College Football Playoff 2014: Rankings and Predictions Heading into Week 12

Leading up to one of the most pivotal weekends of the season for three of the top teams in the country, a lot is on the line on Saturday.

This week's college football committee poll hasn't been released, but every fan knows how important the Mississippi State vs. Alabama game promises to be. Both teams are vying for a shot at the SEC title along with a chance to make the first-ever College Football Playoff.

Outside of the SEC, Florida State will put its undefeated record on the line against Miami. Each team comes in on a roll, but the Hurricanes' three-game winning streak is nowhere near the run the Seminoles have through the last two seasons.

Prior to Week 12 getting underway, here's a look at the latest Associated Press rankings and predictions for top games.

Mississippi State vs. Alabama

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

A week after surviving certain doom in Death Valley with a win over LSU, Alabama has one of its biggest matchups of the season against Mississippi State.

The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide are Nos. 1 and 2 in the SEC West but have much larger aspirations for the season. A victory for either team would make its resume even more solid for the College Football Playoff committee.

Mississippi State is, of course, led by Dak Prescott, who is one of the leading Heisman contenders, via ESPN College Football:

Prescott has muscled his way to 2,231 passing yards, 779 rushing yards, 29 total touchdowns and just seven interceptions. He's led the Bulldogs to wins over LSU, Texas A&M and Auburn, but Saturday will be a true test on the road.

Following the team's win over LSU, Nick Saban referenced where his team stands heading into Week 12, per George Schroeder of USA Today:

“We control our own destiny in terms of what we want to accomplish, and we won the game,” Saban said. “But we didn’t play that great. And we need to play better, and we need to improve.”

Amari Cooper may steal all of the spotlight for the Tide—and rightfully so—but it will be Blake Sims who has to close the deal on Saturday. Sims was solid on the final drives for Bama in the fourth quarter and overtime against LSU but will need a full game of great play to take down Mississippi State.

Even with the great season the Bulldogs have put together, Bama at home with the weapons on offense and defense will be too much. The Tide will roll on Saturday, but this might not be the final matchup for the two teams this season.

Prediction: Alabama 23, Mississippi State 21

Florida State vs. Miami

Jeff Gammons/Getty Images

The focus for college football fans will be squarely on Tuscaloosa on Saturday, but an upset might just take place in Coral Gables.

Jameis Winston has been a rock for the Seminoles since his first start as a freshman, never losing during his tenure. His play has the Seminoles nearing a mark ironically enough set by Miami over a decade ago, as ESPN Stats & Info notes:

Now a sophomore, Winston has been under fire all season but still finds ways to survive despite inconsistent play. Last year's Heisman Trophy winner has thrown 17 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, including multiple turnovers in four games already this season.

On the opposite side stands Duke Johnson, who has quietly built his own case to be in Heisman contention. Johnson has totaled 1,486 total yards and 11 touchdowns this season and put up some of his best numbers against ACC opposition.

Miami coach Al Golden spoke about Johnson's recent production and how he's dealt with the running back this season, per CBS Miami:

"

We want to keep his odometer down. We want to keep the hits off him. That’s the biggest thing. His production is up but his overall play count is down. And I think he’d be the first to tell you, I think he’s fresh and playing his best football right now.

"

That strategy has seemed to pay off lately as Johnson is hitting his stride. Over the last four games, Johnson has averaged 201.4 yards and tallied eight total touchdowns.

Florida State will get a heavy dose of Johnson, so this matchup will be much closer than some might expect. But with FSU surviving so many close games already this season, expect yet another against Miami as it continues a push to the College Football Playoff.

Prediction: Florida State 35, Miami 31

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.