Can Alabama avoid rare 2-game skid?

Here’s what to know for Week 11:

5 games to watch No. 9 Alabama at No. 11 Ole Miss (3:30 p.m. Saturday, CBS):

This is uncharted waters for a Nick Saban-coached Alabama team, which hasn’t lost more than two games in an entire season since 2010. In fact, the Crimson Tide haven’t lost three regular-season games or suffered back-to-back losses under Saban since they lost four straight at the end of his debut campaign in 2007.

Central Florida at No. 17 Tulane (3:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPN2):

It’s the biggest Tulane game since their 1998 undefeated season, and it’s not close. The Green Wave have had a winning record just five times since that year and are coming off a 2-10 season that included just one conference win. A matchup against the Knights is just the first of a tough closing stretch that includes meetings against SMU and Cincinnati.

No. 25 Washington at No. 6 Oregon (7 p.m. Saturday, Fox):

The Ducks have ripped off eight straight wins after a season-opening blowout loss to Georgia to not only put themselves in contention for a Pac-12 title but perhaps a berth in the College Football Playoff. There’s still plenty of work to do, however, as first-year coach Dan Lanning faces a challenging closing stretch against winning teams in Washington, No. 13 Utah and Oregon State.

No. 15 North Carolina at Wake Forest (7:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPN2):

The Tar Heels have been far from dominant, but they’ve put themselves in position to win a weak ACC and perhaps join the playoff conversation. They’ll first need to beat the Demon Deacons, who are pretty much their identical clone (UNC is No. 38 in overall efficiency, while Wake is No. 40).

No. 4 TCU at No. 18 Texas (7:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC):

It’s pretty simple for the Horned Frogs — win out, and they’re probably heading to the playoff. Some teams might wilt under that pressure, but TCU has made a habit of winning close games, outscoring conference opponents 62-28 in the fourth quarter this season.

5 players to watch

Arkansas RB Raheim Sanders (vs. No. 7 LSU): Sanders ranks seventh in the nation in rushing yards this season (1,101), averaging 6.4 yards per carry.

South Alabama RB La’Damian Webb (vs. Texas State): The junior had a huge performance in a 38-31 win over Georgia State last week, rushing for 247 yards and four touchdowns on 35 carries.

Houston WR Nathaniel Dell (vs. Temple): Dell ranks seventh in the country in receiving yards (919) and trails only Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt in touchdown catches with 12.

Marshall, who’s tied for 15th in the country in tackles for loss (12), will be tasked with slowing down a rushing attack that’s averaging 195.1 yards per game.

Navy S John Marshall (vs. No. 20 Notre Dame): Mississippi State CB Emmanuel Forbes (vs. No. 1 Georgia):

Forbes could be the one to provide a game-changing play, as he’s tied for national lead with five interceptions and has returned two for touchdowns.

5 sneaky important games

Maryland at No. 14 Penn State (3:30 p.m. Saturday, Fox): This is a crucial swing game for both programs, with Terrapins coach Mike Locksley needing a statement victory and coach James Franklin needing to keep Penn State on track for a New Year’s Six bowl bid.

Purdue at No. 21 Illinois (Noon, Saturday, ESPN2): After a stunning loss to a reeling Michigan State team, the Illini opened the door for a chaotic finish in the Big Ten West.

No. 19 Kansas State at Baylor (7 p.m. Saturday, FS1): Should Texas lose to TCU, the winner of this matchup will vault into pole position to play the Horned Frogs in the Big 12 championship game.

San Jose State at San Diego State (10:30 p.m. Saturday, FS1):

The Mountain West Conference has been largely mediocre this season, but there could still be an exciting finish in both divisions.

Liberty at UConn (Noon, Saturday, CBSSN): Liberty is 8-1 and has put itself in contention to grab the Group of Five’s bid for a New Year’s Six bowl bid if it finishes with a higher ranking than the AAC champion.