Mandatory Credit: Photo by LM Otero/AP/Shutterstock (13381698e) Quarterback Max Duggan, center, looks to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Tarleton State in Fort Worth, Texas Tarleton St TCU Football, Fort Worth, United States – 10 Sep 2022
College Football: What to Watch for in Week 12
- Can TCU Stay Perfect? – Despite a spectacular defensive performance in Austin, TCU is just shy of a field goal favorite on the road in Waco against the Baylor Bears. What makes the line all the more surprising is the blowout loss Baylor suffered at the hands of Kansas State last week. TCU controls its own destiny and wins against Baylor this week, and Iowa State the following week would likely set up a rematch against Kansas State in the Big 12 title game. I’m focused on the defensive side of the ball for TCU, because if they can duplicate the effort they displayed in Austin, I’m not sure Baylor scores in this game.
- Bowl Eligibility for Tech – In Joey McGuires up and down first year as the head coach in Lubbock, the Red Raiders have an opportunity to secure a sixth win and a spot in the postseason on Saturday. The QB room for Texas Tech has been a revolving door due to injuries as Tyler Shough, Donovan Smith, and Behren Morton have all seen significant time this season. As of late, it has been Shough, who began the year as the starter, who is now back in place as the starter. If Tech can relieve the pressure of the sixth win against Iowa State this week, their odds of getting to a seventh win over Oklahoma in the final week of the season would certainly improve.
- CUSA Showdown – UTSA has been the class of CUSA for nearly two seasons now and has a showdown against intrastate rival Rice up next. Rice needs a win to get to a bowl for the first time since 2014, but they are almost two-touchdown underdogs to the Road Runners. The pain point for Rice this season has been turnovers, specifically interceptions. The Owls are dead last in college football with 17 total interceptions. If they are to have a chance against UTSA this week, a clean stat sheet in the turnover department is a must.