College football has returned for a few weeks. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 11.
1. Alabama at Ole Miss
Alabama is coming off a loss that likely kicks them out of the CFP discussion, but now take on Ole Miss on the road. They have two SEC losses, so the SEC Championship is likely out of the question too. Their offense only put up 31 points in an overtime performance against LSU and the playcalling has been thoroughly criticized. The defense has been good, but not up to the caliber of most Alabama defenses. A lot has to change for Alabama and they’ll want to start this week against Ole Miss.
Ole Miss is coming off a bye week, which will increase their chances of winning. A win in this game will keep them alive in the SEC West and also the College Football Playoff picture. The Rebels have run the ball well this season, as they have a 1,000-yard rusher in Quinshon Judkins and another running back in Zach Evans with 680. Their defense has not been consistent, so they’ll have to run the ball well against Alabama to have a chance. All eyes will be on Alabama vs. Ole Miss this weekend.
2. TCU at Texas
TCU had to come from behind again, but they defeated Texas Tech in week 10 to extend their unbeaten streak. At 9-0, they just need to win a few more games to make the College Football Playoff. Sonny Dykes has done an incredible job and has improved the offense drastically. They score 43.1 points per game and have one of the best offenses in the country. Their defense has been opportunistic this season.
Texas is coming off a big win over Kansas State, which keeps them in contention for the Big 12. They have lost three games this season, but one of those was to Alabama and they only have one loss when starting quarterback Quinn Ewers plays the full game. Their offensive weapons will make for a high-scoring matchup. If they can pull off the upset, the Big 12 is likely out of the College Football Playoff and the Longhorns are one step closer to the Big 12 Championship Game.
3. Kansas State at Baylor
Kansas State dropped the game to Texas in week 10, but are still in contention for the Big 12 Championship. They have three total losses, but two in the Big 12 with the other one coming to TCU. They have ridden a good rushing attack, which is led by quarterback Adrian Martinez and running back Deuce Vaughn. They’ll need to run the ball well to beat Baylor and keep the Big 12 title hopes alive.
Baylor started the season off slowly, losing three of their first six games of the season. They have since rattled off three straight wins to bring their overall record to 6-3 and their Big 12 record to 4-2. They also run the ball well, averaging 210.3 yards on the ground per game. Whoever wins in the trenches will win the game and have just two games left to make the Big 12 Championship.
4. UNC at Wake Forest
North Carolina is one of the quietest 8-1 teams in recent memory. Their lone loss is to Notre Dame, so they are undefeated in ACC play. This week they play Wake Forest, who is the best team they have played maybe all season. Drake Maye has had an unbelievable season and will need to have the offense humming, as the defense has struggled this season.
Wake Forest may be able to pull off the upset because they are at home and because they can score enough to keep up with North Carolina. Sam Hartman has the Demon Deacons scoring 36.9 points per game and passing for 308.6 yards per game. If he plays well, the Demon Deacons can get a win.
5. Group of Five Potentials for New Year’s Six Bowl
Two group of five teams who could make a New Year’s Six Bowl are matching up in week 11. UCF is 7-2 and is heading to Tulane to take on the Green Wave. The Knights have lost to Louisville and East Carolina, but they have several solid wins. More recently, the Knights have been playing Mikey Keane in place of injured starting quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, who has been out with a concussion. They have won some games, but will have a bigger test this week.
Tulane put themselves on the map this season when they defeated Kansas State. A three-point loss to Southern Miss is the only blemish on their record, which helped them be the highest-ranked group of five team in the initial CFP rankings at 19. Their defense has led the team, as they allow just 16.9 points per game. That defense will have to slow down UCF to get the win and keep them as favorites to win the AAC.
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