**Week's Major Results and Playoff Picture** The college football landscape saw several significant results that will impact the 12-team playoff race. Top-ranked teams largely took care of business, with Alabama shutting out an FCS opponent 56-0 and Texas A&M doing likewise 48-0. However, some notable upsets occurred in the middle tier, including Vanderbilt's commanding 45-17 victory over Kentucky and Northwestern's 38-35 win over Minnesota. Oregon continued their strong season with a 42-27 road victory over USC, while Ohio State dominated Rutgers 42-9. Notre Dame delivered the week's most lopsided Power 4 result, crushing Syracuse 70-7.
**Conference Races Heating Up** Several conference races saw important developments this week. In the Big 12, Utah edged Kansas State 51-47 in a high-scoring affair, while Iowa State rolled past Kansas 38-14 to stay in contention. The SEC saw Arkansas fall to Texas 52-37, further clarifying that conference's hierarchy. Mid-major conferences had compelling action, with James Madison earning a quality