Week 12 in the 2024 College Football season brings us within two weeks of the regular season-ending. The playoff picture and the races for a spot in the conference championship games are heating up. So, how did the BYU Cougars, Georgia Bulldogs, and Oregon Ducks (among others) fare this week?
BYU-are Defeated
Last week, the number six-ranked BYU Cougars continued their undefeated record and inched closer to a spot in the CFP and the Big 12 Championship game. This week, they hoped to continue this by defeating the Kansas Jayhawks, a team that has been able to upset the big players this season. So, would we see another upset?
The Jayhawks had the opening drive of the game and would be able to convert this into points. Starting from their 16-yard line, the offense, led by quarterback Jalon Daniels, made its way down to the Cougars’ eight-yard line. From here, skilled running back Devin Neal found the endzone for an eight-yard rushing touchdown.
While BYU was unable to do anything in direct response to the touchdown score, they were able to score some points a few drives later. The drive, led by quarterback Jake Retzlaff, found its way down to the Jayhawks’ 15-yard line before it stalled. This set up a 33-yard field goal from kicker Will Ferrin, which he was successful with.
The Cougars took the lead on their next drive when Retzlaff found Hinckley Ropati for a 30-yard touchdown pass. This gave them a three-point lead, something they would hold for one drive, as the Jayhawks scored a field goal on their response from 25 yards out.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt looked like BYU could retake the lead just before halftime, with the offense finding themselves down inside the Jayhawks’ redone. However, Retzlaff’s pass into the endzone was intercepted, ending any hope that points would come from this drive.
This meant that the scores were level at 10-10 at halftime.
The Cougars had the first drive of the second half and would be able to (albeit very slowly) find some points from this. This drive took over 10 minutes and was 17 plays long. Retzlaff and company slowly moved themselves down to the Jayhawks’ 17-yard line. But they could not go any further, setting up Ferrin with a 35-yard field goal attempt. He was successful with this, handing BYU a slim lead.
Kansas had the ball next and went on a long drive. This one took the Jayhawks down to the Cougars’ 36-yard line. Here, the drive stalled and they decided to punt the ball, This was caught at the Cougars’ three-yard line. However, the receiver fumbled the ball, which the Jayhawks scooped up, keeping their drive alive and putting them in excellent field position.
This is something that they would capitalize on, as Neal found the endzone on the very next play to score a rushing touchdown, which put them back into the lead.
However, on their next drive, the Jayhawks would make a mistake when Daniels’ pass was intercepted. Luckily, the Cougars were unable to do anything with the ball.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe scores remained the same for most of the fourth quarter, meaning that on their final drive of the game, BYU needed only to find the endzone, something they had been able to do for most of the season.
The drive started on their 21-yard line, and Retzlaff led his offense down to the Jayhawks’ 16-yard line. Here, they were faced with a vital fourth-down attempt, where the endzone had to be found. On this play, Retzlaff found Chase Roberts for an eight-yard pass, which was not enough.
This means the Kansas Jayhawks had upset the formerly undefeated number six ranked BYU Cougars 17-13.
The Jayhawks’ win was due to the fumble on the punt return. If this had not happened, I think BYU would still have its perfect record. This result makes the Big 12 very interesting coming into the final weeks, but I still think it is BYU’s to lose. The victory improves the Jayhawks’ record to 4-6 (3-4 Big 12), while the Cougars’ record falls to 9-1 (6-1 Big 12) for the season.
Next week, Kansas faces the other contender for the Big 12 in Colorado, while BYU plays Arizona State.
The Ducks Hold on
The number one-ranked Oregon Ducks are now, with the defeat to BYU, one of the few remaining undefeated teams in College Football. Their season was slow to start, but the Ducks have recently been able to trounce their weaker opponents. This week, they faced a slightly harder test in the Wisconsin Badgers.
The Ducks scored the first points of the game on their first drive. Starting from their 40-yard line, the Oregon offense, led by now record-breaking quarterback Dillion Gabriel, made its way down to the Badgers’ 17-yard line. This is where the drive stalled, setting up a 35-yard field goal for kicker Atticus Sappington, which he made.
However, the Ducks made a mistake on their next drive. They could make it down to the Badgers’ nine-yard line, but here, Gabriel’s pass was intercepted. Luckily for Oregon, Wisconsin was unable to get anything from this drive.
The Ducks added to their lead soon after, with Sappington finding the uprights from 42 yards out. In response to this, the Badgers were able to get their first points of the game. Starting from their 30-yard line, Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke moved his offense down to the Ducks ’14-yard line. Here, the drive stalled, resulting in a 31-yard field goal from Nathanial Vakos
Embed from Getty ImagesBut just before halftime, the Badgers were able to take the lead. Locke and company made their way down to the Ducks’ two-yard line, and Locke found Will Pauling for the touchdown pass.
This meant that the Badgers had a 10-6 lead over the Ducks at halftime.
The Badgers extended their lead on their first drive of the second half. This was a long drive lasting nearly nine minutes, during which the offense slowly moved from their 20-yard line to the Ducks’ 18-yard line. This is where their drive stalled, and Vakos kicked a 35-yard field goal to widen their lead.
However, this lead did not last long. In response, Gabriel led his Ducks offense down to the Badgers’ 11-yard line. From here, Jordan James (who may have missed this game due to an injury last week) found the endzone for a rushing touchdown to tie the scores as the fourth quarter began.
Embed from Getty ImagesNeither team did much on offense for most of the fourth quarter. However, with under three minutes left, Atticus Sappington scored a game-winning 24-yard field goal.
This meant the number one Oregon Ducks had defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 16-13.
This was not the usual Oregon Ducks we have grown accustomed to seeing. However, Dan Lanning’s side did enough to win the game, keeping their title as the best team in the country for another week. The win gives them an 11-0 (8-0 Big Ten) record, while the Badgers fall to 5-5 (3-4 Big Ten) on the season.
The Bulldogs Mawl Tennessee
In what could be seen as the week’s game, the number seven-ranked Tennessee Volunteers faced the number 12-ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Last week, I said that Georgia’s defeat to the Ole Miss Rebels meant that their season is all but over. It turns out it is not. A win against the Volunteers, whose quarterback Nico Iamaleava was originally not going to play, will put them back into contention for a spot in the CFP. So, could they do it?
The Volunteers got their first points in the game off their opening drive. Starting from their 22-yard line, Iamaleava and the rest of the Tennessee offense made it down to the Bulldogs’ one-yard line. From here, Miles Kitselman found the endzone for the rushing touchdown.
Embed from Getty ImagesThey were able to add to this lead a couple of drives later. On this occasion, the offense stalled on the Bulldogs’ 32-yard line. This set up Max Gilbert’s 52-yard field goal attempt, which he was successful with.
However, the Bulldogs were quickly able to gain some ground on Tennessee. On a drive that started on their 25-yard line, the Georgia offense, led by quarterback Carson Beck, could advance down to the Volunteers’ 19-yard line. Here, Beck found Oscar Delp for the touchdown pass.
The Bulldogs’ good form continued on their next drive. The offense again drove down the length of the field to reach the Tennessee four-yard line, this time. From here, Beck found Delp again for another touchdown pass.
The Volunteers were able to match this on their next drive when key running back Dylan Sampson found the endzone for a 27-yard rushing touchdown.
The scoring did not end here. To end the half, Bulldogs kicker Peyton Woodring found the uprights from 36 yards out.
This meant at halftime, the scores would be tied 17-17.
Georgia would be able to retake the lead early in the second half. As we have seen in the other two games above, the opening scoring drive in the second half has been long. This was no different, with the Bulldogs offense taking over seven minutes off the clock to make it down to the Volunteers 10-yard line. Here, Beck found the endzone himself with a 10-yard rush,
After a lull in action, the Bulldogs would again find the endzone. This came from a two-yard run from Nate Frazier, with only two minutes to go in the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesTennessee needed to do something in these remaining minutes, not to win but to keep their chances of making the CFP alive. Unfortunately, all they could do was fumble the ball, putting an end to what had been a tough game for them,
This meant that the number 12-ranked Georgia Bulldogs had defeated the number seven-ranked Tennessee Volunteers 31-17.
This matchup was better on paper than it was in reality. After a poor run recently, the Bulldogs were able to pull off a decent win that has saved what was left of their season. Also, Carson Beck did not mess up, throwing for 347 yards and no interceptions or fumbles.
As for Tennessee, they are now where Georgia was coming into this week, teetering on the edge between being in the playoffs and being left out. We’ll have to wait for the committee to decide on what will be a complex “Selection Sunday in a few weeks.
Next week, Georgia faces non-conference (and only two-win all-year) UMass, while Tennessee plays non-conference opposition in UTEP.
What Happened to the Other Ranked Teams?
#2 Ohio State @ Northwestern
This week, the number two-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes faced the Northwestern Wildcats at Wrigley Field. Surprising no one, the Buckeyes were able to easily win this game 31-7, with Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns in the win.
#3 Texas @ Arkansas
The number three-ranked Texas Longhorns faced rivals, the Arkansas Razorbacks, this week. The last time these teams met, the Razorbacks destroyed the Longhorns. This team, it was a closer affair. In a game dominated by defense, the Longhorns did enough to record a 20-10 win, keeping them in contention for an appearance in the SEC Championship game.
#4 Penn State @ Purdue
The number four ranked Penn State Nittany Lions faced the Purdue Boilermakers in an easy win for the team. Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar threw for three touchdowns as Penn State cruised to a 49-10 victory over the lowly Boilermakers.
Embed from Getty ImagesVirginia @ #8 Notre Dame
The number eight-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish continued their push for a spot in the CFP with a simple win over the Virginia Cavaliers. A strong second quarter from quarterback Riley Leonard was pivotal in giving the Fighting Irish a 35-14 win.
Mercer @ #10 Alabama
After their convincing win over LSU last week, the number 10 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide faced the non-conference Mercer Bears. This is the kind of game where you would expect Alabama to win big, which is what they did. Jalen Milroe was involved in three touchdowns in only two quarters as the Crimson Tide defeated the Bears 52-7.
#13 Boise State @ San Jose State
The number 13-ranked Boise State Broncos continued their journey to be the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion, thus earning a spot in the playoffs, with a win over the San Jose State Spartans. This was another game where Heisman Trophy contender Ashton Jeanty delivered, recording 159 rushing yards and scoring three touchdowns in the Broncos’ 42-21 win.
Boston College @ #14 SMU
Coming into the season, many people did not consider the number 14-ranked SMU Mustangs a contender for the ACC Championship. They are undefeated in conference play, and this record continued against the Boston College Eagles. Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for three touchdowns in a 38-28 win, which puts SMU one win away from a spot in the ACC Championship game and potentially a spot in the CFP.
Embed from Getty ImagesNew Mexico State @ #15 Texas A&M
In a game that I have dubbed “The Battle of the Aggies,” the 15th-ranked Texas A&M Aggies faced the New Mexico State Aggies. This was a very one-sided game, as A&M QB Marcel Reed scored three touchdowns in their 38-3 win. This keeps the game against the Texas Longhorns in two weeks, a game with implications for the SEC Championship game.
Arizona State @ #16 Kansas State
The Arizona State Sun Devils could be a shock contender for the Big 12 championship in the last weeks of the regular season. They faced the number 16 ranked Kansas State Wildcats, and could easily defeat them 24-14. This should mean that the Sun Devils are ranked next week, and it is season over for Kansas State.
Utah @ #17 Colorado
The number 17 ranked Colorado Buffaloes continued their strong season under coach Deion Sanders with a win over the Utah Utes. Potential number one pick of the 2025 NFL Draft Shedeur Sanders threw for 340 yards, as the Buffaloes easily won the game 49-24. With the defeat to BYU, this puts the two teams level at the top of the Big 12.
#18 Washington State @ New Mexico
Next week, the number 18 ranked Washington State Cougars face the Oregon State Beavers for the unofficial PAC-2 championship. In preparation for this, they faced the New Mexico Lobos. A second-half comeback from the Lobos, with a late touchdown score from quarterback Devon Dampier gave New Mexico a 38-35, and their first win over ranked opposition since 2003. For those who want to know, this was a 47-35 win over the number 23-ranked Utah Utes, coached by Urban Meyer.
#19 Louisville @ Stanford
The number 19 ranked Louisville Cardinals faced the Stanford Cardinal in what should have been an easy win for the Kentucky-based side. It was not, with the game going down to the final kick of the game. Here, Stanford kicker Emmet Kenney scored a 52-yard field goal to give them a surprising 38-25 win.
#20 Clemson @ Pittsburgh
A few weeks ago, the battle between the number 20-ranked Clemson Tigers and the Pittsburgh Panthers would have been between ranked teams. However, the Panthers have been on a losing streak recently, which continued this week. Despite a late comeback, Pittsburgh could not do enough to defeat Clemson, who held on for a 24-20 win, keeping them in contention for a spot in the ACC Championship game.
#23 Missouri @ #21 South Carolina
In the other game between ranked teams this week, the number 23 ranked Missouri Tigers faced the number 21 ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw for five touchdowns in this game, including one in the dying seconds of the game to give South Carolina a 34-30 win over Missouri.
#22 LSU @ Florida
After last week’s poor showing against Alabama, the 22nd-ranked LSU Tigers faced a Florida Gators team that has struggled throughout the season. However, the Gators did not struggle in this game, easily defeating the Tigers 27-16. This eliminates any chance for LSU to make the SEC Championship game, and their playoff hopes are now dead.
Embed from Getty Images#25 Tulane @ Navy
The number 25-ranked Tulane Green Wave faced the Navy Midshipmen, knowing that a win in this game would earn them a spot in the AAC Championship game. They dominated Navy, winning the game 35-0 and setting up a likely championship game with the undefeated Army.
So, that was Week 12 of the 2024 College Football season. Next week, the Indiana Hoosiers face Ohio State to decide who will face Oregon in the Big Ten Championship game. The Army hopes to continue its undefeated season against Notre Dame, and LSU faces this season’s surprise team in Vanderbilt.