Estimated read time: 7-8 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — 11 weeks of college football have passed, and it's time to submit your picks for this week's KSL.com Sports' College Football Pick'em.
The first game is Friday evening, so get your picks in before then.
UCLA at Washington
Friday, Nov. 15 (7 p.m. MST, FOX)
The Huskies are losers of three of their last four games with two losses coming to top-five opponents. The Bruins are coming off three straight wins by one score or less.
Why UCLA will win:
UCLA had a rough start to the year, featuring three teams now in the top five of the College Football Playoff rankings and another loss to a top-25 team in LSU. But over their last three games, UCLA has found ways to win with late turnovers and efficient quarterback play from Ethan Garbers, who went 32-of-38 for 383 yards and four touchdowns over Rutgers.
The Huskies haven't scored more than 17 points in their losing stretch and UCLA has put up 20 or more points in their streak of wins.
Why Washington will win:
The Huskies are 5-1 while playing at Husky Stadium this year with the lone loss coming to Washington State who ranks No. 18 in the CFP poll. Will Rogers has been consistent this season throwing for over 2,300 yards on a 71% clip. Junior back Jonah Coleman has also been efficient this year, running for 913 yards and seven touchdowns with a 6.0-yard-per-carry average.
While the points haven't been there, the statistics are. Washington has struggled to finish drives this year as they rank No. 111 in red zone offense this year. Being able to finish drives will be the key for UW.
Line: UW -4
Over/Under: 46.5
Utah at No. 17 Colorado
Saturday, Nov. 16 (10 a.m. MST, FOX)
The Utes are still in the midst of their five-game losing streak and will insert Isaac Wilson back into the starting lineup after Kyle Whittingham announced that Brandon Rose was lost for the season due to a lis franc injury.
Why Utah will win:
Utah has won seven straight versus their old PAC-12 foe and has won 11 of 13 since moving to the PAC-12 conference. While these are two very different teams than before, Utah has controlled this rivalry for years. Utah's defense continues to be one of the best in the country, not allowing any opponents to score more than 27 points in a game this season.
While the Buffaloes have an elite offense with Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, their defense has shown its hand a few times this season. This is the opportunity for Utah to get back on track for a bowl game and potentially crush Colorado's Big 12 title hopes.
Why Colorado will win:
Offense. As great as Utah's defense is, Colorado will have two of the best players on the field in almost every game they play. Sanders has thrown for 2,882 yards while Hunter has hauled in 856 of them for nine touchdowns. Utah's strong suit is the run game and Colorado passes. A lot.
The Buffaloes have a real chance to make the Big 12 title game as they are currently alone in second place in the Big 12, and virtually control their destiny to win the conference title for the first time since 2001 when they were members of the Big 12. The home crowd will be electric as they will welcome a deflated Utah team.
Line: COLO -11
Over/Under: 45.5
No. 20 Clemson at Pittsburgh
Saturday, Nov. 16 (10 a.m. MST, ESPN)
The Panthers were ranked in the top 25 before losing two straight as the Tigers are winners of four of their last five games..
Why Clemson will win:
The Tigers have royally dominated teams this year apart from their two losses. No win has been within less than 10 points and their average margin of victory is 15th in the country at an average of 14.6.
Junior QB Cade Klubnik has just four turnovers this year and is one of the best-protected quarterbacks being sacked just 11 times. Klubnik has thrown 25 touchdowns and rushed for four. Running back Phil Mafah has been reliable for Clemson, rushing for nearly 1000 yards and eight touchdowns.
Pitt also has struggled the last few weeks defensively, giving up 467 yards to SMU and 340 to Virginia. The hot Clemson offense should take care of the Panthers.
Why Pitt will win:
Pitt started the year on fire, winning seven straight with key wins over Cincinnati, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Before losing to SMU, the Panthers looked like a real contender to win the ACC. They'll need more out of quarterback Eli HOlstein who has thrown for 2,174 yards but at a 62% rate. Through the first five games, Holstein reached the 300 mark four times, and the only game he didn't play was just two quarters as it was a blowout over Youngstown State.
Getting him back on track will be pivotal for the Panthers to make a run for the ACC championship game.
Line: CLEM -12.5
Over/Under: 53.5
Hawaii at Utah State
Saturday, Nov. 16 (1 p.m. MST, MW Network)
The Rainbow Warriors will be looking to play in their first bowl game since 2020 as their 2021 game was canceled. The Aggies, who are likely ineligible for a bowl game, will look to head into the next season on the right foot.
Why Hawaii will win:
The Rainbow Warriors have played good football over the last few weeks, taking down Nevada and Fresno State on the road while narrowly losing to UNLV last week. Quarterback Brayden Schager may not be the most accurate quarterback throwing at a 57.8% rate, but throws a lot. Schager has thrown the fourth most passes in college football this year with 384 and the Aggies' pass defense has struggled immensely, giving up almost 250 yards per game in the air, and 250 on the ground.
Hawai'i has three losses within three points this season, and are just a few plays away from being a 7-3 team with a potential to make the MWC Championship.
Why Utah State will win:
This game is very important for Utah State. As mentioned, the Aggies likely cannot make a bowl game this year but still have plenty to play for. Utah State lost their star player Jaylen Royals after the game versus New Mexico and the offense saw a noticeable dip following the injury. But, there are still plenty of offensive weapons and the Aggies are still one of the higher-scoring offenses in the country.
The Aggies have won seven straight over Hawai'i with two games coming within seven points or less. While Utah State may not have had the season they want, there is still plenty to play for.
Line: HAW -2.5
Over/Under: 60.5
Kansas at No. 6 BYU
Saturday, Nov. 16 (8:15 p.m. MST, ESPN)
The Cougars escaped Rice Eccles Stadium with a win to remain undefeated and Kansas took down No. 17 Iowa State in dominating fashion, setting up for an intense week 12 game.
Why Kansas will win:
The Jayhawks may be the best 3-6 team of all time. Okay, that is maybe an overstatement, but don't let the record fool you. The Jayhawks dominated Iowa State and were a field goal away from taking down Kansas State on the road. Five of the Jayhawk's losses have come within one score and have been in contention to win every game.
While the Cougars have a solid defense, this will likely be the best offense that BYU has faced all year as the Jayhawks rank in the top 15 in rushing yards per game. Devin Neal has 10 rushing touchdowns on the year while quarterback Jalon Daniels has six.
With a solid offensive output, the Jayhawks could put a spoiler on BYU's magical season.
Why BYU will win:
BYU took down Utah in what was likely their worst offensive game this season, scoring just one offensive touchdown, even if they outgained Utah in yards.
While it may be the best offense BYU faces all year, you could say the same for Kansas facing BYU. The Cougars have put up 34 points or more in five of their six Big 12 games this season while Kansas has put up 34 points three times all year, each wins. Kansas has also given up its fair share of points, giving up 34 or more three times in conference play.
The key to Kansas' losses has been late turnovers. Daniels crucially fumbled on their last two possessions versus Kansas State, a late fumble versus West Virginia, and a late fumble versus Illinois. BYU has taken turnovers and thrived off them this season as they rank eighth nationally in takeaways. If the Cougars can force mistakes, they have a chance to continue their undefeated season.
Line: BYU -2.5
Over/Under: 56.5
