College football 2023 Week 11 picks: Rutgers vs. Iowa, Iowa State vs. BYU, Michigan vs. Penn State

The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems panel has score predictions for three games every week during the college football season, including the Iowa and Iowa State games. Here are the picks for Saturday, Nov. 11.

Rutgers (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) at No. 22 Iowa (7-2, 4-2)

Mike Hlas (1-2 last week, 16-14 overall) — In the late 1790s, Henry Rutgers and I used to have a few “medicinal” drinks at the Bull’s Head Tavern in Manhattan when he was an election inspector. Things were rowdy there, corrupt and even violent. Henry went on to be a wealthy benefactor to his community and nation. I’m still knee-deep in double-dealing and duplicity. Rutgers 14, Iowa 10

John Steppe (2-1, 19-11) — Both these teams were Born to Run the ball. That’s obvious everywhere from the Badlands to the Streets of Philadelphia. Iowa 13, Rutgers 12

Jeff Johnson (1-2, 19-11) — I don’t know. I just don’t know. Iowa 13, Rutgers 10

Rob Gray (1-2, 21-9) — This is a sneaky not-so-good type of game for the Hawkeyes. I still think they’ll do enough to win. A better-than-usual ground game and the usual grinding defense keep the Big Ten West leaders on top. Iowa 14, Rutgers 10

Beth Malicki (2-1, 18-12) — This home game is another sellout. That makes it the sixth consecutive sold-out game of this season. It also means the only chance I have of going is begging through the local paper. Iowa 16, Rutgers 13

Todd Brommelkamp (1-2, 16-14) — This game going over 28.5 points? Fuhgeddaboudit. Rutgers 14, Iowa 12

Iowa State (5-4, 4-2 Big 12) at BYU (5-4, 2-4)

Hlas — I once was on a train in Utah. A man in the dining car ordered a pepper steak not knowing that meant he was getting green peppers on it. His wife knew, but didn’t tell him. She smirked after the meal arrived and he was annoyed. Provo at night is nuts. Iowa State 28, BYU 21

Steppe — The 9:15 p.m. start time means I can watch the 101st and 123rd-best offenses after writing about the 130th-best offense. Iowa State 20, BYU 10

Johnson — Brigham Young’s in the Big 12, right? I get all of this mixed up. BYU 21, Iowa State 20

Gray — The Cougars have been routed the past two weeks by Texas and West Virginia, but those were road games. BYU’s completely different at home — and especially at night. The Cougars have lost just three home games since 1999 played under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Three! Make that four in the wee hours of Sunday morning (Iowa time). Iowa State 27, BYU 20

Malicki — We’re hosting Thanksgiving and I have a detailed list of to-dos that includes crafting the perfect playlist to appeal to four generations, scrubbing trash cans and delegating everything else. Iowa State 28, BYU 20

Brommelkamp — Three names I enjoy; Marvin, Velma and Provo. It’s a Fletch reference. Google it. Iowa State 24, BYU 20

No. 3 Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) at No. 10 Penn State (8-1, 5-1)

Hlas — Sign-stealing is child’s play. Coaches who steal souls to build immortal armies, that’s what to look for when betting on football. Michigan 28, Penn State 21

Steppe — I had a good joke here, but then someone stole it. Maybe that’s a sign. Michigan 31, Penn State 24

Johnson — I was on the sidelines at the Penn State-Maryland game last week. Think nothing of it. Penn State 28, Michigan 24

Gray — In J.J. McCarthy I trust, until proven wrong. Great defenses on both sides make this game extra compelling, as well. Michigan 20, Penn State 17

Malicki — There is nothing more soothing than a hot cup of coffee on cool mornings, watching the leaves fall. Especially soothing is the knowledge that my husband will spend hours blowing the leaves while I nap. Michigan 24, Penn State 17

Brommelkamp — Stealing signs? Get back to me when Jim Harbaugh teams with Nicholas Cage to steal the Declaration of Independence. Penn State 28, Michigan 25