College football burning questions: Can Syracuse upset Notre Dame?

Burning questions for Week 12, including how will UCF handle their toughest game of the season and what team will be in the top 25 this time next week.

Week 12 of the college football season features a matchup between Notre Dame and Syracuse that Notre Dame needs to win if they want to get another marquee win and to keep their spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. Other battles between top 25 opponents include Iowa State at Texas and Cincinnati at UCF. Iowa State looks to increase their win streak to six games and take sole possession of third place in the Big 12, while Cincinnati attempts to knock off an undefeated UCF team that needs to secure a big victory to look like a legitimate contender as the season comes to a close.

Should Notre Dame be worried about Syracuse?

Yes.

Led by head coach Dino Babers, the Syracuse Orange have put together a solid 8-2 record so far this season with their losses coming against Clemson and Pittsburgh. Both of these teams are winning the ACC Atlantic and Coastal divisions and they were both within a single score at the end. The Orange have played very well against the top college football competition this season and they should not be overlooked by a Notre Dame team that could use another solid win over quality competition to prove they deserve to be in the College Football Playoff.

Can we expect any changes in the top 10 next week?

Unfortunately, no.

With the top 10 rankings staying exactly the same as last week after they all won, drama and upsets should be incoming as the final weeks come around. Sadly, it looks like there will not be any major changes again this week as only two top 10 teams face opponents with winning records. These are Notre Dame against Syracuse and Clemson against Duke. Even though Duke is 7-3, they are still a 28-point underdog in their showdown at Clemson. Unless major chaos ensues, not much will change in the top 10 after week 12.

Which Heisman hopeful needs to have another stellar performance?

West Virginia quarterback Will Grier.

One of the hottest names in the Heisman running coming into the season, Grier almost fell off the radar with a bit of a mid-season slump. Grier came back strong two weeks ago against Texas, engineering a game-winning drive that he capped off with a 2-point conversion to win by a single point. Grier followed this up by dismantling a TCU defense en route to a 47-10 victory. Grier will need another performance like this in week 12 in order to add to his Heisman credibility. The Oklahoma State defense is susceptible to giving up points and yards in a hurry, so Grier will need to capitalize if he wants any shot at catching Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa in the Heisman race.

Will UCF finally lose their first game in two seasons?

No.

UCF is going up against their toughest competition to date against the no. 24 Cincinnati Bearcats. Cincinnati has a tough defense that will try to keep star quarterback McKenzie Milton in check. This will be easier said than done as Milton has proven to be a successful rusher and passer with a combined 29 touchdowns and only six turnovers. UCF will need Milton to make sure he stays turnover-free in order for them to take down the Bearcats to secure their highest quality victory of the year.

What team has the best chance to get into the top 25 with a win?

Pittsburgh.

After starting out the season 3-4, the Pittsburgh Panthers have won their last three games against conference opponents and have put themselves at the top of the ACC Coastal standings. With a win against Wake Forest this week, and a little help from losses by current top 25 teams, the Panthers could be put in a position to be a top 25 team next Tuesday. As a 7-4 team, the Panthers are playing their best football heading into week 12. If they secure a four-game winning streak with a win, the committee will have to strongly consider Pittsburgh.