The bars are staying open late tonight in Madison, Wisconsin.

For the first time in 63 days, Wisconsin football has won a game, as the Badgers defeated Washington 13-10 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8. It is the first win for Luke Fickell’s squad in Big Ten play, moving their conference record this season to 1-5.

Given the drought the Badgers were on, fans didn’t hold back from getting their postgame celebrations underway as they stormed the field as the clock went triple zeros.

Wisconsin entered the week on a six-game losing skid, which featured losses to then-No. 19 Alabama, then-No. 20 Michigan, No. 1 Ohio State and two unranked defeats at home against Maryland and Iowa. The Badgers were a 10.5-point underdog against Washington, which was ranked No. 23 in the College Football Playoff top 25.

The Badgers also entered Saturday’s Big Ten game in a scoring drought at home, as they were shut out in back-to-back games against Iowa (37-0) and Ohio State (34-0) in their previous two home games. That drought was snapped at the 13:44 mark of the first quarter when Nathanial Vakos hit a 42-yard field goal.

The eventual game winner for the Badgers on Saturday against Washington was a 32-yard field goal from Vakos at the end of the third quarter. Badgers punter Sean West finished as the team’s leading passer, as he completed a 24-yard completion on a fake punt attempt.

Here’s another look at the field storming at Camp Randall from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s John Steppe:

The win also comes just a few days after Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh announced Fickell would return for the 2026 college football season amid the Badgers’ struggles.

‘I can see a path forward,’ McIntosh told the Journal Sentinel on Thursday on keeping Fickell. ‘I can see a plan that we can execute and I can see a way for us to be successful and competitive in ‘26 and beyond.

Does the Big Ten fine teams for rushing the field?

No. Unlike the SEC, Big 12 and ACC, there is no fine in place for fans who rush the field in the Big Ten. According to an ESPN article from Feb. 26, 2024, the Big Ten does have ‘punishments’ in place for such events.

‘• Big Ten: A discretionary fine can result on a third offense for failure to ‘provide adequate security for visiting teams from their arrival for a game through their departure.’ There is a private reprimand for a first offense; a public reprimand for second.’

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

Montana football, undefeated in Division I FCS, caught an all-time break against Eastern Washington on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Schakel fumbled the ball, losing his grip as he attempted to slam the ball into the ground to set up a final play for the game-winner. Eastern Washington recovered the ball, but the clock had already expired.

Montana ultimately avoided a scare against the 4-6 Eagles, improving to 10-0 in 2025.

In Schakel’s defense, Eastern Washington wouldn’t have been in a position to win if it wasn’t for the redshirt freshman quarterback. He completed 43 of 63 passes for 451 yards with two touchdowns to two interceptions on the day.

‘(Jake) stood in there and made a ton of plays, over and over again,’ Eastern Washington coach Aaron Best said after the game. ‘He stood the test of all the pressures and situations. That was a memorable one and our guys fought. They gave everything they had and that’s all we asked. We’ll bounce back and we’ll be better for it knowing we just took the number two team in the country toe-to-toe and five yards away from winning the game.’

Montana led 22-0 after the first quarter before Schakel and Eastern Washington mounted a comeback that fell just short. Eastern Washington made the score 29-24 with 61 seconds left after a Schakel touchdown throw. The Eagles then recovered the onside kick, setting up the potential game-winning drive.

EWU drove 44 yards in four plays before the fumbled spike attempt. They couldn’t quite pull off the upset with the late-game blunder, but may have found their quarterback of the future.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are moving on in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Messi had two goals and two assists – including the 400th of his career for club and country – and No. 3 seed Inter Miami beat No. 6 seed Nashville SC 4-0 in the decisive Game 3 of their first-round series on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Chase Stadium.

Tadeo Allende also scored twice in a three-minute span in the second half, as Inter Miami is three matches away from their first MLS Cup title.

Inter Miami will visit No. 2 FC Cincinnati in the conference semifinals, beginning Nov. 22 or 23. Every match moving forward in the MLS playoffs is single elimination.

Inter Miami was on the brink in the first round for the second straight year, but relied on their Argentine World Cup champion and captain to lead the way.

“I’m happy for the club because after what happened last year, there were lingering feelings and a fear it could happen again,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the win. “Now, we can look ahead.”

Messi scored twice in the first half – his first coming 10 minutes into the match. He dribbled around several defenders, and connected with a left boot into the lower right corner of the net on an assist from Allende.

Messi doubled the lead in the 39th minute, connecting on a drop pass from 19-year-old Argentine Mateo Silvetti, who played on Argentina’s runner-up Under-20 World Cup team and started in place of a suspended Luis Suarez in the match.

Messi also orchestrated Allende’s goals in the second half. Messi and Jordi Alba exchanged several passes in the box before Allende scored in the 73rd minute.

Messi’s finishing touch was a through pass up the pitch to Allende in the 76th minute to register his historic assist to end the night.

“It’s crazy. Every game, you’re kinda speechless. It’s unbelievable I get to play with him,” Inter Miami defender Noah Allen said of Messi after the match. “He creates magic. It’s unreal.”

Inter Miami goalie Rocco Ríos Novo earned his first clean sheet of the postseason as Nashville missed 11 shots in the match, despite a second-half push to get back into the contest.

While Messi led the way offensively, he also received praise from Alba and Mascherano for pushing the envelope on the defensive end, as well.

“He really put on a show – both defensively and offensively,” Alba said in an Apple TV interview after the win. “… But defensively, he helped us more than anyone else.”

Added Mascherano: “How he pressed today at 38 years old, it’s crazy. I think we already know everything about Leo with the ball, but Leo without the ball, today, was impressive.”

Messi scored eight goals in a span of four matches in 22 days against Nashville – an MLS rivalry that has been one-sided since Messi joined the league.

Inter Miami beat Nashville for the 2023 Leagues Cup title and has only dropped one match against them since then (Game 2 of this series).

The MLS playoff series victory is the first for Inter Miami, which started play in 2020.

The MLS careers of Alba and Sergio Busquets, the former Barcelona stars who announced they will retire at the end of the 2025 season, will also continue during this postseason run.

“There aren’t many games left. God willing, there will be three more games, and hopefully we can win and bring joy to the fans and ourselves,” Alba said.

Messi is expected to join the Argentine national team next week for a Nov. 14 match against Angola in the African country. Mascherano acknowledged at least seven players would be away on international duty before the next playoff game.

USA TODAY Sports provided updates and highlights from the match:

Inter Miami vs. Nashville highlights

Inter Miami 4, Nashville 0: Tadeo Allende scores brace (76′)

This one is over: Tadeo Allende scores his second goal in a three-minute span, and Inter Miami will move on. Allende received an assist up the field from Messi, and finished the opportunity with ease.

Inter Miami 3, Nashville 0: Tadeo Allende scores goal (73′)

Inter Miami will move on in the MLS Cup playoffs: Tadeo Allende scores in the 73rd minute to triple the lead.

The sequence: Jordi Alba to Messi, back to Alba, and dropped off to Allende in front of the net.

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 0: Sam Surridge misses shot (56′)

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 0: Another Messi dribbling highlight (53′)

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 0: Sam Surridge goal negated (46′)

Nashville’s Sam Surridge gets tangled with Inter Miami defender Maxi Falcon, and a goal was disallowed about 30 seconds into the second half.

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 0: Halftime 

Lionel Messi scored twice (10’ and 39’) to propel Inter Miami to a 2-0 lead in the first half of Game 3 against Nashville. Can he get a hat trick in the second half?

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 0: Messi misses free kick before halftime (45’+2′)

Messi lined up for a free kick, but Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis caught the shot attempt. Messi drew a yellow card after colliding into Walker Zimmerman in the sequence.

Inter Miami 2, Nashville 0: Messi scores second goal (39′)

Messi has a brace, scoring his second goal just before halftime on an assist from 19-year-old Argentine Mateo Silvetti.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 0: Baltazar Rodriguez misses shot (32′)

Inter Miami performed a set piece in the 32nd minute: Messi sent a pass to Rodriguez, who was just off the mark on his shot from outside the box.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 0: Messi’s free kick hits Najar (30′)

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 0: Messi nutmegs Edvard Tagseth (19′)

The crowd erupted when Messi pulled off a nutmeg on Nashville’s Edvard Tagseth in the 19th minute. The exchanges from both players after the sequence was comical, too.

Inter Miami 1, Nashville 0: Messi scores goal (10′)

Ten minutes in, and No. 10 has scored: Messi connects on a left boot into the lower right corner of the net to give Inter Miami an early lead.

Inter Miami 0, Nashville 0: Why is Luis Suárez not playing?

Inter Miami will play without Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, who was suspended for the match and fined for kicking Nashville’s Andy Najar in Game 2. He was seen on the Inter Miami bench during the opening minutes of the game broadcast.

Inter Miami 0, Nashville SC 0: We’re underway (1′)

The match has begun shortly after 8:15 p.m. ET.

Messi arrives for Game 3

What time is Game 3 between Inter Miami vs. Nashville?

The match begins at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT, 9 p.m. in Argentina) at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Where to watch Inter Miami vs. Nashville Game 3 on TV/live stream?

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

Is Messi playing tonight?

Yes, Messi is a starter and will play tonight.

Inter Miami vs. Nashville starting lineups

Mateo Silvetti, a 19-year-old who played on Argentina’s runner-up Under-20 World Cup team, earned the start in place of Suarez on the front line for Inter Miami alongside Messi, Tadeo Allende and Baltazar Rodriguez.

Inter Miami vs. Nashville prediction

Inter Miami 3, Nashville 2: Inter Miami prevails with a brace and an assist by Messi at home, but don’t expect Nashville to just bow away so easily. –Safid Deen

Who does Inter Miami-Nashville winner play next in MLS playoffs?

The winner of Inter Miami-Nashville series will face No. 2 FC Cincinnati, which beat the No. 7 Columbus Crew 2-1 in Game 3 earlier Saturday. Cincinnati would host No. 3 Inter Miami or No. 6 Nashville, whichever advances, in the conference semifinals.

Inter Miami vs. Nashville recent matches

Saturday will be the fourth match in as many weeks between Inter Miami and Nashville.

Decision Day:Messi had a hat trick in a 5-2 win for Inter Miami at Nashville on Oct. 18 to end the regular season.
Game 1: Messi scored twice with an assist in a 3-1 home win for Inter Miami on Oct. 24.
Game 2: Messi scored in the final minutes, but Nashville won 2-1 at home on Nov. 1. Nashville broke an 11-game winless streak against Inter Miami in the victory.

Messi’s upcoming schedule with Inter Miami, Argentina

Messi was called up by Argentina to participate in a November 14 friendly against Angola in the African country. The match occurs during the Nov. 10-18 FIFA international window. It’s possible Messi will travel for the match, even if Inter Miami advances to the next round of the playoffs.

MLS Cup playoff schedule

Nov. 22-23: Conference semifinals
Nov. 29-30: Conference finals
Dec. 6: MLS Cup Final

Inter Miami vs. Nashville betting odds

Here are the betting odds for tonight’s match during regulation, according to BETMGM.

Inter Miami: -165
Draw: +350
Nashville: +340
Over/under goals: 3.5 goals

The muddy ACC football standings became even muddier on Saturday, Nov. 8.

After No. 11 Virginia (No. 14 in College Football Playoff) and No. 15 Louisville (No. 15 CFP) were upset by Wake Forest and Cal, respectively, there are now five teams with one loss or fewer in ACC play. Louisville and Miami have two losses in conference play.

Duke, who has a 5-4 record and suffered a rough loss to independent UConn on Nov. 8, still has a shot at reaching the College Football Playoff with a 4-1 record in ACC play, as wild as it sounds. It seems more and more likely for the ACC to only put one team into the 12-team CFP, coming down to whoever wins the conference title game.

Here’s a look at the ACC standings after Virginia and Louisville’s losses after Week 11:

ACC football standings after Week 11

Here’s a full look at the ACC standings after Week 11 of the college football season.

T-1. Georgia Tech (8-1, 5-1 ACC)
T-1. Virginia (8-2, 5-1 ACC)
T-1. Southern Methodist (7-3, 5-1 ACC)
T-1. Pittsburgh (7-2, 5-1 ACC)
5. Duke (5-4, 4-1 ACC)
6. Louisville (7-2, 4-2 ACC)
7. Miami (7-2, 3-2 ACC)
T-8. Wake Forest (6-3, 3-3 ACC)
T-8. California (6-4, 3-3 ACC)
10. Clemson (4-5, 3-4 ACC)
T-11. North Carolina State (5-4, 2-3 ACC)
T-11. Virginia Tech (3-6, 2-3 ACC)
T-11. North Carolina (4-5, 2-3 ACC)
14. Stanford (3-7, 2-5 ACC)
15. Florida State (4-5, 1-5 ACC)
16. Syracuse (3-7, 1-6 ACC)
17. Boston College (1-9, 0-6 ACC)

Roll Tide Roll.

Thanks to a late fourth-quarter fumble caused by Yhonzae Pierre, No. 4 Alabama (No. 4 in College Football Playoff) continued to roll through the Southeastern Conference with a defensive 20-9 win over LSU on Saturday, Nov. 8 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Stream Alabama vs. LSU football live with Fubo (free trial)

With its win, No. 4 Alabama has now won eight consecutive games, giving Kalen DeBoer’s a shot at making the SEC championship game and, potentially more. 

A low-scoring game through the midway point of the second quarter, Alabama’s offense kicked it into high gear to end the first half, as the Crimson Tide scored two touchdowns in the final 9:25, including a 13-yard touchdown pass from Ty Simpson to Ryan Williams just before they went into the locker room.

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson benched Garrett Nussiemer in the third quarter, replacing him with backup Michael Van Burden. The Tigers weren’t able to overcome numerous self-inflicted wounds on offense despite a stellar night from their defense.

Simpson struggled at times throughout the night, especially with the deep ball. The Heisman Trophy candidate completed 21 of 35 passes (60%) for 277 yards and a touchdown, but also lost a fumble on the first play of the fourth quarter. 

The win for the Crimson Tide extends its nation leading home win streak to 17 straight, and its record at home under DeBoer to 12-0. USA TODAY Sports provided live updates, stats and highlights from the Crimson Tide Week 11 win over the Tigers. Follow below: 

Alabama vs LSU football live score

This section will be updated during the game

Alabama vs LSU football updates

Final: Alabama 20, LSU 9

It wasn’t pretty, but Alabama slogged through a defensive-dominant game vs. LSU to emerge victorious, 20-9. The Crimson Tide return to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Week 12 to take on Oklahoma.

Alabama forces fumble

Yhonzae Pierre comes up with his second big play of the night, and this time it results in a turnover. The Alabama linebacker came around the side and knocked the ball out of the hand of Michael Van Buren for the fumble at the end of a sack, which was recovered by London Simmons.

Alabama takes over on offense.

Alabama extends lead with FG

Conor Talty redeems himself from an earlier miss in the game with a successful 44-yard field goal to push Alabama’s lead over LSU to a two-score game, at 20-9. Those are the first points for the Crimson Tide since Ty Simpson connected with Ryan Williams for a 13-yard touchdown just before halftime.

Alabama now leads LSU 20-9 with 4:25 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Alabama punts

Alabama has gone cold on offense, as Kalen DeBoer sends out the punt unit for the second time in the Crimson Tide’s last three drives. The Crimson Tide’s defense got some help from its special teams unit, however, as the ball is spotted at LSU’s own 2-yard line.

LSU cuts deficit to one score with FG

LSU is not going away that easily.

The Tigers make it a one-score game at 17-9 against Alabama with 10:28 remaining in the fourth quarter after Damon Ramos makes the 37-yard field goal attempt. LSU had made it all the way down to the Alabama 7-yard line, but a false start penalty and a 10-yard sack on Michael Van Buren sent the Tigers backwards.

An important drive is coming up for Ty Simpson and Alabama’s offense after Simpson turned the ball over on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Alabama sacks Michael Van Buren

LT Overton comes up with the second sack of the night for the Alabama defense on first-and-goal from the 12-yard line, as he sacks Michael Van Buren for a loss of 10 yards to make it second-and-goal from the Crimson Tide’s 22-yard line.

LSU sacks Ty Simpson, forces fumble

LSU opens the fourth quarter with its first takeaway on defense, as Harold Perkins sacks Ty Simpson and forces the ball out of the hands of the Alabama quarterback. The Tigers linebacker recovers his own forced fumble and gives the ball back to Michael Van Buren and the LSU offense deep in Alabama territory, down 17-6.

Alabama takes lead over LSU into fourth quarter

Fours up in Tuscaloosa, as Alabama takes a 17-6 lead over LSU into the fourth quarter. The Crimson Tide will start the fourth quarter with a second-and-9 at their own 48-yard line following a 1-yard carry from Daniel Hill.

Alabama is 15 minutes away from picking up its eighth consecutive win of the season. Ty Simpson is 17 of 28 passing for 244 yards and a touchdown, while Michael Van Buren is 2 of 4 for 16 yards since he came in for Garrett Nussmeier during LSU’s last drive.

End of third quarter: Alabama 17, LSU 6

LSU false start forces to punt

LSU’s communication struggles on offense continue on fourth-and-1, as offensive lineman Bauer Sharp jumps before the snap. The 5-yard penalty sends Michael Van Buren and the Tigers’ offense off the field, and sends a punt unit on.

It’s the second big communication error by the Tigers in as many plays, and kills a drive that showed a slight pulse from LSU’s offense after Garrett Nussmeier was benched.

Michael Van Buren takes over for Garrett Nussmeier

As the LSU offense heads back onto the field, the Tigers do so with a new quarterback, as backup quarterback Michael Van Buren is in for Garrett Nussmeier.

Alabama sacks Garrett Nussiemer, LSU hits FG attempt

Alabama dials the pressure on third-and-8 with the three-man rush to Garrett Nussmeier, who was sacked for a loss of 14 yards by Yhonzae Pierre. Nussmeier attempted to get away from the rush, but he turned in the wrong direction and into the diving hands of Pierre.

Nussiemer’s sack sends out the LSU field goal unit. The Tigers cut their deficit to 17-6 after Damian Ramos hit the 44-yard field goal attempt. LSU has yet to score a touchdown on the night.

Nic Anderson injury update

LSU will be down a man at wide receiver, as Nic Anderson is carted off the field after being tended to by LSU trainers on the sidelines. Anderson appeared to have gone down weirdly at the conclusion of a 16-yard catch when he was tackled by two Alabama defenders.

End of first half: Alabama 17, LSU 3

Alabama vs LSU halftime stats

Here’s a look at how Alabama and LSU stack up statistically at halftime, with the Crimson Tide holding a 17-3 lead:

Total yards: Alabama 244, LSU 131
Passing yards: Alabama 210, LSU 76
Rushing yards: LSU 55, Alabama 34
Yards per play: Alabama 7.4, LSU 4.9
Third downs: Alabama 2-6, LSU 2-7

Alabama scores quick TD before halftime

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is in his bag.

One play after Ty Simpson connected with Lotzeir Brooks for a 53-yard catch on the deep route, the Heisman Trophy candidate finds Ryan Williams in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass. It’s an impressive drive by Alabama, as Simpson threw back-to-back dots into the hands of his receivers to get points on the board before halftime.

The scoring drive was three plays for 66 yards and took just 34 seconds of game time.

Alabama misses field goal attempt

Alabama is unable to extend its lead over LSU to two scores, as Conor Talty’s 26-yard field goal attempt goes wide left. It’s an important series coming up for the Crimson Tide’s defense, as they will look to get a stop to keep their seven-point lead intact as LSU begins the second half with the ball.

Aaron Anderson injury report

ESPN’s Molly McGrath reports that LSU wide receiver Aaron Anderson hyperextended his left elbow on the Tigers’ previous offensive drive and that LSU’s medical staff has put a brace on his elbow. He is expected to return to the game.

Daniel Hill TD puts Alabama in front

The first touchdown of the night goes to Alabama and Daniel Hill, who fights his way through a group of LSU defenders to get into the end zone. It’s a 4-yard rushing touchdown for the sophomore running back, and his second rushing score of the season.

The big play of the drive was a 33-yard pass down the left side of the field on second-and-3 when Simpson found his tight end, Josh Cuevas, in stride. The scoring drive was seven plays for 75 yards and took 3:02 off the game clock.

It’s 10-3 Alabama with 9:25 remaining in the second quarter.

LSU ties game with 37-yard FG

Wilson elects to take the field goal out of the injury timeout on the field for Aaron Anderson. Damian Ramos hits the 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 against Alabama with 12:27 remaining in the second quarter.

Both teams have exchanged field goals in the first half, as both teams’ offenses continue to settle in.

LSU facing fourth down decision

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson faces an early big decision: go for it on a fourth-and-2 at the Alabama 20-yard line or take the field goal. Before heading off the injury tent, Aaron Anderson caught a 7-yard pass from Garrett Nussiemer to make it fourth-and-short for the Tigers.

End of first quarter: Alabama 3, LSU 0

Alabama gets on board with field goal

Despite the good starting field position, Alabama goes backward, setting up a 45-yard field goal attempt from kicker Conor Talty. His kick is true, however, sailing through the middle to give the Crimson Tide the first points of the game.

Alabama forces turnover

What looked like a huge LSU chunk play on third-and-5 from the Tigers’ 11 instead turns into a turnover, courtesy of the Alabama defense. Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green punched the ball out of tight end Bauer Sharp and recovers it deep in LSU territory.

Alabama punts

The Crimson Tide get a nice chunk play off a 33-yard connection between Ty Simpson and Germie Bernard out to the Alabama 39-yard line, but follow that up with three straight incompletions (including two throwaways) to end the drive. Following a 40-yard punt by Blake Doud, LSU will take over at its own 7-yard line.

LSU misses field goal attempt

Another bend-don’t-break effort by Alabama’s defense sets LSU up with a field goal attempt from the Crimson Tide 13-yard line. But Tigers kicker Damian Ramos, who entered the game 14 of 17 on field goal attempts, kicked it wide right to negate the scoring opportunity.

Alabama turns ball over on downs

Alabama tries to catch LSU off guard with a fake on fourth-and-1, as Jam Miller takes the direct snap, but LSU linebacker West Weeks is all over it and tackles Miller for no gain. It was an interesting play-calling sequence by the Crimson Tide, as they called three consecutive run plays.

LSU takes over at its own 39-yard line.

Alabama starts on offense

After LSU won the toss and deferred the opening kickoff to the second half, Alabama gets its night started on offense with a 25-yard kickoff return from Lotzeir Brooks. Underway in Tuscaloosa!

Pregame

Dave Roberts at Alabama-LSU game

World Series champion manager Dave Roberts is in attendance for Alabama vs. LSU in Tuscaloosa. According to The Tuscaloosa News’ Colin Gay, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager is friends with Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer.

Ryan Williams status vs LSU

Ryan Williams looks to be a go against LSU. The Crimson Tide sophomore was removed from the final SEC injury report, which was released 90 minutes before the game on Saturday, Nov. 8, after being listed as ‘probable’ on the previous three.

What was Alabama football ranked in first CFP ranking?

Who is LSU football’s interim head coach vs Alabama?

Ty Simpson Heisman Trophy odds 

The first-year Alabama starting quarterback enters his Week 11 start vs. LSU with the third-best odds on BetMGM (+350) to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy. 

What time does Alabama vs LSU start?

Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Alabama vs. LSU will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 8 from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

What TV channel is Alabama vs LSU on today?

TV: ABC
Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

Alabama vs. LSU will be broadcast nationally on ABC in Week 11 of the 2025 college football season. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will broadcast the game from the booth at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries ABC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Stream Alabama vs. LSU football live with Fubo (free trial)

How to watch college football on ESPN, ABC without YouTube TV

Disney-owned channels such as ABC and the ESPN family of networks are no longer available on YouTube TV after it and Disney were unable to agree to new contract terms.

One way college football fans who subscribe to YouTube TV can stream games on Disney-owned channels is via Fubo, which carries ABC and the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Alabama vs LSU predictions

Colin Gay, The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 32, LSU 21

‘Who knows what LSU could look like with interim coach Frank Wilson? With two weeks to prepare for Alabama, the Tigers could lead with one of the better pass offenses and pass defenses in the SEC. But, especially facing an Alabama pass rush that is finding its footing, and the best passing offense that it has faced all season, LSU has a tall task, one that should continue the Crimson Tide’s SEC success.’

Chase Goodbread, The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 23, LSU 17

‘A lower-scoring affair could be in order. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier has struggled to be effective behind an underperforming offensive line. A full house at Bryant-Denny Stadium won’t make it any easier for him. But it likely won’t be an easy night for Alabama’s offense, either.’

Alabama schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Alabama’s 2025 schedule, including past scores and available kickoff and TV channel information:

Saturday, Aug. 30: Florida State 31, Alabama 17
Saturday, Sept. 6: Alabama 73, ULM 0
Saturday, Sept. 13: Alabama 38, Wisconsin 14
Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 27: Alabama 24, No. 5 Georgia Tech
Saturday, Oct. 4: Alabama 30, No. 16 Vanderbilt 14 *
Saturday, Oct. 11: Alabama 27, No. 14 Missouri 24 *
Saturday, Oct. 18: Alabama 37, No. 11 Tennessee 20 *
Saturday, Oct. 25: Alabama 29, South Carolina 22 *
Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. LSU * | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 12 Oklahoma * | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m. ET | SEC Network+
Saturday, Nov. 29: at Auburn *

* Denotes SEC game

LSU schedule 2025

Here’s a look at LSU’s 2025 schedule, including past scores and available kickoff and TV channel information:

Saturday, Aug. 30: LSU 17, No. 4 Clemson 10
Saturday, Sept. 6: LSU 23, Louisiana Tech 7
Saturday, Sept. 13: LSU 20, Florida 10
Saturday, Sept. 20: LSU 56, Southeastern Louisiana 10
Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 13 Ole Miss 24, LSU 19 *
Saturday, Oct. 4: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 11: LSU 20, South Carolina 10 *
Saturday, Oct. 18: No. 17 Vanderbilt 31, LSU 24 *
Saturday, Oct. 25: No. 3 Texas A&M 49, LSU 25 *
Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 8: at No. 4 Alabama * | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Arkansas * | 12:45 p.m. ET | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Western Kentucky
Saturday, Nov. 29: at No. 12 Oklahoma *

* Denotes SEC game

The Buffalo Bills earned a huge 28-21 win over the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9 behind three touchdowns from reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen.

Allen found tight end Dalton Kincaid for a touchdown in the first quarter and ran for two more scores, including a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to give the Bills a 28-13 lead. He celebrated with his teammates after scoring what proved to be the game-clinching touchdown, wide receiver Elijah Moore included.

The NFL’s taken issue with his celebration.

Allen was fined $14,491 and Moore was fined $13,888 for what the league called a ‘violent gesture,’ per multiple reports. The two appeared to make a throat-slashing gesture after clapping hands.

The NFL announced changes prior to the 2025 NFL season that specific celebrations would be banned, including throat slashes, simulating firing a gun, the nose wipe and sexually suggestive gestures.

Buffalo was not penalized before the extra point attempt but both Allen and Moore have been fined after the fact.

The league did not provide an explanation as to why Allen was fined more than Moore as both were involved in the celebration.

Buffalo’s win puts it at 6-2 entering a stretch of three road games in four weeks, starting in Week 10 against AFC East foe Miami.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

At the start of the college football season, the Week 11 rivalry matchup between Alabama and LSU looked to be one that could impact the SEC standings and who might have a chance at playing in Atlanta come the first week of December.

That no longer stands to be true, as the No. 4 Crimson Tide have won seven straight and are tied for first in the SEC standings, while the Tigers are no longer ranked, have lost three of their last four and are well out of conference championship game contention.

The 90th meeting between Alabama and LSU is set to take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Stream Alabama vs. LSU football live with Fubo (free trial)

Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Ty Simpson, Alabama was slotted in as the No. 4 seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff field in the first CFP rankings unveiling by the CFP selection committee on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The Crimson Tide’s CFP resume is highlighted by its four straight top-25 ranked wins against Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri and Tennessee.

Saturday’s game is the first time LSU will take the field in the post-Brian Kelly era, as the Tigers fired Kelly after a poor Week 9 loss to Texas A&M. It will be Frank Wilson serving as LSU’s interim head coach on Saturday, while Garrett Nussmeier will look to salvage the season by steering the Tigers’ offense back on track in hopes of becoming bowl eligible.

USA TODAY Sports is bringing you live updates, highlights and scores from Saturday’s SEC rivalry game between Alabama and LSU. Follow along:

Alabama vs LSU football live score

This section will be updated during the game

Alabama vs LSU football live updates

Fourth quarter: Alabama 20, LSU 9

Alabama forces fumble

Yhonzae Pierre comes up with his second big play of the night, and this time it results in a turnover. The Alabama linebacker came around the side and knocked the ball out of the hand of Michael Van Buren for the fumble at the end of a sack, which was recovered by London Simmons.

Alabama takes over on offense.

Alabama extends lead with FG

Conor Talty redeems himself from an earlier miss in the game with a successful 44-yard field goal to push Alabama’s lead over LSU to a two-score game, at 20-9. It’s the first points for the Crimson Tide since Ty Simpson connected with Ryan Williams for a 13-yard touchdown just before halftime.

Alabama now leads LSU 20-9 with 4:25 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Alabama punts

Alabama has gone cold on offense, as Kalen DeBoer sends out the punt unit for the second time in the Crimson Tide’s last three drives. The Crimson Tide’s defense got some help from its special teams unit, however, as the ball is spotted at LSU’s own 2-yard line.

LSU cuts deficit to one score with FG

LSU is not going away that easily.

The Tigers make it a one-score game at 17-9 against Alabama with 10:28 remaining in the fourth quarter after Damon Ramos makes the 37-yard field goal attempt. LSU had made it all the way down to the Alabama 7-yard line, but a false start penalty and a 10-yard sack on Michael Van Buren sent the Tigers backwards.

An important drive is coming up for Ty Simpson and Alabama’s offense after Simpson turned the ball over on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Alabama sacks Michael Van Buren

LT Overton comes up with the second sack of the night for the Alabama defense on first-and-goal from the 12-yard line, as he sacks Michael Van Buren for a loss of 10 yards to make it second-and-goal from the Crimson Tide’s 22-yard line.

LSU sacks Ty Simpson, forces fumble

LSU opens the fourth quarter with its first takeaway on defense, as Harold Perkins sacks Ty Simpson and forces the ball out of the hands of the Alabama quarterback. The Tigers linebacker recovers his own forced fumble and gives the ball back to Michael Van Buren and the LSU offense deep in Alabama territory, down 17-6.

Alabama takes lead over LSU into fourth quarter

Fours up in Tuscaloosa, as Alabama takes a 17-6 lead over LSU into the fourth quarter. The Crimson Tide will start the fourth quarter with a second-and-9 at their own 48-yard line following a 1-yard carry from Daniel Hill.

Alabama is 15 minutes away from picking up its eighth consecutive win of the season. Ty Simpson is 17 of 28 passing for 244 yards and a touchdown, while Michael Van Buren is 2 of 4 for 16 yards since he came in for Garrett Nussmeier during LSU’s last drive.

End of third quarter: Alabama 17, LSU 6

LSU false start forces to punt

LSU’s communication struggles on offense continue on fourth-and-1, as offensive lineman Bauer Sharp jumps before the snap. The 5-yard penalty sends Michael Van Buren and the Tigers’ offense off the field, and sends a punt unit on.

It’s the second big communication error by the Tigers in as many plays, and kills a drive that showed a slight pulse from LSU’s offense after Garrett Nussmeier was benched.

Michael Van Buren takes over for Garrett Nussmeier

As the LSU offense heads back onto the field, the Tigers do so with a new quarterback, as backup quarterback Michael Van Buren is in for Garrett Nussmeier.

Alabama sacks Garrett Nussiemer, LSU hits FG attempt

Alabama dials the pressure on third-and-8 with the three-man rush to Garrett Nussmeier, who was sacked for a loss of 14 yards by Yhonzae Pierre. Nussmeier attempted to get away from the rush, but he turned in the wrong direction and into the diving hands of Pierre.

Nussiemer’s sack sends out the LSU field goal unit. The Tigers cut their deficit to 17-6 after Damian Ramos hit the 44-yard field goal attempt. LSU has yet to score a touchdown on the night.

Nic Anderson injury update

LSU will be down a man at wide receiver, as Nic Anderson is carted off the field after being tended to by LSU trainers on the sidelines. Anderson appeared to have gone down weirdly at the conclusion of a 16-yard catch when he was tackled by two Alabama defenders.

End of first half: Alabama 17, LSU 3

Alabama vs LSU halftime stats

Here’s a look at how Alabama and LSU stack up statistically at halftime, with the Crimson Tide holding a 17-3 lead:

Total yards: Alabama 244, LSU 131
Passing yards: Alabama 210, LSU 76
Rushing yards: LSU 55, Alabama 34
Yards per play: Alabama 7.4, LSU 4.9
Third downs: Alabama 2-6, LSU 2-7

Alabama scores quick TD before halftime

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is in his bag.

One play after Ty Simpson connected with Lotzier Brooks for a 53-yard catch on the deep route, the Heisman Trophy candidate finds Ryan Williams in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass. It’s an impressive drive by Alabama, as Simpson threw back-to-back dots into the hands of his receivers to get points on the board before halftime.

The scoring drive was three plays for 66 yards and took just 34 seconds of game time.

Alabama misses field goal attempt

Alabama is unable to extend its lead over LSU to two scores, as Conor Talty’s 26-yard field goal attempt goes wide left. It’s an important series coming up for the Crimson Tide’s defense, as they will look to get a stop to keep their seven-point lead intact as LSU begins the second half with the ball.

Aaron Anderson injury report

ESPN’s Molly McGrath reports that LSU wide receiver Aaron Anderson hyperextended his left elbow on the Tigers’ previous offensive drive and that LSU’s medical staff has put a brace on his elbow. He is expected to return to the game.

Daniel Hill TD puts Alabama in front

The first touchdown of the night goes to Alabama and Daniel Hill, who fights his way through a group of LSU defenders to get into the end zone. It’s a 4-yard rushing touchdown for the sophomore running back, and his second rushing score of the season.

The big play of the drive was a 33-yard pass down the left side of the field on second-and-3 when Simpson found his tight end, Josh Cuevas, in stride. The scoring drive was seven plays for 75 yards and took 3:02 off the game clock.

It’s 10-3 Alabama with 9:25 remaining in the second quarter.

LSU ties game with 37-yard FG

Wilson elects to take the field goal out of the injury timeout on the field for Aaron Anderson. Damian Ramos hits the 37-yard field goal to tie the game at 3-3 against Alabama with 12:27 remaining in the second quarter.

Both teams have exchanged field goals in the first half, as both teams’ offenses continue to settle in.

LSU facing fourth down decision

LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson faces an early big decision: go for it on a fourth-and-2 at the Alabama 20-yard line or take the field goal. Before heading off the injury tent, Aaron Anderson caught a 7-yard pass from Garrett Nussiemer to make it fourth-and-short for the Tigers.

End of first quarter: Alabama 3, LSU 0

Alabama gets on board with field goal

Despite the good starting field position, Alabama goes backward, setting up a 45-yard field goal attempt from kicker Conor Talty. His kick is true, however, sailing through the middle to give the Crimson Tide the first points of the game.

Alabama forces turnover

What looked like a huge LSU chunk play on third-and-5 from the Tigers’ 11 instead turns into a turnover, courtesy of the Alabama defense. Linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green punched the ball out of tight end Bauer Sharp and recovers it deep in LSU territory.

Alabama punts

The Crimson Tide get a nice chunk play off a 33-yard connection between Ty Simpson and Germie Bernard out to the Alabama 39-yard line, but follow that up with three straight incompletions (including two throwaways) to end the drive. Following a 40-yard punt by Blake Doud, LSU will take over at its own 7-yard line.

LSU misses field goal attempt

Another bend-don’t-break effort by Alabama’s defense sets LSU up with a field goal attempt from the Crimson Tide 13-yard line. But Tigers kicker Damian Ramos, who entered the game 14 of 17 on field goal attempts, kicked it wide right to negate the scoring opportunity.

Alabama turns ball over on downs

Alabama tries to catch LSU off guard with a fake on fourth-and-1, as Jam Miller takes the direct snap, but LSU linebacker West Weeks is all over it and tackles Miller for no gain. It was an interesting play-calling sequence by the Crimson Tide, as they called three consecutive run plays.

LSU takes over at its own 39-yard line.

Alabama starts on offense

After LSU won the toss and deferred the opening kickoff to the second half, Alabama gets its night started on offense with a 25-yard kickoff return from Lotzeir Brooks. Underway in Tuscaloosa!

Pregame

Dave Roberts at Alabama-LSU game

World Series champion manager Dave Roberts is in attendance for Alabama vs. LSU in Tuscaloosa. According to The Tuscaloosa News’ Colin Gay, the Los Angeles Dodgers manager is friends with Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer.

Ryan Williams status vs LSU

Ryan Williams looks to be a go against LSU. The Crimson Tide sophomore was removed from the final SEC injury report, which was released 90 minutes before the game on Saturday, Nov. 8, after being listed as ‘probable’ on the previous three.

What was Alabama football ranked in first CFP ranking?

Who is LSU football’s interim head coach vs Alabama?

Ty Simpson Heisman Trophy odds 

The first-year Alabama starting quarterback enters his Week 11 start vs. LSU with the third-best odds on BetMGM ( +350) to win the 2025 Heisman Trophy. 

What time does Alabama vs LSU start?

Date: Saturday, Nov. 8
Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Alabama vs. LSU will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 8 from Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

What TV channel is Alabama vs LSU on today?

TV: ABC
Streaming: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

Alabama vs. LSU will be broadcast nationally on ABC in Week 11 of the 2025 college football season. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will broadcast the game from the booth at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with Molly McGrath reporting from the sidelines.

Streaming options for the game include the ESPN app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries ABC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.

Stream Alabama vs. LSU football live with Fubo (free trial)

How to watch college football on ESPN, ABC without YouTube TV

Disney-owned channels such as ABC and the ESPN family of networks are no longer available on YouTube TV after it and Disney were unable to agree to new contract terms.

One way college football fans who subscribe to YouTube TV can stream games on Disney-owned channels is via Fubo, which carries ABC and the ESPN family of networks and offers a free trial to potential subscribers.

Alabama vs LSU predictions

Colin Gay, The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 32, LSU 21

‘Who knows what LSU could look like with interim coach Frank Wilson? With two weeks to prepare for Alabama, the Tigers could lead with one of the better pass offenses and pass defenses in the SEC. But, especially facing an Alabama pass rush that is finding its footing, and the best passing offense that it has faced all season, LSU has a tall task, one that should continue the Crimson Tide’s SEC success.’

Chase Goodbread, The Tuscaloosa News: Alabama 23, LSU 17

‘A lower-scoring affair could be in order. LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier has struggled to be effective behind an underperforming offensive line. A full house at Bryant-Denny Stadium won’t make it any easier for him. But it likely won’t be an easy night for Alabama’s offense, either.’

Alabama schedule 2025

Here’s a look at Alabama’s 2025 schedule, including past scores and available kickoff and TV channel information:

Saturday, Aug. 30: Florida State 31, Alabama 17
Saturday, Sept. 6: Alabama 73, ULM 0
Saturday, Sept. 13: Alabama 38, Wisconsin 14
Saturday, Sept. 20: BYE
Saturday, Sept. 27: Alabama 24, No. 5 Georgia Tech
Saturday, Oct. 4: Alabama 30, No. 16 Vanderbilt 14 *
Saturday, Oct. 11: Alabama 27, No. 14 Missouri 24 *
Saturday, Oct. 18: Alabama 37, No. 11 Tennessee 20 *
Saturday, Oct. 25: Alabama 29, South Carolina 22 *
Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 8: vs. LSU * | 7:30 p.m. | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. No. 12 Oklahoma * | 3:30 p.m. ET | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Eastern Illinois | 2 p.m. ET | SEC Network+
Saturday, Nov. 29: at Auburn *

* Denotes SEC game

LSU schedule 2025

Here’s a look at LSU’s 2025 schedule, including past scores and available kickoff and TV channel information:

Saturday, Aug. 30: LSU 17, No. 4 Clemson 10
Saturday, Sept. 6: LSU 23, Louisiana Tech 7
Saturday, Sept. 13: LSU 20, Florida 10
Saturday, Sept. 20: LSU 56, Southeastern Louisiana 10
Saturday, Sept. 27: No. 13 Ole Miss 24, LSU 19 *
Saturday, Oct. 4: BYE
Saturday, Oct. 11: LSU 20, South Carolina 10 *
Saturday, Oct. 18: No. 17 Vanderbilt 31, LSU 24 *
Saturday, Oct. 25: No. 3 Texas A&M 49, LSU 25 *
Saturday, Nov. 1: BYE
Saturday, Nov. 8: at No. 4 Alabama * | 7:30 p.m. ET | ABC (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Arkansas * | 12:45 p.m. ET | SEC Network (Fubo)
Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Western Kentucky
Saturday, Nov. 29: at No. 12 Oklahoma *

* Denotes SEC game

Texas Tech’s football success is attributed to head coach Joey McGuire, who brings a high school coaching mentality to the program.
The team, built with significant financial backing from boosters, has become a national contender by acquiring key players through the transfer portal.
McGuire has successfully managed a roster of high-profile transfers, creating a unified and disciplined team.

LUBBOCK, TX – Lost here in the wild well blowout of cash, ground zero for the excess of big money college football, is a high school football coach.

You’re damn right Joey McGuire is, unapologetically.

Week after week, rout after rout, with every win that brings No. 9 Texas Tech closer to blue-blood programs and conferences that run college football, the dichotomy of it all quietly overflows like the black gold that built this moment.

“I’m a high school coach who coaches college football, not the other way around,” McGuire told me in the spring, when this dangerous $25 million Frankenstein roster was being built. “And it has prepared me for anything.”

The best team money can buy won again Saturday, this time a 29-7 emasculation of previously unbeaten No. 8 Brigham Young. But don’t get lost in the narrative. 

While cold, hard cash brought elite players to this prairie town in the middle of nowhere, a tough Texan who built his coaching chops at a left-for-dead high school job and has never forgotten it, who still drives that same white pickup truck from all those years ago, is the guy who makes it all work. 

All of those personalities. All of those mercenaries on one-year, prove-it deals. All of that locker room uncertainty, where the green and greed of the game wrestles daily with straight jealousy.

While so many are still figuring out this thing, still complaining about “sustainability” and the end of the game as we know it, McGuire has a 600-pound gorilla growing with each week, looking more like an elite SEC or Big Ten team with every rout, every statement. 

‘We have another gear,’ McGuire said after the Red Raiders polished off another how you like me now victory. ‘We can play even better.’

Students started camping out for this game a week ago, while ESPN rolled its ‘College GameDay’ production trucks all the way to West Texas for the first time in years. The place was electric, the moment wasn’t too big, and this too big to fail team kept steamrolling everything in its path like one of those haboob dust storms that suffocate the plains.

Texas Tech has won nine games this season, all nine by at least 22 points. The Red Raiders have a defense that rivals any in the nation, including those at Ohio State and Indiana and any SEC team you want to bring to the argument. 

Texas Tech ran for almost 200 non-sack yards, and held BYU — which was averaging 216 rushing yards a game — to just 67 yards on 27 carries. The Red Raiders did what McGuire’s state title teams at Cedar Hill High School in suburban Dallas did, where it’s toughest team wins.

They ran the ball, they stopped the run. Then meticulously eliminated any doubt.

They did what he promised when he was introduced as coach in 2021, when nothing seemed to be working for more than a decade ― since Mike Leach was run off because a player went public with allegations of mistreatment (which were never proven). There may as well have been a curse on the program.

Tommy Tuberville, Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Wells. All tried to recreate the magic of Leach, none succeeded. 

Until the high school coach stepped in, and instead of declaring love for the past, made a declarative, defining statement. 

“I can tell you this,” McGuire said that day, “We are going to play defense.”

Because when all else fails in high school football, when nothing seems to be working, you play defense. Toughest guy wins.

By the time it was long over, as Texas Tech was playing coverage and protecting 26-0 lead, BYU finally reached its fifth play — fifth play! — in Texas Tech territory with nine minutes to play. The rest of what played out was inconsequential.

BYU ran 65 plays, 11 of which were in Texas Tech territory.

‘One thing that makes this team different is we can rely on defense,’ McGuire said. ‘To win at a high level anywhere, you have to play defense.’

That’s why McGuire, with the help of billionaire booster (and former Texas Tech offensive lineman) Cody Campbell, zeroed in on defense this offseason. The roster needed impact players, and the staff identified who fit from the transfer portal — and Campbell made it happen.

The best team money can buy continues to be a bear investment.

There’s no better defensive line in the nation, the group that has defined this pay for play season of championship or bust. They’re all transfers, including star edge rushers David Bailey and Romello Height, and interior tackles Lee Hunter and A.J. Holmes. 

Three of the four starters in the secondary are transfers, including sticky corners Dontae Balfour and Brice Pollack. Then there’s linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who transferred from Virginia and arrived in Lubbock in 2021 as an H-Back — before McGuire saw a linebacker. 

Now he’s arguably the best defensive player in the game. Or, what the heck, a legit Heisman Trophy candidate.

‘I’ve never had more fun playing football,’ Rodriguez said. ‘We are so close, this team. We love each other. Each and every one of us.’

The development of Rodriguez, the perfect example of what can be, is the backbone of what McGuire has accomplished in four seasons. The undeniable example of what happens when everyone is pulling the same way, when the process isn’t superseded by egos. 

When harmony in the locker room translates to a well-orchestrated symphony on the field. When it’s not throwing money at a problem, it’s fixing what’s broken with smart investments.

Texas Tech is one of the least penalized teams in the Big 12, and is plus-10 in turnover ratio. The Red Raiders don’t make mind-numbing mistakes, don’t put themselves in precarious spots with poor decisions. 

They’re a well-oiled machine that continues to get better, and more dangerous, in the shadow of blue blood programs that continue to ignore them. Or complain about them.

Texas Tech is where Indiana was last season, the outlier that made those in the exclusive club anxious from the unknown. Except this time, it’s one step further.

Indiana is a flagship member of the Big Ten. Texas Tech may as well be a college football vagabond, a bit player in an afterthought ‘Power’ conference trying to get its nose under the big top tent.

Don’t get mad at them for finding a way. Don’t ignore their breakout season because it doesn’t look like it should.

The SEC and Big Ten made these rules. See how they like it when Campbell and his partners at Double Eagle start shoveling oil money at the problem.

‘A lot of it is making sure you’re doing business with the right kind of people,’ Campbell said. ‘Joey has done a really good job, and has everyone believing in what we’re doing. That’s why it has worked ― because of how he runs the program.’

Ask anyone involved in this unusual and wildly unsettling process of private NIL deals. It’s an absolute crapshoot.

Texas Tech is everything it shouldn’t be with a team full of big-money transfers in the player empowerment era of the game. Marrying all of those personalties, all that need for playing time, with an existing roster, is next to impossible.

Or maybe it isn’t. Maybe at some point it becomes as much about the coach as the $25 million spent to win a championship.

‘From the first day we met (McGuire), he told us to trust him, we would get here,’ said Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton, who has played the last month of the season with a hairline fracture in his lower leg.

A Lubbock native, Morton wakes every Sunday and it’s difficult to walk. He’s hurting, and says he practically lives in the training room. He’s trying every medical option and rehab available.

He’s not missing this ride. Not after he grew up here, not after everything McGuire promised is right in front of them.

‘The whole city deserved this,’ Morton says.

Late in another impressive win, after Texas Tech further distanced itself from the Big 12 and moved closer to the heavyweights in the Big Ten and SEC, former Tech star Patrick Mahomes was shown on the big screen at the stadium. 

He waved his arms, and the sellout crowd of 60,000 went wild. 

This isn’t the old days at Texas Tech. It’s the new world of college football, where money means everything. 

With the right coach. 

Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow m on X at @MattHayesCFB.

Texas A&M’s Mike Elko becomes a model for schools making coaching hires.
The Aggies’ victory over Missouri strengthens their case for a top College Football Playoff ranking.
As Texas A&M offense thrives, Collin Klein is emerging as a potential head coaching candidate.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Only one school can hire Lane Kiffin. That’s if he leaves at all.

From Gainesville to Baton Rouge, covetous college football fans wonder whether their school can land Kiffin. That’s an understandable wish.

That still leaves a handful of name-brand programs making hires who won’t be named Kiffin. Athletic directors ought to ask themselves: Is there another Mike Elko for the taking? Someone in the mold of Texas A&M’s coach who might not be the flashiest pick, but who’s got the stuff to be a dynamite choice?

Hiring coaches is an inexact science. It’s a glorified shot in the dark. As No. 3 Texas A&M continues its undefeated march toward the College Football Playoff after a 38-17 thumping of No. 17 Missouri, remember that the Aggies nearly screwed this up. They got far down the road toward hiring Kentucky’s Mark Stoops before that plan got reeled back at the 11th hour.

The Aggies recalibrated toward Elko. We hear a lot about fit in the hiring process, but nothing fits better than winning. Elko, a New Jersey native, an Ivy League graduate, a former Duke coach who’d worked under the fired Aggies coach whom he replaced, has hit the fast track to becoming best fit for the Texas A&M headset since R.C. Slocum.

Who knew?

Aggies fans who peppered the Stoops trial balloon with birdshot would say they knew.

Texas A&M gives CFP committee something to consider

Elko’s latest triumph won’t go down as his crowning achievement, but the total body of work should give the CFP committee something to think about next week, in light of Indiana’s struggles in a win at Penn State.

Bump Texas A&M up to No. 2? There’s a case for it. That case is backed by strength of schedule, even if this win came against an opponent masquerading as a ranked team.

Injuries forced Missouri to start its third-string quarterback, and the Tigers’ pass game became theoretical, not practical.

Representatives from the Citrus and Gator bowls were on hand to witness Tigers freshman Matt Zollers complete 7-of-22 passes. A Florida bowl game becomes the best-case destination for a Missouri team that once harbored longshot playoff aspirations.

Missouri’s silver lining? Three losses in the past four games make Eliah Drinkwitz a less attractive candidate for higher-profile programs. Drink up, Tigers. He’s yours to enjoy.

Mike Elko keeps Aggies pointed toward SEC championship game

In this all-three-phases victory by Texas A&M, the Aggies’ defense supplied a strip-sack, and the punt team beautifully executed a fake to move the chains on a scoring drive.

My only criticism of Elko? Perhaps that fake should have been kept in the back pocket for the Texas game later this month.

Those are the nits you’re left to pick when a coach is 9-0 in his second season.

Elko has a program that perennially underachieved, compared to its vast wealth of resources, punching up to its weight. If you’re waiting for the bottom to fall out, your wait endures. With South Carolina and Samford up next, go ahead and write the Aggies into the playoff bracket, in Sharpie. It’s just be a question of seeding now.

The Aggies continued their revelation of offense served by Elko. A defensive coordinator by trade, he’s unleashed Marcel Reed. Inadequate quarterback development became a consistent bugaboo of Jimbo Fisher’s underachieving teams. No more.

Reed’s efficient, workmanlike outing against a determined Missouri defense won’t wow the Heisman Trophy voters, but his 20 completions were plenty to keep the Aggies marching toward the SEC championship game.

And every school that’s hiring a coach in this zany turn of the coaching carousel must take inspiration from Texas A&M.

Two years ago, the Aggies admitted defeat on the Fisher experience and paid $77 million to be rid of an all hat, no cattle coach. That forkover of buyout bucks became seed money that resulted in Elko.

When the Aggies hired Fisher, they awarded him a plaque with a blank space for him to fill in the year of his first national championship team at Texas A&M. Think Elko might be able to get his hands on that old relic? Don’t rule it out. He’s exceeding just about every expectation for a program finally living up to the hype.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s senior national college football columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer.