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So head coach Ed Orgeron was asked why there wasn’t much celebration after knocking off Arkansas and clinching the berth…
Saturday’s are still unbeaten after 150 years. What made this Saturday so great?
Well, you had a Playoff contender upset in the desert, controversy keeps a contender at just one loss and some epic trash-talk by a coach who we could listen to just read the dictionary. That and more in this week’s post of the “10 Things We Loved About College Football This Week”
No. 1 – Chase Young is back and as good as ever
What should Ohio State football fans root for this weekend? Let’s break it all down, from the SEC to the Pac 12.
Before we get into our third-to-last Rooting Interests of the season, we have to point out exactly what scenarios we are dealing with. With so few weeks left in the season, we can be more precise about the scenarios we’re pinning down. For example, Ohio State has no reason to care if it loses the Michigan game (unless the Buckeyes also lose a second game). Go 12-1 with a Big Ten title and a loss to Michigan, and the Buckeyes are in. So there’s no need to discuss that. Therefore, when looking an Ohio State’s potential rooting interests this week, recognize that we’re looking at what keeps the Buckeyes in the Playoff if they lose to either Penn State, or against Minnesota or Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.
So, with that conversation out of the way, let’s look at the games. Miami of Ohio’s win over Akron was awful, and probably hurt Ohio State in some of the fancier SOS metrics. That shouldn’t matter much. Nor should Georgia Tech’s win over N.C. State, though it does make Clemson’s weak resume even worse.
As we get to the weekend, don’t bother looking at the SEC games. This is the penultimate week of the regular season, which is now officially called SEC Cupcake Week (trademark pending). The SEC West teams face opponents like Western Carolina, Samford, Abilene Christian, and Arkansas. Texas A&M beating Georgia won’t hurt the Buckeyes, but it does also help Alabama’s resume a bit. Missouri taking out Tennessee won’t mean much, but it would lock Alabama into beating a maximum of two P5 teams with winning records.
If Ohio State wants to stay ahead of Oklahoma (or Baylor, but I think that’s locked in already), root for the Big 12’s overall profile to look weaker. That means West Virginia upsetting Oklahoma State, and Kansas taking out Iowa State if possible. Kansas State losing to Texas Tech probably helps as well. And, of course, either Oklahoma or Baylor losing would go a long way to making this conversation moot; both losing would end the Big 12’s Playoff hopes.
In the ACC, it’s better if Pitt beats Virginia Tech, because that would strengthen Penn State’s overall profile. Virginia losing to Liberty seems unlikely, but would further weaken Clemson’s resume if Virginia reaches the ACC Championship Game by winning next week. Syracuse beating Louisville and Duke beating Wake Forest would also hurt Clemson’s resume. Any gain that Alabama might get from a Duke win is easily offset by what Clemson loses. Then again, Clemson is very likely going 13-0, so it might be too late to root against its resume.
And, of course, there is the Pac 12 to discuss. Washington and USC losing will wipe at any chance of multiple ranked wins by the Pac 12 champion, but at this point it looks like the Buckeyes might need a loss by either Utah or Oregon (or both) to feel safe about staying in front of a Pac 12 champion.
At night, Cincinnati gets a national spotlight against Temple. The Bearcats have really struggled the past few weeks, and they need to impress if they want their ranking to move back up. Also in the AAC, it’s probably a little better if SMU beats Navy, but that doesn’t matter too much. Lastly, keep an eye on Conference-USA. FAU should have no trouble with UTSA, but if the Buckeyes want three nonconference opponents that win their conferences (or divisions), Marshall has to lose a game. That means either this week at Charlotte or next week at home against FIU. Neither of those upsets is impossible, but they are upsets.
Previewing Saturday’s Texas A&M Aggies at Georgia Bulldogs betting odds and lines, with college football analysis, picks and best bets.
The Texas A&M Aggies (7-3, 4-2 SEC West) and Georgia Bulldogs (9-1, 6-1 SEC East) square off between the hedges at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. at 3:30 p.m. ET Saturday. We analyze the Texas A&M-Georgia odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
1. The Aggies rank a respectable 25th in total defense, allowing 327.9 yards per game, and they’re 23rd in points allowed (20.3 PPG).
2. Georgia RB D’Andre Swift has rolled up 1,027 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns.
3. The Bulldogs rank sixth in total yards allowed (267.5), third in rushing yards allowed (75.8) and second in the nation with just 10.5 PPG allowed.
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Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:45 a.m. ET.
Georgia 31, Texas A&M 14
Georgia (-556) looks to keep hope alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff, but it has no room for error. While the Bulldogs will win this game, risking more than five times the potential winnings is just not worth it. A&M (+395) isn’t going to pull the upset, so save the money.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Georgia to win would return a profit of $1.80.
GEORGIA (-13.5, -110) is an attractive play at less than two touchdowns. Even at a flat 14 the Dawgs aren’t a bad play if the line moves up by Saturday.
Texas A&M (+13.5, -110) has a decent passing attack, and they are 11-5 ATS in the past 16 against winning teams. However, UGA is 14-5 ATS in the past 19 against winning teams and 20-8 ATS in the past 28 SEC battles. Look for UGA to keep it rolling.
PASS. The projected total of 45.5 is going to be super close. If I were to lean one way, I’d say Under (-139). The Under is 5-0 in UGA’s past five overall, and 26-9-2 in the past 37 in Athens. The Under is also 5-1 in A&M’s past six on the road. However, with big-time QBs like Jake Fromm, Kellen Mond and Swift, it could easily go Over, too.
Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
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Check out all the fearless predictions, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 13 of the SEC season.
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Check out all the fearless predictions, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 13 of the SEC season.
How are the SEC predictions so far?
Straight Up: 60-13, ATS: 34-27-3, o/u: 31-33
Click on each game for game preview & prediction
12:00 ESPN | Get Tickets
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
BetMGM Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
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12:00 SEC Network | Get Tickets
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BetMGM Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
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3:30 CBS | Get Tickets
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
BetMGM Line: Georgia -13.5, o/u: 47
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3:30 SEC Network | Get Tickets
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
BetMGM Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
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3:30 SEC Alternative | Get Tickets
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
BetMGM Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
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7:00 ESPN | Get Tickets
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
BetMGM Line: LSU -43.5, o/u: 71.5
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7:30 SEC Alternative | Get Tickets
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
BetMGM Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
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7:30 SEC Network | Get Tickets
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
BetMGM Line: Missouri -4, o/u: 45.5
– CFN Fearless Predictions & Game Previews
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Previewing Monday’s Utah Valley Wolverines at Kentucky Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball analysis and picks.
The Utah Valley Wolverines (3-1) head east to face the Kentucky Wildcats (2-1) at Rupp Arena Monday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Utah Valley-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.
1. Not many expected Utah Valley would have a win more recently than Kentucky, but the Wildcats were tripped up by Evansville last time out by a 67-64 score as 24.5-point favorites.
2. Kentucky’s offense has been sluggish, averaging just 74.7 points per game (PPG), and they’re 334th on 3-pointers at just 24.5 percent from behind the arc.
3. G Ashton Hagans (leg) is a question mark for Monday’s game against the Wolverines.
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Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.
Kentucky 79, Utah Valley 54
There is no moneyline for this game at the time of publishing due to the large spread, but even if one were to be released by tip-off, the risk is not worth the meager reward.
KENTUCKY (-24.5, -115) had cashed in nine straight games against the spread before its loss to the Purple Aces last time out. The Wildcats are also 5-2 ATS in the past seven at Rupp Arena.
Utah Valley (+24.5, -105) is just 1-5 ATS in the past six games overall, and 2-5 ATS in the past seven non-conference tilts. The Wolverines have three wins, but they haven’t faced a team remotely close to the caliber of Big Blue.
The UNDER 136.5 (-121) is the play. Kentucky is still working out the kinks on offense, and should do just that against the Wolverines. However, UVU won’t contribute much to the total in this game where it’ll be quite overwhelmed. Look for freshman G Tyrese Maxey to show out in this one.
Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
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The Ohio State Buckeyes held on to their No. 2 spot behind the LSU Tigers in the latest Amway Coaches Poll.
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The Ohio State Buckeyes held on to their No. 2 spot behind the LSU Tigers in the latest Amway Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
The Buckeyes did pick up an extra first-place vote, receiving six after only earning five last week. The change was likely due more to LSU’s defensive struggles against Ole Miss than for anything the Buckeyes did in their blowout win over Rutgers. Or it could just be that one voter missed last week, and he would have picked Ohio State at No. 1 then too.
There was a change in the Top 5 this week, as Georgia jumped Alabama. Whether this was due to Georgia’s win over Auburn, Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, or some combination of the two, the Bulldogs have passed the Tide and will likely hold that position as long as Georgia doesn’t lose another game.
Minnesota and Baylor, who each suffered their first losses of the season this week, fell out from the Top 10–from No. 7 to No. 11 and No. 10 to No. 13, respectively.
The Big Ten and SEC led the poll with six ranked teams each. Three teams each were ranked from the AAC and Big 12, while the Pac 12 and Mountain West each put two teams in the poll. The ACC and Sun Belt each had one ranked team, along with Independent Notre Dame.
Navy, Texas, and Indiana all fell out of the rankings, while Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and San Diego State moved in to replace them.
We break down the 12 teams remaining in the College Football Playoff race, as our Eliminator took out three more teams in Week 12.
Welcome back to the Eliminator. I explain the process behind eliminating teams in my Week 1 post. In short, I ask myself a simple question: “If this team wins out, will they have a chance at the Playoff?” I don’t assume that teams will lose–there’s no need to. The losses will come when they come; and when they do, I’ll eliminate those teams. Until then, they’re not eliminated. It’s that simple. I also track every eliminated team on this Twitter thread.
This week didn’t involve any real eliminations. The three teams we knocked out were all long shots. Florida and Michigan needed miraculous conference titles to boost the resumes, and they were eliminated from their division races this week. Auburn, meanwhile, picked up its third loss.
Instead, we have 12 teams. All 12 can win Power 5 conferences, and 11 of them have one or zero losses. If we get chaos, most of these teams can still get in with even two losses. It’s too early this year to present specific scenarios, because there are so many possibilities.
One thing is very clear, though. We probably won’t see very many eliminations next week, either. These are our 12 teams, and unless we see a surprising upset next week, all 12 will still be alive heading into Thanksgiving weekend. What happens after that, though, is anyone’s guess.
Quick thoughts and takes on every Week 12 SEC game.
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Quick thoughts and takes on every Week 12 SEC game.
It wasn’t anything pretty, and the Gators didn’t get the Georgia loss they needed to take the SEC East, but it was still a strong road win by double-digits. Kyle Trask threw for 282 yards and two scores, the offense was able to open it up a bit in the third quarter, and it was the win needed to keep hope alive for a New Year’s Six bowl game.
Missouri can’t score touchdowns. It managed two field goals, making it the second straight game without a touchdown and with just 27 points over the last four games. The passing game didn’t go anywhere, the running game finished with 52 yards, and the O wasted a strong effort from the D.
Quick highlights from our win over Missouri ⬇️#GoGators 🐊 pic.twitter.com/BMvNgHQyEm
— Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 16, 2019
The Tigers aren’t going bowling no matter what – thanks to NCAA violations – but it would nice to come up with a winning season. They get Tennessee up next before closing out at Arkansas.
Florida gets a week off before facing Florida State. The Sugar Bowl might be out with LSU, Alabama and Georgia all in the mix for the CFP and the top SEC bowl spots, but Orange is a possibility with a convincing win against the Noles and a 10-2 record.
Of course the season-ending injury to Tua Tagovailoa overshadowed everything else – a whole lot more on that coming over the next few days – but Mac Jones stepped in and was fine. The Tide only scored three points in the second half, but Jones hit 7-of-11 passes for 94 yards, the defense was great, and the shell-shocked team got through the rest of the game and got out. It was still a 31-point win on the road, even after all of that.
Najee Harris has picked a fantastic time to become amazing. He ran for 88 yards and three scores – and caught 51 yards worth of passes with a. score – the offensive line blasted away, and the receiving corps was its typical fantastic self. Everything was great except for that, and …
Tagovailoa’s injury also pushed out of the spotlight a leg injury to DT Raekwon Davis. The D was just fine against the Bulldogs, but Davis the guy the line couldn’t afford to lose.
Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes! God always has a plan 🙏🏽
— Tua. T 🇦🇸 (@Tuaamann) November 17, 2019
Mississippi State was able to run for just enough big dashes to average over five yards per carry. After a good early scoring drive, though, that was it. Tommy Stevens threw for 82 yards and a score, and he tore off a 46-yard run, but the O didn’t do much of anything with its 270 yards.
Alabama got a week against Arkansas to get Mac Jones up to speed in case he was needed against LSU. Now he gets a practice week against Western Carolina to get ready for the trip to Auburn. All is hardly lost in the CFP race – blow out the Tigers, and everything will be still on the table.
At 4-6, Mississippi State has to beat Abilene Christian and Ole Miss to get to six wins and bowl eligibility.
The Jags could use a starting cornerback after trading Jalen Ramsey and Draft Wire slotted the Jags a successor in their latest mock.
Despite the emergence of receiver DJ Chark, many draft pundits have continued to mock Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That’s not to say we disagree here at the Jags Wire as Lamb is having an unreal season, racking up 44 receptions for 983 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Our comrades at Draft Wire are amongst those on the web who like the fit and slotted him to the Jags in their latest mock draft. They also slotted the Jags a new cornerback to start at Jalen Ramsey’s old spot in Louisiana State’s Kristian Fulton with their second first-round selection form Los Angeles Rams.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma
No matter who is playing quarterback for the Jags next year, that passer will need a blue-chip No. 1 receiver to make this offense reach its potential. Lamb has been a one-man highlight reel all season long, and has all the tools to be that player from Day 1.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR) | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
After trading away arguably the league’s best corner in Jalen Ramsey, the Jags obviously have a gaping hole on the roster. Why not use one of the picks they got in return to fill that need? Fulton is big, physical, and immediate starter material.
Adding one of college’s most elite playmakers in Lamb sounds like a win in my book. Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew II, and coordinator John DeFilippo certainly wouldn’t complain either, as they could throw some nightmare formations at the opposition with Chark, Lamb, Westbrook, and Conley.
Fulton would be another welcomed addition. We’ve mentioned him in the past as our own Daniel Griffis did a breakdown on him, singling out his hip flexibility and versatility.
The Jags didn’t stop with just one pass catcher in Draft Wire’s mock, though, and were slotted Washington tight end Hunter Bryant, who would provide some much-needed help at the tight end position. They also double-dipped in the secondary by drafting Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, Jr.
46. Jacksonville Jaguars | Hunter Bryant | TE | Washington
77. Jacksonville Jaguars | Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota
Sure, fans will be quick to point out the fact that the Jags just drafted Josh Oliver, however, we’ve yet to see much out of him. Additionally, the position has been very injury prone with James O’Shaughnessy and Geoff Swaim going on injured reserve and Oliver himself missing the Jags’ first six games. Adding the 6-foot-2, 239-pound Bryant onto the roster could work wonders for the Jags passing offense because he’s tremendous after the catch and is a problem for defensive backs to bring down.
As for Winfield, his name may sound very familiar. That’s because he’s the son of retired NFL great Antoine Winfield Sr., who was a three-time Pro Bowler. Needless to say, Winfield’s elite athleticism rubbed off on his son, who is a rising name in the 2020 NFL Draft after his two-pick performance against Penn State. He has the ball skills in which the Jags could use in their backfield, though Jarrod Wilson and Ronnie Harrison certainly aren’t bad players.
The Jaguars are in need of some offensive line help this coming offseason and I think Alabama RT, Jedrick Wills, could just be their guy.
The Southeastern Conference has become the meat and potatoes of the college football world. The conference churns out the country’s best trench play, becoming a factory for the NFL teams in need of some big men. That’s especially the case for Alabama, a university that has routinely sent offensive and defensive lineman to the league.
Like most years, Alabama is again flooded with NFL talent all over their starting lineup. Both of Alabama’s offensive tackles have garnered the close watch of NFL scouts, those being left tackle, Alex Leatherwood, and right tackle, Jedrick Wills. While Leatherwood is a talented lineman in his own right, I wanted to focus on Wills in this particular post.
The Jaguars’ offensive line play has been plagued with penalties and has been too inconsistent to be considered a finished product. Knowing Tom Coughlin and Doug Marrone’s tendency to focus heavily in the trenches, the offensive tackle position certainly isn’t out of question. Whether the team would move a player like Wills inside or not, he should, without a doubt, be on their scouting radar.
Wills is an absolute powerhouse. Alabama plays some nasty, physical football and Wills is no different. Wills’ favorite breakfast meal has to be a big stack of pancakes, because this guy sure knows how to make them.
Somebody get Jedrick Wills Jr. some syrup 🥞 pic.twitter.com/q424I8e6UW
— Brett Hudson (@Brett_Hudson) October 27, 2019
Wills is just plain mean in the run game. He’s physical and gets to the second level nicely as a run defender. He can clear out massive lanes and is always looking to make defenders become acquainted with the ground. Most scouts who’ve watch him tend to believe that both traits are his greatest strengths.
If that wasn’t enough, here is another clip of just how effective Wills is in the run game:
Big fan of Alabama RT Jedrick Wills (#74). He’s a people mover. Gets up on the LB and clears him out easily. Such a powerful player with wonderful balance. pic.twitter.com/qFunJz0Xbu
— Rob Paul (@RobPaulNFL) October 4, 2019
While his strength is definitely in the run game, Alabama’s No. 74 is no slouch in pass protection. Wills strength again helps immensely in pass protection. He has some heavy hands and has quite the strong anchor. I would like to see him become a little cleaner with his technique, but the 6-foot-5, 316 pound tackle is still very much developing.
Here in this clip against Ole Miss, Wills physically abuses the Rebel defensive end, hitting him with a strong initial punch which eventually causes the defender to get off balance. This goes on to further demonstrate the type of strength that Wills has.
Alabama OL Jedrick Wills 💪🏾#BamavsMiss pic.twitter.com/xloHrsNxA0
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 17, 2018
While his strength allows him to bully edge rushers, he does a nice job of reading and reacting to rushers as well. He does not possess the quickest feet, but can mirror defenders fairly well for a man of his size.
The other RT to track is Bama's Jedrick Wills. 6'5"/320lbs. Haven't seen many highlight/pancake blocks from yesterday's game, but it's super solid tape. pic.twitter.com/iXHF3CrXaR
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) September 2, 2019
In pass protection he does not offer the same type of dominance as he does in the run game, however, he’s solid enough in the category for scouts to believe in him as a starter. Besides, with a team like the Jags, it’s his abilities as a run blocker that will count the most.
If the Jaguars were to select Wills, he could see a move to guard. With the uncertainty of Norwell and Cann, this could be a very realistic situation. Using their best available player philosophy could land them a player like Wills in 2020, and with their willingness to keep Cam Robinson at left tackle while Jawaan Taylor develops at right guard, Wills without a doubt would give the Jags a mauler at guard and an upgrade they could really use.
For those who to watch Wills this week, the Alabama Crimson Tide will be taking on the Mississippi State Bulldogs Saturday, Nov. 16 at 12 p.m. EST on ESPN.
