Gridiron Guru’s College Football Picks – Week 11 Games

Gridiron Guru is the ultimate college football picks showdown, where Clemson Sports Media’s writers battle it out by picking five games from across the country. It’s like watching your buddies debate football at a tailgate party but with experts. Check out their picks below each week for a dose of football excitement – it’s all about the pure joy of college football! Don’t miss out!

Clifton Canady – Associate Sports Director (29-11)

9 Ole Miss @ 2 Georgia

Ole Miss Rebels are set to take on the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs, currently ranked second, have not performed up to the standards of most fans this season but with an impressive defense that concedes only 3.73 yards per carry. On the other hand, the ninth-ranked Rebels, led by their star sophomore back Quinshon Judkins, have been on a hot winning streak, having won five games in a row. However, based on the latest predictions and odds, it seems like the Bulldogs might have the upper hand in this matchup. I predict a closely fought match with Georgia emerging victorious by a margin of 10 points.

9 Ole Miss 24, 2 Georgia 34

3 Michigan @ 10 Penn State

As we gear up for the much-awaited showdown between No. 3 Michigan and No. 10 Penn State, all eyes are on the Wolverines to see if they can overcome the recent controversies and focus on the task at hand. The Nittany Lions, on the other hand, are eager to prove their mettle and pull off an upset. Given the current odds and predictions, it seems like a tight game is in store with Michigan being slightly favored. However, Penn State’s record against top-10 opponents under James Franklin suggests they might just surprise us this time. The over/under is 45, I predict a Penn State victory in an exciting, closely contested match.

3 Michigan 21, 10 Penn State 35

18 Utah @ 5 Washington

Given Washington’s impressive record against Utah, holding a 13-2 lead in their all-time meetings, the Huskies are expected to have the upper hand. The betting odds also lean in favor of Washington, with the team being favored by 9.5 points. However, Utah’s recent performances suggest they could spring a surprise. Despite this, considering the overall strength and form of the Huskies, I predict a Washington victory with a score difference of 14 points.

18 Utah 14, 5 Washington 28

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina

As SEC bottom feeders Vanderbilt and South Carolina prepare to clash, both teams find themselves in dire need of a conference win. Despite their struggles this season, the Gamecocks seem to have an edge. They’re coming off a morale-boosting victory against Jacksonville State and are favored by 14 points over Vanderbilt according to betting odds. On the other side, Vanderbilt has been struggling on the road, yet to secure their first ATS win this year. Given these circumstances, I predict a hard-fought game with South Carolina emerging as the winner, gaining some much-needed momentum in the process.

Vanderbilt 3, South Carolina 17

Georgia Tech @ Clemson

Georgia Tech and Clemson promises to be an intriguing contest. Despite their struggles this season, Clemson, with home-field advantage, is favored by 14 points according to the SportsLine consensus. However, Georgia Tech’s ATS record this season suggests they could cover the spread. Both teams have had their issues offensively, which leads me to believe this will be a lower-scoring game, potentially under the 55.5 total points set by oddsmakers. Considering all factors, I predict a Clemson victory but expect Georgia Tech to make it a competitive game

Georgia Tech 21, Clemson 31

Griffin Barfield – Staff Writer (26-14)

9 Ole Miss @ 2 Georgia

Biggest test of the season for Georgia. I see a game script similar to the South Carolina / Georgia, where the Rebels start out on top. However, a typical Kirby Smart halftime speech and the second half team that Georgia has been all season, will propel the Bulldogs over their conference foe. I’m excited for this one though, especially how Ole Miss performs.

Ole Miss 24, Georgia 35

3 Michigan @ 10 Penn State

Michigan have been my consensus No. 1 all year, and I think J.J. McCarthy is a Heisman contender for sure. Happy Valley is one of the toughest places to play, especially as the season goes on. But the Michigan hype is real, and I do not trust Drew Allar in this game. Go Blue.

Michigan 27, Penn State 17

18 Utah @ 5 Washington

Do I think Washington should be a top 4 team? Yes. Michael Penix Jr. has been my favorite player to watch all year, and I do not trust the Utah defense, especially seeing how Oregon dismantled them two weeks ago. Washington and Oregon are on a crash course for a rematch in the Pac-12 Championship, and I am all for it.

Utah 21, Washington 38

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina

This one could be an ugly one. I don’t trust either of these teams, which makes sense because they’re at the bottom of the SEC. Despite this, I will trust the star power that South Carolina has, as well as the fact they’re at home, and they will win this game. The Gamecocks are looking for momentum, and I think they’ll get a second in a row.

Vanderbilt 24, South Carolina 38

Georgia Tech @ Clemson

Don’t sleep on Georgia Tech. You can’t play with them or else you could pay. I trust Clemson’s defense however, who will have to play their game in order to win. I also think Phil Mafah and Will Shipley have excellent games against an abysmal rush defense. I do think Georgia Tech mount a comeback, but Clemson pulls away with some help from their defense.

Georgia Tech 23, Clemson 31

Drew Watts – Senior Staff Writer (26-14)

9 Ole Miss @ 2 Georgia

I think this might wind up being the hardest test for Georgia in the regular season, and it wouldn’t shock me to see Ole Miss come out on top. Ultimately I think UGA will just have too much for the late, and they start to pull away.

Ole Miss 27, Georgia 38

3 Michigan @ 10 Penn State

I think Michigan is the best overall team in the country, and overall I think the biggest question for them this season is if they will be allowed to play in the postseason. I like Michigan a lot in this game.

Michigan 35, Penn State 20

18 Utah @ 5 Washington

I just talked about Michigan being the best team in the country in my eyes, but I also really like this Washington team a lot. Normally this would be a great spot for a Utah upset, but I think this Washington team is different. I think they start out hot and make a statement with this game.

Utah 23, Washington 45

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina

This is going to be an ugly game overall. I think that both of these teams are pretty bad overall, but this one is at South Carolina. I think that South Carolina takes the win here (possibly their last win of the season).

Vanderbilt 20, South Carolina 31

Georgia Tech @ Clemson

This Georgia Tech offense has been very explosive this year. Clemson’s defense will need to be ready for another great game, like last week. Clemson cant afford to take this team lightly, or this will wind up in the loss column. Luckily this GT defense has been absolutely AWFUL this year. I think Clemson wins the game, but the Yellow Jackets cover the spread.

Georgia Tech 21, Clemson 31

Casey Cregan – Staff Writer (24-16)

9 Ole Miss @ 2 Georgia

Ole Lane is a fun coach, great follow on Twitter (X) and seems like a guy that I’d like to hang out with. However, he just can’t seem to get over the hump when it comes to winning big games. This is arguably the biggest game for Ole Miss. Give me Georgia…BIG!

Ole Miss 14, Georgia 38

3 Michigan @ 10 Penn State

Speaking of coaches that cannot win big games, James Franklin is another one. Even with Harbaugh’s suspension of the last 3 games of the regular season, he’ll have more time to steal signs from the hotel room. Michigan rolls.

Michigan 31, Penn State 9

18 Utah @ 5 Washington

I like this game a lot. Everyone’s Heisman favorite, Michael Penix Jr. has this high-flying offense rolling, except when it doesn’t fly…high (see: game vs. Arizona State 15-9 victory). Utah seems to be every big boy’s kryptonite in the Pac12. I like Washington close here because they’re at home. If Cam Rising were healthy, I’d pick Utah here. He’s not.

Utah 17, Washington 21

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina

In a match-up of “somebody has to win,” let’s go with the better quarterback, and that’s Spencer Rattler. That kid is having a great season. Too bad he’s the only feathered friend doing so. The defense is banged up, the offensive line is not good. Is Beamer the guy to right the ship? Can the ship ever get “righted” there? I hope not. Chickens roll here, close.

Vanderbilt 24, South Carolina 27

Georgia Tech @ Clemson

Georgia Tech is rolling recently, with big wins against UNC and Miami. Clemson shocked mostly everyone last week with a convincing win against Notre Dame. Looking deeper, the Tigers offense was tremendous on the ground and shockingly not good throwing the ball. The good news is Tech’s defense ranks near the bottom in the country, and notably not good against the run. Shipley is back, RUN THE DANG FOOTBALL! The Jackets offense is one of the few in the country averaging over 200/200 run/pass. They’ll move the ball against Clemson’s tremendous defense. That being said, Tigers big…and cover!

Georgia Tech 17, Clemson 34

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