If you thought the campaign season was over, just wait until Tuesday. The College Football Playoff race is heating up, and two teams are making headlines: Indiana and Notre Dame. As we head into Week 12, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the excitement is palpable.
Indiana’s Historic Season
The Indiana Hoosiers are turning heads this season, boasting a remarkable 10-0 record for the first time in school history. Their latest triumph came in a hard-fought 20-15 victory against Michigan, showcasing their resilience and determination. Under the guidance of head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has crafted a magical season in Bloomington, Indiana. With a bye week on the horizon, the Hoosiers are preparing for a monumental showdown against No. 2 Ohio State. This matchup could very well determine who advances to Indianapolis on December 7 for the Big Ten championship game. Can Indiana continue their unbeaten streak against such a formidable opponent?
Notre Dame’s Dominance
Meanwhile, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are also making waves in the rankings. After a stunning 52-3 demolition of Florida State, they improved their record to 8-1. The Irish have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, and while they don’t have to compete in a conference championship, they know that three more victories could secure them a coveted playoff berth. Despite a narrow 16-14 loss to Northern Illinois earlier in the season, Notre Dame’s recent performances have put them firmly in the playoff conversation. Can they maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the postseason?
The Playoff Picture
As we look at the current landscape of college football, Indiana sits at No. 6 in the Sporting News Top 25, while Notre Dame follows closely at No. 7. Both teams find themselves in the top 10, but they are not without competition. No. 8 Alabama, No. 9 Ole Miss, and No. 10 Georgia are all part of the SEC pile-up, each with two losses but eager to make their case for a playoff spot. With No. 2 Texas and No. 5 Tennessee also in the top 10, one has to wonder: is it SEC propaganda to suggest that these teams have faced a tougher road this season?
Strength of Schedule Debate
The strength of schedule is a hot topic in college football, and it’s particularly relevant for Indiana. The Hoosiers currently lack a victory against a ranked opponent, which raises questions about their playoff viability. On the other hand, Notre Dame has a notable win against No. 15 Texas A&M, another two-loss SEC team. This disparity in schedules could play a significant role in the playoff selection process. As the weeks progress, expect the SEC to take aim at both the Hoosiers and the Irish, looking to undermine their playoff aspirations. Will Indiana’s undefeated record be enough to silence the critics?
Sporting News Top 25 Rankings
As we dive deeper into the rankings, let’s take a closer look at the Sporting News Top 25 for Week 12. Here’s how the teams stack up:
| RANK | SCHOOL | RECORD | PVS. | WEEK 11 RESULT |
| 1 | Oregon | 10-0 | 1 | Beat Maryland 39-18 |
| 2 | Ohio State | 8-1 | 3 | Beat Purdue 45-0 |
| 3 | Texas | 8-1 | 5 | Beat Florida 49-17 |
| 4 | Penn State | 8-1 | 6 | Beat Washington 35-6 |
| 5 | Tennessee | 8-1 | 7 | Beat Mississippi State 33-14 |
| 6 | Indiana | 10-0 | 8 | Beat Michigan 20-15 |
| 7 | Notre Dame | 8-1 | 9 | Beat Florida State 52-3 |
| 8 | Alabama | 7-2 | 11 | Beat LSU 42-6 |
| 9 | Ole Miss | 7-2 | 17 | Beat Georgia 28-10 |
| 10 | Georgia | 7-2 | 2 | Lost to Ole Miss 28-10 |
| 11 | BYU | 9-0 | 10 | Beat Utah 22-21 |
| 12 | Miami, Fla. | 9-1 | 4 | Lost to Georgia Tech 28-23 |
| 13 | SMU | 8-1 | 13 | Bye |
| 14 | Boise State | 8-1 | 12 | Beat Nevada 28-21 |
| 15 | Texas A&M | 7-2 | 14 | Bye |
| 16 | Clemson | 7-2 | 18 | Beat Virginia Tech 24-14 |
| 17 | Kansas State | 7-2 | 24 | Bye |
| 18 | Colorado | 7-2 | 21 | Beat Texas Tech 41-27 |
| 19 | Army | 9-0 | 16 | Beat North Texas 14-3 |
| 20 | Washington State | 8-1 | 22 | Beat Utah State 49-28 |
| 21 | South Carolina | 7-3 | NR | Beat Vanderbilt 28-7 |
| 22 | LSU | 6-3 | 15 | Lost to Alabama 42-6 |
| 23 | Louisville | 6-3 | NR | Bye |
| 24 | Tulane | 8-2 | NR | Beat Temple 52-6 |
| 25 | Arizona State | 7-2 | NR | Beat UCF 35-31 |
The Road Ahead
As we look ahead, the excitement is building. Indiana is on the brink of making history, while Notre Dame is aiming for a playoff spot. With both teams in the top 10 and the SEC breathing down their necks, the coming weeks promise to be thrilling. Will Indiana’s perfect season withstand the pressure? Can Notre Dame continue to dominate and secure their place in the playoffs? One thing is certain: college football fans are in for a treat as the season unfolds!
