The Iron Bowls are always massive, and this should be another historic one with major national implications on the line for the Crimson Tide and the Tigers. Jordan-Hare Stadium will be a rockin on Saturday at 2:30 PM.  The state has been buzzing all week about this epic showdown between these 2 storied programs in what, on paper, looks like another sensational Iron Bowl, the 82nd edition. The Crimson Tide leads the series, 45-35-1, but this one seems as evenly matched as you can get. 

Can Jalen Hurts and the great Calvin Ridley take the Tide one step closer to the playoff and a fifth national championship in Nick Saban’s illustrious 11 years at the helm at the University, where he has amassed a 125-19 record, 5 SEC championships, and 4 national championships in 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2015. Can Kerryon Johnson, Jarrett Stidhmam and the tough Auburn defense get the Tigers over the hump and get them right into the thick of the playoff race, and in super position to be a playoff team if they could then beat Georgia the next week. Those 2 riveting questions loom. 

This is all phenomenal stuff. Can’t wait. 

And the national picture is really scintillating right now. My 4 playoff teams are Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma and Clemson going into this weekend in that order. Herbie likes Oklahoma as the best team. I agree that Baker Mayfield and OU are prolific, but their defense has shown vulnerabilities. Auburn and Alabama have super teams, so does Clemson. I want to let it shake out through championship weekend, but those would be my 4 right now. If Bama were to lose to AU, they could still get in. If Auburn defeats Alabama and then knocks off Georgia again, I could see Bama getting in. If the Tide is victorious this weekend, they should be in and would be a 2 touchdown favorite over the Dawgs.

Clemson needs to win this weekend and defeat Miami in the ACC title game next Saturday. But they have a scrappy South Carolina team on the road Saturday and then an excellent Miami team in the ACC title game in Charlotte. N.C. a week from Saturday. Oklahoma needs to defeat West Virginia this Saturday at home, which is no total guarantee, and then defeat TCU in the Big 12 title game a week from Saturday. No guarantee there either. Auburn and Georgia are definitely still in it, and I have to say Ohio State is still in it. Ohio State has to hope for some pretty massive chaos and they have to beat Michigan and Wisconsin. Wisconsin is also still very much alive, but needs a little help. They have to win out as well, obviously, or they’re done. A Miami-Clemson game with a winner just barely getting over the hump would make it interesting for the selection committee if they wanted to choose a 1 loss Miami team if it’s Miami or an undefeated Wisconsin team. I think they’d choose Wisconsin. But Wisconsin has some serious work ahead of it next week against Ohio State.

So it all makes for some sensational college football this weekend and next as we get closer and closer to the postseason with the majorly entertaining bowl games throughout the holiday season, and the electric college football playoff. A lot of football left to decide things. Makes for some terrific action and some nervous times, starting this Saturday, and particularly in this state.

Here’s a look at this week’s games. 

Last time: 13-11

Overall: 185-69, 73%

All games Saturday unless otherwise noted. All times Central.

 

No. 1 Alabama (11-0, 7-0 SEC) @ No. 6 Auburn (9-2, 6-1)

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn (87,451)

2:30 PM 

CBS

Brad, Gary, Allie

Bama by 4 1/2

Bama is led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has completed 123-of- 201 passes, 61%, for 1,828 yards, 14 TDs and just 1 int. Those are exceptional numbers, particularly the touchdown  to Interception ratio. Jalen has really hit it off with first year offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and they have teamed up together to become a juggernaut in leading the Crimson Tide offensive attack. Damien Harris has put together a sensational year running the football rushing for 855 yards on 104 carries, an 8.2 yard average, and 11 TDs. He’s been spectacular. He hasn’t been a workhorse though as the Tide is loaded at running back with Bo Scarbrough, Josh Jacobs and Najee Harris for cleanup duty along with Brian Robinson Jr., who looks very promising as well. Jalen’s favorite target, as expected coming into the year,  is Calvin Ridley, who I look for to be a top 10 draft choice in the NFL draft next April. Calvin has caught 52 passes for 858 yards and 3 TDs, but has been a dominant player much like Julio Jones and Amari Cooper were. They are both having stellar NFL careers, particularly Julio, and I expect Amari to keep trending well as an NFL wideout also. Calvin is along that same lineage as those 2. He’s a terrific player. The leaders on defense are the great safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Rashaan Evans along with safety Ronnie Harrison. All 3 are stellar. I’d call Minkah the heart and soul of the defense. He’s been a little banged up, but should be ready to go. The Tide is only giving up 10 points per game, which leads the nation.

For the Tigers, it starts with Kerryon Johnson. The splendid running back has rushed for 1,172 yards and 16 TDs. That’s a big wow. Jarrett Stidham has really settled in at quarterback and completed 181-of-267 passes so far this season for 2,445 yards, 16 TDs against just 4 interceptions. That 1-2 combo is pretty terrific also. And Stidham has some stellar targets in Ryan Davis, who has caught 58 passes for 564 yards, and 5 TDs, along with the explosive Eli Stove, who has caught 26 passes for 238 yards and run for a TD, and Darrius Slayton, another electric receiver who has caught 19 passes for 533 yards and 5 TDs. He’s averaging 28 yards per catch. Slayton is just a take it to the house kind of player like Stove. 

The defense has been phenomenal this season. The great defensive end Jeff Holland has 12 tackles for loss of 74 yards and 9 sacks for 61 yards. Linebacker Deshaun Davis leads the defense in tackles with 58 and has 4.5 tackles for a loss of 21 yards and 2 1/2 sacks. Auburn is only giving up 16.6 points per game. tied for 8th in the country. The secondary is led by the stellar safety Tray Matthews.

Injuries

The Tide will be without left guard Ross Pierschbacher, who has a high ankle sprain. Linebackers Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis are possible, but we’ll see. Everybody else should be good to go.

For the Tigers, linebacker Tre’ Williams is very questionable with a shoulder injury. Nickelback Jeremiah Dinson is out, but Javaris Davis came in for Dinson in the second half last Saturday against LA Monroe and gave the Tigers a big lift, so there should be no drop off there. Williams’ injury is a little more concerning, but the Tigers have pretty good depth at linebacker. 

Decision

ESPN’s Rece Davis asked Gus last night, who was on the playoff show, what he thought would be the key factor to winning this football game. Gus prophetically said the line scrimmage. On both sides of the ball, I like the Auburn Tigers. I like Braden Smith and the AU offensive front over Bama’s defensive front. With Jeff Holland, Marlon Davidson and Derrick Brown, I like that AU defensive line over the Alabama offensive line. I favor the Tigers in the trenches. My wife’s not going to like this and she’s not going to believe it either for that matter. I may be looking for somewhere else to eat on Thanksgiving. Maybe Brownie’ll have me over.

Auburn 28, Alabama 27

 

No. 7 Georgia (10-1) @ Georgia Tech (5-5)

11 AM

ABC

Dave Pasch, Gregory, Lugues

Dawgs by 11

Like the Dawgs to keep advancing in the playoff picture and set up a massive SEC championship game by blasting the Jackets in Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate. 

Georgia 45, Tech 24

 

No.9 Ohio State (9-2, 7-1 Big Ten) @ Michigan (8-3, 5-3) 

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft

OSU by 12

I see this as a closer game than expected. Ohio State has to have it if they want any shot at the playoff. Michigan can’t stand these guys and feel robbed last year when the Big Ten refs wouldn’t call pass interference on the Buckeye defensive backs and they gave Ohio State a first down on a fourth down play that could have ended the game and clinched it for the Wolverines. This will be close. Michigan’s quarterback situation is just not strong right now due to injuries. There will be gusts of 21 MPH, so the running game will be crucial. What the heck, I’ll take the upset.

Michigan 17, Ohio State 14

 

No.3 Clemson (10-1) @ No. 24 South Carolina (8-3)

6:30 PM 

ESPN

Tess, Todd, Holly

Clemson by 14

I see the Gamecocks giving Clemson a battle. The Tigers have the playoff in their sites, but they have work to do with the Gamecocks and the Canes next week.

Clemson 28, South Carolina 24

 

Florida State (4-6) @ Florida (4-6)

11 AM 

ESPN

Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

FSU by 5 1/2

I like the Noles here in a game with teams that had high hopes coming into the season, but had some tough luck with player suspensions (Florida) and then firing a coach, while the other side dealt with a devastating injury to their quarterback that has really deflated their season. Like the Noles here though.

FSU 31, Florida 24

 

Thanksgiving Night

Ole Miss (5-6, 2-5) @ No. 14 Mississippi State (8-3, 4-3)

6:30 PM 

ESPN

Dave Flemming, Gregory, Laura Rutledge

State by 15

Dan Mullen and his State program are having a super year. Love what Mullen does in Starkvegas. He keeps it going tomorrow night in the Egg Bowl. 

State 45, Ole Miss 28

 

Texas A&M (7-4, 4-3) @ LSU (8-3, 5-2)

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole 

LSU by 10 1/2

Kevin Sumlin has been totally disrespected in College Station. I wish he could find a better situation, where people don’t treat him with disrespect. UCLA would be a good landing spot for Sumlin. I see him giving O and the Tigers everything they want. Sumlin’s had a pretty good year this season. They are unrealistic out there. He’s a good coach. 

LSU 31, A&M 28

 

Louisville (7-4) @ Kentucky (7-4)

11 AM 

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Andre, Olivia Harlan

Ville  by 10

I like Petrino and Lamar Jackson to get the job done in Lexington. Should be some offensive fireworks.

Louisville 48, Kentucky 45

 

Vanderbilt (4-7, 0-7) @ Tennessee (4-7, 0-7)

3 PM 

SEC Network

Dave Neal, Stinch, Dawn Davenport

UT by 1

These 2 programs have unfortunately had tough seasons. Vanderbilt could never recover from the Alabama demolition and Tennessee just stumbled their way along before they fired Butch Jones and struggled last week at home against LSU. Should be a pretty good game though. UT has massive injuries on their offensive line and other positions, so I’ll take the Dores in an upset. They really need it.

Vanderbilt 31, Tennessee 30

 

Friday

Missouri (6-5, 3-4) @ Arkansas (4-7, 1-6)

1:30 PM 

CBS

Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Rick Neuheisel, John Schriffen

Mizzou by 10

Missouri has been the biggest surprise in the SEC. Drew Lock has been terrific at quarterback for the Tigers. A season which at the beginning looked like it would be dismal, has turned out extremely well. Impressed by this group. They take care of business in Fayetteville and move on to a very good bowl game.

Missouri 42, Arkansas 31

 

No. 2 Miami @ Pittsburgh

11 AM 

ABC

Bob Wischusen, Brock, Allison Williams

The Canes are trying to cap off a spectacular regular season at 11-0 and head to the ACC Championship game with a chance to knock off Clemson and be in the playoff in Mark Richt’s second year. They had to cancel a game due to Hurricane Irma so they only play 11 regular season games. They’ve had a super season. They have an excellent quarterback in Malik Rosier and a stellar running back in Travis Homer. 

Miami 45, Pitt 27

 

West Virginia @ No.4 Oklahoma

2:45 PM

ESPN

Steve Levy, Grease, McShay

Herbie says OU is the best team in the country and Baker Mayfield the best player in the country. I would agree with the latter, but still withholding judgment on the former till after next weekend. This is a dynamic offense and Mayfield, despite some of his emotional tantrums, is superb. But this isn’t a kick in. 

Oklahoma 48, West Virginia 42

 

Friday

South Florida @ No. 15 Central Florida

2:30 PM

ABC

Adam Amin, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath

This is a huge game as the winner clinches the American Conference East title and plays Memphis in the American Conference Championship game next Saturday. UCF has been terrific this season going 10-0 and is in great shape to clinch a New Year’s Six Bowl as the Group of Five’s highest ranked team if they can win out. They also had to cancel a game, the Georgia Tech game, due to Hurricane Irma. But this is no gimme either.  If UCF wins, there is no guarantee next week against Memphis. I like this talented UCF team to get the job done, but I also like this game to be close.

UCF 35, South Florida 31

 

No.8 Notre Dame @ No. 21 Stanford

7 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

I would like to have a reason to pick the Cardinal because I always enjoy watching their teams. I just don’t see them having enough offensively to defeat the Irish. Notre Dame aims to capture a New Year’s Six Bowl and makes a pretty good case with a 10-2 season and a victory at Stanford to cap it off. Stanford will still go to the PAC-12 title game versus USC if Washington State loses to Washington. Should be an electric game Saturday Night in Palo Alto. 

Notre Dame 31, Stanford 28

 

No. 5 Wisconsin @ Minnesota 

2:30 PM

ABC

Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

The Badgers will have a strong resume heading into the Big Ten Championship game next Saturday if they take care of business this Saturday and move to 12-0. They will finish 12-0 overall and 9-0 in the Big Ten with the victory.

Wisconsin 35, Minnesota 17

 

Friday

Virginia Tech @ Virginia 

7 PM 

ESPN

Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Kris Budden

I’m going to take the upset here. The Cavs have come on lately and look like a pretty solid team to me.

UVA 31, Va Tech 28

 

Friday

Navy @ Houston

11 AM

ESPN

Dave LaMont, Mack, Jen Lada

I see this close, Navy plays everybody tough and played Notre Dame really tough at South Bend last week, losing 24-17. So I’ll take the Academy in an upset.

Navy 34, Houston 31

 

Friday

Texas Tech @ Texas

7 PM

FOX

Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Holly Sonders

Tom Herman is aiming to finish his first season 7-5 and win a solid bowl game, and with his No.5 ranked recruiting class in the country, has big things lined up for the Horns.

Texas 48, Texas Tech 28

 

No. 13 Washington State @ No. 17 Washington 

7 PM

FOX

Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman

This is a huge game for Washington State because if they are victorious, they would move on to the PAC-12 title game to face USC. And, with a victory there, get in a New Year’s Six Bowl.  The Rose Bowl will be hosting a semifinal playoff game so Washington State would most likely go to the Fiesta Bowl. But I don’t see that happening. I like the Huskies in the Apple Cup.

Washington 35, Washington State 27

 

Oregon State @ Oregon

6 PM

ESPN 2

Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey, Alex Corddry

This shouldn’t be that great a game, but I like the name of the rivalry, the “Civil War.”  Willie Taggert is recruiting well in Eugene and should have Oregon back in the mix for the PAC-12 title sooner rather than later.

Oregon 42, Oregon State 24

 

Arizona @ Arizona State 

3:30 PM

PAC 12 Network

Roxy Bernstein, Yogi Roth, Jill Savage

Zona is favored by 2 1/2 in the “Territorial Cup,” but I still like the upset here. Both coaches have done good jobs with their programs. Rich Rod and Todd Graham have led their teams to 7-4 and 6-5 seasons at Zona and Zona State respectively. Like the Sun Devils to pull off the upset at home in the desert.

Zona State 38, Zona 35

 

North Carolina @ NC State

2:30 PM

ESPNU

Mike Couzens, John Congemi

NC State has put together a solid year at 7-4. UNC has had a miserably tough year due to injuries. Know they can regroup. NC State keeps building under Dave Doren. The Tar Heels have gotten better though and will compete well.

NC State 38, North Carolina 31

 

No. 22 Northwestern @ Illinois

3 PM

Fox Sports 1

Justin Kutcher, AJ Hawk

The Wildcats finish off a very solid season with a  9-3 record and head to a solid bowl game as they take care of business in Champaign over an Illinois program that is trying to rebuild under Lovie Smith.

Northwestern 42, Illinois 24

 

UTEP @ UAB

12 PM

C-USA TV, on the computer

UAB finishes off an 8-4 regular season under Coach Bill Clark and head to a bowl game. Even though they lost to the Florida Gators last week rather handily, it was a super experience for the team and they played hard. Nice job by Coach Clark this season and well done by the Blazers. A bowl game in their first year back is superb. 

UAB 38, UTEP 10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The great senior quarterback and leader for this very good Mountain Brook Spartans football team, Hamp Sisson, has many goals, but the one right now on his mind is getting to the state championship game and winning it.

The Spartans took 2 tough blows last Friday Night in their 23-22 victory over Bob Jones in Madison. Despite the impressive victory in their first round playoff game that moved the Spartans to 8-3 on the season and earned them a spot in the second round versus the state’s No.1 team, the Thompson Warriors in a game that’ll be played in Alabaster, they suffered 2 major injuries as superstar running backs Harold Joiner and A.J,. Gates were knocked out of the game. Both will not be available for the Thompson game as the Spartans face outstanding quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, 2 of the best wide receivers in the state, a top flight running back and a defense Coach Chris Yeager calls, “vicious,” and led by an outside linebacker who is committed to Troy.

But the Spartans still have their senior captain and leader, Sisson, who along with stellar receivers Wilson Higgins, Hamp Greene and tight end-H back Clay Stearns, along with a tough, physical, resilient group on offense and defense who believe they can knock off the No.1 Warriors.

 You gotta believe, and that’s what Sisson does all the time. In his academic work, where he is an outstanding student, and in all of his athletic pursuits, Sisson pursues both of those endeavors with the ultimate passion and commitment. He is the ultimate leader and character guy, who exudes confidence to his teammates, which carries over into every practice, every game.

Yeager says the team hasn’t had a bad practice all year. “This team takes a professional attitude,” he says. “We never panic. We’ve been in a lot of close games this season and have been behind a lot and our players have found a way to pull it out.”

It’s really uncanny how they’ve done it. And Sisson is a major reason. A great example is last Friday Night against Bob Jones, where the Spartans had a 23-22 lead with over 3 minutes left and had the ball needing several first downs to seal the game. Bob Jones had the momentum, so Sisson and the offense had to deliver. On 2 third and 5 or 6 plays, Sisson ran for first downs, and then, maybe the most clutch play of the season in an array of clutch plays by Sisson, on third and 12, Sisson connected with Stearns for a 21 yard pass play near the left sideline that gave the Spartans a critical first down.  The Spartans went on to salt the game away and come away with a huge victory in hostile territory.

But that’s standard for this fine young man. He’s done it all season and throughout his career.

I asked Coach Yeager what makes Hamp so talented in everything he does. Yeager says it starts with his family, led by his parents, Tommy and Leigh Ann.

“First, they have a strong faith,” he says. “And secondly, they are family first. I’ve known the family since Hamp was in elementary school. They are so family oriented, and that’s what makes Hamp excel at football, because he likes the idea of the family in the team idea and the sacrifice and commitment you make to your family of teammates like you do with your mom, dad and brothers and sister.”

Hamp comes from great lineage. His twin older brother and sister have achieved super success already. His older brother, Miller, graduated from the University of Virginia, and is now in medical school at UAB. His older sister, Ann, ran cross country and track at Furman and is now in Physician’s Assistant School at UAB, a very impressive and much desired field to be in today. Ann and Miller will do well in both professions. Hamp’s other older brother, John, is a junior at the Naval Academy. 

I asked Hamp about his college plans.

“I want to play football in college,” he says. “I have offers from Army, Air Force, Wofford, Jax State, the Citadel, and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). I didn’t think I’d want to play at a military school, but I’m warming up to the idea. And I’m definitely interested in the Ivy League schools. Dartmouth, Yale and Princeton have shown some interest.”

Wherever Hamp decides to continue his education and his football, the school will be very fortunate to get one of the highest character young men you can find anywhere in the country.

But for now, Sisson is focused on beating Thompson and continuing this special season for his Mountain Brook Spartans football team.

“We’ve talked a lot about it as a senior class,” he says. “We’ve got unfinished business. The senior class last year set the standard for us, but we lost in the first round which was disappointing. We came back, started in the weight room and summer practice, and all the way up to now because we want to get to the state championship, that was one of our goals. We hope we’re laying the foundation for the younger guys to do the same thing when they are older and seniors. We feel like we have the kind of team that can take it all the way.”

With Sisson in charge, there’s always a chance.

“I think we’re in a good position,” Yeager says. “Thompson is probably trying to get us out of the way and get ready for the Hewitt-Hoover winner next week, and we like that. Hamp and the team are so resilient. We like where we are. We like being the underdog.”

Sisson and his teammates will tee it up against Thompson at 7 PM tomorrow night. It’s hard to doubt a stellar young man, who gives his heart and soul to everything he does and excels at it. With Sisson under center, the Spartans have a shot. You’ve got a shot every time you have Hamp Sisson on your side. 

 

First of all, I’d like to clarify where Darius Garland goes to school. It’s Brentwood Academy in Nashville. I misreported that he went to Battleground Academy, BGA, in Nashville, but it’s actually Brentwood Academy. My apologies for the error. My apologies to Darius, his family and BA as well.

That aside, we have one superb point guard coming to Vanderbilt University. Darius signed a letter of intent on Monday, and in his first game as a Commodore signee, he dropped 43 on Centennial High School in Nashville last night. I watched DG’s film and it was a combination of Kyrie Irving and Steph Curry. It was magnificent. He dribbled behind his back, cut on a dime to get around defenders, passed like Tom Brady, and shot it like Steph and MJ. It was phenomenal. This is one stellar basketball player, and as Bryce described him a “program changer” for the our basketball program. His dribbling, his passing, and his shooting look Easy Like Sunday Morning as the great Commodores so eloquently put it back in the day. Can’t wait to see DG suit up for us in our season opener in 2018-19. We’re going to really like what we see and what we can accomplish with Darius and our other stellar players.

Darius chose us over a Final Four of VU, Kentucky, UCLA and Indiana. It came down to us and Indiana, and 3 hours before his afternoon press conference on Monday, DG let it be known to ESPN that he was coming to the West End. DG is the 15th ranked player in the country by Rivals and the 10th ranked player nationally by 247 Sports. He’s 6’2″, 175, and, as a junior, averaged 23.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists leading his Eagles team to a 30-2 record and a Division II-AA title. As a sophomore, DG averaged 18.6 points, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals for the state champion Eagles. He’s been the 2 time Mr. Basketball for the state of Tennessee. We’ve got a great one for sure. 

Darius and his parents are first class, salt of the Earth, spiritual people. They believe in athletics AND academics. Both are equally important in the Garland family.

So now we have Darius and outstanding small forward Aaron Nesmith in the fold. Aaron, who signed last Wednesday, is a consensus 4 star forward out of Charleston, SC who is 6’5″, 180. He’s a superb player and Bryce said the other day that Aaron can grow to 6’7″ by the time he hits campus.  

Some other very interesting news. The 6th ranked player in the country, 5 star power forward Simi Shittu, a 6’8″, 210 pounder out of Saxtons River Vermont, is very close to Darius and is heavily considering us. Looks like it’s down to us and North Carolina for the consensus 5 star and the No.1 power forward in the country. Simi is another player Bryce, Associate head coach Roger Powell, Jr., and assistants Jake Diebler and Casey Shaw are heavily pursuing. I feel very good that we can get Simi as well. Another 5 star, the 6th ranked player in the country, shooting guard Romeo Langford, out of New Albany, Indiana, has us in his final 3 with Indiana and Kansas. If we can get these 2 along with Aaron and Darius, watch out SEC and watch out nation. We’ve already got good players, and signed 3 stellar players in 2017, so with Joe Toye, Payton Willis, Clevon Brown, Larry Austin, Jr.,  Djery Baptiste and 2 transfers who are sitting out this season on next year’s roster as well, this team will be very capable of doing some major things. Ecstatic over the DG news and what that can hold for the rest of the recruiting season.

Now about our 2017-18 team, which is just as important, if not moreso. We’ve got 3 stellar freshmen in 4 star Saben Lee, along with high 3 stars Ejike Obinna, and Maxwell Evans. Ejike was actually a 4 star by 247. Saben is a 6’1″, 175 point guard  out of Tempe, Arizona, who has already shown signs of becoming an elite college player. He really showed it Monday Night in an unfortunate loss to Belmont, which I’ll talk about in a minute. He can drive, dish, shoot and score at the rim. Saben is fearless. Maxwell, 6’2″, 180 out of Houston, looks like he’ll be an excellent player for us as well, but he’s developing. Ejike, out of Ashburn, VA., is built like Fort Knox at 6’9″, 230. He’s an impressive looking player and is going to give us a lot, hopefully this season. Like these three additions very much.

After winning our first game handily over Austin Peay, we ran into kind of a Perfect Storm Monday Night at Belmont. This Belmont team is pretty high quality and could very well be a tournament team. They defeated us 69-60. Our defense was fine, we held them to 22-of-54 from the field, 41%, and 6-of-27 from triple, 22%. But our offense wasn’t there. We sank only 17-of-48 shots, 35%, and 4-of-23 trifectas, 17%. So a tough night shooting the ball. We out-rebounded them at 39 to 33, we turned it over 15 times to their 10, but it really just came down to our shooting. We’ve got to get more of an inside presence from Djery, Clevon, Jeff Roberson, Joe Toye, and even Matthew Fisher-Davis to set up shooting for MFD, Riley, Jeff, Joe, Larry, Payton, and the freshmen. Ejike would be an asset if he could develop this season. Belmont played hard and their gym was rockin. They really wanted to take us down. We’re fine though. Believe in Riley, MFD and Jeff, our senior leaders. They’ll get it going. Like our juniors, Joe and transfer Larry Austin, Jr., and our sophomores Clevon and Payton. We have 6’10”, 235 Yanni Wetzell and 6’8″, 209 Matt Ryan sitting on the bench as transfers from St Mary’s University in Texas and Notre Dame respectively. Both are talented and can add toughness in the post and good scoring ability, so in 2018-19 we’re going to be stacked.

But this season is what it’s all about and I believe Riley, MFD and Jeff with all of their experience and talent, can lead us to some great things all season long. Monday Night was an aberration. This team is going to be very good. Bryce is still trying to sort out a rotation of around 8-9 guys. We have so much talent and depth, that it’s difficult to decide who plays. At the end of the game Monday Night, Bryce had Saben, Riley, Joe, MFD and Jeff in there. That’s a pretty good group. But we need to get our chemistry right. Bryce’ll get it done. Believe in that firmly. We have UNC Asheville Friday Night at Memorial for a 7 PM tip. SEC Network+ will broadcast on the computer.  UNC Asheville is 1-1, having lost to Rhode Island on the road, 84-60, and defeating Lees-McRae at home, 92-60. They played in the NCAA Tournament in 2016 and have won quite a few Big South regular season championships recently. They have been to the NCAA Tournament 4 times in 2003, 2011, 2012 and 2016. Their coach, Nick McDevitt, in his 5th season, has done an excellent job. So we’ll need to be ready to play on Friday. Need to rebound from Monday Night.

Women’s Soccer doin some serious work

The women’s soccer team went on the road last Friday Night and defeated the 14th ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 2-1, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Ohio State was the 4th seed overall in the tournament. It was tremendous. Nia Dorsey scored our first goal off assists from Leila Azari and Lydia Simmons, and Stephanie Amack headed in the game winner off a corner kick by Azari. This is our first NCAA Tournament victory in 19 years and there is great optimism that we can keep going deeper in the tournament. I’m not as familiar with how the Women’s Soccer NCAA Tournament works as far as the mechanics, but I believe there’s a field of 64 with a Sweet 16, an Elite Eight and a Final Four. Getting in touch with our super coach Darren Ambrose to find out more. Will let you know before our game starts Friday. We play Santa Clara in the second round of the tournament on Friday at 2 PM in Columbia, SC. The game will be broadcast by SEC Network+. I’m pretty pumped up for our women. 

Some great news, also; Stephanie Amack was named National Player of the week by Top Drawer Soccer. Huge stuff for Stephanie. She actually scored in the 89th minute of regulation. Soccer games are 90 minutes for regulation, so Stephanie was super clutch.  Wow. Super stuff from Coach Ambrose, Stephanie and the team. Will keep you posted on our soccer team’s progress Friday. Compelling stuff from the Women.

 

Men’s Golf

Coach Scott Limbaugh and his experienced, talented men’s golf team captured the East Lake Cup at famed East Lake Golf Course in Atlanta about a month ago. East Lake is where the PGA Tour plays the Tour Championship, the penultimate event for the Fed Ex Cup and the $10 million dollar paycheck that comes with it.

It was another super job by our team that has a very good shot to go a long way this season after a superb Final Four season last year. We defeated Illinois in the Finals, 4-1, after defeating Oregon in the semis, 4-1 in the Cup. We’ve got stellar senior Theo Humphrey, stellar juniors Patrick Martin and Will Gordon, and sophomore John “Clutch” Augenstein all back. Freshman Harrison Ott is the fifth player in our talented starting 5. Golfweek has us ranked 4th in the country, and Golfstat has us 5th, but the final rankings are all that matters, and this team’s got a shot to do some major things this season under the great Scott Limbaugh and with our talented, deep roster that Scott has assembled. Will talk to Scott in January, as our first match for the spring season is February 17th-18th at the Suntrust Gator Invitational in Gainesville, FL. I’m pretty ecstatic over what our team can accomplish this season, but we’ve got a lot of work to do starting now and heading into the season. Scott will have our guys ready. 

Some other super news; Brandt Snedeker is playing this weekend in the RSM Classic in Sea Island, GA., the Seaside course. Brandt has been sidelined for about 6 months with an injury to his sternum, but he feels good, says he’s hitting it very well, he always chips and putts very well, and he’s ready to go tomorrow. Really excited to see B get back out there. He says he’s had to change his diet and give up French Fries which he’s pretty disappointed about. That would be tough for me, too. That’s a rare treat in my household. My wife tries to keep me healthy. But B is dedicated, so he’s changed his diet to play some more exceptional golf. The 8 time tour winner is back.

Jon Curran will also be playing this weekend in Sea Island. Good to see JC get back out there, after battling some injuries last season that kept him on the shelf for the most part of last season. Luke List has been playing very well and is 26th in the Fed Ex Cup rankings. Luke is close. He is not playing  this weekend, but will be back soon. Luke plays a lot.

Ready to see Brandt capture a major and Luke and Jon win out there and build toward that kind of stuff that Brandt always has a shot at. Would really like to see Brandt play well this fall and get ready for the 2018 season that starts in Hawaii. Brandt loves Augusta National. It’s his dream to win there. Maybe it can happen in 2018. 

Football

It’s been tough sledding for our football team, but we’re 4-6 and we’ve got 2 games left that we can win. We host Missouri this Saturday at 6:30 PM CT on the SEC Network. Missouri is coming off a 50-17 victory over Tennessee. We’re coming off a defeat to Kentucky. Our defense needs to step it up and we’ve got to take care of the football better and make more explosive plays offensely. Still very much believe in Coach Mason, Coach Andy Ludwig (OC), Coach Cameron Norcross (Offensive line), Coach Cortez Hankton (wide receivers), Coach Chris Marve (Inside backers), and Coach Warren Belin (outside backers), all our coaches. I also unequivocally support Ralph Webb, Kyle Shurmur, Trent Sherfield, C.J., Kalija Lipscomb, Oren Burks, Emanuel Smith, Ryan White, and Joejuan Williams, and all our players. We’ve still got a very good group. I told a friend of mine before the season, who is an Auburn fan, that we could have a good team and only win 5 games. We do have a good team, but the SEC is outrageously tough year in, year out. Hopefully we can make it 6 victories. It starts Saturday versus Missouri. 

The football players did an incredible thing last Saturday in honoring our veterans and wearing  Medals of Honor patches on their jerseys. Kicker Tommy Openshaw spearheaded the movement, and he Caleb Scott and Oren Burks did a ton in supporting our veterans. At halftime of the basketball game Monday Night, there was a very moving piece featuring Tommy, and talking to Oren and Kyle about our military and what they mean to them. The women who runs the program was so appreciative of Tommy and the players. It was pretty amazing really and very much made me proud of our football players, and of course, our military. The lady whom they interviewed is a terrific person.  Really appreciate our players so much for the effort and passion they put into our football program. These guys deserve the best as does our military always. Maybe we can win a couple for our vets this Saturday and next Saturday.

In the NFL, Jay and the Dolphins had a tough time Monday Night, losing at Carolina, 45-21, but Jay put up some pretty good numbers. He was 22 for 37 for 213 yards, 2 TDs and an int. His rating was 82.4, which is pretty decent. The Phins need to regroup this week against Tampa Bay at home. 

JMatt caught 1 pass for 14 yards in the Bills loss to the Saints. JMatt will get it going. Casey Hayward and Spencer Pulley played well for the LA Chargers in a tough loss Jaguars. Both are doing good things for the Bolts.  Andre Hal and Zach Cunningham played well for the Texans though they lost. Feel sorry for Andre and Zach in Houston because they had a super team with a chance to go serious distance this season, but they lost all world defensive end J.J. Watt for the year in the first game of the season, along with outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus. Then, maybe the most devastating blow came in practice about 3 weeks ago when stellar rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson tore a ligament in his knee and was lost for the season. Even without J.J, and Whitney, the Texans had a shot because Deshaun was playing so well. But the loss of Deshaun has been just too much for the Texans to overcome. But if the Texans can just see how they can do the rest of the season and be as competitive as possible, with Deshaun, J.J., Whitney and those talented players around them back next season, Houston will be a serious contender for the Lombardi Trophy. Like where Andre and Zach are, and they’re both firmly entrenched as starters for the Texans at safety and inside linebacker respectively.

Wesley Johnson did well for the Jets and is doing a super job at center for them, and Adam Butler is playing extremely well at defensive tackle for another stellar New England Patriots squad. Adam is right there in the middle of the Pats rotation. He’s on another epic Bill Belichick-Tom Brady team. Super to see Adam playing for this elite organization and performing at a high level. 

Baseball

We have the top ranked freshman class in the country on campus, Corbs has the top ranked classes in 2018, 2019 and the second ranked class in 2020 also. We can be No.1 in 2020 by the time it’s all said and done and solidify 2018 and 2019 as well. Every one of the players from this freshmen class is playing on our baseball team. You combine that with guys like Patrick Raby, who most likely will be our Friday Night starter and who is stellar, outstanding first baseman Julian Infante, super shortstop Connor Kaiser, stellar second baseman Ethan Paul, super utility infielder Alonzo Jones, and excellent infielder-outfielder Harrison Ray, and we’ve got the makings of an elite team. I’ll be very interested to see what Corbs and Pitching Coach Scott Brown do with left handed pitcher Jackson Gillis. Jackson showed signs of being an elite pitcher for us in the postseason last year out of the bullpen. He could be a starter or a closer. A lot of super material to work with on this baseball team. I’d say Corbs is an all time good coach in college baseball history.

We’ve got a shot to do some serious work in 2018 and beyond that with these recruiting classes Corbs is assembling. Our 2017 class, the freshmen, has 18 players, our 2018 class has 22 players committed, our 2019 class has 15 commits, and 2020 has 7 commits at least. Wow.  Corbs, Associate head coach Brown, new hitting coach and recruiting coordinator Mike Baxter, a several year veteran of the majors who just recently retired, and former player David Macias are doing serious damage in recruiting and coaching up these guys. Will talk to Corbs in January and get the low down for this riveting 2018 group and the prospects for the season. We open up the season at home versus Duke for a weekend set, Feb. 16th-18th, so a good start to the season. Florida, LSU, all the heavyweights of the SEC will be waiting on us, but that’s fine. We’ll be waiting on them too. 

 

 

 

 

The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry enters its 121st meeting as the No. 10 Auburn Tigers go to battle with the No.1 Georgia Bulldogs on the Plains. It’s not only a major rivalry game, but also the game has massive national implications. The No.2 ranked Crimson Tide, trying to heal up from a slew on injuries on defense, will head into hostile territory in Starkvegas to take on the 16th ranked Mississippi State Bulldogs. Critical national games include No.3 Notre Dame @ No.7 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. It’s another win or you’re not in game in the national picture for these 2 storied programs. And another major contest with important win or you’re out implications features 6th ranked TCU at No.5 Oklahoma. The playoff picture will most likely work itself out with these elimination games coming up in November. This weekend is a precursor of the electricity that lies ahead in college football this month and the riveting games that will march on into the conference championship contests in December. Here’s a look at the this weekend’s compelling action.

Last Week: 21-9

Overall: 172-58, 75%

 

No.1 Georgia @ No. 10 Auburn

2:30 PM 

CBS

Brad, Gary, Allie

Georgia by 2 1/2

The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry enters into its 121st edition with the Georgia Bulldogs owning a 57-55-8 advantage over the Tigers. Kerryon Johnson has rushed for 868 yards and 15 TDs for the Tigers, while Jarrett Stidham has completed 147-of-220 passes, 67%, for 1,996 yards, 11 TDs and 3 interceptions. Kerryon will get a heavy workload, but Stidham will have to make plays in the passing game. The Dawgs will rely on their stable full of running backs led by the great Nick Chubb and the awesome Sony Michel. Georgia true freshman qb Jake Fromm will have to make plays in the passing game. But I also see the stellar defenses on both sides having a major say in the outcome of this classic. An interception at a key time or a key fumble recovery could decide this one. I’m looking at a lower scoring outstanding game that will determine the postseason fates of these 2 programs.

Georgia 17, Auburn 14

 

No.2 Alabama @ No. 16 Mississippi State

6 PM

ESPN

Dave Pasch, Greg McElroy, Lugues

Bama by 14

The Crimson Tide has really been battling injuries on defense, particularly at the linebacker position. Two linebackers, Christian Miller and Terrell Lewis, were lost for the season after game 1. Mack Wilson, who came in and played well at linebacker, is out indefinitely with a foot injury. Rashaan Evans has been battling a groin injury. Shaun Dion Hamilton was lost for the season three weeks ago as he tore an ACL in his knee. And beyond that, defensive end Da’Shawn Hand is questionable Saturday with a knee injury, while the awesome Minkah Fitzpatrick is playing through a hamstring injury he suffered last Saturday against LSU. The Tide needs to stay healthy the rest of the way. They need Fitzpatrick, Rashaan, and Hand to play. Those 3 are the leaders on defense. The Bulldogs feature quarterback Nick Fitzgerald, who is an explosive player but prone to throwing interceptions. Jalen Hurts played one of the best games of his career last week in the 24-10 victory over LSU. Hurts was solid and was a playmaker. The Tide needs him to be that kind of player the rest of the season. I like Hurts and the offense to get the job done this week,  Minkah,  Rashaan and Da’Shawn to be healthy enough  and play well, and the rest of the defense to be strong enough to withstand the trip to Starkville. I see Bama getting game changing interceptions from Ronnie Harrison and Minkah that will help them to move on both in the SEC and nationally. 

Alabama 31, State 14

 

Florida @ South Carolina

11 AM

CBS

SC by 6

South Carolina gave Georgia everything they wanted last Saturday in Athens. They are at home against a totally discombobulated Florida program. The Gamecocks keep their resurgence going under Will Muschamp as they matriculate towards a bright future.

South Carolina 28, Florida 20

 

Arkansas @ No. 24 LSU

11 AM

ESPN

LSU by 17

Arkansas had a highly impressive come from behind victory at Ole Miss a couple of weeks ago, but struggled just to get by Coastal Carolina last Saturday at home. The Bengal Tigers are getting better and better. They may be beaten up a little bit from last week’s massively physical contest with the Crimson Tide, but they’ll take care of business in Death Valley.

LSU 35, Arkansas 17

 

Tennessee @ Missouri

6:30 PM 

SEC Network

Mizzou by 11

Missouri blasted Florida at home last week and Tennessee has been in a nosedive it seems like forever under Butch Jones. I like the Missouri Tigers to win here and keep the atmosphere highly toxic in Knoxville. 

Missouri 45, Tennessee 31

 

Kentucky @ Vanderbilt

3 PM

SEC Network

Vanderbilt by 2 1/2

I was more than happy to pick my team to be victorious last week. I’ll do it again.

Vanderbilt 34, Kentucky 31

 

Louisiana-Lafaytette @ Ole Miss

11 AM 

SEC Network

Ole Miss by 20 1/2

The Black Bears got a huge victory at Kentucky last week scoring a TD in the last 10 seconds to emerge victorious in Lexington. I like their stellar offense to keep it going. Their quarterback, Jordan Ta’amu, played a super game last Saturday. I see him doing that again.

Ole Miss 45, Louisiana 28

 

New Mexico at Texas A&M

6 PM

ESPNU

A&M by 17 1/2

Kevin Sumlin is probably on his last go round at A&M. I think he’s ready to move on just as much as the A&M leadership is ready to move on. A&M could struggle against this  triple option team, but will hang on and barely get by.

A&M 42, New Mexico 38

 

No.3 Notre Dame @ No. 7 Miami

7 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Irish by 3 1/2

This is another cliffhanger that will decide the fates of these 2 storied programs.  The survivor stays alive in the playoff hunt. I like the Canes at Hard Rock.

The U 28, Notre Dame 27

 

No.6 TCU @ No.5 Oklahoma

7 PM 

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny Dell

OU by 6 1/2

I really like Kirk Herbstreit’s commentary. Herbie is right on the mark many times. But he really is bullish on Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is a good player no doubt, but he did throw a key interception late in the game last Saturday at Oklahoma State that gave the Cowboys a chance to come back and win though the Pokies couldn’t get over the hump. Mayfield is an good quarterback, but can throw some key ints. I like the TCU defense to hold him in check enough and for the TCU offense to exploit a highly vulnerable OU defense. I’ll take the upset here in a key win or no playoff game.

TCU 38, Oklahoma 35

 

Florida State @ No. 4 Clemson

2:30 PM

ESPN

This game had all the makings of a blockbuster at the beginning of the season, but after FSU lost quarterback Deondre Francois in the opener against the Crimson Tide, they haven’t  been the same. Clemson got a key victory over N. C. State on the road last week, 38-31, but gave up a pretty fair amount of points. I see the Tigers bouncing back and staying right in the thick of things in the playoff picture.

Clemson 34, FSU 17

 

No. 20 Iowa @ No.8 Wisconsin

2:30 PM 

ABC

Wisconsin is undefeated at 9-0, but has played a soft schedule so they have not reached the top 6 in the rankings because of the weak schedule. They get tested this week against an Iowa team that is fresh off a trouncing of Ohio State at home. This should be a challenging game for the Badgers, but I like them to deliver. They’re consistent. They play Michigan next week in another challenging game that could enhance their resume if they’re victorious. They control their own destiny. If they win out, they’ll get in the playoff, as the other contenders will knock each other out of it after the conference championship games. But the Badgers have some serious work left starting this Saturday. Badgers freshman running back Jonathan Taylor has rushed for 1,368 yards and 12 TDs. He’s the real thing. 

Wisconsin 35, Iowa 31

 

No.9 Washington @ Stanford

Friday, 9:30 PM 

Fox Sports 1

The Huskies have quietly hung around. They are a quality team, and with the other teams ahead of them knocking each other out, the Huskies have a chance to get into the Final Four if they keep winning and keep getting help. I am still high on this team and Coach Chris Peterson. Stanford is a team that is hard to figure out. They seem to have a lot of talent and have a pretty good record at 6-3 and 5-2 in the PAC-12 North, but can’t seem to win the critical games. I like the Huskies to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Washington 34, Stanford 27

 

No. 12 Michigan State @ No. 13 Ohio State 

11 AM

FOX

Both of these teams will have to win out and hope for a ton of help in front of them to have any shot at the playoff. I don’t see that happening, but it’s not totally impossible with the chaos that could ensue nationally. Michigan State got a key victory at home last Saturday over Penn State, while The Ohio State was destroyed by Iowa on the road. I like the upset here, too. 

Michigan State 31, Ohio State 30

 

No. 15 Oklahoma State @ No. 21 Iowa State

11 AM

ABC

Super matchup here between a couple of very explosive offenses. I like the Cyclones on defense better and see them pulling  off the upset at home at the electric Jake Trice Stadium.

Iowa State 42, Oklahoma State 38

 

UAB at UT San Antonio

6 PM

WTTO, Birmingham, Channel 709 on Charter, Channel 21 on DirecTV

I like the Blazers to go into San Antone and pull off the upset here and keep a stellar season going.

UAB 34, UTSA 31

 

No. 11 USC @ Colorado

3 PM

FOX

The Trojans have been erratic this season, but will have just enough to overcome a Colorado team that has struggled some this season, but always plays hard and makes you earn it.

USC 34, Colorado 31

 

Connecticut @ No. 18 Central Florida

11 AM

ESPNU

I’m bullish on this UCF team. They look like the team that can represent the Group of 5 conferences in a New Year’s Six bowl. They’re a strong outfit.

UCF 48, UConn 30

 

No. 17 Virginia Tech @ Georgia Tech

11:20 AM

ACC Network

The Hokies are trying to bounce back from a deflating loss to Miami last week, 28-10. They’ll have a tussle on their hands against the Ramblin Wreck on the road, but I see them barely surviving.

VA. Tech 35, GA Tech 34

 

No. 19 Washington State @ Utah

4:30 PM

PAC-12 Network

I’m going with the 1 point underdog. Utah was impressive last week against UCLA and they are at home, so I’m high on them this Saturday.

Utah 38, Wash State 35

 

SMU @ Navy

2:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

I usually like picking the Academy in games, but I’m going to take the Ponies in an upset on the road this week. Chad Morris has his team believing they can win a lot of games now.

SMU 42, Navy 38

 

Purdue at No. 25 Northwestern

6 PM

ESPN 2

I’m a big fan of  the 25th ranked Wildcats. They’re an elite school that plays hard-nosed, solid football and they do it the right way academically and athletically all the time. Purdue is showing signs of emerging and it’s a fine school too, but I like Northwestern at home to keep their hopes alive for another solid season and another solid bowl under Pat Fitzgerald.

Northwestern 35, Purdue 30

 

No. 23 NC State @ Boston College 

11 AM 

ABC or ESPN 2

I’m a believer in Boston College. They’re impressive. If you want to read a really good non- fiction piece, pick up or get on Kindle The Red Bandana by ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi. It’s about a late Boston College student who saved several lives in 9-11. Super story.

Boston College 31, NC State 28

 

Arizona State @ UCLA

8:30 PM

PAC-12 Network

I’m going with Zona State to pull off the upset in the Rose Bowl. 

Zona State 45, UCLA 42 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week 10 looks superb with massively large games throughout the country. Bama-LSU clash in Tuscaloosa on Saturday Night in prime time. The Auburn Tigers square off with the Texas A&M Aggies as the Tigers try to put themselves more relevantly in the national discussion. A huge game in the Big 12 as the  Oklahoma Sooners play  at Oklahoma State, Bedlam as it’s better known. The No.1 Georgia Bulldogs, though that’s very debatable, take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in an always scintillating rivalry game. So a lot to break down today as we get ready for stellar football in November beginning this Saturday. 

First off though, I want to give credit where credit is due. Bama Golf and Brownie, the Toy Cannon, predicted the Astros to defeat the Dodgers and win the World Series. Bama had the Stros in 7, and Brownie pretty much did too. Well done fellas. George Springer was just too much for Dodgers pitching, hitting .379 with a World Series record tying 5 homers. Springer was named the MVP of the series. Though I picked the Dodgers, I’m very happy for Houston after going through the catastrophe of Hurricane Harvey. Houston is a super city with great people, I have a couple of good friends from there, so I’m very happy for them and the Rocket City citizens. Houston we have no problem. You are the champs. Congratulations to the Astros  for winning their first World Series in franchise history. That’s 56 years, 1961. Super job by Springer, the great Jose Altuve and the amazing Justin Verlander. Sports Illustrated picked the Astros to be world champions in the summer of 2014 when they were going through consecutive 100 loss seasons. Excellent job by SI in forecasting that. All in all, a highly memorable world series.

Also, Bama Golf’s nephew, Tom Lovelady, is performing well on the PGA Tour. TL finished T-18th at the Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, MS. this past weekend. He’s now 88th in the Fed Ex rankings. Pumped for TL and Bama. Will keep you posted on Tom’s progress throughout the season. He is playing at The Shriners Hospitals for Children Open this week in Las Vegas. Hope Tom can have another strong finish and keep moving up the rankings. Tom tees off at 8:55 AM PT, 10:55 AM CT.

Onto a tremendous week 10. 

Last week: 15-9

Overall:  151-49, 76%

Rankings are College football rankings, times are central, and all games are on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

 

No. 19 LSU (6-2, 3-1 SEC) @ No.2 Alabama (8-0, 5-0)

7 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Allie

Crimson Tide by 21 1/2

Alabama is ranked 2 in the College Football rankings and that’s highly questionable, but Georgie is doing very well and has that quality victory on the road at Notre Dame, which we’ll see how quality that is moving forward as ND faces some pretty stiff competition coming up. But the Crimson Tide looks like the best team by the eye test. Georgia and Clemson are very good and deserving of being in the top 4. The fourth spot for me is a wild card. Notre Dame is 3, with Georgia 1, Alabama 2 and Clemson 4. I don’t think Notre Dame can last with games at Miami, at Stanford, a tough Navy team at home and a pretty solid Wake Forest team this Saturday at home, but their resume is solid so far. I like the winner of the Oklahoma-Ok State game to be right there at the end. TCU is still in it. Ohio State and Auburn will be there with impressive finishes to the season, which means Ohio State has to win at Michigan, which will be hard, and AU has to defeat A&M this Saturday and defeat Georgia and Alabama at home in the following weeks. Those are tough propositions for both teams. The PAC 12 may not get a team in unless Washington or USC can pull it out. The ACC has Clemson. The Big Ten has the Buckeyes, and Penn State is not technically out of it, but they’ll have to be really impressive in the upcoming weeks and will need some help. OU, OK. State and TCU are candidates in the Big 12. Iowa State is my wild card. They are at No. 15 right now, so they’ll need a lot of help, but victories at Oklahoma and at home over TCU are spectacular. They are an outside, sleeper threat. They are in Morgantown this Saturday in a tough matchup against West Virginia.

For the Crimson Tide, they’ll be fine if they keep playing like they’re playing. S is probably happy they’re No.2. It gives him extra motivation for his team. He doesn’t care about the rankings, but he likes any edge he can get. 

One of the best things I saw and heard this week, besides the National Anthem in LA Tuesday Night, was Crimson Tide freshman defensive back Daniel Wright singing Happy Birthday to S on his birthday Tuesday. It was phenomenal. If you haven’t heard it I would highly recommend checking it out on Youtube. If Daniel has the same talent on the field that he has with his pipes, he’ll be a terrific player for S. Really spectacular performance. I think S was pretty moved. 

This Saturday, LSU could provide a little resistance for a little while, but I don’t think too much. My question is, can Jalen Hurts be a championship quarterback. He’s shown flashes. The team around him is loaded, so maybe he can be pretty solid and the team will still win it all. There’s good competition out there. LSU has been impressive lately. Derrius Guice went off against Ole Miss a couple of weeks ago. They’re a talented team. But I like the Crimson Tide to take care of business, get’er done and keep matriculating toward the postseason. At Auburn is no bargain, so there is work left. But I like the Crimson Tide pretty easily this Saturday at Bryant-Denny.

Alabama 31, LSU 3

 

No. 14 Auburn (6-2, 4-1) @ Texas A&M (5-3, 3-2)

11 AM

ESPN

Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

Tigers by 15

The Tigers have been playing well lately, but have the implosion at LSU still hanging over their heads. Kam Pettway is out for the season most likely, so Kerryon Johnson and someone else will have to carry the load at running back. Candidates are Cam Martin and Malik Miller among others. My question with Auburn is the same as Alabama, is Jarrett Stidham a championship quarterback. He has all the weapons around him. He has a super defense helping him out. If Stidham can play really good football, his team has a chance to win at home against Georgia and Alabama. Not a huge chance, but a shot. I like the Tigers to play well this Saturday at College Station.

Auburn 38, A&M 20

 

South Carolina @ No.1 Georgia

2:30 PM

CBS

Dawgs by 24

Will Muschamp has done an outstanding job with his Gamecocks team, but this is too tall an order between the Hedges. Georgia is on fire. Kirby Smart has his team playing superb football and right in the thick of the national championship hunt. Gotta take care of business. Georgia does that at home on Saturday.

Georgia 41, South Carolina 14

 

Florida @ Missouri

11 AM 

ESPN2

Missouri by 3 1/2

In late August, if you saw this line, you would be all over Florida. At the beginning of the season, Florida probably would have been favored by 10 to 14, but they have imploded and it cost Jim McElwain his job. The Florida hire will be extremely interesting. My top 2 choices for the Gators job are Chad Morris of SMU and Willie Taggert of Oregon with Morris having a slight edge.

Missouri 31, Florida 28

 

Ole Miss @ Kentucky

3 PM

SEC Network

KY by 3 1/2

The Wildcats defeated Tennessee at home last Saturday which they don’t do very much. Ole Miss was dominating Arkansas in the first half, but lost a 31-7 lead. That’s another job that is up for grabs. Chad Morris will be in the running for that job. Maybe Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables as Ole Miss needs to really upgrade its defense with a dark NCAA cloud hanging over their heads, though the NCAA, knowing them, may not rule on Ole Miss till 2030. So they could be safe for a while.

Kentucky 35, Ole Miss 31

 

UMass @ Mississippi State

11 AM

SEC Network

Bulldogs by 28

State looking like a pretty formidable group again after blasting A&M at College Station last Saturday. Nick Fitzgerald is playing superb football.

State 45, UMass 14

 

Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt

11 AM

ESPNU

VU by 10

I’m so tired of picking against my Dores every week. I’ve had to, but not this week.

Vanderbilt 41, Western Kentucky 27

 

Southern Miss @ Tennessee

6:30 PM

SEC Network

UT by 6 1/2

This is a tough game for a reeling Tennessee team under Butch Jones, who will most likely be on the unemployment line after this season. The Vols should be looking for a new coach at the conclusion of this season, so that’s another interesting job. The Vols survive but barely here.

Tennessee 42, Southern Miss 38

 

Coastal Carolina @ Arkansas

3 PM

SEC Alternate Network

Ark by 23 1/2

The Hogs had a huge comeback at Ole Miss and that helped Brett Bielema’s prospects for keeping his job. This should be a cakewalk for Arkansas.

Arkansas 48, Coastal Carolina 21

 

Rice @ UAB

2 PM 

C-USA Network (can only be watched online)

Blazers by 10 1/2

The Blazers had a huge victory at Southern Miss last week. I like Bill Clark’s troops to keep it going. The Southside is excited and rockin. 

UAB 38, Rice 14

 

No. 5 Oklahoma @ No. 11 Oklahoma State 

3 PM

Fox Sports 1

Gus, Joel, Jenny Taft

I like the homestanding Cowboys to get the job done in Bedlam and climb in the playoff rankings. 

OK. State 38, OU 35

 

No.4 Clemson @ No.20 N.C. State

2:30 PM 

ABC

Tess, Todd, Holly

Tough game for Clemson, but I’m still very bullish on them. Kelly Bryant looks back to close to 100% and the Tigers are really good when he’s under center and he’s healthy. N.C. State is a solid team, but I like the Tigers to take care of business and keep progressing.

Clemson 35, N.C. State 20

 

No. 13 Virginia Tech @ No. 10 Miami

7 PM 

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Va Tech is the favorite here and they should be. They’re playing very well and Miami, even though I like their team and especially their quarterback Malik Rosier, has just been getting by. I like the Hokies to get it done in Hard Rock Stadium. Should be a stellar game though.

VA Tech 31, Miami 30

 

Wake Forest @ No. 3 Notre Dame

2:30 PM 

NBC

Tirico, Flutie, Kathryn Tappen

Like the Fighting Irish, which have made a strong case for their number 3 ranking, to keep taking care of business. Really like their quarterback, Brandon Wimbush, and their running back, Josh Adams. Adams ran for over 200 yards against N.C. State last week. Wimbush played with Minkah Fitzpatrick in high school in New Jersey. Minkah is very high on Brandon. The Irish’s defense is playing at a high level too.

Notre Dame 37, Wake Forest 28

 

Texas @ No.8 TCU

6:15 PM

ESPN

I’m looking for a close game here. Tom Herman is going to get the Longhorns back to national prominence. I see that happening next year. I’m going with the upset.

Texas 24, TCU 21

 

No. 15 Iowa State @ West Virginia

2:30 PM 

ESPN 2

I’m a buyer of this Iowa State team. The terrific Matt Campbell’s team has upset Oklahoma on the road and also upset TCU at home last Saturday. They’ll be tested on the road at Morgantown, but I like the Cyclones to come out on top.

Iowa State 35, West Va. 31

 

No.7 Penn State @ No. 24 Michigan State

11 AM

FOX

The Nittany Lions are upset after blowing a 35-21 lead last Saturday at Ohio State and losing to the Buckeyes 39-38. I still don’t know how that happened, I re-watched the game and it seemed impossible that Ohio State beat Penn State. But I like Penn State to still be in the hunt for the playoff and shellack Michigan State

Penn State 41, Michigan State 24

 

No.9 Wisconsin @ Indiana

11 AM

ABC

I’m not a real buyer in Wisconsin. Don’t see them as elite. They’re solid, but not a major postseason team. They’ll be tested this weekend in Bloomington. 

Wisconsin 31, Indiana 30

 

No. 22 Arizona @ No. 17 USC

9:45 PM

ESPN

This should be a very entertaining game. The Trojans got it back last Saturday in dominating Arizona State, while Zona is looking for real after demolishing Washington State at home last Saturday. This one’s at the Coliseum so I like the Trojans. These are both exciting football teams.

USC 41, Zona 38

 

Oregon @ No.12 Washington

9 PM 

Fox Sports 1

This should be another electric game in the PAC-12. Oregon blasted Utah last Saturday at home while the Huskies took care of business at home versus UCLA. Like the Huskies to prevail and keep their hopes alive in the national conversation. 

Washington 45, Oregon 27

 

No. 21 Stanford @ No. 25 Washington State

2:30 PM

FOX

Stanford somehow got it done over an inspired Oregon State team last Thursday Night. Washington State got blasted last Saturday at Arizona, but I like them to rebound here even if Stanford has Bryce Love, which would make this game very interesting. Love is a game time decision with a high ankle sprain. 

Washington State 34, Stanford 31

 

No. 6 Ohio State @ Iowa

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

I guess Ohio State is good. Still not sure. Might get tested on the road for a while, but I like the Buckeyes to move on in the national picture with a solid victory here.

Ohio State 30, Iowa 17

 

No. 18 Central Floria @SMU

6:15 PM 

ESPN2

This is going to be a riveting game. UCF is the top team in the Group of 5 and if they keep winning, they will be in a New Year’s Six bowl game. But SMU is explosive offensively and are playing good ball under Chad Morris. I’ll take UCF, I believe in them, but looking for a high scoring, electric affair in Dallas.

UCF 48, SMU 45

 

Army @Air Force

2:30 PM 

CBS Sports Network

I have the highest regard for both these teams with what these players, servicemen, sacrifice for our country. Two good teams as well. Like the Air Force at home, but not by much. 

Air Force 34, Army 31

 

Northwestern @ Nebraska

2:30 PM

Big Ten Network

This should be a really good game. With the Wildcats coming off a big home upset victory over Michigan State in overtime last Saturday, I’ll go with them to get a big, slight upset victory on the road. They always peak at the right time.

Northwestern 31, Nebraska 28
 

Tonight

Navy @ Temple

7 PM

ESPN

In no way do I go against the Academy. They’re so disciplined, well coached and clutch.

Navy 42, Temple 30

 

Idaho @ Troy

8:15 PM

ESPNU

The Trojans are having a super year even though they lost to South Alabama a couple of weeks ago, and South Alabama is capable with good players and a good coach in Joey Jones. Coach Neal Brown and running back Jordan Chunn and the Trojans regain momentum against the Vandals.

Troy 45, Idaho 28

 

 

Friday

 

Marshall @ Florida Atlantic

5 PM

CBS Sports Network

Kiff is proving he’s quite a head football coach. His team is playing well. Good team the Owls are playing so it’ll be close, but I like Kiff and the Owls to get the job done.

Florida Atlantic 45, Marshall 42

 

No. 23 Memphis @ Tulsa

7 PM

ESPN2

This is a little bit of a tricky game for the very good Tigers on the road. But I believe in’em.

Memphis 49, Tulsa 45

 

UCLA @ Utah

8:30 PM

FOX Sports 1

Utah is not having their best year, but I see them playing well against the Bruins, though it’ll be competitive. I like both these teams regardless of their records. They’re fun teams to watch. Looking forward to it. 

Utah 35, UCLA 31