Top five Week 11 college football games

As college football enters Week 11, the importance of each game is heightened thanks to the first rankings of the season from the College Football Playoff committee. Most teams cannot afford another loss, which essentially expands the playoff out a few weeks beginning now.

Here are the top five games of the week, ranked in inverse order. All rankings are CFP rankings.

5. No. 9 BYU (8-0) at Utah (4-4) | Saturday | 10:15 p.m. ET | ESPN

This one is worth staying up late for. It’s one of the more heated rivalries in college football, but it’s also a conference matchup again for the first time since 2010. BYU is currently looking at a first-round bye in the CFP, but Utah would love to hand the Cougars their first loss, knocking them out of a first-round bye in the process. Utah’s chances come down to quarterback play. Isaac Wilson and Brandon Rose have split first-team reps in practice, but head coach Kyle Whittingham won’t announce a starter prior to Saturday’s tilt.

Prediction: It may not be easy, but BYU will win due to Utah’s suspect QB play, 28-13.

4. Michigan (5-4) at No. 8 Indiana (8-0) | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | CBS

At this point in the season, nobody is expecting Michigan to win in Bloomington. The Hoosiers are for real, and despite a soft schedule thus far, the committee handed them the No. 8 ranking. Ahead of IU’s Nov. 23 matchup at No. 2 Ohio State, the Hoosiers could use a convincing win over the Wolverines. Expect it to be thanks to a dominant defense. The Hoosiers have allowed an average of 11.3 points per game over the last three games.

Prediction: Indiana wins easily, 35-14, setting up a massive showdown in Columbus on Nov. 23.

3. No. 20 Colorado (6-2) at Texas Tech (6-3) | Saturday | 4 p.m. ET | Fox

Deion Sanders and Colorado are very much in the thick of the Big 12 race, sitting a game behind BYU and tied with No. 17 Iowa State. The Buffaloes’ last loss came after a bye week (Oct. 12 to No. 18 Kansas State). The Red Raiders snapped a two-game skid last week and upset Iowa State. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been efficient in his last five games, completing 79.7% of his passes. He’ll be the reason Colorado leaves Lubbock with a win.

Prediction: This one will be close, but Sanders is the difference for Colorado, 38-33.

2. No. 3 Georgia (7-1) at No. 16 Ole Miss (7-2) | Saturday | 3:30 p.m. ET | ESPN

Ole Miss is on the outside looking in on the CFP, but a win on Saturday would get it back in the picture. A fine-tuned offense like last week’s at Arkansas would be a big help to defeating Georgia. The Rebels averaged just 18 points in their first four SEC games but scored 63 last week. The Ole Miss offense can outpace Georgia’s, but can the Ole Miss defense find a couple of key stops against the Dawgs offense? Putting pressure on UGA quarterback Carson Beck is key. He’s thrown six interceptions in the last two games. Get after him and make him make quick decisions.

Prediction: Ole Miss keeps its playoff hopes alive, 34-27.

1. No. 11 Alabama (6-2) at No. 15 LSU (6-2) | Saturday | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC

Saturday night in Death Valley for Alabama vs. LSU. It doesn’t get much better. These two are competing for a playoff spot. It will be difficult for the loser to get back in the picture. The quarterbacks are so important to each team’s success. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier always has the green light to throw (208-of-333, 2627 yards, 20 TD), while Bama’s Jalen Milroe can change a game with his arm or legs (7 rush TD). Both teams had a bye week to prepare so expect a close game.

Prediction: LSU sends Alabama home with a loss, 31-30.