Upcoming championship races, both at the conference and college football playoff levels, intensify on Saturday as the 2021 regular season draws closer to its conclusion. There is no conference in which the separation is potentially greater than the Big Ten, and two of the conference’s Eastern Division titans with CFP aspirations are set to face each other in a showdown in the top 10 here in week 12.

The day begins with the No.7 Michigan State heading to Columbus to face a No.4 Ohio State team that really seems to be finding their offensive pace lately. The Buckeyes are big favorites because of that offensive offense as well as the Spartans’ poor passing defense. Michigan State, however, walks in with a huge chip on its shoulder. It’s a team that doesn’t feel respected by the CFP committee by being ranked behind No.6 in Michigan – a team they’ve beaten this season. However, an upset victory over the Buckeyes in Columbus would surely earn the Spartans the respect they feel they deserve.

Alabama’s No.2 is also in the spotlight on Saturday, who can clinch the SEC West title and host the most anticipated game of the 2021 season in the conference title game on Saturday, December 4 with No.1 Georgia with a win of none. 21 Arkansas. At the end of the evening, the No.3 Oregon will look to boost his record with a road victory over a solid No.24 Utah team.

While winning is all that matters for the standings, we do care whether these teams will cover their gaps. Be sure to stick with CBS Sports throughout the day for college football coverage from the start. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for the 12th full Saturday of the season.

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No. 7 Michigan State to No. 4 Ohio State

12h | ABC, fuboTV (Try for free) – There are two factors at play for me with this choice. The first and most important is that Michigan State is a good football team, so getting nearly three touchdowns with them against an Ohio State team that has struggled to outplay opponents throughout the season is a big deal. difficult affair to pass up. The other factor is the timing of the match. While this one is huge, Ohio State is playing Michigan next week. The Buckeyes were bad ATS ahead of Michigan’s game, and they failed to cover the spread a week before Michigan for seven straight seasons (they didn’t play last year). Prediction: Michigan State (+19) – Tom Fornelli

State of Iowa to Oklahoma No. 13

12h | Fox, fuboTV (Try for free) – Oklahoma’s poor performance against Baylor matched their first clash against a decent defense halfway through. The bad news? The Cyclones could be even better on this side of the ball, and they have a running back who will keep the chains moving. Oklahoma might find a way to pull away in a home game, but the ISU can easily keep the game tight once again. Prediction: State of Iowa (+4) – Shehan Jeyarajah

# 21 Arkansas to # 2 Alabama

3:30 p.m. | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports app – Arkansas’ offense will have enough success against Alabama to at least keep Alabama in doubt heading into the fourth quarter. Will KJ Jefferson and the rest of the offense get the job done? No. A late mistake or two will cost the Hogs in this one, but they’ll keep it in all three touchdowns. Prediction: Arkansas (+20.5) – Barrett Sallee

# 6 Michigan in Maryland

3: 30 h | Big Ten Network, fuboTV (Try for free) – Michigan’s defensive front will be the group that wins this game. Maryland have been able to move the ball into their twenties this season, but have struggled to get into the red zone. This is where the Wolverines will begin to overwhelm a Terps offensive line that has failed to establish an advantage against the Big Ten’s top teams. Prediction: Michigan (-14.5) – Chip Patterson

No. 3 Oregon to No. 24 Utah

7:30 p.m. | ABC, fuboTV (Try for free) – Utah’s only loss in the past two months came against an Oregon State team that is one of only two teams in the conference to average more rushing yards per game than the ‘Utah. Now the Utes must face each other in Oregon. The Ducks are set to win a close game. Prediction: Oregon (+3) –David Cobb

What college football picks can you confidently make in Week 12, and which college football playoff contender will be hit hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread – all from a proven computer model that has grossed nearly $ 3,500 in profits over the past five+ seasons – and find out.