The latest AP Poll Top 25 rankings are in after Week 12 of college football, and it’s safe to say that the landscape has shifted dramatically following another thrilling weekend of action! With teams battling for playoff positions and others trying to maintain their perfect records, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Key Performances from the Weekend
Oregon faced a tough challenge on the road against Wisconsin, but the Ducks managed to escape with a narrow 16-13 victory, keeping their undefeated season alive. This close call only adds to the excitement surrounding their campaign. Meanwhile, Texas had its hands full with Arkansas, edging out a 20-10 win. Quinn Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for two touchdowns, but the offense struggled to find its rhythm.
In a dominant display, Penn State crushed Purdue 49-10, showcasing their prowess against teams outside of Ohio State. Drew Allar threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns, while backup Beau Pribula also made his mark with a score of his own. The Nittany Lions are looking formidable as they continue their march toward the postseason.
Georgia, after a brief stumble, got back on track with a convincing win over a top 10 opponent, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Carson Beck was sensational, throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns while also adding a rushing score. The Bulldogs’ performance was a reminder of their championship pedigree.
Teams on the Rise and Fall
The AP Poll saw some significant shifts this week. BYU, which had been undefeated, fell from grace after a tough loss, shaking up the rankings. Meanwhile, Alabama cruised to a non-conference victory against Mercer, improving to 8-2. Jalen Milroe had a standout game, throwing for two touchdowns and adding another on the ground. The Crimson Tide are gearing up for a crucial matchup against Oklahoma next week.
Ohio State also made headlines with a solid 31-7 victory over Northwestern. After trailing 7-0, the Buckeyes rallied to secure the win, showcasing their resilience. Will Howard threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, while Quinshon Judkins contributed significantly on the ground. This balanced attack has Ohio State looking strong as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Indiana had the week off, but the buzz around the Hoosiers continues to grow. With a massive contract extension for coach Curt Cignetti, fans are optimistic about the future. They have a challenging matchup against Ohio State on the horizon, and if they can pull off an upset, the conversation about a national title could gain traction.
AP Poll Top 25 Rankings After Week 12
As the dust settles from an eventful weekend, here’s how the AP Poll Top 25 looks:
11. Miami (+1)
12. Boise State (+1)
13. SMU (+1)
14. BYU (-7)
15. Texas A&M
16. Colorado (+2)
17. Clemson
18. Army (-2)
19. South Carolina (+4)
20. Tulane (+5)
21. Arizona State
22. Iowa State
23. UNLV
24. Illinois
25. Washington State (-6)
Receiving votes in AP Poll: Missouri 56, Memphis 38, Kansas State 36, Syracuse 21, Louisville 15, Pittsburgh 6, LSU 6, Louisiana-Lafayette 5, Vanderbilt 4, Colorado State 2, Duke 2, James Madison 2, Georgia Tech 1.
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to next week, the excitement continues to build. Ole Miss, fresh off a victory over Georgia, had the week off and is now poised to make a run. Their offense can compete with anyone, but it’s the defense that has stepped up, making them a formidable contender.
Tennessee, on the other hand, faces a more challenging road ahead. After a loss to Georgia, questions loom over their offense. Was it just a bad night, or is Georgia that good? With two losses now, the Vols’ playoff aspirations are hanging by a thread.
With the season winding down, every game counts. Teams are jockeying for position, and the intensity is palpable. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will falter? The next few weeks will be critical as we head into conference championships and the playoff race. Buckle up, college football fans; it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!
