College Football Week 11 Recap

1. LSU drops Alabama

The Tigers took a 13 - 10 lead with 50 seconds left in regulation but were unable to hold Alabama when it counted most.  The Crimson Tide drove 55 yards and tied the game up with a field goal as time expired.  Alabama secured the victory in overtime, 20 - 13, keeping their playoff hopes alive.  They take on undefeated Mississippi State next week in a game that will play a huge role in deciding the SEC West champion and possibly the SEC's representative in the playoffs.

2. Baylor knocks off Oklahoma

Baylor made their own case for a playoff spot as they stomped Oklahoma 48 - 14.  If they win out, they win the Big 12.  But is it enough to reach the playoffs, considering TCU is still ranked ahead of them, despite their head-to-head victory over the Horned Frogs?  The biggest thing holding the Bears back is their weak non-conference schedule and, obviously, the bad loss to West Virginia.  We will see.

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

The Buckeyes had a bit of a shaky start, as anticipated, but a couple of long passes by Barrett in the second quarter opened things up for Ohio State's offense.  Overall, the young QB had a great night, throwing for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns, while adding another 86 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground.  The defense still showed obvious flaws, as tackling fundamentals were lacking throughout.  But the offense did plenty to notch a huge 49 - 37 win over Michigan State, which essentially gives the Buckeyes a 2-game lead over the Spartans in the Big Ten East.  But Ohio State has their eye on much more than a division title, as they will undoubtedly move up the rankings after the statement victory.  However, a tricky match-up awaits next week, as OSU travels to take on a very good Minnesota team that has flown under the radar for much of the season.

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

I was not even close with this one, as only one of the six games fit the criteria.  It started with Baylor dismantling Oklahoma 48 - 14.  Then Arizona State capitalized on the mistake-prone Irish in a 55 - 31 win.  In the night games, TCU pounded Kansas State 41 - 20, while Ohio State picked apart Michigan State 49 - 37.  The only close game was Alabama's 20 - 13 overtime win over LSU.  Despite the lopsided scores, it was still a fun weekend in college football.  Now we wait to see the new CFP rankings as the dust settles from these big-time games.

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

Yay!

Week 11 record: 3 - 2
Overall record: 22 - 33

Other headlines from week 11:

Auburn's luck runs out

The past two years it has seemed like Auburn was always on the winning side of close games (save the national championship versus Florida State).  From the game-winning TD return on the missed field goal against Alabama last year, to the endzone fumble by Ole Miss which preserved the Tiger's win over the Rebels just one week ago.  They had earned the title "Team of Destiny" based on these crazy outcomes that always seemed to swing in their favor.  But after Saturday it seems Auburn will be destined to watch other teams duke it out for a national title as they suffered their second loss of the season.  It was Texas A&M who had fate on their side, as they recovered two late fumbles by the Tigers, including one on the goal-line.  Auburn fell to the Aggies, 41 - 38, and look to fall in the rankings as well.

Ultimate face-palm by Utah wide receiver

The Utes were leading Oregon 7 - 0 at the beginning of the second quarter when Travis Wilson hit Kaelin Clay in stride for what appeared to be a 79-yard touchdown pass.  But an inexplicable blunder by the wide receiver led to Oregon tying it at 7, instead of a 14 - 0 lead for Utah.  It may not have changed the final outcome, as the Ducks went on to win by 24, but you never know.  This was clearly a momentum shift and a play that I'm sure is leaving the Utes wondering what-if.  You just have to watch it.