Week 11 of the college football season brings some high-stakes matchups that could shape the playoff picture and conference standings. Here are the key games to watch:
- Georgia (No. 3) at Ole Miss (No. 16): This SEC showdown pits the Bulldogs, fighting to stay atop the SEC East, against a tough Ole Miss team. Georgia enters as a 2.5-point favorite and has been riding a four-game win streak since their early-season loss to Alabama. Ole Miss, with a dynamic defensive line ranked second-highest in the nation, is especially strong against the run, which will test Georgia’s offensive line and quarterback Carson Beck. Georgia’s defense will need to contain the Rebels’ offensive weapons, led by quarterback Jaxson Dart, to avoid an upset.
- Alabama (No. 11) at LSU (No. 15): This rivalry clash in Baton Rouge features Alabama as a slight 3-point favorite, with both teams vying for SEC West supremacy. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe will look to outperform LSU’s Jayden Daniels, hoping to recreate his winning performance from last year. With the Crimson Tide’s recent defensive improvements and LSU’s explosive offense, this game could go down to the wire, impacting both teams’ playoff chances.
- Penn State (No. 6) vs. Washington: Penn State, heavily favored by 13 points, faces Washington, aiming to maintain their playoff hopes with another statement win. With Penn State’s strong defense and quarterback Drew Allar leading an efficient offense, the Nittany Lions are positioned to control this matchup, though Washington’s high-scoring potential keeps the upset door open.
- BYU (No. 9) at Utah: In this intense rivalry, BYU brings an eight-game winning streak, but their recent struggles against the Utes (1-9 in their last 10 meetings) add intrigue. BYU is a 3-point favorite, and their focus will be on breaking Utah’s defensive schemes to keep their playoff aspirations intact.
Each of these games has significant implications, and college football fans can expect some pivotal performances.