NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 12

Yulia Chive

2 min read

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09-01-2025

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NCAA Football Saturday: The College Football Playoff Picture After Week 12

The dust has settled on another exhilarating week of college football, and the College Football Playoff (CFP) picture is starting to sharpen, though not without its share of intrigue. Week 12 delivered some shocking upsets and solidified the dominance of others, leaving us with a compelling narrative heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

The Top Contenders: Still a Tight Race

Georgia (11-0): The Bulldogs remain the undisputed top team in the nation. Their consistent dominance and suffocating defense make them the clear frontrunner for a CFP berth. Another convincing victory this week further cemented their position. Their path to the CFP is straightforward: win out.

Michigan (11-0): The Wolverines continue their impressive season, showcasing a powerful running game and a stingy defense. Their victory over [Opponent's name] this week solidified their position in the top four. Similar to Georgia, their playoff hopes rely on continued success in their remaining games.

TCU (11-0): The Horned Frogs' undefeated season is nothing short of remarkable. Their high-octane offense and resilient performances have defied expectations, making them a legitimate contender for a CFP spot. However, their remaining schedule presents a significant challenge, and any slip-up could jeopardize their chances.

Ohio State (10-1): The Buckeyes bounced back from their loss to Michigan with an emphatic victory. Their playoff hopes are now heavily reliant on other teams losing and their own strong finish to the regular season. A strong finish, coupled with some upsets, might be enough to sneak them into the CFP.

The Bubble Teams: A Scramble for Remaining Spots

Several teams are vying for those coveted remaining CFP spots. Their playoff hopes depend on winning out and hoping for some significant upsets among the top contenders. Key teams to watch include:

• USC (10-2): Despite two losses, USC remains a strong contender. Their impressive offense and overall talent could still earn them a CFP bid if the top teams stumble.

• Alabama (9-3): A surprising number of losses this season has left Alabama on the outside looking in. A strong finish could potentially put them back in contention, though their chances are slim.

Week 12's Impact on the CFP Race

Several games this week significantly impacted the playoff race. [Specific game examples and their impact, e.g., "The upset of [Team A] by [Team B] shook up the rankings, boosting [Team B]'s chances and potentially hurting [Team A]'s"]. This unpredictable nature highlights the excitement and uncertainty inherent in college football’s playoff system.

Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch

The final weeks of the regular season will be crucial. Every game holds immense importance, and even the smallest margin of error could determine a team's playoff fate. Expect nail-biting finishes and dramatic upsets as teams fight for their chance to compete for a national championship. The race is far from over, and the suspense is only growing.

Conclusion: A Wild Ride to the Finish Line

The CFP picture after Week 12 is far from clear. While Georgia and Michigan appear to be in strong positions, the battle for the remaining spots is incredibly tight and unpredictable. The final weeks promise thrilling matchups, surprising outcomes, and plenty of drama as teams fight for their place in the College Football Playoff. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the regular season.