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College football scores, rankings, highlights: Oklahoma State, Baylor set up dramatic Big 12 finale

The Cowboys secured a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game after shutting out Texas Tech

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The stage is set for a dramatic final weekend of the regular season in the Big 12 after the conference's top three teams all took care of business on Saturday against bowl-bound league foes. No. 9 Oklahoma State continued its strong defensive campaign with a 23-0 shutout over Texas Tech, No. 11 Baylor beat Kansas State 20-10 and No. 13 Oklahoma edged Iowa State 28-21.

Oklahoma State will make the Big 12 Championship Game even if it loses its annual rivalry game against Oklahoma next week. In that scenario, the title game would be a rematch between the Sooners and Cowboys. However, if the Sooners lose next week and Baylor beats Texas Tech, then it would be the Bears playing Oklahoma State in Arlington. 

Regardless of how things shake out, Saturday confirmed that those three are indeed the class of the conference. Kansas State could have drawn even with the Bears for third in the conference standings with a victory, but the Wildcats mustered just 12 first downs. The Oklahoma State defense was even more dominant, allowing just 108 total yards and only 10 first downs against a Texas Tech team that scored 41 points against Iowa State last week.

It was another wild week in college football, and the Big 12 results were just the beginning of it. Below you'll find everything you need to know about what went down in Week 12.

College football scores, schedule: Week 12

No. 1 Georgia 56, Charleston Southern 7 -- Recap
No. 4 Ohio State 56, No. 7 Michigan State 7 -- Recap, takeaways
Clemson 48, No. 10 Wake Forest 27 -- Recap
No. 13 Oklahoma 28, Iowa State 21 -- Recap
No. 8 Notre Dame 55, Georgia Tech 0 -- Recap
No. 2 Alabama 42, No. 21 Arkansas 35 -- Recap, takeaways
No. 5 Cincinnati 48, SMU  14 -- Recap
No. 6 Michigan 59, Maryland 18 -- Recap 
No. 15 Wisconsin 35, Nebraska 28 --  Recap
No. 11 Baylor 20, Kansas State 10 -- Recap
No. 3 Oregon at No. 23 Utah 38, No. 3 Oregon 7 -- Recap, takeaways 
No. 9 Oklahoma State 23, Texas Tech 0 -- Recap
Check out the entire Week 12 scoreboard

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Ohio State wins big, Utah blows out Oregon and more in this week's Instant Reaction by the Cover 3 crew recapping Week 12 scores and results in college football.

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Live updates
 

Oklahoma State blanks Texas Tech 23-0

The Cowboys' defense is for real, y'all. The Pokes held Texas Tech, a team that scored 41 points just a week ago, to 108 total yards and only 10 first downs. Oklahoma State has yaked up these kinds of games in the past, but this defense is so good, it might not matter if the offense can score that much. This team is perfectly fine playing defense to win and the upcoming home game vs. Oklahoma in the Bedlam series is going to a wild scene. There's so much drama in that game and Oklahoma State legitimately might have a team that can win the Big 12 this year. 

 

Utah demolishes Oregon, Pac-12's playoff hopes

In what only could be described as a royal butt kicking, No. 23 Utah absolutely crushed No. 3 Oregon 38-7. The Ducks had no answer at the line of scrimmage for Utah's ground-and-pound attack, which went for 208 yards. When Utah is bullying teams around, it's not a fun time for the other side. The Utes have been obscenely good at home over the past few years and this is now the third Pac-12 South championship in the past four seasons for Kyle Whittingham's team. However, Oregon's loss cleared out a lot of playoff oxygen that the Ducks had been taking up over the last several weeks. 

 

South Carolina going bowling

Final: South Carolina 21, Auburn 17

Shane Beamer and South Carolina will go to a bowl in Beamer's first season as a head coach. Beamer's Gamecocks topped Auburn 21-17 Saturday night in Columbia. It appeared that Auburn would have a chance to get the win down four with just over two minutes to play. But referees reviewed the punt return and said that the ball brushed Auburn defensive back Jaylin Simpson's leg despite the play being ruled down on the field. Gamecocks quarterback Jason Brown, a transfer from St. Francis, tossed three touchdown passes in the win.

 

Pokes lead Texas Tech

HALF: No. 9 Oklahoma State 13, Texas Tech 0

The Cowboys are putting together another defensive masterclass against Big 12 foe Texas Tech. Oklahoma State has held the Red Raiders to just 31 yards in the first half, including nine on the ground on 17 carries. OSU quarterback Spencer Sanders has thrown for 176 yards and a touchdown to take a lead, but the offense has been inconsistent. 

 

Baylor's backup QB tops K-State

FINAL: No. 11 Baylor 20, Kansas State 10

Despite losing starting quarterback Gerry Bohanon in the first half to a presumed leg injury, Baylor went on the road and topped Kansas State to move to 9-2. Backup quarterback Blake Shapen threw for 137 yards, while second-string running back Trestan Ebner rushed for 86 yards and a touchdown while the defense focused in on Abram Smith. Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn rushed for 128 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown, but it wasn't enough as Baylor held the Wildcats to 263 yards and sacked Skylar Thompson three times. 

 

Ole Miss cruising at home

Half: No. 12 Ole Miss 24, Vanderbilt 6

No. 12 Ole Miss has eyes on the Sugar Bowl, and the Rebels are on their way to clearing another hurdle. Quarterback Matt Corral, who is playing his last home game before he jumps to the NFL, is 19 of 25 for 203 yards and two touchdowns as they lead Vanderbilt 24-6. 

 

Utah goes up early on No. 3 Oregon

2Q: No. 23 Utah 14, No. 3 Oregon 3

Utah was favored heading into its matchup against Oregon, and the Utes are proving why after jumping up two scores in the first half. Utah's defense is holding Oregon's offense to just 53 yards and barely three yards per play. Utes running back Tavion Thomas has 53 yards and a score in the first half to keep Utah on schedule. A Ducks loss would completely shake up the CFP picture. 

 

Missouri shocks Florida in OT

FINAL: Missouri 24, Florida 23

The Tigers shocked Florida after going for two in overtime. Quarterback Connor Bazelak completed a floating pass to tight end Daniel Parker Jr. to clinch the game. Running back Tyler Badie rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown in the win. Emory Jones threw for 261 yards and rushed for 45 for Florida, but the offensive performance was one of the worst of the season -- by any team -- against Missouri's porous unit. The loss drops Florida to 5-6 and sets up a win-or-go-home matchup against Florida State with bowl eligibility on the line. It also once again adds more flames to Dan Mullen's seat. 
 

Baylor leading K-State at half

HALF: Baylor 17, Kansas State 7

The Bears are playing well on the road against the 7-3 Wildcats. Quarterback Gerry Bohanon threw for 76 yards and a touchdown, while running back Trestan Ebner added 53 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Bohanon went down with a right leg injury, but backup QB Blake Shapen immediately came in and threw for 42 yards and led a field goal drive on the last plays of the first half. Kansas State running back Deuce Vaughn has 115 yards rushing, including a 65-yard touchdown. 

 

Big Ten West reset

Final: No. 15 Wisconsin 35, Nebraska 28

Nebraska's final plunge into Wisconsin territory comes up empty, and the Cornhuskers lose another close one. They are now 3-8 with each of their eight losses coming by 9 points or less. With the win, Wisconsin remains in control of the Big Ten West. Both the Badgers and Iowa are 6-2 in the league entering the final week of the regular season, but Wisky has the tie-breaker because of its head-to-head win. Iowa closes at Nebraska on Friday while Wisconsin closes at Minnesota next Saturday. Braelon Allen ran for 228 yards and three TDs for Wisconsin today.
 

Cincy backing Utah

4Q: Cincinnati 48, SMU 7

The Bearcats are putting together an unbelievable performance against a solid SMU team, but Cincinnati fans have moved on from the game. Fans are now chanting "Let's Go Utah" in the stadium, referencing Utah needing to knock off Oregon tonight for the Bearcats to move comfortably into the top four. With performances like this, UC might not need help. SMU has mustered just 38 passing yards on 22 attempts against perhaps the best secondary in college football. Desmond Ridder has four touchdowns. 

 

Michigan pours it on

End 3Q: No. 6 Michigan 52, Maryland 18

Maryland cut it to 38-18 with 2:22 left in the third quarter, and then Michigan just went nuts. McNamara found Donovan Edwards for a 77-yard score on the third play of the ensuing drive. Taulia then threw a pick-six to DJ Turner on the second play of Maryland's next possession. So it went from looking like the Terrapins may have a glimmer of hope to this being a blowout as we head to the fourth.
 

Bama in good shape

End 3Q: No. 2 Alabama 34, No. 21 Arkansas 21

Arkanas holds Alabama to a field goal at the end of the third quarter, but the Crimson Tide lead it 34-21 and have been a step ahead throughout. Follow full live coverage from the game at this link or watch it live. A double-digit victory -- or any victory -- over this Arkansas team would be nothing to be ashamed of for the Crimson Tide, although you could make the case for Ohio State at No. 2 after what the Buckeyes did to Michigan State earlier.
 

ACC Coastal battle

Late 3Q: No. 18 Pittsburgh 31, Virginia 31

Pittsburgh is trying to clinch the ACC Coastal, but Virginia isn't making it easy. The Cavaliers just tied it up at 31 late in the third quarter. Brennan Armstrong is back from injury for UVA, which has made a world of difference after it scored just three points against Notre Dame last week. Kenny Pickett isn't having his best day, having thrown a couple of picks. Should be a good finish.
 

Notre Dame makes its case

Final: No. 8 Notre Dame 55, Georgia Tech 0

Sure, it was Georgia Tech. But GT's been competitive for the most part this season, and the Irish had not shown this gear. It's an absolutely dominant performance at a critical time. Notre Dame's CFP chances may be slim, but they have outscored Navy, Virginia and Georgia Tech 117-9 the last three weeks and should lay another beating on Stanford next week. The Irish are acing the eye test.
 

Iowa gets it done

Final: No. 17 Iowa 33, Illinois 23

After being locked in a battle with Illinois, the Hawkeyes turn it on late and stay alive in the Big Ten West title game. They'll need a Wisconsin loss, but that is possible as the Badgers are in a close one with Nebraska. Four field goals from Caleb Shudak, a 100-yard kick return from Tory Taylor and a Jack Campbell INT return for TD mean that the Hawkeyes win handily, despite a sub-300 yard outing from the offense. That's a vintage Iowa win if there ever was one. One offensive TD was all it needed.
 

Kansas chasing rare winning streak

HALF: Kansas 14, TCU 7

The Jayhawks are within striking distance of their first winning streak since 2018 as Kansas leads TCU 14-7 at the half. The last time KU won consecutive games was 2018, when the Jayhawks topped Central Michigan and Rutgers in successive weeks. The last time Kansas won back-to-back wins against Big 12 foes was 2008. For context, the second of those wins was against Colorado, which entered the Pac-12 a decade ago. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels threw for 133 yards in the first half, while running back Devin Neal has 59 yards and a touchdown. 

 

Wisconsin tied at half

HALF: Wisconsin 14, Nebraska 14

The Badgers are knotted up with 3-7 Nebraska at the half in Madison. Running back Braylon Allen is dominating with 113 yards and a touchdown at the half, but the pass game has been virtually nonexistent against a solid 'Huskers defense. Both Wisconsin scores came on explosive plays. Adrian Martinez has 158 yards and a touchdown through the air for Nebraska, including a 4-yard pass in the second quarter. 

 

Cincinnati making statement

HALF: Cincinnati 27, SMU 0

We've been waiting for Cincinnati to put together a complete football game since jumping into the top-five, and the Bearcats are doing it against 8-2 SMU. Cincy is holding SMU to just 73 total yards and 1.9 yards per pass attempt. Outside of a 53-yard drive that ended in a fumble, SMU's other seven drives went for a combined five yards. Cincinnati, conversely, had touchdowns on four of its first five drives. Desmond Ridder has 197 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. 

 

Michigan looking strong

Half: No. 6 Michigan 24, Maryland 3

The Wolverines have a late TD wipe off by penalty but still manage to get points out of the two-minute drill and lead it back on the road at Maryland. Cade McNamara is 17 of 23 for 143 yards and a TD. 5-star freshman QB J.J. McCarthy has also played for the Wolverines and been productive, going 4 for 4 for 29 yards and a TD.
 

Alabama/Arkansas dueling

Late 2Q: Crimson Tide 17, Razorbacks 14

After a 40-yard pass from K.J. Jefferson to Warren Thompson, the Razorbacks draw within 3 as Dominque Johnson punches it in from a yard out. Bama's secondary issues persist. Follow full live coverage of No. 2 Alabama and No. 21 Arkansas at this link or watch it live on CBS. Good one brewing here. Looking ahead, a narrow victory for the Tide could cause them to slip to No. 3 following Ohio State's thrashing of a top-10 opponent.
 

Iowa and Illinois close

Early 4Q: No. 17 Iowa 20, Illinois 16

To the surprise of no one, Illinois and Iowa are locked in a one-possession game in the fourth quarter. After relatively productive first halves for both offenses (by the standards of two low-scoring teams), the defenses have corrected things in the second half. Big chance for the Hawkeyes to jump back in the lead spot of the Big Ten West if they can hold on and Nebraska were to take down Wisconsin.

 

Look out

No. 5 Cincinnati 27, SMU 0

It's almost like Cincinnati watched Ohio State beat the crap out of Michigan State and was like, 'hey that looks fun.' Maybe they also heard that Notre Dame is beating the crap out of Georgia Tech and trying to overcome its head-to-head loss with Cincinnati. Because this is the dominant Cincinnati performance we've been waiting on for a while, and it's coming against a decent team.

 

Michigan up

Mid 2Q: No. 6 Michigan 14, Maryland 3

Taulia Tagovailoa just missed two pretty open receivers on consecutive plays, which forces Maryland to settle for a FG after driving deep into Michigan territory. Terps have an edge in total yards, but the Spartans have scored TDs on both their red-zone trips. Maryland has been hampered by five penalties already.
 

Badgers up

Early 2Q: No. 15 Wisconsin 14, Nebraska 7

Nebraska outgained Wisconsin 179-124 in the first quarter, but in typical Cornhusker fashion, they aren't leading and just turned the ball over on downs deep in Wisconsin territory. Just no their year. Wisconsin got a 71-yard TD run from Braelon Allen to highlight the early action. Badgers need to win to control their own destiny in the Big Ten West.
 

Cincinnati's start

End 1Q: No. 5 Cincinnati 14, SMU 0

The Bearcats are off to a strong start behind their defense and a 53-yard TD connection between Desmond Ridder and Tyler Scott. SMU has gone punt, punt, punt, fumble. The fumble was especially costly because it came as the Mustangs were driving into Cincinnati territory. Jerome Ford also has a TD on the ground for the Bearcats, who could use an authoritative win.

 

Points party

Early 3Q: No. 17 Iowa 17, Illinois 13

30 first half points between these two teams? Sheesh, that's an offensive outburst by their standards. Iowa gets it to start the third quarter. Tyer Goodson has 61 yards on 12 carries for the Hawkeyes. Iowa needs Wisconsin to lose if it wants to make the Big Ten title game, and it can't afford to drop one here if it wants to remain in the race.
 

Style points

You know how style points matter? Well No. 8 Notre Dame is raking them in against Georgia Tech. The Irish lead it 38-0 late in the second quarter. The Yellow Jackets have gone INT, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt. ND has gone FG, TD, TD, TD, TD. Jack Coan is dealing. This has the potential to be a final score that will catch the CFP's eye as Notre Dame will certainly surpass No. 7 Michigan State and could move up even higher depending on other outcomes.
 

Clemson's scenarios 

Final: Clemson 48, No. 10 Wake Forest 27

With Clemson's win over Wake Forest today -- arguably its most impressive of the season -- the Tigers keep their hopes of winning the ACC Atlantic alive. They will need Wake Forest to lose next week and need NC State to lose to Syracuse or UNC in order to avoid a three-way tie. Our Chip Patterson will have more on the scenarios at CBSSports.com soon. Both Will Shipley and Kobe Pace went over 100 yards on the ground today for Clemson.
 

Sooners survive ISU

FINAL: Oklahoma 28, Iowa State 21

Iowa State had the ball in Oklahoma territory with 30 seconds remaining, but the Sooners' defense stepped up with a big play as OU survived the Cyclones. Kennedy Brooks rushed for 115 yards to overcome a poor passing performance by Caleb Williams. The freshman completed just 8-of-18 passes for 87 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 281 yards and a touchdown, but threw a late interception that cost ISU the game. Oklahoma can clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game with a Baylor loss. 

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