Raise a glass. Take a side.

It’s the Third Saturday in October, and college football is serving up a full menu of rivalry games, playoff implications and opportunities for teams to remind us that nothing in this sport is guaranteed. The headliner takes us to Bloomington, where Indiana welcomes Ohio State in a battle of top-five teams with a score to settle. But there’s plenty more on the menu, from Alabama’s annual trip to Rocky Top to a pair of undefeated teams meeting under the lights in Provo.

Meanwhile, the Southern Sports Stillhouse is pouring some serious bourbon, including a couple of selections with Indiana connections. Scott has the edge in the season’s straight-up and against-the-spread competitions, while Doug has been putting on a clinic with the over/unders.

We’ve got ten games, four bourbon pours and a little something special to finish the evening. Pull up a stool, pour yourself something good, and let’s get to it.

Opening Pour

Scott: Bulleit Bottled in Bond

Copper color. Cherry on the nose, maybe an earthy, black cherry. There are spice notes — baking spice or cinnamon. There’s also some brown sugar. It’s one of the best noses I’ve had in recent weeks.

The palate starts with caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon spice. It is hitting all of the notes. This is what I have come to expect from bourbon. It’s nicely thick and syrupy, and it finishes strong with sweetness, cherry and a little bit of proof. This is a delicious sip.

Score: 83.33

Doug: Copper & Cask

This is the bottle that instantly grabbed my attention. The color is a deep copper — bordering on mahogany — and the nose is beautiful: maple, brown sugar, nutmeg, caramel and a bit of oak.

The flavors deliver exactly what the nose promises: warm cinnamon, nutmeg, honey, caramel and a touch of oak — likely due to the eight years of aging. The mouthfeel is syrupy and rich, coating the tongue in a way that feels far above the price point. The finish is warm and lingering, with caramel, sugar and spice leading the way.

Score: 84.58

Last Week’s Results

Season Standings

Game of the Week: No. 4 Ohio State at No. 5 Indiana

Records: Ohio State (5–1); Indiana (6–0)
Where: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana
Kickoff: Noon ET
TV: FOX
Line: Ohio State -3.5
Over/Under: 49.5

Players to Watch: Ohio State QB Julian Sayin and WR Jeremiah Smith; Indiana WRs Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh, plus defensive playmaker Stephen Daley.

Scott: I don’t think it’s going to matter. There’s too much firepower in Ohio State, including the best receiver in the nation, who just scores points. Ohio State 33–30.

Doug: This is a revenge game for Ohio State, which lost 13–10 to Indiana in last year’s Big Ten Championship. Jeremiah Smith is the best player on the field, but Indiana’s defense is averaging more than three sacks per game, and Ohio State’s offensive line has injury concerns. Becker and Marsh give the Hoosiers the weapons to answer Smith. Curt Cignetti’s team has learned how to win tight games, and Bloomington will be electric. I’m taking the home underdog on a late field goal. Indiana 27–24.

2. No. 16 Mississippi State at No. 22 LSU

Records: Mississippi State (4–1); LSU (4–2)
Where: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Kickoff: Noon ET
TV: ESPN
Line: LSU -12.5
Over/Under: 59.5

Players to Watch: Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor and WR Anthony Evans III.

Scott: I don’t think Mississippi State brings much to the table. LSU might not cover, but they will win by double digits at home. LSU 34–24.

Doug: Mississippi State has been one of the SEC’s surprises, with wins over Missouri and South Carolina, but Taylor’s lower-leg injury bears watching. Evans is among the conference’s most productive receivers, averaging nearly 115 yards per game. LSU is coming off that heartbreaking 35–34 overtime loss at Kentucky and desperately needs to stop the bleeding. The Tigers have already demonstrated their offensive firepower, and I think playing in Baton Rouge gives them the advantage. State scores enough to cover, but LSU responds with a much-needed win. I agree with Scott. LSU 34–24.

3. Virginia at No. 24 SMU

Records: Virginia (4–2); SMU (4–1)
Where: Gerald J. Ford Stadium, Dallas, Texas
Kickoff: Noon ET
TV: The CW
Line: SMU -8.5
Over/Under: 52.5

Players to Watch: SMU QB Kevin Jennings and Virginia’s defensive secondary.

Scott: Virginia is a weak 4–2 and was exposed against Florida State. SMU is a good team and is at home. SMU will win and cover the points. SMU 38–27.

Doug: Jennings has thrown for 1,588 yards in five games, directing an SMU passing attack averaging 341 yards per contest. Virginia has been effective against the pass, but injuries in the secondary could create mismatches. The Cavaliers have shown resilience, including a comeback victory against Syracuse, and their running game gives them a chance to control possession. I think Jennings ultimately creates enough explosive plays for SMU to prevail, with the Mustangs pulling away enough to cover the spread in a competitive ACC contest. SMU 34–24.

4. No. 6 Alabama at No. 14 Tennessee

Records: Alabama (5–1); Tennessee (5–1)
Where: Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, Tennessee
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Line: Alabama -8.5
Over/Under: 53.5

Players to Watch: Alabama QB Keelon Russell; Tennessee QB George MacIntyre, RB DeSean Bishop and WR Mike Matthews.

Scott: Alabama is coming off a tough loss, and this is the Tide’s biggest rival — the Third Saturday in October. Both teams have quality losses and both teams are very good. But the home crowd will play a big role. This is the year that Tennessee can catch the Tide. The Vols weren’t convincing against Arkansas, but this is a rivalry game. My gut wants to pick the Vols, but Alabama gets a close win. Alabama 27–22.

Doug: The Third Saturday in October rarely needs additional motivation, but Alabama arrives after a 20–17 loss to Georgia. Russell has passed for nearly 1,600 yards with 12 touchdowns against two interceptions, while Bishop has rushed for 678 yards and eight scores for Tennessee. The Volunteers will test Alabama’s defensive discipline with their ground game. Neyland Stadium will make this uncomfortable, but I trust the Tide’s passing attack to create enough explosive plays to escape Knoxville. Tennessee keeps it closer than the spread. Alabama 30–24.

5. No. 13 Missouri at No. 9 Ole Miss

Records: Missouri (5–1); Ole Miss (4–1)
Where: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Mississippi
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Line: Ole Miss -6.5
Over/Under: 59.5

Players to Watch: Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss and RB Kewan Lacy; Missouri QB Austin Simmons, RB Jamal Roberts and LB Nicholas Rodriguez.

Scott: The home field and Chambliss make the difference. Chambliss runs for two TDs and throws for three more and becomes a player in the Heisman race. Ole Miss puts itself back into the playoff discussion. Ole Miss 41–31.

Doug: This could be the most entertaining SEC game on the board. Missouri just throttled Texas A&M 27–6, and Roberts has amassed 828 rushing yards. But Ole Miss is fresh off a 52–17 demolition of Vanderbilt, with Chambliss contributing four touchdowns. The former Rebel Simmons returning to Oxford adds another layer of intrigue. Missouri’s run defense is outstanding, but the Tigers must contend with Ole Miss’s ability to attack through the air. I’m giving the Rebels the advantage at home, although Missouri’s ground game could make this a fourth-quarter fight. Ole Miss 34–27.

Bourbon Break

Five games down, five to go. It’s time to give the glasses another workout before we head into the evening slate.

Scott: High Wire Distilling Jimmy Red Sweet Mash

This South Carolina bourbon comes in at 120 proof and is a shade darker than the Bulleit. The nose is interesting — corn-forward with a red-fruit, strawberry tinge. It’s jammy. The nose is good, but it’s earthy enough that it falls behind the Bulleit. There’s also some maltiness here.

The flavor is reminiscent of chocolate Cocoa Puffs. This is less viscous than the Bulleit, and there’s sweetness but also more oakiness. Again, it’s corn-forward. It’s above average but not as strong as the Bulleit.

Doug: Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel — Shores Store Pick

Also 116 proof, just like the Copper & Cask, this Old Scout is a single-barrel store pick from Shores in Jacksonville, Florida. Sourced from MGP in Indiana and bottled by Smooth Ambler in West Virginia, Old Scout uses MGP’s high-rye mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley. Store picks frequently land near 120 proof, delivering vivid spice, vanilla and brown-sugar sweetness that make this a reliable — and often underrated — contender.

Color: Light copper.

Nose: Light oak and cardamom with buttery caramel creeping in later.

Palate: Cherries and bananas in brown sugar, brown butter and nutmeg.

Mouthfeel: Oily and creamy, coating the tongue nicely.

Finish: Buttery caramel, light fruit, sweetness and a touch of spice linger for a long while.

6. North Carolina at Duke

Records: North Carolina (3–2); Duke (4–1)
Where: Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN2
Line: Duke -3.5
Over/Under: 47.5

Players to Watch: Duke RB Nate Sheppard; North Carolina QB Billy Edwards Jr.

Scott: I’m going to go for the upset, with Bill Belichick winning this one. North Carolina 21–20.

Doug: The Victory Bell is up for grabs, and Duke has a significant advantage on the ground. Sheppard has rushed for 743 yards and eight touchdowns, while North Carolina’s rushing attack has struggled. Bill Belichick’s Tar Heels are coming off a 21–17 upset of Pittsburgh, so confidence shouldn’t be an issue. But Duke averages more than 33 minutes of possession, and that ability to sustain drives could keep Carolina’s offense on the sidelines. I expect Duke to dictate the pace and pull away late. Duke 27–20.

7. No. 2 Notre Dame at No. 8 BYU

Records: Notre Dame (6–0); BYU (5–0)
Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Line: Notre Dame -9.5
Over/Under: 47.5

Players to Watch: Notre Dame QB CJ Carr and RB Jonaz Walton; BYU QB Bear Bachmeier.

Scott: I’ve said all along that Notre Dame will win the national championship, so they won’t falter here. BYU is taking the major stage but will fold. Notre Dame has the depth and will win the day. Eventually, Notre Dame will wear the Cougars down and pull away in the second half. Notre Dame 31–23.

Doug: College GameDay is coming to Provo, and this should be one of the great atmospheres of the season. Carr has thrown 16 touchdowns against one interception, while Walton rushed for 181 yards against Stanford. BYU counters with Bachmeier, whose dual-threat ability can stress Notre Dame’s defense. However, the Cougars are expected to be without leading running back LJ Martin. Notre Dame is the more complete team, but I’m not comfortable laying double digits against an undefeated BYU team playing at home. The Irish survive, but the Cougars make them earn it. Notre Dame 27–20.

8. Wisconsin at No. 12 UCLA

Records: Wisconsin (4–1); UCLA (5–0)
Where: Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Line: UCLA -2.5
Over/Under: 45.5

Players to Watch: Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph, RB Darrion Dupree and LB Mason Posa; UCLA RB Wayne Knight and QB Ty Dieffenbach.

Scott: Wisconsin is the better team, and even on the road I think they take the win. Wisconsin 24–23.

Doug: UCLA’s stunning 17–15 victory at Oregon came at a substantial cost: starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava injured his knee and is expected to miss this game. Knight, averaging an impressive 7.7 yards per carry, becomes the Bruins’ offensive centerpiece. Wisconsin has allowed just one sack in five games, which could help Joseph keep drives alive against UCLA’s pass rush. I expect Luke Fickell’s Badgers to control the tempo, shorten the game and capitalize on UCLA’s quarterback uncertainty. Wisconsin 24–20.

9. No. 15 Kentucky at Oklahoma

Records: Kentucky (5–1); Oklahoma (3–2)
Where: Gaylord Family–Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
Line: Oklahoma -6.5
Over/Under: 43.5

Players to Watch: Kentucky QB Kenny Minchey, RB CJ Baxter and WR Kenny Darby; Oklahoma QB John Mateer.

Scott: Kentucky is having a special season, but Oklahoma will be the better team at home. Oklahoma 24–20.

Doug: Both teams are ripe for a return to Earth after last week’s huge upsets. Kentucky’s thrilling 35–34 overtime victory over LSU showed that Will Stein’s Wildcats aren’t intimidated by anybody, while Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas. The Sooners have one of the nation’s best pass defenses, and winning in Norman is never easy. But Kentucky arrives with tremendous confidence and has enough offensive weapons to make this uncomfortable. I expect the Wildcats to take Oklahoma to the wire before the Sooners prevail. Oklahoma 27–24.

10. No. 18 Oklahoma State at No. 20 Houston

Records: Oklahoma State (4–1); Houston (5–1)
Where: TDECU Stadium, Houston, Texas
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: FOX
Line: Houston -4
Over/Under: 61.5

Players to Watch: Houston QB Conner Weigman and Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker.

Scott: Houston at home gets the nod. Houston 31–27.

Doug: This one has the ingredients for a classic Big 12 shootout. Both teams have explosive offenses, and Houston has genuine momentum after dismantling Kansas State. Willie Fritz has transformed the atmosphere around the Cougars, and Saturday’s primetime showdown could deliver one of their biggest home crowds in years. Mestemaker gives the Cowboys the firepower to trade punches, but I like Weigman to make the decisive plays in the fourth quarter. A late Houston touchdown seals a narrow win. Houston 33–30.

Final Pour: A Toast to Sammy

Doug: We don’t ordinarily do this final pour, but on Tuesday Daryl and I had to put down our sweet adopted stray dog, Sammy, who was losing a battle against kidney failure.

In her honor, I’m finishing this Stillhouse session with Kentucky Beau 6-Year, a 100-proof Total Wine Spirits Direct pickup. And it has a good-looking hound dog on the label, which makes it the suitable sip for the end of the day.

With mid-copper color and a buttery, caramel-forward nose, this has been one of the more pleasant finds at Total Wine. The flavor is sweet and fruity — brown sugar, cherries, vanilla, caramel and a hint of cinnamon. The lightly viscous mouthfeel leads to a decent finish that carries notes of caramel, brown sugar and light oak.

This is a nice sip to finish the Stillhouse and toast a sweet, special dog.

Cheers, Sammy.

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Copyright © 2026 Doug DeBolt.