If you missed action on the gridiron, here are the five most important things to take away from this weekend.

Big 12 title game set — The Big 12 North race took several twists and turns, but the road ended where most expected — Lincoln, Neb. The Cornhuskers were considered by most to be the preseason favorite in the Big 12 North, but they didn’t look like contenders following back-to-back losses to Texas Tech and Iowa State. However, the Cornhuskers rebounded to win four in a row, including games against Oklahoma and Saturday’s division-clinching win over Kansas State. Their reward? A trip to the Big 12 Championship Game where they'll be heavy underdogs against Texas. Despite the long odds, there are reasons to believe the Cornhuskers can keep this one close. The Nebraska defensive front will give Texas some trouble, especially if the Longhorns are unable to establish their rushing attack. Even if the Cornhuskers can find a way to slow down Colt McCoy, they need better production from their offense, which has averaged only 16 points in their last six games.

Clemson punches ticket to ACC title game — Finally. After struggling to put together a consistent year under Tommy Bowden, the Tigers finally got over the hump in Dabo Swinney’s first season and Saturday’s win over Virginia books Clemson’s ticket to the ACC title game. Although Swinney deserves a lot of credit for the job he has done this year, the biggest boost to Clemson’s run was C.J. Spiller’s decision to return to school for his senior year. Spiller has been one of the top all-around threats in the nation this year, rushing for 894 yards and scoring a touchdown five different ways. Also helping Clemson’s cause has been the development of redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Parker and a defense that ranks second in the ACC in total defense. Clemson and Georgia Tech have played some memorable games in recent memory, including a 30-27 contest this year. The ACC title should be another entertaining game.

One game to decide Pac-10 — The final weekend of the regular season was already expected to be special (Alabama-Florida and Cincinnati-Pittsburgh), but the Pac-10 just got in on the action as well. With Oregon’s 44-41 win over Arizona, the Ducks and rival Oregon State will play heads-up for the league’s Rose Bowl bid. Oregon State was in a similar spot last season, needing a win against Oregon to clinch a spot in the Rose Bowl. However, the Beavers lost 65-38 at home and have a chance at redemption in Eugene. Both teams are averaging over 30 points and, just like last season, this should be a high-scoring matchup. Considering the success Stanford had running the ball against Oregon, Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers could have a monster game. However, do the Beavers have a defensive answer for Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli?
 
Ohio State downs Michigan — Another long offseason is in store in Ann Arbor. With Michigan’s 21-10 loss to Ohio State, the Wolverines will miss the postseason for the second consecutive year, prompting plenty of questions about Rich Rodriguez’s future. Although Rodriguez deserves more time to get his players in place, two losing seasons aren’t sitting well. The Wolverine offense averaged nine points and 93 yards more than they did last season, but the defense was among the worst in the conference. The schedule in 2010 is manageable, especially with non-conference dates against Connecticut, Notre Dame, Massachusetts and Bowling Green and home games against Michigan State, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. The Wolverines should be back in a bowl next year, but anything less and there could be changes made.

The Charlie Weis watch is on — Not only was Saturday’s loss to Connecticut damaging for Charlie Weis’ tenure, it was also a big blow to the bowl hopes of Notre Dame. Although the Irish will be a lock for any of the at-large spots that come open, a date in the Gator Bowl (and a bigger payday) appears unlikely. Although Weis and the Irish have lost all five games by seven points or less, a return to the sidelines in 2010 appears highly unlikely. If Weis is fired, quarterback Jimmy Clausen and receiver Golden Tate will likely bolt for the NFL, leaving a major rebuilding job ahead in 2010. Although a new coach will bring new energy to the program, a quick turnaround won’t be in store.

Other thoughts from Week 12

One week after falling to Louisville, Syracuse earned one of this season’s most surprising victories. The Orange dominated Rutgers, 31-13, to earn their first win in Big East play this season. First-year coach Doug Marrone has lost a couple of key players — receiver Mike Williams and defensive tackle Arthur Jones — but this team hasn’t quit and has found the right person to lead this program out of the Big East basement.

How about the job Rich Brooks is doing with Kentucky this year? The Wildcats lost starting quarterback Mike Hartline to a knee injury, but freshman Morgan Newton has played well and was a big reason why the Wildcats scored a huge 34-27 upset over Georgia. Don’t be surprised if the Wildcats give Tennessee all it can handle this Saturday.

Army’s win over North Texas raises the stakes for its annual matchup against Navy. Should the Black Knights pull the upset, they will play in the EagleBank Bowl.

After losing six straight games, Hawaii has rebounded to win three in a row. If the Warriors can find a way to win against Navy and Wisconsin, they will play in the Hawaii Bowl.

New Mexico’s win over Colorado State means there are two teams still without a win — Eastern Michigan and Western Kentucky.

A narrow win over Maryland means Florida State is bowl eligible for the 28th year in a row. The Seminoles didn’t earn any style points in the victory, but it was a good sendoff for defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews’ in his final home game.

Looking ahead to Week 13

A small sample of what’s ahead

Texas vs. Texas A&M (Thursday)
Can the Aggies spoil undefeated season?

Illinois vs. Cincinnati (Friday)
Bearcats can’t get caught looking ahead to Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh vs. West Virginia (Friday)
Backyard Brawl always an entertaining affair.

Nevada vs. Boise State (Friday)
Could be the best game of the weekend.

Alabama vs. Auburn (Friday)
Key game for bragging rights and recruits in Alabama.

Clemson vs. South Carolina
Clemson looking for third straight win over instate rivals.

Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
Georgia defense will have a tough time trying to slow down option attack.

Miami, Fla. vs. South Florida
Intriguing battle for bragging rights in the Sunshine State.

Oklahoma State vs. Oklahoma
A win by Oklahoma State likely books a trip to the Fiesta Bowl.

Utah vs. BYU
Not much on the line, but always a great rivalry game.

Arkansas vs. LSU
Bowl positioning on the line in this usually entertaining conference matchup.

Infirmary Report

Taking a look at some of the key players suffering or not playing due to injuries this weekend.

Air Force QB Tim Jefferson (bruised back)
Arizona RB Nic Grigsby (shoulder)
Houston RB Bryce Beall (undisclosed)
Houston WR James Cleveland (ankle)
Kansas RB Toben Opurum (leg)
Missouri RB Derrick Washington (concussion)
Temple RB Bernard Pierce (shoulder)

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