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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
 

Ohio State coasts 

Final: No. 4 Ohio State, No. 7 Michigan State 7

The Buckeyes shift down into relaxation mode during the second half and cruise to a 56-7 win over No. 7 Michigan State. Incredible statement win for Ohio State that sets up a rivalry game for the ages against Michigan next week. If the Wolverines take care of Maryland this afternoon, both will be 10-1 and playing for a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.

 

Florida State holds on

Final: FSU 26, BC 23

The Seminoles keep their hopes of bowl eligibility alive with a dramatic 26-23 win at Boston College. Nice win for Mike Norvell in a battle of second-year ACC coaches. FSU led 26-3 at one point and nearly suffered a full collapse. But the Noles' defense stiffened at the end to allow FSU to enter next week's regular season at Florida with bowl eligibility on the line.
 

Notre Dame dominating

The No. 8 Fighting Irish are looking strong early as they lead Georgia Tech 24-0 after one quarter. A win here + a win over a bad Stanford team next week and this team will finish the season 11-1. Never say never in regards to the CFP, but there's just no way the committee could include the Irish over Cincinnati considering the head-to-head result…right? Cincinnati's SOS gets knocked, but this ND schedule has been pretty awful as well.
 

FSU/BC getting good 

Boston College has the ball down 26-23 late in the fourth quarter vs. Florida State. The Eagles have rallied from a 26-3 deficit to be in position to tie or take the lead here. FSU needs a win to keep bowl eligibility on the table.

 

Clemson in command

Wake Forest gets back within 38-19 early in the fourth quarter, but Clemson has a commanding lead, thanks to a 58-yard connection from DJU to Beaux Collins followed by a 2-yard Kobe Pace TD run. Both teams have three turnovers, but they have been especially crushing for Wake Forest, which has allowed 14 points to Clemson off turnovers.
 

West Virginia up late on Texas

4Q: West Virginia 31, Texas 23

The Longhorns are seven minutes away from missing a bowl game as WVU kicker Casey Legg nailed a 45-yard field goal to give the Mountaineers an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter. Quarterbacks Casey Thompson and Hudson Card have combined to complete half of their passes for 128 yards. However, Alabama transfer running back Keilan Robinson has come on in the second half. West Virginia has generally moved the ball at will, though, and the Mountaineers defense has a chance to put the game away on the next drive. 

 

Oklahoma-Iowa State getting interesting

Iowa State has cut it to 21-14 in the fourth quarter, and the Cyclones are getting the football back with just under 9 minutes to go. Been a struggle for both offenses, but ISU has been awful at protecting the QB. Oklahoma is up to six sacks. Iowa State has four sacks, too. Regardless of how this one finishes, OU has done nothing to suggest that it is a CFP caliber team. Not that it should be a surprise at this point.
 

SEC on cruise control

No. 1 Georgia is up 56-7 on Charleston Southern, No. 16 Texas A&M is up 52-3 on Prairie View A&M, No. 25 Mississippi State is also up 52-3 on Tennessee State and Kentucky leads New Mexico State 49-16. No drama on Cupcake Week so far for the league. Thankfully Alabama and Arkansas are coming up to provide at least some SEC entertainment.
 

Clemson cashes in

Wake Forest and Clemson trade turnovers to begin the second half, and the Tigers cash in with an 8-yard TD run by Kobe Pace to go ahead 24-10. We'll see if the Tigers can reclaim the defensive potency they showed in the first quarter, because the Deacs were starting to move the football in the second quarter. Forcing a fumble on Wake's first possession of the half was a good start.

 

Illinois up early

Illinois opens the drive with a 12-play 75-yard touchdown drive at No. 17 Iowa. Brandon Peters finds Luke Ford for the 13-yard score to cap it. Impressive opening series for the Illini against a vaunted defense. Peters was 6 of 7 on the series and hit four passes of 10 yards or longer. Not how many would have predicted this game beginning, especially with coach Bret Bielema back at home due to a positive COVID-19 test.
 

Epic beatdown

No. 4 Ohio State 49, No. 7 Michigan State 0

Ohio State put up 500 yards in the first half and leads No. 7 Michigan State 49-0. Yes, you read that correctly. C.J. Stroud is 29 of 31 for 393 yards and six TDs. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on their first seven possessions before kneeling on their eighth and heading to the locker room. Stroud set a new school record for consecutive completions with 17, and Chris Olave set a new school record for career TD receptions. Going to take an impressive performance from Alabama this afternoon if the Crimson Tide are going to stay in the No. 2 spot.
 

Wake lives

Half: Clemson 17, No. 10 Wake Forest 10

After falling behind 10-0 early, Wake Forest goes for two scoring drives in the second quarter, with the first going for 81 yards on 14 plays and resulting in a field goal. The second goes 75 yards on 11 plays and ends with a Christian Turner TD run. The Deacs had a chance to add more before the half but couldn't do it. Nevertheless, after four punts to begin the game, the Deacs are officially up and running. Clemson's offense put up 260 yards but doesn't quite look like a well-oiled machine as DJU is 9 of 17 for 132 yards, 0 TDs and an INT. Clemson gets the football to begin the third quarter.
 

Georgia sets a record

Half: No. 1 Georgia 49, Charleston Southern 0

The Bulldogs set the program record for points in a single half with 49 in the first half vs. Charleston Southern. The stout Bulldogs defense allowed just 28 yards to the Buccaneers, and had five tackles for loss against the overmatched Buccaneers. Furthermore, there haven't been any significant injuries for Kirby Smart's squad. One important note: Wide receiver George Pickens, who has been out all season with a knee injury, is dressed and did warm up prior to the game. He hasn't seen the field yet, but that's a good sign that he might be ready for the stretch run.
 

Sooners get break before half

HALF: Oklahoma 14, Iowa State 7

Iowa State and Oklahoma were set to be tied at the half, but a massive mental error led to a wild swing. ISU quarterback Brock Purdy dropped pack to pass and evaded pressure, but after getting himself into trouble, he had the ball batted out by an Oklahoma defender before he could pass. Jalen Redmond picked up the ball and brought it more than 40 yards for a touchdown that has decided the difference in this game. 
 

Texas on the brink of bowl ineligibility 

Half: West Virginia 21, Texas 10

Texas has lost five straight games and, with a 4-6 record, is on the brink of disaster against West Virginia. It trails 21-10 in Morgantown, has given up 301 yards and looks like it is ready to pack it in for the season. Meanwhile, West Virginia quarterback Seth Doege has 238 passing yards and two touchdowns in a must-win game for the four-win Mountaineers.

 

Surprising score in the ACC

FSU leads BC 19-3 near halftime. If Florida State can notch an upset win at BC, it will be playing for bowl eligibility against Florida next week. In fact, depending on how today plays out, both UF and FSU could be going for their sixth win in that rivalry game next week. Still a long way to go, but impressive start for the 'Noles in Chestnut Hill. Jordan Travis is balling, and FSU has Phil Jurkovec running for his life.
 

Another OSU record

C.J. Stroud completed 17 consecutive passes, setting a school record. Of course, this comes after Chris Olave just broke the school record for most career touchdown receptions. It's just that kind of day in Columbus as the Buckeyes lead it 35-0 over No. 7 Michigan State. By the way, they are driving for more. What a performance.
 

Wake weathers storm?

The Deacons are within 10-3 midway through the second quarter after putting together an 81-yard drive. Had to settle for the field goal, but after four punts to start the game, that's progress. This offense is simply too explosive to count out, and Clemson is showing that it is still a team prone to unforced errors. The Tigers' passing game still doesn't look in-sync really at all.

 

SEC teams dominating

It's cupcake day for several SEC teams, and they are having no trouble so far. In addition to No. 1 Georgia, who Barrett touched on below, No. 25 Mississippi State is up 21-0 on Tennessee State and No. 16 Texas A&M is up 24-0 on Prairie View A&M. The Texas A&M defense is up to old tricks. Shame the league only plays eight conference games. But good on the SEC squads for making charitable donations to the FCS school in exchange for a scrimmage with really good gate revenue.
 

Chris Olave sets Ohio State record

No. 4 Ohio State is cruising in its showdown vs. No. 7 Michigan State 21-0 in the first quarter, and wide receiver Chris Olave made program history in the process. Quarterback CJ Stroud hit Olave for two touchdowns in the first quarter, which gives Olave 35 for his career -- breaking the record held by David Boston. Olave has four catches for 82 yards against the Spartans in what was a dominant showing by the Buckeyes offense. 
 

'Horns getting rolled

2Q: West Virginia 14, Texas 0

If you're wondering if Texas has gotten any better since losing to Kansas... think again. The Longhorns have give up touchdown drives of 11 and 9 plays in the first 17 minutes of game time to go down two touchdowns against 4-6 West Virginia. Quarterback Jarret Doege has 140 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Texas' QB Casey Thompson has just 13 yards on 2-of-7 passing. If the Longhorns lose, Texas is officially eliminated from bowl eligibility. 

 

Georgia feasting on a cupcake

It's cupcake Saturday in the SEC, and No. 1 Georgia is feasting on a tasty one. It leads Charleston Southern 28-0 after the first quarter, and is creating gaping holes for its skill players. Brock Bowers and Kenny McIntosh have receiving touchdowns, Zamir White has 83 rushing yards and a touchdown, and quarterback Stetson Bennett IV is 6 of 11 for 72 yards in a game that was over as soon as Georgia walked out of the locker room. 

 

Clemson's D dominating

Clemson, a 4.5 point underdog at home, is leading Wake Forest 10-0 and has held the Demon Deacons to just one first down on their first three possessions. Excellent start for the Tigers' defense. A Wake win would clinch the division, but Clemson can stay alive with a win. Containing a Wake team that is playing from behind won't be easy, but surely this is enough of a cushion.
 

Perfect start

Ohio State is off to an absolutely perfect start. The Buckeyes lead it 14-0 midway through the first quarter after a 77-yard connection between C.J. Stroud and Garrett Wilson. Stroud is 11 of 12 for 158 yards, two TDs and no INTs. Awful start for the Spartans, who picked up just one first down on their opening series. Wilson is already over 100 yards receiving.

 

Superman back?

1Q: Oklahoma 7, Iowa State 7

After the worst game of his young career against Baylor, Oklahoma quarterback Caleb Williams started fast against Iowa State. The true freshman rushed for a 74-yard breakaway touchdown on the Sooners' second play from scrimmage to knot up the game in the first quarter. Williams' sixth rushing score was his longest run of the year. 
 

Michigan State-Ohio State

The big one of the early slate is obviously No. 4 Ohio State hosting No. 7 Michigan State. We've got a live blog dedicated to that game at this link that you should check out. The Buckeyes have an early 7-0 lead, courtesy of a 12-play, 86-yard scoring drive capped by a 23-yard TD pass from C.J. Stroud to Chris Olave. Stroud starts out 9 of 10 through the air as the Buckeyes pick up where they left off against Purdue.
 

Jordan Davis' Heisman moment?

Georgia nose guard Jordan Davis has been a monster in the middle of the Bulldogs' defensive line this year to the point that he's getting Heisman Trophy love. Coach Kirby Smart is apparently hoping to get him some more publicity. Davis took a handoff on second-and-goal from the two-yard line and was stuffed. No worries. Smart went back to him on the very next play to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead over Charleston Southern. 
 

Week 12 college football picks advice

Looking for some last-minute betting advice? We've got you covered here with our expert picks from today's biggest games. Among the other recommended reads for savvy bettors is Jerry Palm's Best Bets. For SEC-specific picks, check out Barrett Sallee's weekly feature. And, of course, Tom Fornelli's six-pack is a must-read (check it out below). Should be another great day of action. Don't take it for granted, because there's only one real Saturday left in the regular season after today.
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