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LSU Showdown Looms in Baton Rouge; Week 9 College Football Previews/Predictions and Updated Playoff Projections

October 29, 2026

The Auburn defense will have to figure out a way to somewhat neutralize Trinidad Chambliss. They need to take the Texas blueprint. (Photo courtesy of Reuters).

Let’s take a look at the upcoming Crimson Tide-Bengal Tigers matchup next Saturday at in Baaton Rouge, Louisiana, as the great Co’-sell used to say. Kickoff is 2:30 P.M. CT on ABC.

“Swannie, how I love ya, how I love ya!”

I miss the elite Howard. Monday Night Football with Howard, Dandy Don and Giff was phenomenal television. They don’t make’em like they used to. When you watch a game as much for the broadcasters as for the action on the field, you know they’re good. They were the best.

On the Crimson Tide-LSU contest, Alabama should get key players Ryan Coleman-Williams, center Ryan Delgatty, and game-changing cornerback Zabien Brown back. I know Kalen would welcome running back EJ Crowell back as well.

This is still a good football team, and possibly an elite one with those guys back. Georgia was fortunate the officiating was beyond pathetic in Tuscaloosa three weeks ago, or the trash-talking Kirby Smart and his team would have taken an L. Both teams lost the following week, mentally and physically spent from the war in Tuscaloosa.

I like Kalen. A lot.

It’s a totally different landscape in college football. Saban wouldn’t be able to use his tyrannical, intimidating style and have it work with these players. He couldn’t recruit the way, either, with Texas Miami, Ohio State and Indiana breathing down his back with seemingly unlimited funds.

The level of recruiting competition is more intense than it was before NIL and the transfer portal became major factors.

As Lloyd Carr, the national championship coach for Michigan in the late 1990’s and first decade of the 2000’s, once said after an injury-plagued season in which his team defeated Ohio State, “Injuries aren’t excuses. They’re facts.”

I agree with that statement 100 percent.

DeBoer is still a good football coach. Alabama was a highly physical team against Georgia when it was healthier. The Tide just got robbed.

LSU is playing at a high level after blasting Auburn on the road last Saturday. And this game is in Death Valley, a major advantage for the Bengal Tigers

LSU is favored by 3 1/2 to 4 points, depending on the sports book. I expect an elite game if Alabama can get its injured players back.

Auburn travels to Oxford and the Grove to face Trinidad Chambliss and the “mercurial” Rebels. I saw that word the other day and liked it. Ole Miss is a hard team to figure out. Unpredictable. Mercurial.

Excedrin Bates and my word of the week.

More on Ole Miss-Auburn below.

And the “Largest Indoor Cocktail Party” takes place in Atlanta on Saturday as them Dawgs and the Gators do battle in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville is undergoing renovations.

In 2027, the game moves to Raymond James Stadium in Tampa before returning to the Outdoor Party in Jacksonville in 2028. The Jacksonville Jags are playing at EverBank right now with a smaller capacity, but will temporarily move their 2027 games to Camping World Stadium in Orlando. They’ve already played two designated home games in London. The Jags are 4-2, so it’s working out so far.

Several key games are on the docket. Here are my previews and predictions.

Week 9 previews and predictions

Last Week (Week 8)/Overall:

Straight up: 5-7 last week; 99-35 overall (74%)

Against the Spread: 4-8; 66-68 overall (49%). Rough one.

Over/Under: 7-5; 76-58 overall (57%)

All game times are Central. All games are Saturday.

Auburn (4-3, 2-3 SEC) @ No.12 Ole Miss (5-2, 3-2)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxvegas 11:45 A.M. SEC Network

Ole Miss by 11 1/2. O/U: 57 1/2.

Trinidad Chambliss was exposed last Saturday by a Texas defense that confused him with different blitzes and coverages employed byWill Muschamp. Chambliss needs a good running back, and Kewan Lacey is superb. But Lacey is out this Saturday after being injured throughout the season.

I also see Byrum Brown and the Auburn offense having success against Pete Golding’s defense. The Rebels look beatable, even though they have good athletes on that side of the ball.

Golding’s coaching is questionable. His defense gets gashed too often.

Auburn’s defense will hold its own for the most part.

Auburn gives Ole Miss everything it wants, but the Black Bears survive at Vaught-Hemingway.

Ole Miss 30, Auburn 27

No. 17 Florida (5-2, 3-2) @ No.3 Georgia (6-1, 4-1)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta/2:30 P.M./ABC

Georgia by 12 1/2. O/U: 55 1/2

Florida’s two quarterbacks, Aaron Philo and Tramell Jones, who led the Gators to victory over the erratic Longhorns in Austin, are both questionable.

But one or both should be good to go, right? Of course they’ll play.

I like this to be a close game, with Jon Sumrall and his squad giving Smart and his team a tussle.

This rivalry means a lot to both these teams, so I’m expecting a war.

Georgia 31, Florida 27

Mississippi State (4-3, 2-3) @ No. 11 Texas (5-2, 2-2)

Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin/6:30 P.M./E-S-P-N

Texas by 19 1/2. O/U: 50 1/2

Texas is another enigma in college football, maybe the most unpredictable team upper-level team in the country.

What are you going to get from Sarkisian and Arch Manning each half? You never know.

But Mississippi State’s superb quarterback, Kamario Taylor, is out for the season, so Texas shouldn’t have any major problems.

Still, the Longhorns are so erratic that I don’t see them covering the spread.

Texas 34, Mississippi State 17

South Carolina (4-3, 2-3) @ Oklahoma (4-3, 2-2)

Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma/3:15 P.M./SEC Network

Oklahoma by 4 1/2. O/U: 44 1/2

Give me Shane Beamer, LaNorris Sellers and South Carolina all day in Norman.

They’re hot.

South Carolina 21, Oklahoma 20

No.23 Missouri (5-2, 3-2) @ Arkansas (3-4, 1-3)

Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville. 6:45 P.M./SEC Network

Missouri by 9 1/2. O/U: 49 1/2

Donald W. Reynolds was an influential Arkansas football booster who contributed $20 million toward the stadium renovation completed in 1999, leading to its renaming from Razorback Stadium. He passed away in 1993 at age 87.

I like the Hogs to do better than anticipated.

Ryan Silverfield’s team has improved from its 24-17 home loss to Tennessee to its victory over the struggling Commodores in Nashville.

Missouri keeps its postseason hopes alive, but those hopes are pretty shaky.

Missouri 28, Arkansas 21

National Slate

No. 1 Miami (7-0, 5-0 ACC) @ North Carolina (4-3, 2-2)

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.-another stadium made possible by a wealthy benefactor.

6:30 P.M./ABC

Miami by 14 1/2. O/U: 52 1/2

I like Canes QB Darian Mensah, wide receiver Malachi Toney, two key Heisman contenders, and running back Mark Fletcher to have big nights against the Tar Heels.

Miami 42, UNC 24

No.2 Ohio State (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten) @ USC (6-2, 3-2)

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, La La Land, California

6:30 P.M./NBC

Ohio State by 7 1/2. O/U: 51 1/2

With quarterback Julian Sayin out for the season, the Buckeyes will most likely turn to freshman Luke Fahey, though redshirt freshman Tavien St. Clair is another option.

I like a close game here.

Lincoln Riley is coaching for his job, so I expect the Men of Troy to give it a good go against the more physical and talented Buckeyes.

Having an inexperienced quarterback matters.

USC has a veteran in Jayden Maiava, who has completed 183 of 274 passes (67%) for 2,302 yards, 19 TDs and five interceptions.

It’s going to be interesting, but I like the Buckeyes’ defense to make a stop at the end and hold off the Trojans.

Ohio State 27, USC 24

No.20 Northwestern (5-1, 3-1 Big Ten) @ Oregon (4-3, 2-2)

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR./ 2:30 P.M./Peacock

Oregon by 3 1/2. O/U: 47 1/2

Give me the hard-nosed Wildcats to go into Autzen Stadium and keep their very realistic playoff hopes alive.

I really like this team. Northwestern took Indiana to the wire in Bloomington earlier this season.

Northwestern 24, Oregon 23

Minnesota (5-2, 3-1) @ No.4 Indiana (7-1, 4-1)

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN./2:30 P.M./CBS

Hoosiers by 20 1/2. O/U: 41 1/2

Indiana needs better quarterback play from Josh Hoover, the TCU transfer, if the Hoosiers want any chance of repeating as national champions.

Minnesota is a pretty tough team. I expect the Golden Gophers to give’em a game.

Indiana 24, Minnesota 17

No.6 Utah (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) @ Cincinnati (5-2, 2-2)

Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati/2:45 P.M./ESPN

Utes by 6 1/2. O/U: 56 1/2

Utah is on upset alert after the Bearcats wasted Texas Tech and obnoxious booster Cody Campbell, 37-24, last Saturday at Nippert Stadium.

Utah survives, but the Utes better tighten their chin straps.

Utah 28, Cincinnati 27

Arizona State (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) @ No. 8 BYU (6-1, 3-1)

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT./2:30 P.M./FOX

BYU by 16 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2

I like the Cougars to bounce back from their somewhat predictable double-overtime loss to UCF last Saturday at the Bounce House in Orlando.

The Big 12 ain’t no joke this season.

After a massive victory over Notre Dame the previous Saturday, getting up emotionally for a road game in a tough environment was a lot to ask.

I’ll take the Cougs to bounce back at Lavell Edwards Stadium.

BYU 35, ‘Zona State 17

No. 22 Arizona (6-1, 3-1 Big 12) @ No.13 Texas Tech (6-1, 3-1)

Galaxy Stadium, Lubbock, TX./11 A.M.

Texas Tech by 3 1/2. O/U: 54 1/2

I like the Red Raiders to snap back this Saturday.

Arizona is pretty good, but the home field in Lubbock is too much to overlook.

Texas Tech 30, Arizona 24

Navy (2-5) vs. No.5 Notre Dame (6-1)

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA./11 A.M./ABC

Notre Dame by 30 1/2. O/U: 57 1/2

I love the Naval Academy and all it stands for, but this is a big ask of a team that is struggling unusually this season.

The Fighting Irish keep their playoff hopes alive with an impressive victory at the house that Brady built.

Notre Dame 48, Navy 10

Virginia (4-4, 2-3 ACC) @ No. 14 Wake Forest

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, N.C./2:45 P.M./ESPN2

Demon Deacons by 12 1/2. O/U: 48 1/2

I love what Jake “Jay Shu” Dickert is doing in Winston-Salem.

This team is tough and explosive offensively. Really impressive.

But I like Tony Elliott and his ‘Hoos to be a handful.

Wake 28, UVA 24

Nevada (3-4) @ No. 7 UCLA (7-0)

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California/3:15 P.M./Big Ten Network

Bruins by 22 1/2. O/U: 44 1/2

I like the Bruins to take care of business, but their schedule hasn’t exactly been a gauntlet.

They defeated Oregon on the road, which is respectable, and knocked off a pretty good Wisconsin team at home, 17-7.

They play good defense and backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach has been serviceable in place of the injured Nico Iamaleava, who just hasn’t done much in college.

Iamaleava underperformed at Tennessee, transferred to UCLA and hadn’t accomplished much at UCLA before he suffered season-ending injury.

The Bruins should do fine here, though.

They still have to play at Minnesota and Michigan, neither of which will be easy, before facing USC at the Rose Bowl.

But Coach Bob Chesny has’em excited in L.A.

UCLA 31, Nevada 7

No.25 Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) @ Iowa (5-2, 2-2)

Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA./11 A.M./FOX

Iowa by 3 1/2. O/U: 36 1/2

I’ll take Luke Fickell and his Badgers to pull off the upset at Kinnick.

Wisconsin 17, Iowa 16

College Football Play-off? Predictions

No.1 Miami

No.2 Ohio State

No.3 Georgia

No.4 Indiana

No.5 BYU

No.6 LSU (for now)

No.7 Northwestern

No.8 Kentucky

No.9 Wake Forest

No.10 Texas

No.11 Alabama

No.12 Oregon State

Oregon State is an exciting team under former Alabama wide receivers coach Jamarcus Shephard, who worked under Coach DeBoer.

First Round at home stadium of higher seed

Friday, 12/18, 7 P.M. ESPN

No.5 BYU over No.12 Oregon State. BYU in a battle

Saturday, 12/19, 11 A.M. ESPN

No.11 Alabama over No.6 LSU

Saturday, 12/19, 2:30 P.M., TNT, truTV

No.7 Northwestern over No.10 Texas

Saturday, 12/19, 6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

No.8 Kentucky over No.9 Wake Forest


Quarterfinals

Wednesday, 12/30/26, VRBO Fiesta Bowl State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ. 6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

No.4 Indiana over No.5 BYU

Friday, 1/1/27. What a way to ring in the New Year, unless you’re a Bush Hog or a Due Right and hideously hungover.

Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Arlington, TX. 11 A.M. TNT/truTV

No.11 Alabama over No.2 Ohio State

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA., 3 P.M., ESPN

No. 3 Georgia over No. 7 Northwestern

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, ATL.

No.1 Miami over No.8 Kentucky

Semifinals

Thursday, 1/14/27

Capital One Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens, FL. 6:30 P.M. TNT/truTV

No. 11 Alabama over No.1 Miami

Friday, 1/15/27

Allstate Sugar Bowl, N’Awlins, 6:30 P.M. ABC/ESPN

No. 3 Georgia over No.4 Indiana

National Championship Game

Monday, 1/25/27, Allegiant Stadium, Vegas, 6:30 P.M. ABC/ESPN

Alabama 27, Georgia 24

National Championship MVP: Ryan Coleman-Williams

When this team is healthy, I think they’re the best team in the country.

The Tide just needs to get hearty. I believe that will happen soon.

Ryan Coleman-Williams and the Crimson Tide will capture another national championship. They just need to get healthy! They’ll get there. (Photo courtesy of Bleacher Report).

Major Contest on the Plains. After a rough two weeks, Crimson Tide at home vs. A&M. SEC Matchups and marquee national showdowns. World Series Prediction

October 22, 2026
Lane tries to outlast the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports).

After a tumultuous Week 7 in college football, week 8 is another opportunity to give your best guess possible on who will win a football game. But that’s what this Blog is about, so here it goes.

Last week, SU: 10-4, overall, 94-28, 77%. ATS: 6-8, 62-60, 51%. O/U: 7-7, 69-53, 57%.

All game times are Central and all games are on Saturday.

No.18 L-S-U (5-2, 2-2) @ Auburn (4-2, 2-2)

Jordan-Hare Stadium

11 A.M.

ABC

LSU by 7 1/2, 51 1/2

The Auburn Tigers became a lot more relevant last Saturday as they traveled to Sanford Stadium and defeated the unbeaten and top ranked Georgia Bulldogs, 27-24. Now Auburn has a lot of momentum and a lot more to play for. This game seems more important to Kiff than it does to Alex at this point, but I know the Auburn Tigers want this one badly. The rivalry is rich, historic and hostile. Jordan-Hare will be rockin’.

But I like the Bengal Tigers a little better in this one. It’s a tough call with how the Auburn Tigers are playing right now after a highly impressive performance by Byrom Brown and his teammates at Athens last Saturday. That was spectacular. I’ll take Lane and his team, barely.

LSU 27, Auburn 24

Texas A&M (4-3, 1-3) @ No. 13 Alabama (5-2, 3-2)

Bryant-Denny Stadium

2:30 P.M.

ABC

Alabama by 13 1/2, 49 1/2

The Crimson Tide’s dreams of a playoff berth and matriculating through the postseason are not out of the question just yet. But there is very little margin for error. If they can win out in the regular season, they’ll get in. Even if they get to the SEC Championship and lose a close one, I like them to advance to the Playoff. If they lose another game in the regular season, either this one, or the little contest in Baton Rouge on Saturday, November 7th, they’re probably done.

A&M has been one of the biggest disappointments this season, not only in the SEC, but also throughout the country. The Crimson Tide has a lot of injuries, including Ryan Coleman-Williams and center Racin Delgatty, though Delgatty is listed as questionable for A&M. Coleman-Williams is unavailable. Delgatty could play. I think this’ll be closer than the spread because of Alabama’s injury concerns. Plus, it’s another SEC gauntlet game, even though A&M has struggled. They have a lot of talent.

The Marcel Reed/Keelon Russell matchup is intriguing. Both are talents. Reed has struggled this season under new offensive coordinator Holman Wiggins, while Russell had been doing superbly well until running into the Georgia and Tennessee defenses. Both players are highly capable of having explosive games both through the air and on the ground. Whichever quarterback can be more effective will decide this contest.

I’ll lean more towards Russell. Alabama needs him to get back to his immense talent that he was displaying the first five games of the season in order to advance in the SEC and get back into the playoff hunt.

Alabama 30, A&M 20

No. 7 Ole Miss (5-1, 3-1) @ No. 19 Texas (4-2, 1-2)

DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Texas by 3 1/2, 54 1/2

Texas has been a massive disappointment this season under coach Steve Sarkisian and with Arch Manning under center. They’re both either prolific underachievers or they’re just not very good. Pete seemed to turn his defense around last Saturday in a 31-3 blasting of Missouri. Give me Pete, Trinidad and Kewan Lacey, who’s questionable right now, to pull off the upset in Austin, even if Kewan is unavailable. In Trinidad we trust. Rest pay cash.

Ole Miss 28, Texas 24

No.11 Tennessee (6-1, 3-1) @ South Carolina (3-3, 1-3)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

2:30 P.M.

ESPN

Gamecocks by 2 1/2, 50 1/2

I like the old saying in football, “defense travels.”

Tennessee 24, South Carolina 23

Vanderbilt (3-4, 0-4) @ No. 12 Kentucky (6-1, 4-1)

Kroger Field, Lexington

6:30 P.M.

SEC Network

Wildcats by 10 1/2, 51 1/2

It’s been a disaster for Clark Lea and the Commodores this season, while Kentucky first year coach Will Stein and his team are on a roll. I like this closer than the spread, however. The Dores usually play Kentucky toughly.

Kentucky 30, Vandy 23

Oklahoma (3-3, 1-2) @ Mississippi State (4-2, 2-2)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

2:30 P.M.

ESPN

Sooners by 2 1/2 ,48 1/2

This prediction is totally dictated by Bullies’ quarterback Kamario Taylor’s availability for Saturday. He’s questionable right now after missing a couple of weeks from an injury sustained against the Crimson Tide, and the Bulldogs have missed him badly. I’m going to pick it without him playing for now, but will change to State Saturday at 9 A.M. if he’s cleared to play. I’ll let you know Saturday at 9 A.M.-ish if I’ve changed my pick.

Mississippi State 21, Oklahoma 17

Pittsburgh (5-2, 2-2 ACC) @ No.1 Miami (6-0, 4-0)

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

11 A.M.

ESPN

Miami by 19 1/2, 48 1/2

Miami advanced to the No.1 ranking by process of elimination as 5 of the 7 top ranked teams, No.1 Georgia, No.2 Notre Dame, No.5 Indiana, No.6 Alabama and No.7 Texas, all lost last Saturday in a chaotic day. Miami was No.3 heading into last Saturday. Mario Cristobal’s team barely survived Florida State, 43-35, in overtime. So are they great? Nope, but nobody is. They’ve got good material, but they’re not a great team at present. They’ve got a break as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback got injured a couple of weeks ago at VA. Tech and is out for the year.

Miami 38, Pitt 17

No.2 BYU (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) @ UCF (3-3, 1-2)

Acrisure Bounce House? Orlando

2:30 P.M.

FOX

BYU by 6 1/2, 43 1/2

Officiating controversy aside, the Cougars out-played Notre Dame last Saturday Night and deserved the victory even if pass interference wasn’t called at the end of the game, which could have gone either way, and there appeared to be one second left on the clock, stuff that has happened this season with some of the pathetic officiating we’ve been getting.

But the Cougars still prevailed. However, the pattern for a lot of good teams is if they come off a hard-fought victory, they barely survive or lose the next week. BYU barely survives. I’m bullish on this team though. They’re got a shot to go deep.

BYU 24, UCF 20

No.14 Houston (6-1, 3-1 Big 12)@ No.10 Utah (6-0, 3-0)

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake

9:15 P.M.

ESPN

Utah by 6 1/2, 56 1/2

It’s hard to win at Rice-Eccles on a Saturday Night, but I’m going to pick the Cougars to do just that.

Houston 31, Utah 30

No.16 USC (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) @ Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1)

Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI

6:30 P.M.

NBC

USC by 2 1/2, 50 1/2

Another difficult place to win, but give me the Linc and his team to pull it off and keep their postseason ambitions alive. Most all of these teams I’ve written about today are in the playoff hunt.

USC 27, Wisconsin 23

No.6 Indiana (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) @ Michigan (4-2, 1-2)

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

11 A.M.

FOX

Indiana by 7 1/2, 43 1/2

Indiana was hurting from the brutal loss to Ohio State last Saturday on a missed toe tap by their wide receiver, but have to rebound to keep their ambitious postseason hopes alive. I like this close for most of the game because Michigan plays good defense, but I like the Hoosiers to prevail at the end.

Indiana 21, Michigan 13

No.8 Texas Tech (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) @ Cincinnati (4-2, 1-2)

Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati

11 A.M.

Fox Sports 1

Texas Tech by 11 1/2, 56 1/2

I like the Red Raiders to keep advancing in the playoff race, but I see this as a tougher game for them on the road than might be expected.

Texas Tech 34, Cincinnati 27

The Fall Classic: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Hard throwing Drew Rasmussen will lead it off Friday Night for the Rays versus “The Miz,” of the Brewers. (Photo courtesy of Instagram).

World Series TV schedule, All times Central

Game 1, Friday @ Milwaukee, 7 P.M. FOX

Game 2, Saturday @ Milwaukee, 7 P.M. FOX

Game 3, Monday @ Tampa Bay, 7 P.M. FOX

Game 4, Tuesday @ Tampa, 7 P.M. FOX

Game 5, Wednesday @ Tampa, 7 P.M. FOX

Game 6, Friday, Oct. 30 @Milwaukee, 7 P.M. FOX

Game 7, Saturday, Oct. 31 @ Milwaukee, 7 P.M. FOX

Who would have thunk it at the beginning of this baseball season that the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers would be squaring off in the World Series in October? The Brewers are 19th in MLB in team payroll at $124 million, while the Rays are 26th at $88.7 million. It’s shocking. And refreshing. The Brewers disposed of the Padres in 4 in the NLDS, and the $316 million Los Angeles Dodgers, 2nd in MLB in team payroll behind the pathetic Mets, in 4 straight in the NLCS. Tampa went through the Yankees in 4 in the ALDS, and Cleveland in 6 in the ALCS to get here.

Drew Rasmussen will get the ball for the Rays Friday versus the Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski at American Family Field in Milwaukee. Rasmussen is a stud with a 95-96 mph fastball and an excellent pitching arsenal to along with his heater, while Misiorowski hits a hundge + several times a game. He hit 105.5 this season, the fastest pitch ever recorded by a starting pitcher and third fastest ever. Aroldis Chapman hit 105.8 and 105.7 to record the top two velos of all time.

The Brewers have the home field and are an excellent, fundamentally sound defensive team with superb pitching both starting and particularly in their bullpen, and are clutch-hitters. The Rays are pretty much a carbon copy. The Rays play out of Tropicana Field in St. Pete. The Rays ownership is going to build a new state of the art stadium that is scheduled to be ready for opening day, 2029. I might be there for that. The Rays have been my team since they drafted Vanderbilt’s David Price No.1 overall in 2007. David had a nice career with Tampa. But the Rays had to trade him because they were not going to be able to afford him with their “limited budget” in MLB parlance. I have stayed a Rays fan ever since. They’re a turbocharged, Moneyball organization with super guys on the team who are also excellent baseball players .

So give me Rasmussen, Freddy “Fastball” Peralta, who’s had a renaissance with the Rays after struggling with the Mets this season before being traded at the trade deadline in early August. Peralta, who was 17-6 last season for the Brewers ironically and featured a terrific 2.70 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 204 K’s, is now cookin’ for the Rays. Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder is a pitching savant. I’ll also take their superb third baseman Junior Caminero.

I like Champa Bay to capture its first ever World Series championship, after falling just short in 2008 and 2020 to the Phillies and Dodgers, respectively.

****Update: The Rays will start Nick Martinez instead of Drew Rasmussen on Friday versus Misierowski. I have no idea what went into that decision by manager Kevin Cash. He’s the Rays’ Achilles Heel, the manager, and that’s not a good thing. Still will take…

Rays in 7

Cash worries me sometimes, though he’s made good decisions in the postseason, and Rasmussen has had arm injuries in the past, so maybe resting his arm one more day and giving him 6 days off between starts is a good thing, and not wasting him against Misierowski is a good move.

Martinez is a good competitor and is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in the postseason. He was 15-6 this season with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, so he’s no slouch. Maybe saving Rasmussen for Saturday and taking your chances against Misierowski with Martinez is a good call. The Rays have a shot Friday, and then a real shot Saturday with Rasmussen on the mound.

MVP of Series: Junior Caminero

Bama/UT, Auburn/GA., key SEC games and national blockbusters this week on the slate in CFB, Week 7

October 15, 2026
Would like to see this guy get the ball more for the Crimson Tide. (Photo of EJ Crowell courtesy of Yahoo Sports.)

College Football Week 7 is the best week of the season so far, and it may be the best weekend all year though week 10 is strong as well with the Crimson Tide @ LSU among other games. But this weekend has more blockbusters. Here are previews and predictions.

Last week, SU: 9-5, overall, 84-24, 78%. ATS: 7-7, 56-52, 52%. O/U: 7-7, 62-46, 57%.

All games are Central time and all games on Saturday unless otherwise listed.

No.6 Alabama (5-1, 3-1) @ No.14 Tennessee (5-1, 2-1)

Neyland Stadium

2:30 P.M.

ABC

Crimson Tide by 8 1/2, 51 1/2

The Crimson Tide faithful is still irate over the pathetic officiating last Saturday Night in Tuscaloosa that cost them a victory over Georgia. There was an pretty clear interception by QB Reese that was ruled an interception on the field and inexplicably overturned on review in the third quarter that would have put the Tide in the redzone, a face mask penalty that was missed. A targeting penalty by Georgia safety KJ Bolden on Ryan Coleman-Williams that was also inexplicably missed by this substandard crew. And the worst, was the missed pass interference call by the refs that cost the Tide from having the ball first and goal from the two yard line.

If a pass interference penalty occurs in the end zone from the 17 yard line to the goal line of the offending team in their territory, the ball is placed at that opponent’s two yard line.

Referee Kyle Olson’s crew was horrifically bad. On the missed pass interference call, back judge Tom Fimmen should have seen it and called it, center judge Chris Garner should have flagged it, line judge Chad Lorance missed it too, as did umpire Rod Tucker. That’s four flags that should have come out. Bolden of Georgia was the offender once again. It was a travesty and an embarrassment to officiating. The Crimson Tide deserved better. Georgia is good, but Alabama is the better team in my opinion. Georgia played a good game, but won because the officials were terrible. Those guys should be suspended.

But now the Crimson Tide has to turn the page and get ready for a tough one in Knoxville. I still like this team very much and see them handling business even with injuries to Coleman-Williams and starting center Racin Delgatty. Love what Kalen DeBoer is doing with his football team. A lot left to play for, for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 31, Tennessee 21

Auburn (3-2, 1-2) @ No.1 Georgia (6-0, 4-0)

Sanford Stadium, Athens

2:30 P.M.

ESPN

Georgia by 21 1/2, 49 1/2

It hasn’t been going well on the Plains. It’ll probably be a long afternoon. Kirby Smart needs to clean up his act. No wonder players have so many arrests over there listening to that guy talking to them all day.

Georgia 35, Auburn 13

Florida (4-2, 2-2) @ No.7 Texas (4-1, 1-1)

DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin

11 A.M.

ABC

Texas by 11 1/2, 52 1/2

I don’t trust Texas very much, but Florida has imploded the last couple of weeks.

Texas 34, Florida 21

No.13 Missouri (5-1, 2-1) @ No.9 Ole Miss (4-1, 2-1)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxvegas

2:30 P.M.

SEC Network

Ole Miss by 5 1/2, 58 1/2

It’ll be close, both teams are good. But I like Trinidad and the Rebels to get the job done at home.

Ole Miss 31, Missouri 28

No. 16 Mississippi State (4-1, 2-1) @ No.22 LSU (4-2, 1-2)

Tiguh Stadium, Baaton Rouge

11 A.M.

ESPN

LSU by 14 1/2, 57 1/2

I really like what State has done this year, though the Crimson Tide exposed them a couple of weeks ago. It’s not going according to the plan for Lane and the LSU brass. Natives will be restless if they lose another one down the road.

LSU 38, Mississippi State 17

No. 15 Kentucky (5-1, 3-1) @ Oklahoma (3-2, 1-1)

Memorial Stadium, Norman

6:30 P.M.

S-E-C Network

Sooners by 6 1/2, 43 1/2

I love what Will Stein is doing in Lexington. I like them to go on the road and pull off another upset.

Kentucky 23, Oklahoma 21

Arkansas (2-4, 0-3) @ Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-3)

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

6 P.M.

ESPN2

Vandy by 6 1/2, 50 1/2

Arkansas played Tennessee tough at home last Saturday, losing 24-17. Vanderbilt has imploded and just dismissed a player for strangling a person at a downtown fight last Saturday Night. Not going so swiftly for Clark Lea right now. He’s a wordy guy. Probably bores his players to death.

Arkansas 27, Vanderbilt 23

The Citadel (2-4) @ Texas A&M (3-3)

Kyle Field, College Station

12 P.M.

SEC Network+

A&M by 45 1/2, 56 1/2

What a joke game. Right now, Mike Elko and A&M are a joke team.

Texas A&M 45, The Citadel 10

No. 4 Ohio State (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) @ No. 5 Indiana (6-0, 3-0)

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington

11 A.M.

FOX

Ohio State by 3 1/2, 49 1/2

Give me Cignetti and Indiana. They’re the tougher team.

Indiana 24, Ohio State 21

No.2 Notre Dame (6-0) @ No. 8 BYU (6-0)

LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Fighting Irish by 10 1/2, 46 1/2

Expecting a classic in prime time on Saturday Night. LaVell Edwards will be rocking. Give me Kilani Sitake and the Cougars to pull off a colossal upset.

BYU 24, Notre Dame 23

Florida State (3-3, 1-2 ACC) @ No. 3 Miami (5-0, 3-0)

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.

6 P.M.

ESPN

Miami by 21 1/2, 56 1/2

The clock is ticking on the Mike Norvell tenure in Tallahassee. Miami was looking good, but they’ve fallen off some lately. Some are attributing it to injuries. Everybody has injuries.

Miami 37, Florida State 14

Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) @ No. 12 UCLA (5-0, 3-0)

Rose Bowl, Pasadena

6:30 P.M.

NBC

UCLA by 2 1/2, 42 1/2

I like an extremely close game with the Bruins barely surviving. They lost their starting quarterback for the year last week at Oregon in a 17-15 upset victory that put them on the map. It’ll be interesting to see how they “matriculate” without him.

UCLA 21, Wisconsin 20

No. 18 Oklahoma State (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) @ No. 20 Houston (5-1, 2-1)

TDECU Stadium, Rocket City

6:30 P.M.

FOX

Houston by 4 1/2, 62 1/2

I like the Cougars, on their home turf, to knock off the Cowboys.

Houston 35, OK State 30

Tonight

East Carolina (3-2, 1-0 American) @ UAB (3-3, 1-1)

Protective Stadium, Magic City

6:30

ESPN

East Carolina by 5 1/2, 48 1/2

I really like what Alex Mortensen, Todd Grantham and the Blazers are doing. They’re building something. Derrick’s going to be real happy with me.

UAB 24, East Carolina 23

Bama-Georgia in a Premier contest, other SEC matchups look riveting. National slate is strong as well. Week 6 College Football Unplugged. Updated White’s World Playoff Projections

October 8, 2026
Nate Frazier is an elite and key player for Georgia Saturday Night. (Photo courtesy of Fox Sports).

The weather has been questionable all week for the game with a possibly serious situation taking place in Mobile, Pensacola and the Florida Panhandle this weekend with Hurricane Isaias aiming at the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast. But the two elite voices of meteorology, Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel, and Jimmy Spanno of ABC 33/40, are predicting better outcomes with wind shear of 80 MPH working against Isaias, which could hopefully dissipate the strength of this storm.

Very hopeful and prayerful that Mobile and the Florida Panhandle get spared from a potentially serious situation.

As for the games this weekend, weather could be a factor, but not likely as serious as it looked earlier this week, especially for the No.6 Crimson Tide and the No.2 Georgia Bulldogs.

The Crimson Tide/Georgia game is the obvious headliner. Nick Saban called Georgia “the most complete team in the country” a couple of weeks ago on GameDay, but Kirby Smart is not buying that, calling it a bait and switch move by the former Crimson Tide coach.

He thinks Saban was pulling a little gamesmanship as Saban is still an employee at Alabama making almost $50K a month. Could be some real truth to that, though Georgia was looking pretty strong a couple of weeks ago. They’ll have running back Nate Frazier back, which will really help their cause. However, second stringer Chauncey Bowens is out. The Crimson Tide looks somewhat healthy, but there are some injuries on defense, though none that made a difference against Mississippi State last Saturday in a spectacular effort on both sides of the ball.

So here’s a look at this clash of the Titans and who I like to emerge along with the other key SEC games including the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl featuring the No.1 Texas Longhorns and the struggling Oklahoma Sooners.

Those games, the other SEC matchups, and some quality national competition are on the docket in an action packed Saturday in college football. The weather will need to cooperate at places including B’ham.

Here are my previews and predictions along with my playoff predictions below this week’s game capsules.

All game times Central and all games Saturday.

Last Week’s Record/Overall

Straight Up: 10-2, 75-19, 80%

ATS: 5-7, 49-45, 52%

Over/Under: 8-4, 55-39, 59%

No.2 Georgia (5-0, 3-0 SEC) @ No.6 Alabama (5-0, 3-0)

Bryant-Denny, T-town

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Bama by 1 1/2, 51 1/2

It’s a battle with tremendous SEC and National implications. The loser of this game is not falling out of the playoff picture by any stretch. These are both excellent football teams, but right now I think the Crimson Tide is the most complete team in the country. And I like Kalen DeBoar, Ryan Grubb and Kane Wommack over Kirby Smart, Mike Bobo and Glenn Schumann.

Alabama 27, Georgia 24

No.1 Texas (4-0, 1-0) vs. Oklahoma (2-2, 0-1)

Cotton Bowl, Big D

2:30 P.M.

ABC

Longhorns by 7 1/2, 39 1/2

Oklahoma’s defense might keep them in it for a little while, but I like the Longhorns to play terrific defense as well, and stymie a dormant Sooner offense and “taking care of business” in the Red River Rivalry.

Texas 28, Oklahoma 10

No.10 LSU (4-1, 1-1) @ Kentucky (4-1,2-1)

Kroger Field, Lexington

6 P.M.

E-S-P-N

Bengal Tigers by 8 1/2, 52 1/2

Kentucky should be ranked by now. That’s a travesty. But I like Lane and company to get the job done on the road.

LSU 31, Kentucky 21

No.9 Ole Miss (3-1, 1-1) @ Vandy (3-2, 0-2)

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

2:30 P.M.

ESPN

Ole Miss by 9 1/2, 54 1/2

Give me the Rebels to handle business in the Music City. Trinidad and company bounce back from the Florida debacle.

Ole Miss 31, Vanderbilt 17

South Carolina (2-3, 0-3) @ No.16 Florida (4-1, 2-1)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

11:45 A.M.

S-E-C Network

Gators by 10 1/2, 59 1/2

Jon Sumrall and Florida got it handed to’em in Columbia, Missouri last Saturday, so they’re still “feeling the effects,” as Ken Cobb used to say after a night out on the town. I’ll take Florida, but Shane Beamer makes a more believable bid at keeping his job, though it’s in major jeopardy.

Florida 31, South Carolina 28

Texas A&M (3-2, 1-2) @ No.14 Missouri (4-1, 1-1)

Memorial Stadium, Columbia, MO.

11 A.M.

ABC

Missouri Tigers by 3 1/2, 48 1/2

A&M is the other most disappointing team in the SEC along with South Carolina. Mike Elko needs to get it together. I like how Missouri is trending.

Missouri 24, Texas A&M 20

No. 15 Tennessee (4-1, 1-1) @ Arkansas (2-3, 0-2)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

3:15 P.M.

SEC Network

UT-Knoxville by 13 1/2, 51 1/2

George McIntyre is expected to start at QB for the Vols as starter Faizon Brandon is questionable with a shoulder injury. They might be better off with McIntyre as Brandon really struggled against Auburn last Saturday and was benched in favor of McIntyre.

Vols running back DeSean Bishop was a beast last Saturday against the Tigers as he rushed for 220 on 34 totes with 3 TDs. He’s rushed for 540 yards this season on 88 carries, 6.1 per carry, with 7 TDs and he averages 108 per rushing yards per game. That’s impressive for a three-star out of high school in 2023 who came to Knoxville as a preferred walk-on.

Tennessee 31, Arkansas 14

Off this week: Auburn, a lot to work on, Mississippi State, still feeling the Ken Cobb effects.

Key National Games

No.21 UCLA (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten) @ No. 13 Oregon (3-1,1-0)

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, OR.

2:30 P.M.

CBS

Oregon by 11 1/2, 59 1/2

The Bruins look like they could be back after many years of being away from the meaningful national landscape. Bob Chesney has come out to the left coast from James Madison, where he took his team last season to the Playoff last season and has posted a 132-52 career record, and toughened the Bruins up. I like for Chesney and his team to give Oregon everything it wants. I’ll take the upset.

UCLA 35, Oregon 31

No. 7 Indiana (5-0, 2-0, Big Ten) @ Nebraska (5-0, 2-0)

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE.

11 A.M.

FOX

Hoosiers by 7 1/2, 47 1/2

I’ve watched a pretty good bit of IU, and still think they’re for real, though they haven’t won as handily as they did last season. New QB Josh Hoover has completed 76 of 107 passes, 71%, for 1,101 yards, 15 TDs against 0 interceptions. Still bullish on Cignetti and the Hoosiers, and still don’t believe in Matt Rhule and the Cornhuskers that much.

Indiana 28, Nebraska 17

Maryland (2-3, 0-2) @ No.5 Ohio State (4-1, 2-0)

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

3:15 P.M.

Big Ten Network

Ohio State by 34 1/2, 56 1/2

I’m really sick and tired of Jeremiah Smith and some other players striking the Heisman pose after scoring touchdowns against inferior teams. That kid and a couple of others are showing a lot of arrogance, and after Texas shut him down in the second half in Austin and he dropped a couple of passes, Smith might think twice before acting so arrogantly against lesser competition. He hasn’t proven it against a real team yet this season, that’s for sure.

Ohio State 45, Maryland 14

Stanford (2-3) @ No.3 Notre Dame (5-0)

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN.

2:30 P.M.

NBC

Fighting Irish by 38 1/2, 54 1/2

I like the Fighting Irish to win, but that’s a few too many points for me. There’s always that question of how good are they really? Miami plays at Notre Dame later this season, so we’ll find out then.

Notre Dame 42, Stanford 10

No. 19 USC (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) @ Penn State (3-2, 0-2)

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

6:30 P.M.

NBC

Penn State by 1 1/2, 54 1/2

I’ll take the slight upset here. Lincoln Riley sure needs it.

USC 27, Penn State 24

North Carolina (2-2, 0-1 ACC) @ No.25 Pitt (5-0, 2-0)

Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA.

11 A.M.

ESPN

Pittsburgh by 3 1/2, 47 1/2

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi looks like he came straight out of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, but his team is good. They did lose starting quarterback Mason Heintschel for the season to an injury last Friday Night at Virginia Tech in a wild 35-33 Panthers win in which a last second field goal by VA Tech was ruled no good by the refs under the crossbars. Man, it was close. But Pittsburgh moved on. Former Auburn quarterback Holden Geriner is the starter for Pitt now, and he looked pretty good to me last Friday Night. He was a four-star out of high school in Georgia when Auburn signed him in 2022.

Pittsburgh 28, North Carolina 24

UCF (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) @ No. 18 Oklahoma State (3-1, 1-0)

Boone Pickens Stadium. Gotta love that. Sounds like a successful Southwestern oil businessman, which he was. Stillwater, OK.

11 A.M.

ESPN2

OK. State by 10 1/2, 53 1/2

I’m buying first year coach Eric Morris and the Pokes.

Oklahoma State 35, UCF 23

College Football Playoff as it stands today

1. Alabama, 2. Miami, 3. Georgia, 4. Notre Dame 5. Texas, 6. Indiana, 7. Ohio State, 8. LSU, 9. UCLA, 10. Oklahoma State, 11. Utah, 12. North Dakota State

First Round, played at home stadiums of higher seeded teams

Friday, 12/18/26

No.5 Texas over No.12 North Dakota State, 7 P.M., ESPN

Saturday, 12/19/26

No.6 Indiana over No.11 Utah, 11 A.M., ESPN

No.10 Oklahoma State over No. 7 Ohio State, 2:30 P.M. TNT/truTV

No.8 LSU over No. 9 UCLA, 6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, 12/30/26,

VRBO Fiesta Bowl, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ.

6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

No. 3 Georgia over No. 8 LSU

Friday, 1/1/27

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

7 P.M., ESPN

No.1 Alabama over No.10 Oklahoma State

Goodyear Cotton Bowl, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.

11 A.M.

No.6 Indiana over No.2 Miami

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA.

3 P.M., ESPN

No.5 Texas over No.4 Notre Dame

Semifinals

Thursday, 1/14/27

Capital One Orange Bowl, Miami Gardens

6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

No.6 Indiana over No. 3 Georgia

Friday, 1/15/27

Allstate Sugar Bowl, N’Awlins

6:30 P.M., ABC/ESPN

No.1 Alabama over No.5 Texas

National Championship Game

Monday, January 25, 2027

Allegiant Stadium, Vegas

6:30 P.M. ESPN/ABC

No.1 Alabama 27, No.6 Indiana 24

The Crimson Tide extracts revenge from last season’s Rose Bowl.

National Champion: Alabama

MVP, Keelon Russell

Key contests brewing in the SEC and Nationally in Week 5 of College Football. This week’s Playoff Predictions

October 1, 2026

Kamario Taylor is a major test for the Crimson Tide defense. (Photo courtesy of Instagram).

The No.7 Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers face serious assignments in conference play this Saturday as the Tide travels 85 miles west to Starkville and the Cow Bells, while the Tigers head north to Knoxville and encounter the Tennessee Vols and the “friendly” confines of Neyland Stadium. Both Neyland Stadium and Davis Wade Stadium will be rockin’.

Also in the SEC, Florida goes to Missouri, Kentucky travels to South Carolina, and Georgia, LSU, Arkansas and A&M are all in action. Texas, after their slugfest with Tennessee last Saturday, in which they prevailed, 20-17, a reeling Oklahoma team and an Ole Miss team that had their tails kicked at Gainesville, are all off.

Interesting national matchups on the Saturday lineup as well.

Here’s a look at the action this weekend along with predictions.

All games Saturday. All Times Central.

Record: Last Week: Straight up-13-5, Overall: 65-17, 79%

Against the Spread: 11-7, 44-38, 54%

Over/Under: 12-6, 47-35, 57%

No.7 Alabama (4-0) @ No.16 Mississippi State (4-0)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

11 A.M.

ABC

Crimson Tide by 5 1/2, 60 1/2

Keelon Russell has been a phenom the last two weeks for Alabama, completing 23-of-30 passes for 320 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions versus FSU, and going 21-of-27 for 365, 4 TDs and 0 ints against South Carolina last Saturday in Crimson Tide victories over those respective teams.

He’s also rushed for a TD in each of those games. For the season, he’s 78-of-110, 71%, for 1,129 yards, 8 TDs and 2 interceptions. He’s explosive, electric and has taken over the lead of this team in this so far successful season.

But Kamario Taylor ain’t no joke, either. The Mississippi State quarterback has completed 83-of-120 passes, 69%, for 1,192 yards, with 14 TDs against only 2 ints.

So, it’s a clash of the titans behind center on Saturday in Starkville The weather looked questionable up until today, but the forecast is looking much more promising.

I’m looking at a high powered, offensive game with the Crimson Tide prevailing in an SEC classic. Both quarterbacks will do well and they’ll be factors running the football also, which could be the difference as Russell makes one more big play than Taylor does.

Alabama 34, Mississippi State 27


Auburn (2-1) @ No.17 Tennessee (3-1)

Neyland Stadium, Knoxvegas

2:30 P.M.

ESPN

Vols by 6 1/2, 53 1/2

I like a solid game here, but I see the home field being the difference for the Vols.

Tennessee 24, Auburn 17

Vanderbilt (3-1) @ No.2 Georgia (4-0)

Sanford Stadium, Athens

11:45 A.M.

SEC Network

Georgia by 25 1/2, 51 1/2

Vanderbilt freshman quarterback Jared Curtis, a five star who looks like he could be terrific if he ever gets some help, is questionable for this game.

Curtis took a beating at Auburn last Saturday. As Bill Gates Bates and I like to say, this could be a “B-I-D” for the Commodores, a “Blessing in Disguise,” if he doesn’t play. Georgia may knock him out for the season with the blocking Curtis has ben getting and with how violent and physical Georgia is. Georgia dominates, regardless.

Georgia 42, Vanderbilt 10

No.8 Florida (4-0) @ No.25 Missouri (3-1)

Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field, Columbia, MO.

2:30 P.M.

ABC

Gators by 5 1/2, 57 1/2

The Gators look for real after annihilating Pete Golding’s defense last Saturday.

Florida 34, Missouri 24

Arkansas (2-2) @ Texas A&M (2-2)

Kyle Field, College Station

6 P.M.

ESPN2

Aggies by 13 1/2, 49 1/2

I like A&M in this contest, but I don’t like’em to beat the spread.

It’s been a struggle this season for A&M quarterback Marcel Reed and his first year offensive coordinator Holman Wiggins, who took over from Collin Klein, now the head coach at Kansas State, which is 3-1 overall, but 0-1 in the Big 12, losing to Cincinnati 31-26 last Saturday.

Texas A&M 31, Arkansas 20

No.24 Kentucky (3-1) @ South Carolina (2-3)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, S.C.

3:15 P.M.

SEC Network

South Carolina by 3 1/2, 54 1/2

Maybe Kentucky’s first year coach Will Stein’s proclamation back at SEC Media Days in July that he’s the savior of Kentucky football could be prophetic. After his victory at College Station a couple of weeks ago, he became a little more believable.

Real long way to go for Stein though, and I don’t see him being successful this Saturday. Arrogance can take you just so far.

South Carolina 28, Kentucky 24

McNeese (2-3) @No. 11 LSU (3-1)

Tiguh Stadium, Baaton Rouge

6:45 P.M.

SEC Network

L-S-U by 53 1/2, 61 1/2

Lane and the Bengal Tigers get a breather this Saturday.

LSU 59, McNeese 3

National Slate

No.5 Ohio State (3-1) @ No.14 Iowa (4-0)

Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City

2:30 P.M.

CBS

Buckeyes by 14 1/2, 45 1/2

I like this game to be competitive for a while, but for the Buckeyes to pull away in the fourth quarter.

Ohio State 31, Iowa 14

No. 3 Notre Dame (4-0) @ North Carolina (2-1)

Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill, N.C.

11 A.M.

ESPN

Fighting Irish by 22 1/2, 47 1/2

Give me the Fighting Irish to control this game.

Notre Dame 38, North Carolina 10

No.4 Miami (4-0) @ Clemson (3-1)

Memorial Stadium, Clemson, S.C.

6:30 P.M.

ABC

Miami by 16 1/2, 47 1/2

I’ll take the ‘Canes to “matriculate” at Death Valley.

Miami 31, Clemson 14

No.10 BYU (3-0) @ TCU (2-2)

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX.

6 P.M.

ESPN

BYU by 6 1/2, 47 1/2

I like this to be a tight contest, but with Kilani Sitake and his Cougars to prevail.

BYU 31, TCU 28

No.6 Indiana (4-0) @ Rutgers (1-3)

SHI Stadium, Piscataway, New Jersey

7 P.M.

Big Ten Network

Hoosiers by 24 1/2, 56 1/2

Trying to figure out if Indiana is a contender or a pretender. They play @ Nebraska next Saturday, which is now 4-0, and then Ohio State comes to Bloomington Saturday, October 17th. That’ll be a Saturday Night 6:30 prime time ABC game.

We’ll find out if Indiana is elite or “middle of the road,” then

Indiana 38, Rutgers 13

College Football Playoff Projections

12 Playoff Teams

No.1 Georgia, No.2 Alabama, No.3 Florida, No.4 Notre Dame, No.5 Miami, No.6 Texas, No.7 Ohio State, No.8 LSU, No.9 Oregon, No.10 Mississippi State, No.11 Oklahoma State, No. 12 North Dakota State-one of the tougher teams west of Athens.

First Round games, All games are home for the higher seeded teams

Friday, 12/18/26, 7 P.M. CT, ESPN

No.5 Miami over No.12 North Dakota State

Saturday Games, 12/19/26

No.11 Oklahoma State over No.6 Texas, 11 A.M. ESPN

No.10 Mississippi State over No.7 Ohio State, 2:30 P.M. CT, TNT/truTV

No.8 LSU over No.9 Oregon, 6:30 P.M. TNT/truTV

Quarterfinals

VRBO Fiesta Bowl, Wednesday, 12/30/26, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ. 6:30 P.M. TNT/truTV

No.8 LSU over No.3 Florida

Friday, 1/1/27

Goodyear Cotton Bowl, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX. 11 A.M. TNT/truTV

No.2 Alabama over No.10 Mississippi State

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, CA., 3 P.M. ESPN

No.5 Miami over No.4 Notre Dame

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA. 7 P.M. ESPN

No.1 Georgia over No.11 Oklahoma State

Semifinals

Thursday, 1/14/27

Capital One Orange Bowl, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL. 6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

No.1 Georgia over No.8 LSU

Friday, 1/15/27

Allstate Sugar Bowl, Caesars Superdome, N’Awlins, ESPN/ABC

No.2 Alabama over No.5 Miami

Monday, 1/25/27

National Championship Game

Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas

6:30 P.M.

ESPN/ABC

As of today, I like Keelon Russell and the Crimson Tide to prevail in a classic over Gunner 

Stockton and ‘Dem Dawgs. I like the Tide and Georgia to split the regular season and the SEC Championship Game, and for the third game of the triple-header to go to the Crimson Tide.

Alabama 27, Georgia 24

Most Valuable Player in National Championship Game

Keelon Russell

College Football Week 4 with some Classics. Here are Predictions

September 25, 2026
Kalen is hoping his team can improve even more against a tough SEC opponent. (Photo courtesy of Facebook).

I was going to be out of town this weekend in New York, so I was not writing, but with a Nor’Eastern blowing through the City this weekend, it gives me a chance to predict the games.

I was hopeful I would be spending the weekend with my daughters and son-in-law and doing some fun stuff including going to the Giants-Titans game on Sunday. But such is life. And there is a lot of stellar college football this weekend, so I’ll post the scores without much elaboration as I wasn’t expecting to be writing this. I’ll have a lot more elaboration in week 5 and going forward.

Here are this weekend’s predictions.

Last Week: SU: 13-5, Overall, 52-12, 81%. ATS: 12-6, 33-31, 52%. O/U: 7-11, 35-29, 55%.

All times Central and all games Saturday.

South Carolina (2-1) @ No.8 Alabama (3-0)

Bryant-Denny, 6 P. M. ESPN

Bama by 12 1/2, 54 1/2

Crimson Tide 38, South Carolina 28

Vanderbilt (3-0) @ Auburn (2-1)

Jordan-Hare

3:15 P.M., SEC Network

AU by 9 1/2, 55 1/2

Vanderbilt 28, Auburn 27

No.1 Texas (3-0) @ No. 14 Tennessee (3-0)

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville

11 A.M., ABC

Texas by 4 1/2, 54 1/2

Texas 31, Tennessee 27

No.4 Ole Miss (4-0) @ No.21 Florida (3-0)

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

2:30 P.M., ABC

Florida by 3 1/2, 59 1/2

Ole Miss 34, Florida 30

Oklahoma (2-1) @ No. 2 Georgia (3-0)

Sanford Stadium, Athens

2:30 P.M., ESPN

Dawgs by 13 1/2, 44 1/2

Georgia 31, Oklahoma 14

No.23 Texas A&M (2-1) @ No. 10 LSU (2-1)

Tiger Stadium, Baaton Rouge

6:30 P.M., ABC

L-S-U by 8 1/2, 52 1/2

LSU 31, A&M 21

No.19 Missouri (3-0) @ No.24 Mississippi State (3-0)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkvegas

6:45 P.M. S-E-C Network

Mississippi State by 6 1/2, 58 1/2

Mississippi State 31, Mizzou 28

South Alabama (2-1) @ Kentucky (2-1)

Kroger Field, Lexington

11:45 A.M., SEC Network

KY by 20 1/2, 54 1/2

Kentucky 34, South AL. 17

Tulsa (3-0) @ Arkansas (1-2)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville

7 P.M., SECN+

Hogs by 6 1/2, 50 1/2

Arkansas 27, Tulsa 23

Key National Game this week

No.20 Oregon (2-1) @ No.12 USC (3-0)

Los Angeles Memorial Stadium

6:30 P.M., NBC

Oregon by 3 1/2, 61 1/2

Oregon 35, USC 31

No.3 Notre Dame (3-0) @ Purdue (1-2)

Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana

1 P.M., Peacock

Fighting Irish by 27 1/2, 57 1/2

Notre Dame 42, Purdue 20

Tonight

Northwestern (2-0) @ No.5 Indiana (3-0)

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN.

7, FOX

Indiana by 20 1/2, 49 1/2

Indiana 35, Northwestern 17

Saturday again for the rest of the games

Illinois (2-1) @ No.7 Ohio State

Ohio Stadium, Columbus

11 A.M. FOX

Ohio State by 27 1/2, 54 1/2

Ohio State 42, Illinois 17

No. 17 Iowa (3-0) @ No. 18 Michigan (3-0)

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

2:30 P.M., CBS

Michigan by 5 1/2, 38 1/2

Michigan 20, Iowa 17

Wake Forest (2-1) @ No. 16 Louisville (2-1)

L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville

11 A.M., ESPN

Louisville by 12 1/2, 57 1/2

Louisville 28, Wake 24

No.15 Utah (3-0) @ Iowa State (2-1)

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa

2:30 P.M., FOX

Utah by 8 1/2, 47 1/2

Utah 27, Iowa State 24

Wisconsin (2-1) @ No.13 Penn State (3-0)

Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA.

4 P.M., Peacock

Penn State by 9 1/2, 43 1/2

Penn State 28, Wisconsin 17

Central Michigan (2-1) @ No.6 Miami (3-0)

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL.

5:30 P.M., CW Network

Miami by 41 1/2, 54 1/2

Miami 51, Central Michigan 7

Bama-FSU, Auburn-Florida and a Border War in Oxford headline Week 3 of College Football. College Football Playoff Projections

September 17, 2026
Virginia Tech transfer linebacker Caleb Woodson has made a huge difference at inside backer for the Crimson Tide. (Photo courtesy of Instagram).

The Crimson Tide is out for a little vengeance, and the Auburn Tigers are in a critical rivalry game as their two talented young coaches renew a rivalry of their own from the American Conference. Meanwhile, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium will be extremely raucous as a villain and his team enter the confines.

There will be several other meaningful SEC matchups, with all teams in action, along with some SEC versus non-conference games and a couple of key national matchups featuring heavyweights from the Big Ten, at least I thought so until last Saturday Night in Austin, competing against lighter-weight opponents.

Here’s a look at all of that, along with predictions and projections for the fluid landscape of the 12-team College Football Playoff, on White’s World Sports Confidential.

Last Week’s Record/Overall Record

Straight Up: 15-3, 39-7, 85%. ATS: 8-10, 21-25, 46%. O/U: 13-5, 28-18, 61%.

All game times are Central. All games on Saturday unless otherwise noted.

Florida State (1-1) @ No.10 Alabama (2-0)

Bryant-Denny Stadium, 2:30 P.M., ABC.

Bama by 18 1/2, 48 1/2

After a rough first half, I thought the Tide settled down, played superb defense and got the offense started cookin’. Running back Daniel Hill rushed for 104 yards on 18 carries, 5.8 attempt, with a long run of 31 yards and a TD in a 31-7 road victory over Kentucky. I liked what I saw in the second half.

I like the Tide to exact revenge on FSU on Saturday. I think this team believes that what happened last season at Doak Campbell was unacceptable.

Alabama 35, Florida State 10

I like Keelon Russell and the Crimson Tide to be solid on Saturday as they matriculate this season. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports).

Omar Mabson and the Tigers ran the … “heck” out of the ball last Saturday Night in Jordan-Hare. (Photo courtesy of Facebook).

Florida (2-0) @ Auburn (2-0)

Jordan-Hare, 6 P.M., ESPN

Florida by 1 1/2, 53 1/2

I loved the Tigers running game last Saturday, even though Alex was pretty upset about the effort against Southern Miss.

The Tigers rushed for 350 yards last Saturday night in a 43-8 victory over Southern Miss. They were led by Omar Mabson II’s 108 yards, Byrum Brown’s 88 and Jeremiah Cobb’s 85.

Florida has a solid team under first year coach Jon Sumrall, who renews a rivalry with Coach Golesh. Sumrall coached at Tulane and Golesh at South Florida the past several seasons. Sumrall and Tulane defeated Golesh and the Bulls 45-10 in New Orleans in 2024.

The Tigers special teams will have to be solid to corral Florida punt return man Vernell Brown III, who already taken two punts back to the house this season.

With that said, I always like the home crowd at Jordan-Hare and I love the DJ Durkin defense and the running game. Give me the Tigers in a slight upset.

Auburn 27, Florida 24

Are KIffin and LSU doing what they always do? Lie? (Photo courtesy of Instagram).

No. 7 LSU (2-0) @ No.8 Ole Miss (2-0)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, 6:30 P.M. ABC

LSU by 1 1/2, 57 1/2

What a blockbuster, with massive storylines. Kiffin returns to the place where he’s public enemy number one. The LSU availability report on the SEC website lists quarterback Sam Leavitt as doubtful, meaning there is a 25 percent chance he’ll play. But do you really trust that? It looks like more deception and sandbagging from Kiffin and the Bayou subterfuge machine.

Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacey are still in Oxford, so even if Leavitt starts, I like Chambliss, Lacey and the Rebels to get the better of LSU.

Ole Miss 31, LSU 27

UTSA (2-0) @ No. 1 Texas (2-0)

DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, 7 P.M. SEC Network+

Texas by 29, 58 1/2

Texas couldn’t even get it right after they defeated then-No.1 Ohio State in Austin last Saturday night. After a colossal choke job by Ryan Day, defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, quarterback Julian “Just” Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Texas completed an impressive comeback from a 23-3 second half deficit to win 24-23.

While Arch Manning and Steve Sarkisian look like heroes, Sarkisian blew off ABC’s Holly Rowe after the game without giving her the courtesy of an interview. Sarkisian just ran off and said “Hook’em” or something like that looking for his big buddy Matthew McConaughey, who wants to believe he’s a coach despite the fact that he’s all fiction.

Then, on Monday, Manning laughed at and called some sort of spoof of Sarkisian slapping Rowe, “hilarious.” Real classy, Arch.

I’m still not a complete believer in Texas. I still doubt the team’s toughness. Ohio State is never tough under Ryan Day, so Texas defeating the Buckeyes wasn’t really about toughness.

The jury is still out on Texas, in my opinion. The Longhorns have purchased a lot of talent, but can Sarkisian and Manning really get it done when it matters? That’s still my biggest question about them.

Texas 42, UTSA 14

No.2 Georgia (2-0) @ Arkansas (1-1)

Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, 11 A.M. ABC

Georgia by 24 1/2, 54 1/2

Georgia is for real, but can Kirby Smart get it done when it really counts? Gunner Stockton and all that talent sure give him a shot. Smart is known for making questionable decisions in the clutch that can cost his teams crucial games, but the Dawgs are highly talented and physical. Arkansas, under first year coach Ryan Silverfield, has a ways to go before it is competitive in the SEC.

Georgia 45, Arkansas 14

Kentucky (1-1) @ No. 9 Texas A&M (2-0)

Kyle Field, College Station, 2:30 P.M. ESPN

A&M by 17 1/2, 50 1/2

Kentucky Coach Will Stein may want to rethink his arrogant comments at SEC Media Days that he’s the reason the Wildcats will excel. It was kind of shocking when he was asked why he thought Kentucky would be successful, and said, “Because of me.” Though Mike Elko’s shown a propensity to collapse in the postseason, he and his Aggies will teach Stein another lesson in life in the SEC. The former Oregon offensive coordinator will get it handed to him again.

A&M 35, Kentucky 14

Mississippi State (2-0) @ South Carolina (2-0)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, 3:15 P.M. SEC Network

Gamecocks by 3 1/2, 58 1/2

I like LaNorris Sellers and Shane Beamer to just barely get by a much-improved Mississippi State team that went to Minnesota last Saturday and blasted the Golden Gophers, 38-13. I almost want to pick the Bullies and Jeff Lebby, but I’ll take the home-field advantage here.

South Carolina 31, Mississippi State 28

Kennesaw State (1-1) @ No. 15 Tennessee (2-0)

Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, 6:45 P.M. SEC Network

Tennessee by 35 1/2, 59 1/2

Vols freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon has been good so far, but the competition, Furman and a down Georgia Tech team, hasn’t been too strong.

Tennessee 49, Kennesaw State 14

Troy (2-0) @ No.20 Missouri (2-0)

Memorial Stadium, Columbia, Missouri, 6 P.M. SEC Net+

Missouri by 26 1/2, 50 1/2

I like Missouri to win but not cover.

Missouri 34, Troy 10

New Mexico (2-0) @ No.24 Oklahoma (1-1)

Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, 6:30 P.M. ESPN

Oklahoma by 20 1/2, 46 1/2

Another SEC team I like to win, but not cover. Brent Venables, offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and quarterback John Mateer were a disaster in 17-10 loss to Michigan at Ann Arbor. All three look like they’re out of their league right now.

Oklahoma 31, New Mexico 14

NC State (1-1) @ Vanderbilt (2-0)

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville. 11:45 A.M., SEC Network

Commodores by 3 1/2, 50 1/2

Five-star freshman Jared Curtis finally gets the start and bails Clark Lea out. This move could definitely change the trajectory of the Commodores program this season. Maybe Curtis can get Lea to six wins and a bowl game victory and more momentum with Curtis the centerpiece of the future.

This is a tough game for the Commodores on Saturday, however. They need to win these out of conference games because the conference ia a beast starting @ Auburn a week from Saturday, 9/26.

Vanderbilt 27, NC State 23

Good games Nationally

No. 16 SMU (2-0) @ No. 23 Louisville (1-1)

L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, Louisville, 2:30 P.M., ESPN2

Louisville by 1 1/2, 59 1/2

I’m looking at a really solid game here, with SMU almost pulling it off. But the home-field advantage gets the job done. Two good teams.

Louisville 31, SMU 30

Friday

No. 22 Houston (2-0) @ No.13 Texas Tech (2-0)

Galaxy Stadium? Lubbock, Texas, 7 P.M., FOX

Texas Tech by 7 1/2, 51 1/2

Lubbock, we’ll have a problem. Taking the upset.

Houston 34, Texas Tech 31

Friday

No. 5 Miami (2-0) @ Wake Forest (2-0)

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, Winston-Salem, 6:30 P.M., ESPN

Miami by 20 1/2, 55 1/2

Miami looks good, like a top-three team in the country, but the competition has been pretty light. I like’em to win and cover here, though.

Miami 42, Wake 17

Back to Saturday

Michigan State (2-0) @ No.3 Notre Dame (2-0)

Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana, 6:30 P.M., NBC

Notre Dame by 29 1/2, 52 1/2

Notre Dame, who knows yet? I like’em to win at home but not cover.

Notre Dame 42, Michigan State 17

West Virginia (2-0) @ No.25 Virginia

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina, 6:30 P.M., ACC Network

UVA by 9 1/2, 53 1/2

I love UVA, but I think this’ll be a tough game because Rich Rod is good at West Virginia.

Virginia 28, West VA. 24

Joke National Games

Western Kentucky (0-2) @ No. 4 Indiana (2-0)

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, 3 P.M., Peacock

Indiana by 44 1/2, 60 1/2

Indiana with its typical joke of a non-conference schedule. Come on, Cignetti!

Indiana 49, Western Kentucky 10

Kent State (1-1) @ No.6 Ohio State (1-1)

Ohio Stadium. 11 A.M. Big Ten Network

Ohio State by 52 1/2, 59 1/2

Ryan Day can win the cupcake games, but he hasn’t historically proven that he can defeat the better teams. I’m never sold on Day, even though he won it all two years ago. They spend more than anybody in college football.

Ohio State 58, Kent State 7

One more thing: Dan Lanning may be the most overrated coach in college football. He just can’t ever get it done when it matters. Oregon lost to Oklahoma State 39-31 last Saturday at Stillwater. Oklahoma State has a good new coach in Eric Morris from North Texas, but nearly all of his players are transfers. So, there is no excuse for that. Lanning proved again that he gags in the clutch.

Playoff as of today. It’ll change.

1. Miami 2. Georgia 3. Texas 4. Alabama 5. Notre Dame 6.Ole Miss 7. Texas A&M 8. Indiana 9. Ohio State 10. Houston 11. Virginia 12. Boise State

First Round. All games at the Higher-Seeded Team’s Home Stadium

Friday, December 18, 2026

No.5 Notre Dame over No.12 Boise State, 7 P.M. ESPN

Saturday, 12/19/26

No.6 Ole Miss over No.11 Virginia, 11 A.M. ESPN

No.10 Houston over No.7 Texas A&M, 2:30 P.M. TNT/truTV

No.8 Indiana over No.9 Ohio State, 6:30 P.M. TNT/truTV

Quarterfinals

Wednesday, 12/30/26, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, 6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

Ole Miss over No.3 Texas

Friday, 1/1/27. All Three Other Quarterfinal Games

Goodyear Cotton Bowl, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, 11 A.M., TNT/truTV

No.4 Alabama over Notre Dame

Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California, 3 P.M., ESPN

No.2 Georgia over Houston

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, 7 P.M., ESPN

No.1 Miami over Indiana

Semifinals

Thursday, 1/14/27

Capital One Orange Bowl, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, 6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

Alabama over Miami

Friday, 1/15/27

Allstate Sugar Bowl, Caesars Superdome, N’Awlins, 6:30 P.M., TNT/truTV

Georgia over Ole Miss

National Championship Game

Monday, 1/25/27, Allegiant Stadium, Vegas, 6:30 P.M., ESPN/ABC

Alabama 24, Georgia 23

National Champion

The Alabama Crimson Tide

Most Valuable Player

Keelon Russell

Week 2 College Football features massive game in Austin, Bama on the Road in the SEC, Tigers at home, Riley Green music video

September 10, 2026

Auburn’s Eric Winters with the defensive play of the season so far for the Tigers last Saturday in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Photo courtesy of Tik Tok).

Alabama and Auburn emerged victorious last Saturday with the Crimson Tide having a relatively easy time of it despite some hiccups, and the Tigers surviving a strong Baylor effort with one of the best form tackles you’ll ever see to save the game.

This weekend, the headliner is in Austin where the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes and their prolific wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who sure looks like the Heisman leader right now though Miami’s Malachi Toney can give him a run, will square off with Arch Manning and the No.4 Longhorns for a primetime Saturday night game.

The Crimson Tide travels to Kentucky in what will be a good first test for Keelon Russell and the Crimson Tide offense and Yhonzae Pierre and the defense.

The Auburn Tigers after barely getting by Baylor in what turned out to be a riveting final quarter of football, get a home game versus Southern Miss.

There are some other nice matchups with SEC teams playing key national opponents and all the best teams in action.

Last Week- Straight Up-21-0, Overall-24-4, 86%, ATS, 9-12, 13-15, 46%. O/U-11-10, 15-13, 54%.

As usual, all games Saturday unless otherwise noted and all games Central time.

No. 12 Alabama (1-0) @ Kentucky (1-0)

Kroger Field, 2:30 P.M., ABC

Crimson Tide by 10 1/2, 49 1/2

Keelon Russell passed his first test last Saturday. It’ll get a little tougher in Lexington on Saturday. I like what I’m seeing out of freshman running back EJ Crowell. He looks like he’ll be stellar. I like Alabama to get a lot better from game one and have good success in Lexington.

Alabama 38, Kentucky 14

Southern Miss (1-0) @ Auburn (1-0)

Jordan-Hare

6:45 P.M. SEC Network

Tigers by 32 1/2, 56 1/2

Strong safety Eric Winters saved Auburn from a heartbreaker last Saturday with a game- saving tackle of Baylor tight end Matthew Klopfenstein on Baylor’s two point conversion attempt as the Tigers salvaged a victory, 17-16 after being outplayed by Florida transfer quarterback DJ Lagway and the Bears.

Coach Golesh was poised afterwards, but said the team has a lot of work ahead of it, if it wants to have a successful season.

I like the Tigers to get a little better in game two at home.

Auburn 35, Southern Miss 14

No. 1 Ohio State (1-0) @ No.4 Texas (1-0)

DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium

6:30 P.M. ABC

Texas by 1 1/2, 49 1/2

It’s going to be hot and windy in Austin with game time temperatures in the mid 90’s and wind gusting to 18. So this might be a lower scoring game than first thought. I’ll take the Buckeyes and Jeremiah Smith to survive this one. Smith caught 8 passes for a buck fifth one and 2 TDs last Saturday. I see him right now as the best player in college football. He’s the difference-maker for Ohio State.

Ohio State 20, Texas 17

No.11 Oklahoma (1-0) @ Michigan (1-0)

Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor

11 A.M. FOX

OU by 5 1/2, 43 1/2

Michigan is incredibly lucky to have won their game with Western Michigan. After a failed Hail Mary with the clock saying 0:00 left, the Big Ten refs somehow said there was a second left. It was a travesty. Western Michigan should have won that game. Bryce Underwood and Michigan are not impressive.

Michigan has a lot of work to do. I don’t know if new head coach Kyle Whittingham, who came up to Ann Arbor from Utah, is that great.

Oklahoma 23, Michigan 17

No. 18 Tennessee (1-0) @ Georgia Tech (0-1)

Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta

6 P.M. ESPN

Tennessee by 12 1/2, 55 1/2

The Vols have a pretty tough opponent, and the weather is a little questionable as of right now with a chance of t-storms and windy. Freshman quarterback Faizon Brandon looks pretty sharp. Vols skate by.

Tennessee 20, Tech 14

Arizona State (1-0) @ No. 10 Texas A&M (1-0)

Kyle Field, College Station

11 A.M. ABC

Aggies by 14 1/2, 50 1/2

Arizona State is scrappy under Kenny Dillingham. They give Marcel Reed and the Aggies some trouble, but A&M survives.

Texas A&M 31, Arizona State 27

Western Kentucky (0-1) @ No.2 Georgia (1-0)

Sanford Stadium, Athens

11:45 A.M. SEC Network

Georgia by 40 1/2, 55 1/2

As Excedrin says, “Dawgs keep it rollin’.” Injuries are the main concern for Georgia in this game.

Georgia 56, Western Kentucky 10

Friday

No.23 Missouri (1-0) @ Kansas (1-0)

Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence

7 P.M. FOX

Missouri by 5 1/2, 50 1/2

I’m looking at a pretty tight game here, but I’ll take the Mizzou Tigers to emerge.

Missouri 30, Kansas 24

Louisiana Tech (1-0) @ No. 8 LSU (1-0)

Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA.

6:30 P.M. SEC Network+

LSU by 35 1/2, 56 1/2

I’m going to stop worrying about Kiffin. He’ll always be hateable, but the team looks good. They did kill a pretty terrible Clemson team last Saturday Night. Dabo looks clueless in this era of college football. I like the old school recruiting and development approach the best, but you’ve got to change things up when things are going south. I would think Clemson has the financial ability to attract good players. Don’t know for a fact, but South Carolina can, so Dabo either needs to accept this new era of college football or call it a career.

LSU 49, LA Tech 13

Mississippi State (1-0) @ Minnesota (1-0)

Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

2:30 P.M. CBS

Minnesota by 1 1/2, 55 1/2

I’ll take the upset here. I like what I’m seeing in year 3 at Starkville with Coach Jeff Lebby and new quarterback Kamario Taylor, who completed 22 of 34 last Saturday for 354 yards and 4 TDs and 0 interceptions as State “bulldozed” LA. Monroe, 62-13.

Give me Coach Lebby, Taylor and the Bullies.

State 27, Minnesota 24

Arkansas (1-0) @ No.20 Utah (1-0)

Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake

9:15 P.M. ESPN

Utah by 12 1/2, 55 1/2

I’ll take the Utes.

Utah 31, Arkansas 21

No. 9 Ole Miss 55, Charlotte 7

Vaught-Hemingway, Oxford

6:45 P.M. ESPN

Ole Miss by 47 1/2, 59 1/2

Ole Miss is lucky to be 1-0. Their defense fell apart against Louisville and they barely survived. Louisville’s a pretty good offense, but Pete Golding was saying how great his defense was before the season and I’m not seeing it.

Other Scores from the SEC and Nationally

Florida 45, Campbell 14

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville

4:30 P.M. SEC Network+

Gators by 51 1/2, 66 1/2

Florida hasn’t been challenged, so it’s hard to tell if they’re any good.

South Carolina 49, Towson 6

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia

6 P.M. SEC Network+

Gamecocks by 42 1/2, 55 1/2

Even though they haven’t played anybody I’m getting pretty bullish on this team with OC Kendal Briles working with LaNorris Sellers.

Vanderbilt 34, Delaware 17

FirstBank Stadium, Nashville

3:15 P.M. SEC Network

Vandy by 21 1/2, 54 1/2

I don’t like at all what Clark Lea is doing with his two quarterback system. Play five-star freshman Jared Curtis and don’t play low three-star senior Blaze Berlowitz. He’s messing up the team and the momentum they created from last season.

No.6 Oregon 37, Oklahoma State 14

Boone Pickens Stadium, Stillwater, OK.

11 A.M. ESPN

Oregon by 22 1/2, 56 1/2

I thought Oregon wouldn’t have major problems with Boise State, but they just got by, 34-27 at home. The question every year is do you trust Oregon? I never do trust them to go all the way, but we got a long way to go.

No. 5 Indiana 66, Howard 7

Memorial Stadium, Bloomington

11 A.M. Big Ten Network

Indiana by 56 1/2, 65 1/2

Total joke. You never know much about this team when they play these cupcakes. I do like quarterback Josh Hoover throwing a TD pass with blood all over his face.

Today

Miami 70, Florida A&M 3

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

7 P.M. ACC Network

Miami by 59 1/2, 65 1/2

Another joke game, but I do think the Canes are for real. Indiana is too for that matter. Malachi Toney caught 12 passes for 234 yards and 3 TDs for the Canes last Friday @ Stanford in a 45-6 victory. Quarterback Darian Mensah completed 27 of 30 passes for 401, 5 TDs and 0 interceptions. Certainly Heisman candidates on South Beach.

Here’s a nice music video from Jacksonville, Alabama native Riley Green.

Week 1 of College Football Has Arrived

September 3, 2026

Coach Golesh leads his Auburn Tigers into his and their maiden voyage as a football team in Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Photo courtesy of Auburn Tigers).

Good Thursday afternoon, and welcome to Week 1 of College Football. There has been so much controversy and upheaval in the game this summer and early into this season, that it’s mind-spinning every day to read about LSU and the SEC, and everything else going on.

The latest is that the SEC is suing LSU to disallow it from adding players who have signed NFL contracts to its roster. That saga is to be determined. Baton Rouge Judge William Jorden will decide today if the temporary restraining order allowing the professional players to play at LSU will be upheld, allowing them to play until at least September 11th.

It’s a cluster, and that’s all this Blog is going to talk about concerning that, as there is some terrific football going on this weekend around the Southeastern Conference and nationally.

The marquee game actually takes place in Baton Rouge, with Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers visiting Tiger Stadium and Coach Kiffin and LSU. Ole Miss squares off with Louisville in Nissan Stadium in Nashville in another classic on Sunday Night.

Of course, around these parts, the Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers embark on important seasons for both programs, as Kalen DeBoer and new quarterback, the talented Keelon Russell, along with new offensive and defensive lines, take their first test in game 1 versus East Carolina.

And the Auburn Tigers really get challenged as Coach Alex Golesh comes to the Plains from South Florida, and he and his South Florida transfer quarterback Byrom Brown will face the Baylor Bears in an excellent non-conference matchup. It’s one of the marquee games of the weekend.

There are not a lot of blockbusters this first weekend, but all the big names are playing, and there are some key games that we’ll dive into.

Here’s a look at week 1 with previews and predictions.

Record last week, Week 0: SU, 3-4; ATS, 4-3; O/U, 4-3.

Games Saturday, Friday and Thursday. All games Saturday unless otherwise noted. All game times are Central.

Tier One games

East Carolina @ No.13 Alabama, Bryant-Denny Stadium 11 A.M., ABC. Bama by 28 1/2, 52 1/2

The highly talented Keelon Russell takes over the most important position in football at one of the places where it’s the most important job in state, if not the most important. (Photo courtesy of TikTok).

Keelon Russell is the highest-rated recruit ever signed by Alabama, according to 247 Sports, which started rating high school players in 2010. Keelon was a .9998 five-star. His senior season at Duncanville, Texas, he was named National Gatorade Player of the Year after throwing for 4,177 yards and 55 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. His completion percentage was 69.4 as he connected on 238 of 343 passes. He averaged 298 passing yards per game.

It was a heated competition for starting quarterback on this year’s Crimson Tide team, with former four-star recruit from the University of Washington Austin Mack battling it out tooth and nail with Keelon. Russell had a nice spring game with Mack banged up.

Russell completed 21 of 33 passes for 240, 4 TDs and only 1 int. He’s a superb talent. Mack is a highly capable backup.

But he’s got to have protection and a lot of help from the running game. Michael Carroll at right guard and Jackson Lloyd at left tackle will be leaned on for leadership and physical toughnessas they try to clear running lanes for running backs Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and five-star freshman EJ Crowell, who has battled some injuries in the spring and summer but has been declared ready to go by Coach DeBoer. The wide receivers, led by Ryan Coleman- Williams, whom Alabama fans hope is rejuvenated, will need to produce.

The defense is anchored by Bray Hubbard, Zabien Brown, Dijon Lee and a hyper-talented secondary. Outside linebacker/defensive end Yhonzee Pierre is expected to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

So what can this team get done this year? Is it a Playoff spot and a deep run? It’s possible if the line can block, Russell can develop quickly, the running backs deliver, the wideouts play high level football, and the defense shines.

I like this team. They should get off to a solid start against East Carolina.

Alabama 42, East Carolina 10

Byrom Brown takes the reins and homes in on making it great to be an Auburn Tiger once again. (Photo courtesy of Facebook).

Auburn vs. Baylor, Mercedes-Benz Stadium,Atlanta 2:30 P.M., ABC, Tigers by 7 1/2, 58 1/2

Alex Golesh and his new quarterback Byrom Brown, take center stage Saturday in Mercedes-Benz Stadium as they challenge themselves against the Baylor Bears.

In 2025 at South Florida, Brown completed 226 of 341, 66%, for 3,158 yards, 28 TDs against 7 interceptions, and also rushed for 1,008 yards and 14 TDs. Those are impressive numbers. Can it translate against SEC defenses in 2026? That’s the sixty-four-thousand- dollar question. He’ll be challenged out of the starting blocks against a pretty good Baylor team.

The Auburn rushing game, along with Brown, will need to help. Jeremiah Cobb headlines that group as the junior rushed for 969 yards and 5 TDs in 2025. Like the Crimson Tide, the Tigers will have to get good production out of their offensive line. The receivers, several of whom are from South Florida, will need to produce, and DJ Durkin’s defense, led by standout outside linebacker Xavier Atkins, will need to play solidly for the squad to make an improvement from the last several years, which Auburn fans are more than ready for.

I like the Tigers to win Saturday. They’ll be challenged by Dave Aranda’s Bears, but I’ll take the Tigers to persevere and start off with a solid out of conference victory.

Auburn 31, Baylor 27

Another marquee matchup features Kiffin versus Sweeney. (Photo courtesy of Facebook).

Clemson @ No.11 LSU, Tiger Stadium, 6:30 P.M. ABC, LSU by 10 1/2, 50 1/2

Quite a matchup of two complete opposite personalities running their respective sidelines.

Dabo Swinney is old guard, by the book: recruit’em, train’em, play hard-nosed football, respect the integrity of the game. Just play solid football.

Lane Kiffin pushes the envelope to the limit. He attacks the transfer portal, has a $50 million team payroll, and plays wide-open, go-for-it on every fourth down type football. He’s a risk taker and causes controversy wherever he is.

LSU first year quarterback Sam Leavitt completed 216 of 350 passes in 2024 for Arizona State, 62%, for 2,885 yards, 24 TDs and 6 interceptions. In an injury riddled 2025, Leavitt was 145 of 239, 61%, for 1,628 yards, 10 TDs and 3 interceptions. He brings a lot of talent, experience and leadership to the LSU Tigers football team.

On the opposite side, Coach Sweeney went with redshirt junior Christopher Vizzina of Briarwood Christian School in Birmingham and a nephew of Birmingham native Davy Bennett, whom several people know on this Blog.

Vizzina completed 45 of 71 passes last season for 406 yards, 4 TDs and 1 interception in more limited play as Cade Klubnik played most of the snaps. Klubnik is trying to make it in the pros now. So it’ll be an interesting quarterback and coaching matchup.

I like LSU only because they’re at home. There are a lot of new players down there, and it might take time for them to jell. Dabo and his team gives them a tussle.

LSU 28, Clemson 24

Sunday

Trinidad Chambliss leads his Rebels into what they hope is a spectacular season. (Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports).

No. 24 Louisville vs. No.9 Ole Miss, Nissan Stadium, Nashville, 6:30 P.M. ABC, Ole Miss by 6 1/2, 55 1/2

Pete Golding takes over for his first full season after taking over the Rebels in the Playoff, and, along with his superstar quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, leading the team to the Semifinals of the Playoff before falling to Miami late in the game. But the team posted two solid playoff victories over Tulane and Georgia.

Chambliss completed 294 of 445 passes last season, 66%, for 3,937 yards, 22 TDs and only 3 interceptions. He also rushed for 537 yards and 8 more TDs. He’s a phenom, and so is running back Kewan Lacy, who rushed for 1,567 yards and 24 scores in 2025. Both these guys are Heisman Trophy candidates, along with several others. But these are two of the best players in the country.

I like Pete, Trinidad, Kewan, and what Golding says is the best defense he’s ever coached to get the job done in Nashville.

Ole Miss 31, Louisville 24

Tennessee State @ No.3 Georgia, Sanford Stadium, 2 P.M., SEC Network+, Georgia by 47 1/2, 54 1/2

Georgia should have no problem here. Gunner Stockton and his teammates commence on what they hope will be a special season in 2026. They always are special seasons at Georgia, but Stockton and his team want to take it to another level.

Georgia 49, Tennessee State 3

Arch Manning homes in on taking Texas to the highest level. (Photo courtesy of Instagram).

Texas State @ No.5 Texas, DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, 2:30 P.M. ESPN, Texas by 30, 59 1/2

The young man from the first family of football will try to lead his Longhorns to a higher level in 2026. Texas has knocked on the door with Steve Sarkisian at the helm, and there were high hopes for Arch last season. While those expectations weren’t met, he showed a lot of promise for what kind of quarterback he can become, as Texas was one of the teams that barely missed the Playoff.

Manning completed 248 of 404 passes, 61%, for 3,163 yards, 26 TDs and 7 interceptions. He rushed for 399 yards and 10 more TDs. He’ll lead a terrifically talented Texas team into 2026, a group that thinks it can win it all. He has the running backs and the wide receiving corps, with Cam Coleman from Auburn leading the way. The offensive line and defense will decide how far the Longhorns go this season.

Texas 52, Texas State 7

Tier 2 games

Friday

UTEP @ No.10 Oklahoma, Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, 7 P.M., SEC Network, OU by 41 1/2, 51 1/2

I like Brent Venables, John Mateer and the Sooners to have a solid start to the season. The OU defense will be stout. Mateer’s play is the key to the Sooners’ success this season.

Oklahoma 45, UTEP 3

If A&M’s Marcel Reed can take it to an even higher level, the talented Aggies will be highly dangerous. (Photo courtesy of Instagram).

Missouri State @ No.8 Texas A&M, Kyle Field, 6 P.M., ESPN, Aggies by 40 1/2, 53 1/2

For Mike Elko and his Aggies, it’s all about the play of quarterback Marcel Reed this season.

If Reed excels, so do the Aggies. If he’s inconsistent, they won’t reach their goals of making the Playoff and advancing there.

I like Reed. He seems like a great kid from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville and has played a lot of good football. He completed 234 of 377, 62%, for 3,169 yards, 25 TDs and 12 interceptions in 2025. He also rushed for 493 yards and 6 more TDs. He’s got a lot of talent. He threw too many interceptions last season and had poor games against Texas in the final game of the season and against Miami in the Aggies first round playoff loss at home.

But he’s got a shot to do well, and so do the Aggies in the SEC and nationally.

Elko has the No.1 recruiting class in the country in 2027 right now.

A&M 45, Mizzou State 7

Florida Atlantic @ Florida, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, 6:45 P.M., Gators by 26 1/2, 59 1/2

Like many schools, Florida has a new coach and a new quarterback. Jon Sumrall comes over from Tulane, where he had good success, and before that at Troy. Aaron Philo, a Georgia Tech transfer, will be under center for Florida in game 1.

In limited play at Tech, Philo completed 21 of 28 passes, 75%, for 373 with a TD and one interception. He played behind established starter Haynes King at Tech.

But Sumrall and the Gators are high on Philo, and they’re ecstatic to have running back Jaden Baugh back. Baugh rushed for 1,170 yards and 8 TDs last season and has the potential, with his physicality and breakaway speed, to really enhance those numbers this season.

I like this Gators squad. They’l be heading in the right direction in 2026.

Florida 41, Florida Atlantic 14

Furman (1-0) @ No. 20 Tennessee, Neyland Stadium, 2:30 P.M., SEC Network+, Tennessee by 46 1/2, 66 1/2

Josh Heupel picked five-star freshman Faizon Brandon as his quarterback over four-star sophomore George McIntyre. Brandon is a specimen at 6’3 1/2″, 225 pounds. This will be interesting to watch. The kid’s got a ton of talent, so it might work out for Heupel and the Vols.

Tennessee 35, Furman 17

Tonight

Arkansas Pine Bluff (1-0) @ No.25 Missouri, Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field, 7 P.M., SEC Network, Mizzou by 55 1/2, 61 1/2

Missouri will start Ole Miss transfer Austin Simmons, who got Wally Pipped by Trinidad Chambliss at Oxford last season. Starting running back Ahmad Hardy was shot this summer but is expected to be back in mid September. Gotta be careful out there.

Jamal Roberts will start at running back. Roberts rushed for 753 yards and 6 TDs last season, so he’s a strong replacement for Hardy while he keeps recovering.

Give me Eli Drinkwitz and his team to have a good night tonight.

Missouri 59, Arkansas Pine Bluff 3

Tier 3 games

Kent State @ South Carolina, Williams-Brice Stadium, 11:45 A.M., SEC Network, SC by 36 1/2, 54 1/2

Shane Beamer hired Kendal Briles from TCU as his offensive coordinator to try to turn his and his team’s fortunes around. I like the hire. If he can get LaNorris Sellers playing good football under center, the Gamecocks have a chance to win 8 or 9 games this season. There’s a lot of talent on this team.

South Carolina 48, Kent State 7

Austin Peay @ Vanderbilt, FirstBank Stadium, 6 P.M., SEC Network+, Vanderbilt by 29 1/2, 60 1/2

Clark Lea had really gained momentum from last season’s 10-3 season, though they did lose in the ReliaQuest Bowl to Iowa, 34-27. They looked like they had mailed it in after not getting in the playoff.

Still, things looked highly optimistic as the Dores signed five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, stealing him away from Georgia.

But Lea has gone with New Mexico State transfer Blaze Berlowitz as his starter versus Austin Peay, saying both quarterbacks will play. I believe in the axiom that if you have two quarterbacks, you have no quarterback. And Curtis’ ceiling is so much higher than Berlowitz’s. I hope it works out for Lea. Seems like a mistake. There’s a lot of talent around the quarterback and on the other side of the ball, Lea has recruited the high schools and portal well, so maybe that can compensate for the two quarterback/no quarterback system.

Vanderbilt 30, Austin Peay 10

North Alabama (1-0) @ Arkansas, Razorback Stadium, 3:15 P.M., SEC Network, Arkansas by 40 1/2, 63 1/2

After a successful tenure at Memphis, Ryan Silverfield tests the hard-charging waters of the SEC. North Alabama’s already played and won a game, so the Hogs may be tested a little more than they think. Probably not, though. North Alabama defeated woeful Samford last Saturday, 22-10.

Arkansas 52, North Alabama 10

Kentucky 35, Youngstown State (1-0) 17

Kroger Field, Lexington, 12 P.M. SEC Network+, Kentucky by 23 1/2, 62 1/2

Mississippi State 35, LA Monroe 10

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, State by 28 1/2, 54 1/2

National Outlook

No.6 Indiana 45, North Texas 3, Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, 11 A.M. FOX, IU by 40 1/2, 55 1/2

Curt Cignetti has a new quarterback after he and Fernando Mendoza led their team to the national championship in 2025. Mendoza is now waiting his turn behind Kirk Cousins in Las Vegas for the Raiders, and Cignetti has a new quarterback, TCU transfer Josh Hoover.

Hoover completed 272 of 413 passes last season, 66%, for 3,472 yards, 29 TDs, and 13 interceptions. I feel like Cignetti and his coaching staff will figure how to get Hoover to cut down on the interceptions and have a big season, with IU right in the thick of things in December/January.

The prolific Jeremiah Smith will try to be lifting a couple of trophies in 2026. (Photo courtesy of FOX Sports).

No.1 Ohio State 56, Ball State 3

Ohio Stadium, Columbus, 11:30 A.M., Big Ten Network

Buckeyes by 50 1/2, 56 1/2

As a freshman, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith caught 76 passes for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns in a Buckeye national championship season. Last season, his sophomore year, he caught 87 passes for 1,243 yards and 12 TDs. He could be lifting the Heisman Trophy in December and the national championship trophy in January if his team pans out.

Dan Lanning tries to take the Oregon Ducks to a place they’ve never been before: on top of the college football landscape. (Photo courtesy of The Daily Emerald, Eugene, OR.)

No.2 Oregon 38, Boise State 10

Autzen Stadium, Eugene, 2:30 P.M., CBS

Oregon by 24 1/2, 51 1/2

Dan Lanning has recruited and developed Oregon into what should be the best team they’ve ever had in his five years at the helm. They have trouble with the final hurdles in the playoff, but this year’s team could be different.

Sunday

No.4 Notre Dame 31, Wisconsin 7

Lambeau Field, Green Bay. Gotta love that.

6:30 P.M. NBC

ND by 21, 46 1/2

The Fighting Irish under Marcus Freeman are playing with a mad on after being snubbed from the Playoff last season. They start their 2026 journey impressively at the Frozen Tundra.

Friday

No.7 Miami 24, Stanford 21

Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, CA.

8 P.M., ESPN

Miami by 24 1/2, 47 1/2

Miami has trouble with the rejuvenated Stanford team under coach Tavita Pritchard.

Davis Warren, the Stanford quarterback, is the son of Jeff Warren, who I was a Phi Delta Theta with at Vanderbilt. Jeff was a super guy and Davis seems like a great young guy too.

Week 0 College Football features compelling matchups as teams try to catapult themselves into the national conversation

August 27, 2026
Jaden Craig “matriculates” football-wise, to TCU after a decorated career in the Ivy League. (Photo courtesy of The Harvard Crimson).

Week 0 in College Football kicks off Saturday, and after all the upheaval over the summer, it’s time to put the controversy aside and focus on what’s best about the sport: the games.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey took a hard stand against Lane Kiffin and the LSU contingency when he barred any SEC team from adding NFL players to their roster. Players who had already signed NFL contracts.

Sankey put a league-wide penalty on any team that violated this rule. The punishment is severe. If a team does try and take an NFL player, the head coach would be suspended for half the season, the SEC would cut half of the team’s operations budget, and the school would lose SEC voting privileges.

I greatly admire the Commissioner for his strong stand.

That’s a positive for college football.

Now, onto the Week 0 matchups. Teams will be trying to establish themselves in the national landscape right out of the starting blocks. There’s an excellent storyline in every game on the opening weekend slate.

Here’s a look at Week 0, along with White’s World’s Sports Confidential’s Predictions.

Record in 2025: SU-174-58, 75%. ATS: 108-124, 47%. Over/Under: 123-109, 53%. Playoff/Bowls SU:13-8. ATS: 12-9. O/U: 15-6.

Record in 2024: 169-64, 73%; ATS: 121-111, 52%; O/U: 13-13. O/U just for bowls/Playoff, when I started keeping Over/Under. 2024 includes regular season and Playoff/Bowls.

All games are Saturday, and all times are Central. Records from 2025 are in Parentheses.

North Carolina (4-8, 2-6 ACC) vs. TCU (9-4, 5-4 Big 12)

Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland, 51,700

11 A.M.

ESPN

Mike Monaco, JRodg, Dana Boyle

TCU by 8 1/2, O/U 46 1/2

Bill Belichick tries to recover from a disastrous first year at the helm in Chapel Hill. He’s got a new quarterback in Billy Edwards Jr., who threw for 2,881 yards with 15 TDs and 9 interceptions in 2024 for Maryland, but only played in three games for Wisconsin last year.

As usual, Belichick’s squad is packed with transfers. A lot of baggage in this program under Belichick, which is typical. A coach, his son, Steve, left the team for a medical leave. Another coach, the General Manager Michael Lombardi, not a coach technically, was suspended after a personnel complaint.

And, with that said, in comes Easy Rider Bobby Petrino to rescue the offense. That’s some serious luggage. He does have success as an offensive mind on his resume, however.

The TCU defense, and particularly its secondary, will be tested by Petrino and Edwards Jr. After a solid 2025 season on offense, as usual under Sonny Dykes, the Horned Frogs needed to bring in a new signal caller as Josh Hoover took his talents to Bloomington and Curt Cignetti; the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers. Hoover had some good moments in Fort Worth, but he’s also a pretty high interception passer. He threw 29 TDs, but also 13 ints last season. We’ll see if Cignetti and company can do better in that department with Hoover.

Jaden Craig comes to Fort Worth from Harvard where he threw for 2,869 yards, 25 TDs and 7 ints in 2025, and 2,430 yards, 23 TDs and 3 ints in 2024. He’s not a big scrambler, but he’s a solid athlete. TCU returns two starting offensive linemen, and 12 more returners, which will help their quarterback stay upright.

Gordon Sammis came over from UConn to replace Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator as Briles took the OC job under Shane Beamer at South Carolina. In 2025, the UConn offense was 16th in the country in points per game at 36.9. They ranked 18th nationally in yards, averaging 456.7 per game. And they led the nation in ball security turning the ball over only once all season. Sammis played offensive line at Virginia. So a possible upgrade for the Horned Frogs.

Prediction

This game may not be as high scoring a game as predicted, due to it being the first game of the season. TCU walloped UNC 48-14 in Chapel Hill last season, but I expect a much more competitive game in Dublin. Belichick and Petrino should have the Tar Heels better prepared, while both teams are breaking in new quarterbacks. I’ll take TCU to win, but UNC to make it interesting.

TCU 24, UNC 20

San Jose State (3-9, 2-6 Mountain West) @ USC (9-4, 7-2 Big Ten)

Jayden Maiava is expected to have a big year for the Trojans. (Photo courtesy of the LA Times).

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 77,500

2 P.M.

NBC

Noah Eagle, Todd, Kathryn Tappen

USC by 38 1/2, 60 1/2

Lincoln Riley secured the No.1 high school recruiting class in 2026 (On3 Rankings), and has declared that USC is back. They had a good year in 2025, not great, but have aspirations of making the Playoff this season. If they don’t, Riley may start feeling some more heat. Riley is expecting big things from quarterback Jayden Maiava, who in 2025, completed 265 of 403 attempts for 3,711 yards, 66 percent, 24 TDs and 10 ints. Those are probably more interceptions than Riley is looking for, but Maiava is in his fourth season, and that’s not terrible. He rushed for 6 touchdowns in 2025.

USC is planning on a big season in LA, and they aren’t backing down from their belief that they’re one of the best teams in the country. Lincoln Riley has done it before at Oklahoma, so you have some trust in his comments that USC is ready to compete. He could very well be right.

This’ll be tough for the Spartans.

USC 49, San Jose State 7

North Carolina State (7-6, 4-4 ACC) @ Virginia (11-3, 7-1)

CJ Bailey is stellar under center for the Wolfpack. (Photo courtesy of Queen City News, Charlotte N.C.)

Scott Stadium, Charlottesville, 61,500

2:30 P.M.

ESPN

Wes Durham, Max Browne, Madison Fitzpatrick

UVA by 4, 52 1/2

The ‘Hoos had a terrific 2025 under Tony Elliott as they reached the ACC Championship Game, losing to Duke, unfortunately in that one, but winning the Gator Bowl over Missouri, 13-7. Missouri transfer Beau Pribula will take the snaps for the Cavaliers this season. For Eli Drinkwitz and Missouri last season, Pribula completed 68% of his passes with 11 TDs and 9 interceptions. He rushed for 6 TDs.

On the other side, CJ Bailey completed 69% of his passes with 25 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He also ran for 6 scores.

Prediction

Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren is 4-0 against Virginia, including last season’s 35-31 comeback victory over Virginia in Raleigh, and the Pack hasn’t lost @ C-Ville since 1996. I like CJ Bailey and company to keep that momentum going and propel the Wolfpack into the 2026 season with an upset victory at Scott Stadium.

NC State 28, Virginia 27

Jacksonville State (9-5, 7-1 C-USA) @ North Dakota State (12-1, 8-0 MVC)

Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome, 18,700

4:30 P.M.

CBS Sports Network

Rich Waltz, Adam Breneman, Brian Kelly? Are you kiddin’ me?

NDSU by 7, 46 1/2

After winning 10 national championships in FCS, which included five in a row from 2011-15, and the most recent one in 2024, the Bison left the Missouri Valley Conference and now begins their journey into FBS play as one of the now 138 teams in FBS this season. Jax State is solid, but I like the Bison at the Fargodome. Don’t know a ton about the Dome except that it is a definite home field advantage from what I’ve researched on it.

The Bison aims to make a statement in FBS this season. They had massive success in FCS ball and plan on the same at the FBS level. They play big, tough, physical football and that translates well to any level of the game. The home field will be an advantage at the end, too.

North Dakota State 24, Jacksonville State 16

Hawaii (9-4, 5-3 Mountain West) @ Stanford (4-8, 2-6 ACC)

Stanford Stadium, Palo Alto, 50,424

6 P.M.

ACC Network

Jorge Sedano, Rodney McLeod, Kendra Douglas

Stanford by 4 1/2, 48 1/2

Stanford had a tough transition into the ACC last season, and have a new coach, Tavita Pritchard, who is a former quarterback at Stanford from 2006-09. But Hawaii is pretty tough and defeated the Cardinal last season. I like the upset.

Hawaii 27, Stanford 24

New Mexico State (4-8, 2-6 C-USA) @ Florida State (5-7, 2-6 ACC)

Former Auburn quarterback Ashton Daniels takes the reins in Tallahassee (Photo courtesy of x.com)

Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium, 67,277

6 P.M.

CW Network

Thom Brennaman, Jason Cabinda, Wes Bryant

FSU by 32 1/2, 52 1/2

I really like former Auburn and Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels, who is now the new FSU starting quarterback . He completed 68 of 119 last season, 57 percent, for 797 yards, 3 TDs and 2 ints last year for the Tigers, playing at the end of the season, but gave Vanderbilt everything it wanted as he and Cam Coleman, now with Texas, wore out the Commodores secondary; though Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt prevailed in the end.

But Daniels and Coleman put on a clinic. I believe the ‘Noles will be improved with Daniels under center. Mike Norvell certainly needs him to be with Norvell’s job in jeopardy again with a bad season if Florida State can afford Norvell’s massive buyout.

FSU 34, New Mexico State 7

Memphis (8-5, 4-4 American) @ UNLV (10-4, 6-2 Mountain West)

Jackson Arnold, also from Auburn, will be under center for UNLV. (Photo courtesy of Hudl).

Allegiant Stadium, Vegas, 65,000

9 P.M.

FOX

Tim Brando, Devin Gardner, Josh Sims

UNLV by 4, 56 1/2

Charles Huff takes over at Memphis. Ryan Silverfield secured the Arkansas job after six solid seasons in the River City where he posted a 50-25 record and a 4-1 bowl record.

Memphis head coaches can have trouble with the transition from the Group of Five to Power 4 jobs. The Group of Five is now the Group of Six with the PAC-12 joining the American, the Sun Belt, the Mountain West, C-USA and the MAC.

Two examples of Memphis coaches struggling are Justin Fuente, who struggled at Virginia Tech before being fired, and now Norvell, who has been really slogging through the last couple of years at FSU, though he had good success in 2023, just missing the then four team playoff.

Both are good coaches. It’s just a tough row to hoe. Huff, a former running backs coach for Nick Saban in 2019 and 2020, has compiled a 39-25 overall head coaching record with a four year stint at Marshall, and last season at Southern Miss.

He’ll take on Dan Mullen and Jackson Arnold, a quarterback that has to be hungry to prove himself. Arnold completed 63 percent of his passes at Auburn last season with 6 TDs and 2 ints, but was benched later in the year. In 2024 at Oklahoma, he completed 63% of his passes for 1,421 yards with 12 TDs and 3 ints and led the Sooners to a victory over the Crimson Tide, 24-3. He rushed for 8 TDs at Auburn, and 3 for the Sooners.

Prediction

I like Huff to do a really good job at Memphis and for Memphis to keep this game close. But I like Mullen, Arnold and the Rebels to prevail.

UNLV 34, Memphis 30

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