Week 11 in College Football
The games are over and done, and the Playoff picture is still as clear as mud. Here’s what happened in a wild week 11 in college football:
Clemson 31, Florida State 14
If you told me in late August that this would be the score of this game, I would have expected it to be a Surprise of the Week. Instead, I’m surprised the ‘Noles managed two scores. Their problems go far deeper than Deondre Francois being out.
Ohio State 48, Michigan State 3
This year’s Big Ten, more specifically the Big Ten East, is making my head swim. A week after upsetting Penn State, Sparty does this?
As for the Buckeyes, where was this a week ago? The word that comes to mind to describe their performance against Iowa is “hapless”.
Oklahoma State 49, Iowa State 42
The Cyclones have officially turned back into a pumpkin. Their four-game win streak was a great story, and there are positives for the team. First and foremost, they’re bowl-eligible with six wins. Secondly, their losses have been by three, 10, four, and seven points- no blowouts. Finally, with Baylor next on the schedule, it’s probably safe to assume they get at least one more victory. They’ve done all of this with multiple injuries at quarterback, too. As of yesterday, they’re down to the fourth-stringer.
LSU 33, Arkansas 10
LSU is a maddeningly inconsistent team. This week the Good Tigers showed up. Quarterback Danny Etling avoided interceptions and hit D.J. Chark for two scores, and Derrius Guice rushed for three. Linebackers Devin White and Donnie Alexander combined for 26 total tackles.
The Tigers’ one glaring weakness is the kicking game, where Connor Culp missed a field goal and two extra points.
Uniform of the Week
I don’t have a particular uniform for this week, but props to all the schools doing something with their uniforms to honor veterans. I know each Minnesota player had the name of an alum who is serving or has served on the back of his helmet. Arizona State wore alternate uniforms designed (I believe) to match Pat Tillman’s camo. I think most teams had at least a helmet decal or jersey patch of some type.
Surprise(s) of the Week
Miami 41, Notre Dame 8 As a child of the eighties, I found this game incredibly nostalgic. I had zero interest in football as a kid, but I was always aware of this game due to my father’s animosity toward both programs. He hated both Lou Holtz and Jimmy Johnson with a passion. As an adult and the girlfriend of an Irish fan, I found myself pulling for The U in this game so I wouldn’t have to hear about it all week.
As for the game itself… woof. It was basically over after the first quarter. Miami’s offense was moving the ball at will, and Notre Dame was moving the ball to Miami’s defense at will.
Auburn 40, Georgia 17 I really wish I had watched this game so I would have some idea of what the hell happened. I see Auburn held Sony Michel and Nick Chubb to a combined 48 rushing yards, and that Bulldogs quarterback Jake Fromm rushed for minus-33. It’s amazing what a good run defense will do for you.
Was it really just a month ago that Auburn blew that big lead and lost to LSU? The (Auburn) Tigers will likely move way up in the rankings this week.
Those are my random ponderings on week 11 in college football. Apologies for the shorter-than-normal column this week; I’ve been sick since Thursday and wasn’t alert enough for my normal amount of channel-surfing yesterday. I plan to be healthy and ready for action next Saturday. Have a great week everybody, and thank you to all our veterans!
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