College Football Upset Picks, Predictions: 3 Teams on Disaster Watch for Week 12

Rice has had a knack for slaying some of the top teams in Conference USA, which is why the Owls are one of our top upset picks for Week 12.

Henry John

Last updated: January 1, 0001 12:00 AM EST • 4 min read

Rice has had a knack for slaying some of the top teams in Conference USA, which is why the Owls are one of our top upset picks for Week 12.

This week’s college football schedule lacks the same volume of high-profile matchups that we’ve grown accustomed to in recent weeks. Thus, perhaps it’s only appropriate that this week’s column highlights what might be the least-sexy trio of upset picks that we’ve featured all season. Those with an affinity for betting on longshot underdogs have come to the right place.

Here are our top college football upset picks for Week 12 (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook and SuperBook).

College Football Upset Picks for Week 12

Nebraska (+310 via FanDuel)
Rice (+420 via FanDuel)
Hawaii (+330 via SuperBook)

Week 12 College Football Upset Predictions

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska (+310)

Wisconsin’s hopes of winning the Big Ten West Division were dissipated at the hands of Iowa last week. Graham Mertz threw two interceptions as the Badgers’ offense was stymied in defeat. Although the Nebraska outfit has nowhere near the same caliber of defense as Iowa, bettors shouldn’t dismiss the home underdog entirely in this spot.

Nebraska has scored a total of 25 points in its last three games. Notably absent from the lineup over that span was quarterback Casey Thompson. The Texas transfer was knocked out of the Cornhuskers’ home game against Illinois with an arm injury and hasn’t played since. After practicing all week, that appears likely to change on Saturday.

Thompson’s return will undoubtedly help jumpstart a Nebraska offense that has been nonexistent the past few weeks. It should also provide a jolt of energy to a defense that has struggled all season. The fact that this is the Huskers’ final home game of the season will only provide more motivation.

It should also be noted that Wisconsin has only one victory away from Madison all season. Given how ugly last week’s effort in Iowa City was, one can’t help but believe the Cornhuskers have a shot as a double-digit home underdog.

UTSA vs. Rice (+420)

Alright, who is ready to get wild? That’s pretty much the only way to describe picking Rice to pull off an outright upset over UTSA. Despite being the visiting team, the Roadrunners are appropriately laying nearly two full touchdowns. UTSA is undefeated in Conference USA this season and has already clinched a spot in the conference championship game.

Then, there’s Rice who needs to win one of its final two games to become bowl eligible. Given that next week’s regular-season finale comes on the road against a North Texas team that will be fighting to make the C-USA title game, the Owls’ best opportunity could very well be against UTSA this week.

Although Rice could wind up being a double-digit underdog in each of its final two games, we have seen Mike Bloogren’s team pull off shockers before. A home win earlier this season over UAB would certainly classify, as would last year’s road upset of the Blazers. The Owls also knocked off Louisiana at home earlier this year, and stunned a nationally-ranked Marshall team back in 2020.

Combine the urgency to become bowl eligible with the emotions of senior day, and Rice at least figures to put up a strong fight. If starting quarterback TJ McMahon is able to return from an injury sustained last week, perhaps the Owls can shock the reigning C-USA champs and punch their ticket to the postseason.

UNLV vs. Hawaii (+330)

Declaring that Hawaii is the worst team in all of FBS this season isn’t that far-fetched. With that being said, it’s never easy for visiting teams to make the long flight out to the islands.

Hawaii’s only two wins this season both came at home over FCS-level Duquesne and Nevada, respectively. The Rainbow Warriors are clearly one of the worst teams in a weak Mountain West Conference. However, there’s no denying that Hawaii has improved since the start of the year.

After being noncompetitive against Vanderbilt and Western Kentucky to open the season, the Rainbow Warriors have won two of four home games since. Furthermore, losses to Wyoming and Utah State both came by only seven points. Hawaii also held its own in one-score losses on the road against San Diego State and Colorado State.

The Rebels got a major boost on offense last week with quarterback Doug Brumfield and tailback Aidan Robbins both returning from injuries. It still wasn’t enough to snap their losing skid, which is now up to five in a row. UNLV’s last win came back in the month of September, and could get caught looking past Hawaii with a rivalry game against Nevada on deck.

Where to Bet on College Football Upset Picks

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College football upset picks made 11/18/2022 at 3:35 p.m. ET.

Written By:
Henry John

Henry’s passion for sports dates all the way back to childhood and has ultimately led to a full-fledged career as an analyst and content creator. After getting his start penning fantasy football articles, he forrayed into the betting side of the business in early 2019. His love for sports and statistics proved to be an ideal match with the dedicated research and strategy that handicapping requires. Henry currently specializes in betting analysis and picks for college football, college basketball, and NASCAR. He counts NFL, WNBA, and NBA player props as additional leagues/markets of interest. Henry graduated from SUNY Buffalo in 2021 with a Communication Studies degree and a Psychology minor. A native of the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York, he and his pup, Harold, have since relocated to Laramie, Wyoming. Thanks to his professional goals within the sports betting industry, there has been a whole lot of steam on the odds for a move to Las Vegas in 2023! Most of Henry’s free time is spent on outdoor adventures, playing chess, snowboarding, or reading a good book. He is also a competitive powerlifter and aspires to qualify for the USAPL Nationals meet within the next 2-3 years.