In the ever-changing landscape of college football, Week 12 offered a number of intriguing narratives and unexpected twists. Among the most notable stories is that of Indiana's Curt Cignetti, who secured a notable $64 million contract during his team's bye week. Here are 20 noteworthy observations from the weekend's action.
Preseason favorite Georgia faced crunch time, needing a win against Tennessee to keep its College Football Playoff hopes alive. After falling behind 10-0 at home, the Bulldogs rallied behind quarterback Carson Beck, who turned in his best performance of the season. Completing 25 of 40 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns, Beck led Georgia to a 31-17 victory over the seventh-ranked Volunteers. This win not only saved Georgia's season, but also muddled the SEC standings as multiple teams vie for playoff positions.
In the SEC, Texas and Texas A&M are tied for first place with a 5-1 record. Their next meeting on Nov. 30 in College Station will be crucial. Meanwhile, four other teams, including Georgia and Tennessee, are struggling with two conference losses, making the playoff race even more complicated. Alabama, initially eliminated a few weeks ago, has positioned itself favorably in the standings thanks to the performance of its opponents.
Tennessee, currently ranked seventh in the committee's latest rankings, is now the first official team of the new 12-team playoff era. Following a disappointing loss to Arkansas, the Volunteers find themselves in a precarious position, needing to bolster their resume with an improved performance in recent weeks. Ole Miss, despite a tough loss to Kentucky, remains in contention due to wins over ranked teams.
Oregon, undefeated at 11-0, faced a tough test against Wisconsin. The Ducks struggled offensively for much of the game, finishing in the fourth quarter. However, they showed resilience, driving for a tying score and stifling Wisconsin's offense in the final moments to secure a narrow 16-13 victory. This win was crucial for Oregon, as it helped maintain their position as a top contender in the playoff race.
The Big 12 saw a shocking turn of events when sixth-ranked BYU fell to Kansas, marking a significant upset. The Cougars' loss, attributed to a critical fumble on a punt, allowed Kansas to seize the momentum and eventually win 17-13. Despite the loss, BYU remains in contention for a playoff spot, tied with Colorado.
Arizona State's resurgence under coach Kenny Dillingham continued with a convincing win over No. 16 Kansas State. The Sun Devils showcased a strong offensive performance, highlighting the progress they have made since last season's struggles. This win puts Arizona State in a favorable position for the next few weeks, especially with a crucial matchup against BYU on the horizon.
Colorado's Travis Hunter is making a compelling case for the Heisman Trophy. In a breakout performance against Utah, Hunter became the first player in over two decades to achieve a unique hat trick of receiving yards, a rushing touchdown, and an interception in the same game. His impressive play has brought renewed attention to the Buffaloes, who are enjoying a four-game winning streak.
Boise State, ranked 13th, secured a dominant win over San Jose State, clinching a spot in the Mountain West Championship Game. Ashton Jeanty's outstanding performances, including multiple touchdowns, have solidified his position as a key player in the Heisman conversation, although his visibility may be limited due to the game's less prominent broadcast.
Texas, now in third place, continues to rely on its formidable defense. The Longhorns recorded six sacks in their last game against Arkansas, allowing them to maintain their lead in the SEC. Despite some inconsistencies on offense, quarterback Quinn Ewers made crucial plays to secure the victory, keeping Texas firmly in the playoff picture.
South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers has emerged as a dynamic playmaker for the Gamecocks. In a thrilling win over Missouri, Sellers orchestrated a last-minute drive to secure a 34-30 victory, showcasing the offensive firepower that has developed throughout the season. This win marks South Carolina's fourth consecutive win, reviving hopes for a successful season.
Florida's season took a positive turn with a significant win over No. 22 LSU. The Gators, buoyed by the return of quarterback DJ Lagway, delivered a strong defensive performance, outlasting the Tigers and breathing new life into their campaign. With bowl eligibility still in sight, head coach Billy Napier's future seems more secure after this crucial win.
Notre Dame continues to impress, maintaining a winning streak that now stands at eight games after a dominant performance against Virginia. The Irish capitalized on turnovers to secure a 35-14 victory, setting up a crucial matchup against undefeated Army next week. This game could have significant implications for their playoff aspirations.
20th-ranked Clemson kept its championship hopes alive with a dramatic win over Pittsburgh. Quarterback Cade Klubnik's late-game heroics helped secure a 24-20 victory, allowing the Tigers to finish strong in the ACC. While this team may not be at the same level as previous Clemson teams, it remains in contention for a conference title.
In a surprising coaching decision, Boston College's Bill O'Brien benched starting quarterback Thomas Castellanos, leading to Castellanos' departure from the team. Despite the controversy, the Eagles put up a tough fight against No. 1 SMU. 14, but ultimately fell short. The Mustangs' path to the playoffs now depends on their performances in recent weeks.
Tulane quietly emerged as a strong contender, clinching a spot in the AAC Championship Game with a decisive win over Navy. Their impressive run has cemented their status as a force in the Group of 5 and they will face Army in the championship, making for an exciting encounter.
USC finally found success after a mid-season quarterback change, defeating Nebraska in a close game. The Trojans' win keeps their bowl hopes alive as they look to end a disappointing season on a high note.
Baylor's resurgence was marked by a strong finish to the season, earning bowl eligibility with a win over West Virginia. Coach Dave Aranda's future is now more secure, reflecting the program's turnaround from last year's struggles.
In contrast, Purdue's Ryan Walters faces increasing pressure as the Boilermakers continue to struggle this season. A heavy loss to No. 1 Penn State. 4 highlighted their difficulties, raising doubts about the future direction of the program.
In the end, Stanford pulled out a thrilling win over No. 19 Louisville, with a last-second field goal sealing the victory. This moment was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the Cardinal, demonstrating his resilience and ability to perform in crucial moments.
Albuquerque saw one of the most heartwarming stories of the week, as the Lobos triumphed over No. 18 Washington State, keeping their bowl game hopes alive. Under the leadership of Bronco Mendenhall, New Mexico's victory marked a significant milestone in their season.
As the college football season nears its climax, these stories reflect the unpredictable nature of the sport and the excitement that awaits us as teams vie for playoff positions and championship titles.
