Drawing conclusions from Week 12
No. 5 Alabama 25, No. 1 Mississippi State 20
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The Tide barged into the playoff mix with authority, beating the Bulldogs with a late touchdown drive that put the game out of reach. While Alabama now holds the SEC West lead, Mississippi State's performance in Tuscaloosa could keep them in the playoff picture as well.
No. 3 Florida State 30, Miami 26
Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles are basking in the glow of their 26th straight victory. FSU survived yet another close call to remain undefeated, rallying back from 16-0 and 23-7 deficits and outscoring the Hurricanes 23-3 in the final 2½ quarters.
No. 8 Ohio State, No. 4 TCU outlast opponents
Ohio State plowed through the Minnesota weather and the No. 25 Gophers, beating them 31-24 as J.T. Barrett threw for three touchdowns and ran for an Ohio State quarterback-record 189 yards and a score. The Buckeyes, who were No. 8 in last week's College Football Playoff rankings, could threaten for a spot in the top four, where TCU was ranked last week before escaping Kansas with a 34-30 win.
Oregon State 35, No. 6 Arizona State 27
Oregon State running backs Terron Ward and Storm Woods combined for 273 rushing yards and two touchdowns as the Beavers wreaked havoc on Arizona State's playoff hopes with an upset in Corvallis.
