Week 12 of college football provided plenty of intrigue, with several key storylines unfolding across the country. The playoff picture began to take clearer shape as top-ranked teams continued their push toward postseason glory. Here are the biggest takeaways from the week:
**1. Michigan Dominates in Ohio**
Michigan’s impressive 52-17 victory over a struggling Maryland team reinforced its status as a playoff contender. The Wolverines, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, have continued to assert themselves as a balanced and dominant force. McCarthy threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, while the running game, spearheaded by Blake Corum, kept the offense clicking. Michigan’s defense, meanwhile, stifled Maryland’s offensive attempts. With Ohio State looming in the final week, Michigan is in a prime position to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
**2. Washington’s Path to the Playoff Tightens**
Washington survived a scare in a 38-34 victory over Utah, with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leading the charge. Penix continues to be one of the nation’s most efficient passers, throwing for over 300 yards in the win. Despite struggles in the second half, Washington managed to hold on and maintain its undefeated record. The Huskies’ offense is potent, but they will need to be more consistent in the coming weeks if they want to stay in the playoff race. The showdown with Oregon looms large as both teams jockey for position in the Pac-12.
**3. Florida State Proves Itself as a Top Contender**
Florida State’s 45-3 rout of North Alabama was a clear statement to the rest of the nation. The Seminoles, with quarterback Jordan Travis at the helm, displayed their full offensive prowess. Travis, who continues to shine as one of the best quarterbacks in the country, threw for three touchdowns and added another on the ground. With a top-tier defense and a high-powered offense, Florida State is becoming a legitimate College Football Playoff contender. Their upcoming game against a tough Miami team will be pivotal in securing a spot in the final four.
**4. Texas Narrowly Escapes with Win over Iowa State**
In one of the week’s more thrilling games, Texas barely escaped with a 30-27 victory over Iowa State. The Longhorns struggled to maintain their dominance, but quarterback Quinn Ewers led a late-game drive that put them over the top. The game highlighted some inconsistencies in Texas’ play, especially on defense, as they allowed Iowa State to remain within striking distance. However, with just one loss on the season, Texas still controls its destiny in the Big 12 and is eyeing a potential playoff spot.
**5. Alabama Shakes Off Early Struggles**
Alabama’s 42-13 win over Chattanooga showcased the Crimson Tide’s depth and resilience. Quarterback Jalen Milroe, who has had his ups and downs this season, found his rhythm, throwing for three touchdowns. Alabama’s defense, typically one of the best in the nation, made sure Chattanooga never had a real chance to make things interesting. With their playoff hopes alive, Alabama’s biggest test will come in the Iron Bowl against Auburn, where they’ll look to maintain their momentum.
**6. Georgia Solidifies Its Spot at the Top**
Georgia continued its dominance with a 38-10 win over Kentucky, maintaining its position as the top team in the country. Quarterback Carson Beck’s steady play and a stifling defense have made the Bulldogs nearly unbeatable. Kentucky had no answer for Georgia’s speed and physicality on both sides of the ball. With one of the deepest and most talented rosters in college football, Georgia remains the ultimate favorite to repeat as national champions.
**7. Tulane’s Playoff Hopes Fade**
Tulane’s hopes of making a major postseason run took a hit with a 28-21 loss to SMU. Despite a solid performance from quarterback Michael Pratt, the Green Wave’s defense couldn’t contain the Mustangs. With the loss, Tulane’s chances of making the College Football Playoff are slim, but they are still in the hunt for a spot in a major bowl game. This loss also highlighted the competitive nature of the American Athletic Conference, where several teams are vying for a top-tier bowl invitation.
**8. Big Ten Chaos Looms**
The Big Ten saw several teams fighting for playoff positions. Penn State bounced back from their tough loss to Michigan with a dominant 34-7 win over Rutgers. Meanwhile, Iowa State’s upset over Minnesota left the Big Ten standings in a state of flux, making next week’s clash between Ohio State and Michigan even more crucial. The winner will likely secure a place in the Big Ten Championship Game and remain alive in the College Football Playoff race.
Week 12 was filled with high stakes and defining performances as teams look to fine-tune their playoff resumes. Michigan, Georgia, Florida State, and Washington made strong cases for their inclusion in the final four, while others like Texas and Alabama remain in the hunt. As we look ahead to the final weeks of the regular season, the pressure only builds, and the ultimate outcome of the College Football Playoff race is still very much in the balance.
