Nick Bartlett’s 2025 Week 12 SuperWest Fearless Predictions

Minnesota at No. 8 Oregon

Friday, November 14
6:00 PM PT, FOX

Oregon notched an epic win in opposition to Iowa final week, however they must be cautious in opposition to Minnesota. The Geese are the higher squad, however they’re coming into this matchup on a brief week, and each of their current opponents play a bodily fashion.

UM’s protection ranks twenty ninth in factors allowed per recreation. UO ought to take into account going deep of their depth chart to keep away from potential accidents.

On the sphere, the Golden Gophers are gonna have to attain some factors. Minnesota has solely tallied greater than 23 factors twice in opposition to FBS opponents.

They battle in each passing and working the ball. Their passing assault is the stronger unit, rating 93rd in passing yards per contest. Their greatest gamers on offense are Drake Lindsey and Darius Taylor.

Oregon ought to simply be capable of outscore Minnesota, however they’re nonetheless restricted at wideout. This might have an effect on a unit that ranks third in EPA per play. They had been lacking their prime three receivers in opposition to Iowa final week.

If Dakorien Moore and Gary Bryant Jr. can’t play, they’ll solely have 4 scholarship wideouts out there for this matchup. This could profit the Gophers’ secondary, which ranks 74th in protection grade in keeping with PFF.

Actually, although, UO isn’t about to lose to UM. The Gophers don’t have sufficient offense to compete.

There’s Geese on the pond.

Oregon 42, Minnesota 14

Arizona at No. 25 Cincinnati

Saturday, November 15
9:00 a.m. PT, FS1

When Quincy Craig dashed 24 yards into the tip zone final Saturday, all was effectively with my picks. At that time of the day, I used to be 6-1, however someway my Fearless Predictions completed 6-4.

Craig’s landing run secured a 10-point comeback victory and made UA eligible for a bowl recreation. If the Wildcats are going to win in Cincinnati, nevertheless, they’ll must play higher.

This needs to be a enjoyable matchup to look at as a result of each quarterbacks are stanky, in a great way. Brendan Sorsby has had an exceptional yr, throwing for two,064 yards, 21 touchdowns, and two interceptions.

He’s additionally added 453 yards on the bottom and eight TDs. It needs to be attention-grabbing to see how he performs in opposition to an Arizona protection that’s seventh nationally in passing yards allowed per recreation.

The Wildcats have Noah Fifita, a veteran playmaker who can take over a recreation. He wants only one extra landing cross to set the profession file at UA and break the present three-way tie.

The Bearcats’ secondary is pedestrian, rating 83rd nationally in passing yards allowed per recreation, so he ought to be capable of make some performs.

The WildCats may even must discover a method to block Dontay Corleone. He’s a harmful cross rusher and good in opposition to zone dashing schemes.

I wanna decide Arizona, however they didn’t look so sizzling final week, they freeze in Cinci.

Cincinnati 31, Arizona 28

West Virginia at Arizona State

Saturday, November 15
10:00 a.m. PT, TNT

This recreation is a “discover out” second for each squads. If the Solar Devils lose this matchup, they’ll discover themselves again in the midst of the Large 12 standings. For West Virginia, a win does the alternative, transferring them up the center of the pack.

A serious secret is whether or not Jeff Sims can throw the soccer. The Mountaineers ought to attempt to make Sims beat them together with his arm.

Within the Solar Devils’ win in opposition to Iowa State, he rushed for 228 yards and two touchdowns. He struggled to throw the ball, passing for 177 yards, one landing, and one interception.

WVU has been stable in opposition to working quarterbacks this yr, which might bode of their favor. They haven’t allowed a sign caller to hurry for greater than 100 yards in opposition to them.

One other necessary issue on this matchup is ASU conserving Diore Hubbard in test. Scotty Fox Jr. might be their greatest participant on offense, however they’re loads more durable to beat when Hubbard begins feeling himself. He had 158 complete yards in opposition to Colorado final week.

Arizona State ranks thirty fourth nationally in opposition to the run, so they need to be alright, however Wealthy Rodriguez’ dashing schemes are distinctive. West Virginia ranks thirty ninth nationally in dashing yards per recreation.

Jordyn Tyson can be out for this contest, which ought to assist the Mountaineers immensely.

There are loads of issues that time to an upset right here, however Sims ain’t gonna let it occur.

The desert roads take the Solar Devils residence.

Arizona State 27, West Virginia 17

No. 21 Iowa at No. 17 USC

Saturday, November 15
12:30 PM PT, Large Ten Community

This is a light-heavyweight battle between two groups hoping to remain related all through the rest of the season.

Iowa enters this contest after a heartbreaking loss in opposition to Oregon final week, whereas USC comes into this matchup driving a two-game win streak.

One factor to look at on this matchup is which crew can management the tempo. The Hawkeyes desire a low-scoring grind mode affair, whereas the Trojans rank seventh nationally in factors scored per recreation.

SC would possibly discover it tough to get UI off the sphere. They rank 122nd within the nation with a 47.6% dashing success allowed. This might show problematic in opposition to Iowa’s Prime 50 dashing offense, which averages 176 yards per contest.

If the Trojans can discover a method to include the Hawkeyes’ run recreation, it might permit their cross rushers to make some performs. The USC cross rush ranks sixteenth nationally with a 7.9 p.c sack charge.

Defensive ends Kameryn Crawford and Braylan Shelby have mixed for seven sacks this yr.

Flipping the sphere, UI should discover a method to restrict Jayden Maiava, who has had an exceptional marketing campaign, rating eighth nationally with 2,614 passing yards. His favourite goal Makai Lemon is a game-wrecker. Iowa should have him of their laser imaginative and prescient.

USC additionally has an underrated dashing offense, which ranks twenty second nationally in yards per recreation.

No puns for this one, Iowa’s nonetheless beat up, and USC takes benefit.

Good timing for the Trojans.

USC 35, Iowa 21

No. 13 Utah at Baylor

Saturday, November 15
4:00 p.m. PT, ESPN2

This recreation’s tremendous necessary for Utah. After a subpar inauguration within the Large 12, the Utes have an opportunity to make issues proper this season. In the event that they defeat Baylor, they’ll be in a great spot to stroll away with a 10-win marketing campaign.

Their remaining two contests are in opposition to the Kansas faculties. The important thing to this matchup needs to be if BU can decelerate U of U’s dashing assault. Utah averages 5.92 yards per carry, which retains them in good down-and-distance conditions.

Neither of their halfbacks are trailblazing, however they’re each stable.

If Baylor’s defensive position can play impartial with Utah’s hogmollies up entrance, they’ll probably be capable of restrict Wayshawn Parker and NaQuari Rogers. It received’t be simple, although, as a result of the Utes rank third nationally in dashing yards per recreation.

One other key on this matchup needs to be whether or not the Bears’ wideouts can win one-on-one matchups in opposition to the Utes’ secondary. BU has loads of expertise at receiver, and the Utes play loads of man-to-man protection.

Sawyer Robertson’s additionally a baller. Robertson has thrown for two,780 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He’s additionally added two touchdowns on the bottom.

It needs to be attention-grabbing to see if he rises to the event in opposition to Utah’s secondary, which is sixth nationally in passing yards allowed per recreation. Baylor could also be good, however the Utes are rugged.

The individuals of the mountains win.

Utah 38, Baylor 24

Utah State at UNLV

Saturday, November 15
4:00 PM PT, CBS Sports activities

These two groups are comparable in some ways. Each squads have a brand new head coach, fanbases which might be anticipating success, and mainly had a brand new crew in the beginning of the yr.

This matchup needs to be an offensive explosion. Each groups battle on protection, however have Prime 30 scoring models.

One participant to look at on this contest is Aggies quarterback Bryson Barnes. He has seen just about every thing, however he’ll want to guard the ball in opposition to the Rebels.

Barnes is a vet, however UNLV’s an opportunistic protection. The Rebels rank seventh within the nation with 12 interceptions, tenth in turnover margin at plus eight, and have three defensive touchdowns.

One thing’s gotta curve right here as a result of he has solely thrown three interceptions on the yr. And he’s coming in sizzling, having thrown for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions every week in the past.

Each passing models rank within the Prime 40 in yards per recreation, with the Aggies rating twenty eighth, and LV 10 sports activities behind.

UNLV may even be on the lookout for one other stable outing from its protection. They performed effectively in opposition to Colorado State, however acquired torched by New Mexico the week prior, permitting 532 complete yards.

Each groups have confirmed working backs in Jai’Den Thomas and Miles Davis. Thomas is the superior participant, although. In a battle of similarity, the house area ought to make the distinction.

We don’t gamble on picks.

UNLV 35, Utah St 31

UCLA at No. 1 Ohio State

Saturday, November 15
4:30 PM PT, NBC

This preview wouldn’t be right here if UCLA hadn’t upset Penn State, however I’ve discovered I don’t know something.

From a logical standpoint, there’s no manner the Bruins ought to compete on this contest. The Buckeyes are favored by 31 and a half factors.

If LA’s gonna pull it off, they’ll want Nico Iamaleava to play the very best recreation of his life. They’ll additionally must disrupt the rhythm of Julian Sayin.

Sayin has accomplished 81 p.c of his passes this yr, serving to gas OSU’s cross offense, which ranks 18th in yards per recreation.  UCLA would possibly be capable of gradual him down a tad. They’re twenty fifth nationally in yards allowed by the air, however that’s a perhaps.

One other key on this contest needs to be UCLA’s dashing assault. In the event that they attempt to throw each play, the Buckeyes will destroy their line. Ohio State’s protection is traditionally good, main the nation in scoring protection, complete protection, and red-zone prevention.

Stability is every thing. The Bruins may even want their offensive line to guard Iamaleava. The Buckeyes are tied third nationally with 25 sacks.

OSU’s complete roster is disgusting, however three gamers to look at are wideout Jeremiah Smith, security Caleb Downs, and receiver Carnell Tate. Smith leads Ohio State with 65 catches, 862 receiving yards, and 10 landing receptions.

If Nico thought coming to UCLA was going to recover from the Buckeyes, he’s a bit of foolish. However there’s nothing goofy about Ohio State.

Brutus stays undefeated.

Ohio State 45, UCLA 10

Wyoming at Fresno State

Saturday, November 15
7:30 PM PT, FS1

As loopy because it sounds, Fresno State nonetheless has an opportunity to win the Mountain West Championship. This can be a large flip from the place they had been two weeks in the past.

The Bulldogs modified the narrative of their season with that win in opposition to Boise State. Wyoming enters this contest having misplaced to San Diego State two weeks in the past.

The important thing to this matchup needs to be the event of Carson Conklin, who’s beginning his third recreation for Fresno and has struggled in opposition to the Broncos.

Despite the fact that FSU knocked off Boise, he didn’t get it executed, finishing lower than 50 p.c of his passes and throwing for simply 35 yards.

The Cowboys have protection, so that they’ll stack the field if he can’t play higher. Wyoming ranks twenty fifth nationally in passing yards allowed per recreation, so they need to be capable of deal with him.

The Boys battle to cease the run, so if he will get going, it ought to permit the Bulldogs to take management of the competition. On offense, Wyoming’s fairly dangerous, however they’ve an honest quarterback.

Kaden Anderson is proficient however younger. Anderson has thrown for 1,727 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions. He’ll must be exact as a result of Fresno State ranks forty second in passing yards allowed per recreation.

If he can keep away from turnovers, they need to be capable of grasp round on this matchup. However hanging round isn’t a dub.

The Cowboys get trapped within the valley.

Fresno State 27, Wyoming 14

TCU at No. 12 BYU

Saturday, November 15
7:15 p.m. PT, ESPN

This recreation is significant for BYU. The Cougars enter this matchup after their first lack of the yr in opposition to a crew who’s taken their meals.

These two squads have been aligned because the outdated Mountain West days, and TCU has knocked off the Cougars 5 instances in a row; the final time BYU received was 2007.

The important thing to this faux-rivalry needs to be whether or not BYU could make the Horned Toads one-dimensional. TCU struggles to run the ball, rating 107th nationally in yards per recreation.

They’re higher by the air due to Josh Hoover. However Hoover received’t be capable of do it alone in opposition to a BYU protection that ranks sixteenth in factors allowed per contest. He’s thrown for two,690 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

The mixture of Eric McAlister and Hoover is the explanation why TCU is so explosive on offense; they common 33 factors per recreation.

McAlister ranks ninth nationally with 834 receiving yards and is tied for eighth nationally with eight landing receptions. He’ll affect the sport.

For BYU, this contest is much less about their personnel and extra about studying from final season. The Cougars began the 2024 season 9-0 earlier than dropping two straight contests and lacking the School Soccer Playoff.

In the event that they drop out of CFP rivalry this yr, it received’t be due to TCU.

The Cougs “Crank That” Soulja Boy prefer it’s 2007.

BYU 27, TCU 21

Boise State at San Diego State

Saturday, November 15
7:30 PM PT, CBS Sports activities

This recreation is pivotal for each these groups, however a 3rd crew can be watching it carefully—Hawaii.

If San Diego State wins, they’ll management their future to the Mountain West Championship, however a loss, and the Bows take their spot.

Each squads are additionally seeking to bounce again from their earlier robust losses.

One necessary side of this contest is whether or not SDSU’s protection can capitalize in opposition to the Broncos’ backup quarterback. The Aztecs acquired shredded by Micah Alejado final week, so that they’ll be on the lookout for redemption.

Max Cutforth has restricted expertise, having thrown for under 186 yards and one landing throughout his collegiate profession. The signal-caller scenario makes this a tiger matchup.

Boise State ranks 53rd in passing yards per recreation with Maddux Madsen in cost, whereas San Diego State ranks 114th. Boise can be thirty fourth in complete offense, whereas SDSU is 92nd.

The Broncos may even want their entrance seven to cease the Aztecs’ dashing assault. San Diego State has a legit participant in Fortunate Sutton.

SDSU averages 180 yards per recreation on the bottom. They could be capable of exploit BSU’s protection, which is having a down yr in opposition to the run. They rank 87th in dashing yards allowed per contest.

This can be a fricking toss-up, however Boise nearly at all times finds a manner.

Onward and Cutforth.

Boise State 24, SDSU 17