Week 11 of the college football season features critical conference games that will shape the College Football Playoff picture. With championship races tightening, several top-25 matchups carry heavy implications for teams hoping to reach conference title games and the playoff.
Wake Forest at SMU
No. 13 Wake Forest is a 1.5-point favorite at SMU in a clash of top-10 passing offenses. Both analysts favor the Demon Deacons: Chris Hummer predicts Wake Forest 38, SMU 34, citing their top-10 run defense and extra rest after a bye week. Brad Crawford also takes Wake Forest, projecting a 41-31 win, noting the team's strong ACC run since an early loss to Miami.
Duke at No. 7 Miami
Miami is a 13.5-point favorite at home against Duke. Hummer expects the Hurricanes to win 31-17, pointing to Miami's elite rush defense and emotional motivation after a loss to Notre Dame. Crawford predicts a 30-14 Miami victory, emphasizing the return of Malachi Toney for the ACC Championship and the Hurricanes' defensive strength against Duke's Nate Sheppard.
Northwestern at No. 20 Ohio State
Ohio State is favored by 10.5 points. Hummer picks the Buckeyes 31-20, expecting a response after recent criticism and exploiting Northwestern's run defense struggles. Crawford also takes Ohio State 28-13, despite concerns about the team's direction under Ryan Day and two straight failed covers.
No. 8 Tennessee at Texas A&M
Tennessee is a 2.5-point road favorite. Hummer projects a 24-20 Vols win, questioning Texas A&M's ability to score against Tennessee's top-20 defense and elite pass rush. Crawford also likes Tennessee 23-20, citing the Aggies' red-zone struggles and inconsistency.
Michigan at No. 16 Oregon
Oregon is a 10.5-point favorite. Hummer takes Michigan with the points, predicting a 24-17 Oregon win but noting Michigan's defense could keep it close. Crawford picks Oregon straight up, 27-16, highlighting the Ducks' offensive surge since a coaching change and Michigan's offensive struggles.
No. 18 USC at No. 9 Indiana
Indiana is a 7.5-point favorite in a game both analysts call the week's best. Hummer predicts Indiana 28-20, trusting the Hoosiers' top-ranked defense to slow USC's passing attack. Crawford takes USC with the points, forecasting a 27-23 Indiana win in a potential overtime thriller, praising Lincoln Riley's resilience.
No. 22 Missouri at No. 1 Georgia
Georgia is a 15.5-point favorite. Hummer takes Missouri with the points, expecting a 34-21 Georgia win but a close cover. Crawford also likes Missouri +15.5, predicting a 27-17 Georgia victory with a late touchdown spoiling the cover.
Florida at No. 11 Kentucky
Kentucky is a 3.5-point favorite. Both analysts pick the Wildcats: Hummer 21-17, citing Kentucky's offensive line advantage; Crawford 27-20, noting Kentucky's must-win situation for playoff hopes.
No. 2 Utah at No. 23 Arizona
Utah is a 2.5-point favorite. Hummer predicts Utah 27-24, relying on the Utes' fifth-ranked pass defense. Crawford sees a higher-scoring 35-31 Utah win, projecting the Utes to reach 12-0 before conference championships.
No. 6 Texas at No. 21 LSU
LSU is a 3.5-point favorite in Baton Rouge. Hummer picks LSU 27-21, citing Texas' offensive line issues and LSU's pass rush. Crawford also takes LSU 30-24, noting the Tigers' desperation and Texas' lack of ranked wins.
No. 12 Texas Tech at No. 25 Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is a 3.5-point favorite. Hummer takes Texas Tech +3.5, predicting a 35-34 Red Raiders win based on a better defensive front. Crawford favors Oklahoma State 41-35, expecting the Cowboys' high-powered offense to prevail.
