Week 12 of the college football season is here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With conference championships and playoff berths on the line, every snap, tackle, and touchdown could reshape the postseason landscape. Two matchups, in particular, have fans buzzing: No. 7 Texas vs. Iowa State and No. 8 Alabama vs. Chattanooga. But the real question on everyone’s mind is—can Georgia bulldoze their way past Texas in the playoff race, and will Alabama keep their title hopes alive? Here’s your ultimate Week 12 breakdown.
Georgia’s Playoff Path: Can the Dawgs Stay Perfect?
The No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (10-0) have been unstoppable this season, but their toughest tests are yet to come. After dominating Ole Miss, they face a tricky road game against Tennessee. While the Vols aren’t as strong as last year, Neyland Stadium is a hostile environment. A loss here could open the door for Texas or Alabama to challenge for the top seed.
But the real intrigue lies in how Georgia’s success impacts Texas. If the Longhorns (9-1) win out (including the Big 12 Championship), they could leapfrog other contenders. The Bulldogs must stay perfect to avoid giving Texas—or anyone else—a shot at their playoff spot.
Texas vs. Iowa State: A Classic Trap Game?
Texas’s Week 12 matchup against Iowa State (6-4) is a potential landmine. The Cyclones have a history of spoiling playoff dreams, and Quinn Ewers must keep the Longhorns’ offense rolling. A loss here would be devastating, especially with Ohio State, Michigan, Florida State, and Washington also vying for the top four.
If Texas wins, they stay in the playoff hunt. If they lose? The Big 12 could miss the CFP entirely.
Alabama’s Playoff Push: Will the Tide Survive?
Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide (9-1) have looked shaky at times but remain in playoff contention. This week’s game against Chattanooga (FCS) is a tune-up before the Iron Bowl and a potential SEC Championship vs. Georgia.
The real test comes in two weeks: Beat Georgia, and Bama could jump into the top four, even with their loss to Texas. But first, they must avoid any slip-ups against Chattanooga.
Other Must-Watch Week 12 Matchups
- No. 5 Washington vs. No. 11 Oregon State – The unbeaten Huskies barely survived Utah. A loss here could eliminate the Pac-12 from playoff contention.
- No. 3 Michigan vs. Maryland – With the sign-stealing scandal lingering, the Wolverines need a dominant win.
- No. 4 Florida State vs. North Alabama – The Seminoles must keep winning to fend off Texas and Alabama.
Final Thoughts: Playoff Chaos Ahead
The College Football Playoff race is heating up. Georgia remains the favorite, but Texas and Alabama are waiting in the wings. The next two weeks will decide who competes for a national title—and who gets left out.
Prediction: Georgia escapes Tennessee, Texas survives Iowa State, and Alabama dominates Chattanooga. But chaos is coming.
Who do you think makes the playoff? Share your thoughts below!
— Rahul Nair, Senior Sports Analyst, NextMinuteNews
