Saturday Down South
Total reads
61
This week
2
Rank
#324 of 467
Published
3,849 posts
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.
Latest Entries
Shane Beamer talks about improvement of LaNorris Sellers: ‘He’s just in a good place’
South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer praised quarterback LaNorris Sellers on SiriusXM’s “SEC This Morning,” highlighting the Gamecocks’ recent four‑game win streak. Beamer notes Sellers is playing with confidence, vocal leadership, and enjoyment, evident both in games and practice. Sellers has amassed 1,041 passing yards and nine touchdowns, plus 246 rushing yards and six scores on 51 carries, even returning from an ankle injury to score a 41‑yard touchdown against Texas A&M. While Beamer acknowledges areas for growth as the Gamecocks chase a CFP berth, he credits offensive coordinator Kendall Briles and the improved personnel around Sellers for his current form.
Tennessee offensive starter ruled out of Week 11 game vs. Texas A&M
Tennessee heads to Texas A&M for its Week 11 matchup without redshirt‑freshman center Nic Moore, who is listed as out on the SEC availability report. Moore, a former four‑star recruit and a key part of the Vols’ front five after taking over left guard duties, has started the last five games this season. The Volunteers, fresh off a 34‑6 win over Kentucky and climbing to No. 8 in the CFP rankings, aim for back‑to‑back victories and a shot at the playoff.
Urban Meyer explains why he thinks Miami would struggle if given SEC schedule
Urban Meyer praises Miami’s 2026 talent but warns the Hurricanes would falter against an SEC slate. On his "Triple Option" podcast, Meyer cites Miami’s 31‑24 loss to Notre Dame, the loss of star receiver Malachi Toney, and close wins over North Carolina (38‑35) and Florida State (43‑35 OT) as signs they’d struggle against powerhouses like Alabama and Georgia. With three games left, including a Week 11 matchup versus Duke, Meyer doubts Miami could survive an SEC schedule.
Shane Beamer provides updated injury status for LaNorris Sellers
South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who hurt his ankle against Texas A&M, is now listed as probable for Saturday’s clash with Arkansas, Coach Shane Beamer announced on his Carolina Calls show. Sellers has been pivotal to the Gamecocks’ four‑game winning streak, posting 1,041 passing yards, nine touchdowns, 246 rushing yards and six scores. The win could set up a matchup with No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 21, a potential first‑ever CFP bid for the team, which sits at No. 17 in the latest rankings.
UCLA working toward contract extension for Bob Chesney, per report
UCLA is reportedly negotiating a contract extension for head coach Bob Chesney as the Bruins surge to a 9‑0 record and No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings. Hired on a five‑year, $33.75 million deal after posting a 21‑6 record at James Madison, Chesney has transformed a program that won just eight games in 2024‑25 into a potential 10‑win season and its first playoff berth. The move follows the dismissal of former coach DeShaun Foster in 2025 and could reward Chesney with a “big payday” before the upcoming game against Illinois.
Kamario Taylor explains why he’s returning to Mississippi State in 2027: ‘Unfinished business’
Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor confirms he will return for the 2027 season, citing "unfinished business" after a promising 4‑0 start was derailed by a turf‑toe injury and subsequent foot surgery. Despite interest from other programs, Taylor says the decision to stay was never in doubt, emphasizing the support of teammates and staff. He is finalizing a $7.5 million deal and aims to recover fully, positioning himself as a potential Heisman contender in 2027. The Bulldogs hope his comeback will restore the momentum lost after a 56‑23 loss to Alabama and a 23‑15 defeat by Oklahoma.
Danny Kanell ranks nation’s top quarterbacks ahead of Week 11
CBS Sports analyst Danny Kanell releases his DK13 list ahead of Week 11, placing Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestermaker at No. 1 after a 313‑yard, four‑TD performance in a 66‑28 win over Kansas State. Mestermaker’s Cowboys rank second nationally in total offense and third in passing. Miami’s Darian Mensah drops to No. 2 despite a 269‑yard, three‑TD effort in a 31‑24 loss to Notre Dame, while SMU’s Kevin Jennings moves to No. 3 after a 350‑yard, four‑TD game in a 51‑28 victory over Virginia Tech. The top five also feature Oregon State’s Braden Atkinson and FAU’s Caden Veltkamp.
Kalen DeBoer takes focus off CFP rankings and on trying to beat Vanderbilt
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer says his team will ignore the College Football Playoff rankings and concentrate on beating Vanderbilt in Week 11. Despite being ranked third with two losses, DeBoer stresses that the Tide must stay focused on the 12:45 p.m. ET game on SEC Network, recalling their 2024 upset in Nashville. He warns against letting the rankings distract players and emphasizes playing each game, especially against a 4‑5 Vanderbilt squad that’s often underestimated.
Florida gets commitment from 3-star OT who was previously headed to ACC
Florida lands 3-star offensive tackle Moreno Fisher, a 6‑foot‑7, 305‑lb prospect from Hough High in Cornelius, N.C., who flipped his commitment from Virginia after de‑committing on Oct. 14. Fisher joins a Gators 2027 class that now boasts 27 commitments and is ranked ninth nationally by 247Sports. He becomes the fourth lineman on the SEC‑bound roster, alongside 5‑star Maxwell Hiller and 4‑star prospects Peyton Miller and Elijah Hutcheson. Ranked 1,170th overall, 95th among tackles, and 40th in North Carolina, Fisher’s decision bolsters Florida’s offensive line recruiting push for next season.
Curt Cignetti throws shade at CFP rankings after Indiana fell 5 spots without playing
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, fresh off a perfect 16‑0 national‑championship season, slams the College Football Playoff committee for dropping the Hoosiers from No. 4 to No. 9 despite not playing a game. Cignetti humorously tweeted, “Bad losses don’t count anymore? Are first downs still 10 yards?” as the rankings released on Tuesday. With Indiana (8‑1, 5‑1 Big Ten) set to host USC (7‑2, 4‑2 Big Ten) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS, another loss could jeopardize their title defense, and Cignetti may have more witty remarks ready.
Wake Forest signs Jake Dickert to long-term contract after 17-5 start
Wake Forest locks down second‑year head coach Jake Dickert with a long‑term extension after the Deacons post a 17‑5 record, including an 8‑1 overall and 5‑1 ACC start this season. The 43‑year‑old, who previously led Washington State, has propelled Wake Forest to No. 13 in the College Football Playoff rankings and No. 11 in the AP poll. Athletic director John Currie praised Dickert’s impact, and the team eyes a Week 11 road clash with SMU in Dallas. The deal keeps Dickert out of the coaching carousel and cements Wake Forest as an emerging ACC powerhouse.
Greg McElroy predicts the score of Alabama vs. Vanderbilt
Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy predicts a 38-17 victory for the Crimson Tide over Vanderbilt in the Week 11 SEC showdown in Nashville on Nov. 12, 2026. He notes Alabama (7-2, 5-2 SEC) needs a win to stay CFP‑bound, while Vanderbilt (4-5, 1-5 SEC) struggles in its first post‑Diego Pavia season. McElroy expects Alabama’s quarterback Keelon Russell to dominate with 40‑yard passes and cover the 17.5‑point spread, saying Vandy would need to limit possessions to have any chance. The game airs at 12:45 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Navy reveals special uniforms for 127th battle against Army
Navy unveils a special uniform for its 127th Army‑Navy clash on Dec. 12 at MetLife Stadium. In partnership with Under Armour, the kit honors Naval Special Warfare—featuring a tonal blue camouflage, SEAL trident, SWCC warboat insignia, and nods to the original Underwater Demolition Teams. The reveal includes a 1‑minute video with the rallying call, “There is a standard and it isn’t given, it’s earned.” Navy enters the game with a 64‑55‑7 series lead over Army, hoping to extend its advantage in the tradition‑rich matchup.
Greg McElroy reveals pick for Texas-LSU showdown in Week 11
College football analyst Greg McElroy predicts LSU will edge Texas 24-20 in the Week 11 showdown at Death Valley on Nov. 12, 2026. Both teams are fighting for SEC title hopes and a playoff berth: Texas sits 7-2 (4-2 SEC) and LSU 6-3 (3-3 SEC). McElroy cites LSU’s night‑time pass rush and doubts Texas’s O‑line, giving the home team a slight edge. A Texas loss could dash its playoff dreams, while LSU hopes to stay alive.
College GameDay announces celebrity guest picker for Week 11 show at Boise State
College GameDay returns to Boise State for its Week 11 broadcast, a rare visit since the Broncos first hosted the show in 2010. Pat McAfee announced former Bronco running back Ian Johnson as the celebrity guest picker. Johnson is famed for the Statue of Liberty two‑point conversion that clinched the 2007 Fiesta Bowl win over Oklahoma—and his on‑field proposal that followed. He finished his Boise career with 4,183 rushing yards (third in school history) and an eighth‑place Heisman finish in 2006. The game airs Saturday at 6 p.m. ET as Boise faces Oregon State, hoping to repeat the 37‑24 triumph from the 2010 GameDay debut.
Kewan Lacy expected to miss remainder of 2026, per report
Ole Miss star running back Kewan Lacy is projected to miss the rest of the 2026 season after a dislocated left shoulder ended his campaign on Oct. 24. The junior, who logged 1,567 yards and 24 TDs in 2025 and posted 388 yards with five scores this year, had been battling shoulder issues since the season opener. With Lacy sidelined, Makhi Frazier and Shekai Mills‑Knight will assume the bulk of the rushing duties as the Rebels prepare to face Oklahoma Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET.
Shane Beamer sad to see conference championship games scrapped with CFP expansion
South Carolina coach Shane Beamer laments the elimination of conference championship games as the College Football Playoff expands to 24 teams. Speaking on SiriusXM’s College Sports Radio, Beamer—who has coached in three Big 12, one ACC and three SEC title games—said the loss of those high‑energy matchups “makes me sad.” He recalled the electric atmosphere of the SEC Championship after beating Florida in 2001 and warned fans that the CFP’s growth may erase those moments. Meanwhile, Beamer’s Gamecocks (6‑3, 4‑3 SEC) chase a CFP spot with a Saturday night showdown against Arkansas.
Dan Mullen pitches ‘mini Playoff’ for Group of 6 to get 2 bids in 24-team CFP
Former SEC coach Dan Mullen, now UNLV’s head coach, proposes a “mini‑Playoff” for the Group of Six conferences to secure two bids in the upcoming 24‑team College Football Playoff. He suggests the top four Group of Six champions face off the weekend of the Army‑Navy game, with winners earning automatic spots. Mullen argues the extra games would boost viewership across networks. UNLV (5‑4) entered the season as a Group of Six favorite but early setbacks have dimmed its CFP hopes, as they prepare to host New Mexico on Saturday.
Thursday Thoughts: Tennessee disrespect from the CFP, Kyle Whittingham’s hot seat
Ahead of Week 11, the blog dissects three hot topics: the CFP committee’s puzzling decision to rank Alabama No. 3 and Tennessee only No. 8 despite Tennessee’s head‑to‑head win, citing a mysterious “first‑pool” system; South Carolina’s surprise resurgence to 6‑3 and the unlikely but possible path to the 12‑team playoff, which hinges on wins over Arkansas, Georgia and Clemson plus help from teams like Wake Forest and Tennessee; and Utah’s Kyle Whittingham facing a potential one‑year tenure after a 15‑6 loss to Michigan State, highlighted by his candid halftime remarks about offensive woes. The piece warns that the committee’s pool logic may need overhaul and that the Gamecocks’ playoff hopes are a long shot but intriguing.
West Virginia Online Casino Revenue Sets New Record In October With $44.6 Million
West Virginia’s online casinos smash a new monthly record, pulling in $44.6 million in October 2026 – a 28.5% jump from the prior year and 12.9% above September’s $39.5 million. The surge includes the state’s highest‑ever weekly haul, $10.98 million for the week ending Oct. 31, surpassing the previous $10.65 million record set in March. At a 15% tax rate, the month generated $6.7 million for the state. Year‑to‑date, iGaming revenue sits at $398.3 million, averaging $39.8 million per month, and could near $480 million by year‑end.
Colin Cowherd declares Kalen DeBoer greatest hire after a legend in CFB history
Colin Cowherd hails Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer as the greatest post‑legend hire in college football history, saying he surpasses even the likes of Jimbo Fisher after Bobby Bowden. Cowherd argues DeBoer, with a 27‑10 record, an SEC title game and a CFP win in just 37 games, is already at the "top of the mountain" despite not yet reaching a CFP semifinal. He compares DeBoer’s impact to Chris Petersen’s and pushes back on Joel Klatt’s point that a national championship is required. With Alabama set to play Vanderbilt this weekend, Cowherd suggests another title could cement DeBoer’s legacy.
Alabama shares encouraging news on Keelon Russell ahead of Vanderbilt game
Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, who played through an injury in the 31-13 win over LSU, is listed as “probable” for Saturday’s matchup against Vanderbilt. Russell posted 216 yards and three touchdowns despite a brief trip to the injury tent, showcasing his leadership in Death Valley. The SEC’s Nov. 11 availability report also marks Zabien Brown, EJ Crowell, Chuck McDonald and William Sanders as probable, while freshman DL Mhari Johnson remains out. The Crimson Tide, ranked No. 3 and near a playoff berth with three weeks left, kick off the Vanderbilt game at 12:45 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
Dan Hicks, longtime Notre Dame, golf announcer for NBC, dies at 64
Longtime NBC sportscaster Dan Hicks dies at 64 following an acute illness, announced by his wife, ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, on November 12, 2026. Hicks, a former CNN reporter, was renowned for covering NFL, NBA, golf, the Olympics and Notre Dame football. He first became the Fighting Irish play‑by‑play voice in 2013, was replaced in 2016, and returned in 2024 to call non‑primetime home games alongside analyst Jason Garrett and reporter Caroline Pineda. He was slated to call Notre Dame’s Saturday game against Boston College before his sudden passing.
Fearless Prediction: Tennessee vs. Texas A&M
The Saturday Down South preview highlights Tennessee’s surge after big wins over Alabama (26-10) and Kentucky (34-6), putting the Volunteers at 7-2 and on the cusp of the College Football Playoff field. Senior RB DeSean Bishop approaches the school’s single‑season rushing record, while QB George MacIntyre and freshman Faizon Brandon add depth. Tennessee’s defense ranks top‑10 in scoring defense and leads the nation in sacks. In contrast, Texas A&M sits 1‑5 in SEC play, ranked 91st in total offense and 28th in defense. The Fearless Prediction favors the Vols, projecting a 24‑13 win at Kyle Field.
Florida decides on starting QB against Kentucky, per report
Florida reinstates Aaron Philo as the Gators' starting quarterback for Week 11 against No. 11 Kentucky, according to reporters Matt Zenitz, Zach Goodall and Graham Hall. Philo, who began the season as the starter and led a 4‑0 opening stretch, was benched after two early picks in the Georgia loss and replaced by Tramell Jones, who struggled in a 23‑7 defeat to Oklahoma. Philo boasts a 70.5% completion rate, 1,367 yards, nine TDs and five INTs, plus three rushing scores. The game airs Saturday at 6:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Displaying entries 1-25
of the latest 1,250