It’s a stellar slate of games this Saturday..

Big one in Auburn as the No .18 Tigers host the No.10 Ole Miss Rebels. The game is of gigantic importance, but in other major news out of Auburn, Bryan Harsin is still not stating whether he received the vaccine or not. By not saying, it’s a pretty sure thing he hasn’t, as Kay Ivey says, “taken the vaccine.” ‘

If he wants to keep his job, he better hurry up and get it because both Auburn and Alabama have a deadline of December 8th for all their employees to get the vaccine or they will not get millions of dollars of federal funding from the government. So like it or not, those are the rules, so Harsin needs to get it together before it’s too late and he’s out of a job. He’s a Boise, Idaho native and was the coach at Boise State previously. Idaho is the second lowest vaccinated state in the nation just ahead of West Virginia. Idaho has vaccinated 43.6% of its residents. So, whatever is keeping Harsin from getting vaccinated, it may land him back in Boise for the winter if he doesn’t get his act together. It’s a bad example for his team and his University.

So Harsin needs to do some soul searching and figure out if he wants to keep a well paying job with a chance to excel on the college football landscape. He’s done some good things as a coach so far, but he’s going to have to step up for his players and his coaches or else he won’t be employed by Auburn come December 8th.

But the game Saturday is expected to be phenomenal. The high flying Rebels and the new found Bo Nix and the Auburn offense will lock horns. The defenses are above average, though not certain Ole Miss is there yet on defense. But Matt Corral and the offense will test Derek Mason’s defense severely. Can Bo Nix keep his momentum and super play going in a critical game for the Tigers. Those are a couple of the storylines heading into the 6 PM game Saturday on ESPN.

The No.3 Crimson Tide is off this week in anticipation of hosting the LSU Tigers next Saturday at Bryant-Denny next Saturday, 11-6. Game time not been announced yet, but I’m expecting 2:30 PM CT on CBS. LSU is a shell of itself and Coach O has had a tough time since his 2019 National Championship season. Losing Joe Burrow, Joe Brady and that talent from that team set him back severely, and injuries and scandals have cost him his job. Theodopolous told me last week that Coach O is “charismatic.” I agree with Teo. I like Coach O and hope he can get back in the game. Just ran into a buzzsaw of problems in the last couple of seasons. His 2021 team was beset by injuries, and they just couldn’t recover. So, I feel bad for Coach O. The Crimson Tide will try to rebound from a good performance, at times, but a little uneven against Tennessee last Saturday Night at Bryant-Denny. I will say, Tennessee is a pretty good team. The Tide had problems in the secondary, so S and his team have a chance to fix that this week and next before the Bengal Tigers come to town. S is celebrating his 70th birthday on Sunday, the 31st. He says he will have 12 couples to his house in North Georgia. Sounds good. He may have a chance this weekend to cut another AFLAC commercial with Coach Prime. Those are fun.

The Cocktail Bash will commence several hours prior to the 2:30 PM CT kickoff between Georgia and Florida. The game itself could be an interesting one. The Dawgs seem really locked in right now. What’s interesting to me is how Kirby Smart is going to handle his quarterback predicament. Like any good coach, he said on Monday that he’ll decide on how they both practice this week. It’s hard to sit Stetson Bennett with all that he’s done, but if you want to look at the glass half full, it’s a pretty great problem to have with J.T. Daniels, potentially a prolific player as well under center. This shouldn’t be a major problem and I bet Kirby has learned from his Justin Fields/Jake Fromm controversy 3 years ago and will make the right decision this time.

An interesting national slate headlined by a key matchup in East Lansing, Michigan as the No.6 Michigan Wolverines invade Spartan Stadium to face the No.8 Michigan State Spartans. Critical Big Ten and national implications in that one. A game that’s lost a little bit of its marquee value takes place in Columbus as No. 5 Ohio State, which is on a roll though it’s been playing inferior competition, hosts now unranked Penn State. James Franklin said quarterback Sean Clifford is 100% this week, so that should help the Nittany Lions’ cause, though they took a major body blow last Saturday at home losing in 9 overtimes to Illinois, 20-18. With the new overtime rules, after the first overtime, each team has to go for 2 if they score a TD in the second overtime, and starting in the third overtime, each team only goes for 2 every OT period. Illinois won it in the 9th OT. I like the new rule. It speeds up overtime and it’s exciting.

So here’s this week’s action.

Last Week, 14-10, Overall: 134-59, 69%

ATS, last week, 8-16 (brutal), overall, 102-90, 53%.

No. 18 Auburn 35, No. 10 Ole Miss 30

Jordan-Hare Stadium

6 PM CT

ESPN

Sean, Todd, Molly

Auburn by 2 1/2

Harsin and the Tigers outlast Lane, Corral and the Rebels in a major victory for the Tigers.

No.1 Georgia 34, Florida 17

TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL.

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Dawgs by 14

The starting quarterback will be an interesting call for Kirby, but whoever is under center is talented and there is a ton of talent around him and the best defense in the country at least in the last 5 years, maybe even longer.

No.12 Kentucky 31, Mississippi State 27

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

6 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, Jrodg, Cole

Kentucky by 1 1/2

Still very bullish on Mark Stoops’ team. They get a major victory on the road.

Missouri 35, Vanderbilt 14

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville

2 PM CT

SEC Network

Dave, Deuce, Andraya

Mizzou by 16 1/2

Off, No.3 Alabama, No.14 Texas A&M, Tennessee, LSU, Arkansas and South Carolina.

Nationally

Michigan 23, Michigan State 20

Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI.

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Michigan by 4

Jim Harbaugh gets a signature victory as his team aims to be elite this season. It’ll be a tussle though against a scrappy Spartans team under the great Mel Tucker, who is a candidate for the LSU job. Should be a classic in the Big Ten.

No.5 Ohio State 31, No. 20 Penn State 27

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Fowler, Herbstreit, Rowe

Ohio State by 18 1/2

I’m expecting a closer game than anticipated. Penn State’s defense can slow up the Buckeyes’ offense, and with a healthy Clifford, the Nittany Lions have a shot to make it real interesting.

No.2 Cincinnati 45, Tulane 17

Yulman Stadium, New Orleans

11 AM CT

ESPN2

Anish Schroff, Mike Golic Jr., Taylor McGregor

Cincy by 26

Cincy was taken to the wire by Navy last Saturday, and I hate to use this word but they do need some more “style” points. They’re going to take it out on Tulane.

No.4 Oklahoma 48, Texas Tech 34

Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK.

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, Lugues

OU by 19 1/2

The Sooners have made it interesting all season. This one is a little more of a breather, but they’ve still got their work cut out for them if they want to be elite.

No.7 Oregon 42, Colorado 14

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

2:30 PM CT

FOX

Aaron Goldsmith, Brock Huard

Ducks by 24

After a tremendous victory on the road over UCLA last Saturday, the Ducks are back in the thick of things in the national landscape. They’ve got work to do to get into the Final Four, but if they take care of business and get some help, which they should with these highly ranked teams playing each other head to head, they’ve got a shot. The 42-35 victory at Columbus will loom large at the end of the season if the Ducks win out.

No. 11 Notre Dame 35, North Carolina 31

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN.

6:30 PM CT

NBC

Tirico, Breesy, Kathryn Tappen

Irish by 3 1/2

The Irish keep a very good season going as they are hoping to win out and get help.

Wisconsin 24, No.9 Iowa 20

Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI.

11 AM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischten, Dan Orlovsky, Kris Budden

Whisky by 3 1/2

Wisconsin earned a season changing convincing victory over then No. 25 Purdue a week ago at Purdue after Purdue had gone into Iowa City the week before and upset the Hawkeyes. The Badgers keep up the good work.

No. 16 Baylor 42, Texas 38

McLane Stadium, Waco, TX.

11 AM CT

ABC

Tess, Gregory, Katie George

Bears by 3

I expect the Bears to keep their stellar play going. Sark has his work cut out for him in Austin.

No. 13 Wake Forest 42, Duke 21

Truist Field, Winston-Salem, N.C.

3 PM CT

ACC Network

Wes Durham, Roddy Jones, Taylor Davis

Wake by 16

The Demon Deacons are putting themselves in the conversation for a New Year’s Six Bowl if they can keep this up.

No. 17 Pittsburgh 35, Miami 28

Heinz Field, Pittsburgh

11 AM CT

ACC Network

Chris Cotter, Mark Herzlich, Jalyn Johnson

Pitt by 9

This Panthers team is for real with their super quarterback, Kenny Pickett. But I expect the Canes to keep it close.

No. 19 SMU 45, Houston 42

TDECU Stadium, Houston

6 PM CT

ESPN 2

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Alyssa Lang

Even

Like the Ponies to keep their undefeated season going in a wild offensive contest.

No. 25 BYU 34, Virginia 31

Lavell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT.

9:15 PM CT

ESPN 2

Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, Dawn Davenport

BYU by 2 1/2

If you can stay up for this one, it promises to be a classic with the understudy, BYU Coach Kalani Sitake, outlasting his mentor and previous coach at BYU, Bronco Mendenhall.

West Virginia 34, No.22 Iowa State 31

Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West VA.

1 PM CT

Big 12 Network/ESPN+

Cyclones by 7

Like the Mountaineers in the upset. They build off the momentum of upsetting TCU on the road last Saturday. They’re hot team and Morgantown is a heckuva home field advantage.

Utah 41, UCLA 31

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake

9 PM CT

ESPN

Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore, Stormy Buonantony

Utes by 6 1/2

Bullish on the Utes at home in this interesting matchup.

Fresno State 34, San Diego State 30

Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA.

9:30 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Dave Ryan, Aaron Murray

SDSU by 1

Give me the Bulldogs in the slight upset. They’re good at knocking off ranked teams.

Clemson 24, Florida State 21

Memorial Stadium, Clemson

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Mark Jones, RGIII, Quint Kessenich

Clemson by 9 1/2

This game has been a blockbuster in the past, but has lost a lot of its luster this season. Dabo probably needs to make some changes in his staff after the season. FSU is playing better, so they’ll give the Tigers a game.

Alabama and Auburn were extremely impressive in victories last Saturday at Starkville and Fayetteville respectively. Bryce Young and Bo Nix were superb and the prospects look good for both teams going forward. Bama hosts Tennessee in the annual third Saturday in October matchup this Saturday, while the Tigers are off as they await a visit from the Ole Miss Rebels next Saturday at Jordan-Hare in a 6 PM CT contest on ESPN.

Solid week of College Football this week. Not a lot of major showdowns as those are on the way in the upcoming weeks, but all games are important right now, so each highly ranked team needs to play well, and each team playing this week wants to excel. Here’s a look at this week’s action.

Last week: 15-8

Overall: 120-49, 71%

ATS: Last week, 12-11

Overall: 94-74, 56%

Tonight

No. 14 Coastal Carolina 35, App State 21

Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, N.C.

6:30 CT

ESPN2

Anish Shroff, Lugues, Tiffany Blackmon

Coastal by 5

Coastal keeps on cookin with a New Year’s Six clearly in reach for the Chanticleers.

Thursday

No.21 SMU 45, Tulane 28

Gerald R. Ford Stadium, Big D

6:30 PM CT

ESPN

Matt Barrie, Roddy Jones, Harry Lyles Jr.

Mustangs by 14

The Ponies keep on impressing as a possible undefeated matchup @ Cincy looms November 20th. Still have to go to Houston, Oct. 30th and Memphis, Nov. 6th, so a lot of work left to get to Cincy.

Saturday

No. 4 Alabama 42, Tennessee 14

Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa

6 PM CT

ESPN

Jason Benetti, Gregory, Katie George

Bama by 25

Like the Tide to defeat a Tennessee team in which quarterback Hendon Hooker is up in the air to start after getting injured in that debacle last Saturday in Knoxville in which Ole Miss outlasted the Vols and had to dodge cans, bottles and even a golf ball that Lane just barely survived getting hit by. It was outrageously bad behavior and SEC Commish Greg Sankey fined Tennessee $250,000. The Tide played spectacularly well last Saturday in demolishing Mississippi State. I like them to keep it up and have their playoff hopes firmly in their grasp going forward though a trip to Auburn is looking more interesting with the Tigers looking stellar last Saturday and Bo Nix starting to live up to his 5 star billing.

No. 12 Ole Miss 42, LSU 35

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Rebels by 9

Matt Corral is banged up, so his status is questionable according to Lane. The Rebels use the home field crowd to survive an inspired LSU team playing for Coach O who resigned last Sunday. Some interesting names being talked about for the job. Jimbo Fisher, Lane, Jimmy Frank at Penn State, Dave Aranda at Baylor, and Joe Brady of the Carolina Panthers among others. Aranda was the defensive coordinator and Brady was the co-offensive coordinator for the 2019 National Championship team. Luke Fickell of Cincinnati is another name though he may fit better at USC than on the Bayou if he wants that job in L.A..

No. 17 Texas A&M 42, South Carolina 10

Kyle Field, College Station

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

A&M by 21

The Aggies are cookin after upsetting the Tide 2 weeks ago. Blasted Missouri on the road last Saturday and look strong heading into the start of the backstretch of the season.

Mississippi State 34, Vanderbilt 17

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Alyssa Lang

MS. State by 20 1/2

Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea really let his players down after they gave a valiant effort but came up short 21-20, when South Carolina backup quarterback Zeb Noland threw a 7 yard TD pass with 14 seconds left on the clock. The extra point secured the victory for the Gamecocks. The Commodores defense had created 4 turnovers, 2 really nice interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. The Commodores’ backup quarterback, Mike Wright, had played pretty well, and after a Joseph Bulovas field goal with under 2 minutes left, the Commodores were looking pretty good to secure their first SEC victory since 2019 versus Missouri as they led 20-14. But Lea decided to play prevent defense rushing only 3 and dropping 8. The Vanderbilt defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, had done a terrific job mixing blitzes and sending 4 or 5 guys all afternoon as they had been sacking and affecting quarterback Luke Doty. Shane Beamer put Noland in for the final drive and Lea let off the gas pedal. It was a major coaching blunder and it cost his team the game. I’m not buying there is not enough talent at Vanderbilt. The Dores played well last Saturday and deserved to win. The 38 year old Lea hopefully learned a lesson on how to handle end of game defensive situations because he really messed it up for his team. I’m giving Lea somewhat of a pass this year, but he needs to show more improvement the rest of this season. This is a game the Commodores could be very competitive in as is the Missouri game, and a couple others. So Lea needs to get better. The jury is definitely out on his coaching ability and the returns aren’t very good so far.

Arkansas 48, Arkansas- Pine Bluff 0

War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Dave, Deuce, Andraya

No line Available as yet. Will update if there is one at game time

The Razorbacks try to recover from their disappointing loss to the Tigers last Saturday, though it was more about how well Auburn played than how Arkansas played.

National scores

No.2 Cincinnati 38, Navy 10

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis

11 AM CT

ESPN2

Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore, Stormy Buonantony

Cincy by 27 1/2

Bearcats keep up the super work this season.

No. Oklahoma 52, @Kansas 10

11 AM CT

ESPN

Mark Jones, RGIII, Quint Kessenich

Sooners by 38 1/2

Freshman quarterback Caleb Williams has given this team a spark and the Sooners are surging now.

@No. 6 Michigan 28, Northwestern 20

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Wolverines by 23 1/2

Still trying to figure out if I’m really a believer in Harbaugh’s team this season, but they’ve been pretty impressive. I like the Wildcats to give them a scare this Saturday.

@No.7 Penn State 42, Illinois 7

11 AM CT

ABC

Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, Kris Budden

Penn State by 24

The success of the Nittany Lions lies squarely on the health of quarterback Sean Clifford. James Franklin does not talk about injuries so it’s impossible to know what Clifford’s status is. Even if he doesn’t play, Penn State will be able to run the ball well and pass enough and the defense is lockdown anyway.

No.8 Oklahoma State 34, @Iowa State 30

2:30 PM CT

FOX

Iowa State by 7

The Cowboys are the Rodney Dangerfield of College Football. What do they have to do to get some respect? They just went to Texas last Saturday and were down by 14 and came back and won. I like the Cowboys a lot in Ames.

@No. 25 Pittsburgh 28, Clemson 21

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Sean McDonough, Todd, Molly

Pitt by 3

Clemson’s offensive misery continues. Quarterback Kenny Pickett and his Panthers are for real.

@UCLA 31, No. 10 Oregon 28

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Fowler, Herbstreit, Rowe

UCLA by 2

Just not trusting Oregon enough. They’ve been really sluggish lately and the Bruins are pretty strong at times. Should be a super game.

No. 16 Wake Forest 30, @Army 28

11 AM CT

CBS Sports Network

Wake by 3

The Demon Deacons just get by a scrappy Cadets team and move to 7-0.

No. 18 N.C. State 31, @Miami 24

6:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Anish Shroff, Mike Golic Jr. Taylor McGregor

Wolfpack by 3

The Wolfpack keep their engine churning as they move to 6-1.

@No. 13 Notre Dame 35, USC 24

6:30 PM CT

NBC

Irish by 7

The Irish move to 6-1 and not out of the hunt just yet. They’ll need massive chaos for a chance at the Playoff, which could be unlikely, but the way this season is going, you never know. Certainly a New Year’s Six possibility. The Trojans are just trying to get through this season and hire a new coach to get this program where it wants to be, in the national spotlight.

No.5 Ohio State 45, @ Indiana 21

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, Lugues

Buckeyes by 21

Buckeyes firmly in the mix for the playoff now. Have to win out and that means defeating Penn State at home, 10-30, next Saturday, Michigan State at home, 11/20, and Michigan on the road, 11/27, along with winning the Big Ten Championship Game. So a lot of work left for the Bucks, but they control their own destiny, which is all they can ask for.

@UAB 38, Rice 10

2:30 PM CT

ESPN+

Blazers by 23

The Blazers applied for membership to the American Athletic Conference along with 5 other C-USA teams. They should be approved very soon. That’s a game changer for this program. The American is losing Cincinnati, Houston and Central Florida, which, along with BYU, are moving to the Big 12, which really ramps up their conference after what looked like the devastating losses of OU and Texas. But the Big 12 looks viable right now, and UAB in the American is highly promising for the Southside program.

Utah 28, @Oregon State 20

6:30 PM CT

PAC-12 Network

Utes by 3

Really like the Utes trajectory right now. Have a shot at winning the PAC 12 Championship and playing in the Rose Bowl.

@Air Force 30, No. 22 San Diego State 24

6 PM CT

CBS Sports Nework

Air Force by 3 1/2

Like the Academy to knock off the 6-0 Aztecs.

@TCU 35, West Virginia 30

6:30 PM CT

ESPNU

Brian Custer, Kelly Stouffer, Lauren Sisler

Frogs by 3 1/2

I’ll be out in Fort Worth visiting my daughter at TCU for Dad’s weekend, so looking forward to seeing our Frogs get the job done. They Horned Frogs have a solid team, and can go to a solid bowl game.

No. 24 UTSA 31, @Louisiana Tech 30

6 PM CT

UTSA by 7

The Roadrunners of Texas-San Antonio are one of the surprise teams nationally. They have gone to Memphis and won. They’ve also won at Illinois. But I like the Bulldogs to scare them at La Tech.

@ No. 25 Purdue 20, Wisconsin 17

2 PM CT

Big Ten Network

Wisconsin by 3

Have no idea why Wisconsin is favored. Purdue just went into Iowa last Saturday and dominated the then No.2 Hawkeyes. Bullish on this prediction.

Another extraordinary week in college football is upon us as Week 7 has arrived and features some terrific matchups including the now No.2 Crimson Tide in Starkvegas to face another hungry team in the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and the Auburn Tigers traveling to Fayetteville to take on a talented and physical Razorbacks squad. Some more riveting action in the conference with a key clash in Athens with the No.1 Dawgs hosting a hot and hungry team in the Kentucky Wildcats. Ole Miss at the Vols is another sensational matchup on the slate.

Some other key conference games and national tilts on tap this weekend as this phenomenal season keeps surprising and enhancing CFB’s status as the best sport in America.

Here’s a look at this week’s action.

‘
Last Week, 16-6, Overall, 105-41, 72%

Against the Spread, a new feature, not sure I should be posting this, but so far so good,

Last week, 15-6, Overall, 81-63, 56%

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

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

6 PM CT

ESPN

Tess, Gregory, Katie George

Bama by 17

The Bullies’ 26-22 upset victory over A&M 2 weeks ago is looking strong right now. Mike Leach likes to throw it all over the yard and he’s got the quarterback to do it. Will Rogers is 215-of-284, 76%, for 1,862 yards, 14 TDs and 2 ints. He threw it 59 times against the Aggies completing 46 for 408 yards, with 3 TDs against 0 ints. He’s explosive and efficient. Pete Golding’s defense will be severely tested. The State defense has 11 sacks on the season and 28 tackles for loss and 6 ints, so they’re pretty stout on that side of the ballas well. This is a major test for Bryce Young and company in a very hostile environment. I know the Tide is upset about last Saturday, but this is a quality opponent as well. Nick Saban and his team will just be happy to get out of Davis Wade with a victory.

Alabama 35, Mississippi State 31

Auburn (4-2, 1-1) @ No.17 Arkansas (4-2, 1-2)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR.

11 AM CT

CBS

Noah Eagle, Aaron Murray, Rick Neuheisel, Jenny Dell

Arkansas by 4 1/2

Early start for the Tigers and a tall order on the road against a physically tough, explosive offensive football team. K.J. Jefferson is a load running and passing the ball. I don’t see Auburn having enough to prevail on the road.

Arkansas 28, Auburn 21

No. 11 Kentucky @ No.1 Georgia

Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA.

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Dawgs by 22 1/2

I like the Wildcats to give the Dawgs a tussle with the Dawgs pulling away slightly at the end. Mark Stoops has done a terrific job in Lexington and it’s getting better and better under him. They’re going to break through soon.

Georgia 31, Kentucky 17

No.21 Texas A&M @ Missouri

Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Taylor “Zah Zah” Zarzour, Stinch, Alyssa Lang

A&M by 9

I like Jimbo and his team to keep their momentum going. With massive chaos, they could get back in the mix for a playoff spot and certainly a New Year’s Six Bowl, which also means a lot also.

Texas A&M 35, Missouri 21

No. 13 Ole Miss @ Tennessee

Neyland Stadium, Knoxvegas

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Ole Miss by 2 1/2

Love the way the Vols are trending. Give me the upset on “Prime Time” in the SEC.

Vols 42, Rebels 41

No. 20 Florida @ LSU

Tiger Stadium, Baaton Rouge, Lousiana, as Howard used to say

11 AM CT

ESPN

Sean, Todd, Molly

Gators by 11 1/2

LSU has really slid precipitously down the SEC landscape. Things are looking slim for Ed Oregeron right now. He needs a signature victory in the worst way, but his 2 best players, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, are both out with injuries. No timetable for Stingley’s return, he may be sitting this one out for the NFL, and Boutte is out for the season. It’s going to be a long day for Orgeron and the Tigers down on the Bayou.

Florida 42, LSU 24

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Dave, Deuce, Andraya

Gamecocks by 18 1/2

I like the Dores to play a little tougher and beat the spread, but just not enough talent for Clark Lea at present. South Carolina has some talent, but they’re in a rebuilding mode as well under first year coach Shane Beamer. They should take care of business at home. I’ll watch my team on the computer with Georgia and Kentucky on the big screen, but it’s been brutal. Hoping for better times ahead.

South Carolina 37, Vanderbilt 21

National games

Cincinnati 42, UCF 17

Nippert Stadium, Cincy

11 AM CT

ABC

Bob Wischusen, Dan Orlovsky, Kris Budden

Bearcats by 21

Until proven otherwise, Cincy is a legitimate playoff team. A lot of football left to be played, so there are no guarantees, but this is a high quality team.

No.4 Oklahoma 41, TCU 31

Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK.

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe

Sooners by 13 1/2

I like the Frogs to give OU a run for a good while. The Sooners survived Texas last week overcoming a 21 point deficit with true freshman Caleb Williams saving the day in relief of the struggling Spencer Rattler in a 55-48 Sooners victory in what was the game of the year so far, although Arkansas-Ole Miss was about as good. I don’t know why there should be any quarterback controversy at Oklahoma, Williams looks like the guy who could get them to the playoff if they can play good enough defense and they’ve presumably gotten better on that side, though it didn’t look like it last Saturday. The offensive artillery is there, and Williams looks like he can get them the ball and make things happen with his wheels. So Lincoln Riley should go with Williams. Rattler’s struggled all year and it hasn’t gotten any better. Also, I read Kirk Herbstreit’s book, Out of the Pocket, and it’s pretty good. The guy is very sensitive and honest to a fault. I like honesty, but when you reveal all your “inner feelings” it’s a bit much. It was fine.

No.2 Iowa 28, Purdue 14

Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Pasch, Dvoracek, Luginbill

Iowa by 11 1/2

Iowa is a boring team. They get the job done, but they’re very boring doing it. They’re a reflection of their coach, Kirk Ferentz, who is an extremely boring interview. But so far, so good. Are they a playoff team? Looks that way right now, but they’ve got to go to Wisconsin and Nebraska and Minnesota is better than they’re looking right now. They’ll get the Golden Gophers at home. If they get to the Big Ten Championship unscathed, and lose to an Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State or Penn State in a competitive game, they might sneak in there.

No. 25 Texas 42, No. 12 Oklahoma State 35

DKR Stadium, Austin, TX.

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Hook’em by 5

Like Sark and the Horns to snap back from a devastating loss last Saturday in the Red River Showdown.

Friday

Clemson 21, Syracuse 17

Carrier Dome, ‘Cuse

6 PM CT

ESPN

Anish Shroff, Mike Golic Jr., Taylor McGregor

Clemson by 13 1/2

Clemson is so dysfunctional right now and they’ve lost in the Carrier Dome recently, so I’ll say they barely survive. Not Clemson’s year. They have a long way to go before they can get back in the mix in the upcoming years.

No.9 Oregon 31, Cal 24

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

9:30 PM CT

ESPN

Beth Mowins, Kirk “Mr Mojo Risin” Morrison, Dawn Davenport

Ducks by 13 1/2

Oregon has a lot to prove Friday Night, but I like the Golden Bears to give them all they can handle.

Saturday

No. 10 Michigan State 28, Indiana 20

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

11 AM CT

Fox Sports 1

Spartans by 4 1/2

As Darius Rucker says in his classic “Life’s Too Short” ,I don’t like what Mel Tucker is doing at East Lansing, but I love it.

Utah 31, Arizona State 27

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City

9 PM CT

ESPN

Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore, Stormy Buonantony,

Even

Love the Utes at home. They’re starting to kick it in gear and getting primed to win the PAC-12 South and play in the PAC-12 Championship Game. Kyle Whittingham’s teams always get better and better as the season progresses. They’re 3-3 now, but had 2 players die tragically this year. They’re playing inspired ball now for their fallen comrades. Blasted SC last Saturday on the road.

Boston College 34, No. 22 N.C,. State 30

Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA.

6:30 PM CT

ACC Network

Dave “OB” O’Brien, Tim Hasselbeck, Kelsey Riggs

Wolfpack by 3

Give me the Golden Eagles in the upset.

Baylor 31, No. 19 BYU 24

McLane Stadium, Waco, TX

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Mark Jones, RGIII, Quint Kessenich

Baylor by 6 1/2

The Bears are 5-1 and rolling. BYU was shocked by Boise State last Saturday at home. Their misery continues on the road this week.

Friday

No. 24 San Diego State 31, San Jose State 21

CEFCU Stadium, Do you know the way to San Jose

9:30 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Aztecs by 9

Like the Aztecs to keep their undefeated season going and advance further in a highly competitive Mountain West Conference.

Saturday

Air Force 35, Boise State 34

Albertston’s Stadium, Boise, ID

8 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Broncos by 4 1/2

I’ll take the Academy in an upset.

Virgina Tech 28, PItt 27

Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Jason Benetti, Andre, Carc

Pittsburgh by 4 1/2

The Hokies have had some magic at home through the years. It reappears this Saturday.

Army 28, Wisconsin 27

Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI.

7 PM CT

Big Ten Network

Badgers by 14

I like the Cadets in an upset. They’re a magical team with their potent triple option. The great Jeff Monken and his squad get the job done.

Tonight

Memphis 38, Navy 31

Liberty Bowl, River City

6:30

ESPN

Matt Barrie, Roddy Jones, Harry “Connick” Lyles Jr.

Memphis by 11

I like the Midshipmen to come close to pulling off the double digit upset at the Liberty Bowl. Memphis is very lucky, thanks to SEC Referee Marc Curles and his crew, that they got by Mississippi State on a heinous missed call by Curles back judge. They survive a strong Midshipmen effort.

Appalachian State Mountaineers (4-1, 1-0 Sun Belt) @ Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (4-1, 2-0)

Cajun Field, Lafayette, LA.

6:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Chris Cotter, Cole

App State by 4 1/2

App State is the favorite, but I believe in Coach Billy Napier, quarterback Levi Lewis and the Cajuns at home. Give me the upset.

Ragin’ Cajuns 31, App State 30

College Football stuff

Interesting week 6 of college football. Wow, A&M played the perfect game to defeat the Crimson Tide. You have to. Alabama is still right there at No.5, and there are a lot of teams right there. This is a riveting and chaotic season. A lot can happen radically going forward with many of the top teams facing each other in the weeks ahead. Makes for some spectacular football.

Georgia has a superb quarterback situation. They can win with J.T. Daniels or Stetson Bennett and we know about their terrific defense. Does it really matter who starts because if one guy starts and struggles, the other guy can take over. And their highly rated running backs have come into their own.

Iowa won over Penn State in kind of a joke. Penn State was dominating them until the Nittany Lions’ quarterback, Sean Clifford, left the game with an injury. The backup just wasn’t experienced at all. Iowa is kind of a lucky team to me. I don’t see them making the playoff. Maybe I”m wrong, but I don’t see them as a playoff team. New Year’s Six, yes, which is super and they’ll deserve it, but I don’t see them in the Final Four.

Still liking Oklahoma’s and Ohio State’s chances with the Crimson Tide and Georgia. Michigan, Michigan State, and Iowa are in it for sure. And, of course, Cincinnati. Quite a team they have. They’ve got a real shot if they can run the table and win the American Conference Championship Game. They’re number 3 right now, so they’re right there. If Cincy made it, I would say Ohio State would be left out, but there’s so much more football to play, so speculation is just what it is, speculation. There are some outstanding teams out there. Bama with a challenge in Starkvegas this Saturday Night at 6 on ESPN.

Auburn is having a tough time. They’re @ Arkansas this Saturday, 11 AM CT, CBS, so should be a pretty solid game. Can the Tigers get the job done in Fayetteville? They’ll have to play their best game of the season, a really phenomenal game to win, and hope Arkansas can give them some help with turnovers.

Preview/Predictions blog on Thursday.

Braves

Braves playing well versus the Brewers. Getting excellent pitching and superbly clutch hitting from Joc Pederson, who is 3 for 3 in the NLDS and cranked a three run shot yesterday to lead the Bravos to a 3-0 victory. Tied at 0 in the bottom of the 2nd with the Braves up 2-1 in the series and just need 1 more to clinch. I’m sure they’d like to get it at home today and not have to go back to Milwaukee for game 5.

Week 6 on the college football slate looks quite interesting. The No.1 Crimson Tide venture to College Station to face the Texas A&M Aggies, and the No. 18 Auburn Tigers play host to the No.2 Georgia Bulldogs. There are key SEC matchups and some gigantic national clashes. Here’s a look at this week’s docket along with predictions.

Last Week, 16-10

Oveall, 89-35, 72%

No.1 Alabama (5-0) @ Texas A&M (3-2)

Kyle Field, College Station, TX.

7 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Crimson Tide by 18

Alabama looked like a juggernaut once again last Saturday in dominating Ole Miss. Bryce Young has the offense clicking and the defense looks suffocating. There are a couple of key injuries with backup running back Jase McClellan lost for the season with a knee injury, and OLB Drew Sanders nursing a hurt hand. Sanders is most likely out this Saturday, though you never know, and is week to week. Still, I like the Crimson Tide to have a big night and take Jimbo and the Aggies to the woodshed. Saban doesn’t forget bulletin board comments and Jimbo provided him the perfect material earlier this season when he said he would beat Bama’s backside in a more colorful term. Saban was asked that and responded, “In golf?” Not in football and Saban’s going to make him pay for that.

Bama 38, A&M 14

No.2 Georgia (5-0) @ No,.18 Auburn (4-1)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

2:30 PM CT

CBS

:Noah Eagle, Aaron Murray, Rick Neuheisel, Jenny Dell

Dawgs by 15 1/2

Bo Nix played a very fine game @ LSU last Saturday Night, but Georgia is a different opponent. They allow 4.6 points per game on defense, number one in the country. Not sure whom the quarterback will be, most likely Stetson Bennett, but give me the Dawgs in the 126th meeting of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. Georgia leads the series 61-56-8.

Georgia 31, Auburn 10

No.13 Arkansas (4-1) @ No. 17 Ole Miss (3-1)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

11 AM CT

ESPN

Tess, Gregory, Katie George

Rebels by 5 1/2

I still see both of these teams as high quality even though they got hammered by Bama (Ole Miss) and Georgia (Arkansas). This should be an exciting game, but I like Lane and Matt Corrall to snap back this Saturday and do enough against a formidable Razorbacks team.

Ole Miss 31, Arkansas 28

Other scores

No.16 Kentucky 20, LSU 16

Kroger Field, Lexington, KY.

6:30 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom. JRodg, Cole

Kentucky by 3 1/2

Mark Stoops has his team playing brilliantly. Georgia comes to Lexington next Saturday and Kentucky survives here in a physical contest.

No. 20 Florida 48, Vanderbilt 7

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

11 AM CT

SEC Network

Dave Neal, Stinch. Taylor Davis

Gators by 39

Whoa, this is going to a long afternoon for the Commodores as the Gators are angry after last Saturday’s upset at the hands of Kentucky.

Tennessee 35, South Carolina 20

Neyland Stadium, Knoxvegas

11 AM CT

ESPN2

Anish Shroff, Mike Golic Jr. Taylor McGregor

UT by 10 1/2

The Vols looked terrific last Saturday in annihilating Missouri. The Gamecocks don’t have enough to keep up.

Mizzou 45, North Texas 17

Memorial StadiumFaurot Field, Columbia, MO.

3 PM CT

SEC Network

Roy Philpott, Deuce McCallister, Andraya Carter

Mizzou by 19

No.4 Penn State 21, No.3 Iowa 20

Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

3 PM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Iowa by 1 1/2

This’ll be a classic, but I like the Nittany Lions talent a little better even on the road.

No. 21 Texas 38, No.6 Oklahoma 35

Cotton Bowl, Dallas

11 AM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

OU by 3

Give me the stellar running back Bijon Robinson and the Horns in the slight upset.

Friday

No. 5 Cincinnati 35, Temple 3

Nippert Stadium, Cincy

6 PM

ESPN

Clay Matvick, Rocky Boiman, Tiffany Blackmon

Bearcats by 29

Cincy keeps on proving it and getting better every week in the process.

No.7 Ohio State 52, Maryland 28

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

11 AM CT

FOX

Aaron Goldsmith, Brock Huard, Bruce Feldman

Ohio State by 21

The Buckeyes are starting to find themselves and kick it into gear. Taulia Tagovailoa with 6 interceptions last Friday Night versus Iowa. Wow.

No. 10 BYU 34, Boise State 24

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, Lugues

BYU by 6

Another team that keeps getting better every week and already is prolific.

Nebraska 24, No. 9 Michigan 21

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Sean McDonough, Todd, Molly McGrath

Michigan by 3 1/2

I like Scott Frost and his Huskers to take down Harbaugh and the Wolverines at home.

No. 14 Notre Dame 24, Virginia Tech 23

Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.

6:30 PM CT

ACC Network

Dave O’Brien, Tim Hasselbeck, Kelsey Riggs

Even

Give me the Irish barely. More talent will overcome a very hostile and raucous Lane Stadium.

No.11 Michigan State 21, Rutgers 17

SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ

11 AM CT

Big Ten Network

Brandon Gaudin, James Laurinaitis, Rick Pizzo

Michigan State by 5 1/2

Sparty wins a tight one against a pretty solid Scarlett Knights team. Mel Tucker, if he keeps this up, could be national coach of the year. The Spartans are undefeated and looking very viable in the Big Ten East.

Tonight

No. 15 Coastal Carolina 45, Arkansas State 14

Centennial Bank Stadium, Jonesboro, Ark

6:30 PM CT

ESPNU

Mike Couzens, Dustin Fox

Coastal by 20

This team is another that is beyond impressive and will just keep getting better. They’re going to be a load for any top team to handle.

Saturday

Syracuse 28, No. 19 Wake Forest 24

Carrier Dome, ‘Cuse, NY

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, Dawn Davenport

Wake by 6

Give me ‘Cuse in the upset in the loud Carrier Dome.

Friday

No. 22 Arizona State 34, Stanford 20

Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, AZ.

9:30 PM CT

ESPN

Jason Benetti, Andre, Paul Carcaterra

Zona State by 13

The Sun Devils with an impressive victory over UCLA last Saturday on the road. They’ve got a real shot to win the PAC-12. Not saying they will, but they’re certainly in the hunt.

No. 24 SMU 35, Navy 30

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Annapolis

2:30 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

John Sadak, Randy Cross, Sheehan Stanwick-Burch

Mustangs by 13 1/2

The Ponies just get by the Midshipmen on the road. That Navy Stadium gets loud. The Academy guys and gals love it and are as competitive as it gets and this is a real home field advantage. Like SMU to just squeak by.

No. 25 San Diego State 42, New Mexico 21

Dignity Health Sports Park, San Diego

8 PM CT

For Sports 1

Alex Faust, Petros Papadakis

Aztecs by 19 1/2

Solid team with a super running game and solid defense.

Utah 31, USC 28

Memorial Coliseum, L.A.

7 PM CT

FOX

Timmy B, Spencer Tillman

USC by 3

Like the Utes to snap back and get the slight upset over the Trojans.

Air Force 31, Wyoming 24

Falcon Stadium, Usaf Academy, Colorado

6 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Rich Waltz, Aaron Taylor, Amanda Guerra

Air Force by 6

The Falcons are a tough out any week and they move to 5-1.

I was bullish on Georgia as the best team in the country and they haven’t done anything to dispel the fact that they are a top flight team, but after watching the Crimson Tide hammer Lane and the Rebels on Saturday, with the popcorn popping , I’m having second thoughts. Bryce Young is such a stud, and that gives the Tide the advantage over the Dawgs. The Dawgs have a pretty good quarterback situation, not great. J.T. Daniels is a good passer, but can’t run a lick. I like Stetson Bennett, but not sure how he’d fare in a big game against an Alabama. Daniels has a lat injury right now and his return is unknown, so it’ll be Bennett at least for this Saturday @ Auburn. Kirby Smart still believes in Bennett and thinks he can with him. I want to see Bennett against an Auburn Tigers defense that showed some mettle last Saturday at LSU in an excellent victory for their team. Bo Nix played very well and Jarquez Hunter gives the Tigers a take it to the house running back along with Tank getting the solid, hard-nosed yards. Hunter is a pretty good between the tackles runner as well.

But Georgia’s defense is superb, and that takes them to another level, along with the Crimson Tide, which showed that the talent it has on defense is for real and that they are getting it together on that side of the ball. Love these two defenses. I want to see Bennett against Auburn to see what I think of Georgia as a whole. He may not be the quarterback after that, but he may be. If Daniels can’t make it back, it’ll be the Bennett’s show. He will be tested by the Tigers defense on Saturday, so he has an opportunity to earn the starting assignment for the rest of the season if he can perform well against the Tigers at Jordan-Hare Saturday at 2:30 PM CT on CBS. Auburn gained confidence from the LSU victory, so they’ll be charged up for the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, which will be on its 126th edition on Saturday.

The Crimson Tide heads to College Station Saturday for a 7 PM CT kickoff against the Texas A&M Aggies on CBS. The Aggies have struggled the last two Saturdays in losses to Arkansas and Mississippi State respectively, so they’ll have to really pick it up this week in practice and get much better quarterback play if they expect to have any shot with the dominating Crimson Tide. Bryce Young is spectacular and B Rob was awesome last Saturday running for a buck 71 and 4 TDs. Love the fact that, like Mac Jones, Robinson waited his turn behind the great Najee Harris and is excelling in his redshirt senior season. Tough news for the Tide when Jase McClellan went down with a knee injury that will knock him out for the season, so Roydell Williams and Trey Sanders will have to answer the bell to give Robinson some help.

Looking forward to both the Dawgs-Tigers and the Tide-Aggies games Saturday.

As for the rest of the potential playoff teams, Ohio State is certainly not out of it and neither is Oklahoma. Ohio State has been impressive as of late, and OU is still undefeated and have the Red River Rivalry game this Saturday versus the Texas Longhorns at 11 AM CT on ABC. Tremendous game in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes host Maryland at 11 AM CT on FOX. Both those teams are viable as are Iowa and Penn State which face each other Saturday at 3 PM CT on FOX in Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, so huge game there.

And the Cincy Bearcats are awesome. They are highly formidable and if they take care of business the rest of the season, they’ve got a real shot at making the playoff. They have no margin for error, but they’re a hungry team, and they handled Notre Dame handily last Saturday in South Bend. They’re extremely impressive. And I’m not counting out BYU or Coastal Carolina. They’re both exceptional teams. A lot of chaos can happen. Michigan and Michgan State are some other teams that are in the mix. This is what makes college football so extraordinarily interesting. I hope they get to a 12 team, or even an 8 team playoff before too long, but this 4 team format is still electric with every game providing tremendous importance and opportunities for teams. The Blog will keep you on top of it.

MLB Playoff Predictions

AL Wild Card, Tonight, 7 PM CT, ESPN

New York Yankees @ Red Sox

NY-Gerrit Cole (16-8, 3.23 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) vs Bos-Nathan Eovaldi (11-9, 3.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP)

7 PM CT, ESPN

The WHIP number is a very good stat on pitchers that measure walks and hits allowed per inning. Cole’s numbers are good, Eovaldi’s pretty solid. Anything under 1.00 is spectacular.

Give me the Yankees to move on in this gigantic rivalry. Like Cole and Aroldis Champman to pitch the Yankees to the Division series to face Tampa.

Yankees 3, Sox 2

Wednesday

NL Wild Card

St Louis Cards @ LA Dodgers

Adam Wainwright (17-7, 3.05 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) @ Max Scherzer (15-4, 2.46 ERA, 0.86 WHIP)

7:10 PM CT

TBS

You gotta go with the great Scherzer, who’s been un-hittable as a Dodger, and the defending World Series champs, though the great veteran, Wainwright, gives the Cards a shot.

Dodgers 4, Cards 3

NL Division Series

Braves in 5 over Brewers.

Charlie Moron vs, Corbin Burnes Friday in Milwaukee. Game time TBD. TBS will televise. Will update on network on Thursday.

Saturday, Max Fried vs Undecided.

The Braves are a hot team, and the Brewers lost 7 in row at the end of the regular season. so I’ll take the Bravos.

Giants over Dodgers in 5

The G-men knock off the defending world champs with the home field advantage in SF being the difference.

AL Division Series

Rays over Yankees in 4

Starts Friday in Tampa. Rays have owned the Yankees recently.

White Sox over Astros in 5

77 year old Tony LaRussa shows he’s still got it as manager of the Sox. A three time World Series champion and going strong at 77 years young.

NLCS

Giants over Braves in 6

Giants have been the best team in baseball in the regular season and they’ll keep it going in the postseason.

ALCS

Rays over ChiSox in 6

The Fall Classic

Starts Tuesday, Oct. 26th with, if my predictions are accurate which I plan on, the Rays playing at the Giants. Game time will be 7-7:15 PM CT.

Game 7, if necessary, in SF, on Wednesday, Nov.3rd at 7 PM

All games on FOX in the World Series

Prediction

I’m bullish on the Champa Bay Rays. I love this business model. Stu Sternberg, the 61 year old former Wall Street star, has the 26th highest payroll in Major League baseball out of 30 teams, but he and his staff draft exceptionally well, they get veterans they can afford, and have as good of on field and off field personnel as you can find anywhere in baseball. I have been a big fan of the Rays for a while. They drafted David Price out of Vanderbilt in 2007 and he was an integral part of their World Series team that year. They couldn’t afford David, so they had to trade him. But those were stellar years for David and the Rays. They can’t keep a lot of the talent they draft because they can’t afford them, yet they still make the postseason about every year, and were in the World Series last year, losing to the Dodgers in 6, and also lost to the Phillies in the World Series in 6 in 2007. Six years ago, I was watching a Rays game on TV as Price was still pitching for them and I had gotten into the team, and Todd Kalas, who was the Rays field reporter and is now the play by play announcer for the Astros, interviewed Sternberg. Sternberg is a really cool guy. Kalas noted that Sternberg still had a flip phone, when everybody else in the country had an iPhone. It was a circe 2000 phone. As Kalas ended his report, he said, “It’s just how he rolls.”

Give me Sternberg, who has taken Billy Beane’s Oakland A’s Moneyball model for baseball, where you pick up cheaper vets, to another level including drafting superbly, manager Kevin Cash, and an undervalued, but hungry and highly talented team to win it all and keep Champa Bay rolling in the Championships. Could see the Bucs and the Lightning doing it again as well.

Rays over Giants in 6

World Series MVP: Wander Franco

The rookie shortstop is a stellar player and was one of the top players in the minor leagues coming into this season and hasn’t disappointed as a Ray. He’s excelled. Give me the 20 year old Franco and his teammates to capture the World Championship.