College Football Week 11 | November 14, 2026

The college football season is getting down to the serious business of separating the contenders from the pretenders. Some teams are making late charges toward the College Football Playoff, while others are discovering that the promise of September doesn’t always survive November.

Meanwhile, there’s a little separation developing in the Southern Sports Stillhouse standings, although neither of us is ready to declare victory.

Last week, we both finished 7-3 straight up. Scott went 6-4 against the spread, while Doug turned in an impressive 8-2 performance to close the gap. The totals? Well, let’s just say the bourbon selections were probably more predictable than some of the scoring.

The Standings

Scott maintains a two-game advantage in both straight-up and against-the-spread selections, while Doug holds an eight-game lead in over/unders. There’s plenty of football left, and neither of us has demonstrated an ability to resist picking an occasional upset that probably shouldn’t happen.

But first, bourbon.

First Sip

Scott: Blue Note Honey Bourbon Cask, Cask Strength, Volume 3

The Ole Miss connection

I’m starting with Blue Note Honey Bourbon Cask, Cask Strength, Volume 3, a little nod toward Ole Miss in this week’s game against Oklahoma. There’s no age statement, but there is plenty going on in the glass.

The color is a dark caramel honey, and it’s clearly viscous. I can instantly smell the honey influence on the nose, along with cherry, vanilla and a touch of oak. There’s no mistaking what this bourbon wants to emphasize, and it doesn’t waste any time getting there.

The palate hits with a cherry bomb before coating the mouth with honey, although the proof is still evident. It’s a bit like Sugar Smacks cereal, but with a little oak thrown in to remind you that you’re drinking bourbon instead of eating breakfast.

The mouthfeel is syrupy and thick, and the finish is another honey bomb, with hints of oak and cherry. There’s also a non-Kentucky hug that makes its presence known. If you’re looking for subtlety, this probably isn’t your bottle. But if you enjoy a bourbon that embraces its sweeter side without hiding the proof, there’s a lot to like.

Scott’s Score: 83.00

Doug: Penelope Estate Collection 10-Year Single Barrel

The Indiana connection

For our Game of the Week, I’m going with a Penelope Estate Collection 10-Year Single Barrel, a Shores store pick with the Degenerate Wolfpack. It’s my nod toward Indiana, which has become one of college football’s more remarkable success stories.

The bourbon pours a solid copper color, and the nose is rich with sweet caramel, vanilla, buttery toffee and light baking spice. There’s a lot going on here, probably more than I’m picking up at the moment, but what I’m finding is certainly worth paying attention to.

The palate leads with rich caramel, vanilla custard, sweet cinnamon and a touch of cherry and oak. It’s a wonderful combination of dessert flavors without becoming overwhelmingly sweet. The oak provides enough structure to keep everything in balance, while the cinnamon adds a welcome bit of warmth.

The mouthfeel is thick and creamy, which is always going to win points with me. The finish is particularly interesting because the flavors continue developing after the initial sip. I’m picking up more dark cherry and light oak on the way out, giving the bourbon a complexity that makes me want to spend more time exploring it.

This is an excellent pour, and one that rewards a little patience.

Doug’s Score: 85.61

Game of the Week: No. 18 USC at No. 9 Indiana

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana
TV: CBS
Spread: Indiana -8.5
Over/Under: 50.5

Scott: USC just had a big win over Ohio State, and we have to be mindful of that. The Trojans have demonstrated that they’re capable of beating a quality opponent, and that momentum should carry over into this game.

Indiana isn’t quite as good as last year’s team, but the Hoosiers are still strong, especially at home. I expect USC to make things interesting and keep the pressure on throughout the afternoon. It’ll be closer than the spread suggests, but only just barely. Indiana has enough to get the job done.

Scott’s Pick: Indiana 27, USC 20

Doug: I agree with pretty much everything you said. Including the score.

Indiana has built a program that no longer has to apologize for being mentioned among the best in college football. But USC is not going to be intimidated by the Hoosiers, particularly after what the Trojans just accomplished against Ohio State.

I think Indiana will establish control early, only to watch USC keep finding ways to stay within striking distance. Ultimately, the Hoosiers’ defense and home-field advantage should be enough. It won’t be a particularly comfortable afternoon, but Indiana will survive.

Doug’s Pick: Indiana 27, USC 20

Duke at No. 7 Miami

Kickoff: Noon ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: ABC
Spread: Miami -13.5
Over/Under: 54.5

Scott: Miami just lost its perfect season, and I have a feeling the Hurricanes are going to take out some frustrations on the Blue Devils. Nobody likes losing, but losing that first game when you’ve been thinking about an undefeated season is particularly painful.

Duke will show up and compete, but Miami has a point to prove. I expect the Hurricanes to come out with some attitude and make sure nobody starts questioning whether they’re still among the nation’s better teams.

2 Live U by two … touchdowns.

Scott’s Pick: Miami 31, Duke 17

Doug: We’re sharing a brain tonight.

Duke will play hard and will do everything it can to keep this one competitive. But the Blue Devils will be more than one step behind for most of the afternoon. Miami has too much offensive firepower, and I expect the Hurricanes to be particularly motivated after watching their perfect season disappear.

Duke’s defense should prevent this from becoming an absolute embarrassment, but I don’t see the Blue Devils matching Miami score for score. The Hurricanes will establish control and keep it.

Doug’s Pick: Miami 34, Duke 20

Northwestern at No. 20 Ohio State

Kickoff: Noon ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
TV: FOX
Spread: Ohio State -13.5
Over/Under: 44.5

Scott: This isn’t an easy one. Normally, I’d have no trouble picking Ohio State, particularly at home against Northwestern. But the Buckeyes haven’t looked particularly strong over the last two weeks, and there’s no reason to pretend otherwise.

Even so, this game is in the Horseshoe, and I just don’t see Ohio State losing three in a row. At some point, the Buckeyes have to find a way to right the ship, and this looks like a reasonable opportunity.

I don’t think it’ll be especially pretty, but Ohio State will get the win.

Scott’s Pick: Ohio State 27, Northwestern 21

Doug: The Buckeyes are reeling, but they’re entering a stretch of games where they might be able to regroup and make an outside run at a College Football Playoff berth. The problem is that merely winning these games might not be enough. They need to start looking like Ohio State again.

And I’m not convinced that’s going to happen this week.

The offense hasn’t looked particularly impressive with Luke Fahey at quarterback, and much of his production against Oregon came after the Ducks had already established a commanding lead. Jeremiah Smith is still a tremendous weapon, but even great receivers need somebody to consistently deliver the football.

Northwestern isn’t exactly an offensive powerhouse, either. That should give Ohio State enough opportunities to control the game defensively and eventually put some points on the board.

The Buckeyes will win, but I don’t think it’ll be particularly convincing. And if they’re hoping to impress the playoff committee, this might not be the performance they’re looking for.

Doug’s Pick: Ohio State 23, Northwestern 13

No. 8 Tennessee at Texas A&M

Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas
TV: ESPN
Spread: Tennessee -2.5
Over/Under: 43.5

Scott: This could be a trap game for Tennessee, particularly with next week’s matchup against LSU looming on the schedule. It’s always dangerous to look past an opponent, even one that hasn’t been particularly impressive.

But the Aggies simply aren’t a very good football team right now, while Josh Heupel has Tennessee moving in the right direction. The Volunteers have offensive weapons, a strong defense and the kind of momentum you want to see in November.

Texas A&M runs hot and cold, and I don’t trust the Aggies to put together four good quarters against this Tennessee team. The Vols should have enough to pull away and get the road win.

Scott’s Pick: Tennessee 37, Texas A&M 28

Doug: I’m with you on the score differential, but not on the point total.

I see this as a defensive battle for at least the first half. Tennessee has been playing some excellent defense, and the Volunteers have enough talent up front to make things difficult for an inconsistent Texas A&M offense.

DeSean Bishop gives Tennessee a dependable option in the running game, and that’s going to matter in a hostile environment. I think the Volunteers will be content to play physical football, limit mistakes and force the Aggies to earn everything they get.

Eventually, Tennessee will put together a couple of solid second-half drives to seal the victory. It won’t be a shootout, but the Vols should leave College Station with a comfortable win.

Doug’s Pick: Tennessee 27, Texas A&M 17

No. 22 Missouri at No. 1 Georgia

Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Georgia
TV: ABC
Spread: Georgia -15.5
Over/Under: 47.5

Scott: Georgia’s offense and defense are both better than Texas’s, and the Longhorns just shut down Missouri a week ago, winning 34-20. That’s not exactly an encouraging sign for the Tigers as they prepare to travel to Athens.

Georgia is playing excellent football, and I don’t see Missouri having much success trying to slow the Bulldogs down. The Tigers may manage a few good drives, but Georgia is going to control this game on both sides of the football.

The Bulldogs will dominate.

Scott’s Pick: Georgia 41, Missouri 17

Doug: Missouri is doing what Missouri seems to do in most SEC seasons. The Tigers start with a lot of promise, win games early, convince people that this might finally be their year, and then fade when the real competition shows up.

It isn’t necessarily that Missouri is a bad football team. It’s that the Tigers have a difficult time consistently competing with the conference’s elite programs, and Georgia certainly qualifies as one of those.

The Tigers will show some signs of life Saturday. Quarterback Austin Simmons is capable of putting together productive drives, and Missouri has enough offensive talent to avoid a complete shutdown. But Georgia’s defense will make those opportunities few and far between.

Meanwhile, Gunner Stockton and the Bulldogs’ offense should have plenty of chances to put points on the board. Georgia at home simply isn’t going to give Missouri much room to put things together.

Doug’s Pick: Georgia 34, Missouri 17

Bourbon Break

Scott: Lewis County Barrel Company Meriwether Single Barrel

The Tennessee connection

I picked up this single barrel bourbon last night, and it seemed like a fitting choice for Tennessee’s game this week.

It’s Lewis County Barrel Company’s Meriwether Single Barrel, a tribute to Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame. It’s sourced by Tennessee Distilling Group (TDG) in Columbia, Tennessee, and comes in at a healthy 130 proof. The mashbill is 80% corn, 10% rye and 10% malted barley, and there’s no age statement.

The color is mahogany, and the nose offers hints of cherry, caramel and vanilla. There’s a definite sweetness to it, and the proof tickles my nose hairs. It’s a classic bourbon nose, with a bit of orange peel adding another dimension.

The proof shows up quickly on the palate, accompanied by oak, cinnamon and cherry. It’s not nearly as sweet as the Blue Note, nor is it quite as viscous, but it still sticks around. The flavors have enough substance to make this an enjoyable pour without relying on sweetness to carry the experience.

The finish hits in the middle of the tongue and works its way toward the back of the throat, bringing plenty of caramel along for the ride.

I like the Blue Note better, but it’s close. And at $49, this is a quality, drinkable bargain. There’s certainly nothing wrong with finding a 130-proof single barrel bourbon that delivers this kind of experience without requiring a second mortgage.

Doug: Barrel Key 8-Year Bourbon

The Oklahoma connection

I’m returning to a bourbon that’s become something of a personal favorite, particularly when I consider what it costs. Barrel Key 8-Year Bourbon, with its Oklahoma aging connection, comes in at 114 proof and delivers a surprisingly satisfying experience for a bottle that doesn’t command a premium price.

The nose is dark, with cherries and chocolate leading the way and a bit of oak leaking through. There’s a richness to the aroma that promises a dessert-forward experience, and the palate doesn’t disappoint.

The bourbon is rich and assertive, with a nice mouthfeel that coats the tongue. Some spice tries to show up early, but it’s quickly displaced by waves of milk chocolate. There’s a lot of dessert-like flavor here: caramel, vanilla, cherries and baking spice. It’s the kind of combination that generally gets my attention, and Barrel Key delivers it without becoming overly sweet.

The mouthfeel is nicely viscous, something I particularly appreciate, and the finish is satisfying even if it isn’t remarkable. The chocolate and caramel hang around long enough to make you want another sip.

And another. And another.

Let’s not pretend this is some extraordinary unicorn bourbon. It isn’t. But considering I bought my most recent bottle for $32, thanks to a $10 discount at Publix, it’s a GREAT bourbon for sipping at a bargain price.

There’s something particularly satisfying about finding a bourbon that performs well above its price point. Barrel Key isn’t going to make anyone forget the legendary bottles sitting on the top shelf, but it doesn’t have to. At this price, it has already accomplished everything I could reasonably ask of it.

No. 19 Ole Miss at Oklahoma

Kickoff: 4:15 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
TV: SEC Network
Spread: Ole Miss -1.5
Over/Under: 49.5

Scott: The Oklahoma we’ve seen over the last two weeks is not the Oklahoma I expect to see this week. The Sooners have had some success recently, but I don’t think they can count on carrying that momentum into this matchup.

It’s hard to go against Trinidad Chambliss. He’s the kind of quarterback who can create problems even when a defense appears to have everything covered, and I think he’ll make enough plays to give Ole Miss the advantage.

I’ll give the Rebels three points, although I suspect the margin might be a little bigger than that.

Scott’s Pick: Ole Miss 30, Oklahoma 27

Doug: Oklahoma got a friendly matchup last week against a Florida offense that has been struggling mightily. Ole Miss won’t be nearly as charitable.

The Sooners’ defense deserves credit for what it has accomplished, and I expect it to make life difficult for Trinidad Chambliss. Oklahoma is particularly effective at limiting opponents’ passing games, so the Rebels aren’t likely to march up and down the field without resistance.

But the problem is Oklahoma’s offense. The Sooners simply haven’t demonstrated an ability to score consistently against quality opposition, and I don’t see why that should suddenly change this week.

Ole Miss will have some frustrating possessions, and Oklahoma’s defense will keep the game close. But when the Rebels finally put together a couple of productive drives, I don’t think the Sooners will have enough offensive firepower to answer.

Doug’s Pick: Ole Miss 24, Oklahoma 20

Florida at No. 11 Kentucky

Kickoff: 6:15 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Kroger Field, Lexington, Kentucky
TV: ESPN
Spread: Kentucky -3.5
Over/Under: 52.5

Scott: Kentucky has some chinks in its armor, and I believe Florida is better than its record indicates. The Gators have struggled, certainly, but there’s still talent on this roster, and eventually that talent has to show itself.

Besides, Florida owes Kentucky some payback. This rivalry has taken a turn that Gator fans aren’t particularly happy about, and I’d like to think the players understand that.

I’m calling for a big day from Jadan Baugh. Give him 180 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and let the Gators celebrate a much-needed road victory.

Scott’s Pick: Florida 27, Kentucky 24

Doug: Either Vegas has the point spread absolutely wrong on this game, or the experts know something the rest of us don’t.

The Gators have been outscored by roughly 31-16 over their last five games, and Jadan Baugh has managed only 236 rushing yards and three touchdowns during that stretch. That’s hardly the offensive production that inspires confidence heading into an SEC road game.

And consider what we’re asking Florida to do. The Gators have scored more than 19 points only once in their last five games, yet we’re supposed to believe they’ll suddenly discover enough offense to keep pace with Kentucky?

I wish I could believe it.

We’re both Gator fans, and I desperately want you to be right. I’d love to see Baugh put up those 180 yards and three touchdowns. I’d love to see Florida play four quarters of competent, mistake-free football. And I’d especially love to see the Gators remind Kentucky that this rivalry used to belong almost exclusively to Florida.

But my realistic side has to take the lead here.

Kentucky has been more consistent, more disciplined and much better at protecting the football. Florida, meanwhile, has struggled to sustain drives, struggled to score and struggled to avoid the mistakes that turn potentially competitive games into disappointing losses.

I don’t see any compelling reason to believe those problems will disappear Saturday afternoon.

Kentucky will have one more year of dominance over the Gators. Maybe Florida can start to rally next week at home against Vanderbilt.

Doug’s Pick: Kentucky 30, Florida 13

No. 2 Utah at No. 23 Arizona

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Casino Del Sol Stadium, Tucson, Arizona
TV: FOX
Spread: Utah -2.5
Over/Under: 54.5

Scott: Utah has looked great so far, and the Utes have earned every bit of their undefeated record. They’ve found ways to win, whether the games have been comfortable or competitive, and that’s the mark of a good football team.

Arizona will certainly present a challenge, particularly on the road, but I trust Utah to find a way to get the job done. It won’t be easy, and I expect the Wildcats to make this interesting until the end.

The Utes will survive as one of only two undefeated teams for at least one more week.

Scott’s Pick: Utah 24, Arizona 21

Doug: Arizona has quietly crept into the picture as an outside contender for the Big 12 title, and beating Utah would move the Wildcats one step closer to that goal.

But can we take a moment to appreciate what Utah has accomplished?

Who, back in the preseason, honestly expected the Utes to be ranked No. 2 in the country at any point this season? They’ve quietly gone about their business, winning games and building one of the most impressive résumés in college football.

If you’re thinking Utah might be vulnerable on the road, the numbers don’t really support that argument. The Utes are 3-0 on the road against Power Four opponents, outscoring those teams by an average of 36-22. At home, they’re 4-0 against Power Four competition, with an average score of 33-17.

That’s a remarkably consistent level of production regardless of the setting.

Quarterback Devon Dampier gives Utah another advantage because of his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. When a defense manages to shut down one part of the offense, he has a way of finding another route to the end zone.

This will be Utah’s biggest road test of the season, and I fully expect Arizona to make it uncomfortable. But the Utes have earned the benefit of the doubt.

They’ll pass this test, albeit by a narrow margin.

Doug’s Pick: Utah 31, Arizona 27

No. 6 Texas at No. 21 LSU

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
TV: ABC
Spread: LSU -3.5
Over/Under: 46.5

Scott: I know I’ve said that Death Valley is where dreams go to die, but this isn’t the same LSU team I’ve been used to watching.

The Tigers are still licking their wounds after last week’s loss to Alabama, and I think Texas is a better football team than the Tide. The Longhorns have demonstrated that they can compete with quality opponents, and LSU hasn’t shown me enough to justify being favored in this matchup.

I can’t believe LSU is favored, actually.

Maybe the experts think the other Arch Manning will show up. But I’m betting that the Longhorns will be ready for the challenge and leave Baton Rouge with a victory.

Scott’s Pick: Texas 32, LSU 24

Doug: I’m sticking with your original theory about Death Valley.

I’ve been there at night when the Tigers and their fans get rowdy, and let me tell you, it’s no fun unless you’re a Tiger fan. The noise, the atmosphere and the relentless energy coming from the stands can make even a talented visiting team look uncomfortable.

And I think that’s exactly what’s going to happen to Arch Manning.

Texas has been playing better football recently, and Manning has certainly demonstrated improvement. But there’s a difference between playing well in a comfortable environment and trying to operate an offense when you can barely hear yourself think.

LSU may not be the powerhouse we’re accustomed to seeing in Baton Rouge, but the Tigers still have the offensive talent to create problems. And Sam Leavitt has enough weapons to take advantage when Texas makes mistakes.

This won’t be a pretty game, and I expect both offenses to struggle at times. But the home-field advantage will matter, Manning will make a couple of costly mistakes, and the corndog eaters will pull the upset.

Doug’s Pick: LSU 24, Texas 20

No. 12 Texas Tech at No. 25 Oklahoma State

Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, November 14
Location: Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, Oklahoma
TV: ESPN
Spread: Oklahoma State -3.5
Over/Under: 73.5

Scott: I see this as the shootout everyone is expecting. Both teams have offenses capable of putting a lot of points on the board, and neither seems particularly interested in turning this into a defensive struggle.

There should be plenty of big plays, plenty of scoring and probably a few moments when the defensive coordinators wonder why they got into coaching in the first place.

I like Oklahoma State to win and cover.

Scott’s Pick: Oklahoma State 41, Texas Tech 37

Doug: The big question here is pretty simple: Will either team bother bringing a defense?

Neither team has much of one, and both sport elite offenses. Oklahoma State’s offense is slightly more elite, although the Cowboys do give up a few more points per game on defense.

The Cowboys are averaging nearly 44 points per game, while Texas Tech is putting up almost 38. If those numbers hold anywhere close to form, we’re looking at one of those classic Big 12 games where the defenses exist primarily to give the offensive players a short break between touchdowns.

Texas Tech has enough balance to create problems, particularly with its running game. But Oklahoma State has demonstrated that it can move the football through the air with alarming regularity, and I expect the Red Raiders to have a difficult time slowing that attack.

The difference may come down to one defensive stop. Or one turnover. Or perhaps whichever team happens to have the football when the clock finally expires.

I’m going with the home team, although I’m not expecting anyone to confuse this with a defensive masterpiece.

Doug’s Pick: Oklahoma State 41, Texas Tech 38

The Last Pour

There are a few things we agree on this week. Indiana should survive USC. Miami should respond to its first loss. Georgia should take care of Missouri. And Texas Tech and Oklahoma State might put enough points on the board to make basketball fans jealous.

But there’s plenty of disagreement, too.

Scott believes Florida is finally going to deliver the kind of performance Gator fans have been waiting for. Doug believes the Gators are going to continue looking like a team that has forgotten where the end zone is located. Scott thinks Texas will conquer Death Valley, while Doug believes the LSU crowd will make life miserable for Arch Manning.

And then there’s the bourbon, where we’ve found some excellent pours without completely draining our wallets. Scott’s Blue Note brings the honey, Doug’s Penelope delivers the caramel and cherry, and both of our second pours demonstrate that good whiskey doesn’t necessarily require spending a small fortune.

That’s the beauty of the Southern Sports Stillhouse. We don’t have to agree on every game or every bottle. We just have to enjoy the argument, appreciate the whiskey and hope our predictions hold up better than some of our favorite teams.

And if they don’t? There’s always next week. And there’s always another bottle.

Until then, raise a glass, take a side.

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Copyright © 2026 Doug DeBolt.