Johnny Knoxville brought the orange, Pat McAfee brought the Horns down, and Nick Saban brought up a goal post in the river as ESPN’s “College GameDay” split on Texas-Tennessee.
The top-15 showdown in Knoxville drew a mixed bag from the panel, with Desmond Howard landing on Texas and Kirk Herbstreit passing on a pick. Howard said the matchup felt tight but gave the edge to the veteran quarterback, saying, “I think the teams are evenly matched,” and, “Both defenses are going to play well.
I have to lean to the team with the veteran quarterback. So, hook ‘em.
Give me Arch Manning and the Longhorns.”
Saban leaned Texas too, and he leaned into the setting at Neyland Stadium while doing it.
“This is a great environment to play in,” Saban said. “It’s always a rivalry game for us at Alabama. This is a great competitive venue to play in.
“The last time I played here, this goal post right here ended up in the river. I’m telling you that goal post is safe today, I’m taking Texas.”
McAfee, who had been headed toward Texas, got swept up in the moment and went with Tennessee. Knoxville, meanwhile, kept the jokes coming in full Vols gear.
“We have questions about our defense,” he said. “They have questions about their offense. After the game today, Tennessee will remain the real UT, and Texas will remain the real UTI.”
Beyond the main event, the panel had no trouble agreeing on several other games. South Carolina at Alabama was a clean sweep for the Crimson Tide, with every picker going with Alabama.
Howard said, “It’s looking like it’s going to be a long season for Shane Beamer. I like Shane Beamer, but (Alabama quarterback) Keelon Russell has been so impressive this season, I got to go with Roll Tide.”
Saban added, “Alabama’s been very impressive at times. Sometimes a little inconsistent.
They put it together for 60 minutes. I think they’re going to have a great year.
I’m all for Bama today.”
McAfee pointed to Alabama’s second-half surge and Russell’s play, saying, “Second halves have been electrifying. Defense has kept them in games.
Keelon Russell has gone crazy in the second half. Will he be able to do that against South Carolina today?
I think yes. Give me Bama.
Roll Tide.”
Knoxville kept it simple: “I’m going Alabama all the way.”
Herbstreit also backed Alabama, saying, “Alabama’s going to have so many plays through the air. ... Keelon Russell and Ryan Williams will have a big day.”
The rest of the panel’s picks were spread across the board, with Boise State, West Virginia, USC, Iowa, Mississippi State, LSU, Ole Miss and the Texas-Tennessee game all drawing their share of disagreement. On Texas-Tennessee, Howard took Texas, Saban took Texas, McAfee took Tennessee, Knoxville took Tennessee and Herbstreit did not make a selection.
In Other News...
Shane Beamer Finally Addressed South Carolinas Ugly Alabama Sideline Drama
Dylan Stewarts night against Alabama came with far more attention for the wrong reasons than the numbers on the stat sheet. The South Carolina edge rusher was flagged for a late hit on quarterback Keelon Russell and later threw a punch at Alabama tight end Josh Ford, drawing a penalty without getting ejected. He also played through back issues and was used sparingly, a rough evening that put his edge and his discipline under the microscope.
Shane Beamer didnt duck the uglier parts of it afterward, calling out Stewarts unsportsmanlike conduct while still noting the freshmans competitiveness and the way he responded in the second half. Beamer also said the staff eventually had to take Stewart off the field after he refused to come out on his own, a detail that adds another layer to a situation South Carolina will have to manage carefully as it tries to keep one of its most talented defenders pointed in the right direction. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Game Day Is Becoming A Celebrity Stage For Tide Culture
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The crowd also reflected how far Alabama game day reaches beyond the roster. Scott Stapp, who has long backed the Tide and has family ties to the program, made an appearance, and Kid Rock was part of the scene as well, underscoring how the schools culture keeps drawing recognizable names into the fold. With Creed performances on the calendar, the overlap between Alabama football and celebrity presence is becoming its own kind of tradition, even if the story of why those connections keep deepening is still very much unfolding. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Looks Dangerous Again But One Concern Still Lingers
Alabama spent Saturday looking every bit like a team rediscovering its edge, rolling past South Carolina 49-18 in a performance that checked just about every box. Keelon Russell was sharp from the start, throwing four first-half touchdowns and finishing with 365 yards while completing 78% of his passes, and the defense added its own momentum with timely takeaways, including Red Morgans interception return for a touchdown.
It was the kind of complete showing that can change the tone around a season, especially for a Crimson Tide team trying to look more like the version people expected under Kalen DeBoer. Still, even a result this convincing does not erase every question, and Alabamas next stretch will reveal whether this was the start of something more durable or simply the kind of statement win that needs to be backed up quickly. [Read more 🡒]