College Football Week 14, Rivalry Week, Previews/Predictions

With Rivalry week already here, wow, it seems like a fast season again. The Iron Bowl cranks up on Saturday at 6:30 P. M. at Jordan-Hare, where incredible things happen if you’re an Auburn fan, and where dreams can come crashing down if you’re the opponent. ABC will broadcast. Can Ty Simpson find some rhythm in the passing game as he had earlier in the season all the way up to the LSU game, or will Ashton Daniels lead his Tigers to a victory over the 10th ranked Crimson Tide in what seemed improbable three weeks ago. . The Tide is playing for its playoff life, while the Tigers want to crush those hopes and make it to a bowl themselves and either hire DJ Durkin, Jon Sumrall or somebody else to lead their program into the future. A lot of factors involved in this spectacular and intensely serious rivalry. Will dive deeper below. No.1 Ohio State is @ No. 15 Michigan in that yearly classic at 11 A.M. Saturday on FOX with playoff implications for both teams. No.2 Indiana plays @ Purdue Friday at 6:30 P.M. on NBC/Peacock. No.3 Texas A&M is @ Texas for a Friday Night 6:30 kick, also. That stellar rivalry contest will be broadcast by ABC. No.4 Georgia plays Georgia Tech in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Friday at 2:30 P.M. on ABC. Georgia Tech signed a six year deal with the group that runs Mercedes-Benz Stadium to play one game a year there. The Yellow Jackets get a $10 million payment for doing so. 

Regardless, Georgia wants a first round bye in the Playoff and a shot at playing the following Saturday in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the SEC Championship Game. They’ll need to take care of business @Tech and have some help from either Texas or Auburn if they want to be playing next Saturday, 12/6. But if they defeat Tech, they’ll have a good shot at getting a bye even if A&M and the Crimson Tide both win. Now if Alabama defeats Auburn, A&M wins, and the Crimson Tide defeats the Aggies next Saturday, 12/6, in the Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 3 P.M. CT on ABC, the Tide could very well steal Georgia’s spot by virtue of their head to head victory over them Dawgs. But Georgia would probably overtake A&M. A lot to be decided in this stellar weekend. Nevertheless in the case of Georgia, they want to defeat their Clean Old Fashioned Hate Rival. That’s extremely important to them as well because these two teams clearly hate each other in the competitive arena. No.7 Ole Miss plays at Mississippi State Friday at 11 A.M. on ABC. We know about the circus going on at Ole Miss caused by Lane. It’ll be interesting to see if the players, who are being held hostage by Kiffin, can focus enough to come out of Starkville with a victory. No.14 Vanderbilt, right now on the outside looking in the Playoff, and needing help to get in even with a victory, plays its heated rival, the 19^th ranked Tennessee Vols, in Knoxvegas Saturday at 2:30 P.M. on ESPN. Should be a terrific game there as well.

There is also much more to cover with key rivalry games taking place all over the country this Thanksgiving weekend with 365 day bragging rights and playoff possibilities all over the map. Here’s a look at this weekend’s slate along with Predictions.

Record:

Last Week-SU-17-3, Overall: 142-43, 77%; ATS-9-11, 87-98, 47%; Over/Under-12-8, 97-88, 52%.

Games Friday and Saturday. All games Saturday unless otherwise listed. All times Central.

No. 10 Alabama (9-2, 6-1) @ Auburn (5-6, 1-6)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

Bama by 6 ½, 46 ½

Ty Simpson versus Ashton Daniels is a heckuva quarterback matchup. I know Auburn fans are liking what they’re seeing out of Daniels, and Deuce Knight is electric and could be electric in some packages on Saturday Night. Bama fans are looking for the Ty they were enjoying watching against Georgia, Missouri, etc.- pre-LSU game. I’m curious if Ty struggles again if Coach DeBoar and OC Ryan Grubb might try Austin Mack. He’s good. Ty seems to have confidence issues right now. He’s very hard on himself and maybe he’ll need a series or two off to get his head on straight if he struggles in the first two series. Just some instincts on that from observing Simpson the last couple of weeks and watching Mack. No significant intel. The Alabama defense with Tim Keenan III and company pitched a “goose egg” last Saturday versus Northern Illinois as Tim said after the game. The ESPN reporter asked Keenan III after the game if he was getting amped up for the Tigers. Kennan said, “I’m just going to enjoy this goose egg for 24 hours then get ready for them.” I agree with Tim. Need to enjoy the victories for sure; even if it’s only or a day. Can Alabama run against Auburn? It had a good rushing day last Saturday, but the Auburn front seven is fierce. Auburn is a little susceptible in the passing game and Germie Bernard, Ryan Williams and company could thrive against a weaker Auburn secondary, which is 90th in the country in passing yards allowed. Auburn’s offense has come alive the past two weeks, so that’ll be a test for the Crimson Tide defense, which is stellar, as it is 5th in the country in passing yards allowed and 2nd nationally by Pro Football Focus. The Tigers won 62-17 in an extremely impressive showing. Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton, running back Jeremiah Cobb and company will be ready to break out offensively Saturday Night at Jordan-Hare.

And, finally, it’s the magic or tragic of Jordan-Hare that could very well be the difference maker. I like Alabama to get out of Auburn with a victory this time and to move on to the SEC Championship Game. It won’t be easy against a highly motivated Tigers team and an electric home field advantage in Jordan-Hare.

Alabama 24, Auburn 21

Friday

No.3 Texas A&M (11-0, 7-0) @ No.16 Texas (8-3, 5-2)

Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium, Austin

6:30 P.M. 

ABC

Sean,  Gregory, Molly

A&M  by 2 ½, 51 ½

This is going to be another classic as Texas wants to keep being the standard in its state, while A&M wants to really defeat Texas because they can’t stand’em for one thing, and the SEC Championship and a first round bye in the Playoff are on the line. I like Mike Elko and his Aggies to get the job done and advance.

A&M 24, Texas 20

Friday

No.4 Georgia (10-1) @ Georgia Tech (9-2)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hot’lanta

2:30 P.M. 

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie

Dawgs by 13 ½, 59 ½

I like the Dawgs to lay it on the Yellow Jackets as the Jackets have sloughed off a little lately. And there is so much at stake for Georgia . They’re also playing great football right now.

Georgia 38, Georgia Tech 17

Friday

No.7 Ole Miss (10-1, 6-1) @ Mississippi State (5-6, 1-6)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

11 A.M.

ABC

Dave, Dusty, Taylor

Ole Miss by 7 ½, 62 ½

I like the Bullies to give an Ole Miss team, with what some would call a lame duck coach, unless he surprises a lot of people and re-signs in Oxford and doesn’t go to LSU, a lot of trouble. But the Rebels prevail.

Ole Miss 35, Mississippi State 31

Back to Saturday

No. 14 Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2) @ No. 19 Tennessee (8-3, 4-3)

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

2:30 P.M.

ESPN

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Vols by 3 ½, 65 ½

Diego Pavia told Quint Kessinich of ESPN last Saturday after the Vanderbilt 45-17 victory over Kentucky that he’d see him in New York. For the Heisman. It’s hard to doubt Diego. He talks it up with bulletin board material written all over it, but he does back it up, usually. Diego and the Dores keep their Playoff hopes alive in a heart-stopper.

Vanderbilt 35, Tennessee 34

Clemson (6-5) @ South Carolina (4-7)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

11 A.M.

SEC Network

Taylor, Matt, Alyssa

Gamecocks by 3 ½, 46 ½

It’s been a rough year for Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks, but I like them to handle business in a highly competitive rivalry game against Dabo and his Tigers.

South Carolina 24, Clemson 20

Missouri (7-4, 3-4) @ Arkansas (2-9, 0-7)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

2:30 P.M.

SEC Network

Mark, Roddy, Quint

Mizzou by 2 ½, 55 ½

I like Eli Drinkwitz and his Missouri Tigers to come out of Razorback Stadium with the victory. Eli is a candidate for some other jobs; Florida being the main talk right now.

Missouri 30, Arkansas 27

LSU (7-4, 3-4) @ No. 8 Oklahoma (9-2, 5-2)

Memorial Stadium, Norman

2:30 P.M. 

ABC

Mark, Roddy, Quint

OU by 10 ½, 36 ½

Give me Brent Venables and that vaunted Sooners defense to enable the team to “matriculate” to the Playoff. 

Oklahoma 24, LSU 13

Florida State (5-6) @ Florida (3-8)

Ben Hill Griffith Stadium, Gainesville

2:30 P.M.

ESPN2

Gators by 1 ½, 50 ½

Tough year for both teams that have a great history, but it’s been a while since both have been good at the same time. I like Florida to edge the ‘Noles out.

Florida 23, FSU 21

Kentucky (5-6) @ Louisiville (7-4)

L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, ‘Ville

11 A.M.

ACC Network

Jorge Sedano, Rodney McLeod, Victoria Arien

Cardinals by 3 ½, 46 ½

I’ll take Mark Stoops to survive in an upset. He needs it.

Kentucky 23, Louisville 20

National Slate

No.1 Ohio State (11-0, 8-0) @ Michigan (9-2, 7-1)

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

11 A.M. 

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny, GameDay and Big Noon will be there. Big Noon 

Ohio State by 9 ½, 43 ½

It’ll be tough for Ohio State in the Big House. Michigan has won 4 in a row and owns Ryan Day right now. But he changes that narrative, a little, on Saturday.

Ohio State 21, Michigan 17

****One more on Friday****

No. 2 Indiana 42, Purdue 10

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue, home team

6:30 P.M.

NBC/Peacock

Paul Burmeister, Yogi Roth, Zora Stephenson

Hoosiers by 28 ½, 54 ½

Like Curt Cignetti and his stellar Indiana team to advance forward into the Big Ten Championship to face Ohio State next Saturday, 12/6, at 7 P.M. on FOX.  

No. 6 Oregon 31, Washington 28

Husky Stadium, Seattle

2:30 P.M.

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny

Ducks by 6 ½, 50 ½

Dan Lanning and his Ducks survive, move on, and, with moving to number 6 in  the Playoff rankings, should get a home field in the first round unless things change dramatically And they could. 

No.5 Texas Tech 42, West Virginia 21

Mllan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, West VA.

11 A.M.

ESPN

Roy Philpott, Sam Acho, Taylor Davis

Red Raiders by 23 ½, 54 ½

Some strange things happen in Morgantown as well, but give me the Red Raiders to “Carry On” as Crosby Stills and Nash sang.

No. 12 Miami (9-2, 5-2) @ Pittsburgh (8-2, 6-1)

Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh PA.

11 A.M.

ABC

Bob, Louis, Kris

Canes by 6 ½, 49 ½

After their performance @ Georgia Tech last Saturday Night, I’m going to take Pat Narduzzi and his Panthers in an upset to dismantle Miami’s dream of making the playoff. 

 Pitt 28, Miami 27

No. 9 Notre Dame 45, Stanford 10

Stanford Stadium, Palo Altom, CA.

9:30 P.M.

ESPN

Dave, Brock, Stormy

Fighting Irish by 31 ½, 50 ½

If the Crimson Tide defeats the Auburn Tigers, they should jump ahead of Notre Dame. I do think the Fighting Irish are a Playoff worthy team, however.

No.18 Virginia 35, VA. Tech 24

Scott Stadium, C’ville

6 P.M. 

ESPN

Mike Monaco, Kirk, Dawn

UVA by 8 ½, 53 ½

I love what Tony Elliott has done at UVA. The ‘Hoos are 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the ACC. They win and they’re in the ACC Championship and very much a part of the Playoff discussion. If the win the ACC title game, I see Virginia in the Playoff. I like’em a lot. Virginia Tech is waiting on who they think will be their savior in James Franklin. I checked it out and Franklin had an offset in his contract with Penn State that with his salaries and bonuses are a wash as far as the $49 million Penn State buyout goes. He ended up getting $9 M from Penn State, but signed a 5 year, $41.75 millon dollar deal with VA Tech. The contract is totally guaranteed, and the bonuses are extremely generous, so Franklin did quite well taking Penn State’s buyout and adding VA Tech’s contract. He ain’t hurtin’.

No. 17 USC 42, UCLA 17

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

6:30 P.M.

NBC

Noah, Todd, Kathryn

SC by 21 ½, 58 ½

USC fans are disappointed in last Saturday’s result at Autzen Stadium versus Oregon, a 42-27 loss. Lincoln Riley gains some forgiveness, and, as of right now, has the number one recruiting class in the country for 2026 as ranked by 247 Sports and ON3/Rival. So maybe they’ll cut him a little more slack

No. 11 BYU 41, UCF 14

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT.

12 P.M.

ESPN2

Matt Schumacker, Dustin Fox, Sherree Burruss

BYU by 17 1/2, 47 1/2

Like BYU to make its case for the Playoff. Need a little chaos above them. LJ Martin is a stud running back. He’s rushed for 1,134 yards and 8 TDs and is a freight train at 6’2″, 220.

Friday

No. 13 Utah 34, Kansas 31

David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, KS.

11 A.M.

ESPN

Anish, Andre, Carc

Utah by 10 1/2, 60 1/2

Utah is in a similar situation as BYU, but more desperate as they lose the head to head with BYU by losing to them earlier this season at Provo. Both teams are 9-2.

College Football Week 13 Cranks up Saturday; A couple of teams with critical games; others getting ready for Rivalry Week in Week 14. Previews/Predictions

With now No.10 Alabama and Auburn looking at lay-ups this Saturday, the Blog will be a little more brief, I think. The Playoff Selection Show Tuesday Night, between the two games of the State Farm Classic in college basketball in which Michigan State and Duke were terrific in respective victories over Kentucky and Kansas, was only 30 minutes, and I found it more pleasant to watch. So, I’ll keep the column more concise today, but cover what you need to know.

The Crimson Tide suffered a tough loss against the now No.8 Oklahoma Sooners, 23-21. The turnover battle was won by OU to the tune of 3-0, and Brent Venables defense, even though the Crimson Tide doubled the total yards that  the Oklahoma offense produced, was stifling at times and created the turnovers that led to the Sooners’ victory. Alabama gets to regroup this Saturday with Eastern Illinois at Bryant-Denny. The Tide will get the reps in, get some younger players in, they’re hoping, and prep themselves for a trip to Jordan-Hare next Saturday, November 29^th, at 6:30 P.M. on ABC. 

Meanwhile, the Tigers face a 9-1 Mercer team that can light up the scoreboard and a quarterback, Braden Atkinson, who’s thrown for 33 TDs against only 5 ints and for over 3,200 yards. The other and more interesting factor in this game for Tiger fans is; who will get the start at quarterback, as interim Coach DJ Durkin is going to sit Ashton Daniels, who was tremendous against Vanderbilt in a 45-38 overtime defeat, so he can redshirt and come back for another season. Ninety six,  4-star freshman (247 Sports Rankings) Deuce Knight, or starter for most of the year, and former 5-star, Jackson Arnold, will get the start for the Tigers. Knight has been getting first team reps this week in practice, so it could very well be him. I know he wants to prove he’s capable of leading this team in this game and in 2026. Arnold just never made any headway under Hugh Freeze and is kind of just floating along.  Of course, the coaching speculation is still at full throttle. There are sources saying Auburn will hire Tulane coach Jon Sumrall, keep Durkin as defensive coordinator, and bring in Neal Brown, the former Troy and West Virginia coach, as offensive coordinator. There are others thinking if Durkin can conquer the Crimson Tide a week from Saturday in Jordan-Hare, he’ll get the job. Other potential candidates are Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea. I think the Sumrall or Durkin hires would be much better fits. I’m not convinced that Drinkwitz would do well at Auburn. Maybe Mizzou, but I don’t see him as a good coach at Auburn. I just don’t see him working for the Tigers.

As for Coach Lea, he seems more in tune with the Vanderbilt culture than the Auburn culture. He’s got the academics along with athletics, and not to say that Auburn doesn’t have some good players who are also good students, but Vanderbilt really emphasizes that, as everyone knows. They do make exceptions for football, for sure, but academics are a critical piece at Vandy. He might be a better fit at Penn State, but I know Vanderbilt fans are hopeful that Athletics Director Candice Storey Lee can sign Coach Lea to an extension and keep him at Vanderbilt for the long haul. He has had good assistance from New Mexico State with special assistant to the head coach Jerry Kill and offensive coordinator Tim Beck coming from New Mexico State two years ago, along with none other than quarterback Diego Pavia and stellar tight end Eli Stowers, both former New Mexico State players. So, Coach Lea has had plenty of help and major financial support from the Vanderbilt community that others coaches before him did not get. But he’s done a super job, and has the Dores with a possible shot at a playoff spot. They’ll need to win out at home versus Kentucky this Saturday and @ Tennessee next Saturday, which are both tall orders. But if they do, and Utah and BYU fall out of the top 12, they may could get in. If Texas defeats A&M at Austin next Friday, 11/28, at 6:30 P.M. on ABC, that could really hinder Vanderbilt’s chances of getting in because Texas owns the head to head tiebreaker over Vanderbilt by virtue of its 34-31 victory over the Commodores in Austin on Saturday, 11/1. So, they’ll need some help and have to take care of business themselves if they want to make it in. Lea has certainly done a nice job in Nashville. 

Big game on the left coast for playoff purposes as No. 7 Oregon hosts No. 15 USC Saturday at 2:30 P.M. on CBS. USC still has hopes of making it, though they’ll need to win at Autzen Stadium and win again the following Saturday versus UCLA at home and get a lot of help. But a victory at Oregon would be a huge step in the right direction for the Trojans. Oregon wants to keep its first round home field playoff game intact, so they have a lot to play for as well. It’s not a guarantee that No.1 Ohio State and No.2 Indiana will be in the Big Ten Championship because the Buckeyes have to travel to Ann Arbor to face No.18 Michigan on Saturday, 11/30, at 11 A.M. on FOX, and the Wolverines have defeated Ryan Day’s Buckeyes four straight times, including an improbable victory over then No.2 Ohio State at “The Horseshoe” last season when Michigan came into the game with a record of 6-5. The Buckeyes went on to win it all, but their faithful are ready to defeat that team from the North. And the team from the North is definitely ready to once again own that team from the South. Michigan is not out of the playoff picture either, so if they can win at Maryland and defeat Ohio State, they can make it to the Big Ten Championship Game and, if they win that against in all likelihood Indiana, have a very realistic shot at the Playoff.

So, there are details to be addressed this Saturday and definitely next Friday and Saturday in Rivalry Week. Here’s a look at the Week 13 action along with Predictions.

Record: Last Week: Straight Up: 12-2, Overall:125-40, 76%; ATS: 6-8, 78-87, 47%; Over/Under: 6-8, 85-80, 52%.

All times Central; All games Saturday.

Eastern Illinois (3-8) @ No. 10 Alabama (8-2)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

1 P.M.

SEC Network+

Bama by 49, 57 1/2

Ty Simpson is trying to regain his form from before the LSU game. I know Crimson Tide fans are ready to see the “good Ty” once again. The Tide plays well and tunes up for the Tigers.

Alabama 56, Eastern Illinois 3

Mercer (9-1) @ Auburn (4-6) 

Jordan-Hare Stadium

1 P.M.

SEC Network+

Auburn by 27 1/2, 50 1/2

The Tigers are chomping at the bit to get to the Alabama game, but they’ll need to lock in this Saturday because this team they’re playing is not bad. With Deuce and Arnold at quarterback, respectively, the Tigers might not be as prolific as expected. But they’ll come away with what they’re looking for and then home in on the Crimson Tide.

Auburn 35, Mercer 7

Charlotte (1-9) @ No.4 Georgia (9-1)

Sanford Stadium, Athens

11:45 A.M. 

SEC Network

Taylor, Matt, Alyssa 

Dawgs by 43 ½,53 1/2

Georgia might be able to sleep walk through this one. They are playing at an extremely high level after demolishing Texas last Saturday Night at Sanford Stadium, 35-10. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has definitely come into his own. He’s playing elite football and he’s a superb decision maker. He’s doing it all. The Dawgs will head into Hotlanta next Friday at 2:30 P.M. to face the No.16 ‘Ramblin Wreck of Georgia Tech on ABC at 10-1 and with a real shot at a first round bye if that’s what they want. They need help getting in the SEC Championship game from Auburn or Texas. After last year’s 44-42, 8-overtime victory in Athens, the Tech game will be prolifically important for both teams. Tech, which has a tough game this Saturday versus Pitt, is fighting for its playoff life, so they will be totally stoked for their hated rival in Clean Old-Fashioned Hate. 

Georgia 49, Charlotte 3

Samford (1-9) @ No.3 Texas A&M (10-0)

Kyle Field, College Station

11 A.M.

SEC Network+

A&M by 54 1/2, 59 1/2

 I didn’t know if I totally trusted Mike Elko before the season started, but he’s come through with flying colors. The Aggies almost blew it against South Carolina last Saturday at home, but made a dramatic comeback from a 30-3 deficit winning 31-30. They’ve got a massive challenge @Texas next Friday at 6:30 P.M. on ABC, but, right now, they look clearly capable of handling that challenge too.

A&M 42, Samford 3

No. 22 Missouri (7-3, 3-3) @ No.8 Oklahoma (8-2, 4-2)

Memorial Stadium, Norman

11 A.M.

ABC

Sean, Greg, Molly

OU by 7 ½, 42 1/2

The Sooners have a ton to play for and the Drinkwitz rumors have got to be a little distracting for the Missouri players. Missouri running back Ahmad Hardy rushed for 300 yards last Saturday versus Mississippi State in a convincing 49-27 Mizzou victory. I don’t see Hardy having close to that kind of success against the Oklahoma defense.

Sooners 27, Missouri Tigers 14

Kentucky (5-5, 2-5) @ No. 14 Vanderbilt (8-2, 4-2)

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

2:30 P.M. 

ESPN

Mark, Roddy, Quint

VU by 8 ½, 53 1/2

Both teams are playing for a lot. The Wildcats have won three in a row and are playing for a bowl game, which still matters to a lot of players and teams. The Dores are playing for a playoff spot if they can win out and get by with a little help from their friends in the SEC and Big 12. I do see a close game here with the Commodores prevailing.

Vanderbilt 28, Kentucky 24

Arkansas (2-8, 0-6) @ No.17 Texas (7-3, 4-2)

DKR Memorial Stadium, Austin

2:30 P.M.

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie

Horns by 8 ½, 57 1/2

I see Coach Petrino and the Razorbacks giving Texas a tough game. 

Texas 31, Arkansas 28

No. 20 Tennessee (7-3, 3-3) @ Florida (3-7, 2-5)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

Vols by 4 ½, 57 ½

Excellent rivalry, though not as meaningful this season for playoff purposes. But still a fun regular season matchup. The Vols will need to defeat Florida and Vandy and Have to get a ton of help. It’s a real longshot, but they’ll no doubt be keyed up for their next two games starting Saturday.

Tennessee 27, Florida 21

Western Kentucky (8-2) @ LSU (6-4)

Tiger Stadium

6:45 P.M.

SEC Network

Tom, Jordan, Cole

LSU by 21 1/2, 50 ½

I like the Bengal Tigers to have a strong game as the Lane sweepstakes heat up in Baaton Rouge and Gainesville.

LSU 35, Western KY. 10

Coastal Carolina (6-4) @ South Carolina (3-7)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia S.C.

3:15 P.M. 

SEC Network

Dave, Fozzy, Morgan

Gamecocks by 24 ½, 49 ½

The heat is cranking up on Shane Beamer. He needs to be sure he defeats an in-state team and finds a way to defeat Clemson at Williams-Brice next Saturday at 11 A.M. on the SEC Network. I like Coach Beamer, but he’s got to achieve better results. As Kirby Smart says of the pressure of the job, “This is what you sign up for.”

South Carolina 34, Coastal Carolina 10

Off this Saturday in the SEC:

 No. 6 Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Both teams crank up for the Egg Bowl in Starkville with the Kiffin saga very much in the news. Ole Miss needs an answer soon with signing day on Wednesday, 12/3, and the very good possibility of hosting a first round Playoff game. It’s a tough call for Kiff, but he Does have a nice situation in Oxford. The main question that he’s asking himself is: Can I win a national championship here? He’d most definitely have the high school talent in Louisiana or Florida, that’s for sure. I’d rate the states with the best high school football talent in this order: 1. Texas, 2. Florida, 3. California, 4. Georgia, and 5. Louisiana.

 It’s tough. Ole Miss will come close or completely match the financial component that the other two schools will offer. It’s just if Kiff feels like he can win it all at Ole Miss. He can bring in stellar transfers, and he has excellent support from the Ole Miss boosters and alums with NIL and revenue sharing, but can he get enough top level talent at Ole Miss like he could at LSU or Florida? I think probably not. I certainly like loyalty, but you can’t fault a coach for wanting to win it all. That’s the goal of every college coach when they get into the game. I’m leaning towards him taking the LSU job right now. If he does, Ole Miss would be in trouble for the Playoff. Maybe even in making it. This is very disconcerting for his players. Would be a cluster in Oxford if that happens. 

Also off: this week on the National scene:

 No.2 Indiana-sitting pretty with a game versus Purdue next Friday, 1128, the only road block from getting into the Big Ten Championship Game and earning a bye to the quarters of the Playoff. No.5 Texas Tech is off as well. They’ve been phenomenal, and look very good for the postseason playoff, with a potential shot at a bye and certainly hosting a first round game, which worked better last year for the teams that played in the first round. Notre Dame and Ohio State played first round games in the 2024-25 Playoff and they played in the National Championship Game with Ohio State claiming the title. So that could work well for the Red Raiders. They have two of the best defensive players in the country in linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (97 tackles, 4 ints, 7 forced fumbles, and 2 fumbles recovered. He also had an offensive TD run last Saturday versus Central Florida in a 48-9 victory). Defensive end David Bailey has posted 12 ½ sacks for a loss of 114 yards. Major disruptors.

National Landscape

No.1 Ohio State 49, Rutgers 7

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

11 A.M.

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Buckeyes by 32 ½, 55 ½

The Buckeyes are really cruising into their game with Michigan. But The Big House will be very, very interesting. 

No. 7 Oregon 38, No. 15 USC 27

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

2:30 P.M. 

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny

Oregon by 10 ½, 59 ½

I like the Ducks to “matriculate” onward.

No.9 Notre Dame 48, Syracuse 10

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend

2:30 P.M. 

NBC/Peacock

Noah, Todd, Kathryn

Irish by 35 ½, 50 ½

I don’t care what anybody says about Notre Dame; I’m a believer in Marcus Freeman’s team and their sensational running back, Jeremiyah Love, who has rushed for 1,135 yards and 14 TDs. Their defense has come around, too. I see them as a playoff team if they win out. They would need help to host a first-round game.

No. 16 Georgia Tech 34, Pitt 31

Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta

6 P.M.

ESPN

Dave, Dusty, Taylor

‘Ramblin Wreck by 2 ½, 62 ½

This is a tough game for Tech, but I’ll take them to prevail and prepare for an Ali-Fraziuh heavyweight championship fight with Georgia next Saturday. Just need Cosell to call that one. Miss Howard.

No. 13 Miami 45, Virginia Tech 10

Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, VA.

11 A.M.

ESPN

Bob, Louis, Kris

Canes by 17 ½, 48 ½

The Canes still have a lot to play for. They’re on the outside looking in for the Playoff right now, so they’ll need a good bit of help. They aren’t going to make the ACC Championship Game, most likely, unless Georgia Tech loses and Virginia loses, and they win out, which could happen. There might be a path for them that way. They really have to play well against VA Tech and @ Pitt to close out the season  Virginia Tech is amped now that James Franklin is their new head coach. The interesting thing about that is Franklin took a $40 million cut in his buyout from Penn State. He was set to get $49 million from Penn State, but he took only $9 Million. That’s still a lot of money, but it’s baffling that he would agree to a $40 million discount for Penn State, nonetheless. Something is amiss there. If I was in my investigative reporting days, I’d look into this closely. I’ll see what I can come up with.

Cincinnati 35, No. 11 BYU 31

Nippert Stadium, Cincy

7 P.M.

FOX

BYU by 2 ½, 54 ½

I like the upset here. BYU’s playoff hopes get dashed at Nippert Stadium, though the Cougars have put together a stellar season. Cincy is 7-3, and 5-2 in the Big 12, and they’re formidable at home.

No. 12 Utah 28, Kansas State 24

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake

3 P.M.

ESPN2

Utah by 17 ½, 51 ½

I don’t see Utah as that good. They’re pretty good, but not the 12^th best team in the country. They got blasted by Texas Tech at home, and lost to BYU on the road. Both those teams are good, especially Texas Tech, who is awesome But Utah really isn’t all that.

No.18 Michigan 24, Maryland 20

SECU Stadium, College Park, MD.

3 P.M.

Big Ten Network

Michigan by 13 ½, 47 ½

The Wolverines survive Mike Locksely and his Terrapins in a nice effort by the Terps. Lox got another year with Maryland, so I like him and his charges to be revved up at home and give Michigan all they want.

No. 24 Tulane 31, Temple 27

Lincoln Financial Field, Philly. Better known as “The Linc,”home to Eagles’ greats Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith.

2:45 P.M.

ESPNU

Green Wave by 9 ½, 55 ½

Tulane and Coach Sumrall keep their playoff hopes alive. However, that could implode if he gets the Auburn job before the Playoff. 

Colorado 31, Arizona State 30

Folsom Field, Boulder

7 P.M. 

ESPN2

Mike, Kirk, Dawn

Sun Devils by 7 ½, 48 ½

Give me Coach Prime and his Buffaloes to pull off the upset. 

College Football Week 12: No.4 Bama plays host to No.11 OU in a critical SEC/National contest; UGA-Texas in major tilt; Other key SEC and National matchups; Playoff Predictions, Version 10

Number 4 Alabama faces another colossal challenge as the 11th-ranked Oklahoma Sooners invade Bryant-Denny Stadium/Saban Field Saturday at 2:30 P.M.on ABC. Can Ty Simpson keep up his stellar play? He and the Tide offense wasn’t so prolific last Saturday Night however. LSU’s defense had something to do with it. Simpson was 21 of 35 for 277 yards and a TD. Pretty decent, but not a dominant performance. He did what was necessary though and the Tide offense got a lot of help from its defense. Simpson has completed 198-of-296 passes, 67%, for 2,416 yards with 21 TDs against only 1 int. He’s also rushed for 2 TDs. And the Tide will need every yard it can get on the ground against a stone wall that is the Oklahoma rushing defense, which is 4th in the country in rushing defense allowing only 82 yards per game. Simpson and the Tide didn’t have their best performance against LSU last Saturday Night, winning 20-9, but it was just enough to, as Jerry Garcia said, “Get By.” Ryan Grubb will have to be creative in how he gets Jam Miller and Daniel Hill the ball in space. Short passes into the flat may be the running game along with Simpson scrambles. The run blocking needs to be a lot better and so do Miller and Hill. I like Kevin Riley still. He can add something to the running game and he’s good at catching the ball out of the backfield. Ty may have to pass a lot though, but he does have the highly capable targets in the stellar Germie Bernard (41 receptions, 605 yards, 6 TDs), Ryan Williams (36-528, 4 TDs), Lotzeir Brooks (20-322), Isaiah Horton (24-208, 5 TDs) and tight end Josh Cuevas (24-261,3 TDs). The Tide may have to do enough that way and rely on its defense, which has been extremely effective lately.Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, the Colorado graduate transfer, who had an excellent game against LSU last Saturday Night, posting 5 tackles, 1 for loss of 3 yards, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He was a dominant player. The Tide’s great linebacker, Deonte Lawson, led the defense with nine tackles. Linebacker Justin Jefferson added 7 tackles, and safety Keon Sabb recorded five stops. It’s a collective effort by the Tide defense that is tied for fourth in the country in turnover margin with North Texas and Notre Dame. The Tide has posted 8 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries. Southern Miss leads the country in turnover margin, Indiana is second and UConn is third. Alabama is fourth with North Texas and Notre Dame. This group is doin’ work. They’ll need that terrific work ethic to stop John Mateer and what was a good but now is just a decent OU offense. Mateer, the Washington State transfer, has dropped off lately after starting the season off fast. But R Mason Thomas ( 6 1/2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) and a formidable Sooners defense will present a big challenge for Simpson and the Tide.

Auburn and Vanderbilt are the only two SEC teams off this Saturday after putting on an offensive clinic last Saturday afternoon at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville in a 45-38 Commodores’ victory. Diego Pavia, Ashton Daniels and the superb Cam Coleman were the catalysts for their respective teams. But some other guys really stepped it up for each team as well. Pavia completed 25 of 33 passes for 377 and 3 TDs, and added 112 yards on the ground and a 6. Daniels, in his second start, was terrific also, completing 31-of-44 for 353 and 2 sixes (and I don’t mean Bud Light, Joseph). He also rushed for 89 yards and 3, sixes. What a performance by the senior transfer from Stanford. He’s solidified his role as the starter for the Tigers for the rest of this season, though the Tigers face an interesting decision with Daniels as he can only play one more game to secure his redshirt for next season and play a fifth year. He wants to come back as of now, and the Tigers have games with Mercer and the Crimson Tide left. The decision is pretty cut and dried to me. Coach DJ Durkin, who, along with offensive coordinator Derrick Nix, had the offense clicking, should play freshman Deuce Knight or Jackson Arnold against Mercer and save Daniels for Alabama. Seems like a pretty clear and obvious decision. The tremendous Coleman pulled down 10 passes for 143 yards and a six against the Dores, and was completely unstoppable. Eric Singleton Jr. added 11 receptions for 102 yards and a six himself. Another player to add in there was running back Jeremiah Cobb, who rushed for 112 yards. The Dores defense and the normally stellar Auburn defense both struggled to stop the opposing offenses all afternoon. The key play of the game was with a minute and a half left and Vanderbilt with the ball on the Tigers’ 21, 4th and one, the broadcast indicated, but really fourth and a yard and a half, with the score knotted up at 38. The decision for the Commodores was to either go for it or kick. I was thinking kick originally. Clark Lea thought differently. Bama Golf immediately texted me saying, “Come on, DW. You gotta kick here. Geez.” I was in agreement with Bama at the time. Interestingly, my wife, Beth, said immediately when it was fourth and a yard and a half, “You gotta go for it.” Well, Pavia tried the left side and didn’t get it. I know what Coach Lea’s thinking was. It was, “My secondary can’t cover Cam from Modern Family, and certainly not this force of nature who is Cam Coleman.” I ended up agreeing with the decision to go for it, but not the play call. I would have liked to have seen Pavia roll out to his left, the wide side of the field, and have the run-pass option, throwing to either stellar tight end (preferably) Eli Stowers (12-122) or wide out Junior Sherrill (4-75, 1 TD). But Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck put it in Vanderbilt’s best player’s hands. Beck’s good, but I disagreed with that decision. It worked out for the Commodores, but could have really cost them. Meanwhile, Auburn’s defense had problems with the Dores’ no huddle offense in the second half, which was Beck’s idea, and a good idea at that. Still, the Tigers made a huge stop on fourth and a yard and a half. In overtime, Pavia put the Commodores up 45-38 (with the extra point) on a six yard pass to tight end Cole Spence. Auburn had one last chance on fourth down at the Vanderbilt 14, but the Commodores put a bigger cornerback on Coleman and doubled him with a safety and survived the great Coleman and the Tigers as they covered it well as the pass from Daniels fell incomplete. A lot of people liked what they saw out of Durkin’s first effort. He was so focused on all the obligations of being a head coach last week, including the pretty much overwhelming media obligations, that he didn’t have enough time to spend on his specialty, the defense. He looks a like a potential candidate for the head job along with Jon Sumrall of Tulane. Who knows what’s going on with Lane? The argument for keeping Durkin is you can keep players, which is a strong one. He didn’t have very much success at Maryland and was heaped in controversy as a player died on the practice field while he was head coach. He eventually was fired. But we’ll see.

Meanwhile Pavia, along with Simpson, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, A&M’s Marcel Reed and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton, are the Heisman leaders right now in my book. Pavia has completed 191-of-273 passes, 70%, for 2,410 yards, 21 TDs against 5 ints. He’s also rushed for 613 and 7, sixes. Strong case for him along with Simpson.

And Mendoza led Indiana on an improbable last minute drive to survive and advance at Penn State. He connected with Omar Cooper Jr. on a 7 yard TD pass with 36 seconds left in the game to lead the Hoosiers to a come from behind 27-24 victory in a key playoff game for Indiana. Cooper Jr. did one of the best end zone toe taps you’ll ever see. Mendoza has completed 181-of-254, 71%, for 2,342 yards, 26 TDs against 5 ints. He’s also rushed for 240 yards and 5 TDs for the 10-0, 7-0 (Big Ten) second-ranked Hoosiers. He’s had a heckuva season.

The great Reed of third ranked A&M has completed 157-of-252, 62% for 2,193 yards, 19 TDs against only 6 ints. He’s also added 378 yards and 6 TDs on the ground. The Aggies are 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the SEC with games versus South Carolina this Saturday at Kyle Field, and Texas at Kyle Field as well to close out the season on Friday, 11/28, at 6:30 P.M. on ABC, which, depending on upcoming results, should have major playoff implications. Superb numbers by all four guys. The race for the Heisman continues. I’m not ready to crown a winner yet until the conclusion of the regular season; the week before the conference championship games commence. I’ll give you my take then.

Them 5th ranked Dawgs are in a tremendous matchup with No. 10 Texas, and Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton is another player on my Heisman list. Stockton has been awesome lately, and for the year, he’s completed 179 of-258, 69%, for 2,040 yards, 15 TDs against only 2 ints. He’s also rushed for 321 and 7 TDs. So, impressive numbers by these guys. Simpson, Pavia, Reed, Stockton and Mendoza are my leaders. Arch Manning has been talking with Ty this week about Georgia, and Simpson was also getting intel from Arch on OU. They are good friends, according to Simpson. Should be a riveting QB matchup in Athens. Georgia has a major edge in the running game with Nate Frazier, who rushed for 184 last Saturday against Mississippi State, which included a 58 yard 6, and freshman Chauncey Bowens, who’s also stellar. Stockton is a terrific scrambler. Arch runs well too. Texas has an excellent defense and is tough to run on, so Stockton will have to get stuff done through the air, for sure. Very nice slate this weekend in week 12 of College Football. Here are my predictions.

Record

Last Saturday: SU: 12-2, Overall: 113-38, 75%; ATS: 5-9; 72-79, 48%; Over/Under: 6-8; 79-72, 52%.

All times Central. Most games Saturday except for a couple Friday. All Rankings are Playoff Rankings

No. 11 Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2) @ No.4 Alabama (8-1,6-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium/Saban Field

2:30 P.M.

ABC

Sean, Gregory, Molly

Crimson Tide by 6 1/2, 45 1/2

Looking at more of a defensive battle in this contest. The Sooners are at the Tide then host Missouri and LSU to finish off the season. The Tide has this major test, then home versus Eastern Kentucky? Always a kick in before the Iron Bowl Then they’re @ the Auburn Tigers on Saturday, 11/29, with kickoff either at 2:30 or 6:30 P.M. Wow, Jordan-Hare on a Saturday afternoon, or even worse for the Tide, Saturday night. Now that’s a challenge. But great competitors like that. Both teams will be amped. It could be great to be an Auburn Tiger that night or better to be a Crimson Tide. But the Crimson Tide needs to be completely locked in this Saturday if they want to enhance their playoff prospects.

Crimson Tide 23, Oklahoma 16

No. 10 Texas (7-2, 4-1) @ No. 5 Georgia (8-1, 6-1)

Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA.

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

Dawgs by 6 1/2, 50 1/2

I like Gunner and Arch to have solid games, but Kirby and the Sanford Stadium crowd push Georgia over the top

Georgia 31, Texas 24

Florida (3-6, 2-4) @ No.7 Ole Miss (9-1, 5-1)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, OxVegas

6 P.M.

ESPN

Bob, Louis, Kris

Rebels by 13 1/2, 54 1/2

I love what Lane has done in Oxford. I don’t know why he would want to leave. Auburn, LSU and Florida are all prestigious jobs, but he’ll get an extension from Ole Miss worth probably 2 or 3 mill more a season for what 8 to 10 more years? Not too shabby. And the Rebels’ faithful are fully invested in the NIL/Revenue sharing and transfer portal mechanisms. He’s got all he needs to be elite in Oxford. He and his wife have reconciled, which is super, and they’re back together, he’s become a very pious guy, which is also a good thing. His daughter is an undergrad at Ole Miss. He’s got it going. I think he can win it all in Oxford, which, of course, is a major goal of his as well. I like Lane and the Rebels to keep “matriculating” this Saturday. Honestly, I don’t know why they are so low in the Playoff rankings. If they take care of business the rest of the season with a week off next Saturday, and @ Mississippi State in the Egg Bowl on Friday, 11/28 at 11 A.M., most likely on ABC, as the only obstacles in the way, they’ve got a shot at a first round bye. They may not win the conference, but if they win out, I’d like to see the Rebels in the top 4. Playoff rankings from the committee and my personal rankings further down below, but please keep reading.

Ole Miss 31, Florida 16

South Carolina (3-6, 1-6) @ No.3 Texas A&M (9-0, 6-0)

Kyle Field, College Station, TX.

11 A.M.

ESPN

Dave, Dusty, Taylor

A&M by 19 1/2, 50 1/2

I don’t like what Mike Elko, Marcel Reed and their team are doing. I love what they’re doing. The Aggies march on in their spectacular season.

A&M 31, South Carolina 10

New Mexico State (3-6) @ No. 23 Tennessee (6-3)

Neyland Stadium, KnoxVegas

3:15 P.M.

SEC Network

Dave, Fozzy, Morgan

UT by 39 1/2, 61 1/2

The Vols keep their outside shot for a Playoff spot alive. It isn’t looking great for Tennessee, but you never know with chaos possibly ensuing in these upcoming Saturdays.

Tennessee 56, NMSU 10

Arkansas (2-7, 0-5) @ LSU (5-4, 2-4)

Tiguh Stadium, Baaton Rouge

11:45 A.M.

SEC Network

Taylor, Matt, Alyssa

Bengal Tiguhs by 5 1/2, 57 1/2

This is a coaches’ sweepstakes game. Arkansas is also looking for a new head man. Don’t see Bobby Petrino getting the job. LSU has Jon Sumrall on its radar along with others. MB reported last Friday that Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield is the leader in the clubhouse at Arkansas. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeirer, who started out the season as one of the leaders for the Heisman, is relegated to the bench in favor of Mississippi State Michael Van Buren, who shows promise. Tough year for Nuss.

LSU 34, Arkansas 24

Tennessee Tech (10-0) @ Kentucky (4-5)

Kroger Field, Lex

12:30 P.M.

SECN+

Kentucky By 21 1/2, 52 1/2

The Wildcats went to Auburn 2 weeks ago and won, 10-3, and then last Saturday, they blasted Florida, 38-7. Their running backs were superb against Florida. Dante Dowdell rushed for 104 yards and a 65 yard 6, and the great Seth McGowan added 92 yards and 2 sixes. They keep matriculating as they try to earn bowl eligibility with games @ Vanderbilt and @ Louisville to close out the season, which are no bargains as they say about Birmingham East Course. I think they’ll win Saturday, but they might be looking ahead a little and Tennessee Tech is undefeated and good. It’ll be closer than anticipated.

Kentucky 35, Tennessee Tech 17

Mississippi State (5-5, 1-5) @ Missouri (6-3, 2-3)

Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO.

6:45 P.M.

SEC Network

Tom, JRodg, Cole

Mizzou by 6 1/2, 51 1/2

The Bullies have very much improved under Jeff Lebby in his second season at the helm even though their SEC record doesn’t show it. It’s tough when you’re in your second year of a rebuilding job in this conference. They have played some close games against SEC top level teams including Tennessee and Texas. I like the Tigers at home, but I like Lebby to keep his team on an upward trajectory.

Missouri 31, Mississippi State 23

National Slate

UCLA (3-6, 3-3 Big Ten) @ No.1 Ohio State (9-0, 6-0)

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

6:30 P.M.

NBC

Noah, Todd, Kathryn

Buckeyes by 31 1/2, 47 1/2

I know you just play who’s in front of you, but come on Day/Ohio State!

Buckeyes 42, Bruins 7

Wisconsin (3-6, 1-5, Big Ten) @ No.2 Indiana (10-0, 7-0)

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

11 A.M.

Big Ten Network

Indiana by 28 1/2, 43 1/2

Some of these Big Ten games are a joke for Ohio State and Indiana. Still bullish on the Hoosiers, however. They went to Oregon and won and that says a lot.

Indiana 34, Wisconsin 10

No. 9 Notre Dame (7-2) @ No.22 Pittsburgh (7-2)

Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.

11 A. M.

ABC

Fighting Irish by 12 1/2, 53 1/2

I like this to be a highly competitive game for most of it with the Irish pulling away in the fourth quarter.

Notre Dame 35, Pittsburgh 24

UCF (4-5, 1-5) @ No. 6 Texas Tech (9-1, 6-1 Big 12)

Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX.

2:30 P.M.

FOX

Red Raiders by 24 1/2, 48 1/2

The Red Raiders pulled off a statement victory last Saturday when they blasted the, at the time, No.7 BYU Cougars 29-7. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has made his case for a defensive Heisman Trophy winner with a team leading 88 tackles, 3 interceptions and a nation leading 7 forced fumbles with two recovered. The guy’s good. Real good, as the Riffs said to the Warriors in The Warriors.

Texas Tech 42, UCF 10

Friday

Clemson (4-5, 3-4 ACC) @ No.20 Louisville (7-2, 4-2)

L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium? ‘Ville

6:30 P.M.

ESPN

Anish,Andre, Carc

Louisville by 2 1/2, 51 1/2

The ACC is an absolute cluster. It could be Louisville, Miami, Georgia Tech, Virginia even Duke and some others. I’ll give you my playoff pick from the ACC below. Like ‘Ville to keep its hopes alive.

Louisville 28, Clemson 24

Also Friday

Minnesota (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) @ No. 8 Oregon (8-1, 5-1)

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

8 P.M.

FOX

Oregon by 25 1/2, 43 1/2

Dan Lanning and his Ducks have played some difficult games. @ Penn State, when Penn State was in the top 5 and still loaded with talent, They played Indiana at home, which they lost, and @ one of the toughest places to play in the country, Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, against the Iowa Hawkeyes. It was a game they won, 18-16. They’re a very good squad.

Oregon 35, Minnesota 7

Playoff

The Top 12 teams, as selected by the Committee, are: 1. Ohio State, 2. Indiana, 3. A&M, 4. Alabama, 5. Georgia, 6. Texas Tech, 7. Ole Miss, 8. Oregon, 9. Notre Dame 10. Texas, 11. Oklahoma, 12. BYU . Utah is No. 13, Vanderbilt is No.14, Miami is No.15, Georgia Tech is No.16. USC is No.17, and some of those guys on the ESPN Selection Show were singing USC’s praises. I’m not seeing it. Eighteen is Michigan. No. 19 is Virginia. And No.20 is Louisville. I’ve got a little different leaderboard at this stage.

My top 12 teams are: 1. Texas A&M. Like their “SEC” resume the most. 2. Alabama, 3. Georgia, 4.Ohio State, 5. Ole Miss, 6. Texas Tech, 7. Indiana 8. Oregon, 9. Notre Dame 10. Texas 11.Georgia Tech 12. Tulane-went to Memphis and came away victorious, 38-32. South Florida couldn’t do that and North Texas and James Madison? Come on.

First Round

No.5 Ole Miss over No.12 Tulane

No.6 Texas Tech over No.11 Georgia Tech

No.7 Indiana over No. 10 Texas

No.8 Oregon over No.9 Notre Dame

Quarterfinals

Cotton Bowl, Wednesday, 12/31/25 6:30 P.M. CT, ESPN

No.1 A&M over No.8 Oregon

Orange Bowl, Thursday, 1/1/26, 11 A.M. CT, ESPN

No.3 Georgia over No.7 Indiana

Rose Bowl, Thursday, 1/1/26, 3 P.M. CT, ESPN

No.6 Texas Tech over No. 4 Ohio State

Sugar Bowl, Thursday, 1/1/26, 7 P.M., ESPN

No.2 Alabama over No.5 Ole Miss

Semifinals

Fiesta Bowl, Thursday, 1/8/26, 6:30 P.M. ESPN

Texas A&M 23, Texas Tech 21,

Chick fil-A-Bowl, Friday, 1/9/26, 6:30 P.M., ESPN

Georgia 21, Alabama 20

National Championship Game, Monday, 1/19/26

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL., 65,326

6:30 P.M.

ESPN

Going to go back to the well and take Kirby and the Dawgs.

Georgia 27, Texas A&M 24

National Champion: Georgia

Enjoy the games.

College Football Week 11: No.4 Bama hosts the Bengal Tigers under an interim; DJ Durkin takes Auburn into the Music City; Key SEC and National contests on the slate; College Football Playoff Predictions, Edition 9

The No.4 Crimson Tide plays host to its annual rival in LSU Saturday at Bryant-Denny at 6:30 P.M. CT on ABC with more playoff implications on the line as Every game matters in November. The Tigers will be led by interim head coach Frank Wilson, a Louisiana native and a former head coach at Nichols State, who has been impressive in interviews. The Tigers were a mess under Brian Kelly and his termination was expensive, but necessary. He just wasn’t the right fit in Baton Rouge. I think the Tide will get a better shot from this Bengal Tigers team with Wilson in charge, so Ty and his offense, and the talented Crimson Tide defense will need to bring their A games to Saban Field. DJ Durkin will lead Auburn into Nashville to face the No.16 Vanderbilt Commodores. These rankings are the College Football Playoff Rankings, which are all that matter at this point going forward. Hugh just wasn’t good enough. Durkin’s defense is exceptional and Freeze couldn’t coach quarterbacks or offense and he couldn’t recruit a quarterback. Maybe offensive coordinator Derrick Nix can have more success with one of the three quarterbacks this Saturday, whether it’s Ashton Daniels, Jackson Arnold or true freshman Deuce Knight. I’m out of ideas for who the starter should be. Arnold may give Auburn the best chance because of his experience and better talent than Daniels and the defense Will give the Tigers a shot against the Dores. No.3 Texas A&M heads to Columbia, MO. to face the No. 22 Missouri Tigers, which will be without starting quarterback Beau Pribula, who suffered a dislocated ankle in Missouri’s 17-10 loss to Vandy. So true freshman Matt Zollers will get the start for the Tigers. He was pretty good in relief of Pribula at Vanderbilt, so he gives them a slight shot. Other key games feature No.5 Georgia on the road at Mississippi State. The Mississippi State Bullies are fresh off an upset victory @ Arkansas, which broke a 16 game SEC losing streak for the Bulldogs. Jeff Lebby has his Bullies playing good ball. No.7 BYU @ No.8 Texas Tech is a tremendous matchup in the Big 12 and nationally. That game kicks off at 11 A. M. CT on ABC, and Rece, Nick, Pat, Herbie, Des and the game day crew will be in Lubbock for that contest. Tulane @ Memphis Friday Night is very nice matchup. The Rebs of Ole Miss, the No.6 team in the country, get a kick in against The Citadel at home. I’ll elaborate more on these key games and other SEC and national contests below.

Record

Last Saturday for week 10, All I picked was Vanderbilt 24, Texas 21 on my Vanderbilt Blog. I lost the SU, won the ATS, and lost the O/U, so my record after week 10 is: SU-101-36, 74%; ATS-67-70, 49%; O/U-73-64, 53%. In Week 9, I went 9-5 SU, 9-5 ATS, and 7-7 O/U

All times Central. Most games Saturday; a couple Friday. All Rankings are Playoff Rankings

LSU (5-3, 2-3) @ No.4 Alabama (7-1, 5-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Sean, Gregory, Molly

Crimson Tide by 9 1/2, 49 1/2

This could be a tougher game than anticipated as Frank Wilson is an impressive guy and has a team that had lost focus under Brian Kelly, but now, according to Wilson, has locked in and is having fun playing again. There is always great talent down on the Bayou. I like Ty and the Tide, but I like this game a little closer than the spread. This is usually always a hard fought game.

Alabama 28, LSU 20

Auburn (4-5, 1-5) @ No.16 Vanderbilt (7-2,3-2)

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

3 P.M.

SEC Network

Taylor, Matt, Tori Petry

Dores by 6 1/2, 45 1/2

I like more of a defensive struggle here. If Auburn finds a passing game to go along with a solid running game, they’ve got a shot. I’ll take the Dores, barely.

Vandy 17, Auburn 14

No.3 Texas A&M (8-0, 5-0) @ No.22 Missouri (6-2, 2-2)

Memorial Stadium, Columbia

2:30 P.M.

ABC

Tess, Jess, Katie

A&M by 6 1/2, 47 1/2

I like Missouri to give A&M all it wants.

A&M 24, Missouri 21

No. 5 Georgia (7-1, 5-1) @ Mississippi State (5-4, 1-4)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville

11 A.M.

ESPN

Dave, Dusty, Taylor

GA. by 8 1/2, 56 1/2

I like what Jeff Lebby is doing at State. He’s got that program heading in the right direction. I always like what Kirby Smart is doing. The Nick Saban of today’s coaches. He’s the best going right now. I do like this to be a hard fought game with Kirby, Gunner Stockton and the Dawgs earning a hard fought victory to keep their playoff aspirations and first round bye aspirations firmly within reach. But State will make’em earn it.

Georgia 31, Mississippi State 24

The Citadel (4-5) @ No.6 Ole Miss (8-1)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxvegas

12 P.M.

SEC Network+

Rebels by 51 1/2, 63 1/2

Lane, Trinidad Chambliss and the Rebels have been playing excellent football, so they’re taking a blow this Saturday. Very much in the hunt for a first round bye if they take care of business and get help with chaos above them.

Ole Miss 49, The Citadel 3

*****Note:***** Joseph “Bama Golf” with maybe the pick of the year going with Ole Miss over @ Oklahoma. The Sooners were a 5 1/2 point favorite at kickoff. I went OU 28, Ole Miss 27, but Bama was even bolder. Good work, Joseph.

Florida (3-5, 2-3) @ Kentucky (3-5, 1-5)

Kroger Field, Lexington

6:30 P.M.

SEC Network

Tom, Jordan, Cole

Gators by 3 1/2, 44 1/2

Both the Gators and the Wildcats availed themselves quite well last Saturday with Florida taking Georgia to the wire in Jacksonville, including having a possible deep ball catch that looked like a possible catch, but was ruled incomplete. The pass was ruled an incompletion on the field, but it could have very well been a catch by the Florida receiver and turned a 24-20 Gator loss into a Gator victory. You have to have 100 percent, irrefutable evidence to overturn a call on the field, and while it wasn’t that, wow, it could have been a catch. But that’s the replay system, and, as painful as it can be sometimes, that’s the way it’s supposed to work. Still, Billy Gonzales led his Gators admirably in his interim role. This coaching carousel is a cluster, so I’ve decided to just concentrate on the games right now and set the speculation and rumors aside. I will mention certain candidates in this column every Thursday, just not going to overdo it. It gets old talking about something as speculative as a coaching search is. The interim coaches seem highly capable of leading their teams. Mark Stoops got a big 10-3 victory at Auburn last Saturday Night at Jordan-Hare and sealed Hugh Freeze’s fate. I like the Gators to outlast the Wildcats on the road.

Florida 24, Kentucky 20

Off this week: No.11 Texas and No.12 Oklahoma. Both are alive in the playoff hunt, though they both most likely, but not completely, need to win out and need a little chaos above them as the highest ranked Group of 5 conference champion, which is Memphis now, would supersede one of them . No.25 Tennessee is off, maybe out of it, but not totally done. Arkansas and South Carolina

National Games

No.7 BYU (8-0, 5-0 Big 12) @No.8 Texas Tech (8-1,5-1)

Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, TX.

11 A.M.

ABC

Chris, Kirk, Holly

Red Raiders by 10 1/2, 52 1/2

I like a very close contest here. Texas Tech has a really strong team, but so do the resilient Cougars. I’ll take the Red Raiders, but BYU is not out of the playoff with a close loss because these two teams could very well see each other once again in the Big 12 Championship game on Saturday, December 6th, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. at 11 A.M. CT on ABC. Jerry is trying to make some moves to make his Dallas Cowboys team stronger, but might be relegated to hosting the Big 12 Championship for his postseason experience at AT&T if things don’t change quickly in Big D. Jerry got the great former Alabama star nose tackle Quinnen Williams in a trade with the Jets for one of his 2027 first round picks received from the trade with the Packers for Micah Parsons. He also gave the Jets a 2026 second rounder. He also got a pretty good linebacker from the Bengals in Logan Wilson for a 7th round pick. He’s trying to fill the massive gap on defense eft by his trading the dominating Parsons. The Cowboys are 3-5-1, so they HAVE to figure it out now.

Texas Tech 27, BYU 24

No.1 Ohio State (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) @ Purdue (2-7,0-6)

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN.

12 P.M.

Big Ten Network

Buckeyes by 29 1/2, 48 1/2

I know they’re good, but how good, and will these guys ever play somebody? Michigan on the road Saturday, Nov. 29th at 11 A.M. CT on FOX, and Indiana, most likely, in the Big Ten Championship Game Saturday, 12/6/25, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy at 7 P.M. CT on FOX will be tests.

Ohio State 42, Purdue 10

Other Scores

No. 2 Indiana 35, Penn State 10

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

11 A.M.

FOX

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Hoosiers by 14 1/2, 48 1/2

Same thing with this team. Great victory at Oregon, but what else?

No.9 Oregon 20, No.20 Iowa 17

Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

2:30 P.M.

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jenny

Oregon by 6 1/2; 40 1/2

This is actually a tough game for Oregon. They survive and “matriculate.”

Wake Forest 28, No. 13 Virginia 27

Scott Stadium, C’ville

6 P.M.

ESPN

UVA by 6 1/2, 47 1/2

I’m going to take upset central here.

No.10 Notre Dame 45, Navy 17

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend

6:30 P.M.

NBC/Peacock

Noah, Todd, Kathryn

Fighting Irish by 25 1/2, 55 1/2

Notre Dame is relevant again. They’re back in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Friday

Memphis 34, Tulane 31

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis

8 P.M.

ESPN

Anish, Andre, Carc

Memphis by 4 1/2, 54 1/2

This is going to be a stellar matchup of two very good American Conference teams. Memphis has the inside track for the Playoff as the highest ranked Group of Five team right now, but Tulane could burst that bubble and put themselves squarely in the mix. Tulane Coach Jon Sumrall is on shortlists for head SEC jobs at Auburn, LSU and Florida.

Friday

No. 19 USC 30, Northwestern 20

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

8 P.M.

FOX

USC by 14 1/2, 50 1/2

The Trojans are not totally out of the playoff hunt, but will need to win out and get some major help. I like the Wildcats to give’em a tough game Friday Night though.

Playoff

The Top 12 teams as selected by the Committee Last Night were: 1. Ohio State, 2. Indiana, 3. A&M, 4. Alabama, 5. Georgia, 6. Ole Miss, 7. BYU, 8. Texas Tech, 9. Oregon, 10. Notre Dame, 11. Texas, 12. Oklahoma. I thought the Committee did a very good job selecting, at this point, the top 12. As I said earlier, Memphis would take Oklahoma’s spot if this was Selection Sunday, by virtue of the Tigers being the highest ranked Group of 5 team. The Tigers are not in this week’s Playoff 25, but are the highest ranked team outside of that group. And Memphis is a good team also. So Oklahoma and Texas have no margin for error at this point, and Texas is @ Georgia on Saturday, November 15th and then host A&M on Saturday, 11/28. A win in one of those games along with a victory at home versus Arkansas would keep them in the hunt. The playoff has only been going on a year, so a three loss team would not be considered unprecedented if the strength of schedule is as strong as Texas’ is. Just not enough history to go on to not allow a three loss team in the field. The Committee is really taking strength of schedule seriously and the eye test always matters as well. those should be the two most important criteria in my eyes. I think these people know their football. OU is @ Alabama on Saturday, 11/15, they host Missouri, Saturday, 11/22, and host LSU, Saturday, 11/29. So very conceivable for the Sooners to have a shot if they can go 2-1. If they go 3-0, they’re in. Same with Texas because there will be some chaos above them. That is guaranteed in my opinion.

My top 12 teams are, and these are end of season, Selection Sunday Predictions : 1. Ohio State. They don’t play anybody till they’re @ Michigan on Saturday, 11/29. Michigan has won the last 4, so there will be a lot of pressure on Ryan Day if he blows this game again. They’ll probably make it in anyway. This ranking is fluid, so it could change before Ohio State plays Michigan, 2. A&M, 3. Indiana, 4. Crimson Tide, 5.Georgia, 6. Ole Miss, 7. Texas Tech, 8. Oregon, 9. Notre Dame 10. Georgia Tech, still like them to win the ACC. 11. BYU 12. Memphis.

First Round

No.5 Georgia over No.12 Memphis

No.6 Ole Miss over No.11 BYU

No.7 Texas Tech over No. 10 Georgia Tech

No.8 Oregon over No.9 Notre Dame

Quarterfinals

Cotton Bowl, Wednesday, 12/31/25 6:30 P.M. CT, ESPN

No.5 Georgia over No.3 Indiana

Orange Bowl, Thursday, 1/1/26, 11 A.M. CT, ESPN

No.6 Ole Miss over No.2 Texas A&M

Rose Bowl, Thursday, 1/1/26, 3 P.M. CT, ESPN

No.1 Ohio State over No.8 Oregon

Sugar Bowl, Thursday, 1/1/26, 7 P.M., ESPN

No.4 Alabama over No. 7 Texas Tech

Semifinals

Fiesta Bowl, Thursday, 1/8/26, 6:30 P.M. ESPN

Ole Miss 23, Ohio State 21

Chick fil-A-Bowl, Friday, 1/9/26, 6:30 P.M., ESPN

Alabama 28, Georgia 27

National Championship Game, Monday, 1/19/26

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL., 65,326

6:30 P.M.

ESPN

Kalen and the Tide hoist another national championship trophy for the University.

Alabama 34, Ole Miss 31

National Champion: Alabama