Last Week: Last week was clearly the biggest win for the Buckeyes this season. Penn State came into the game unbeaten and ranked in the top three. Yet the 20-13 Ohio State victory does not end the Nittany Lions’ season. Both of these teams can win out and get seeded very high in the playoffs. For our staff predictions, we did get hit by the upsets that played out, but in the end, Steven and Rick find themselves on the top of the leaderboard. Let’s see how everyone does with the games this week.
This Week’s Games: The competition drops off considerably for the Buckeyes this week as Purdue comes to town, but you can’t play a top 5 match-up every week. Will the Boilermakers even be able to stop the OSU back-ups? …. Georgia goes to Oxford to take on the Rebels. The Bulldogs have looked very rough several weeks this year and of course fell to an over-rated Alabama team for their only loss. They seem to find a way to win, even if they have five turnovers. Can they avoid a setback this week and overcome Ole Miss? …. Alabama and LSU face off this week in what should be a great game. But are these great teams. They have four losses between them and the loser HAS to drop out of the playoff discussion, don’t they? …. BYU travels to take on Utah, and is still unbeaten this year. Will they continue to outscore their opponent this week? …. Colorado is back on our radar again with just one loss in conference play. Can this be the team surprises everyone once again?
Buckeye Greats: As in the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the tenth straight year.
Here we go with our Week 11 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
Purdue @ (2)Ohio State(-38)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Last week I lost faith in my Buckeyes. There were several reasons for this, many of which I think are valid. What the team was able to prove last weekend was that despite the flaws in they can overcome them and win a game. I still believe that we attack offensively or defensively the way a top 10 team should, but finding a way to is just as important. Hopefully, we get to see more of our Young Bucks this weekend as the Buckeyes topple the Boilermakers 49-6.
Andy: This game is not one that most fans should be concerned about, this Purdue team is the worst in the Big Ten. They have a bad offense and a bad defense, and I don’t really know where to go from here. Usually, I’ll try to find a matchup that looks appealing or find a part of a unit that is weak, but when your whole offense is weak and your whole defense is weak, there is little point. This game is at home for Ohio State as well, this should be a comfortable win for OSU. Ohio State 52 Purdue 6
Cory: Ryan Day has a habit of not playing the backups, but something tells me that will change this week. Purdue comes into town and they are losers of seven straight games, with their only win this season coming in the opener against Indiana State. The only concern for this game is if Ohio State overlooks Purdue. The Buckeyes are coming off a huge road win at Penn State, and it would be easy to let the guard down in this game. I don’t think Day will let that happen in this one. Expect Ohio State to win big and keep up the positive momentum. Ohio State 42, Purdue 10
Dave: Ohio State 35 Purdue 10
Gregg: I am not a fan of the transfer portal, conference re-alignment or NIL, but it is with us for good now. Other than the rich teams getting richer, the gap between the good teams and the great teams gets wider. Case in point is Purdue, a team that was average in the Big Ten but in the B1G 18, they will be near the bottom every year. This year is the perfect example of that. They are at the bottom of the standings and still have to play Ohio State and Indiana. One of the things I will be watching is the center position. The Bucks are working to making the offensive line better and no better time than the next two opponents to make that happen. Way too many snaps in the Penn State game were low, need to clean that up if they want to survive Indiana and a Duck rematch. Overall Ohio State will light it up on offense and I want to count the number of 3-and-outs the defense gets as a sign of success. I expect this to be over early, but instead of waiting till the second half to bring in the subs, rotate them in with the 1’s during meaningful snaps in the 1st half. Will Howard bounces back with a huge day and it is one to Wrigley Field. Ohio State 63 Purdue 3
Joe-S-U: Ohio State
John: I honestly did not see Justin Frye Frankensteining together an offensive line that would be that effective against a good Penn State defensive front seven. Between the surprising O-line performance and a Chip Kelly masterclass game plan, the Bucks got it done. The last drive to close it out, all runs when PSU knew what was coming but couldn’t stop it, was a thing of beauty. For this week 1) Continue to build cohesion with the O-Line, 2) Stay Healthy 3) Win and advance. Bucks control their own destiny for a first round bye and possible overall #1 seed. That should keep them from overlooking what on paper is an overmatched Purdue team. Ohio State 45 Purdue 13
Josh: Ohio State is entering this game coming off of an emotional win, but Ryan Day has already indicated this this team is focused and ready to prepare for the Boilermakers. Purdue has has a season to forget so far, with only 1 win, and the chances of earning their second on Saturday seems pretty slim. For Ohio State, the biggest challenge would be the 11 players lined up against then on the field, but themselves, and they will dictate how successful they can be. If Ohio State plays to their potential, this game is decided by halftime, and we get a chance to see some of the young talent get a chance to earn live reps as the Buckeyes prepare to take on the last third of the season, and trying to bank that experience when they enter post season play. Ohio State 56 – Purdue 6
Steven: Color me a bit surprised with last week’s performance in Happy Valley. I was in a funk after Will Howard’s pick-6, but the Buckeyes shrugged it off like it never happened. Even after Howard’s fumble out of the end zone, the Bucks just kept grinding. If that game was a turning point to the Bucks season, the rest of the nation should watch out. For better or worse, this week won’t be too much of a test. It will be, however, a great time to further hone the effectiveness of both lines. The Bucks should be quick out of the gate Saturday. Purdue gives up over 200 yards per game both in the air and on the ground, and are 6th from the bottom in scoring defense. Look for Will Howard to pass early, Henderson and Judkins to run late and the second string to be in by the middle of the 3rd quarter. OSU rolls 51-6.
Trout: The Boilermakers have been able to trip up the Buckeyes a few times over the years. However, this will not be the case for this game on Saturday. Purdue is really bad. I don’t see Ohio State struggling at all with this team. Howard should have another solid performance through the air and both Henderson and Judkins should get a lot of yards on the ground. Ohio State will score early and often. The Buckeyes win big and remain in the hunt for the Big Ten Championship. (Ohio State, 49-3)
Final Score: Ohio State 45 Purdue 0
(3)Georgia(-2.5) @ (16)Mississippi
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Georgia has been living a charmed life this season and I expect Ole Miss to upset the Dawgs in Oxford 37-31.
Andy: Georgia is struggling to run the football this season, which does not bode well for them going into this game because Ole Miss has a top 10 rush defense in the country. Ole Miss has an elite offense with quarterback Jaxson Dart who is at both running the ball and throwing it as well. One the flip side Carson Beck has played terribly this season and he will be going against an Ole Miss secondary that is not very good. It is going to come down to how good Ole Miss’ secondary can hold up vs. Georgia’s passing attack. Ole Miss has been playing really well lately and this game is at home for them. Normally I’d choose Georgia in this game, but I have a feeling Ole Miss will win this game. Ole Miss 31 Georgia 23
Cory: Since their loss to Alabama, Georgia has been on a tear. They’ve beaten Auburn, Mississippi State, Texas, and Florida, and all of those wins came convincingly. Ole Miss is also coming off a couple of big wins, but those were against Oklahoma and Arkansas. In fact, I’m not sure Ole Miss is all that good. The Rebels are extremely one-dimensional in that they pretty only pass the ball. That kind of offense will work against lesser teams, but not Georgia. The Bulldogs are too talented to lose to that. Additionally, I’m not sure Lane Kiffin is a good big-game coach. Georgia 31, Ole Miss 24
Dave: Georgia 38 Ole Miss 20
Gregg: They will be partying in Grove, but that will be the most joy the Ole Miss fans will have this Saturday. Lane Kiffin has had the Rebels looking great the past three years, but this may be as far as he can ever take them. It is possible for Mississippi to really focus and pull off the upset but I think they will fall short. The loss will eliminate one more SEC squad from the playoff picture but if there is one game this week I would be fine missing, it would be this one. Give me a Rebel Yell Billy Idol! Georgia 27 Ole Miss 17
Joe-S-U: Georgia
John: Don’t be deceived by the final score last week. A bad Florida team put a scare into Georgia. Yes, Uga was sloppy and let the Gators hang, but this Georgia team doesn’t appear to be as dominant as last years team that rolled through the regular season unbeaten before losing to Alabama in the SEC title game. If Ole Miss keeps their heads about them, I think they can pull off the upset, especially since this one in in Oxford. Mississippi 31 Georgia 28
Josh: Georgia has been a Jekyl and Hyde of teams this season where thet have looked like the most dominant team in the country like they did against Georgia, but then there is times where they are surviving like they have against Kentucky and last week against Florida who was down to their third string quarterback. The success of this team is on the play of Carson Beck, and if he continues to commit turnovers, it will be very hard to win against some of the better teams in the conference, like Ole Miss. I dont want to give the Rebels too much credit, but they proved last week that they can put up points when needed, and I think that will be the key to this game, is if Jaxson Dart is able to pass against the Georgia secondary. With this game in Oxford, I like the Rebels to pull off the upset, and give the Bulldogs their second loss of the season. Ole Miss 42 – Georgia 35
Steven: Georgia has been winning pretty handily over the past 4 games, including a solid upset over Texas where the Bulldog defense befuddled both Longhorn quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Can they do the same to Ole Miss signal caller Jaxon Dart? Dart has been on a tear and has some of the best weapons in the country. As essential as Dart is to the mix, it may be the Mississippi defense that tips the scales. Ole Miss is second in the nation against the run but 94th against the pass. Georgia QB Carson Beck should be able to exploit the Rebels secondary, but will it be enough to keep up with the second ranked offense in the nation? This could be a shootout and probably the best game to watch over the weekend. Take the Rebels at home in a tight one. Ole Miss 42-35.
Trout: I think Ole Miss keeps it close, but Georgia ends up winning the game. The Bulldogs have shown that they are not bulletproof. They struggled with a bad Florida team that was on their third quarterback. They are definitely not at the level of those championship teams from a few years ago. But they are not without talent. They are ranked third in the CFP ranking for a reason. The Rebels are a good team as well. However, I am not confident with Lane Kiffin in big games like these. He has a trend of having talented teams that win a good number of games, but fold under pressure. I see that game following that trend. The game should be a battle with both teams scoring some points. However, Georgia ends up winning with some last second heroics and stays atop of the SEC another week. (Georgia, 27-24)
Final Score: Mississippi 28 Georgia 10
(11)Alabama(-2.5) @ (15)LSU
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): I think Alabama keeps their playoff alive and beats LSU 31-20.
Andy: This game should be a classic, this is between two teams that can score a lot of points, but also implode on offense. It depends on if LSU can generate a pass rush or not on defense because Jalen Milroe is terrible at evading the sack. Alabama has the ability to throw the deep ball pretty well to Ryan Williams, the true freshman sensation. I have to wonder if this game will get high scoring and I think it will. Alabama 42 LSU 38
Cory: This is a tough game to predict because I instantly want to pick Alabama. The Crimson Tide responded to their loss to Tennessee with a 34-0 beatdown of Missouri last week. And don’t forget, Alabama is, so far, the only team to have beaten Georgia this season. Yet, for those two impressive wins the Crimson Tide have played some mediocre football. The loss to Vanderbilt was bad, but they also struggled to beat South Carolina. While I’m not confident LSU is a great team I do believe they are a great offense. Alabama is not a team that can play well from behind and the Tigers could get ahead early and stay ahead. I like LSU to outpace Alabama in this one. LSU 35, Alabama 31
Dave: LSU 21 Alabama 14
Gregg: I actually think both of these teams are a bit over-rated and somehow, they find themselves in the playoff conversation in spite having two losses each. And both have had close calls that could have gone either way and now may be do or die for either of these teams. Would love to see this be the week the Tide gets removed from all the playoff discussion but I think they find a way to win in Tiger Stadium. Maybe Milrose can at least get me some more fantasy points, would certainly help MY playoff hopes. Alabama 38 LSU 27
Joe-S-U: LSU
John: Alabama has had issues away from Bryant-Denny this year, having lost their last two road games. One of those was a shocker at Vandy. So which Tide shows up, the one that dominated #2 Georgia and #21 Missouri at home or the one that lost at Vandy and at Tennessee? Both teams are playing for their playoff lives, so this is basically a playoff elimination game. LSU is awful tough at home, and given ‘Bama’s road struggles I think that is the deciding factor. LSU 30 Alabama 27
Josh: Both teams were off last week, and both benefited from the chaos and upsets from the teams around them. The outcome if this game will help determine who’s playoff chances are still alive, and who will be looking at a Citrus bowl appearance. Alabama has the depth, and can make the plays against this LSU defense, but there is a reason why the night games in Death Valley is one of the toughest environments in college football. I still dont think Brian Kelly is a good coach, and yet has found a way to continue to fail upward in his coaching path, but he might have the advantages in his favor heading into a must win game for both teams. I think LSU keeps their hopes alive, and win in a close one. LSU 38 – Alabama 35
Steven: LSU is 6-2 but they have lost 2 out of 3 games against ranked opponents, including one to a ranked USC team which turned out to be fool’s gold because USC is garbage. Alabama’s record is the same, and their competition really hasn’t been much better than LSU’s, but they have perfected the grind it out game. The Tide’s weakness is their run defense, but LSU doesn’t rush the ball effectively, so that ends up being a bit of a wash. It comes down to the question of “can the Tide keep LSU QB Garrett Nussmeir from dominating the game?” If so, they should win. Tide doesn’t exactly roll this weekend, but gets a good win on the road. Bama 27-21.
Trout: The Crimson Tide will win this game. I see it being a close, low scoring affair. Neither team seems to be great. Both of them have had good wins and performances, but also have had head-scratching losses. Although I don’t have high hopes for either team in the playoffs, I do think Alabama is slightly better. Melroe has been inconsistent this year, but he has still had flashes of brilliance, Plus Brian Kelly has a terrible track record in these big games. I see both teams battling it for all four quarters, with the Tide pulling off the win and keeping their playoff hopes alive. (Alabama, 17-13)
Final Score: Alabama x LSU x
(9)BYU(-3) @ Utah
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): BYU is playing well, but they are visiting their biggest rival and sometimes you have to throw out the records. However, the way Utah is beat up I expect BYU to stay undefeated and defeat the Utes 27-17.
Andy: Utah is really struggling on defense and offense this season especially after losing Cam Rising to an injury. This is a big rivalry game as well, but BYU is really having a big season and they’re currently undefeated. BYU will have a hard time scoring in this game if they get down to the red zone, Utah has the 11th best scoring defense in the red zone. Outside of that BYU has an advantage pretty much everywhere. I expect BYU to a win a close one here. BYU 28 Utah 23
Cory: Not many people are paying attention, but BYU has been pretty darn good this season.The one big thing benefiting them has been a piece of cake schedule – the only ranked team the Cougars have played is Kansas State. On the other side of the ball is Utah, a team we thought would be pretty good this season but they’ve been a disappointment. The Utes enter this game with four consecutive losses, and they didn’t crack 20 points in any of those losses. I’m not sure BYU will have much staying power if they get into the playoffs, but at least for another week they’ll remain unbeaten. BYU 28, Utah 20
Dave: BYU 28 Utah 10
Gregg: The Utes have had to work through some injuries but tell me what team doesn’t have that at this point in the season. I am actually a bit surprised that the spread is not more, in favor of the Cougars but what do I know. I am sure the wise guys are on top of all this. Utah just has too many problems scoring, with only 72 points in conference play after 5 games. BYU is one of 5 teams in the country unbeaten and still has hope to get a first round bye in the playoffs by winning the Big 12. Cougars survive and play to fight another day. BYU 38 Utah 13
Joe-S-U: BYU
John: With he Big XII not getting much love in the first playoff rankings, it looks like the conference may only get one team into the playoff and it’s not a given that the Big XII champ gets one of the four byes. That means that BYU can ill afford any slipups over the closing stretch. Utah has lost four straight, although last week was by a last second field goal. This is a rivalry game, so records somewhat go out the window, but I like BYU to stay unbeaten. Don’t be surprised, though, if this one is close in the fourth quarter. BYU 34 Utah 31
Josh: At the beginning of the year, Utah was the team I thought would be the team to beat in the Big 12, but without Cam Rising, this will be a tough challenge against a BYU team that is riding on a high, and one of the last few undefeated teams left in the season. You cant ignore the fact that this is a rivalry game as well, so their will be some extra incentive for the Utes in this game to help salvage a season where they out on the outside looking in of the playoffs, but could play spoiler in a conference that is beating itself up every week. I think Utah makes an attempt, but BYU will emerge victorious. BYU 24 – Utah 17
Steven: You know those petty arguments you get into with the family at Thanksgiving? This will be a little like that, but with a lot less alcohol. The Cougars are scoring about 2 touchdowns more per game than the Utes. Without the perpetually broken Cameron Rising behind center for Utah, the Utes are a shadow of their former selves. This one should go according to Hoyle. Cougars win 35-18.
Trout: The Utes can be a frisky team, and make their opponents work, but I have the Cougars winning this game. Plain and simple, the Cougars are the better team, and more often than not, talent wins out. Also Utah lost their starting quarterback, Cam Rising, a few weeks ago. Although it’s tough to say how good Utah would be in the long term with Rising, he was a seasoned veteran, with lots of talent. Utah is clearly worse without him. I can see the game being close for a while. The Utes might be able to take advantage of the Cougars’ less than stellar running attack, but as the game moves on, BYU should be able to pull away. The Cougars win the Holy War and remain unbeaten. (BYU, 34-17)
Final Score: BYU x Utah x
(20)Colorado(-4) @ Texas Tech
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-RB 1980-83): Colorado silenced a lot of by already becoming bowl eligible. Let’s give Coach Prime his flowers. Unfortunately, Coach Prime will also need a defense to slow down the Red Raiders offense. Since Colorado doesn’t have one, I am going with mild upset. Texas Tech stuns Colorado 41-37.
Andy: Colorado is playing quite well after losing a game early vs Nebraska, Colorado is rated as the 79th best rush defense in the country and that is a problem because Texas Tech has one of the best running backs in the country in Tahj Brooks. Despite Brooks’ presence I believe Colorado will win a big conference game vs Tech. Colorado 38 Texas Tech 27
Cory: I trashed Texas Tech in last week’s picks and then they handed Iowa State its first loss of the season, on the road, too. I’m not so sure they’ll go two weeks in a row with a ranked win. Colorado has started to look like a legitimate football team. I wish the Buffaloes were less one dimensional. They’ve got 645 rushing yards total this season, which is hilariously low. That said, I think they are much more talented than Texas Tech and will be able to win on that alone. Colorado 30, Texas Tech 17
Dave: Colorado 28 Texas Tech 24
Gregg: Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, here comes Colorado again. They are one game off the pace for the division, but they can make it up starting this week. Travis Hunter the Buffalo sensation gets off in this game and gets the Buffs in the playoffs. Colorado 34 Texas Tech 31
Joe-S-U: Texas Tech
John: This is a big game in the Big XII, as a handful of teams are trying to play their way into a potential Big XII championship matchup with BYU. I don’t really know either team, so when in doubt follow the money. The Buffs are -4 on the road. Vegas usually knows, so… Colorado 28 Texas Tech 24
Josh: Colorado had a bye week last week, and has a Heisman hopeful with Travis Hunter already making his appearance on both College GameDay and Big Noon Kickoff to help generate some buzz. Texas Tech pulled of a big upset last week, and surprised a lot of people with their win against Iowa State, and are trying to make it a second straight win against a ranked opponent, but this time playing at home. I think this will be a high scoring game, and going against my preseason prediction for Colorado in thinking they wont get more then 6 wins, but I think they keep the ball rolling and stay in the hunt for the Big 12 Championship. Colorado 35 – Texas Tech 28
Steven: Colorado passes a lot because they can’t/don’t need to run. Texas Tech is second to last in pass defense, giving up over 300 yards/gm. The Red Raiders dare you to pass and watch and smile as you fly past them. This could get ugly early. Look for career days from Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. Buffs stampede the Raiders 44-14.
Trout: Deion seems like he’s turning that Colorado program around. It clearly isn’t a finished product. But they are much better than they were last year, and miles better than they were before that. They still have some unwarranted ego about themselves. They won four games last year, but you’d think they won the national championship by the way they act. I think they will win this game, but it should be very close. The Red Raiders showed that they may not be a great team, but they can still cause disruptions. They were able to beat out a then unbeaten Iowa State. They will give the Buffaloes a game for all four quarters. However, I think Sanders and Hunter will end up being too much for them, and they will be able to pull ahead before the final whistle. Colorado wins and keeps their hopes of a Big 12 championship game alive. (Colorado, 33-24)