Joel Klatt makes Utah at Colorado prediction, other key Week 12 picks

There are only three weeks left in the regular season, and college football is only growing more exciting. The Week 12 slate includes two ranked showdowns, while several other pivotal conference showdowns unfold across the country.

On Thursday, FOX Sports reporter Joel Klatt weighed in on the most intriguing showdowns of the weekend, including the game he will be calling — Utah at Colorado. Of course, Klatt didn’t make a pick on that game but he wasn’t shy to voice his predictions on the others.

However, before examining Klatt’s betting picks, let’s look at his expectations for the Big 12 Battle between the Buffaloes and the Utes.

Utah at No. 17 Colorado (-11.5)

Klatt believes Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.‘s game status will play a major role in the outcome of this contest. Horn missed the second half of Colorado’s win over Texas Tech last week after suffering a lower-body injury.

Earlier this week, Colorado head coach Deion Sanders classified Horn’s condition as day-to-day. Of course, Colorado has more weapons than Horn out wide. With Heisman Trophy frontrunner Travis Hunter as an option, the Buffaloes’ offense will be difficult to stop on Saturday.

No. 7 Tennessee at No. 12 Georgia (-10.5)

Klatt’s score prediction: Georgia 20, Tennessee 17
Klatt expects Georgia to win but not cover the spread. After all, it’s shocking for Georgia to be favored by double digits despite being a lower-ranked team than the Volunteers. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs will be hungry for a win after suffering a 28-10 loss to Ole Miss last week.

In comparison, Tennessee is on a four-game win streak, most recently defeating Mississippi State in a 33-14 blowout. Alas, it’s worth noting that Georgia has more on the line. With two losses, Kirby Smart and Co. would be risking their spot in the College Football Playoff with another loss in the regular season.

No. 1 Oregon (-13.5) at Wisconsin

Klatt’s score prediction: Oregon 35, Wisconsin 17
Unlike Georgia, Klatt has faith that Oregon will cover the spread and then some. There’s little reason to doubt the Ducks. The team is 10-0 this season and coming off a comfortable 39-18 win over Maryland.

History isn’t on Wisconsin’s side, either. The Badgers are 2-14 in their last 16 games against Top 25 teams, including a 0-5 mark under second-year head coach Luke Fickell. Klatt doesn’t believe Wisconsin will break its downward trend on Saturday.

Kansas at No. 6 BYU (-2.5)

Klatt’s score prediction: BYU 34, Kansas 31
It won’t take much for BYU to cover the spread and, in this instance, Klatt expects the Cougars to do just that. While Klatt believes the Jayhawks are capable of handing BYU its first loss of the season, he said he can’t deny the magic of what’s unfolding in Provo, Utah.

Who can blame him? After entering the season with little expectations, BYU would be the third seed in the College Football Playoff and have a first-round bye if the season ended today. Fortunately for Kansas, it doesn’t and it’ll have a chance to spoil BYU’s special season on Saturday.

Nebraska at USC (-8.5)

Klatt’s score prediction: USC 28, Nebraska 21
USC and Nebraska will both look a lot different than usual on offense this weekend. Earlier this week, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule announced he was replacing offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield with former West Virginia and Houston coach Dana Holgorsen.

Meanwhile, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava is taking Miller Moss‘ place as the Trojans’ QB1 following a lackluster campaign. Although Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola is expected to play on Saturday, Klatt is still rolling with USC to win.

All odds are according to FanDuel Sportsbook.