College football is back in full swing. There are always things to watch every week of the season. Here are 5 things to watch in college football week 11.
There is a big game in the Big 12 with conference championship and CFP implications, as BYU takes on Texas Tech. The Cougars are undefeated at 8-0. They have a big win over Utah that really helped legitimize their season. Their defense has really stepped up this season, as they allow just 17 points per game. The run game is also impressive, as they rush for 216.6 yards per game, which is led by LJ Martin and quarterback Bear Bachmeier. BYU is coming off of a bye and should be ready for Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have one loss this season, which came on the road against Arizona State. Their toughest game for the rest of the season is against BYU. Texas Tech has scored 43.6 points per game, which ranks fourth in the country. That is impressive, given that starting quarterback Behren Morton missed time and is now back. They also allow just 12.4 points per game, which also ranks fourth in the country. Winning this game will almost ensure the Red Raiders make the Big 12 Championship Game with the same thing being true for BYU.
Texas A&M is coming off a bye, but has a tough road trip to Missouri this week. The Aggies are still undefeated with a quality win over Notre Dame. Their other wins are against teams that are under .500 in the SEC, so they could be vulnerable. The Aggies score 37.8 points per game and have really improved this season with the additions of Mario Craver and KC Concepcion. The defense has been up and down, but Cashius Howell has provided pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Missouri has two losses on the season and will need to win out to make the CFP. The defeats were at the hands of Alabama and Vanderbilt. They are also coming off a bye and hoping that can help them get their first quality win of the season. The Tigers allow 16.8 points per game, as their defense has carried the team through the season. Ahmad Hardy has led a great running game with 937 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Texas A&M will be favored, but Missouri could shake up the CFP rankings and keep their season alive with a win.
Oregon lost a tough game to Indiana earlier this season and this week might feature another hard-fought battle as they travel to Iowa to play the Hawkeyes. Their best win of the season is against Northwestern, but this result would surpass that. Oregon’s offense is humming, as they score 41.5 points per game, as they are running the ball well. The defense allows 13.5 points per game, also showing great competency. Both units will have to show up against Iowa in a tough environment.
The Hawkeyes have lost games to Iowa State and Indiana, but have battled through things and should be ranked this week when the CFP rankings come out. The offense has been better than most years, as they average 31.3 points per game. As always, the defense has stepped up, as they give up 13.1 points per game. The Hawkeyes have some tough games down the stretch, but winnning this game could really make them a threat to move up the rankings.
LSU fired Brian Kelly after a 5-3 start to the season. They had two straight losses, but are coming off a bye now with an interim coach to play at Alabama. They may get a boost from a new voice leading the way. Their defense has had their moments this year, giving up 18.9 points per game, but the offense has failed to live up to their potential. That is because of Garrett Nussmeier being hurt, the offensive line struggling and the playcalling not complementing the talent on the roster. If they get things right, they could upset Alabama.
Alabama lost the first game of the season to Florida State, but are on a roll since then. Not only have they won seven straight games, but they have also won over a lot of quality teams in that stretch. Ty Simpson has emerged as a Heisman candidate, leading the team to average 291.6 passing yards and 34.4 points per game. Their defense has been solid, giving up 18.3 points per game. Alabama will be favored, but they have struggled in games like this before.
Tulane has lost two games, but are still alive in the American Conference race. They dropped games to Ole Miss and UTSA. The Green Wave have just the one conference loss and are one of six teams in the conference that can say that. Tulane doesn’t stick out in one specific area, as they rank 83rd in scoring and 80th in points allowed. They didn’t look good last week agaisnt UTSA, but if they can rebound, they could shake up the CFP picture.
Memphis has just one loss on the season, to UAB, and are the frontrunners to be the group of five representative in the CFP. They score 37.7 points per game this season behind a rushing attack that puts up 201.1 yards per game. The defense allows 19.2 points per game and should be able to keep them in a lot of games, given their offensive talent. A win in this game would be huge, as Tulane has games against others who have just one loss in conference down the stretch.
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