Week 11 Predictions

      November football never disappoints (apart from the Huskers), and I welcome you to Week 11 of College Football, the THICK of November football. Big time playoff elimination games are set up in the SEC today, but don't sleep on some of the other games around the country. I've got a full slate of predictions ready for you, so let's dive in!

Week 10 Record: 11 - 8

Overall Record: 132 - 57

Week 11 Predictions:

#4 Miami at Georgia Tech

     Last year, Mario Cristobal opted to run the ball instead of taking a knee and it resulted in a fumble and then a last second TD and victory for the Yellow Jackets. Unfortunately for Georgia Tech, star QB Haynes King is a game-time decision, so they may need to find a way to win without him. On the other side, Cam Ward is anything but injured and continues to dominate every opposing defense. His Heisman campaign will be on full display today as he looks to add to his 32 total touchdowns. It's hard to pick against the 'Canes when they're rolling so well. If Haynes King can play, there could be another scare on the road, but Miami keeps winning no matter what. Hurricanes win in Atlanta 34-21.

Florida at #5 Texas

     The Florida Gators have announced they are keeping Billy Napier and believe that he is moving the team in the right direction. If freshman QB DJ Lagway hadn't gotten injured late in the Georgia game, it could've been a different outcome. Unfortunately he's likely out for today's game against Texas, but their defense could still cause some headaches for Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns. This team is headed in the right direction for next year, and the first half could be similar to Georgia last week where it's closer than you think it should be. Texas has a path to roll into the playoffs and SEC title game with, but I don't think they're as dominant as advertised. Hook 'Em 38-21.

#23 Clemson at Virginia Tech

     The Tigers were stunned at home by the upset-minded Cardinals of Louisville last week, and now travel to Lane Stadium to take on the Hokies. If this was a night game, I would lean a lot harder to the side of Virginia Tech, but they've been inconsistent in finishing games. They fell to Syracuse in overtime last week, but prior to that were on a 3-game win streak. Clemson needs to get their train back on track as they're unlikely to make the College Football Playoff without some help. I expect them to run the ball with big Phil Mafah as the Hokies rank 83rd in rush defense. Clemson wins 28-14 on the road.

Michigan at #8 Indiana

     The defending national champions are two-score underdogs on the road at Indiana. Yes, you read that correctly. The Hoosiers are dominating all of College Football and ranked 8th in the first CFP Rankings. Michigan comes into Bloomington at 5-4 still looking for bowl eligibility. Their offense is very one-dimensional with the run game, so expect the Hoosier defense to load the box and force a lot of third and long situations. Combine that with star DB Will Johnson out again for the Wolverines, and Kurtis Rourke will light up the scoreboard. Hoosiers continue to roll and set up a big date with the Buckeyes in a couple of weeks. Curt Cignetti wins some more with a 31-14 victory.

#3 Georgia at #16 Ole Miss

     The Rebels were demolished in the spotlight a season ago 52-17 by the Bulldogs, but now host them in the Grove with a new and improved defense. Georgia has struggled with turnovers this season, primarily on the shoulders of Carson Beck. I voiced my concerns with him in the pre-season and he has thrown 11 picks already this season. The Landsharks own a +7 turnover margin, good enough for 19th in the nation. They also lead the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, demolishing opposing front lines. Combined with Jaxon Dart and the high-scoring offense, I think the Rebels pull the upset. Georgia's defense has struggled against big plays with 47 plays given up of 20+ yards and 24 plays given up of 30+ yards this season. Ole Miss needs this game to prove they are in fact new and improved, so give me the Rebels at home. Ole Miss 30, Georgia 27.

#20 Colorado at Texas Tech

     The Buffs have quietly worked their way back into the playoff spotlight as they sit in a tie for the second spot in the Big XII Conference. They have a tricky road trip to Lubbock with the upset-minded Red Raiders. Texas Tech took down the Cyclones on the road in the rain last week, primarily on the back of star RB Tahj Brooks. He rumbled for 122 yards and 1 game-winning TD last week and apart from Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty, he's the only back in the country to rush for 100+ in each game this season. The Buffs have struggled with the run game at times this season, but their offensive firepower almost always has a response. I think this could be a shootout, but Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are too much in the end. I don't love it, but Colorado has a path to the playoff and it continues with a win against the Red Raiders. I'd love to say Guns Up & Wreck 'Em, but the Buffs win 37-31 on the road.

Oklahoma at #24 Missouri

     An old Big XII game takes place in the SEC as Missouri and Oklahoma are set for battle at Faurot Field. The Sooners have some serious issues on offense, ranking 113th in Total Offense and 90th in Scoring Offense. They have been plagued by injuries as well, so putting up points won't be easy. Mizzou has fallen after a couple of rough games against A&M and Alabama. However, Brady Cook said he only has a few games left in a Tiger uniform, and I think he makes the most of them. Their offense is still explosive and I think they can outscore the abysmal offense of the Sooners. Tigers 33, Sooners 21.

Washington at #6 Penn State

     The Huskies were able to hold on for a big win at home over USC last week, but now travel to Happy Valley to take on the upset Nittany Lions. Penn State fell short despite multiple chances inside the 5 yard line against Ohio State, so I'm guessing they will be hungry to flex their muscles. Washington has a solid ground game with Jonah Coleman, rushing for 889 yards and 7 TDs so far this season. Traveling 3 time zones is never easy though, and I've got the Nittany Lions at home 31-14.

#9 BYU at Utah (Holy War - Battle for the Beehive Boot)

     Old rival meet again as members of the same conference since they were in the Mountain West back in 2010. The Utes have struggled this year, but rivalry games are where you need to throw the record out. Kyle Whittingham has 9 out of the last 10 in this series, but will likely be without Cam Rising again today. That leaves Issac Wilson to take on his older brother's former team at the helm. He's been okay, but their offense ranks just 105th in the nation for scoring with a little over 22 points per game. BYU has been electric this season, despite being picked as one of the bottom feeders in the Big XII. Junior QB Jake Retzlaff has taken over the spotlight, and leads the 24th best scoring offense to 35 points per game. He's thrown for more than 1,800 yards with 18 TDs to just 7 picks. He's also added more than 300 yards on the ground and 3 more TDs. Utah's defense is not the normal version of themselves, and I think Retzlaff will put on a show. Always a fun rivalry to watch, but give me the Cougars to win in Salt Lake City 34-24.

#11 Alabama at #15 LSU

     The game of the week takes place at night in Death Valley. One of the best venues in all of sports plays hosts to one of the best rivalries in college football. A playoff elimination game is set as the Tide Roll in to take on the Tigers. Alabama has shown vulnerabilities this season, and while the Tigers have a couple losses of their own, the air raid attack is deadly with Garrett Nussmeier. For Alabama, their defense needs to bring pressure early and often, but that will be difficult against LSU's veteran o-line. The Tigers have given up just 4 sacks all year, giving Nussmeier extra time. Offensively for the tide, Jalen Milroe needs to have one of the best games of his career tonight if they want to win. LSU's defense has been sitting on their loss to A&M for two weeks, studying the tendencies of mobiles Quarterbacks. They'll look to contain Milroe and force tough throws to keep the offense behind the sticks. Give me the Tigers at home at night! This will be a tough one, but GEAUX Tigers as they win 29-27.

Quick Hit Predictions:

West Virginia at Cincy - Could go either way, but WVU struggles when they get down early. Cincy jumps out quick and holds on for a 27-23 victory.

Syracuse at Boston College - Eagles have slipped, losing 3 straight, but are coming off a BYE and Syracuse is still a bit turnover prone. BC wins at home 28-17 with turnovers.

#25 Army at North Texas - With a big game against Notre Dame lurking in a couple of weeks, Army could be in danger with the Mean Green. However, they get star QB Bryson Daily back so give me the Black Knights 31-27.

Purdue at #2 Ohio State - This pick is for my friend Bill Kelly. The Boilermakers have pulled wild upsets before, but this is not the day. Ohio State 38, Purdue 10.

Virginia at #18 Pitt - The Panthers got WORKED by my dark horse Ponies down in Dallas, but now come home against Virginia. The Cavs pulled a few upsets earlier this year, but I'll take the Panthers in a 31-20 bounce back game.

#17 Iowa State at Kansas - Pre-season, this was marked as a game that would be defining the Big XII Conference race. However, KU has not done well this season and the Cyclones are coming off their upset loss at home to Texas Tech. Cyclones get right, but this could be a close game late. Cyclones win 30-20.

Minnesota at Rutgers - Gophers are rolling and Scarlet Knights are without star RB Kyle Monangai. Minnesota keeps winning 24-10.

South Carolina at Vanderbilt - The Gamecocks are coming off a big win at home upsetting Texas A&M, and most of the time Vandy is the perfect game to follow that in case of a hangover. Now, as Alabama found out, it's one of the worst. The Commodores play great defense and get the win at home 23-20.

Thanks for reading my Week 11 Predictions and enjoy your College Football Saturday!

#CFBKnowItAll

Alex Fernando