Good Morning, and welcome to Savage Sports. We made it to Friday, which means a full weekend slate of football and playoff baseball is finally here. If anyone needs me, I will be firmly planted in front of the TV all weekend. Unless my wife made plans. Okay, chances are I’ll be watching on my phone as we go up and down the aisles at Home Goods, but I am excited nonetheless.

ICYMI: Aaron Rodgers is throwing. Like standing on his two feet, throwing a football, just five weeks post-Achilles surgery. This will be a fun to story to follow if the Jets can keep surviving.

Here's what we got for you today:

• University of Michigan Under Investigation

• TNF Recap

• Key Week 7 Match-Ups

• MLB Playoffs Get Interesting

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Michigan Is In Hot Water… Again

Jim Harbaugh, the man at the helm of Michigan football, finds himself in the spotlight again, and not for his khaki pants or on-field antics. This time, it’s allegations of sign-stealing, a big no-no according to NCAA rules.

According to a Yahoo Sports report, the Wolverines—currently No. 2 in the rankings—are under investigation for allegedly sending scouts to games of future opponents to steal play-calling signals.

Harbaugh, however, is playing the role of the innocent bystander, claiming he was “just as surprised as anyone else” about the investigation. You’d think after a three-game suspension for recruiting violations, he’d be a little more clued in on NCAA compliance.

Now, if these allegations are proven true, Michigan would be in violation of NCAA Bylaw 11.6.1. For those not well-versed in NCAA legalese, that’s the one saying “Off-campus, in-person scouting of future opponents (in the same season) is prohibited.”

Michigan plays their in-state rival Michigan State on Saturday, and both teams, as well as the Big Ten, have been notified about the investigation. Yet, the game will go on. Michigan State’s interim president summed it up best, “The allegations are concerning but will be handled through the NCAA’s processes.”

Whether this derails the season for the Wolverines or ends up as just a slap on the wrist remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—this is a story worth following as we head deeper in the CFB season.

NFL

TNF Recap: Wild Road Win For Lawrence, Jags.

…but first… Christian Kirk is fast. Like really fast.

The Jacksonville Jaguars pulled off a thrilling 31-24 win against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on Thursday. Despite uncertainties about his playing status due to a sprained knee, quarterback Trevor Lawrence led the Jaguars to victory with a 44-yard game-winning touchdown to Christian Kirk in the last minutes.

On the other side, the Saints were inconsistent. They managed to erase a 15-point deficit to tie the game, but when it mattered most, they weren’t able to convert on a crucial fourth down at the Jacksonville 6-yard line.

The New Orleans offense struggled in the red zone (again), a trend that has been plaguing them this season. Quarterback Derek Carr, despite throwing for 301 yards, remained largely ineffective for most of the game.

Key plays included Doug Pederson’s successful fake punt that infused the Jaguars with much-needed momentum and gave them a 17-6 lead in the first half.

For the Saints, their missed opportunities became painfully evident when a wide-open Foster Moreau dropped what would have been a game-tying catch.

So brutal…

———

Week 7 Key Matchups

Detroit Lions (5-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)

Line: BAL -3.0

Are the Detroit Lions the best team in the league? A lot has changed for the Lions over the past couple of seasons. Will they continue to steamroll with a win over the Ravens, or will Lamar Jackson and crew have something to say about that?

Miami Dolphins (5-1) vs. Phliadelphia Eagles (5-1)

Line: PHI -2.5

Young star quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts, both with 5-1 records this season, will face off for the first time since their college days under coach Nick Saban at Alabama.

Both teams are considered Super Bowl contenders, and their past history—including a pivotal 2017 national championship game where Tagovailoa replaced Hurts—adds an extra layer of drama.

MLB PLAYOFFS

Texas Series Is Tied, Arizona Is Alive

And just like that, we have a tie 2-2 Texas showdown in American League and a Diamondbacks win in the National League. Things are getting interesting and we have a full weekend of games coming up before Monday’s newsletter. LET’S GO!

BTW, baseball is beautiful.

And… is there a better feeling than a walk off win.

TW0-MINUTE DRILL

• Altuve has played in 100 playoff games. 📈

• Amid rumors, Barkley says he doesn’t want Giants to trade him.

• Saints' Moreau responds to dropped pass.

• 19 seasons later, 4-time champ Iguodala retires. 🏀

VIDEO OF THE DAY

I didn’t see how that could possibly go wrong.

barstoolsports

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THE BUZZER

That's a wrap for today. We'll be back on Monday!

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