Week 13 delivers late‑season tipping points across conferences — a Pac‑12 heavyweight showdown in Eugene, an ACC pivot in Atlanta, and a clutch matchup in Louisville. Sportsvival is keyed to tempo battles, trench warfare, and single‑play swings that can alter bowl positioning and draft optics. Below are refreshed scouting notes, game context, and Sportsvival’s picks.
#14 (8-2) USC at #5 (9-1) Oregon
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 22 | Time 3:30 pm | TV: National | Location: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR
This is a classic offense versus defense test. USC will push pace and try to create explosive perimeter matchups, while Oregon aims to win the line‑of‑scrimmage, limit big plays off tempo, and force long, methodical drives. Crowd noise and situational quarterback play will be decisive late.
Key Players to Watch
USC - Jayden Maiava, QB: Timing‑based passer who thrives on rhythm, quick reads, and high‑efficiency intermediate concepts; capable of extending plays with controlled mobility.
USC - Makai Lemon, WR: Boundary‑stretching playmaker who wins contested catches, creates separation on intermediate routes, and is a high‑impact threat on structure‑breaking reps.
Oregon - Dante Moore, QB: Operates with clear progression reads; mixes timing throws with designed pulls to stress perimeter contain and keep safeties honest.
Oregon - Bear Alexander, DT: Interior force who anchors gap control, generates push on early downs, and forces opponents to adjust run plans.
Sportsvival Prediction: Autzen’s advantage and Oregon’s defensive heft stifle USC rhythm - Oregon 34, USC 24.
(7-3) Pitt at #13 (9-1) Georgia Tech
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 22 | Time 7:00 pm | TV: Regional | Location: Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta, GA
A physical ACC matchup. Georgia Tech will look to shorten the game with controlled rushing and play‑action, while Pitt brings an aggressive front and explosive skill pieces that can flip field position in a single series. Expect downhill rushing, third‑down battles, and special‑teams moments that matter. This game will go a long way to determining who plays in the ACC Championship game.
Key Players to Watch
Pitt - Mason Heinschel, RB: Explosive runner with home‑run ability, creates yards after contact, and offers a valuable receiving threat out of the backfield on swing and screen concepts.
Pitt - Kyle Louis, LB: Sideline‑to‑sideline defender who consistently fills run lanes, shows reliable pursuit angles, and factors into sub‑package pass‑rush looks.
Georgia Tech - Haynes King, QB: Timing operator who executes intermediate concepts, manages tempo, and leverages play‑action to open the vertical plane.
Georgia Tech - Kyle Efford, LB: The heartbeat of Tech’s linebacker group - physical and instinctive sideline‑to‑sideline tackler who anchors run fits, contributes in coverage, and factors into pressure packages.
Sportsvival Prediction: Georgia Tech’s controlled gameplan and home crowd carry a tight win - Georgia Tech 27, Pitt 24.
(7-3) SMU at #25 (7-3) Louisville
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 22 | Time 12:00 pm | TV: Regional | Location: L&N Stadium, Louisville, KY
A contrast in philosophies: SMU’s quicker tempo and downfield shots versus Louisville’s focus on balanced drives and situational football. Special teams, third‑down defense, and red‑zone execution should decide a one‑possession game. This game along with the Pitt-Georgia Tech matchup will be crucial to determining the ACC Championship matchup.
Key Players to Watch
SMU - Kevin Jennings, QB: Efficient timing passer who commands tempo and creates explosive plays from intermediate windows and RPO‑conditioned reads.
SMU - Ahmaad Moses, S: Versatile defensive back who impacts the game in multiple phases — fast downhill in run support, sticky in single‑coverage, and gifted at creating turnovers and changing field position.
Louisville - Miller Moss, QB: Pro‑style game manager with a strong short‑to‑intermediate platform and the ability to drive sustained scoring drives.
Louisville - Clev Lubin, DL: Explosive edge/defensive‑line playmaker who generates pressure, disrupts backfields, and forces opponents to account for interior penetration.
Sportsvival Prediction: Louisville’s balance and red‑zone execution prevail - Louisville 30, SMU 20.
(photo courtesy of Oregon Live)