Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl

No.24 Tulsa (6-2) vs. Mississippi State (3-7)

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX.

11 AM CT

ESPN

Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, Ian Fitzsimmons

Yella, Big Ten, Jeff Servinski

Tulsa by 1 1/2

Give me Leach, up and coming quarterback Will Rogers and a pretty stout Bullie defense to carry State to the slight upset victory.

Mississippi State 28, Tulsa 27

Offerpad Arizona Bowl

Ball State (6-1) vs. San Jose State (7-0)

Arizona Stadium, Tuscon

1 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Jimmy Rane, C-USA, Joe Lehring

SJSU by 9 1/2

I like a close game here. The Spartans have been more than impressive this season. They defeated a solid Nevada team, which just blasted Tulane in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, 38-27, and also defeated Bryan Harsin and Boise State, 34-20, in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game. But Ball State is pretty tough as well. They defeated an 8 point favorite Buffalo team in the MAC Championship Game, 38-28, so I like their squad as well. Give me the Spartans but I like the Cardinals to make it tough for them.

San Jose State 34, Ball State 30

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

West Virginia (5-4) vs. Army (9-2)

Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis

3 PM CT

ESPN

Wes Durham, Roddy Jones, Eric Wood

Vogue, ACC, Stuart Mullins

West VA by 7

I like Jeff Monken, the Cadets and their superb triple option attack to pull off the upset in the River City. The West Point guys aren’t going to opt out. They love playing college football.

Army 28, West Virginia 27

Last night I took a punch to the midsection when Miami superstar quarterback D’Eriq King got hit in the knee and was knocked out of the game in the second quarter of the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando with a serious knee injury. He’s a great kid and want to him get back. I picked Miami 38-35, so that seemed demoralizing. But second string quarterback N’Kosi Perry stepped in and played like a champion. He was 27-of-40 for 305 yards and 2 TDs as the Canes fell 37-34 to OK State. But I counted 6 drops by his receivers, 3 on deep balls of 40 yards or more that would have set the offense up first and goal or very close to first and goal. And there was one drop on a wide receiver screen at the Cowboys’ 20 that was a clear house call. Very frustrating. But Perry kept fighting throughout the game. He was fantastic. The SEC referee crew, led by lead launderer Steve Marlowe (some sort of Shakespeare connection/tragedy figure in English class back in the day), was very questionable. After Miami scored to cut it to 21-19, on the first play of the next possession a Miami defensive lineman barely tipped a pass from OK State quarterback Spencer Sanders and as it was floating to the receiver the Miami db hit the receiver when the ball got there and the ball popped in the air and was intercepted. The Marlowe crew called PI on Miami. It was an outrageously bad call in my opinion. On replay, the ball was tipped. It was a frustrating game. It just took the air out of me.

By the time Texas was leading Colorado 14-0 in the Valero Alamo Bowl, I was spent, so told my wife I was callin’er a night. She turned on a show on Netflix she wanted to watch and when she turned the game back on afterwards, Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger was hurt. I’m glad I was conked out, because I may have lost it. Fortunately, Texas prevailed, 55-23. Nice playing by the Longhorns.

Here’s a look at today’s action.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Wake Forest (4-4) vs. Wisconsin (3-3)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

11 AM CT

ESPN

Taylor, Stinch, Marty

Laundry, SEC, James Carter

Whisky by 9 1/2

Walt commented on this yesterday, and I agreed with him, and I see this happening today as well. When in doubt, go with the better quarterback. Walter’s comment made a lot of sense to me and I believe that as well. Wake’s Sam Hartman has completed 139-of-236, 59%, for 1,906 yards, 10 TDs against only 1 int. The Badgers’ Graham Mertz, a true freshman, started off the season hot throwing for 7 TDs and 0 ints in his first 2 games. But in the last 4, he threw 1 TD and 5 Ints. Hartman is a senior. Give me Hartman and his Demon Deacons to pull off the upset in the Queen City.

Wake Forest 24, Wisconsin 21

Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic

No.6 Oklahoma Sooners (8-2) vs. No.7 Florida Gators (8-3)

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.

7 PM CT

ESPN

Tess, , Dusty Dvoracek. Holly,

Aladdin, PAC-12, Chris Coyte

OU by 7

There’s a case to be made for both of these teams being in the playoff, though Florida’s loss to LSU was a knockout blow for their chances, unless they had beaten the Crimson Tide, which they came close to doing. Oklahoma lost to Kansas State at home and Iowa State on the road, then got hot and won 7 in a row. Texas A&M had a really good argument over Ohio State, but the Committee inexplicably felt like 6 victories was enough to get Ohio State in the playoff. We’ll see how that turns out.

But it makes for an awesome Cotton Bowl tonight despite the fact that Florida is missing their 4 top receivers. All everything tight end Kyle Pitts (43-770, 12 TDs), the hyperkinetic speedster Kadarius Toney, an explosive play or house call waiting to happen, an amazing talent (70-984, 10 TDs) and another superstar, Trevon Grimes (38-589, 9 TDs ), have all called it a career and are going to focus on the NFL. The Gators’ 4th best receiver, Jacob Copeland (23-435, 3 TD), is out with COVID. They still have a couple of other guys with experience. Justin Shorter has 23 receptions on the season for 246 and 3 TDs. Kemore Gamble can makeup for Pitts’ absence kind of. He caught 9 passes for 147 yards and 3 TDs.. Keon Zipperer caught a pair of TD passes.

And they still have Kyle Trask, who completed 285-of-409 passes, 70%, for 4,125 yards, 43 TDs against only 5 ints. His numbers were beyond superb. If it wasn’t for DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones, he would capture the Heisman hardware. The Gator running game has not been that swift though. Dameon Pierce has rushed for 443 and 4 TDs. Trask can run pretty well and he’s tough. He’s rushed for 3 TDs.

The defense will have their hands full with the Sooners offense. Redshirt freshman Spencer Rattler figured it out against Texas and really starting cookin after that 53-46 4 OT victory. He has completed 200-of-294 passes, 68%, for 2,784 yards, 25 TDs against only 7 ints. His key target is Marvin Mims, who has 36 receptions for 583 yards and 8 TDs. Jeremiah hall added 17 receptions for 206 and 5 TDs. Charleston Rambo only caught 2 TD passes, but he’s been dangerous for a while in Norman. He posted 23 receptions for 267 yards. The running game is strong led by Rhamondre Stevenson, who, after being suspended for the first 4 games of the season, came on like a concrete truck, rushing for 479 yards on 83 carries, 5.8 yards per carry, and 6 TDs. T.J. Pledger added 451 yards and 5 TDs. So the OU offense is prolific.

They’ve been playing more defense at OU this season. Defensive tackle Isaiah Thomas (6’5”, 267) leads the defense with 12 tackles for loss and adds 7 1/2 sacks. Linebacker Nik Bonitto (6’3”, 238) posted 10 1/2 TFLs and led the team in sacks with 8. The leading tackler on the team is linebacker Brian Asamoah II, who posted 60 stops. The Sooners picked off 13 passes led by Nickelback Tre Norwood, who intercepted 4 passes. So the Sooners, under Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch have improved on that side of the ball.

Decision

Everything is working against Florida. They lost their last 2 games, a shocking upset loss to LSU and a close, very thrilling one, but devastating one to the Crimson Tide. They’ve lost their top 4 receivers for this game, and they only have 60 scholarship players according to Dan Mullen.

But I still like’em.

The Oklahoma players are already talking about being national champions next year. Rattler seems to already have that figured out. While you would think Florida is the team that won’t be focused, I like the Gators to be the team that IS focused and Oklahoma the team that will be overlooking the Gators. I like that wounded dog theory. Don’t mess with one. That’s what you have in the Gators. Like Kyle Trask and his makeshift receiving corps, who are mostly 4 stars and Kemore Gamble was a 5 star so I use that term makeshift loosely, to outscore the Sooners. Trask gets’er done.. He’ll be motivated too with trying to impress the people at the next level, plus he’s a competitor, he wants to go out with a New Year’s Six Cotton Bowl victory. That’s very important to him, too. He didn’t wait his time on the bench his first couple of years to go out a loser. He’s a winner. Give me Trask and the Gatuhs. OU’s defense, though better, hasn’t faced the likes of Trask. They’ll score too, but Florida will edge them out in the scoring department. Should be an epic in Jerryville.

Florida 49, Oklahoma 45

First week record: 7-3

Cheez-It Bowl

No.18 Oklahoma State (7-3) vs. No. 21 Miami (8-2)

Camping World Stadium, Orlando

4:30 PM CT

ESPN

Dave O’Brien, Tim Hasselbeck, Katie George

Laundry, SEC, Steve Marlowe

OK State by 1 1/2

It all starts with D’Eriq King for the Canes. King (5’11”, 202) has completed 200 of 315 passes, 64%, for 2,570 yards, 22 TDs against only 5 ints. He’s also rushed for 520 yards and 4 TDs. His key weapon on the perimeter is Mike Harley (5’11”, 180), who has 49 receptions on the season for 730 yards and 6 TDs. Tight end Brevin Jordan ( 6’3”, 245) added 30 receptions for 480 yards and 5 TDs. Running back Cam’ron Harris rushed for 579 yards and 9 scores. They’ll be missing defensive ends Jaelen Phillips and Quincy Roche who have opted to sit this one out for the draft. The Canes leading tackler is safety Bubba Bolden (6’3”, 200), who recorded 65 tackles for the season. Losing Phillips and Roche hurts because Phillips recorded 15 1/2 tackles for loss and 8 sacks, while Roche added 14 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks. Cornerback Al Blades Jr. (6’1’“, 192), the nephew of former Miami great wide receiver Bennie Blades in the glory years in the late ‘80’s early 90’s, led the team with 2 interceptions, but was ruled out December 9th for the rest of the season with a heart complication., myocarditis, related to a positive test for COVID-19. The Canes only posted 7 ints on the season.

The Cowboys will be missing all world running back Chuba Hubbard, who is opting out. Dezmon Jackson (5’11”, 218) is a pretty strong back though. He rushed for 526 yards and 4 TDs. Quarterback Spencer Sanders (6’1”, 205) completed 128 of 207 passes, 62%, for 1,702 yards, 10 TDs, but 8 ints. Tylan Wallace (6’0”, 190) is the Cowboys leading receiver with 53 receptions for 872 yards and 6 TDs. Their leading tackler is linebacker Amen (Corner) Ogbongbemiga (6’1”, 235), who posted 76 tackles. Safety Tre Sterling (5’11”, 200) led the team in TFLs with 8 1/2. Sterling and fellow safety Kolby Harvell-Peel (6’0”, 210) led the defense with 2 interceptions apiece with Sterling taking one back to duh house. The Pokes accumulated 6 ints on the season.

Final Analysis and Decision

I don’t really trust Canes’ Coach Manny Diaz or offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee, but I really trust King. He’s a phenomenal player and has decided to come back for another season, so he still has more he wants to accomplish in college football, which is very refreshing. Miami got embarrassed at home by UNC, 62-26, to close out the season, so they’ve got redemption on their minds. I like D’Eriq to lead the Canes over the top with his spectacular playmaking ability. I’ll take the Canes in a slight upset.

Miami 38, Oklahoma State 35

Tonight

Valero Alamo Bowl

No. 20 Texas (6-3) vs. Colorado (4-1)

Alamodome, San Antone

8 CT

ESPN

Jason Benetti, Mike Golic Sr., Kris Budden

Yella, SEC, Marc Curles, Makes mistakes

Horns by 7 1/2

Sam Ehlinger (6’3”, 225), a homegrown talent from Austin, has been a phenomenal quarterback for the Longhorns in his 4 years in Austin. This season he has completed 184 of 306, 60%, for 2,406 yards, 25 TDs against 5 ints. He has also rushed for 382 yards and 8 TDs. Running back Bijan Robinson (6’0”, 222) compiled 520 rushing yards on the season along with 3 TDs and Roschon Johnson (6’2”, 227) rushed for 386 yards and 5 TDs. Joshua Moore (6’1”, 169) caught 25 passes for 386 yards and 7 TDs and Brennan Eagels (6’4”, 229) recorded 28 receptions for 469 yards and 5 TDs. Linebacker Joseph Ossai (6’4”, 253) posted 15 1/2 tackles for loss and 5 1/2 sacks. He is the second leading tackler on the team with 55. Linebacker Juwan Mitchell (6’1”, 230) led the team in tackles with 59. The Longhorns have 8 interceptions on the season with 8 players posting 1 each.

For the Buffaloes, they were looking strong after the first 4 games going 4-0 and primed to make the PAC-12 Championship with Utah coming to Boulder. A victory might have secured their spot as PAC-12 officials were considering making it a Colorado-USC All PAC-12 South Championship game with Washington unable to play Oregon for the North Title due to COVID issues and Oregon only coming into that game with a 3-2 mark. Colorado didn’t get that potential opportunity because the Utes blasted them 38-21. Oregon got the forfeit from Washington, USC defeated UCLA and Oregon defeated USC in the Championship game, 31-24.

Quarterback Sam Noyer (6’4”, 220) completed 80 of 137 passes, 58%, for 1,000 yards, 6 TDs against 5 ints. Running back Jarek Broussard (5’9”, 185) led the team in rushing with 813 yards and scored 3 TDs on the ground. Noyer rushed for 191 yards and 5 TDs. The Buffs leading receiver is Dimitri Stanley (5’11”, 195), who caught 16 passes for 249 yards and 1 TD. Branden Rice (6’3”, 205) posted 6 reception for 120 yards and led the team with 2 TDs.

On defense, linebacker Nate Landman (6’3”, 235) led the team in tackles with 53 and added 9 TFLs and 4 sacks.Linebacker Carson Wells (6’4”, 250) led the team in TFLs with 13 1/2 and sacks with 4 1/2. The defense posted 4 ints on the season.

I’m taking my Talents to….

Tom Herman has been under the gun for the last 2 years as all coaches seemingly are at Texas. He is 3-0 in bowls though, and I like his stellar quarterback, Ehlinger to lead the Horns to another bowl victory. Maybe Herman can save his job next season with at least getting IN the Big 12 Championship Game. May have to win it too. His recruiting class was 17th in the country according to 247 Sports. He got 1, 5 Star, 8 4 stars, and 11, 3 stars. An impressive victory here might get him some more high quality signees in February. Texas boosters are impatient, as most big time boosters are, so Herman needs to step it up. This would be a good start.

Texas 38, Colorado 28

I think I like the Bryan Harsin hiring by Auburn. Harsin accumulated a 69-19 record at Boise State, 78%, which is strong. He was 12-2 in 2014, his first year, and won the Fiesta Bowl. He was 12-2 in 2019 and 8-0 in the Mountain West. He was 9-3 in ‘15, winning the Poinsettia Bowl, 10-3 in ‘16, losing the Cactus Bowl, 11-3 in 2017, winning the Las Vegas Bowl, and 10-3 in 2018. Their bowl game that year was canceled due to weather. This year his team finished 5-2 losing to San Jose State in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game.

So some good overall numbers. It was definitely an outside the box hire by AD Allen Greene and President Jay Gogue. Some were expecting a Kevin Steele-safe hire, or a dangerous hire in Hugh Freeze or Lane Kiffin. Sark was in the running as was Billy Napier. I was high on a Napier hire, but he pulled out. Still, this hire shows promise. He’s a high character guy, which does matter. Auburn leaders, Greene and Gogue were impressed with his competitiveness as well.

So I say give Bryan a shot. I know the Mountain West isn’t the SEC, but coaches come from different backgrounds and succeed in the SEC. He’s a quarterback guru, too, which Bo Nix desperately needs. If he can get Bo Nix playing very good, consistent football that would be a gigantic boost for the team. I wouldn’t mind seeing him keep Steele because Steele is an excellent defensive coach and brings more stability to the program. We’ll see what direction he goes there, that’ll be interesting.

The hire meant Auburn was going a different direction from the standard Auburn background hire. I like it. I’m not saying Harsin will be a resounding success, but I like the out of the box thinking here by Greene and Gogue. Hoping the Tigers can get this program turned around and be competing with the Crimson Tide for championships. The foundation is there. Harsin seems like a strong leader, what the Tigers need. He’ll need a good staff on both sides of the ball that can recruit and develop. But, I like Auburn taking a shot with a guy who’s a standup, straight-shooter guy. Will be very interesting to see what happens on the Plains in recruiting the rest of 2021 and then in the 2021 season. I’m looking forward to seeing the Tigers compete next Friday in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl (12 PM CT. ABC) versus Northwestern to see if the team is excited about their new coach and bring that energy to Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

With DeVonta, Mac, Kyle Trask, and Trevor as the 4 Heisman finalists, I still like DeVonta to win it. Najee finished 5th in voting. I have no idea why they didn’t include Najee in the finalists. He rushed for 1,262 yards, 24 TDs and caught 32 passes for 316 yards and 3 more TDs. What else does he have to do to be a finalist? After the SEC Championship Game, I almost made him my winner with his 5 TDs accounted for. He, DeVonta and Mac are the best in the country, and one of them, as hard as it is to decide, will win it. Unfortunately, Najee didn’t get that opportunity. But Najee can have a big Playoff performance, win a national championship and get picked in the top 5 of the NFL draft April 29th. Najee can be a Derrick Henry in the National Football League. He’s potentially as good as Derrick (O’Neal), and the way he catches the ball out of the backfield, wow, what a weapon. DeVonta is a top 5 or 6 pick as well if I’m looking at the same player as these NFL scouts are. I’d put Mac in the first round as well. Maybe a top 15-20.

Like DeVonta to win it and become the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since 1991 when Des Howard did it and the first non quarterback since 2015 when Derrick won it. But Najee and Mac are so close. You can’t knock what Trevor Lawrence and Kyle Trask have done either. Just a superb group. Lawrence looks like he’ll be the first player selected in the draft. Of course, he’s got a playoff he wants to win in college first. Trask threw for 43 TDs this year and was spectacular and capped it off with a phenomenal SEC Championship Game. it’ll be interesting to see how “interested” the Gators are in facing Oklahoma Wednesday Night in the Orange Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX at 7 PM on ESPN. Looking forward to that one.

Today’s Games/Predictions

Record so far: 5-2

ServPro First Responder Bowl (couldn’t be more deserving people in this country to salute)

No.19 Louisiana (9-1) vs. UTSA (7-4)

Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Anish Shroff, Lugues, Quint

Laundry, ACC, Riley Johnson

LA by 14

Like Billy Napier and his squad to finish off a spectacular season. Napier is going to be an SEC coach sooner rather than later one would think.

Louisiana 35, Texas-San Antonio 17

LendingTree Bowl

Western Kentucky (5-6) vs. Georgia State (5-4)

Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Goin’ Mobile, AL.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Mike Couzens, Jay Walker, Dawn Davenport

Whistles, Mountain West, Mike Cuttone

GA. State by 3 1/2

Give me the Panthers. Shawn Ellitott does a solid job in Atlanta and I’ll take the Sun Belt again over C-USA, though it’s a shame the UAB Blazers aren’t playing today against South Carolina in the Gaspirilla Bowl. Blazers are a very solid outfit.

GA State 30, Western KY 24

FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl

Liberty (9-1) vs. Coastal Carolina (11-0)

Camping World Stadium, Orlando

6:30 PM CT

ESPN

Roy Philpott, Kelly Stouffer, Alex Chappell

Suds and Due Rights, MAC, Ron Hudson

Coastal by 7

I like the Chants to win, but I like a very competitive game.

Coastal 40, Liberty 35

Hope everyone is having a very Merry Christmas. Thought I might give you a little more entertainment today.

Here’s a look at Week 16 in the National Football League with the Postseason 2 weeks away with 7 teams from each conference qualifying for the playoffs in pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy which will happen Sunday, February 7th, 2021 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Super Bowl LV.

Last Week: 8-4

Overall: 67-39, 63%

Today

Vikings (6-8) @ Saints (10-4)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, N’Awlins

3:30 PM CT

FOX/NFL Network

Joe, Troy, EA, Kristina

Laundry: Adrian Hill

Saints by 6 1/2

Breesy and the Saints rebound from a tough 32-29 loss to the Chiefs in which 3 of their top receivers, including MIchael Thomas, a top 3 WR in the NFL, were out. Drew was pretty handicapped by that and Mahomes and company are tough to stop. Had the Saints winning Super Bowl LV (55) in my preseason column. Still believe in’em. They get’er done today at home.

Saints 31 Vikings 24

Saturday

Bucs 31, @LIons 21

Ford Field, Detroit

12 PM CT

NFL Network

Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth, Lindsay Czarniak

Suds& Duds, Scott Novak

Bucs by 9 1/2

TB12 and the offense have a good day and the stout defense gets the job done as well as the Bucs move to 10-5 and position themselves for the Play-offs?

Zona 28, 49ers 23

State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.

3:30 PM CT

Prime Video, should be Amazon Prime

Andrew Cantalon, James Lofton, Sherres Burruss

Refs, Clete Blakeman crew

Zona by 4 1/2

Kyler Murray and his offense do enough even though the Niners keep it close with their still solid defense. Cards move to 9-6.

@Raiders 28, Dolphins 27

Allegiant Stadium, Vegas

7:15 PM CT

NFL Network

Joe Davis, Kurt Warner, Melissa Stark

Jimmy Rane, Tony Corrente

Fins by 3

Like the Raiduhs to edge out Tua and the Dolphins. The Raiders HAVE to have this at home to move to 8-7 and qualify for the playoffs. Dolphins still very much alive in the playoffs at 9-6.

Sunday

@Chiefs 38, Falcons 27

Arrowhead Stadium, K.C.

12 PM CT

FOX

Kevin Burkhardt, Moose Johnston, Pam Oliver

Yella, Craig Wrolstad

Chiefs by 10 1/2

Taking the “Patrick Price” once again. Hard guy to go against. Seems to always deliver. Jake from State Farm is still not going to cut him a deal though, so that’s about the only thing not working for him at present. Chiefs move to 14-1.

Browns 34, @Jets 23

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, Joizey

12 PM CT

CBS

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins

Wood, Land Clark

Browns by 10 1/2

Bake being Bake and the outstanding Browns move to 11-4.

Colts 28, @Steelers 24

Heinz Field

12 PM CT

CBS

Jim, Tony, Trace

Ole Yeller, Alex Kemp

Colts by 1 1/2

The Steelers slide continues against a stellar Colts D. Steelers fall to 11-4, good record, but 4 losses in a row. Colts move to 11-4.

Bears 28, @Jaguars 20

TIAA Bank Stadium, JAX, FL.

12 PM CT

CBS

Greg Gumbel, Rich Gannon, Jay Feely

Eddie Burg, Jerome Boger

Bears by 7 1/2

Bears keep their resurgence going as they move to 8-7 and keep their playoff hopes alive. Jaguars’ lead in the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes still in tact.

@Ravens 34, Jets 20

M&T Stadium, Baltimore

12 PM CT

FOX

Kevin Kugler, Brock Huard, Laura Okmin

Aladdin, John Hussey

Ravens by 10 1/2

Lamar Jackson and his Ravens, after a mini slump, are getting their momentum back. Move to 10-5.

Carolina 27, @ Washington Football Team 24

FedEx Field, Landover, MD

3:05 PM CT

CBS

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn

Tide, Carl Cheffers

Football Team by 2 1/2

Too much dysfunction with the Football Team this week with quarterback Dwayne Haskins at a strip joint last Sunday Night with no mask. Kid’s not focused. He and Hugh Freeze should hang out together. Common interests. Panthers pull off the upset.

@Cowboys 31, Eagles 30

AT&T Stadium

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake

Yeller Wood, Shawn Smith

Eagles by 2 1/2

Like the ‘Boys to pull off the upset and keep their still viable playoff hopes alive with a Football Team loss.

Rams 30, @Seahawks 28

Lumen Field

3:25 PM CT

FOX

Joe, Troy, EA

Stripes Bill Vinovich crew

Seattle by 1

Give me the Rams in the slight upset on the road.

Sunday Night Football

Titans 31, @Packers 30

Lambeau Field

7:20 CT

NBC

Al, Cris, Michele

Refs, Brad Allen crew

Packers by 3

I like Derrick Henry and the awesome Titans to pull off the upset at Lambeau. Titans move to 11-4, Packers drop to 11-4.

Monday Night Football

Bills 28, @Patriots 20

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA.

7:15 CT

ESPN

Steve, Grease, Louis

Refs, Ron Tolbert crew

Bills by 7

Big believer in Josh Allen and this spectacular Bills team. Bills move to 12-3 and take over 2nd place in AFC standings from the Steelers. Not the Patriots year. They need a quarterback.

My wife asked me Saturday Night, after the historically good offensive SEC Championship Game in which the No.1 Crimson Tide outlasted the No.7 Florida Gators, 52-46, in a game where both defenses were torched by supersonic offenses, which 4 teams would make the playoff. I made 2 statements, one was which teams SHOULD be in the Playoff and which teams WOULD be in the Playoff.

For the 4 teams that I thought should be in the playoff, I picked in order, No.1 Alabama, No.2 Clemson, No.3 Texas A&M and No.4 Florida. Those are the 4 best teams in the country, regardless of record. I’d put Texas A&M ahead of Florida only because they won the head to head. Florida could probably defeat A&M on a neutral field. Then I said which teams would be in the playoff, No.1 Alabama, No.2 Clemson, No.3 Ohio State and No.4 Notre Dame.

Notre Dame got demolished by Clemson, 34-10, as was expected quite honestly. Clemson was without Trevor Lawrence and key defensive players in the first game at Notre Dame in which the Fighting Irish won 47-40 in double overtime at home. With all hands on deck, Clemson was the much better team. Notre Dame is going to get destroyed by Alabama. We’ll hear for the next 10 days how the Fighting Irish are being disrespected and some people will start giving them a chance, but if Alabama just plays the way they are capable of, and their defense steps it up, it’ll be over by midway through the second quarter. Ohio State struggled with Northwestern and Clemson will most likely dominate them unless Ohio State’s players who were missing, and there were several of them Saturday due to COVID, return and are effective. That could make it a closer game, but I’m really favoring a Bama-Clemson rematch in the National Championship Game Monday, January 11th, 2021 at 7 PM CT on ESPN. , They’re the best 2 teams, so bring on Bama-Clemson 5 once again. It’ll be a thriller. I’m predicting the playoff games early, but I’ll have a full report on Gameday for the playoff games along with predictions. The Crimson Tide needs a lot of work on their secondary play, but in fairness to Patrick Surtain III and his teammates on the back end, Florida’s offense is highly prolific, and they’ll be better against the Fighting Irish. Clemson will be a formidable task for the Crimson Tide secondary. Both teams still can’t overlook their semifinal opponents. Can’t take a day off, or it’ll cost you.

On Saturday Night’s game, the individual performances were stunning. Who stuck out to me the most was Najee Harris and it was a high bar. Najee rushed for 178 yards on 31 carries and accounted for 5 touchdowns, an 8 yard and a 1 yard rush for TDs, and a 7 yard, a 23 yard and a 17 yard pass receiving TDs. Incredible stuff. DeVonta Smith accounted for 15 receptions for 184 yards and 2 TDs, a 31 yarder and a 15 yarder, and Mack Jones was 33-of-43 for 418 yards 4 TDs and 1 int, a very interesting interception which I’ll talk about a little more shortly. All 3 should be Heisman Finalists along with Kyle Trask and Trevor Lawrence. I’ll stick with my DeVonta pick, as he has been the most impactful player in college football this season overall, but Najee and Mac are so close, as are Trask and Lawrence. But Trask’s team lost 3 games, and Lawrence missed action this season, so it comes down to the 3 amigos for the Tide. I’ll take DeVonta barely over Mac and Najee. It’s almost an impossible pick, but you have to pick one to win, so I’ll take Smith. Mac could very well win it because he’s a quarterback, a wide receiver has not won the Heisman since 1991 when Desmond Howard won it. But give me DeVonta to end that 29 year drought.

Trask completed 26-of-40 passes for 408 yards and 3 TDs and Kadarius Toney caught 8 passes for 153 yards and a 51 yard TD. Kyle Pitts caught 7 passes for 129 yards and a 22 yard TD. It was superb offense by the Gators as well. Not a massive indictment on the Alabama secondary, but a concerning one for sure with the playoff looming.

Maybe the most powerful play of the game was John Metchie’s hit on Florida safety Trey Dean Jr. after Dean intercepted a Jones pass. Probably the most pivotal play of the game. After Dean picked off the pass in what was an outstanding play on his part, he was bringing it back and Metchie came from the blind side and annihilated Dean with a clean hit to his shoulder pad that jarred the ball loose and Devonta Smith recovered the ball at the Florida 31. Smith then caught a 31 yard TD pass from Jones. It was spectacular. Coach Saban explained afterwards the team takes about 10 minutes at the beginning of each practice running those knocking the ball out drills with his receivers and running backs being on the receiving end of those type of plays. Metchie took that out on the Florida defender. It was sensational.

So the No.1 Crimson Tide now squares off with No.4 Notre Dame in what will be called the Rose Bowl that will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas at 3 PM CT January 1, 2021, on ESPN. The game was moved from Pasadena so the players’ families could attend the game. California Governor Gavin Newsom would not allow any fans in the Rose Bowl, so the Playoff Committee moved the game to Arlington. That was a very good move. There will be around 16,000 fans at the game. No.2 Clemson will play in the second semifinal versus No.3 Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl at 7 PM CT New Year’s Day on ESPN at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. So should be a spectacular day of football.

The 4 other New Year’s Six Bowls starts with the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Wednesday, Dec. 30th with No.7 Florida facing No.6 Oklahoma. Nice matchup there. Kyle Pitts has opted out of the game for Florida and it’ll be interesting to see if the Gators are even interested in playing this game. That game will kickoff at 7 PM CT and ESPN will televise. On Friday, New Year’s Day, No.9 Georgia will face No.8 Cincinnati in the Chick-fil-A Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with an 11 AM CT kickoff on ESPN. Georgia has been playing good football lately with JT Daniels at quarterback and they’re trying to make a statement that they’ll be a team to be reckoned with in 2021. Cincinnati will try to prove to the Committee that they made a mistake.

On January 2, 2021, No.25 Oregon faces No.10 Iowa State in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at Jake from State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona at 3 PM CT on ESPN. Oregon had an impressive 30-24 victory over USC in the PAC-12 Championship and will be out to prove themselves and set themselves up for a big 2021. Iowa State has been solid this season, so nice matchup there. And at 7 PM CT on January 2nd, No.5 Texas A&M will face No.13 North Carolina at the Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami. Kellen Mond and company will also be trying to show the Committee they blew it not putting the 8-1 Aggies in the Playoff field. UNC also had a very solid season at 8-3 and brings a prolific offense to the game. ESPN will televise that game as well.

The National Championship Game will be played Monday, Jan. 11th, 2021 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami at 7 PM CT on ESPN.

This week’s predictions through Friday.

This Past Weekend; 12-4

Final Regular Season Record: 222-89, 71%

Today

Myrtle Beach Bowl

Appalachian State 42, North Texas 21

Brooks Stadium, Conway, S.C.

1:30 PM CT

ESPN

Courtney Lyle, Eric MaClain, Marty/McGee

Refs: MAC, Luke Richmond

App State by 19 1/2

Like a pretty strong Sun Belt team to handle a C-USA team. App State finishes the season 9-3, excellent record in this unprecedented year, and North Texas finishes 4-6.

Tuesday

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Tulane 31, Nevada 27

Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, Taylor Davis

Laundry: PAC-12, Steve Strimling

Tulane by 3

My nephew, Jim Haines, goes to Tulane, so I’m going to take the “Fightin Jims,” to move to 7-5 on the season playing in a challenging American Conference over a solid Nevada team that finishes its season 6-3. I like this game to be exciting.

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl

No. 16 BYU 38, UCF 30

FAU Stadium, Boca Raton, FL.

6 PM CT

ESPN

Dave Neal, DJ Shockley, Loricia Harris

Whistles, Big Ten, Tim O’Day

BYU by 7

I like another riveting game on Tuesday. BYU kind of got a tough deal finding out 2 days before that they were playing Coastal Carolina at Coastal. But the team took it like champs and played Coastal a very tough game, losing 22-17 and coming up 1 yard short of winning the game and going undefeated this season and making a strong case for a New Year’s Six Bowl, though they probably would have been edged out by Cincy. They deserved better this season as they finished 10-1, but they’ll be ready tomorrow night. BYU is an incredibly solid program under coach Kalani Sitake.

Wednesday

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl

Georgia Southern 34, Louisiana Tech 27

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, N’Awlins

2 PM CT

ESPN

Matt Barrie, Mike Golic Jr., Dawn Davenport

Laundry, American, Charles Lamertina

Ga, Southern by 5

Taking the Sun Belt over C-USA again, though the UAB players played a fantastic game in defeating Marshall @ Marshall in the C-USA Championship Game last Friday Night. The Blazers have a huge game for the program this Saturday versus South Carolina in the Gasparilla Bowl at 11 AM CT on ESPN. More on the Blazers game on Saturday coming up.

Montgomery Bowl

Memphis 41, Florida Atlantic 31

Cramton Bowl, Montgomery

6 PM CT

ESPN

Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman, Lauren Sisler

Yella, Sun Belt, Marshall Lewis

Memphis by 8

Like the Tigers out of a strong American Conference to finish their season 8-3. FAU, from C-USA, drops to 5-4.

Thursday

New Mexico Bowl

Houston 48, Hawaii 35

Toyota Stadium, Frisco, TX. Moved from Albuquerque, N.M due to COVID concerns there.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

John Schriiffen, Rene Ingoglia, Kris Budden

Yella Wood, C-USA, Chris Bynum

Houston by 11 1/2

Like Coach Dana Holgerson and his high flying Cougars to light up the scoreboard. Not much defense will be played in this game.

Friday, Christmas Day

Camellia Bowl

Buffalo 34, Marshall 30

Cramton Bowl, Montgomery

1:30 PM CT

ESPN

Bill Roth, Dustin Fox, Lauren Sisler

Vogue, American, Edwin Lee

Buffalo by 3

Buffalo lost a tough one to Ball State in the MAC Championship Game, 38-38, but they finish off their abbreviated season 6-1. Marshall puts up a fight, but falls to 7-3, a very respectable record.

I’ll check back in with you on Saturday for Saturday’s 4 matchups, The Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando at 11 AM CT on ESPN pitting Liberty vs No. 12 Coastal Carolina, a very good matchup. UAB faces South Carolina in the Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa at 11 AM on ABC, a great opportunity for the C-USA champs which finished the regular season 6-3 but with 2 strong performances in a row @ Rice and @ Marshall to clinch the conference championship. The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas featuring No.19 Louisiana versus Texas-San Antonio at 2:30 PM CT on ABC. And the Lending Tree Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile featuring Western Kentucky versus Georgia State at 2:30 PM CT on ESPN.

In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas.

Last Time: 11-3

Overall: 59-35, 63%

Saturday

Buffalo Bills (10-3) @Denver Broncos (5-8)

Empower Field at Mile High

3:30 PM CT

NFL Network

Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth, Lindsay Czarniak

Laundry: Clete Blakeman

Bills by 7

Give me red hot quarterback Josh Allen and his Bills. They are playing spectacular football right now. Like’em on the road.

Buffalo 30, Denver 21

Carolina Panthers (4-9) @ Green Bay Packers (10-3)

Lambeau Field

7:15 PM CT

NFL Network

Tirico, Kurt Warner, Melissa Stark

Lead Stripe: Alex Kemp

Packers by 8

The Rodgers Rate continues to cruise and keep the Packers with the home field in the NFC throughout the playoffs. Still 2 more games, but like the Packers to take care of business on the Frozen Tundra.

Packers 34, Panthers 24

Sunday

Tampa Bay Bucs (8-5) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-9)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

12 PM CT

FOX

Kevin Burkhardt, Darryl Johnston, Pam Oliver

Yello, Brad Rogers

Bucs by 6

I like this to be close. Brady and Bucs just outlast the great Calvin Ridley and the Falcons.

Bucs 31, Falcons 28

49ers (5-8) @ Cowboys (4-9)

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

12 PM CT

CBS

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins

Suds and Duds or Due Rights’ Home Sweet Home: Land Clark

SF by 3

I like Andy Dalton and the Cowboys to pull off the slight upset at home, and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They would move to 5-9. Wash Football Team is leading the NFC East at 6-7, so they’ll need help.

Cowboys 28, 49ers 27

Detroit Lions (5-8) @Tennessee Titans (9-4)

Nissan Stadium, Nashvegas

12 PM CT

CBS

Spero Dedes, Adam Achuleta

Richard Burg (Vogue, quite an MBHS QB, as Pony and several others would attest to, 2 time 6A state champion in 1975-76, amazing teams) Jerome Boger

Titans by 11

Like the awesome Derrick “O’Neal” Henry to have another massive 150+ yard game for his Titans. A team that can challenge the Chiefs for the AFC Championship.

Titans 35, Lions 23

Patriots (6-7) @ Dolphins (8-5)

Hard Rock, South Beach

12 PM CT

CBS

Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn

Aladdin Cleaners (can be a little heavy on the starch, but overall solid group) Brad Allen

Fins by 3

Give me Tua and his Dolphins to keep their very real playoff hopes alive.

Dolphins 31, Patriots 27

Bears (6-7) @ Vikings (6-7)

U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

12 PM CT

FOX

Chris Myers, Greg Jennings, Jen Hale

Jimmy Rane (working on that Auburn Coach as we speak); Shawn Smith

Vikes by 3

Huge playoff implications in this game. The winner can make the 7 team NFC playoff field, while the loser will be in trouble. Give me the Men from the North in a tight one.

Vikings 28, Bears 24

Seahawks (9-4) @ Wash Football Team (6-7)

FedEx Field, Landover, MD.

12 PM CT

FOX

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Shannon Spake

Lead Yeller, Adrian Hill

Seahawks by 5

Give me the Football Team to pull off the upset at home. The return of Alex Smith from a horrendous injury that was life threatening has brought this franchise back to life.

Update

Alex Smith is out Sunday with a strained right calf, so Dwayne Haskins will get the start for the Football Team. Makes it harder, but already made this prediction, so will have to stick with it.

Football Team 27, Seahawks 24

Eagles (4-8-1) @Zona (7-6)

State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.

3:05 PM CT

FOX

Brandon Gaudin, Aqib Talib, Sara Walsh

Launderer, Craig Wrolstad

Zona by 6 1/2

Jalen Hurts vs Kyler Murray, former standouts in college, Jalen at Bama and OU, and Murray, the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner for Oklahoma, square off. Jalen gave the Eagles a huge lift last Sunday afternoon in a 24-21 victory over the Saints. I like it close, but Murray to prevail. Could be a stellar QB matchup for the future.

Cards 31, Eagles 27

Chiefs (12-1) @ Saints (10-3)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, N’Awlins

3:25 PM CT

CBS

Jim, Tony, Trace

Lead Stripe, Scott Novak

Chiefs by 3

Breesy is back for the Saints, which makes this contest the most riveting game of the year. The Saints HAVE to have this if they want to capture home field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, and they’ll need a Packers loss and to take care of business the rest of the way. It’s hard to go against Mahomes, but I’ll try again.

Saints 35, Chiefs 34

Sunday Night Football

Browns (9-4) @Giants (5-8)

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, Jersey

7:20

NBC

Al, Cris, Michelle

Yella, Shawn Hochuli

Browns by 6 1/2

Browns lost in a phenomenal game to the Ravens on Monday Night, 47-42. Don’t know what happened to the defenses in that game, but Lamar Jackson was terrific and Bake was being Bake. I like Bake to be Bake again this Sunday Night.

Browns 37, Giants 24

Is it Monday Night yet?

Steelers (11-2) @Bengals (2-10-1)

Paul Brown Stadium, Cincy

7:15 CT

ESPN

Steve Levy, Grease, Louis, Lisa

Wood, Clay Martin

Steelers by 13

After falling to the Bills on the road, the men of Steel get their momentum back.

Steelers 38, Bengals 24

Last Week:14-7

Overall: 210-85, 71%

We all know the where the Playoff Rankings stand. No.1 Bama, No.2 Notre Dame, No.3 Clemson, No.4 Ohio State, No.5 Texas A&M, No.6 Iowa State.

Could be some riveting scenarios Sunday when the Selections are revealed on ESPN at 11 AM CT, maybe a little later with the prelim talk. If Bama, Clemson and Ohio State win, they are in. If Notre Dame loses in a close game, they’re in as well. But if Notre Dame was to defeat Clemson, that would get interesting. Dabo is politicking saying even if Clemson loses, they deserve to be in. That’s a tough one. If you have 2 losses, it seems like you’d be left out. But, by the eye test, if Clemson loses a last possession/field goal game to Notre Dame, Clemson looks to be a top 4 team and will get in as the No.4 seed. If Clemson blows Notre Dame’s doors off, that gets interesting with Texas A&M, assuming they take care of business in Knoxville. One of the commentators last night on ESPN, I think it was Bear, brought up, do you really want to see an Alabama-A&M rematch? I wouldn’t. So Notre Dame could get in regardless. But if Iowa State hammers Oklahoma or Oklahoma hammers Iowa State and Notre Dame gets blasted by Clemson, it gets very interesting, particularly for Iowa State, as they would be Big 12 Champ, they’re sitting at No.6 and playing really good football. Oklahoma is No.10, but if they could put on a stellar performance and annihilate Iowa State, and the Irish gets blown out by Clemson, the Sooners, which I believe have looked like a top 4 team in the past month and a half, have an outside shot, slim, but the Committee puts precedence on “who the best 4 teams are.”

So it’ll be a must see championship Friday and Saturday in College Football. Here’s a look at the action along with Predictions.

No.1 Alabama (10-0) vs. No. 7 Florida (8-2)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

7 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Lead Ref: Matt Loefller

Bama by 17

I like the Three Amigos, Jones, Harris and Smith, to go off against a weak Gators defense. What’s been a spectacular development for the Crimson Tide has been the stellar play of the defense along with the dynamic and explosive play by the offense. DeVonta has caught 83 passes for 1,327 yards and 15 TDs, second only in TD catches to Jaelon Darden of North Texas, who has 19. Najee has scored 22 rushing TDs this season and rushed for 1,084 yards. He’s 7th in the country in rushing yards, Breece Hall of Iowa State leads at 1,357 yards, and is tied for the lead in scoring with Javonte Williams of UNC with 132 points. He also leads the country in touchdowns scored with his 22. Mac has been beyond spectacular. He has completed 217 of 284 passes, 76%, for 3,321 yards, 27 TDs against only 3 interceptions. So to me, it’s between those 3 for the Heisman. I’ll stick with DeVonta, but all 3 should be finalist for the Heisman Trophy Virtual presentation on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 at 6 PM CT on ESPN, and one more depending on who plays well this Saturday, either Ian Book or Trevor Lawrence, even Breece Hall. Kyle Trask was not as swift last Saturday and, along with the most hysterical thing I’ve even seen on a football field that was also tremendously costly when Florida cornerback Marco Wilson heaved an LSU wide receiver’s shoe 20 yards downfield which cost Florida a shot at possibly making the Playoff, he’s probably not in consideration as much anymore They would still have to defeat the Crimson Tide, which is an almost outrageously tall order. Even if they held on against LSU last Saturday and Wilson hadn’t shot putted a shoe on 3rd and dumb. they were going to have trouble with Bama. Do you think anybody is saying “Bring on Bama,” right now? Most of the contenders are saying, “No Mas.”

Alabama 52, Florida 24

No. 3 Clemson 41, No.2 Notre Dame 28

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.

3 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Lead Laundry: Jeff Heaser

Clemson by 10

This is going to be a different outcome from what happened in South Bend in early November. Trevor Lawrence doesn’t have COVID this time, the Clemson defense is healthier, and Clemson wants to solidify their spot in the Playoff. The Fighting Irish may still get in, though they’ll be on pins and needles Sunday morning.

No.4 Ohio State 45, No. 14 Northwestern 23

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indy

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Laundry: Mark Kluczynski

Buckeyes by 20 1/2

I love what the Wildcats are doing at 6-1, but this is too tall an order for them this season. Like Justin Fields and his team to play their way into the Playoff even with a 6-0 record after this Big Ten Championship Game. They qualify by the “Eye Test.”

No.10 Oklahoma 35, No.6 Iowa State 28

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX. “Jear Will, Get BY.”

11 AM CT

ABC

Sean, Todd, McShay, Allison

Yella: David Alvarez

OU by 5 1/2

Oklahoma avenges an earlier loss to Iowa State in Ames, 37-30. Probably not enough to catapult them into the Playoff, but a solid season and a New Year’s Six Bowl with “High Hopes” for 2021 in Norman.

No.5 Texas A&M 35, Tennessee 17

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

11 AM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Dusty Dvoracek, Quint Kessenich

A&M by 14

The Aggies are impressive and give the Committee a lot to think about on Saturday Night, Sunday morning, though I don’t like a rematch with the Crimson Tide, although if A&M impresses and Notre Dame collapses, maybe A&M deserves a shot with the Tide.

Ole Miss 42, LSU 38

Tiger Stadium, Baaton Rouge, Lousiana

2:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Cole

Ole Miss by 2 1/2

The Bengal Tigers were impressive in upsetting Florida last Saturday Night in the Swamp, but too much Lane and his offense for them this Saturday.

Mississippi State 27, Missouri 24

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

2:30 PM CT

SEC Alternate, 611-1 on DirecTV, 820 on Charter

Roy Philpott, Kelly Stouffer, Dawn Davenport

Mizzou by 1

Going to be a tight one in Starkvegas, but I’ll take Leach and the Bullies.

Friday

No.13 USC 35, Oregon 31

Memorial Coliseum, L.A.

7 PM CT

FOX

Joe Davis, Mark Helfrich

Yella Wood: Chris Coyte

Trojans by 3

USC completes a 6-0 season, and a spot in a New Year’s Six Bowl, probably the Fiesta, with the PAC-12 Championship victory, though the Rose Bowl could be in play as Bill Hancock, the Executive Director of the College Football Playoff, is saying that California Governor Gavin Newsom should let families of the players into the Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl. The other Semifinal Game is at the Sugar Bowl, Alabama’s most likely destination. The Rose Bowl/Semifinal 1 is scheduled for Friday January 1st at 4 PM CT on ESPN, and the Sugar Bowl/Semifinal 2 is set for 7:45 CT New Year’s Night on ESPN.

If Newsome doesn’t let the families come see their sons play, the Playoff Game could be moved to another New Year’s Six Bowl location, possibly the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. where the restrictions aren’t so severe. Newsome has banned about every public gathering imaginable in California. It’s pretty much Hitler/Nazi stuff. I know we’ve got to be careful, but the guy’s outrageous.

Saturday

No.9 Cincinnati 35, No. 23 Tulsa 20

Nippert Stadium, Cincy

7 PM CT

ABC

Tess, Greg Holly

Vogue: Charles Lametina

Bearcats by 14

Cincy has done everything it possibly can to make the playoff, but they’ll come up a little short unless they get massive chaos above them. But they’ll be a New Year’s Six team which equates to a phenomenal regular season. Cincy takes the American Conference Championship and completes a 9-0 regular season.

No. 19 Louisiana @ No. 12 Coastal Carolina is canceled

Due to a COVID positive test in the Coastal program. The positive will affect an entire position group which doesn’t allow Coastal to play. It’s a tough deal for Louisiana as they had hopes of defeating Coastal and winning the Sun Belt Championship and becoming the highest ranking Group of Five team leading to a New Year’s Six Bowl. Now, if Cincy were to lose to Tulsa, Coastal would most likely be the Group of 5 representative. So feel bad for Billy Napier and the Ragin Cajuns. COVID is a challenging thing in football and life.

No. 24 San Jose State 31, Boise State 28

Sam Boyd Stadium, the Real Vegas

3:15 PM CT

FOX

Tinmy B, Petros Papadakis

Stripe: Scott Campbell

Boise State by 6 1/2

The Spartans are 6-0 for a reason. They do what Boise State has done to other teams. They slay the giant in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game.

U-A-B 30, Marshall 24

Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington, West VA.

6 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Rich Waltz, Aaron Taylor, Jenny Dell

Herd by 5 1/2

Like UAB in an upset on the road. Gaft and his “Gang of 7” will be happy with this.

Friday

Buffalo 35, Ball State 21

Ford Field, Motor City

6:30 PM CT

ESPN

Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman, Katie George

Aladdin: Tom Stapleton

Buffalo by 13 1/2

Give me Jaret Patterson and the Bulls. Patterson rushed for 409 yards and 8 TDs against Kent State on November 28th, after rushing for 301 yards and 4 TDs Tuesday November 17th versus Bowling Green State. I like Patterson to explode in this game as Buffalo takes the MAC Championship Game.

Saturday

Army 27, Air Force 24

Michie Stadium, West Point

2 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Dave Ryan, Ross Tucker, Tina Cervasio, I’ll take a Corona please Tina

Air Force by 2 1/2

Give me the great Todd Monken and his Cadets in the slight upset. Army finishes the regular season 9-2 and moves on to a solid bowl, quite possibly the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth on December 31st at 11 AM CT on ESPN, though a game like the Liberty Bowl could be in play as well.

UCLA 38, Stanford 28

Rose Bowl, Pasadena

6 PM CT

ESPN

Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, Taylor McGregor

Bruins by 7

Like UCLA to finish off a solid 4-3 season. The record may not reflect it, but they started 0-2 and have won what will be 4 of their last 5.

Utah 31, Washington State 17

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City

12:30 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Eric Collins, Ben Leber

Utah by 10 1/2

The Utes after a tremendous 38-21 victory over Colorado last Saturday in snowy Boulder, great hittin weather, finishes their season 3-2 and await their bowl destination. They’ll be back to being Utah next season and they’re showing themselves well now as the season is concluding and they head to the postseason.

Arizona State 42, Oregon State 34

Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Oregon

9:30 PM CT

ESPN

Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore, Stormy Buonantony

Sun Devils by 7

Like Herm Edwards and his Zona State team to also finish strong after annihilating Zona last Friday Night, 70-7 on the road. They finish their season 2-2, and with the Eye Test they should be a bowl team.

.

Robbie Weinstein of Vandy 247 Sports is reporting along with other sources, that Notre Dame Defensive Coordinator Clark Lea is expected to become the next Head Football Coach at Vanderbilt.

Lea has done a stellar job as DC of the Irish and is a Montgomery Bell and Vanderbilt graduate and played at VU.

I don’t know what I think completely about the Lea hire off the bat, but I’m open to giving him a shot. I like the fact that we are hiring a coach before signing day so we can sign as many of our commitments as possible including high 3 star cornerback John Howse IV, who was on the fence after Derek Mason was fired.

I’ve heard an interview with Lea, he’s a serious guy, who cares a lot about the academic side and comes highly recommended by Notre Dame writers and head coach Brian Kelly, though I’m not a huge fan of Kelly, but the Irish are 10-0 right now, so it’s hard to knock the results. Lea has a major task this Saturday stopping Clemson, so that could tell us more.

I think I like the hire, but not positive. He looks like a good fit, but he has no head coaching resume, so it’s hard to project whether he can start getting us back to bowl games and being a highly competitive team like a Northwestern in the Big Ten. That’s what we’re gunning for. Will certainly be pulling for him and advocating him. Will have more later.

The Crimson Tide, as expected, remains at No.1 in the Playoff Rankings with Notre Dame at No.2, Clemson at No. 3 and Ohio State at No. 4. A&M is still at No.5 and Florida is No.6. If Florida defeats LSU this Saturday, which will happen, and somehow pulled off a monumental upset of the Crimson Tide, then they’d make it in. Alabama would still be in, and if Clemson defeats Notre Dame in a competitive game, both Clemson and Notre Dame would make it in. So it would probably be No.1 Alabama, even with the loss, No.2 Florida, No.3 Clemson and No.4 Notre Dame. Ohio State has only played 5 games this season, but the Big Ten made an exception and is allowing them to play in the Big Ten Championship Game next Saturday versus No.14 Northwestern. If the Buckeyes defeat Northwestern, and Alabama defeats Florida, they’ll be in. If Clemson defeats Notre Dame, Notre Dame may fall to 4 and Clemson move up to 2 and Ohio State to 3 with Bama at No.1. Texas A&M would be left out, and honestly, they’re good, but I don’t see them as a top 4 team like the others. Florida at No.6, needs to take care of business Saturday and pull off an upset of No.1 Alabama and they’d make it in. That would make it very interesting. The Crimson Tide would still be in, but if Clemson defeats Notre Dame handily and Ohio State defeated Northwestern, I would gather that Notre Dame would be left out. If it’s a competitive game to the end and Clemson wins, Clemson, Florida, Alabama and Notre Dame would be in with Ohio State being left out. So a lot of interesting scenarios ahead of us. It can be a little overwhelming to try and figure it out, but teams will be able to control their own destiny at the end, for the most part.

Iowa State moved ahead of Cincy at No.7. Cincy is at No.8. Iowa State has OU next Saturday in the Big 12 Championship Game, so they most likely won’t get in the playoff unless some serious chaos happens ahead of them like Florida defeating Alabama, Northwestern defeating Ohio State and Notre Dame defeating Clemson. If they defeat Oklahoma for the second time this season and those dominoes fall, that would be a very interesting decision to see if the Committee would put Iowa State in ahead of A&M with Alabama, Notre Dame and Florida. So the Cyclones have a lot to play for. Some seriously interesting football coming up.

There are some solid matchups this Friday and Saturday. Here’s a look at the slate along with predictions.

Last Week: 20-6

Overall: 196-78, 72%.

No.1 Alabama (9-0) @ Arkansas (3-6)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

11 AM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, Kris Budden

Crimson Tide by 32 1/2

The Tide gets an early start on the road. I like them to play well and DeVonta Smith to keep building his resume in hopes of winning the Heisman Trophy. I don’t know why it’s not between Mac Jones and DeVonta with Kyle Trask right there too. DeVonta and Mac along with Trask will showcase their talents this Saturday and next Saturday in Atlanta. DeVonta, to me, is the most impactful player in football, and if he has another epic game Saturday and backs it up with an epic against Florida, he should secure the Heisman to become the third Nick Saban player to do so following Mark Ingram in 2009 and Derek Henry in 2015. Mac makes a good case, but I know he or DeVonta would be happy if the other one gets it. Can’t count out Trask either. DeVonta is the most important player to his team in college football. With Jaylen Waddle going down for the season on the opening kickoff against Tennessee, DeVonta HAD to step up and has he ever answered the bell. Needs 2 more good games, but he’ll most likely provide those. The Heisman finalists will be announced Christmas Eve, Thursday, 12-24 and the winner will be announced virtually Tuesday, January 5th, 2021.

S wants his team to become his second team to go undefeated in the regular season following the 2009 team that finished 14-0 and won S’s first national championship at Alabama, which was used to that with Bear Bryant in the 60’s and 70’s. S stressed going undefeated in the regular season this week, along with the fact that it’s an All-SEC schedule, so he’ll have his players ready. The defense has stepped it up hugely the past 3 or 4 games and the offense is just a well oiled scoring machine. I like the Crimson Tide to keep up their sterling work on Saturday.

Alabama 48, Arkansas 14

Auburn (5-4) @ Mississippi State (2-6)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Auburn by 6 1/2

Malfunction Malzahn said 6-4 would be “a very solid season.” You gotte be kiddin me. I’m sure the Auburn faithful are thrilled with 6-4. If Malzahn loses to State, it could be curtains. If that happens, Auburn would have to play him a $31M buyout with, 1/2 of it, $15.5 M due in the first 30 days. Jimmy Sexton sure pulled a fast one on the Auburn Brain Trust. So it would be hard to dismiss him, though the results have been erratic ever since he’s been at Auburn except for 2013 when the Tigers went to the National Championship Game where they fell to Florida State. He’s been very average in my opinion and Auburn can do better. Jamey Chadwell from Coastal Carolina or Billy Napier of Louisiana would be good options if Auburn decides to absorb that massive blow to the checkbook, and with the revenues so far down in college football, Auburn may have to wait till 2021 and Chadwell and Napier may have other jobs. But there are some options with other coaches. It’s a place you maybe can win a National Championship at with the right guy in charge. If Gene Chizik can win it all, anything is possible with the right coach. The resources and fan support are certainly there. So it’ll be interesting to see what happens if State upsets the Tigers. I’m not predicting that, but it’ll be close.

Auburn 27, Mississippi State 24

Navy (3-6) @ Army (7-2)

Michie Stadium, West Point, N.Y.

2 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Army by 7

Always a classic. If Army wins and defeats Air Force next Saturday they’ll capture the coveted Commander-In Chief ‘s Trophy that Army, Navy and Air Force battle for every year. This is the 121st meeting between the two military institutions with Navy holding a 61-52-7 lead in the series. This is the first time it’s been played at West Point since the 1940’s. I like Jeff Monken’s Cadets’ team to get the job done Saturday afternoon in one of the greatest rivalries in sports. it’ll be a hard fought game though as both teams ALWAYS bring their lunch pales. These 2 elite universities wouldn’t have it any other way.

Army 20, Navy 10

Ole Miss (4-4) @ No.5 Texas A&M (7-1) is postponed

I was sorry to read that as I was looking forward to seeing Kiff take on the Aggies’ defense and see what he could accomplish. But the game has been “postponed” not canceled meaning the SEC is holding out hope that they can still play it. Maybe somehow between Dec. 19th and New Year’s Day they can. A&M should still have a shot at the Playoff with some help. I like the fact that the SEC is trying to honor its goal to play 10 games. That’s a lot more than can be said of the ACC, which is giving Notre Dame and Clemson the week off so they can prepare for the ACC Championship Game. That’s not right. They shouldn’t be able to get away with that. The Committee should take note of that if Clemson blasts Notre Dame next Saturday, and keep the Irish out of the Playoff.

Michigan @No.4 Ohio State is canceled. Ohio State is certainly one of the top 5 or 6 teams in the country by the eye test, so the Committee will have some interesting decisions to make for their final unveiling of the top 4 on Sunday, December 20th.

LSU (3-5) @ No.6 Florida (8-1)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

6 PM CT

ESPN

Sean, Todd, McShay

Florida by 23

The Gators have a ton to play for plus it’s a heated rival, so they’ll be amped up. Like Trask and the Gators to handle LSU pretty easily. Orgeron may be getting in some hot water after this season, even though he built some good will winning the National Championship last season. He won’t get fired this year, but next year will be an important one for his future on the Bayou. LSU is self imposing a bowl ban this year for NCAA violations involving former player Odell Beckham, who was handing out some big bills to players on the field after the National Championship Game. Even worse, a booster was giving major benefits to players and staff. So LSU is dysfunctional right now. Oregeron could be in some trouble in the near future.

Florida 45, LSU 17

No.9 Georgia 31, No.25 Missouri 21

Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO.

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Dave, DJ, Lauren Sisler

Dawgs by 13

Georgia survives a pretty strong Mizzou effort. The Committee is still pretty high on the Dawgs as far as playing in a New Year’s Six Bowl, and JT Daniels has given them hope on offense with his play under center.

Tennessee 38, Vanderbilt 14

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Dawn Davenport

Vols by 15

Vanderbilt is trying to get a new head coach, but the program is in disarray right now. Don’t get me started. To new Chancellor Daniel Diermeier’s credit, he’s trying to upgrade the entire football program with a solid new coach and a major upgrade of facilities. Hope he can pull it off.

No.11 Oklahoma vs West Virginia has been canceled due to COVID positives in West VA program.

Sooners face Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game at Arlington, Texas on ABC at 11 AM CT, next Saturday, December 19th.

No. 15 USC 35, UCLA 31

Rose Bowl, L.A.

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Dave, Gregory, Allison

SC by 2 1/2

This may be the best game of the day on Saturday. The Men of Troy are playing very well and so are the Bruins. So it’ll be electric in the Rose Bowl.

Virginia 28, VA Tech 27

Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.

7 PM CT

ACC Network

Hokies by 2 1/2

Give me the ‘Hoos in a slight upset.

No. 10 Miami 49, No.17 North Carolina 42

Hard Rock Stadium, South Beach

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Maria

Canes by 3

Like the great Miami quarterback D’Eriq King and his team to prevail at home. King is phenomenal.

No. 13 Coastal Carolina 35, Troy 20

Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy

2 PM CT

ESPN+

Coastal by 13 1/2

Can’t knock this Coastal team, they’re a phenom. The Chants move to 11-0 on the season and hope that Tulsa can knock off Cincy in next Saturday’s American Conference Championship Game so they would qualify as the Group of Five team for a New Year’s Six Bowl, which would be a tremendous accomplishment. Chadwell may be the hottest name in coaching right now. They defeated BYU at home last Saturday in a game that was arranged 2 days before. In fairness to BYU, they were the ones who had to travel, but you gotta give Jamey Chadwell and his team a lot of credit.

No.21 Colorado 24, Utah 21

Folsom Field, Boulder

11 AM CT

FOX

Buffs by 2

I’m bullish on this Colorado team. They take care of business at home and move to 5-0 on the season. They would need USC to lose to UCLA to make the PAC-12 Championship Game against the winner of Washington-Oregon Saturday. But regardless, they’ve been a real success story this season under first year coach Karl Dorrell.

Oregon vs Washington was canceled due to COVID positives on Washington’s team.

Washington is now the North representative for the PAC-12 Championship game, which is unfair to Oregon because if they had defeated Washington at home , they would have represented the North. Washington is kind of up in the air with its’ COVID cases on if it will be able to field a team for Championship game.

Another scenario that is being bantered about is if undefeated Colorado defeats Utah and undefeated USC defeats UCLA, those 2 teams would play in the Championship Game, which would be a much better solution. If Colorado and USC win this Saturday, USC would win the tiebreaker because they have a better record against PAC-12 South opponents. I would love to see SC and Colorado play for all the marbles. They look like the best teams in the conference. Excellent slate tomorrow in the PAC-12 and nationally even with the cancellations and postponements.

Friday

Zona State 28, Zona 21

6 PM CT

ESPN

Zona State by 11 1/2

A fun Friday Night in the Desert. Zona keeps it close at home, but Zona State hangs on.

San Jose State 35, Nevada 31

9 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

San Jose State by 2 1/2

The Spartans are 5-0 and the Wolfpack are 6-1. I like the Spartans to survive in Vegas in what will be kind of a classic.

Saturday again

No. 14 Northwestern 28, Illinois 13

Ryan Field, Evanston, IL.

11 AM CT

ESPN2

Wildcats by 14 1/2

I like the Wildcats to keep their solid season going and gear up for the Big Ten Championship Game versus Ohio State. The Wildcats finish the regular season at 6-1.

No. 16 Iowa 17, Wisconsin 14

2:30 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Whisky by 1

I have no idea why the Badgers are favored in Iowa City. Give me the Hawkeyes in a lower scoring contest.

No. 18 BYU 38, San Diego State 21

9 PM CT

ESPN2

BYU by 16

BYU lets out their frustration at home in Provo.

TCU 45, Lousiana Tech 21

6 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Frogs by 21 1/2

I like the Horned Frogs to handle business at home after their stellar upset of Oklahoma State last Saturday afternoon in Fort Worth.

Oregon State 31, Stanford 30

9:30 PM CT

ESPNU

Cardinal by 3

Like Oregon State to pull off a slight upset at home.

California 24, Washington State 14

9:30 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Cal by 2 1/2

After their stellar home upset of previously ranked Oregon, the Golden Bears go on the road and play well again.

Rice 31, UAB 28

Rice Stadium, Houston

12 PM CT

ESPN3

UAB by 7

I’m a believer in this Rice team after they went on the road last week and defeated a 7-0 and 20th ranked Marshall team, 20-0. That resonates with me. I trust’em.

No. 20 Texas vs Kansas has been canceled due to COVID positives in the Texas program.

I don’t know if Tom Herman has done enough to keep his job for another year, but a bowl victory may buy him another year in Austin as he tries to get his Longhorns team over the top and playing for and winning the Big 12 Championship, which is what they expect in Austin though they make it hard on coaches with their many times unreasonable expectations.

Penn State 34, Michigan State 17

Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley, PA.

11 AM CT

ABC

Penn State by 14

James Franklin and his Nittany Lions have had a tough season with some opt outs and season ending injuries, but they defeated Michigan and Rutgers the last 2 weeks, and I like them to finish strong against the Spartans and gather some momentum for 2021. They’ll probably play in a bowl too.

Houston 35, Memphis 28

Liberty Bowl, River City

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Cougars by 5

Like Dana Holgerson and his Cougars team to finish their season 4-3 and go to a solid bowl game. Believe Holgerson will do some good things in the Rocket City