The most important factor in college football handicapping is motivational and situational spots. It’s not about what teams are playing but when they are playing each other. Let’s take a look at the motivational and situational spots heading into week 12 of college football.

TROY / SOUTH CAROLINA - South Carolina is coming off of a program defining win last week against Florida. That win captured the SEC East title and gave the Gamecocks a spot in the SEC Championship game. Now they face Troy this week in a game that has no postseason implications. However, Troy is from the weakest conference in Division I-A, and their teams have been blown out several times this season in non-conference games against stronger conferences. The Gamecocks could very well blowout Troy with just a simple game plan and average effort.

DUKE / GEORGIA TECH - Georgia Tech has their big in-state rivalry game looming next week against Georgia. The Yellow Jackets need this game to secure a bowl bid, but they can still beat Duke and not come close to covering the point spread. Duke has covered in four out of their last six games but they still are not a good team by any teams.

STANFORD / CALIFORNIA - This game is a huge rivalry for both teams, but California is coming off of a very disappointing loss last week to Oregon. The Bears were in that game throughout and had a great chance to win it but made some critical mistakes in the 2nd half. Now they have to come back this week and play a rivalry game against one of the best teams in the country.

USC / OREGON STATE - Oregon State is coming off of a very embarrassing loss last week to Washington State. What makes that loss even worse is that they were blown out by the lowly Cougars. Oregon State is usually an outstanding team in the second half of the season, so that loss is a little puzzling. There is no better game to bounce back than this week against USC, but the Trojans are playing very well. They are coming off of a big road last week against Arizona, so will they falter or continue their success?

UTAH / SAN DIEGO STATE - Utah was absolutely embarrassed last week at Notre Dame with no effort or enthusiasm after a blowout home loss to TCU just a week prior. Now they have to travel to San Diego State to play a much improved Aztecs team. It will be interesting to see what kind of effort the Utes give here. San Diego State is playing very well now and is coming off of a close loss to TCU in their last game. If Utah has any pride or motivation left then you would think that they will come out strong in this game.

WEST VIRGINIA / LOUISVILLE - West Virginia has their big rivalry game next week against Pittsburgh, and they are also coming off of blowout home win over Cincinnati. Now they have to go on the road and play an under-rated Louisville team as decent sized favorite. The Cardinals can get bowl eligible with a win here but the Mountaineers have the top defense in the Big East.

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