Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love delivered a standout performance in Week 12, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown in the team's 37-15 victory over Pitt, bolstering his case for Heisman consideration. Elsewhere, Oklahoma secured a significant 23-21 road win against No.
4 Alabama, showcasing their defense and positioning themselves for a potential College Football Playoff at-large bid despite two league losses. James Madison continued its dominant run, improving to 9-1 and 7-0 in the Sun Belt with a 58-10 win over Appalachian State, making them a strong contender for the Group of Six playoff bid.
Michigan and USC narrowly escaped defeats, with Michigan winning on a last-second field goal against Northwestern and USC overcoming a halftime deficit to beat Iowa, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes alive. Georgia Tech survived a scare against Boston College, winning 23-21 on a late field goal, but their defensive struggles raise concerns for their upcoming ACC title-deciding game against Pitt.
