USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25 released after Week 12 of college football

The latest USA Today Coaches Poll Top 25 rankings were released after Week 12 of the college football regular season.

There wasn’t much movement among the top contenders in the sport. However, one scary injury could change the landscape over the course of the final weeks.

Let’s dive into the latest Coaches Poll top 25 from USA Today after Week 12 of college football.

1. Georgia

Georgia dominated once again, this time 38-10 over Tennessee and it’s time to be very afraid of the Bulldogs again. The last month-plus saw the return of the two-time champs, for real.

Carson Beck threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns while Kendall Milton got it going on the ground with 66 yards and one touchdown. Georgia Tech next week and then it’s Alabama time.

2. Ohio State (+1)

The Buckeyes dominated Minnesota to win their 11th game of the season. It seems like the team from Columbus is hitting their stride at just the right time.

But, it’s all on the line next week against Michigan. Ohio State has to go to Ann Arbor and it’s put up or shut up time. All the noise, all the hate, all the drama, it’s time to play football.

3. Michigan (-1)

Michigan played with fire a little bit Saturday but was mostly in control with a 31-24 win over Maryland. It wasn’t the most impressive, but the Wolverines are 11-0.

This is what everyone wanted at this point of the season. Undefeated Michigan and undefeated Ohio State for all of the marbles in the final weekend of the regular season.

4. Florida State

Florida State may have won but all thoughts and prayers are up for quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis appeared to suffer a gruesome lower leg injury in the win over North Alabama.Head coach Mike Norvell was emotional when talking about his star quarterback’s injury. FSU can still win the ACC title and get to the playoff, but without Travis, the hopes certainly take a hit. A shame for such a great player.

5. Washington

Washington went into a hostile environment at Oregon State and came out the victors. The Huskies edged the Beavers 22-20 on some clutch throws from Michael Penix Jr.

He threw two touchdowns and a game clinching completion to Rome Odunze. Washington will play for the Pac-12 title in two weeks and await Oregon for a rematch or Arizona. The playoff is well within reach now.

6. Oregon

Another dominant win for Oregon, this time 49-13 over Arizona State. The Ducks have to beat Oregon State to clinch a spot in the Pac-12 title game and get that rematch with Washington.

Bo Nix continued his Heisman Trophy campaign with 404 yards and six touchdown passes. He was unstoppable again. Civil War time this coming weekend.

7. Texas

Simply put, Texas just took care of business and beat Iowa State 26-16. The Longhorns kept their playoff hopes alive and are now 10-1 on the season. Texas knows the roadmap: win out.

Quinn Ewers was efficient and threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns while CJ Baxter ran well in place of the injured Jonathon Brooks. He had 117 yards off 20 carries and could be key these last couple of weeks.

8. Alabama

Nothing new for Alabama this week other than a blowout win over Chattanooga, 66-10. This sets up for the all important Iron Bowl this coming weekend after Auburn was upset by New Mexico State.

Alabama is as hot as any team in the country. Nick Saban knows the path though: win out and beat Georgia in the SEC Championship. That should get the Crimson Tide to the playoff, but there’s a good amount of contenders in front.

9. Louisville

Louisville was in a bit of a rollercoaster game against Miami, but the Cardinals edged the Hurricanes 38-31 to clinch a spot in the ACC Championship Game. With the rivalry game against Kentucky on tap next week, the Cardinals can keep their playoff hopes alive with another win.

Now that Florida State won’t have Travis at quarterback, Louisville could have the edge. Finishing 12-1 as ACC Champions gives Jeff Brohm’s crew a chance at the College Football Playoff, but they’ll need some help.

10. Missouri (+1)

It certainly seemed like Missouri was going to fall victim to an upset at the hands of Florida, but the Tigers prevailed again. Harrison Mevis drilled the game winning field goal to give Mizzou its 9th win of the season.

Basically, it’s been a dream year for Eli Drinkwitz and company, sans that loss to Georgia. Boy, can you imagine if Missouri was on top of the SEC East instead? Either way, the New Year’s Six is in play.

Rest of Coaches Poll Top 25

11. Penn State (+1)
12. Ole Miss (+2)
13. Oklahoma
14. LSU (+1)
15. Oregon State (-5)
16. Arizona (+6)
17. Notre Dame (+1)
18. Tulane (-1)
19. Iowa (+4)
20. Kansas State (+4)
21. Oklahoma State (+4)
22. Liberty (NR)
23. Tennessee (-4)
24. NC State (NR)
25. SMU (NR)

Dropped out: No. 16 Utah; No. 20 North Carolina; No. 21 James Madison

Others receiving votes: North Carolina 79; UNLV 76; Utah 75; Toledo 49; James Madison 48; Clemson 25; Troy 17; Texas A&M 6; UCLA 5; Kansas 4; Fresno State 3; West Virginia 2; UTSA 1; Air Force 1

There’s a clear separation between the top tier teams, so roughly the top 10 or so, and the rest. It’s all about the playoff this late in the year and there’s only two more weeks to make your final move.