Week 10 saw two heavyweights suffer shocking losses as both Penn State and Ohio State were bested by Big 10 rivals Michigan State and Iowa respectively. Week 11 promises to be full of action, featuring seven top-25 matchups. Let’s preview some of the juiciest matchups of the week.
(3) Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ (7) Miami Hurricanes
Favourite: Notre Dame -3.5
The still undefeated Miami Hurricanes will host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish as 3.5-point underdogs in a top 10 matchup that promises to entertain fans. Miami clearly looked better than their last week’s opponent Virginia Tech, whom they defeated soundly by an 18-point margin. While quarterback Malik Rosier didn’t impress in the box score, he led his team to victory over the Hokies. However, Rosier, who is currently completing an unimpressive 56.2% of his passes this season, will need to step up his game when the Irish come to town as this will be by far their toughest test yet.
Unfazed by the national spotlight and talk about potential playoff aspirations, Notre Dame has been embarrassing opponents by an average victory margin of almost 25 points per game since their loss to Georgia at home in Week 2. The Irish feature an explosive offense thanks to superstar playmakers such as quarterback Brandon Wimbush and running back Josh Adams. Like Rosier, Wimbush isn’t the most precise quarterback in college football, completing only 51.5% of his throws, but he can make defenses pay with his legs, having amassed over 600 yards on the ground this season. Adams, averaging over 132.3 rushing yards per game, has played himself in the Heisman trophy conversation being the third favourite to win the award at +1000 odds.
(6) TCU Horned Frogs @ (5) Oklahoma Sooners
Favourite: Oklahoma -6.5
This TCU-Oklahoma matchup has huge playoff implications, as the winner will be in good position to earn a coveted spot in the college football postseason. Undoubtedly the biggest star of the tilt will be Baker Mayfield, who is the clear favourite for the Heisman at -200 odds as we go to press.
Both teams can put up points on the board as both are in the top 30 nationally. However, TCU’s defense has been way more effective, ranking 6th in the nation by giving up a meagre 13.9 points per game. Oklahoma gives up twice as many points, but they also rank third in scoring offense. This should be an intriguing matchup of contrasting styles, so make sure you tune into this one.
(1) Georgia Bulldogs @ (10) Auburn Tigers
Favourite: Georgia -3
The Georgia Bulldogs (+400 to win the national championship) will hope to keep rolling when they travel to Auburn for an SEC rivalry as 3-point underdogs, but it won’t be a walk in the park. Auburn is a top-10 defensive squad and quarterback Jarrett Stidham has an accurate arm. If the Tigers can put up a fight against the Dawgs’ phenomenal defense and supreme offensive athleticism, they may have a chance to muddy the playoff picture with a strong effort at home.
*Odds as of November 10, 2017