Zabien Brown provided Alabama football with quite the ending to the first half of the 2025 edition of the ‘Third Saturday in October’ rivalry against No. 11 Tennessee.

Brown, the sophomore defensive back, made the Vols pay for their decision of going for it on the 1-yard line with 9 seconds remaining in the first half and facing a then-16-7 deficit, picking off Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar and taking it all the way down the field for a 99-yard pick-six touchdown return.

The pick-six from Brown gave Kalen DeBoer’s squad a 23-7 lead at halftime against their longtime SEC foe.

Watch: Zabien Brown gets 99-yard pick-six vs Tennessee

‘Obviously disappointed in that play,’ Tennessee coach Josh Heupel told ABC’s Molly McGrath going into halftime.

Here’s a look at Brown’s electric play in the final seconds of the first half:

Brown’s pick-six was the cherry on top of a stellar first half by the Crimson Tide’s defense, as Yhonzae Pierre helped Alabama record a safety at the 7:37 mark of the second quarter after he was credited with a sack on a pass rush of Aguilar in the end zone. The officials determined after a brief review that Aguilar committed an intentional grounding in the end zone, which resulted in a safety.

The Crimson Tide held the Vols to just 36 rushing yards in the first half.

If Alabama is able to keep its foot on the pedal and hold onto the lead, the Crimson Tide will continue their dominance at home in the ‘Third Saturday in October’ rivalry and pick up their fourth consecutive ranked win of the season.

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The No. 6 Crimson Tide defeated rival and No. 11 Tennessee 37-20 on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to win their fourth straight over a top 20 opponent

The win for Alabama (6-1, 4-0 SEC) is the 11th straight in Tuscaloosa over the Vols (5-2, 2-2) and exacts revenge for a loss last season.

Ty Simpson completed 19-of-29 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns in the win for the Crimson Tide. Ryan Williams had five receptions for 87 yards, while Germi Bernard added five grabs for 60 yards.

Perhaps the biggest play for the Crimson Tide was a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown for Zabien Brown at the end of the first half. The Vols were at the 1-yard line and about to cut the Alabama lead to one score; however, Brown’s score gave the Tide a 23-7 halftime lead.

Tennessee actually out-gained Alabama 410-373, but the Crimson Tide’s defense played bend-but-don’t-break defense all night. The Vols converted just two out of five red-zone opportunities.

USA TODAY brought you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Check it out below:

Alabama vs Tennessee score

This section will be updated throughout the game.

Alabama vs Tennessee highlights

Alabama-Tennessee score: Crimson Tide 37, Vols 20 (Final)

Alabama-Tennessee final stats

Final stats

Alabama earns 37-20 win over Tennessee

Kalen DeBoer is off the schneid against rival Tennessee. The second-year Alabama coach led the Crimson Tide to a 37-20 win over Tennessee on Saturday. Alabama moves to 6-1 and 4-0 in the SEC.

Tennessee turns ball over on downs

Tennessee turns the ball over on downs inside the Alabama 20-yard line and that should do it with just over three minutes left in the game. The Crimson Tide will have a chance to run the clock out.

Alabama fans have begun the tradition of smoking cigars to celebrate the win over their rivals.

Daniel Hill scores Alabama rushing touchdown

Daniel Hill scores a four-yard touchdown and Alabama now leads 37-20 with 5:49 left in the game. Hill’s score caps a 10-play, 75-yard drive in 5:02 of game time. The Vols committed a pair of defensive pass interferences to aid the scoring drive.

The Crimson Tide had 38 rushing yards on the drive after starting the drive with just 74.

DeSean Bishop scores second touchdown of game

DeSean Bishop scores his second touchdown of the game to cut the Alabama lead to 30-20 with 10:51 left in the game. This touchdown comes from 1 yard out.

Tennessee’s scoring drive is 13 plays for 75 yards and takes 4:34 off the clock.

End of third quarter: Alabama 30, Tennessee 20

Alabama scores on Rico Scott touchdown catch

Rico Scott catches a pass from Ty Simpson, breaks a tackle and scores an 11-yard touchdown to push Alabama’s lead to 30-13 with 25 seconds left in the third quarter.

That caps a 99-yard drive for the Crimson Tide, which took nine plays and 5:26 off the game clock.

Tennessee misses opportunity after turnover

Tennessee punts it away after forcing a Ty Simpson fumble, coming away with zero points after the turnover.

The good news for Vols fans, Jackson Ross boots a perfect ball and drops it at the 1-yard line for teammate William Wright to down. Alabama begins its drive backed all the way up.

Ty Simpson fumbles near midfield

Ty Simpson fumbles the ball on third-and-10, with Tennessee taking over at its own 47-yard line. Simpson lost control of the ball before his hand moved forward, as he appears to make contact with teammate Kaydn Proctor’s shoulder.

DeSean Bishop scores on long TD run

DeSean Bishop breaks off a big 44-yard run to cut the Alabama lead to 23-13 with 11:18 left in the third quarter. The Vols go for two, but the Crimson Tide intercepts a Joey Aguilar pass in the end zone.

The scoring drive is four plays for 61 yards and takes 1:39 off the clock.

Alabama goes three-and-out

Tennessee’s defense gets a much-needed stop and forces Alabama into a three-and-out to open the second half.

The Vols will begin their first drive of the second half from their own 46-yard line.

Alabama opens with ball to begin second half

Alabama will open with the ball to start the second half. The Crimson Tide have a chance to blow this game open with another score.

Halftime: Alabama 23, Tennessee 7

Alabama-Tennessee halftime stats

Zabien Brown returns interception for touchdown to end half

Tennessee opts to throw the ball with 9 seconds left in the half from the Alabama 1-yard line, but Zabien Brown picks off a pass from Joey Aguilar and returns it 99 yards for a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 23-7 lead going into halftime.

Jam Miller scores touchdown for Alabama

Jam Miller scores on a 1-yard toss play to give Alabama a 16-7 lead with 4:05 left in the second quarter. Alabama drives 69 yards on seven plays in 3:16 of game time to push its lead to two scores.

Ty Simpson is 11-of-16 for 162 passing yards and a touchdown, while Miller now has six rushes for seven yards and the score.

Alabama re-takes lead on Tennessee safety

Yhonzae Pierre gets credited with a sack on a pass rush of Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar in the end zone. The officials determine that Aguilar commits an intentional grounding in the end zone, resulting in a safety.

Alabama re-takes a 9-7 lead and gets the ball back with 7:21 left in the first half.

Tennessee ties game on Joey Aguilar touchdown pass to Braylon Staley

Tennessee’s offense gets going with a 10-play, 78-yard drive to tie the game 7-7 on a Joey Aguilar 2-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Staley. The Vols were able to sustain a drive for the first time tonight.

Ty Simpson is 10-for-13 passing for 118 yards and a touchdown following the drive.

End of first quarter: Alabama 7, Tennessee 0

Alabama leads Tennessee 7-0 after first quarter

Alabama holds a 7-0 lead after one quarter of play. The Crimson Tide scored on a touchdown pass from Ty Simpson to Isaiah Horton to cap an 11-play drive.

Meanwhile, Tennessee’s offense is struggling with -19 yards rushing in the first quarter and just 40 yards total on 13 plays.

Alabama strikes first on Ty Simpson TD pass

After Alabama forces Tennessee to punt on its opening drive, Ty Simpson caps a 91-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Horton to give the Crimson Tide an early 7-0 lead with 6:51 left in the first quarter.

The scoring drive is 11 plays for 91 yards and takes 6:02 off the game clock. Ryan Williams had a big 31-yard grab on the drive.

Tennessee to open on offense

Alabama wins the coin toss and defers to the second half. Tennessee will receive and Alabama will defend the north goal.

Pregame

Joey Aguilar stats

Following the transfer of Nico Iamaleava, Tennessee football added UCLA transfer Joey Aguilar to its roster to lead a team that was ready to contend for the College Football Playoff.

Here’s a look at Aguilar’s stats in his first season as the Vols’ starting QB:

2025: 118-of-182 (64.8%) for 1,680 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions

Ty Simpson stats

Ty Simpson is in his first year as the starting quarterback for Alabama football. Simpson had attempted just 50 career passes in his career heading into his fourth year with the Crimson Tide, but has led them to a 5-1 start to the season. 

Here’s a look at the stats for Simpson.

2025: 134-of-189 passing (70.9%) for 16 touchdowns and one interception

Final Alabama-Tennessee SEC availability report

Alabama injury update:

Out

LB Qua Russaw
LB Jah-Marien Latham
LB Cayden Jones
WR Derek Meadows
DL Jeremiah Beaman

Game-time decision

WR Jaylen Mbakwe
TE Danny Lewis Jr.

Tennessee injury update:

Out

TE Ethan Davis
DB Rickey Gibson III
WR Travis Smith Jr.
DB Jermond McCoy
WR Radarious Jackson

Out (first half)

LB Edwin Spillman

Alabama home winning streak at Bryant-Denny Stadium

Alabama enters Saturday’s matchup against Tennessee with 15 straight wins at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide’s last home loss was to Texas on Sept. 9, 2023. Alabama has not lost a home game in the Kalen DeBoer era.

The last time Tennessee beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa was in 2003. The 15-game home winning streak is tied with Boise State for the longest in the country.

ESPN ‘College GameDay’ picks Alabama-Tennessee winner

Here’s how the crew on ESPN’s “College GameDay” picked to win the Alabama-Tennessee matchup:

Nick Saban: Alabama
Desmond Howard: Alabama
Kirk Herbstreit: Alabama
Pat McAfee: Alabama
Jelly Roll: Tennessee

Why is Tennessee-Alabama game called the ‘Third Saturday’ in October?

Ranking the 10 best ‘Third Saturday in October’ matchups

The Tennessee-Alabama rivalry has been a college football matchup that brings excitement to fans. Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s rankings of the top 10 best ‘Third Saturday in October’ games.

What time does Alabama vs Tennessee start?

Date: Saturday, Oct. 18
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT)
Where: Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The ‘Third Saturday in October’ matchup between Alabama and Tennessee is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. CT) on Saturday, Oct. 18, from Nick Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

What TV channel is Alabama vs Tennessee on today?

TV: ABC
Streaming: Fubo (free trial)

The Crimson Tide and Vols’ game will air nationally on ABC. Sean McDonough will serve as the play-by-play commentator, with Greg McElroy serving as the analyst and Molly McGrath as the sideline reporter.

Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Alabama vs Tennessee predictions

Ehsan Kassim, USA TODAY Sports: Alabama 34, Tennessee 30

The Crimson Tide keep rolling with another home win against the Vols. Ty Simpson continues to display why he is getting looks as a potential first-round prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.

John Adams, Knox News: Alabama 45, Tennessee 30

Alabama has the best pass defense Tennessee has faced. The Vols probably are the best offense the Crimson Tide has faced. But the game will be decided by Alabama’s offense against Tennessee’s defense, which hasn’t been good enough yet this season.

Colin Gay, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 38, Tennessee 31

Another SEC top-15 test, one that has become the norm for Alabama. In a battle of two extremes, with Tennessee’s high-powered offense and porous defense, the Crimson Tide’s strength of schedule will prove extremely valuable with its three ranked wins in three weeks compared to Tennessee’s one ranked win all season.

Chase Goodbread, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 38, Tennessee 28

Look for a high-scoring affair, especially if Tennessee’s rushing attack is moving the chains. Expect a rebound performance from UA WR Ryan Williams, who was a non-factor last week at Missouri.

Alabama football schedule 2025

Here is the Crimson Tide’s schedule and results.

Saturday, Aug. 30: Florida State 31, No. 8 Alabama 17
Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 20 Alabama 73, UL Monroe 0
Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 18 Alabama 38, Wisconsin 14
Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 16 Alabama 24, No. 3 Georgia 21*
Saturday, Oct. 4: No. 11 Alabama 30, No. 17 Vanderbilt 14*
Saturday, Oct. 11: No. 8 Alabama 27, No. 18 Missouri 24*
Saturday, Oct. 18: vs. No. 15 Tennessee* | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 25: at South Carolina | 3:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. No. 10 LSU*
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 13 Oklahoma*
Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 29: at Auburn*

*Denotes SEC game

Tennessee football schedule 2025

Here is the Vols’ schedule and results.

Saturday, Aug. 30: No. 18 Tennessee 45, Syracuse 26
Saturday, Sept. 6: No. 17 Tennessee 72, East Tennessee State 17
Saturday, Sept. 13: No. 3 Georgia 44, No. 15 Tennessee 41, OT*
Saturday, Sept. 20: No. 15 Tennessee 56, UAB 24
Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 15 Tennessee 41, Mississippi State 34, OT
Saturday, Oct. 4: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 11: No. 12 Tennessee 34, Arkansas 31
Saturday, Oct. 18: at No. 6 Alabama* | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Oct. 25: at Kentucky* | 7:45 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 1: vs. No. 13 Oklahoma*
Saturday, Nov. 8: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. New Mexico State | 4:15 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 22: at Florida*
Saturday, Nov. 29: at No. 18 Vanderbilt*

*Denotes SEC game

Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot award is Lionel Messi’s and the Most Valuable Player award could be his soon after the final day of the 2025 regular season on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Messi scored a hat trick with an assist in a 5-2 win against Nashville SC at Geodis Park for his second career MLS hat trick, and the 61st of his legendary career.

Inter Miami will be the No. 3 seed in the MLS Eastern Conference when the MLS Cup playoffs begin on Oct. 24. They will meet No. 6-seed Nashville again in a best-of-three series, beginning Friday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

‘Well, what can I say about Leo? The truth is that he was exceptional today, as he usually is,’ Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the win.

‘Clearly, I think that if anyone had any doubts about his regular season, he has dispelled them. He will surely be awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Season award for everything he has shown, not to mention the three goals he has scored. I’m happy for him because he has helped us win the game again.’

One day after Shohei Ohtani had one of the best games in MLB history in Los Angeles, Messi reminded fans around the world why he’s considered the GOAT on the pitch. The Argentine World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended a personal streak of 18 consecutive seasons with a hat trick for club or country in all competitions.

“He’s brought so much attention to soccer in this country – it’s unreal,” Inter Miami’s Ian Fray said of Messi, speaking with Apple TV after the match. ‘No other player in the world could have this impact in this country. It’s crazy.’

“We take for granted what he does for 20-plus years,” Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman said of Messi before the final whistle.

Messi scored in the 34th minute, firing his legendary left boot outside of the box to help Inter Miami take a 1-0 lead on the road against Nashville SC. Jordi Alba was credited with the assist.

Messi scored a penalty kick – surprisingly, his first penalty score in MLS play this year – to tie it at 2 in the 63rd minute.

He scored again in the 81st minute, marking his 29th goal of the 2025 MLS season, to make it 4-2. He then assisted Telasco Segovia’s goal just before the final whistle, to mark his 48th total goal contribution this season, to make it 5-2.

Messi finished his 2025 MLS regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games. Carlos Vela set the single-season record of 49 goal contributions with LAFC in 2019.

Nashville’s Sam Surridge finished with 24 goals as did LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.

“I think there’s no doubt about it,” Mascherano said about Messi’s MVP case before the game. “I think that measuring Leo solely by the statistics – which we could do, and he is the best – I think he goes beyond the statistics. It’s what he shows on the court, the importance he has within the team and what he does to entertain everyone who has the chance to see him.”

Messi hat trick stats

It’s the second hat trick in Messi’s MLS career, and his 61st overall. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more among all active players with 66 hat tricks all-time from 2008-2024.

Messi has at least one hat trick in 18 consecutive seasons. He also scored a second-half hat trick in a friendly against Dundee United in 2008. Here’s video of that.

Messi’s hat trick against Nashville follows his performance off the bench against the New England Revolution on Oct. 19, 2024, three days after his 10th international hat trick for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Boliva on Oct. 16, 2024. Yeah, two in one week.

“I’m lucky because I enjoy Leo closer than you. You enjoy him from TV or the stands. It’s about that. The rest I think is part of the history, no?” Mascherano said of Messi after Saturday’s game.

“Leo is obviously the best player that has played this sport. He continues showing that. And I’m very pleased with him because today he was amazing, and he helped us win the game.”

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates and highlights from the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match:

Inter Miami vs. Nashville highlights

Inter Miami 5, Nashville 2: Messi assists Segovia goal (90’+1′)

Three goals and an assist move Messi to 48 goal contributions, one shy of the MLS record. Telasco Segovia finished the score in stoppage time.

Inter Miami 4, Nashville 2: Messi secures hat trick (81′)

Messi has a hat trick on Decision Day, his first hat trick of the season, scoring his third in the 81st minute.

Inter Miami 3, Nashville 2: Sam Surridge misses header

Sam Surridge is trying to climb back into the race, but his header was saved by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.

Inter Miami 3, Nashville 2: Baltazar Rodriguez scores goal (67′)

Baltazar Rodriguez scores to help Inter Miami take the lead in the second half.

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 2: Messi scores penalty kick (63′)

Halftime score: Nashville 2, Inter Miami 1

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 1: Jacob Shaffelburg scores goal (45’+6′)

Nashville takes the lead before halftime, as Jacob Shaffelburg rebounds a shot off the post by Hany Mukhtar.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 1: Messi misses attempt with right foot (45’+2′)

Messi nearly scored again, but was unable to convert with his right boot before sliding out of bounds during first-half injury time.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 1: Sam Surridge scores goal in 43′

Nashville’s Sam Surridge has tied this match just before halftime, scoring his 24th goal of the season on a header after an assist by Hany Mukhtar. Surridge is tied with LAFC’s Denis Bouanaga, who has 24 goals before his match tonight. However, they still trail Messi in the Golden Boot race.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 0: Lionel Messi scores goal in 34′

Lionel Messi’s left boot connects for his 27th goal of the MLS season. Messi’s first shot of the game was fired from outside of the box, finding the lower left corner of the net past Nashville’s goalkeeper. Jordi Alba was credited with the assist.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Hany Mukhtar misses in 33′

Mukhtar’s shot soars over the net.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge misses again in 31′

Sam Surridge’s shot is saved by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge’s shot is too strong in 28′

Sam Surridge is chasing the Golden Boot, but his shot soared over the net.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge misses shot near net in 20′

Sam Surridge missed a shot near the net on a set piece after a corner kick.  

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge misses header in 13′

Sam Surridge missed a shot near the net on a set piece after a corner kick. Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made the save.

Nashville vs. Inter Miami match has begun (1′)

Messi warms up before Nashville vs. Inter Miami match

Messi arrives to Nashville vs. Inter Miami match

Is Messi playing today in Nashville? Messi in Inter Miami starting lineup

Messi has been announced as a starter in Inter Miami’s lineup for the match in Nashville.

Nashville starting lineup vs. Inter Miami

When is the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match?

The match begins at 5 p.m. CT (6 p.m. ET; 7 p.m. in Argentina) at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

How to watch Nashville vs. Inter Miami match on TV, live stream?

The match will be available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Watch Decision Day on MLS Season Pass

Nashville vs. Inter Miami betting odds, according to BETMGM

Nashville: +135
Draw: +275
Inter Miami: +160
Over/under: 3.5 goals

Nashville vs. Inter Miami prediction

Nashville 3, Inter Miami 3: This isn’t an attractive result, but it certainly will hit the over. I see Lionel Messi and Sam Surridge teeing off as much as possible in this matchup, to chase down the Golden Boot. This will be a match where penalty shots will certainly be given to both players in the race. – Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter

Pregame stats before Nashville vs. Inter Miami

Messi leads MLS with 26 goals, followed by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga with 24 and Nashville’s Sam Surridge with 23. Messi also has 18 assists, tied with San Diego’s Andres Dreyer for the league high.

Messi’s 44 total goal contributions lead MLS, and are five shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49 with LAFC in 2019. Messi is joined by Dreyer, Bouanga, Cincinnati’s Evander and Surridge in the 2025 MVP race.

MLS playoff picture will be settled on Decision Day

Inter Miami could improve to second place in the MLS Eastern Conference with a victory, but would need Cincinnati to falter at home against Montreal to move up in the standings. Cincinnati and Inter Miami are tied with 62 points in the East, but Cincinnati has the tiebreaking edge in the win column (19 vs. 18).

The Philadelphia Union (66 points) have already won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, the regular-season title that Inter Miami won last season.

Inter Miami already has secured home-field advantage for at least the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Nashville, which won the U.S. Open Cup on Oct. 1, enters the match in sixth place with 54 points.

MLS Cup playoffs calendar

Messi and Inter Miami already clinched a berth in the MLS Cup playoffs. Here are key playoff dates to know:

Oct. 22: Wild-card matches (single-elimination matches)
Oct. 24-Nov. 9: Round 1 (best-of-three series)
Nov. 22-23: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches)
Nov. 29-30: Conference finals (single-elimination matches)
Dec. 6: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)

Texas Tech football is the latest upset during the 2025 college football season.

Raleek Brown completed a comeback for Arizona State to pull off a 26-22 upset over the No. 8 Red Raiders with a 1-yard touchdown. The Sun Devils drove 10 plays for 75 yards with less than two minutes left in the game to steal a victory from Texas Tech.

Texas Tech overcame a 19-7 lead in the fourth quarter to take a 22-19 lead with two minutes left in the game. However, Arizona State scored a late touchdown to earn the win. The Sun Devils were aided by a pass interference call against Texas Tech on second-and-goal to set up the game-winning score.

Now the question is: Where will Texas Tech fall in the US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 rankings after Week 8?

Here’s a look at the possibilities:

Texas Tech football rankings: Where will Red Raiders fall in top 25?

Texas Tech’s loss to Arizona State is its first loss of the season and, thus, the first in conference play. While the loss won’t eliminate the Red Raiders from the Big 12 Championship race, they will have to tighten up in the rest of the season.

The Red Raiders could not overcome their own mistakes against the Sun Devils, as they threw an interception, had a punt blocked and had two turnovers on downs.

With the loss, Texas Tech is certain to fall out of the top 10. However, the Red Raiders have a good chance to remain within the top 15 and a shot at the College Football Playoff for the first time ever. No. 10 LSU lost to No. 18 Vanderbilt, which could aid the Red Raiders in their landing spot in the next rankings.

Here’s how the rest of the top 15 fared in Week 8, and how those games might affect the Red Raiders’ ranking:

Rankings reflect the Week 8 US LBM Coaches Poll

No. 1 Ohio State: 34-0 win vs. Wisconsin
No. 2 Miami: 24-21 loss to Louisville
No. 3 Indiana: 38-13 win vs. Michigan State
No. 4 Texas A&M: vs. Arkansas
No. 5 Ole Miss: 43-35 loss vs. No. 7 Georgia
No. 6 Alabama: vs. No. 11 Tennessee
No. 7 Georgia: 43-35 win vs. No. 5 Ole Miss
No. 8 Texas Tech: 26-22 loss vs. Arizona State
No. 9 Oregon: vs. Rutgers
No. 10 LSU: 31-24 loss to No. 18 Vanderbilt
No. 11 Tennessee: vs. No. 6 Alabama
No. 12 Georgia Tech: 27-18 win vs. Duke
No. 13 Oklahoma: 26-7 win vs. South Carolina
No. 14 BYU: vs. No. 22 Utah
No. 15 Notre Dame: vs. No. 21 USC

Final ranking prediction: No. 14

Major League Soccer’s Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards could be Lionel Messi’s after the final day of the 2025 regular season on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Messi scored a hat trick with an assist in a 5-2 win against Nashville SC at Geodis Park for his second career MLS hat trick, and the 61st of his legendary career.

Inter Miami will be the No. 3 seed in the MLS Eastern Conference when the MLS Cup playoffs begin on Oct. 24. They are expected to meet No. 6-seed Nashville again in a best-of-three series, beginning Friday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

‘Well, what can I say about Leo? The truth is that he was exceptional today, as he usually is,’ Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the win.

‘Clearly, I think that if anyone had any doubts about his regular season, he has dispelled them. He will surely be awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Season award for everything he has shown, not to mention the three goals he has scored. I’m happy for him because he has helped us win the game again.’

One day after Shohei Ohtani had one of the best games in MLB history in Los Angeles, Messi reminded fans around the world why he’s considered the GOAT on the pitch. The Argentine World Cup champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner extended a personal streak of 18 consecutive seasons with a hat trick for club or country in all competitions.

“He’s brought so much attention to soccer in this country – it’s unreal,” Inter Miami’s Ian Fray said of Messi, speaking with Apple TV after the match. ‘No other player in the world could have this impact in this country. It’s crazy.’

“We take for granted what he does for 20-plus years,” Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman said of Messi before the final whistle.

Messi scored in the 34th minute, firing his legendary left boot outside of the box to help Inter Miami take a 1-0 lead on the road against Nashville SC. Jordi Alba was credited with the assist.

Messi scored a penalty kick – surprisingly, his first penalty score in MLS play this year – to tie it at 2 in the 63rd minute.

He scored again in the 81st minute, marking his 29th goal of the 2025 MLS season, to make it 4-2. He then assisted Telasco Segovia’s goal just before the final whistle, to mark his 48th total goal contribution this season, to make it 5-2.

Messi finished his 2025 MLS regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists in 28 games. Carlos Vela set the single-season record of 49 goal contributions with LAFC in 2019.

Nashville’s Sam Surridge finished with 24 goals, while LAFC’s Denis Bouanga is five goals away from Messi heading into his match on Saturday night.

“I think there’s no doubt about it,” Mascherano said about Messi’s MVP case before the game. “I think that measuring Leo solely by the statistics – which we could do, and he is the best – I think he goes beyond the statistics. It’s what he shows on the court, the importance he has within the team and what he does to entertain everyone who has the chance to see him.”

Messi hat trick stats

It’s the second hat trick in Messi’s MLS career, and his 61st overall. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more among all active players with 66 hat tricks all-time from 2008-2024.

Messi has at least one hat trick in 18 consecutive seasons. He also scored a second-half hat trick in a friendly against Dundee United in 2008. Here’s video of that.

Messi’s hat trick against Nashville follows his performance off the bench against the New England Revolution on Oct. 19, 2024, three days after his 10th international hat trick for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier against Boliva on Oct. 16, 2024. Yeah, two in one week.

“I’m lucky because I enjoy Leo closer than you. You enjoy him from TV or the stands. It’s about that. The rest I think is part of the history, no?” Mascherano said of Messi after Saturday’s game.

“Leo is obviously the best player that has played this sport. He continues showing that. And I’m very pleased with him because today he was amazing, and he helped us win the game.”

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates and highlights from the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match:

Inter Miami vs. Nashville highlights

Inter Miami 5, Nashville 2: Messi assists Segovia goal (90’+1′)

Three goals and an assist move Messi to 48 goal contributions, one shy of the MLS record. Telasco Segovia finished the score in stoppage time.

Inter Miami 4, Nashville 2: Messi secures hat trick (81′)

Messi has a hat trick on Decision Day, his first hat trick of the season, scoring his third in the 81st minute.

Inter Miami 3, Nashville 2: Sam Surridge misses header

Sam Surridge is trying to climb back into the race, but his header was saved by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.

Inter Miami 3, Nashville 2: Baltazar Rodriguez scores goal (67′)

Baltazar Rodriguez scores to help Inter Miami take the lead in the second half.

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 2: Messi scores penalty kick (63′)

Halftime score: Nashville 2, Inter Miami 1

Nashville 2, Inter Miami 1: Jacob Shaffelburg scores goal (45’+6′)

Nashville takes the lead before halftime, as Jacob Shaffelburg rebounds a shot off the post by Hany Mukhtar.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 1: Messi misses attempt with right foot (45’+2′)

Messi nearly scored again, but was unable to convert with his right boot before sliding out of bounds during first-half injury time.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 1: Sam Surridge scores goal in 43′

Nashville’s Sam Surridge has tied this match just before halftime, scoring his 24th goal of the season on a header after an assist by Hany Mukhtar. Surridge is tied with LAFC’s Denis Bouanaga, who has 24 goals before his match tonight. However, they still trail Messi in the Golden Boot race.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 0: Lionel Messi scores goal in 34′

Lionel Messi’s left boot connects for his 27th goal of the MLS season. Messi’s first shot of the game was fired from outside of the box, finding the lower left corner of the net past Nashville’s goalkeeper. Jordi Alba was credited with the assist.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Hany Mukhtar misses in 33′

Mukhtar’s shot soars over the net.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge misses again in 31′

Sam Surridge’s shot is saved by Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge’s shot is too strong in 28′

Sam Surridge is chasing the Golden Boot, but his shot soared over the net.

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge misses shot near net in 20′

Sam Surridge missed a shot near the net on a set piece after a corner kick.  

Nashville 0, Inter Miami 0: Surridge misses header in 13′

Sam Surridge missed a shot near the net on a set piece after a corner kick. Inter Miami goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo made the save.

Nashville vs. Inter Miami match has begun (1′)

Messi warms up before Nashville vs. Inter Miami match

Messi arrives to Nashville vs. Inter Miami match

Is Messi playing today in Nashville? Messi in Inter Miami starting lineup

Messi has been announced as a starter in Inter Miami’s lineup for the match in Nashville.

Nashville starting lineup vs. Inter Miami

When is the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match?

The match begins at 5 p.m. CT (6 p.m. ET; 7 p.m. in Argentina) at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee.

How to watch Nashville vs. Inter Miami match on TV, live stream?

The match will be available via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

Watch Decision Day on MLS Season Pass

Nashville vs. Inter Miami betting odds, according to BETMGM

Nashville: +135
Draw: +275
Inter Miami: +160
Over/under: 3.5 goals

Nashville vs. Inter Miami prediction

Nashville 3, Inter Miami 3: This isn’t an attractive result, but it certainly will hit the over. I see Lionel Messi and Sam Surridge teeing off as much as possible in this matchup, to chase down the Golden Boot. This will be a match where penalty shots will certainly be given to both players in the race. – Safid Deen, Lionel Messi reporter

Pregame stats before Nashville vs. Inter Miami

Messi leads MLS with 26 goals, followed by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga with 24 and Nashville’s Sam Surridge with 23. Messi also has 18 assists, tied with San Diego’s Andres Dreyer for the league high.

Messi’s 44 total goal contributions lead MLS, and are five shy of Carlos Vela’s single-season record of 49 with LAFC in 2019. Messi is joined by Dreyer, Bouanga, Cincinnati’s Evander and Surridge in the 2025 MVP race.

MLS playoff picture will be settled on Decision Day

Inter Miami could improve to second place in the MLS Eastern Conference with a victory, but would need Cincinnati to falter at home against Montreal to move up in the standings. Cincinnati and Inter Miami are tied with 62 points in the East, but Cincinnati has the tiebreaking edge in the win column (19 vs. 18).

The Philadelphia Union (66 points) have already won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, the regular-season title that Inter Miami won last season.

Inter Miami already has secured home-field advantage for at least the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Nashville, which won the U.S. Open Cup on Oct. 1, enters the match in sixth place with 54 points.

MLS Cup playoffs calendar

Messi and Inter Miami already clinched a berth in the MLS Cup playoffs. Here are key playoff dates to know:

Oct. 22: Wild-card matches (single-elimination matches)
Oct. 24-Nov. 9: Round 1 (best-of-three series)
Nov. 22-23: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches)
Nov. 29-30: Conference finals (single-elimination matches)
Dec. 6: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)

The Green Bay Packers head west this week for a key NFC matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

If a five-hour delay to their plane departure wasn’t enough, the Packers may have to take on the Cardinals without one of their best players on Sunday.

Running back Josh Jacobs is questionable to play Week 7 against Arizona because of an illness and calf injury, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Green Bay’s leading rusher hasn’t missed a game for the Packers since signing with the team ahead of last season.

The three-time Pro Bowler ranks 10th in the NFL this season with 71.8 rushing yards per game. He’s on track for his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season with Green Bay as the leader of the team’s No. 12-ranked rushing offense.

Jacobs was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was a full participant on Friday.

If Jacobs is unable to play, the Packers will rely on their backups against the Cardinals’ 13th-ranked run defense. Emanuel Wilson is the next rusher up on the depth chart. He has 18 carries for 84 yards in five games this season with four catches for 33 yards in the passing game.

Sunday is the first of back-to-back road games for Green Bay. The Packers will head across the country again in Week 8 to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers and former Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers on ‘Sunday Night Football.’

Packers RB depth chart

Josh Jacobs (questionable)
Emanuel Wilson
Chris Brooks
Pierre Strong Jr. (practice squad)

Brooks has played in two games this season as more of a receiving back. He’s tallied five catches for 30 yards in the passing game to go along with 2 yards on two carries on the ground.

Strong signed with the Packers after spending the 2025 offseason with the Cleveland Browns.

In a 2025 college football season without a clear Heisman Trophy front-runner, it’s quite possible that the sport’s most exciting player could end up lifting its most coveted piece of hardware in December.

At least he seems to think so.

After scampering for a 21-yard touchdown run to give his team a 31-21 lead over LSU late in the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 18, and after sharing some hugs with his teammates and Army ROTC members near the end zone, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia struck the Heisman Trophy pose.

Pavia has plenty of reasons to think he has a case for college football’s most storied individual honor.

Entering Saturday’s game against LSU, Pavia had thrown for 1,409 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions, along with 352 rushing yards (a team high) and two touchdowns, for a Commodores team that was 5-1 and ranked No. 18 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. 

Beyond his impressive numbers, the New Mexico State transfer has regularly produced electrifying plays over the past two years, using his fearless, free-wheeling style to help lift up a historically hapless Vanderbilt program to a 12-7 record since the start of the 2024 season.

Pavia’s one of a handful of quarterbacks who were among the favorites for the Heisman entering Week 8, a group that also included, among others, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, Miami’s Carson Beck, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore.

Diego Pavia stats

In Vanderbilt’s 31-24 win, Pavia completed 14 of 22 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. Where Pavia really made a difference, however, was on the ground. The QB rushed for 86 yards on 17 carries and a pair of touchdowns, with him striking the Heisman pose after his second one.

All things told, Pavia accounted for 246 of Vanderbilt’s 399 yards, further bolstering his Heisman case.

After a nearly five-hour delay, the Green Bay Packers are on their way west to Phoenix for their Week 7 game against the Arizona Cardinals.

The NFC North-leading Packers were scheduled to depart for Arizona at 1:30 p.m. CT ahead of their game Sunday at State Farm Stadium. That didn’t happen as planned.

Green Bay’s team plane had mechanical issues, per multiple reports. The team wasn’t in the air until nearly 6:30 p.m. CT and on a new plane that was brought from Detroit to Green Bay.

This was the second plane headed to Phoenix for the team’s game against the Cardinals. The first one was made up of team staff members and departed as scheduled.

It’ll be a quick turnaround for the Packers once they reach their destination. They’re set to arrive at 8:32 p.m. local time Saturday night per ESPN with kickoff slated for 1:25 p.m. in Glendale, Arizona.

The team has not released a statement explaining the reason for the delay.

This story will be updated with more information when available.

And when he objected to an opponent getting away with a cross-check, he took matters into his own hands – with a little flourish.

During the second period of the Panthers-Sabres game on Saturday, Oct. 18, Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin cross-checked Marchand. Unhappy with that, Marchand jumped Dahlin a few seconds later and started throwing punches while the defenseman was on the ice.

But Marchand wasn’t done, He had Dahlin’s helmet in his hand as he got up and took it with him to the penalty box as an on-ice official led him there. Marchand ripped the straps off the helmet before tossing it back onto the ice. He threw the straps against the glass in the penalty box.

‘He’s a competitor,’ Dahlin said about Marchand after the game. ‘I’ve probably done something like that in the past, too. Stuff happens out there.’

When all was settled, Marchand received two minutes for interference and two minutes for roughing against Dahlin. Buffalo’s Tage Thompson got two minutes for roughing Marchand, giving the Sabres a power play.

Teammate Peyton Krebs lent Dahlin his helmet so the defenseman could play on the power play.

Josh Doan scored 32 seconds into the power play to give the Sabres a 2-0 lead.

The banged-up two-time defending Stanley Cup champions lost 3-0, their fourth in a row to drop them to 3-4-0 this season.

Adding to the Panthers’ injury woes, defenseman Niko Mikkola left the game with an upper body injury after a collision and didn’t return. Coach Paul Maurice said he’d have a better idea on Mikkola’s status on Monday.

Florida’s next game is Tuesday in Boston, where Marchand played for 17 seasons before being moved to the Panthers at the trade deadline and leading the team to a second consecutive Stanley Cup title.

(This story was updated with new information.)

Georgia trailed 35-26 with 4:12 remaining in the third quarter, but ultimately secured another win in comeback fashion.

Here are the highlights from Georgia’s win over Ole Miss.

Georgia vs Ole Miss score

Georgia vs Ole Miss live updates

This section will be updated.

Georgia seals it

Georgia forces another stop, holding Ole Miss on fourth-and-10 and securing the come-from-behind win. The Bulldogs do it again.

Georgia goes up 43-35 after field goal

Georgia hits the 42-yard field goal, extending its lead to 43-35.

Ole Miss has a chance to send this game to overtime, however, with 2:06 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Rebels need a touchdown and a 2-point conversion.

Georgia milking clock

Georgia has held the ball for over four minutes, taking the clock down to nearly the 2-minute timeout. The Bulldogs are inside Ole Miss territory and the Rebels are very close to not getting another chance to score.

Ole Miss punts

Georgia has locked in defensively, forcing its second consecutive three-and-out. Georgia takes over with a 40-35 lead with 6:32 left in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs can end it with a touchdown here.

Georgia takes late lead

Lawson Luckie calls for a hat trick, as he catches a 7-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Stockton to give Georgia a 40-35 lead with 7:29 left in the fourth quarter.

Stockton is up to 247 passing yards with four touchdowns, along with 61 rushing yards and a score.

Georgia gets a stop

Georgia has some momentum, as the Bulldogs force the first punt of the game by either teams in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs, who have yet to punt, take over facing a 2-point deficit.

Georgia scores

Stockton finds Nate Frazier for a 3-yard touchdown to reduce Ole Miss’ lead to 35-33 early in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs are hanging around, but desperately need a stop in the final period.

Georgia converts on 4th and 1

Josh McCray looks dead to rights, but has a valiant second effort to gain two yards on the fourth-and-1 try. Georgia keeps its drive alive in a situation that would’ve been detrimental for the Bulldogs given how Ole Miss’ offense is playing.

Ole Miss putting on a clinic

Ole Miss just continues to dominant Georgia offensively, as Chambliss plunges in a 2-yard score to extend its lead to 35-26.

Five possessions, five scoring drives for the Rebels.

Deuce Alexander with highlight catch

What a catch by Deuce Alexander, who moves the chains for Ole Miss with a 32-yard catch on 2nd-and-15. That was a huge play.

Georgia answers

Georgia answers with its own touchdown, as Stockton finds Lawson Luckie again for a touchdown. Georgia opts to go for the 2-point conversion, but Stockton is sacked.

Ole Miss leads 28-26 in the third quarter.

Ole Miss scores in 14 seconds

Four possessions, four touchdown drives for Ole Miss. De’Zhaun Stribling jukes a defender and takes a short pass to the house from 75 yards out.

The Rebels lead 28-20 early in the second half now.

Georgia makes field goal before halftime

Peyton Woodring makes a short field goal before halftime, as Georgia heads into the break trailing 21-20.

Lane Kiffin was noticeably ecstatic about his defense getting a stop before halftime, as Ole Miss’ offense is rolling and gets the ball to start the third quarter.

3 drives, 3 touchdowns for Ole Miss

Georgia has no answers for Ole Miss right now, as the Rebels drive right back down the field and score another touchdown on their third drive of the game.

Kewan Lacy takes the direct snap for a 1-yard score, giving Ole Miss a 21-17 lead just before halftime.

Georgia scores another touchdown

Still no punts yet midway through the second quarter, as Gunner Stockton takes it himself for a 22-yard rushing touchdown to give Georgia a 17-14 lead.

Stockton is 10 of 13 passing for 117 yards and a touchdown, along with 30 rushing yards and a score on three carries.

Ole Miss scores again

Ole Miss and Trinidad Chambliss conduct another scoring drive, ending in a 1-yard touchdown run from Kewan Lacy.

The Rebels are getting whatever they want offensively right now, as they have 130 total yards on two drives.

Georgia regains lead

Are we in for a shootout in Athens? Georgia regains the lead on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Stockton to Lawson Luckie to take a 10-7 lead on the first play of the second quarter.

Points have been scored on the first three combined possessions of the game.

Trinidad Chambliss scrambles for touchdown

Trinidad Chambliss makes an impressive play, going off script and scrambling for a 7-yard touchdown to give Ole Miss a 7-3 lead with 5:47 left in the first quarter.

Chambliss is 6 of 9 passing with 48 yards, on top of a rushing score.

Georgia strikes first

Georgia opens the game with a 3-0 lead following a 51-yard field goal from Peyton Woodring. The Bulldogs’ drive falls apart late after an offensive pass interference in Ole Miss territory.

Gunner Stockton completes 3 of 3 passes for 45 yards on the drive.

Ole Miss defers

Ole Miss wins the coin toss and defers to the second half, so Georgia will start with possession.

Here we go.

Lane Kiffin appears in style

Kiffin arrives at Sanford Stadium in style ahead of the game. Not your average head coach right there.

Kirby Smart, Lane Kiffin record vs top-10 teams

Smart has a 19-10 career record against top-10 teams as a head coach, compared to Kiffin’s 5-6 mark.

‘College GameDay’ picks for Georgia-Ole Miss

Here’s how ‘College GameDay’ picked Georgia-Ole Miss:

Desmond Howard: Georgia
Nick Saban: Georgia
Jelly Roll: Georgia
Pat McAfee: Georgia
Kirk Herbstreit: No pick

What TV channel is Georgia vs Ole Miss on today?

TV channel: ABC
Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo (free trial)

Georgia-Ole Miss will air live on ABC, with streaming options available on the ESPN app or Fubo, which offers a free trial.

Georgia vs Ole Miss time today

Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Date: Saturday, Oct. 18
Location: Sanford Stadium (Athens, Georgia)

Georgia vs Ole Miss predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Spread: Georgia (-7.5)
Over/under: 54.5
Moneyline: Georgia -285 | Ole Miss +230

Prediction: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 24

Georgia takes care of business at home, handing Ole Miss its first loss of the season. Quarterback Gunner Stockton leads the way with three touchdowns and the Bulldogs force a turnover from Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss.