By Ty Scheiner
The first rankings are out from the College Football Playoff committee, and whether you agree or not, they’ve given us a look into how the members are thinking. As we enter Week 11, games are becoming even more crucial. For some teams, there’s zero room for error if they want a shot at the playoff, others are fighting for bowl eligibility, while some are just out here trying to play spoiler in the weeks to come. Here are my three players to keep an eye on as we head into Week 11.
Ryan Williams and Alabama Look to Stave Off Playoff Elimination
In what might be looked at as an elimination game in the SEC, Alabama and LSU face off this Saturday night in Death Valley. The Tigers’ defense has been giving up an average of 230 yards through the air and 22.8 points per game this season. I think we’re due for another big game from Ryan Williams, which this Alabama offense will need if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. Williams is averaging 20.1 yards per reception this year, with 702 total receiving yards and seven scores. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Williams make a few eye-catching plays under the lights at Tiger Stadium.
Jalon Daniels and Kansas Aim to Play Spoiler Against Iowa State
Although Kansas is having a down year compared to expectations, they have had a few close games that could have flipped their current record. Having said that, the Jayhawks and Jalon Daniels have a chance to play spoiler this weekend against Iowa State and their Big 12 conference title hopes.
The Cyclones have a very solid passing defense, ranking in the top half only giving up 146.6 yards through the air, 165 yards on the ground and 15.5 points per game. It’s not going to be easy, but I do believe Kansas is a better team than their 2-6 record shows and think that this can be a competitive game, but Daniels will need to have a big game through the air, on the ground and play mistake-free football in order to give Kansas a shot at the upset.
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Kanye Udoh Aims to Run Wild Against the Mean Green
There are a few storylines in this game. First, it’s likely to be a high-scoring, exciting G5 matchup. Second, Bryson Daily is expected to play, but at the time of writing, his status is still unconfirmed. And lastly, Army still has a legit shot at winning the AAC and potentially getting into the playoff.
The matchup I’m most interested in? Army’s rushing attack against North Texas’ porous defense. I’d normally pick Daily, but with his status uncertain, I’m going with Kanye Udoh, who stepped up big in Daily’s absence last week. North Texas is giving up 177 rushing yards per game, and Army just ran for 195 yards against Air Force’s weak run defense. Udoh tallied 158 yards and two touchdowns in that game, and for the season, he has nine rushing touchdowns with an average of 6.9 yards per carry. Look for the Black Knights to run wild on the Mean Green.
