Tag: College

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COVID-19 sports postponement updates: NHL, college games affected

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College football schedule: What bowl games are on today? Times, TV channels for Dec. 17-18

The college football postseason is officially upon us.

A record 84 teams were bowl-eligible this season, and thanks to the creation of the Frisco Classic they’re all postseason-bound. This is the first time every team that finished 6-6 or better is in a bowl. The 2021-22 bowl season is historic for other reasons as well. Cincinnati became the first Group of 5 school to make the College Football Playoff while Michigan will be making its first appearance in the CFP. 

MORE: Full list of players skipping bowl games to prepare for 2022 NFL Draft

Bowl season will also be a chance for some of the nation’s top overlooked players, such as Western Kentucky’s Bailey Zappe, to finally gain exposure and national prominence. With big-name players such as Kenny Pickett and Kenneth Walker opting out of New Year’s Six bowls, more emphasis will be placed on smaller bowls as they’ve become more compelling matchups.

BENDER: Picks, predictions for all bowl games in 2021-22

Beyond that, winning seasons are on the line, NCAA records on the line and reversals of fortune are at stake. 

The College Football Playoff won’t be contested until the end of December and early January; in the meantime, you can get your college football fix with dozens of other bowls, starting this weekend.

MORE: Watch college football games live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)

College football schedule: What games are on today?

The full schedule for Friday and Saturday’s college football bowl games, plus final scores and how to watch every game live.

Friday, Dec. 17

Bowl Matchup Time (ET) TV channel
Bahamas Bowl Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo Noon ESPN, fuboTV
Cure Bowl Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina 6 p.m. ESPN2, fuboTV

Middle Tennessee vs. Toledo

This is the second appearance in the Bahamas Bowl for both squads in the seven editions of the game. Middle Tennessee is coming off a 6-6 regular season without a signature win, but it is playing in its first bowl game since 2018. The Blue Raiders’ six defensive touchdowns lead the nation. Toledo went 7-5, with four of the losses coming by three points or fewer and all to bowl-eligible teams, including to then-No. 8 Notre Dame. The Rockets have won four of their last five and three in a row heading into the game. They have committed just six turnovers all season.

Northern Illinois vs. Coastal Carolina

Northern Illinois has one of the best stories in college football this year. The Huskies went from 0-6 last season to 9-4 and a MAC conference title this season. They’re led by alum Thomas Hammock and propelled by one of the nation’s top running games, which averaged 234.2 yards per game and more than 5 yards per carry, good for fifth in the nation. The Chanticleers, who were ranked for much of the season, finished 10-2 after close losses to Georgia State and Appalachian State. The Chants are one of the nation’s most prolific offensive teams; they’re sixth in the nation in scoring offense and seventh in total offense. 

Saturday, Dec. 18

Bowl Matchup Time (ET) TV channel
Boca Raton Bowl Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State 11 a.m. ESPN, fuboTV
New Mexico Bowl UTEP vs. Fresno State 2:15 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV
Independence Bowl UAB vs. No. 13 BYU 3:30 p.m. ABC, fuboTV
Lending Tree Bowl Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty 5:45 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV
LA Bowl Utah State vs. Oregon State 7:30 p.m. ABC, fuboTV
New Orleans Bowl No. 23 Louisiana vs. Marshall 9:15 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV

Western Kentucky vs. Appalachian State

Western Kentucky probably has the two best players in the country you’ve never heard of. Quarterback QB Bailey Zappe is four touchdowns away from breaking Joe Burrow’s single-season mark; he conveniently averages four passing touchdowns per game. Most of his passes are to wide receiver Jerreth Sterns, the nation’s second-best pass catcher. App State is coming off an appearance in the Sun Belt title game, where it lost to Louisiana for the second time this season. The Mountaineers do have a ranked win; they upset then-No. 14 Coastal Carolina. 

UTEP vs. Fresno State

UTEP is bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014 thanks to a turnaround orchestrated by coach Dana Dimel. The Miners started 6-1 but finished 1-4. One thing they have going for them is that they’re one of the top teams in the country at defending on third down, ranking ninth. Fresno State got a major boost when quarterback Jake Haener, one of the top passers in the Mountain West, withdrew from the transfer portal and returned to the Bulldogs. It also got Jeff Tedford to return as head coach, giving it a superb offensive mind at the helm. The Bulldogs have the ninth-best passing attack in the nation and rank in the top 20 in several other key offensive categories.

UAB vs. No. 13 BYU

The Blazers have been bowl-eligible every year since returning to the FBS from a two-year hiatus in 2017. This year, they finished 8-4, the fourth time in five years coach Bill Clark has reached the eight-win milestone. A win Saturday would be their first in a bowl since 2018. BYU had one of the best seasons with seemingly one of the least just outcomes. The Cougars went 10-2 with two separate five-game winning streaks. They beat five Pac-12 teams, including ranked Utah and Arizona State. Kalani Sitake’s squad probably would have had a compelling case for a New Year’s Six bowl had it been ranked a spot or two higher, which it seemingly should have been.

Eastern Michigan vs. Liberty

One of the more surprising teams in the MAC this year, the 7-5 Eagles are going bowling for the third time in four years. Chris Creighton’s squad was the most disciplined in the nation, with the fewest penalties and fewest penalty yards. That could be the key to Eastern Michigan reaching eight wins, something the program last did in 1987. Liberty boasts one of the nation’s top quarterbacks in Mailk Willis, who is widely projected to be a first-round NFL Draft pick, but defense has been the Flames’ calling card this year. They rank 11th in the nation in total defense and in the top 20 in sacks. Liberty is a year removed from the best season in program history. It will move from independent to Conference USA in 2023.

Utah State vs. Oregon State

Another team with a great story is Utah State and its coach, Blake Anderson. Anderson built Arkansas State into a Sun Belt power before stepping down following the death of his wife. In his first season in Logan, the Aggies went 10-3 and won the Mountain West title while ranking in the top 20 in total offense and registering the third-most tackles for loss in the nation. Oregon State enjoyed a renaissance at 7-5, the Beavers’ first winning season since 2013 when Mike Riley was the coach. The Beavers went 5-4 in Pac-12 play while having the nation’s 12th-best ground game and ranking sixth in third-down conversion percentage.

No. 23 Louisiana vs. Marshall

The Ragin’ Cajuns have been one of, if not the top power in the Sun Belt for the past several years. They easily won the conference title this year and are ranked inside the top 25 for the second year in a row. Their efforts under Billy Napier impressed a lot of people, including a few at Florida. Last month, Napier left Lafayette to take the UF job. Louisiana ranked No. 11 nationally in scoring defense and had the second-best turnover margin. Marshall, led by first-year coach Charles Huff, went 5-3 in C-USA play and 7-5 overall. The Thundering Herd had the ninth-best red zone defense and the 12th-most sacks to go with the 10th-highest total offense in the country and a 34 points-per-game scoring average. They will be seeking their first bowl win since 2018.

How to watch, live stream college football games

The first slate of bowl games will be broadcast live on national TV, with games appearing on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. Live streaming options include WatchESPN or fuboTV, which offers a seven-day free trial.

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College football schedule, games 2021: What to watch in Week 14, TV channels, Saturday kickoff times

The first night of conference title games ha come and gone, and now a loaded Saturday is finally here as Championship Week in college football has arrived. Some of these games will not only result in pride but also serve as the closing argument for teams aiming for the College Football Playoff. No. 1 Georgia and No. 3 Alabama will square off in one of the most highly-anticipated SEC Championship Games of all time. Georgia is essentially a lock for the CFP, but Alabama needs a win to get in and gain confidence going into the postseason.

No. 2 Michigan is in its first ever Big Ten Championship Game, and a win over No. 13 Iowa will punch Jim Harbaugh’s ticket to the CFP — something that has evaded him since taking over the program.

It’ll be a busy busy college football weekend. Here’s a viewer’s guide to help you navigate through the action.

All times eastern
All games on Saturday unless otherwise noted

The big games

No. 5 Oklahoma State vs. No. 9 Baylor (in Arlington, Texas) — noon on ABC: The Cowboys won Bedlam last week with a second half defensive performance from the ages, and are looking for another signature win and style points to show off to the CFP selection committee. Quarterback Spencer Sanders had a big day last week, but it will be more difficult here against the stout Bears defense.

No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 3 Alabama (in Atlanta) — 4 p.m. on CBS: The Bulldog defense has been one of the best in a generation, and it’s final act until the postseason is a matchup against an Alabama team that has been inconsistent up front throughout the season. Meanwhile, Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young could lock up the Heisman Trophy on Saturday afternoon if he has a big game.

No. 21 Houston at No. 4 Cincinnati — 4 p.m. on ABC: The Bearcats are in a CFP position right now, but multiple other teams including Oklahoma State and Notre Dame are nipping at their heels. Houston has won 11 straight games and quarterback Clayton Tune has settled in nicely. It’ll be a big day at Nippert Stadium in what is the biggest Group of Five game of the CFP era.

No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 13 Iowa (in Indianapolis) — 8 p.m. on Fox: The Wolverines rushing attack led by Hassan Haskins torched and embarrassed Ohio State last weekend, but the challenge is much different this week against a Hawkeyes team that is driving by defense. These are uncharted waters for Jim Harbaugh’s crew, so it’ll be interesting to see if there is a hangover from the win over the Buckeyes. If there is, it could drastically change the CFP picture.

Other big games

No. 10 Oregon vs. No. 17 Utah (in Las Vegas) — Friday, 8 p.m. on ABC: Utah knocked Oregon out of the CFP race on Nov. 20, so revenge will be on the mind of coach Mario Cristobal and the Ducks on Friday night in Sin City. Both of these teams strive to dominate up front, and that is what this one should come down to on Friday night

No. 15 Pittsburgh vs. No. 16 Wake Forest (in Charlotte) — 8 p.m. on ABC: Get your popcorn ready, because the quarterback matchup between Panthers’ star Kenny Pickett and Demon Deacons’ signal-caller Sam Hartman will result in points-a-plenty. What’s more, it could be a Heisman Trophy finalist elimination game for the quarterbacks. 

Best of the rest

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College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for top 25 games today in Week 13

Rivalry Week has arrived and with it some of the biggest college football games of the season will be going down Saturday. Bragging rights will not be the only thing on the line as division titles, conference championship game appearances and College Football Playoff invitations will all be up for grabs with 18 top 25 teams in action over the course of the day.

Ohio State and Michigan go head-to-head in The Game with the Big Ten East on the line. The Buckeyes and Wolverines each have a shot at a top spot in the College Football Playoff, but the victory in Saturday’s game must win out through the Big Ten title game. Oklahoma and Oklahoma State meet in Bedlam, each as one-loss Big 12 teams that would need a bit of help to get into the playoff. There’s also a chance the Sooners and Cowboys meet in a league title game rematch should the Sooners win.

Elsewhere, Georgia (at Georgia Tech) and Alabama (at Auburn) each have rivalry games to get through ahead of their matchup in the SEC title game.

While winning is all that matters for the standings, we care about whether these teams will cover their spreads. Be sure to stick with CBS Sports throughout the day for college football coverage from the opening kickoff onward. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for a loaded Saturday in Week 13.

Odds via Caesars Sportsbook | All times Eastern

No. 2 Ohio State at No. 5 Michigan

Noon| Fox, fuboTV (Try for free) — It’s so hard to go against the Buckeyes in this game. Even though I think this is the most complete Michigan team that Jim Harbaugh has fielded, after seeing the way the Buckeyes have flipped the switch the last two weeks, I don’t think the Wolverines are good enough to keep it within the number. They have an excellent defense and pass rush, but they’ve yet to face an offense even close to what Ohio State offers. If the Wolverines fall behind, they’ll have to abandon their strengths in an effort to keep up. So I’m laying the points with the Buckeyes while hoping the game is much closer. Prediction: Ohio State (-8) — Tom Fornelli

No. 3 Alabama at Auburn

3:30 p.m. | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App — I’ll take the points since a nearly three-touchdown spread screams “backdoor cover”. It’s impossible to trust the Crimson Tide offensive line, so I expect Auburn to force multiple empty possessions, which will allow T.J. Finley to keep his team in the game for at least three quarters. Finley will ultimately make a mistake or two that swings the game in the favor of the crimson and white … but not by three scores. Prediction: Auburn (+19.5) — Barrett Sallee

Penn State at No. 12 Michigan State

3:30 p.m. | ABC, fuboTV (Try for free) — There has to be some shell shock coming out of that stunning result at Ohio State last week, and while returning home should bring a more friendly environment for Michigan State, I think Penn State comes in with a little bit more juice. Taking the under is my favorite play because this should be a low-scoring game, but ultimately I’ll side with the Nittany Lions. Prediction: Penn State (-1.5) — Chip Patterson

No. 15 Texas A&M at LSU

7 p.m. | ESPN, fuboTV (Try for free) — Both of these teams have been disappointing relative to expectations, but LSU has played poor football against quality competition. The only ranked win of the season came against Florida, which proceeded to collapse. Texas A&M can limit LSU’s running game and make them one-dimensional enough to come away victorious. Prediction: Texas A&M (-6.5) — Shehan Jeyarajah

No. 10 Oklahoma at No. 7 Oklahoma State

7:30 p.m. | ABC, fuboTV (Try for free) — Oklahoma was a trendy pick to win the national championship entering the season — including by this author. Unfortunately, there’s only so much waiting we can muster before we acknowledge that the proverbial Mr. Godot is not coming. Oklahoma State has been consistently better and more dominant all season long, and its playing its best football with a chance to reach its first Big 12 Championship Game. The Cowboys won’t waste this moment. Prediction: Oklahoma State (-4) — Shehan Jeyarajah

Which college football picks can you make with confidence in Week 13, and which top College Football Playoff contender gets a huge scare? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread — all from a proven computer model that has returned almost $3,700 in profit over the past five-plus seasons — and find out.

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College football schedule today: TV channels, start times to watch every NCAA game on Friday

Thanksgiving day might have been full of NFL days, but there is still more football action prior to the weekend.

On Friday, there will be 16 FBS games to kick off rivalry weekend, along with a few ranked matchups. 

No. 21 San Diego State kicks off the slate at noon with a tough matchup against Boise State. No. 16 Iowa will play its final Big Ten game of the season when it travels to Lincoln, Nebraska, to take on the Cornhuskers in a battle for the Heroes Trophy.

Plenty of eyes will be on No. 4 Cincinnati as it looks to strengthen its College Football Playoff candidacy in its final test before the American Athletic Conference championship game in a matchup against Eastern Carolina. The Utes will also play their final regular-season game, hosting Colorado, before the Pac-12 championship on Dec. 3.

The night slot will feature a pair of rivalry clashes with UNC traveling to Raleigh to play No. 20 NC State, while the latest chapter of the Apple Cup will take place in Seattle with Washington hosting Washington State.

Sporting News breaks down how to watch those games and more in Week 13. Here’s everything you need to know.

MORE: Watch college football games live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)

College football schedule today

Here’s every FBS game scheduled for Friday, Nov. 26.

(All rankings reflect the latest College Football Playoff top-25 rankings).

Matchup Time Channel
Boise State at No. 19 San Diego State Noon CBS, fuboTV
Kansas State at Texas Noon Fox, fuboTV
Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan Noon ESPNU, fuboTV
Ohio at Bowling Green Noon CBSSN, fuboTV
Utah State at New Mexico 1 p.m. FS1, fuboTV
No. 16 Iowa at Nebraska 1:30 p.m. BTN, fuboTV
UTEP at UAB 2 p.m. ESPN+
No. 4 Cincinnati at Eastern Carolina 3:30 p.m. ABC, fuboTV
Mizzou at No. 25 Arkansas 3:30 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
South Florida at Central Florida 3:30 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV
Coastal Carolina at South Alabama 3:30 p.m. ESPN+
UNLV at Air Force 3:30 p.m. CBSSN, fuboTV
Colorado at No. 19 Utah 4 p.m. Fox, fuboTV
TCU at Iowa State 4:30 p.m. FS1, fuboTV
UNC at No. 20 NC State 7 p.m. ESPN, fuboTV
Washington State at Washington 8 p.m. FS1, fuboTV

MORE: College football picks, predictions against the spread for every Week 13 top 25 game

How to watch, live stream college football games

There will be a full slate of games on national television running from noon through 8 p.m. ET on Friday. The games will appear on CBS, Fox, FS1, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN+ and ABC. Live streaming options include the ESPN app, Fox.com, ESPN+, Paramount+ and fuboTV, which offers a 7-day free trial.

College football scores Week 13

Matchup Score
Boise State at No. 21 San Diego State —
Kansas State at Texas —
Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan —
Ohio at Bowling Green —
Utah State at New Mexico —
No. 16 Iowa at Nebraska —
UTEP at UAB —
No. 4 Cincinnati at Eastern Carolina —
Mizzou at No. 25 Arkansas —
South Florida at Central Florida —
Coastal Carolina at South Alabama —
UNLV at Air Force —
Colorado at No. 19 Utah —
TCU at Iowa State —
UNC at No. 20 NC State —
Washington State at Washington —

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College football picks, schedule: Predictions against the spread, odds for top 25 games today in Week 12

Championship races heading down the stretch, both at the conference and the College Football Playoff levels, ramp up on Saturday as the 2021 regular season gets closer to its conclusion. There’s no conference in which separation is potentially greater than the Big Ten, and two of the titans from the East Division in the conference with CFP aspirations are set to square off in a marquee top-10 showdown here in Week 12. 

The day begins with No. 7 Michigan State going on the road to Columbus to face a No. 4 Ohio State team that’s really seemed to find its offensive rhythm of late. The Buckeyes are significant favorites because of that offensive attack as well as the Spartans’ poor passing defense. Michigan State, however, enters with a massive chip on its shoulder. This is a team that feels disrespected by the CFP committee in being ranked behind No. 6 Michigan — a team it defeated this season. However, an upset win over the Buckeyes in Columbus would surely earn the Spartans the respect to which they feel entitled. 

Also in the spotlight Saturday is No. 2 Alabama, which can clinch the SEC West title and set up the most anticipated matchup of the 2021 season in the conference title game on Saturday, Dec. 4 with No. 1 Georgia with a win over no. 21 Arkansas. In the nightcap of the evening, No. 3 Oregon will look to boost its resume with a victory on the road against a tough No. 24 Utah squad. 

While winning is all that matters for the standings, we care about whether these teams will cover their spreads. Be sure to stick with CBS Sports throughout the day for college football coverage from the opening kickoff onward. Let’s take a look at our expert picks for the 12th full Saturday of the season.

Odds via Caesars Sportsbook | All times Eastern

No. 7 Michigan State at No. 4 Ohio State

12 p.m. | ABC, fuboTV (Try for free) — There are two factors at play for me with this pick. The first and most important one is that Michigan State is a good football team, so to get nearly three touchdowns with them against an Ohio State team that’s struggled to dominate opponents all season long is a hard deal to pass up. The other factor is the timing of the game. While this one is huge, Ohio State plays Michigan next week. The Buckeyes have been bad against the spread before the Michigan game, and they have failed to cover the spread a week before Michigan for seven straight seasons (they didn’t play last year). Prediction: Michigan State (+19) — Tom Fornelli

Iowa State at No. 13 Oklahoma

12 p.m. | Fox, fuboTV (Try for free) — Oklahoma’s poor performance against Baylor corresponded with its first matchup against a halfway decent defense. The bad news? The Cyclones might be even better on that side of the ball, and they boast a running back that will keep the chains moving. Oklahoma might find a way to pull away in a home game, but ISU can easily keep the game close once again. Prediction: Iowa State (+4) — Shehan Jeyarajah

No. 21 Arkansas at No. 2 Alabama

3:30 p.m. | CBS, CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App — Arkansas’ offense will have enough success against Alabama to at least keep this one in doubt heading into the fourth quarter. Will KJ Jefferson and the rest of the offense get the job done? No. A late mistake or two will cost the Hogs in this one, but they’ll keep it within three touchdowns. Prediction: Arkansas (+20.5) — Barrett Sallee

No. 6 Michigan at Maryland

3:30 p.m. | Big Ten Network, fuboTV (Try for free) — Michigan’s defensive front will be the group that wins this game. Maryland has been able to move the ball between the 20s this season, but it has struggled when it gets into the red zone. That’s where the Wolverines will start to overwhelm a Terps offensive line that has failed to establish an edge against the better teams in the Big Ten. Prediction: Michigan (-14.5) — Chip Patterson

No. 3 Oregon at No. 24 Utah

7:30 p.m. | ABC, fuboTV (Try for free) — Utah’s only loss in the last two months came against an Oregon State team that is one of only two teams in the conference that averages more yards rushing per game than Utah. Now the Utes must face the other one in Oregon. The Ducks should win a close one. Prediction: Oregon (+3) — David Cobb

Which college football picks can you make with confidence in Week 12, and which College Football Playoff contender will go down hard? Visit SportsLine to see which teams will win and cover the spread — all from a proven computer model that has returned almost $3,500 in profit over the past five-plus seasons — and find out.