BCS Rankings: 3 Teams Facing Pivotal Matchups in Week 12

Headed into Week 12 of the college football season, teams are beginning to position themselves for BCS bids.

Several Cinderella teams have emerged as legitimate candidates for BCS bowls, and a couple Big Ten teams will be battling it out for a BCS berth in Week 12.

Here are three of the most pivotal matchups of Week 12.

3. Cincinnati at Rutgers

The Cincinnati Bearcats find themselves on top of the Big East conference for a chance at the Orange Bowl as they get set to face 7-3 Rutgers on Saturday. 

Despite being without starting quarterback Zach Collaros, the Bearcats should still take care of the Scarlet Knights behind running back Isaiah Pead as they gun for wins in their remaining three games.

Look for Cincinnati to assert its dominance in Week 12.

2. Nebraska at Michigan

Nebraska has had strong games against Michigan State and Penn State, and now the Cornhuskers face another ranked opponent in Michigan.

Michigan, despite letdowns against Michigan State and Iowa State, is no slouch. Led by quarterback Denard Robinson and a coach in Brady Hoke, who has a history of turning around programs, Saturday will be a big test for the Cornhuskers.

Led by a powerful running game, I expect the Cornhuskers to defeat Michigan on Saturday and go on to capture a second BCS bid from the Big Ten when all is said and done.

1. Houston vs. SMU

Quarterback Case Keenum and the Houston Cougars host perhaps their biggest foe of the season on Saturday against SMU, but SMU has fallen lately, losing three of its last four games.

Keenum has been spectacular all season, with 37 touchdown passes to just three interceptions, and I expect the No. 11 Cougars to capture a BCS spot by the end of the regular season.

Keenum has been a joy to watch this season, breaking the FBS record for career touchdown passes after he dropped 534 yards and nine touchdowns against Rice on Oct. 27.