College football scores, rankings, highlights: Notre Dame, Penn State cruise as CFP race hits home stretch

The Irish and Nittany Lions avoided drama while other top contenders struggled to hold off upset bids

Week 12 of the 2024 college football season saw No. 4 Penn State and No. 8 Notre Dame cruise to blowout wins to keep their hopes for an at-large berth to the 12-team College Football Playoff alive. The Nittany Lions are firmly inside the CFP bubble and remain in contention for the Big Ten title game alongside Oregon, Indiana and Ohio State heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.

Penn State defeated Purdue 49-10 behind a standout performance from quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren. Allar completed 17 of 19 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns, while Warren caught eight passes for 127 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 63 yards and another score.

The Fighting Irish improved to 9-1 with a 35-14 win over Virginia, their eighth consecutive victory after losing to Northern Illinois in Week 2. As an independent, Notre Dame will need an at-large bid to the CFP since. The Irish end the season against Army and USC.

No. 20 Clemson and No. 3 Texas both survived upset scares. The Tigers got a game-winning 50-yard touchdown run from Cade Klubnik to hold off Pitt 24-20. Texas led by just seven late in the second half before pulling away from Arkansas 20-10. Boise State got a late surge to pull away from San Jose State for a 42-21 victory. 

Elsewhere, Colorado continued its hot streak with a 49-20 victory over Utah, Florida shocked No. 22 LSU 27-16 to all but end the Tigers' SEC title hopes and Arizona State jumped all over Kansas State early, then held on for a 24-14 win to keep the Sun Devils' Big 12 title hopes alive.  

College football scores, schedule: Week 12

No. 20 Clemson 24, Pitt 20 -- Recap
No. 3 Texas 20, Arkansas 10 -- Recap
No. 17 Colorado 49, Utah 24 -- Recap
Florida 27, No. 22 LSU 16 -- Recap
No. 4 Penn State 49, Purdue 10 --  Recap
No. 8 Notre Dame 35, Virginia 14 -- Recap
No. 21 South Carolina 34, No. 23 Missouri 30-- Recap
Arizona State 24 No. 16 Kansas State 14 -- Recap
No. 13 Boise State 42, San Jose State 21 -- Recap
No. 1 Oregon 16 Wisconsin 13 -- Recap
No. 12 Georgia 31, No. 7 Tennessee 17 -- Recap
Kansas 17 No. 6 BYU 13 -- Recap
Check out the entire Week 12 scoreboard

Check these out ...

• Kansas shocks No. 6 BYU: Cougars loss throws wrench in CFP, Big 12 races
• TT25T: Georgia jumps back into top 10 after win over Vols
• Brian Kelly yells at player: LSU coach gets in heated exchange during loss 
• Winners & Losers: Travis Hunter makes Heisman case, LSU slipping under Brian Kelly
• Nebraska falls short again: Cornhuskers winless in last nine chances to get bowl eligible
• Florida upsets LSU: Gators closing in on bowl eligibility after upset win
• How good is Texas? Longhorns are SEC caliber, but jury's still out on national title contender
• What's next for Colorado? Buffs alive in CFP race after trouncing Utah
• AAC title game set: Army will battle Tulane with CFP bid potentially on the line
• Strike the pose: Travis Hunter makes Heisman intentions clear after INT

[Nov 17, 2024 at 1:32 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kansas upsets No. 6 BYU

FINAL: Kansas 17, No. 6 BYU 13 

Kansas stunned No. 6 BYU with a 17-13 upset win on Saturday over the current favorite to win the Big 12 title. The Cougars came into the weekend with a perfect 9-0 record (6-0 in Big 12) and sat in first place atop the Big 12 conference. With BYU's loss to Kansas, Colorado is now tied atop the Big 12 standings after recording a 49-24 win over Utah earlier in the day.

The Cougars had a chance to win the game on the final drive, but Kansas stopped BYU inside the red zone. On fourth-and-11, BYU completed a pass short of the sticks, and the Jayhawks were able to run out the final 46 seconds of regulation. Kansas running back Devin Neal rushed for 52 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

[Nov 17, 2024 at 12:53 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kansas leads

EARLY 4Q: Kansas 17, No. 6 BYU 13

What a turn of events here in Provo, Utah. After Kansas recovered a punt in favorable field position, star running back Devin Neal scored a 3-yard touchdown to retake the lead with 13:19 left. Neal has 46 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns tonight.

[Nov 17, 2024 at 12:47 am ET · Cameron Salerno]

BYU leads

END 3Q: No. 6 BYU 13, Kansas 10

BYU will take a three-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Cougars lead 13-10.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 11:53 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

BYU, Kansas tied at half

HALF: No. 6 BYU 10, Kansas 10

No. 6 BYU is tied with Kansas heading into halftime. The Jayhawks kicked a 25-yard field goal with 1:46 left before the intermission to tie the game at 10.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 11:27 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

BYU takes the lead

MID 2Q: No. 6 BYU 10, Kansas 7

BYU just took its first lead of the game on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Jake Retzlaff to Hinckley Ropati. The Cougars have scored 10 unanswered points after Kansas opened the game with a touchdown run.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 10:38 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Kansas strikes first

Early 1Q: Kansas 7, No. 6 BYU 0

One of the final games on the Week 12 slate should be a good one. Kansas scored first with an 8-yard touchdown run by Devin Neal. The Cougars are having a magical season and could move one step closer to reaching the Big 12 title game with a win.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 10:35 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Arizona State upsets Kansas State

FINAL: Arizona State 24, No. 16 Kansas State 14

What a win by Arizona State. The Sun Devils upset No. 16 Kansas State to move to 8-2 on the season. ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt passed for 275 yards and three touchdowns, and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson caught 12 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Arizona State is still alive in the Big 12 title race.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 10:30 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State wins

FINAL: No. 13 Boise State 42, San Jose State 21

No. 13 Boise State survived an upset bid from San Jose State to come away with a 35-21 win. San Jose State jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first half before Boise State fired off 28 consecutive points to move to 9-1 (6-0 Mountain West). The Broncos' lone loss came against No. 1 Oregon earlier this season. Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty rushed for 159 yards and three touchdowns.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 10:02 pm ET · Will Backus]

Oregon ties it up 

Early 4Q: No. 1 Oregon 13, Wisconsin 13 

Big-time drive from Oregon, which sorely needed to find the end zone after failing to do so through the first three quarters. The Ducks opened the fourth quarter with an extremely gutsy call, as they decided to go for it on fourth-and-9 from Wisconsin's 41-yard line. Dillon Gabriel roped a perfect throw to tight end Terrance Ferguson to convert and a couple plays later, running back Jordan James knifed into the end zone for the crucial score. 

[Nov 16, 2024 at 9:55 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Oregon on upset alert

END 3Q: Wisconsin 13, No. 1 Oregon 6

We have reached the end of three from Madison. The Badgers will take a 13-6 lead into the fourth quarter against top-ranked Oregon. The Ducks will face fourth-and-9 coming out of the end-of-quarter timeout. The Ducks will have to rally to keep their perfect season intact.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 9:37 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee and Georgia knotted up at half 

Half: No. 7 Tennessee 17, No. 12 Georgia 17 

Momentum swings abound in Athens. Tennessee stormed ahead early after a sterling first quarter, jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead with an efficient offensive approach, dominant defense and standout special teams play. But riding a raucous crowd inside Sanford Stadium, Georgia quickly battled back and even took a lead of its own after scoring touchdowns on consecutive drives. Tennessee didn't let things snowball out of control. Right after the Bulldogs went up 14-10, Tennessee embarked on a 10-play drive capped by a 27-yard rushing touchdown from running back Dylan Sampson. Georgia was able to tack on a field goal near the end of the first half to even things up again. 

The Vols get to start the second half, so they'll have a chance to set the tone once more over what promises to be a thrilling final 30 minutes. 

[Nov 16, 2024 at 9:36 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State has the lead

END 3Q: No. 13 Boise State 28, San Jose State 21

Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty just scored his second rushing touchdown of the night to give his team the lead. Jeanty scored on a 36-yard run to give the Broncos their first lead. Jeanty has 107 yards on 22 attempts.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 9:32 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Oregon punts on first possession

EARLY 3Q: Wisconsin 10, No. 1 Oregon 6

On Oregon's first offensive possession of the second half, the Ducks are punting. On third-and-6, Gabriel looked to his star tight end Terrance Ferguson, but the pass was incomplete. Wisconsin will take over at its own 20-yard line.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 9:09 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

San Jose State responds

EARLY 3Q: San Joise State 21, No. 13 Boise State 14

San Jose State star wide receiver Nick Nash made a ridiculous touchdown grab to help his team retake the lead. Nash has eight catches for 118 yards and a touchdown tonight against the Broncos.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 9:05 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

No. 1 Oregon on upset alert vs. Wisconsin

HALF: Wisconsin 10, No. 1 Oregon 6

No. 1 Oregon is on upset alert at halftime against Wisconsin. The Badgers will take a 10-6 lead into the locker room after Braedyn Locke connected with Will Pauling for a 2-yard touchdown with 45 seconds remaining in the second quarter. The Ducks are outgaining the Badgers 209-138, but Dan Lanning's squad hasn't been able to get much going. Oregon can clinch a berth in the Big Ten title game with a win.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 8:43 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Oregon leads Wisconsin 

MID 2Q: No. 1 Oregon 6, Wisconsin 3

No. 1 Oregon leads Wisconsin 6-3 with 5:34 remaining before halftime. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is 13 of 17 for 130 yards and an interception. Neither team has scored a touchdown as the intermission approaches.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 8:35 pm ET · Will Backus]

Tennessee off to quick start 

End 1Q: No. 7 Tennessee 10, No. 12 Georgia 0 

Tennessee has had its fair share of struggles on the road under coach Josh Heupel, but the Vols couldn't have asked for a better start to Saturday's game at Georgia. They're in firm control after one quarter thanks to an efficient offense, standout special teams play and their dominant defense. Georgia went three-and-out on two of its first three drives, allowing the Vols to march on two scoring drives. The first was an impressive 12-play, 78-yard touchdown march to open the game. Then a 26-yard punt return from freshman Boo Carter led to a 52-yard field goal from kicker Max Gilbert, who set a new career long in the process. 

The Bulldogs will open the second quarter deep in Tennessee territory after a 38-yard connection between quarterback Carson Beck and wide receiver Dominic Lovett. 

[Nov 16, 2024 at 8:32 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State answers before halftime

HALF: No. 13 Boise State 14, San Jose State 14

After going down 14-0 in the early moments of the second quarter, Boise State responded with 14 unanswered points. Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty scored a 2-yard touchdown with 36 seconds remaining in the second quarter to tie the game before the intermission. Jeanty rushed for 57 yards in the first half.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 8:07 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Arizona State in control vs. Kansas State

Early 2Q: Arizona State 21, No. 16 Kansas State 0

It's been all Arizona State through the first 20 minutes of game action. The Sun Devils have jumped out to a 21-0 advantage over No. 16 Kansas State behind three touchdown passes by quarterback Sam Leavitt. ASU currently sits at 7-2 (4-2 Big 12) and is in third place behind BYU and Colorado in the conference.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 7:54 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

South Carolina wins wild contest

FINAL: No. 21 South Carolina 34, No. 23 Missouri 30

Why can't Missouri just play a normal football game?

After trailing 21-6 at halftime, Missouri did the thing it's done nearly every week this season, and mounted a second-half comeback. With 9:12 remaining in the game, Nate Noel's 1-yard touchdown run gave the Tigers a 22-21 lead, but it was short-lived, as South Carolina responded with a 75-yard drive to retake the lead.

But you knew that wouldn't be the end because it never is. Missouri responded with a touchdown of its own, as Brady Cook, in his first start back from an injury, found Luther Burden for a spectacular 37-yard touchdown with 1:10 left to play. It wasn't enough.

South Carolina marched 70 yards in 47 seconds before Rocket Sanders bulldozed his way into the end zone to finally finish the game with 15 seconds left. The win improves the Gamecocks to 7-3 on the season, and knocks Missouri down to 7-3, likely ending their flatlining playoff hopes for good.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 7:44 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Boise State on upset alert

Early 2Q: San Jose State 14, No. 13 Boise State 0

San Jose State just took a 14-0 lead on San Jose State after quarterback Walker Eget connected with Jacob Stewart for a 7-yard touchdown. Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty only has six carries for 18 yards. Boise State will have plenty of time to get back into this game, but they need to get Jeanty going.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 7:31 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC beats Nebraska

FINAL: USC 28, Nebraska 20

USC defeated Nebraska 28-20 on Saturday at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to delay the Cornhuskers potential bowl game berth another week. Nebraska has now lost its last nine games sitting at five wins with a chance to become bowl-eligible with a win dating back to last season.

After USC extended its lead to eight with 2:45 remaining, Nebraska had a chance to tie the game on the final possession. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola threw an interception on the final play of the day in the end zone to seal the win for the Trojans.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 7:14 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Stanford upsets Louisville

FINAL: Stanford 38, No. 19 Louisville 35

Stanford upset No. 19 Louisville with a 52-yard walk-off field goal by Emmet Kenney. After Stanford tied the game at 35 on a fourth-and-short touchdown pass from backup quarterback Justin Lamson to Emmett Mosley, the defense got a stop on fourth-and-10 with 10 seconds remaining. Louisville committed back-to-back penalties that inched Stanford 20 yards closer to the game-winning field goal attempt. The win over Louisville snapped Stanford's six-game losing streak.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 7:09 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Florida upsets LSU

FINAL: Florida 27, No. 21 LSU 16

Florida upset No. 21 LSU with a 27-16 win at home. The Gators recorded their first win over a ranked opponent since knocking off then-No. 17 Tennessee 29-16 last season. Florida star quarterback DJ Lagway finished with 226 yards passing and a touchdown, and star wide receiver Elijhah Badger finished with six catches for 131 yards. Florida snapped a six-game losing streak to LSU and is one win away from becoming bowl-eligible.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 6:32 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

Florida has the lead vs. LSU

EARLY 4Q: Florida 20, No. 21 LSU 13

Florida has scored 10 unanswered points since LSU kicker Damian Ramos opened the second half scoring with a 45-yard field goal. Florida running back Ja'Kobi Jackson scored on a 1-yard touchdown to help his team take a 20-13 lead with 13:51 remaining. With the Gators sitting at 4-5, a win over LSU would go a long way in helping their chances of becoming bowl-eligible.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 6:24 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

SMU extends its lead 

End 3Q: No. 14 SMU 31, Boston College 21 

SMU has offered a strong response to Boston College taking the lead rolling right down the field to score a touchdown (and convert a 2-point try) then follow that up with a field goal on the next possession. Now the game heads to the 4th quarter with Boston College driving looking to cut into the lead as the Mustangs eye an improvement to 9-1 on the season. 

[Nov 16, 2024 at 5:56 pm ET · Tom Fornelli]

South Carolina in control against Mizzou

HALF: No. 21 South Carolina 21, Missouri 6

The Gamecocks continue to remind us that while they may have three losses, they're still capable of smacking an SEC team around. Even one that's ranked, like Missouri.

The Gamecocks piled on late in the first half with two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the first half. First LaNorris Sellers hits Joshua Simon for a 6-yard touchdown to cap a 6-play, 68-yard drive, and then, after a quick stop by the defense, Carolina went 77 yards in 54 seconds. The big play was a 38-yard screen to Jared Brown.

Sellers has 209 yards passing and 3 touchdowns at halftime as Carolina is averaging 7.6 yards per play. Meanwhile, the return of Brady Cook is yet to bear fruit for the Tigers. Cook has thrown for 111 yards, but the Tigers have had to settle for field goals on both red zone possessions. It's hard to win on the road with field goals.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 5:47 pm ET · Cameron Salerno]

USC tied with Nebraska at halftime 

HALF: USC 14, Nebraska 14

The first half of USC's clash with Nebraska is in the books. USC benched starting quarterback Miller Moss after losing to Washington earlier this month and starting in his place is former UNLV quarterback Jayden Maiava. Maiava completed 15 of 23 attempts for 128 yards and two touchdowns and also threw an interception. The Trojans have to win two of their final three games to become bowl-eligible.

Nebraska is one win away from becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016. The Cornhuskers need to win one of their final three games against USC, Wisconsin, or Iowa to break the bowl drought.

[Nov 16, 2024 at 5:46 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Upset alert for SMU? 

3Q: Boston College 21, No. 14 SMU 20 

Boston College marched right down the field on the opening possession of the second half and finished off the drive with a Grayson James touchdown run to take the lead against 8-1 SMU in their own house. The Mustangs offense has struggled to finish good drives in the end zone and now those missed opportunities have allowed Boston College to hang around long enough to find a rhythm offensively. The Mustangs now face a big couple of possessions where they can either re-take control of the game or find themselves firmly on upset alert against a pesky ACC foe. 

[Nov 16, 2024 at 5:28 pm ET · Chip Patterson]

Mustangs hold narrow lead at halftime 

HALF: No. 14 SMU 20, Boston College 14 

SMU is moving the ball effectively but has not had a ton of success punching it in for touchdowns when they get scoring opportunities. The Mustangs have had to settle for field goal attempts three times (missed one) and with an interception on the board as well have provided Boston College plenty of chances to hang in the game. Credit new Eagles starter Grayson James for his ability to string together a couple long touchdown drives, but there's a lot to clean up in the locker room for SMU as it looks to avoid taking the same kind of loss that stung Miami last week.