College Football Picks: Week 11 Predictions for Every Game
The first week of November was quite a doozy in college football. Is there any way this weekend can come close to matching that excitement?
Based on the matchups we have on tap for Week 11, it's entirely possible. At the very least, we'll get some more clarity in the playoff picture and possibly see some division and conference titles clinched. There are also another 16 schools that, with a win, could join the 52 FBS teams that have already achieved bowl eligibility for the season.
We've got a prediction for every game on the schedule, going into greater detail on the most relevant pairings this weekend. Check them out, then weigh in with your picks in the comments section.
Team rankings are from the latest College Football Playoff rankings.
Last week: 42-18 (.700)
Season: 478-155 (.755)
Pittsburgh at Duke
1 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Thomas Sirk scored on a five-yard run in the second overtime to give Duke a 51-48 win at Pittsburgh last November.
What to watch for
Pittsburgh (6-3, 4-1 ACC) has lost two in a row to a pair of one-loss teams, falling to North Carolina and Notre Dame at home. The Panthers have allowed at least 6.43 yards per play to their last four opponents, and the offense hasn't been able to match that production.
Receiver Tyler Boyd has 66 catches for 662 yards and five touchdowns, but beyond him there haven't been any other players contributing on a regular basis.
Duke (6-3, 3-2) has also lost two straight, first the controversial home setback to Miami (Florida) via a lateral-filled kickoff return that shouldn't have counted, then a 66-31 drubbing at rival North Carolina. The Blue Devils defense has worn down as the season has progressed, and UNC capitalized on that with 704 yards including 537 through the air.
The Blue Devils run game has been strong all season, averaging 196.9 yards per game, and Sirk is getting more help from his backfield mates so as not to be a one-man attack. That should continue here, as Duke rights the ship.
Prediction: Duke 31, Pittsburgh 21
FINAL: Pittsburgh 31, Duke 13
Georgia at Auburn
2 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Nick Chubb and Todd Gurley combined for 282 rushing yards and three touchdowns in Georgia's 34-7 home win over Auburn last November.
What to watch for
Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has been played 118 times and is all square at 55 wins apiece (with eight ties). A mainstay at this point in the schedule, it usually has a lot more riding on it than bragging rights and face-saving, but disappointing seasons for both teams have relegated this storied series to a low-profile time slot.
Georgia (6-3, 4-3 SEC) ended a two-game skid by cruising past Kentucky at home last week, a result that came not long after Mark Richt had to take to Twitter to dispel rumors that his house was falling down. A perennial choice to win the East, the Bulldogs are 15-8 in conference play the last three seasons.
Auburn (5-4, 2-4) also ended a two-game losing streak last time out, but its win at Texas A&M wasn't as likely and certainly not in the way it happened. The Tigers defense had failed to live up to expectations for most of this season, but against A&M they intercepted three passes and allowed a season-low 303 yards.
The emergence of Jovon Robinson, who has rushed for 250 yards the last two weeks after hardly seeing the field before, has revamped the offense. Now, a year that looked headed for a sub-.500 record is almost certainly going to include a bowl appearance.
Prediction: Auburn 27, Georgia 23
FINAL: Georgia 20, Auburn 13
No. 11 Florida at South Carolina
3 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Dylan Thompson's four-yard touchdown run in overtime gave South Carolina a 23-20 win at Florida last November.
What to watch for
Florida (8-1, 6-1 SEC) has clinched the East Division and would finish with its best record in conference play since 2012 with another victory. It will need to play much better than a week ago, when the offense disappeared in a 9-7 home win against Vanderbilt, a result that caused the Gators to drop a spot in the playoff rankings.
The Gators were fortunate to play that poorly against a weak opponent, but in order to have a real shot at the semifinals (as well as to win the SEC title against a much tougher foe next month), a lot needs to be fixed.
South Carolina (3-6, 1-6) would like nothing better than to mess with Florida's goals. The Gamecocks' only SEC win also came against Vanderbilt, but since Shawn Elliott took over for Steve Spurrier, they've been competitive in every game, losing by a combined 10 points in road losses to Texas A&M and Tennessee the last two weeks.
Spurrier is the all-time wins leader at both schools, but he won't be attending, according to the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). He'll likely be watching from afar, though, and he'll see the team he put together clinch its first losing record since 2003.
Prediction: Florida 24, South Carolina 17
FINAL: Florida 24, South Carolina 14
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North Texas at Tennessee
4 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: North Texas claimed a 21-14 win over Tennessee in October 1975.
What to watch for
North Texas (1-8) has gone 1-2 since firing coach Dan McCarney, though the same defensive issues have continued, as the Mean Green rank 124th nationally in yards allowed per play at 7.12. All but one opponent has rushed for at least 200 yards against them, and last week they allowed a Conference USA-record six rushing touchdowns to Louisiana Tech's Kenneth Dixon.
Tennessee (5-4, 3-2 SEC) has won three of four, the only loss coming by five at Alabama, and though leads keep getting blown, the Volunteers are becoming better at finishing games. They squandered a lead last week at home against South Carolina but then scored late and forced a turnover in the final minute to win.
The remainder of their opponents have losing records, with two of three at home, so the finish to this season figures to be a positive one. The Vols haven't won more than seven regular-season games since 2007.
Prediction: Tennessee 54, North Texas 17
FINAL: Tennessee 24, North Texas 0
Tulane at Army
5 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Trent Steelman threw a touchdown pass and ran for two more in Army's 45-6 home win over Tulane in October 2011.
What to watch for
Tulane (2-7) has scored 47 points during a five-game losing streak, two more than it managed in its last victory against winless UCF. The Green Wave, who rank 125th nationally in total offense at 286.6 yards per game, have lost their four road games this season by an average of 32.3 points.
Army (2-7) will be missing out on a bowl game for the fifth straight season, despite rushing for more than 257 yards per game. The Black Knights' option attack has been held under 200 yards four times this season, though, and without a passing game to go with it, they struggle to play from behind.
Thankfully, they're facing a very lethargic opponent, one that isn't particularly strong at stopping the run.
Prediction: Army 26, Tulane 16
FINAL: Tulane 34, Army 31
Texas at West Virginia
6 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Johnathan Gray scored three rushing touchdowns in Texas' 33-16 home win over West Virginia last November.
What to watch for
Texas (4-5, 3-3 Big 12) scored 59 points at home against Kansas last week, its most under Charlie Strong and five more than it managed in the previous five games. The Longhorns were shut out the game before at Iowa State and have managed only 10 points in their three true road games, proving unable to play in hostile environments—the mark of a young team.
West Virginia (4-4, 1-4) had an October to forget against the Big 12's four best teams, but its November has been more enjoyable so far. The ability to slow down and beat Texas Tech—allowing 26 points counts as such in this conference—was a big plus for a defense that had been torched for 179 points in their previous four games.
The Mountaineers won despite another poor showing from quarterback Skyler Howard, whose 55.6 percent completion rate is fifth-worst among quarterbacks with at least 250 pass attempts this season. They should avoid passing at all costs in this one and let the improving run game take center stage.
Prediction: West Virginia 27, Texas 20
FINAL: West Virginia 38, Texas 20
No. 3 Ohio State at Illinois
7 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: J.T. Barrett and Cardale Jones each threw two touchdown passes in Ohio State's 55-14 home win over Illinois last November.
What to watch for
Ohio State (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) continues its soap opera at quarterback, with Barrett set to start again if he "has a good week of practice," coach Urban Meyer said Monday, via Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod. This comes after Barrett was suspended for the win over Minnesota following his OVI arrest during the bye week, and in his absence, the Buckeyes went back to being uneven on offense.
Cardale Jones had one of his better games and is now 11-0 as a starter, but it's clear OSU operates best with Barrett at quarterback. And barring any other drama (or injuries), this is how it will remain the rest of the season.
Illinois (5-4, 2-3) was impressive in steamrolling Purdue on the road last week, the 48 points its most since the season opener. The Fighting Illini had lost three in a row and scored only 50 points in their last four outings, but now they only need one more victory to get a bowl bid for a second year in a row.
The Illini have had their own drama, losing coach Tim Beckman before the season began, but interim man Bill Cubit has made the most of what he's had. However, they don't have enough to win here.
Prediction: Ohio State 43, Illinois 20
FINAL: Ohio State 28, Illinois 3
Kansas at No. 15 TCU
8 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: TCU scored 17 points in a seven-minute span during the third and fourth quarters to rally for a 34-30 win at Kansas last November.
What to watch for
Kansas (0-9, 0-6 Big 12) has the nation's longest losing streak at 12 and hasn't won on the road since September 2009. The drought is even longer in conference play, dating back to a 35-33 win at Iowa State in October 2008.
The Jayhawks haven't topped 20 points since Week 2, while they have given up 50-plus points five times, including in each of their last three games.
TCU (8-1, 5-1) didn't have the road magic that enabled it to rally earlier this year at Texas Tech and Iowa State, falling by 20 points at Oklahoma State last week to likely put an end to its playoff hopes. A wrist injury to top receiver Josh Doctson late in the first half took away Trevone Boykin's best target, and he ended up throwing a career-high four interceptions.
Combined with a defense that is still too banged up to be counted on, the Horned Frogs were handily beaten and now must regroup to avoid letting the season get away from them.
That's what playing Kansas at home is for.
Prediction: TCU 58, Kansas 16
FINAL: TCU 23, Kansas 17
Maryland at No. 13 Michigan State
9 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Jeremy Langford ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns in Michigan State's 37-15 win at Maryland last November.
What to watch for
Maryland (2-7, 0-5 Big Ten) has lost six in a row, and the firing of Randy Edsall after a 2-4 start didn't change the results. The Terrapins have shown inspired play under interim coach Mike Locksley, though, with two one-score defeats in the last three games and some improved offense, but they've allowed at least 31 points in six games this season, including each of the last four.
Michigan State (8-1, 4-1) fell victim to an officiating error at the end of its 39-38 loss at Nebraska, but even though reviews showed the Cornhuskers' final TD came because of a mistake, that wasn't the reason the Spartans lost. Giving up 19 fourth-quarter points and countless big plays had much more of an impact, and as a result MSU sunk in the playoff standings.
Connor Cook had another strong game at quarterback and has been lights-out the past month with four straight 300-yard passing games. He's 673 yards behind Kirk Cousins for the school's career passing mark; he won't get it Saturday, but he'll make up a good chunk of the distance.
Prediction: Michigan State 45, Maryland 21
FINAL: Michigan State 24, Maryland 7
Purdue at No. 18 Northwestern
10 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Justin Jackson ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns in Northwestern's 38-14 win at Purdue last November.
What to watch for
Purdue (2-7, 1-4 Big Ten) won't be going to a bowl for the third time in as many seasons under Darrell Hazell, something that was assured by last week's 48-14 home loss to Illinois. Before that result, though, Yahoo Sports' Pat Forde reported Hazell would be back for a fourth year, despite what is now a 6-27 record.
Northwestern (7-2, 3-2) has won two in a row, each by two points, the latest on a late field goal to beat Penn State at home. The Wildcats haven't been able to ride their defense anymore, giving up 127 points in their last four games after allowing 35 during a 5-0 start, but the offense has come around more and is at its best when Justin Jackson gets his touches.
Jackson has averaged 22.4 carries per game, but only 11 per game in Northwestern's losses. Expect at least 25, if not more, against a Purdue defense that gave up 382 rushing yards to Illinois.
Prediction: Northwestern 33, Purdue 16
FINAL: Northwestern 21, Purdue 14
Middle Tennessee at Florida Atlantic
11 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Austin Grammer threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Henry with 19 seconds left to give Middle Tennessee a 35-34 home win over Florida Atlantic last November.
What to watch for
Middle Tennessee (4-5, 3-2 Conference USA) knocked off defending conference champion Marshall in triple overtime at home last week, getting 353 passing yards and three TDs from quarterback Brent Stockstill. He's the most prolific freshman passer in the country, ranking 14th nationally at 310.9 yards per game with 21 TDs.
Florida Atlantic (2-7, 2-4) lost at Western Kentucky for its fourth defeat in five games, clinching a seventh straight season that will end without a bowl game. The Owls are 5-16 under coach Charlie Partridge and 1-4 at home this year.
MTSU hasn't won on the road in 2015, though those games have been at Alabama, Illinois and C-USA powers Louisiana Tech and Western Kentucky.
Prediction: Middle Tennessee 34, Florida Atlantic 31
FINAL: Middle Tennessee 24, Florida Atlantic 17
Akron at Miami (Ohio)
12 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Chiz Chisholm ran for 102 yards and two touchdowns in Akron's 29-19 home win over Miami in October 2014.
What to watch for
Akron (4-5, 2-3 Mid-American) won 17-13 at Massachusetts last week to improve to 3-2 on the road this season. The Zips have scored 17 or fewer points six times this year, but their defense has held five opponents under 300 yards and ranks fifth in the FBS in rushing defense at 96.56 yards allowed per game.
Miami (2-8, 1-5) ended an eight-game losing streak by knocking off Eastern Michigan on Saturday, 28-13, the RedHawks' first win against an FBS opponent since October 2014. They've scored 52 points the past two weeks after scoring 56 in their previous five games.
Akron needs to win two of three to be bowl-eligible for the first time since 2005, so expect it to continue to play well on the road and stay alive for a 13th game.
Prediction: Akron 23, Miami 17
FINAL: Akron 37, Miami 28
UTEP at Old Dominion
13 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; noon ET
Last meeting: Autrey Golden caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Jameill Showers to give UTEP a 42-35 home win over Old Dominion in October 2014.
What to watch for
UTEP (4-5, 2-3 Conference USA) beat Rice at home last Friday on a field goal with 48 seconds left. The Miners allowed a season-low 320 yards after having given up more than 480 per game before then.
Old Dominion (4-5, 2-3) also won in Texas last week, edging UTSA 36-31 for just its second victory in seven games. David Washington threw for 378 yards and two TDs, just the second time this season the Monarchs have topped 201 passing yards.
Both teams are in the bottom 30 nationally on defense, so expect this to come down to the final possession. Old Dominion has been playing more consistently of late, despite the lack of results, and will stay alive for a possible bowl bid.
Prediction: Old Dominion 34, UTEP 30
FINAL: Old Dominion 31, UTEP 21
North Carolina State at No. 16 Florida State
14 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 12:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Jameis Winston threw for 365 yards and four touchdowns as Florida State rallied from a 24-7 deficit after one quarter to win 56-41 at North Carolina State in September 2014.
What to watch for
North Carolina State (6-3, 2-3 ACC) locked up a second straight season of bowl eligibility with a defensive-minded 24-8 win at Boston College. The effort on that side of the ball was key after the Wolfpack gave up 56 points at home to Clemson the week before.
With leading rusher Matt Dayes done for the year with a foot injury, NC State's offense now becomes even more reliant on quarterback Jacoby Brissett. He's failed to complete more than 58.8 percent of his passes in any of the last five games after throwing at a 77.9 percent clip during a 4-0 start.
Florida State (7-2, 5-2) will not be playing in the ACC title game for the first time since 2011 after losing at Clemson last week. The Seminoles got off to a fast start, but once Clemson adjusted they couldn't move the ball effectively, with Sean Maguire struggling in his second start in place of Everett Golson at quarterback.
QB play hasn't been a problem before under Jimbo Fisher, but now it's become the central issue to this team. Golson should be healthy enough to play, but will he be given the nod?
“The lack of a surefire starter is definitely concerning, but it doesn't have to be debilitating,” Bleacher Report's Ben Kercheval wrote.
This game, as well as next week's against Florida Atlantic, is one that should allow FSU to tinker at that position while making sure running back Dalvin Cook (153.88 rushing yards per game, second in FBS) gets his touches.
Prediction: Florida State 40, North Carolina State 17
FINAL: Florida State 34, North Carolina State 17
Virginia at Louisville
15 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 12:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Greyson Lambert had a passing and rushing touchdown in Virginia's 23-21 home win over Louisville in September 2014.
What to watch for
Virginia (3-6, 2-3 ACC) must win out to avoid missing out on a bowl for the fourth year in a row, and probably nothing but victories will allow Mike London to keep his job beyond 2015. The Cavaliers are winless on the road but led in the second half at Miami (Florida) last week, though as long as Matt Johns (FBS-high 14 interceptions) continues to struggle, they'll he hard-pressed to do more than just compete.
Louisville (5-4, 4-2) has feasted on the bottom end of the ACC during its three-game winning streak, putting it in position to secure a bowl that seemed like a pipe dream when its record was 0-3. The 41 points scored against Syracuse last week were the Cardinals' most this season against an FBS team, but their bread and butter remains their defense.
The Cardinals have picked off 15 passes, including six the past two games. Their defensive backs will love dropping back against Johns.
Prediction: Louisville 36, Virginia 15
FINAL: Louisville 38, Virginia 31
UTSA at Charlotte
16 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 2 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
UTSA (1-8, 1-4 Conference USA) has lost four in a row and has matched the most losses in the program's five-year history. The Roadrunners have allowed 30 or more points in all eight defeats.
Charlotte (2-7, 0-6) is on a seven-game losing streak after opening its first season of FBS play with consecutive victories. The 49ers' biggest problem remains being able to take care of the ball, as their turnover tally is up to 30, tied with Maryland for worst in the nation.
The 49ers force a fair number of takeaways, too, and thus are capable of winning with some clean play. Look for them to end the streak.
Prediction: Charlotte 33, UTSA 23
FINAL: UTSA 30, Charlotte 27 (OT)
Utah State at Air Force
17 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 2 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Darell Garretson threw two touchdown passes and ran for another in Utah State's 34-16 home win over Air Force in October 2014.
What to watch for
Utah State (5-4, 4-2 Mountain West) lost by one at New Mexico on Saturday to fall out of a tie for first place in the Mountain Division. The Aggies had a season-low 78 rushing yards and briefly had to turn to injury-prone quarterback Chuckie Keeton after Kent Myers was hurt.
Myers' play had triggered a 4-1 stretch this season, but opponents are starting to pick up on his tendencies, which has made Utah State's offense less effective.
Air Force (6-3, 4-1) has won three in a row, but to a trio of opponents with a combined six wins. The Falcons' schedule is backloaded with remaining games against the top three teams in the division, so their option run game will play a big role in who wins the Mountain.
They rank second in the FBS at 335.9 rushing yards per game, with five players accounting for at least 300 yards apiece and 24 total TDs on the ground. Utah State handled New Mexico's option, but the Air Force version is far more potent.
Prediction: Air Force 24, Utah State 20
FINAL: Air Force 35, Utah State 28
Massachusetts at Eastern Michigan
18 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Shadrach Abrokwah scored four rushing touchdowns in Massachusetts' 36-14 home win over Eastern Michigan in October 2014.
What to watch for
Massachusetts (1-8, 0-5 Mid-American) has lost five in a row and 10 of 11, finishing up its time in the MAC on a major slide. The Minutemen have scored 13 or fewer points in three of the last five games, and when they've topped 30 points they've allowed 50 or more.
Eastern Michigan (1-9, 0-6) is on an eight-game skid in which its smallest margin of defeat was 11 points—and that was in mid-September. Last week's 28-13 loss at Miami (OH) marked a season low in points for the Eagles, who give up 44.2 points and 521 yards per game and can't afford to struggle on offense.
The bottom of the MAC East is at stake, so who wants (or doesn't want) it?
Prediction: Eastern Michigan 34, Massachusetts 27
FINAL: Massachusetts 28, Eastern Michigan 17
Arkansas State at Louisiana-Monroe
19 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Fredi Knighten accounted for 355 yards of total offense and all four touchdowns in Arkansas State's 28-14 home win over Louisiana-Monroe in October 2014.
What to watch for
Arkansas State (6-3, 5-0 Sun Belt) rolled to a 40-27 win last Thursday at Appalachian State, its fifth consecutive victory. The Red Wolves have wins over two of the three Sun Belt teams that are chasing them for the top spot, and they don't play Georgia Southern, instead finishing with three of the bottom teams in the league.
Knighten is back to full strength after injuries stunted the first half of his senior year, and with him leading a strong backfield, the Wolves are playing their best ball at the right time.
Louisiana-Monroe (1-8, 0-5) has lost seven in a row and 15 of its last 17, the only wins coming last November at New Mexico State and earlier this season against FCS Nicholls State. The Warhawks are playing their only home game in a six-game stretch, with a trip to Texas State and Hawaii coming after this one.
Arkansas State is clearly the class of the Sun Belt and will breeze to another easy win.
Prediction: Arkansas State 50, Louisiana-Monroe 20
FINAL: Arkansas State 59, Louisiana-Monroe 21
Washington at Arizona State
20 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Taylor Kelly threw two touchdown passes in Arizona State's 24-10 win at Washington in October 2014.
What to watch for
Washington (4-5, 2-4 Pac-12) lost 34-23 at home to Utah last week for its third setback in four games, continuing a season-long trend of up-and-down play. The Huskies have topped 400 yards just three times this year, which has caused their solid defense to wear down late in several games.
Arizona State (4-5, 2-4) began the year 15th in the Associated Press poll but is one of three teams from the preseason rankings with a losing record. The three-game losing streak is the worst under Todd Graham since dropping four in a row in 2012.
An aggressive defense has been hit-and-miss for ASU, recording 32 sacks and 79 tackles for loss but also allowing 16 plays of 40 or more yards and 11 that have gone for at least 50. Washington doesn't get yards in bunches, so ASU should be able to end its skid.
Prediction: Arizona State 29, Washington 22
FINAL: Arizona State 27, Washington 17
Miami (Florida) at No. 23 North Carolina
21 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Brad Kaaya threw three touchdown passes and Duke Johnson ran for 177 yards and two scores in Miami's 47-20 home win over North Carolina last November.
What to watch for
Miami (6-3, 3-2 ACC) is 2-0 under interim coach Larry Scott, rallying in the second half both times. The Hurricanes' performance to beat Virginia at home wasn't perfect, but getting Kaaya back from a concussion was the best part of that result.
Kaaya was 20-for-26 in that game, and efficient passing will be necessary to neutralize a defense that has forced 12 turnovers in the last five games.
North Carolina (8-1, 5-0) is on an eight-game winning streak, joining Stanford as the only teams this season to lose their opener and go perfect since. The Tar Heels were picked to finish fifth in the Coastal but can clinch the division with a win and a Pittsburgh loss at Duke.
The Heels defense has provided a huge boost this season, with new coordinator Gene Chizik figuring to be a favorite for the Broyles Award given to the nation's top assistant (and possibly land another head-coaching job). Last week it was UNC's offense that was unbelievable, putting up 704 yards behind a school-record 494 passing yards from Marquise Williams.
Williams passed 9,000 career yards of total offense in that game and is close to becoming the school's all-time leader. More importantly, though, UNC will move closer to its first ACC title game appearance.
Prediction: North Carolina 34, Miami 21
FINAL: North Carolina 59, Miami 21
Wake Forest at No. 4 Notre Dame
22 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Everett Golson threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns in Notre Dame's 38-0 home win over Wake Forest in November 2012.
What to watch for
Wake Forest (3-6) has lost three straight games and hasn't topped 20 points since September, its offense ranking 112th in the nation at 339.9 yards per game. The Demon Deacons have played better than last season but are still a long way from competing in the ACC—and will be completely overmatched in this game.
Notre Dame (8-1) gets a bit of a breather on the schedule after five straight games against opponents with winning records. Now sitting within the top four of the playoff rankings, the Fighting Irish know that everything will come down to the Nov. 28 finale at No. 7 Stanford but can make the most of this matchup (and next week against Boston College) to iron out the details.
Avoiding any further injuries is the top priority for Notre Dame, which lost C.J. Prosise to a concussion at Pittsburgh and is unsure if he'll be able to go. He won't need to against Wake, as long as DeShone Kizer keeps improving at quarterback.
Prediction: Notre Dame 41, Wake Forest 13
FINAL: Notre Dame 28, Wake Forest 7
No. 1 Clemson at Syracuse
23 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Clemson held Syracuse to 170 yards in a 16-6 home win in October 2014.
What to watch for
Clemson (9-0, 6-0 ACC) has locked up a spot in the conference title game after its Atlantic Division-clinching win over Florida State last week. Much like the previous win at North Carolina State, the Tigers took some solid punches early but then made key in-game adjustments to take control and win comfortably at the end.
Deshaun Watson has put the offense on his back the last month, topping 400 yards of total offense in three of Clemson's last four games. He hasn't been intercepted in the last three games, either, being careful and calculated rather than take unnecessary risks.
Syracuse (3-6, 1-4) was 3-0 and was giving LSU a game at home in late September, but it's been all downhill since then. The Orange have allowed 40 or more points to four of their last five opponents—not what you'd expect from a team led by a coach (Scott Shafer) whose background is on defense.
Clemson's remaining regular-season opponents are each 3-6, so the only way it will lose before the ACC title game is by completely unraveling. The Tigers haven't come close to doing that yet.
Prediction: Clemson 38, Syracuse 10
FINAL: Clemson 37, Syracuse 27
No. 2 Alabama at No. 17 Mississippi State
24 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Alabama built a 19-0 lead and held on to win 25-20 at home over previously unbeaten Mississippi State last November.
What to watch for
Alabama (8-1, 5-1 SEC) has won six in a row and is coming off its biggest result of the year, a convincing 30-16 home victory over LSU. The Crimson Tide, well known for being able to minimize opponents' best weapons, completely shut down FBS rushing leader Leonard Fournette, while their own bruising running back thrust himself into the Heisman race.
Derrick Henry has 589 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in Alabama's last three games and has 17 scores with a 5.75 yards-per-carry average for the season.
“The last running back to win the Heisman also came from Alabama, Mark Ingram in 2009,” USA Today's Thomas O'Toole wrote, noting that Henry sits first in the newspaper's latest Heisman survey.
By shutting down Fournette, 'Bama forced LSU to turn elsewhere to find a way to win, and it had no answers. It's a tactic the Tide will use again this week in dealing with Dak Prescott.
Prescott became the 10th player in SEC history to surpass 10,000 yards of total offense while also reaching 100 total TDs last Thursday against Missouri. Mississippi State (7-2, 3-2) went on to win 31-13, its fourth straight victory. The Bulldogs have quietly hung around in the West Division race but would need to win out and get some help to finish at the top.
MSU will only go as far as Prescott takes it, and when he struggled early last year against Alabama, it ended the Bulldogs' unbeaten run and knocked him out of the Heisman race. The Tide have been as impressive as any team in the country since losing to Ole Miss, which won't change despite a strong challenge from MSU.
Prediction: Alabama 30, Mississippi State 20
FINAL: Alabama 31, Mississippi State 6
No. 8 Oklahoma State at Iowa State
25 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Oklahoma State got 223 all-purpose yards from Tyreek Hill, including a 97-yard kickoff return touchdown, in a 37-20 home win over Iowa State in October 2014.
What to watch for
Oklahoma State (9-0, 6-0 Big 12) made a big jump in the playoff rankings, up from No. 14 a week ago, after its dominant home win over previously unbeaten TCU. But the Cowboys are still behind No. 6 Baylor, which they get to host next week—though they can't let up vs. the Cyclones during their final road trip of the season.
Big plays keyed the 20-point win over TCU, with five touchdowns of 40 or more yards, and the Cowboys are tied for 12th nationally with 60 plays of 20-plus yards. They also continue to be a disruptive force behind the line of scrimmage with 33 sacks and 78 tackles for loss.
Iowa State (3-6, 2-4) lost by 36 at Oklahoma last week, and it wasn't even that close. A week after shutting out Texas, the Cyclones went back to being a sieve on defense. They're allowing 6.36 yards per game on the year, which ranks 113th in the nation.
A loss will mean ISU goes without a bowl for the third straight season and finishes below .500 for the sixth year in a row. It's hard not to see that happening unless OK State suffers a hangover while also looking too far ahead.
Prediction: Oklahoma State 41, Iowa State 20
FINAL: Oklahoma State 35, Iowa State 31
Florida International at Marshall
26 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Rakeem Cato threw four touchdown passes in Marshall's 45-13 win at Florida International in October 2014.
What to watch for
Florida International (5-5, 3-3 Conference USA) has its most wins since 2011 after beating Charlotte, but now it must knock off one of the top two teams in the Conference USA East Division—it also hosts first-place Western Kentucky next week—in order to be bowl-eligible. The Golden Panthers have only faced one team that currently has a winning record, losing at C-USA West leader Louisiana Tech by 10 in September, and all of their losses have been on the road.
Marshall (8-2, 5-1) lost in triple overtime at Middle Tennessee last week to fall a loss behind Western Kentucky, which it will visit in two weeks to end the regular season. The Thundering Herd had won seven in a row before that, scoring at least 27 points every time, but MTSU held them to 17 points in regulation despite 346 passing yards from Chase Litton.
Litton has 832 yards and five touchdowns the last two weeks, getting Marshall's offense as close to how it was in 2014 as it's been all season.
Prediction: Marshall 33, Florida International 20
FINAL: Marshall 52, Florida International 0
Nebraska at Rutgers
27 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Ameer Abdullah ran for 225 yards and three touchdowns in Nebraska's 42-24 home win over Rutgers in October 2014.
What to watch for
Nebraska (4-6, 2-4 Big Ten) got a favorable call on its final touchdown to beat Michigan State in Lincoln last week, but the 39-38 victory was also the result of playing to the end despite a season full of last-second defeats. The Cornhuskers scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter against the previously unbeaten Spartans, showing spunk when they could have just accepted another loss.
Still, Nebraska would have to win out—including against unbeaten Iowa on Nov. 27—to avoid finishing below .500 for the first time since 2007 and just the third time since 1962.
Rutgers (3-6, 1-5) has been outscored 146-33 during a three-game losing streak and would also need to win out to be bowl-eligible. The remaining schedule isn't particularly daunting, with all three remaining opponents below .500 and the only road game at 2-7 Army, but the Scarlet Knights haven't shown much life recently.
The Knights could get receiver Leonte Carroo back after he missed the last two games because an ankle sprain, which would be a big boost. He averages 21.96 yards per catch, and nine of his 24 receptions have gone for touchdowns, but even that won't be enough.
Prediction: Nebraska 35, Rutgers 30
FINAL: Nebraska 31, Rutgers 14
Kansas State at Texas Tech
28 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Jake Waters had 395 yards of total offense and accounted for five touchdowns in Kansas State's 45-13 home win over Texas Tech in October 2014.
What to watch for
Kansas State (3-5, 0-5 Big 12) has lost five in a row and is off to its worst start in conference play since 1989. The Wildcats are extremely young and inexperienced, but they gave Baylor a tough fight last Thursday, controlling the clock with a lot of running so as to lessen their opponents' opportunities. That would probably be a smart approach again this week.
Texas Tech (5-5, 2-5) has lost three in a row, most recently at West Virginia, though it won the turnover battle in a loss for the first time this season. The Red Raiders score 45.2 points per game, which is fifth-best in the country, but they're also sixth-worst in scoring defense at 42.2 points allowed per game.
The contrast in styles—and ages—of the coaches should make for a great chess match. Tech and Kliff Kingsbury, 36, likely spent a lot of time studying what 76-year-old Bill Snyder's Wildcats did against Baylor and have a plan to negate that approach.
Prediction: Texas Tech 33, Kansas State 24
No. 14 Michigan at Indiana
29 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Drake Johnson ran for 122 yards and two touchdowns in Michigan's 34-10 home win over Indiana last November.
What to watch for
Michigan (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) breezed to a 49-16 home win over Rutgers last week, its most points since the beginning of 2014. A week after injuring his ribs and leaving the game, Jake Rudock threw for 337 yards and two TDs on 72 percent passing, by far his best game since transferring from Iowa.
If Rudock can play that way on a regular basis while the run game remains consistent and the Wolverines defense keeps making big plays, they'll still be very much in the hunt in the East race heading into upcoming games with Penn State and Ohio State.
Indiana (4-5, 0-5) hasn't won since the schedule turned to Big Ten play. All but one of its five straight losses saw it within one score in the fourth quarter, including last week's 35-27 loss at home to Iowa, and the Hoosiers also hung in there against Michigan State and Ohio State earlier this year.
But just being competitive won't save Kevin Wilson's job. He needs to reach a bowl game, and beating a good team would be a nice start to that goal. Still, don't count on it.
Prediction: Michigan 34, Indiana 20
FINAL: Michigan 48, Indiana 41 (2 OT)
Georgia Southern at Troy
30 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Kevin Ellison had three of Georgia Southern's six rushing touchdowns in a 42-10 home win over Troy in October 2014.
What to watch for
Georgia Southern (6-2, 4-1 Sun Belt) hasn't played since Oct. 29 but now starts a two-game road trip in which the back end (at Georgia) will be much tougher than the beginning. The Eagles have the No. 1 rushing offense in the country at 385.63 yards per game, with 35 touchdowns spread out among five players.
Junior Matt Breida, at 9.49 yards per carry, is first in FBS for players with at least 100 attempts this season.
Troy (3-6, 2-3) has won two of three to keep its very faint bowl hopes alive, scoring 48 points per game over that span after managing 19.8 per game during a 1-5 start. The Trojans have gotten 10 touchdown passes and 879 yards from sophomore Brandon Silvers over the past three weeks since he returned from injury.
Even with Troy playing its best this season, it gives up more than 190 rushing yards per game and won't be able to keep up with Georgia Southern.
Prediction: Georgia Southern 45, Troy 28
FINAL: Georgia Southern 45, Troy 10
Southern Mississippi at Rice
31 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Jowan Davis ran for 131 yards and two touchdowns in Rice's 41-23 win at Southern Mississippi in September 2014.
What to watch for
Southern Mississippi (6-3, 4-1 Conference USA) is coming off a bye, which allowed for an extended celebration of its first season of bowl qualification since 2011. Between 2012 and 2014, the Golden Eagles only won four games. But thanks to junior quarterback Nick Mullens (321.1 yards per game, 25 TDs) and a solid two-man run attack of senior Jalen Richard and sophomore Ito Smith, they're not only going to be bowling but also have a shot at the West Division title.
Rice (4-5, 2-3) has lost two in a row, most recently at UTEP last Friday, and now must win two of its last three to be bowl-eligible for a fourth straight season. The Owls have slowed down on offense after averaging nearly 80 snaps per game, while their defense continues to give up big chunks by allowing 7.03 yards per play.
At 9.6 yards per attempt, only two other teams in FBS are worse against the pass than Rice.
Prediction: Southern Mississippi 37, Rice 29
FINAL: Southern Mississippi 65, Rice 10
SMU at No. 20 Navy
32 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 3:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Navy ran for 335 yards in a 24-17 win at SMU in November 2011.
What to watch for
SMU (1-8, 0-5 American) has lost its last seven, giving up 60 points at home to Temple last Friday. That was the seventh time this season the Mustangs have allowed 40 or more, making it difficult for their vastly improved offense to make a real impact.
Navy (7-1, 5-0) has parlayed its win at previously unbeaten Memphis to take over the top spot in the playoff rankings among non-power teams. If that stands, it would give the Midshipmen a berth in a New Year's Six bowl rather than the Military Bowl they'd pre-arranged before the season (though because they're scheduled to play Army a week after the AAC title game, it would make for some late tweaks to the bowl schedule).
Keenan Reynolds remains tied with former Wisconsin star Montee Ball for the FBS record for career rushing touchdowns at 77 after not scoring a week ago. Navy averages 326.5 rushing yards per game and faces an SMU defense that is 122nd in the nation against the run.
Expect a blowout from Navy and a record-setting effort from Reynolds.
Prediction: Navy 56, SMU 21
FINAL: Navy 55, SMU 14
San Jose State at Nevada
33 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Cody Fajardo ran for two touchdowns in Nevada's 21-10 win at San Jose State in September 2014.
What to watch for
San Jose State (4-5, 3-2 Mountain West) lost by one at home to BYU last Friday when it decided to go for two with 45 seconds left instead of playing for overtime, a decision which could cost it a bowl bid and coach Ron Caragher his job. The Spartans play their next two on the road, including at Hawaii, then they finish with Boise State, needing to win two of three to make a bowl.
Nevada (5-4, 3-2) is the only team with a realistic chance to catch San Diego State for the West Division title, but it would need to win out, including at SDSU in two weeks. The Wolf Pack have won three of four, but their last two losses have come to sub-.500 teams UNLV and Wyoming.
Running backs will decide this one, as SJSU's Tyler Ervin is eighth in FBS at 137.7 rushing yards per game, while Nevada's James Butler and Don Jackson are one of two sets of teammates in the country with 800-plus yards apiece. At last check, two is still greater than one.
Prediction: Nevada 29, San Jose State 21
FINAL: Nevada 37, San Jose State 34 (OT)
Georgia State at Texas State
34 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Tyler Jones had 332 yards of total offense and four total touchdowns in Texas State's 54-31 win at Georgia State last November.
What to watch for
Georgia State (2-6, 1-3 Sun Belt) has lost its last two games but has been competitive the past month, falling by two at home to Louisiana-Lafayette last week. Nick Arbuckle, at 333 passing yards per game, is seventh-best in FBS.
Texas State (2-6, 1-3) started a three-game homestand with a 10-point loss to New Mexico State, which saw a 17-game losing streak end two weeks ago. A change at defensive coordinator hasn't made much difference for the Bobcats, who allow seven yards per play and 549.4 per game.
Neither program has ever made a bowl game. That's not likely to change this year, but at least Texas State will stay alive for another week.
Prediction: Texas State 37, Georgia State 35
FINAL: Georgia State 41, Texas State 19
Kentucky at Vanderbilt
35 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 4 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Kentucky allowed 139 yards in a 17-7 home win over Vanderbilt in September 2014.
What to watch for
Kentucky (4-5, 2-5 SEC) has lost four consecutive games, repeating the script from last year in which it dropped six in a row after a 5-1 start. The Wildcats haven't been the same since a three-point home loss to Auburn on Oct. 15, falling by 27 points per game the last three weeks.
The 180 yards gained at Georgia last week were Kentucky's fewest in more than two years.
Vanderbilt (3-6, 1-4) led at Florida late in the fourth quarter last week before losing, 9-7. The Commodores scored on a 74-yard run by Ralph Webb and gained 101 yards on their other 61 plays.
Other than the 47 points against FCS Austin Peay, Vandy is averaging 10.8 points per game, second-worst in FBS.
Someone has to win, so we're going with the home team—but with very little confidence.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 16, Kentucky 13
FINAL: Vanderbilt 21, Kentucky 17
Appalachian State at Idaho
36 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 5 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Taylor Lamb threw three touchdown passes and Marcus Cox ran for two scores in Appalachian State's 45-28 home win over Idaho last November.
What to watch for
Appalachian State (7-2, 4-1 Sun Belt) saw its six-game win streak and 10-game league win streak snapped at home last week by Arkansas State, knocking it out of first place. The Mountaineers turned it over three times and are minus-five in games they've lost, compared to plus-10 in their victories.
Idaho (3-6, 2-4) comes home after finishing on the short end of a pair of road shootouts, losing 52-45 at South Alabama after falling 55-48 in overtime at New Mexico State. The Vandals' production came despite the absence of top receiver Dezmon Epps, who had been suspended in the wake of a domestic violence allegation and has since been dismissed from the program.
The Vandals' play the past month has been promising for the future, but they've lost by an average of 26.3 points in four games against opponents with winning records.
Prediction: Appalachian State 43, Idaho 27
FINAL: Appalachian State 47, Idaho 20
No. 22 Temple at South Florida
37 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Montel Harris ran for 133 yards and two touchdowns in Temple's 37-28 home win over South Florida in October 2012.
What to watch for
Temple (8-1, 5-0 American) clinches the East Division with a win, which would be its first title of any kind since sharing the Mid-American East crown in 2009. The Owls needed 60 points to win at SMU last Friday, suffering from a post-Notre Dame hangover on defense, but season highs in rushing yards (268) and total yards (536) prevented an upset.
South Florida (5-4, 3-2) won at East Carolina for its fourth victory in the last five games, putting it in position to be bowl-eligible for the first time since 2010. The Bulls can still win the East with a victory here and some help, and they've been very impressive in the past six weeks, thanks to a rushing game that's averaging 217 yards per game.
Temple has had some of its better performances on the road this season and, with a title within reach, will come through.
Prediction: Temple 27, South Florida 21
FINAL: South Florida 44, Temple 23
UNLV at Colorado State
38 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Donnell Alexander ran for 139 yards and two touchdowns in Colorado State's 33-11 home win over UNLV in November 2012.
What to watch for
UNLV (3-6, 2-3 Mountain West) scored 41 points in a home win over Hawaii last week to snap a three-game skid. It was the Runnin' Rebels' best output this season outside of when they dropped 80 on FCS school Idaho State, and the 547 yards gained were also second-best under first-year coach Tony Sanchez.
Colorado State (4-5, 2-3) easily won at rival Wyoming last week to remain in position to get a bowl invite. The Rams need to win two of three, but after this one they finish the season with trips to New Mexico and Fresno State.
Mike Bobo's Rams have only topped 400 yards once in the past five games, but UNLV hasn't been too adept at stopping opponents.
Prediction: Colorado State 28, UNLV 18
FINAL: Colorado State 49, UNLV 35
No. 21 Memphis at No. 24 Houston
39 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Greg Ward Jr. threw a touchdown pass and ran for another in Houston's 28-24 win at Memphis in October 2014.
What to watch for
Memphis (8-1, 4-1 American) saw its 15-game win streak snapped at home by Navy last week, causing it to tumble in the playoff rankings and putting its shot at a division title in jeopardy. The Tigers are in the midst of three consecutive games against teams without a loss in the conference, and suddenly that landmark win against Ole Miss seems a distant memory.
Paxton Lynch recorded his eighth straight 300-yard passing game, but Memphis' offense turned it over three times after committing just six turnovers in the first eight games. The Tigers also couldn't stop Navy's run game. Now comes another potent run attack, as well as a passing game that's been effective.
Houston (9-0, 5-0) won by three at home against Cincinnati in what was arguably its least impressive performance of the season. The Cougars defense allowed 589 yards, including 523 through the air, but Ward and Kenneth Farrow combined for 225 rushing yards. Ward also threw for 161 yards with two scores.
Ward averages 327.2 yards per game of total offense, accounting for 29 TDs, and is completing 70.4 percent of his passes. This could be his biggest passing game of the season with the way Memphis defends; that's how Houston will remain unbeaten.
Prediction: Houston 41, Memphis 27
FINAL: Houston 35, Memphis 34
Western Carolina at Texas A&M
40 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: None
What to watch for
Western Carolina (6-3) is 4-2 in the Southern Conference, and its losses this year have come to nationally ranked FCS schools Chattanooga and The Citadel, in addition to a 55-10 defeat at Tennessee in September. That left the Catamounts winless in 50 games against FBS opponents.
Texas A&M (6-3) lost 26-10 at home to Auburn on Saturday for its third setback in four games after a 5-0 start. The Aggies offense has disappeared, with neither Kyle Allen nor Kyler Murray able to play consistently at quarterback, scoring 17.8 points per game over the last month.
The Aggies finish at Vanderbilt and LSU, both very losable games the way they're playing, so this could be their last opportunity to get a victory during the regular season.
Prediction: Texas A&M 51, Western Carolina 16
FINAL: Texas A&M 41, Western Carolina 17
Arkansas at No. 9 LSU
41 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7:15 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Arkansas yielded only 123 yards in a 17-0 home win over LSU last November, the first of consecutive Razorbacks shutouts against ranked opponents.
What to watch for
Arkansas (5-4, 3-2 SEC) has scored 170 points in its last three games, all wins, with two overtime victories. The Razorbacks needed some magic to claim the last one, converting on 4th-and-25 in OT when Hunter Henry's wild lateral led to a conversion, followed by Brandon Allen's game-winning two-point conversion a few plays later.
Allen has been this team's most valuable player by a wide margin, with 940 passing yards and 11 touchdowns in the last three games. He's surpassed last season's totals for yards and TDs in four fewer games.
LSU (7-1, 4-1) was exposed as a one-dimensional team in losing 30-16 at Alabama, unable to move the ball without Leonard Fournette eating up yards. Fournette had 31 yards and a TD on 19 carries, while quarterback Brandon Harris could complete only six of 19 passes.
The Tigers also gave up season highs in points and yards (434), and their last four opponents have averaged at least 5.1 yards per play.
A few weeks ago Arkansas looked like the perfect team to rebound against, but no longer. This has the feel of a last-team-to-score-wins kind of game.
Prediction: LSU 34, Arkansas 30
FINAL: Arkansas 31, LSU 14
Oregon at No. 7 Stanford
42 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Marcus Mariota accounted for 343 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in Oregon's 45-16 home win over Stanford last November.
What to watch for
Oregon (6-3, 4-2 Pac-12) has turned its season around with three straight wins and gained a school-record 777 yards against California last time out. The Ducks were so deadly in the past because they could run and throw the ball effectively, but when Vernon Adams Jr. was out with a broken finger, they became one-dimensional.
Adams has 10 TD passes and 887 yards in the last three games, and though he's completing only 58.8 percent of his throws, he's preventing opponents from stacking the line. That's combined with strong run numbers during the win streak, as the Ducks are back up to fifth in FBS in rushing at 304.78 yards per game.
"He's a dangerous football player," Stanford coach David Shaw said of Adams, via the Associated Press. "He is back to doing those things that caught everyone's eye."
Stanford (8-1, 7-0) has usually come into the Oregon game hoping to rely on its defense to lead it to victory, but the 2015 Cardinal are much different thanks to the nation's top all-purpose player. Sophomore Christian McCaffrey averages 241.6 all-purpose yards per game and is dangerous as a rusher, pass-catcher and return man.
And the Cardinal are being led by the winningest quarterback in school history, with Kevin Hogan topping Andrew Luck in career victories last week at Colorado. His passing numbers aren't amazing, but a recent boost as a rusher has added yet another dimension to a Stanford offense that scored six points in a season-opening loss at Northwestern and has averaged 41 since.
Oregon is all that stands between Stanford and a third North Division title in four years. The Ducks are getting close to their old self on offense but still have too leaky a defense to be able to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Stanford 35, Oregon 28
FINAL: Oregon 38, Stanfod 36
BYU vs. Missouri (in Kansas City)
43 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: BYU earned a 21-17 victory over Missouri in the 1983 Holiday Bowl.
What to watch for
BYU (7-2) has won five in a row, most recently a 17-16 victory at San Jose State that saw it stuff a two-point conversion try in the final minute. The Cougars are already assured of a bowl game, having secured an agreement before the season to play in either Las Vegas or Hawaii next month, but a chance to knock off an SEC team would be huge for the program.
Missouri (4-5) has lost four in a row but did manage to score a touchdown last time out in the 31-13 home loss to Mississippi State last Thursday. That ended a streak of 47 offensive possessions spanning 14 quarters and 33 days without reaching the end zone, though one TD doesn't change the fact that the Tigers' 282.6 yards per game are third-worst in FBS.
This game looked to be at risk over the weekend when Missouri players boycotted all football activities as part of a protest of race relations at the school. That situation continues, but the Tigers will play. They need to get things fixed in a hurry, or they'll likely not go to a bowl after winning the SEC East Division the past two seasons.
Prediction: Missouri 23, BYU 21
FINAL: Missouri 20, BYU 16
Tulsa at Cincinnati
44 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Cincinnati posted a 34-24 win over Tulsa in August 1997.
What to watch for
Tulsa (5-4, 2-3 American) is a win away from being bowl-eligible for the first time since 2012, when it went 11-3 and won the Conference USA title. The Golden Hurricane won only five games the last two seasons, but first-year coach Philip Montgomery has used an uptempo attack that leads the nation with 86.2 snaps per game.
That has enabled the Hurricane to gain 520.1 yards and score 36.3 points per game, but their defense is giving up 37.3 points per game, including a combined 61 the past two weeks against opponents who are a collective 1-18.
Cincinnati (5-4, 2-3) lost 33-30 at unbeaten Houston last week, its third straight road loss against a team with a winning record. The Bearcats gain 578.2 yards per game thanks to a three-headed rushing attack and a pass game in which two different quarterbacks threw for more than 500 yards in a game.
Gunner Kiel has retaken the starting job after missing time with head and neck injuries, and in his last three starts he's thrown for 1,169 yards with 11 touchdowns.
Prediction: Cincinnati 48, Tulsa 36
FINAL: Cincinnati 49, Tulsa 38
No. 12 Oklahoma at No. 6 Baylor
45 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Bryce Petty threw for 387 yards and a touchdown in Baylor's 48-14 win at Oklahoma last November.
What to watch for
The Big 12's backloaded November has already led to one contender (TCU) falling by the wayside, and now another figures to be out of the running, based on how the conference has fared in the first two sets of playoff rankings.
Oklahoma (8-1, 5-1) is the team with the best shot from the conference to make it into the semifinals as a one-loss team, since it would mean having to run the table against Baylor, TCU and Oklahoma State during the final month. As bad as the loss to rival Texas looked a month ago, a huge final stretch by the Sooners would render that result obsolete.
Since that setback, the Sooners have been unstoppable in averaging 58 points per game during a four-game win streak. Baker Mayfield leads FBS with five games in which he's been responsible for at least three TDs without turning it over, according to ESPN, and has accounted for 33 TDs with just four interceptions.
Oklahoma's defense has also come to play of late, giving up fewer than 30 points in all but one game this season. That doesn't fly with the Big 12's defense-optional reputation and could be the saving grace for the Sooners in this one.
Baylor (8-0, 5-0) hasn't had to worry much about making stops, since it's rarely been stopped itself. But it put up a season-low 31 points last Thursday at Kansas State, and the game was in doubt late because the Bears couldn't defend the run and get off the field.
Taking its time was a smart game plan by overmatched K-State, as it kept Baylor from being able to operate its quick-strike attack, which seems just fine with freshman Jarrett Stidham at quarterback. He put up 419 yards in his first start and threw some beautiful passes, though it helps having someone like Corey Coleman and his 20 TD catches out there to haul everything in.
The Bears didn't run the ball well last time out, and Oklahoma has held its last four opponents to 2.66 yards per carry. That balance is key to Baylor's offense, so look for a renewed effort to get Shock Linwood and others their chances, which will open things up for Stidham to have another big game.
Prediction: Baylor 40, Oklahoma 31
FINAL: Oklahoma 44, Baylor 34
Minnesota at No. 5 Iowa
46 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Mitch Leidner threw four touchdown passes on 13 attempts in Minnesota's 51-14 home win over Iowa last November.
What to watch for
Minnesota (4-5, 1-4 Big Ten) has lost three in a row, the last two under interim coach Tracy Claeys, but played relatively well against both Michigan and Ohio State in the process. As a result, on Wednesday the school named him Jerry Kill's permanent replacement, as he has kept the Golden Gophers motivated despite an injury-filled season.
"It's a matter of readjusting your goals to finish out the last three weeks of the season," Claeys told Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "There is still some candy there at the end of the season. It's not as big a piece of candy as you wanted when the year started, but there are still some things there."
There's no bigger "candy" than being able to ruin a rival's season, which is possible in Minnesota's final road game.
Iowa (9-0, 5-0) made a big jump in the playoff rankings, despite only winning by eight at Indiana, and is now sitting on the cusp of the Top Four and inching closer to the West Division title. The Hawkeyes have matched their best start in school history but haven't been that impressive the last two games, and complacency could be a problem if facing an inspired opponent.
However, Floyd of Rosedale is on the line, and after getting blown out in Minneapolis last year, Iowa has plenty of motivation.
Prediction: Iowa 34, Minnesota 20
FINAL: Iowa 40, Minnesota 35
No. 10 Utah at Arizona
47 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 10 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Nick Wilson ran for 218 yards and three touchdowns in Arizona's 42-10 win at Utah last November.
What to watch for
Utah (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12) has a one-game lead on UCLA and USC in the South Division and still has a shot at a major bowl bid if it keeps winning. The formula to do so seems simple—give the ball to Devontae Booker, who leads FBS with 234 carries and ranks 13th in yards per game at 124.
Quarterback Travis Wilson has chipped in with six rushing TDs and is better when he keeps the ball than when he tries to force throws. He threw four interceptions in the Utes' loss at USC, and his other four picks came in their narrowest wins.
Arizona (5-5, 2-5) won the division last season thanks to a lot of good fortune at the right times, which has been far from the case this year. Injuries have taken away the Wildcats' best defender (linebacker Scooby Wright) and limited the offense on a weekly basis, resulting in only one win against an FBS team with a winning record.
The Wildcats have made a bowl game in each of Rich Rodriguez's previous three seasons, but to keep that streak going they need one more victory, either here or next week at rival Arizona State.
They've owned Kyle Whittingham's Utah teams since joining the Pac-12, winning the last three by an average of 17.7 points, and will end the Utes' push for a New Year's Six game and mess with their division title run.
Prediction: Arizona 28, Utah 27
FINAL: Arizona 37, Utah 30 (2 OT)
New Mexico at Boise State
48 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 10:15 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Grant Hedrick had 498 yards of total offense and was responsible for six touchdowns in Boise State's 60-49 win at New Mexico last November.
What to watch for
New Mexico (5-4, 3-2 Mountain West) beat Utah State at home last week to announce itself as a player in the Mountain Division, but first it would need to beat Boise State for the first time in program history. The Lobos had a season-low 132 rushing yards against the Aggies but also had their best defensive performance this year against an FBS team, resulting in their first season with at least five wins since 2007.
Boise State (7-2, 4-1) is tied for first in the Mountain with Air Force, which it hosts on Nov. 20, and is coming off a bye. The Broncos have scored at least 34 points in six of their last seven games, the exception being a 52-26 loss at Utah State in which they turned the ball over eight times.
When quarterback Brett Rypien is being careful with the ball and all-purpose threat Jeremy McNichols (17 TDs) is healthy, this team is tough to beat.
Prediction: Boise State 45, New Mexico 20
FINAL: New Mexico 31, Boise State 24
Wyoming at San Diego State
49 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 10:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Adam Muema ran for 255 yards and four touchdowns in San Diego State's 42-28 win at Wyoming in November 2012.
What to watch for
Wyoming (1-9, 1-5 Mountain West) has matched its most losses in a season in the past 13 years and scored a season-low seven points in a home loss to rival Colorado State last week. The Cowboys' only real asset is sophomore running back Brian Hill, who is 11th in FBS at 132.7 rushing yards per game but was held to 65 yards on 21 carries last week.
San Diego State (6-3, 5-0) brings a five-game win streak out of its bye, and before the break the Aztecs had won by at least 14 points in every victory. Donnel Pumphrey has five straight 100-yard games with nine TD runs in that span, while the Aztecs defense is 10th in FBS at 297.7 yards allowed per game.
Depending on the outcome of the San Jose State-Nevada game earlier in the day, SDSU could clinch the West Division with a victory.
Prediction: San Diego State 37, Wyoming 17
FINAL: San Diego State 38, Wyoming 3
Oregon State at California
50 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 10:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Daniel Lasco ran for 188 yards and three touchdowns in California's 45-31 win at Oregon State last November.
What to watch for
Oregon State (2-7, 0-6 Pac-12) will be going without a bowl game for the second year in a row after losing 41-0 at home to UCLA. The Beavers hadn't been shut out at home since 1997, but offensive struggles have been in place all year long, as they average 328.3 yards per game, including just 156.3 passing yards, which ranks 116th in FBS.
California (5-4, 2-4) has lost four in a row against opponents who are a combined 27-9 and has to play Stanford and Arizona State after this. Following a 5-0 start, the Golden Bears' best hope of earning their first bowl bid since 2011 will come here.
That's assuming Cal's defense can get back to its habit of forcing turnovers, of which it recorded 18 during the first five games but just six during the losing streak.
Prediction: California 37, Oregon State 17
FINAL: California 54, Oregon State 24
Washington State at No. 19 UCLA
51 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 10:45 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Brett Hundley threw for 261 yards and three touchdowns in UCLA's 44-36 win at Washington State in November 2012.
What to watch for
Washington State (6-3, 4-2 Pac-12) is bowl-eligible for the second time in three years after having gone nine straight seasons without a postseason appearance. The Cougars began 2015 with a home loss to an FCS team but have responded with four wins in league play for only the second time in 10 seasons.
Luke Falk has moved into first in the country in passing yards per game at 415.1, with 33 TDs and a 70.2 percent completion rate. The Cougars still can't run the ball but haven't needed to do so with Falk's accuracy and a receiving corps that features seven players with at least 26 catches.
UCLA (7-2, 4-2) has won three in a row and controls its destiny in the South Division. Win out, including next week at Utah, and the Bruins will play in their third Pac-12 final in five years and make their two-game skid in early October seem like a fluke.
Defensive injuries have ravaged that side of the ball, but the Bruins are coming off a 41-0 win at Oregon State, their first road shutout since 1987. The offense has been more consistent during the win streak as well, mostly due to freshman quarterback Josh Rosen's avoiding bad throws.
Wazzu hasn't won in Pasadena since 2006. With more of a run game, it would have a real shot against UCLA's poor rush defense.
Prediction: UCLA 41, Washington State 30
FINAL: Washington State 31, UCLA 27
Fresno State at Hawaii
52 of 59
When: Saturday, Nov. 14; 11 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Marteze Waller ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns in Fresno State's 28-21 home win over Hawaii last November.
What to watch for
Fresno State (2-7, 1-5 Mountain West) lost at home to Nevada last week to assure itself a season without a bowl game for the first time since 2011. The Bulldogs won their first 10 games in 2013 but have since gone 9-17, and this year they're allowing 39.7 points per game, which ranks 120th in the country.
Hawaii (2-8, 0-6) lost by 20 at UNLV last week for its seventh straight loss, the first since firing coach Norm Chow. The Rainbow Warriors lost by 51 in their last home game and have failed to top 300 yards in half of their games this season.
The Warriors don't have to leave Honolulu again this season, and every remaining opponent is below .500. They could win at least two of those games, starting with this one.
Prediction: Hawaii 29, Fresno State 23
FINAL: Fresno State 42, Hawaii 14
Toledo at Bowling Green
53 of 59
When: Tuesday, Nov. 17; 6 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Dwight Macon's seven-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter gave Toledo a 27-20 home win over Bowling Green last November.
What to watch for
Toledo (8-1, 5-1 Mid-American) is in a three-way tie for first in the West but still has to play co-leader Western Michigan next week, so it can ill afford to drop a game outside of the division it it wants to reach the conference title game for the first time since 2004. The Rockets won at Central Michigan on Tuesday to improve to 4-0 on the road this season.
Bowling Green (8-2, 6-0) clinched its third consecutive East Division title with Wednesday's win at Western Michigan, its seventh straight victory and fifth in a row with at least 40 points. The Falcons won despite a season-low 269 passing yards from Matt Johnson, but running back Travis Greene has emerged of late with six rushing TDs in the past two games.
Toledo coach Matt Campbell is 3-0 against the team he was once an assistant for. He'll suffer his first loss to the Falcons and harm the Rockets' division chances.
Prediction: Bowling Green 40, Toledo 30
FINAL: Toledo 44, Bowling Green 28
Ball State at Ohio
54 of 59
When: Tuesday, Nov. 17; 7 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Keith Wenning threw two touchdown passes in Ball State's 52-27 home win over Ohio in November 2012.
What to watch for
Ball State (3-7, 2-4 Mid-American) has lost six of seven to ensure its second consecutive season without a bowl game. The Cardinals have averaged 16.8 points per game over their last four and are 0-6 against opponents with .500-or-better records.
Ohio (6-4, 3-3) is bowl-eligible for the seventh year in a row after posting a 27-0 home shutout of Kent State on Tuesday. The Bobcats want to keep winning, though, since last year they weren't extended a bowl invite because of a lack of openings.
The Bobcats get their first win over Ball State since 2009.
Prediction: Ohio 33, Ball State 14
FINAL: Ohio 48, Ball State 31
Central Michigan at Kent State
55 of 59
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Spencer Keith threw three touchdown passes in Kent State's 24-21 home win over Central Michigan in November 2011.
What to watch for
Central Michigan (5-5, 4-2 Mid-American) fell at home to Toledo on Tuesday to fall out of the race for the West Division title. The Chippewas have won at least six regular-season games in each of the previous three seasons, and with two of the worst teams in the conference left on the schedule they should be in good shape to earn a bowl bid for the third time in four years.
Kent State (3-7, 2-4) has lost its last three and were shut out in two of those, including Tuesday's 27-0 loss at Ohio. The Golden Flashes average 14.3 points per game and only 10.9 per game against FBS opponents, which is third-worst in the nation.
The Flashes have won only nine games the past three years. They won't get to 10 here.
Prediction: Central Michigan 27, Kent State 13
FINAL: Central Michigan 27, Kent State 14
Western Michigan at Northern Illinois
56 of 59
When: Wednesday, Nov. 18; 8 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Drew Hare threw a touchdown pass and ran for two more in Northern Illinois' 31-21 win at Western Michigan last November, wrapping up its fifth consecutive Mid-American West title.
What to watch for
Western Michigan (6-4, 5-1 Mid-American) lost 41-27 at home to Bowling Green last Wednesday to end a five-game losing streak and fall out of sole possession of first in the West Division. Zach Terrell has thrown 23 TD passes this year but has just one in the Broncos' last three games.
Northern Illinois (7-3, 5-1) won 41-30 at Buffalo last Wednesday for its fifth straight victory, the first with freshman Ryan Graham starting at quarterback. He came on in relief of Drew Hare, who is out for the year with a torn Achilles, in the Huskies' previous win at Toledo, and since taking over he's accounted for 451 yards of total offense with three TD passes.
Graham can also turn to Joel Bouagnon, who has nine of his 17 rushing TDs during the win streak. Western Michigan allows 174.9 rushing yards per game, including 236 to Bowling Green.
Prediction: Northern Illinois 36, Western Michigan 24
FINAL: Northern Illinois 27, Western Michigan 19
USC at Colorado
57 of 59
When: Friday, Nov. 13; 9 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Cody Kessler threw seven touchdown passes in USC's 56-28 home win over Colorado in October 2014.
What to watch for
USC (6-3, 4-2 Pac-12) has won three in a row under interim coach Clay Helton, increasing chatter that he should be given serious consideration as the full-time coach. A key to the Trojans' turnaround has been a greater dedication to the run: They're averaging 45 carries during the win streak, compared to 33 in their first six games.
They've also scored nine times on the ground during this run, with freshman Ronald Jones II averaging 110 rushing yards per game since becoming the featured back.
Colorado (4-6, 1-5) has its most wins since 2010, but because of a 13-game schedule, it would need to win out to be bowl-eligible. The Buffaloes won three in a row earlier this year but have dropped five of six since, with only one Pac-12 win in their last 17 tries.
The Buffs allowed 275 rushing yards in a 42-10 home loss to Stanford last week and have been run on for 5.16 yards per carry and 208.9 yards per game this season.
Prediction: USC 34, Colorado 20
FINAL: USC 27, Colorado 24
Louisiana-Lafayette at South Alabama
58 of 59
When: Thursday, Nov. 12; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Elijah McGuire ran for 116 yards and a touchdown in Louisiana-Lafayette's 19-9 home win over South Alabama last November.
What to watch for
Louisiana-Lafayette (4-4, 3-1 Sun Belt) has won its past two games by single digits to remain alive for the conference title, but the loss last month to first-place Arkansas State will make it very difficult for that to happen. Of more concern for the Ragin' Cajuns is getting two more wins to become bowl-eligible for a fifth straight season. Now that they've settled on Brooks Haack at quarterback, they seem to be headed in the right direction.
South Alabama (4-4, 2-2) won a wild one over Idaho last week to end a two-game losing streak, though the remainder of the schedule is going to be difficult to navigate. The Jaguars still have to face Georgia Southern and Appalachian State, which makes this game critical to their hopes of a second straight bowl bid.
The Jaguars run game has fared well the past two weeks, though it's come against soft defenses. Cody Clements is going to have to lead with his arm, which he's struggled to do this season.
Prediction: South Alabama 27, Louisiana-Lafayette 21
FINAL: South Alabama 32, Louisiana-Lafayette 25
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech
59 of 59
When: Thursday, Nov. 12; 7:30 p.m. ET
Last meeting: Harrison Butker kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired to give Georgia Tech a 27-24 win at Virginia Tech in September 2014.
What to watch for
Virginia Tech (4-5, 2-3 ACC) won 26-10 at Boston College before going on a bye, the day after longtime coach Frank Beamer announced he was retiring at the end of his 29th season. The school has since started a campaign to get ESPN's College GameDay to set up in Blacksburg before Beamer's final home game next week against North Carolina.
That could be a hard sell based on the other possible locations for that show on Oct. 21, though what could help is having Virginia Tech playing for bowl eligibility. That would require it to win in Atlanta for the third straight time.
Georgia Tech (3-6, 1-5) has lost twice at home, but its last game in Bobby Dodd Stadium provided the only bright spot in what's been a very disappointing season, when the Yellow Jackets shocked then-unbeaten Florida State thanks to a blocked field goal returned for a TD as time expired.
Otherwise, Georgia Tech's had a rough year rife with struggles moving the ball as efficiently as normal via the option. Its defense gives up 5.68 yards per play and has to play the rest of 2015 without senior defensive lineman Adam Gotsis.
Virginia Tech has allowed only 3.73 yards per rush since the opener against Ohio State and will be able to defend the option enough to win.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 24, Georgia Tech 20
FINAL: Virginia Tech 23, Georgia Tech 21
Statistics provided by CFBStats unless otherwise noted.
Follow Brian J. Pedersen on Twitter at @realBJP.
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