As the 2024 college football regular season draws to a close, the games begin to take on even more importance, especially as the playoffs approach. Just look at Week 12, which features several contests that have major implications on conference races and the rush for the 12-team College Football Playoff — and which even includes some unranked teams.
For example, Pittsburgh looks to keep its ACC hopes alive and bounce back from two straight losses by hosting No. 20 Clemson at noon ET. Although loftier goals are beyond their reach, Arkansas and Florida both have a chance to completely shake things up and take a step toward bowl eligibility against No. 3 Texas and No. LSU 22, respectively.
This all leads up to the biggest game of the weekend as No. 7 Tennessee travels to No. 12 Georgia. The Volunteers and Bulldogs are both still in the thick of the SEC championship game race, although neither can afford another loss, especially keeping in mind the potential for a bid general during the college football playoffs.
Be sure to stick with CBS Sports all day Saturday for college football coverage from kickoff. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for the best games of Week 11 with the picks cited from best sports betting apps available.
All times Eastern
No. 7 Tennessee to No. 12 Georgia
7:30 p.m. | ABC, fubo (Try for free) — The winner of this game will likely punch their tickets to the College Football Playoff. The loser seriously risks missing out. Although an injury to quarterback Nico Iamaleava would complicate things, Tennessee’s defense was still going to be the star of the show in this game. Additionally, Georgia underperformed ATS by 8.1 points per game in SEC play. THE bet the line is way too big. Pick: Tennessee +10 (via PariMGM) —Shehan Jeyarajah
No. 20 Clemson at Pittsburgh
Noon | ESPN, fubo (Try for free) — While Cade Klubnik usually finishes with a few touchdown passes, the offense hasn’t lit up opponents in recent weeks. I think Pitt’s defense is good enough to keep this group in check, but I’m not sure the Panthers will be able to score much against one of the more talented defenses they’ll face in the regular season. Clemson’s defense will travel, and Dabo is more than happy to come out of a second straight road game with a score similar to the 24-14 finale we saw last week against Virginia Tech. It’s a good week for bet below. Choose: Under 54.5 (via FanDuel) —Chip Patterson
#3 Texas to Arkansas
Noon | ABC, fubo (Try for free) — Arkansas struggled to maintain momentum after an early-season upset of Tennessee, losing two straight home games by 24 points or more to ranked teams. The Hogs’ offense can move the ball (483.6 points per game, No. 5 in the country) but has trouble finishing drives (81st in the red zone). The defense was a disaster in the secondary; they were separated in a record-breaking performance by Ole Mademoiselle two weeks ago to the tune of 515 yards and six touchdowns. Outside of Tennessee, this will be the best defense Arkansas has faced. The Longhorns have forced three or more turnovers in three straight games, and considering the Hogs’ quarterback Taylen GreenDue to the carelessness of the ball, the Horns will score at least once on a turnover. THE bet the line seems a bit low here. Pick: Texas -13 (via Fanatics) —Brandon Marcello
No. 4 Penn State at Purdue
3:30 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+ with Showtime, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports app — The line leans heavily toward Penn State, but the Nittany Lions should be able to pick their score against a hapless Purdue team. Especially since there is no guarantee that the Boilermakers will actually be able to score on Saturday. In its last two games against ranked conference opponents, Purdue has put a total of zero points on the board. Even if Purdue somehow manages to move the ball, the smart money says it can’t keep pace with a revitalized Penn State offense. Ryan Walters’ defense has allowed at least 35 points in four of six Big Ten games this year. Either way, the Boilermakers are woefully outmatched. It should be a good day for bet favorites. Pick: Penn State -28.5 (via Caesars) — Will Backus
No. 22 LSU in Florida
3:30 p.m. | ABC, fubo (Try for free) — The biggest question mark regarding this game is the availability of Florida Lagway. He is listed as questionable after suffering a hamstring injury in Florida’s loss to Georgia. The Gators are a much different team with Lagway, and LSU has had serious difficulty handling mobile quarterbacks. His presence will have a major impact. I suspect he will play, but rather than taking sides, I prefer to take sides. bet the total. Florida should score against LSU with Lagway, and the Tigers should be able to move the ball on the Gators. Choice: Over 54.5 (via DraftKings) —Tom Fornelli
SportsLine’s proven computer model calls for three outright upsets in Week 12 of college football. Visit SportsLine now to see them alland get picks for every game from the model that simulates every match 10,000 times.