The latest Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings have been released following an eventful Week 12 in college football, and as anticipated, the landscape has shifted. With thrilling games and unexpected outcomes, the rankings reflect the intensity and unpredictability of the season.
Top Teams Face Challenges
This week brought some nail-biting moments for the top teams. Oregon, for instance, faced a tough battle against Wisconsin, narrowly escaping with a 16-13 victory on the road. While the Ducks improved to 11-0, their sluggish offense raised some eyebrows. A win is a win, but fans are left wondering if they can sustain this momentum as they aim for a Big Ten title.
Meanwhile, Georgia managed to bounce back from a rough patch, securing a crucial home win against Tennessee. This victory was essential for the Bulldogs, who needed to avoid a third loss to keep their playoff hopes alive. Quarterback Carson Beck shined, throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing on the ground. Georgia’s resurgence adds another layer of excitement to the SEC race.
Notable Performances from Other Contenders
Ohio State also had a successful outing, defeating Northwestern 31-7 to improve to 9-1. After a slow start, the Buckeyes found their rhythm and are now gearing up for a massive showdown against unbeaten Indiana next week in Columbus. This matchup could be a pivotal moment in the Big Ten Championship race.
Texas, on the other hand, faced a gritty Arkansas team but managed to secure a 20-10 win. Quarterback Quinn Ewers had a modest day with 176 passing yards and two touchdowns, but it was the Longhorns’ defense that truly shined, stifling the Razorbacks’ attempts to pull off an upset.
Penn State kept its momentum going with a dominant win over Purdue, improving to 9-1. The Nittany Lions have their eyes set on the College Football Playoff, especially after narrowly missing a victory against Ohio State earlier in the season. With games against Minnesota and Maryland on the horizon, a strong finish could see them secure a playoff spot, even without a Big Ten title.
Rising Stars and Surprising Teams
Indiana, fresh off a week off, stands at an impressive 10-0. Head coach Curt Cignetti, in just his first year, has already signed an eight-year contract extension, signaling the university’s commitment to building a powerhouse program. The Hoosiers will face a significant test next week against Ohio State, with a chance to solidify their status as a formidable contender.
Notre Dame continues to impress, extending their winning streak to eight games after a victory over Virginia, bringing their record to 9-1. The Fighting Irish have shown resilience, with their only close game being a 31-24 win against Louisville. A ranked matchup against Army looms on the horizon, which could be crucial for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Alabama, despite a less-than-dominant performance, defeated Mercer decisively. The Crimson Tide now sit at 8-2 and remain in contention for the SEC Championship. Jalen Milroe had a solid outing, throwing for 186 yards and two touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. Alabama’s ability to bounce back is a testament to their storied program.
Coaches Poll Top 25 Rankings After Week 12
As we reflect on the latest rankings, here’s how the Coaches Poll looks:
11. Tennessee (-7)
12. SMU (+1)
13. Boise State
14. Texas A&M (+1)
15. BYU (-7)
16. Clemson
17. Army
18. Colorado (+2)
19. South Carolina (+4)
20. Tulane (NR)
21. Iowa State (+4)
22. Arizona State (NR)
23. UNLV (NR)
24. Memphis (NR)
25. Kansas State (-6)
Dropped out of Coaches Poll: No. 18 Washington State; No. 21 Missouri; No. 22 LSU; No. 24 Louisville.
Receiving votes in Coaches Poll: Washington State 65; Illinois 56; Missouri 44; Syracuse 18; James Madison 11; Duke 9; Pittsburgh 7; Louisiana 5; Louisville 2; Vanderbilt 1; Sam Houston 1; LSU 1; Colorado State 1.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, teams are gearing up for critical matchups that could define their playoff hopes. Ole Miss, fresh off a significant win against Georgia, is firmly in the playoff conversation. Their week off allowed them to regroup, and they will be looking to capitalize on their momentum.
Miami, after suffering its first loss of the season to Georgia Tech, is taking a much-needed break to reset mentally. They remain a strong contender for the ACC and are still in line for a College Football Playoff first-round bye. However, they must address their tendency to play with fire in the final stretch of the season.
With the stakes getting higher and the competition fiercer, college football fans are in for an exhilarating finish to the regular season. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the excitement is far from over!
