Week 11 brings CFB fans games that are due for electric finishes with start times from noon ET until 10:30 ET. Here are five key players to watch in this week’s biggest matchups.
Tez Johnson Oregon WR: vs USC 10:30 ET FOX
After the best performance of his career last Saturday in which Johnson piled up 12 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns against Cal, the junior transfer is looking for an encore when USC comes to town.
Brother-in-law of Auburn transfer QB Bo Nix, the chemistry between the two has been clear from the jump following Johnson’s transfer from Troy. The Trojans will have a tough time stopping a high-flying Ducks passing game led by Nix, Johnson, and Franklin.
Bear Alexander USC DL: @ No.6 Oregon 10:30 ET FOX
Bear has been a beast for a majority of the season for USC, but it has not been enough. The Trojans are second to last in the PAC-12 in total defense in front of only Cal, who yielded 63 to Oregon last week.
These statistics make Alexander’s performance more crucial especially with a change at DC. USC fans prayers were finally answered after the announcement that Alex Grinch was dismissed, however this transition could be tough to adjust to on the fly.
Lincoln Riley and the Trojans are in desperate need of a win as they have been reeling, and a road win in Autzen Stadium could change the outlook of the season. The Georgia transfer will need to be at the top of his game against Oregon’s top five offensive line.
Jaxson Dart Ole Miss QB: @ No.2 Georgia 7 ET ESPN
The Lane Train has rolled to an 8-1 start behind the arms and legs of USC transfer Jaxson Dart. Ole Miss is twelfth in the nation in total offense, and Dart has 23 total touchdowns and 2,467 passing yards.
After winning the job in camp despite competition from transfers Spencer Sanders and Walker Howard, Dart has proven to be worthy of the spot. The Rebs need a win this weekend to keep pace with Bama, however Georgia’s stout defense and incredible home field advantage stand in their way.
Dart will need to have possibly his best game of his college career for Ole Miss to pull this off, but if he can do it and the Rebs get to the SEC championship, he will forever cement his legacy at Ole Miss.
Adonai Mitchell Texas WR: @ TCU 7:30 ET ABC
Georgia transfer AD Mitchell has been everything Horns fans could have asked for and more. The 6-4 junior has 576 yards and eight touchdowns and has provided big play after big play for Texas.
With the health of Quinn Ewers still in question, and the recent history of Texas coming to Fort Worth, Sark will have the Horns ready to go Saturday. Mitchell will have a huge impact on the game, no matter the QB.
Francisco Mauigoa Miami LB: @ No.4 FSU 3:30 ET ABC
Mario Cristobal and co. head into Tallahassee for this heated intrastate rivalry with an offense that has been struggling mightily. After scoring just six points in a loss last week at NC State, the Canes defense led by Wazzu transfer Francisco Mauigoa will need to have their ‘A’ game Saturday afternoon.
Mauigoa has been outstanding for Miami all season, tallying 41 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception. The Canes boast a top 30 total defense and will have to be at the top of their game against FSU and a Noles offense that has been firing on all cylinders.
