College Football Week 11 Preview: Indiana vs PSU Predictions

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Leaves are changing, the air’s got that crisp edge, and college football fans everywhere are buzzing. Week 11 is almost here, and it honestly might be one of the most exciting stretches of the season.

There are big matchups coming and, honestly, a few possible upsets lurking out there. From Indiana’s battle with Penn State to a handful of other pivotal showdowns, this week could really shake up the race for conference titles and those all-important bowl game spots.

So, what’s actually worth watching in Week 11?

Table of Contents

Key Matchups to Watch

Week 11 is stacked with games that could totally change the college football landscape. There’s no shortage of high-stakes drama, and if you like surprises, you’ll probably get a couple.

Indiana vs. Penn State

Indiana takes on Penn State, and there’s a lot riding on it for both sides. Indiana’s been a resilient bunch this year, but honestly, they’ll have to be at their absolute best to hang with a strong Nittany Lions squad.

Penn State wants to lock in their spot near the top of the conference. They’re also out to prove something with a convincing win. For more on this matchup, here’s the Fox Sports preview.

Other Notable Games

Of course, Indiana-Penn State isn’t the only game worth your time. A few others jump off the schedule:

Alabama vs. LSU: This rivalry never disappoints, and it could have real playoff consequences.
Ohio State vs. Purdue: Ohio State wants to keep rolling, but Purdue’s been known to pull off a shocker or two.
Michigan vs. Penn State: Penn State’s got another big test here, and Michigan’s not exactly an easy out.

Potential Upsets

Let’s be real—college football is at its best when underdogs make some noise. Week 11 might just deliver a few surprises.

Underdogs to Watch

Here are a few teams that could flip the script this week:

Arkansas vs. Florida: Arkansas has had moments of brilliance, and Florida’s been kind of up and down.
Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State: Texas Tech’s offense can light it up, which might be a headache for Oklahoma State’s defense.
UTSA vs. UAB: UTSA’s been a wild card in their conference and could give UAB a real fight.

Players to Watch

Sometimes, one player tilts the whole game. Week 11’s got a handful of guys who could be the difference-makers.

Star Quarterbacks

Quarterbacks tend to grab the spotlight. These three could seriously shape their teams’ fortunes this week:

Bryce Young (Alabama): Young’s been steady and sharp all year, and he’ll be huge in the LSU game.
C.J. Stroud (Ohio State): Stroud’s play has powered Ohio State, and he’ll look to keep that going against Purdue.
Kedon Slovis (USC): Slovis is a wildcard—when he’s on, he can swing a game in a hurry.

Defensive Standouts

Defense might not get the same love, but these guys could really leave their mark this week:

Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama): Anderson’s ability to wreck plays makes him a nightmare for LSU’s offense.
Kayvon Thibodeaux (Oregon): Thibodeaux’s pass rush could change the whole feel of Oregon’s next game.
Jaquan Brisker (Penn State): Brisker’s knack for making big plays in the secondary will matter against Indiana.

Implications for the Playoff Picture

Every game matters more now. Week 11 could really shake up who stays in the hunt for a College Football Playoff spot.

Top Contenders

Here’s who’s sitting pretty at the moment, but nothing’s guaranteed:

Georgia Bulldogs: Georgia’s unbeaten and honestly look like a machine right now.
Alabama Crimson Tide: Alabama’s always in the mix, but they can’t afford to slip.
Oklahoma Sooners: Oklahoma scores in bunches, but one bad week could knock them out of contention.

Teams on the Bubble

Several teams are on the bubble this week. They really need strong performances in Week 11 to keep their playoff dreams alive:

Oregon Ducks: Oregon absolutely needs a win this week to stay in the playoff conversation.
Michigan Wolverines: Michigan has to pull off a victory to keep their hopes alive.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Notre Dame needs to play consistently if they want to stick around in the hunt.

Week 11 of college football is shaping up to be huge. There are key matchups, potential upsets, and standout performances that could shake up the playoff race.

Honestly, fans should buckle up—this weekend might get wild.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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