Saturday Down South
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Florida to be without multiple key players against Kentucky
Florida enters the Kentucky game 5-4 and missing two impact players. Wide receiver Vernell Brown III, who’s third on the Gators in receptions and yards despite only four appearances, and starting safety Bryce Thornton, a four‑year starter with 159 tackles and four interceptions, are both listed as OUT on the SEC’s availability report. Both teams are seeking a bounce‑back after recent losses, with Kentucky’s Will Stein aiming to reset the program. The matchup kicks off Saturday at 6:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
LSU, Texas stars get status upgrades before Saturday’s showdown
LSU and Texas head into their Saturday night clash in Death Valley with key players on the injury report. Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman, who missed the win over Missouri with a shoulder injury, and defensive end Colin Simmons, out since a high‑ankle sprain on Oct. 17, are now listed as available. LSU’s star linebacker Whit Weeks, who has 23 tackles and a pass breakup this season, is upgraded to “questionable” after not playing since a Sept. 26 loss to Texas A&M. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Kewan Lacy’s status revealed for Ole Miss vs. Oklahoma
Ole Miss head coach Hugh Freeze confirms star tailback Kewan Lacy remains out for Saturday’s matchup at Oklahoma. Lacy, who tore a left shoulder against Texas, missed the Auburn and Georgia games and his return timeline is uncertain. After surpassing 1,500 rushing yards in 2025, he has under 400 yards this season due to injuries and offensive struggles. The Rebels, reeling from a loss to Georgia, hope to bounce back against a Sooners team fresh from a road win and eye bowl eligibility. The game tips off at 4:15 ET on the SEC Network.
Kentucky reveals uniform combo for Black Out game against Florida
Kentucky unveils a fresh all‑black uniform for its Black Out showdown with Florida on Saturday night at Kroger Field. After a recent loss to Tennessee, the Wildcats—now led by first‑year head coach Will Stein—have won four of the last five meetings despite the Gators’ 54‑21 series lead. The new kit keeps the classic helmet stripe and side logos but adds a sleek black look for fans and players alike. Both teams, coming off disappointing defeats, aim to rebound, with the 6:15 p.m. ET game on ESPN shaping perceptions of their rookie coaches.
Philip Rivers accepts NC State head coaching job, per report
Former NFL star and NC State alum Philip Rivers has reportedly accepted the Wolfpack's head football coach position, with the Board of Trustees set to confirm the deal on Friday. Rivers, who threw for over 13,000 yards and nearly 100 touchdowns at NC State (2000‑03) and spent 16 seasons with the Chargers, has spent the last six years coaching high‑school powerhouse St. Michael Catholic, posting a 48‑21 record and two AHSAA semifinal runs. He briefly pursued the Buffalo Bills job earlier this year. Adding a personal touch, Rivers' son Gunner, a 4‑star recruit, has committed to play for NC State starting next spring.
3 SEC teams among 10 semifinalists for Joe Moore Award
The Joe Moore Award, honoring college football's top offensive line, has announced its ten semifinalists, including three SEC programs—Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The committee highlighted each unit's consistency amid a chaotic season, noting that winning teams rely on their trenches. With the final stretch looming, weather and late‑season competition will likely decide the winner. Quotes from chairman Cole Cubelic and former Notre Dame guard Aaron Taylor stress that November will expose the strongest lines and crown the champion.
Brian Kelly reiterates desire to coach again, describes what he’s looking for in next job
After being dismissed by LSU with the sport's second‑largest buyout, 65‑year‑old Brian Kelly says he’s still eager to return to a head‑coaching role. In a recent SiriusXM interview, Kelly emphasized he’s seeking the “right fit” — a program where his 35 years of experience, 297‑109‑2 record, two Division II titles, nine conference championships and two CFP appearances can add value. He acknowledges LSU’s abrupt end but stresses his willingness to listen to opportunities that match his track record. Kelly’s next move could further cement his Hall‑of‑Fame‑worthy résumé.
Danny Kanell shares his top choices for Florida State’s next head coach
Former Seminoles quarterback and CBS analyst Danny Kanell names Wake Forest’s Jake Dickert and Duke’s Manny Diaz as his top picks to replace Mike Norvell at Florida State. On the Next Round podcast, Kanell praises Dickert’s rise at Washington State and Diaz’s talent‑spotting acumen, noting both have succeeded with limited resources and could be a step up for the Seminoles. He highlights the coaching carousel’s buzz around FSU’s biggest opening and predicts a close race between the two candidates.
Jordan Davis excited to reunite with Travon Walker on Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars, leading the AFC South, trade future first‑ and second‑round picks to Philadelphia for defensive tackle Jordan Davis, reuniting him with former Georgia teammate Travon Walker. Davis says the surprise trade turned into “all smiles” after landing in Jacksonville and connecting with Walker, with whom he won a national championship in 2021. Both were first‑round picks in 2022 (Walker No. 1, Davis No. 13) and are expected to bolster the Jaguars' defensive front as the team chases its first Super Bowl title.
ESPN’s SP+ projects the final score of Georgia vs. Mizzou
ESPN analyst Bill Connelly’s SP+ model predicts a 34-14 victory for No. 1 Georgia over No. 22 Missouri in Saturday’s Classic City showdown at Sanford Stadium. Georgia, fresh off a blowout win over Ole Miss, looks to cement its SEC lead, while Missouri, reeling from a third‑loss to Texas, fights to keep postseason hopes alive. The analytics‑driven forecast underscores the game’s stakes as both teams head into the final two weeks of the regular season, though recent upsets remind fans that anything can happen.
Carson Beck to make NFL debut for Arizona Cardinals in Week 10
Rookie quarterback Carson Beck makes his NFL debut for the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10 after starter Gardner Minshew suffers a season‑ending UCL tear in Week 9. With veteran Jacoby Brissett now with Baltimore, the Cardinals name Beck the starter against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The 25‑year‑old, a third‑round pick from the 2026 draft, enters his first regular‑season start after 43 college starts for Georgia and Miami, posting a 37‑6 record. Beck now has a chance to prove he can be Arizona’s future franchise QB against a strong LA defense.
Kamario Taylor re-signing with Mississippi State, per report
ESPN insider Pete Thamel reports that Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor is close to re‑signing for the 2027 season, keeping one of college football’s rising stars in Starkville. Taylor, a sophomore who guided the Bulldogs to a 4‑0 start before a toe injury ended his 2026 campaign, posted 1,460 yards, 17 touchdowns and a 65.4% completion rate. He ranked tied for the nation’s lead in passing TDs and third in total yards before being sidelined on Oct. 27. Projected as a potential 2028 NFL top pick, his return could revive MSU’s fortunes after a 4‑5 finish.
Hunter Yurachek reveals most significant debate among CFP Committee regarding Week 11 rankings
Committee chair Hunter Yurachek told Saturday Down South that the toughest decision in the Week 11 CFP Top 25 was placing the teams at No. 4‑7. While Georgia, Utah and Alabama comfortably sit at 1‑3, the committee debated the ordering of UCLA, Notre Dame, Texas and Miami. Yurachek noted the debate took place despite fan outcry over Georgia’s one‑loss ranking ahead of undefeated Utah and Indiana’s drop to No. 9. With more games left, the committee expects further debates before Selection Sunday.
Rece Davis breaks down AP Top 25 ballot post Week 10
ESPN analyst Rece Davis reveals his Week 10 AP Top 25 ballot on The Pat McAfee Show, keeping Georgia at No. 1 but ranking Notre Dame second, Utah third, and moving Alabama down to No. 9. He boosts Tennessee to No. 8, drops Miami to No. 4 ahead of an unbeaten UCLA, and explains each move—rewarding Utah’s upset over BYU, questioning Miami’s penalty, and emphasizing SEC head‑to‑head results. Davis’s transparent voting process contrasts with most pollsters, offering a rare look at the reasoning behind the latest college‑football rankings.
Rece Davis says Alabama loss could force LSU into ‘less theatrics, more wins’ mindset
After a 31-13 defeat to Alabama on Nov. 9, LSU's playoff hopes hang by a thread, with crucial games against Texas and Tennessee looming. ESPN analyst Rece Davis told The Pat McAfee Show that the loss should push the Tigers away from “theatrics” toward a “more wins” mindset, emphasizing the need for straightforward, meaningful victories. Coach Lane Kiffin now faces a margin‑for‑error approach as LSU tries to salvage its season and keep CFP dreams alive.
Danny Kanell says Georgia’s resume is ‘not that great’
Despite the Georgia Bulldogs jumping to No. 1 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings after a 42‑7 win over Ole Miss, former quarterback Danny Kanell doubts their résumé merits the top spot. Speaking on the Cover 3 Podcast, Kanell argues that Georgia’s claim to the best‑team title is overstated, noting Indiana’s comparable résumé and pointing out Georgia’s loss to Auburn. He acknowledges Georgia’s signature wins over Alabama and Ole Miss but suggests the Bulldogs’ overall body of work isn’t as flawless as the rankings imply. Georgia (8‑1, 5‑1 SEC) now prepares for a showdown with Missouri on Saturday.
9 SEC stars named semifinalists for Walter Camp Award
The Walter Camp Award announces its 20 semifinalists for 2026, featuring nine SEC standouts from seven schools. The SEC nominees include quarterbacks Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Keelon Russell (Alabama), LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina) and Gunnar Stockton (Georgia); running backs DeSean Bishop (Tennessee) and Jamal Roberts (Missouri); linebackers Rasheem Biles (Texas) and Arion Carter (Tennessee); and defensive end Colin Simmons (Texas). While recent winners have often also claimed the Heisman, the lack of a clear favorite this season could produce a split winner.
Kalen DeBoer warns Vanderbilt is ‘underrated’ entering Week 11 matchup
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer warns that Vanderbilt is “underrated” ahead of their Week 11 clash on Nov. 12 at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network. DeBoer says the Commodores’ record masks tight games against strong opponents and cautions his Crimson Tide not to assume a win. After a 40‑35 loss to Vandy in 2024 and a recent big win at LSU, Alabama must beat Vanderbilt, Chattanooga and Auburn to secure a CFP bye and a shot at the SEC title. DeBoer stresses preparation to avoid a repeat upset.
Trio of SEC programs named finalists for 2028 WR
Four‑star wide receiver Tyree Mannings Jr., a 6‑foot, 170‑lb prospect ranked No. 110 overall and No. 17 at the position by 247Sports, narrows his college choices to Auburn, Florida and Kentucky. All three SEC schools are led by first‑year head coaches—Alex Golesh (Auburn), Jon Sumrall (Florida), and Will Stein (Kentucky)—who have already posted solid inaugural wins. Mannings, a Venice, Fla. native, may favor Florida to stay close to home, especially with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner’s influence. The upcoming Florida‑Kentucky game could tip the recruiting battle.
Jordan Rodgers calls out ‘crazy’ decision to rank Alabama over Tennessee
Jordan Rodgers slammed the CFP Committee’s latest rankings, calling it “crazy” that Alabama sits at No. 3 while Tennessee falls to No. 8 despite a 34‑6 head‑to‑head win and both teams sharing a 7‑2 record. Rodgers highlighted Tennessee’s two top‑11 victories by more than two touchdowns and criticized the committee’s focus on a Mississippi State game where Kamario Taylor was injured. His comments, aired on ESPN’s Get Up, reflect growing fan frustration over the disparity between the on‑field results and the committee’s placement.
OU Board of Regents chair comments on Brent Venables’ job security
Oklahoma's Board of Regents publicly backs head coach Brent Venables, confirming his job is not in jeopardy despite the Sooners' roller‑coaster season. Venables has alternated between 6‑7 and 10‑3 records, and this year the team has been trading wins and losses weekly, with a 23‑7 win over Florida highlighted by a dominant defense and new offensive coordinator Jason Witten's efficient time‑of‑possession performance. Board chair Rick Nagel said the board typically stays out of athletics but affirmed Venables’ contract extension and no “hot seat.” Oklahoma looks to cap the week with a Saturday 4:15 p.m. ET clash against Ole Miss on SEC Network.
Greg McElroy reacts to Alabama being ranked ahead of Tennessee in latest CFP rankings
ESPN analyst Greg McElroy questions the College Football Playoff committee’s latest rankings, noting Alabama sits at No. 3 while Tennessee falls to No. 8 despite the Vols’ recent surge. He highlights the key discrepancy: Tennessee’s offense ranks 41st in efficiency versus Alabama’s 5th, while the committee cites strength of schedule—Alabama’s #1 versus Tennessee’s #23—as the main factor. McElroy points to upcoming matchups against Texas A&M, Vanderbilt and LSU as chances for the Volunteers to boost their offensive profile and climb the rankings.
MACtion features bizarre unsportsmanlike penalty due to scoreboard graphic
In a bizarre MACtion moment, Ohio’s 17‑7 halftime lead over Miami turned on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the RedHawks’ video staff for a scoreboard graphic showing field‑goal uprights. The call gave Ohio a 25‑yard field‑goal chance, but they faked it and scored a TD to end the half. Miami rebounded with 34 unanswered points, including 20 in the fourth quarter, to win 34‑17, snapping Ohio’s unbeaten MAC run and securing bowl eligibility. The odd penalty sparked debate, while the RedHawks now eye a matchup with Kent State on Tuesday.
3 overreactions from second College Football Playoff rankings of 2026
The second College Football Playoff rankings of 2026 spark three major complaints, according to Saturday Down South. Indiana plummets five spots from No. 4 to No. 9 during a bye week, a move the author calls a flawed process. Miami’s loss on the road triggers a six‑spot slide despite a strong ACC schedule and a Heisman‑candidate wideout, raising doubts about their playoff positioning. Meanwhile, UCLA leaps several spots to a No. 4 spot after a win over Minnesota, which the writer deems an overcorrection given the Bruins’ limited résumé. The piece questions whether the committee will correct these missteps before selection day.
Kentucky hoops falls to No. 15 Kansas in Champions Classic
Kentucky’s season opener ends in a 89-69 loss to No. 15 Kansas at the Champions Classic in Chicago. Kansas guard Tre White scores 30 as the Jayhawks build a 10‑point halftime lead and never look back. Kentucky struggles shooting, going 4‑of‑21 from three and committing 16 turnovers, with Alex Wilkins accounting for five. Zoom Diallo leads the Wildcats with 24 points on 10‑of‑15 shooting, while Malachi Moreno adds 19 and 10 rebounds despite early foul trouble. Kentucky now faces win‑less Northern Arizona next.
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