The number eight Alabama Crimson Tide alights in the ATL on Saturday to square off with the No.1 Georgia Bulldogs in what will assuredly be a riveting SEC Championship Game. The Tide will need to win and get help if they want to advance to the Playoff. And that’s a tall order against the two-time defending national champions.

S is 4-1 against Kirby in head to head matchups with victories in the 2017 season National Championship Game, the historic Tua to Devonta 2nd and 29 TD pass for the National Championship winning score (26-23), two SEC championship games, 2018 and 2021, and a 2021 victory at Bryant-Denny. S has had Kirby’s number for the most part, though the great Smart won the latest matchup in the 2021 season national championship game, 33-18. But if Jameson Williams hadn’t gotten injured in that game, there could have been a different outcome. Williams was un-guardable until he was injured in the second quarter.

This is the Crimson Tide’s opportunity to make the playoff with a victory over the two-time defending national champion, which has also won an SEC record 29 games in a row. It’s Jalen Milroe versus Carson Beck, the Alabama offensive line, which has been dominating during these last several games, versus the Dawgs’ defense. The Georgia defense may not be as prolific as the last two have been, particularly the one two years ago, but it’s plenty talented. Then you have the Alabama skilled players, running backs Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, and maybe the emerging Jam Miller, along with the great Jermaine Burton, and the hero of last Saturday’s improbable and majestic victory over the Auburn Tigers, Isaiah Bond, or “IB” as the team calls him. Milroe had all day to throw the ball, and threw a beauty that IB leapt up and pulled in while getting both feet in bounds for the electric game winner. Wow, what a game. The Tigers defensive decision on that play has been questioned as they only rushed two defenders with nine back in coverage. You would think Coach Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts might have put another guy up front to rush Milroe, but they opted for the ultimate prevent. The way the Alabama O line was protecting Milroe, it may not have mattered anyway if the Tigers rushed three or four. What a spectacle that game was. There is magic for the home team like no other when the Tigers host the Crimson Tide at Jordan-Hare, but the last two times the Tide has escaped with the victory in improbable and majestic fashion. In 2021, the Tide escaped with a 24-22 victory in 4 overtimes. Bryce Young led the Tide on a 99-yard TD drive with the game tying touchdown (along with the extra point) on a 28 yard TD pass to Ja’Corey Brooks with 24 seconds left. The Tide went on to outlast the Tigers in quadruple OT.

Can the Tide keep the magic going against Beck, the incomparable Brock Bowers, who has been slowed by an ankle injury suffered back in October at Vanderblit, but will play and be an ultimate weapon, as always, that stable of receivers, and the extremely talented running back duo of Kendall Milton and Dijon Edwards, along with a stellar O Line. This game promises to deliver.

The SEC Championship Game and the other championship contests, with everything on the line for the four playoff spots, will commence this Friday and Saturday. The Selection Show is Sunday at 11 AM CT on ESPN.

Here’s a look at this weekend’s riveting slate along with predictions.

Last Week, 13-1, Overall: 188-44, 81%

ATS, 5-8, 108-119, 48%

No.8 Alabama (11-1, 8-0, SEC) vs No.1 Georgia (12-0, 8-0)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, 75,000

3 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny. Brad and Gary’s last SEC game as ESPN will be taking over. next season. Will miss those guys. They’ve been stellar. They’ll move over to the Big Ten.

Georgia by 6

The Crimson Tide is going to have to take care of business in Mercedes-Benz, which is a monumental task against Kirby Smart and his phenomenal team, and hope for some help. Can they do it? Yes. Will they do it? The Crimson Tide is always a superb underdog. Versus Miami back in the 1992 national championship game as a double digit underdog. And I’ll go way back to Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide in 1971 when they went out to L.A. and knocked off the No.1 ranked USC Trojans as the great Bear unveiled the Wishbone attack which became a forever part of Crimson Tide lore and won Alabama a lot of football games and several national championships under Coach Bryant. Alabama did it two years ago in the 2021 SEC Championship Game as a seven point underdog to Georgia. This is the kind of stuff Alabama does, and Saban is terrific at getting his team ready for the big moments, the big contests. It’ll be an extremely hard fought game, and the Dawgs may stay in the top four regardless. The Crimson Tide will need a good bit of help even if the knock off Georgia. I like them to do that on Saturday.

Alabama 31, Georgia 30

ACC Championship Game

No. 4 Florida State (12-0, 8-0) vs. No. 14 Louiville (10-2, 7-1)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, 74,867

7 PM CT

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie

FSU by 2 1/2

Even without their leader and stud quarterback, Jordan Travis, out for the season with a knee injury, I like Tate Rodemaker to do enough at QB and the tremendous athletes of the Seminoles to be a better than the Cardinals. Some are picking an upset here. I’m not in that camp.

Florida State 28, Louisville 21

Friday

PAC-12 Championship Game

No. 5 Oregon (11-1, 8-1) vs. No.3 Washington (12-0, 9-0)

Allegiant Stadium, Vegas, 65,000

7 PM CT

ABC

Chris Fowler, Herbstreit, Holly

Ducks by 9 1/2

Dan Lanning and Kalen DeBoer were hired in 2021, the same year the two blockbuster hires of Lincoln Riley at USC and Brian Kelly at LSU transpired. Pat Forde of SI.com wrote a column today on the wildly successful tenures of Lanning and DeBoer so far versus the OK performances of Riley and Kelly. These two coaches are superstars in the profession and their teams are prolific. Oregon is a heavy favorite, but I like DeBoer, Michael Pennix Jr and the Huskies to keep it close with Bo Nix and the Ducks. I’ll take the Ducks, but it’ll be a classic. Nix will clinch the Heisman in this game. His numbers are off the charts great with a 78.6% completion rate, 315-of-401, for 3,906 yards, 37 TDs against 2 ints. One of his main competitors is Pennix Jr., but Bo barely outlasts him in this game and in the Heisman Trophy award. There is a lot of chatter about LSU’s Jayden Daniels, who completed 72% of his passes, 236-of-327, for 3,812 yards, 40 TDs against only 4 ints. He also rushed for 10 more. Those are astoundingly good numbers, but his team was 9-3, so I gotta go with Nix there as well. Pennix Jr. completed 65% of his passes for 3,899 yards, 32 TDs against 8 ints, but he fell off some after the Oregon victory at Seattle. But that takes nothing away from the season he and his team have produced. They’ll be a New Year’s Six team in most likely the Fiesta Bowl. The Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl are the sites for the Playoff games on Monday January 1st, with the Rose Bowl at 4 PM CT and the Sugar Bowl at 7:45 PM. May need to take half a day off on Tuesday. Or take a whole day off, why the heck not.

Oregon 31, Washington 28

Back to Saturday

Big 12 Championship

No. 18 Oklahoma State (9-3, 7-2) vs. No.7 Texas (11-1, 8-1)

AT&T Stadium (Sugar Magnolia Country), 90,000

11 AM CT

ABC

Sean, Gregory, Molly

Horns by 15 1/2

The Horns are going to make a statement here and make a strong case for inclusion in the Playoff. They’ll need help like the Crimson Tide will. Sark has done a masterful job in Austin and could very well be coach of the year. Coach Saban has done a terrific job, too, as has Lanning and DeBoer. Stiff competition there. I’d say the winner of the PAC-12 Championship will get it, and I’m predicting that’ll be Oregon and Lanning. But that takes nothing away from the job Sark has done. Texas is back and they could be competing for something more important than coach of the year in Sark’s eyes if things go their way.

Texas 42, Oklahoma State 21

Big Ten Championship Game

No.2 Michigan (12-0, 8-0) vs No. 16 Iowa?? (10-2, 7-2)

Lucas Oil Stadium, Indy, 70,000

7 PM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Wolverines by 21 1/2

Why are they even playing this game? The Big Ten Champion was coronated last Saturday at the Big House when the Wolverines defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes, 30-24. What a job Sherrone Moore did in Jim Harbaugh’s place going 3-0 during Harbaugh’s absence and defeating the Buckeyes and an experienced coach in Ryan Day. Day is now 1-3 against Michigan, so the natives are getting restless in Columbus. Now Harbaugh is back and the Wolverines are hungry to show the country that they’re the best team in 2023. I’m not saying they are yet. The teams I’ve written about above can definitely knock them off. But Iowa is out-punting their coverage in this one.

Michigan 28, Iowa 3

Other Championship Scores

American Championship Game

Tulane 30, SMU 24

Yulman Stadium, N’Awlins

3 PM

ABC

Green Wave by 3 1/2

The Green Wave clinch another trip to a New Year’s Six Bowl, probably back to the Chick-fil-A Bowl in Atlanta once again where they defeated USC last season, 46-45 in an epic. What a job Willie Fritz does at Tulane. He has been talked about for other jobs, but he seems like a loyal guy who loves it in New Orleans and loves his team, which is refreshing. He’s 63, making good money with more to come I’m sure, and is taking his team to New Year’s Six Bowls. That’s about as good as it gets. Tulane finishes the regular season and the championship game at 12-1 and awaits for their name to be called on Sunday.

Sun Belt Championship Game

Troy 28, Appalachian State 27

Veterans Memorial Stadium, Troy

3 PM CT

ESPN

Troy by 6

Troy head coach Jon Sumrall, the 41 year old Huntsville native, led his team to a 12-2 record last season and will be 11-2 with a victory Saturday in Troy. What a job Sumrall has done. He’s a hot commodity in the coaching profession, but maybe he’ll want to stay at Troy a couple of more years. You can win big at Troy. The program has a great tradition. I do think App State will give Troy everything they want. App State is a legendary giant killer that went to undefeated and ranked James Madison on Saturday, Nov. 18th and knocked the Dukes off 26-23 in overtime.

Friday

Liberty 28, New Mexico State 21

Williams Stadium, Lynchburg, VA.

6 PM

CBS Sports Network

Liberty by 11 1/2

Jamey Chadwell, wow, what a job he’s done this season as Liberty. He is 12-0 to go along with the major success he had at Coastal Carolina. Another coach on the rise at 46 years old. Coach Freeze left him a very good team as well. But New Mexico State went to Auburn and won 31-10. Cagey veteran coach Jerry Kill and his team, which is 9-3, will keep it close, but the Flames will escape with the victory and move on to a solid bowl. But it won’t be easy.

My Playoff teams Sunday will be:

1. Michigan (13-0)

2. Florida State (13-0)

3. Oregon (12-1)

4. Texas (12-1)

I just don’t see how the Crimson Tide can jump these teams even with a victory over Georgia. That would be the best victory of 2023 along with Texas’ 34-24 victory over Alabama in Tuscaloosa back in early September. But these teams are all ahead of the Crimson Tide, so I don’t see it as possible.

Maybe the committee will decide on the four best teams. If it’s the four best teams, I would go with: 1.Michigan 2. Alabama, 3.Georgia and 4. Oregon. If that were the case, the Texas and Florida State fan base would be outraged. So, the former scenario is more likely.

Regardless, it will be a stellar Saturday in Mercedes-Benz Stadium and an equally electric Friday and Saturday throughout the country during Championship weekend.

The Tide is “heading east,” and with that said, here’s the signature song from the band that made that moniker famous. A 1975 hit by this great cast of characters.

Thanksgiving weekend means great food, great relaxation time with family and friends and great football as the all important rivalry week is here. Everybody knows what’s going down on the Plains this weekend. A very important game for the No.8 Crimson Tide, which tries to play its way into the Playoff, while the Auburn Tigers want bragging rights and an Iron Bowl victory at home in the most intense rivalry in college football. Michigan hosts Ohio State. Can the Wolverines win one more game before their coach returns from the unable to perform list, or can the Buckeyes pull off the slight upset on the road. Some other key SEC and national contests on the docket this weekend. Should be fun.

Here’s a look at this week’s tilts.

Last week, 17-4, Overall: 175-43, 80%.

ATS: 12-9, 103-111, 48%

No. 8 Alabama (10-1, 7-0 SEC) @Auburn (6-5, 3-4)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny

Bama by 14 1/2

This game is always filled with twists and turns, but I gotta go with the superior talent advantage here. The Tide has so much to play for right now. Win out, which means winning at Jordan-Hare, and then figuring out some way to knock off the two time defending national champions and the No.1 team in the country, and I see the Crimson Tide making the playoff. If you make it through the SEC gauntlet unscathed and knock off the Dawgs, are you kiddin’ me? How would the committee ever leave a team out with the Crimson Tide’s history and the way they’ve been playing lately. They definitely pass the eye test with flying colors and two more wins and they’re in, in my eyes. I like them to have a good day on Saturday.

Alabama 35, Auburn 14

No.1 Georgia (11-0, 8-0) @ Georgia Tech (6-5)

Bobby Dodd Stadium, Hot ‘Lanta

6:30 PM

ABC

Sean, Gregory, Molly

Them Dawgs by 24 1/2

The dominance continues for this superb football team.

Georgia 51, Ramblin’ Wreck 10

No.2 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) @ No.3 Michigan (11-0, 8-0)

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Michigan by 3 1/2

I like the Wolverines to advance here and the Buckeyes to not be totally done for the playoff, but it’ll be hard if they can’t get over the top at the Big House.

Michigan 24, Ohio State 20

Texas A&M (7-4, 4-3) @ No. 14 LSU (8-3, 5-2)

Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge

11 AM

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, RGIII, Kris Budden

Bengal Tigers by 11 1/2

I like Jayden Daniels to put on another quarterback clinic. He’ll be in New York. Can he win it on a three loss team? That’ll be tough. Bo Nix is putting up massive numbers at Oregon and Michael Pennix Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr. along with Carson Beck and Jalen Milroe are strong candidates on excellent teams. So it’ll be hard for Daniels. Doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s the most electric player in college football and should be at the Heisman Ceremony on Saturday, December 9th at 7 PM CT on ESPN.

LSU 38, A&M 21

Other scores

Friday

No. 9 Missouri 28, Arkansas 24

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR.

3 PM

CBS

Rich Waltz, Aaron Taylor, Amanda Guerra

Mizzou by 7 1/2

The Missouri Tigers just got by Florida at home last Saturday night, 33-31, on a last second field goal by the great Harrison Mevis. I like Sam and Arkansas to keep this one close though.

Mizzou 28, Arkansas 24

Saturday

No. 5 Florida State 31 Florida 24

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

6 PM

ESPN

Chris, Kirk, Holly

‘Noles by 6 1/2

Florida State dropped a spot in the CFP rankings, but if they win out, even with quarterback Jordan Travis gone for the season with a knee injury, they still have a great case for making the playoff. With either Ohio State or Michigan canceling themselves out, and the Alabama-Georgia loser possibly canceling themselves out, in Georgia’s case, and Washington playing Oregon in the PAC-12 Championship Game, along with the Big 12 Championship Game, if it’s Texas, some chaos could ensue. And FSU victories over the Gators on the road, and in the ACC Championship Game versus No. 10 Louisville on Saturday, December 2nd at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte at 7 PM CT on ABC, would be very persuasive. The ‘Noles are playing with backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, who came into the Louisville game in 2022 with the ‘Noles down by a TD and led them to victory. He also threw for 2 TDs and 0 ints last Saturday night versus North Alabama after Travis was injured. So it’s still positive in Tallahassee. But I expect the Gators to give them a tough game even without their starting quarterback Graham Mertz, who got knocked out for the rest of the season with a fractured collarbone last Saturday night at Missouri.

No. 24 Clemson 27, South Carolina 24

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Taylor, Stinch, Alyssa

Clemson by 7

The Gamecocks are playing for a bowl game, but Clemson just slips by on the road.

Thursday

No. 12 Ole Miss 45, Mississippi State 17

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

6:30 PM

ESPN

To, JRodg, Cole

Rebels by 10

Long night for the Bullies.

Saturday

No. 10 Louisville 30, Kentucky 21

Cardinal Stadium, ‘Ville

11 AM

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie

Louisville by 7

Like the Cardinals to keep it rolling with a shot to make it interesting for themselves if they win at home and then win the ACC Championship Game over FSU. They’d need a lot of help. They lost to Pitt for their only loss this season, but that’s a bad loss. So it’ll be very tough, but a New Year’s Six Bowl is still a lot to be proud of for teams that haven’t ever experienced that before.

Vanderbilt @ No.21 Tennessee

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

2:30 PM

SEC Network

Dave, Derek, Taylor Davis

Vols by 27

It’s been a long year for the Commodores, and it’s going to be a long afternoon in Knoxville.

Tennessee 45, Vanderbilt 14

No. 4 Washington 38, Washington State 24

Husky Stadium, Seattle

3 PM

FOX

Jason Benetti, Brock Huard, Allison Williams

Huskies by 16 1/2

The Huskies aren’t playing as prolifically as they were earlier in the season, so I like this one to be closer than expected. But the Huskies survive and advance and wait for the PAC-12 Championship Game on Friday, Dec.1st, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 7 PM CT on ABC. If they win out, they’re in.

Friday

No.6 Oregon 34, Oregon State 24

Autzen Stadium Eugene

7:30 PM

FOX

Jason, Brock, Allison, act 1

Ducks by 14

Another team that controls its own destiny. They’ve really passed the eye test the latter half of this season, and are primed for a rematch with the Huskies and their shot at the Playoff. They’d be hard to keep out if they win out. I’d say win out and the Ducks are in.

Friday

No. 7 Texas 34, Texas Tech 21

DKR-Texas Stadium, Austin

6:30 PM

ABC

Dave, Dusty, Lugues

‘Horns by 12 1/2

Like the Longhorns to advance and keep their playoff hopes very much alive. If chaos doesn’t ensue, it might get a little complicated for the committee, though it usually works itself despite a little controversy seemingly every year.

Utah 33, Colorado 10

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City

2 PM’

PAC-12 Network

Utes by 22

Like Utah to finish their regular season strong at 8-4, get ready to win another bowl game under Kyle Whittingham, then welcome back injured quarterback Cam Rising next season for his seventh season at quarterback. Rising’s been out all year with a terrible knee injury he suffered in the Rose Bowl last year against Penn State in which he suffered three torn ligaments. He’s been at Texas for one year and at Utah in the following years. That will be huge and season changing to get Rising back in 2024.

We’re now down to cases as the great Ernie Johnson, Sr., the Braves former player and prolific broadcaster, used to say. It’s week 12, and there is very little margin for error with teams that have their sights set on the College Football Playoff. It’s such an interesting race for Sunday, December 3rd when the final field will be announced on ESPN starting at 11 AM CT. There are eight legitimate teams that can make the playoff: No.1 Georgia, No.2 Ohio State, No.3 Michigan, No.4 Florida State, No.5 Washington, No.6 Oregon, No.7 Texas, and No.8 Alabama. No.9 Missouri has two losses, so that won’t cut it with how well the teams ahead of them are playing and the Tigers’ losses to Georgia and LSU. No. 10 Louisville is not completely out of the picture, but it’s a real long shot.

And there are challenges this Saturday for a few of those teams that could determine the trajectory towards the Playoff.

It’s mid November, a spectacular time in college football, so let’s dive right into Week 12.

Last Week, SU: 16-4, Overall, 158-39, 80%.

ATS: 7-13, 91-102, 47%

Not what we’re looking for ATS, but hope and preparation springs eternal. Straight up looks solid.

All times Central and all games Saturday.

Chattanooga (7-3) @ No. 8 Alabama (9-1)

Bryant-Denny

11 AM

ESPN+/ SECN+

John Schriffen, Rocky Boiman, Dawn Davenport

Crimson Tide by 44 1/2

The Tide is making a late run at the playoff, and if they win out, I like their chances. That means defeating the Auburn Tigers @ Jordan-Hare and taking down dem Dawgs in the SEC Championship Game. That’s hard. The Bama-AU game will be at 2:30 PM Saturday, Nov.25th at 2:30 PM on CBS. The Georgia game will be Saturday, Dec, 2nd at 3 PM on CBS. If the Crimson Tide can clear those major hurdles they would earn themselves a spot in the Playoff. S would get upset with me for overlooking Chattanooga, but I’m overlooking Chattanooga.

Alabama 51, Chattanooga 3

New Mexico State (8-3) @ Auburn (6-4)

Jordan-Hare

3 PM

SEC Network

Dave, Derek, Taylor Davis

Tigers by 24

Hugh has his Tigers playing good football now as you would expect from him. There’s never been any question about his coaching ability. The 48-10 victory @Arkansas was impressive. Now he wants to take care of business Saturday and get his team ready for the Crimson Tide.

Auburn 42, New Mexico State 10

No.1 Georgia (10-0, 7-0) @ Tennessee (7-3, 3-3)

Neyland Stadium

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny

Dawgs by 10

Kirby has his Dawgs playing at a very high level now after they shellacked Ole Miss last Saturday Night at Sanford Stadium in Athens, 52-17. Brock Bowers is back, Carson Beck and Ladd McConkey are awesome, and running backs Kendall Milton and Daijun Edwards are excelling. The defense is getting better. Tennessee may have mailed it in. If they haven’t, Georgia may force them to throw the towel into the ring.

Georgia 35, Tennessee 14

Florida (5-5, 3-4) @ No.9 Missouri (8-2, 4-2)

Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field

6:30 PM

ESPN

Tess, Jess, Katie

Tigers by 11 1/2

The Missouri Tigers have been nothing short of terrific this season. Eli Drinkwitz and his team have hit their stride this year. They destroyed Tennessee last Saturday at Faurot Field, 36-7, with running back Cody Schrader rushing for 207 yards on 35 carries and a 7. The great Brady Cook was 18-for-24 for 275 yards and another 7. The also great Luther Burden III caught a 7. That trifecta has been sensational this season, and as Drinkwitz said after the game last Saturday, “Our defense kicked their ___.” There is some bad blood between the two schools as UT Coach Josh Huepel has done some obnoxious things to incite the series. Well, Huepel and the Vols are looking incompetent and the Tigers are surging. The Tigers also put a scare into Georgia the week before in Sanford Stadium before succumbing to the Dawgs, 30-21.

Billy Napier and Florida just haven’t figured it out yet. He’s got the fifth ranked recruiting class in the country for 2024 according to 247 Sports, but Napier has his work cut out for him if he wants to retain his job after next season. If he has a poor finish against Missouri and at home versus Florida State, his job may very well be in jeopardy this season, although I don’t think it should be since it’s only his second season along with a stellar recruiting class coming in. But some SEC schools and fan bases are irrational with Florida being right at the top of that list.

MO 31, FL 14

Georgia State (6-4) @ No.15 LSU (7-3)

Tiger Stadium

7 PM

ESPN2

Roy Philpott, Roddy Jones, Taylor McGregor

Bengal Tigers by 31

Jayden Daniels threw for 372 with 3 TDs and rushed for 234 and 2 more TDs last week versus Florida at Tiguh Stadium. That’s 606 yards of total offense. Unreal. The guy has to be in New York December 9th at the Heisman Trophy Presentation (7 PM ESPN). Guys like Michael Pennix Jr., Bo Nix, Marvin Harrison Jr. should also be there. Daniels has to be there even if he doesn’t win it. Jalen Milroe and Carson Beck are making a late run. I’m not ready to coronate anybody as the Heisman winner yet. I would think Pennix Jr is the leader right now with Nix right behind him. But I’m waiting till after Championship weekend before declaring a winner. The voters should do the same.

LSU 52, Georgia State 20

UL Monroe (2-8) @ No. 13 Ole Miss (8-2)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium

11 AM

SEC Network

Taylor, Stinch, Alyssa

Rebs by 37 1/2

I don’t want to hear about Lane as a candidate for the A&M job. That’s a joke. He’s got to worry about getting better at Ole Miss and see if there is some way, any way, he can be competitive with the Crimson Tide and Georgia. People may say you can’t do that at Ole Miss, but Hugh showed that it could be done before his demise there. Is Lane any good? That’s my question. A&M, though dysfunctional and a total disaster right now, can do better than Kiffin if they’re got any sense. And that is debatable. They hireda joke coach and are now paying him $76 million to get lost? Are you kiddin’ me?

Ole Miss 55, LA Monroe 7

Kentucky ((6-4, 3-4) @ South Carolina (4-6, 2-5)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Wildcats by 1 1/2

I like the upset here.

SC 28, KY 27

Abilene-Christian (5-5) @ Texas A&M (6-4)

Kyle Field

11 AM

ESPN+/SEC Network+

Courtney Lyle, Hutson Mason, Ashley Stroehein?

A&M by 41 1/2

Jimbo Fisher took the program down with him. The question is: who will be the next coach? Dan Lanning has completely dismissed the job and I believe him. He’s happy at Oregon. Oregon has a chance to win it all every year with Phil Knight’s finances, the facilities, and Lanning’s recruiting is superb. He’s also making $7M a year with some more chunked in in the near future. Maybe Mike Norvell. Maybe Mike Elko of Duke. Elko has been a dc at A&M and has done a nice job at Duke. Norvell is doing great at FSU. There will be a lot of names circulating and I can’t give you a clear answer because there are a lot of rumors out there that aren’t confirmed, so it’s next to impossible to predict. If Lanning has said unequivocally no, then those two guys would be my next candidates with Norvell being my first choice. Assistant coach Elijah Robinson will coach the team for the rest of the season.

A&M 44, AC 7

Arkansas 42, Florida International 10

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

6:30 PM

ESPNU

Hogs by 29 1/2

Sam Pittman’s job is on the brink. Critical game for him at home next Friday, 11/24, versus Missouri at 3 PM on CBS. That’s hard, but not out of the question. It could be too late though even though I really like him.

Mississippi State 30, Southern Miss 10

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

11 AM

ESPN+/SEC Net+

Bullies by 14

Another job opening. It was a quick trigger on Zach Arnett, but he didn’t look like the answer. Liberty’s Jamie Chadwell is a clear candidate here. Liberty is undefeated in his first year and he excelled at Coastal Carolina.

National Games

No. 5 Washington (10-0, 7-0 PAC-12) @ No. 11 Oregon State (8-2, 5-2)

Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR.

6:30 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

OR State by 2 1/2

The coaches are a wash. Kalen Debour of Washington and Jonathan Smith are both exceptional coaches. They could be candidates for openings, but they’re both west coast guys; Smith is a former Oregon State player, so they both could be happy where they are. Debour has a great thing going in Seattle. When I look at these tight matchups I look at the head coaches and the quarterbacks. With the coaches even, you’ve got Washington’s quarterback Pennix Jr. versus DJ Uiagalelei. Both are outstanding. The Huskies seem like a team this season that has some magic. A lot of people have them losing this weekend or losing to Oregon in the PAC-12 Championship Game in Vegas (Allegiant Stadium on Friday Dec. 1st, at 7 PM on ABC). But I think people are undervaluing this team. They’re special. Not ready to predict them defeating Oregon, but I like them to advance out of Corvallis in a slugfest. Pennix Jr is a little better than DJ.

Wash 35, OR State 34

Other scores

No. 3 Michigan 35, Maryland 14

SECU Stadium, College Park

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Michigan by 19

Just read where Harbaugh has accepted his three, now two game suspension. Very noble of you, Jim. Paul Finebaum has been bashed this week for calling Harbaugh the instigator in all of this, not the victim. I agree with Pablo. Harbaugh and Michigan are scumbags, in my opinion.

No. 2 Ohio State 42, Minnesota 10

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

3 PM

Big Ten Network

Buckeyes by 27 1/2

The Buckeyes keep their playoff hopes firmly alive with a trip to Ann Arbor a week from Saturday, 11/25, 11 AM, FOX.

No. 4 Florida State 42, North Alabama 3

Doak Campbell, Tallahassee

5:30 PM

CW Network, Channel 21 in B’ham

Noles by 48

The ‘Noles barely survived Miami last Saturday at home. Can they be overtaken by Washington, Oregon, or the Crimson Tide? My answer to that question is yes, they should be if one or two of those teams take care of business. My football judgment tells me those three teams are all better than FSU. But if they run the table, it’ll be tough to keep them out. Probably won’t happen, which would be a travesty. Still got some work left @Florida (Saturday, 12/2, 6 PM, ESPN) and vs. Louisville in the ACC Championship Game (Sat., 12/2, 7 PM, ABC).

No.6 Oregon 35, Arizona State 10

Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ.

3 PM

FOX

Ducks by 23 1/2

With Dan Lanning, the Ducks immediate and future prospects are radioactively bright. The Ducks definitely keep their playoff hopes alive.

Iowa State 35, No.7 Texas 34

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA.

7 PM

FOX

Texas by 7 1/2

If you were wondering why I didn’t include Texas in the Alabama, Oregon and Washington discussion for a top 4 spot, well, the Cyclones have taken three out of the last four from the Longhorns and the only one they haven’t won was last year in Austin as a result of two controversial ref calls. I like’em to upset the ‘Horns at home.

Miami 24, Louisville 21

Hard Rock, Miami Gardens

11 AM

ABC

Canes by 1

Canes knock off the ‘Ville at their place.

Clemson 31, North Carolina 24

Memorial Stadium, Clemson

2:30 PM

ESPN

Tigers by 6 1/2

Clemson is now playing good football. Maybe Dabo was right when he said after the Notre Dame game that, “If Clemson is a stock, I’m buying us!” Dabo’s name has been linked to the A&M job. That’s interesting. I could see it. He might be ready for a new challenge and tired of some obnoxious Clemson fans.

USC 48, UCLA 35

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

2:30 PM

ABC

Trojans by 6

It’s been a tough year for Lincoln Riley and a tougher year for Chip Kelly. Kelly will be coaching for his job on Saturday, but I don’t see that as enough.

No. 25 Kansas State 34, Kansas 24

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS.

6 PM

Fox Sports 1

KSU by 9 1/2

I like the Wildcats to be road warriors on Saturday. They are in the thick of things for the Big 12 Championship Game as they are in a four way tie for second with Oklahoma, OK. State and Iowa State all behind Texas. The scenarios are a little too convoluted to explain right now. A win @ Kansas is crucial. That’s all you need to know right now. I’ll get to the championship races next Wednesday.

No. 24 Tulane 31, Florida Atlantic 21

FAU Stadium, Boca

11 AM

ESPN+

Green Wave by 9

Green Wave keep their New Year’s Six plans intact.

Sorry about my two week hiatus. I was working on some final details on my novel and watching my Rangers do work. How ‘bout them Rangers. My younger daughter, Fairbanks, and I were ecstatic. We saw the Rangers in June with her boyfriend, Hayden, at the epic Globe Life Field in Arlington, a game in which the Rangers won 2-1 over the Seattle Mariners in two hours and five minutes. The stadium was superb, Jon Gray pitched a beauty and Marcus Semien and Corey Seager were doin’ serious work at the plate in the clutch, as usual. It was a glimpse of what was to come for the World Series champions. Semien went off at the plate in games 4 and 5 of the Fall Classic, and Seager was a long ball and defensive machine as the 29 year old Charlotte, North Carolina native claimed the Most Valuable Player award for the Series. It was Texas’ first World Series title. The organization has been around since 1961. Sixty two years. That is the longest tenured franchise without a World Series championship in MLB history. Well earned and deserved by the Rangers. Fairbanks sent me a Rangers hat for my birthday last week. It says 2023 World Series champion with a “T” underneath it and the Rangers logo below that. It’s blue, red and white. Wearing it proudly right now.

Now a look ahead at this weekend’s College Football slate. Some classics on the horizon.

Week 8 records

SU: 12-6, overall, 142-35, 80%

ATS: 6-12, 84-89, 49%. Rough ATS in Week 8.

This weekend’s matchups. All times Central. All games Saturday unless otherwise noted.

No.8 Alabama (8-1, 6-0 SEC) @ Kentucky (6-3, 3-3)

Kroger Field, Lexington, 61,000

11 AM

ESPN

Tess, JRodg, Katie

Tide by 11

The LSU victory was impressive. Two things stood out to me in that game. Of course, the play of Jalen Milroe. Milroe threw for 219, and, more impressively, ran for a buck 55 and 4 TDs. Jalen decided he was not going to let Jayden Daniels show him up. If he can run like that and add even more passing proficiency, this team will be in the thick of things come championship weekend.

The other facet of the game that stood out to me, and it’s been talked about at great length, was the non-targeting call on Dallas Turner. I’ve looked at it several times from the Alabama sideline and the behind Daniels’ angles. It looked like a launch as Turner was on his toes and launching into Daniels. He definitely hit the head area; he hit him in the chin. But the key question was: did he lead with his face mask or the crown of his helmet? It’s so simultaneous that it is very difficult to distinguish. From the angles I saw, it was targeting. But I didn’t get all the angles that referee Daniel Gautreaux and his replay crew in Birmingham got. There is an angle from behind the Alabama defense and there is an angle from the far sideline, the LSU sideline, that I didn’t see. So they could have gotten it right. I can’t be 100% certain of my judgment because I didn’t get all the angles that the refs got. They called it leading with the face mask and with the new rules for targeting, that did not constitute a targeting foul. There are plenty of opinions that called for targeting, but the refs didn’t see it that way, so I have to trust them.

It doesn’t take away from Milroe’s performance, or the defensive performance in the second half. It did help the Crimson Tide that Daniels was out of the game. But a very nice win for Alabama, nonetheless, and their playoff hopes are very much alive. If they win out, they’re in. I think that’s a clear as the Gulf in May.

The Tide is on the road Saturday at 11 AM, and as Walter has said, you just don’t know about those early games; how the team will respond. But I like the Tide to play well with so much on the line and keep “matriculating” towards the postseason. Georgia looks a little vulnerable right now, particularly without Brock Bowers, so it’ll be very interesting if these two teams collide in Atlanta on Saturday, December 2nd at 3 PM CT on CBS in the SEC Championship Game. Will be a stellar matchup if each team keeps advancing as the regular season winds down with some critical games in the upcoming weeks. Bama has a gimme versus Chattanooga next Saturday at 11 AM at Bryant-Denny, but then head to Auburn on Saturday, November 25th for a 2:30 PM kickoff on CBS and there is no guarantee at Jordan-Hare. Georgia has a tough one at home versus Ole Miss on Saturday, then go to Knoxville next Saturday, 11/18 at 2:30 PM on CBS, then finish with scrappy Georgia Tech on the road. So Georgia’s strength of schedule will improve drastically in the next three games. If they get through those and get to the SEC Championship and win that, the Dawgs could get a three-peat. But the Crimson Tide, if they take care of business, will have their say in that discussion as well.

Alabama 31, Kentucky 10

Auburn (5-4, 2-4) @ Arkansas (3-6, 1-5)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, 76,000

3 PM

SEC Network

Dave Neal, Derek Mason, Alex Chappell

Hogs by 2 1/2

The Tigers are playing for a bowl game. That’s what Hugh wants to accomplish in his first year on the Plains. I like them to pull off the slight upset on the road.

Auburn 24, Arkansas 21

No.9 Ole Miss (8-1, 5-1) @ No.2 Georgia (9-0, 6-0)

Sanford Stadium, Athens, 92,746

6 PM

E-S-P-N

Chris, Kirk, Holly

UGA by 10 1/2

I don’t know why I’m doing this, but I’m going to do it. Lane says his team has “nothing to lose.” I like that. I think they’re ready to pull off an improbable upset between the hedges.

Ole Miss 27, Georgia 24

No. 3 Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten) @ No.10 Penn State (8-1, 5-1)

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA., 106, 572

11 AM

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Wolverines by 4 1/2

One of Michigan’s offensive linemen said this week that they’ll play the villain if that’s what people want. This Michigan fiasco is going to catch up with Harbaugh and his team. I see it happening this Saturday in a raucous Happy Valley.

Penn State 21, Michigan 20

No. 13 Tennessee (7-2, 3-2) @ No. 14 Missouri (7-2, 3-2)

Memorial Stadium/ Faurot Field, 62,621

2:30 PM

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny

Vols by 2

I’ll take the home underdog. A Harrison Mevis field goal of the 40-45 yard variety wins it for the Tigers.

Missouri 34, Tennesse 31

No.7 Texas (8-1, 5-1 Big 12) @ TCU (4-5, 2-4)

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, 47, 000

6:30 PM

ABC

Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, Lugues

Hook’em Horns by 12

I like the Horned Frogs to give the Horns everything they want. They have given Texas problems recently. This is not Sonny Dykes and his team’s year, but they’ll still be highly competitive at home. Quinn Ewers will be playing this week for the Longhorns, so that’ll help their cause. Give me “the Eyes of Texas,”but not by much.

Texas 34, TCU 30

Other scores

No.1 Ohio State 38, Michigan State 17

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

6:30 PM

NBC

Buckeyes by 31 1/2

The Buckeyes get another breather this week. Seems like that’s been said a lot about Michigan, Georgia and Ohio State, for the most part, this season. Michigan State is scrappy, however, and could cause them a couple of problems for a half or there quarters on Saturday.

No. 19 LSU 35, Florida 20

Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge

6:30 PM

SEC Network

Tiguhs by 14

The Bengal Tigers had a war in Ttown last Saturday and could be a little banged up from it. Jayden Daniels is a game time decision, but I still like them to take care of business regardless of it’s him or Garrett Nussmeier against a struggling Gators team. Garrett’s dad, Doug, who was the offensive coordinator for the Crimson Tide in 2012 and ‘13, is now the quarterbacks coach for the LA Chargers. Garrett just needs a shot and he’ll succeed.

Texas A&M 42, Mississippi State 14

Kyle Field, College Station, TX.

6:30 PM

ESPN2

Aggies by 18 1/2

It’s hard to see Jimbo Fisher making it a lot longer in College Station unless things change dramatically. He needs an impressive victory this Saturday, and then needs to figure out a way to carry the momentum for the rest of the season. He’s got a hard road in front of him with a game @ LSU to close out the season on Saturday, November 25th. This game and that one are must victories for Fisher. He’s got Abilene Christian before LSU to get his team tuned up. A lot of work ahead for Fisher though.

South Carolina 28, Vandy 24

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

11 AM

SEC Network

SC by 14

Shane Beamer and his Gamecocks are 3-6, so they must win out against Vandy, UK and Clemson. All three games are at home. He needs this, but I like Clark Lea’s team to make it interesting. Lea and his team are having a rough year at 2-8 and 0-6 in the SEC. He needs to make a lot of improvement in Nashville next season to give Vandy fans some hope and to keep his job safe, quite frankly. Next year will be his fourth season, and, in fairness, he deserves five years to have all his players in place to try and turn it around. A win in Columbia on Saturday would really help his cause. I like the Gamecocks slightly.

No. 5 Washington 31, No.18 Utah 21

Husky Stadium, Seattle

2:30 PM

FOX

Huskies by 9 1/2

With Cam Rising at quarterback for the Utes, they may have also been undefeated heading into this matchup. But with his horrendous knee injury suffered in the Rose Bowl last year, Rising has been unavailable this season. The Utes have still battled with stellar defense and an improving offense and are 7-2 and 4-2 despite the Rising situation. I do like this Huskies team and their star quarterback, Michael Pennix Jr., very much. They’ve got a good shot to make the playoff, if they can win out and win the PAC-12 Championship game. Both the Huskies and Oregon have work left, but it could wind up being a rematch of the regular season classic, won by Washington 36-33 in Seattle, in the PAC-12 Championship game on Friday, December 1st, at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas. It’ll be a 7 PM kick with ABC telecasting. Will climb that predicting hurdle when we get there.

No.6 Oregon 48, USC 31

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR

9:30 PM

FOX

Ducks by 15

These Ducks are hungry and anxious to redeem themselves from the Washington loss. They’re a phenomenal team. Lincoln Riley and USC are a mess.

No. 4 Florida State 38, Miami 23

Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

2:30 PM

ABC

‘Noles by 14

FSU has the easiest path to the Playoff, but it’s not guaranteed. They’re a very good team with a terrific quarterback in Jordan Travis and playmakers around him along with a solid D. The Seminoles have all the tools to make it to January 1st and the Playoff in a conference that’s not as stout as it appeared to be earlier in the season, though Louisville is interesting.

Tonight

No. 11 Louisville 38, Virginia 17

Cardinal Stadium, Louisville

6:30

ESPN

‘Ville by 20 1/2

I’m becoming a big believer in Jeff Brohm and his team.

No. 23 Tulane 42, Tulsa 17

Yulman Stadium, N’awlins

11 AM

ESPN2

Green Wave by 23 1/2

Big believer in Willie Fritz, quarterback Michael Pratt and the Wave as well. They’ve got another New Year’s Six Bowl locked and loaded in their sights if they can finish off the American undefeated which includes the American Championship on Saturday Dec. 2nd on ABC or ESPN. SMU and UTSA (Texas-San Antonio) are both 5-0 in conference like Tulane. Tulane at 8-1 has the Tulsa game at home, then they’re at Florida Atlantic and host UTSA on Friday, 11/24 at 2:30 PM on ABC.

No.15 Oklahoma State 35, UCF 31

FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando

2:30 PM

ESPN

Cowboys by 2 1/2

Bullish on Mike Gundy and his Pokes also. If they take care of business, like they did last Saturday in a huge victory over then No.7 Oklahoma at Stillwater in the final version of Bedlam as the Sooners are headed to the SEC, they’ll be in the Big 12 Championship game. Probably not with a chance to make the playoff as they are 7-2 right now after a slow start. But still a New Year’s Six Bowl is a stellar accomplishment, especially if you win it. That creates major momentum for recruiting in 2025 and Gundy’s program in general.

No. 24 North Carolina 41, Duke 24

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill

7 PM

ACC Network

UNC by 14 1/2

The Heels have fallen out of the playoff picture with two losses, but the Blue Devils are banged up as quarterback Riley Leonard doesn’t look available. The Tar Heels have games @Clemson and @NC State after Duke, so they need to tighten up their chin straps.

Clemson 33, Georgia Tech 30

Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C.

11 AM

ABC

Clemson by 14 1/2

Clemson’s going to barely get by these exciting Yellow Jackets that knocked off previously top 10 Miami on the road and hammered UNC at home. I’m almost taking the upset here, but I’ll give Clemson the advantage at the other Death Valley. Dabo needs to tone it down. I know the guy is frustrated, but he’s gotta be more composed than he’s been lately. It’s embarrassing for him and his program.

No.12 Oregon State 45, Stanford 21

Besar Stadium, Corvallis, OR.

4:30 PM

PAC-12 Nerwork, Channel 383 on Charter Spectrum, or on the PAC-12 App

OR. State by 20 1/2

I like this Oregon State squad very much and their coach, Jonathan Smith. With a victory, they’ll move to 8-2 and 5-2 in the PAC-12 with games versus Washington at home and Oregon on the road. They certainly control their own destiny in the conference.

UAB 42, Navy 31

Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Annapolis

2:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

Blazers by 2 1/2

Blazers quarterback Jacob Zeno has completed 75% of his passes for 2,389 yards and 17 TDs against 7 ints this season. He was 29-of-35 for 484 yards, 5 TDs against one int in a 45-42 Blazers victory last Saturday over Florida Atlantic at Protective Stadium. With the victory over the Midshipmen, the Blazers would move to 4-6 then have a home game versus Temple and a road game @ North Texas to finish off the season. Temple is 3-6 and North Texas is 3-6, so do I hear another trip to the Bahamas Bowl, Derrick? That’s a pretty good reward. Blazers have a shot.