Week 11 College Football Predictions: Iowa and Texas Tech Home Wins

College football never really sits still, does it? Week 11’s already stirred up a storm of speculation and drama.

With coaching changes, surprising team performances, and a handful of key matchups, the season’s landscape just keeps shifting. Let’s dig into predictions, team breakdowns, and the players making this season so wild.

From the Power 4 to the Group of 5, a lot’s at stake. We’ll look at what’s driving results and, honestly, what fans might want to brace for next.

Coaching Changes and Team Dynamics

Another Power 4 coach got the boot this week, making it nine job openings across the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12. The pressure on these coaches? It’s unreal. Since the College Football Playoff began in 2014, only LSU has managed to snag a national championship, and that was back in 2019.

Florida State and Clemson Struggles

Florida State and Clemson just can’t catch a break this season. After dropping lawsuits against the ACC and working out a new revenue split based on TV viewership, their combined league record is a rough 3-8.

This week’s matchup in Death Valley should be a shootout. Clemson’s Cade Klubnik could throw for more than 400 yards, helping Clemson cover the 2.5-point spread in what looks like a nail-biter.

Key Matchups and Predictions

There’s no shortage of juicy games lined up. Some of them could shake up the playoff picture in a big way.

San Diego State vs. Hawaii

San Diego State leads the Mountain West, and a lot of that comes down to first-year coordinator Rob Aurich’s defense. They’re seven-point favorites against Hawaii.

Lucky Sutton, the top rusher in the conference, looks set for a monster game—think 190+ yards and two touchdowns. Hawaii’s tough, but the Aztecs probably squeak out a four-point win.

Penn State vs. Indiana

Penn State’s receivers have had a tough go, with only Devonte Ross hitting 100 yards in a game this season. Meanwhile, Indiana’s managed five such performances.

The Hoosiers, historically 2-25 against Penn State, roll into State College as 15.5-point favorites. Expect Penn State to hang in for three quarters, but Indiana’s Omar Cooper might just seal it with a late touchdown, giving the Hoosiers a 14-point victory.

Memphis vs. Tulane

According to Austin Mock’s model, Memphis and Tulane are neck and neck for the Group of 5 Playoff spot. Memphis quarterback Brendon Lewis isn’t at 100%, which could matter a lot.

Tulane’s pass defense and red zone struggles might get exposed by Memphis. Greg Desrosiers Jr. could rack up 100+ total yards and two scores. Memphis by three, but it’ll be close.

Notable Performances and Upsets

Some players and teams are ready to steal the spotlight this week. A few underdogs might even pull off something wild.

Texas Tech vs. BYU

ESPN’s “College GameDay” heads to Lubbock for the first time since 2008. Texas Tech’s been rock solid at home under Joey McGuire, going 18-3 as a favorite.

The Red Raiders’ run defense should keep BYU under 100 rushing yards. That ought to be enough for a 13-point Texas Tech win.

Alabama vs. LSU

Alabama’s just about unbeatable at home lately, sitting at 23-1 as a favorite since 2022. Even with a new coach, LSU’s run game probably can’t take advantage of Alabama’s weak spots.

Ty Simpson, Alabama’s quarterback, should keep rolling—expect over 250 passing yards and two touchdowns as Alabama wins by two scores.

Oregon vs. Iowa

Oregon’s got a rough stretch ahead, starting with a trip to Kinnick to face Iowa. Dante Moore leads the Big Ten in road passing efficiency, but Iowa’s defense might have the final say.