Brett McMurphy’s Must-See AP Top 25 College Football Rankings Post-Week 12

Ohio State has claimed the top spot on my Associated Press ballot after a strong performance against Indiana. Both teams secured Big Ten victories, but Ohio State’s win gave them a slight edge. Texas A&M is holding steady at No. 3 after a thrilling comeback against South Carolina. Georgia and Ole Miss have moved up to No. 4 and No. 5, thanks to Alabama’s unexpected loss to Oklahoma, which has now entered my Top 10.

This week, I’ve added James Madison, Tulane, North Texas, and San Diego State to my ballot.

In their latest game, Ohio State easily took down UCLA, winning 48-10. The Bruins struggled without their starting quarterback, managing only 222 total yards. Bo Jackson was a standout for the Buckeyes, rushing for 112 yards on 15 carries. Meanwhile, wide receiver Carnell Tate didn’t play, and Jeremiah Smith left early but still had four catches for 40 yards.

Indiana showcased a solid defense in their 31-7 victory over Wisconsin. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw four touchdowns, accumulating 299 passing yards. Charlie Becker was impressive, racking up 108 yards on just five receptions. This marks the ninth game this season where Indiana held their opponent to 15 points or less.

Texas A&M made history with a comeback against South Carolina, overcoming a 30-3 halftime deficit to win 31-30. Quarterback Marcel Reed had a stellar second half, throwing for 439 yards and three touchdowns. Both KC Concepcion and Ashton Bethel-Roman had standout performances as well, combining for over 290 receiving yards.

Georgia maintained momentum, defeating Texas 35-10. They scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal their victory, with quarterback Gunner Stockton throwing for four touchdowns total.

Ole Miss celebrated a big win against Florida, winning 34-24 and likely securing their place in the College Football Playoff. Kewan Lacy shone brightly in this game, rushing for 224 yards and scoring three touchdowns. This marked their 11th win at home, continuing a strong streak.

Meanwhile, the Texas Tech Red Raiders had a smooth win against UCF, ending the game at 48-9. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez made plays on both sides of the ball, scoring a touchdown while also grabbing an interception.

Oklahoma surprised Alabama, winning 23-21 despite being outgained in yardage. The Sooners capitalized on three turnovers, including an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown. Alabama’s Ty Simpson threw for 326 yards but also had a critical interception that set up Oklahoma’s score.

Lastly, Notre Dame began strong against Pitt with a 14-0 lead. They went on to win 37-15, with Jeremiya Love rushing for 147 yards to help push the scoreline. Quarterback CJ Carr completed 212 passing yards, connecting for two touchdowns with Malachi Fields.

As we dive into the season, it’s evident how competitive college football is becoming this year. Teams are making significant strides, and every game counts more than ever. It’s a thrilling time for fans and players alike as we approach the playoffs.

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