The X Things About College Football from Week 12
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Michigan and USC Keep Playoff Hopes Alive…For Now
Michigan and USC both barely passed tests to keep their playoff hopes alive on Saturday. The Wolverines needed a game-winning field goal to beat Northwestern, 24-22, in Wrigley Field. Michigan was in danger of the upset after turning the ball over five times, but were saved by a late drive. USC was able to “out-Iowa” the Hawkeyes in the second half, outscoring them 16-0 for a come-from-behind 26-21 victory. Things will only get more difficult for both teams, as USC faces Oregon on Saturday while Michigan plays #1 Ohio State in two weeks.
Alabama Isn’t Invincible
The Tide has been on a roll ever since it’s stunning loss to Florida State all the way back in week one. However, their big weakness was exposed as their losing streak was snapped against Oklahoma. Alabama has struggled to run the ball all season, and are a far cry from a not-long-ago era where they had a stable of blue-chips in the backfield. Ty Simpson has been exceptional under center, but will need to be near-perfect for Alabama to make a deep playoff run.
Stable Sooners
On the other side of things, Oklahoma also lacks a serious threat on the ground that could hamper their chances of a run in January. However, the one thing that they do have is a vicious front seven that can slow down just about any offense. The Sooners defensive line might be the nation’s best, as they continue to give offenses fits and keep them out of rhythm. John Mateer may not be the Heisman hopeful as expected earlier in the year, but he always seems to make plays with his arm or legs when called upon. Oklahoma will be a tough out for anyone if they hang on to become part of the 12-team field next month.
A Tale of Two Halves
Texas A&M and South Carolina put one of the most bizarre games of college football you will ever see. It was akin to a college basketball game when an underdog comes out red hot in the first half, then can’t buy a bucket in the second half to allow the highly-ranked team back into the contest. Nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, could go right for the Aggies in the first half. Marcel Reid was picked off twice, and should have thrown at least three more interceptions that went through the hands of Gamecocks defenders. It looked like the nation’s #3 team was about to go down hard as they went into halftime down 30-3 at home. Whatever freshly-extended Mike Elko said at halftime worked wonders, as a completely different team came out for the second half. Reid started throwing the ball to the right team, ending with a career-high 439 passing yards as the Aggies quickly took control of the game. It didn’t take long for A&M to get back in the game, and if not for a late turnover, could have won comfortably with plenty of time remaining. It was more heartbreak for South Carolina, falling to 3-7 in a year that began with dreams of another playoff run.
Notre Dame is Rolling Into the Playoffs
Things looked bleak for the Irish with an 0-2 start a year after making the national championship game. However, Notre Dame continues to roll once the schedule eased up. The Irish were no match for #22 Pitt as they raced out to a quick lead and never let the Panthers back in a 37-15 victory on the road. Notre Dame’s defense continues to improve after a shaky start, and the offense has been rolling with CJ Carr and the nation’s best running back duo, with Jeremiyah Love doing his best Saquon Barkley impression with highlight-reel plays week after week. The Irish will be a lock for the playoffs as long as they can avoid upsets against Syracuse and Stanford in the next two weeks, and should be in excellent position to host a first round game.
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