College football Week 12 picks: Cincinnati vs. Iowa State, Nebraska vs. USC, Michigan State vs. Illinois

The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems for Week 12 of the college football season, including a prime-time Big 12 game at Jack Trice Stadium between Iowa State and Cincinnati.

Cincinnati (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) at Iowa State (7-2, 4-2)

7 p.m. Saturday (Fox)

Line: Iowa State -10

Mike Hlas (2-1, 22-11) — Thanksgiving is nigh. As always, I’m available for hire to come over for dinner to quietly assure your crazy uncle that the squirrel in your backyard isn’t the reincarnation of Charles Nelson Reilly. Iowa State 31, Cincinnati 28

John Steppe (1-2, 24-9) — Can someone drop off some Skyline Chili on the way to Ames? Iowa State 33, Cincinnati 23

Jeff Johnson (1-2, 23-10) — This is the time of the season where Pick ’Ems is won. So no mercy this week from me. Iowa State 31, Cincinnati 17

Rob Gray (1-2, 23-10) — If ISU’s offense can control the game, a comfortable win awaits. If not, this could go down to the wire. Iowa State 31, Cincinnati 20

Beth Malicki (1-2, 23-10) — My stepsister’s wedding last weekend involved me dancing so exuberantly my children kept doing “well-mom checks.” Iowa State 27, Cincinnati 24

Todd Brommelkamp (1-2, 22-11) — It was fun while it lasted. Now the Cyclones’ only hope of a Big 12 title shot comes via chaos and winning out. Iowa State 28, Cincinnati 24

Nebraska (5-4, 2-4 Big Ten) at USC (4-5, 2-5)

3 p.m. Saturday (Fox)

Line: USC -9.5

Hlas — Under Matt Rhule, Nebraska is 0-7 in games that would clinch bowl eligibility. That’s an actual statistic, unlike the Huskers’ home sellout streak. USC 35, Nebraska 28

Steppe — How soon until the Midwest gets an In-N-Out Burger location? Nebraska 27, USC 23

Johnson — When was the last time Nebraska qualified for a bowl game? 1908? USC 27, Nebraska 24

Gray — The Cornhuskers are 0-4-1 all-time against the Trojans, but throw out the past when assessing what could happen in this matchup between former “bluebloods.” USC 24, Nebraska 20

Malicki — I think it’s cool these sports journalists get paid to actually watch the game. I’m not bitter at all. My last newsroom sent me to a football game to get a Missouri senator to explain his shifting position on smoking ... It was more than 100 degrees out and I chased him across many tailgates. I ended up only interviewing a person dressed like a cigarette. USC 30, Nebraska 14

Brommelkamp — Dana Holgorsen joined the staff in Lincoln as OC 3/4 of the way through the season? Somehow this isn’t the craziest hire to grab headlines this week. USC 28, Nebraska 17

Michigan State (4-5, 2-4 Big Ten) at Illinois (6-3, 3-3)

1:30 p.m. Saturday (FS1)

Line: Illinois -3

Hlas — This is my birthday. I ask not for recognition, but to plead that someone gives me lodging in Las Vegas next weekend and tickets to the Formula 1 race there. If not that, I’ll settle for an e-bike. Or a gift certificate to a place that makes a nice smoothie. Michigan State 21, Illinois 20

Steppe — Perks of Big Ten expansion: not dealing with the inevitable I-74 construction every other year. Illinois 21, Michigan State 17

Johnson — There’s a lot of flotsam and jetsam in the Big Ten Conference. But I can’t remember which one’s which here. Illinois 21, Michigan State 20

Gray — Champagne (or some vinegary California-based knock-off version of it) will be imbibed in Champaign in a jubilant fashion. Illinois 27, Michigan State 17

Malicki — Walking pneumonia seems to be spreading and my superpower is diagnosing people on sight. I’m 3/3 so far. Illinois 21, Michigan State 17

Brommelkamp — It’s Senior Day in Champaign and, despite back-to-back losses, Bielema should have the Illini ready to go after a week off. Illinois 23, Michigan State 20