Miami, BYU face their first losses? Bold predictions for College Football Week 11
With only four weeks left in the college football season, the intensity is increasing for teams vying for positions in the College Football Playoff and conference championships.
In Week 11, there’s a chance for upsets to shake things up. Some critical matchups across the Power Four conferences could transform the postseason landscape for the teams involved, among others. The challenge lies in predicting when and where these surprising outcomes might happen nationwide.
That’s where the team from YSL News Sports comes in. Experts Scooby Axson, Jordan Mendoza, Paul Myerberg, Erick Smith, and Eddie Timanus share their daring predictions for Week 1 of the college football season:
Napier’s Job Security on the Line: Texas Rout Looms
This Saturday, the Florida Gators will visit the Texas Longhorns in Austin. As the game approaches (with Texas favored by three touchdowns), if things unfold as anticipated, Coach Napier is likely to keep his job for the remainder of the season—regardless of whether Texas wins by 1 point or 50. The details of that scenario are not particularly significant, especially given the vague press release from the university’s athletic director.
Let’s consider an alternative scenario: what if Florida manages to win their next three games, including home matches against LSU and Ole Miss—both of whom have serious postseason ambitions? While that seems unlikely, is the decision to hold onto the $26.7 million buyout really a strategy, or just a delay of the inevitable? Perhaps that money could be better used elsewhere, like for player payments. — Scooby Axson
Miami’s Undefeated Streak Ends
The Hurricanes have played a risky game this season, managing to remain unbeaten until now. However, that could change as they head to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets started strong with a 5-2 record but have recently fallen with two consecutive losses. An important factor in those games was the absence of quarterback Haynes King due to an injury. After a bye week, he is expected to return, providing a needed boost to Georgia Tech’s offense. This time, Miami may not pull off another last-minute victory. — Jordan Mendoza
BYU Faces First Defeat Against Rival Utah
In a surprising twist, Utah could upset BYU in their fierce rivalry. The Utes, dealing with a season plagued by injuries, find inspiration in the Holy War rivalry match. Delivering BYU their first loss would not only be a significant win but also complicate matters for playoff spots and the Big 12 race. For this to happen, the Utes’ offense, which has struggled lately, must find its rhythm. If there’s a time for Utah to play a complete game, it could be this Saturday night. — Paul Myerberg
Colorado’s Streak Ends at Texas Tech
Deion Sanders’ squad has had a remarkable debut season in the Big 12, winning four out of their first five games and contending for a conference championship and a College Football Playoff spot. However, road games in unfamiliar territories can present challenges, and Lubbock is a place known for unexpected outcomes. With the Red Raiders playing well, and a lively atmosphere expected, Colorado might struggle in this match-up, giving Texas Tech the advantage. — Erick Smith
Army’s Winning Streak Ends at North Texas
I feel compelled to express my apologies for this prediction, and I secretly hope to be wrong. I have great admiration for the service academies and believe that their success is beneficial to college football. However, it seems Army’s luck may run out at North Texas.
It’s not just that quarterback Bryson Daily’s status is uncertain; even if he plays, Army will need to score significantly to secure a win. North Texas boasts the most potent offense Army has faced so far, averaging over 40 points and 527.6 total yards per game, which equates to over seven yards per play.
Army can certainly move the ball; North Texas isn’t invulnerable on defense, especially against an option-style offense. But the Black Knights may have trouble halting North Texas’ attack, and any offensive errors will be crucial. Unfortunately, I think the dream of an unbeaten season for Army will come to an end here. — Eddie Timanus