College football Week 12: 4 sneaky-good games of the week

College football Week 12 is headlined by some important matchups in the Big Ten and Big 12, but fans can find also entertainment elsewhere this weekend.

Week 12 of the college football season could have massive implications throughout the Power Five conferences, with No. 18 Oklahoma looking to climb back into the Big 12 race against No. 14 Oklahoma State. Meanwhile, over in the Big Ten No. 9 Indiana will look to take control of its division against No. 3 Ohio State while tenth-ranked Wisconsin looks to do the same against No. 19 Northwestern.

With most fans expected to be tuned into the weekend’s major action, some of the best games may fly under the radar. With a stacked slate in the Group of Five and some close games expected between middling Big Ten and ACC teams, dedicated fans would be wise to check out these five matchups.

Appalachian State at No. 15 Coastal Carolina (-5.5)

Coastal Carolina has been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2020 season, racing out to a 7-0 start and staking a claim as one of the Group of Five’s best teams. Appalachian State, however, at 6-1, likely presents the stiffest test yet. The Mountaineers have peeled off five straight wins after a loss to Marshall early in the season and will be hoping to take over first place in the Sun Belt with a win on Saturday.

Chanticleers redshirt freshman quarterback Grayson McCall has been phenomenal through seven games, tallying 16 passing touchdowns compared to just one interception, and fans should expect more of the same this week. With Mountaineers signal-caller Zac Thomas suffering a seemingly serious leg injury last week, backup Jacob Huesman will need to step up on Saturday and beyond to keep his team afloat.

Georgia Southern at Army (-4)

With no conference implications at play between Georgia Southern and Army, this matchup will not have much bearing outside of each team looking to inch toward a top-25 ranking. However, an exciting game should always be expected when two 6-2 opponents take the field.

Expect an emphasis on the ground game in this one, with the Eagles and Black Knights both leaning heavily on their rushers so far this season. Army’s option offense always gives opponents fits, while Georgia Southern running back J.D. King is out for the rest of the season with an injury. Quarterback Shai Werts remains a threat on the ground, but backs Wesley Kennedy III and Logan Wright will be relied upon heavily.

Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh (+3.5)

Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh have each been a mixed bag this season, failing to create any separation in a crowded middle of the pack in the ACC. Saturday’s head-to-head will give each a chance to do so, and dispel some Jekyll-and-Hyde criticisms in the process.

Hokies running back Khalil Herbert is easing his way back after a hamstring injury, and with backup Jalen Holston performing well in his absence, head coach Justin Fuente expects both to play a role. The Kenny Pickett-Jordan Addison connection should once again be the engine for the Panthers’ offense as Part Narduzzi’s squad looks to come out strong after the bye week.

San Jose State at Fresno State (+2.5)

Fresno State and San Jose State both sit near the top of the Mountain West, with Saturday evening’s matchup presenting a chance for either the Spartans to take control or the Bulldogs to climb the standings. In such a top-heavy conference where three teams remain undefeated (including the Spartans), games like these will dictate who emerges as the champion once the season ends.

Starting quarterbacks Jake Haener and Nick Starkel have comparable numbers thus far this season, but skill position players on each squad’s offense should provide a spark. Bulldogs running back Ronnie Rivers is out to an extremely strong start in 2020, averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and rushing for seven touchdowns. Spartans wideout Bailey Gaither meanwhile has tallied 432 receiving yards and four touchdowns through four games.

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