As the stakes get higher, the college football season gets more entertaining. Week 12 was no exception. The drama unfolded on Saturday, showcasing thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Undefeated Teams Stand Tall
After a relatively calm early afternoon, the excitement peaked in the evening. The No. 1 Oregon Ducks faced a tough challenge from unranked Wisconsin. In a nail-biting finish, Oregon managed to escape Madison, Wis., with a hard-fought 16-13 victory, maintaining their flawless record at 11-0. This win solidified their position at the top of the rankings, but they weren’t the only ones celebrating.
Meanwhile, No. 5 Indiana remained idle, but they were not alone in the ranks of the undefeated. Following Oregon’s victory, the spotlight turned to No. 24 Army, which also boasts an unblemished record at 9-0. As of now, Oregon, Indiana, and Army are the last three undefeated teams in FBS, a remarkable feat as the season heads into its final stretch.
Upsets Shake Up the Rankings
However, the day was not without its surprises. No. 6 BYU faced an unexpected setback, suffering their first loss of the season against unranked Kansas. This defeat was a stark reminder that records can be deceiving, as Kansas proved to be a formidable opponent despite their less-than-stellar standing. With BYU’s fall to 9-1, the landscape of the rankings is set for a shakeup.
In addition to BYU’s loss, several other ranked teams faced unranked challengers, resulting in upsets that will surely reverberate through the polls. No. 16 Kansas State, No. 18 Washington State, No. 19 Louisville, and No. 22 LSU all stumbled against unranked foes. These defeats not only impact their standings but also open the door for teams like No. 17 Colorado, which enjoyed a dominant 25-point victory over Utah, to climb the rankings.
Top Teams Keep Winning
While the top teams were busy securing their positions, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 3 Texas, and No. 4 Penn State all took care of business, ensuring a clean week for the top five. Their consistent performances highlight the competitive nature of this season, where every game is crucial, and every victory counts.
In another notable matchup, No. 12 Georgia made a statement with a convincing home win over No. 7 Tennessee, further complicating the playoff picture. This victory not only boosts Georgia’s confidence but also raises questions about Tennessee’s standing in the rankings. Additionally, No. 21 South Carolina earned a thrilling win over No. 24 Missouri, adding to the week’s excitement.
Looking Ahead: Polls and Projections
With the week’s results in mind, it’s time to take a look at how the Coaches and AP Top 25 polls are shaping up as we head into Week 13 of the college football season. The rankings reflect the intense competition and the shifting dynamics of the teams as they vie for playoff positions.
Coaches Poll
| Rank | Team | Record | Points (No. 1 votes) |
| 1 | Oregon | 11-0 | 1,375 (55) |
| 2 | Ohio State | 9-1 | 1,316 |
| 3 | Texas | 9-1 | 1,263 |
| 4 | Penn State | 9-1 | 1,158 |
| 5 | Indiana | 10-0 | 1,109 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 9-1 | 1,096 |
| 7 | Alabama | 8-2 | 996 |
| 8 | Georgia | 8-2 | 993 |
| 9 | Ole Miss | 8-2 | 984 |
| 10 | Miami (FL) | 9-1 | 847 |
| 11 | Tennessee | 8-2 | 823 |
| 12 | SMU | 9-1 | 744 |
| 13 | Boise State | 9-1 | 714 |
| 14 | Texas A&M | 8-2 | 646 |
| 15 | BYU | 9-1 | 633 |
| 16 | Clemson | 8-2 | 569 |
| 17 | Army | 9-0 | 509 |
| 18 | Colorado | 8-2 | 464 |
| 19 | South Carolina | 7-3 | 379 |
| 20 | Tulane | 9-2 | 280 |
| 21 | Iowa State | 8-2 | 268 |
| 22 | Arizona State | 8-2 | 251 |
| 23 | UNLV | 8-2 | 93 |
| 24 | Memphis | 9-2 | 77 |
| 25 | Kansas State | 7-3 | 67 |
Others receiving votes: 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;
AP Top 25
| Rank | Team | Record | Points (No. 1 votes) |
| 1 | Oregon | 11-0 | 1,550 (62) |
| 2 | Ohio State | 9-1 | 1,485 |
| 3 | Texas | 9-1 | 1,413 |
| 4 | Penn State | 9-1 | 1,319 |
| 5 | Indiana | 10-0 | 1,310 |
| 6 | Notre Dame | 9-1 | 1,191 |
| 7 | Alabama | 8-2 | 1,130 |
| 8 | Georgia | 8-2 | 1,113 |
| 9 | Ole Miss | 8-2 | 1,083 |
| 10 | Tennessee | 8-2 | 953 |
| 11 | Miami (FL) | 9-1 | 945 |
| 12 | Boise State | 9-1 | 880 |
| 13 | SMU | 9-1 | 810 |
| 14 | BYU | 9-1 | 785 |
| 15 | Texas A&M | 8-2 | 687 |
| 16 | Colorado | 8-2 | 583 |
| 17 | Clemson | 8-2 | 559 |
| 18 | Army | 9-0 | 555 |
| 19 | South Carolina | 7-3 | 444 |
| 20 | Tulane | 9-2 | 323 |
| 21 | Arizona State | 8-2 | 322 |
| 22 | Iowa State | 8-2 | 356 |
| 23 | UNLV | 8-2 | 125 |
| 24 | Illinois | 8-2 | 74 |
| 25 | Washington State | 8-1 | 61 |
Others receiving votes: 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.
The excitement of college football is palpable as we approach the final weeks of the season. With every game, teams are fighting for their place in history, and fans are left wondering: who will rise, and who will fall? As the playoff picture becomes clearer, one thing is for sure—this season is far from over, and the best is yet to come!
