College football bowl eligible teams tracker going into week 12

College football bowl eligible teams tracker going into week 12

The math is simple. The margins are not.

Week 12 in college football highlights the critical juncture of the season. For certain teams, securing one more victory guarantees a spot in the bowl games. However, an unforeseen defeat can send your postseason aspirations into a tailspin. This scenario unfolds annually. Some teams rally from a 2-6 or 3-6 record to qualify for a bowl, while others falter at five wins, falling just short of the mark. With 136 FBS teams competing, the competition to occupy 80 bowl slots intensifies each week, and nearly three-quarters of those positions have already been filled.

Bowl Eligible (59 Teams)

These programs are already in the postseason.

SEC (9)

Texas A&M (9–0), Alabama (8–1), Georgia (8–1), Ole Miss (9–1), Vanderbilt (8–2), Texas (7–2), Oklahoma (7–2), Tennessee (6–3), Missouri (6–3)

Big Ten (10)

Indiana (10–0), Ohio State (9–0), Oregon (8–1), Michigan (7–2), Iowa (6–3), Minnesota (6–3), Nebraska (7–3), Washington (6–3), Illinois (6–3), USC (7–2)

ACC (8)

Georgia Tech (8–1), Virginia (8–2), Pitt (7–2), Louisville (7–2), Miami (7–2), SMU (7–3), Wake Forest (6–3), Cal (6–4)

Big 12 (9)

Texas Tech (9–1), BYU (8–1), Cincinnati (7–2), Houston (8–2), Utah (7–2), Arizona (6–3), Arizona State (6–3), TCU (6–3), Iowa State (6–4)

American (6)

Navy (7–2), Memphis (8–2), North Texas (8–1), USF (7–2), Tulane (7–2), East Carolina (6–3)

Mountain West (6)

San Diego State (7–2), Boise State (6–3), Fresno State (6–3), Hawaii (7–3), New Mexico (6–3), UNLV (7–2)

Sun Belt (5)

James Madison (8–1), Old Dominion (6–3), Troy (6–3), Southern Miss (7–2), Coastal Carolina (6–3)

MAC (1)

Ohio (6–3)

Conference USA (3)

Kennesaw State (7–2), Western Kentucky (7–2), Jacksonville State (6–3)

Independents (2)

Notre Dame (7–2), UConn (7–3)

One Win Away (19 Teams)

For these teams, one more win punches their ticket. Several face direct clinch-or-bust showdowns this week

LSU (5–4) vs Arkansas (2-7)

Tigers can clinch against an already-eliminated Razorbacks team.

Baylor (5–4) vs Utah (7–2)

Dave Aranda would love to secure another bowl after feeling the heat in Waco.

NC State (5–4) at Miami (7–2)

Wolfpack one win away from the postseason.

Northwestern (5–4) vs Michigan (7-2)

Wildcats will have their hands full but at least there’s a path for them.

Buffalo (5–4) at Central Michigan (5–4)

A win-and-you’re-in MAC showdown.

Miami (OH) (5–4) at Toledo (5–4)

Winner will clinch a spot on Wednesday night.

Louisiana Tech (5–4) at Washington State (4–5)

Bulldogs playing for December.

UTSA (5–4) at Charlotte (1–8)

Roadrunners can officially join bowl season.

Utah State (5–4) at UNLV (7–2)

One more makes it official for Utah State. 

Barely Alive (35 Teams) 

Teams hanging on to by a thread. For most, the season ends with one more defeat.

Kentucky (4–5) faces Tennessee Tech (10-0)

Typically, I find the SEC's tradition of November FCS matchups unappealing. Yet, this particular matchup piques my interest more than usual. Indeed, Kentucky performed well yesterday against Florida. However, two additional victories are uncertain, especially with a road game against Vanderbilt and Louisville still ahead. An undefeated Tennessee Tech team could present challenges that were not foreseen when this game was scheduled.

Florida (3–6) at Ole Miss (9–1)

One more L and it’s over for the Gators.

Wisconsin (3–6) at Indiana (10–0)

Not much hope left in Madison.

Virginia Tech (3–6) at Florida State (4–5)

Just going through the motions on this one.

West Virginia (4–6) at Arizona State (6–3)

Rich Rodriguez trying to lead the Mountaineers all the way back to a bowl. They won two in a row but need two more victories.

Texas State (3–6) at Southern Miss (7–2)

The G.J. Kinne hype has certainly calmed after five straight losses. Texas State still had a path to a bowl if they score the upset here.

South Alabama (2–7) at UL Monroe (3–6)

Last stand for Monroe.

Air Force (3–6) at UConn (7–3)

Frustrating year for Troy Calhoun and the Falcons.

Virtually Eliminated (2 Teams)

Only eligible if not enough six-win teams exist to fill 80 slots.

Missouri State (6–3) at UTEP (2–7)
Delaware (5–4) at Sam Houston (1–8)