A full Halloween slate: a loaded college football Saturday, an eight-game NBA night, six NHL matchups, and a handful of European soccer fixtures. Here's where to point your remote.
Marquee: Ohio State at USC
Ohio State travels to the Coliseum Saturday night (7:30 PM EDT, NBC) as a 6.5-point road favorite, and the line undersells how much is riding on it. The Buckeyes are 6-1 and unbeaten in Big Ten play, but they're doing it without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, who's likely done for the year with an elbow injury. Freshman Luke Fahey takes the snaps instead, which is the opening USC needs. The Trojans are 6-2, fresh off a blowout loss to Wisconsin, and a win here is probably their last realistic shot at the College Football Playoff. Jeremiah Smith remains Ohio State's equalizer regardless of who's throwing him the ball, and the Buckeyes' defense (top five nationally, allowing 13.4 points per game) is built to survive a shaky quarterback situation on the road. ESPN has the total at 50.5, with Ohio State moneyline at -245 and USC at +200.
Pick: Ohio State -6.5.
Also on today
- Florida at Georgia (3:30 PM EDT, ABC): Georgia is 4.5-point favorites at home in a game that still shapes the SEC East picture, even with both teams off their preseason ceilings.
- Miami at North Carolina (7:30 PM EDT, ABC): Miami is 7-0 and rolling. A loss here would be the Hurricanes' first since last season and would reshuffle the whole playoff conversation.
- Arizona State at BYU (3:30 PM EDT, FOX): BYU is 6-1 and still unbeaten in conference play, hosting a Sun Devils team looking to play spoiler.
- Thunder at Rockets (8:30 PM EDT, NBA TV): the defending champs on the road against a Houston team that's been one of the league's most physical early this season.
- Cavaliers at Bucks (8:00 PM EDT, NBA TV): two teams that have started hot trying to establish early separation in a crowded Eastern Conference.
- Maple Leafs at Canucks (7:00 PM EDT): a cross-conference measuring-stick game between two teams that have both exceeded expectations so far.
- Alavés vs. Barcelona (La Liga): Barcelona on the road looking to keep pace at the top of the table.
- Inter vs. AC Milan (Serie A): the Milan derby, always worth clearing your afternoon for regardless of table position.
Source: ESPN, ESPN NFL Draft
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