25. SMU (7-3, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 12 Result:BYE
Next Week:vs. Louisville
With a 5-1 record in ACC play, the Mustangs are still very much alive in the conference championship picture, as two of their losses came during non-conference play against Baylor and TCU. Quarterback Kevin Jennings entered the week leading the ACC with 2,810 passing yards to go along with 21 touchdowns, and the defense is allowing just 16.3 points per game in conference play.
24. Houston (8-2, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 12 Result:BYE
Next Week:vs. TCU
The Cougars briefly popped into the AP poll at No. 22 heading into Week 10, but promptly dropped back out with a bad loss to West Virginia. They rebounded last weekend against UCF to improve to 5-0 on the road, and have taken a nice step forward this year following consecutive 4-8 finishes. Texas A&M transfer Conner Weigman has 2,113 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, and he has brought some welcome stability under center.
23. Tennessee (7-3, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 12 Result:Win vs. New Mexico State (42-9)
Next Week:at Florida
Joey Aguilar threw a pair of interceptions in the first half, but in between led three straight touchdown drives, and that was more than enough offense for the Vols to run away from an overmatched New Mexico State squad. The Volunteers outgained the Aggies 194-27 on the ground, with DeSean Bishop leading the charge with 80 yards on 16 carries and a score. Florida on the road and Vanderbilt at home wrap up the regular-season slate.
22. James Madison (9-1, Previous Rank: NR)
Week 12 Result:Win vs. Appalachian State (58-10)
Next Week:vs. Washington State
The Dukes eclipsed 300 rushing yards for the fourth time this season, with Jobi Malary (8 carries, 105 yards, 3 TD) and Wayne Knight (16 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD) leading the way, and the offense scored 50 points for the third time in the last four games. Meanwhile, the defense allowed just 146 yards and 1-of-12 on third down conversions in a dominant all-around game. With South Florida losing, they might be the new top dogs in the Group of Five picture.
21. Missouri (7-3, Previous Rank: 25)
Week 12 Result:Win vs. Mississippi State (49-27)
Next Week:at Oklahoma
Ahmad Hardy had 300 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries, good for the most rushing yards by anyone at the FBS level this season. That was more than enough for the Tigers to wear down the Bulldogs, as they outscored them 28-10 to close out the game. Their three losses put them on the wrong side of the playoff picture, but they are more than capable of playing spoiler next weekend against Oklahoma.
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