The lineup for Week 12 on ESPN, aptly named “Statement Saturday,” delivered plenty of excitement and frustration as teams vied for playoff positions in the new 12-team format. This was particularly true in the SEC, which boasted seven teams in the top 14 of the second College Football Playoff ranking.
Despite Texas A&M’s record-setting comeback against South Carolina, they were in a good spot even without it. Alabama’s playoff hopes remain alive, despite a narrow loss to visiting Oklahoma. However, Texas suffered a significant setback with a defeat at Georgia. Meanwhile, Ole Miss managed to rally past Florida, which will miss the postseason for the second time in three years.
The pinnacle of Week 12’s drama was in Alabama, where the Crimson Tide (8-2/6-1) limited the Sooners (8-2/4-2) to just 212 yards and 12 first downs. However, three turnovers led to a tight 23-21 defeat. Oklahoma secured its second consecutive November road victory against a ranked conference opponent, having already won at Tennessee earlier this month and enjoying a bye before facing Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Had Oklahoma lost, it would have been their third SEC defeat, severely diminishing their playoff chances. Instead, their defense relentlessly pressured Alabama’s quarterback Ty Simpson, leading the Sooners to hand Kalen DeBoer his first home loss as Alabama’s head coach. This victory marked their fourth win over a ranked opponent, a feat only matched by the Tide. Oklahoma’s earlier loss to Texas on October 11 now seems a distant memory as they face tough upcoming games against Missouri and LSU.
Texas (7-3/4-2), despite an often lackluster performance, kept fans engaged until the end of their 35-10 loss to Georgia. Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s squad still has a slim chance for a playoff berth, hinging on a matchup with Texas A&M. However, they first need to overcome Arkansas on Saturday, beat the Aggies in Austin the Friday after Thanksgiving, and hope for favorable outcomes elsewhere.
The Bulldogs (9-1/7-1) wrapped up their SEC schedule against Oklahoma. Next, they face American Conference member Charlotte in Athens before the traditional season finale against Georgia Tech. This game has been relocated to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, generating a $10 million payout for Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets, who host Pitt on Saturday, could be on a path to the ACC championship game. Should they win, another playoff meeting with Georgia might be on the horizon.
As for the Bulldogs (9-1/7-1), their SEC schedule concluded against OU. American Conference member Charlotte visits Athens next week ahead of the annual regular-season finale against Georgia Tech, which will receive a $10 million payout as a result of moving the game a couple of miles from Bobby Dodd Stadium to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Yellow Jackets, who host Pitt on Saturday, could be on their way to the ACC championship game. Win that and, who knows, Tech and UGA could meet again in the playoff.
Ole Miss had one red zone blunder after another before rallying past the Gators, 34-24, in Oxford. The Rebels (10-1/6-1) pulled off the win amid an environment centered around Lane Kiffin and whether or not he is headed to Gainesville. Such speculation is sure to skyrocket with a week off before the Egg Bowl, assuming he’s still around.
Speaking of coaches and jobs, much of the chatter in College Station dealt with Mike Elko’s six-year extension through 2031. His Aggies (10-0/7-0) then promptly fell behind the three-win Gamecocks, 30-3, before quarterback Marcel Reed led the comeback in a 31-30 victory. A loss would not have been detrimental to A&M’s playoff hopes, though it would have certainly ratcheted up what will already be a hyped atmosphere with the aforementioned Thanksgiving weekend affair in Austin. The Aggies host Samford on Saturday.
Vandy (8-2/4-2) had a week off before resuming action Saturday against visiting Kentucky. The Commodores then conclude the regular season at Tennessee, who with three conference losses will be in the role of spoiler assuming the ‘Dores hold serve in Lexington to remain in playoff contention. Help is needed, though.
All of the above is what made Week 12 must-see TV, especially in the SEC.
