David Price pitched a performance for the ages in the postseason, capped off by a sensational, historically superior outing Sunday Night to help the Boston Red Sox clinch their 4th World Series championship in the last 15 years.

Squaring off with Clayton Kershaw in game 5 of the Series in Chavez Ravine with the Red Sox holding a 3-1 lead in the series but needing a victory with a thinned out pitching staff, David answered the bell emphatically.

David out-dueled Kershaw and the Dodgers, 5-1, going 7, allowing only 3 hits, 1 run, a leadoff homer by David Freese in the first, 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. It was an epic that capped off a phenomenal performance by the 33 year old superstar from Vanderbilt University.

David threw 89 pitches with 58 for strikes against 31 balls, and his changeup coming in at 85 MPH was masterful, while his fastball was hitting 93-94, he even hit 95 once or twice. His cutter was hitting the corners like it had throughout the playoffs. But the changeup he’s developed as he’s moved into his 30’s and lost about 3 ticks off his fastball, was the difference. David puts it in the perfect spot and has the hitters totally baffled. It was unhittable and left the Dodger hitters shaking their heads.

The whole postseason was beyond spectacular for David. , Dave was 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA while also coming on in relief last Friday Night in the bottom of the 9th and getting 2 outs in the Dodgers only victory, an 18 inning 3-2 victory. David’s history in the postseason tormented him. He had come into this postseason with an 0-9 record and a 6.03 ERA capped by a miserable division series game against the Yankees on Oct. 6th.

But everything changed in game 5 of the ALCS when David squared off with the great Justin Verlander of the Astros. The Astros were a unanimous pick to win it all by the media. I include myself in that although when I saw the Red Sox go 17-2 in spring training and defeat the Astros in the final game of spring training with many starters playing for both sides, I thought I might pick them. Out thought myself and picked the Nationals over the Astros. The Red Sox went 10-8-54 in the regular season and 11-3 in the postseason. That’s phenomenal.

With Verlander, Gerritt Cole, Dallas Kuechel, and Charlie Morton and those awesome bats of Jose Altuve, George Springer, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa, etc… the Astros were a seemingly unbeatable team. But the Sox took a 3-1 lead on an Andrew Benintendi superior catch in the left central field gap with the bases loaded and the Red Sox leading by a run with 2 outs in the 9th in game 4 to secure the 3-1 series lead for the Sox. David did the rest and out pitched Verlander, going 6, giving up just 3 hits, 0 runs with 0 walks and 8 K’s. He had the Astro hitters totally perplexed. They had no clue how to hit him. The Red Sox won 4-1, and advanced to the Fall Classic, where David was brilliant.

The great New York Times baseball writer, Tyler Kepner, interviewed Coach Tim Corbin during the game Sunday while Corbs was in Nashville. Corbs, a native of Wolfeboro, N.H., told Kepner how difficult it is for players in Boston. David has been through a lot. With his heated exchange with Dennis Eckersley, the former great reliever and Red Sox commentator, who mildly criticized one of the Red Sox starters, Eduardo Rodriguez, last season, to his blow ups with the media. The pressure has been beyond intense in Boston. Corbs told Kepner, “Look, I remember when they gave Carl Yastrzemski a hard time, Jim Rice a hard time and my dad remembered when they gave Ted Williams a hard time. It’s like New York-we’re with you win or tie.”

I thought that was awesome. Also in the article, different Sox players talked about what an amazing teammate Dave is. He was the same way at Vanderbilt, always wanting the ball to help out his team and always supporting his teammates. When Red Sox pitcher Nathan Eovaldi took the loss Friday Night giving up 2 runs, with only 1 earned, in 6 innings of work, David stayed with him throughout most of the night. That’s the kind of teammate David Price has been and always will be. Just a massive heart in the 33 year old from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, who will always be an epic Commodore. David donated $2.5 million to the Vanderbilt baseball program to help complete the amazing baseball complex we have now. It was selfless and shows what a devoted person he is to his former coach and his former program. David Price loves Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt loves David Price. No more questions about David Price in the postseason. He now owns a sensational resume and there’s more history to write.

Not lost in the World Series, at least to me and plenty of other VU fans, was the performance by Walker Buehler last Friday Night. Walk went 7 against the BoSox, giving up only 2 hits, 0 runs with 0 walks and 7 K’s. It was masterful. Walker threw 108 pitches with 72 for strikes against 36 balls, which is excellent, a 2:1, ratio. And, of course, Walker issued no free passes, which is always tremendous. His fastball was clocking in at 98-99. Walk was dominant. He gave the Dodgers hope with his performance. Walker’s future is beyond stellar. Walker says he wants to be the next Justin Verlander. He may be better.

Tony Kemp was sensational for the Astros versus the Red Sox in the ALCS making an amazing leaping catch against the MInute Maid Park wall in left on a ball destined to be a double or triple. Tony elevated to what looked like 4 feet and grabbed the ball right before it hit off the wall. Tony has always been a stellar, clutch player and I’m ecstatic the Astros are finally recognizing that. Tony also hit a homer and had 3 hits in the series in the games he played in. He should be a major piece in the Astros’ future plans. They still have an amazing collection of players returning next year, so we’ll see if they can win another Fall Classic, though Boston and New York among others will have a major say in that.

Dansby, Sonny and Ryan Flaherty were also in the playoffs. Dans’ future is bright with the Braves. Would like to see him hit .280-.300 like he’s capable of doing. He’s got such a textbook swing and is such a superior athlete so I expect him to do that next season. Dans was injured and not available in the playoffs. Hopefully Ryan will be in the Braves’ plans next season. Ryan is a solid player. If the Braves don’t bring him back, which they very well could, he’ll get a shot elsewhere with his solid talent and him being such a great team player.

I don’t know what to think about Sonny’s situation. I wish he could get out of New York and get to Atlanta. Sonny would be an awesome Brave. I wish that would happen. New York doesn’t seem to work for him. Sonny’s more of a smaller market pitcher. He can certainly excel in the right place.

Kyle Wright looks to be a potential starter in the Braves rotation. Kyle was impressive in his appearances in September for the Braves. Kyle, with his electric fastball at 96-97 and his electric stuff in general, will be a major factor on the Atlanta Braves team next season.

Curt Casali had a very solid season for the Cincinnati Reds. I expect him to have another excellent season next year with the Reds or somebody else.

There are plenty of other guys from our program who will make an impact in the big leagues next season. I’ll keep you posted on their progress. Still believe Pedro Alvarez can be a great major league player. His status is up in the air right now. Just know what a great guy and player Pedro is and his story from his upbringing where his father, a taxi driver, and he would hit balls in the basement of their apartment building constantly with his father throwing to him and Pedro hitting into a net, and coming to Vanderbilt when Corbs saw him launching home run after home run in Yankee Stadium the summer before his senior year in high school and Corbs thinking he didn’t have a chance to get him to VU. Pedro was drafted pretty highly, but chose Vanderbilt for the education and the baseball. It was very admirable. So I never give up on Petey. Will always believe in him.

Our 2019 baseball team looks special. I’ve gone over our talent with Stephen Scott, Austin Martin, J. J, Bleday, Ethan Paul, Philip Clarke, Pat DeMarco, just some serious lumber. We’ll play excellent defense as well. The pitching will be the key and we’ve got some potentially stout starters and a bullpen that could be lockdown. The SEC is a challenge, but that’s what our team likes. Will have more in January on this year’s squad when I talk to Corbs. I’ll have more in November and December, too.

Football dominates in Fayetteville

Ke’Shawn Vaughn ran for 172 yards and 3 TDs, tight end Jared Pinkney caught 5 passes for 93 yards and 2 TDs, wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb caught 4 passes for 44 yards, Kyle Shurmur played an efficient game completing 13-of-19 passes for 192 yards, 2 TDs and 0 ints, and JoeJuan Williams and Louis Vecchio registered NFL like interceptions in the Commodores’ 45-31 victory over Arkansas in Fayetteville.

It was a tremendous team victory. Left tackle Justin Skule was named Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance. Justin, left guard Cole Clemens, center Bruno Reagan, right guard Saige Young and right tackle Devin Cochran put on a spectacular performance opening hole after hole for the Mamba and Khari Blasingame, who played very well also running for 46 yards on 10 carries and a TD. Khari also caught 2 passes for 42 yards including a big play 23 yard screen that was set up to perfection. The blocking was tremendously good. Kyle had good time in the pocket. He was sacked 3 times, but the Razorbacks brought the house quite often. For the most part, the o line was flawless. Ke’Shawn is a very, very special player for us.

The great JoeJuan Williams posted an amazing interception in the second quarter. Stepping in front of a Ty Story pass attempt to one of his receivers and picking it off in NFL fashion. It was a superb play by our stud corner. We posted 6 tackles for loss of 15 yards and 2 sacks. Louis Vecchio registered one of the sacks and made an interception that is maybe the best play we’ve made all season. We put great pressure on Story and as he threw it, the ball was jarred from his arm. His arm was moving forward. Louis was falling on his back, batted the ball in the air and as he fell on his back, he reached back with both hands and he grabbed the ball from behind his helmet with both hands right before it hit the ground. Odell Beckham Jr. was envious. Such a superb play. As was JoeJuan’s. Our defense played extremely well. We gave up a touchdown late with our backups in. Linebacker Dimitri Moore led us with 8 tackles. Awesome safety LaDarius Wiley added 6, and inside linebacker Jordan Griffin, who is leading the SEC in tackles, added 5. Griffin and Dayo Odeyingbo had 1 1/2 tackles for loss, Allan George and Vecchio had 1 and Darion DeBrossard and Cameron Tidd had a 1/2 TFL apiece. Tidd had 1/2 sack, as did Dayo and Vecchio had 1.

It was a phenomenal effort by Coach Mason and the team. Coach Mason kept the esprit de corps up when things weren’t looking so positive and it paid huge dividends last Saturday.

We’re off this week, which is excellent timing to get everybody healthy and get ready to visit the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 10th at 11 AM CT on the SEC Network. The team is now 4-5 overall and 1-4 in the SEC. Excited to see what we can do the rest of the way with games at Missouri, Nov. 10th. and at home versus Ole Miss and Tennessee on Nov. 17th and 24th respectively. If we can get a strong finish, we can get to a bowl game and reward this team for all its hard work, let them enjoy the excitement and fun of playing and competing in a bowl game, get more reps for the players coming back in 2019, which is huge, and get a big boost in recruiting.

I like the recruiting class we have right now. We have 16 commits, with 4 star safety Anfernee Orji leading the way. He is 4 star freshman linebacker Alston Orji’s little brother. Both will be tremendous players for us. Read about our quarterback commit, Jamil Muhammad, from Madison, Alabama and James Clemens High School on Saturday. Jamil lead his team to the Class 7A, Region 4 championship last Friday Night. He’s a true dual threat quarterback with a rocket for an arm and awesome wheels. He’s another edition to our quarterback group which features Deuce Wallace, as Deuce will be coming back next semester after being suspended for the season and I hope he has his act together as he’s a talent, the talented Syracuse transfer Mo Hasan, who can make plays with both his arm and his legs as he showed Saturday in Fayetteville, and high 3 star freshman Allan Wallace, whom Coach Mason is really high on. So we’re in good shape at quarterback for the future. Just need to keep adding one every year. Jamil’s teammate, Daevion Davis, is a 6’2”, 314 defensive tackle commit to us and is a dominant player. Daevion is a 5.7 and 87, 3 star and a super get for the staff. Really like what we’re getting with this class and if we can keep winning, we can add some more excellent pieces to this 2019 group.

NFL guys

Jordan Matthews had a huge day for the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday in their victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London. JMatt caught 4 passes for 93 yards. He was terrific. JMatt was cut by the New England Patriots before the season started because of what looked like a season ending hamstring injury. But JMatt, being the dedicated professional that he is, rehabbed hard to get back and it’s now paying off. Jordan looks like a major part of the Eagles’ plans the rest of this season.

Zach Cunningham got hurt Thursday Night, but it was minor and Zach has been a tackling machine for the Houston Texans., Zach could very well be having an All Pro season for the surging Texans, which, after losing their first 3 games of the season, have won 5 in a row, and are rolling. Amazingly, Andre Hal is back and playing. Andre has recovered brilliantly from the Hodgkins Lymphoma and is now in the Texans lineup. He was hurt Thursday and didn’t play, but played the game before, and Andre should be fine for the Texans next game @ the Denver Broncos this Sunday.

Oren Burks is a key part of the Green Bay Packers defense at inside linebacker, as is defensive end Stephen Weatherly for the Minnesota Vikings. Adam Butler is playing a good bit on defense for New England, and Wesley Johnson is the backup center for the MIami Dolphins. Also, Spencer Pulley, is the backup guard and center for the New York Giants. Kenny Ladler is a backup safety for the Washington Redskins. Kenny was awesome in the Canadian Football League corralling 7 interceptions last season and earned a spot in the NFL. Really believe in Kenny’s ability along with all the guys.

So our guys are doin serious work in the National Football League.

Women’s Soccer

The women’s soccer team finished the 2018 season going 15-2-1 and 8-1-1 in the SEC to win the conference regular season championship. It was an awesome performance by Coach Darren Ambrose and his team. Darren won SEC Coach of the Year. We are No.7 in the country. Redshirt freshman Haley Hopkins won SEC Freshman of the Year. Nia Dorsey landed on the second team. Ella Shamburger was also selected on the All-Freshman team.

Our team opens SEC Tournament play tonight against Florida with a 5 PM CT game on the SEC Network. The Tournament is being played in Orange Beach, Alabama. The NCAA Tournament starts Nov.9th at campus host sites. The Women’s College Cup, the Final Four will be played in Cary, North Carolina November 30th-December 2nd. Hopefully, our women will be hoisting a national championship trophy on December 2nd. Got a lot to do to get there though starting this afternoon versus Florida.

I like the Troy Trojans under stellar coach Neal Brown to go into Mobile and defeat the South Alabama Jaguars, 42, 28. 7 PM on ESPN2 tonght.

World Series
Tonight: 7:09 PM CT, Clayton Kershaw for the Dodgers versus Chris Sale of the Red Sox in a marquee pitching matchup. Tomorrow night, 7:09 PM CT as Hyun-Jin Ryu pitches for the Dodgers versus David Price of the Red Sox. Both games will be in Boston, games 3,4,and 5 will be in LA, Friday-Sunday, and games 6 and 7, if necessary, will be in Boston next Tuesday and Wednesday, 10-23 and 10-24.

This should be an outstanding series. I like the BoSox outfield of Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley Jr. and Andrew Benintendi to be the difference makers for the BoSox. FOX will televise with Joe Buck, Smoltzie, Tom Verducci and Ken Rosenthal on the call.

J.D. Martinez’ bat will also be a difference maker.

BoSox in 7

MVP: J.D. Martinez

Bama looked spectacular on Saturday. Tua now with 25 TDs and 0 ints. Heisman leader for sure. The receivers and Irv Smith are superb players. DeVonta Smith is expected back for LSU in 2 weeks, Saturday, Nov. 3rd at 7 PM on CBS. Defense looks pretty darn solid overall. The offensive line is nothing short of phenomenal and the running backs, led by Josh Jacobs, are as good as you can find in college football. A lot of All Americans and first round picks out of this group. Jalen Hurts injured his ankle but it appears he will be OK for LSU.  

Clemson, Oklahoma, Michigan, Notre Dame, I guess, though not totally sold on their coach, Brian Kelly, to get them to the playoff though they have a fairly navigable path. Georgia is still not out of it if they can get quarterback settled.  I really like 5 star freshman Justin Fields. He was the number 2 player in the country for a reason. If he gets a shot, he can do what Trevor Lawrence is doing for Clemson. Not totally giving up on Jake Fromm, but if he struggles against Florida early, I would go to Fields if I’m Kirby Smart. Florida is a must victory for Georgia or they’re done. LSU right in the thick of it. November 3rd will be a spectacle in Baton Rouge. Not counting out Florida either if they can defeat Georgia on Saturday. UCF is the wild card, but they’ll need quite a bit of help.

AU played a superb game on Saturday at Ole Miss. Auburn could be back on track for a solid season. Boobie Whitlow ran for a buck 70. He came out with an injury so that’s something to watch for the Tigers. Still liked the way Marlon Davidson, Deshaun Davis and how the defense performed. And the offense looked like they figured it out. If Stidham and company can play like that, Auburn can finish their season well, and have a shot with Georgia. I don’t know about Alabama, but you never know in that game, particularly if the Tigers keep improving. My man, JC Cox predicted an Auburn blowout and he was right on the mark. Great job JC.

Next up for the Tigers after a bye this week is Texas A&M at Jordan-Hare next Saturday in a massive matchup. TV either ESPN or SEC Network at 11 AM CT (ESPN) or 3 PM CT (SEC). That will be determined later this week so will keep you posted.

David Price was nothing short of spectacular last night against the Houston Astros in a 4-1 Red Sox victory, which clinched the ALCS for the BoSox and sent them to the World Series where they’ll face either the LA Dodgers or the Milwaukee Brewers starting next Tuesday Night in Boston.

David went 6, gave up only 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and struck out 9. It was phenomenal. David’s fastball was cookin up to 96, and his changeup and cutter were superb. He was lights out great.

David has had his struggles in the postseason. In 12 appearances, he was 0-9 with a 6.75 ERA coming into the start against the Stros last night. But threw those numbers out the window with an amazingly clutch performance.

What was noted on the TBS broadcast in game 2 when David pitched against the Stros in Boston, was how good David had been out of the bullpen in 2008 leading the Rays to the World Series, where they fell short to the Philadelphia Phillies but put together a historic season. Making the World Series with a team with a limited budget is next to impossible but the Rays did just that and David was extraordinarily good out of the pen in ’08. He also was superb last year in the Division championship series for the Sox though they lost to the Astros in that series. And in game 163 against the Rangers 3 or 4 years ago, David pitched a complete game for the Rays allowing them to advance to the playoffs in a play in game for the last wild card spot in the American League. it was a flawless performance. So his postseason has been pretty impressive at times. Last night he cemented his legacy and can do so even more in the Fall Classic.

Tony Kemp played outstandingly well for the Astros in left field. Tony, getting a shot to play, made a phenomenal catch against the wall on Wednesday Night elevating 5 feet in the air and catching a ball that looked destined to be a double off the 25 foot wall in left field at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Tony also was 2 for 3 Wednesday with a homer. He played terrifically well. Proud of Tony.

Walker Buehler pitched Monday for the Dodgers in a 4-0 defeat and took the loss, giving up 6 hits, 4 earned, but Walk still struck out 8. Walker has been stellar for the Dodgers this season, and he’ll get another shot, maybe tomorrow night, if the series goes to a game 7 with the Dodgers leading the series, 3-2, and game 6 tonight @ 7:39 on Fox Sports 1.

But awesome performance by David, and a tremendous effort by Tony. Walker pitching very well. Love what our guys are doing. Dansby, Sonny and Ryan Flaherty were in the playoffs as well though Dans was hurt. All will be back next season along with Mike Minor and Curt Casali and some others most likely. Excited what our baseball team can do this year with a super sophomore class led by Austin Martin and Pat DeMarco and a senior class that has guys like Ethan Paul, the great Stephen Scott, and Patrick Raby returning. We’ve got some excellent juniors and a solid freshman class. We have the tools in place to be a special team. Pitching has to come through. If it does, this could be a memorable season that ends up in Omaha where we can win it all. 

Hopefully, David’s performance will inspire our football team that came very close to upsetting Florida last Saturday, but fell, 37-27. Losing Ke’Shawn Vaughn in the second quarter hurt the cause immensely. The Mamba had caught a pass and raced 75 yards for a TD, and had another 60 yard run earlier in the game. It was a tough blow to overcome. 

But we’ve got a shot in Lexington. Ke’Shawn will start. Kyle and Ke’Shawn will have to be good, the line will need to impose their will on the Kentucky front, and Jared Pinkney, Sam Dobbs and the wide receivers need to play get open and make critical receptions. Our defense will need to play aggressively, tackle Benny Snell and all the Kentucky offensive players well, and create turnovers.

I think we can get this done. 

Have an awesome weekend.  

Week 8 is packed with stellar matchups throughout the country. In the SEC, Bama travels to Knoxvegas to take on a resurgent Tennessee football team fresh off an upset of the Auburn Tigers. Tua’s knee has been the talk around the state this week. He is probable Saturday, but his effectiveness against the Vols is unclear at this point. He’s a warrior, so he’ll give it everything he’s got. The good news for Crimson Tide fans is that if Tua is struggling due to his knee, Jalen Hurts looks more than capable of filling in and helping the Tide remain perfect and preserve their number 1 status and playoff prospects. The defense looked really solid last week so that will help the Tide against a hungry Vols team. Will be riveting at 2:30 PM CT Saturday on CBS.

The Auburn Tigers travel to an explosive Ole Miss team for an 11 AM kickoff Saturday on ESPN. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu and his receivers led by A.J. Brown and tight end Dawson Knox are playing at a very high level after mounting a 96 yard drive in the last 2 minutes to defeat Arkansas on the road last Saturday, 37-33 . They did lose standout wide receiver D. K. Metcalf for the season. with an injury in the Arkansas game, but they’re still highly potent offensively. Auburn needs something good to happen after what has been a disastrous last 2 games. The Tigers’ offense can’t find any answers as the line can’t block, Jarrett Stidham has been inaccurate and there is no running game which got worse last Saturday when Boobie Whitlow was injured. Whitlow is questionable Saturday. Auburn may be angry this week and play well, but the Tigers HAVE to get it together for Gus Malzahn’s job security and if they want to salvage even going to a bowl this season.

LSU is on fire after dismantling Georgia at home last week, 36-16. Kirby Smart had no answers for Joe and O and that stellar Bengal Tiger defense under superb coordinator Dave Aranda. Smart didn’t really try to use 5 star freshman quarterback Justin Fields and that was a mistake in my opinion. He had nothing to lose with the way the game was going and Fields is a stud who is a true dual threat quarterback. He has a rocket for an arm and can run like a gazelle. So I was surprised when Smart and offensive coordinator Jim Cheney didn’t give Fields a shot. Jake Fromm was clueless. But you have to give a lot of credit to LSU. They played a phenomenal game. The Tigers host Mississippi State this week and need to be on alert for a trap game before a bye week and the Crimson Tide on November 3rd in Death Valley.

Some pretty interesting national matchups as well as Michigan travels to East Lansing to take on Michigan State. The Wolverines are coming off an impressive 38-13 blasting of Wisconsin at the BIg House, but they face a Spartans team that is fresh off an upset of Penn State in Happy Valley, 21-17. Michigan State defeated Michigan, 14-10, at the BIg House last year. Mark Dantonio gets it done in the big games. So the Wolverines will be tested on the road.

Another intriguing matchup features No.12 Oregon, coming off a 30-27 overtime victory over then No.7 Washington, invading Pullman to face No.25 Washington State which is chomping at the bit to pull off the upset. Mike Leach is good at that.

Plenty of other solid matchups throughout the country are on the schedule this week. Here’s a look at this week’s slate.

Last week: 17-8

Overall: 128-41, 76%

No. Alabama (7-0, 4-0) @ Tennessee (3-3, 1-2)

Neyland Stadium, 102,455

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Bama by 29

This game looked like a cakewalk a couple of weeks ago, but not as much now. The Crimson Tide has been pretty stellar all season, but with Tua’s sprained knee a concern and with a rejuvenated Vols team after last week’s victory at Auburn, this could be a little more interesting than once thought. Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano and his receivers, led byJauan Jennings, played outstandingly well against Auburn. The Crimson Tide may rely on their ground game and their defense this week to earn a victory. I see the Tide doing that, but in a tougher game than it seemed a couple of weeks ago.

Alabama 35, Tennessee 17

Auburn (4-3, 1-3) @ Ole Miss (5-2, 1-2)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, 64, 038

11 AM CT

ESPN

Adam Amin, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Auburn by 3 1/2

Spike had a great call in predicting Tennessee to upset Auburn last Saturday. The disaster continues for the Tigers.

Ole Miss 35, Auburn 34

Mississippi State (4-2, 1-2) @ LSU (6-1, 3-1)

Tiger Stadium

6 PM CT

ESPN

Dave, Gregory, Tom

LSU by 6 1/2

The Bengal Tigers were impressive last Saturday in their demolition of Georgia. State can’t seem to mount a passing game. Nick Fitzgerald is pretty one dimensional. LSU needs to be careful of avoiding a letdown but I like them to play well again this Saturday.

LSU 34, Mississippi State 14

Vanderbilt (3-4, 0-3) @ Kentucky (5-1, 3-1)

Kroger Field, Lexington

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

KY by 11 1/2

The Commodores took a 21-3 lead over Florida last Saturday but couldn’t hold the lead. Losing running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn in the second quarter really hurt them. It’s a tough assignment in Lexington for Vanderbilt. But I like them to play the Cats tough, but there will be too much Benny Snell in crunch time.

Kentucky 35, Vanderbilt 28

Memphis (4-3) @ Missouri (3-3)

Memorial Stadium, Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Mike Morgan, D.J. Shockley, Dawn Davenport

Mizzou by 9 1/2

I’m looking at a high scoring contest here. Drew Lock, after being stymied by the Alabama defense last Saturday, comes back and gets the Missouri offense back to a high octane attack. I do see Memphis scoring a lot of points and making it interesting.

Missouri 45, Memphis 35

Tulsa (1-5) @ Arkansas (1-6)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, Kris Budden

Arkansas by 7

I like the Hogs to roll here.

Arkansas 45, Tulsa 24

Off

Florida, Georgia, South Carolina A&M

Georgia-Florida next Saturday

No.6 Michigan (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten) @ No.24 Michigan State (4-2, 2-1)

Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MICH

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Michigan by 7

I’m not totally sold on the Wolverines being a playoff team. They’ve got some hurdles to overcome starting this Saturday. Michigan State gives the Wolverines everything they want.

Michigan 24, Michigan State 21

No. 12 Oregon (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) @ No. 25 Washington State (5-1, 2-1)

Martin Stadium Pullman, WASH

6:30 PM CT

FOX

Tim Brando, Spencer, Holly Sonders

Washington State by 3

Vegas believes in the Cougars in this one. I agree. Leach pulls off another clutch victory.

Washington State 34, Oregon 30

North Texas (6-1, 2-1 C-USA) @ UAB (6-1, 3-0)

Legion Field

6:30 PM CT

beIN Sports, Channel 715 on Charter

UAB by 1 1/2

This is a huge game for the Blazers and the Mean Green. Both of these teams are excellent. I like the Blazers with their home field advantage to capture the victory in a pretty classic matchup. UAB should a very good crowd. They are leading Conference USA in attendance. These Blazers are impressive. This game will be exciting

UAB 35, North Texas 31

No. 16 NC State (5-0, 2-0 ACC) @ No. 3 Clemson (6-0, 3-0)

Memorial Stadium, Clemson

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Sean McDonough, Todd, Holly

Clemson by 17 1/2

I’m a believer in the Clemson Tigers. They have a team like Alabama that can win it all. That could be the national championship matchup. NC State has been impressive this season though their game against West Virginia at home was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma. They’ve not been majorly tested, but Ryan Finley is a quality quarterback. I see them giving the Tigers a game for a good while, but the Tigers surviving.

Clemson 34, NC State 28

No. 2 Ohio State 38, Purdue 35

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

I’m not sure I’m buying Ohio State as the No.2 team in the country. That honor belongs to Clemson. I see the Buckeyes getting tested this week. They have playoff aspirations and have the team to get there, but have a Big Ten gauntlet to go through first starting Saturday Night in West Lafayette, IN.

No.8 Oklahoma 37, TCU 31

11 AM CT

ABC

Bob Wischusen, Brock, Allison Williams

Oklahoma is another team I see just surviving on the road in Fort Worth.

No. 10 UCF 45, East Carolina 35

6 PM CT

ESPN

Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

I see UCF in a tussle here, but McKenzie Milton and the Golden Knights survive and advance. They’re still a somewhat viable playoff team, but they’ll need help.

Utah 35, USC 27

7 PM CT

Pac-12 Network

This is a strong game in the Pac-12. Utah is heating up and they could very well end up being the best team in the Pac-12 and win the Pac-12 Championship. They are 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the Pac-12 South. I like them moving to 5-2 and 4-1.

Temple 28, No. 20 Cincinnati 20

11 AM CT

ESPNU

Amish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Roddy Jones

This is an underrated very solid game. Temple is coming off a victory at Navy. I’m not buying Cincinnati just yet.

Duke 34, Virginia 31

11:30 AM CT

ACC Network, Watch ESPN

I like the Blue Devils to just barely get by a pretty solid Cavaliers squad.

No. 19 Iowa 35, Maryland 31

11 AM CT

ESPN2

Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath

The Hawkeyes are starting to look interesting in the Big Ten West with Wisconsin losing last Saturday at Michigan. But Maryland makes it tough for them.

UCLA 45, Arizona State 14

9:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey, Ed Aschoff

I see the Bruins having a resurgence in the Pac-12 after defeating Cal on the road last Saturday for their first victory. Chip Kelly and his team keep it cookin.

The SEC features some pivotal matchups this week with Georgia @ LSU, A&M@ South Carolina, and a couple of solid matchups in Ole Miss @ Arkansas and Florida @Vandy.

Alabama has another test for their seemingly depleted secondary corps. Missouri and quarterback Drew Lock come to Tuscaloosa for a 6 PM contest. Lock is without his top receiver, Emanuel Hall, and another one of his top receivers, Nate Brown, is questionable. That’s a plus for a defense that just lost starting cornerback Trevon Diggs for the year to a broken foot. There have been some other injuries in the secondary, so freshman Patrick Surtain Jr. will have to step in for Diggs. Surtain is a 5 star freshman, so he has talent. But it could possibly be an issue going forward if Alabama were to face the likes of Georgia and Jake Fromm or Clemson and Trevor Lawrence or Oklahoma and Kyle Murray or Ohio State and Dwayne Haskins. But Lock could pose some problems as well. The Tide offense is still dynamite, so they’re going to do their part and light up the scoreboard. But when the Tide faces a better defense like LSU and Auburn, the offense will be more challenged. Still with Tua and company there doesn’t look like there is any slowing down for this scoring machine.

Auburn hosts Tennessee at Jordan-Hare for an 11 AM kickoff. The Tigers need offense. The offensive line is struggling, Jarrett Stidham looks clueless at times and there is no serious running game. The defense can just do so much. The offense needs to help. Auburn needs to step it up against a Tennessee team that is down, but looks to be playing a little bit better and can challenge the Tigers.

Here’s a look at this week’s slate. All times Central

Last week: 9-5

Overall: 111-33 (77%)

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

Bryant-Denny Stadium

6 PM CT

ESPN

Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Todd McShay

Bama by 28

With Missouri’s top receiver out and another one questionable, this may be another rout for the Crimson Tide. The Tide’s offense is superb, and keeps getting better. Irv Smith has become a weapon at tight end to go along with Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III and Jaylen Waddle on the perimeter. Damien Harris looks to be cookin again. This offense seems impossible to stop. If Alabama wants to win it all, the defense will have to pick it up. Isaiah Buggs, Quinnen Williams, and Raekwon Davis along with Anfernee Jennings, Christian Miller, Mack Wilson and Dylan Moses form a highly formidable front 7. The back end is where the Tide needs to shore it up. Deionte Thompson will have to be even more of a leader. I like the Tide to get it back together on defense and for the offense to explode once again. Kicker Joseph Bulovas needs improvement as well. The Alabama kicker is usually the only Achilles Heel on their team every year.

Alabama 45, Missouri 14

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

Jordan-Hare Stadium

11 AM

SEC Network

Dave Neal, D.J. Shockley, Dawn Davenport

Auburn by 15 1/2

The Tigers offense has been abysmal. At some point, they’re going to have to help their defense which is doing all they can. I just have a feeling the Vols are getting better and better and will be charged up for this game. Jeremy Pruitt will get the Vols back to upper tier status in the SEC in the next couple of years. Believe in Pruitt. I see the Vols playing well in this game. I’ll take the Tigers, but not too bullish on them right now. I like a close, highly competitive game.

Auburn 24, Tennessee 21

No. 2 Georgia (6-0, 4-0) @ No. 13 LSU (5-1, 2-1)

Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Dawgs by 7 1/2

Jake Fromm has really heated up and is playing at an exceptional level right now. LSU got their bubble bursted a little last Saturday at Florida. I like the Dawgs on the road here as they keep progressing towards a potential showdown with the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship if things keep up the way they’re going.

Georgia 31, LSU 20

No. 22 Texas A&M (4-2, 2-1) @South Carolina (3-2, 2-2)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

2:30 PM

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Kris Budden

A&M by 2 1/2

This is one I’ve thought a lot about all week because I’m not sure what to make of South Carolina. They get blasted by Georgia at home, then they demolish Vandy on the road, looking good doing it, then lose to Kentucky by 13 on the road, then survive Missouri at home last Saturday and did well with their backup quarterback, redshirt senior Michael Scarnecchia. Jake Bentley is back to start for the Gamecocks. A&M survived Kentucky at home last week, 20-14, in overtime. I’ve gone back and forth with this game, but I’m going to take the road team. Still see the West as better than the East.

Texas A&M 28, South Carolina 24

No. 14 Florida (5-1, 3-1) @ Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-2)

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville

11 AM

ESPN

Dave Pasch, Gregory McElroy, Lugues

Florida by 7

Vandy could make this competitive, but I see the Gators pulling away late. Dan Mullen has a team that has a shot of contending with Georgia this season if quarterback Feliepe Franks can excel in the coming weeks. That Cocktail gig is in 2 weeks. Gators off next week.

Florida 38, Vandy 24

Ole Miss (4-2, 0-2) @ Arkansas 1-5, 0-3)

War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole

Rebels by 7

The Razorbacks played well on offense last week against the Crimson Tide. Quarterback Ty Story was 25-of-39 for 230 yards, 2 TDs and 1 int. They couldn’t stop the Crimson Tide and the Ole Miss offense can be electric at times. I like Ole Miss QB Jordan Ta’amu and receivers A.J. Brown, DeKaylin Metcalf and DeMarkus Lodge to get the Rebels over the top in Little Rock.

Ole Miss 45, Arkansas 35

No. 17 Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) @ Michigan (6-1, 3-0)

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

6:30 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Michigan by 9 1/2

Wisconsin is always competitive with everybody it seems like. They’re always solid and running back Jonathan Taylor is outstanding. But I like the Wolverines in the Big House, but expecting a close, hard fought contest.

Michigan 28, Wisconsin 24

No.7 Washington (6-1, 3-0 Pac-12) @ No.17 Oregon (4-1, 1-1)

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon

2:30 PM

ABC or ESPN2

Sean McDonough, Todd, Holly

Washington by 3 1/2

I like the Huskies to get by the Ducks and move on in their quest for a Pac-12 title though they will be challenged at Oregon and along the way. Colorado and Utah are coming on in the south division and will give the Huskies everything they want. The Huskies play host to the Buffaloes next week.

Washington 34, Oregon 30

No.6 West Virginia (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) @ Iowa State (2-3, 1-2)

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa

6 PM

Fox Sports 1

Tim Brando, Spencer Tillman, Holly Sonders

WVU by 6 1/2

I keep doubting the Mountaineers and they’ve been proving me wrong so far. But I still doubt them. Matt Campbell at Iowa State is an excellent coach and the Cyclones are known to pull off the upset as last year’s victories @ OU and over a top 10 TCU team at home attest to. The Cyclones defeated OK State on the road last week, 49-42, and I see them outscoring West VA. this week and pulling off the major upset and creating some more chaos.

Iowa State 45, West Virginia 42

No. 19 Colorado (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) @USC (3-2, 2-1)

Memorial Coliseum, LA

9:30 PM

Fox Sports 1

Joe Davis, Brady Quinn

SC by 7

I’m bullish on the Buffaloes. Mike McIntyre’s dad, George, was a solid coach at Vanderbilt in the 80’s and Mike fields a team that is as close as you can get to an SEC team in the Pac-12. I’m going with CU in the upset. They’ve won at Nebraska and pulled off conference victories over UCLA and Zona State.

Colorado 35, USC 34

No. 3 Ohio State 56, Minnesota 24

11 AM

Fox Sports 1

Gus, Joel, Jenny Taft

I like the Buckeyes offense to keep on cookin. Their defense needs to be shored up a little bit, but overall, a very solid team with high postseason aspirations.

No.5 Notre Dame 45, Pittsburgh 21

1:30 PM

NBC

Tirico, Flutie, Kathryn Tappen

I wasn’t a real buyer in the Fighting Irish until last week when they blasted VA. Tech, 45-23, in Blacksburg. Ian Book is a spectacular quarterback and make the Irish highly relevant for a playoff spot. Don’t see them as good as Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State or Oklahoma, but they’re close and could develop into a really elite team. They’re almost there.

No. 10 Central Florida 45, Memphis 40

2:30 PM

ABC/ESPN2

Dave Lamont, Ray Bentley, Alex Corddry

I like UCF to be tested but for stellar QB McKenzie Milton to get the Golden Knights over the hump and to keep their New Year’s Six and outside shot at the playoff in reach.

No.9 Texas 45, Baylor 30

2:30 PM

ESPN

Adam Amin, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

I’m not completely sold on the Horns yet after they surrendered 21 unanswered points to OU in the last 9 minutes of the 4th quarter last week though they were victorious, 48-45. They’re good, I’m just not convinced they’re elite.

No.8 Penn State 38, Michigan State 20

2:30 PM

Big Ten Network

James Franklin is still recovering from his bumbling 4th and 5 call against Ohio State 2 weeks ago that cost his team the game. But the Nittany Lions regroup against the struggling Spartans at Happy Valley.

No. 16 Miami 34, Virginia 27

6 PM

ESPN2

Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer, Olivia Dekker

The Canes have found a resurgence with quarterback N’Kosi Perry, who has thrown for 11 TDs against 3 ints, and has the Canes at 5-1 now. They go on the road and defeat the Whoos.

Tonight

TCU 48, Texas Tech 40

6:30 PM

ESPN

Dave Flemming, Herbie, Joseph Galloway, Laura Rutledge

This should be an electric shootout in Fort Worth. Looking forward to this.

Friday

No. 23 South Florida 45, Tulsa 30

6 PM

ESPN

Clay Matvick, Dan Orlocsky, Paul Carcaterra

I like what Charlie Strong is doing in Tampa. They host UCF at the end of the season, Friday, Nov. 23rd, and that could determine which team is the Group of 5 representative in the New Year’s 6 Bowl.

Utah 35, Arizona 21

9 PM

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams

I’m becoming a buyer in this Utes team after they went to Palo Alto last Saturday and blasted Stanford, 40-21. Kyle Whittingham always fields very solid teams, and this group is no exception.

Saturday

Duke 38, Georgia Tech 35

11:20 AM

ACC Network

Like the 2 1/2 point underdog Blue Devils to pull off the slight upset.

Iowa 38, Indiana 35

11 AM

ESPN2

Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

Like the Hawkeyes to survive a road trip to Bloomington.

UAB 42, Rice 24

12 PM

ESPN+

The Blazers are 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Cusa after a huge victory at LA Tech last Saturday.

Troy 34, Liberty 27

1 PM

ESPN3

The Trojans move to 6-1 with the victory on the road. I really like what Neil Brown has done at Troy the last couple of years. He’s legit and so are they.

UCLA 42, Cal 41

6 PM

Pac-12 Network

Like the Bruins to get their first victory of the season in an upset at Berkeley.

Virginia Tech 31, North Carolina 24

6 PM

ESPNU

Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey

The Hokies snap back on the road after being embarrassed at home against the Fighting Irish last Saturday Night.

Good Rock from Keane in 2006

After 5 weeks there has been some pairing down of contenders. There are a lot of good teams and an elite team in Alabama. Clemson, Ohio State and Georgia are the next teams in line with Oklahoma on the fringe. This weekend will tell us more with some captivating games nationally and some interesting matchups in the conference. Here’s a look at the games.

Last week: 20-4

Overall: 102-28, 78%

No.1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0 SEC) @ Arkansas (1-4, 0-2)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Ark.

11 AM CT

ESPN

Dave Pasch, Gregory McElroy, Tom Lugues

Bama by 35

Arkansas has been getting better and had a shot at knocking off A&M last Saturday before succumbing to the Aggies, 24-17. But this is a winning machine they’re playing, and this looks like blowout city. Tua and the Tide move on in their quest for an SEC Championship, a playoff, and a national championship.

Bama 56, Arkansas 10

No.8 Auburn (4-1, 1-1) @ Mississippi State (3-2, 0-2)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

6:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Molly McGrath

AU by 4

Auburn looks pretty solid on defense but average at best on offense. Marlon Davidson, Derrick Brown and the defense get Auburn over the hump.

Auburn 17, State 14

No.5 LSU (5-0, 2-0) @ No.22 Florida (4-1, 2-1)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie Erdahl

LSU by 2 1/2

The Fightin Joe’s and O’s keep their high postseason aspirations alive in the Swamp.

LSU 24, Florida 20

No. 13 Kentucky (5-0, 3-0) @Texas A&M (3-2, 1-1)

Kyle Field, College Station

6 PM CT

ESPN

Sean McDonough, Todd, Holly

A&M by 5 1/2

Kentucky has been the Cinderella Story of the SEC so far. Benny Snell is the real deal at running back. But the clock strikes midnight on the Cats this week. Still see them having a good season overall, but they’ll come up short on Saturday Night in College Station.

Texas A&M 34, Kentucky 30

Missouri (3-1, 0-1) @ South Carolina (2-2, 1-2)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Kris Budden

Mizzou by 1 1/2

Drew Lock and the Missouri Tigers go into Columbia and leave victorious.

Missouri 31, South Carolina 28

Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-1) @ No.2 Georgia (5-0, 3-0)

Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole

Georgia by 27

In the words of the great ESPN college basketball commentator Jay Bilas, this is a good ole fashion “tail kicking.”

Georgia 52, Vandy 14

Ole Miss 42, LA Monroe 31

3 PM CT

SEC Network

No.6 Notre Dame (5-0) @ No. 24 Virginia Tech (3-1)

Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.

7 PM CT

ABC

Fowler, Herbie, Maria

Notre Dame by 6 1/2

There’s a lot of national hype on Notre Dame right now, and I admit, with quarterback Ian Book, they’re a lot better football team and pretty solid overall. But I’m still not buying the Irish. The Hokies upset’em in Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech 31, Notre Dame 30

No. 19 Texas (4-1, 2-0) vs. No.7 Oklahoma (5-0, 2-0)

Cotton Bowl, Big D

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft

OU by 7 1/2

Like the Sooners to keep their playoff hopes alive by beating the Longhorns. Not totally buying Tom Herman and the Horns even though they’ve had a couple of good fairly impressive wins lately over TCU and Kansas State .

Oklahoma 38, Texas 31

No.4 Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC) @ Wake Forest (3-2, 0-1)

BB&T Field, Winston-Salem, N.C.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

Clemson by 20

Clemson was having a tough week, 3 quarters into their game with Syracuse. Quarterback Kelly Bryant had declared his intention to transfer earlier in the week and starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence was knocked out of the game in the first half with a neck injury. But backup QB Chase Brice bailed his team out on a 4th and 6 completing a 16 yard pass to Tee Higgins and Travis Etienne ran it in from 4 yards to help the Tigers survive Syracuse at Death Valley, 27-23. This week, with Lawrence back and Brice looking like a very capable backup, the Tigers feel better about themselves.

Clemson 45, Wake Forest 20

Indiana (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) @ No.3 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0)

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

3 PM CT

FOX

Ohio State by 26

After surviving Happy Valley last Saturday Night, 27-26, thanks to a 4th and dumb call by Penn State Coach James Franklin, the Buckeyes have a lot easier time of it this Saturday.

Ohio State 48, Indiana 21

Florida State (3-2, 1-2 ACC) @ Miami (4-1, 1-0)

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Beach

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams

Miami by 13 1/2

This game has lost its prestige some this year with FSU struggling, but it’s a great rivalry. Like the Canes to get the job done at home.

Miami 38, FSU 31

Arizona State (3-2, 1-1 Pac-12) @ Colorado (4-0, 1-0)

3 PM CT

Pac 12 Network

Colorado by 2 1/2

I’m liking this Colorado team. They play more SEC type football like VA Tech, Clemson and FSU usually. Mike McIntyre, the Buffaloes coach, is the son of George McIntyre who coached at Vanderbilt in the 80’s and had some pretty competitive teams. Believe in Mac. ASU is pretty solid, Herm Edwards is doing a nice job in his first year, but I like the Buffs at home.

Colorado 31, Zona State 28

Utah (2-2, 0-2 Pac 12) @ Stanford (4-1, 2-0)

9:30 PM CT

ESPN

Adam Amin, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Stanford by 5 1/2

I like Kyle Whittingham and his Utes to turn it around this week and knock off the Cardinal.

Utah 30, Stanford 28

Exciting times in Major League Baseball as 10 teams compete for The Commissioner’s Trophy and the world championship championship that comes with it. Can the Astros do what is one of the toughest things to do in all of sports, that is to repeat. Can the Amazing Bronx Bomahs or the hard hitting, great pitching Boston Red Sox win it all in late October. The Oakland A’s are certainly a darkhorse and you can’t count out the Cleveland Indians in the American League.

On the senior circuit, the best story of 2018 is the Atlanta Braves and what manager Brian Snitker has done with a young, yet talented squad that looked to be at least a year away but accelerated the process this season with an improbable division title. The LA Dodgers defeated the Colorado Rockies in a tiebreaker in the NL West yesterday to capture the division. The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Cubs in Chicago yesterday in the first tiebreaker game and secured the NL Central crown, and, with the best record in the National League, home field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.

Here’s a look at who I like to advance in the postseason and my ultimate winner. The World Series commences Tuesday, October 23rd, with the team with the best record from the respective leagues having the home field advantage. If it’s the Red Sox, Astros or Yankees emerging from the American League, those teams will host. FOX will televise the Fall Classic running from Oct. 23rd to Oct. 31st, with game 7 scheduled to be on Nick Saban’s birthday. Joe Buck, Smoltzie, Tom Verducci and Ken Rosenthal will be on the call for FOX. ESPN and TBS will handle the NL wild card tonight (ESPN) and the AL Wild card Wednesday Night (TBS). TBS will handle the American League Division Series, and Fox Sports 1 and MLB Network will broadcast the National League Division Series. TBS will carry the ALCS and FOX and Fox Sports 1 will televise the NLCS.

Tonight

National League Wild Card Game

Colorado Rockies @ Chicago Cubs

Kyle Freeland (Rockies, 17-7, 2.85 ERA) vs. Jon Lester (18-6, 3.32)

7 CT

ESPN

I like the Rockies, one of the best teams in baseball not a lot of people know about, to upset the Cubs at Wrigley and move on to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.

Rockies 4, Cubs 3

Wednesday

American League Wild Card Game

Oakland A’s @ New York Yankees

Liam Hendricks (A’s, 0-1, 4.13 ERA, A’s using a bullpen rotation tomorrow night) vs. Luis Severino (19-8, 3.39)

7 PM CT

TBS

I like the Yankees in the Bronx, but this will be a highly competitive game like the NL game tonight. Giancarlo Stanton and the Bombers move on to face the BoSox in the NLDS.

Yankees 6, A’s 5

ALDS

Yankees over the BoSox in 5

That power of the Yankees is the difference. Chris Sale and David Price get hit around some and the BoSox bullpen isn’t as strong as the Yanks’s is.

Astros over Indians in 4

Stros have too much of everything for the Tribe.

NLDS

Dodgers over the Braves in 4

The Braves are an awesome story, but I don’t see them as having as much pitching as the Dodgers, and the Dodgers go yard quite a bit. Like Kershaw and the Bums to move on.

Brewers over the Rockies in 4

Very high on this Brewers team. They have some serious hitters, and their closer, 24 year old Josh Hader, is the best closer in baseball right now.

ALCS

Astros over Yankees in 6

The Stros have the best starting rotation in baseball. They are the difference along with some excellent bats.

NLCS

Brewers over the Dodgers in 7

This Brewers team is for real, and very confident. It’s an awesome series, but the Brewers win game 7 at home.

World Series

The Brewers are another tremendous story this season along with the Braves and the Oakland A’s. I’m very bullish on them this year and in the forthcoming years. But these Astros with Justin Verlander, Charlie Morton, Gerrit Cole etc on the hill are an off the charts great starting rotation. And Jose Altuve, George Springer, Alex Bregman, etc.knock the cover off the ball. The Astros capture the World Series again this year.

Astros in 5 over the Brewers

World Series MVP: Alex Bregman

Here’s a hype video for the 2018 Postseason: