Top 5 College Football Games of Week 11
Top 5 College Football Games of Week 11
As we enter Week 11 of the college football season, seven undefeated teams remain, while we saw one fall from the perfect record ranks in Week 10. Miami was no match for Florida State, and the Seminoles’ victory propelled them to No. 2 in the latest BCS rankings.
However, teams like Alabama, Florida State, Oregon and Ohio State seem to have this whole winning thing figured out. Those teams represent the top four in the BCS rankings, and while only two can make it in, it’s still very much in question which two will make it through the season undefeated.
Other undefeated teams, Baylor, Fresno State and Northern Illinois, are very much outsiders looking in, and while a BCS game could become a reality, a National Championship appearance is all but a pipe dream.
This week, we’ll have some serious shifting among the Top 10 in the BCS, as four members of the Top-10 face off against each other, and another plays a very good ranked opponent.
One game pits Big 12 title contenders against each other, while a second sees the two favorites to win the Pac 12 battle it out. The third does nothing more than define a rivalry game to a T, as two powerhouses battle for a shot at the SEC crown.
Meanwhile, flying under the radar are two teams that currently have a better shot at a BCS game than preseason American Athletic Conference favorite Louisville. Those two teams also square off this week in an attempt to pry the conference from the defending Sugar Bowl Champions.
Not to mention, there’s a second division in the Pac-12, with one team in particular that’s looking to restructure the conference’s power balance.
With all that in mind, let’s look at the top five games of Week 11.
No. 5: No. 21 Central Florida vs. Houston
Central Florida and Houston have very quietly combined to go 13-2 on the season, and are both currently undefeated in conference play. Because of Central Florida's win over Louisville, if the Knights win this game, they'll be cruising to a conference championship and an Orange Bowl bid. Meanwhile if Houston wins, and they can get past the Cardinals themselves, they'll be first in line for Florida in the winter.
No. 4: Utah Utes vs. No. 22 Arizona State
Utah already has one major upset under it's belt this season after defeating Stanford several weeks ago. That game was also played at Rice-Eccles Stadium, a place that I've had the pleasure of visiting as an opposing fan. Trust me, it's no cakewalk. Arizona State is in for a fight of the highest order, and they better come out winners if they want to protect their lead in the division.
No. 3: No. 13 LSU Tigers vs. No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide
LSU has revenge on its mind after suffering two straight losses to the Crimson Tide, both of which kept them from a BCS title. Now with Zach Mettenberger looking better than ever and the Tide's defense looking beatable, it's time for the Tigers to strike.
No. 2: No. 6 Baylor Bears vs. No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners
Baylor looks to prove to everyone that they're for real, despite playing a soft schedule to date. The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to keep themselves in contention for the Big 12 crown, and a win could also see them move up to the Top 5 in the BCS.
No. 1: No. 5 Stanford Cardinal vs. No. 3 Oregon Ducks
The marquis game of the weekend actually happens on Thursday night, as Oregon looks to make amends after losing to Stanford in 2012. Marcus Mariotta looks like the only guy who can take the Heisman Trophy away from Jameis Winston, and he can go a long way to doing that with a big game against the Cardinal.
