Week 11 had a lot of hype, as there were many key games taking place between ranked teams, and playoff contending teams. All those games certainly lived up to the hype. Many wild finishes, and crazy plays all over the country provided for some fireworks.
What started as a good game turned into a rout in Lexington, as #20 Georgia ran away from the bowl hungry Wildcats, 63-31. Down in Norman, #12 Baylor took on #15 Oklahoma. This game early in the season looked to be the possible BIG 12 championship game, but recent losses from both teams took that chance away. It was still a big game though, and Baylor came out with their first ever win in Norman, 48-14. #9 Arizona State, held off a late rally from #10 Notre Dame, in front of a raucous crowd. The 55-31 victory was perhaps the biggest win in program history, as the Sun Devils’ playoff chances are still very much alive. #1 Mississippi State, and #2 Florida State both passed their cupcake home games as well.
The biggest shocker of the day came in Auburn, as the #3 Auburn Tigers were stunned by the unranked Texas A&M Aggies at home. Auburn self-destructed in the final minutes, with two unforced fumbles in scoring position. This loss virtually eliminates Auburn from playoff contention.
The three biggest games of the night were in prime time. The #6 TCU Horned Frogs made a huge statement, shellacking #7 Kansas State 41-20, in Fort Worth. This win could leapfrog them into the 4th playoff spot for now. BIG 10 powers collided in cold and rainy East Lansing. #14 Ohio State came in and thwarted any chance that #8 Michigan had of making the playoff, winning 49-37. The most thrilling game of the night was provided by #16 LSU, and #5 Alabama. Two bitter rivals met yet again with so much on the line. Death Valley, as always, was rocking. It was a close game, but late penalties, (one of which was on a kickoff that could have sealed the game for LSU), proved too costly for the Tigers. Alabama escaped Baton Rouge 20-13, keeping their playoff chances alive.
Late night in Salt Lake City, #4 Oregon escaped with a 51-27 over the #17 Utah Utes. Utah looked to have all the momentum, until a 74 yard touchdown pass, was dropped at the 1 yard line before crossing the goal line, and was then returned by Oregon for a touchdown. It was a careless mistake by the receiver, and it very well could have been what cost Utah the game. Winning out almost certainly puts Oregon in the playoff.
As always, there are very key match-ups in the SEC next week. The #1 Mississippi State Bulldogs travel to Tuscaloosa to take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Georgia hosts Auburn, in a key SEC West vs East game. Nebraska faces Wisconsin in a possible deciding game in the BIG 10 West division. Some upsets to look out for: Maryland hosting the shocked Michigan State Spartans in a sure to be fired up Byrd Stadium. Florida State faces possibly their last chance to lose, as they travel to Miami to face the Hurricanes. Arizona State looks to not fall into a trap game against Oregon State in Corvallis, and Minnesota hosting Ohio State, who is coming off a big win.