Texans versus Patriots: Anybody picking Houston in Week 13?

The Houston Texans and the New England Patriots square off for a Week 13 encounter on Sunday Night Football. Is there anyone taking the Texans?

CBS Sports (Cody Benjamin): Patriots

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin is siding with the Patriots in a close battle. He has the Texans losing due to the vaunted Patriots defense and a Houston secondary that is not quite healthy yet. Nonetheless, the fans at NRG Stadium will be entertained.

Said Benjamin:

“The Patriots aren’t going to get a cakewalk in Houston, where Deshaun Watson alone should keep things interesting. But is anyone actually prepared to bet on Bill O’Brien over Bill Belichick? New England’s defense is strong enough to keep the score relatively low, and Houston’s secondary is still banged up enough for Tom Brady to finally build some momentum. It’ll probably stay close for much of the evening, but this one should be the Patriots’ to lose.”

Result: Patriots 27, Texans 22

How to Watch Alabama vs. Auburn, NCAA Football Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Watch Alabama vs. Auburn Live Online.

Roll Tide. War Eagle. Hearing those chants can only mean one thing. It’s officially the Iron Bowl game between No. 5 Alabama (10-1, 6-1) and No. 15 Auburn (8-3, 4-3). The Tigers will look to play spoiler to the Crimson Tide, who are still trying to make it into the College Football Playoff. They will have to do it on the road after dominating Auburn in a 52-21 win in Tuscaloosa last season.

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Alabama vs. Auburn

When: Saturday, November 30

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

TV: CBS

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

It’s been an unexpected two weeks for Alabama, especially on offense. After quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a season-ending injury against Mississippi State, it’s been backup QB Mac Jones who’s had to fill the shoes of the once Heisman hopeful. He’ll need to have the best performance of his young collegiate career against what many consider to be the best defensive line in the country. A dominant performance by Alabama against battle-tested Auburn on the road would make a powerful statement to the selection committee, who is unsure of how successful Alabama can be without Tagovailoa. In last week’s game against Western Carolina, Jones went 10-for-12 with 275 yards and three touchdowns. For Jones and the rest of the offense, it’s all about keeping it simple and relying on the players at the skill positions.

Don’t let Auburn’s record fool you. They may have three losses, but they have come against some of the top teams in the country, including No. 2 LSU, No. 4 Georgia and No. 8 Florida. In his weekly press conference, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn talked about the excitement of this year’s matchup and how last year’s loss will help this year’s team. However, this is the first time true freshman quarterback Bo Nix will get to experience playing in the Iron Bowl. In seven of his last nine games – the losses to Florida and LSU the outliers – he has hit 60 percent or more of his passes. The Tigers dominated Sanford 52-0 in a warmup for this weekend’s game. Nix was a steady 15-for-23 with 150 yards and one touchdown, before being taken out so the backup quarterbacks could get some playing time.

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Texas vs Texas Tech: LonghornWire expert predictions

To close out the regular season, Texas plays host to Texas Tech in Austin. Here are the LonghornWire expert’s predictions for today’s game.

To close out the regular season, Texas plays host to Texas Tech in Austin. With it being senior day, it will be the final time these seniors play a snap in Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. With a win, the senior class would finish with a career 17-7 record at home.

The Longhorns are favored against the Red Raiders and are projected to win by double digits today. Here is how LonghornWire experts think the matchup against Texas Tech will play out:

Griffin McVeigh

Final score: 34-24 Texas

Best UT player: Duvernay

Best TTU player: Jett Duffey

Ehlinger O/U 250 passing yards: Over

Leading Texas runner? Johnson

O/U 400 yards allowed? Under

Any turnovers forced? Yes, one

Dicker O/U 1.5 field goals? Over

Favorite Thanksgiving tradition? Watching football all-day

Roundtable: Breaking down The Game

Writers from College Football News, Eleven Warriors, BuckeyesWire and WolverinesWire preview and breakdown The Game.

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It’s arguably the greatest rivalry in all of sports, and the biggest game of the year in college football for the two respective programs, no matter either’s record coming in.

Michigan and Ohio State this year, however, are both coming in as highly-rated teams, with the Wolverines ranked No. 13, while the Buckeyes are the No. 1 team in the country. The Game this year will be played in Ann Arbor however, and the maize and blue have been rolling after losing twice earlier this season.

To break down the game, the WolverinesWire staff and College Football News’ Pete Fiutak welcome in guests Dan Hope from Ohio State site Eleven Warriors and BuckeyesWire’s Phil Harrison to get a holistic sense of what can be expected in The Big House on Saturday.

Michigan wins if…

Pete Fiutak, College Football News

It starts forcing mistakes right away and is fearless.

The pressure is ALL on Ohio State – it’s supposed to win this thing in a walk. Penn State had its chances last week to take control of the game – even though it was getting dominated – but didn’t have the ability to do it. However – even though the Nittany Lions beat the Wolverines – Michigan is playing better and at this point is the better team. Justin Fields was fine when hit with adversity, but it’s not like Ohio State was really in trouble. There’s still a bit of a “prove it” factor in the really, really big games with everything on the line.

Matthew Lounsberry, WolverinesWire

The key to a Michigan victory is keeping quarterback Shea Patterson upright and allowing him time to find his receivers. The Wolverines have weapons on the outside in Nico Collins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Ronnie Bell and others. If has time to throw, those receivers are talented enough to make big plays.

Additionally, defensive coordinator Don Brown must show he’s got answers for Ohio State’s explosive offense. Michigan’s defense was shredded last season. The Wolverines have shown different looks this season to combat some of the ways the Buckeyes attacked them last year, but Ohio State will have seen those adjustments on film. Brown has to have contingencies ready this season.

Dan Hope, Eleven Warriors

The Wolverines play better on both sides of the ball than any team has against Ohio State all year. That’s easier said than done, but it’s what they’ll need to do. Ohio State has dominated just about every team it’s played this year – even in its closest game of the year against Penn State last weekend, the Buckeyes still outgained the Nittany Lions by nearly 200 yards, and could have won by three or four scores if not for turnovers – as no one has found a way to consistently stop Ohio State’s offense or score on Ohio State’s defense yet.

The Wolverines have enough talent to beat the Buckeyes if they play their best football, but they are going to have to win this game with their preparation and come in with a game plan that exposes weaknesses that none of Ohio State’s first 11 opponents could.

Brandon Knapp, WolverinesWire

Michigan has to own the football like it’s theirs and they don’t want the Buckeyes to play. If Michigan can control the TOP and not just by a few minutes, but by 10+ minutes then they can win this game.

Having the No. 1 defense on the field for as long as possible can drain them and eventually wear them down to where they can’t keep up to the Michigan offense. While Michigan’s offense will be tired too, that means the defense will be fresh and ready to stop the Buckeyes offense.

Phil Harrison, BuckeyesWire

It absolutely has to limit the Justin Fields in the running game.

If you know the history of this rivalry, the team that wins the running battle in late November almost always comes away the victor (no pun intended there). But it’s especially important for Michigan to make life difficult on not only J.K. Dobbins, but most importantly Justin Fields. That’s because unlike last year, things start with the rushing game for OSU this year. The Buckeyes are fourth in the country in yards per game behind just the three service academies and still looked to get things crankin’ on the ground against a stout Penn State defense by calling more QB-runs for Fields. You can bet it’ll be the same in this one, and those key chain moving plays are going to be huge.

Isaiah Hole, WolverinesWire

Michigan plays at a consistent high-level throughout the game. That means keeping Ohio State off-balance on both sides of the ball.

The Wolverines have to stay aggressive on defense, especially considering OSU is 83rd in the country in sacks allowed. Forcing Fields into obvious passing downs and getting off the field on third down will be imperative. In a game like this, despite the threats downfield, stopping the run is more important than the pass. OSU is more dominant in time of possession than a year ago, and it can run the clock if it wants to, given its diversity with Fields, J.K. Dobbins and Master Teague.

On the other side of the ball, the offense has to take what is given. It might not be much, given OSU’s stout defense, but Michigan has shown over the course of the last few weeks that it can run the ball well and pass it effectively. If the Buckeyes allow the pass, do that, but don’t become one-dimensional. They can’t rely solely on one aspect over the other, there has to be balance, unless there’s a yet-undiscovered fatal flaw that can be exploited. Perhaps the X-factor on that side is QB Shea Patterson and his ability to keep the ball on the zone-read. We haven’t seen it much lately, but it feels like Michigan has been holding that back for this game.

Finally, Michigan cannot turn the ball over, and probably will need at least one to win the game. A single turnover in a game like this could be devastating, and Michigan needs to win that battle this time around.

NEXT: Ohio State wins if…

Georgia football falls in CBS Sports’ CFB rankings

Georgia football dropped in CBS Sports’ CFB rankings.

It’s a good thing the only poll that matters is the College Football Playoff rankings. Well, at least for now. We’ll find out if I will still be saying that on Tuesday night when those are released.

But after a week in which Georgia did not look particularly great in a 19-13 win over Texas A&M in Athens, CBS Sports dropped the Bulldogs one spot in its rankings, swapping them with Alabama. The Dawgs remained No. 4 in both the Amway Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25.

Related: Kirk Herbstreit predicts CFP teams if Georgia beats LSU

CBS Sports’ new-top is as follows:

1. LSU

2. Ohio State

3. Clemson

4. Alabama

5. Georgia

6. Utah

7. Oklahoma

8. Florida

9. Minnesota

10. Baylor

Alabama looked good, sure. But it was against Western Carolina. The Tide may very well still be able to win a national championship over any of the playoff committee’s top-four teams, but if you don’t win your conference, let alone your division, you should not be given the opportunity to prove that.

Here is my prediction for what the College Football Playoff rankings will look like on Tuesday night.

College Football Playoff projections following Week 13

Predicting the College Football Playoff rankings after Week 13.

Week 13 saw Georgia football beat a talented Texas A&M team to advance to 10-1 on the season.

Georgia looked like it has all season – unable to finish a drive on offense but smothering on defense.

That’s been Georgia’s recipe this season, but how much longer will it work? We will find out in two weeks when the Dawgs take on LSU in Atlanta.

Right now, Georgia is sitting at No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings behind LSU (1), Ohio State (2) and Clemson (3).

Right behind the Bulldogs is Alabama, hoping that it can not only win next week vs Auburn but also that LSU will take care of business in the SEC Championship, thus eliminating Georgia from playoff contention.

Behind Alabama currently is Oregon, but that won’t last long after the Ducks lost to Arizona State. The best part about Oregon losing is that now we don’t have to hear about how Rob Mullens, the Oregon AD and the chair of the CFP selection committee, is “recused from the room” when the committee discusses the Ducks. Is it just me, or has that been mentioned way too many times this season?

Ohio State definitely had the most impressive win of the weekend among the teams near the top of the rankings (Arizona State probably had the best win, though, in beating Oregon). I would not expect the committee to swap LSU and OSU, however. LSU’s beaten plenty of top-ten teams itself.

Then there’s Utah, which is 10-1 and needs some help to make it into the final four. The Utes have not really beaten anyone, but if Georgia and Alabama both fall and Utah wins its conference, then it has a much better argument.

Oklahoma, however, assuming it wins out, will be right there with Utah vying for that last Playoff spot if both Alabama and Georgia lose before the final rankings reveal after the conference championship games wrap up.

Here’s our College Football Playoff projections:

How to Watch Giants vs. Bears, NFL Week 12 Live Stream, Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

Stream Giants vs. Bears Live Online.

The New York Giants (2-8) look to steal a win from the Bears (4-6) Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. The Giants have won the last two games, both at MetLife Stadium, and four of the last five, including a 30-27 overtime thriller last season.

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Giants vs. Bears

When: Sunday, November 24

Time: 1:00 p.m. ET

TV: FOX

Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

A bye week may be exactly what the Giants needed as they prepare for the Chicago Bears this weekend. New York has lost six in a row, including a 34-27 loss at the hands of the Jets. Daniel Jones was impressive with 308 yards passing and four touchdowns. The team’s first round pick definitely has the talent but needs more help from his supporting cast, including running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley had 13 carries and one yard against the Jets. In his first two games, he had over 200 yards rushing and has 175 in the five games since. However, he’s been plagued with a severe sprained ankle. Darius Slayton and Golden Tate combined for 216 yards and two scores last game and will need to step up against the Bears.

Chicago could use a win as well to build momentum for the rest of the season. After a solid start to the year, the Bears have lost five of their last six, including a 17-7 road loss against the Rams. Mitch Trubisky completed 24 of 43 passes for 190 yards, one touchdown, one interception and was sacked three times. Trubisky left late in the game with a hip injury and Chase Daniel took over. Daniel was the quarterback the last time these two teams met while Trubisky missed the game due to a shoulder injury. The Bears running game has also been inconsistent. Tarik Cohen and David Montgomery were both limited to under 40 yards, while Taylor Gabriel led the team with seven catches for 57 yards. Lack of offensive production has been a theme for the Bears during this stretch and will need to improve if they want to get back over the .500 mark.

The Bears’ defense has been a staple of this franchise for many years. This year’s group is fourth in points allowed (17.4) and eighth in total yards allowed (322.9). Opponents are doubling up on Khalil Mack, and rightfully so. Roquan Smith stepped up last week with 11 tackles and one interception. If Mack, Smith and company can disrupt Jones’ rhythm, it will be a long day for the Giants.

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College GameDay crew picks winner of Georgia vs TAMU

The College GameDay crew picked the winner of Georgia vs TAMU.

The College GameDay crew is set up in Columbus, Ohio today for the Ohio State vs Penn State game.

As it always does, the crew picked the winners of the day’s biggest games, and with Georgia vs Texas A&M on the slate for the SEC today, the guys put in their picks for showdown in Athens.

Joined by College Football hall of Famer Eddie George, a Buckeyes legend, the team made their selections with Desmond Howard and George picking the Dawgs to win big. Kirk Herbstreit had the Dawgs winning in a close one, with the weather coming into play.

Here are the picks:

Desmond Howard: Georgia wins big

Eddie George: Georgia wins big

Lee Corso: Georgia

Kirk Herbstreit: Georgia in a close game

Latest mocks for 2020 NFL draft heavily favor defense for Seahawks

The most recent mocks for 2020 NFL draft heavily favor defense for the Seattle Seahawks.

As college football’s regular season wraps up, Seattle Seahawks fans can look forward to watching top prospects in their bowl games and speculating which of them will be selected by their favorite team in the upcoming 2020 NFL draft.

This week, the season-ending injury to Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa shook things up and made several writers across the country rethink their 2020 NFL draft predictions, leading to a slew of new mocks – let’s see which of college football’s best might be available when Seattle is on the clock next year.

No. 16 Notre Dame/Boston College: Keys & Predictions

Notre Dame lost four times alone on their home field in 2016. Since then they’ve lost only six times total and only once one their home field, that coming against eventual national runner-up Georgia in 2017.

No. 16 Notre Dame welcomes Boston College this weekend as Senior Day is upon us. It’s not a perfect formula seeing as plenty from the 2016 recruiting class have a year of eligibility remaining and will be back next season but take this into consideration as many will play their final game at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday:

Notre Dame lost four times alone on their home field in 2016. Since then they’ve lost only six times total and only once one their home field, that coming against eventual national runner-up Georgia in 2017.

I know that ultimate goal of another appearance in the College Football Playoff isn’t attainable but an unbeaten November for a program that has had their issues late in seasons to play hard and play well through the end is worthy of some praise, although not everything.

So how do the Irish avoid coming out flat in their final home game of 2019 and walk out victorious while preferably not hopefully not having things get overly interesting late?

Keys:

Offense:

Jeff:

Things probably aren’t going to come as easy as they did last week but I thought the diversity of the play calling last week from Chip Long was on point. Continue to use the skill sets of these young receivers like Keys and Lenzy and build their confidence. If all else fails, throw it to Claypool 🙂

Nick:

Boston College gets thrown all over all the time. Ian Book has looked very good since the last two drives against Virginia Tech, keep that rolling today and hang a big number.

Defense:

Jeff:

Stop AJ Dillon. Make BC work through the air. It’s really that simple to me. Dillon is one of the toughest players in the country to bring down and there’s no doubt the Irish have struggled against running games that can at least throw the ball a little. I’m looking at you Navy. 

Nick:

Contain the running game. AJ Dillion is great and he’s a threat in their pass game as well but David Bailey is solid too, assuming he ends up playing Saturday. Michigan made you look a fool while you went and just did the same to Navy – now take care of business against BC’s rushing attacking.

Predictions:

Jeff: Notre Dame 38, Boston College 17

Nick: Notre Dame 34, Boston College 20