I’ll check in with you Thursday for Week 14 in College Football. The Crimson Tide was awesome in the 85th Iron Bowl, a 42-13 victory to move the series lead to 47-37-1. DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones are neck and neck for the Heisman in my opinion. Just need 2 more games and I’ll have a decision for you. If I had to choose right now, I’d take DeVonta just because he’s such a game changer. 72 receptions, 1074 yards, 12 TDs for DeVonta. Mac is 173-of-227, 76%, 23 TDs against 3 interceptions. It’s a razor thin margin. Best players on the best team in the country. Najee’s close, too. Kyle Trask and Trevor Lawrence along with Zach Wilson of BYU are there as well. Give me No.6 right now.

The Tigers need to regroup for a big game with Texas A&M at Jordan-Hare Saturday. Mark-Antony Richards looks like he could be a stellar back along with Tank, and if Tank’s not healthy, they’ll need Marc-Antony against the Aggies. 11 AM CT on ESPN.

The No.1 Crimson Tide at LSU, Saturday Night at 7 CT on CBS. Not sure what to expect from LSU, but know what we’re going to get from the Crimson Tide, excellence.

Thought I might share with you an optimistic song amidst the pandemic. There’s a vaccine coming and life will get back to normal sooner rather than later. Just hang tough. Have a great week.

It was time. Proud of Candice for making the decision. Mason had 6+ years, and though I liked him a lot as a person, he wasn’t going to get us to bowls and building to championships which we can do at an elite national school, that has a spectacular city, plays in the best conference in the country, and like they say, “The city, the degree, the SEC.” We need a coach who can sell that and instill it in our players that we can be elite in football. We are in baseball, Corbs has done it. We can do it in basketball; Stack has a shot at doing it. Scott Limbaugh at men’s golf, we’re on the verge of winning a national championship, if not this year, in the next couple of years. Women’s Soccer under Darren Ambrose is spectacular. Women’s Tennis under Geoff McDonald has been elite and should continue to be that way.

So it can be done in football, and I’m not limiting it to just going to bowl games. Chancellor Diermeier and Candice want championship and eliteness in football and will upgrade the facilities.

The first coach that comes to my mind is Billy Napier of Louisiana. He’s exceptional. He’s a southerner, but so relatable to all players from all backgrounds. He can do a terrific job. He’s been exceptional at Louisiana. Has them playing super football.

The names being circulated are Jamey Chadwell of Coastal Carolina, and he’s excellent, but not positive about his character, read some stuff on him that gives me pause.

Will Healy of Charlotte is another, but he hasn’t done that much at Charlotte.

Clark Lea, defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, is another. Possible. Hesitant to hire another defensive coordinator with no head coaching experience, but open to him. Somebody brought up Jeff Fisher, and that’s a big fat NO.

I really like Billy Napier as my first choice at this time.

Would like to see us keep this recruiting class and add some more. 36th by Rivals, so very solid class that can be enhanced with a new coach, who can lock down most all of these guys and add some more excellent pieces.

Will keep you posted on this crucially important decision for Vanderbilt Athletics.

I should have written this a week and a half ago and I apologize to Coach Darren Ambrose for not doing so, but what an accomplishment by our soccer team as our women won the SEC Championship a week ago from last Sunday at Gulf Shores, AL. Amazing accomplishment by our super players, our superb coach and our amazing school. The NCAA Tournament will be played in April 2021 and we’ll be there looking for big things. Such an awesome accomplishment by the women. Coach Ambrose is a spectacular coach. Interestingly, as you know by now with all the national attention, our goalkeeper, Sarah Fuller, is with the team in Columbia and has a shot at kicking with some of our specialists on the COVID list. Would love to see it. Sarah will do superbly well. We’ve got a shot at Columbia. The way Ken Seals and the offense is playing, if our defense can hold their own, we can pull off the upset @ Missouri.

Some more great news on the football front, we received a commitment from 4 star defensive tackle Marcus Bradley from Gaithersburg, Maryland. Marcus joins 4 other defensive linemen in this 2021class. Marcus is a 5.8, 4 star by Rivals and a 92, 4 star by 247 Sports. He is 6’3″, 280. One of our other defensive tackle commits, high 3 star Terion Sugick, is from Fort Washington, MD and played a big role in getting Marcus to come our way. Defensive Line Coach Jovan Haye was the lead recruiter for Marcus. Coach Haye is doing a superb job recruiting. Big get for Coach Mason and the staff. Still have some more good players who can come to the West End. We now have 19 commits for the 2021 class and Temple running back transfer Re’Mahn Davis, 5’9″, 210, in the hopper. Re’Mahn is an excellent player with excellent numbers at Temple.

Our 2021 class is now ranked 36th by Rivals with more guys to come and a higher and higher ranking.

Men’s Golf Coach Scott Limbaugh added 2 stellar players to his 2021 class. Jackson Van Paris, from Pinehurst, N.C., stellar golf area, is a 4-time Rolex Junior All American. He’s highly decorated and joins 3- time Rolex Junior All American Gordon Sargent, from Birmingham, AL., in this phenomenal Limbaugh class. Coach Limbaugh gave assistant coach Gator Todd a lot of credit for his super recruiting. And we have quite a team returning for the 2021 season with the superb Johnny “Clutch” Augenstein returning for another year to try and help his program capture its first national championship. We have John and some other horses, including William Moll, who will lead us this year. Coach Limbaugh has an exceptional squad for 2021.

The 85th meeting between the University of Alabama and Auburn University kicks off tomorrow at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 2:30 PM CT on CBS. The Crimson Tide holds a 46-37-1 advantage in the series, but the Tigers won a game for the ages last year at Jordan-Hare, 48-45.

Nick Saban will not be on the sideline as he IS sidelined with COVID-19. But the Tide will still be fielding a spectacular team and the Tigers have been getting better and better throughout the season. Bo Nix is playing well. Running back Tank Bigsby is questionable for the game, so that’s a factor if he doesn’t play as the Tigers will be relying on Shaun Shivers and D.J. Williams to tote the rock. But Bigsby could be available. Auburn has a couple of starting offensive linemen who are questionable as well. Alabama looks to be pretty healthy coming into the game unless the COVID tests come back this morning at 10 and there are positives, players that may have contracted it from S. So that’ll be something to keep an eye on.

Here’s a look at the 85th Iron Bowl and the rest of the riveting action in week 13.

Last Week: 12-6

Overall: 160-68, 70%

Rankings are College Football Playoff Rankings

No.22 Auburn (5-2) @ No.1 Alabama (7-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Bama by 24 1/2

Mac Jones has put up a Heisman-worthy season together completing 155 of 201 passes, 77%, for 2,428 yards, 18 TDs against only 3 ints. Mac, Kyle Trask, Najee Harris and DeVonta Smith should be the guys invited to the Big Apple in my opinion. The numbers by these 3 guys and Trask are off the charts great. Najee has rushed for 797 yards and 18 TDs and caught 22 passes for 210 yards. DeVonta has caught 65 passes for 903 yards and 10 TDs. If you ask me, I would pick DeVonta Smith first in the Heisman voting. He has been dominant, especially with Jaylen Waddle going down for the season with injury. It would be between DeVonta and Mac with Najee right there. Christian Harris is leading the defense with 49 tackles. The Tide has 8 interceptions on the season. Daniel Wright and Malachi Moore lead the team with 2 apiece. Wright, Patrick Surtain II and Jordan Battle have each taken an int back to duh house. The offense has been electric all season and the defense is showing signs of becoming a lockdown outfit.

For the Tigers, Bo Nix is completing 136 of 222 passes, 61%, for 1,627 yards, 10 TDs against 5 ints. Tank has rushed for 527 yards and 5 TDs and caught 11 passes for 84 yards. His status is up in the air for the game. Won’t know if he’s available until game time. Shaun Shivers has rushed for 172 yards and 1 TD and D.J. Williams has rushed for 183 yards and 2 TDs. Wide receiver Anthony Schwartz, and his world class speed, leads the offense with 41 receptions for 506 yards and 3 TDs. The great Seth Williams adds 33 receptions for 563 yards and 3 TDs. And Eli Stove is an excellent third option with 24 receptions for 249 yards and 3 TDs. Another weapon is 6’6”, 280 pound tight end/Hback J.J. Pegues who has only 5 receptions for 40 yards and 4 rushes for 16 yards, but i see him playing a bigger role in this game as Gus pulls out all the stops. Linebacker Zakoby McClain leads the defense with 68 tackles. Colby Wooten leads the Tigers in tackles for loss with 8 and also in sacks with 2 1/2. The Tigers have posted 7 interceptions on the season with Roger McCreary leading the team with 2. Smoke Monday took an interception back to the house last week against Tennessee for 100 yards.

Final Analysis

I like Auburn’s team a lot and not having S on the sideline is somewhat a factor for the Crimson Tide. But not enough. The Tigers can still finish strong and be competitive for a while in this rivalry, but Steve Sarkisian is capable as head coach and calls a good game offensively, and Mac, Najee and DeVonta do their respective jobs to perfection. I like the Tigers to hang tough for a while but for the Tide to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Alabama 45, Auburn 20

LSU (3-3) @ No.5 Texas A&M (5-1)

Kyle Field, College Station

6 PM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, Kris Budden

A&M by 14 1/2

A&M is a good team, but they’re not great. They defeated Florida at home, 41-38, but with a crowd of 55,000 and an amazing home field advantage, in what should have been about 20% full or 20,000 fans, they outlasted the Gators. They could possibly get in the playoff, and they could be formidable there, but I’m not as bullish until I see how they play against the Bengal Tigers. Florida had COVID problems right after the A&M game and A&M has had COVID problems since that game, so A&M didn’t use “an abundance of caution” in protecting the players in that game in order to get the home field advantage. Still not convinced Kellen Mond is elite though. He’s been playing well, no doubt, but I like the Bengal Tigers to give the Aggies a game. I’ll take the Aggies, but not by much. Want to see more good results from them before I see them as a Playoff team.

A&M 31, LSU 24

Kentucky (3-5) @ No.6 Florida (6-1)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

11 AM CT

ESPN

Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Quint Kessenich

Gators by 25

I like Kyle Trask and his offense to have a big day against the Wildcats. The defense isn’t great, like most of the elite teams. But, like most of the elite teams, the defense has superb athletes on it and has a chance to be elite by season’s end.

Florida 42, Kentucky 10

No.9 Georgia (5-2) @ South Carolina (2-6)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Alyssa Lang

Dawgs by 21 1/2

I like a closer game here in this border state rivalry. J.T. Daniels, the USC transfer, is now Georgia’s quarterback, and has brought some more playmaking ability to the offense. But Mike Bobo, the interim S.C. coach after Muschamp was fired, was the offensive coordinator at Georgia and I like him to keep it pretty close.

Georgia 35, South Carolina 24

Mississippi State (2-5) @ Ole Miss (3-4)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Rebs by 9 1/2

Give me Lane and his Rebels to take the Egg Bowl.

Ole Miss 48, Mississippi State 31

Vanderbilt (0-7) @Missouri (3-3)

Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Dave Neal, DJ, Taylor Davis

Missouri by 14 1/2

The Commodores are getting closer and closer to obtaining that first victory. Derek Mason has his team playing better. They’ve got a shot here. I’ll take the Tigers in a hard fought contest, but give my Dores a shot. True freshman quarterback Ken Seals is the real deal and has a bright future. If the Dores can win a game or 2 this year that would be tremendous because they’ll have a lot of good players back next year along with a pretty good recruiting class with a chance to add some more excellent pieces for 2021.

Missouri 28, Vanderbilt 24

Today

No.2 Notre Dame (8-0) @ No. 19 North Carolina (6-2)

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Katie George

Irish by 6

This is going to be an exceptional game with 2 stellar quarterbacks going head to head. Ian Book has been spectacular for the Fighting Irish and Sam Howell is phenomenal for UNC as well. I’ll take the Irish, but barely.

Notre Dame 38, North Carolina 35

Saturday

No.3 Clemson 56, Pittsburgh 10

Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Sean, Todd, McShay, Molly

Clemson by 24

Clemson is hungry and angry. Pitt takes the brunt of that.

Tonight

No.15 Oregon 38, Oregon State 21

Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR.

6:30 CT

ESPN

Oregon by 13 1/2

The Ducks haven’t been overly impressive, so if they want any hope of making the Final Four, they need to get started tonight. I like them to play well.

Today

No. 13 Iowa State 31, No. 17 Texas 30

DKR Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX.

11 AM CT

ABC

Texas by 1

Huge game for Big 12 title aspirations for both teams. Iowa State has been strong lately. They pull off the slight upset on the road.

Saturday

No.8 Northwestern 28, Michigan State 14

Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Wildcats by 13

Pat Fitzgerald has fielded an excellent team with a top flight defense. They have a shot to win the Big Ten and a shot to make a run at the Playoff.

No.12 Indiana 35, Maryland 31

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

11 AM CT

ESPN2

Indiana by 11 1/2

I see Taulia and Maryland giving the great Michael Penix Jr. and the Hoosiers everything they want. Outstanding quarterback play in this game.

No. 20 Coastal Carolina 34, Texas State 14

Bobcat Stadium, San Marcos Texas

2 PM CT

ESPN+

Coastal by 17

Coastal keeps their New Year’s Six aspirations alive. This is a high quality football team.

Today

No. 24 Iowa 35, Nebraska 21

Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

12 PM CT’

FOX

Iowa by 13 1/2

The Hawkeyes just keep playing better and better and becoming the solid football team they always are. They move to 4-2 after an 0-2 start.

Today

California 24, Stanford 21

California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA.

3 PM CT’

FOX

Stanford by 1

Excellent rivalry game. I’m surprised Stanford is favored. They weren’t earlier in the week but the gamblers like’em. I like the Golden Bears.

Saturday

Washington 31, Utah 21

Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA.

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Huskies by 7

Washington is trying to become relevant on the national stage and win the PAC-12. This would be a good step in that direction.

UCLA 42, Arizona 27

Rose Bowl, L.A.

7 PM CT

FOX

UCLA by 10

The Bruins are playing well right now. Like them at home.

Michigan 31, Penn State 28

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

11 AM CT

ABC

Michigan by 2

These are 2 teams that are having disastrous seasons with the Wolverines at 2-3 and the Nittany Lions at 0-5. The Wolverines are playing better and attempt to rebound and orchestrate some semblance of success this season.

TCU 38, Kansas 10

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS.

7 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

TCU by 24 1/2

The Frogs move to 4-4 and set their sights on finishing off a successful season. Kansas is just ready for basketball.

Colorado 34, San Diego State 30

Folsom Field, Boulder, CO.

4 PM CT

PAC-12 Network

Colorado by 3

Like the way this Buffs team is playing under Karl Dorrell. Victories over a pretty good UCLA team, 48-42 at home, and a road victory at Stanford, 35-32. So pretty bullish on the Buffs. The Aztecs are always solid, but like the Buffs a little better today.

Alabama and Auburn are finally back in action after 3 weeks off and there is a very nice lineup of games tomorrow if teams can avoid the dreaded positive results from the COVID tests. It’ll be interesting to see Mac Jones and Bo Nix in their respective contests and if they can keep their excellent play cookin. I’m confident they will.

Kentucky (3-4) @ No.1 Alabama (6-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Bama by 30

It’s been 3 weeks since the Crimson Tide has played, so will there be rust, that’s the question. Kentucky let Vanderbilt score 35 points on them last Saturday, and Vanderbilt has emerged to have a pretty explosive offense, so the Crimson Tide should score some points and Kentucky’s offense isn’t prolific.

Alabama 42, Kentucky 10

Tennessee (2-4) @ No. 23 Auburn (4-2)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

6 PM CT

ESPN

Tess, Gregory, Allison Williams

Auburn by 10 1/2

The Tigers haven’t been in the arena in 3 weeks either, so that’s a factor. Tennessee’s game with A&M last Saturday was postponed due to COVID at A&M. Gus said his team is not overlooking UT. Just the fact that he said that waves a caution flag for me. But I’ll take Auburn to win because of Bo Nix, Seth Williams and my man, Tank Bigsby, though I like it close.

Auburn 31, Tennessee 28

No. 6 Florida 63, Vanderbilt 21

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville

11 AM CT

ABC

Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, Carc

Florida by 31 1/2

Arkansas 30, LSU 27

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, ARK.

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Tera Talmadge

LSU by 2

No.13 Georgia 35, Mississippi State 3

Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Dave, DJ, Lauren Sisler

Georgia by 25

Missouri 28, South Carolina 24

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Alternate Channel, 611-1 DirecTV, 820 Charter

Mizzou by 6 1/2

No.3 Ohio State 38, No.9 Indiana 31

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Ohio State by 20 1/2

I’m looking for a tight contest here. Indiana is solid with an excellent quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.

No. 18 Oklahoma 42, No. 14 Oklahoma State 38

Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK.

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

OU by 7

Should be a masterpiece in Bedlam.

No. 10 Wisconsin 31, No. 19 Northwestern 23

Ryan Field, Evanston, IL.

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Wisconsin by 7 1/2

Northwestern has been awesome this season, particularly on defense, and they have rolled up a 4-0 record. They give Whisky everything they want, but the Badgers prevail in a hard fought contest.

UCF 31, No.7 Cincinnati 30

Bounce House, Orlando, Stayin Alive will be blasting in the stadium speakers

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Cincy by 6

I like Central Florida to wreck the Bearcats aspirations of making the playoff.

No. 11 Oregon 45, UCLA 27

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Oregon by 17

Bullish on the Ducks.

Utah 28, No.20 USC 27

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake

9:30 PM CT

ESPN

USC by 3

Even though they haven’t played a game, the Utes are hard-nosed and it’ll be in the low 30’s at game time. The Trojans are not used to that and have just been getting by. I’ll take Duh Utes.

No.21 Liberty 35, NC State 31

Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, N.C.

6:30 PM CT

ESPN3

NC State by 3 1/2

I don’t know why Liberty is the underdog. They have proven with victories on the road at Syracuse and VA Tech that they’re for real. Believe in the Fightin’ Freezes.

No.15 Coastal Carolina 30, App State 24

Brooks Stadium, Conway, S.C.

11 AM CT

ESPN

Coastal by 5 1/2

Very good Sun Belt matchup between the 7-0 Chanticleers and the 6-1 Mountaineers. I’ll take Coastal at home.

No.8 BYU 55, North Alabama 10

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT.

2 PM CT

ESPN3

BYU by 47 1/2

BYU has been ultra impressive this year, but, besides wearing out Boise State, their schedule has been weak. They’ll have to keep impressing and have some chaos above them to make the playoff. They are a legitimate team though.

Iowa 24, Penn State 21

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

2:30 PM CT

Big Ten Network

Iowa by 2 1/2

Iowa is getting better and better and starting to become the good football team they always are and Penn State is a disaster under Jimmy Frank.

Virginia Tech 34, Pittsburgh 30

Heinz Field, Pitt

3 PM CT

ACC Network

VA Tech by 3

With COVID, college football coaches and their teams are just trying to survive to make it to the weekend. Looks like a good slate this weekend despite several postponements/cancelations. Just gotta go with what we got and I’m personally grateful we have games.

Tonight, a couple of very riveting matchups with a pretty good Tulane Green Wave team visiting a surprisingly very good Tulsa team that came back from a 21 point deficit to defeat SMU at home, 28-24, last Saturday Night. It was highly impressive.

On the NFL side of things, a nice matchup tonight with the Zona Cardinals, fresh off their dramatic Hail Mary victory last Sunday over the Bills, @ Seattle to square off with the Seahawks. Looks like a classic.

***I’ll have the rest of Saturday’s CFB slate with predictions tomorrow and the NFL sked with predictions on Sunday.***

College Football

Last week: 20-4

Overall: 148-62, 70%

Tonight’s game

Tulane (5-4) @ No.25 Tulsa (4-1)

Chapman Stadium, Tulsa

6:30 CT

ESPN

Matt Barrie, Mike Golic Jr., Kris Budden

Golden Hurricane by 6

Nice matchup in the American. Tulsa looks for real and the Green Wave have a good squad. I like it close, Tulane is a very competitive outfit, but I’ll take the Golden Hurricane at home. They’re challenging Cincinnati for the American Conference Championship. They’ll play the Bearcats at home, Friday, 12-4, at 8 PM CT on ESPN, with what could be a lot on the line, New Year’s Six and Cincy has hopes of making the playoff, if they can keep up their stellar resume and get a little chaos ahead of them. I like a tightly contested game tonight.

Golden Hurricane 31, Green Wave 28

Tonight in the National Football League

Last Week: 10-3

Overall: 58-35, 62%

Arizona Cardinals (6-3) @ Seattle Seahawks (6-3)

CenturyLink Field, Sleepless in

7:20 CT

FOX/NFL

Joe, Troy, EA, Kristina Pink

Suds and Duds (Due Rights favorite Laundrymat), Tony Corrente

‘Hawks by 3

This is a phenomenal matchup in the National Football League with the 2 of the 3 teams that are tied atop the NFC West along with the LA Rams. Kyler Murray’s Hail Mary throw for 45 yards against his body that 6’3” Newk Hopkins caught by leaping over three Buffalo Bills defensive backs and hauling in was legendary and painful for my prediction. This Cards team is for real. Russell Wilson is pretty for real as well. I like some good offense in this game, and will take the Seahawks to survive and emerge victorious.

Seahawks 35, Zona 31

Will be hittin’ you back tomorrow and Sunday. Check with you then.

48-32, 60%

Texans 34, Browns 31

First Energy Stadium, Cleveland

12 PM CT

FOX

Dick Stockton, Matt Millen, Sara Walsh

Suds and Duds (A BCC golfer’s frequent wash and dry locale),Ron Torbert

Give me Deshaun and the Texans in the upset.

Packers 38, Jaguars 31

Lambeau Field, Green Bay

12 PM CT

FOX

Chris Myers, Greg Jennings, Brock Huard, Jennifer Hale

Aladdin, Shawn Smith

Pack by 14

I’ll take the Rogers’ Rate to keep on cookin even though Jake from State Farm says there “is no Rogers Rate.” ARodg doesn’t believe him and with his superb play will expect that rate ASAP.

Giants 27, Eagles 24

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, Joizee

12 PM CT

FOX

Kevin Kugler, Chris Spielman, Laura Okmin

Vogue, Clay Martin

Eagles by 4

Despite their 2-7 record, the Giants have shown improvement and I like for them to pull off the upset at the Meadowlands.

Bucs 28, Panthers 27

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

12 PM CT

FOX

Kevin Burkhardt, Moose Johnston, Pam Oliver

Ol’ Yeller, Land Clark

Bucs by 6

Like TB!2 and the Bucs to just get by on the road after a dismantling by the Saints a week ago on Sunday Night Football. Still a very solid team despite the disaster last Sunday. But the Panthers take’em to the wire.

Vegas Raiders 35, Broncos 28

Allegiant Stadium, Vegas

3:05 PM CT

CBS

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green,, Melanie Collins

Lead Laundry, Tony Corrente

Vegas by 4

Like Jon Gruden and his team to keep playing at a pretty high level and move to 6-3 and hang close to the 8-1 Chiefs, who are off this week.

Dolphins 31, Chargers 27

Hard Rock Stadium, South Beach

3:05 PM CT

CBS

Greg Gumbel, Rich Gannon, AJ Ross

Yella, Jerome Boger

Fins by 1 1/2

Like Tua and the Dolphins to move to 6-3 after Tua’s spectacular performance in the Fins victory last Sunday at Zona. They stay at least a game and a half back of the 7-2 Bills in the AFC East.

Bills 28, Cardinals 24

State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.

3:05 PM CT

CBS

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn

Laundry, Craig Wrolstad

Zona by 2 1/2

I’ll take the 7-2 Bills in a slight upset.

Saints 31, 49ers 21

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, N’Awlins

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth, Lindsay Czarniak

Yella Wood, Brad Rogers

Saints by 9 1/2

My man Walter thinks his Saints are due a letdown after last week’s spectacular performance against the Bucs, and he knows the Saints team well, but I like the Drew and company to play well enough against an injury depleted 49ers team.

Steelers 31, Bengals 23

Heinz Field, Steel City

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake

Launderer, Adrian Hill

Steelers by 7 1/2

Big Ben and the Steelers move to 9-0, the only undefeated team in the National Football League.

Rams 35, Seahawks 31

SoFi Stadium, most stunning stadium in football, L.A.

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Joe, Troy, EA

Laundry, Clete Blakeman

Rams by 1 1/2

Seahawks have the worst scoring defense in the NFL. That’s pretty amazing for a team that has prided itself on defense. Russell Wilson will play well, as he always does, but I like the Rams to prevail.

Sunday Night Football

Patriots 28, Ravens 24

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

7:20

NBC’

Al, Cris, Michelle

Lead Stripe, Shawn Hochuli

Ravens by 7

I’ll go out on a limb here and take the Patriots in a major upset.

Monday Night Football

Vikings 28, Bears 23

Soljuh Field, Chicago

7:15

ESPN

Steve Levy, Grease, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters

Yella Wood, Scott Novak

The Vikings have won 2 in a row and the Bears have lost 3 in a row. Both trends continue.

I did predict a college game today on my College Football Blog.

I have Cal 34, UCLA 30, with Cal as a 2 1/2 point favorite.

Cal was supposed to play Zona State yesterday and UCLA was supposed to play Utah, but due to COVID cases at Zona State and Utah, Cal and UCLA decided to play today.

The game kicks off at 11 AM CT on Fox Sports 1.

The Masters

At the Masters, what looked to be a potential blowout has turned into a very interesting Sunday at Augusta National. Dustin, who came in with a 4 shot lead at -16, has bogeyed 4 and 5, and now only holds a 1 shot lead over Sungjae Im, from South Korea, who is -14, and Cameron Smith, from Australia, who is -13. So, now it’s going to be a thrilling Sunday at the Masters. Dustin just birdied 6 to go to -16 for a 3 shot lead. Im bogeyed 6. Smith just birdied 7 to go to -14, 2 back of Johnson.

Games postponed this week include Bama@LSU, Auburn@ Miss. State, A&M@ Tennessee, Georgia@ Missouri and, nationally, Ohio State@ Maryland. The first 4 have been postponed with AU, A&M and Georgia rescheduled for Dec, 12th. Bama, LSU fans and the SEC are hopeful even optimistic they can figure out a way to get the game in. They certainly have a shot with adjustments being made by a lot of teams all over the Power 5 and Group of 5 Conferences. So, will stay optimistic that these games can take place at a later date and we can get a reprieve from the virus soon. Ohio State-Maryland is cancelled due to the limited time the Big Ten has to play games this fall. Was looking forward to seeing Taulia play the Buckeyes. I thought he and his team had a shot. Taulia is phenomenal. Mac Jones and company and Bo Nix and company will be back next Saturday with the Crimson Tide hosting Kentucky on 11-21 at 3 PM CT on the SEC Network, while the Tigers will host the Vols next Saturday Night, 11-21, at 6 CT on ESPN. So good stuff to look forward to with those 2 games.

Meanwhile, there is a nice slate of games this week. My wife made a good point in that we won’t have as many conflict in watching games. We watch Alabama and Auburn EVERY Saturday without fail. So without them on the sked, we are freed up to watch some other teams play. So there are positives to that.

Here are predictions for this week’s action.

Last week: 20-8

Overall: 128-58, 69%

No. 6 Florida 38, Arkansas 20

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

6 PM CT

ESPN

Gatuhs by 17 1/2

Gators keep momentum going from last week’s huge victory over Georgia. Arkansas’ head coach, Sam Pittman, has COVID, so as well as they’ve played, it’s tough without your head coach.

Ole Miss 48, South Carolina 28

Vaught-Hemingway, Oxford

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Ole Miss by 11

Kiff and his team have a good night.

Kentucky 28, Vanderbilt 17

Kroger Field, Lexington

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Wildcats by 17

Dores make it competitive, but Wildcats prevail.

No.2 Notre Dame 28, Boston College 21

Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hills, MASS.

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Irish by 13 1/2

Fighting Irish riding high after last Saturday Night’s big victory over then No.1 Clemson, but I like the Eagles to give them a scare.

No. 13 Wisconsin 30, Michigan 24

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Whisky by 4 1/2

I’m predicting stud freshman Graham Mertz to return from COVID and lead the Badgers to victory at the Big House. Jim Harbaugh’s troubles continue in Saturday Night in prime time.

No.9 Miami 34, Virginia Tech 31

Lane Stadium, Blacksburg

11 AM CT

ESPN

VA Tech by 2

Give me D’Eriq King and the Canes in the slight upset on the road. Believe in D’Eriq. One of the most exciting players in the country. Jaylen Waddle at quarterback.

Friday

No.7 Cincy 42, East Carolina 10

Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati

6:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Bearcats by 27 1/2

Cincy keeps their stellar play up and also keeps making a strong case to be a playoff team. BYU is another team that is firmly in that discussion as well.

Saturday

No.10 Indiana 34, Michigan State 24

Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MICH.

11 AM CT

ABC

Hoosiers by 7

Michael Pennix Jr. is the real deal at quarterback for IU.

No.20 USC 31, Zona 21

Arizona Stadium, Tuscon

2:30 PM CT

FOX

Trojans by 14

The Wildcats give the Men from Troy some trouble, but the visitors prevail and keep their PAC 12 title hopes cookin, though Oregon is a major player in that discussion as well.

No.15 Coastal Carolina-Troy-This game was Postponed as well

No. 16 Marshall 35, Middle Tennessee 10

John C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, West VA.

11 AM CT

CBS Sports Network

Thundering Herd by 23 1/2

The Herd keeps their New Year’s Six hope very much alive also. Always interesting competition for the New Year’s Six Bowl games.

No. 21 Liberty 45, Western Carolina 10

Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA.

11 AM CT

Duh U

LIberty by 32 1/2

Hugh Freeze is doing a spectacular job in his mulligan at Liberty after an exceptional victory over double digit favorite VA Tech last Saturday on the road. This team is for real. They’ve also defeated Syracuse on the road. Another New Year’s Six candidate.

No.11 Oregon 42, Washington State 28

Martin Stadium, Pullman, Washington

6 PM CT

FOX

Ducks by 10

Big believer in Mario Cristobal and what he’s done and is doing in Eugene. They’re a legitimate playoff contender.

No. 19 SMU 35, Tulsa 34

Chapman Stadium, Tulsa, OK.

6 PM CT

ESPN2

Tulsa by 2 1/2

Like the Ponies in what surprisingly will be a slight upset on the road.

No.23 Northwestern 24, Purdue 20

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN.

6:30 PM CT

Big Ten Network

Wildcats by 3

Big believer in the 3-0 Wildcats. They’ve got an excellent defense and they do enough on offense to get over the top. Ohio State will be tough for them, but they are stellar competitors, so ya never know.

No.25 Louisiana 31, South Alabama 14

Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA.

1 PM CT

ESPN+

Cajuns by 15 1/2

Billy Napier is another exceptional young coach at 41. The Ragin’ Cajuns want another shot at Coastal in the Sun Belt Championship game.

Utah-UCLA has been cancelled

Arizona State-Cal has been cancelled due to ASU

Coach Herm Edwards testing positive. I had

predicted Zona State to win, 28-23, they were favored

by 4.

Washington 31, Oregon State 14

Husky Stadium, Seattle, WA.

10 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Huskies by 13 1/2

Former defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake takes over for Chris Peterson, who retired. I like Lake to have a successful debut. Lake is a very good coach and will do well in Seattle. Don’t count them out in the PAC-12 race.

North Carolina 35, Wake Forest 31

Kennan Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.

11 AM CT

ACC Network

UNC by 13 1/2

Wake is a pretty good team and will give the Heels everything they want.

Virginia 31, Louisville 27

Scott Stadium, C’Ville

2:30 PM CT

ACC Network

‘Hoos by 3 1/2

Virginia has been a little erratic, but still believe in them. Bronco Mendenhall is a solid coach and has the Cavs playing hard-nosed, physical football.

Nebraska 34, Penn State 31

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE.

11 AM CT

Fox Sports 1

Penn State by 3 1/2

Scott Frost and his Huskers record the upset at home.

TCU 34, West Virginia 31

Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West VA.

11 AM CT

FOX

West VA. by 3

I’ll take the Frogs with the upset in Morgantown in an excellent early game.

Colorado 34, Stanford 31

Stanford Stadium, Stanford, CA.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Stanford by 7 1/2

I like the way Colorado upset UCLA at home last Saturday Night. I’ll take them in back to back upsets.

Army 34, Tulane 31

Yullman Stadium, N’Awlins

11 AM CT

ESPN2/ESPN+

Tulane by 3

I’ll take the Cadets in an upset on the road.

North Carolina State 42, Florida State 31

Carter Finley Stadium, Raleigh, N.C.

6:30 PM CT

ACC Network

NC State by 10 1/2

Cal 34, UCLA 30

Rose Bowl, L.A.

11 AM CT

Fox Sports 1

Cal by 2 1/2

Week 10 in the National Football League starts tonight.

Last time 7-5

Overall: 48-31, 61%

Titans 27, Colts 23

Nissan Stadium, Nashville

7:20 CT

FOX/NFL Network

Even

In a stellar AFC tilt tonight in the Music City with the Indy Colts at 5-3 and the Titans at 6-2, like Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill and a solid defense to get the job done for the Titans. Titans still have high hopes for a special season and a deep run in January.

The 84th Masters Tournament is finally here after a 7 month delay and it couldn’t come at a better time for golf enthusiasts.

With college football hammered this week by positive COVID tests postponing Alabama-LSU, maybe cancelled, Auburn-Mississippi State, Texas A&M -Tennessee and Georgia Missouri in the SEC and from what I’ve read, Vanderbilt-Kentucky could be on the brink as well, along with Ohio State @ Maryland being cancelled, thank you Augusta National and this historically phenomenal tournament for emerging at just the right time. There will still be some solid college football this weekend and it is hoped that Alabama-LSU will be rescheduled, but it does set the stage for a terrific “Tradition Unlike Any Other.”

And while we’ll miss out on DeVonta Smith, Mac Jones, Najee Harris, Bo Nix, Tank Bigsby and Seth Williams, among others, Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas are pretty outstanding replacements.

So let’s delve into this special edition of the Masters, some would say the greatest event in sports. I can’t definitively say that because The Iron Bowl, the Super Bowl, the Kentucky Derby, the World Series and March Madness are highly comparable. But, this is Masters time this November, so the drama and brilliant intrigue of Augusta National with Moving Day on Saturday, and the epic back 9 on Sunday is beyond spectacular and compares very favorably to any of those other sensational events.

I was not buying at first that Bryson DeChambeau was changing the game, and I don’t see that story is far from complete. But his goal, with his 380 yard drives, he hit it 402 2 weeks ago on the practice range, is to overpower Augusta National, and has you thinking twice about that theory. I’m not totally bought in on that yet because the level of competition in golf at present is the best it’s EVER been. When you throw those names out that I did above, ALL of those guys are tough outs any day, especially at majors. But Bryson’s work at the 120th U.S. Open at Winged Foot in September, was surreal. He drove it a ton, was pinpoint accurate with his driver to boot, chipped well and putted superbly. If he does that here, he may be unstoppable. He’s the 8-1 favorite to win it. Dustin Johnson comes in at 17-2, and feels very good about his chances. His record over the last 6 weeks of the season was remarkable, so he looks like an unstoppable force as well as the 2019-20 Fed Ex Cup Champion. He finished tied for 2nd last week with Hideki at the Vivint Houston Open, 2 shots back of Carlos Ortiz, who shot -13. So there’s another one who will be there come Sunday. Jon Rahm is a 10-1, and has posted 2 holes in one this week, on the 4th on Monday and yesterday, in spectacular fashion, on 16. During practice rounds, the players try to skip their ball across the lake and onto the green on No. 16, which has seen its share of dramatic moments, Tiger Woods’ chip in in 2005 standing out the most in one of his 5 victories at Augusta. Rahm did that successfully, then the ball rolled a good 100 feet more, looked like it was going to stop at the top of the crest, but amazingly turned left and rolled into the cup. It was extraordinary. Rahm is a major factor. Justin Thomas comes in at 12-1, and he’s right there in major contention come Sunday. Rory, trying to win the career grand slam once again, he hasn’t won a major since the PGA Championship in 2014 at Valhalla in Louisville, is getting to the point, at 31 years old where he needs to step it up if he wants to be the 6th player to ever capture the career grand slam, which would be a phenomenal accomplishment. Xander Schauffele, who finished tied for 2nd last year, comes in at 14-1. Brooks Koepka who shot 65-65 at the Vivint Houston last weekend to finish tied for 5th, is at 16-1. Like Brooks’s chances at the 84th as well. Hideki Matsuyama and Patrick Cantlay are 25-1. Cantlay won the Zozo Championship in Vegas 3 weeks ago. Tony Finau, Bubba and Patrick Reed, Bubba and Reed both past champions, are 28-1. And PGA Champion Colin Morikawa is 30-1. Tiger comes in at 40-1, but I won’t count the 5 time winner out on this course ever. He just turns it up a level at the Masters. Phil is 200-1 though he is a 3 time champion. Another guy I expect to see right there on Sunday is 21-year old Matthew Wolff. The Wolfman had possession of the 54 hole lead at the Open in September only to falter a bit on Sunday, but more credit goes to Bryson for his spectacular play that day. I like Matthew’s chances as well.

It’s pretty soggy at Augusta right now as they’re getting a lot of rain. A soft course is in the offing for Thursday and Friday. There is 100% chance of rain on Thursday with light winds at 4. Friday-Sunday is a lot better. 78 Friday, mostly sunny, wind 8-10, Saturday 20% chance of rain, 71, wind 7. Sunday 78, 20% rain, wind 6. The wind will still be a factor on No.12, that thrilling par 3, where history has been made numerous times and winning aspirations extinguished, just ask Brooks, Francesco Molinari and Tony Finau, who all hit it in the water last April of 2019, while Tiger hit the green in his remarkable victory.

The TV schedule is Thursday-Friday 12-4:30 PM CT on ESPN. Saturday, 12-4 PM CT on CBS, and Sunday, 9 AM-2 PM CT on CBS. Little earlier finish on those days with daylight being a factor.

Looking for another Epic at Augusta National. With this unprecedented year, and the superstar field competing, this should be a Masters for the Ages.

Winner

I’m going to take the player who turned 26 years old yesterday and will aim to follow suit of fellow countrymen Seve Ballesteros, who won the 1980 and ‘83 Masters, Jose Maria Olazabal, who won in 1994 and ‘99, and Sergio Garcia, who is not playing due to COVID, and won in 2017. This guy is not only a stellar player, who won the Memorial this season, but he’s quite a golf historian, knows about all the great ones going back to Hogan and Nelson, even Bobby Jones and of course, Jack and Tiger. I’ll take the stud from Barrika, Basque Country, Spain. Give me the Rahminator.

Jon Rahm

The Number 2 Crimson Tide and No. 24 Auburn are off this week as the Tide rests up and prepares for a game @ LSU a week from tomorrow, 11-14, at 5 PM CT on CBS, while the Tigers play @ Mississippi State next Saturday (11-14) at 3 PM CT on the SEC Network.

Both are coming off impressive, dominant home victories last Saturday. Alabama annihilated Mississippi State,41-0, behind Mac Jones, the incredible DeVonta Smith, who is making up for the loss of Jaylen Waddle, and another excellent rushing game from Najee Harris.

Mac is beyond stellar this season. Last week he completed 24-of-31 attempts for 298 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 ints. On the season, Jones has completed 139-of-178 passes, 79%, are you kiddin me?, for 16 TDs against only 2 ints. He’s making a strong case for the Heisman.

And so is DeVonta Smith. Trying to make up for the seemingly devastating loss of Waddle, Smith caught 11 passes for 203 yards and all 4 TD passes from Jones. DeVonta bas now posted 56 receptions for 759 yards and 8 TDs. He’s a phenom and looking Heisman worthy along with being a top 5 draft pick next April. It’s phenomenal that he stuck around for his senior season and is it ever paying off. Najee toted the rock 21 times for 119 yards. He has now rushed for 714 yards on 124 carries with 14 TDs along with 20 receptions for 183 yards. So stellar threesome for the Crimson Tide. And the defense is really picking it up. Patrick Surtain II had an int he took back to the house. Dylan Moses is playing like the top 10 pick he’ll be. The defense has now arrived. I don’t know yet if the Crimson Tide will be tested or not in Death Valley next Saturday. Auburn destroyed them last Saturday, but they are a different team in Baaton Rouge. They either need to start the 4 star freshman Max Johnson, who came in too late against Auburn, or get Myles Brennan back. Three star freshman TJ Finley looked like a deer in headlights against the Tigers’ defense last Saturday. He’d be eaten alive by the Crimson Tide defense. Johnson actually did some good things against Auburn in mop up duty. He should be the starter in my opinion. Brennan may be back, but Johnson is better. Always interesting down on the Bayou on Saturday Night when the Crimson Tide visits. I know the Crimson Tide fans are hoping for a stress free night. Will have more on it next Thursday. Could be an epic, but also could be blowout city.

The Auburn Tigers really put it together at Jordan-Hare last Saturday. This has been an erratic season for a lot of teams due to circumstances beyond their control, but Auburn sure looked like an SEC powerhouse last Saturday. Bo Nix was superb, completing 18-of-24 passes for 300 yards and 3 TDs including a 91 yarder to the electric, elite speedster Anthony Schwartz. He used Schwartz, Seth Williams and Eli Stove frequently in the passing game. Nix also rushed for 81 yards on 11 carries, while Tank rushed for 71 yards on 15 carries. If the Tigers can get that kind of balance on offense and their defense steps it up like it did last Saturday, Christian Tutt had a 20 yard fumble return for a TD, they’ve got a chance to finish the season strongly. Just gotta be consistent. That has always been a problem for Gus Malzahn-coached Auburn teams, but maybe this year’ll be different. I know Auburn fans are hoping so.

The Crimson Tide finishes their season @LSU, Kentucky @ home, 11-21, Auburn @ home, 11-28, and @ Arkansas, 12-5. The SEC Championship Game @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is at 7 PM CT this year and will be televised by CBS.

The Tigers finish up with @State next Saturday, Tennessee @home, 11-21, @ the Crimson Tide, 11-28, and at home versus No.7 Texas A&M, Saturday, 12-5.

So riveting stuff coming up for the Tide and Tigers and college football overall. Here’s a look at this week’s compelling action.

Last week: 19=5

Overall: 108-50, 68%

No.8 Florida (3-1) vs. No.5 Georgia (4-1)

TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Cocktail Spectacle

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Dawgs by 3

Gators quarterback Kyle Trask is the difference maker in this game. The Gator Nation will be enjoying their Bourbon and Waters a lot more than the Georgia fans.

Florida 31, Georgia 28

No.7 Texas A&M (4-1) @ South Carolina (2-3)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

6 PM CT

ESPN

Mark Jones, Dusty Dvoracek, Quint Kessenich

A&M by 10

JImbo Fisher and Kellen Mond are now clicking. Like the Aggies to keep being successful.

A&M 38, South Carolina 27

Tennessee (2-3) @ Arkansas (2-3)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, ARK.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Vols by 1 1/2

Give me the upset here.

Arkansas 28, Tennessee 27

Vanderbilt (0-4) @ Mississippi State (1-4)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

2:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Dawn Davenport

State by 19

I know State looked pretty terrible against the Crimson Tide last Saturday, but they can handily defeat Vanderbilt. Derek Mason’s time is running out.

State 42, Vanderbilt 17

Off the Week

Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, LSU, Kentucky,

Missouri

No.1 Clemson 35, No.4 Notre Dame 28

Notre Dame Stadium

6:30 PM CT

NBC

Tigers by 5 1/2

Why is this game on NBC? I know they have a contract with Notre Dame, but this game belongs on ABC with Chris, Kirk and Maria. Only reason this game is close is because Trevor Lawrence is out with Covid. But freshman D.J. Ulagalelei, that’s harder than Tua, is a stud, who will be prolific in the future, and very good this Saturday Night. Really high on D.J.

Tonight

No. 9 BYU 35, No. 21 Boise State 30

8:45 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

BYU by 4

Boise State is tough at Albertson’s Stadium and that atrocious field, but I’m a believer in quarterback Zach Wilson and the Cougs. Should be a classic.

Saturday

No.3 Ohio State 55, Rutgers 14

6:30 PM CT

Big Ten Network

Buckeyes by 38

Big believer in quarterback Justin Fields and the Buckeyes.

No.12 Oregon 35, Stanford 21

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Ducks by 9

Bullish on Mario Cristobal and his team. They’ve got a shot if they win out to get into the Playoff. They’re at home, so really like them here.

No.6 Cincinnati 38, Houston 24

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Sean, Todd, McShay, Moily

Bearcats by 13 1/2

Definitely buying Cincy. Believe in what Luke Fickell is doing there.

No.19 Oklahoma 63, Kansas 21

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Sooners by 38

Sooners have their backs against the wall as far as making the Playoff this season, so they have to win out impressively and get a lot of help. Do think they are becoming a Playoff caliber team though.

No.23 Michigan 31, Indiana 27

11 AM CT

Fox Sports 1

Wolverines by 3 1/2

Michigan survives a trip to an up and coming program with an excellent quarterback in Michael Penix Jr.

West Virginia 38, Texas 35

11 AM CT

ABC

Texas by 6

I’ll take former Troy Coach Neil Brown, a superstar in the making, and the Mountaineers to upset the Longhorns in Austin.

No.14 Oklahoma State 37, Kansas State 31

3 PM CT

FOX

Cowboys by 12

I’ll take the Pokes in a hard fought contest.

No.17 Iowa State 42, Baylor 27

6 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Cyclones by 14

No. 20 USC 28, Arizona State 24

11 AM CT

FOX

USC by 10 1/2

I like the Sun Devils to give the Trojans everything they want and for the Trojans to barely escape. Herm Edwards is building a solid program in Tempe and I still don’t trust Clay Helton at USC, though he has a very good quarterback in Kedon Slovis. There might be some tired football players starting at 9 AM Pacific Time.

No.18 SMU 52, Temple 28

11 AM CT

ESPN+

SMU by 17 1/2

Tonight

No.11 Miami 34, N.C. State 31

6:30 CT

ESPN

Miami by 10

Saturday

No.18 Marshall 55, UMass 10

1:30 PM CT

ESPN+

Marshall by 44 1/2

Marshall looks pretty solid. Not elite like some other group of 5 teams, but solid.

Michigan State 27, Iowa 24

11 AM CT

ESPN

Iowa by 6 1/2

I like the Spartans, like they did in Ann Arbor last Saturday, to go into Iowa City and pull off another upset. Really like Mel Tucker. Excellent coach.

Northwestern 34, Nebraska 28

11 AM CT

Big Ten Network

Wildcats by 3 1/2

Love what Pat Fitzgerald is doing in Evanston, IL. The Wildcats move to 3-0.

Penn State 42, Maryland 31

2:30 PM CT

Big Ten Network

Penn State by 25

Taulia Tagovailoa showed that he can be as good as his big brother last Friday Night in the Terps home victory over Minnesota, 45-44 in OT. He keeps them in this game and leads them to a lot better days. Is James Franklin really as good as he thinks he is? I’m not seeing it.

UCLA 34, Colorado 21

6 PM CT

ESPN2

Bruins by 6 1/2

This is the year Chip Kelly starts putting it together in L.A.

TCU 38, Texas Tech 34

2:30 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

TCU by 9

Close one in Fort Worth in a very good rivalry game..

No. 15 Coastal Carolina 42, South Alabama 17

7 PM CT

ESPNU

Coastal by 18

Coastal keeps putting together impressive victory after impressive victory.

Virginia Tech 35, No.25 Liberty 31

11 AM CT

ACC Network

VA Tech by 16

Hugh Freeze and Liberty keep this close with a shot at the upset.

North Carolina 41, Duke 28

11 AM CT

ESPN2

UNC by 11

This Tar Heels team is a tough one to figure out. Like them to play well this week. Quarterback Sam Howell is stellar.

Florida State 27, Pittsburgh 24

3 PM CT

ACC Network

FSU by 2

I like Mike Norvell to get this program turned around in the next year or 2. They’ve shown some signs of progress.

Louisiana 42, Arkansas State 27

11 AM CT

ESPNU

LA by 14 1/2

Still a believer in Billy Napier and his Ragin’ Cajuns. They still have a shot to win the Sun Belt if they can win out and defeat most likely Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt Championship game. They’re a quality team.

The Utah-Arizona game, I originally predicted, is postponed due to Covid cases on the Utah team.