Week 11 Predictions

     As the season moves into the last few weeks, the stakes become higher and higher for every team, especially those at the top. We've got a tough road match-up for the #2 team in the nation along with some other ranked vs. ranked match-ups and of course... BEDLAM! I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see some chaos today, and as always that's what I'm rooting for. Check out all my week 11 predictions below!

Week 10 Prediction Results: 10-5
Overall Prediction Results: 68-57


#10 Ohio State at #18 Michigan State

     Starting off with one of the big games of the day, we head to East Lansing as the Buckeyes take on Sparty. Ohio State was able to edge out Nebraska by 5 last week, and Michigan State had no issues with Maryland. This game is a tough pick because it's always a toss up with Michigan State. The Spartans have screwed me on multiple picks this season alone, but they still possess the top run defense in the nation. Nebraska made the Buckeye's sluggish rushing attack look like their strength last week, but I imagine they'll have a tougher time this week. Ohio State will need to protect Dwayne Haskins and give him time to throw the ball downfield in this one. Offensively the Spartans need to run through Brian Lewerke, and control the clock. Nebraska was able to win time of possession last week and with a defense like Michigan State's, if they control the clock, they could definitely win this game. Tough game, but I'll stick with the Buckeyes in this one, very tough road win. I'm rooting for the upset, but Ohio State wins 24-20.


Wisconsin at #20 Penn State

     At the beginning of the season, this looked to be one of the highlight games of November in the BIG 10. While still a good match-up, there isn't much pressure tied to it. Both of these teams are down a couple games in their respective divisions and are now just fighting to get to a good bowl. The Badgers should be able to run just about every which way they want with Johnathan Taylor as the Nittany Lions are giving up an average of 173 yards on the ground per game and gave up 259 to Michigan in their beat down last week. Trace McSorley is by far the better QB in this game, but Penn State has been a hot mess in recent weeks. Neither one of these teams has played to their preseason potential to be honest. I want to pick the home team, because I don't know how Penn State could lose 3 home games in a season, but I like the Badgers in this one. Even with a backup QB in, I think Johnathan Taylor runs wild against the Swiss cheese defense of Penn State and Wisconsin gets a big win for the BIG 10 West Division. Badgers 30, Nittany Lions 27.


#16 Mississippi State at #1 Alabama

     The Tide have rolled through everyone else so far this season, but now face a defense in Mississippi State which has given up just 9 touchdowns all season. Tua Tagovailoa probably won't have many issues with that statistic, but he did prove he's human last week, he threw his first interception *GASP*. The Bulldogs will look to keep pressure on him in order to get him off rhythm. There's always the potential for a hangover in this game, especially after surviving Death Valley on the road. Mississippi State is a very talented team and their defense should keep this game fairly tight. On the other side of the ball, Bama's defense is getting better with every game, but now they have to square off against Nick Fitzgerald and the rushing attack of the Bulldogs. Mississippi State averages 230 rush yards per game, but that hasn't been against the Tide. I expect Bama to hold their own and continue rolling in this one. Alabama 30, Mississippi State 17.


Oklahoma State at #6 Oklahoma (BEDLAM)

     As I said last year, it's weird to talk about Bedlam without Thanksgiving and Rivalry Weekend around, but nonetheless, it's BEDLAM! Kyler Murray and the Sooners look to roll on as they fight for control of the Big XII and a potential playoff spot as their rivals from Stillwater look to play spoiler to yet another top ranked team. Senior QB Taylor Cornelius and the dynamic OSU receivers look to light up the scoreboard in another classic Bedlam shootout. Neither team has played very well on defense this season, so I expect a lot of points in this one, especially with the over/under at 80. Both teams have a ridiculous amount of offensive talent, but it's hard to pick against Kyler Murray's dual threat ability. The Pokes will keep pace, but Murray's ability to scramble and pick up key first downs with his legs will be the difference maker. Boomer Sooner and OU wins Bedlam 47-41.


Northwestern at #21 Iowa

     Don't ask me why Iowa is still ranked after losing to Purdue and the Boilermakers are not ranked, I just don't get it. However, the 21st ranked Hawkeyes have another big game today at home as they take on the Wildcats of Northwestern. Northwestern is standing at #1 in the BIG 10 West Division and even has a couple games to give if they lose to Iowa today. Fun fact too, Northwestern is 12-1 in their last 13 BIG 10 Conference games, best record in all of the BIG 10. However, Iowa always likes to play spoiler at home and has the defense to do so. Nate Stanley has not played well over the last couple weeks, and Northwestern is not a defense to make mistakes against, they are very opportunistic. The Wildcats always love to make it tight, but I think the Hawkeyes defense will step up. As always, I'm rooting against Iowa, but they should handle Northwestern in this one. Hawkeyes 28, Wildcats 14.


#24 Auburn at #5 Georgia

     The Tigers are looking to upset the DAWGS again this year as they go between the hedges to take on Georgia. Their offense seemed to find some rhythm last week in a comeback win against A&M, but Georgia has been rolling since their loss to the other Tigers of the SEC (LSU). They ran wild against Kentucky last week and I expect much of the same this week. The DAWGS average 100 more yards on the ground than Auburn gives up, so expect a lot of ground attack in this one from Georgia. On the other side of the ball, Auburn's offense will be going up against 13th ranked total defense in the country. The Bulldogs dominated Kentucky last week, limiting them to just 310 total yards and 17 points. An argument can be made for both Kentucky and Auburn on who the better offense is, but regardless, Jarrett Stidham and company will not have a fun day today. DAGWS pound the Tigers behind Elijah Holyfield and the run game 34-16.


#19 Texas at Texas Tech

     The Longhorns have lost two straight, but are still fighting for a spot in the Big XII Championship. Texas Tech is not an easy task, being able to put up points on everyone with their high-powered offense. The Longhorns formidable defense has not been as formidable as of late, giving up 45, 38 and 42 points in 3 of their last 4 games. This should be another classic Big XII shootout, and I'm not so sure about how Texas is going to keep pace in this game. They're giving up over 250 yards per game through the air, and the Red Raiders air attack averages 375. Texas looked like they were back earlier this season, and Sam Ehlinger is always going to put up points, but I like the Red Raiders in this one. They've been so close to big wins this season, and I think they pull this one off at home. Texas Tech 39, Texas 34.


#2 Clemson at #17 Boston College

     The Tigers face another tough road test as they ship up to Boston to take on the Golden Eagles. Clemson's defense is one of the most well known in the nation, ranking 3rd overall and looking to dominate yet again tonight. Boston College looks to play spoiler and take over control of the Atlantic Division with a win today. The big factor in the game to watch is the battle on the ground. This game features two of the best running backs in the nation with AJ Dillion (BC) and Travis Etienne (Clemson). Both backs are the focal point of each offense and are the true game-breakers in this one. AJ Dillion averages 5.5 yards per carry while Etienne averages 8.6. Dillon missed a couple games with injury this season, but still has 897 yards and 8 TDs on the ground this year. Etienne is just under 1,000 and has 15 TDs. Both defenses will have numerous headaches trying to slow down these two. BC's defense has been tough this year, but Clemson is still the team to beat in the ACC. This could be close for a while, but the Tigers pull away and finish this strong behind their defense and Etienne's rushing. Clemson wins a big road game 31-17.


Illinois at Nebraska

     The Huskers are back home this weekend to take on the Fightin' Illini of Illinois. The Huskers played well at Ohio State, but defense and special teams are still causing issues that have been tough to overcome. Adrian Martinez should have a big day as the Illini rank 3rd to last in total defense in the nation. The Huskers' offense has exploded in recent weeks, and I anticipate a lot of points today as the weather chills in Lincoln. For Illinois, AJ Bush makes his return to Nebraska as the starting QB for the Blue & Orange. I met Bush during his time at Nebraska and I'm excited to see he's gotten his shot at QB. He's been playing well this season, throwing for nearly 1,000 yards thus far, but also recording 472 yards on the ground, including 3 100+ yard performances. The Blackshirts will have a tough time slowing down the former Husker as they often struggle against dual-threat QBs. I think Adrian will win the battle though and Nebraska walks away with a 48-35 victory! GO BIG RED!


Now for some Quick Hit Predictions on other Interesting games around the nation:

#7 LSU at Arkansas-  The Battle for the Golden Boot is upon us as LSU travels North to take on the rival Hogs. Fresh off being the latest victim of the Crimson Tide, the Tigers look to bounce back against the lack-luster attack of Arkansas. I wouldn't expect much of a hangover for the Tigers, and their defense should make this a fairly easy win. LSU beats Arkansas 27-10, GEUX Tigers!

Oregon at Utah- The Utes were on their way to winning the Pac-12 South, but with injuries to key players, that dream is likely gone. Oregon comes in with too much speed and athleticism on offense, and the Ducks win this one 38-23.

UCLA at Arizona State- Believe it or not, UCLA still has a chance to win the Pac-12 South... yeah, you heard me right. They'd have to win out, but I don't think that will quite happen when they travel to take on the Sun Devils today. Manny Wilkins and N'Keal Harry have a big game and the Sun Devils beat the Bruins 37-21.

#8 Washington State at Colorado- The Buffs have lost 4 straight, but Wazzu always has that one slip up game during their season. This has the makings to take place in Boulder as Mike Leach has never won in Boulder, not even at Texas Tech. Star Wideout Laviska Shenault Jr. should be back on the field for Colorado, but I'm sticking with Gardner Minshew and the Coogs. Wazzu wins a tough road game 33-30.

#11 Kentucky at Tennessee- The Wildcats might be facing some hangover after the beat down Georgia put on them, and Tennessee has a shot at a bowl game with 2 wins in their last 3 games. This one could be tighter than Kentucky wants, but I think a heavy dose of Benny Snell should get them the win. Kentucky 27, Tennessee 24.

Cal at USC- The Trojans have their own shot at winning the Pac-12 South, but a tough date with the Golden Bears stands in their way first. Cal's defense has really turned it on in recent weeks, and they are a team that you just do not want to play. Being at home gives USC the edge, but this one could go either way. I'll take the Golden Bears in a sneaky road win, but this one will be tough. Final Score could easily flip, but I think it'll be Cal 20, USC 18.

Thank you all for reading my Gameday Predictions and I hope you all enjoy your Saturday of football! GO BIG RED!

#CFBKnowItAll
Alex Fernando