College Football 2019: Predictions for the biggest games of Week 11

Penn State at Minnesota (Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, ABC)

Spread: Penn State -7

In the first of two undefeated vs. undefeated showdowns on Saturday, Penn State’s trip to Minnesota serves as a capable undercard.

The Gophers didn’t get much love from the playoff committee, coming in at No. 17 in the initial rankings despite being 8-0 to this point of the season. That comes from a weak schedule and some less than inspiring single score victories over the likes of South Dakota State, Fresno state, Georgia Southern, and Purdue. In fairness, Minnesota has been dominant over its last four games after struggling in the first four, defeating four Big Ten opponents by an average margin of nearly 32 points per game.

Penn State is far and away the best opponent Minnesota has faced this season. Contrary to the Gophers, the Nittany Lions were respected more by the committee than they had been by the press and coaches. Penn State was ahead of Clemson in the initial poll, coming in at No. 4 on Tuesday night.

The Nittany Lions are well balanced on both sides of the ball with a suffocating defense and an offense capable of making plays through the air or on the ground. Minnesota has been similarly balanced, but it’s fair to wonder whether its offense will be able to find much success against the first highly ranked defense it has faced this season.

I think both defenses will reign supreme, but I have more faith in Sean Clifford to make some plays in the second half that ultimately allows Penn State to leave Minneapolis to a comfortable victory.

Pick: Penn State 27, Minnesota 13