College Football Week 11 Bold Predictions

1. LSU drops Alabama

Death Valley... the place where opponents' dreams come to die.  Alabama's points per game at home: 48.5.  Average points on the road?  24.5.  Tigers smother the Crimson Tide in a physical match-up of SEC West titans, 17 - 10.

2. Baylor knocks off Oklahoma

Despite the higher ranking and better record, Baylor is the underdog going into Saturday's game against the Sooners.  History is not on Baylor's side, as Oklahoma leads the series 21 - 2 and the Bears have not beaten a ranked opponent on the road since 1991.  Baylor QB Bryce Petty writes a bit of his own history on Saturday in a 41 - 38 win.

3. Ohio State avenges last year's B1G title game loss

The Buckeyes are hungry for this one, as they travel to East Lansing for the most important regular season game in the Big Ten this year.  But the Spartans are more experienced and have the better-looking resume.  Buckeyes struggle early under the lights, but the offense gets rolling with a couple of big running plays by J.T. Barrett.  Expect another nail-biter in prime-time, as Ohio State edges Michigan State, 34 - 31.

4. Four or more match-ups between ranked teams are decided by 7 points or less

An exciting Saturday of college football is headlined with six clashes between ranked teams, including two between top-10 teams.  At this point in the season we have a pretty good idea of who deserves to be ranked and who doesn't, so I expect some close games between some great teams.  All of these showdowns have potential playoff implications, so everybody involved should be highly motivated, whether playing for a potential shot at the top four or looking to spoil someone else's championship season.  Let the fun begin.

5. I get two or more of the above picks right

After ten weeks, I'm averaging only 1.9 correct picks per week and have only managed to get more than 2 picks twice (and have never gotten more than 3).  Look for me to turn it around this week and nail 3 or more picks (including this one of course).  If I get 4 right I will be thrilled.  If I get all 5 I might retire.