over another FBS team, and that win came against UTEP, Rice and Old Dominion, who all haven’t beaten another FBS team.
However at home there’s going to be just enough of a passing game to keep the chains moving in what should be a far more competitive game than the Blazers might like.
Thanks to Louisiana Tech’s loss to Marshall, the door has been opened up for Southern Miss to take over the West.
The Golden Eagles lost to the Bulldogs a few weeks ago, and they still have to deal with WKU and Florida Atlantic to close things out. They need to keep winning, and they need another Louisiana Tech loss.
On a run of four wins in the last five games, the defense has stepped it up with two dominant performances over the last two games against Rice and UAB.
The ultra-efficient USM passing game should be able to pick apart a Roadrunner secondary that’s having problems coming up with stops. Everyone from Old Dominion to Rice are throwing without easily, and Golden Eagle QB Jack Abraham should be able to hit at least 65% of his throws as the offense has control of the game throughout.
UTSA will score early to make it a wee bit of a battle, but the offensive production will be unsustainable against the USM pass rush.
Central Michigan vs. Ball State fearless prediction and game preview.
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Central Michigan vs. Ball State fearless prediction and game preview.
Central Michigan vs. Ball State Broadcast
Date: Saturday, November 16
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Scheumann Stadium, Muncie, IN
Network: CBS Sports Network
Ball State is looking to get closer to bowl eligibility, needing to win two of its last three games to get there. More than that, there’s still a shot to win the MAC West by winning out and getting a Western Michigan loss along the way.
Central Michigan could lose a Western Michigan loss, too. The Chippewas take the West by winning this week, beating Toledo, and getting a Bronco loss.
The Chippewas have won four of their last five games with an improved defense and and an offense that’s able to put up yards in chunks. It’s a balanced attack getting a huge year out of Jonathan Ward, who’s run for 100 yards or more in five of his last six games.
Ball State has hit a bit of a snag over the last few weeks after going on a nice three-game winning streak. The offense as stalled a bit, the defense is getting killed by good ground games – the Cardinals have allowed close to 700 yards over the last two weeks.
On the flip side, Ball State’s running game means everything. CMU has a strong run defense, but the Cardinals are funning over and throw just about everyone, hammering away for over 200 yards in four of the last five games, running for 196 against Eastern Michigan in the other one, and …
Ball State pulls this off at home in desperation mode.
Air Force has run four straight, and it’s still in the hunt for the Mountain title if it wins its last three games and gets two losses from Boise State.
Colorado State has won three straight, turned the season around, and now has to win two of the last three to get to a bowl game. That’s going to be tough with at Wyoming and Boise State to close, but the offense is rolling, and the defense has been just good enough to potentially give Air Force a problem.
But that’s not going to happen.
Air Force has had two weeks off after going on a tear. It’s rushed for 300 yards or more in each of its last four games – hit Utah State for 448 yards – and has managed to rip through everyone but Boise State and Navy.
Get to 250 yards or more, and the Falcons take full control of games and win.
On the flip side, Colorado State’s passing game has been fantastic over the last three weeks. However, two of those games were against New Mexico and UNLV.
The Rams have only allowed 250 rushing yards twice, and they’re about to give that up again.
It needs a little help to take the Mountain Division, but it still gets Boise State – that’s next – and it needs to win this week to get bowl eligible. Lose, and then it’ll get scary if it can’t get by the Broncos.
Wyoming is already bowl eligible, and it’s still sort of in the Mountain title hunt, but for now, it’s about getting a few more wins just to be assured of a decent bowl slot.
Can the Aggies slow down the Wyoming running game?
They were ripped up by Air Force and allowed 200 yards or more in three of the last five games, and lost all three. They’re now 0-4 when giving up 160 yards or more on the ground, and 5-0 when they allow fewer.
The Wyoming style isn’t sexy, but it works. When it runs for more than 160 yards, it’s 6-0 – and 0-3 when it doesn’t.
Utah State will never have the ball – it’s last in the nation in time of possession – and it’s going to have a problem with the tremendous Wyoming pass rush.
Boise State can’t lock down the Mountain Division with a win, but it won’t hurt.
It still has to get by Utah State on the road next week.
First, the Broncos get a light scrimmage in their final home game of the year – at least until, possibly, the Mountain West championship.
New Mexico has lost six straight, and the bad season got a whole lot worse after the tragic death of defensive lineman Nahje Flowers – the Lobos postponed their game with Air Force last week.
On the field, there’s no defensive hope against the Broncos. It’s been a bit of a struggle lately for a team with dreams of playing in the Cotton Bowl and now it’s time to have some fun with a massive offensive display that the Lobos won’t be able to slow down.
The Boise State defensive front will clamp down on the New Mexico running game, the team will be a +3 in turnover margin, and this will quickly turn into a light scrimmage on Senior Night.
Can the UNLV defense slow down the Hawaii passing attack?
The Rebels only have two wins on the year, and one was a strange victory over Vanderbilt on the road. They’ve been rocked by just about everyone else, but it comes down to whether or not the porous secondary can slow down the Rainbow Warrior air show that’s trying to lead the way to the team’s seventh win.
UNLV shut down the Vandy passing game cold, but it’s easy to put up at least 200 yards if anyone commits to it.
Hawaii commit to it.
The Rainbow Warrior defense will do its part, too, against a UNLV offense that can’t move the chains, isn’t consistent, and doesn’t have the ground game to slow things down when the defense is getting hit.
It doesn’t matter that it’s Chevan Cordeiro or Cole McDonald under center – Cordeiro threw for 309 yards and three scores against San Jose State, and he ran for 55 yards. The O will work without a problem as Hawaii rolls.
There’s no LSU vs. Alabama on the slate, but there is a whole slew of massive games that will shape the final few weeks of the season and, potentially, the College Football Playoff.
If you’re looking to get in on the sports betting action this weekend, be sure to sign up with BetMGM to take part in any of these games or other action on the schedule.
5. Michigan State at Michigan
Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson leads the Wolverines against Michigan State. Tommy Gilligan – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Michigan State: The Spartans are way, way, way overdue for something positive. They’ve had a rough run, they collapsed against Illinois, and they’re far better than they’ve been playing. The offensive line is good enough to handle the tough Michigan defensive front, and the run defense has been nasty against everyone but Ohio State and Wisconsin. But …
Why You Should Bet On Michigan: The Michigan State passing game has gone bye-bye. Brian Lewerke is struggling, he’s not accurate, and the offense is way too inconsistent. Ever since halftime of the Penn State game, Michigan has been fantastic defensively, going on a great 10-quarter run to get back into the hunt for a New Year’s Six game. Shea Patterson has settled down behind center, the running game is OK, and overall, Michigan is playing well. Michigan State isn’t.
Prediction: The rested Wolverine team will be a little bit sluggish out of gate, but the defense will take over as the game goes on. The Spartan O will stall, the Wolverine attack will go on a few late first half scoring drives, and Michigan will win by more than two touchdowns.
– CFN Full Michigan State at Michigan Game Preview & Prediction
4. Navy at Notre Dame
Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry will try to give Notre Dame fits this weekend. David Butler II – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Navy: The Navy ground game is working at a whole other level. It’s leading the nation averaging 358 yards per game — a whopping 34 yards more than No. 2 Air Force — and everything else flows from there. QB Malcolm Perry (who’s really a running back behind center) has been brilliant, the offense is getting better and better as the year has gone on. The team should be able to control the tempo and the clock for at least 35 minutes. However …
Why You Should Bet On Notre Dame: Navy played one team that can throw the ball reasonably well, and lost. Memphis was able to pull off the 35-23 win with Brady White hitting 78% of his passes with three scores as the Tiger offense took control of the game. That’s what the Irish have to do. Ian Book might not be all that accurate lately, but he connected on 82% of his throws in last year’s win over the Midshipmen. He doesn’t have to throw for 330 yards again, but he has to be sharp.
Prediction: Somehow, it’ll be a sellout at the last possible moment to keep the 273-game streak going. The Irish have improved their rushing defense in recent weeks. They’ll have problems with the Navy offense, but they’ll be balanced enough to survive and cover on a late score.
– CFN Full Navy vs. Notre Dame Game Preview & Prediction
Why You Should Bet On Minnesota: It’s time to start giving the Minnesota offense — especially the passing game — a whole lot more credit. Tanner Morgan is fourth in the nation in passing efficiency (behind the one-name stars Jalen, Tua and Joe) with a loaded receiving corps to work with. Iowa doesn’t have a big-time offense, but Minnesota does, with receivers Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson talents who’ll soon be off to the NFL.
Why You Should Bet On Iowa: This is a steady Iowa team with the defense that’s been a brick wall against the run all year against everyone but Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor. The offense has the veteran quarterback in Nate Stanley who should be able to hit a few big plays against a good — not amazing — Gopher secondary that gave up 340 yards to Penn State. Just don’t expect Stanley to throw the picks that Nittany Lions QB Sean Clifford did.
Prediction: It’s time to start giving Minnesota credit for winning close games. As the underdog on the road, the Gophers will pull out a thrilling, tight win with a big late stop.
– CFN Full Minnesota vs. Iowa Game Preview & Prediction
2. Oklahoma at Baylor
Charlie Brewer and his Baylor Bears have a tall task ahead of them in the Oklahoma Sooners. Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Oklahoma: The offense has the ability to blow the doors off the Bears. There might be several issues, but Oklahoma continues to roll behind a brilliant year from Jalen Hurts — he’s playing better than Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray did, and with few mistakes. Baylor needs to win on turnover margin, and the Sooners don’t give the ball away with just 10 turnovers so far.
Why You Should Bet On Baylor: The pass rush is strong enough to keep Hurts from being comfortable. This is the best defense overall that OU has dealt with, with the disruptive ability to jump all over the backfield like nothing else the high-powered attack has dealt with. On the other side, the Sooner defense is starting to buckle again. It couldn’t handle Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson and the running game, it couldn’t handle Brock Purdy and the Iowa State passing attack, and now it’s going to try to keep Baylor’s Charlie Brewer from continuing to be his steady, cool self.
Prediction: It this a repeat of Minnesota-Penn State when the unbeaten team rises up at home when it get its shot? Not quite. Oklahoma will win, but Baylor will be just good enough to keep this closer than double digits.
– CFN Full OU vs. Baylor Game Preview & Prediction
1. Georgia at Auburn
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (left) and quarterback Jake Fromm are facing yet another big game in the SEC. Matt Stamey – USA TODAY Sports
Why You Should Bet On Georgia: Georgia does what Auburn likes to do, only better. The Auburn lines are great, but Georgia’s are better. Auburn has a fantastic defense, but Georgia’s is better. It’s Jake Fromm vs. Bo Nix, and it’s the Bulldog run defense that’s not giving up a thing. Nix is going to have to rock to pull this off, and he didn’t hit 42% of his throws in his three big games against Oregon, Florida and LSU.
Why You Should Bet On Auburn: There’s not enough of a Georgia downfield passing game for Auburn to worry about. This isn’t a Bulldog team that — as good as it is — is going to crank up 50 points and put the game away. This is going to be a low-scoring, tough battle, and this could be the Oregon game all over again — stays close, stays close, stays close, and then Auburn rises up when it has to.
Prediction: Go with the under as both defenses take over, but Georgia will be a wee bit better. The Bulldogs -2.5 is right at where the line should be, but go with a focused and more talented Georgia team.
– CFN Full Georgia at Auburn Game Preview & Prediction
Now that you know what you need to know, head over to BetMGM and get some action in any — or all — of these games for Week 12 college football.
For more coverage on Week 12’s College Football slate of sports betting action, be sure to check out CollegeFootballNews.com. And for more sports betting tips and picks, be sure to access SportsbookWire.com.
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Cincinnati at USF fearless prediction and game preview.
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Cincinnati at USF fearless prediction and game preview.
Cincinnati at USF Broadcast
Date: Saturday, November 16
Game Time: 7:00 ET
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Network: CBS Sports Network
Cincinnati can win the East with a victory over USF and a Temple loss to Tulane, but the No. 17 team has a loftier goal of getting the Group of Five’s New Year’s Six bowl bid.
To take that next step, the Bearcats have to clamp down on a USF team that’s missing consistent offensive pop, but hasn’t been bad defensively.
The Bulls are still trying to get bowl eligible, but they need to win two of their last three games against UC, Memphis, and UCF.
That’s a problem.
The D is fantastic at taking the ball away, and it’s great at not breaking after bending, but it’s not getting any support from an offense that’s having a rough year on the line. The running game is just okay, but overall the O has to find a way at home to control the clock, or Cincinnati will dominate the tempo and pace.
Cincinnati will run for 250 yards, come up with five sacks, and get past a tight first quarter to pull away in an emphatic road win before moving up a bit in next week’s CFP rankings.
Houston has to win its final three games just to become bowl eligible, with at Tulsa and Navy to close. On a run of three losses in its last four games, it’s had problem, but it’s been feisty.
Now it has to deal with the firepower of a Memphis team looking to take a giant step forward to winning the West.
The Tigers have won three straight since losing to Temple, getting the key win over SMU two weeks ago and beating Navy in late September. It controls its own destiny in the race, but it still has to go to USF and host Cincinnati.
The Tiger passing game has been unstoppable at times, it’s among the nation’s most efficient attacks, and the ground game is balancing things out from time to time, too. Houston has been getting roasted through the air, allowing two touchdown passes or more in every game and over 200 yards against everyone but Tulane.
Clayton Tune and the Cougar passing attack will get its licks in. Memphis has a better defense than it’s being given credit for, but it’ll allow more than 300 yards as Houston comes up with a strong performance at home. However, the lack of a pass rush and inability to generate enough key stops will let Memphis to keep on firing.
It’ll be a battle for about 40 minutes, and then the Tigers will hit two home runs to pull away.
