As we reach Week 12 of the college football season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Nearly every game is pivotal, particularly in the ACC, where No. 14 SMU narrowly escaped Boston College while No. 20 Clemson faced off against Pittsburgh in an elimination battle. Meanwhile, No. 19 Louisville faced a shocking loss to Stanford, raising worries about playoff aspirations, and Miami fans could breathe easy thanks to a bye week.

Top-ranked teams were not safe either; No. 22 LSU suffered a disappointing defeat in the afternoon slot, and No. 3 Texas struggled against Arkansas, illustrating that at this point in the season, merely surviving has become the objective, even if it lacks flair.

The race for conference championships is starting to gain clarity. The AAC officially set its championship game with Army and Tulane both securing spots, along with Boise State in the Mountain West. But many other conferences still have unsettled scenarios.

Winners and Losers of Week 12

Loser: BYU

BYU has prided itself on crucial plays, but their luck ran out with a 17-13 loss to Kansas. A pooch punt hit a BYU player, leading to a crucial recovery by the Jayhawks that culminated in a game-winning touchdown. With playoffs now a distant dream, BYU must now claim the Big 12 title in a challenging matchup against Arizona State.

Winner: Carson Beck, Georgia

Carson Beck has faced criticism amidst Georgia's inconsistent season. His performance against No. 7 Tennessee, despite missing key players, was noteworthy. Throwing for 347 yards and two touchdowns, he also showcased his mobility with a rushing touchdown, attempting to reenter the NFL Draft conversation.

Loser: Nebraska

Nebraska remains mired in a streak of bad luck, suffering their eighth consecutive loss when their bowl eligibility was on the line after a 28-20 defeat against USC. The Cornhuskers squandered a potential game-tying drive with a last-second interception, leaving their postseason chances hanging by a thread.

Winner: Arizona State

Arizona State quietly emerged as a title contender, stunning No. 16 Kansas State with a 24-14 victory. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for 275 yards and three scores, elevating the Sun Devils to 8-2 for the first time since 2014. With an upcoming matchup against BYU, excitement grows for this re-emerging program.

Winner: Travis Hunter, Colorado

Travis Hunter is making a compelling case for the Heisman Trophy. In a stunning 49-24 victory against Utah, Hunter showcased his all-around game with both rushing and defensive touchdowns. With over 900 all-purpose yards this season, he embodies the rarity of a dual-threat player in college football, positioning himself as a strong Heisman candidate.

Loser: LSU

Once in contention for the SEC Championship, LSU's 27-16 defeat to Florida reveals a disheartening trend for the Tigers under Brian Kelly. After an impressive performance against No. 9 Ole Miss, the last three weeks have suggested that those highs may be the exception rather than the norm, potentially signaling a rough road ahead.

Winner: Coaches on the Hot Seat

Coaches like Baylor's Dave Aranda and Florida's Billy Napier faced pressure heading into the weekend but have found hope through significant victories. Baylor’s 49-35 win against West Virginia has revived bowl hopes, while Napier secured a long-awaited win against LSU, giving Gators fans something to cheer about as they eye a bowl game.

Loser: Pittsburgh

Pitt missed a golden opportunity against Clemson, losing 24-20 due to preventable errors. A series of penalties stalled a promising drive, and the Panthers couldn't recover. This loss drops them to 7-3, effectively eliminating them from ACC title contention.

Winner: Tulane

Tulane continues to impress under Jon Sumrall, clinching an AAC Championship Game spot after a commanding 35-0 victory over Navy. The team's resilience has been evident, with a current eight-game winning streak putting them back in the national conversation.

Loser: Western Michigan

After a hot 4-0 start in MAC play, Western Michigan's hopes have fizzled, losing to Bowling Green 31-13. As their star players struggled, the Broncos fell out of the conference title race, with other teams like Miami-Ohio and Ohio taking center stage.

This week not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted the tumultuous and ever-changing landscape of college football as teams jockey for vital positioning heading into the final stretch of the season. Keep an eye on players like Travis Hunter, who are redefining their potential, and teams like LSU, whose once-promising season is now clouded with uncertainty.