2021 NCAAF Week 12 Best Bets

It’s the most exciting time in college football. In Week 12, the regular season is coming to a close, and tickets are being punched for bowl-game season. This could also be the last time we ever see a four-team college football playoff.

With the stakes higher than ever, let’s see who will deliver on the spread in NCAA football Week 12.

Memphis Tigers (5-5) @ #24 Houston Cougars (9-1) [HOU -8.5]

Friday, 11/19 @ 9 p.m. ET – ESPN2

The Memphis Tigers have lost five of their last seven contests. The Houston Cougars, after losing in Week 1, have won nine in a row. These teams are trending in opposite directions; as a result, Houston has more on the line this week.

The Cougars, pushing for a big-time bowl bid, need a statement win this week to make their case. Coming off back-to-back blowout wins, expect the Cougs to cover this 8.5 with little hesitation.


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#7 Michigan State Spartans (9-1) @ #4 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1) [MSU +19.0]

Saturday, 11/20 @ 12 noon ET – ABC

A couple of 9-1 Top 10 Big 10 teams will clash in Columbus this weekend, both with conference title aspirations. The Ohio State Buckeyes have been rolling over teams lately, especially at home, hence the 19-point spread. But the Michigan State Spartans aren’t slouches, and they’re nearly undefeated.

The key factor here: Michigan’s offense relies heavily on star running back Kenneth Walker. Walker commands 20-30 touches a game, and this rushing attack eats up a lot of game clock. Regardless of how Ohio State dominates this game, it’s hard to see them covering a 19-point spread. Michigan State is too competitive and takes up too much time on offense. This will be a close game.

Justin’s counterpart, John Reger is picking the Buckeye’s to cover. See his analysis here in 5 Bets to Make this Week.


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 Purdue Boilermakers (6-4) @ Northwestern Wildcats (3-7) [PUR -11.0]

Saturday, 11/20 @ 12 noon ET – BTN

The Northwestern Wildcats have been terrible in Big 10 play. Other than an October 30 home win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, the Wildcats have been non-competitive in conference, blown out week after week. Alas for fans, this week should be no different.

The Purdue Boilermakers, meanwhile, have beaten two Top 3 teams in the country this season and despite a blowout loss to Ohio State last week, will look to continue what has otherwise been a very impressive season. An 11-point spread seems very realistic for the Boilermakers this week. Take them with confidence.


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UCLA Bruins (6-4) @ USC Trojans (4-5) [UCLA -3.0]

Saturday, 11/20 @ 4 p.m. ET – FOX

A week after becoming bowl-eligible for the first time in a few years, the UCLA Bruins are getting their swagger heading into this Week 12 matchup with the USC Trojans. The Bruins’ rushing attack of QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson and RB Zach Charbonnet has been very effective this season, and should roll right on into this matchup.

USC has been inconsistent, dropping three of their last four. After having a week off due to a postponed game, the Trojans may also come out cold. The Bruins should win this one by at least three points.


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#3 Oregon Ducks (9-1) @ #23 Utah Utes (7-3) [ORE +3.0]

Saturday, 11/20 @ 7:30 p.m. ET – ABC

This should be a close matchup, but one team has a lot more to play for than the other. The Oregon Ducks, staring a spot in the College Football Playoff right in the face, are just a few wins away from their goal. The battle will start with a tough matchup on the road against the Utah Utes, who have won three in a row.

But the Ducks have only lost one game this season—and by a single touchdown, at that. It’s hard to see them dropping another when they’re so close to the PAC-12 championship game and CFP. I expect Oregon to win outright, but will gladly take the three points that come with them.


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A this time of year, some teams try harder, because they have more at stake. Keep an eye out for games like that, and load up.

Be a better bettor. Read Justin Epifanio every week at iGamingPlayer.

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History Playbook

On This Day In Sports History

February 5, 2012 — The Giants rally past the Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI. It's a rematch of Super Bowl XLII four years earlier where the Giants upset the Patriots 14-10, ending New England's hopes for a perfect 19-0 season. In 2012, trailing 17-15, New York has the ball on their own 12-yard line with 3:46 remaining. Eli Manning connects with Mario Manningham for a 38-yard completion. The Giants advance to the New England six-yard line where Ahmad Bradshaw scores with 57 seconds left.

On This Day In Sports History

February 3, 2002 — The Patriots win the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history by beating the heavily favored St. Louis Rams 20-17. The New England quarterback is second year pro Tom Brady. The Patriots win on a 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri as time expires.​