Week 12 of the college football season brings the heat as conference races tighten, and College Football Playoff (CFP) contenders face critical elimination games. With only two weeks left in the regular season, every snap carries national weight.
Here is a detailed preview of the top matchups and key storylines for the penultimate week of the 2025 season.
The Marquee Matchups
This week features three head-to-head battles between ranked teams that will shake up the CFP rankings and conference championship scenarios.
1. The SEC Showdown: CFP Implications
#5 Georgia Bulldogs (8-1) vs. #10 Texas Longhorns (7-2)
- Time: Saturday, November 15, 7:30 PM EST (ABC)
- Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA
- The Stakes: This game is a likely SEC Championship elimination game. Georgia needs a win to stay in the hunt for Atlanta and a potential playoff spot, especially after losing their conference game last week. Texas, with two losses, is in “win-out” mode; a third loss immediately ends their CFP hopes. Expect a physical, low-scoring battle that tests the Longhorns’ road mettle.
- Key Matchup: The Georgia defensive front, one of the nation’s best, vs. the highly touted Texas offensive line. If Texas can’t establish the run and protect their quarterback, the Bulldogs will dictate the game.
2. SEC Rematch: The Crimson Tide’s Test
#4 Alabama Crimson Tide (8-1) vs. #11 Oklahoma Sooners (7-2)
- Time: Saturday, November 15, 3:30 PM EST (ABC)
- Location: Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL
- The Stakes: Alabama is cruising toward a potential SEC West title but cannot afford a slip-up, especially at home. Oklahoma is fighting to avoid a third loss, which would eliminate them from CFP consideration. This is a revenge game for the Crimson Tide, who suffered an embarrassing loss to the Sooners last season.
- Key Matchup: The Alabama downfield passing game, which is the offense’s primary weapon, against the Oklahoma defense, which has shown vulnerability to the pass in conference play. If Oklahoma’s defense can generate pressure, they have a chance to pull off the upset.
3. ACC Primetime Battle: Friday Night Frenzy
Clemson Tigers (5-4) at #15 Louisville Cardinals (7-2)
- Time: Friday, November 14, 7:30 PM EST (ESPN)
- Location: L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, KY
- The Stakes: Louisville needs a win to stay in the mix for the ACC Championship Game following a tough home loss last week. Clemson, despite its four losses, remains a dangerous opponent, especially on defense. A Cardinals loss would severely complicate the ACC picture.
- Key Matchup: Louisville’s strong rushing attack vs. the Clemson defensive line. The Cardinals rushed for over 200 yards in their win against Clemson last season; controlling the line of scrimmage will be the difference-maker.
Other Key Ranked Games
These matchups involve teams fighting for spots in the CFP top 12, conference championship berths, or Group of Five New Year’s Six bids.
- #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-2) at #24 Pittsburgh Panthers (7-2)
- Time: Saturday, November 15, 12:00 PM EST (ABC)
- Analysis: A huge game for both two-loss teams with long-shot CFP hopes. Notre Dame’s elite running attack faces a stout Pitt defense. The winner remains mathematically alive for a major bowl bid.
- #19 USC Trojans (7-2) vs. #20 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3)
- Time: Saturday, November 15, 3:30 PM EST (Broadcast TBD)
- Analysis: A critical Big Ten matchup. USC needs to keep winning to maintain control of its path to the Big Ten Championship Game. Iowa’s defense will challenge USC’s high-octane offense.
- #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-0) vs. UCLA Bruins (6-3)
- Time: Saturday, November 15, 7:30 PM EST (NBC)
- Analysis: The undefeated Buckeyes welcome a challenging UCLA team. Ohio State needs to avoid looking ahead to “The Game” next week and ensure they handle their business to maintain the #1 spot.
- #3 Texas A&M Aggies (9-0) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (4-5)
- Time: Saturday, November 15, 12:00 PM EST (ESPN)
- Analysis: Texas A&M, the SEC’s other undefeated team, cannot afford a loss to keep its CFP path clean. The Aggies’ nation-leading sack defense will look to dominate the Gamecocks’ offense.
Conference Race Updates
- Big Ten: #2 Indiana (10-0) faces Wisconsin, while #1 Ohio State (9-0) plays UCLA. The stage is being set for a massive winner-take-all showdown in Week 13.
- Big 12: After a huge Week 11 win, #8 Texas Tech (9-1) faces UCF. The race for the second spot in the Big 12 Championship Game is tight, with teams like Cincinnati and BYU still heavily involved.
- SEC: The massive Georgia-Texas and Alabama-Oklahoma matchups dominate the headlines, with #6 Ole Miss (9-1) hosting Florida in a critical game for the Rebels’ CFP hopes.
