We’ve reached the point in the college football season where one result can make or break a team’s season. And with the playoff field expanding, there are more teams that can fall under that umbrella entering Week 12.

There are major matchups in the SEC that could see teams miss out on an opportunity to reach the conference championship game. The Big 12 also has some key matchups that could provide some upset moments. But they’re not the only leagues with high-stakes pressure this Saturday that could cause surprises.

So which games are most likely to produce those moments?

That’s why the USA TODAY Sports college football staff is here. Scooby Axson, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith and Eddie Timanus weigh in with their bold predictions for Week 12 of the college football season:

Georgia is taking its early playoff denouement personally

Let Georgia say it: They’re one of the best teams in the nation, and despite their tough schedule, resume, and who they’ve beaten so far, they’re certainly not going to have an argument here.

But the playoff committee, which is the deciding factor, sees it differently. With a 2 in the loss column, Georgia’s next loss will have them watching the postseason festivities with the rest of us.

When Tennessee comes to town on Saturday, it will essentially be a playoff eliminator, so the Bulldogs will need to get their act together sooner rather than later, especially on offense, and not give the ball to the other team.

For the Volunteers, who lost seven straight to Georgia, a win would go a long way toward establishing them as a legitimate title contender, but they’ll have to wait until next year as the Bulldogs take control early and come away with an impressive win. . — Scooby Axson

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Arizona State joins Big 12 title race

The number of teams in the running to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff through the Big 12 is staggering, but a new team will be joining the pack in the state of Arizona. Kenny Dillingham deserves major props for what he accomplishes with Devils of the Sun. After a 3-9 first season, he is 7-2 this time around with a strong running game that has been complemented by solid quarterback play. Arizona State will visit a Kansas State team that has been a bit shaky recently. As good as the Wildcats are at stopping the run, Cam Skattebo and company are finding holes and coming through in a big win. At 8-2 and 5-2 in conference play, Arizona State jumps into the playoff standings and heads into an at-large showdown with Brigham Young with a chance to make the conference title game. — Jordan Mendoza

BYU takes first loss since visiting Kansas

Kansas isn’t intimidated by BYU’s raucous nighttime environment and pulls off an upset with major playoff implications. While BYU would remain the favorite to finish first in the Big 12 and play for the conference title, this loss would virtually guarantee that the conference is a one-bid league. Kansas might be 3-6, but it’s a very good 3-6, if that means anything. The Jayhawks have won two of three, including last week’s win over Iowa State, and six of the losses have come by a combined 30 points. KU could easily be 5-4, even 6-3. — Paul Myerberg

LSU falters in Florida

The Tigers remain in contention for the SEC title after last week’s loss at Alabama, but the Crimson Tide and Tennessee need to lose. It seems unlikely, so expect LSU to have some excitement heading into Gainesville. Florida, meanwhile, has a chance to reach a bowl game with a win Saturday and then beating either Mississippi or Florida State. The Gators Also return quarterback DJ Langway, who played well enough to have them in contention against Georgia before an injury forced him out. Look for the Swamp to provide a decisive advantage for the home team and for Billy Napier to finally get the breakthrough win he needs to reach the postseason and build momentum for the 2025 season. — Eric Smith

Boise State will face a tough test from San Jose State

Life is pretty good for Boise State right now. With a credible Heisman contender and a favorable playoff committee ranking, The Broncos they are right where they need to get off.

But wait. Saturday’s trip to San Jose State has high danger potential. The Spartans are already bowl eligible and more than capable of putting up a big score. Sure, Boise has star running back Ashton Jeanty, but San Jose also has an All-America candidate. Nick Nash leads the nation in receiving yards per game at 128.4 and catches with 86 while notching at least one touchdown reception in all nine games this season. Yes, he also threw a few TD passes.

Boise State will be fine if it takes care of the ball, but that has been a problem lately. The Spartans defense has 22 takeaways, including 16 interceptions. The Broncos will likely come away with the win, but don’t be surprised if it’s still in doubt in the final quarter. — Eddie Timanus

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: College Football Week 12 Bold Predictions: BYU, LSU Upset Victims?