Week 11 – November 12–14,
College football enters another crucial weekend as teams battle for conference championships, bowl eligibility and positioning in the College Football Playoff race.
Week 11 features major matchups, ranked programs under pressure and several opportunities for contenders to strengthen their postseason résumés.
The spotlight falls on UCLA, Utah, Alabama, Miami, Tennessee and the other national contenders.
Games to Watch
Thursday, November 12
Memphis vs. South Florida 8:00 PM
Louisiana vs. UL Monroe 9:00 PM
Memphis enters at 7–2, while South Florida sits at 6–3.
Memphis will look to establish its running game and control possession, while USF needs to take advantage of its home-field environment.
Prediction: Memphis 34, South Florida 27.
Friday, November 13
Florida State vs. Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Illinois vs. No. 4 UCLA 9:00 PM
No. 14 Houston vs. Colorado 10:15 PM
Game of the night: Illinois vs. UCLA
UCLA enters undefeated at 9–0 and has an opportunity to strengthen its playoff position.
Illinois must find a way to slow down the Bruins’ offence and avoid costly turnovers.
Prediction: UCLA 38, Illinois 24.
Houston vs. Colorado
Houston arrives at 7–2 and will look to take care of business against a Colorado team trying to produce a major upset.
Prediction: Houston 31, Colorado 20.
Saturday, November 14 – Marquee Matchups
Duke vs. No. 7 Miami – 12:00 PM ET | ABC
Miami enters at 8–1 and has its sights set on the College Football Playoff.
Duke (7–2) has an opportunity to create a major upset.
Prediction: Miami 34–23.
Northwestern vs. No. 20 Ohio State – 12:00 PM ET | FOX
Ohio State needs a strong performance at home. Northwestern will attempt to disrupt the Buckeyes’ offensive rhythm.
Prediction: Ohio State 31–17.
No. 13 Wake Forest vs. SMU – 12:00 PM ET | ESPN
Wake Forest comes in at 8–1, while SMU is 7–2.
This is one of the weekend’s most interesting matchups.
Prediction: Wake Forest 31–28
No. 3 Alabama vs. Vanderbilt – 12:45 PM ET | SEC Network
Alabama cannot afford a slip-up as it pursues a playoff position.
Vanderbilt will have home-field advantage.
Prediction: Alabama 38–20.
No. 8 Tennessee vs. Texas A&M – 3:00 PM ET | ESPN
Tennessee (7–2) faces a challenging road test against Texas A&M.
The Volunteers need to establish their offensive tempo and protect the football.
Prediction: Tennessee 27–24.
No. 22 Missouri vs. No. 1 Georgia – 3:30 PM ET | ABC
Georgia enters as one of the nation’s top championship contenders.
Missouri has the opportunity to shake up the national rankings.
Prediction: Georgia 34–21.
USC vs. No. 9 Indiana – 3:30 PM ET | CBS
Indiana has built an impressive 8–1 record.
USC’s offence will need to deliver a complete performance to pull off the road victory.
Prediction: Indiana 31–27.
No. 2 Utah vs. No. 23 Arizona – 7:30 PM ET | FOX
An important ranked matchup with significant playoff implications.
Utah’s unbeaten record will be tested against an Arizona team looking for a signature win.
Prediction: Utah 30–24.
The November schedule is becoming increasingly important for the playoff picture.
Teams to watch:
Georgia – National championship contender.
Utah – Undefeated and chasing a playoff position.
Miami – Looking to maintain its strong season.
UCLA – Undefeated heading into Friday.
Alabama – Looking to strengthen its résumé.
Wake Forest – A potential playoff contender.
Best game: Wake Forest vs. SMU
Biggest upset possibility: Duke over Miami
Must-watch game: Utah vs. Arizona
Team under pressure: Alabama
Biggest statement opportunity: UCLA
National championship contender to watch: Georgia
My National Championship Pick: Georgia Bulldogs.
Final Word
Week 11 has the potential to reshape the College Football Playoff race.
With undefeated teams, ranked matchups and conference battles, every possession matters.
The road to the national championship is getting shorter, and the pressure is getting bigger.
