Last Week: 6-5

Overall: 36-22, 62%

Patriots 28, @Bills 27

12 PM CT

CBS

Bills by 4

I’ll take Belichick and Cam to show some semblance of life and pull off the upset.

Titans 31, @ Bengals 28

12 PM

CBS

Titans by 6

Joe Burrow is starting to shine, but I’ll take the Titans in a close one after their heartbreaking loss to the Steelers last Sunday at home.

Raiders 34,@ Browns 31

12 PM CT

CBS

Browns by 2 1/2

Give me the Raiduhs in an upset. They’ve got a good team, sometimes erratic, but can be very good too. I like them to be good this Sunday.

@Packers 35, Vikings 27

12 PM CT

FOX

Packers by 6 1/2

Jake from State Farm is playing prolifically.

@Chiefs 45, Jets 14

12 PM CT

CBS

Chiefs by 19 1/2

The “Patrick Plan” has it cookin as usual in KC. Jets are horrific.

@Dolphins 28, Rams 24

12 PM CT

FOX

Rams by 3 1/2

Tua has a nice debut for the Fins.

Steelers 24, @Ravens 21

12 PM

CBS

Ravens by 4

I’ll take Big Ben and the Steelers in a slight upset in this heated rivalry.

Saints 31, @Bears 24

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Saints by 4 1/2

Like Breesy and the Saints to have a good game at Soljuh Field.

49ers 28, @Seahawks 27

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Seahawks by 3

Like the way the Niners have been trending lately, so “thank you, may I have another,” upset.

Eagles 35, Cowboys 24

7:20 PM CT

NBC

Philly by 9

The Cowboys are just out of sorts without Dak.

Monday

Bucs 31, Giants 14

7:15 PM CT

ESPN

Bucs by 12

TB12 and his team looking very strong.

The biggest news from last weekend was the Crimson Tide losing their superb playmaker Jaylen Waddle for the season due to an ankle injury. It’s not totally catastrophic, but it hurts. Waddle is the most explosive, exciting and game-changing player in college football, so that’s a blow. It would be devastating for most teams, but Alabama has good depth even though there’s nobody like Waddle. He’s an unusually exceptional talent. But they have to move on without him. Devonta Smith and John Metchie are even more crucial to their team’s success as is Najee Harris. Slade Bolden looks like a pretty good player, not Waddle, but pretty solid. There are some younger guys who can help. The No.2 Crimson Tide is still a major contender to win it all along with Clemson and Ohio State as the three leaders in the clubhouse, but it’s going to be a little harder. They’ll see how they fare without Waddle Saturday with a 6 PM game versus Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny.

The Auburn Tigers are in a tremendously important tilt for their chances to have a solid season, go to a very good bowl game and even have a shot at getting back in the SEC West race, if that’s possible. They’ll host the Bengal Tigers of LSU, which are coming off a 52-24 blasting of South Carolina, which defeated Auburn in Columbia the Saturday before, 30-22. Freshman TJ Finley stepped in for the injured Myles Brennan and played well at quarterback for O and the Tiguhs. So the Auburn defense, which isn’t as prolific as usual, will be tested. LSU is playing running back by committee and they have good talent there. Terrance Marshall is a spectacular wide receiver. Their defense played better last Saturday as well.

A key national game features Ohio State @ Penn State. We’ll take a look at Bama, Auburn, the other SEC games on the slate and key national tilts.

Last Week: 17-5

Overall: 89-45, 66%

LSU (2-2) @ Auburn (3-2)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

LSU by 3

Auburn has playmakers in Tank Bigsby, Seth Williams, Anthony Schwartz and Shaun Shivers is a pretty tough and explosive running back. Bo Nix played very well last Saturday at Ole Miss. Auburn was fortunate the refs missed the Shivers touch of the kickoff that, if Ole Miss had recovered, would have sealed the victory for the Rebels. But Auburn got a lifeline and prevailed, 35-28. Auburn looks like they’re getting better and any game at Jordan-Hare is a big advantage for the home team. But I like the Bengal Tigers and their freshman quarterback Finley, along with a pass rush that sacked South Carolina 5 times last Saturday, to get to Nix and have him scrambling around. I’ll take the Tiguhs in a close one.

LSU 31, Auburn 27

Mississippi State (1-3) @ No. 2 Alabama (5-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

6 PM CT

ESPN

Sean, Todd, McShay, Molly

Bama by 30 1/2

The Crimson Tide still has a very fine team, and the defense is starting to pick it up. The offense may not be as prolific this Saturday, but the defense will do their part. Mac Jones, who’s undervalued nationally and is one heckuva QB, and his playmakers will be fine in this game. State does have a pretty decent defense, but not a enough to hold this arsenal down

Alabama 38, Mississippi State 10

No.5 Georgia (3-1) @Kentucky (2-3)

Kroger Field, Lexington

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Dawgs by 16 1/2

Kentucky, like every other SEC team, has good talent. Even Vanderbilt has talent. But I like them Dawgs to do well, and get some momentum heading into the Cocktail Outing next Saturday against Florida.

Georgia 35, Kentucky 10

Arkansas (2-2) @ No. 8 Texas A&M (3-1)

Kyle Field, College Station, TX.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Lauren Sisler

A&M by 12 1/2

Arkansas is an awesome story. Sam Pittman, the former Georgia offensive line coach, has changed the culture in Fayetteville. Except for a robbery call at Auburn, that would have been a W if it had gone their way, the Hogs would be 3-1. A&M is getting it together and quarterback Kellen Mond is playing good football. I still like it pretty close. Arkansas plays some pretty solid defense.

A&M 30, Arkansas 24

Missouri (2-2) @ No.10 Florida (3-1)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, FL.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Alternate Network, 611-1 on Directv, 820 on Charter Spectrum

Mike Morgan, Hutson Mason, Taylor Davis

Gators by 13

It seems like a year since Florida lost to A&M in what looked like a Covid Super Spreader in College Station as the stadium that seats 106,000, looked about 80% full. Consequentially, a lot of Gators contracted the virus. But they’re back and play a surprisingly good Missouri team with victories over LSU and Kentucky at home. Eli Drinkwitz is another coach that is changing the culture, his in Columbia. I do like the Gators to prevail, but it will be close for a good while in the Swamp.

Florida 34, Missouri 24

Ole Miss (1-4) @ Vanderbilt (0-3)

Vanderbilt Stadium

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Dave Neal, DJ Shockley, Dawn Davenport

Ole Miss by 16 1/2

The Commodores have had problems with Covid and are playing for the first time in a couple of weeks. I like Kiff and the Rebs to take care of business in Nashville.

Ole Miss 42, Vanderbilt 14

Off, South Carolina and Tennessee

Boston College (4-2) @ No.1 Clemson (6-0)

Memorial Stadium, Clemson

11 AM CT

ABC

Tess, Gregory, Holly

Clemson by 31

Clemson showed last Saturday against Syracuse that they’re not perfect. BC is a pretty solid team. I like Clemson, but they’ll need to play better going forward if they want to win it all.

Clemson 45, Boston College 10

No.3 Ohio State (1-0) @ No.18 Penn State (0-1)

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Ohio State by 12

I like quarterback Justin Fields and the Buckeyes to play well in Happy Valley. He’s phenomenal.

Ohio State 38, Penn State 24

Texas (3-2) @ No.6 Oklahoma State (4-0)

Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK.

3 PM CT

FOX

Joe Davis, Mark Helfrich

OK State by 3 1/2

I like Sam Ehlinger and the Texas offense to keep this very close with OK State just surviving.

OK State 35, Texas 34

More College Football Predictions

No. 24 Oklahoma 48, Texas Tech 30

Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX.

7 PM CT

FOX

Timmy B, Spencer

OU by 14

Like the way the Sooners are trending. Lincoln Riley really likes his team and his redshirt freshman quarterback, Spencer Rattler. I agree with him.

No.4 Notre Dame 42, Georgia Tech 21

Bobby Dodd Stadium, ATL

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Dave Pasch, Mike Golic Sr. Marty

Fighting Irish by 20

I want to see more from this Notre Dame team as I’m not a believer yet. I’ve never been sold on Brian Kelly as a coach. But I’ll take’em here.

No.7 Cincinnati 31, Memphis 14

Nippert Stadium, Cincy

11 AM CT

ESPN

Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Carc

Cincy by 6 1/2

After the Bearcats blasted SMU on the road last Saturday Night, 42-13, I’m a believer. This team plays excellent defense, and is pretty athletic and explosive on offense. New Year’s Six team for sure. I don’t see them as prolific enough to make the playoff, but we’ll see. Not out of the question.

No. 13 Michigan 42, Michigan State 16

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Michigan by 24

This is a rivalry, but Michigan looks outstanding and “Sparty” lost to Rutgers last Saturday. Not disrespecting Rutgers, just impressed with the Wolverines after they blasted Minnesota on the road last Saturday Night, 49-24.

No.16 Kansas State 34, West Virginia 31

11 AM CT

ESPN2

West VA by 3 1/2

I like this Wildcats team. Taking them in the upset on the road in a tough place to win. They’ve already won at Oklahoma coming back from 21 down in the 4th quarter, so I see them pulling it off in Morgantown.

No.15 North Carolina 31, Virginia 23

7 PM CT

ACC Network

UNC by 7

Starting to believe in Mack Brown and his Heels.

No. 20 Coastal Carolina 21, Georgia State 17

11 AM CT

ESPNU

Coastal by 2 1/2

Like the Chants to survive and advance in the New Year’s Six sweepstakes.

No.22 SMU 38, Navy 35

6:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Ponies by 13 1/2

Like the Ponies to really get tested by the Midshipmen, but to barely squeak by.

No.11 BYU 52, Western Kentucky 10

9:15 PM CT

ESPN

BYU by 29

While quarterback Zach Wilson and the Cougars haven’t played the most prolific schedule, I’m still a believer in him and his team. He’s sensational.

No.25 Boise State 42, Air Force 27

5 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Broncos by 14

Always like Boise State. Maybe not quite as much as when Chris Peterson was there, but Bryan Harson has another solid team that can make noise nationally.

No. 23 Iowa State 45, Kansas 14

11 AM CT

Fox Sports 1

Cyclones by 28 1/2

The Cyclones handle business on the road and stay in the hunt for a very good bowl game and maybe even an outside shot at playing in the Big 12 Championship though they’ll need some help.

No. 17 Indiana 31, Rutgers 27

2:30 PM CT

Big Ten Network

IU by 11 1/2

The Hoosiers have a fan base excited after upsetting Penn State at home last Saturday in the game of the weekend, 36-35 in overtime. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is stellar. I do see the Scarlet Knights giving them a tussle. Greg Schiano made Rutgers highly relevant in his first stint there. He’s going to do it again.

TCU 34, Baylor 30

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

TCU by 2 1/2

The Frogs make my daughter happy this Saturday.

Northwestern 31, Iowa 28

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Iowa by 2 1/2

The Wildcats get a huge upset victory in Iowa City.

Louisiana 45, Texas State 27

7 PM CT

ESPNU

Louisiana by 17

Billy Napier and his Ragin’ Cajuns keep building an impressive resume after their tremendous road victory at UAB last Friday Night.

Tonight in the National Football League

Carolina 27, Atlanta 24

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte

7:20 PM CT

FOX/NFL Network

Joe, Troy, Erin, Kristina Pink

Y-ello, Shawn Hochuli

Panthers by 2 1/2

The offseason can’t come soon enough for the Falcons. With the talent they have on offense, it’s inexplicable they’re 1-6. It’s been gag coaching all season. When you have Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Todd Gurley and another stellar receiver in Russell Gage, there’s no excuse for this record. Carolina evens their record at 4-4. They’re solid. Teddy Bridgewater is doing an excellent job under center for the Panthers.

Sunday, Rest of NFL Predictions

Last Week: 6-4

Overall: 36-21, 63 %

@Falcons 34, Lions 30

12 PM

FOX

Falcons by 1

@Titans 27, Steelers 24

12 PM CT

CBS

Titans by 1 1/2

@Saints 34, Panthers 31

12 PM CT

FOX

Saints by 6 1/2

@Redskins 30, Cowboys 28

12 PM CT

FOX

Redskins by 1

@Texans 34, Packers 30

12 PM CT

FOX

Packers by 3

Seahawks 35, @Cardinals 31

7:20 PM CT

NBC

Seahawks by 3 1/2

Chiefs 35, @Broncos 27

3:25 PM CT

CBS

Chiefs by 7

49ers 28, @Patriots 27

3:25 PM CT

CBS

Patriots by 3

Bucs 31, @Raiduhs 24

3:05 PM CT

FOX

Bucs by 4

Monday

Bears 31, @Rams 28

7:15 PM CT

ESPN

Rams by 6

The No.2 Crimson Tide, coming off their tremendous 41-24 victory over Georgia last Saturday Night at Bryant-Denny, head to Knoxville to face what is looking like a dysfunctional Tennessee team presently. The third Saturday in October has been memorable, but the Crimson Tide has made it more irrelevant by winning 14 in a row. But, it’s riveting to see this spectacular offense play every Saturday and the defense, with stars all over it, started to hit their stride in the second half against Georgia last Saturday Night. The Tide is a juggernaut and looks like a heavy favorite to make the College Football Playoff and do very well in it. With Ohio State starting its season tomorrow and Clemson playing superb football, those 2 teams look like they may very well be playoff bound. While Ohio State hasn’t played a game, quarterback Justin Fields, who Kirby Smart really regrets not having on his team anymore, threw for 41 TDs against only 3 interceptions and rushed for 10 more TDs last season. Fields is primed for another stellar season. Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne are tearing it up at Clemson. The 4th spot looks open right now. I’m still thinking Oklahoma can get back into the hunt. Their victory over Texas was impressive in that redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler looked phenomenal and I still believe defensive coordinator Alex Grinch is a stud. I’ve heard him interviewed several times and he’s impressive. He’s had success at Washington State with Mike Leach and at Ohio State. Lincoln Riley is excellent. He said before the Texas game that he thought his team could be special. I like them to start turning it on. In the Big Ten, Penn State could be another team to make some noise. My darkhorse is Minnesota. P.J. Fleck is an awesome coach. Of course in the SEC, you can’t count out Georgia though their quarterback play is not championship quality. Florida, if they can learn how to play defense again and recover from COVID, may still be a factor. Texas A&M is getting better and better, though they have a real mountain to climb. When the PAC-12 starts November 6th, Oregon, if they can get enough games in and prove to the committee they’re for real, could get in there.

So some spectacular stuff ahead in College Football starting this weekend. The Auburn Tigers need a victory something fierce tomorrow in Oxford. The South Carolina loss was a disappointment but Tank is a stud and I still believe Bo Nix can be a quality SEC quarterback. Just too much talent not to be. If his line can step it up this weekend, maybe Nix and the Tigers can prevail. The defense is still talented, so I expect them to play better this weekend. Matt Corrall was intercepted 6 times by Arkansas last Saturday, which included 2 pick 6’s, so Auburn has some opportunities there.

Here’s a look at Week 8’s action.

Last week: 6-8

Not my best. COVID is throwing everybody off including the Blog. But it’s a new week with new opportunities.

Overall: 72-40, 64%

No.2 Alabama (4-0) @ Tennessee (2-2)

Neyland Stadium

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Bama by 21 1/2

This Crimson Tide juggernaut looks to be starting to get their defensive sea legs under them and aim to match the prolific play of the offense. With Dylan Moses, Christian Barmore, Daniel Wright, Patrick Surtain III, Christian Harris and Will Anderson among others, the talent is certainly locked and loaded on the defensive side of the ball. Pete Golding had them clicking in the second half last Saturday Night against Georgia. And Mac Jones is phenomenal, Najee Harris superb, and Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith are game changers. There are more where that came from, John Metchie being one of them. The offensive line is dominant. I’ve watched right guard Emil Ekiyor Jr, and the guy is a Sherman Tank steamrolling defensive linemen. Throw in Deonte Brown, Alex Leatherwood and company, all 315-330 pounders who level people, and you’ve got the makings of a national championship offense. This is what you’ve got with these players. If the defense can match the offense’s proficiency, it could be another extraordinary year for the Crimson Tide. S has a cold this week after his false positive COVID test last week. Maybe he plays better hurt.

Alabama 45, Tennessee 17

Auburn (2-2) @ Ole Miss (1-3)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Auburn by 3 1/2

Tank Bigsby looks like an unstoppable force. I like the Tigers to step it up this week, play more explosive offense and get better on defense.

Auburn 31, Ole Miss 27

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

Tiguh Stadium, Baaton Rouge, LA.

6 PM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, Quint Kessenich

LSU by 6

LSU starting quarterback Myles Brennan is out with a significant leg injury, so freshman T.J. Finley gets the start. He’s 6’6,” 250 and was rated a high 3 star by 247 Sports and Rivals, while ESPN rated him a 4 star. O likes him and the other freshman, Max Johnson, who’s 6’4 1/2,” 216. Johnson was a consensus 4 star. I like these freshmen to do enough if they both play, Finley may be good enough to play the majority of the snaps, though O likes Johnson a lot as well and says he will play. But I do like this to be very close as the Gamecocks are coming off a big momentum building victory over Auburn last Saturday at home. Still like the Tiguhs to survive Saturday Night in Death Valley.

LSU 30, South Carolina 27

Kentucky (2-2) @ Missouri (1-2)

Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Mike Corey, Stinch, Dawn Davenport

Kentucky by 5 1/2

Kentucky secured a tremendous upset victory over Tennessee in Knoxville last Saturday with an emphatic 34-7 win. The Wildcats are playing well again under Mark Stoops, but I’m going to take the upset here. Missouri’s last game was an upset victory over LSU at home and I like stellar first year coach Eli Drinkwitz and his Tigers to do it again on their home turf.

Missouri 33, Kentucky 31

Syracuse (1-4) @ No.1 Clemson (5-0)

Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C.

11 AM CT

ACC Network, 336 Charter, 612 DirecTV

Wes Durham, Roddy Jones,m Lericia Harris

Dabo by 46

I’m not seeing a lot of resistance in the ACC for Clemson. But Bama, Ohio State and a couple of others are just as good.

Clemson 55, ‘Cuse 7

Nebraska @ No.5 Ohio State

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

OSU by 26

Justin Fields and the offense start a juggernaut offensive season for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State 45, Nebraska 17

No.3 Notre Dame (4-0) @ Pitt (3-3)

Heinz Field, Pitttsburgh, PA.

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Sean, Todd, McShay, Molly

“The Irish” by 10

Notre Dame at No.3, are you kiddin me? Just got by Louisville last Saturday, 12-7, at home. Still a “Duck Crepe” team to me though they survive at Heniz Field.

Notre Dame 28, Pitt 24

No. 17 Iowa State (3-1) @ No. 6 Oklahoma State (3-0)

Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK.

2:30 PM CT’

FOX

Timmy B, Spencer

OK State by 3 1/2

I like this to be a stellar football game. Iowa State has really come on strong since losing to Louisiana at home the first game of the season, 31-17. They went to TCU and won and upset Oklahoma at home. I like the Cowboys to survive though and continue their quest for the Big 12 crown.

OK State 37, Iowa State 35

No. 18 Michigan @ No. 21 Minnesota

TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria. Allison Williams did well in Maria’s place, while Maria was covering the NBA, but it’s good to have Maria back.

Meechigan by 3

I’m going to take P.J. Fleck and his team to upset the Wolverines at home. Tanner Morgan is a phenomenal quarterback and wide receiver Rashod Bateman is a game changer on the perimeter.

Minnesota 34, Michigan 31

Other scores

Oklahoma 48, TCU 42

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth

11 AM CT

ABC

Tess, Gregory, Holly

OU by 6 1/2

The Sooners get a lot of resistance from the Frogs, but survive and keep their hopes alive in the Big 12. My daughter is not going to be happy with this. My older daughter went to W&L, so I didn’t have to worry about picking against her Generals, but my younger daughter has a Power 5 team, so there are tough decisions to make every week. I want to say I’m pulling against my pick, but I honestly can’t say that despite the fact that I’m always pulling for my daughter.

No. 14 North Carolina 42, N.C. State 35

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill

11 AM CT

ESPN

Pasch, Mike Golic, Marty Smith

UNC by 15 1/2

I like a close game here. The Wolfpack have been impressive lately and the Heels lost to FSU last Saturday Night on the road, 31-28.

No. 16 SMU 31, No. 9 Cincinnati 28

Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Big D

8 PM CT

ESPN2

Beth Mowins, Kirk “Digga little Dolly bout an Hour Ago” Morrison, Kris Budden

Ponies by 2 1/2

Like the Ponies to keep their New Year’s Six Bowl hopes squarely in front of them. Should be a stellar game.

No.8 Penn State 31, Indiana 27

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

2:30 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Aaron Goldsmith, Mark Helfrich

Nittany Lions by 6

This is a tough game for James Franklin and company. They survive and advance.

No.12 BYU 48, Texas State 14

9:15 PM CT

ESPN

BYU by 28 1/2

If you haven’t seen Cougars quarterback Zach Wilson play, you need to watch the first half of this game at least. He’s an absolute stud. BYU wins handily at home.

No. 11 Miami 38, Virginia 24

7 PM CT

ACC Network

Canes by 12 1/2

Like Miami to do well at Hard Rock on their home turf.

No. 19 Virginia Tech 35, Wake Forest 24

2:30 PM CT

ESPN3

Hokies by 9 1/2

Starting to like these Hokies. I’ll take’em on the road.

Tonight

Wisconsin 28, Illinois 21

7 PM CT

Big Ten Network

Wisconsin by 19 1/2

Whisky just gets by at home.

Louisiana 31, UAB 27

Legion Field

7 PM CT

CBS Sports Network, 814 Charter, 221 DirecTV

Louisiana by 3

This was a tough one to predict, but the fact that the Ragin’ Cajuns went to Iowa State the first game of the season and blasted the Cyclones, 31-17, sold me in this one.

Saturday

No. 20 Kansas State 35, Kansas 14

11 AM CT

Fox Sports 1

K State by 19 1/2

Like this K State team. They’re another team that is challenging for the Big 12 crown.

No. 25 Coastal Carolina 31, Georgia Southern 28

11 AM CT

ESPNU

Coastal by 5 1/2

The Chanticleers survive at home after a tremendous victory over a ranked Louisiana team last Wednesday Night on the road.

Florida State 30, Louisville 28

11 AM CT

ESPN3

Ville by 5

Like the Noles to pull off the upset on the road.

Texas 35, Baylor 31

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Texas by 8 1/2

Texas is a dysfunctional outfit to me under Tom Herman. He has not brought them back to the glory days. They barely get by at home.

Well, I learned my lesson. Don’t go against Najee Harris, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Mac Jones, John Metchie or Dylan Moses.

The Crimson Tide dominated Georgia in the second half to win going away, 41-27. Najee ran for 152 yards on 31 carries with a 7. He dominated in the 4th quarter. DeVonta caught 11 passes for 167 yards and 2 TDs, Jaylen caught 6 passes for 161 yards and 1 TD, and Metchie caught 3 passes for 50 yards and a TD.

Mac Jones was as pinpoint accurate as ever completing 24 of 32 passes for 417 yards, 4 TDs against 1 INT. The offensive juggernaut keeps rolling. The defense really picked it up in the second half with interceptions by freshman star Malachi Moore, his 2nd of the season, and junior star Daniel Wright, who added his 2nd interception of the season. Justin Eboige, a sophomore, 6’6”, 285 defensive end, added another int on Georgia’s opening possession after Georgia had intercepted Jones on Bama’s first possession. Moore returned his int 41 yards, while Wright took his back for 18 yards. The defense was game changing in the second half. DeMarcco Hellams, a sophomore defensive back, led the defenses in tackles with 11. Moses, the leader on defense and one of the maybe the heart and soul of the team along with Najee, had a phenomenal game with 10 tackles, a tackle for loss and a sack. Pete Golding made some key adjustments at halftime and the Tide defense responded by shutting down Georgia’s offense in the second half.

So the Crimson Tide is right back where they always are, in the driver’s seat in the SEC and looking like a national championship team. Clemson is outstanding and Ohio State should be very strong with Justin Fields at quarterback, but the Crimson Tide and Clemson may well be on a collision course for a Monday, January 11th, 2021 national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 7 PM CT on ESPN. Georgia could improve, but Stetson Bennett is not the type of quarterback that can cause the Tide problems. Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields of Ohio State are dangerous, but can those defenses stop Mac Jones, Najee Harris and those 2 what should be top 5 draft picks in the NFL draft, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. Don’t count Najee out of that top 5 either and Moses is right there, too. I don’t think anybody can stop this offense. Makes for some spectacular College Football season drama coming up.

Alabama travels to Knoxville to take on Tennessee next Saturday at 2:30 PM CT on CBS. Will be exciting to see this electric offense compete once again and see how this defense keeps getting better and better. The talent is all over the defense. Bama G made great points before the Georgia game about how can Georgia stop the Tide’s receivers. They couldn’t. And Mr. Fun said last week the defense has first round draft picks on it, three or four, so it was going to get better and better and they are. Walter and Pony felt good about the game coming in. They were all right. Good stuff, fellas.

We’re about to get into some more prolific football with SEC football matriculating forward and the Big Ten joining the arena next Saturday and the PAC-12 coming in the weekend of November 6th. So, some spectacular college football coming up.

Today’s Predictions in the National Football League

Last Week: 6-4

Overall: 30-17, 64%

Titans 28, Texans 24

Nissan Stadium, Nashville

12 PM CT

CBS

Greg Gumbel, Rich Gannon, Jay Feely

Laundry, Alex Kemp

Titans by 3 1/2

Titans very impressive over Bills on Tuesday Night. Like Derrick Henry and his team to take care of business at home.

Vikings 28, Falcons 24

U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

12 PM CT

FOX

Brandon Gaudin, “Moose” Johnston, Pam Oliver

Whistle: Craig Wrolstad

Vikings by 3 1/2

Even without running back Dalvin Cook, Vikings get over the top against the Falcons who now have an interim coach after firing Dan Quinn on Monday.

New England 27, Broncos 17

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA.

12 PM CT

CBS

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins

Ref, Scott Novak

Patriots by 7 1/2

Patriots take care of business back in Foxborough.

Steelers 34, Browns 30

Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

12 PM CT

CBS

Jim, Tony, Trace

Laundry, John Hussey

Steelers by 3 1/2

Look for a very good game here with Ben just out-dueling Bake.

Ravens 33, Eagles 21

Lincoln Financial Field, Philly

12 PM CT

CBS

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn

Ref, Shawn Smith

Ravens by 10

Like Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to keep on winning.

Carolina 27, Bears 23

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

12 PM CT

FOX

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake

Yella, Adrian Hill

Carolina by 1 1/2

Like one of the hottest teams in the league to prevail at home.

Tampa Bay 31, Green Bay 30

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Joe, Troy, EA

Yello, Jerome Boger

Packers by 1

Give me Brady and the Bucs in a slight upset in a blockbuster with the undefeated Pack, at 4-0.

Tonight

49ers 30, Rams 28

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.

7:20 CT

NBC

Al, Cris, Michelle

Aladdin, Carl Cheffers

Rams by 3

49ers play with a lot of pride despite all the injuries and pull off the slight upset.

Monday

Chiefs 34, Buffalo 28

Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, N.Y.

4 PM CT

FOX/NFL Network

Joe, Troy, EA, Kristina Pink

Ref, Ron Torbert

Chiefs by 5

Like Mahomes and the Chiefs to get it back in gear after last week’s tough home loss to the Raiders.

Cowboys 28, Cardinals 27

AT&T Stadium, Dallas

7:15 PM CT

ESPN

Steve Levy, Grease, Louis, Lisa Salters

Launderer, Clete Blakeman

Zona by 1

Like Andy Dalton filling in after the devastating injury to Dak Prescott to do an admirable job and for Zeke Elliott to get the Cowboys over the top in a very slight upset at home.

Braves vs Dodgers, Game 7

Ian Anderson for the Braves, Dodgers undecided

7:15 PM CT

FOX

Joe Davis and Smoltzie on the call, Joe B calling Bucs-Pack

Give me Ian Anderson, who has ice water in his veins, to get the Braves over the top along with the bullpen and timely hitting by Freddie and Marcell Ozuna. Braves move on to face the Rays in the World Series.

Braves 4, Dodgers 3

Came out in August of 2019. Trying to get my mind off of football for a little while. Hope you enjoy it. .

The Braves hung on and survived a major rally by the Dodgers in the bottom of the 9th to take a 2-0 lead in the NLCS with an 8-7 victory.

The Braves looked in excellent shape heading into the bottom of the 9th with an 8-3 lead. They had been knocking the cover off the ball and 25 year old starter Ian Anderson was terrific again. But bottom 9 was disastrous for a while.

Manager Brian Snitker, trying to preserve his bullpen, particularly closer Mark Melnacon, put in veteran Josh Tomlin to close out the game, but had Melancon warming up in case there was trouble. I thought it was a smart move because this series could be extended and you’ll need your closer ready if it is.

But Tomlin got hammered. After 1 out, Mookie Betts singled to left, Corey Seager doubled to right to drive Betts in and cut the lead to 8-4. Justin Turner struck out swinging, but Max Muncy launched a fastball 404 feet into the right field seats to cut the lead to 8-6. Snitker then called on Melancon to get the third out and preserve a much needed victory. Melancon got Will Smith to hit a grounder to second. It was hit pretty hard but at 2nd baseman Ozzie Albies. Albies, who hit a homer earlier in the game, booted it, tried to pick it up, but dropped the ball again, and couldn’t throw Smith out , as Smith was hustling down the line. So Melancon should have closed it out, but Cody Bellinger then tripled to deep right to score Smith and cut the lead to 8-7. With the pressure firmly entrenched and the tying run at third and the go ahead run at the plate, a guy who was capable of hitting it out and crushing the Braves’ spirit potentially, Melancon finally got A. J. Pollack to ground out to third on nice pick and throw by 3rd baseman Austin Riley. So it was a W and, most importantly, a 2-0 lead in the series. Braves are doing what they do best, knocking the baseball all over the park.

Today

Dodgers vs. Braves

Braves home team and will bat last, which is always a good thing. Braves lead 2-0.

Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX

5:05 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Pitchers

Julio Urias, Dodgers, 3-0, 3.27 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, Walks plus hits per inning, good stat. Anything 1.10 or under is excellent. 1.15 is solid.

Kyle Wright, Braves, 2-4, 5.21 ERA, 1.55 WHIP

This might seem like a pitching mismatch, but Wright, after struggling for a couple of years with the Braves trying to break in the rotation, has come into his own. In his last 3 outings this season, he’s gone 6.1 innings against the Mets, giving up only 1 hit, with a walk and 6 K’s. His next outing against the Red Sox, he went 6.2, gave up 2 hits, 2 runs, with 3 walks and 4 K’s. And last Thursday vs the Marlins in the close out game of the NLDS, he went 6, gave up 3 hits, 0 runs, with 2 walks and 7 K’s. He’s got electric stuff. I know Kyle well from his days at Vanderbilt. He is a terrific talent. Throws it 95-96, has a nice 89, 90 MPH slider, can throw a pretty good curve and has a solid changeup. So, the Braves have a good shot with Wright on the mound. He’s from Huntsville, AL.

In Urias’s last start against the Padres in the NLDS last Thursday, he pitched 5, gave up 1 hit, 1 run, which was unearned, with he walked 1 and struck-out 6. So he’s a tough customer. He’s a lefty and Wright is a righty.

Should be a stellar game.

Braves win 4-3, as they take a 3-0 lead in the series.

Rays-Astros

Rays lead the series, 3-0.

Petco Field, San Diego

7:40 PM CT , TBS

I like the Rays to close it out in this game today. Stud lefty Tyler Glasnow,a stellar bullpen, along with terrific defense and timely hitting get it done once again for the Rays as they move onto the Fall Classic which starts next Tuesday Night at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

Rays 4, Astros 1

Also Tonight

Coastal Carolina (3-0) @ No.21 Louisiana (3-0)

Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA.

6:30 CT

ESPN

Chris Cotter, Eric Mac Lain, Lericia Harris

Ragin Cajuns by 9

I love what former Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier is doing at Louisiana. He has developed a super football program and excellent team this season. He’s a tremendous coach and his future is extremely bright. Give me the Ragin’ Cajuns, who have defeated Iowa State on the road, 31-17, the first game of the season. Coastal defeated Kansas in the first game on the road, 38-23, and they’re solid, but give me Napier and his Ragin’ Cajuns to get it done at home tonight. The game was rescheduled from last Saturday due to Hurricane Delta.

Ragin Cajuns 37, Coastal Carolina 27

Last Week, 10-8

Overall: 66-32, 67%

The National League Championship Series

Being played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, TX. Home of the Texas Rangers, just opened this season.

Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Game 1 Tonight

7:08 CT, Max Fried vs Walker Buehler (Walker is a warrior, as is Fried of the Braves. Buehler pitched at Vanderbilt, which right now, is horrific in football, but has been spectacular at baseball for 18 years under the great Tim Corbin).

Game 2, Tuesday

Ian Anderson vs, Clayton Kershaw. Game Time to be announced. Fox Sports 1 will televise.

Game 3 Wednesday

Kyle Wright ( also Vanderbilt) vs. Undecided for Dodgers. Time and network to be determined FOX or Fox Sports 1 most likely FS1.

Game 4 Thursday, Game 5 Friday, if necessary, Game 6 Saturday and Game 7 Sunday, both if necessary

Head to Head

Hitting

Close, though I give the Braves a slight edge 1-9 in the order. Freddie Freeman, Marcel Ozuna, Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson (Vanderbilt, like Alabama in the NFL and Kentucky in the NBA, winning players), Travis d’Arnaud, give me the Braves slightly in that category over Mookie Betts, Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, etc… though it’s very close.

Edge: Braves

Starting pitching

With Buehler and Kershaw 1 and 2 that’s tough to defeat, though Fried and Ian Anderson matchup pretty well. Wright is a clear third option for the Braves, the Dodgers may use Dustin May, who throws it 98, but they’re unclear who they’ll throw. Starting pitching depth for game 4, I would have to go with the Dodgers.

Edge: Dodgers

Bullpen

The Braves bullpen has been lights out, and the Dodgers are not sure they can trust Kenley Jansen any more as their closer. Manager Dave Roberts said that last week. Give me all the Braves pitchers in the middle and Mark Melancon to close.

Edge: Braves

Defense

Both spectacular defensive teams. Swanson, Albies and Acuna up the middle are extremely strong. Bellinger in center for the Dodgers is excellent. Chris Taylor at short is very good. Max Muncy plays a lot of 2nd for the Dodgers, so I’ll take the Braves slightly with Albies over Muncy.

Edge: Braves

Resiliency

The Dodgers are so loaded, but the Braves ability to come back from major deficits is uncanny and phenomenal.

Edge: Braves

Prediction

This is the best matchup we’ve had so far in the playoffs along with the Yankees and the Rays. I give the Braves a slight edge in more categories, but it’s a razor thin advantage. Give me the ATL Braves to survive and advance a spectacular and make it to the Fall Classic which begins next Tuesday, October 20th. The World Series will be played at Globe Life Field.

Braves in 7

ALCS

Tampa Bay Rays vs Houston Astros

Played at Petco Park in San Diego.

The Rays won game 1 last night over the Astros, 2-1 and play game 2 today at 3:07 P.M. on TBS.

I picked the Rays to play the Braves in the World Series before the playoffs started, so sticking with that.

Rays in 5

Wild day in College Football yesterday. A shootout in Oxford last night as the Crimson Tide and their beyond explosive offense led by Najee Harris’s 206 yards and 5 TDs, wow, outlasted a tremendoously explosive Ole Miss offense, 63-48. The Crimson Tide offense looks like an unstoppable force, while the defense has some major question marks, though Ole Miss and quarterback Matt Corral are prolific. A lot to work on defensively for the No.2 Crimson Tide with No.3 Georgia coming to T-town next Saturday Night at 7 CT on CBS. Georgia blasted Tennessee, 44-21, and their defense is a force. The Dawgs offense isn’t on the same level as the Tide’s, not really that close. They say defense wins championships. These days, the defense that gets the turnovers and has the best red zone numbers can get the team over the top as some of these offenses are impossible to stop. You just have to survive on defense in the game today and get turnovers. Georgia is better on defense than anybody else in the country, with maybe the exception of Clemson, which blasted Miami last night in Death Valley, 42-17. So, it’ll be a blockbuster in Tuscaloosa. Can’t wait.

Auburn survived Arkansas, 30-28, thanks to a blown officiating call at the end of the game. With Arkansas leading 28-27 and 30 seconds left on the clock, Bo Nix was going to spike the ball to stop the clock in Arkansas territory as the Tigers were getting in solid field goal range on the Arkansas 30. Nix fumbled the snap, picked it up, then spiked it backwards. The players hesitated to react, but an Arkansas player fell on the ball. The original call was intentional grounding, but the refs reviewed the play. After a second look, it should have been ruled a fumble by Auburn, due to the backwards pass by Nix, and a recovery by the Hogs and a victory for the Razorbacks. But the officials ruled there wasn’t a clear recovery in the “continuation of play,” meaning Arkansas recovered the ball after the whistle was blown and it was just intentional grounding. Very controversial. Arkansas got robbed. Auburn kicked the field goal and won, but there was some backlash, which there should have been. Former NFL Referee and Sunday Night Football Rules Analyst Terry McAuley tweeted that it was a clear backwards pass and clear recovery by Arkansas, thus Arkansas should have been rewarded the ball and the victory. Auburn was beyond fortunate. Still some problems with the Auburn offense, though Tank Bigsby is a superb running back, and the defense isn’t as strong this season. A lot of room for improvement needed on the Plains.

LSU went down @ Missouri, 45-41, quite impressive by the Tigers, A&M and Kellen Mond were superb in upsetting Florida, 41-38, and the Red River Showdown was spectacular with Oklahoma outscoring Texas, 53-45, in 4 Overtimes.

So a riveting day in college football. Next Saturday Auburn plays @ South Carolina at 11 AM CT on ESPN in what looks like solid matchup as the Gamecocks blasted Vanderbilt, 41-7, yesterday on the road, and looked good doing it. So tough one for the Tigers. Then the marquee matchup at 7 PM CT on Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Can Georgia’s stellar defense somewhat neutralize Bama offensive juggernaut? Can the Georgia offense do some damage on the Alabama defense, which looks vulnerable right now. More on the games Thursday. Kentucky, coming off a home victory over Mississippi State last night , 24-2, plays at Tennessee @ 11 AM CT on the SEC Network. Colossal matchup in Gainesville, as the Florida Gators, coming off their humbling loss at College Station yesterday, host the humbled LSU Bengal Tigers at 2:30 PM CT on ESPN. Ole Miss plays at Arkansas at 2:30 PM CT on ESPN2 game in an underrated, promisingly good game. The resurgent Texas A&M Aggies travel to Mississippi State for a 3 PM CT contest on the SEC Network. And Vanderbilt plays @Missouri @ 6:30 PM CT on the SEC Network. So awesome SEC slate next Saturday.

An interesting game in the Sun Belt Conference on Wednesday NIght, which was postponed due to Hurricane Delta, as Louisiana, 3-0 and ranked 23rd, hosts 3-0 Coastal Carolina, which went to Kansas and blasted the Jayhawks and have been impressive in the early season. Louisiana has been superb. That’s at 6:30 CT on ESPN. No.1 Clemson plays at Georgia Tech @ 11 AM CT next Saturday on ABC.

So College Football is back in spectacular fashion. Couldn’t be better right now. A lot more in this coming Thursday’s column.

National Football League, Week 5 Predictions

Last Week 7-5, Overall 24-14, 63%

Atlanta 34, Carolina 31

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA.

12 PM CT

FOX

Chris Myers, Brock Huard, Jen Hale

Laundry: Brad Allen

Atlanta by 2

Give me the Falcons to get win Number 1.

Chiefs 38, Vegas 24

Arrowhead Stadium, KC

12 PM CT

CBS

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn

Yella, Clete Blakeman

KC by 11 1/2

I may never pick against Patrick Mahomes again.

Steelers 24, Eagles 21

Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

12 PM CT

FOX

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake

Refs, Rob Torbert

Steelers by 7

I see a very close game here as Carson Wentz and his team give Ben and the Steelers everything they want.

Ravens 34, Bengals 20

M&T Stadium, Baltimore

12 PM CT

CBS

Greg Gumbel, Rich Gannon, Amanda Balionas

Refs, Jerome Boger

Ravens by 12 1/2

Ravens excel at home.

Texans 31, Jacksonville Jags 27

NRG Stadium, Rocket City

12 PM CT

CBS

Andrew Catalon, James Lofton, Sherree Burruss

Ref, Bill Vinovich, could be some controversy like last Monday Night in New England-Kansas City where he whistled Mahomes down and overruled what was a clear interception by the Patriots in a pivotal play in the game.

Texans by 5 1/2

Texans get in the win column with interim coach Romeo Crennel, after the disastrous start to the season under now fired coach Bill O’Brien.

Colts 30, Browns 27

FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland

3:25 PM CT

CBS

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

Aladdin, Scott Novak

Indy by 1

Like Philip Rivers and the Colts to survive a trip to Cleveland and Baker Mayfield.

Cowboys 31, Giants 24

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX. 98 is the high there today, good thing there is a roof.

3:25 PM CT

CBS

Jim, Tony, Trace

Vogue, Craig Wrolsted

Dallas by 8 1/2

Dallas and Dak Prescott earn a solid victory at home.

Tonight

Seattle 31, Vikings 23

CenturyLink Field, Seattle

7:20 CT

NBC

Al, Cris, Michelle

Suds and Duds, Tony Corrente

Seahawks by 7

Like Russell Wilson and his team to keep on cookin. Wilson looking like the MVP right now, though Patrick Mahomes is making a good case for himself as well.

Monday Night Football

Saints 31, Chargers 21

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans

7:15 CT

ESPN

Steve Levy, Grease, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters

Yella Wood, Clay Martin

Saints by 8

Liked what I saw out of the Saints last Sunday in a victory @ Detroit.

Tuesday Night Football

Bills 27, Titans 20

Nissan Stadium, Nashville

6 CT

CBS

Tom McCarthy, Jay Feely

Whistle, Carl Cheffers

Buffalo by 6 1/2

The Titans give us a Tuesday Night game compliments of COVID outbreak on the team. Should be a solid game. Pretty high on the Bills.

French Open

Rafa Nadal wins his 13th French Open and 20th Major, tying him with Roger Federer for most of all time, as he dominated Novak Djokovic in the finals 6-0, 6-2, 7-5. Djokovic is at 17. Quite a rivalry building for the most Majors of all time with Nadal 34 and Djoker at 33 years old. Roger not totally out of it. Still tied for the lead. He’ll be back for the Australian in January of 2021 as will Rafa and Djoker, who is tough Down Under with 8 titles in Melbourne. Rafa has won only once at the Australian in 2009. I know he wished the Australian was sooner the way he’s playing, but it’s only 3 months away. Roger has won 6 Australians. So the veterans are keeping Men’s Tennis in a phenomenal position going forward. Unbelievable display of tennis by Rafa today.

Mary Carillo of NBC said Rafa’ will go for Number 14 at the French 7 months from now in May, 2021.

***A Final Note and as important as any of these comments if not moreso, it’s my great commentator and one of my closest friends, Bama Golf’s, birthday today. The big 5-9 for Bama. Hope you have a great day, my friend. Keep the spectacular comments and predictions coming.***