This past week we celebrated the first ever game of college football. This week we also have the game of the season to this point. Lets look at last week first, Thursday night we had two unbeaten play. Baylor remained unbeaten and Appalachian State dropped their first game to Georgia Southern. Georgia took control of the SEC East with a seven point win over Florida. It was not a drama filled week, but we are due for one this week. The initial playoff rankings came out on Tuesday night so we are going to post the real rankings and our rankings here at DISPN.
DISPN Top 6
4 Clemson vs 1 LSU
3 Alabama vs 2 Ohio State
5 Penn State
6 Georgia
CFP Top 6
4 Penn State vs 1 Ohio State
3 Alabama vs 2 LSU
5 Clemson
6 Georgia
While, there are some differences in each ranking, here is what we know. We know that the entire top 4 will play another top 4 team before selection Sunday. We also know that Georgia may get a shot at Alabama or LSU. A lot to be decided, but here is where we stand.
Week 11 Picks (all times central)
Penn State vs Minnesota 11:00am ABC (Pick: Penn State)
Baylor vs TCU 11:00am FS1 (Pick: Baylor)
USC vs Arizona State 2:30 ABC (Pick: USC)
Kansas State vs Texas 2:30 ESPN (Pick: Texas)
Wake Forest vs Virginia Tech 2:30 ACCN (Pick: Wake Forest)
Iowa vs Wisconsin 3:00 FOX (Pick: Wisconsin)
Tennessee vs Kentucky 6:30 SECN (Pick: Tennessee)
Clemson vs North Carolina State 6:30 ABC (Pick: Clemson)
Iowa State vs Oklahoma 7:00 FOX (Pick: Oklahoma)
This is a big week for the sport and we have not even touched the game of the week. The 11:00am games we are picking are going to play a large part in the playoff. If Penn State wins, then we may be headed for a battle of unbeaten in two weeks when they play Ohio State. If Penn State loses, then we may be seeing a surprise team coming up. Baylor could set up a battle for the BIG12 next week with Oklahoma. The USC game is not playoff altering, but they do have a shot at the PAC12 south title. If they won this division instead of Utah, then it would be bad for Oregon. USC needs help, but its not impossible yet. In the ACC, Clemson can clinch the ACC Atlantic division this week with a win and Wake Forest loss. The two of those teams play next week, in what could be an important game. Madison, WI should be pressing the panic button as they are in serious danger of losing a third straight game. Why are we picking Tennessee-Kentucky? Tennessee had an ugly start to the season, but now at 4 wins they have a shot at a bowl game. The winner of this game will make a bowl, the loser will probably finish at 5-7.
Game of the Week
LSU vs Alabama 2:30 CBS
When the schedule is released every year we always look for the date of this game. This date is then circled by both fanbases and maybe the whole conference as a "do nothing" day. This game has not been this big since 2011 when they played the Game of the Century. It is going to be an absolute war in Bryant Denny on Saturday. It may look very different though. We usually see the winner of this game score somewhere between seventeen and twenty-four points in a great year. Other than that it is usually low scoring. This year is different. LSU is different. No more ground and pound Tiger football. This is run and gun Tiger Football. LSU has not beaten Alabama since 2011 in Bryant Denny when it was 9-6 in OT. Alabama would win the rematch in the National Championship Game 21-0. Alabama has the team and motivation to win a national championship this year after last seasons end. LSU has a very great team. This is tough pick for anyone in football. Tua Tagovailoa may not be 100%. As of this writing (Friday afternoon) he is a game-time decision. LSU has a bad history of losing big games to Alabama and by a lot of points since 2011. One note here: If Alabama wins this game they will not win the national championship if they finish undefeated heading into the playoff. Sometimes you run into a team of destiny and sometimes you just get got. I expect Tua to play, but Alabama has flaws. LSU has flaws they let Florida and Auburn hang around. At halftime this game could be in the 20s for both teams. These teams will play again whether it be in Atlanta(Peach Bowl) or Glendale(Fiesta Bowl) or even New Orleans(National Championship). This year just feels different and that different can be said in two words GEAUX TIGERS! 45-42.
(Pick: LSU)
Have a magical day and we will SEE YA! real soon.
