College Football Week 11 Predictions: Ala/LSU, Geo/Ole Miss, Colo/Tex Tech, So.Car/Vandy, BYU/Utah and more

Week 10 saw 7 AP Top-25 teams lose including with Iowa State and Kansas State among other dominant outings from South Carolina and Louisville. Week 11 features 3 major matchups in the SEC and host of interesting games flying under the radar. It appears yet again that November madness is in full effect given the chaos that occurred in the first Saturday of this magical month of College Football. Let the debates begin with the release of the first playoff rankings. Indiana and BYU should be ranked higher is my biggest complaint.

Marquee Matchups

#11 Alabama vs. #15 LSU: Like every other team across the country, these two bitter rivals are flawed. Alabama has won 11 out of the last 13 meetings. Given that Nick Saban is no longer coaching for Bama, we can probably throw those numbers out the window. Prior to Alabama’s dominant victory over Mizzou, the Tide were 2-2 over a four-game stretch, albeit all four of those opponents have a case for being ranked.

LSU had been on a roll, winning six straight after dropping the season opener to USC. QB Garrett Nussmeier regressed in the Tiger’s loss to Texas A&M. One wonders where his mental state is heading into this storied rivalry. Alabama’s schedule has been very difficult, along with the fact that QB Jalen Monroe can hurt you with his feet and arm, has this College Football podcaster tilting to Alabama. However, as we all know, many dreams have died at night in the real Death Valley. The Tigers need to mix in the run to give their offense balance. It comes down to trusting the previously mentioned Monroe at tad bit more and the Alabama defense over LSU’s defense.

The Pick: Alabama -2.5

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Alabama -2.5

• Milroe needs to have a big game
• Tigers at home
• LSU must run the ball

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#3 Georgia vs. #16 Ole Miss: The Bulldogs are in the meat of their significantly more taxing schedule in 2024. Georgia was accustomed to less real challenges in recent years in the east division of the SEC. Ole Miss was cruising in the non-conference especially on offense. Then reality kicked in once league games began. Stuck in the mud on offense it should be noted the Rebels did finally light up the scoreboard in a 63-31whopping at Arkansas.

Strangely enough, the Ole Miss defense is legit and should be able to cause problems for an already struggling Bulldogs quarterback, Carson Beck. Beck has 11 interceptions in the last five games and had his third three-pick game of the year last week against Florida. Don’t be surprised if Ole Miss gets off to a good start and possibly leads at halftime. The cream will eventually rise to the top as Georgia pulls away down the stretch.

The Pick: Georgia -2.5 

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Bet Georgia -2.5

• Carson Beck to have a big game
• Rebels at home
• Ole Miss defense is legit

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Under The Radar

#20 Colorado vs. Texas Tech: Texas Tech knocked off than unbeaten Iowa State and now finds itself in the hunt for a Big-12 title. Coming off a bye week the Colorado Buffaloes are in great position in the standings as well. In fact the Buffs and BYU don’t have to play Iowa State. The Cyclones and K-state still have a meeting in what’s dubbed Farm-aggedon.

Obviously, anything can happen, but if Colorado can beat the Red Raiders, they could run the table. ASU appears to be the toughest test on paper for BYU. Let’s not put the cart before the horse and disrespect Texas Tech’s high-powered offense. The Red Raiders’ defense will need to create turnovers and force as many field goals instead of touchdowns as possible. The Buffs could slip up, but that Texas Tech defense is just downright bad this season.

The Pick: Colorado -4 and over the 62.5 total points 

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt: Flying way under the radar is a phenomenal matchup of two teams that could easily be ranked. If SC and Vandy took one or two high level programs off their schedule they would likely be ranked. Vanderbilt buck the Las Vegas odds last week against Auburn like they have all year long. South Carolina lost close contests to LSU and Alabama. Hangover spot for the Gamecocks is the thing that stands out.

The Pick: Vanderbilt +4.5 

Saturday Upset Special

Syracuse as a +2 road dog at Boston College

#24 Missouri home dog +3 versus Oklahoma.

Hardcore Barnburners

#9 BYU vs. Utah: BYU has won 8 games and should be respected for it. The way the Cougars have a knack at winning in heated battles is very impressive. But will the well coached Utes put it all together for a day and spoil one of these top tier teams in the Big-12 left on their schedule? You have to think the turnovers and special teams plays dry up for BYU at some point right? The perfect ingredients for a hardcore barnburner that could deliver.

The Pick: BYU -3

#23 Clemson vs. Virginia Tech: Clemson needs to get back on the good foot after an embarrassing loss to Louisville in Memorial Stadium. The Tigers offense has been beating up on mediocre teams. Clemson looks shockingly ordinary when facing quality opposition. So which V’Tech will show up in what is still an important ACC scrap? This one will be on the table for either to grab in the closing minutes.

The Pick: Virginia Tech +6.5

Against The Spread

Vanderbilt +4.5 versus South Carolina.

Syracuse +2 versus Boston College.

Georgia Tech +11 versus #4 Miami (If QB Haynes King Plays).

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Quick Hits Recap

-My Top 4 Plus 3 More: #1 Oregon, #2 Georgia, #3 Ohio State, #4 Texas, #5 Indiana, #6 Miami, and #7 BYU.

-Miami QB Cam Ward threw for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns with 146 of those passing yards going to WR Xavier Restrepo, who added 3 TD’s in the Canes 53-31 win over Duke.

-Tennessee RB Dylan Simpson broke a school rushing touchdown record dating back to 1929 with 19. Simpson rushed for 141 yards against Kentucky in last Saturdays 28-18 victory.

-South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers had 3 touchdowns and 350 all-purpose yards in big win over Texas A&M.

-Texas A&M’s slip up to the Gamecocks was the largest loss margin as an AP-ranked team versus an unranked opponent

-Ole Miss QB Jason Dart put up 515 passing yards along with 6 touchdowns in the Rebels beat down of Arkansas.

-Ole Miss WR Jordan Watkins caught 8 balls for 254 yards and 5 TD’s as well.

-Vanderbilt’s victories over Alabama and Auburn marks the first time that’s happened in the same season since 1955.

-Jackson State RB Tre Stewart rushed for 232 yards and 5 touchdowns in a 31-21 victory over Liberty.

Written by Chris Carlson Host of The College Ball Show Podcast available at blogtalkradio.com/ropeadoperadio & Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio