Week 11 Predictions – 2026
Last Week: For the second straight week, Ohio State came up short and the playoffs seem out of reach, along with Jeremiah’s hope for a Heisman. Will be interesting to see how much pressure will be put on Ryan Day. The 41-28 loss is one of the worst defeats at home in a long time. The Buckeye season may be all but over but our race for the Buckeye50 Predictions championship is alive and well. We will have our normal 5 games a week for the next four weeks, so we have 20 games left to predict and there are still only 5 games separating 1st place from 10th place in our standings. Who will take the crown this year? Six people were 4-1 this week so we are still playing sharp in spite of the upset loss from the Buckeyes.
This Week’s Games: The Buckeyes game against Northwestern is about as big as it has been since any of these players have been alive. Will Ohio State be able to right the ship? …. Utah travels to Arizona this week to pair up two teams ranked in the current playoff poll. Can the Wildcats pull off the upset? …. USC is still in the thick of the hunt for the B1G championship game. Can they get the win in Bloomington and keep the hopes alive of both the Trojans and the Buckeyes for a playoff spot? …. Duke is once again having a solid season in the ACC. Are they going to be able to get the win in Miami and remind people that they are the ACC defending champs? …. Missouri goes down to Athens as a playoff ranked team to face the Bulldogs. Will Georgia be able to prove they deserve the number one spot in the playoff rankings?
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 12th straight year.
Let’s have some fun! Here we go with our Week 11 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
Northwestern @ (20)Ohio State
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Ohio State 27 Northwestern 17
Andy Steger: Ohio State needs to win this game. Bottom line. Northwestern is missing their starting quarterback Aiden Chiles is out of this game. This game is a home and a win in this game might give coach Ryan Day and his staff a little bit of respite. Honestly it likely doesn’t matter as there is currently a 74% chance that Ohio State will not make the playoffs even if they win out. Ohio State 24 Northwestern 21
Cory Steger: The Oregon game started off so well for Ohio State last weekend, then quickly went off the rails. It is rare to see a Ryan Day-coached team play with this little confidence, and with so many issues. Luke Fahey is struggling to see the field and is second-guessing himself, but it is not just his fault. The offensive line can’t pass block, the tight ends and receivers are dropping passes, the defense has missed assignments and missed tackles. Any other week I would say Ohio State rebounds with a resounding win against a punchy Northwestern team, but now it’s unclear. I think this Buckeye team is better than what we’ve seen in the last two weeks, but one thing that is clear is that some change is needed. I would not expect big changes this week, but enough to get the momentum moving back in the positive direction. Northwestern is excellent at running the ball so Ohio State will need to be disciplined defensively. Ohio State 28, Northwestern 21
Dave Culver: Ohio State 24 Northwestern 18
Gregg Watson: What can I say that has not been said by Buckeye fans since the embarassing loss to Oregon? They need to win out, they need to look convincing to the committee, and they need a little help to get themselves to the ‘final’ B1G championship game. But win that and they are in. If they don’t make it to Indy, then they will need a LOT of help around the country to slide back into a top 11 position in the playoff rankings. I do think they will get step one done themselves and will be victorious over the Wildcats. The only question will be can they get enough stats for Jeremiah to keep him in the Heisman Race. Ohio State 31 Northwestern 17
Jason Harris: #20 Ohio State finishes off their 2 game home stand hosting Northwestern in a matchup with both teams looking to snap two-game losing streaks. The Buckeyes enter at 6-3 after consecutive defeats to USC and Oregon, including a 41-28 loss to the Ducks last week. Northwestern is also 6-3 after falling 24-10 to Iowa, but the Wildcats have been competitive throughout the season and own a 3-3 conference record. Ohio State will continue to rely on freshman QB Luke Fahey with Julian Sayin sidelined for the remainder of the regular season. Fahey threw for a career-high 360 yards against Oregon, showing improvement despite the loss. WR Jeremiah Smith remains the centerpiece of the offense with 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns and is still the betting favorite to win the Heisman. Northwestern will also be without its starting QB, Aidan Chiles, who is out with an upper-body injury. Nicco Marchiol is expected to make his second consecutive start after completing 24 of 32 passes against Iowa.
The key matchup will be Ohio State’s offense against a Northwestern defense that has been opportunistic, recording a plus-12 turnover margin this season. Fahey will need to protect the football and continue building chemistry with Smith and the rest of the receiving corps, particularly with several wideouts listed as questionable, although Senior Captain Brandon Innis is expected to return. Northwestern will likely lean on its rushing attack and Marchiol’s mobility while trying to control possession and keep the Buckeyes’ offense off the field. However, Ohio State has a significant advantage in overall talent, and the Wildcats will have a difficult time moving the ball consistently against a Buckeyes defense that has allowed just 97.1 rushing yards per game. Expect Northwestern to compete early, but Ohio State’s defensive strength and playmakers should prove too much over four quarters. Prediction: Ohio State 31 Northwestern 17
Joe Hylton: OSU
John Siebert: Given the state of Ohio State’s defense, if Aiden Chiles were playing for the ‘Cats, I would probably go with the upset. However, I have to think that the Bucks D is solid enough to be able to shut down a backup quarterback at home, right? RIGHT????? Ohio State 24 Northwestern 21
Josh Watson: Ohio State returns to the Horseshoe looking to stop a surprising two-game losing streak. The Buckeyes followed a 30-18 loss at USC with a 41-28 home defeat against Oregon, dropping them to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten. Despite those results, Ohio State still leads the conference with 467.9 yards of offense per game and is averaging 35.7 points. The defense is allowing only 18.3 points and 287 yards per game, although those season-long numbers obscure some of the problems Oregon exposed last Saturday. Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon, but Ohio State struggled to finish drives and made several critical mistakes. Jeremiah Smith remains the centerpiece of the offense after recording 133 yards against the Ducks. He enters this game with 69 catches for 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns and needs only 31 more receiving yards to establish a new Big Ten career record. Northwestern is a respectable 6-3, but the Wildcats have lost to each of the three strongest teams on their schedule: Indiana, Oregon and Iowa. Starting quarterback Aidan Chiles has been dealing with an injury, leaving Nicco Marchiol to direct an offense that wants to shorten the game and avoid obvious passing situations. Marchiol completed 24 of 32 passes against Iowa while also leading Northwestern with 52 rushing yards. Griffin Wilde gives the Wildcats a legitimate receiving threat, and linebacker Braydon Brus has been one of the Big Ten’s most productive defensive players. That formula can make Northwestern irritating for a while. The Wildcats rank among the country’s best teams at creating turnovers, and Ohio State cannot afford to give them short fields. The Buckeyes should counter by establishing Bo Jackson on the ground, giving Fahey manageable situations and forcing Northwestern’s defense to account for Smith on every snap. Ohio State has won 11 consecutive games in this series and 35 of the last 36 meetings. Northwestern’s last victory in Columbus came in 1971. The historical advantage does not guarantee a comfortable afternoon, but the talent gap—and Ohio State’s urgency after consecutive losses—should eventually take over. Ohio State 31, Northwestern 13
Steven Smith: Well, last week went a bit how I envisioned it, but even so, I didn’t have the heart to pick against the Buckeyes. The only thing making me lean towards the Buckeye this week is Northwestern’s loss of their quarterback, Aidan Chiles. The Bucks still have a leadership problem, and it is both on the field and off. On the field, the losses to the draft are indisputable. And if you think back to last season, why would you take any of the defense off the field when a second National Championship was a possibility? So, you sacrifice player development for a chance at the ultimate prize. We all know the trade-off, and most of us would have made the exact same decision. We just hate living with the consequences. So, can the Bucks fix things? We’ve seen over the past 3 weeks that the coaching staff keeps trying the same old tactics and none of it has worked. It will be ugly on both sides of the ball, and chilly to boot. Sounds like a fun day of football. Bucks 23-14
Stefan Armintrout: It has been rough these last few weeks. At this point, I think Day has lost the team. But I liked to think this team still has the talent to beat Northwestern. I think it’ll be close, because this defense can’t stop anyone But I do think they the Buckeyes do just enough to get by. Because if they don’t, they’re probably not winning another game. (Ohio State, 17-14)
Final Score: Ohio State 28 Northwestern 19
(2)Utah @ (23)Arizona
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Utah 31 Arizona17
Andy: Utah has one of the most fun and most innovative offenses in the country. If you have not watched them, I suggest you do at least once this season. Arizona has been a surprise this year going 7-2 and currently ranked 23rd in the country. This matchup is worth watching. That said I have Utah winning this one with their strong run game. Utah 31 Arizona 28
Cory: If you haven’t watched Utah yet this season, you have been missing a good football team. The Utes are thriving under first-year head coach Morgan Scalley, and are well-poised for a high seed in the college football playoff. Their opponent this week, Arizona, is not out of the playoff yet despite two losses, and the Wildcats have upset on their minds. For Arizona, the name of the game is to let quarterback Noah Fifita do his thing. Fifita is having a career year as he’s completing 73 percent of his passes with 25 combined totals through the air and the ground. The problem for him is too many negative plays – 22 sacks and five interceptions. What I like about Utah is how resilient they are. Down 20-14 to BYU last week, the Utes were unfazed and not only scored two second half touchdowns, but they held BYU’s explosive offense scoreless in the third and fourth quarters. The Utes also came from behind in the second half to beat Houston three games ago. There just seems to be something special about this group that is hard to ignore. Utah 31, Arizona 24
Dave: Arizona 28 Utah 24
Gregg: Utah has the cleanest route of the top teams to the playoff. And if Georgia should stumble along the way, it is likely that the Utes will be the #1 seed for the post season. Arizona should give them a good game but in the end Utah remains unbeaten. My only question is why no one is talking about just how bad Michigan is doing this season with their first year coach Kyle Winningham and Utes are unbeaten the first year after losing their former long time head coach. Utah 33 Arizona 24
Jason: #2 Utah travels to Tucson to face #23 Arizona in a Big 12 showdown between an undefeated Utes team and a Wildcats squad looking to pull off one of the biggest upsets of the season. Utah enters at 9-0 after a 28-20 victory over #7 BYU, while Arizona improved to 7-2 with an incredible 29-28 comeback win over TCU. Utah QB Devon Dampier has been outstanding, throwing for 2,053 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 482 rushing yards and seven scores. His dual-threat ability has been a major factor in an offense averaging nearly 40 points per game. Arizona counters with QB Noah Fifita, who has thrown for 2,794 yards and 21 touchdowns while completing 73% of his passes. The Wildcats have won six of their last seven games and will have the advantage of playing at home, where they have won seven straight.
The key matchup will be Arizona’s defense against Utah’s dynamic rushing attack and the mobility of Dampier. The Wildcats have been effective at generating pressure, but they have struggled at times against mobile QBs, an area Utah will look to exploit. Arizona also has some injury concerns in its secondary, which could create opportunities for Dampier to make plays through the air. On the other side, Fifita will need to take advantage of Utah’s aggressive defense and make enough plays downfield to keep the Wildcats within striking distance. Arizona has the offensive talent to make this competitive, but Utah has been the more complete team throughout the season. The Utes’ defensive consistency, balanced offense and ability to win close games make them difficult to pick against. Expect Arizona to put up a fight in front of a lively home crowd, but Utah’s unbeaten season should continue. Prediction: Utah 34 Arizona 24
Joe-S-U: Utah
John: I’m a little surprised that Utah is only a 2 ½ point road favorite in this one. Thought it would be higher. I’m on the Utes bandwagon until someone beats them. Utah 24 Arizona 17
Josh: Utah survived its rivalry game against BYU, winning 28-20 to remain unbeaten at 9-0. The Utes now face another significant challenge in Tucson against a 7-2 Arizona team that has won seven consecutive home games and is 11-1 at Casino Del Sol Stadium over the last two seasons. Arizona has also won the last two meetings between these programs. The Wildcats’ offense still revolves around veteran quarterback Noah Fifita, who leads all active FBS quarterbacks in career passing yards and touchdowns. His experience gives Arizona a chance against anyone, particularly at home. If Utah fails to generate pressure, Fifita is capable of spreading the field and turning this into the highest-scoring game the Utes have played in several weeks. Utah’s advantage is its ability to win in several different ways. The Utes can control the line of scrimmage, play physically on defense and remain patient if the offense starts slowly. They have already demonstrated that they can survive close conference games without abandoning their identity. Arizona will hit enough explosive plays to put Utah in danger, and the Utes may need a fourth-quarter scoring drive to escape. However, Utah’s defense and superior consistency should make the difference in the final few possessions. Utah 27, Arizona 24
Steven: This could be the tightest game of our picks this weekend. Both teams have good defenses, but the highlight of this one will be two exceptional quarterbacks in Utah’s Devon Dampier and Arizona’s Noah Fifita going back and forth. Utah has the superior run game with running back Wayshawn Parker racking up over 6 yards per carry and 9 TDs this season. Arizona is OK against the run but this may be their toughest test of the year. Utes keep cruising, but it will be a back and forth affair. Utah 41-38
Trout: I think Utah wins by a few scores. Arizona will put up a good fight, but the Utes will be able to separate themselves as the game goes one. Utah wins and keeps their perfect season going. (Utah, 31-13)
Final Score: Utah xx Arizona xx
(18)USC @ (9)Indiana
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Indiana 27 USC 21
Andy: This one is a hard game to predict. I still don’t know just how good USC is. I suspect they’re good as their defense has improved quite a bit by hiring their new defensive coordinator Gary Patterson. They also have a few young talented players on defense (Wafle, Stewart and Hill) who are all starters and impact players. On the other side Indiana is incredibly tough at both lines of scrimmage that tries to win by using the run to set up the pass. This game could determine the outcome of the Big Ten conference. I have to side with Cignetti because I think he is the best coach in college football and he will have home field advantage. Indiana 24 USC 17
Cory: What an interesting turn the season has taken for USC. The Trojans, once left for dead, upset Ohio State and now find themselves in the hunt for a playoff spot, however, a trip to Bloomington this weekend could derail those plans. The last we saw of Indiana, the Hoosiers needed a last-second 60-yard field goal just to force overtime against Minnesota, before a Charlie Becker touchdown saved the day. The Hoosiers have been sputtering on offense, recently, but a large part of that is Josh Hoover’s arm injury. Grant Wilson played well against Minnesota in relief of an injured Hoover, and as of Monday, Curt Cignetti did not say which QB will start this week. Assuming Hoover is healthier, or Wilson starts the full game, I see Indiana winning a close one. USC typically has not played well on cross-country trips like this, and Indiana’s defense is still terrific. Indiana 31, USC 28
Dave: Indiana 32 USC 24
Gregg: Ohio State really needs USC to win this one, so I am hoping I get this one wrong. The Trojans playing with momentum while Indiana has struggled most of the season. Fight On! Indiana will likely one a close one if it stays a low score. Otherwise, they will pick up their second home loss. Indiana 20 USC 17
Jason: #15 USC travels to Bloomington to face #6 Indiana in a game with major College Football Playoff implications for both programs. The Trojans enter at 7-2 after an impressive 30-18 victory over #2 Ohio State two weeks ago, while the Hoosiers are 8-1 following a dramatic 23-16 overtime win over Minnesota. USC QB Jayden Maiava has thrown for 2,651 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading an offense averaging 32.4 points per game. The Trojans also have one of the conference’s most productive passing attacks, with freshman WR Tanook Hines emerging as a major playmaker. Indiana counters with a balanced offense averaging 32.4 points per game, led by RB Turbo Richard and WR Charlie Becker. However, the Hoosiers have a major question at QB after Josh Hoover struggled against Minnesota, opening the door for Grant Wilson to potentially earn the starting job.
The key matchup will be USC’s passing attack against an Indiana defense that has been one of the best in the country, allowing just 12.4 points and 259.2 total yards per game. Maiava will need to make plays downfield while avoiding turnovers against a Hoosiers defense that has recorded 32 sacks and seven interceptions. Indiana will look to establish its ground game behind Richard and take advantage of USC’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Hoosiers will also be without starting offensive lineman Joe Brunner and leading RB Richard, creating additional challenges against a USC defense coming off an impressive performance against Ohio State. Playing at home should provide a significant advantage for Indiana, but the Trojans have the offensive firepower to make this a difficult afternoon for the home team. Ultimately, Indiana’s defensive strength and ability to control the line of scrimmage should make the difference in a competitive game. Prediction: Indiana 27 USC 23
Joe-S-U: Indiana
John: Bucks need USC to beat IU, so I’m going to pick with my heart here. USC 31 Indiana 27
Josh: USC and Indiana enter this matchup rested after open weeks, and both remain involved in the crowded Big Ten race. Indiana is 8-1 overall and 5-1 in conference play, while USC is 7-2 and 4-2. The Hoosiers are allowing a Big Ten-best 12.4 points per game, but their offense has slowed considerably, averaging only 17.8 points over its last four games. The most important Indiana storyline is at quarterback. Josh Hoover was injured during the Hoosiers’ overtime win against Minnesota, and Curt Cignetti has not confirmed whether Hoover or Grant Wilson will start. Hoover has thrown for 1,860 yards with 19 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Wilson was effective in relief against Minnesota, producing the touchdown pass that won the game, but USC represents a much more demanding assignment. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the Big Ten in passing yards and touchdown passes, throwing for 2,524 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. His quick release and USC’s collection of receivers will test an Indiana defense that has built its reputation by controlling the line of scrimmage. The Hoosiers have accumulated 76 tackles for loss and 32 sacks, led by Tobi Osunsanmi’s 15.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Indiana’s defensive front and home-field advantage make the Hoosiers the more dependable straight-up selection. Still, laying more than a touchdown is uncomfortable when the starting quarterback is uncertain and the opponent is coming off a convincing win over Ohio State. Maiava should keep USC competitive into the fourth quarter. USC 27, Indiana 24
Steven: USC comes east to play in the cold. That usually ends well. I expect Indiana coach Curt Cignetti has already pored over the OSU-USC tape to determine what NOT to do against the Trojans, and made adjustments accordingly. He must be kicking himself wondering how he ever lost to the Buckeyes. They won’t make the same mistakes this weekend. Hoosiers 24-17.
Trout: I’m picking the Hoosiers, but it’ll be close. Indiana has some major offensive issues, so I see them winning a lower scoring, tight game. It’ll be their defense that steps up and keeps USC from pulling the upset. I think the Trojans will challenge them throughout the game, but will eventually come out short. (Indiana, 21-18)
Final Score: Indiana 27 USC 13
Duke @ (7)Miami
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Miami 31 Duke 21
Andy: I don’t think this is much of a matchup. Miami’s defense is suspect, but their offense is absolutely elite. Darien Mensah is on a tear against ACC teams and coming off of a performance against Notre Dame where he almost mounted a last minute comeback on the road. Miami wins big. Miami 42 Duke 21
Cory: Miami was a catch away from forcing overtime against Notre Dame last week, but had the Hurricanes played better in the first half then perhaps they could’ve won in regulation. Miami is still without star receiver Malachi Toney, who is likely out until the playoffs, but the Hurricanes acquitted themselves pretty well without him last week. Miami quarterback Darian Mensah has to face his old team this week in Duke, but don’t expect much of a fight from the Blue Devils. Duke’s only two losses came to Georgia Tech and North Carolina, and both of those teams are mediocre at best. These teams last met in 2024 and the Hurricanes piled up 51 points on Duke in that one. I’m not sure the score will that high again, but don’t be surprised to see Miami win by multiple scores in this one. Miami 38, Duke 24
Dave: Miami 21 Duke 10
Gregg: Unless Miami is suffering letdown from their loss to Notre Dame, they come out and pound Duke in this one. The Blue Demons are not surprising anyone this year and they are not as strong as they were last year when they won the ACC. Miami is likely playing for the first round bye in the playoffs. Canes all the way. Miami 35 Duke 20
Jason: #5 Miami returns home to host Duke in an important ACC matchup with conference championship and College Football Playoff implications. The Hurricanes enter at 8-1 after suffering their first loss of the season, a 31-24 defeat against Notre Dame. Duke is 7-2 and riding a three-game winning streak after dominating NC State 41-3. Miami QB Darian Mensah has been outstanding, throwing for 2,694 yards and 28 touchdowns with just two interceptions while leading one of the nation’s most productive offenses. The Hurricanes also have a powerful rushing attack led by Mark Fletcher Jr. and Javian Mallory, who have combined for more than 1,000 yards. However, Miami will again be without star WR Malachi Toney, who is out for the regular season with an ankle injury. Duke counters with QB Walker Eget, who has shown improvement in recent weeks, and RB Nate Sheppard, who has emerged as one of the nation’s most productive playmakers with 21 total touchdowns.
The key matchup will be Duke’s defense against Miami’s explosive offense. The Blue Devils have been outstanding defensively, leading the ACC in scoring, total and rushing defense while recording 26 sacks. Their ability to stop Miami’s ground game and pressure Mensah will be critical if they hope to pull off the upset. On the other side, Duke will need to take advantage of Miami’s vulnerability against the pass, where the Hurricanes have allowed more than 250 yards per game. Eget and Sheppard could create opportunities if the Blue Devils can establish a balanced offensive attack. Miami has significantly more overall talent and the advantage of playing at home, but Duke’s recent defensive performances suggest this could be more competitive than expected. Ultimately, the Hurricanes’ offensive firepower and Mensah’s ability to make plays should prove too much for the Blue Devils to overcome. Prediction: Miami 31 Duke 20
Joe-S-U: Miami
John: Look for the ‘Canes to bounce back after a tough loss to Notre Dame. Miami 34 Duke 17
Josh: Miami returns home after suffering its first loss of the season, a 31-24 defeat at Notre Dame. The Hurricanes remain 8-1 and undefeated in ACC play, but they cannot afford to let the disappointment from South Bend carry into a dangerous conference game. Duke has quietly reached 7-2 under former Miami coach Manny Diaz. The Blue Devils have won three consecutive games and have outscored their last two opponents 88-5. Their defense has gone 11 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown, while opponents have accumulated only 21 second-half rushing yards over the last two games. Running back Nate Sheppard gives Duke a legitimate way to control possession and keep Miami’s offense on the sideline. Sheppard has rushed for 1,189 yards and scored 21 total touchdowns, including a 219-yard performance in Duke’s 41-3 victory over NC State. If Duke can run successfully on early downs, this game could become much tighter than the point spread suggests. Miami should respond well at home, and its overall athleticism will eventually create scoring opportunities that Duke has not seen during its recent winning streak. Still, the Blue Devils are disciplined, physical and capable of making the Hurricanes work through four quarters. Miami wins, but nearly two touchdowns feels excessive against a confident Duke team. Miami 30, Duke 20
Steven: Duke has decent defense but Miami is top to bottom a better team. As an aside, if Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith doesn’t get some help from his QB, Miami’s signal-caller, Darian Mensah just might snag that Heisman trophy straight out of his hands. The rumor mill has it that Miami offered Smith a pile of NIL money to transfer this past offseason. Wow, what a combination Mensah to Smith could have been. Miami is coming off a hard fought battle in which they fell to Notre Dame, so they will be very motivated to not take a consecutive loss. Miami rolls a good, (but not great) Duke team. 34-13.
Trout: I’ll pick Miami, but I think Duke plays them hard for the whole game. Although I’m skeptical of both teams, I do think Miami is the better of the two. I see this game coming down to a last second field goal with Miami escaping with the win. (Miami, 27-24)
Final Score: Miami 36 Duke 25
(22)Missouri @ (1)Georgia
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU-FB 1980-83): Georgia 31 Missouri 17
Andy: Missouri is a team that the SEC have to look out for as they have been a potential land mine for teams. However the key word there is potential. Eli Drinkewitz has a terrible record against ranked opponents and Georgia looks like one of the most complete teams in the country this year. Playing at home, this game should be somewhat competitive for the first quarter or two, but I expect Georgia to pull away and win. Georgia 34 Missouri 21
Cory: Amidst all the chaos in college football this season, there has been one constant and that is Georgia. The Bulldogs responded to their loss to Auburn with ranked wins over Florida and Ole Miss, beating both the Gators by multiple scores and limiting each of them to less than 10 points. Missouri hung tough with Texas for most of the game last week, but eventually fell 34-20. I think Missouri is a pretty good football team, but they are not Georgia’s level right now. To top it off, the game is in Athens. Georgia’s offense is decent, but not great, but their defense is outstanding. I could see them holding Missouri to fewer than 10 points in this game. Georgia 24, Missouri 7
Dave: xxxxx
Gregg: Georgia has the number one spot in the playoff rankings and they have earned it. (unlike Alabama who in no way deserves to ranked so high) Georgia will win this on convincingly as they start to prep for the SEC championship game which should be their next real challenge. Georgia 41 Missouri 10
Jason: #1 Georgia returns home to host #22 Missouri. The Bulldogs enter at 8-1 and riding a two-game winning streak after an impressive 42-7 road victory over #10 Ole Miss. Missouri is 6-3 following a 34-20 loss to #7 Texas, but the Tigers remain in the playoff conversation and have an opportunity to make a major statement against the nation’s top-ranked team with a loss and they are officially eliminated. Georgia QB Gunner Stockton has completed nearly 71% of his passes for 1,857 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading an offense averaging 41.1 points per game. The Bulldogs also have one of the SEC’s most dominant defenses, allowing just 14 points per contest. Missouri counters with QB Beau Pribula and an experienced passing attack led by WR Cayden Lee, who leads the SEC with 62 receptions for 835 yards. The Tigers will need a much stronger offensive performance after struggling to generate consistency against Texas.
The key matchup will be Missouri’s offensive line against a Georgia defensive front that has recorded 31 sacks and consistently pressured opposing QBs. Pribula will need time to find his receivers and avoid turnovers against a Bulldogs defense that has forced 17 takeaways this season. Georgia, meanwhile, should look to establish its rushing attack and take advantage of a Missouri defense allowing more than 20 points per game. The Tigers have enough offensive talent to make this competitive, but their history against Georgia and struggles against elite competition are difficult to overlook. Missouri has also never defeated an AP #1-ranked opponent, entering this matchup with an 0-18 record. Playing between the hedges, Georgia has a significant advantage in overall talent, defensive consistency and experience in big games. Expect Missouri to compete early, but the Bulldogs should gradually take control and secure another important SEC victory. Prediction: Georgia 34 Missouri 17
Joe-S-U: Georgia
John: Mizzou is scrappy, but game is in Athens and Uga may be the most complete team in CFB this year. Georgia 38 Missouri 21
Josh: Georgia reclaimed the No. 1 ranking by dismantling Ole Miss 42-7 in Oxford. The Bulldogs are averaging 41.1 points while allowing only 14 per game, making them one of just two teams ranked in the national top 10 in both scoring offense and scoring defense. Georgia has outscored its opponents 108-14 in the first quarter and has allowed more than 20 points only once this season. Quarterback Gunner Stockton’s return has restored balance to the offense. He has completed 70.9 percent of his passes for 1,857 yards, 20 touchdowns and four interceptions. Georgia is also rushing for more than 210 yards per game, giving Kirby Smart the ability to attack Missouri without asking Stockton to carry the entire offense. Missouri is better than its 6-3 record might suggest. Running back Jamal Roberts has surpassed 1,000 yards, linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez is averaging 11.1 tackles per game and the Tigers possess a plus-nine turnover margin. Their offensive line has allowed only nine sacks, an important strength against a Georgia defense that recorded five sacks against Ole Miss. The problem for Missouri is sustaining offense against Georgia’s front. The Bulldogs are allowing fewer than 85 rushing yards per game, which directly attacks Missouri’s preferred approach. If Roberts is contained and Austin Simmons must repeatedly throw in obvious passing situations, Georgia’s pass rush should take control. Missouri has never defeated an AP No. 1 team, going 0-18 in those matchups, and Georgia has won 10 consecutive games in this series. The Tigers have enough defensive talent to prevent an immediate runaway, but Georgia’s depth turns a competitive first half into a comfortable win. Georgia 34, Missouri 13
Steven: Georgia is a far better team, but Mizzou does have a history of playing up to their competition and can be giant killers. Georgia QB Gunner Stockton could have a very average day and bring this one home, so it would take a huge effort for the Tigers to pull off the upset. Even if the top ranked Bulldogs were to lose, the corporate shills among the press will just tout the competitive nature of the SEC so much so that the loss would have little effect on the rankings which renders this game essentially irrelevant. Georgia wins in a yawner. UGA 38-17.
Trout: Georgia wins big. I have zero faith in the Tigers. Missouri is just not a good team. They only reason they ranked is because of the SEC bias. They’ll get a couple scores in garbage time, but wont be even close enough to threaten the Bulldogs. Georgia scores early and often and delivers Missouri their fourth loss. (Georgia, 48-10)