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Week 11 of the college football season was nothing short of exhilarating. With a mix of upsets, big-time performances, and playoff implications hanging in the balance, the weekend had it all. Teams vying for spots in the College Football Playoff (CFP) found themselves in the midst of some chaotic scenarios, while others took advantage of key wins to solidify their status as contenders.
Alabama football appears to be back in a big way. After a rocky start to the season, the Crimson Tide has found their formula for success: dominant defense, a powerful running game, and quarterback Jalen Milroe leading the charge.
The team’s 271 rushing yards against Missouri and 311 yards against LSU prove they can impose their will on the ground, something we’ve come to expect from Alabama teams under Nick Saban. Milroe, in particular, has been a force on the ground, utilizing his legs to take control of games. When he’s rolling downhill, he might be the most intimidating force in college football right now.
As Alabama heads into the final stretch of the season, including matchups against Mercer, Oklahoma, and Auburn, they have positioned themselves as serious contenders for the CFP. If they can continue their dominant style of play, they’ll be a tough team to beat come playoff time.
Ole Miss football had an incredible weekend, proving that their off-season investments were well worth it. The team’s boosters backed a number of high-profile recruits, and it paid off in a major way. Players like Walter Nolan, Juice Wells, and Chris Paul Jr. made their presence felt on the field, showing why they were worth the investment.
Now, with a favorable schedule ahead—including games against Florida and Mississippi State—Ole Miss is very much in the hunt for a spot in the CFP. The team has a solid mix of talent, with a disruptive front seven, explosive playmakers on offense, and an experienced quarterback. If Ole Miss can win out, they’ll be a dangerous wildcard in the playoff race.
Indiana football made a huge statement by defeating Michigan in Week 11, a victory that will reverberate throughout the Big Ten. While Michigan has had its struggles this season, beating a name-brand team like the Wolverines is a monumental achievement for Indiana.
The optics of Indiana’s victory will have long-lasting effects, especially among recruits who will now take the Hoosiers more seriously. Indiana’s win might not be enough to propel them into the top echelon of the Big Ten, but it shows that the program is heading in the right direction. If Indiana can knock off Ohio State in a few weeks, it would elevate their status even further.
Georgia, the reigning national champion, has not looked like themselves in 2024. They have struggled to establish their running game, and the defense—once the backbone of their success—has been inconsistent. Georgia’s inability to impose their will at the line of scrimmage, coupled with unforced turnovers, has made them more vulnerable than we’ve seen in recent years.
This has especially been evident on the road, where the Bulldogs have looked less mentally tough than in previous seasons. With a daunting matchup against Tennessee on the horizon, things are about to get even tougher for Georgia. If they can’t improve their offensive line play and run game, their hopes of a third consecutive national title might be dashed.
The Miami Hurricanes were one of the last hopes for the ACC to send multiple teams to the College Football Playoff. However, their loss to SMU in Week 11 effectively ended those dreams. A 12-1 Miami team might have still had a shot at the CFP, but an 11-2 record now leaves them with little room for error.
Now, with the ACC looking weaker down the stretch and the Big 12 in a similar position, it seems increasingly unlikely that any non-SEC or non-Big Ten team will make a real push for the playoff. Miami’s loss has significantly dampened the chances of the ACC sending more than one team to the postseason.
Florida football had one of the most difficult weeks in recent memory. Despite a strong roster and a promising coaching staff under Billy Napier, the Gators were pummeled by an up-and-coming SEC rival. With injuries ravaging their offensive lineup and defensive struggles, Florida couldn’t get much going against one of the top teams in the country.
The pressure on Napier to produce results is mounting, especially with his job seemingly safe for another year. But as the season progresses, Florida fans are beginning to question whether their team will ever compete with the top programs in the SEC. The Gators need a lot of work, and it’s clear that they’re not yet at the level of other top SEC teams like Alabama and LSU.
The College Football Playoff picture has gotten more complicated than ever. With the addition of the 12-team format, we’re seeing a chaotic mix of teams vying for a spot, some of which might not have a chance in previous years.
Alabama and Ole Miss are looking strong for a playoff berth, but the SEC remains as competitive as ever. Teams like Georgia, LSU, and even Texas still have paths to the playoff, but they need to avoid mistakes in their upcoming games.
Miami’s loss likely sealed the ACC’s fate for a one-team playoff bid, leaving the door wide open for the Big Ten and SEC to dominate. But there’s still a chance that Notre Dame or a surprising team from the Big 12 could make a late push for the final spots.
Indiana’s win over Michigan could signal the start of a new era for the Hoosiers, but they’ll need to continue to rise to the occasion in order to crack the top tiers of the Big Ten.
As the final weeks of the season unfold, fans can expect more chaos, with rankings shifting weekly and surprises around every corner.
Week 11 of the 2024 college football season was a reminder of why we love the sport. From Bama’s resurgence to the chaos brewing in the SEC, to a few programs making waves for the first time, the landscape of college football has never been more thrilling.
As we look ahead to the final weeks of the season, the playoff race is far from decided, and anything can happen. Whether your team is on the rise or facing an uphill battle, there’s still plenty of football to be played, and the stakes have never been higher.
If you’re enjoying the rollercoaster ride that is the 2024 college football season, make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action! Subscribe to the GSMC College Football Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube at GSMC Sports Network. Leave a review to let us know your thoughts on Week 11 and share your predictions for the playoff race!
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