Phil’s Friday Forecast Follow-Up – Week 12

Alabama wins over Oklahoma – No, Oklahoma 23, Alabama 21

I thought the Tide would get their payback against Oklahoma for knocking them out of the College Football Playoff race last season. Oklahoma’s defense played a great game. They played well enough to hold a two-point lead for over 13 minutes in the fourth quarter, on the road, against #4 Alabama.

Utah wins over Baylor – Yes, Utah 55, Baylor 28

The Utes won and won big. They’ve blown out everyone in all of their wins this year. They may not know it, and BYU’s case not like it, but they’re making BYU and Texas Tech look good with every win. The Big 12 is having a strong year, Utah is no small part of that.

North Texas wins over UAB – Yes, North Texas 53, UAB 24

The Mean Green blasted the Blazers behind freshman sensation quarterback Drew Mestemaker and running back Caleb Hawkins. North Texas has Rice and Temple left and are likely to finish the regular season 11-1.

Virginia wins over Duke – Yes, Virginia 34, Duke 17

The Cavaliers took a 31-3 lead into the fourth quarter at Duke. Virginia would go on to beat the Blue Devils 34-17. Virginia is now 9-2 on the season and has a bye before they play Virginia Tech in their season finale. Win that game and they’re in the ACC Championship game with a chance to go to the College Football Playoff.

Memphis wins over ECU – No, ECU 31, Memphis 27

I knew this would be a close one. I was impressed with ECU early in the season when they played BYU, and knew they were better than most folks would give them credit for. Their quarterback, Katin Houser, led them to the upset win over Memphis.

Georgia wins over Texas – Yes, Georgia 35, Texas 10

Georgia just crushes every conference foe not named Alabama, and Texas was no exception. The Dawgs now have to await their SEC title game fate, but have a chance for another good win over Georgia Tech in two weeks.

Illinois wins over Maryland – Yes, Illinois 24, Maryland 6

Luke Altmyer led Illinois to the win over Maryland, which got Illinois to their seventh win of the season. The Illini are poised to repeat their 10-3 record from last year. They have only Wisconsin and Northwestern left in the regular season.

Indiana wins over Wisconsin – Yes, Indiana 31, Wisconsin 7

Wisconsin has shown fight at times this year, but once again were just overpowered by a team with superior talent. Indiana cruised to their 11^th straight win and into their second 11^th win season. The Hoosiers are likely a playoff lock now with that 11^th win.

Jax State wins over Kennesaw State – Yes, Jacksonville State 35, Kennesaw State 26

Jacksonville State’s strong rushing attack led them to stay undefeated in Conference USA play. It’s impressive and says a lot about them that they are playing this well in year one of a new head coach’s tenure.

Miami wins over NC State – Yes, Miami 41, NC State 7

I was very unsure about the Hurricanes coming into this game, and they left no doubt. They blasted NC State, the only team to beat Georgia Tech this year, 41-7. Their win over Notre Dame is helping them keep looking good, too, as this season progresses.

Ole Miss wins over Florida – Yes, Ole Miss 34, Florida 24

Yes, Ole Miss struggled in the first half against Florida, but they absolutely shut them down in the second half, and ground them to dust with their running game. At 10-1, Ole Miss likely is in the College Football Playoff already, but a win over Mississippi State would make that a lock.

Navy wins over USF – Yes, Navy 41, South Florida 38

It was a close ball game, but the Midshipmen did prevail. Star quarterbacks Blake Horvath and Braxton Woodson worked as a 1-2 punch for the Midshipmen, as Navy defeated South Florida 41-38. Navy’s long-shot playoff hopes remain alive.

Utah State wins over UNLV – No, UNLV 29, Utah State 26 (2OT)

I was close! UNLV needed two overtimes to defeat upset minded Utah State. The Aggies gave UNLV a heck of a game. Dan Mullen and Bronco Mendenhall are great coaches so this was no surprise to me. UNLV is one of the better Group of Five teams this season thanks to their offense.

Notre Dame wins over Pitt – Yes, Notre Dame 37, Pittsburgh 15

Notre Dame made Pitt look bad. Pat Narduzzi talked to much and it bit his team. Notre Dame looks as good as they did this time last year, maybe better. The problem for the Irish is Miami. If the Hurricanes and Notre Dame both finish 10-2, Notre Dame will be left out of the playoff, even if, in a rematch, they probably stomp the Hurricanes.

Boise State wins over SDSU – No, SDSU 17, Boise State 7

SDSU’s defense picked themselves up off the mat after giving up 38 to Hawaii. They rebounded with a strong game against Boise State, holding the Broncos to just one touchdown. I thought the loss to Hawaii said that San Diego State wasn’t that good, but really it spoke more to how well Hawaii is playing this year. San Diego State is still good team, not to be underestimated.

USC wins over Iowa – Yes, USC 26, Iowa 21

The defense delivered again for the Trojans. Iowa loses another tight game against a West Coast opponent in a rainstorm. SC is still on track for a playoff berth. Their offense and defense are both playing well. Now, they have to head north and take on an old familiar foe, the Oregon Ducks.

Cincinnati wins over Arizona – No, Arizona 30, Cincinnati 24

The Bearcats couldn’t get the win at home behind their great crowd. The Wildcats got a big win on the road as both teams are 7-3, but heading in opposite directions. Cincinnati is out of the Big 12 title picture, but can still play for pride against two top teams in the conference, BYU and TCU, to finish the season.

BYU wins over TCU – Yes, BYU 44, TCU 13

The Cougars responded exactly how they needed to. They played a bowl eligible team that they historically struggled against. They played maybe their most complete game of the season so far. They’re back on track after the nasty loss to Texas Tech.

Ohio State wins over UCLA – Yes, Ohio State 48, UCLA 10

The Buckeyes won, but having Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith both miss the second half due to injury is very concerning for Ohio State. They’ll still beat Rutgers, but if Tate and Smith are out beyond this coming weekend, it could cost Ohio State dearly.

This Week: 15-5 2025 Record: 136-87 (Overall Record Since October 2024: 238-130)