This Week 11 slate follows an absolute knockout Week 10, which eliminated several playoff contenders. Even though the playoff picture may look a little different this week, there are consequential games, nonetheless. Teams in the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC will be fighting for division championships against quality competition. We even have a showdown in the American! The weeks are running out to get in on the action so enjoy it while you can. Here are your CFB Week 11 Picks. Court is again in session.
CFB Week 11 Picks and Odds powered by DraftKings.
Arkansas vs. LSU, 12:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Week 10 went quite differently for these two. LSU experienced a high of highs defeating Alabama in overtime. Meanwhile, Arkansas fell to Liberty after KJ Jefferson was stuffed on a 2-point conversion at the goal line. Now the LSU Tigers will travel to Fayetteville with a bid to the SEC championship at stake while the Razorbacks will try to add a crown jewel win to their 2022 campaign.
College football is entirely predictable. It is predictable in that it is entirely unpredictable. Surely, LSU won’t lose to Arkansas after just beating Alabama, right? Right? This sets up perfectly for the Hogs to give the Tigers a run for their money and possibly win outright. That’s just how this goes. Take the home dog.
The Judge’s Pick: Arkansas +3.5
Ole Miss vs. Alabama, 3:30 PM ET (CBS)
Alabama looks to be out of the playoff picture for just the second time since its introduction but despite what you may hear on talk radio in the south, the season is not over and more games will indeed be played. That includes this Week 11 matchup at Ole Miss, who is still very much alive for the SEC West title. Will Lane Kiffin have some tricks up his sleeve for the old boss?
Ole Miss is getting double digits in this showdown, which is too much. Factor in that Alabama has really struggled on the road this season. The Rebels will need a big performance from their run game, including quarterback Jaxson Dart. The Crimson Tide will need to put together a disciplined, focused performance or they will be at risk for a third regular season loss, something that has not happened at Alabama since 2007.
The Judge’s Pick: Ole Miss +11.5
Tulane vs. UCF, 3:30 PM ET (ESPN2)
If you like competitive football for stakes regardless of the logo on the helmet, this game is for you. UCF and Tulane are jockeying for a conference championship and a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl. A UCF win would give them the edge over Tulane in the conference standings. A Tulane win keeps them in sole possession of first place and undefeated in the American. Can Gus Malzahn get a road win over what has been one of the best turnarounds in college football this year?
This matchup pits the conference’s best offense, UCF, against the conference’s best defense, Tulane. While there have been some questions regarding who will start at quarterback for the Knights, UCF has two great options and a bevy of weapons surrounding them. The UCF offense is going to be too much for the Green Wave.
The Judge’s Pick: UCF +1.5
Iowa vs. Wisconsin, 3:30 PM ET (FS1)
Unless you pull for Iowa or Wisconsin, you might just want to monitor most of this one on your phone. The two teams have been challenged to score a combined 35.5 points over 60 minutes of football and by God they’re going to do it. Each of these offenses has improved since their early-season struggles. It is not often you see a point total this low in American college football barring a natural disaster occurring simultaneously.
The Judge’s Pick: Over 35.5
Oregon vs. Washington, 7:00 PM ET (FOX)
Washington rolls into Oregon as winner of three straight and carries a top-25 ranking. Let’s be honest, though. This game is all about Oregon. The Ducks are on a path to redemption that nobody can stop. Bo Nix has found a happy home and is playing like a Heisman winner. Oregon has reeled off eight straight wins since their Week 1 blowout loss. This week is just a continuation of the party in Eugene.
This Washington defense has given up some big numbers this season, which spells disaster for the Huskies against a team that has not been held below 40 points since Week 1. We’ve seen a ranked team get behind at Oregon this year. Washington simply doesn’t have the firepower to keep up with the Oregon offense who will put on an offensive clinic this week. Ducks by a lot.
The Judge’s Pick: Oregon -13
Texas vs. TCU, 7:30 PM ET (ABC)
TCU claimed the number 4 spot in the playoff rankings and will try to defend that on the road against Texas. It’s a night game in Austin and the Longhorns will be seeking their first win over a top-5 team at home since 1999. Texas is looking to stay in the Big 12 race while TCU is looking for their first ever playoff berth. There is a lot on the line for these two in Week 11.
This game will be a tale of two halves. Texas has been notorious for jumping out to large first-half leads this season. The Horned Frogs have overcome four second-half deficits for wins. Expect Texas to get up early but allow TCU to get right back into it. Give me the touchdown plus against a team that can’t close.
The Judge’s Pick: TCU +7.5
Wake Forest vs. North Carolina, 7:30 PM ET (ESPN2)
Wake Forest and North Carolina will meet in a cross-division showdown in Week 11. The Tar Heels currently hold first place in the Coastal Division and are a win away from clinching a spot in the ACC Championship game. The Demon Deacons are coming off two straight losses to Louisville and NC State in games where they have performed poorly, a far cry from the team we saw take Clemson to the wire and beat Florida State earlier this season.
Given the current trajectories of these programs, one might think North Carolina should be favored. Don’t be so quick to assume. This game will be the third time the Tar Heels play in consecutive road games this season, which takes a toll. The Deacs are 12-3 against the spread at home over the last three seasons. Take Wake.
The Judge’s Pick: Wake Forest -4
Other Notable Games:
Illinois (-6.5) vs. Purdue, 12:00 PM ET (ESPN2)
Clemson (-7) vs. Louisville, 3:30 PM ET (ESPN)
Baylor (-2.5) vs. Kansas State, 7:00 PM ET (FS1)
Mississippi State vs. Georgia (-16.5), 7:00 PM ET (ESPN)