Skip to main content

Saturday Down South

Total reads

61

This week

2

Rank

#291 of 429

Published

3,853 posts

Active 234.7 posts/week Last post about 3 hours ago
Last 12 weeks

Most read posts

Featured on Sportsblogs

Run this blog? Add the badge to your site to show readers you're featured — it links back to this page.

Featured on Sportsblogs

Latest Entries

Alabama reveals uniform combination for Week 10 clash vs. LSU

Alabama heads to Baton Rouge for a Week 10 showdown with No. 14 LSU that could decide both teams' playoff futures. Both 6‑2 squads risk a crippling third loss, and the Tide will break tradition by wearing its colored home jerseys on the road, while LSU sticks with its white home kits. The article reveals the full uniform combo—from helmets to pants—just hours before the 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff on ABC, highlighting the high‑stakes atmosphere of the SEC clash.

Pete Golding says he’s at ‘peace’ with Oxford: ‘Where I’m supposed to be’

Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding says he feels completely at home in Oxford, describing the city as his ‘peaceful’ place and the first job where he knew he belonged. After four years and a 2023 promotion from defensive coordinator under Lane Kiffin, Golding is steering the Rebels toward a possible second straight College Football Playoff, with a crucial win over Georgia looming on Saturday. He emphasizes his commitment to players, fans and alumni, while remaining accepting if the program ever decides to move in a different direction.

Notre Dame Leprechaun wins Pat McAfee kicking contest in dramatic fashion

During ESPN’s College GameDay in South Bend, Pat McAfee’s charity kicking contest took a dramatic turn when Notre Dame’s live leprechaun mascot stepped up. After missing a 33‑yard attempt, the leprechaun earned a second chance and nailed the field goal, winning $500,000 for charity. The stunt unfolded ahead of the No. 1 Miami vs. No. 11 Notre Dame showdown, spotlighting the mascot’s prestige and raising the event’s stakes from $200,000 to half a million dollars.

Desmond Howard reluctantly slaps ‘Play like a Champion Today’ sign on College GameDay

Former Michigan star Desmond Howard, who helped the Wolverines defeat Notre Dame 24‑14 in 1991 and won the Heisman that season, appears on College GameDay in South Bend on Nov. 7, 2026. While promoting the top‑5 Notre Dame‑Miami showdown, Howard is asked to tap the iconic “Play Like a Champion Today” sign—a tradition for Fighting Irish players. He does so with a wry smile, momentarily setting aside his Michigan pride. The clip captures the quirky rivalry moment ahead of the game.

Shane Beamer discusses South Carolina’s mid-season turnaround: ‘This was the expectation’

After a painful 35-34 loss to Kentucky, South Carolina turned the tide with a 38-19 victory over No. 16 Florida, a 27-24 win at No. 11 Tennessee, and a 42-25 rout of Oklahoma, improving to 5-3 and earning a No. 21 spot in the initial CFP poll. Coach Shane Beamer told ESPN’s Marty Smith that the resurgence was simply “the expectation,” emphasizing the need to stay focused despite the buzz. He highlighted quarterback LaNorris Sellers’ 790 passing yards, eight TDs and 96 rushing yards in the streak, while the Gamecocks eye a sixth win against Texas A&M to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Paul Finebaum lays out enormous stakes for Ryan Grubb in Alabama-LSU game

Saturday Down South reports that No. 5 Alabama heads to Baton Rouge for a Week 10 showdown with No. 14 LSU, a must‑win for both teams' SEC title and CFP hopes. SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum warns that Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb faces the biggest pressure of the season, citing local talk‑show host Pat Smith’s hyperbole that a botched performance could see “moving vans” at his house by midnight. Finebaum notes Grubb’s play‑calling has drawn heavy criticism after the recent loss to Tennessee, and a flat offensive showing could force head coach Kalen DeBoer to consider firing him. The article highlights the high stakes for Grubb, Kiffin and DeBoer alike.

College GameDay, Jason Sudeikis pick winners for loaded SEC Week 10 slate

College GameDay rolls into South Bend with a star‑studded panel—Rece Davis, Nick Saban, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit—and guest picker Jason Sudeikis to forecast the SEC’s Week 10 matchups. The crew unanimously backs South Carolina over Texas A&M, while opinions split on Texas vs. Mizzou, LSU vs. Alabama, Kentucky vs. Tennessee, and Georgia vs. Ole Miss. Sudeikis’s picks mirror most experts, joining the quest to approach Steve Young’s perfect 10‑0 guest‑picker record. The article lists every selection and teases whether the panel’s calls will hold up on Saturday’s high‑stakes games.

Miami star Malachi Toney expected to miss rest of regular season, per report

Miami’s No. 1 wideout Malachi Toney suffers an ankle injury that will sideline him for the rest of the regular season, according to CBS Sports insider Matt Zenitz. The 2026 Heisman frontrunner faces a 4‑6‑week recovery, ruling him out of the Week 10 clash with No. 11 Notre Dame and likely keeping him out until the ACC Championship, with a chance to return for the College Football Playoff. Toney, who ranks top‑three nationally with 72 catches, 1,027 yards and 13 touchdowns, remains a critical piece for Miami’s postseason hopes.

Texas makes decision on Cam Coleman for Mizzou game, per report

Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman is ruled out of the Longhorns’ Week 10 matchup against Missouri after missing Saturday warm‑ups, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. The injury‑plagued transfer has logged 23 catches for 409 yards and leads the SEC with seven touchdowns this season, but will not suit up on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET. Texas will turn to Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosely V to fill the void, though Coleman has played over 83% of the team's snaps this year.

Bret Bielema takes jab at SEC, CFP committee after beating Nebraska

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema used his 6-3 win over Nebraska to jab at the SEC and the College Football Playoff committee. Bielema praised Nebraska’s pride but claimed his Illini would be a top‑15 team if they played in the SEC, referencing the controversial CFP rankings that favored SEC schools despite multiple losses. The comments reignite the long‑standing Big Ten‑SEC rivalry, with Bielema—formerly Arkansas coach—adding fuel to the debate over perceived conference bias.

Kentucky fans paint ‘Stein Time’ on Tennessee’s The Rock ahead of top-25 showdown

Kentucky fans break into Knoxville at night to paint the Vols’ iconic ‘The Rock’ blue with slogans like “Stein Time” and “Blue Blue Rock” ahead of the top‑25 showdown on Nov. 7. Volunteers quickly scrub the graffiti, prompting a brief confrontation. The prank underscores a rivalry in which Kentucky trails 26‑85‑9 all‑time and hasn’t won at Neyland Stadium since 1984, aside from the COVID‑hit 2020 season. The game kicks off at 6:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, with CFP implications and bragging rights on the line.

SEC officials discussing luxury tax concept for 2027, per report

The SEC is weighing a luxury‑tax system to curb schools overspending the $21.3 million football spending cap before the 2027 early signing period (Dec. 2‑4). A working group of athletic directors, presidents and legal counsel has discussed the proposal, aiming to boost transparency, deter “money‑washing” and potentially redistribute collected tax revenue. Sources say some schools favor a low penalty to encourage reporting, while the conference still debates how to use any funds. A vote could come soon, making this a key issue for college‑football finance in 2027.

SEC Football Schedule, Nov. 7: Kickoff times and TV listings for Week 10

Week 10 of the 2026 college football season delivers a blockbuster SEC slate with four ranked‑vs‑ranked games: No. 7 Texas at No. 18 Missouri (12 p.m. ET, ESPN/Disney+), No. 5 Alabama at No. 14 LSU (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/Disney+), No. 6 Kentucky at No. 13 Tennessee (6:15 p.m. ET, ESPN) and No. 2 Georgia at No. 10 Ole Miss (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC). All carry potential College Football Playoff implications, and the primetime winners could clinch SEC title game spots. Additional matchups include Arkansas‑Auburn, Texas A&M‑South Carolina, Vanderbilt‑MSU, and Oklahoma‑Florida.

Alabama announces injury update on multiple key starters for LSU game

Alabama confirms that defensive lineman Terrance Green, wide receiver Ryan Coleman‑Williams, and center Racin Delgatty are cleared to play in Week 10 against LSU. Green, an Oregon transfer, has logged 11 tackles, four for loss and 2.5 sacks this season. Delgatty, a top‑ranked interior lineman before his injury, returns to bolster the offensive line. Coleman‑Williams, who leads Alabama with four receiving touchdowns, re‑joins the squad after missing time since October 10. The updates were announced by Yea Alabama on Friday, with final SEC availability to be posted later.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. James Madison Dukes: Game Preview

The No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats host James Madison at Rupp Arena on Nov. 6, with tip‑off at 7 p.m. ET on the SEC Network. Kentucky enters the non‑conference game 1‑0, led by forward Milan Momcilovic’s 24‑point debut (66.7% shooting, 6‑for‑9 from three) and secondary scorer Zoom Diallo’s 12 points. James Madison, 0‑1, will rely on bench spark from Paul Jones III (14 points) and starter Adrian Myers (11) to challenge Kentucky’s perimeter. The odds favor Kentucky by 24.5 points, but the preview predicts an over 156.5 total, citing both teams’ offensive efficiency.

Austin Simmons reportedly makes decision on 2027 season

Mizzou quarterback Austin Simmons commits to return for the 2027 season, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. After a standout lone year as the Tigers' starter—leading Missouri to a 6-2 record and earning a No. 5 quarterback spot on Mel Kiper’s draft board—Simmons keeps his NFL draft option open but will not enter the transfer portal. The decision gives Mizzou stability at QB as it eyes a possible College Football Playoff run, with a marquee clash against Texas looming this weekend.

SEC Network host Peter Burns makes emphatic pick for Mizzou-Texas game

SEC Network’s Peter Burns boldly backs Missouri over Texas in their Saturday night showdown. Both teams sit 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the SEC, making the game feel like a CFP‑elimination bout. Burns cites Missouri’s superior quarterback, wide‑receiver corps, running backs—and a more physical style—as reasons for his pick. Mizzou’s RB tandem of Ahmad Hardy (back from a gunshot injury) and Jamal Roberts, plus quarterback Austin Simmons, give them an edge, though Texas remains a strong challenger and is listed as a three‑point favorite. The game airs on ABC at noon ET.

Tennessee announces captains for pivotal game vs. Kentucky

Tennessee names Bennett Brady, Arion Carter, DeSean Bishop and Jeremiah Telander as captains for Saturday’s top‑25 showdown with Kentucky. The Volunteers, 6.5‑point favorites despite Kentucky’s higher CFP ranking, aim to solidify a playoff berth, while the Wildcats field arguably their best squad in a decade. The game, a CFP‑implicating clash, also promises a striking uniform duel—Tennessee in all‑black ‘dark mode’ attire versus Kentucky’s icy white kit with chrome helmets. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET.

College basketball player hilariously scores on own basket against Arkansas

In a non‑conference matchup on Nov. 6, 2026, Arkansas women’s basketball trounces Northwestern State 89-59, improving to 2-0. The game’s most viral moment comes late in the first quarter when Demons guard Karma Wynn accidentally scores on her own basket during a full‑court press, adding two points to Arkansas’ total. The blunder garners a laughing‑out‑loud tweet from the Razorbacks, but it has no impact on the 30‑point margin of victory.

Ryan Coleman-Williams expected to return vs. LSU, per report

Alabama is set to get a big lift for its showdown with No. 14 LSU on Saturday as star receiver Ryan Coleman‑Williams is expected to return after missing the last two games with a concussion and knee surgery. The Tide, ranked No. 5, have relied on Coleman‑Williams for 23 catches, 415 yards and four touchdowns through six weeks, plus contributions on kickoff and punt returns. Both teams need a win to stay in the College Football Playoff race, making his comeback a potentially decisive factor in the Baton Rouge clash.

Nick Saban criticizes proposed 24-team Playoff format: ‘It’s about the money’

Nick Saban, former Alabama coach, blasts the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, calling it a money‑driven move. On the New Heights podcast, he argues only about 12 teams truly deserve a title shot and warns the change could dilute competition and jeopardize conference championship games, especially in the SEC. His remarks echo broader concerns that financial incentives are reshaping college football at the expense of tradition and competitive integrity.

ESPN’s SP+ predicts final score of Georgia-Ole Miss clash

ESPN analyst Bill Connelly’s SP+ model predicts No. 2 Georgia will beat No. 10 Ole Miss 32‑23 in their Week 10 showdown at Vaught‑Hemingway Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 6. The Bulldogs and Rebels are both vying for the SEC crown and a College Football Playoff spot, making the result crucial for the season’s second half. Connelly’s forecast, which rates team efficiency and opponent strength, marks a shift from last year’s close contests, favoring this year’s Georgia squad.

SEC Viewer’s Guide to Week 10 of SEC Football

Saturday Down South’s SEC Week 10 guide breaks down the eight marquee matchups. No 1‑star games, but two 2‑star bouts—Arkansas at Auburn (12:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network) and Vanderbilt at Mississippi State (4:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network)—offer limited playoff impact. The 3‑star slate includes Texas A&M at South Carolina (3 p.m. ET, ESPN) and Oklahoma at Florida (7:45 p.m. ET, SEC Network). Must‑watch 4‑star games are Texas at Missouri (Noon ET, ESPN) and Kentucky at Tennessee (6:15 p.m. ET, ESPN). The headline 5‑star clashes are Alabama at LSU (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC) and Georgia at Ole Miss (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC), both with heavy CFP implications. The guide also spots a sleeper between Texas‑Missouri and Kentucky‑Tennessee.

Oklahoma reportedly makes decision on starting QB vs. Florida

Oklahoma will likely start senior quarterback John Mateer against No. 24 Florida in Saturday’s game at The Swamp, despite his recent struggles. Coach Brent Venables dismissed offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle after a poor showing versus South Carolina, but the QB position remains unchanged. Mateer, who returned from a thumb injury, has a 65.6% completion rate and nine turnovers in eight games. Venables believes Mateer still offers the best chance to win, though another lackluster outing could end his starting tenure.

Texas Longhorns vs. Missouri Tigers Prediction and Preview

The 6-2 Missouri Tigers host 6-2 Texas Longhorns at Faurot Field on Nov. 6 in a potential College Football Playoff knockout. Both offenses average about 31 points, led by quarterbacks Arch Manning and Austin Simmons. Missouri outgains Texas (424.6 vs. 359.1 yards) and holds a +8 turnover margin, while Texas boasts a 93.3% red‑zone conversion rate and 26 sacks. Kalshi’s market gives Texas a 57% win probability, but the preview predicts a 34‑30 Missouri upset, citing the Tigers’ yardage, ball security and fourth‑quarter resilience. Historical series favor Texas (18‑6), yet recent form shows both teams on a two‑game winning streak.