With rivalry week on the horizon, some teams may start to overlook their week 11 opponents? Several teams face trap games that could spoil their season. We’re also looking at a BIG 10 matchup that could prove just how good the Indiana Hoosiers really are. Here’s a look at five matchups you should look out for.
No.5 Indiana Hoosiers @ No.2 Ohio State Buckeyes | Kickoff at 11:00 a.m. on FOX
It’s a big game in the Horseshoe as Ohio State hosts undefeated Indiana, Conference and playoff implications are on the line. The Hoosiers are off to their best start since 1967, but haven’t beaten the Buckeyes since 1988. This game is the marquee matchup of the weekend, but I’m going to be honest, it won’t. Ohio State will win and win big. I think they make a statement and expose Indiana. The Hoosiers are still a quality team, but I just don’t think they have been tested or have the quality of players like the Buckeyes. Ohio State 35 | Indiana 14
No.14 BYU Cougars @ No.21 Arizona State Sun Devils | Kickoff @ 2:30 p.m. on ESPN
An intriguing matchup in the BIG 12 features two teams surging this season. The Cougars currently sit in a playoff spot at the moment, but cannot afford to lose the rest of the season. Meanwhile, the Sun Devils have a chance to make a late push for the conference title and a playoff spot. They are coming off a statement win at Kansas State last week. BYU looks to bounce back after losing to Kansas at home. I think it will be a close game, but I like Arizona State to win again and put themselves in the thick of the BIG 12 conversation. Arizona State 34 | BYU 27
No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions @ Minnesota Golden Gophers | Kickoff @ 2:30 p.m. on CBS
Another trap game this week for Penn State. This time they travel to Minnesota where they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Golden Gophers have already played spoiler this year, with upsets over ranked USC and Illinois.However they are trying to bounce back after a tough loss at Rutgers. I think we see chaos in Minneapolis and that the Golden Gophers will down Penn State. Minnesota 27 | Penn State 20
No.16 Colorado Buffaloes @ Kansas Jayhawks | Kickoff @ 2:30 p.m. on FOX
Colorado looks to essentially place themselves in the BIG 12 Championship game when they face Kansas away. The Jayhawks are feeling good after an upset in Provo against BYU. Lawrence is known for taking down ranked opponents in the past and I think it could happen again, but I think Colorado has been so good in the second half of the season. I really like their offense and Travis Hunter has been the real deal. Buffaloes win this one. Colorado 38 | Kansas 21
No.19 Army Black Knights @ No.6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Kickoff @ 6:00 p.m. on NBC
I am looking forward to this game so much. Army looks to put it all on the line when they travel to South Bend to face Notre Dame. The Black Knights are three wins away from possibly making the College Football Playoff. They need some teams to lose in front of them, but winning this game to me gives the committee a reason to put them in over Boise State. However, I just don’t see it happening. Notre Dame has been solid and their defense has dramatically improved. I think Army hangs around, but falls in a game closer than expected. Notre Dame 20 | Army 10
