College Football Week 11 Predictions: USC/IU, Tex/LSU, Utah/Ariz and More

Week 10 didn’t quite live up the all the hype, but don’t tell that to the programs that earned big wins like Notre Dame, Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Utah, and Tennessee. Week 11 features interesting games in the SEC, Big-12, Big Ten, and ACC. The playoff ranking committee is difficult to make sense based on the two widely different Top-25 lists. These things have a way of playing out eventually, but questions remain of what’s the most important item on a resume. It’s hard to believe only 3 weeks remain in the regular season.

Marquee Matchups

#9 Indiana vs #18 USC: The Hoosiers have yet to name a starting quarterback heading into their afternoon game on CBS. All year long Indiana’s offense has underachieved given the running game and talent at the wide receiver position. USC has been pretty good on offense but per usual under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans defense is lackluster. Getting out to a lead is important for both clubs. Defense wins championships is an old saying for a good reason, such is the case here. Although, not feeling great about the point spread.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Indiana -8.5

• USC Struggles on the Road
• BeBe big game
• Hoosier defense to dominate

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The Pick: Indiana –8.5 

#6 Texas vs #21 LSU: After two losses in a row, the Longhorns have righted the ship as the head to Death Valley. LSU moved the ball between the 20’s against Alabama but couldn’t cash in enough drives for points. This is a do or die scenario for LSU for a team that is lacking in the quality wins category. Texas’s newfound rush attack will be needed to keep the Tigers offense on the sidelines. Which quarterback will limit mistakes between Arch or Sam? This College Football podcasters gut is saying side with the more desperate team playing at home.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: LSU -4

• LSU Desperate
• LSU Rins Ball well
• Leavitt to play well

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The Pick: LSU –4

Under The Radar

#2 Utah vs #23 Arizona: Utah has strengthened their resume over the past few weeks with wins over BYU and Houston. This is an interesting quarterback battle between a quality thrower in Noah Fifita and dual-threat Devon Dampier. The Utes defense has the 7th most interceptions in the country, which lines up nicely with a pass happy Wildcats offense. With only 3 games remaining, can Utah stay unbeaten?

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Arizona +2.5

• Utah Travel issues
• Fifita to play well
• Close game

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The Pick: Arizona +2.5 

#13 Texas Tech vs. #25 Oklahoma State: The Red Raiders defense is nowhere near the unit compared to last year. The Cowboys are looking to beat another ranked team to go along with a now ranked Oregon. Texas Tech QB Thomas Castellanos threw for 5 touchdowns last week, but that came against horrible West Virgina defense. That said, the OK-State defense is giving up a ton of yards and points. The telling stat is the Cowboys rush defense surrendering 151 yards per game facing a Texas Tech run game averaging 215 yards per outing. The Cowboys have the better quarterback in Drew Mestemaker, but will that be enough?

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Texas Tech +3.5

• Mestemaker to play big
• Castellanos to Play well
• Cowboys Rush Defense

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The Pick:  Texas Tech +3.5 

Saturday Upset Special

Florida pulls a slight upset as a +3 road dog in Kentucky.

Hardcore Barnburners

#13 Wake Forest vs. SMU: Wake Forest has a high-octane offense but lacks a win that really stands out. SMU is also looking for a ranked victory, and QB Kevin Jennings is better at home. With a point total of 60.5 and both teams looking to improve their standings, this should produce drama.

The Pick: Wake Forest +1.5

#19 Ole Miss vs Oklahoma: The Sooners have improved somewhat on offense since firing their coordinator. Will it be enough to keep pace with an explosive Ole Miss offense? Can Ole Miss put up points on a fairly stout defense, especially if QB John Matter is smart with the football? The Rebels run defense has been an issue giving up 165 rush yards per outing. Can Oklahoma actually establish a solid rushing attack?

The Pick: Ole Miss +1.5

Against The Spread

Duke +13.5 versus #7 Miami

Illinois +10.5 versus #4 UCLA

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Quick Hits Recap

-Notre Dame QB CJ Carr threw for 319 yards and 3 touchdowns in a big win over Miami 31-24.

-Alabama defeated LSU 31-13 despite being outgained 457 to 285.

-Tennessee rushed for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 34-6 win over Kentucky.

-Oregon scored 31 consecutive points after being down 14-0, beating Ohio State 41-28.

-Utah QB Devon Dampier accounted for 4 touchdowns in a hard fought 28-20 victory over BYU.

-UCLA WR had 2 catches for 150 yards in the fourth quarter to seal a 34-20 victory at Minnesota.

-Georgia outrushed Ole Miss 295 to 66 in a 42-7 beatdown.

-Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker threw for 313 yards, 4 TD’s, scored a rush TD and caught a touchdown in a 66-28 win over K-State.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show available under  The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein, Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox  & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio