SHANE SHACKLEFORD: Great Week for Sports Nationally & UK Football Prediction
Every so often, the stars align and we sport fans get all kinds of gifts from the Sport Santa Claus in the form of games across the spectrum of athletics.
This week, we have action in baseball, basketball, and football. Not only in the professional ranks of football and basketball but the college game as well. Rejoice!
Let's check on these great matchups.
In MLB, the league championship series in both leagues are full tilt right now. There have been great games so far, and both matchups are primed for classic endings. I'm still sticking by my forecast of the Astros and Dodgers in the World Series.
The 2017-18 NBA campaign has just opened. Every team still has a chance of having a great year. And there's still time to claim you are a die-hard fan of whoever you wish and get away with it.
College basketball is just around the corner as well. Kentucky basketball opened with a spectacular Big Blue Madness. Looking forward to seeing this bunch play. Super athletic and long. The key will be who provides the outside shooting when the inevitable zone is played against them.
In the NFL, the season is reaching the halfway point and several teams have the possibility of reaching the playoffs. Plus there are all kinds of storyline to follow, some of them less than positive. Won't go there is this article. This is a happy place.
College football has come down to Alabama and everyone else. The Crimson Tide seemingly have no flaws and an endless supply of talent. I know any team can be beaten, but I truly don't know who can hang a loss on this bunch.
On the local front, the 5-1 Kentucky Wildcats travel to Starkville to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Dawgs are led by talented QB Nick Fitzgerald. The Cats come off a welcomed bye week where they got healthy and rested. The key to Kentucky winning on the road comes down to containing Fitzgerald. If this happens, Kentucky takes another step toward a magical season. Here's saying they do. I'm going to pick the Cats over the Dawgs 24-20.
I went 6-1 last week on my predictions, so with a short SEC schedule, let's do a little picking.
Missouri over Idaho
Alabama over Tennessee
LSU over Ole Miss
Auburn over Arkansas
Kentucky over Mississippi State
Enjoy the games!
Shane Shackleford is a retired coach and teacher from Speedwell, Tenn. You can email him at coachshack50@gmail.com or reach him on Facebook at Shane Shackleford and Twitter @shack_daddy_1.
