College Football Week 11 preview: All eyes on Texas; Nick Saban and Alabama look
Not all college football Saturdays are created equal.
Then again, the Saturdays that appear to be prime for high-quality games often disappoint, which is why we play the games.
Week 11 of the college football season does not have the eye-popping top-5 matchup or the storied in-state rivalry game. Still, games on the Week 11 schedule will go a long way in deciding the final four teams selected for the College Football Playoff at the end of the regular season.
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Let’s look at a few games to be aware of Saturday as the college football season kicks off Week 11.
Arkansas vs. No. 7 LSU – Noon ET, ESPN
LSU is coming off its biggest win of the Brian Kelly era after defeating Alabama on a last-second two-point conversation in Week 10.
The SEC Championship Game is in the Tigers’ sights, but there are two more SEC teams to get through before a championship game berth can be a reality.
The first comes Saturday when LSU heads to Fayetteville to take on an Arkansas team having a disappointing season.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly during a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide Nov. 5, 2022, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, La.
(John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
A win over the Razorbacks and an Ole Miss loss will lock up the SEC West for LSU, but a loss at Razorback Stadium ends the lofty goals that are within reach for the Tigers.
Arkansas is coming off a loss to Liberty in which the rushing attack was stymied, gaining just 144 yards.
On the season, Arkansas owns the second-best rushing attack in the SEC and 10th in the country at 233.3 yards per game.
Running back Raheim Sanders leads the SEC in rushing yards (1,101), and quarterback KJ Jefferson is a dual-threat QB, rushing for 425 yards and six touchdowns on the season.
Raheim Sanders (5) of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Liberty Flames at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Nov. 5, 2022 in Fayetteville, Ark.
(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The LSU defense is middle of the pack in the SEC when it comes to stopping the run, allowing 141.4 yards per game on the ground.
“Obviously playing a team that has a very prolific offense,” Kelly said of Arkansas Monday, according to 247 Sports. “And, in terms of players, it starts with their quarterback. I think it’s the fifth time now we’ve seen a big physical quarterback. KJ Jefferson, 6-3, 240. He has 17 passing touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns. He is going to be a handful. Another guy that we’ve got to be able to control what he does and get him on the ground.”
KJ Jefferson (1) of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Liberty Flames at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium Nov. 5, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark.
(Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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