Our Week 12 College Football predictions against the spread are ready to rock. We’re coming off a 4-0 weekend last week so let’s see if we can keep the train rolling this week. It’s hard to believe that week 12 in college football has so few marquee matchups. When #12 Syracuse versus #3 Notre Dame is the biggest game of the week you know what I’m talking about. Then we’ve got two primetime games between #11 UCF and #19 Cincinnati and #13 Texas at #19 Iowa State. So here are my predictions for week 12 of college football for the 2018 season. Make sure you get into our weekly league at Wannamakeabet.com to get in on the action. Invitations are waiting for you when log in or join for the first time.
Middle Tennessee State (+16.5) at No. 20 Kentucky
Two teams headed in different directions. Kentucky has lost back-to-back games but still can get to nine wins on the season. But they’ll be up against a Blue Raiders team that has won four straight. It’s a different team than the one that was blown out by Vanderbilt and Georgia this season and we expect them to keep this close and cover the number. Take MTSU.
No. 9 Ohio State (-14.5) at Maryland
Maryland is the perfect tune up for the Buckeyes before “The Game” against Michigan next Saturday. Expect Dwayne Haskins, a Potomac, Md., native, to get the passing game going and light up this defense and give the Wolverines something to think about. Also a good game for the defense to sharpen it’s teeth and they looked much better last week against Michigan State. The line is coming down and may end up at 14 by game time. Lay the wood and watch the Buckeyes chop.
No. 3 Notre Dame (-10) vs. No. 12 Syracuse
As we stated in our intro, who knew this showdown at Yankee Stadium would be the game of the week? Ian Book’s status will be in question, but the bigger question is whether the Irish can flex their defensive muscles against a Syracuse team that has averaged 46.5 points in its last four games. This should be entertaining and come down to the last few possessions. We like Cuse here plus the points.
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No. 7 West Virginia (-5.5) at Oklahoma State
One more road test for the Mounties to set up a Black Friday showdown against Oklahoma in Morgantown next week. Will Grier might have to lead another game-winning drive in Stillwater to do that. But the Cowboys have won the last three meetings in this series. And they must bounce back from a close loss in Bedlam last week. This is not going to be easy for WVU, and we think if they do get the win, it won’t be by much. Take OSU at home and the points.
No. 19 Cincinnati at No. 11 UCF (-7.5)
Look out, ESPN Gameday is showing up. And this is the best team UCF has seen to this point of the season. Cincinnati has played above expectations under second-year coach and former Buckeye Luke Fickell. Their only loss this season was by seven points to 6-4 Temple. It’s a test for UCF’s offense too, knowing the Bearcats haven’t given up more than 30 in a game this year. In the end, UCF will continue their scoring parade and pull away and cover the number in the second half.
No. 18 Iowa State at No. 13 Texas (-3)
The Texas season has been quite the roller coaster. And both of these teams still have a shot at the Big 12 championship game. The Longhorns have played in six consecutive one-score games, but they run into the winners of five straight in the Cyclones. Texas holds on in a barn burner and wins the game. This is one of those little brother matchups that favors the pedigree.
Week 12 college football predictions against the spread are brought to you by Morris Chambers, a senior Wannamakeabet.com college football analyst.