Week 12 Top 25

Week 12
1. SEC	The Bayou Bengals were less than spectacular against Western Kentucky, especially in the first half, but they eventually pulled away in the second half.  A hangover after the Field Goal Fest of the Century is understandable, though a potential matchup with Oklahoma State will require one of the Tigers' mediocre quarterbacks to actually make some big plays.
2. Oklahoma State	We've now seen the Cowboys play defense twice this year after their 66-6 win over Texas Tech.  Iowa State is the only thing standing between OSU and an epic matchup with Oklahoma.  If they can continue to play mean on defense, the Cowboys should be able to book their ticket to the national title game.
3. SEC	Speaking of hangovers, Alabama looked like they did a few too many car bombs before playing Mississipip State before eventually pulling away.  A.J. McCarron looks like he's lost confidence since the LSU game and may be in danger of coming down with Kyle Wright syndrome.  Seriously though, ordering car bombs at last call is a terrible idea.
4. Oregon	Oregon was as impressive as I've ever seen them against Stanford.  It was the first time I've seen them use their speed to play the agressor.  Instead of playing finesse and using that speed to run away from people, the Ducks used it to attack Andrew Luck and Stanford.
5. Oklahoma	Oklahoma got a much needed week off.  Hopefully, they've gotten their act back together to give us the game we're all hoping for on December 3rd.
6. Houston	Maybe Houston isn't just  a one trick pony.  It wasn't just the Case Keenum show in the Super Dome, as Charles Sims ran for over 200 yards, mostly in the 2nd quarter.  The next few weeks get interesting, as the Cougars have SMU and Tulsa to finish the regular season, with the Tulsa matchup likely deciding who will go to the Conference USA championship game.  Houston is in good shape to make a BCS game, but they're not home free yet.
7. Stanford	Oregon exposed Stanford's lack of speed, especially on defense.  No matter how tough and hard-nosed Stanford is, you can't hit what you can't catch.  Andrew Luck came back down to Earth without his favorite targets available, which has left the Heisman race wide open.
8. SEC	After a few shaky wins recently, the Hogs unloaded on Tennessee, probably making Derek Dooley hate his job even more.  They can really make a mess of things with a win over the Hat to close the regular season.
9. Clemson	Dabo is going back to the ACC Championship Game for Clemson's second appearance in his third full season, but Wake didn’t make it easy on them.  The meaningful takeaway from that game is that Taj Boyd was forced to perform in crunch time and delivered, unlike against Georgia Tech.
10. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	Logan Thomas could've made a fortune charging Georgia Tech defenders for rides on Thursday night, but I suppose that would be some sort of NCAA violation.  The Turkeys now have one less team to worry about in the division, on their way to a rematch with Clemson.
11. Wisconsin	Wisconsin dealt with Minnesota just as they should have and have the chance to give Illinois their fifth straight loss this week.  After starting 6-0, it looked as if Ron Zook had saved his job again, but it may be tough to survive a five game losing streak after that start.  If they win out, Wisconsin will still find its way to the Big 12 title game.
12. Nebraska	Nebraska walked into a tough situation and came out with a win while also exhibiting the highest level of sportsmanship and class.  It was a powerful moment when both teams kneeled together at midfield prior to kickoff.  Yet again, on Saturday, Bo Pelini kept the ball out of Taylor Martinez's hands in a tough game.
13. Michigan State	Michigan State continued to finish strong by drilling Iowa.  With only Northwestern and Indiana left on the schedule, the Spartans should hold their lead over Nebraska in the division.
14. Boise State	It finally happened.  Boise's 35 game home win streak is over, as are their chances for a national title.  With Kellen Moore graduating, this may have been Boise's last chance to make a run at a title, but their defensive issues finally caught up to them.
15. Penn State	I'm not going to discuss the Penn State scandal.  Give a lot of credit to the players for hanging together and almost pulling out a near impossible win over Nebraska.  Penn State still holds the lead in their division, but chances are Wisconsin will end that when they play to close the season.
16. Kansas State	Kansas State finally got their 8th win and had to earn it in four overtime periods against A&M.  After the way they lost to Oklahoma State, you have to feel good for Colin Klein.  I've said before and will say it again.  Klein is this team, and what he's done this season is really remarkable.
17. SEC	Mark Richt is a win over Kentucky away from an SEC Championship game appearance.  The blowout win over Auburn is impressive no matter how bad the Tigers are right now, but it's still hard to get a read on the dogs.  They still haven't beaten anybody with a pulse but have continued to get better over the course of the season.
18. Southern Miss	Disaster almost struck against UCF, as Southern Miss escaped with a one point win.  The Eagles have clinched a share of the division and just have to beat one of UAB and Memphis to clinch a spot in the title game.  Even if they reach the C-USA title game, Southern Miss's lack of defense could mean trouble against either Houston or Tulsa.
19. Michigan	Michigan rolled over Illinois to continue the Illini's slide.  With the division likely out of reach, the Wolverines have one goal: Beat Ohio State.  Actually, that may have been their only goal regardless of the division race.
20. TCU	TCU still has the magic.  Gary Patterson made the gutsiest call of the year when the Horned Frogs went for two to take the lead over Boise.  After a hurrendous pass interference call kept the Broncos drive alive, karma kicked in and sent Boise's field goal attempt wide right.
21. SEC	The Gamecocks still have major issues, but at least they are finding ways to win.  With their SEC schedule complete, they need to hope Kentucky recruits a real football team and beats Georgia if they want to get to Atlanta.  Otherwise, the season will hinge on spoiling Clemson's dream season.
22. Texas	I'm not sure Texas really deserves to be here after being dominated by Jekyll and Hyde Missouri, but I don't feel inclined to forgive West Virginia or Notre Dame of their sins just yet.  Texas has a chance to prove if they belong or not with Kansas State, A&M, and Baylor left on the schedule.
23. Virginia	I can't believe I'm doing this, but UVA is 7-3 and controls their own destiny in the ACC Coastal division.  It won't be easy, though, with FSU and VPISU left.  To offset this positive statement on Mr. Jefferson's university, I will yield to Colin Cowherd.
24. Florida State	FSU won one of the worst played and officiated games I've ever seen, so I guess they should get some sort of credit but not much.  I'm going to stop here to avoid any unintentionally crediting.
25. Georgia Tech	Forget the 26 points they scored on a very good VPISU defense, Paul Johnson has been figured out.  All you need is a couple extra days to prepare and he can't win.  The option is dead, and no player will ever want to play at Georgia Tech.