Drawing Conclusions: Week 12's playoff impact
— -- Welcome back to our weekly illustrated guide focusing on four games that had an impact on the College Football Playoff race.
Previous weeks: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
No. 9 Michigan State 17, No. 3 Ohio State 14
Sparty tripped up the Buckeyes, who fell hard. After Michigan State kicked a game-winning 41-yard field goal with no time remaining, Ezekiel Elliott blamed the loss on his coaches and announced he was going pro, as did quarterback Cardale Jones, all before the Buckeyes' rivalry game against Michigan.
No. 8 Florida 20, Florida Atlantic 14
The Gators, 31-point favorites against a two-win FAU team, had to get a little dirty in overcoming the pesky Owls. Florida was outgained, 299 yards to 252, and had to score a touchdown in overtime to win.
No. 10 Baylor 45, No. 6 Oklahoma State 35
The Bears made themselves at home and crashed the Cowboys' playoff party, winning in Stillwater, Oklahoma, for the first time since 1939 and gaining 700 yards despite turning to their third-string quarterback.
No. 4 Notre Dame 19, Boston College 16
The Irish didn't look pretty, but on the big stage at Fenway Park, they came away the big winner. Notre Dame had three turnovers inside the Boston College 5-yard line. "It's like leaving runners in scoring position," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said.
Previous weeks: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
Information from wire reports was used for recaps.
