Week 12 of college football was a reminder of just how difficult it can be to close out a strong season, with top-ranked teams encountering numerous challenges on their way to victory. While the top 25 overall remained largely unchanged, the close calls were what stood out the most. Teams like Oregon, Ohio State, and Texas may have survived some tough tests, but their struggles highlighted the pressure that mounts as the season nears its end.
Oregon Holds Firm at No. 1 Despite Struggles
Oregon, ranked No. 1, faced a significant challenge in its 16-13 victory over Wisconsin, a game that tested the Ducks both mentally and physically. The win kept Oregon undefeated at 11-0 for only the second time in program history, and despite the close nature of the contest, the Ducks proved resilient in the final moments. The defense made key stops, and the offense found ways to capitalize on crucial possessions late in the game. Despite the scare, Oregon’s performance reaffirmed its dominance at the top of the rankings, with no team able to mount a serious challenge to the No. 1 spot.
For Oregon, the win was more than just another tally in the W column. It was a reminder that staying at the top is no easy feat, as teams grow fatigued and battle through injuries and mental lapses. As the Ducks continue their run, they will need to be sharper to avoid any potential upsets down the stretch, particularly with the College Football Playoff on the line.
Ohio State’s Sluggish Start, but Solid Finish
Ohio State, ranked No. 2, had a more straightforward victory over Northwestern, albeit a sluggish start that had fans worried. The Buckeyes took control in the second half, ultimately winning 31-7. The performance was enough to maintain their position as the No. 2 team in the nation, with voters likely holding steady in their rankings of Ohio State based on their early-season body of work.
Although the game at Wrigley Field, a neutral site, wasn’t the most exciting or dominant performance, the Buckeyes showed their depth and ability to capitalize on any opponent’s mistakes. Northwestern’s early opportunities were squandered, and Ohio State’s defense tightened up as the game progressed, proving to be too much for the Wildcats to overcome. Despite not showcasing a “statement” win, Ohio State remains a legitimate contender in the playoff race.
Texas and the Strength of Its Defense
Texas, holding steady at No. 3, showed the resilience that has defined its season in a 20-10 road win against Arkansas. While the offense may have sputtered at times, it was the defense that carried the Longhorns through their toughest road test of the year. The Texas defense has become the backbone of this team, stepping up in critical moments to deliver stops and keep opponents from scoring. Texas has now built an identity around its defense, and while the offense remains capable of explosive plays, the Longhorns’ success is increasingly tied to their ability to shut down opposing offenses.
This win over Arkansas, while not dominant, reinforced the idea that Texas is a team that can grind out wins when needed. As they head into the final stretch of the season, the Longhorns’ ability to make plays on defense may be the key to securing a playoff berth.
Penn State: A Strong Performance, but Little Movement
Penn State, ranked No. 4, posted a dominant 49-10 win at Purdue, but with the top teams continuing to win, it seems unlikely that the Nittany Lions will make significant gains in the rankings. While their offense looked sharp, particularly quarterback Drew Allar, the gap in voting points between Penn State and Texas remained significant, leaving them stuck in the fourth position.
Still, the Nittany Lions’ win should not be dismissed. They proved that they are capable of competing at a high level, and with the chaos that often accompanies the College Football Playoff race, they could find themselves in position to move up should other top teams slip. However, for now, Penn State remains on the outside looking in when it comes to the top 3.
The SEC Logjam and Georgia’s Key Win
Georgia, ranked No. 10 after last week’s loss to Ole Miss, earned a crucial win against Tennessee, helping to bolster its playoff hopes. Despite this win, Georgia’s ranking has a ceiling because of its earlier loss to Ole Miss. While the win over Tennessee was significant for the Bulldogs’ postseason aspirations, they face a complicated path to the College Football Playoff due to the SEC’s competitive nature and head-to-head results.
The SEC standings are a mess right now, with teams like Alabama, Ole Miss, and Tennessee all fighting for position. Georgia’s win against Tennessee might not cause a major leap in the rankings this week, but it does keep them in the conversation as a potential playoff team. A strong finish to the season, including victories over rivals, could still give Georgia a chance to make a late push for a playoff spot.
Shakeups in the Bottom Half of the Top 25
Week 12 also saw some significant upsets that could impact the rankings, particularly for teams like Kansas State, LSU, and Louisville. All three teams lost as favorites, opening the door for other teams to move up and potentially crack the top 25. Teams such as Boise State, Alabama, and SMU could see a boost as a result of these upsets, as voters will likely take a closer look at teams with two or three losses that still have quality wins on their resume.
The bottom of the rankings is always volatile, and Week 12 proved that college football’s unpredictability is one of the key storylines of the season. As teams continue to battle it out for playoff spots, expect plenty of movement in the rankings in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, Week 12 served as a reminder of the challenges that come with staying at the top in college football. Oregon, Ohio State, Texas, and others managed to escape their close calls with victories, but there are still plenty of obstacles ahead. Georgia’s key win over Tennessee keeps them in the playoff hunt, but the SEC logjam and other results complicate the race. With more upsets and surprises sure to come in the final weeks of the season, the AP Top 25 will continue to evolve as teams jockey for position and playoff spots.
