Week 11 may not be overflowing with marquee matchups, but Sportsvival has its eyes locked on three heavyweight showdowns that could reshape conference races and playoff narratives. From a high-octane Big 12 clash in Lubbock, to a gritty SEC battle in Columbia where Missouri turns to a freshman quarterback, and finally a hostile trip to Iowa City for Oregon’s playoff-hunting Ducks, these games promise physicality, drama, and NFL-caliber talent on both sides of the ball.
#8 (8-0) BYU Cougars at #9 (8-1) Texas Tech Red Raiders
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 8 | 12:00 PM ET | FOX Location: Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX
This top-10 Big 12 clash features two of the league’s most complete teams. BYU rides the arm of senior QB Jake Retzlaff, while Texas Tech counters with veteran Behren Morton and a defense led by the nation’s sack leader. Expect fireworks and fourth-quarter drama in a game that could preview the Big 12 title matchup.
Key Players
Bear Bachmeier, QB – BYU: Freshman leader with 1,693 passing yards and 11 TDs
LJ Martin, RB – BYU: Junior back averaging 6.0 YPC with 5 TDs
Behren Morton, QB – Texas Tech: Senior with 1,750 passing yards and 15 TDs
David Bailey, EDGE – Texas Tech:11.5 sacks and 27 total tackles
Predicted Score: Texas Tech- 43 BYU- 22
#3 (8-0) Texas A&M Aggies at #19 (6-2) Missouri Tigers
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 8 | 3:30 PM ET | CBS Location: Faurot Field, Columbia, MO
Texas A&M remains unbeaten, but Missouri must regroup after losing QB Beau Pribula to a dislocated ankle. True freshman Matt Zollers steps in, making his first career start in a high-stakes SEC showdown. The Tigers will lean on RB Ahmad Hady and a physical front to support their young signal-caller, while the Aggies counter with QB Marcel Reed and a disruptive defensive line.
Key Players
Marcel Reed, QB – Texas A&M: Junior with 1,972 passing yards and 17 TDs
Rueben Owens II, RB – Texas A&M: Sophomore with 440 rushing yards and 3 TDs
Ahmad Hardy, RB – Missouri: 937 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns
Zion Young, DE – Missouri: Veteran pass rusher has 25 tackles and 5 sacks.
Predicted Score: Texas A&M- 31 Missouri- 10
#6 (7-1) Oregon Ducks at (6-2) Iowa Hawkeyes
Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 8 | 7:00 PM ET | ABC Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
Oregon heads into one of college football’s most intimidating venues. Sophomore QB Dante Moore leads the Ducks’ dynamic offense, while Iowa counters with a top-5 scoring defense and a punishing front seven. Expect a low-scoring, field-position battle where special teams and turnovers loom large.
Key Players
Dante Moore, QB – Oregon: Sophomore with 1,772 passing yards and 19 TDs
Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE – Oregon: Relentless pass rusher has 4 sacks.
Mark Gronowski, QB – Iowa: Senior with 946 passing yards and 4 TDs
Kamari Moulton, RB – Iowa: Sophomore averaging 5.3 YPC with 2 TDs
Predicted Score: Oregon- 27 Iowa- 9
(photo courtesy of NBC)