This Weekend in Sports: The World Series and Giants vs. Cowboys
Two World Series games, college football and an NFC East showdown highlight this weekend's sports offerings. Here's what to watch:
Friday, Oct. 26
Cincinnati at (15) Louisville
Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville; 8 p.m. (ET) on ESPN
Two of the Big East's best teams meet on a Friday night in Kentucky. Fifteenth-ranked Louisville (7-0 overall, 2-0 Big East) is led by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running backs Senorise Perry and Jeremy Wright. Cincinnati (5-1, 1-0) was ranked and undefeated before dropping its game against Toledo last week. The Bearcats have beaten Louisville in the last four meetings between the teams.
Saturday, Oct. 27
(3) Florida at (12) Georgia
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Fla.; 3:30 p.m. (ET) on Fox
Third-ranked Florida (7-0, SEC: 6-0) was dominant in beating South Carolina last week. The Gators can clinch a spot in the SEC title game with a victory over No. 12 Georgia (6-1, 4-1). The Bulldogs are led by quarterback Aaron Murray, who may need a big game to keep up with the output of Florida quarterback Jeff Driskel in the 90th (or 91st, depending on whom you ask) edition of the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.
(9) Ohio State at Penn State
Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pa.; 5:30 p.m. (ET) on ESPN
Two traditional powerhouses who are not eligible for the Big 10 title because of NCAA sanctions will meet in Happy Valley on Saturday. Ninth-ranked Ohio State (8-0, Big 10: 4-0) expects Braxton Miller to start at quarterback after he missed last week's comeback against Purdue due to a neck injury. Penn State (5-2, 3-0) has used its defense to shut down teams during its five-game winning streak.
World Series Game 3: San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers
Comerica Park, Detroit; 8:07 p.m. (ET) on Fox
The World Series shifts to Detroit this weekend. The San Francisco Giants will send Ryan Vogelsong out to tame Tigers batters like Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder. Detroit starts Anibal Sanchez in an attempt to cool down Pablo Sandoval, Marco Scutaro and the rest of the Giants lineup.
(5) Notre Dame at (8) Oklahoma
Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla.; 8 p.m. (ET) on ABC
Fifth-ranked Notre Dame (7-0) looks to continue its best start in 10 years by beating No. 8 Oklahoma (5-1) in Norman. Sooners quarterback Landry Jones will attempt to throw often against a Fighting Irish defense that hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown all season.
(13) Mississippi St. at (1) Alabama
Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, Ala.; 8:30 p.m. (ET) on ESPN
Two undefeated teams look to sort out the SEC West standings in Alabama on Saturday night. Thirteenth-ranked Mississippi State (7-0, SEC: 3-0) is a 23.5-point underdog to top-ranked Alabama (7-0, 4-0), Mississippi State quarterback Tyler Russell leads the Bulldogs' offense against a very skilled Crimson Tide defense. Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron brings the nation's highest passer rating into the game.
Sunday, Oct. 28
TUMS Fast Relief 500
Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway, Va.; 1:43 p.m. (ET) on ESPN
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase is nearing its conclusion. Brad Keselowski is in first place in the standings for the fourth consecutive week, while second-ranked Jimmie Johnson trails by just seven points. Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne round out the top five.
N.Y. Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys Stadium, Dallas; 4:25 p.m. (ET) on Fox
Dallas (3-3) beat the Giants in the teams' opening-night game in September, but New York (5-2) has piled up wins on the arm of quarterback Eli Manning. The Dallas pass defense is the third best in the NFL, allowing just 187.3 yards per game.
World Series Game 4: San Francisco Giants at Detroit Tigers
Comerica Park, Detroit; 8:07 p.m. (ET) on Fox
Expect frigid temperatures in Detroit for Sunday night's World Series game. San Francisco will send pitching ace Matt Cain out to start against the Tigers. Cain has already pitched two clinching games this postseason. The Tigers counter with Max Scherzer, who was responsible for shutting down the Yankees in Game 4 of the ALCS to complete the Detroit sweep.
New Orleans Saints at Denver Broncos
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver; 8:20 p.m. (ET) on NBC
New Orleans (2-4) relies on its top-ranked passing offense led by quarterback Drew Brees. Denver (3-3) has a formidable passing offense of its own thanks to quarterback Peyton Manning, who is the league's second-rated passer. The Saints allow the most yards per game in the NFL (465.5), so they'll need to tighten up to beat the Broncos.