College football Week 12 picks: Three totals and two spreads to monitor - ESPN

The college football landscape is rife with intriguing matchups in Week 12 that could shape conference races, playoff aspirations and Heisman résumés. From the sun-soaked fields of the Mountain West to the chilly confines of the Big Ten, this weekend's slate offers a diverse array of games.

There are four key matchups that have caught my attention. We'll journey from the islands of Hawai'i to the Silicon Valley, and then trek across the country to the Pacific Northwest before settling in America's Dairyland. Our focus will be on Hawai'i at Utah State and Boise State at San José State in the Mountain West, while UCLA at Washington and Oregon at Wisconsin headline the Power Five action.

Each of these games presents its own unique storylines and betting angles, from high-powered offenses to stout defenses, and from teams looking to prove themselves to those fighting to maintain their lofty standing. As we break down these contests, we'll examine the spreads and totals, offering insights that could help you navigate the often-unpredictable world of college football betting.

All lines current as of publication time, courtesy of ESPN BET.

This matchup has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. Utah State's (lack of) defense is the primary factor driving this prediction, as the Aggies are currently allowing a staggering 46 points per game, putting them 133rd out of 134 FBS teams. Utah State's porous defense presents a golden opportunity for the Rainbow Warriors to put up significant points, potentially reaching or exceeding their season-high scoring output.

The Aggies' defensive struggles are underscored by their tendency to allow touchdowns rather than force field goals. Utah State has given up the fourth-most