The Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers are off this week after impressive victories over Tennessee and Arkansas respectively. Alabama was highly impressive blasting Tennessee 38-7, while the Tigers were equally impressive on the road at Arkansas winning 52-20. Both offenses were stellar and the defenses are both playing spectacularly well. Alabama is a lot healthier at linebacker and it’s showing. The running game keeps clicking and Jalen Hurts is doing a very good job under center. Tua is an outstanding backup. The offensive line is playing lights out. The whole team has really hit on all cylinders. The only blemish is in the punt return game, but I like Henry Ruggs III to be the man there. He’s caught 5 passes and all 5 have been for touchdowns. He caught a pass over the middle last Saturday from Tua and took it 60+ yards to the house. It was a spectacular play. He’s terrific. I’m sure the Crimson Tide is hard at work in that area.

The Tigers were terrific on offense in the second half at Fayetteville. Kamryn Pettway looked like his 2016 self running for 90 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jarrett Stidham played pretty well and the receivers were outstanding, particularly Darius Slayton and Ryan Davis. Davis lofted a beautiful 62 yard TD pass to Slayton on an end around pass. Would still like to see Nate Craig-Myers get more involved in the vertical game. He’s a major talent at 6’2″, 205, and can really open things up for the offense in the deep and intermediate passing game. Kerryon Johnson is still playing at a high level. The offensive line looks solid. The defensive front looks like the best in college football and the linebackers are playing very good football. Secondary is pretty good. Getting safety Tray Matthews back on the field will help the back 4 immensely. But both teams are in good shape as the Crimson Tide hosts LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium next Saturday Night at 7 CT on CBS. Should be fun in prime time. LSU is coming off an impressive blasting of Ole Miss on the road in which Derrius Guice ran for 276 yards and a touchdown, and, like Pettway, looked like his 2016 self in which  he led the SEC in rushing. So should be a classic showdown in Tuscaloosa. Auburn will hit the road at aTexas A&M team that is getting better and better. A&M has a tough home showdown at home this Saturday versus Mississippi State before they play the Tigers. Auburn and the Aggies will kickoff at 11 AM CT on ESPN next Saturday.

But this week offers some super matchups, particularly the one in the Big Ten with the No.2 Penn State Nittany Lions squaring off in the Horseshoe at No.6 Ohio State. Both teams are playing well, Penn State is fresh off a blasting of Michigan last Saturday Night at Happy Valley, 42-13, and Ohio State recently steamroled through inferior competition to set up this classic. Georgia and Florida square off in Jacksonville. Georgia is playing really well. Florida is reeling some. 

So here’s a look at this week’s action in another riveting week of college football.

Last week: 15-7

Overall: 136-40, 77%

All times central and all games on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

 

No.2 Penn State (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten) @ No.6 Ohio State (6-1, 4-0)

2:30 PM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny Taft
 

Buckeyes by 6 1/2

The forecast is for rain at the start of the game and throughout the first half, but you never really know 2 days out. It’ll be pretty chilly with temperatures in the mid 40’s, but those guys from the North are used to this. I like Saquon Barkley, Penn State’s outrageously good tailback, and standout quarterback Trace McSorley to get the job done and move a little closer to a their goal of a special season and postseason.

Penn State 28, Ohio State 27

 

No.3 Georgia at Florida

2:30 PM 

CBS

Brad, Gary, Allie

Georgia by 14

The Gators have been mouthing off this week as they always do saying Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm is not much of a passer. Georgia’s been quiet and focused. I like the way Georgia is approaching this game. It’s all business for them.

Georgia 28, Florida 10

 

Mississippi State @ Texas A&M

6:15 PM 

ESPN

Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

State by 1 1/2

This should be very interesting. Both teams are playing well as State is coming off a demolition of Kentucky, 45-7, and A&M has been winning lately including an upset victory over  Florida at the Swamp 2 weeks ago. I’m going with quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and State in this one, but this should be close and very entertaining.

Mississippi State 38, Texas A&M 35

 

No. 11 Oklahoma State @ No.22 West Virginia

11 AM

ABC

Tess, Todd, Holly

OK. State by 7

Looking for a major shootout in Morgantown. I like the Cowboys to survive the trip and keep their Big 12 and national hopes alive.

OK State 48, West Virginia 45

 

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina

3 PM 

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Andre, Olivia Harlan

SC by 7

I like the way South Carolina is playing. They have put it together a solid  defense and quarterback Jake Bentley and the offense has been playing well overall. Vanderbilt’s problem is defense. They can’t stop anybody. Like Will Muschamp and his Gamecocks to remain very much alive in the SEC East race.

South Carolina 35, Vanderbilt 27

 

Arkansas at Ole Miss

11 AM 

SEC Network

Dave Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Dawn Davenport

Ole Miss by 3 1/2

I like the Hogs to go into Oxford and upset the Black Bears.

Arkansas 35, Ole Miss 30

 

Tennessee @ Kentucky

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole

Kentucky by 5

I like the Vols to go into Lexington and upset Kentucky.

Tennessee 34, Kentucky 31

 

No.4 TCU 45, Iowa State 42

2:30 PM

ABC

I see the Horned Frogs barely surviving  a trip to Ames, Iowa versus the vastly improving Cyclones. The Cyclones will give the Horned Frogs everything they want, but I see Coach Gary Patterson and his team moving on in the national picture. This will be a good victory for TCU because they’re playing a very good, well coached team.

 

No.7 Clemson 31 Georgia Tech 30

7 PM

ABC

TaQuon Marshall, the Ramblin Wreck’s stellar quarterback, and the Tech offense will give Clemson everything they want and have a real shot at pulling off the upset. I like the Tigers barely here. 

 

Southern Miss 38, UAB 28

6 PM

C-USA Network

The Blazers lost a tough one on the road to previously winless Charlotte. It was a good game though and they played well for most of it. They’ll play hard on the road at Hattiesburg, but the Golden Eagles have a pretty strong team.

 

No.9 Notre Dame 28, North Carolina State 27

2:30 PM

NBC

See the Irish barely getting by a good N.C. State team  after demolishing an overrated USC team last week. 

 

No.8 Miami 42, North Carolina 21
 

11 AM

ESPN2

Like the Canes to keep their special season rolling in Chapel Hill.

 

No.5 Wisconsin 45, Illinois 10

11 AM

ESPN

This is another pretty darn good team. They can run it really well. Their quarterback. Alex Hornibrook, has issues at times, but he can be pretty good. Not sure if he’s good enough to help Whisky win the Big Ten, but he can certainly keep progressing. He’s a sophomore. 

 

No.10 Oklahoma 52, Texas Tech 35

7 PM

ESPN2

Not sure what I think of Oklahoma. They’re really good on offense and OK on defense. After dismantling Ohio State on the road, they’ve lost to Iowa State at home and just seem to be getting by. They have a really good offense though, so that takes them a long way, but their defense needs to make more progress if they want to be in the postseason national picture.

 

Washington State 42, Arizona 38

8:30 PM 

PAC-12 Network

Like Leach and the Cougars to just survive a visit to the desert.

 

No.12 Washington 45, UCLA 24

2:30 PM 

ESPN2

See the Huskies getting back on track after being upset by Arizona State on the road 2 weeks ago.

 

Tonight

No.20 Stanford 42, Oregon State 17

8 PM

ESPN

See the Cardinal getting it done with or without standout running back Bryce Love, who is a game time decision with an ankle injury. Love has rushed for 1,387 yards and 11 TDs this season. He’s been spectacular. The Cardinal should be OK without him though, even though I know they really want him out there.

 

Saturday

Arizona State 31, USC 28

9:45 PM

ESPN

Like the Sun Devils to pull off the upset at home. They’re playing really well right now after upsetting Washington at home 2 weeks ago and demolishing Utah on the road last week. Sam Darnold and USC are fading right now. 

 

Friday

Boston College 28, Florida State 27

7 PM

ESPN

Like BC to pull off the upset over an FSU team that is really struggling. Boston College beat Louisville a couple of weeks ago on the road and blasted Virginia on the road as well last week. They’re solid. Not FSU’s year after losing quarterback Deondre Francois in the opener against Alabama.  

 

Saturday

No.16 Michigan State 21, Northwestern 20

2:30 PM

ESPN

Like the Wildcats to put a real scare into the Spartans, but the Spartans to survive on the road.

 

No.17 South Florida 42, Houston 30

2:45 PM

ESPNU

Charlie Strong inherited a good football team from Willie Taggert who moved onto Oregon. They’re a solid group that is explosive offensively led by quarterback Quinton Flowers.

 

Oregon 34, Utah 31

4:45 PM

PAC 12 Network

See the Ducks pulling off the upset with a better offense. 

 

Baylor 35, Texas 31

11 AM

ESPNU

Like the Bears to get their first victory of the season in an upset at home over the Longhorns.

 

No.18 Central Florida 48, Austin Peay 10

4 PM

ESPN3

UCF is coming off a huge victory on the road at Navy, 31-21, and look like a real contender for a New Year’s Six bowl. This team is outstanding. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

The 113th edition of the Fall Classic features a spectacular matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros. 

The Dodgers finished the season at 104-58, and defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series in 3 games. They then won the National League Championship series in 5 games over the Cubs. The Astros went 101-61 this season, defeated the Red Sox in the ALDS in 4, and advanced to the Series by beating the New York Yankees in 7 games in the ALCS. This is the first time since 1970, 47 years, that 2, 100 win teams have met in the Series. In 1970, the Baltimore Orioles finished 108-54 while the Cincinnati Reds completed a 102-60 season. The Orioles won the Series in 5. 

Game times: All times Central. Times are for First pitch

Tonight: Game 1, Houston @ Los Angeles, 7:09 PM, FOX

Wednesday: Game 2, Houston @ LA 7:09 PM, FOX

Friday: Game 3, LA @ Houston, 7:09 PM, FOX

Saturday:  Game 4, LA @ Houston, 7:09 PM, FOX

Sunday: Game 5, LA @ Houston, 7:16 PM, FOX* 

Tuesday, Oct. 31: Game 6, Houston @ LA, 7:09 PM, FOX*

Wednesday, Nov. 1: Game 7, Houston @ LA, 7:10 PM, FOX*

*If necessary

Broadcasters

Joe Buck, John Smoltz call the game, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci are field reporters, and pregame analysts are Kevin Burkhardt, the host, and commentators A-Rod (he’s got the Yankees in 6), Big Papi, David Ortiz, Keith Hernandez and the Big Hurt, Frank Thomas. Good group calling this game. Joe and Smoltzie do a terrific job as do all of them. Really like A-Rod’s commentary along with Papi’s, Hernandez’s and Thomas’s. Like’em all.

Game 1 pitching matchups

Left hander Clayton Kershaw (LA, 18-4, 2.31 ERA, 30 walks, 202 strikeouts, an 0.95 WHIP, good stat, walks plus hits per innings, anything under 1.10 is good, anything under 1.00 is spectacularly good, in the regular season. Postseason, 2-0, 3.63 ERA. , but he’s given up 6 homers in 17 innings). vs. Astros, LHP Dallas Keuchel (14-5, 2.90 ERA, 47 walks, 125 strikeouts, was injured some, 1.12 WHIP. Postseason, 2-1, 2.60 ERA). 

Game 2 Pitching matchups

Astros, the great Justin Verlander, Right handed pitcher who went 15-8, 3.36 ERA, 72 walks, 219 K’s, 1.17 WHIP, he’s 9-0 with the Astros since being acquired Aug. 31 from the Detroit Tigers. His ERA is under 1.50 in that time. In the postseason, Verlander is 4-0 with a 1.46 ERA and an 0.93 WHIP, with 6 walks and 24 K’s.

LA: LHP Rich Hill, 12-8, 3.32 ERA, 49 walks, 166 K’s, 1.09 WHIP, postseason, 0-0 with a 3.00 ERA.

 

Game 3

Yu Darvish, right hander, goes for the Dodgers. Darvish was picked up in a trade with the Texas Rangers before the trade deadline, July 31st, and finished the season 10-12 with a 3.86 ERA, with 58 walks, 209 K’s, and a 1.16 WHIP. Still a good number on the WHIP. He’s 2-0 in the postseason with a 1.59 ERA, 1 walk and 14 K’s and an 0.79 WHIP.

Astros, to be determined, RHP Lance McCullers Jr. or RHPCharlie Morton, most likely

Game 4

Dodgers LHP Alex Wood, 16-3, 2.72 ERA, 38 walks, 151 K’s, 1.06 WHIP, postseason, 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA.

Stros, Morton or McCullers, Jr. 

Dodgers advantage

I like LA’s 3 left handed pitching starters, the awesome Kershaw, Hill and Wood along with spectacular righty Darvish, who is really dealing in this postseason. The Stros will throw Keuchel and Verlander the first 2 games, which is highly formidable, but overall, I like the depth of the Dodgers starters. I also really like the Dodgers bullpen with the awesome closer Kenley Jansen, who saved 41 of 42 games this season, walked just 7 and struck out 109, had a 1.32 ERA and an 0.75 WHIP. In the postseason, Jansen was just as spectacular, posting 3 saves in all 3 opportunities, with a 0.00 ERA and an 0.87 WHIP, including 1 walk and 12 K’s. One of the setup men for the Dodgers is Kenta Maeda who switched roles from starter to middle relief, and has a 1.38 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 13 innings, and has retired all 15 batters he’s faced in the postseason.  

Astros possible advantage

Hitting, Most certainly  AL MVP Jose Altuve is a hitting machine for the Stros at 2nd base. He hit .346 in the regular season, with 24 homers and 81 Ribeyes. In the postseason, he’s hit an outrageous .400 with 5 homers and 8 Ribbies. He’s the best second sacker in the business and maybe the best position player in the majors. I’d say so actually. Carlos Correra, the stud shortstop for the Stros, hit .315 with 24 long ones this season. Center fielder George Springer is a slugger for the Stros in the leadoff spot. He hit .283 with 34 homers and 89 RBI’s this season. But the Stros only hit .181 in the ALCS versus the Yankees. The Yankees pitching was very good, but that has to be a concern for the Astros heading into the WS. 

The Dodgers can hit too though.  3rd baseman Justin Turner hit .322 this season with 21 homers and 71 RBI’s. Turner also hit .387 in the playoffs with 3 homers and 12 Ribbies. Right fielder Yasiel Puig hit .263 with 28 homers and 74 RBI’s and then has gone off in the postseason so far, hitting  .414 with 1 homer and 6 Ribbies. I really like center fielder Chris Taylor, who hit .288 in the regular season with 21 homers and 72 Ribbies. and has hit  .281 in the postseason with 2 homers and 4 Ribbies. Rookie first baseman Cody Bellinger hit .267 in the regular season but knocked 39 out of the park along with 97 Ribbies. He’s hitting .278 in the postseason with 2 homers and 4 RBI’s. He’s going to be the NL Rookie of the year. And awesome shortstop Corey Seager is back for the World Series after being injured for the postseason. That’s another huge lift. So It’s really a wash in hitting. 

The Call

if you have the best pitching depth in baseball, you’ve got a great shot to win it all. The Dodgers have that. Tonight will be a classic with Kershaw and Keuchel going at it and Verlander goes tomorrow night for the Stros after pitching an epic game 6 of the ALCS versus the Yankees. The Stros were down 3-2 in the ALCS to the Yankees and Verlander put on a super clutch performance going  7, giving up 5 hits, 0 runs with a walk and 8 K’s, He threw 99 pitches with 70 for strikes against 29 balls, a super 2 1/2: 1 strike-ball ratio. He was hitting 97-98 on the radar gun. So tonight will be a battle, and tomorrow night Verlander gives the Stros the edge. But I like the Dodgers depth in their starting rotation, their 3 lefty starters, and their deep, super talented bullpen. Jansen hits 98-99 routinely. The Dodgers will pitch, defend and hit a little better than the Stros in what should be a superb Series. It’s some kind of hot in LA with game time temperature at 103 today and around the same tomorrow night. So they won’t have any problem getting loose. 

Dodgers in 6 

MVP: Kenley Jansen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some solid matchups this weekend. The Crimson Tide looks like it has a glorified scrimmage, but you never know. They need to play well after a pretty impressive effort last Saturday Night versus Arkansas. Not sure where Auburn is. There are injuries and the expulsion of wide receiver Kyle Davis from the team. Gus needs to rebound in Fayetteville this Saturday. LSU @ Ole Miss looks interesting. The Bengal Tigers came back from a 20-0 deficit to beat Auburn last Saturday, 27-23 at Death Valley. They take on what looks like a rejuvenated Ole Miss squad after the Rebels were impressive in defeating Vanderbilt last Saturday, 57-35. LSU and Auburn are trying to become factors in the SEC West again. Texas A&M looks like they’re becoming relevant again after defeating the Gators in the Swamp last Saturday, 19-17. A&M, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Vanderbilt all are off this week. Nationally, USC travels to South Bend to square off with Notre Dame, which should be an outstanding contest. And a tremendous game in the Big Ten features No. 19 Michigan @ No.2 Penn State. I’m not sure Penn State is the second best team in the country, but we’ll find out what they’re made of this Saturday Night.

Here’s a look at this week. 

Last week: 18-6

Overall: 121-33, 79%

***All times are Central time. All games on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

 

Tennessee (3-3, 0-3 SEC) @ No.1 Alabama (7-0, 4-0)

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Allie

Bama by 36

My wife’s a tough judge on her team. She gave her Crimson Tide a B- for last Saturday’s victory over Arkansas. I gave it more of a B+, A-. The team looks unstoppable right now. Damien Harris and Minkah Fitzpatrick look like Heisman candidates to me. Everything is cookin along well for S and his squad. This looks like a serious blowout. The Vols might be better off forfeiting. 

Crimson Tide 48, Vols 6

 

No. 21 Auburn (5-2, 3-1) @ Arkansas (2-4, 0-3)

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole

Tigers by 15 1/2

Kerryon Johnson is still playing at a high level. He ran for 156 yards and a 7 last Saturday. Auburn has injuries on both sides of the ball. If they can have an impressive victory in Fayetteville that would get them back on track to make a possible run in the SEC West. Games at Texas A&M, Georgia and Bama at home loom though. So they need a good outing and players getting healthy again.

Auburn 38, Arkanas 21

 

No. 24 LSU (5-2, 2-1) @ Ole Miss (3-3, 1-2)

6:15

ESPN

Joe, Todd, Holly

LSU by 7

The Bengal Tigers gained a lot of traction and momentum from their spectacular come from behind victory over Auburn. But Shea Patterson and Ole Miss present some problems for any defense. Patterson is like a Johnny Manziel type at quarterback for the Rebels. He’s a really good football player. His receivers are still studs like they have been for the last 3 to 4 years. They’re all 6’2″, 210 and highly athletic. LSU’s defense will be tested. My question is, can Danny Etling be a good enough quarterback to put LSU in the SEC west and national picture. I’m not seeing it right now, but he makes some good plays. Derrius Guice needs to have a good game. Like the Bengal Tigers, but I see this as a hard fought football game.

LSU 28, Ole Miss 27

 

Kentucky (5-1, 2-1) @ Mississippi State (1-2, 4-2)

3 PM

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Andre, Olivia Harlan

State by 12

Both teams started off fast, but have faded a little lately. Kentucky is still in the East, and if State can get a victory, it’d be a momentum booster for their team. I like State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald to get the job done with his running and passing.

State 38, Kentucky 31

 

Missouri 42, Idaho 24

11 AM

SEC Network

Missouri by 14

 

N0. 19 Michigan (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) @ No. 2 Penn State (6-0, 3-0)

6:30 PM 

ABC 

Chris, Kirk, Maria, Tom Rinaldi

Penn State by 9 1/2

This is going to tell us if James Franklin and his Nittany Lions are a real national contender. Michigan is pretty bad on offense at times, and it’s because of poor quarterback play, but they’re terrific on defense. I’m going with the Michigan defense and the tried and true axiom that defense wins championships to carry the night for the Wolverines in Happy Valley.

Michigan 21, Penn State 20

 

No. 11 USC (6-1, 4-1 PAC-12) @ Notre Dame (5-1)

6:30 PM 

NBC 

ND by 3 1/2

I still don’t believe in Brian Kelly. Not a big fan of his and don’t see him as a championship coach that the Irish fans desperately want. I don’t see USC coach Clay Helton as a championship coach either, but I do like his talent. He has championship caliber talent even though the Trojans lost to Washington State a couple of weeks ago. A PAC-12 title and a playoff berth are still in play for the Trojans. The Irish think they are in the hunt, too. Don’t see it under Kelly. 

USC 34, Notre Dame 31

 

Other scores

Texas 45, Oklahoma State 42

11 AM 

ABC

Like Tom Herman and his Longhorns to get their first signature win in a shocker over the Cowboys. I believe in Herman. He’s an excellent football coach and has the Longhorns trending towards a championship trajectory in the next 2 or 3 years. 

 

No.9 Oklahoma 45, Kansas State 30

3 PM 

FOX

The Sooners survived a battle in the Red River Rivalry last Saturday as they outlasted Texas, 29-24. Baker Mayfield has a big day in Manhattan, KS. and the Sooners matriculate in the Big 12 and nationally.

 

Florida State 31, Louisville 30

11 AM

ESPN

Looking for a very close contest here. The FSU defense is good and they do just enough to best Lamar Jackson and the Cardinals.

 

No. 5 Wisconsin 42, Maryland 14

11 AM CT

FOX

I don’t see Wisconsin as an elite team yet, but they’re good and they keep getting better and better. They can really run the football, but their quarterback play can be questionable. They are definitely a team to watch for in the Big Ten and nationally though. They’re No.5 in the country, so they’re serious. 

 

No.8 Miami 42, Syracuse 20

2:30 PM 

ESPN

Like the Canes, who had a massively impressive comeback victory over Georgia Tech last Saturday in Hard Rock Stadium in which one of the Miami receivers made a catch on 4th and 10 very late in the game that kept Miami’ hopes of winning the game existent. The ball was knocked up in the air by 2 Tech defenders, and as he was falling on his back, the Canes’ receiver caught the ball on the way down on the Georgia Tech 8 yard line allowing the Canes to kick a game winning field goal and capture a spectacular 25-24 victory over the dangerous Ramblin Wreck. I see the Canes bringing the Cuse off their high horse after the Orange defeated then No.2 Clemson last Friday Night in a colossal upset. Pretty bullish on Miami. Their quarterback, Malik Rosier, is special.

No.4 TCU 55, Kansas 14

7 PM

FOX

The Horned Frogs should have no problem here. They’re a serious team in the playoff hunt at this juncture. They still have some key games at Oklahoma, Texas at home and Texas Tech on the road.

 

No. 14 Virginia Tech 41, North Carolina 17

2:30 PM 

ESPN2

Like the Hokies to get it done and to keep their ACC titles and outside national aspirations alive. They’ve got some important games left, that, if they win, they’re in the ACC title game, and a victory there could be enough to get this team in the playoff picture. A lot of work left for the Hokies though. UNC has been devastated by injuries. Tough year in Chapel Hill.

 

No. 18 Michigan State 31, Indiana 28

2:30 PM 

ABC

Like the Spartans to be tested here. Don’t know if I totally believe in this team as a major factor in the Big Ten though they did beat Michigan in the Big House a couple of weeks ago in a super performance. They seem to get it done though it’s not overly impressive. Seems to always be the case for them. They’re doing well so it’s hard to argue with their results at 5-1 overall and 4-0 in the Big Ten East. 

Tonight

No. 25 Memphis 35, Houston 31

Like the Tigers to go into the Rocket City and get a huge upset victory over a pretty good Cougars squad. Really like the Memphis quarterback, Riley Ferguson. 

 

No. 15 Washington State 45, Colorado 31

9:45 PM

ESPN

Like Mike Leach and his squad to bounce back after that embarrassing blowout lossto Cal on the road last Friday Night. Cal is a very competitive team, but to lose 37-3 to the Golden Bears is pretty inexcusable. The Cougars snap back against a Colorado team under Mike McIntyre that had a terrific season last year, but is struggling to get it together in 2017.

 

No. 23 West Virginia 45, Baylor 38

7 PM 

Fox Sports 1

Like the Mountaineers to keep their momentum going after their big come from behind victory over Texas Tech at home last Saturday. The Mountaineers were down 35-17 in the third quarter and scored 29 unanswered points to defeat the Red Raiders, 46-35. They keep it going in Waco, but I see Baylor being very competitive at home.

 

UAB 38, Charlotte 10

5:30 PM

beIN SPORTS

The Blazers keep it going albeit against a really bad Charlotte team that is 0-7. The Blazers are a pretty good team and have 2 impressive  victories in consecutive weeks at home over LA Tech, 23-22, and Middle Tennessee State, 25-23.

 

Navy 35, No. 20 Central Florida 34

2:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

The Academy is the most impressive, resilient team in the country. They’re 5-1 and are highlyclutch in big games. Like the Midshipmen to pull off the upset at Annapolis.  

 

Georgia Tech 31, Wake Forest 30

6:30 PM 

ESPNU

Like the Yellow Jackets to survive the Demon Deacons. Two pretty good, underrated teams in the ACC that always give the more talented teams problems. 

 

California 34, Arizona 31

7 PM

PAC-12 Network

Like Cal, fresh off their upset of top 10 team Washington State-which I wasn’t buying in the first place, Washington State’s top 10 ranking-to pull off the upset here. Cal is a 3 point underdog at home. They’ve got a pretty good football team and so does Zona. But I’m going with the home field team in what should be an excellent game. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

I really do believe in this football team and what Coach Mason is doing along with his vision for this program. We sit at 3-4 and are off this week, then have  5 winnable games left. Next up we’re at South Carolina in a game we can definitely win on Saturday, 10-28. Time and TV to be announced. We’ll play Western Kentucky, at home, 11-4, Kentucky, at home, 11-11, Missouri, at home, 11-18, then play those guys from the East, 11-25. The games are all on Saturdays. Kyle is still playing at a high level under center, Ralph ran for 160+ yards last Saturday at Ole Miss, and the defense, I know this may sound funny, did some good things last Saturday. They really did. We just got behind by a bunch and couldn’t come back. But we still played some good ball at times. I like our players a lot. They will bounce back. Coach Mason will have them ready for SC. We need that one. Last year, we were 2-4 during the bye week and we came back and won 4 straight. We can do the same this year, win 5 straight and finish 8-4 with a quality bowl game victory.

Coach Mason has a really solid ’18 class with 3, 4-stars, and a good amount of 3 stars. It’s shaping up to be an excellent class. We have 14 committed. We’re in on some other good players. l really like what Coach Mason is doing. He’s an outstanding coach. Know we can turn this thing around. It was a massively hard stretch with Bama, @ Florida, Georgia, and @ Ole Miss. We can regroup this week and be ready to go a week from Saturday. 

MLB guys

Sonny was awesome yesterday for the Yankees in their 6-4 victory over the Astros to tie the ALCS at 2-2. Yanks play the Stros today at 4:08 PM CT on Fox Sports 1. The man went 5 innings, gave up 1 hit, 2 runs with only 1 earned, with 2 walks and 4 K’s. Sonny threw 84 pitches with 46 for strikes against 29 balls. He pitched really well. He hit 95 a couple of times and struck out the great Carlos Beltran on 95 mile per hour heat. The Yanks didn’t give him any help with the gloves or the bats, committing 2 errors and not scoring any runs. But did they ever light up the Houston bullpen. Down 4-0, the superb Aaron Judge cranked one out to cut it to 4-1 in the bottom of the 7th. Gary Sanchez hit a sac fly in the same inning to cut it to 4-2. In the bottom of the 8th, Judge doubled to deep left central to tie the game at 4 after Brett Gardner hit a ground out for a Ribeye. Sanchez doubled in same inning and drove in 2 to put the Yanks ahead 6-4. Aroldis Chapman came in for the top of the 9th and mowed down the Astros 1-2-3 throwing it 98-101. Wow, he’s electric. The game was nothing short of miraculous. Nothing like Yankee Stadium in October. Like Sonny in Yankee Stadium in October. 

 Like where Sonny and the Yanks are right now. One more in the Bronx and then back to Houston. Manager Joe Girardi will throw ace Masahiro Tanaka today against Houston lefty ace Dallas Keuchel. Should be a total classic. The Yanks have battled back from a 2-0 deficit in this series and are playing superbly right now. Like their chances. Have some tough assignments with Kuechel and Justin Verlander waiting, but like where the pitching and bats are. Gloves need to keep playing better, but feel like they will. Hitting and pitching are contagious for the defense. Want to see Sonny keep pitching. Like his team and really like the man. He’a a Mr. October type.

David Price pitched superbly well for the BoSox in the postseason. Unfortunately, they fell to the Stros in the ALDS, but DP’s work was as a solid as it gets out of the bullpen. Due to his elbow issues, John Ferrell wanted to work him out of the pen in the playoffs. David answered the bell throwing 6.2 innings, giving up 5 hits, 0 runs, with 2 walks and 5 K’s. His ERA was 0.00 and his WHIP (walks plus hits per inning) was 1.05, which is outstanding. Anything under 1.10 is very good. He was especially good on Sunday, a week and a half ago, as he went 4 innings, gave up 4 hits with 1 walk and 4 K’s in the BoSox 10-3 victory. They lost the game and the series on the next day when Ferrell made some questionable pitching decisions. He lost his job because of it. I’m sorry for him, he seems like a good guy, but apparently he’s made some poor decisions and this time it cost them the playoffs. So GM Dave Dombrowski felt a change was needed. The new manager has not been named. Regardless, was really pumped with how David pitched. He looks good to start next year. He was hitting 97 on that Sunday and his stuff was electric. He’s ready for a huge ’18 season as a starter.

Mike Minor pitched super well for the KC Royals out of the pen this year. He struck out the awesome Francisco Lindor for the Indians, who crushed 33 homers this season, that ended the Indians’ 22 game winning streak and it was in Cleveland. Mike was hitting 95-96 and his breaking ball is through the roof good. It’s great to see Mike back and pitching well. Hope the Royals give him a shot to start. 

Still believe in Pedro. He was awesome at the Norfolk Tides, the triple A club for the Orioles. He hit a ton of home runs and got called up to the O’s in Sept. He’s still got a great bat and has cut down on his strikeouts. Really believe in Pedro. He can be a great 1st or 3rd baseman or an outfielder if he needs to be. He’s an outstanding athlete. Just needs a shot with a big league club, the Orioles or whomever else. 

Dansby had a solid finish with the Braves. He played excellent shortstop and finished off the season with a pair of hits. The Braves are building and going through the growing pains of developing young talent in the big leagues. They should be a lot more competitive in 2018 and have a shot to make the postseason and keep getting better in years to come. It’s kind of like what the Astros did with their young talent. It’s tough while the guys are developing, but it pays off eventually. I know it will for the Braves. Dans doing a great job for them and there couldn’t be a better teammate and representative for a team. Dans is super like all our guys are.

Carson Fulmer pitched well for the ChiSox when he got called up in September. Carson did some really good things starting and got a couple of victories. Like what Carson can become in the big leagues. Like the potential of Tony Kemp and Tyler Beede, too, with the Astros and Giants respectively. Both guys can do some great things. Both were in triple A, Tony knocked the cover off the ball and played stellar 2nd base, while Tyler pitched well for Sacramento as a starter before getting hurt in late July. Like where those 2 can go. Tony just needs a shot and Tyler can keep developing. Kyle Wright should be a factor for the Braves in the near future, and Walker Buehler will be for the ultra talented Dodgers in the near future as well. We have so many, I know I’m leaving some guys out. 2018 should be super for our MLB guys. 

Our college team looks highly promising for 2018. We’ve got some super talented freshman along with some stud vets. Like what Corbs can do with this group. I’ll talk to Corbs in January and give you his rundown of Vanderbilt baseball 2018.

NFL guys

Jay Cutler played some really good quarterback for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in their 20-17 massive victory over Atlanta. Man, I stay nervous all weekend with my college predictions/hopes on Saturday and Jay playing quarterback on Sundays. Jay started slowly as the Dolphins trailed 17-0 at halftime and the opinionated CBS halftime guys were doggin him. I muted the TV. But Jay and the ‘phins came back scoring 20 unanswered to win on the road in Mercedes-Benz Stadium against the NFC champs from 2016. Jay finished 19 for 33 for 151 yards, 2 TDs and one int. He had a 76.7 quarterback rating, which is decent, but he was so efficient in the second half and showed incredible leadership and resiliency. He threw an 11 yard TD pass to Kenny Stills, formerly from Oklahoma, to cut the lead to 17-7, then threw a 7 yard TD pass to Jarvis Landry, from LSU, to trim the deficit to 17-14. Cody Parkey from Auburn kicked a couple of field goals, the last one from 38 yards with 2:30 left in the game, and the Dolphins intercepted a Matt Ryan pass deep in Miami territory with the Falcons driving in for a game tying field goal or game winning TD. So it was huge for Jay and the Dolphins. Next up is the Jets this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at noon CT. The Dolphins are now 3-2 and 1 game back of the Patriots. Need to keep this momentum going. Proud for Jay.

Zach Cunningham and Andre Hal are excelling on defense for a very good Houston Texans team. Andre had a couple of ints 2 weeks ago, and Zach has been a tackling machine for the Texans. They had some tough things happen against the Chiefs on Sunday Night football a week and a half ago as they lost the awesome J.J, Watt for the season with a knee injury during the game. They also lost super linebacker Whitney Mercilus for the year, too, in that game. But the Texans are playing well with the stellar DeShaun Watson playing quarterback. It’s tough without those 2, but they snapped back from a home loss to KC a week and a half ago and won this past Sunday over the Cleveland Browns, 33-17. The Texans are 3-3. I like where Zach and Andre are.

Casey Hayward is still playing very good cornerback for the LA Chargers, weird to call them LA instead of San Diego, but getting used to it. Casey is a stud. Spencer Pulley is also the starting center and doing a great job for the Bolts. They got a huge victory at Oakland this past Sunday.

Wesley Johnson playing superb center for the New York Jets. I watched some of Wesley’s game Sunday versus the Patriots, which the Jets lost in a close, hard fought contest, and Wes looked outstanding. 

Jordan Matthews is still recovering from an injury, but, according to reports, has a chance to play for the Buffalo Bills this Sunday versus the Tampa Bay Bucs. JMatt has  played some this season, but has struggled with some injuries, but he’s working his tail off I’m sure to get back at wide receiver for his team. That’s who Jordan Matthews is. 

Basketball

I really like the material Bryce has assembled for 2017-18. We’ve got some really good vets and some stud freshmen. I like our chances to do well in the SEC and nationally. Not too far away from the season opener. Austin Peay is at 3:30 PM CT on Friday Nov. 10th at Memorial. Should be an electric season this year for our basketball team. Will have more on Bryce and the team next week.

We do have a commit for the 2018 class and he is 94, 4-star Aaron Nesmith. Aaron is out of Charleston, S.C. Great pickup by Bryce and the staff. Aaron is a 6’5″, 190 pound small forward and the recruiting services sure think a lot of him. I know he’ll be exceptional. We’re in it for some big time players that, if we could land them, would be game changing for our program. But I really like the squad we have this year. We can be special.

Will hit ya back next week. Thanks. 

 

Pretty electric week 7 in the SEC and some key national games as college football moves on into October and several teams start hitting their stride, while others aim to regain momentum. The Auburn Tigers travel to Death Valley to face the LSU Tigers in an extremely hostile venue. Auburn has not won at LSU since 1999, so the Plainsmen are hungry for a victory and a shot at keeping a resurgent season going. The Crimson Tide hosts Arkansas after surviving somewhat of a scare in College Station last week. Jalen Hurts and the offense tries to get back on track, while the defense aims to re-assert itself as a dominating SEC and national defense. A&M travels to the Swamp to face the Gators. A&M homes in on building from last week’s promising performance against Alabama, while Florida tries to stay in the SEC East race after a heartbreaker at the hands of LSU last Saturday and the loss of some key players to injuries and earlier suspensions. An improving South Carolina travels to Knoxvegas to take on the Tennessee Vols, which are desperate for a victory. Butch Jones needs it more than ever. The Red River Rivalry commences in Dallas on Saturday as Oklahoma squares off with Texas. Here’s a look at this week’s action.

All games Saturday unless otherwise noted under matchups. All times are Central. 

Last week: 11-7

Overall: 103-27, 79%

 

No. 10 Auburn (5-1 overall, 3-0 SEC) @ LSU (4-2, 1-1)

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Allie

AU by 7

Kerryon Johnson has been on a tear running the football the last 3 weeks. Against Missouri, 3 weeks ago, Johnson ran for 5 TDs. Two weeks ago, against Mississippi State, Johnson ran for 116 yards and 3 TDs. And last week he plowed through Ole Miss for 204 yards and 3 more scores. That’s some impressive stuff. Jarrett Stidham seems to be figuring out SEC defenses a little better though he’s not been tested by a top flight defense since Clemson. The offense is clicking though. The defense has been playing at an elite level all season. The game’s at Death Valley with 102,000+ passionate fans, most of them LSU fans, so it’s going to be a very tough test for the Auburn Tigers. It’s going to be 91 at kickoff, so really will be a test of perseverance in this one when it gets into the fourth quarter. But I’m starting to get pretty bullish on these Auburn Tigers. It’ll be great to be one on Saturday.

Auburn 21, LSU 13

 

Arkansas (2-3, 0-2) @ No.1 Alabama (6-0, 3-0)

6:15 PM 

ESPN

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Tide by 30

The Crimson Tide got a scare at A&M last week. They didn’t play poorly, but they didn’t play up to their standards after they pummeled Vandy and Ole Miss in consecutive weeks. S was not happy about it, and much of it can be attributed to some nagging injuries on defense. But also, the offense has been erratic at times. Missing Calvin Ridley for most of the 2nd half last week hurt, but Jalen Hurts seems to do enough to get the job done. The offense needs to have a bounce back week, and the defense needs to get healthier to play at the exceptional level they’re used to in Tuscaloosa. Arkansas starting quarterback Austin Allen is banged up, so they very well could turn to backup Cole Kelley, who is 6’7″, 268. He’s pretty athletic, so he would give the Razorbacks a different dimension. But Allen still could start. Arkansas is struggling though. I see the Tide bouncing back this week.

Alabama 42, Arkansas 7

 

Missouri (1-4, 0-3) @ No.4 Georgia (6-0, 3-0)

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole

Dawgs by 30

Georgia is clicking. They are on fire in the running game, freshman quarterback Jake Fromm is a playing at a high level, and the defense is superb. The Dawgs keep it cookin between the Hedges on Saturday.

Georgia 45, Missouri 14

 

Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1) @ Florida (3-2, 3-1)

6 PM

ESPN2

Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

Gators by 2 1/2

Kellen Mond showed, as the great Larry Culpepper said to Steve Smith, Sr in the Dr. Pepper commercial, “amazing potential,” last week against Bama. He made some electric plays against a tough defense to make explosive plays against. I like Mond and the Aggies to pull off the upset against a beaten up Gators team.

Texas A&M 24, Florida 23

 

South Carolina (4-2, 2-2) @ Tennessee (3-2, 0-2)

11 AM

ESPN

Mike Patrick, Tommy Tuberville, Paul Carcaterra

Tennessee by 3

I like how Will Muschamp and his Gamecocks are trending. Butch Jones is starting a different quarterback this week, Jarrett Guarantano, who’s got a big arm, but he’s not very accurate. The Vols will struggle on offense, and the Gamecocks and quarterback Jake Bentley pull off the upset.

South Carolina 31, Tennessee 27

 

Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-3) @ Ole Miss (2-3, 0-2)

2:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Andre, Olivia Harlan

Ole Miss by 3 1/2

Should be a good, competitive game in Oxford. I like QB Shea Patterson, running back Jordan Wilkins and the Ole Miss wide receivers to be a little better than the Dores, which are coming off a brutal 3 game stretch of Alabama, at Florida and Georgia. 

Ole Miss 34, Vanderbilt 31

 

BYU (1-5) @ Mississippi State (3-2, 1-2)

11 AM 

SEC Network

Dave Neal, Matt Stinchomb, Dawn Davenport

State by 24

Like Dan Mullen, quarterback Nick Fitzgerald and the State offense to return to explosive form against a reeling BYU team.

Mississippi State 45, BYU 20

 

Middle Tennessee (3-3, 1-1, C-USA) @ UAB (3-2, 1-1)

5:30 PM 

beIN Sports

Blazers pulled off a stunner last Saturday beating favored  La Tech last week, 23-22, on a last second blocked field goal attempt. It was pretty awesome with over 27,000 fans in attendance. I watched it and it got loud in Legion Field. It was pretty electric. Like the Blazers to pull off another upset. Bill Clark is doing some amazing things on the Southside.

Blazers 34, MTSU 31

 

No. 12 Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) vs. Texas (3-2, 2-0)

2:30 PM

ESPN

Like the resurgent Longhorns to pull off the upset in Big D.

Texas 35, Oklahoma 34

 

No.7 Clemson @ Syracuse

Friday

6 PM

ESPN

Kelly Bryant is healthy from an injured ankle, and, according to Dabo, ready to go tomorrow night. The Tigers should not have a problem.

Clemson 45, Syracuse 21

 

Other Scores

No.5 TCU 45, Kansas State 35

11 AM CT

Fox Sports 1

Horned Frogs keep cookin and win on the road in the Little Apple, Manhattan, Kansas.

 

No. 11 Miami 42, Georgia Tech 38

2:30 PM

ABC

This will be a tough test for the Canes at home at Hard Rock after a sensational last seconds game winning TD at FSU last week. The Canes lost star tailback Mark Walton for the season last Saturday and one of their top wide receivers is out, but quarterback Malik Rosier is an absolute stud and he gets it done barely over Ga Tech phenom QB TaQuon Marshall.

 

No. 8 Washington State 38, California 28

Friday

9:30 PM

ESPN

Leach keeps it going, but gets challenged on the road. 

 

No.5 Washington 48, Arizona State 28

9:45 PM

ESPN

Chris Peterson’s Huskies looking stronger and stronger as the season progresses.

 

No.7 Wisconsin 34, Purdue 21

2:30 PM

Big Ten Network

Wisconsin is starting to impress me more and more. They’ve got a heckuva running game led by freshman Jonathan Taylor.

 

No. 14 Oklahoma State 48, Baylor 35

2:30 PM

Fox Sports 1

Baylor gives the Cowboys more trouble than they expect.

 

Memphis 48, No. 25 Navy 45

2:45 PM

ESPNU

Should be an explosive game offensively with the Tigers just edging out a really good Midshipmen team. 

 

No. 21 Michigan State 24, Minnesota 21

7 PM

Big Ten Network

Coming off an epic upset of Michigan at the BIg House last Saturday, the Spartans survive P.J, Fleck and Minnesota on the road. Fleck will get Minnesota back in the hunt in the Big Ten soon though. He’s a good coach.

 

No.9 Ohio State 49, Nebraska 30

6:30 PM CT

FOX

The Buckeyes get a scare from the Cornhuskers but pull away in the end. 

 

No. 13 USC 31, Utah 17

7 PM CT 

ABC

The Trojans start to get a little momentum back for the latter half of the season.

 

West Virginia 49, No. 24 Texas Tech 45

11 AM 

ESPNU

This should be a massive shootout with the Mountaineers surviving.

 

Virginia 38, North Carolina 28

2:30 PM

ACC Network 

Like the way UVA manhandled Boise State on the road a couple of weeks ago. I like where this football program is heading. 

 

No.23 Stanford 31, Oregon 30

10 PM

Fox Sports 1

This should be a major tussle with the Cardinal and running back Bryce Love outdueling the Ducks. 

 

No. 19 San Diego State 38, Boise State 30

9:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

The Aztecs are a really good football team that is now on the national radar. Their running back, Rashaad Penny, is a fantastic football player. This is a team to watch in the group of Five for a New Year’s Six bowl. They could very well be the best team in those 5 conferences.  The group of 5 schools are composed of the American, the MAC, C-USA, the Mountain West and the Sun Belt. The top ranked team in the college football playoff rankings at the end of the season that is not in a power 5 conference, but in a group of 5 conference, qualifies for a New Year’s Six major bowl. This year it’s either the Cotton Bowl, the Fiesta Bowl or the Peach Bowl. The Goodyear Cotton Bowl is in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. on Friday, December 29th, at 7:30 PM CT on ESPN. The Playstation Fiesta Bowl is at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Saturday, Dec. 30th, at 3 PM,  and the Chick-fil-A Peach is at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 1st at 11:30 AM CT.  The Capital One Orange Bowl which takes place Saturday, Dec. 30th, at 7 PM at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, will pit the best team from the ACC not in the playoff, versus the best team from the Big Ten not in the playoff, if they have a team, or Notre Dame. 

The College Football Playoff semifinals are Monday, 1-1-18, with the Rose Bowl first at 4 PM CT, followed by the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome at 7:30 PM CT. Both games will be televised by ESPN. The National Championship game will be played Monday, January 8th, 2018 at 7 PM CT at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta and will be televised by ESPN. Getting closer and closer to starting to think about it. The first College Football Playoff rankings will be announced Tuesday, October 31st, on ESPN and I’m pretty sure at 6 PM CT. The final rankings will be released Sunday, December 3rd at 11 AM or 11:30 AM CT on ESPN. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alabama and Auburn with some SEC tests, Bama on the road at A&M and AU at home vs Ole Miss. Very winnable games for both teams, but both need to play well to keep their respective momentum going. Bama facing an A&M team that’s improved and skilled, and it’s on the road at College Station, so it should be somewhat of a challenge. The Crimson Tide has been hit by injuries on defense again with the loss of Da’Shawn Hand to a knee sprain last week. He’s expected to miss a couple of weeks. Punt returner Trevon Diggs is out with a foot injury, and he’s expected back in the next week or 2. Auburn is playing well on both sides of the ball, but my question is have they really been tested after facing a pretty bad Missouri team two weeks ago, and a beaten up team physically last week in Mississippi State which had just gotten blasted mentally and physically by Georgia the week before. So the jury is out on the Tigers and the Tide needs to overcome some injury concerns. Some key SEC matchups in Nashville and on the Swamp and some compelling national games to breakdown. Here’s a look at the slate this week in college football.

Last week: 20-2

Overall: 92-20, 82%

 

No.1 Alabama@ Texas A&M 

6:15 PM CT

ESPN

Joe Tessitore, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe

Bama by 26 1/2

Kind of a challenge for the Crimson Tide. Jalen Hurts is playing well, the line and running game are clicking and if the defense can overcome some injuries, Alabama should be fine here. But A&M has a pretty electric young quarterback in Kellen Mond and some good skilled players and College Station will be rockin. Still like the Tide to take care business here and keep moving forward with SEC championship aspirations in tact along with national championship hopes.

Alabama 45, A&M 14

 

Ole Miss @ No. 12 Auburn

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Tom Hart, Jordan Rodgers, Cole Cubelic

Auburn by 22 1/2

Tigers should be in good shape here against a decimated Ole Miss squad. Like Jarrett Stidham, Kerryon Johnson and the offense to excel and the defense to keep on cookin.

Auburn 48, Ole Miss 14

 

No.5 Georgia @ Vanderbilt

11 AM CT

ESPN

Mike Patrick, Tubby, Paul Carcaterra

Dawgs by 17 1/2

Vanderbilt won at Georgia last year in a dramatic way as Zach Cunningham blasted Isiaiah McKenzie on 4th and 1 to preserve the upset victory for the Dores. But the Dawgs are a much better football team this year and in the thick of the national picture. The Dawgs handle the Dores relatively easily.

Georgia 38, Vanderbilt 17

 

LSU @ No. 21 Florida

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Allie

Gators by 2 1/2

The line has dropped from 5 to 2 1/2 so the gamblers are thinking this will be an upset, a minor one at that. But I don’t believe in LSU at all. Troy went down to Death Valley and posted a monumental upset. Troy’s a good team, but LSU is totally dysfunctional. Gators outlast the Bengal Tigers.

Florida 21, LSU 17

 

Arkansas at South Carolina

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Dave Neal, Matt Stinchcomb, Dawn Davenport

Arkansas by 2

I like the upset here.

South Carolina 31, Arkansas 30

 

Missouri at Kentucky 

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Andre, Olivia Harlan

Kentucky by 9 1/2

Kentucky is fading a little bit to me. I’m going to take the upset in this one too.

Missouri 31, Kentucky 28

 

Tonight

No. 17 Louisville @ No. 24 North Carolina State

7 PM

ESPN

N.C. State will give Louisville everything they want, but I like Lamar Jackson and the Cardinals to barely survive.

Louisville 35, N.C. State 31

 

No. 11 Washington State @ Oregon

7 PM 

FOX

This looked like it could be an upset, but Oregon’s starting quarterback is out with an injury and they have some other injuries and Mike Leach’s team is trending well and looking like a contender to win the PAC 12 and be in the thick of the national conversation if they keep this up. They’re playing some defense now.

Washington State 38, Oregon 34

 

Michigan State @ No.7 Michigan

6:30 PM CT

ABC

What is usually a competitive game that can go either way doesn’t look that way this year. The Wolverines have lost their starting quarterback for a while, but their backup is pretty good and Michigan State is not a heavyweight any more. Michigan’s defense is for real.

Michigan 30, Michigan State 14

 

Other scores

TCU 45, West Virginia 30

2:30 PM CT

FOX

 

No. 13 Miami 28, Florida State 17

2:30 PM 

ESPN

 

No.2 Clemson 38, Wake Forest 14

11 AM

ESPN 2

 

No.3 Oklahoma 48, Iowa State 28

11 AM

FOX

 

No.4 Penn State 35, Northwestern 31

11 AM 

ABC

 

No.6 Washington 45, California 14

9:45 PM

ESPN

 

No. 20 Utah 31, Stanford 30

9:15 PM 

FOX Sports 1

Navy 34, Air Force 31

2:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

 

Lousiana Tech 35, UAB 31

3 PM 

C-USA TV

 

Stanley Cup prediction

The NHL opened their season last night. A long season with an always captivating postseason. I like the Pittsburgh Penguins to shine once again. The team has the drive and tenacity to get the trifecta done. Sydney Crosby captures another MVP award in the NHL and the Penguins overcome the awesome 20 year old Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to capture their 3rd straight Stanley Cup.

Penguins over Oilers in 6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This has been quite a year in the major leagues. Three teams won over 100 games this season with the Dodgers leading the way at 104-58, followed by the Indians at 102-60, and the Astros at 101-61. There were 6,105 homers hit this season, a major league record, surpassing the record of 5,693 set in 2000. There were also 39,854 strikeouts, most ever, surpassing the mark of 38,982, set last season.

The stars will be out. Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers), Chris Sale (Red Sox), Bryce Harper (Nationals), Jose Altuve (Astros), and Andrew Miller (Indians) among other stellar players. The Red Sox’ Sale, who struck out 308 hitters this season, was the first American League pitcher to strike out 300 in 18 years. Altuve, of the Astros, hit .346 this season. He was a hitting machine at 2nd base. The Dodgers’ Kershaw, despite going on the DL for a while in August, won 18 games and posted a 2.31 ERA with 202 strikeouts against just 30 walks, a 7:1 strikeout to walk ratio. Harper had an injury issue at the end of the season but came back and will be ready for the postseason for the  Nationals. He hit .319 with 29 homers and 87 Ribeyes while missing over a month at the end of the season with the injury. He had an MVP season despite the injury and came back at the end of the season and is ready for the postseason. Miller was hurt later in the season, but was incredibly stellar for the Indians out of the pen last season in middle relief and can be un-hittable. The Red Sox now have David Price coming out of the pen and Price has been electric throwing 8 2/3 scoreless innings and striking out 13 since returning from an elbow injury. He’ll be a factor for the BoSox, like he was for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2008, his first season in the majors, when he played a big part in leading the Rays to the World Series, where they lost to the Phillies in 6 games. There are some superb bullpens and hitters like Aaron Judge of the Yankees, who crushed  52 out of the yard this season as a rookie, the most ever by a rookie,  second only to the Miami Marlins’ awesome Giancarlo Stanton, who hit 59. Judge is a long ball machine. At 6’7″, 282,  he’s built like a Sherman Tank and can flat out destroy a baseball. The Yankees are dangerous.

And you surely can’t forget the defending world series champion Chicago Cubs. They played super baseball in the second half of the season. The remarkable duo of Kris Bryant (.295, 29 hrs,73 RBIs) and Anthony Rizzo (.273, 32, 109) have the Cubs right in the thick of repeating for a title, which would be the first time that’s happened since the Yankees did it during the 1998-2000 seasons.

Here are 2017 predictions for what will be a spectacular postseason.

AL Wild Card, 7 PM CT, Tuesday, ESPN

Yankees 4, Twins 3

NL Wild Card, Wednesday, 7 PM CT, TBS

Dbacks 5, Rockies 4

American League Division Series

Indians over Yankees in 5

Astros over Red Sox in 5 

Should be 2 really terrific series.

NLDS

Dodgers over Dbacks in 4

Nationals over Cubsin 5

 

American League Championship Series

Indians over Astros in 7

 National League Championship Series

Dodgers over Nationals in 7

Two very hard fought series with 4 elite teams featuring massive competitiveness and talent. It will make for some epic drama.

2017 World Series, FOX will televise

Joe Buck and Smoltzie on the call

The Indians, with extraordinary starter Corey Kluber, who was 18-4, with 2.25 ERA, 265 K’s against 36 walks, an 8:1 K-walk ratio, versus Kershaw and the phenomenal Dodgers, will be a superb fall classic. I like Cleveland, shortstop Francisco Lindor, who hit 33 home runs this season, Kluber,  Miller, closer Cody Allen and the Indians to edge out the Dodgers and capture Cleveland’s first World Series championship since 1948. I predicted Cleveland over the Cubs before the season started. The Indians won 22 in a row this season from August 24th to Septemeber 15th. I’ll stick with the Believeland Indians over the LA Dodgers. 

Indians over Dodgers in 6

Game 6, Indians win 2-1

Kluber, Miller and Allen barely out-pitch Kershaw and the Dodgers arms while containing the Dodgers’ arsenal of hitters.

World Series MVP: Corey Kluber

Postseason Hype Vid, performed by Silence, courtesy of

Youtube