2022-23 College Football: Week 12 Review
It was not a fun week to be in the Top 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings. The top four each found themselves in tight games, while Tennessee was given a rude awakening. The PAC-12 situation got a little clearer with two of the best games of the week, while the Big Ten West continued to be an absolute circus. In the penultimate week of the regular season, there was a lot of movement that needed to be made. With some huge games coming next week, this was a week to prove teams are ready for the big matchups in Week 13.
The weeks' two big matchups both came from the PAC-12 and both carried major implications for the conference title game. A win for the Trojans secured their spot, while a Bruins win would put them in the driver's seat going into the final week. Things started according to plan for UCLA as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead on a touchdown run and pass from Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Caleb Williams got the Trojans on the board with a touchdown run of his own and a field goal brought them within four, but another short run from Thompson-Robinson expanded the lead. The turning point in the game would come in the final two minutes of the first half. After Austin Jones returned the favor for USC to make it 21-17, Thompson-Robinson was intercepted on consecutive drives. USC would miss their second field goal of the half on the first pick, but Denis Lynch nailed one from 49 yards to make it 21-20 at the break. The USC offense dominated the second half. The Trojans would score on their first four possessions in the second half, with Williams tossing two touchdowns and the running game adding two more. While Thompson-Robinson would throw his third and fourth touchdown passes of the night, a third interception would doom the Bruins and send USC to the PAC-12 Championship Game. This also helps USC's case with the CFP committee as they try to sneak into the playoff.
Upset of the Week- South Carolina 63, #5 Tennessee 38 (Columbia, SC)
Unless you're a diehard fan of the Gamecocks, I'm not sure anyone expected this to happen. South Carolina scored to open the game and Tennessee responded in 63 seconds. I thought Tennessee was going to dominate from there. Instead, Spencer Rattler tore the Volunteer's defense apart. Rattler threw three of his six touchdown passes in the first quarter and the Gamecocks led the game 35-24 at halftime. Things slowed down a little in the third quarter as they traded touchdowns for South Carolina to maintain their 11-point cushion. The nail in the coffin would come with the Gamecocks scoring 21-straight points as South Carolina hung 63 on the fifth-ranked Volunteers. Joe Milton III would come in to help make the score loss a little better than it was as Tennessee lost their second game of the season. South Carolina finished with over 600 yards on the night, 438 of which were courtesy of the arm of Rattler. Hendon Hooker's final statline wasn't as bad as one might think, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns and just one turnover on a fumble. I think it ensures Tennessee won't be in the final four, though they could still be in the mix for a New Year's Six Bowl.
Other Notable Games
#12 Oregon 20, #10 Utah 17 (Eugene, OR)
The other big battle in the PAC-12 featured two teams with just one loss in conference play. The winner would put themselves into second place in the conference and one win away from meeting USC in the conference title game. For a game between two exciting quarterbacks, it was the defenses that took over. Bo Nix and the Ducks looked primed to run away with the game with a 17-3 halftime lead, but a fumble returned for a touchdown by the Utes and a touchdown run from Jaylen Dixon tied the game at 17 just before the fourth quarter. The Ducks would take the lead once again with a field goal as the defense shut down Cameron Rising, intercepting him for the third time and forcing a turnover on downs on Utah's final two possessions to hold on for the win.
#4 TCU 29, Baylor 28 (Waco, TX)
TCU is already in the Big 12 Championship Game, but there is still plenty left for them to play for. Baylor was looking to spoil the Horned Frogs' perfect season and they were doing a very good job of it. They were playing a very strong game, keeping Max Duggan in check as they sat tied 14-14 at halftime. Duggan would throw his only touchdown pass in the third quarter to give TCU their first lead of the game, 20-14 after missing the PAT. Baylor responded with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to stake themselves to a 28-20 lead. Emari Demercado would punch one in with 2:07 left in the game, but they couldn't convert on the two-point try. After forcing Baylor to punt, TCU got the ball back with 1:30 left and no timeouts left. Duggan led a great drive into field goal range and after running onto the field, Griffin Kell would nail the 40-yard kick as time expired to remain perfect.
#3 Michigan 19, Illinois 17 (Ann Arbor, MI)
A week before one of the biggest games of the season, the Wolverines' offense really struggled to find consistency against an Illinois team in the midst of a terrible slide after a 7-1 start. Blake Corum would score Michigan's only touchdown on their opening drive but in the second quarter, he would land hard on his knee, fumbling the ball, and seeing limited action for the remainder of the game. This loss would hinder their ability to move the ball. Illinois, needing a huge upset to stay in the Big Ten West hunt, got a huge third quarter from Chase Brown, running for two touchdowns to take a 17-10 lead into the fourth quarter. The final 15 minutes would be all about Jake Moody. With Michigan unable to find the endzone, Michigan's kicker would hit three clutch field goals, including the game-winner with :09 left, to avoid the upset before heading to Columbus next week.
#2 Ohio State 43, Maryland 30 (College Park, MD)
Just as Michigan had trouble with Illinois, it wasn't easy sailing for the Buckeyes in Maryland. The offense was hard to come by in the first half for both sides as they each got touchdown passes from their quarterbacks and the difference was Maryland kicking one more field goal, leading 13-10 at halftime. With an injury to TraVeyon Henderson in the first half, it was time for third-string running back Dallan Hayden to carry the load. He did exactly that as the Buckeyes outscored Maryland 17-0 in the third quarter behind two touchdown runs from Hayden. Taulia Tagovailoa marched the Terrapins down the field and converted the two-point conversion to bring it within six points. Hayden scored his third touchdown of the half shortly after, but Maryland blocked the PAT and returned it to make it 33-23. Tagovailoa threw his third touchdown pass of the game to bring Maryland within three, but a field goal and fumble returned for a touchdown in the dying seconds put the game on ice for Ohio State to set up the big game next week.
Georgia Tech 21, #13 North Carolina 17 (Chapel Hill, NC)
Through ten games, the Tar Heels' success was dictated by the play of freshman quarterback Drake Maye. Many in Chapel Hill have been clamoring for him to be in the Heisman conversation and he might deserve to be there, but this was not a good night for him. The Georgia Tech defense held Maye off the scoreboard for 60 minutes, limiting the Tar Heels to 17 points in the first half before shutting them out in the second half. The Yellow Jackets' offense was quiet in the first half, but they cut their deficit to three points with a touchdown in the third quarter before taking the lead early in the fourth quarter. Maye and the Tar Heels would get two more chances to regain the lead, but Georgia Tech wouldn't bend, forcing a turnover on downs before running out the clock to complete the upset. Maye was held to 202 yards in the air and just 13 on the ground without scoring a touchdown for the first time this season. It's a good thing that UNC had already clinched the Coastal Division.
My Top 6
1. Georgia (11-0, W 16-6 Kentucky) (-)
I highlighted the troubles of the teams ranked two through five, but it wasn't a cupcake game for Georgia either. They only scored one touchdown in the game, waiting until Kenny McIntosh (143 yards) ran one home in the third quarter. Georgia will now face their in-state rival next week for the chance to finish 12-0 in the regular season before heading to Atlanta to face LSU for the SEC Championship. Barring any major setbacks, they should be the #1 team going into the playoff as they look to defend their championship.
2. Ohio State (11-0, W 43-30 Maryland) (-)
It wasn't the prettiest win for the Buckeyes as they made it out of Maryland alive. The real question will lie in whether or not they're going to have a healthy backfield. With Miyan Williams getting hurt last week and TraVeyon Henderson getting banged up this week, they're going in without a full complement of backs. Dallan Hayden was very good in relief of Henderson in the second half, but this is going to be a different task for the Buckeyes.
3. Michigan (11-0, W 19-17 Illinois) (-)
Speaking of the health of their running backs, Michigan also has some trouble with the health of their running backs. Blake Corum was limited in the second half after leaving with a knee injury and Donovan Edwards missed the game against Illinois. My biggest concern is JJ McCarthy. He was inaccurate at times against the Illini and is going to be facing a huge threat in Columbus. I'm of the thought that the loser of this game won't make the CFP, so Michigan needs to get this one.
4. TCU (11-0, W 29-28 Baylor) (-)
Head Coach Sonny Dykes has the Horned Frogs in a good spot, even after their walk-off win over Baylor on Saturday. Win or lose next week, they're playing in the Big 12 Championship Game in two weeks. This week is going to be their biggest test, not because of who they play, but because of the fact that a single loss in the next two weeks ends their hopes of being in the Top Four in two weeks. They're one of four undefeated teams left and there is no chance the committee puts them in with one loss over some of the teams just below them.
5. USC (10-1, W 48-45 #16 UCLA) (+1)
The Trojans are this week's biggest winner with Tennessee losing because now it likely takes a conference championship for someone to sneak into the Top Four, something that USC will be fighting for in two weeks. Their win sets them up to play in Las Vegas, so two wins might get them in since they're guaranteed to have someone above them lose next week between Michigan and Ohio State. A one-loss USC team is more likely to get in over a one-loss Clemson or whoever loses "The Game" next week.
6. LSU (9-2, W 41-10 UAB) (+1)
Even with a win in the SEC Championship Game, I think there is a very small chance we see the Tigers in the CFP. I don't think they have the players to hang with Georgia in the first place but even with a win, I don't know if the committee will put a two-loss team in the playoff, even if they win the hardest conference in college football. They still have to beat Texas A&M next week before worrying about Georgia.
The Rest of the Top 25
7. Clemson (10-1, W 40-10 Miami) (+1)
The Tigers are another team that benefited a lot from Tennessee's loss because they now have a decent shot at the playoff. I have more faith in them, though South Carolina isn't going to be an easy win.
8. Oregon (9-2, W 20-17 #10 Utah) (+4)
Oregon held off a strong bid from the Utes in Eugene as they sit one win away from facing USC in Las Vegas. Like with LSU, I'm not sure they get in with two losses, but it never hurts to win out.
9. Alabama (9-2, W 34-0 Austin Peay) (-)
As is customary this time of year for Alabama, they had a walk-in-the-park opponent before the Iron Bowl. They picked up the shutout before they finish up an underwhelming regular season.
10. Tennessee (9-2, L 63-38 South Carolina) (-5)
This is a major loss for them as their hopes are now down the drain. While we're likely to point out how bad this loss was, the biggest one is the loss of Hendon Hooker, who will be out for the season.
11. Penn State (9-2, W 55-10 Rutgers) (+1)
Their two losses are to two of the best teams in the country, which is likely to put a damper on their season. They still sit here with plenty left to play for in the final week after a blowout win over Rutgers.
12. Washington (9-2, W 54-7 Colorado) (+1)
There is still a chance that the Huskies find themselves in the PAC-12 Championship Game, though it's a very outside chance. Their win over Oregon sets them up nicely should the Ducks fall in Corvallis.
13. Utah (8-3, L 20-17 #12 Oregon) (-3)
The Utes couldn't quite find the same magic that they had last season against Oregon in their meeting this season. The loss knocks Utah out of the conference title picture, though some madness could still ensue.
14. Kansas State (8-3, W 48-31 West Virginia) (+4)
The driver's seat for the second spot in the Big 12 Championship Game is occupied by the Wildcats. They have to win their finale to get a chance at revenge against TCU.
15. Cincinnati (9-2, W 23-3 Temple) (+4)
Cincinnati's season might come down to this battle with Tulane this week. A win next week and then a win in the conference title game could make them the top of the Group of Five teams.
16. Notre Dame (8-3, W 44-0 Boston College) (+6)
The complete turnaround continues for the Irish as they shut out Boston College to win their fifth straight game. To see where they are now compared to where they started has been amazing.
17. UCLA (8-3, L 48-45 #7 USC) (-)
While they did lose to USC, I'm not dropping them in my rankings because of how tight of a game it was. The Bruins are now out of the hunt in the PAC-12, but they'll be playing in a good bowl for sure.
18. Florida State (8-3, W 49-17 Louisiana) (+2)
Though it has largely been a down year for the ACC, it's nice to see Florida State playing with a little more consistency. They dominated Louisiana in a resounding win before facing Florida.
19. North Carolina (9-2, L 21-17 Georgia Tech) (-8)
This loss serves as a rude awakening for the Tar Heels after their offense lacked magic for the first time this season. It's a real shame too because I was almost convinced they could easily beat Clemson.
20. Tulane (9-2, W 59-24 SMU) (+1)
The AAC comes down to one game and a loss could mean not making it to the championship game. The Green Wave found an answer for SMU's high-powered offense in preparation for the Bearcats.
21. Coastal Carolina (9-1, Virginia- Cancelled) (+2)
The circumstances around this cancellation remind us all that this is a game and sometimes real life matters a lot more. They aren't playing for much since they're already in the conference title game.
22. Ole Miss (8-3, L 42-27 Arkansas) (-7)
When you allow a running back to torch you for 232 yards and three scores, it's not a recipe for success. With the Egg Bowl looming, this is not the way you want to enter the week.
23. Troy (9-2, W 34-16 UL-Monroe) (+2)
All it takes is one win for Troy to make it to the Sun Belt title game. With the Trojans on the verge of ten wins, this is going to be a huge game for them before facing a tough Coastal Carolina team.
24. Oregon Stae (8-3, W 31-7 Arizona State) (+2)
The Beavers have hung around the bottom of the rankings for the past few weeks and the committee really seems to like them. They have a hungry Oregon team this week in a huge rivalry game.
25. UCF (8-3, L 17-14 Navy) (-9)
There's still a good chance the Knights make the AAC Championship Game, but this kills the momentum they'd built for themselves. They're lucky the two one-loss teams battle this week.
The Next 5
26. South Alabama (9-2, W 27-20 Southern Miss) (NR)
They'll need a little bit of luck to make their conference title game since they don't hold the tiebreaker, but it's not impossible. Still, the Jaguars are on the verge of ten wins for the first time in the FBS.
27. Texas (7-4, W 55-14 Kansas) (-)
Bijan Robinson ran for 243 yards and four touchdowns in their blowout win over Kansas, leaving little for Quinn Ewers to do. They still hold a slight chance of facing TCU, but it all starts with a win.
28. UTSA (9-2, W 41-7 Rice) (-)
The Roadrunners continued their dominance over Conference-USA with a win over Rice and have one more tune-up before hosting the title game. They could be ranked by this time next week.
29. Boise State (8-3, W 20-17 Wyoming) (NR)
It'll be another trip to the Mountain West title game after they edged Wyoming to claim the division crown. Assuming they don't slip up, they'll be back at ten wins for the first time since 2019.
30. Air Force (8-3, W 24-12 Colorado State) (NR)
Though they've fallen short of the conference title game, the Falcons have still been impressive at times. They did all of their damage on the ground against Colorado State, rushing for 359 yards.
Week 13 Preview
1. #3 Michigan v. #2 Ohio State (Columbus, OH)
There is so much on the line in this game that it's easily the biggest game of the season. Not only does the winner of this game win the division and earn their spot in the conference title game, but the loser is also likely playing in a non-playoff game as either the #5 or #6 team in the country.
2. #19 Tulane v. #21 Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH)
Another game that determines a spot in a conference title game, this also has some New Year's Day implications as the winner could find themselves playing in a big game. The winner is guaranteed a spot in the title game, while the loser needs some help.
3. Nebraska v. Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
While the Big Ten East is very straightforward, the Big Ten West remains a nightmare with three teams still in the hunt to likely lose. Iowa, despite its massive shortcomings on offense, controls its destiny and will get to settle things early with their game taking place on Friday afternoon.
4. Purdue v. Indiana (Bloomington, IN)
Should Iowa lose to a struggling Nebraska team, it leaves the door wide open for the Boilermakers to step through to win the division. Purdue is arguably the better team, though they're hampered by their loss to Iowa a few weeks ago.
5. #10 Oregon v. Oregon State (Corvallis, OR)
The road to the CFP is going to be a tough one for the Ducks, but their road to Las Vegas and USC is a lot simpler. They just need a win over their in-state rival on the road, which could be good for them since they're a perfect 4-0 in true road games this season.
6. Kansas v. #15 Kansas State (Manhattan, KS)
If you told me we'd likely see TCU and Kansas State fight for the Big 12 crown at the beginning of the season, I'd have called you crazy. The Wildcats still need to beat a Kansas team that has cooled down since their unreal start to make that crazy thought become a reality.
7. Baylor v. Texas (Arlington, TX)
The Longhorns have been another of the major programs in college football that lacked consistency this season. Despite this, they are still mathematically able to qualify for the conference title game should Kansas State lose and they handle business against Baylor.
8. #13 Notre Dame v. #5 USC (Los Angeles, CA)
While there are plenty of other games with conference title implications, there are some big rivalry games with playoff stakes. This Notre Dame team has transformed in front of our eyes this season after an 0-2 start and USC really needs a win before heading to Las Vegas to likely face Oregon.
9. South Carolina v. #7 Clemson (Clemson, SC)
South Carolina's win over Tennessee instantly made this game more appealing because Clemson is a team that is prone to off games. Clemson's only hope is to beat the Gamecocks and destroy UNC in the ACC Championship Game with some help from the teams in front of them.
10. Mississippi State v. #20 Ole Miss (Oxford, MS)
I'm not sure why I have fond memories of the Egg Bowl since I live in North Carolina and have no affiliation with either school. The quarterback matchup in this game is exciting as both teams try to salvage rough seasons.
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