The No. 14 Crimson Tide kept their playoff hopes alive with a 34-0 victory over Missouri last Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Jalen Milroe was 16 of 26 for 219 yards with 0 TDs and 0 ints. It was the running game and the defense that shined though. Justice Haynes ran for 79 yards and a 7, with a long of 35. Jalen rushed for 50 and a score. Jam Miller went for 48 and two 7’s. And Richard Young joined the party rushing for a 62 yard gain in the game. They all looked stellar. Maybe Coach DeBoar has finally found something with the running game. Looked excellent against Missouri. That should open things up for Jalen, Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, CJ Dipree and Kendrick Law in the passing game. I still think Kobe Prentice can be an impact player on the perimeter as well. There is a tremendous amount of talent at the skilled positions. Jalen just needs to channel his inner LSU game from last year for this LSU game next Saturday, 11/9, at 6:30 PM CT on ABC @ Tiguh Stadium. Should be an epic.

I thought middle linebacker Jihaad Campbell had an awesome game for the Tide versus Mizzou. He finished with 8 tackles, and a sack for -8 yards. Safety Bray Hubbard, playing in place of the injured Keon Sabb, finished with 7 stops and an int. Malachi Moore had a 31 yard int., and Qua Russaw added another int. If the defense plays like that, along with the run and pass game excelling, with left guard Tyler Booker taking command as the leader on offense, the Tide could have a highly successful final 4 games of the season. Should be fun to watch starting next Saturday in Baaton Rouge

The Auburn Tigers played a solid game last Saturday @ Kentucky winning 24-10. The great Jarquez Hunter ran for 278 yards and 2 TDs in the winning effort. Payton Thorne was 20-of-26 with a TD toss and an int. The defense was solid, led by middle linebacker Dorian Mausi Jr.’s 10 tackles and 2 TFLs. Corner Jay Crawford picked off a Kentucky pass. So nice effort from the Tigers. Really nice effort. The Tigers host the Vanderbilt Commodores and quarterback Diego Pavia Saturday at 11:45 AM CT @Jordan-Hare. The game will be broadcast by the SEC Network. Hugh said he’s “sick of” Diego. We’ll see what happens. Will have that prediction below.

There are some classic SEC battles as No.10 Texas A&M, and their stellar redshirt freshman quarterback, Marcel Reed, travel to Columbia to face the scrappy South Carolina Gamecocks. It’s not guaranteed Reed will start as Connor Weigman is the regular starter. Weigman was struggling against LSU last Saturday at Kyle Field, but Reed came in relief and gave the offense and the team a gigantic spark, rushing for 62 yards and 3 TDs. Running backs Amari Daniels and Le’Veon Moss rushed for 91 and 83 yards, respectively, and Moss added two 7’s. It was a tail kicking in the second half as the Aggies emerged with a convincing 38-23 victory to take sole possession of first place in the SEC. The Aggies are now 5-0 in the conference and 7-1 overall with their only loss coming to Notre Dame the first game of the season at Kyle Field, 23-13. So, the Aggies are in business, though this is a tricky game against the Gamecocks @ Columbia.

No.2 Georgia plays Florida in the Cocktail Function at 2:30 PM Saturday on ABC. Can “Dem Dawgs” keep their momentum going after their annihilation of Texas a couple of weeks ago. The Gators have gotten better.

No. 19 Ole Miss travels to Fayetteville to face upset-minded Arkansas at 11 AM Saturday on ESPN. And No.7 Tennessee hosts Kentucky @ Neyland Saturday at 6:45 PM CT on the SEC Network. Oklahoma hosts Maine and Mississippi State hosts UMass in what should be cakewalks for those two teams, though you never know with the struggling Sooners.

Massive game nationally as the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes travel to Happy Valley to square off with the No.3 Nittany Lions of Penn State. Will it be “The Ohio State” or “We are Penn State” that prevails. Should be riveting.

So, here we go with predictions for a packed slate in week 10 of College Football.

Last Week: SU- 11-3, Overall: 96-35, 73%

ATS: 5-9; 70-59, 54%

Vanderbilt (5-3, 2-2) @ Auburn (3-5, 1-4)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

11:45 AM CT

SEC Network

Taylor, Matt, Ashley Stroehlein

Tigers by 7

Hugh said a three or four weeks ago that he had a lot of respect for Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Kentucky’s Mark Stoops and Vanderbilt’s Coach Lea for doing well with “lesser talent.” The Vanderbilt locker room has had that hanging on its bulletin board all week.

Vanderbilt 27, Auburn 24

Florida (4-3, 2-2) vs. No.2 Georgia (6-1, 4-1)

EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FL.

2:30 PM CT

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

Dawgs by 16 1/2

Kirby will try to have the Dawgs “eating” again, but I like the Gators to keep it closer than anticipated.

Georgia 28, Florida 14

No. 19 Ole Miss (6-2, 2-2) @ Arkansas (5-3, 3-2)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

11 AM CT

ESPN

Mark, Roddy, Quint

Black Bears by 7

Give me Sam, Bobby Petrino and the Hogs in an upset.

Arkansas 28, Ole Miss 27

No. 10 Texas A&M (7-1, 5-0) @ South Carolina (4-3, 2-3)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C,

6:30 PM CT

ABC

Sean, Greg, Molly

Aggies by 2 1/2

South Carolina should have A&M’s attention. If I was A&M Coach Mike Elko, I’d go with Marcel Reed under center.

A&M 28, South Carolina 21

Kentucky (3-5, 1-5) @ No. 7 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1)

Neyland Stadium

6:45 PM CT

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Vols by 17

It’s been a struggle for the Wildcats lately, and the Vols are playing for a lot right now.

Tennessee 42, Kentucky 14

Mississippi State 49, UMass 7

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

3:15 PM CT

SEC Network

State by 18

What do you say about this? The Bullies kind of need a game like this. Recently, their schedule has been brutal with @ Georgia, and A&M and Arkansas at home. They need a breather.

Oklahoma 52, Maine 3

Memorial Stadium, Norman

1:30 PM CT

ESPN+

Sooners by 34 1/2

Surely the Sooners can play well here. Their defense has been pretty solid this season. However, it’s been a major struggle on offense.

Off: No. 14 Alabama, No. 16 LSU, No. 6 Texas, Missouri

National Matchups

No.4 Ohio State (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) @ No.3 Penn State (7-0, 4-0)

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

11 AM CT

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Buckeyes by 3 1/2

I like James Franklin and the Nittany Lions to get over the top this year. It’s been 2016, 8 years, since the the Nittany Lions have prevailed over the Buckeyes. Penn State is very hungry for a victory this year with a lot of Big Ten and playoff aspirations at stake. Look for Tyler Warren, Penn State’s tight end, Number 44, to have a big day. He’s caught 47 passes for 559 yards and 4 TDs this season and defeated USC on the road pretty much single-handedly with 17 receptions for 244 yards and an incredible TD catch on a trick play as the Nittany Lions defeated the Trojans 33-30 in L.A. Memorial Coliseum. He’s a total stud. But Penn State has a good team around him. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is questionable for the game. If he can’t play, Beau Pribula has completed 18 of 23 passes for 200 yards, three TDs against 1 int. Pribula played well in relief of Allar last Saturday completing 11 of 13 for 98 yards and a 7. He also rushed for 28 yards on 6 carries, so he’s a dual threat. Allar can run, too, and they’d like to have him. I would think he’s available, but we’ll see what Franklin decides. Allar is a game time decision. What else is new with these coaches.

Penn State 21, Ohio State 17

No.1 Oregon 31, Michigan 14

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Ducks by 14 1/2

Dan Lanning and his talented team move to 9-0 and 6-0 in the Big Ten. Michigan is having major trouble with their offense this season. Can’t throw it at all.

No.5 Miami 41, Duke 17

Hard Rock, Miami Gardens

11 AM CT

ABC

‘Canes by 20

Mario Cristobal and his squad move to 9-0 and 5-0 in the ACC with the first playoff selection show next Tuesday, Nov. 5th, at 6 PM CT on ESPN.

No. 11 Clemson 35, Louisville 28

Memorial Stadium, Clemson

6:30 PM CT

ESPN

Clemson by 10 1/2

Still not totally sold on Clemson. I like the Cardinals to give them a tough contest.

No. 11 Iowa State 35, Texas Tech 31

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Iowa State by 13 1/2

Give me the Red Raiders to give the Cyclones everything they want. The Cyclones survive and move to 8-0 and 4-0 in the Big 12. They and the BYU Cougars are leading the conference. It’ll be interesting to see what transpires in this conference going forward. Pretty bullish on BYU.

No. 20 SMU 34, No. 18 Pittsburgh 26

Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Big D

7 PM CT

ACC Network

SMU by 7 1/2

Like Rhett Lashlee and the Ponies to knock off previously undefeated Pitt. The Mustangs move to 8-1 and 5-0 in the ACC, and the Panthers drop to 7-1 and 3-1. The ACC race is extremely interesting with Miami and Clemson excelling as well as these two teams. Coach Lashlee has done a terrific job in Dallas.

Friday

No. 15 Boise State 41, San Diego State 20

Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho

7 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Broncos by 23 1/2

Ashton Jeanty was held a little more in check by UNLV last Friday Night, though Boise State won, 29-24 on the road in a tough matchup. UNLV was 6-1 and 2-0 in the Mountain West, so that was an important victory for the Broncos. Jeanty rushed for 128 yards on 33 carries however; 3.9 yards per carry. I like the Broncos to move to 7-1 and 4-0 in the Mountain West and keep their playoff hopes firmly alive, though San Diego State is always combative.

The now 15th ranked Crimson Tide and the hard luck Tigers of Auburn suffered a couple of frustrating defeats last Saturday on the road; the Tide in Knoxville and the Tigers in CoMo. Both squads set their sights on gaining momentum as the season keeps progressing.

For the Tide, it’s about winning out and it starts with Missouri in T-town this Saturday at 2:30 PM on ABC. The Tigers try to get over the top this week in Lexington on a Saturday Night versus a struggling Kentucky team that will still be charged up. The Tigers will have to match the Cats’ intensity.

Key game in College Station as the 14th ranked Aggies of A&M host the 8th ranked Bengal Tigers of LSU at 6:30 PM on ABC. Wow, @Kyle Field is a tough venue to emerge victorious from. And the Commodores of Vanderbilt University host Hook’em Horns of Texas in what now looks like a promising contest.

Other key SEC and National games on the Blog are enclosed below. Here we are into Week 9.

Last Week

SU:13-3, Overall 85-32, 73%

ATS: 10-6, 65-50, 57%

All times Central and games on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

Last Week

SU:13-3, Overall 85-32, 73%

ATS: 10-6, 65-50, 57%

All times Central and games on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

No.21 Missouri (6-1,2-1) @No. 15 Alabama (5-2, 2-2)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

2:30 PM

ABC

Tess, JRodg, Katie

Bama by 16 1/2

Missouri quarterback Brady Cook and starting running back Nate Noel are doubtful for this game. The Tide recovers from Tennessee, but is still looking to find its chemistry.

Alabama 30, Missouri 17

Auburn (2-5, 0-4) @ Kentucky (3-4, 1-4)

Kroger Field, Lexington

6:45 PM 

SEC Network

Taylor, Matt, Ashley Stroehlein 

Wildcats by 2 1/2

I’m going to go with MB and my Auburn friends this week. The Tigers pull off the upset.

Auburn 24, Kentucky 17

No.8 LSU (6-1, 3-0)  @ No. 14 Texas A&M (6-1, 4-0)

Kyle Field, College Station

6:30 PM 

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

A&M by 2 1/2

I know it’s extremely tough to get out of Kyle Field with a victory, but I’m going to take the hot quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier and the Bengal Tigers to escape College Station with a first place clinching, for now, victory over the Aggies in a hard fought, nits see game.

LSU 24, Texas A&M 23

No.5 Texas (6-1, 2-1) @ No.25 Vanderbilt (5-2, 2-1)

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

3:15 PM

SEC Network

Tom, Cole, Alyssa

Texas by 18 1/2

Before the season started this game looked like a massacre, more on the start of the season at the end of this column, but now it looks like a tougher matchup for the Longhorns. My Vanderbilt Commodores are going to put up a fight and could win this game, but I’ll take Texas, barely. Georgia sure gave the Longhorns a welcome to the SEC moment last Saturday Night in Austin. How’d you like that, McConaughey?

Texas 31, Vandy 28

Other scores

Ole Miss 41, Oklahoma 10

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford

11 AM 

ESPN

Rebs by 20

I like Lane and his team to play hard and strive hard to get in the playoff. They’re on the outside looking in now, but they’ve got a shot if they can win out.

Mississippi State 21, Arkansas 20

Davis-Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

11:45 AM 

SEC Network

Hogs by 6 1/2

Like the Bullies to finally get over the hump. They’ve been close the past two weeks and only lost @ Georgia, 41-31, playing Georgia a quality game. Gave A&M a pretty good game at home last Saturday as well.

*****Off this week: No.2 Georgia (after an impressive showing last Saturday), Florida (Cocktail Party looks interesting next Saturday, Gators playing a lot better), No.8 Tennessee (big win for Vols last Saturday), and South Carolina (Dominated Oklahoma last Saturday in Norman. Solid team). ****

National Contests

No. 1 Oregon 42, No.20 Illinois 28

Autzen Stadium, Eugene OR.

2:30 PM

CBS

Ducks by 21 1/2

Ducks in a tougher contest this Saturday. The Illini are pretty strong under Bret Bielema.

No.4 Ohio State 42, Nebraska 14

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

11 AM

FOX

Buckeyes by 25 1/2

Buckeyes still a very good team despite the Oregon loss. That was as close as you get on the road.

No. 12 Notre Dame 30, No.24 Navy 27

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

11 AM

ABC

Fighting Irish by 13 1/2

Fighting Irish are good, but so is the Academy. Almost picked the Midshipmen to upset the Irish, but I’ll barely take Notre Dame.

No.6 Miami 42, Florida State 17

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.

6 PM

ESPN

Miami by 21

“Canes play better defense this Saturday.

No. 13 Indiana 31, Washington 24

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

11 AM

Big Ten Network

IU by 6 1/2

One of the great stories of the year along with Army, Navy and BYU. Coach Curt Cignetti is brash, and, quite frankly, a pretty cocky guy. But he’s backing it up, so far. Tayven Jackson will start this Saturday at quarterback as regular starter Kurtis Rourke, who has completed 135 of 181 passes, 75%, for 1,941 yards, 15 TDs against only 3 ints, injured his thumb last Saturday fairly seriously, and is out indefinitely. Jackson has completed 12 of 18 with 3 TDs against 0 ints, so we’ll see how that shakes out going forward.

Friday Night Upset Special

UNLV 35, No.17 Boise State 34

Allegiant Stadium, Vegas

9:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

Boise State by 3 1/2

I’ve watched both these teams and both are the real deal. Like the Runnin’ Rebels @ home.

Saturday Upset

No.11 BYU 38, UCF 35

FBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando

2:30 PM

ESPN

UCF by 2 1/2

This will be a tough one for the Cougars, but believe in this team.

Survival Saturday Game

No. 3 Penn State 28, Wisconsin 24

Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Whisky

6:30 PM

NBC

Nittany Lions by 6 1/2

James Franklin has controversy in his program. Seems like controversy surrounds Franklin’s program. Another assault on a female by two former players. His team barely escapes Camp Randall, but this drama is something to watch going forward.

World Series Prediction

Dodgers over Yankees in 7

MVP: Shohei Ohtani

Who else? Well, there’s Aaron Judge, so he’s certainly a threat. Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton. Should be a superb Fall Classic. Picking the Bums barely.

Game One: Friday, tomorrow, at 7 PM CT on FOX

This is probably what Vanderbilt Coach Clark Lea said to his team before the season opener versus Virginia Tech. Like Brother Bluto, it has resonated so far. Classic scene from a classic flick. Sorry about the language, but it’s a fraternity, house, it’s the late great John Belushi and Eric “Otter” Stratton, played by the the great Tim Matheson.

Dodgers @ Mets tonight at 7:08 CT on Fox Sports 1. Walker Buehler versus Luis Severino. Buehler is 0-1 with an over 10 ERA and Severino is 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA. Like the Mets to emerge victorious, 6-3, tonight at Citi Field. The next three are in New York. and win the Series as ARod predicted on Sunday. Papi and Jeter went with the Dodgers in 6. ARod and I have different ideas.

Like the Mets pitching better, and the hitting is a wash.

Mets over Dodgers in 7

Yankees versus Guardians

Yankees up 2-0 in their series with Cleveland. Yanks/Guardians in Cleveland Thursday on TBS at 4:08 PM CT, followed by the Mets-Dodgers at Citi Field at 7:08 PM on Fox Sports 1. Yankees are dominating the Guardians right now. The next three are in Cleveland though. Give me a Subway Fall Classic.

Yankees in 6

The Crimson Tide travels to Knoxville for the annual third Saturday in October on Saturday at 2:30 PM CT on ABC in a matchup with a lot at stake.

The Crimson Tide is 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the SEC and there are serious playoff implications involved in this blockbuster. The Vols have 12 team playoff aspirations as well. They are 5-1 and 2-1. Both teams have struggled the last two weeks with Alabama getting upset by Vanderbilt, 40-35, on the road two weeks ago and just getting by South Carolina, 27-25, last Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Tennessee lost to Arkansas on the road two weeks ago on a Saturday Night in Fayetteville, 19-14, then edged the Florida Gators in overtime, 23-17, last Saturday Night in Knoxville.

So a lot on the line with close to 102,000 fans in attendance in a hostile environment for Jalen Milroe, Malachi Moore and the Crimson Tide. How will the team handle this pressure packed situation. Can Kalen DeBoar and his coaching staff help their team get over the top against an equally talented Tennessee team. I’ll delve into those scenarios shortly.

The No.5 Georgia Bulldogs invade Austin to take on the stellar Longhorns of Texas. And the Auburn Tigers will try to find some sort of momentum as they travel to CoMo to face the No. 19 Missouri Tigers, which had a cake walk last Saturday in a 45-3 victory over UMass. The Tigers were off as Hugh tries to turn this thing around.

Here’s a look at those three contests along with the rest of the SEC and national landscape along with projections.

Last Week: 11-5, Overall, 72-29, 71%; ATS, 8-6, 55-44, 56%.

All Times Central

Alabama @ Tennessee

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

2:30 PM

ABC

Sean, Greg, Molly

Alabama by 3

Coach DeBoar has a weapon in Jalen Milroe, who is difficult to neutralize for the opposing defense. Jam Miller and Justice Haynes should be more heavily involved in the game plan. Comparing rosters, I like Alabama’s quarterback more, always a bonus; Tennessee’s running back, Dylan Sampson, may have a slight edge over Miller and Haynes, just because he gets the ball more. He’s rushed for 699 yards and 15 TDs. On the o lines, I will take Tennessee; and on the perimeter, it’s a wash. Defense goes to Tennessee. Special teams is a halve. Coaching, I’ll take Tennessee. With those factors and the Neyland Stadium crowd, I’ll go with the home team.

Tennessee 31, Alabama 28

Georgia @ Texas

Darrell K. Royal Stadium, Austin

6:30 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly, Katie

Longhorns by 3 1/2

Even though they’ve won every game except for Alabama, Georgia has struggled. Texas is a machine. Give me Sark and Hook’em.

Texas 28, Georgia 24

Other SEC scores

Missouri 23, Auburn 20

Memorial Stadium, Columbia

11 AM CT

ESPN

Missouri by 4 1/2

Tigers keep it close, but just come up short.

No.8 LSU 35, Arkanas 31

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

6 PM

ESPN

LSU by 2 1/2

No. 14 Texas A&M 28, Mississippi State 21

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

3:15 PM

SEC Network

A&M by 15 1/2

Florida 17, Kentucky 14

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

6:45 PM

SEC Network

Kentucky by 1

South Carolina 20, Oklahoma 17

Memorial Stadium, Norman

11:45 AM

SEC Network

OU by 2 1/2

Vanderbilt 40, Ball State 20

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

6 PM

ESPN+

Vandy by 26

Friday

No.2 Oregon 45, Purdue 28

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN.

7 PM

FOX

Ducks by 27 1/2

Saturday

Louisville 34, No. 6 Miami 31

Louisville, KY, Stadium too taxing to write out.

11 AM

ESPN

Miami by 5

Friday

No. 13 BYU 34, Oklahoma State 30

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, TUT

9:15 PM

ESPN

BYU by 9

Saturday

No. 10 Clemson 42, Virginia 17

Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C.

11 AM

ACC Network

Clemson by 21 1/2

No.9 Iowa State 31, UCF 14

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA.

6:30 PM

Fox Sports 1

Cyclones by 14

No. 23 Army 42, East Carolina 21

Michie Stadium, West Point NY

11 AM

ESPN2

Army by 16

No. 25 Navy 42, Charlotte 20

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

2:30 PM

CBS Sports Network

Navy by 17

Georgia Tech 35, No. 12 Notre Dame 34

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

2:30 PM

ESPN

Irish by 12 1/2

The Crimson Tide tries to recuperate and get their program headed back in the right direction this Saturday at 11 AM versus South Carolina at Bryant-Denny. Texas and OU play the 120th edition of the Red River Rivalry Game in Big D. Ole Miss and LSU lock horns Saturday Night in Death Valley. UT and Florida compete in Knoxvegas. And the onward and upward Vanderbilt Commodores square off with the Kentucky Wildcats in Lexington on Saturday Night. There are also terrific national matchups this weekend. Here’s a rundown along with projections for all this entire slate of games in Week 7.

Last Week: SU: 9-5; Overall: 61-24, 72%.

ATS: 7-7, 46-37, 55%

All times Central. All games Saturday unless otherwise noted.

South Carolina (3-2, 1-2 SEC) @ No.7 Alabama (4-1,1-1)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

11 AM

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie

Bama by 21

Not sure what to make of the Crimson Tide right now. I’d like to think Alabama didn’t lose it as much last Saturday at FirstBank Stadium in Nashvulle as my Commodores took control and won it. It was a little bit of both, but I side with the Commodores’effort more. The Crimson Tide needs to get things worked out on defense and Jam Miller and Justice Haynes need to get the ball more. All I can say about the Crimson Tide right now is Kalen DeBoar has his work cut out for him, as does defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. My prediction for the Tide going forward? To be determined, starting Saturday.

Alabama 34, South Carolina 17

No.1 Texas (5-0, 1-0) vs No.18 Oklahoma (4-1, 1-1)

Cotton Bowl, Dallas

2:30 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

Hook’em by 14 1/2

I can’t see this game being a two touchdown outcome. It’s too competitive for a rivalry and OU won it last year as an underdog. Quinn Ewers is probable, so that’ll be a plus for the Longhorns though Arch Manning did a solid job in his place while Ewers was injured. I like OU freshman quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. to make some explosive plays against the Texas defense both with his wheels and his arm. I’ll take Texas, but it’ll be closer than anticipated.

Texas 31, OU 24

No. 9 Ole Miss (5-1, 1-1) @ No.13 LSU (4-1, 1-0)

Tiguh Stadium, Baton Rouge

6:30 PM

ABC

Sean, Gregory, Molly

Ole Miss by 3 1/2

It’s risky to go against the Bengal Tigers on a Saturday Night in Death Valley. Raucous is an understatement almost. But I’ll take Lane and the Rebs. They impressed me last Saturday @ South Carolina rebounding from the home upset loss to Kentucky. Kentucky’s SEC and they’re good, so no real shame in that.

Ole Miss 35, LSU 31

Florida (3-2, 1-1) @ Tennessee (4-1, 1-1)

Neyland Stadium

6 PM

ESPN

Bob Wuschusen, Louis, Kris Budden

Vols by 15

I like the Vols to rebound from last Saturday’s tough loss in Fayetteville. The Hogs played great though, Like Vanderbilt, it had as much to do with the Hogs as it did the Vols.

Tennessee 31, Florida 14

Mississippi State (1-4, 0-2) @ No. 5 Georgia (4-1, 2-1)

Sanford Stadium

3:15 PM

SEC Network

Taylor, Stinch, Alyssa

Georgia by 33 1/2

Georgia needs to get their act together in the locker room. There’s another allegation of assault and battery on a woman, this time by wide receiver Colbie Young. Kirby Smart already kicked off wide receiver Ra Ra Thomas before the 2024 season even commenced. They’ve had major driving issues on the team as well with players speeding 100+ MPH on normal roads. Two people died after the 2022 national championship game racing, a staff member and a player, but they don’t seem to learn in Athens. Pretty dysfunctional place right now. I guess they play OK against State.

Georgia 35, Mississippi State 17

Vanderbilt (3-2, 1-1) @ Kentucky (3-2, 1-2)

Kroger Field, Lexington

6:45 PM

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Kentucky by 13 1/2

The Commodores are saying, “What does it take to get some respect?” Actually, I have a feeling that they’re cool with this undervaluation. It fuels their fire even more. Kentucky played excellent defense in their upset of Ole Miss two weeks ago, their running game is strong, and Brock Vandagriff is emerging as a very good signal caller as was anticipated when he “matriculated” to college football. He was a 5 star in high school and sat behind Carson Beck at Georgia for two years before having enough. The Wildcats at home on a Saturday Night is a difficult challenge for the Commodores. But Diego Pavia and the Commodores are like the Dillon. Texas Panthers on the next level show, Friday Night Lights. They will embrace the underdog role and use the motivational slogan that the Panthers employed every game: “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose!” I’ll Anchor Down here and take my Commodores in a road upset.

Vanderbilt 24, Kentucky 21

No. 21 Missouri 35, UMass 7

Warren McGuirk? Stadium, Amherst, MA.

11 AM

ESPN 2

Mizzou by 27 1/2

Missouri got clobbered on the road last Saturday by A&M. This team is a real question mark. They could very well struggle in conference the rest of this sesaon.

Off in the SEC:

Auburn, No. 15 A&M, Arkansas.

A&M and Arkansas posted huge victories last Saturday.

It’s a rough go for Hugh and the Tigers right now though I saw some improvement last Saturday, and the recruiting is still going extremely well as Hugh and the Tigers feature the No.3 recruiting class in the country for 2025 according to 247 Sports.

National Docket

No.3 Oregon 35, No.2 Ohio State 34

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

6:30 PM

NBC

Ohio State by 3

My thinking this week nationally is home team underdog. Give me Dan Lanning, quarterback Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks to pull it off before an electric crowd in Autzen Stadium.

USC 24, No. 4 Penn State 21

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

2:30 PM

CBS

Penn State by 4

Like Lincoln Riley and his Men from Troy to pull off an upset at home as well.

No. 10 Clemson 34, Wake Forest 24

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium (Mouthful), Winston-Salem, N.C.

11 AM

ESPN

Clemson by 20 1/2

Like Clemson to get by, but not to dominate the Demon Deacons. Clemson still has plenty to prove in my opinion.

Colorado 31, No. 18 Kansas State 30

Folsom Field, Boulder, CO.

9:15 PM

ESPN

K State by 3 1/2

I like Coach Prime, his sons, quarterback Shedeur, safety, Shilo, and the terrific two-way player Travis Hunter, to pull off the upset at Folsom Field.

No. 14 BYU 31, Arizona 24

Lavell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah

3 PM

FOX

BYU by 4

Still highly bullish on the Cougars. Like them to keep the momentum going. They are always strong at home.

West Virginia 34, No. 11 Iowa State 31

Milan Pusker Stadium, Morgantown, WV

7 PM

FOX

Cyclones by 3

Like the home underdog upset once again. Still believe in West VA Coach Neal Brown. The former Troy coach is solid.

No. 17 Boise State 41, Hawai’i 21

Clarence T.C. Ching? Stadium Athletics Complex, Aloha? Honolulu

10 PM

CBS Sports Network

Broncos by 20 1/2

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has rushed for 1,031 yards and 16 TDs. He’s a phenom who has a shot at the Heisman. I would say he and Travis Hunter are the leaders in the clubhouse right now. There’s plenty of season left, but that’s the way it shakes out presently.

No. 22 Pittsburgh 31, Cal 27

Acrisure Stadium, Steel City, PA.

2:30 PM

‘ESPN

Pttt by 3 1/2

Former Crimson Tide quarterback transfer Eli Holstein has completed 113 of 172 passes, 66%, for 1,564 yards, 15 TDs against 3 ints for Pitt. The Panthers are 5-0. Cal is coming off a gut-wrenching 39-38 home loss to Miami last Saturday Night in Berkeley. Another critical officiating mistake by another ACC crew cost Cal the game. There was a missed targeting call on Miami that proved costly in the contest. These officials need to get their act together. Miami is scraping by on blown calls. That’s unacceptable.

Friday

No. 16 Utah 28, Arizona State 27

Mountain America Stadium, Tempe, AZ.

9:30- PM

ESPN

Utah by 3 1/2

The line has dropped from 6 yesterday to 3 1/2 today. Kyle Whittingham has been cryptic all year about whether seventh year starter Cam Rising will play each week. Rising is suffering from a dislocated finger on his throwing hand and has just not been able to play the last two seasons after suffering a devestating knee injury in the 2023 Rose Bowl that kept him out the entire 2023 season. Whittingham keeps sandbagging and saying “there’s a chance” he’ll play every week. Without an injury report like the SEC and Big Ten have, he’s allowed to do that in the Big 12. People are probably thinking now he’s not going to play. Maybe he will. Tired of this song and dance by Whittingham.

***Most importantly this weekend: Bama Golf***

He’s probably embarrassed I’m doing this, but one of my best all time friends and an awesome husband, father, businessman and golfer, and a consistent presence on the Blog, Joe “Bama Golf” Donald celebrates his sixty-er-thirty third birthday tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Joseph. Have an awesome day hopefully shooting a low number on the West. Right behind you, JD.

Clark knows. Candice knows. Chancellor Diermeier knows. Diego knows. Seddy knows. Eli knows. Junior knows. Q Skinn knows. Cole knows. Miles knows. CJ knows. Langston knows. Randon knows. Martel knows. We all know.

We have all been through pain and heartbreak through the years, but we Finally got the result we deserved so much on Saturday, and it couldn’t have been any more spectacular. Our head coach, our assistants and our players all made us SO proud Saturday afternoon before a packed house at FirstBank Stadium with the upset of the decade, maybe the centrury, although the players didn’t think so. They expected it. A 40-35 victory over No.1 and seemingly unbeatable Alabama couldn’t have been more inspiring.

It was beyond special. It was magical, magnificent, surreal, profound and a brilliant performance by Clark, Offensive coordinator Tim Beck, Senior Offensive Coach Jerry Kill, offensive line coach Chris Klenakis and, Clark mentioned this postgame, Director of Sports Performance, or Strength Coach, Robert Stiner, and a spectacular group of football players, led be an other worldly performance by our quarterback, Diego Pavia, who were NOT going to be denied on Saturday afternoon. I told Beth this last night also. Our offensive line of Chase Mitchell, Steven Hubbard, Gunnar Hansen, Delfin Xavier Castillo and Steven Losoya was heroic. Seddy Alexander was heroic. Eli Stowers, a hero. Randon Fontenette, Junior Sherrill, and Likes Capers were heroes. It was a courageous and heroic effort by a group of coaches and football players who were simply NOT going to lose. As they said in the great TV show, Friday Night Lights, “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose!” That’s who we were on Saturday in FirstBank.

Our crowd? I think Nick Saban might want to walk back his comments on our crowd not having an impact during games. There was no doubt our students and fans were electric. The atmosphere was riveting, sublime.

What a day to be a Vanderbilt Commodore. Vanderbilt University has always been one of the best institutions in the country. It was a top flight university when I attended back in the early 1980’s, and it’s gotten even stronger and stronger through the years. With the leadership of Chancellor Diermeier, it will continue to be an elite university for the for-seeable future. The great doctors, lawyers, many of whom I know here in Birmingham, two who are very close friends and advisers to me, businessmen, several who I’m close with, and people of all professions.

There are stellar sportswriters who are Vanderbilt grads. The late great Grantland Rice, who once wrote, “For when the One Great Scorer comes to write against your name, He marks-not that you won or lost-but how you played the game.” The great Skip Bayless, the great Buster Olney, the great Dan Wolken. These are legendary writers and sports personalities, and they are straight out of our University. Many superb authors have matriculated from Vanderbilt University. And talk about baseball players. David Price, Sonny Gray, Dansby Swanson, Mike “Yaz” Yastrzemski, Tony Kemp, Mike Minor and Pedro Alvarez among others. Tim Corbin has built a dynasty and legacy at Vanderbilt. And there’s more to come from our baseball program. JMatt and Anfernee Orji are pretty good football players, too. We’ve had our share of stellar NFL players. Basketball looks compelling with our first year coach Mark Byington bringing a ton of energy to the program. Another excellent hire by Candice Storey Lee, our great athletics director. Scott Limbaugh has taken our Men’s Golf program to great heights with so much excitement ahead for the program under our great coach, who’s a Vanderbilt man to the core. With Gordon Sargent, Jackson Van Paris and a talented roster, this could be our year. We’ve definitely got a shot.

And Clark, Diego and the team put on a performance for the ages. Want to enjoy this a little longer today, at least for the Vandy faithful, but the team has to turn its attention to a very good Kentucky team on Saturday at 6:45 PM CT in Lexington on the SEC Network. Kentucky went to Ole Miss a week and a half ago and upset the Rebels, so our hands are full. We are a 13 1/2 point underdog, but I like that. It keeps us very motivated. I firmly believe the guys will be ready.

I’m happy for all my friends and my family, too. I’m happy for Kirby, Richard, Bo, my sister, Lisa, happy birthday by the way-you got an amazing gift on Saturday!, Jake, Jake III, Kirk, Tate. And I want to thank my beautiful wife, Beth, who stuck with me through all the frustration through the years. She wasn’t happy with the result, she’s an Alabama undergrad and business school grad, summa cum laude, Valedictorian, all that, but she was a tremendous sport about it. And my in-laws, all Alabama people, were terrific as well. I appreciate my wife so much and love her deeply. My daughters, Isabelle and Fairbanks, have felt my heartbreak at times, and have been incredible daughters. I love them so much.

And I don’t want to forget my amazing twitter brethren. Mark, Vandy Sixty Two, Christi, Christopher, Mike H., Clay, Marshall, Auric, Vandy Meg. Thank you guys for your support of my work and for your unwavering support of Vanderbilt University.

This means more than I can express. I’m just so happy for all of us. Matt Stahl of Al.com in Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville, kept writing “Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt?” in questioning how the Crimson Tide could lose to us.

My response to that is: Vanderbilt? You’re damn right, Vanderbilt.

Have a great week, and I’ll be in touch. Let’s go take care of business Saturday in Lexington. Seems like we have to shock the world every time out. I believe Clark, Diego and the team can do just that. I love you guys and Anchor Down. I’ll be in touch.

What a contest last Saturday Night in Tuscaloosa. Jalen Milroe, 2024 five-star phenom WR Ryan Williams and 2024, five-star cornerback Zabien Brown saved the day for the Crimson Tide in their 41-34 victory over then No.1 Georgia. Now Alabama is No.1 in the country and Georgia checks in at No.5. The Tide now turns its attention to the Vanderbilt Commodores this Saturday @FirstBank Stadium in Nashville with a 3:15 PM CT kickoff slated for the SEC Network. The Georgia Bulldogs must concentrate on the 129th meeting of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry as they play the struggling Auburn Tigers in a 2:30 PM CT matchup on ABC. Despite the Tigers’ struggles this season, particularly at the quarterback position, their 2025 recruiting work is going spectacularly well. The Tigers just received a commitment from 94, four-star quarterback Deuce Knight of Lucedale, Mississippi. Knight de-committed from Notre Dame yesterday and pledged with the Tigers. Auburn now has the third ranked recruiting class in the country, according to 247 Sports. Ohio State in No.1 and the Crimson Tide is No.2. The Crimson Tide has the most 5 stars in 2025 with five. There’s a lot of time until signing day, which is slated for Wednesday, December 4th for the early period, the date that the bulk of a program’s class signs, so a lot can transpire with wins and losses for teams in the meantime, and there can be plenty of de-commits as players recommit and go elsewhere. So far so good for Hugh and the Tigers. The Crimson Tide is looking stellar as is Ohio State, LSU at No.4, Georgia at No.5, which is lower for them, and Texas at No.6.

But the task at hand is week 6 in college football. Here’s a look at the matchups along with White’s World’s projections.

Last Week: SU-12-3; Overall: 52-19, 73%

ATS- 5-9; 39-30, 57%

*****All times CT. All games on Saturday unless otherwise noted****

No.1 Alabama (4-0, 1-0 SEC) @ Vandy (2-2, 0-1)

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

3:15 PM

SEC Network

Tom, Cole, Alyssa

Tide by 22 1/2

The Dores are better this season, but playing Jalen, Ryan, Jam Miller, Zabien Brown, Malachi Moore, and the Tide’s great linebackers Jihaad Campbell and Deontae Lawson is too much to ask. With Vanderbilt, they just hope that Alabama doesn’t beat them this Saturday and next Saturday @Kentucky, if the injury report gets overloaded after this game. Kentucky is a tough game for Vandy anyway. The Tide gets it done handily and keeps their massive momentum, gained from the sensational victory over Georgia, intact.

Alabama 45, Vanderbilt 10

Auburn @No.5 Georgia

Sanford Stadium, Athens

2:30 PM

ABC

Sean McDonough Gregory, Molly McGrath

Dawgs by 24

Nothing like some angry Dawgs. Payton Thorne and the Tigers have a long afternoon ahead of them.

Georgia 38, Auburn 13

No.4 Tennessee @ Arkansas

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

6:30 PM

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

UT by 13

The Vols fans are feeling like the Grateful Dead. “Tennessee, Tennessee, there ain’t no place I’d rather be.” The Vols summon their inner Jerry Garcia again on Saturday to keep advancing in the SEC and college football landscape. The “Alabama Getaway” game in Knoxvegas Saturday, October 19th, the third Saturday in October, is looking very interesting.

Tennessee 31, Arkansas 15

No. 12 Ole Miss @ South Carolina

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia

2:30 PM

ESPN

Dave Pasch, Dusty Dvoracek, Taylor McGregor

Rebs by 9

The Rebels offense was totally confused by an excellent Kentucky defense on homecoming last Saturday in Oxford to the tune of a 20-17 upset. This is one I’ve gone back and forth with in my mind, but I’m going to take the upset.

South Carolina 28, OIe Miss 24

No. 9 Missouri @ No .25 Texas A&M

Kyle Field, College Station

11 AM

ABC

Tess, JRodg, Stormy Buonantony

Aggies by 2 1/2

This will not be an upset.

A&M 27, Mizzou 23

UCF @ Florida

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

6:45 PM

SEC Network

UCF by 2 1/2

Like the slight upset in the Swamp.

Gators 27, UCF 20

OFF: Texas, Oklahoma (Red River Rivalry next Saturday, 2:30 PM CT ABC), LSU, Kentucky, Mississippi State.

National Predictions

No.3 Ohio State 31, Iowa 7

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

2:30 PM

CBS

Buckeyes by 20

This Jeremiah Smith, a five star freshman and the No.1 player in the 2024 class, according to 247 Sports, is the most electric player in college football alongside Jalen Milroe, Ryan Williams, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, and Miami quarterback Cam Ward.

***Friday Night***

No.6 Oregon 37, Michigan State 13

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

8

FOX

Ducks by 23 1/2

Believer in Oregon, for now.

****Back to Saturday****

No. 15 Clemson 42, Florida State 24

Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee

6 PM

ESPN

Clemson by 14 1/2

Like the Tigers to get the job done on the road against a struggling team that is 1-4.

No. 8 Miami 21, California 18

California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley

9:30 PM

ESPN

‘Canes by 10

I’ve got the ‘Canes barely surviving this trip to the left coast. They just squeaked by VA Tech last Friday Night at home, 38-34, when a Hokies’ last second Hail Mary pass that was caught in the endzone and called a touchdown originally, was overturned on review to an incomplete pass. It was very close and hard to overturn with the original call on the field of a touchdown. There wasn’t indisputable evidence to overturn per se, but the refs looked to get it right after I studied it several times on Saturday morning. The players were all going out of bounds when the catch was made. Miami survives another scare.

No. 10 Michigan 17, Washington 16

Husky Stadium, Seattle

6:30 PM

NBC

Huskies by 2 1/2

Like the Wolverines to grind out another victory on the ground and with their defense.

No.7 Penn State 28, UCLA 10

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

11 AM

FOX

Nittany Lions by 27 1/2

James Franklin’s offenses have never been prolific, but they win with defense and a solid running game. Their quarterback, Drew Allar, can be good, but he’s erratic, too.

No. 11 USC 31, Minnesota 30

Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

6:30 PM

Big Ten Network

USC by 8

This is a tough matchup for the Trojans on the road. It’s warm that day in Minnesota, so I like them to survive.

No. 16 Iowa State 23, Baylor 20

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa

6:30 PM

FOX

Hawkeyes by 12

I like Baylor to give Iowa State everything they want. Iowa State and BYU are looking like the best teams in the Big 12 at this point, but I’m not counting Utah out just yet, particularly if 7th year quarterback Cam Rising can return from injury.

Can the Yankees capture their first Commissioner’s trophy and World Championship since 2009, or can the Dodgers win another World Series in this decade after winning it all in 2020, the COVID- shortened season. The Dodgers do want to legitimize their greatness, and with the prolific Shohei Ohtani and several spectacular players, they have the chance to accomplish just that. Ohtani is the certain Most Valuable Player of the National League as he finished the 2024 regular season hitting .310 with 54 homers and 130 RBIs along with an astronomical 1.036 OPS, on base plus slugging percentage. Anything over .900 is excellent and over 1.000 is Hall of Fame good if you keep putting those kinds of seasons together, which he has in his seven year career. The 31 year old Ohtani’s WAR is 9.2. The Oshu, Iwata, Japan native is third in the Majors in WAR. Aaron Judge was the leader with a 10.8 and Bobby Witt Jr., the superb Kansas City Royals shortstop, finished second with a 9.4.

WAR stands for Wins Above Replacement, meaning if the player is playing the team gets that many more wins than they would get with his replacement playing if he were injured. Judge’s 10+, and Witt Jr’.’s 9+ and Ohtani’s 9.+, mean the difference in winning your division or getting a wild card, or not making the playoffs at all. The Yankees finished 94-68 this season with Judge in the lineup. Without him, they would be projected to go 84-76. which would have just barely gotten them into the playoffs as the No.6 seed. The Dodgers had the best record in baseball at 98-64. Without Ohtani, they would be projected to go 89-73, which, with the tiebreakers, might have gotten them into the playoffs as the Braves, Mets and D-backs all finished 89-73. So WAR is a major metric. The Dodgers have home field throughout the playoffs and World Series if they “matriculate” that far, and the Yankees have the home field through the ALCS if they can advance that far as well. Judge hit .322 with 58 homers and 144 RBIs. He was third in batting average points, so he was just shy of winning the triple crown in hitting for average, homers and RBIs. Witt Jr hit .332 and Vlad Gurrero of Toronto hit .323. The last to win the Triple Crown was the Tigers Miguel Cabrera in 2012. Maggie hit 44 homers, drove in 139 and batted .330. There have only been 17 triple crown winners in baseball’s 148 years of existence. The last to accomplish the feat before Cabrera was Carl “Yay” Yastrzemski in 1967. So it’s highly uncommon. Judge came close and he or Ohtani could achieve that milestone before their careers are done. Judge is 32 and Ohtani is 30 and aren’t going anywhere for a while provided they both stay healthy. So, exciting times ahead in baseball. Exciting October ahead in MLB as well.

Here are predictions for for the 2024 MLB Playoffs

All Wild Card games start today with ABC, ESPN2 and ESPN broadcasting. FOX, Fox Sports 1 and TBS will join the coverage in the NLDS and ALDS going forward through the respective championship series . FOX will broadcast the World Series. The Fall Classic commences Friday, October 25th unless the League Championship series end on Saturday, October 19th. If that’s the case, the World Series would begin Tuesday, October 22nd. Game 7 of the World Series is slated for Saturday, November 2nd if the NLCS and ALCS extend beyond Saturday, Oct. 19th. If the respective championship series ends Saturday, 10/19, the Fall Classic would start Tuesday, 10/22, and Wednesday, Oct. 30th would be the date of Game 7.

NL Wild Card Series

Mets over Milwaukee Brewers in 3

San Diego Padres over Braves in 3

Picked the Braves to win it all; MB (Brownie) had the Orioles. I had Braves over Rangers and MB had the O’s over the Braves. MB in good shape, and we both didn’t anticipate Ronald Acuna Jr., stellar starter Spencer Strider and slugging third baseman Austin Riley being lost for the season, with Acuna and Strider going out early, and Riley going out in August. Chris Sale, who’s been terrific this season, possibly earning the Cy Young, has back spasms and may not be able to pitch in this series. Just too many hurdles for the Braves to overcome.

AL Wild Card

Houston over Detroit in 3

Baltimore over KC in 2

National League Division Series (NLDS)

Philadelphia Phillies over Mets in 4

LA Dodgers over Padres in 5

American League Division Series (ALDS)

Astros over Cleveland in 4

Yankees over Orioles in 5

National League Championship Series

Phillies over Dodgers in 6

American League Championship Series

Astros over Yankees in 6

World Series

I like soon to be 32 year old Bryce Harper (October 16th, 1992), who hit 30 homers and drove in 87, and finished with a 4.8 WAR, he battled some injuries this season, shortstop Tre Turner who hit .295 with 21 homers, 62 Ribeyes and 19 stolen bases, and the Phillies’ stellar starting pitching, led by right handed starter Zack Wheeler, who finished the 2024 season 16-7 with a 2.57 ERA and an 0.96 WHIP, walks plus hits per inning-key stat for pitchers, anything under 1.00 is superior, to get the job done for the City of Brotherly Love. The Phils capture their first Fall Classic and World Championship since 2008. The Phillies only other World Series title came in 1980. So Philly, one of the most electric sports towns in the country, is chomping at the bit for this. I like the Phillies to secure it for their tremendous American city.

Phils over ‘Stros in 6

Most Valuable Player in the World Series

Bryce Harper