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College football's penultimate week of the 2023 season provided plenty of drama and excitement. From devastating injuries to surprising upsets and consequential matchups, Week 12 had it all. Let's take a closer look at the notable events and outcomes that shaped the weekend's games.

On Saturday, two quarterbacks saw their careers likely come to an end in unfortunate fashion. Florida State's Jordan Travis, a sixth-year senior, suffered a gruesome leg injury during the game against Northern Alabama. The injury ended his Heisman Trophy bid and dampened the Seminoles' chances for the remainder of the season. In Los Angeles, Caleb Williams, a highly touted QB prospect, had a lackluster performance in USC's loss to rival UCLA. Williams, who won the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore, struggled in his follow-up season, contributing to USC's overall disappointing campaign.

However, not all was grim in the world of college football. The week saw some exciting matchups, surprising upsets, and impressive performances.

One notable game was the clash between No. 5 Washington and No. 11 Oregon State. Washington managed to hold off Oregon State's late comeback attempt and secure a narrow 22-20 victory. Despite a determined effort by the Beavers, Washington's defense made crucial stops, and QB Michael Penix Jr. delivered a key play to secure the win. The victory kept Washington's College Football Playoff hopes alive and further solidified Penix's position in the Heisman race.

Another notable upset occurred when Auburn, a traditionally strong team, suffered a devastating 31-10 loss to New Mexico State. The defeat was surprising considering Auburn's previous dominance over non-conference home games against unranked teams. The loss not only tarnished Auburn's reputation but also raised questions about the progress made under coach Hugh Freeze. Conversely, New Mexico State's head coach, Jerry Kill, celebrated his team's remarkable achievement, as they secured another memorable victory in an otherwise challenging program history.

In Los Angeles, UCLA's head coach, Chip Kelly, silenced the calls for his imminent termination with a resounding 38-20 win over rival USC. The victory showcased UCLA's resilience and the team's ability to overcome quarterback changes throughout the season. The win also created a dilemma for UCLA's administration, as firing Kelly, despite the recent success, may not guarantee improvement if the program's approach to football remains the same.

Florida experienced yet another disappointing loss, this time against No. 9 Missouri. The Gators' 33-31 defeat was a missed opportunity to secure bowl eligibility. Throughout the season, Florida has struggled with defense and special teams issues, resulting in missed opportunities and narrow losses. The loss puts added pressure on head coach Billy Napier, who faces challenges in restoring the program's momentum and securing top recruits.

Louisville deserves recognition for their impressive season, as they clinched a spot in the ACC Championship Game with a 38-31 win over Miami. Under head coach Jeff Brohm's guidance, Louisville has shown significant improvement, capitalizing on talent from the transfer portal and making strategic recruiting moves. The Cardinals' success this year is a testament to Brohm's ambitious approach and the team's ability to compete in a challenging conference.

Week 12 also witnessed several conference battles and pivotal games across the Power Five. No. 2 Ohio State continued their dominant run with a convincing 37-3 win over Minnesota, solidifying their position as a top contender for the College Football Playoff. No. 3 Michigan faced a tougher challenge against Maryland but managed a 31-24 victory to stay in the hunt for a national title.

Numerous other games had high-stakes implications, including battles between ranked teams such as Georgia vs. Missouri, Auburn vs. Alabama, and Washington State vs. Washington. Upcoming rivalry games promise to bring even more excitement and anticipation as teams fight for conference titles and postseason berths.

As the regular season winds down, college football fans can expect a thrilling finale with intense matchups and potential playoff shake-ups. The coming weeks will determine the fate of many teams and shape the landscape of the sport heading into the postseason.