Alabama and Auburn have out of conference opponents Louisiana Lafayette and Southern Miss respectively, both at home. Both should be in good shape, get some good work in for their upcoming SEC opponents with Bama taking on a pretty good Missouri team a week from Saturday, Oct.6th, at home, and the Tigers hosting Tennessee next Saturday. So important games this Saturday because they’re the next ones on the slate and both teams want to play well and give some of the backups a shot to play in case they’re needed this season in future games.

Some stellar matchups in the SEC East headlined by South Carolina at resurgent No.17 Kentucky. The No.2 Georgia Bulldogs play host to the Tennessee Vols in a classic East rivalry game, though Jeremy Pruitt doesn’t have the team he wants at Tennessee yet. A classic East vs West matchup has Dan Mullen going back to his old stomping grounds and squaring off with Mississippi State. In the west, the now No.5 Bengal Tigers of LSU host Ole Miss and the Aggies of A&M, which Jimbo Fisher has on the rise potentially, will face off with the struggling Arkansas Razorbacks.

A couple of blockbusters on the national scene as No.4 Ohio State invades Happy Valley to square off with No.9 Penn State. Critical game for potential playoff teams. Also, the No.7 Stanford Cardinal visit South Bend to take on No.8 Notre Dame in another crucial game for both national contenders.

So super lineup on tap this weekend. Here’s a look at these compelling matchups and other key games.

Last week: 19-7

Overall: 82-24, 77%

Louisiana Lafayette (1-2) @ No. 1 Alabama (4-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium, 101,821

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Kris Budden

Bama by 48 1/2

Late yesterday afternoon after work, I was thinking about what I like best about Tua as a quarterback. My answer was everything. I’ll list them in some sort of order, but they’re all interchangeable.

1. His accuracy. Tua hits Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs III in stride on most every deep ball he throws and also on intermediate passes. He connects with tight ends Irv Smith and Hale Hentges like a Rolex tells time. He’s amazingly accurate. The numbers bear this out; 58-of-80, 72%, for 1,033 yards, 12 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. That’s phenomenal. He throws darts all over the yard. it’s a thing of beauty quite honestly.

2. He’s got a cannon. Tua can throw a 90 MPH fastball if he wants to. He’s got a rocket. His arm is like a machine gun delivering footballs like bullets in rapid fire order to his receivers. When he needs to, he’ll let loose and bring it down the field.

3. His leadership. I’ve never seen more humility after a national championship victory than Tua showed in the Tide’s 26-23 victory last January over Georgia. He wasn’t intimidated by the attention, and he handled it with poise and class. He expected to be that good, but he didn’t show it afterwards. Tua is the perfect example of walk softly and carry a big stick guy as Teddy Roosevelt said. Tua’s an actions speak louder than words guy, though words are very important when necessary and when Tua needs to be vocal he will. Watching the documentary before the season, “Training Days, Rolling with the Tide” it was evident Tua knows how to lead.

4. Maybe most importantly, he’s a high character young guy. He’s the guy you want as the face of your program. There are a lot of other high character guys on this football team like Jonah Williams, Ross Pierschbacher, Mack Wilson, Christian Miller and Deionte Thompson, but the quarterback is the guy who best exemplifies the program’s standards and Tua couldn’t be a better representative of the Crimson Tide program and the program that S wants to present to the public along with winning every football game. His character is beyond reproach.

   So there is a lot to like about Tua Tagovailoa and this Crimson Tide football team. What’s not to like about them? S wanted the media to say some negative things about his team, though I don’t believe he thinks there’s too much wrong. Punting can get better. Kicking is pretty decent right now. Offensively and defensively this team is spectacular. Punt and kickoff return are excellent. So not much negative on this 2018 Crimson Tide football program, though there are hurdles to climb this season, and teams that will challenge. LSU, Auburn and Georgia will present problems. But I’m very bullish on this football team and see them going deep in the postseason and the favorite to win it all at this point and having a chance to be the best team Alabama has ever had if they stay humble and hungry.

   I’m hoping the Crimson Tide can get a big lead on Saturday and S will turn to my man Joe Donald IV to get in there late in the game. J4 is the son of a trusted friend and major blog contributor, Bama Golf. Joe 4 was an All State linebacker in high school, a tremendous basketball and baseball player and a standout young man. Hoping for J4, Bama and his wife Mary that Mack, Dylan Moses and the defense along with Tua and the offense can get a very comfortable lead so J4 can get in there. He’s been scout team player of the week a couple of times this year, and is a great effort young guy and a talented, hard-nosed linebacker. Pulling for Joe 4.

   Of course, the Crimson Tide needs to take care of business against LA Lafayette. Every game matters. I like them to be serious on Saturday.

   Alabama 56, LA Lafayette 7

Southern Mississippi (2-1) @ No.10 Auburn (3-1)

Jordan-Hare Stadium, 87,451

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Dave Neal, D.J. Shockley, Dawn Davenport

Auburn by 26 1/2

Auburn’s defense and now their special teams will give them a chance every week. It’s up to Gus, offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey and Jarrett Stidham to do their part and make this offense run efficiently and explosively. The weapons are there. The running game needs to pick it up, but with Ryan Davis, Darius Slayton and the weaponry on the perimeter, Stidham should be able to chunk it all over the yard. This week would be a good start with the SEC wars cranking back up next Saturday.

Auburn 49, Southern Miss 10

Tennessee (2-2, 0-1 SEC) @ No. 2 Georgia (4-0, 2-0)

Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA. (92,746)

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie Ehrdal

Dawgs by 30 1/2

As the great Walter Pittman pointed out on the blog last Thursday, Georgia had trouble with the 11 AM start last Saturday against Missouri. They won 43-29, but looked sloppy at times. I like them to get it back together this week. Still looking for freshman Justin Fields to get some opportunities at quarterback. He’s an absolute stud. Jake Fromm is solid, very good actually, but Justin is so good, he’s hard to keep off the field. Tennessee is not where Pruitt wants them to be. It may be a couple of years away for Pruitt and the Vols though he is recruiting very well this year with the No.12 class in the country at this point. Kirby may call off the troops late to keep this from being totally embarrassing for his friend.

Georgia 45, Tennessee 10

South Carolina (2-1, 1-1) @ No. 17 Kentucky (4-0, 2-0)

Kroger Field, Lexington, KY. (61,000)

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

UK by 1

I’m pretty bullish on this Wildcats team. I really like Benny Snell. He might be the best running back in the country. Certainly in the top 3 nationally. Actually, I don’t know a running back that’s any better. I’ll say he’s the best running back in the country. The Cats took Mississippi State to the woodshed last week. They wasted’em. Bama Golf predicted a Cats’ victory, a very good call. So did South Carolina to Vanderbilt. I like Gamecocks quarterback Jake Bentley, an Opelika, Alabama product who’s not intimidated by the big stage, and his South Carolina team to go into Lexington and pull off the slight upset.

South Carolina 28, Kentucky 24

Ole Miss (3-1, 0-1) @ No.5 LSU (4-0, 1-0)

Tiger Stadium, Baaton Rouge (Howard Cosell), Louisiana, 102,321

8 PM CT

ESPN

Steve Levy, Grease, McShay

LSU by 10 1/2

This is going to be a competitive game. Joe and O are doing tremendous jobs for the Bengal Tigers. Demolishing Miami in week 1 and going to Auburn and defeating the Tigers in week 3 is some good stuff. But this is a pretty big rivalry. I like it close.

LSU 31, Ole Miss 27

Florida (3-1, 1-1) @ Mississippi State (3-1, 0-1)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas, 61,337

5 PM CT

ESPN

Dave Pasch, Gregory McElroy. Lugues

State by 7 1/2

I like Dan Mullen and the Gators to go into Starkville and pull off the upset.

Florida 28, Mississippi State 27

Arkansas (1-3, 0-1) @ Texas A&M (2-2, 0-1)

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX. (100,000)

11 AM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams

A&M by 21

This is usually an electric shootout in Jerry’s World, but not this year. The Aggies will be making the explosive plays. Chad Morris and Arkansas have a very long way to go and it’s unclear if they’l get there in the SEC.

Texas A&M 48, Arkansas 10

Tennessee State (2-0) @ Vanderbilt (2-2)

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, 40,350

3 PM CT

SEC Alternate Network, Channel 820 on Charter

No Line

The Commodores got humbled by South Carolina last week at home, 37-14. Great school, usually good in basketball, always good in baseball, but always needs improvement in football. It may happen some day. Possibly in my lifetime.

Vandy 45, Tennessee State 14

No.4 Ohio State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) @ No.9 Penn State (4-0, 1-0)

Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley, PA., 106, 572

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Ohio State by 3 1/2

What a classic matchup between 2 historic programs that will be playing for major national implications beyond the fact that they can’t stand each other. It’s at Happy Valley which is a major advantage for the Nittany Lions. Despite that, I’m pretty bullish on the Buckeyes. They don’t even need Urb to be coaching them to be good. That was pretty obvious the first 3 games of the season. Urb brings more drama to the program than he does coaching ability but he’s recruited well and I like quarterback Dwayne Haskins, running backs Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins and receiver Paris Campbell and a host of other playmakers on the perimeter to get the Buckeyes over the top and keep them front and center in the playoff hunt. The Nittany Lions will put up a heckuva fight though. This should be a classic.

Buckeyes 34, Nittany Lions 31

No.7 Stanford (4-0) @ No.8 Notre Dame (4-0)

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana, 80,795

6:30 PM CT

NBC

Tirico, Flutie, Kathryn Tappen

Fighting Irish by 5 1/2

Two very good football teams. The Fighting Irish are so much better with Ian Book at quarterback. He can sling it all over the field and can also run. He replaced Brandon Wimbush last Saturday at quarterback on the road @ Wake Forest completing 25 of 34 passes for 325 yards, 2 TDs and 0 ints. He gives them such a better passing element and he’s a pretty strong runner as well. Bryce Love really hasn’t woken up this season for Stanford. He’s certainly capable of breaking out, but it’s time for him to step it up. I do like the way quarterback K.J. Costello is playing. He brought the Cardinal back from a 24-7 deficit to Oregon last Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene and led them to a 38-31 overtime victory over the Ducks in some questionable game management by Ducks coach Mario Cristobal. With just a little over a minute left in the game and Oregon holding a 31-28 lead, Cristobal called for a handoff to his running back when he could have taken a knee and punted deep into Stanford territory with just seconds remaining. The running back fumbled, the Cardinal recovered, took the ball down the field and kicked a field goal to tie it and won it in overtime. But Stanford was prolific in their comeback. Wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside is an absolute warrior.

If this game was played in Palo Alto, I’d go with the Cardinal. But it’s in South Bend so I’ll take the Irish.

Notre Dame 35, Stanford 31

No. 3 Clemson 49, Syrcacuse 17

11 AM CT

ABC

Sean McDonough, Todd, Holly

The Tigers have some revenge on their minds after getting upset in the Carrier Dome last year by Syracuse which put their playoff hopes in peril. They got it back together and made the playoff though they got crushed by the Crimson Tide in the semifinals. Dabo has made a change at quarterback going with superstar freshman Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence has been pretty stellar so far completing 39-of-60 passes (65%) for 600 yards with 9 TDs and 2 interceptions. He takes over from Kelly Bryant who just doesn’t give Clemson an element in the passing game. Bryant was 36-of-64 for 461 yards but with just 2 TDs and 1 int. Now Bryant wants to transfer. Don’t get me started on this. He’s only played in 4 games so this can be a redshirt year for him and he can play somewhere else. But he’s still one play away from being the starter again. It’s pretty shortsighted on these young guys’ part. I can see they want to play, but there is no loyalty to the coach who gave them a scholarship. It’s called competition and Dabo and his coaches think that Lawrence gives the Tigers a better chance of winning it all. I agree with their decision. it’s a tough call for either side. I can see the quarterback wanting to play, but I also see the coaches’ side of it, too. I would rather the quarterback stay and try to win back the job. An injury to Lawrence and Bryant is right back under center playing for an ACC championship and competing for a playoff spot. But I understand Bryant wanting to play. I don’t see a solution for this problem right now. You can’t keep a player from transferring if he wants to be a starter and another place gives him that opportunity. But the NCAA needs to try to get this under control, and keep these guys at the school they chose coming out of high school. The players just need to see the big picture and know that they’ve definitely still got a shot. it’s a major conundrum right now.

No. 6 Oklahoma 48, Baylor 27

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath

The Sooners barely survived at home last week over Army, getting by 28-21 in overtime. Army is a hard nosed, talented team, so it’s not that surprising they gave the Sooners a tough game. Army went 10-3 last year and defeated San Diego State 42-35 in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, so they’re always a test for any team. I guess OU is an elite team. Saturday will tell us more.

No.13 UCF 45, Pittsburgh 31

2:30 PM CT

ESPNU

UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton is an absolute stud. He is from Hawaii and was rivals with Tua in high school and they’re very good friends. I’m bullish on this Golden Knights team though I see Pitt scoring some points on them. Their offense is national contender status. It may be enough to get them to a New Year’s Six Bowl and keep them in the playoff hunt.

No. 25 Texas Tech 45, No. 12 West Virginia 42

11 AM CT

ESPN2

Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Roddy Jones

I like the Red Raiders to pull off the slight upset at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock. They just demolished Oklahoma State on the road, 41-17. It was more than impressive.

No. 18 Texas 41, Kansas State 27

2:30 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman Holly Sonders

Texas was impressive in defeating TCU last Saturday at home, 31-16. I had them as a sleeper this season along with Michigan. They may turn out to be a pretty good football team. Their quarterback, Sam Ehlinger, is playing very well now and their receivers are also playing at a high level.

No.24 California 38, No. 19 Oregon 35

9:30 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Justin Kutcher, DeMarco Murray, Petros Papadakis

I like the 1 1/2 point underdog Golden Bears to pull off the slight upset at home.

No. 14 Michigan 42, Northwestern 27

3:30 PM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny Taft

The Wolverines and quarterback Shea Patterson are ready to get it crankin the rest of this season.

No. 11 Washington 28, No.20 BYU 17

7:30 PM CT

FOX

Aaron Goldsmith, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman

Like the Huskies to handle business at home against a pretty scrappy BYU team.

TCU 42, Iowa State 35

6 PM CT

ESPNU

My daughter’s Horned Frogs snap back after a tough loss at Texas last Saturday but the Cyclones, a good team that is well coached, give them a tussle.

N.C. State 38, Virginia 30

11:30 AM CT

ESPN3

Taking the Wolfpack at home. Quarterback Ryan Finley leads his team past a pretty decent Virginia team.

Virginia Tech 34, No. 22 Duke 31

6 PM CT

ESPN 2

See the Hokies bouncing back from last week’s debacle at Old Dominion at a solid Duke team.

Washington State 35, Utah 34

6 PM CT

Pac 12 Network

Like the Cougars to snap back against the Utes after last week’s last second loss to USC. Always trust Leach even though Kyle Whittingham ios a very solid coach at Utah. Like Wazzou’s QB better.

Appalachian State 48, South Alabama 24

2:30 PM CT

ESPN+, computer

I’m a believer in App State. They gave Penn State everything they wanted in the opening game of the season at Happy Valley losing 45-38 in overtime. This is an explosive offensive team.

Friday

Colorado 34, UCLA 30

8 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

The Buffs are 3-0 with a victory over Nebraska on the road. That’s pretty strong despite Nebraska’s struggles so far. They get challenged by Chip Kelly’s Bruins but they survive and have a shot at winning the Pac 12 South.

The 42nd Ryder Cup

Le Golf National, Albatros Course, Paris, 7,234 yards, Par 71

Defending champion: United States, 2016, Hazeltine Golf Club Chaska, Minnesota. U.S. won 17-11.

TV: Friday, Golf Channel, 1 AM-12 PM CT; Saturday, Golf Channel 1-2 AM CT; NBC, 2 AM-12 PM CT. Sunday, NBC 5 AM-12 PM CT.

The European team is the favorite here not necessarily because of their talent, though they have a lot of it with guys like Rory, Justin Rose, Jon Rahm and cagey veterans and super Cup players Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter on their side, but also because of where it is.

The Europeans like the tighter fairways that demand accuracy, and slower greens. The U.S, players are bombers who like wide fairways and faster greens. But it’s in Europe this year and France has it set up in the Euros favor. There’s also a little tiny factor called home field advantage too. It’s a massive advantage. These fans are going to be going berserk in supporting their home team.

With that said, I’m a believer in this loaded American team. I like Captain America, Patrick Reed, who could go down as one of the greatest Ryder Cup players of all time when it’s all said and done and is the Masters champion, U.S, Open and PGA championship winner Brooks Koepka, a resurgent Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, who always plays well in the Cup, and young stallions like Bryson DeChambeau and Tony Finau leading the charge.

This will be a certain epic and must see for golf fans and sports fans alike. Little early to get up for, but should be fun on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. It’s a total spectacle. The 18th hole is a classic 471 yard par 4 that features a second shot over water in what will be a highly pressurized atmosphere. It’ll be a terrific finishing hole with massive drama.

I’ll take the upset.

U.S. 14 1/2, Europe 13 1/2

Here’s a classic video by Panic! At the Disco.

My older daughter and I were talking the other day about college football and the Crimson Tide and how spectacular they are this year. She’s a big fan. I was telling her there are other threats to this Bama football team in Georgia, Ohio State, Clemson, Oklahoma, LSU is in that conversation, and maybe Penn State. She said without hesitation, “Tua time.” I thought that was an awesome answer. He is a difference maker. Tua is 36 of 50 this season, 72%, for 646 yards, 8 TDs and 0 interceptions. That’s sensational stuff. And then you have Jerry Jeudy (11 receptions, 287 yards, 6 TDs), DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III, Irv Smith, Damien Harris, Najee Harris and Josh Jacobs to go along with a massively physical and dominant offensive line. I also like what quarterbacks coach Dan Enos has done with Jalen Hurts. Jalen is 19-of-28, 68%, for 248 yards, 4 TDs and 1 int. This offense is a powder keg waiting to explode every Saturday. Then you’ve got a defense led by linebackers Mack Wilson, Christian Miller, Anfernee Jennings, Dylan Moses and safety Delonte Thompson. One of my best friends said to me last Saturday that this is the best team Alabama has ever fielded and that includes the Bear Bryant years. if this keeps up, I agree. Life is good for Alabama partisans, and there isn’t any slowing down. The preparation and player development never sleeps. There are other contenders, but the No.1 Crimson Tide looks to be the best at this point. The others I listed above are certainly capable of winning it all. The Tide faces a constantly improving Texas A&M team this week, a team that Jimbo Fisher has already turned around and has them believing they can knock anybody off. So an interesting matchup in Tuscaloosa Saturday at 2:30 PM CT on CBS.

Auburn had a heartbreaking ending last Saturday at home versus LSU. Down 8 points deep into the fourth quarter, Bengal Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow connected with wide receiver Derrick Dillon for a 71 yard TD that cut the Tigers’ lead to 2. LSU kicker Cole Tracey converted a 42 yarder for the Bengal Tigers as time expired for a 22-21 victory. It was a disappointing finish for Gus Malzahn and Jarrett Stidham and the Auburn defense which allowed the long TD pass and committed 2 pass interference penalties on LSU’s game winning drive. Auburn is back to the drawing board with the struggling Arkansas Razorbacks coming to town on Saturday for a 6:30 PM CT kickoff on the SEC Network.

Some other solid matchups in the SEC. The No.2 Georgia Bulldogs go to Missouri and face Tigers quarterback Drew Lock in what could be a test. Florida is @ Tennessee, Mississippi State is @ Kentucky in a pretty solid matchup, and the Vanderbilt Commodores host the South Carolina Gamecocks. A couple of solid national matchups with No.7 Stanford traveling to Autzen Stadium to face No.20 Oregon, and No.17 TCU plays @ Texas among others.

Here’s a look at this week’s slate.

Last week: 16-6

Overall: 63-17 (79%)

All game times are Central. All games are on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

Texas A&M (2-1) @ No.1 Alabama (3-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie Erhdal

Bama by 26

While I like the way A&M is playing under Jimbo Fisher, particularly quarterback Kellen Mond, this is a tall order for the Aggies on the road. The Crimson Tide is cookin and there is no looking back for this team. I like Tua and the Tide to have a big day.

Alabama 45, A&M 17

Arkansas (1-2) @ No.9 Auburn (2-1)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole

Auburn by 30

While the Tigers may be ranked a little higher than they should be, Arkansas lost last week to North Texas, 44-17, so that tells you all you need to know about this Razorbacks team. North Texas is a pretty good football team, but to get blown out by them at home shows this program and Chad Morris have a long way to go to be competitive in the SEC. And there’s a chance they may never get there.

Auburn 42, Arkansas 10

No.2 Georgia (4-0) @ Missouri (3-0)

Memorial Stadium/ Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

11 AM

ESPN

Steve Levy, Grease, McShay

Dawgs by 14 1/2

The Dawgs could be tested for a while in Columbia, but I like them to pull away in the second half. Jake Fromm and the offense click, and Drew Lock and the Missouri offense can’t do enough to keep up.

Georgia 48, Missouri 20

No. 14 Mississippi State (3-0) @ Kentucky (3-0)

Kroger Field, Lexington, KY.
6 PM

ESPN2

Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

State by 9 1/2

Pretty good matchup in the Bluegrass State. Kentucky is playing good football and running back Benny Snell is a horse. But I like Nick Fitzgerald and the Bullies to get the job done on the road. I don’t know if Fitzgerald is a championship quarterback because he’s inaccurate throwing the ball at times, but he’s pretty stellar at other times. He and his team have a shot to do some major work in the west. I do see this as a good game though. Snell keeps the Wildcats right in it till the end.

State 35, Kentucky 30

Florida (2-1) @ Tennessee (2-1)

Neyland Stadium, Knoxvegas

6 PM

ESPN

Adam Amin, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Gators by 4 1/2

I see Jeremy Pruitt turning the Tennessee program around eventually and making it a viable contender in the SEC East, but not this year. Mullen and the Gators get a big win in the East on Saturday Night in the SEC.

Florida 24, Tennessee 17

South Carolina (2-1) @ Vanderbilt (2-1)

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville

3 PM

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Kris Budden

SC by 2 1/2

Derek Mason and his Dores went into South Bend and barely missed upsetting the No.8 Fighting Irish, losing 22-17. South Caroiina didn’t play last week because of Hurricane Florence. I like the Dores to get over the top here. Really good game.

Vanderbilt 31, South Carolina 28

Louisiana Tech (2-0) @ No.6 LSU (3-0)

Tiger Stadium Baaton Rouge, LA.

6 PM

ESPNU

Mike Couzens, Kirk Morrison

LSU by 21

I love the way LSU fought back against Auburn and how they blasted Miami in the first week of the season. I’m bullish on Joe and O.

LSU 41, LA Tech 17

Kent State (1-2) @ Ole Miss (2-1)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

11 AM

SEC Network

Dave Neal, D.J, Shockley, Dawn Davenport

Ole Miss by 28 1/2

I like the Rebels to bounce back from a trouncing by the Crimson Tide.

Ole Miss 52, Kent State 10

No. 7 Stanford @ No. 20 Oregon

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon

7 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Stanford by 2

I like the Cardinal a little more than the Ducks in this one despite the fact it’s in the raucous Autzen Stadium. Bryce Love gets the Cardinal over the top. One of the better names in football, Jet Toner, kicks a field goal for the victory.

Stanford 31, Oregon 28

No. 17 TCU @ Texas

Darrell Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin

3:30 PM

FOX

Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman

TCU by 3

TCU played a very good game against Ohio State last Saturday Night at AT&T Stadium in Dallas despite losing 40-28. The Buckeyes are strong. I like the Frogs to take care of business on the road.

TCU 38, Texas 31

Clemson 45, Georgia Tech 28

2:30 PM, ABC

Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath

No.5 Oklahoma 48, Army 16

6 PM, Fox Sports Network

Brendan Burke, Gary Reasons, CT Steckel

Kyler Murray is having a phenomenal season at OU. He’s 49-of-73, 67%, for 863 yards, 8 TDs and 1 int. He’s also rushed for 169 yards and 2 TDs. He’s an absolute stud as are Tua and Dwayne Haskins of Ohio State.

No.4 Ohio State 56, Tulane 10

2:30 PM, Big Ten Network

Kevin Kugler, Matt Millen, Rick Pizzo

Dwayne Haskins has completed 66-of-91 passes, 72%, for 890 yards, 11 TDs and 1 int. He’s another superb signal caller nationally.

Friday

No. 10 Penn State 45, Illinois 10

8 PM, Fox Sports 1

Justin Kutcher, Petros Papadakis, DeMarco Murray

I want to see the Nittany Lions play a massive game like next Saturday against Ohio State at Happy Valley before i start thinking they’re for real. That will be an epic.

No. 18 Wisconsin 31, Iowa 30

7:30 PM , FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny Taft

Whisky snaps back but it’s a tough one on the road in Iowa City.

No.16 Central Florida 48, Florida Atlantic 41

6 PM, ESPN, Friday

Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Olivia Dekker

I see Kiff giving UCF a good game.

USC 35, Washington State 31

9:30 PM, ESPN, Friday, Gregory, Lugues

Dave Pasch

This should be a fun game to watch if you want to stay up late on Friday Night. Like the Trojans at home but Leach and the Cougars will give them everything they want.

Saturday

No. 15 Oklahoma State 62, Texas Tech 45

6 PM, Fox Sports 1

Brian Custer, Bewn Leber

I see a high powered shootout in Stillwater. I’m a believer in Mike Gundy’s team after its 44-21 blasting of Boise State last week. Tech can put up some points though.

No. 10 Washington 48, Arizona State 21

9:30 PM, ESPN

Bob Wiaschuan, Brock Huard, Allison Williams

I like the Huskies to dominate the Sun Devils at home.

Virginia 38, Louisville 35

11:30 AM, ACC Extra Network on the computer.

Wes Durham, James Bates, Rebecca Kaple

I’m looking at a really competitive game here. The Cavaliers are 2-1 and they play some good offense.

No. 12 West Virginia 49, Kansas State 45

2:30 PM, ESPN

Clay Matvick, Dan Orlovsky, Paul Carceterra

This is the type of game that Dana Holgerson can lose, but his team looks stronger this season.

No. 19 Michigan 38 Nebraska 17

11 AM, Fox Sports 1

Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Holly Sonders

Michigan’s season is still to be determined. They at least get the job done in the Big House over a struggling Scott Frost Nebraska team.

No. 8 Notre Dame 31, Wake Forest 30

11 AM, ABC

Sean McDonough, Todd, Holly

I’m not buying the Fighting Irish to be a serious contender for the playoff. There schedule is also brutal the rest of the season. Wake gives them trouble in Winston-Salem.

Navy 48, SMU 41

11 AM, ESPN News

Bill Roth, Mike Golic Jr.

Like another Texas shootout with the Midshipmen coming out on top in Dallas.

Boston College 45, Purdue 35

11 AM, ESPN 2

Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks

I’m bullish on BC. They’ve got a shot to give Clemson some trouble when the Tigers visit Chestnut Hill on Nov. 10th. They’re my sleeper team in the ACC.

No.13 Virginia Tech 45, Old Dominion 10

2:30 PM, CBS Sports Network

Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, John Schriffen

Pretty high on this Hokies team after they demolished FSU on the road in game 1.

Before we get started on week 3, I want to pass along thoughts and prayers to the people in the Carolinas, Georgia, Virginia and everybody who will be affected by Hurricane Florence.

CNN, of course, is predicting the worst outcome, but I’m hopeful that the storm will weaken, everybody will be safe and there is minimal damage in those states.The only positive out of a hurricane is it brings people together. The awesome J.J. Watt raised $41 million for hurricane relief for the people from Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The Texans star defensive end is some kind of class act. Tragedy does bring people together. So that’s a positive. Hopeful for a weakening and no casualties.

Onto week 3 in college football. South Carolina’s game with Marshall is cancelled.

Last week: 18-5

Overall: 47-11 (81%)

The Crimson Tide heads into Oxford with an explosive offense led by the great Tua Tagovailoa and a group of awesome skilled players which include running backs Damien Harris, Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs, and wide receivers DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III along with a physical offensive line led by the great left tackle Jonah Williams.

The Auburn Tigers host the LSU Tigers in a clash on the Plains. Expecting a highly physical contest in Jordan-Hare on Saturday.

Huge matchup in South Bend as the Vanderbilt Commodores take on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. The Commodores are looking for a program changing upset against the No.9 Irish.

Another tremendous national matchup features the No.4 Ohio State Buckeyes squaring off with the No.15 TCU Horned Frogs in Jerry World. ESPN Gameday will be in Fort Worth Saturday morning. My daughter is hyped up for her Horned Frogs in this game. Should be an epic.

Some other national clashes, USC@Texas and Washington @ Utah, should be riveting games.

So we’ve got quite a week 3 on tap. Here’s a look at all the electricity of this week in college football.

All Times CT. All games Saturday unless otherwise noted.

No.1 Alabama @ Ole Miss

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford (64,038)

6 PM

ESPN

Sean McDonough, Todd, Holly

Crimson Tide by 21 1/2

I am high on this Crimson Tide offense. They put up yards and points in massive amounts. Tua is a phenomenal quarterback and the skilled players are off the charts good. The offensive line is dominating, and you can’t discount this Alabama defense. They’ve been very strong in the early season, not only allowing minimal rushing yards, but getting interceptions for TDs and scoring 3 non-offensive touchdowns. The Rebels have a solid quarterback in senior Jordan Ta’amu, and their receivers, A.J. Brown, DeKaylin Metcalf and DeMarkus Lodge, are serious weapons.

Ole Miss might be able to score some points on the Crimson Tide, the Tide secondary will be tested, but their defense can’t stop this offensive juggernaut. The Crimson Tide heads into the Grove and lights up the scoreboard and keeps their impressive season charging along.

Alabama 56, Ole Miss 21

No. 12 LSU @ No. 7 Auburn

Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451)

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie Erdahl

Auburn by 10 1/2

I don’t see quarterback Joe Burrow and the LSU offense scoring many points on the Auburn defense. The Auburn Tigers defense looks dominating and gives them a chance to play into January if Jarrett Stidham and the offense can keep playing well. Anthony Schwartz emerged last week at wide receiver. A world class sprinter, he posted a 57 yard TD reception and a 23 yard TD run.He’s another big play receiver and now the Tigers have Eli Stove and Will Hastings back, amazingly, from ACL injuries they suffered 4 1/2 months ago. I like these Auburn Tigers to keep progressing on offense and dominate on defense. The Tigers will have to go through a rigorous schedule which includes games @ Mississippi State (10-6), @ Ole Miss (10-20), vs. A&M (11-3), @Georgia (11-10) and @Alabama (11-24), so they have their work cut out for themselves. But with this defense, Auburn will have a shot to win every one of those major games this season.

Auburn 31, LSU 14

Vanderbilt @ No. 8 Notre Dame

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN. (80,795)

1:30 PM

NBC

Tirico, Flutie, Kathryn Tappen

Notre Dame by 13 1/2

This will be a battle of 2 terrific quarterbacks. The Commodores’ Kyle Shurmur is one of the most underrated signal callers in the country. His father, Pat, is the head coach of a little outfit called the New York Giants, and his grandfather, Fritz, was a longtime defensive coordinator in the National Football League for the Lions, the Patriots, the LA Rams, the Phoenix Cardinals and the Packers from 1977-1998. Kyle’s got high football IQ in his genes. He’s smart, a leader, has a cannon, and is extremely accurate. The Irish’s Brandon Wimbush is a playmaker with his arm and with his wheels. Wimbush did throw 3 interceptions last Saturday in a surprisingly close 24-16 victory over Ball State.

The Commodores got a little overly hyped last year after going 3-0 and doing the absolute worst thing a team can do, challenging the Crimson Tide. That worked out to a 59-0 annihilation. Coach Derek Mason and his Commodores have learned their lesson from that disaster, and that is to be humble heading into a major challenge.

KIrk Herbstreit has a Notre Dame on upset alert. I agree with Herbie.

Vanderbilt 28, Notre Dame 27

NO.4 Ohio State @ No.15 TCU

AT&T Stadium, Dallas (100,000)

7 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Buckeyes by 12 1/2

TCU has an explosive offense commandeered by quarterback Shawn Robinson and several game changing skilled players. But Ohio State has even a more explosive offense led by terrific quarterback Dwayne Haskins, running backs MIke Webber Jr. and J. K. Dobbins and super wide receiver Paris Campbell. The Horned Frogs will be able to score points on the Buckeyes and Jerry World will be rockin, but the Buckeyes will score a few more and they “Will get by,” as the other Jerry so artfully sang. This will be a classic.

Ohio State 38, TCU 35

Middle Tennessee @No.3 Georgia

11 AM

ESPN News

Georgia by 34

This game is being played earlier due to the potential hurricane fallout. Georgia took South Carolina to the woodshed last Saturday, and are a phenomenal football team. Georgia and Alabama look like the best teams in the country at present. D’Andre Swift is a spectacular running back and the guys behind him are pretty sensational also. Georgia has got all the tools to win it all. Alabama will have a big say in that. So will Clemson, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Auburn. But this is an impressive group.

Georgia 45, Middle Tennessee 3

No. 16 Mississippi State 48, Louisiana 10

6:30 PM

ESPN 2

State played well at Kansas State last Saturday winning 31-10. Nick Fitzgerald is explosive but struggles with his passing accuracy. Running back Kylin Hill ran for 211 yards and a couple of TDs against the Wildcats and looks to be a star in the making. If Fitzgerald can find more accuracy, this team will be in the hunt in November.

Missouri 42, Purdue 38

6:30 PM

Big Ten Network

Drew Lock and the Tigers offense are lighting up the scoreboards. They’ll keep the offense cookin in West Lafayette but will be tested.

Texas A&M 34, UL Monroe 7

6:30 PM

SEC Network

After a heckuva’n effort against Clemson last Saturday in College Station in which they barely lost, 28-26, that included controversy on a fumble by an A&M wide receiver with A&M down 28-21. The ball looked to go out of bounds at the Clemson 1 but was called out of the end zone which resulted in a touchback and Clemson’s ball on the 20. A touchdown would have led to a tie game and given A&M all the momentum in the electric Kyle Field and the ability to pull off the upset. It was a tough way for the Aggies to lose. They played their hearts out. The Aggies plod their way through this game after a hard fought battle last Saturday. Kellen Mond is looking like an elite quarterback.

Florida 27, Colorado State 24

3 PM

SEC Network

The Gators looked pathetic on offense last week as Kentucky went into the Swamp and pulled off the 27-16 upset, the Wildcats first victory over the Gators since 1986, 32 years. The Gators barely get by the Rams. The Rams pulled off the upset of Arkansas 34-27 last Saturday at Colorado Springs.

Kentucky 34, Murray State 14

11 AM

SEC Network

The Wildcats have a bit of a hangover after a massive victory over the Gators last week. Benny Snell is one of the elite running backs in the country and ran for a buck 75 against Florida last Saturday. Quarterback Terry Wilson played very well against the Gators also completing 11 of 16 passes for 151 yards and 2 TDs. Kentucky could be asserting themselves as the second best team in the East though that’s still very much to be determined.

Tennessee 48, UTEP 10

11 AM

SEC Network Alternate Channel

Jeremy Pruitt is in an all out rebuild in Knoxville. They’ll have an easier time this Saturday but the brutality of conference play is coming up, and Pruitt and his Vols will really be tested severely then.

North Texas 31, Arkansas 30

3 PM

SEC Alternate Network

Chad Morris is in the same situation as Jeremy Pruitt. North Texas defeated SMU 46-23 at home in their opener, so they’re a good team. The Hogs drop another one after losing to Colorado State last Saturday.

No. 10 Washington 34, Utah 28

9 PM

ESPN

Utah can hang with the Huskies for a while, but their quarterback play isn’t good enough for them to win the Pac 12. Jake Browning and his Huskies team survives Salt Lake Citry.

Texas 34, No. 22 USC 14

7 PM

FOX

I’m not really clear on why the Trojans are even ranked. Their starting quarterback is out for the game and they’ve looked dismal so far this season.

No.2 Clemson 42, Georgia Southern 14

11 AM

ESPNU

The Tigers looked vulnerable last week at College Station. I like the freshman, Trevor Lawrence, to be their quarterback. He gives them a chance to make the playoff and win it. Kelly Bryant can possibly get them to the playoff, but won’t take them past the semifinals.

Iowa State 31, No.5 Oklahoma 30

11 AM

ABC

The Sooners get their sternest test of the season in Ames, Iowa. Iowa State can be a giant killer, and I see them doing that this Saturday. The Sooners spectacular running back, Rodney Anderson, is out for the season with a knee injury. The great young coach Matt Campbell gets his Cyclones over the top.

No.6 Wisconsin 45, BYU 20

2:30 PM

ABC

The Badgers Jonathan Taylor ran for 253 yards and 3 TDs last Saturday in a 45-14 victory over New Mexico. I don’t like to say this so early in the season, but he’s right up there at the top of the Heisman conversation.

No. 11 Penn State 48, Kent State 10

11 AM

Fox Sports 1

Penn State starts clicking on all cylinders heading into the Big Ten Conference schedule.

Arizona State 34, San Diego State 28

9:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

I would have predicted an upset if Aztecs’ quarterback Christian Chapman wasn’t out indefinitely with a knee injury.

No. 17 Boise State 38, No. 24 Ok State 35

2:30 PM

ESPN

The Broncos are a 2 1/2 point underdog despite being ranked higher. They are on the road in Stillwater, so that explains why the Cowboys are favored. Like the slight upset here.

Duke 31, Baylor 30

2:30 PM

Fox Sports 1

Duke lost their star quarterback Daniel Jones for the season to a broken collarbone in their 21-7 upset victory over Northwestern last week @ Northwestern. That’s a shame because they have a really good football team. But David Cutcliffe will keep his quarterback play solid with Quentin Harris under center now. I like Duke to pull off another upset, this week in Waco.

Today

Boston College 35, Wake Forest 28

4:30 PM

ESPN

I’m bullish on this Golden Eagles squad. Quarterback Anthony Brown has completed 17 of 23 passes for 322 yards and 4 TDs against 0 interceptions in his first 2 games. He’s a stud. Like BC to take the conference victory in Winston-Salem and be threat to Clemson in the Atlantic Division of the ACC.

Alabama and Auburn both had excellent opening weekend victories. The Crimson Tide looks like a juggernaut again. Auburn, if they can play better on offense, could be one as well. I liked what I saw from Georgia. They look elite. Ole Miss over Texas Tech and LSU over Miami were key SEC victories. The conference finished 13-1 last weekend, quite a record. I believe in the teams in this conference this season. Alabama and Georgia look like the best, Auburn is close, LSU has a quarterback who is better than what they’ve had recently and they have talent all over the field, and South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi State and A&M look ready to step it up a level this year and challenge in the conference and on the national radar. There are some major matchups in the SEC this week and a couple of interesting SEC, non-conference matchups. Nationally, there are several interesting games that will have an impact on the season this week. Here’s a look at this week’s slate.

Last week: 29-6 (83%)

All games Saturday unless otherwise noted

Arkansas State @ No.1 Alabama

2:30 PM CT

ESPN 2

Bama by 36 1/2

The Crimson Tide looked stellar once again against Louisville. Tua clearly asserted himself as the guy this season under center. He was terrific. The Crimson Tide was clicking in all facets of the game. Josh Jacobs returned a kickoff 77 yards for a TD, Tua threw for 2 TDs completing 12-of-16 passes for 227 yards, Jerry Jeudy caught 4 passes for 62 yards and a pair of TDs, DeVonta Smith pulled in 4 passes for 99 yards and freshman Jaylen Waddle caught 3 passes for 66 yards and returned a punt for a TD that was called back by a penatly. The secondary, which looked to be a concern before the season started, acquitted itself very well. Delonte Thompson notched an interception in the end zone, and  Shyheim Carter posted a 45 yard interception return for a TD. Arkansas State has been pretty good in the past. But with Tua calling the shots, I like the Tide to dominate here.

Alabama 49, Arkansas State 3

 

Alabama State at No. 7 Auburn

6:30 PM CT

SEC Alternate Network, Watch ESPN app

No Line

The Tigers, after winning a key matchup against Washington last week, 21-16, are in no danger here. Auburn prepares for a major test next Saturday against LSU at Jordan Hare at 2:30 PM CT on CBS, by getting good reps against the Hornets. 

Auburn 59, Alabama State 0

 

No. 3 Georgia @ No.24 South Carolina

2:30 PM CT

CBS 

Dawgs by 10

South Carolina is close to being an elite team in the SEC East. But they’re playing an already elite team. Like them Dawgs to prevail in Columbia. Kirby Smart has another terrific team. I look for a really competitive, exciting game though.

Georgia 31, South Carolina 27

 

No.2 Clemson @ Texas A&M

6 PM CT

ESPN

Clemson by 12

A&M looked good last Thursday Night vs Northwestern State, winning 59-7. But this is Clemson. 

Clemson 42, A&M 28

 

Kentucky @ No. 25 Florida

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Gators by 14

Dan Mullen has already instilled a positive culture into the Gators’ program. They look pretty good this season. I’m not sure if they’re on Georgia’s caliber, but them and South Carolina could be. The Gators have defeated the Wildcats for 31 years in a row. Make it 32, resoundingly.

Florida 45, Kentucky 24

 

No. 18 Mississippi State at Kansas State

11 AM CT

ESPN

State by 9

Nick Fitzgerald is back under center this week after serving a 1 game suspension last week for some indiscretion in the spring.  State looks talented and strong in the trenches. Like the Bullies to roll in the Little Apple, Manhattan, KS.

State 38, Kansas State 28

 

Southeastern Louisiana @ No.11 LSU

6 PM CT

ESPN2 

No Line

After an impressive victory over Miami last Sunday Night, the Bengal Tigers get a break this weekend. Ohio State transfer quarterback Joe Burrow looks to have potential. If LSU can get good quarterback play out of Burrow, they’ve got a shot to be pretty successful this season. Big game on the Plains next Saturday.

LSU 49, SELA 3

 

Wyoming @ Missouri

6 PM CT

ESPNU

Mizzou by 18 1/2

 

These Tigers look highly potent offensively with quarterback Drew Lock having a lot of weapons along with an excellent running game. Defense will be the key to Missouri’s success this season as they’ll be able to put points on the board.

Missouri 45, Wyoming 28

 

Arkansas @ Colorado State

6:30 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Hogs by 13 1/2

The Hogs looked strong on offense last week in defeating Eastern Illinois, 55-20. Quarterback Ty Story was 12 of 17 for 261 yards and 3 TDs coming in for starter Cole Kelly. It looks like it’s Story’s job now, and he looks up to the task. Chad Morris has already instilled enthusiasm and passion back into his football program.

Arkansas 42, Colorado State 31

 

Southern Illinois @ Ole Miss

3 PM CT

SEC Network

No LIne

After an impressive 47-37 victory over Texas Tech last week, the Ole Miss offense looks poised to be spectacular most of the time this season. Running back Scottie Phillips ran for 204 yards and 2 TDs, and quarterback Jordan Ta’amu completed 22 of 32 passes for 336 yards, 2 TDs and 0 interceptions. Wide receivers DeMarkus Lodge ( 6, 96 yards), the great A.J. Brown (7-93, 1 TD) and D.K. Metcalf (4-81, 1 TD) look like a force on the perimeter. Ole MIss keeps the momentum going and then awaits a visit from the Crimson Tide next Saturday Night at 6 CT on ESPN.

Ole Miss 52, Southern Illinois 3

Nevada @ Vanderbilt

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Vandy by 9 1/2

The Wolf Pack, which dropped 72 on Portland State last week winning 72- 19, will challenge the Commodores, which posted an impressive 35-7 victory over Middle Tennessee last Saturday Night. I’ll take the Commodores, but they’ll be challenged. 

Vandy 41, Nevada 34

 

East Tennessee @ Tennessee

3 PM CT

SEC Alternate Network, Watch ESPN

No Line

Jeremy Pruitt may have a tough time of it this year as he’s trying to establish a winning culture in Knoxville but was left with a disaster by Butch Jones. The Vols got blasted by No.14 West Virginia last Saturday, 40-14, so Pruitt has his work cut out this season. This Saturday should help the cause some.

UT 45, East Tennessee State 10

 

National Games

Stanford 28, USC 24

7:30 PM CT

FOX

Should be a heckuva game in the PAC 12. Bryce Love, after having a tough game last Friday Night in a victory over San Diego State, gets going against the Trojans and pushes the Cardinal over the top. 

 

No. 15 Michigan State 35, Arizona State 31

9:45 PM CT

ESPN

The Spartans survive in Tempe.

 

No.6 Oklahoma 49, UCLA 21

12 PM CT

FOX

The Sooners look stellar on offense once again this season. Kyler Murray didn’t miss a beat at quarterback. Defense will be the key to the Sonners’ ultimate success this season. If they want to be in the playoff, they’ll have to be good on defense. 

 

Duke 34, Northwestern 31

11 AM 

ESPNU

I like David Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils to pull off the upset in Evanston, Ill. in a super ACC-Big Ten showdown. 

 

No. 13 Penn State 38, Pittsburgh 31

7 PM CT

ABC

James Franklin’s team got a major scare from Appalachian State last Saturday, winning 45-38 in overtime in Happy Valley. I expect them to get another scare from Pitt this week, but I see Trace McSorley and the Nittany Lions prevailing.

 

No.4 Ohio State 48, Rutgers 24

2:30 PM CT

Big Ten Network

The Buckeyes are another team that looks stellar on offense, so their defense will determine what kind of success they have this season. Loaded with talent, defense will determine their postseason hopes. 

 

Friday

No. 16 TCU 52, SMU 17

My daughter is a freshman at TCU so she’s pumped up for Friday Night. I’m bullish on the Horned Frogs. They have a shot to win the Big 12 and be a darkhorse for the playoff.

 

BYU 35, CAL 31

9:15 PM CT

ESPN 2

I like the way BYU went into Tuscon and upset Arizona last Saturday Night. I like’em at home this Saturday Night.

 

UAB 45, Coastal Carolina 27

6 PM CT

ESPN+

The Blazers go into Coastal and keep their momentum going. A. J. Erdely is an excellent quarterback.

 

Colorado 42, Nebraska 38

2:30 PM CT

ABC

I like an upset here in Lincoln. See the Buffaloes going into Lincoln and winning for the PAC-12.

 

Houston 42, Arizona 38

11 AM CT

ESPN2

I see the Cougars barely getting over the top against the Wildcats. Kevin Sumlin gets close this Saturday but just misses out to stellar defensive tackle Ed Oliver and the Cougs. The Cougars defense will give up points to the Zona offense, but Oliver will make some game changing plays to assure the victory.  

 

NFL predictions

Week 1 in the National Football League opens up tonight on NBC at 7:20 PM CT with the Falcons heading into Philadelphia for a Thursday Night matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions. I’ll take the Falcons, 35-31.

NFC Championship Game

I like the Saints a lot. I see Drew Brees having an excellent season and moving his team on to Atlanta for Super Bowl 53.

Saints 35, Falcons 31

 

AFC Championship

How do you ever go against Tom Brady and the Patriots. It’s almost impossible if he’s playing. 

Patriots 34, Ravens 28

 

Super Bowl LIII

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Sunday, February 3rd, 5:30 PM CT kickoff

CBS

Atlanta, GA.

I’m going to take a shot with Drew Brees and the Saints over Brady and the Pats this season. It’s tough to pick against Brady and Belichick, but I see the Saints having the team to win it all this season.

Saints 38, Patriots 35

 

Saints Super Bowl Champions