The results are in! What do you think we are talking about? The College Football Playoff, of course! The 12-team playoff format has its first ever Top 25. There were certainly some surprises but a lot of teams at the top deserve to be there. In past years, this stretch of the season was vital for teams trying to prove they belonged in the top four. The belt has been loosened a bit. There isn’t nearly as much drama for a 12-seed getting in versus a 4-seed, but it should still make these games interesting. Here’s our Top 3 picks for 2024 College Football Week 11.
Washington vs No. 6 Penn State
I for one do not agree with Penn State being ranked number six. They played Ohio State tightly and they have just one loss on the season, but the Nittany Lions have proved time and time again that they are frauds when it comes time to getting on the biggest stage. The only win that stands out to me for Penn State is the win over Illinois. These defenses are extremely evenly matched with both ranking top 10 in yards allowed per game. James Franklin has a knack for throwing away games that mean a lot and Jedd Fisch’s team is coming off their best win of the year. After an emotional loss to Ohio State, I don’t think Penn State will be focused. Prediction: Washington 24 Penn State 20
No. 11 Alabama vs No. 15 LSU
The Tide are right on the cusp of dropping out of the bracket. They are the final at-large bid in the 12-teamer as LSU looks on from the outside, desperately needing a couple more big wins to move them up in the rankings. This is their shot in Death Valley to beat up on a Bama team that is reeling. Bama has lost 2 of 4 but LSU is coming off a blowup loss to Texas A&M. But when you play in Baton Rouge, you had best come prepared. Nick Saban lost his last game on the road at LSU, and I predict that the Tigers will begin a home winning streak against the Tide this week. Jalen Milroe is too inconsistent with the football, and we’ve seen that playing from behind can burn him in tough atmospheres. Prediction: Alabama 34 LSU 40
No. 3 Georgia vs. No. 16 Ole Miss
The Rebels are in a similar spot as LSU. They’re on the outside looking in and this is a must-win game with just Florida and Mississippi State as the other two games left on the slate. Without another ranked opponent, this is likely the last chance they have for the CFP, and I don’t see it happening. Georgia has been strong all season long. Yes, they lost one to Alabama but have rebounded and pretty much breezed since then. Carson Beck isn’t having nearly as good of a season as we thought he would have, but they are still stacking wins and getting it done with the run game. I predict a shootout this weekend, but the Rebels will be on the wrong side. Prediction: Georgia 35 Ole Miss 28