Get ready for an explosive Week 12 of college football! This season, the stakes are higher than ever, with multiple teams battling it out for a spot in the prestigious 12-team College Football Playoff. The weekly rankings have added an extra layer of excitement, giving us a clearer picture of the college football landscape.
The Battle for Playoff Contention
This weekend, several powerhouse programs face crucial games that could make or break their playoff dreams. Take, for instance, the highly anticipated showdown between No. 9 Notre Dame and No. 22 Pittsburgh. Both teams are on the brink, knowing that another loss could shatter their playoff aspirations, especially for Notre Dame, which lacks the safety net of a conference championship.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Should Lane Kiffin, the head coach of No. 7 Ole Miss, consider leaving his team for another program? Kiffin’s name has been linked to openings at Florida and LSU, but is it worth the risk?
Lane Kiffin: Stay or Go?
Ole Miss is on a mission to secure a playoff spot, and this weekend, they host a Florida team in search of a new coach. Kiffin, ironically, is a hot commodity for that very position. However, leaving Ole Miss for another rebuild might not be the smartest move. Kiffin has transformed Ole Miss into a national contender, while teams like Florida have struggled with inconsistency.
Why would he trade a successful rebuild for another uncertain project? LSU, while seemingly more stable, has its own issues, including interference from the governor and uncertainty surrounding the athletic director position. Kiffin could continue cruising at Ole Miss with consistent winning seasons. It’s a risk-free zone for him, and he should stay put.
Pittsburgh: A Dark Horse Contender
Pittsburgh has been flying under the radar all season, despite consistently ranking in the top 25 of the College Football Playoff rankings. The Panthers have quietly won five straight games, emerging as a serious contender for the ACC Championship Game and beyond.
Saturday’s game against Notre Dame is their chance to shine. With both teams needing a win, it’s a perfect opportunity for Pittsburgh to make a statement. After this game, the nation will recognize Pitt’s legitimacy. Notre Dame, having already lost to a ranked opponent on the road, will face a tough challenge against Pittsburgh’s top-ranked ACC run defense.
If the Panthers can put pressure on Notre Dame’s quarterback, CJ Carr, especially in a hostile environment, they could pull off an upset.
The Group of Six: Beyond the American Conference
Traditionally, the American Conference has been seen as the most likely source for the Group of Six’s College Football Playoff representative. However, this season, the American has been a bit of a mess, with teams cannibalizing each other’s chances.
The spotlight now shifts to a team outside the American Conference: James Madison. With an unblemished record in conference play and a close loss to potential ACC champion Louisville, James Madison is poised to take the pole position. If the Dukes finish undefeated and win the Sun Belt, they’ll have a strong case against any champion from the American Conference.
Jerry Mack: A Rising Star
Jerry Mack, a former assistant coach at Tennessee and the Jacksonville Jaguars, is making waves in his first year as an FBS head coach at Kennesaw State. After a disappointing 2-10 campaign last year, Mack has transformed the Owls into Conference USA favorites.
Kennesaw State is undefeated in league play this year, and on Saturday, they’ll take a huge step towards the championship by defeating fellow undefeated C-USA opponent Jacksonville State. While Mack might not be a household name yet, his success will undoubtedly put him on the radar of top coaching candidates in the future.