After a stellar week 4 that saw the Crimson Tide assert themselves once again and the AU Tigers still trying to figure themselves out, here’s a look at week 5 along with predictions. Another blockbuster week. A quick note: Mike “MB” Brown had a good day picking last Saturday. He had Alabama and Texas A&M covering the spread and he picked FSU to beat the spread. Great job, Brownie.

Last week, 19-5, Overall 95-18, 84%

ATS, 12-10 (Michigan and Ohio State with ties), 57-53, 52%

****All times Central, and all games Saturday unless otherwise noted.***

No. 12 Alabama @ Mississippi State

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

8 PM

ESPN

Mark Jones, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Crimson Tide by 14 1/2

Jalen Milroe gave Tide fans a lot more to get excited about in the second half last Saturday against the Rebels. If Jalen can keep progressing well, this season is going to get very interesting for the Tide. The defense was stellar versus Ole Miss and the O Line really stepped it up.

Bama 31, State 14

No.1 Georgia @ Auburn

Jordan-Hare Stadium

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny Dell

Dawgs by 14

It’ll be interesting to see Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, in his first SEC road test, try to navigate the extreme noise he’ll be facing in Jordan-Hare. Hugh Freeze will get this program back to relevancy in the SEC and be a contender once again. It’s taking some time, but I like the Tigers to put up a fight against them Dawgs.

Georgia 27, Auburn 17

Texas A&M @ Arkansas

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.

11 AM

SEC Network

Dave Neal, Stinch, Alyssa Lang

A&M by 6 1/2

I’m looking at a hard fought contest with A&M edging out the Hogs in Jerry country.

A&M 34, Ark 31

No. 13 LSU @ No. 20 Ole Miss

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

5 PM

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, RGIII, Kris Budden

Bengal Tigers by 2 1/2

I’m going to take Lane and the Rebels in an upset at home.

Ole Miss 31, LSU 30

No. 22 Florida @ Kentucky

Kroger Field, Lexington

11 AM

ESPN

Tess, Jess, Katie George

UK by 1

I see the Wildcats as a quality team. Florida may be becoming one, too, but Kentucky has taken 3 out of the last five in the series after going 32 consecutive years with an L. Give me the Cats at home.

Kentucky 24, Florida 21

South Carolina @ No.21 Tennessee

Neyland Stadium, Knoxvegas

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

UT by 12

The Gamecocks have kept improving. I like them to be a tough out for the Vols.

Tennessee 35, South Carolina 31

No. 23 Missouri @ Vanderbilt

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

3 PM

SEC Network

Lowell Galindo, Derek Mason, Clark Lea may need some help, Taylor Davis

Mizzou by 13 1/2

Missouri 34, Vanderbilt 17

No.8 USC @ Colorado

Folsom Field, Boulder

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

SC by 21 1/2

I like Prime to give the Trojans a tough game. The Buffs will be charged up and be able to score some points on the questionable SC defense. But Caleb Williams and the USC offense can also put up a lot of points.

USC 45, Colorado 34

No. 24 Kansas @ No.3 Texas

DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin

2:30 PM

ABC

Sean, Gregory, Molly

Horns by 16 1/2

Kansas is quality. Quarterback Jason Daniels has completed 75% of his passes with 5 TDs against 1 int. Kansas gives the Horns a little harder time than expected.

Texas 35, Kansas 24

Friday

No.10 Utah @ No. 19 Oregon State

Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR.

8 PM

Fox Sports 1

Timmy B, Spence

OR State by 4 1/2

Cam Rising may play some for the Utes this week, but will split time with electric backup Nate Johnson. I still like the Beavs at home.

OR State 30, Utah 24

No. 11 Notre Dame @ N0. 17 Duke

Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, N.C.

6:30 PM

ABC

Rece, Kirk, Holly

Irish by 5 1/2

After a disastrous finish versus Ohio State last Saturday Night at Notre Dame Stadium, the Irish try to regroup at Duke. But Duke ain’t no chopped liver. Mike Elko has built a really solid team this season with an excellent quarterback in Riley Leonard from Fairhope, AL. and a tough defense, his specialty at A&M and Notre Dame in previous stops. The Irish just get by.

Notre Dame 27, Duke 24

No.6 Penn State @ Northwestern

Ryan Field, Evanston, IL.

11 AM

Big Ten Network

Nittany Lions by 26 1/2

Like James Franklin and company to advance, but Northwestern is still scrappy despite all the controversy over the summer.

Penn State 34, Northwestern 10

The 44th Ryder Cup

Friday through Sunday

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, 10 miles from downtown Rome

7,181 yards, Par 71

US. Team by world rankings

1. Scottie Scheffler, 5. Patrick Cantlay, 6. Xander Schauffle, 7. Max Homa, 9. Brian Harmon, 10. Wyndham Clark, 12, Jordan Spieth, 15. Brooks Koepka, 19. Collin Morkikawa, 20. Sam Burns, 24. Justin Thomas, 25. Rickie Fowler

Europe

2. Rory McIlroy, 3. Jon Rahm, 4. Viktor Hovland, 8. Matt Fitzpatrick, 11. Tyrrell Hatton, 14. Tommy Fleetwood, 22. Sepp Straka, 34. Shane Lowry, 36. Justin Rose, 55. Robert McIntyre, 80. Ludvig Aberg, 81. Nicolai Hojgaard?

Weather, Terrific, sunny all three days, mid 80’s, humidity in the high 40’s/low 50’s, wind 5-10

TV, All times Central

Friday, 12:30-11AM USA Network

Saturday, 12:30-2 AM, USA Network, 2-11 AM NBC.

Sunday, 4:30 AM-12 PM, NBC.

A lot of early times. Early risers have the advantage. Night Owls like T’eo not so much, unless you’re out carousing and want to make it an all nighter.

Pick it up when you can. It should be riveting, as it always is.

Schedule of Play

Friday

Morning foursomes 12:35 AM match 1, 12:50 AM match 2. 1:05 AM, match 3. 1:20 AM Match 4.

Afternoon four ball matches. 5:25 AM, match 1, 5:40 AM, match 2. 5:55 AM, match 3. 6:10 AM Match 4

Saturday

Foursomes March 1, 12:35 AM, Match 2, 12:50 AM, 1:05 AM match 3. 1:20 AM, match 4.

Four Ball match 1, 5:25 AM, match 2, 5:40 AM, match 3, 5:55 AM, match 4, 6:10 AM.

Sunday

Singles matches 4:35 AM Match No.1. All 12 matches tee off every 12 minutes.

Final Analysis and prediction

The American team blasted Europe two years ago at Whistling Straits, 19-9, but the U.S. has not won on European soil in 30 years. You have to go all the way back to 1993 when the U.S, last emerged victorious across the pond. The U.S. team is stacked with talent and favored to win and Europe has a couple of very inexperienced players. But I love the toughness of the European team at home. Give me the upset behind Rory, Rahm and Viktor.

Europe 14 1/2, U.S. 13 1/2

Wow, this Saturday in college football is filled with marquee matchup after marquee matchup on the slate.

The No.13 Crimson Tide, in an unusual spot in the AP Poll, faces No.15 Ole Miss at Bryant-Denny Saturday afternoon, and the Auburn Tigers precede that at 11 AM at College Station as they face the A&M Aggies. Something has to give for all four of these teams. All need the victory to keep their respective seasons intact. The Crimson Tide really needs to defend its home turf, and Coach Freeze is searching for his first signature victory at Auburn. Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin are chomping at the bit to finally get over the Nick Saban/Alabama monumental hurdle, while Jimbo Fisher needs this one badly to keep his Aggie ship from collapsing for another season and his job to be really on the line if he succumbs to Auburn.

Some other SEC tilts look interesting and the national slate is superb. Here’s a look at this Saturday’s riveting matchups in CFB along with predictions.

Last Week, SU: 24-4; Overall: 76-13, 85%

ATS: Last Week, 15-13; Overall, 45-43, 51%.

All times Central. All games on Saturday

No. 15 Ole Miss @ No. 13 Alabama

Bryant-Denny Stadium

2:30 PM

CBS

Tom McCarthy, Ross Tucker, Jason McCourty. I understand Jason, an All Pro, multiple Super Bowl champion for the Patriots, but I have no clue who these other two are. Brad and Gary are at Happy Valley Saturday Night doing the Penn State-Iowa game. With the SEC 2:30 PM games moving over to ESPN next season along with the usual SEC Network, CBS is transitioning towards the Big Ten.

Bama by 6 1/2

I’m not sold that this 2023 Crimson Tide team can be successful and live up to the Standard. Not seeing it. The quarterback situation is a mess, the offensive line has way underachieved, and the defense, though better last Saturday, is not prolific. The quarterback room, which has been so stellar for so many years with Greg McElroy, A.J. McCarron, Blake Sims, Jake Coker, then the prolific group of Jalen Hurts, most of the time, Tua, Mac Jones and the amazing Bryce Young, is just not where it needs to be. Coach Saban is going with Jalen Milroe. While Milroe has had his moments this year running and throwing the deep ball, he gives you that explosive element, he’s erratic on the intermediate throws you have to have and getting through his progressions and delivering the ball out of the pocket quickly to avoid a sack. He just hasn’t mastered those skills yet. He’s still got a chance to be succeed, but, so far, the results have not been what the Tide was looking for. T’eo and I were also talking on Tuesday about what has happened to the great defensive linemen Coach Saban had recruited so well? Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Dalvin Tomlinson, A’Shawn Robinson (wow, what a player), Quinine Williams (another superb player) Jarren Reed among others. What’s happened to guys like that? I don’t know if Coach Saban knows how he can get through to these players anymore. He’s seemed to say that recently saying he can’t really use his usual tough love approach with these players because they’re so sensitive. He has to be encouraging with them, too much so, and that’s not who he is. He’s always been supportive of his players, but has been tough when he needs to be, and it’s worked to the tune of six national championships. But it seems like he’s had to back off the last two years. Maybe he needs to get back to that. His coordinators this season have had issues as well, particularly on offense, but defense, too. The offensive line gave up five more sacks last Saturday to South Florida? South Florida played hard, but when you have high four stars and five stars on your o line and they have low three stars to two stars upfront on their d line, how does that happen? It’s just not happening right now for the Crimson Tide. Can they turn it around? They have an opportunity to this Saturday at home where they have dominated Ole Miss. They have dominated the series in general.

But Kiff has a really good team this year with an exceptionally mobile quarterback in Jaxson Dart. I like the Rebels to pull off the upset and it won’t be that shocking.

Ole Miss 30, Alabama 23

Auburn @Texas A&M

Kyle Field, College Station

11 AM

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, RG III, Kris Budden

A&M by 7 1/2

Don’t trust these two teams right now. Have little to no trust in Fish, and Hugh does not have the program where he wants it to be at present. I like this lower scoring because Auburn’s defense is pretty good and so is A&M’s. But I trust A&M quarterback Conner Weigman more than I do Payton Thorne. Thorne proved to be a capable runner last Saturday going for over a hunge, but he’s always had problems with interceptions. I see that costing Hugh and the Tigers Saturday. Give me the Aggies at Kyle Field.

A&M 24, Auburn 21

No.6 Ohio State @ No.9 Notre Dame

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend

6:30 PM

NBC

Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, Kathryn Tapper. Todd moved over to NBC from ESPN because he saw the upheaval of the ESPN broadcasters coming.

Ohio State by 3

Quarterback Sam Hartman and running back Audric Estime, who leads the country in rushing with 521 yards and is an absolute stud, lead the Irish to victory. Notre Dame has been worried about a sea of Buckeye red in their stadium all week, but they hold off the opponent and their faithful Saturday Night in South Bend in an electric contest.

Notre Dame 38, Ohio State 35

No. 4 Florida State @ Clemson

Memorial Stadium, Clemson

11 AM

ABC

Sean McDonough, Gregory, Molly McGrath

FSU by 2

Give me Dabo and his Tigers in another upset in Death Valley.

Clemson 31, FSU 30

UAB @ No. 1 Georgia

Sanford Stadium, Athens

6:30 PM

ESPN2

Brian Custer, Rod Gilmore, Lauren Sisler

Dawgs by 42

Wow, what an assignment for the Blazers. It ain’t going to be pretty, but the Dawgs have not proven to be all that yet. Still, too much of a talent discrepancy in this one.

Georgia 45, UAB 14

Arkansas @ No. 12 LSU

Tiguh Stadium, Baton Rouge

6 PM

ESPN

Chris, Kirk, Holly

Bengal Tigers by 17 1/2

Another tough assignment, this one for the Hogs. Tiger Stadium on a Saturday Night? That’s a monumental challenge for the Hogs against an LSU team that just blasted Mississippi State on the road and looks to be hitting its stride. I do like KJ Jefferson and his team, even without their outstanding running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, hurt with a knee injury, to make it more interesting than it might appear. Arkansas is still a solid, hard playing team.

LSU 34, Arkansas 28

Mississippi State @ South Carolina

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

SC by 6

Shane Beamer and his team showed up well against Georgia in Athens last Saturday taking a 10 point lead into halftime before losing, 24-14. They looked like they’re getting it together. State is not great and I like the way the Gamecocks’ momentum is building.

South Carolina 38, State 31

Kentucky @ Vanderbilt

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

11 AM

SEC Network

Taylor, Stinch, Alyssa Lang

UK by 13 1/2

I like the Wildcats and Vanderbilt transfer running back Ray Davis to have a big day.

Kentucky 35, Vandy 21

Other SEC scores

No. 25 Florida 42, Charlotte 7

The Swamp

6 PM

ESPN+, SEC Net+

Gators by 28

Florida has a lot of momentum from the Tennessee victory last Saturday Night in the Swamp. Suddenly, the Cocktail Party is looking very interesting come Saturday, October 28th.

No. 23 Tennessee 45, UT San Antonio 21

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

3 PM

SEC Network

Vols by 21 1/2

Missouri 30, Memphis 27

Faurot Field, Columbia

6:30 PM

ESPNU

Mizzou by 6

Missouri Tigers QB Brady Cook is questionable. The 3-0 Memphis Tigers give’em a scare.

Other key National Games

No.3 Texas 30, Baylor 24

McLane Stadium, Waco

6:30 PM

ABC

Hook’em Horns by 15

Like the Longhorns to survive Waco. Always a tough place to win, especially in conference, which Texas is a part of for one more season.

No. 10 Oregon 42, No.19 Colorado 28

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

2:30 PM

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie George

Ducks by 21

Coach Prime and his team give it a good effort, but Bo Nix is on fire throwing for 9 TDs against 0 ints, and Prime losing two way superstar Travis Hunter for three weeks to an injury is a tough blow. Hunter suffered a lacerated liver last Saturday Night in Boulder from an outrageously dirty hit by Colorado State db Henry Blackburn. I still like Colorado a lot, they should knock off some other teams they’re underdogs against. But this one’s tough at Autzen Stadium.

No.7 Penn State 24, No. 24 Iowa 17

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

6:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny Dell

Nittany Lions by 15

I like Iowa and their slow plodding team to keep it closer than expected and to make it a solid if not boring game.

No. 21 Washington State 35, No. 14 Oregon State 31

Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA.

6 PM

FOX

Jeff Levering, Mark Helfrich

OR State by 3

Love what I’m seeing from Washington State, FCS transfer quarterback Cameron Ward. He played at Incarnate Word and was stellar there and is continuing that in Pullman. Ward has thrown for 986 yards, 9 TDs and 0 ints. Like him and his team to prevail over DJ Uiagalelei and the Beavers. This is an underrated, huge game nationally. The PAC-12 is terrific this season.

No.5 USC 55, Arizona State 20

Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, Zona

9:30 PM

FOX

Trojans by 34 1/2

The Men from Troy are a big factor both in the PAC-12 and nationally. If the PAC-12 has to go out this way, it’s quite a denouement.

No. 8 Washington 42, Cal 17

Husky Stadium, Seattle

9:30 PM

ESPN

Wash by 20 1/2

Another tremendous team in the PAC-12 out of Seattle. Michael Pennix Jr. is one of several quarterbacks making a run at the Heisman. I mentioned some others earlier. Long way to go, but so far, 84 of 113, 74%, 1,332 yards, 12 TDs, 1 int, looks pretty stout.

No. 11 Utah 34, No. 22 UCLA 27

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake

2:30 PM

FOX

Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, Allison Williams.

Utes by 6

Looks like Cam Rising will return at QB for Utah, so that gives them an advantage. I was going to take UCLA before it was announced Rising is expected to play, but Rising, Coach Kyle Whittingham, Offensive Coordinator Andy Ludwig, the Utes D and the home crowd give the Utes the W here. I’m still real high on UCLA 100, 5 star freshman quarterback Dante Moore, who has thrown for 615 yards, 7 TDs against 1 int. The Bruins have a bright future with Moore under center and they’ll be highly competitive in Salt Lake.

No.2 Michigan 28, Rutgers 24

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

11 AM

Big Ten Network

Michigan by 24

Harbaugh is back, for better or for worse, but I like Greg Schiano and his team to preform well and give the Wolverines everything they want. Schiano had great success with the Scarlett Knights in his first stint with them from 2001-2011 before heading to Tampa Bay where he struggled coaching the Bucs before getting back in the college game where he belongs.

No. 17 North Carolina 42, Pittsburgh 38

Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh

7 PM

ACC Network

Chapel Hill by 7 1/2

I like Pitt to give the Tar Heels everything they want, but for the Heels to survive and advance in the ACC and national picture.

BYU 35, Kansas 34

David Booth Stadium, Lawrence, KS.

2:30 PM

ESPN

Kansas by 9 1/2

I like USC transfer QB Kedon Clovis, who has thrown for 660 with 6 TDs and only 1 int, and the hard-nosed Cougars to pull it off. Just like the fact that they went into Arkansas last Saturday Night and pulled off the 38-31 upset. Believe in’em.

TCU 44, SMU 36

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth

11 AM

Fox Sports 1

TCU by 7

Love this DFW rivalry. The Frogs outlast the Ponies and start making their case in the Big 12 afterwards. TCU lost a tough one to Coach Prime and the Buffaloes 45-42 at home to start the season. But there’s really no shame in that since the Buffs had a healthy Travis Hunter and they’re a for real team. The Frogs have a shot to make some noise in the Big 12. They have a stellar offense under head coach Sonny Dykes and first year OC Kendal Briles, and if they can tighten it up defensively, they’ll make some noise in the Big 12. SMU is now in the American Conference.

No. 16 Oklahoma 38, Cincinnati 28

Nippert Stadium, Cincy

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Sooners by 14 1/2

Like Boomer Sooner to prevail in a new Big 12 matchup that will only last a year with OU going to the SEC along with Texas. I like Cincy at home to make it a competitive game. OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the second year transfer from UCF, is 66 of 80, 83%, for 905 yards, 11 TDs and 1 int. There are a lot of QBs in line to hoist the Heisman in December and he’s another one of them.

South Alabama 34, Central Michigan 22

Hancock Whitney Stadium, Mobile

4 PM

ESPN+

USA by 15

The Jags just went to Stillwater last Saturday and knocked off OK State, 35-7. That’s impressive. Central Michigan is pretty scrappy under Jim McElwain, however. It should be a pretty decent game and South is making a case to do well in the Fun Belt.

Week 2 was a surprise with the Crimson Tide going down to a locked in, lockdown Texas Longhorns team, 34-24. The Longhorns controlled the game and showed the Crimson Tide it has a lot to work on. So my first question is, who will be the quarterback if Jalen Milroe struggles once again in the first quarter this Saturday in Tampa? Tyler Buchner, the Notre Dame transfer, looks to be the next man up. Ty Simpson could get a shot. This is a fluid situation for the Crimson Tide. They are @ South Florida, so this is a game they can try to figure out their best option going forward. Possibly. No.17 Ole Miss comes to Tuscaloosa next Saturday, 9/23, for a 2:30 PM kick on CBS, so I’m sure it would be nice for Coach Saban and his team to know who will be under center giving the Crimson Tide the best chance to win against the Rebels. The offensive line struggled last Saturday against a strong, quick Texas pass rush. The defense had several issues as well in pass rush and coverage. Texas did play an awesome game, so they deserve a lot of credit. They may be back. There’s a lot of football left, but the Horns look poised to make a strong run in the Big 12 and nationally. Meanwhile, the Crimson Tide will look for some answers this Saturday.

The Auburn Tigers barely scraped by the Cal Bears last Saturday Night in Berkeley. Auburn is a work in progress as well. There are injuries at linebacker and in the secondary as Samford comes to the Plains for a 6 PM kick this Saturday on SEC Network+ and ESPN+. Payton Thorne has been decent. Robbie Ashford showed off his prolific athletic skills in week one against UMass, but wasn’t nearly as effective last Saturday Night in Berkeley. The Tigers will try to figure themselves out Saturday. The Tigers will be @ Texas A&M next Saturday, 9/23, for an 11 AM kick on ESPN, so I know Coach Freeze wants to get this team playing sound football heading into a blockbuster matchup in College Station.

Here’s a look at this Saturday’s slate. The No.1 Dawgs host the Gamecocks in what looks like it could be another blowout, though Georgia has not been overly impressive this season, so far. LSU is @ Mississippi State. Maybe State coach Zach Arnott can control himself and not throw out one of his expletives like he did last Saturday his interview with Cole Cubelic after the Zona overtime victory. That was incredible after the 31-24 overtime win. I thought I was listening to Chris Rock give a postgame interview. Ole Miss, Arkansas and Missouri are in some interesting non-conference tilts. It’s about to get very interesting in the SEC next week, but this week has promise. Here’s this week’s previews along with predictions.

Last Week’s Record

SU-27-3, Overall, 52-9, 85%

ATS, 16-13, GA. was favored by 42, won by 42. Overall: 30-30

****All Game Times Central. All games Saturday unless otherwise noted.****

No.10 Alabama @South Florida

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

2:30 PM

ABC

Tide by 32

South Florida is 1-1 as they’ve lost to Western Kentucky, 41-24, and defeated Florida A&M, 38-24. They’re still trying to figure it out. So is Jalen Milroe, the offensive line and the defense at Alabama. I like them to have success here. They need to with the Rebels heading into Tuscaloosa next Saturday.

Alabama 45, South Florida 10

Samford @ Auburn

Jordan-Hare

6 PM

SEC Net+

No Line yet

Samford is 1-1 having defeated Shorter? 69-14, and having lost to Western Carolina, 30-7. Auburn needs to get healthy on the back end of their defense. They need to play well to get ready for @A&M next Saturday.

Auburn 49, Samford 3

South Carolina @ No.1 Georgia

Sanford Stadium, Athens

2:30 PM

CBS

Dawgs by 27 1/2

Georgia wins comfortably, but the jury is out still on how good this Georgia team is. They’re good, no doubt. But great? Still to be determined.

Georgia 41, South Carolina 17

No.11 Tennessee @ Florida

The Swamp

6 PM

ESPN

Vols by 6 1/2

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton said this summer, “I don’t lose to Florida.” With that comment, he loses to Florida.

Gators 31, Vols 30

No.14 LSU @ Mississippi State

Davis-Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

11 AM

ESPN

Tiguhs by 9 1/2

I like LSU to take care of business in an early kickoff.

LSU 30, State 20

No.4 Texas 38, Wyoming 17

DKR Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin

7 PM

Longhorn Network

Horns by 30

Like Texas to win, but be challenged for a while by a team that likes to slay the giants.

Arkansas 31, BYU 21

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

6:30 PM

ESPN2

Hogs by 8

Like Sam, and QB KJ Jefferson to handle business at home. The Hogs go to Baton Rouge next Saturday for a 6 PM kick on ESPN. Star running back Raheim “Rocket” Sanders is injured and being held out of this game. He’s got a knee injury and his status for next Saturday is questionable at present.

No. 17 Ole Miss 42, Georgia Tech 23

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Rebs by 18

Lane and his squad prepare to invade Tuscaloosa next Saturday.

No. 15 Kansas State 27, Missouri 24

Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

11 AM

SEC Network

K State by 3 1/2

Looking for a tight one in Columbia with the K State Wildcats just hanging on.

Texas A&M 42, UL Monroe 10

Kyle Field, College Station

3 PM

SEC Network

Aggies by 36 1/2

Not a hard one for Jimbo. He’s not too swift in the hard ones. He’ll get a shot again next Saturday when Auburn comes to town. Miami laid the wood on him and his team last Saturday.

Kentucky 42, Akron 14

Kroger Field, Lexington

6:30 PM

ESPNU

Wildcats by 25

Not much to comment on this game except to say the Wildcats open conference play next Saturday @ Vanderbilt with an 11 AM kick on the SEC Network and will try to sharpen their tools for that contest.

Vanderbilt 27, UNLV 24

Allegiant Stadium, Vegas

6 PM

CBS Sports Network

Vandy by 4

The Dores just hang on in that mecca of a football stadium. The Dores need to improve dramatically if they expect to have any shot against the Wildcats next Saturday.

UAB 20, Louisiana 17

Protective Stadium, B’ham

6 PM

ESPN+

Blazers by 2 1/2

Blazers edge this one out. It’ll be a good victory if they can get it. Next Saturday Night at 6:30, they try their best @Georgia. ESPN2 will televise that bludgeoning. No shame in that. That’s a next to impossible task for a lot of teams.

National scores

No.3 Florida State 34, Boston College 7

Alumni Stadium, Chestnut Hill, MA.

11 AM

ABC

FSU by 26

The ‘Noles are rolling into a conference game. Like the trajectory of this team.

No. 18 Colorado 35, Colorado State 28

Folsom Field, Boulder

9 PM

ESPN

Prime by 23

Coach Prime is getting real proud of himself and so are his players. They find it tough sledding this Saturday at home.

No.7 Penn State 31, Illinois 16

Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL.

11 AM

FOX

Nittany Lions by 14 1/2

Penn State should be in good shape on the road at Champaign (Jam) and get ready for the high flying No.25 Iowa Hawkeyes next Saturday at 6:30 PM on CBS. Watching Iowa’s offense is about as exciting as watching paint dry.

No.2 Michigan 49, Bowling Green 7

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

6:30 PM

Big Ten Network

Wolverines by 40 1/2

This is another joke Michigan game. James serves his last game of his 3 game suspension. Rutgers comes to Ann Arbor next Saturday, so a little bit of a test next week with Jim back roaming the sideline.

No.6 Ohio State 52, Western Kentucky 21

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

3 PM

FOX

Buckeyes by 29

Lady Gaga could win this game coaching the Buckeyes.

No.8 Washington 35, Michigan State 10

Spartan Stadium, East Lansing

4 PM

Peacock

Huskies by 16

Washington is very good and the Mel Tucker drama is traumatic for the Spartans and the university. Sheesh.

No. 13 Oregon 55, Hawai’i 14

Autzen Stadium, Eugene

7 PM

PAC-12 Network

Ducks by 37 1/2

Ducks earned a hard fought, outstanding victory in Lubbock last Saturday Night over Texas Tech, 38-30. I like this Ducks team a lot. They’ve got a shot to win the PAC-12 and that’s saying a lot with USC, who’s off this week, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Oregon State, Washington State and UCLA right there with them. It’ll be a spectacle in the PAC-12 this season, in its last season, unfortunately. Prime and his Colorado Buffalos come to Autzen Stadium next Saturday for a 2:30 PM kick on ABC. That’s huge.

No.9 Notre Dame 42, Central Michigan 7

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend

1:30 PM

Peacock

Irish by 34 1/2

Believer in Marcus Freeman and his team. He’s instilled a toughness into the program that didn’t exist with Brian Kelly. The Irish entertain Ohio State next Saturday Night at 6:30 in what will be one of the games of the season so far. Should be stellar. NBC and Peacock will televise.

No. 16 Oregon State 45, San Diego State 14

Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR.

2:30 PM

Fox Sports 1

Beavers by 24 1/2

Love what Coach Jonathan Smith, quarterback DJ Uiagaleiei and the Beavers are doing this season. DJ looks like a different quarterback at Oregon State from what he was at Clemson. The Beavs are in the hunt in the PAC-12. They go to Pullman next Saturday to face the No.23 Washington State Cougars at 6 PM on FOX. Next Saturday is going to be a dandy in college football.

No. 23 Washington State 49, Northern Colorado 3

Martin Stadium, Pullman, WA.

4 PM

‘PAC-12 Network

No line as yet

The Cougs gear up for a blockbuster against Oregon State next Saturday.

No. 18 Oklahoma 48, Tulsa 21

Champion Stadium, Tulsa

2:30 PM

ESPN2

Sonners by 27 1/2

OU has been impressive so far, though taking care of business against way inferior competition. They’re @ Cincy next Saturday in a tougher game. The Red River Rivalry is set for Saturday, October 7th at the Cotton Bowl in Big D. Should be epic.

No. 20 North Carolina 34, Minnesota 30

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill

2:30 PM

ESPN

UNC by 8

The Heels edge out the Golden Gophers @ home.

No. 21 Duke 35, Northwestern 17

Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, N.C.

2:30 PM

ACC Network

Blue Devils by 18 1/2

Still think Northwestern is scrappy even with the hazing fiasco. Duke looks pretty legit right now though.

TCU 35, Houston 30

TDECU Stadium, Rocket City

7 PM

FOX

Horned Frogs by 7 1/2

The Frogs edge out the Cougars in a thriller.

Tonight

No.22 Miami 56, Bethune-Cookman 3

Hard Rock Stadium

6:30

ACC Network

‘Canes by 51

The ‘Canes destroyed Fish and the Aggies last Saturday @ home. This game doesn’t seem interesting though Miami is a very interesting team. The ‘Canes are off next Saturday then play Tech at home, Saturday, 10/7 and Saturday, October 14th, they go to Chapel Hill in a stellar matchup with major ACC and national implications on the line.

I’ve got five observations from Week 1 in CFB, then we’ll focus on this Saturday’s games with the Crimson Tide in a major clash in T-town, and the Auburn Tigers on the left coast for a late one Saturday Night against a pretty quality team from the PAC-12. Some other solid matchups for SEC teams and some excellent national tilts. Will dive into those shortly.

First, five opinions on week 1. Good to have college football back. Here they are.

1. Coach Prime! Wow. CP was saying after the game that he was keeping receipts on those sportswriters who were doubting him and I’m in line. I am a believer now. Prime has assembled a group of 70 transfers, including several terrific players on this football team, and has combined that with some stellar coaching. Prime just knows how to recruit, motivate and is the perfect father figure to his players. I heard him give a speech to his players at Jackson State last year in their locker-room . It was spectacular. The players want to run through Fort Knox for him. He’s a superior leader and motivator. His offensive coordinator, Sean Lewis, was dialing up superior play call after superior play call against a TCU defense that had no clue how to stop’em. On defense, DC Charles Kelly, a crafty veteran who’s coached with S and Jimbo, couldn’t stop the Horned Frogs for the most part, but he stopped them at the end of the game when it mattered most and added a couple of key ints. You’re not going to stop TCU completely with Sonny Dykes and now OC Kendal Briles calling the shots. Dykes is outstanding on offense and Briles is a stud play-caller. But the Buffs found a way when they needed to get a stop at the end in their 45-42 victory. And how about those players? Travis Hunter, who was the No.1 player in the 2022 recruiting class as ranked by 247 sports, was phenomenal. Coach Prime got him to come to Jackson State in 2022 and then transfer to Boulder for this season. Hunter, the sophomore corner/wide receiver, played 144 snaps, 80 on defense and 64 on offense. That’s unheard of. He caught 11 passes for 119 yards and added 1 key int when TCU was on the Buffaloes 5 yard line in the first half. It was a diving pick and a beaut. Hunter is a phenom. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a junior and the younger Prime Time son, completed 38 of 47 passes for 510 with 4 TDs and 0 ints. He was unstoppable and the TCU d line couldn’t get to him. The Colorado O line was doing an excellent job and Sanders is so quick, he’s almost un-sackable. Older brother Shilo Sanders, a graduate player and a safety, led the defense in tackles with 10. Freshman wide receiver Dylan Edwards caught 5 passes for 135 yards and 3 TDs. What a freshman. This team is for real and Coach Prime is definitely the real deal. I like their future this season and the sky’s the limit for Colorado and CP. Love what I saw in Fort Worth. It was 100 degrees outside and probably 110 on the field at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Fox’s Jenny Taft asked Hunter after the game if he was tired, and he said, “No m’am. Ready to play another game.” This is a really dynamic phenomenon in Boulder. Excited to see what the Buffs do this week in Boulder against Nebraska and first year coach Matt Rhule. Rhule will turn around the Cornhuskers. He’s an amazing college coach. The Carolina Panthers didn’t work out for him, but that can happen to many good college coaches who try to make the leap to the NFL. They’re so used to the discipline of the college game that it can be tough dealing with NFL players who make big salaries and have the massive egos. There are certain coaches cut out for the college game and certain coaches cut out for the NFL. Andy Reid and John Harbaugh are classic NFL coaches who let their superstars play, but keep an even keel when there are problems. Guys like Rhule, Coach Saban and others don’t understand that lack of discipline. So, both duos of head coaches in the NFL, and in the college game are right where they need to be. Coach Prime is right where he needs to be right now and loving every second of it as are the Colorado faithful and many people throughout the country.

2. Florida State 45, LSU 24. Coach Mike Norvell, in his fourth year in Tallahassee, has assembled a juggernaut. Quarterback Jordan Travis is an absolute stud. He completed 23 of 31 for 342 yards, 4 TDs and one int. He also ran for another. And the Florida State defense was tough and physical. They just manhandled Brian Kelly and his LSU Tigers. Kelly is a fine coach, not a prolific coach. He can give you 10 to 11 win seasons, but when he plays the blue chips like Bama and Clemson, back when Clemson was worth a flip, he gets dominated. That’s what happened Sunday Night in Orlando. Just a spectacular performance by the ‘Noles. This season looks highly promising for Norvell and his team.

3. Duke 28, Clemson 7. Loved what I saw out of Mike Elko’s team. Elko was a terrific DC at A&M and Notre Dame previously, and he’s taken Duke to another level. They won 9 games last season and won their bowl game. This year looks even better. Riley Leonard, their 6’4”, 212 junior quarterback from Fairhope High School in this state, is another stellar player. The Duke defense was lockdown. It was so impressive. Coach Swinney really needs to get back to the drawing board. His sophomore quarterback, Cade Klubnik, was a five star in the 2022 class. He’s so far from playing like that. Swinney, and new OC Garrett Riley, who came over from TCU, need to figure it out quickly or it’s going to be a long season at Clemson. Interestingly, their 2020, 5 star QB who was much maligned in his three years at Clemson, DJ Uiagalelei, led his Oregon State team to a 42-17 victory in their opener @ San Jose State. DJ completed 20 of 25 passes for 239 and 3 TDs. He also rushed for 2 TDs. So, no problem for him at Corvallis. Jonathan Smith is a tremendous coach and his team is ranked No.16. Too bad they had to break up the PAC-12. It’s an awesome conference and deserves better. Oregon State and Wash State are the only two teams left. Hoping those two teams can find a good home conference and maybe even the PAC-12 can add teams like Boise State, San Diego State, Wyoming etc.. and keep the PAC-12 viable. Hope that’ll happen. They can find teams to make it a competitive conference and still a fixture in college football, which it should be. It’s been an institution in the game for so many years. The PAC-12 was 13-0 in its games last weekend. That’s a pretty strong statement in its final season.

4. Tennessee 49, Virginia 13. The Vols don’t like like they’ve missed a beat with Joe Milton III taking over at quarterback for now NFL QB Hendon Hooker (Lions). Milton III was awesome. He was 21 of 30 for 201 yards and 2 TDs. Running back Jaylen Wright is electric. He ran for 115 yards. Milton III ran for 2 TDs. Jabari Small is another stellar RB. He ran for 67 yards on 13 carries. And the defense was suffocating. So a complete football team that has a shot to dethrone Georgia in the East. Georgia comes to Knoxvegas on Saturday, Nov. 18th for a likely 2:30 PM kick on CBS. Better strap it on Dawgs and not keep tearing up the roadways. Wow, that’s a story in itself. A player and a staff member killed the night of the National Championship celebration in Athens and 12 other speeding violations. And we’re not talking 40 in a 25. We’re talking 100 in a 70, 80 in a 35. It’s out of control. Kirby Smart needs to figure how to handle that quickly or the three peat is a pipe dream.

5. North Carolina 31, South Carolina 17. The ACC had their way with a couple of SEC teams last weekend. Carolina sacked Gamecocks QB Spencer Rattler 9 times. Coach Gene Chiz and his defense are doin’ work. They have a complete football team. Shane Beamer and his team need to figure some things out quickly.

   On to week 2.

   Last week, Straight up, 22-4; overall 25-6, 81%

   ATS, 13-13; overall, 14-17, 45%. Need mullis ATS for week 1 games.

   All times Central

   No. 11 Texas @ No.3 Alabama

   Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa

   6 PM

   ESPN

   Chris, Kirk, Holly

   Bama by 7

   The Crimson Tide defense will have to deal with a pretty dynamic offense led by quarterback Quinn “J.R.”Ewers. Jalen Milroe had a really fine week one game against Middle Tennessee State. Is Milroe the answer at quarterback? Saturday Night will tell us a lot. He sure is explosive if he can dial in his accuracy and decision making. I thought it was an outstanding week 1 performance by Milroe. Such a class kid too. Texas is good this year, and Bama has some injuries in the secondary as Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key are battling injuries. They have practiced this week. I do like Dallas Turner and Chris Braswell to do some damage rushing Ewers, and I like Kool-Aid to make a big punt return and make his impact at corner. I also like Jalen to have a solid game and lead his team to victory as he tries to establish himself as the number one guy under center in T-town.

   Bama 34, Texas 24

Auburn @ Cal

California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley

9:30 PM

ESPN

Dave Flemming, Brock Osweiler, Kayla Burton

Tigers by 6 1/2

The Tigers lost starting linebacker Austin Keys for “awhile” according to Hugh as he will have surgery on his thumb. I don’t “like” what Robby Ashford is doing. As Darius Rucker says, “I Love it.” Payton Thorne is a good passer, but for explosives Ashford is Auburn’s guy. The running backs behind Jarquez Hunter, who is out for an undisclosed amount of time for disciplinary measures, did a solid job last Saturday in Auburn’s 59-14 victory over UMass. Like what I’m seeing out of Hugh’s first team. He’s a superb coach, there is no doubt about that. Cal is pretty solid this season after a 58-21 victory on the road @ North Texas. I like the Tigers, but I like it close.

Auburn 31, Cal 28

No. 23 Texas A&M @ Miami

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

2:30 PM

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie

A&M by 4

The ACC has had the SEC’s number in their first two matchups, but the Aggies get the job done here in a tight one.

A&M 31, Canes 26

Ball State @ No.1 Georgia

Sanford Stadium, Athens

11 AM

SEC Network

Taylor Zarzour, Stinch, Alyssa Lang

Georgia by 42

What a joke.

Georgia 55, Ball State 3

No.20 Ole Miss @ No.24 Tulane

Yulman Stadium, NOLA

2:30 PM

ESPN2

Rebels by 7 1/2

Tulane ain’t no joke. They defeated USC in the Cotton Bowl last season, 46-45, and stud quarterback Michael Pratt is back. I like Lane to win, he’s got a good team and an awesome running back in Quinshon Jenkins, but I’m seeing a heckuva contest in the Crescent City.

Ole Miss 34, Green Wave 30

Austin Peay # No.9 Tennessee

Neyland Stadium

4 PM

ESPN+

UT by 44

The Vols get a cake walk here and get ready for a big one @ Florida next Saturday, 9/16, at 6 PM on the SEC Network.

Vols 52, AP 6

Arizona @ Mississippi State

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

State by 9

I like this to be a pretty tough matchup for quarterback Will Rogers, first year coach Zach Arnett and the Bullies. ‘Zona defeated Northern Zona 38-3 in their first game, and I see them as a pretty good team. I’m a buyer in the PAC-12.

State 34, ‘Zona 30

Vandy @ Wake Forest

Allegacy Stadium, Winston-Salem

10 AM

ACC Network

Wake by 10

Early wakeup call for the Dores and the Demon Deacs. People ask me sometimes why I pick against my school. The answer is: I want to be right. Dores still finding themselves. I guess I like what Clark Lea is doing. Not sold yet. It’s tough at Vanderbilt.

Wake 31, Vanderbilt 17

Other SEC scores

LSU 52, Grambling 0

Tiger Stadium, Baaton Rouge

6:30 PM

ESPN+

LSU by 51 1/2

Arkansas 42, Kent State 3

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

3 PM

SEC Network

Hogs by 38

Like what Sam, KJ Jefferson and Raheim Sanders are doing at Ark. Jefferson at quarterback and Sanders at running back are electric.

Kentucky 38, Eastern Ky. 7

Kroger Field, Lexingron

2 PM

SEC Net+/ESPN+

Kentucky by 35

Pretty sure I like what Mark Stoops is doing at KY this season. They play@ Akron next Saturday and a possible tough one @Vanderbilt the following Saturday. The Dores knocked them off last season at Kroger Field.

Florida 51, McNeese 0

The Swamp, Gainesville

6:30 PM

The U

Gators by 45

The Gators are upset after losing last Thursday Night at Utah, 24-11. They cruise and get ready for the Vols to come into town next Saturday, 9/16, at 6 PM on the Network.

South Carolina 45, Furman 7

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia

6:30 PM

SEC+/ESPN+

SC by 17 1/2

Another team upset after losing to UNC last Saturday Night and really getting drummed on both sides of the ball. Shane Beamer needs to pick it up.

Missouri 40, Middle Tennessee 20

Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

6 PM

ESPN+

Mezzo by 21

Not sure what I think about Eli Drinkwitz as a coach. Not overly impressed at this point.

National contests

No. 2 Michigan 45, UNLV 7

Michigan Stadium

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Michigan by 37 1/2

Nice job of non-conference scheduling, Michigan. I don’t know who’s worse, them or Georgia. It’s a toss up. Jim still out for two more games. Nice not to hear about him for a little while.

No.5 Ohio State 55, Youngstown State 3

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

11 AM

Big Ten Network

Ohio State by 41 1/2

Another clown show of a game.

No.4 Florida State 42, Southern Miss 7

Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

7:30 PM

ACC Network

Noles by 31

Big believer in the ‘Noles. They get a break this week after dismantling what could be a pretty good LSU team. Maybe.

No.7 Penn State 49, Delaware 0

Beaver Stadium, Happy Valley

11 AM

Peacock

Nittany Lions by 41

The Nittany Lions were impressive in their 38-15 home opener victory against West Virginia and embattled coach Neal Brown. Next Saturday they’ll play @ Illinois and that could be a test. Should be really.

No. 6 USC 56, Stanford 24

Memorial Coliseum, L.A.

9:30 PM

FOX

SC by 29

Lincoln Riley and his Trojans have a shot to go deep this season. It all depends on their defense. Caleb Williams and the offense will excel. Like them to keep getting better on defense under Alex Grinch. I still like him a lot as a DC. But the PAC-12 is tough with Washington, Utah, Oregon State, Prime, UCLA. So they’ve got to run through a gauntlet to get to major postseason play.

No. 10 Notre Dame 35, NC State 31

Carter-Finley Stadium, Raleigh, N.C.

11 AM

ABC

Fighting Irish by 7

I like the Wolfpack to give the Irish everything they want. I’m believing in what Marcus Freeman is doing in South Bend so far this season, but this will be a test.

Georgia Southern 31, UAB 23

Alfred E. Paulson Stadium, Statesboro “Blues” GA.

5 PM

ESPN+

Eagles by 7 1/2

The home team won last season at Protective Stadium. Like the home team here in Allman Brothers’ country.

No. 16 Kansas State 34, Troy 17

Bill Snyder Family Stadium, The Little Apple.

It’s hot in the Big Apple right now. Those tennis players are having a tough time at the U.S. Open. Mid to high 90’s in Gotham.

11 AM

Fox Sports 1

K State by 16 1/2

Troy’s always competitive and will be good this season under excellent head coach Jon Sumrall. I just like K State at home. They’re a quality team that can win the Big 12 Championship again.

No. 12 Utah 31, Baylor 21

McLane Stadum, Waco

11 AM

ESPN

Utes by 8

Baylor lost last Saturday to Texas State, 42-31. I read where Texas State is pretty good, but they’re not Utah. Tough place to play for the Utes, but I like what they did against Florida last Thursday Night in Salt Lake.

No. 22 Colorado 24, Nebraska 20

Folsom Field, Boulder

11 AM

FOX

Prime Time by 3

I like Prime to win, but it’s going to be a tough game. Matt Rhule is going to turn Nebraska around sooner rather than later.

No.8 Washington 42, Tulsa 7

Husky Stadium, Seattle

4 PM

PAC-12 Network

Huskies by 34

Believer in this team and their coach, Kalen DeBoer

No. 17 North Carolina 42, App State 31

Kenan Stadion, Chapel Hill

4:15 PM

ACC Network

Carolina by 18

I see a little bit of a letdown for the Tar Heels this Saturday. App State usually plays them tough. I’m still bullish on the Heels. Mack Brown has lost a lot of weight. He looks great.

No. 16 Oregon State 48, UC Davis 7

Reser Stadium, Corvallis

8 PM

PAC-12 Net

Oregon State by 23 1/2

Believer in this coach, Jonathan Smith, and this team.

Upset City

Texas Tech 34, No. 13 Oregon 31

Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX.

6 PM

FOX

Ducks by 6 1/2

Like the Red Raiders to pull it off at home.

No. 21 Duke 45, LaFayette 0

Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham

5 PM’

‘ACC Network

Duke by 40

Looks more like a “K” matchup than a football game. “Call a TO, K! Call a TO!” Thought I’d throw in a little Dickie V to “make” your day.

Upset City, Part 2

Washington State 38, No.19 Wisconsin 35

Martin Stadium, Pullman, Wash.

6:30 PM

ABC

Whisky by 6

I got a feeling about this one. The PAC-12 has me believing. Little Black Eyed Peas and Steve Perry in this pick.