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Week 12 delivered upheaval and clarity. Georgia, no longer suffocating on defense but steady late with Gunner Stockton, now looks like the SEC team most trustworthy to win it all. Alabama's leaky line, thin run game and a costly Ty Simpson interception fueled a home loss to Oklahoma, setting up tough choices for the playoff committee among two-loss contenders. Venables' defense has Oklahoma surging, with two unranked foes ahead. Unbeaten Texas A&M escaped South Carolina after a jarring first half, exposing volatility. USC rallied past No. 21 Iowa, and Michigan edged Northwestern to keep at-large hopes alive.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.