That’s the only word that can describe Week 6 of the college football season.
Then ranked #7 Penn State got beat 42-37, by a UCLA Bruins team, that hadn’t won a game all season.
Then #9 Texas lost to unranked Florida 29-21, in the swamp.
FYI, the final scores of those games do not indicate the true picture of how bad PSU and UT actually looked on the field.
Then #14 Iowa State could not overcome losing BOTH their starting CBs for the season, during the week, and lost to unranked Cincinnati 38-30.
The #3 Hurricanes and then ranked #18 Seminoles gave us a great game, as Miami won 28-22.
#10 Alabama got revenge on then ranked #16 Vanderbilt 30-14. In a game that was closer than the final score as well.
Then ranked #24 Virigina beat Louisville, in overtime, 30-27. The ACC has been completely whack-a-doo so far this season.
With so many performances to choose from, HERE are the Week 6 college football Helmet Stickers Awards.
(Team) UCLA Bruins.
The Bruins hadn’t won a game all season AND already fired their head coach. EVERYONE had written them off for this season, but they reminded the whole college football world to, NEVER POKE A BEAR.
Congratulations to all the players and staff.
(Offense) Blake Horvath, QB, Navy Midshipmen.
When you hear “Navy football”, you think Option and Wing-T offense. However, in the 1st leg of the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy, Horvath set a school record with 469 total yards. He went 20 of 26 passing, for 339 yards, with 3 TDs and 0 INTs, as well as having 17 carries, for 130 yards, and 1 TD, in a 34-31 win over Air Force.
(Defense) Nathan Voorhis, DE, Ball State.
The defensive end had 8 total tackles, and 3.5 sacks on the day, as his timely defensive plays, helped lead the Ball State Cardinals to a 20-14, come from behind win, over the defending MAC champion Ohio Bobcats.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to???
– by Sean McKenzie
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Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, yardbarker, and thestarpress.
Week 6 of the college football season starts tonight, with the Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-4) traveling to take on the New Mexico State Aggies (2-2) at 9:00 PM (EST) on CBSSN.
That is NOT one of my Top 3, by the way.
This is going to be a Saturday of chalk. Teams you think are going to win, ARE going to win. I don’t foresee a bunch of upsets or anything.
So, without further ado, here you go.
1) #3 Miami Hurricanes (4-0) at #18 Florida State Seminoles (3-1). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
If you are a fan of college football, then you know just how awesome it is, to see this bitter rivalry game be meaningful again. I am so excited for this game.
Transfer QB Carson Beck has this offense humming along. He’s recovered nicely from offseason elbow surgery and back to his old form. He’s completing 73.2% of his passes, with 8 TDs to only 3 INTs. Their running game is solid with HBs Mark Fletcher Jr and Charmar Brown combining for 9 TD runs. The defense has been solid. Getting sacks and pressures from all 3 levels. They don’t get out of position often.
QB Tommy Castellanos has come in and given this offense a spark, with his dual threat ability. His feet have done the most damage running for 217 yards and 4 TDs, not all on designed runs. HIs scrambling ability gives opposing defenses nightmares. The Seminole’s running game is top notch, as they’ve run for a combined 1,345 yards and 20 TDs already this season. The defensive backs are fast and fly all over the field, as Earl Little Jr leads the team in tackles (28), and Ashlynd Barker leads the team in sacks (2).
Prediction – Florida State is embarrassed by the upset last week and will come out swinging at home. This is a rivalry game, so it’d be close. I think Miami pulls it out on a Carson Beck TD late. Hurricanes win 28-24.
#16 Vanderbilt Commadores (5-0) at #10 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
That’s right, your read that correctly. Vanderbilt is ranked and undefeated. This isn’t your grandpappy’s “cakewalk” Commadores team.
The Commadores are led by “super senior” QB Diego Pavia. Arguably, the best dual-threat QB in the entire country. He’s completing 74.6% of his passes, for 1,211 yards with 13 TDs to only 3 INTs. He’s also ran for 294 yards with 2 TDs. He always keeps his eyes downfield when scrambling, and doesn’t make stupid mistakes. The defense gets pressure fast. They have 14 team sacks on the young season, led by EDGE Miles Capers with (3.5). They also create turnovers, with 7 forced fumbles, and have recovered 6 of them.
The loss to FSU in Week 1 has flipped something in the Crimson Tide. Their focus and play has been much more sound since then. Junior QB Ty Simpson has thrown for 1,138 yards with 11 TDs and 0 INTs. He’s taking care of the football and keeping the offense on the field. While the defense isn’t putting up the sack and turnover numbers from years past; they’re fast and haven’t been overpursing like last season and in Week 1. They’ve gone back to fundamentals, and it’s showing up on film.
Prediction – Vanderbilt isn’t sneaking up on Bama this time, like last season. The Commadores are a serious team. I so badly want to pick them, but something is telling me that the Crimson Tide will get it done at home. I’m taking Alabama in a close game 34-31.
#11 Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0) at Houston Cougars (4-0). Game starts at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.
Yes, you read that right. I’m saying the University of Houston football is a must watch. At least it is this week. They are scrapy and undefeated with 2 wins over “Power 4” schools already.
This is the biggest game for Houston since joining the Big-12 conference.
The Red Raiders offense has been balanced and efficient. QB Behren Morton has thrown for 1,065 yards with 11 TDs to only 3 INTs. The running game has 818 yards and 10 TDs on the season. The defense is led by one of the best LBs in the country (1 of my Top 10 players in all of America) Jacob Rodriguez, with 28 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.
The Cougars got QB Conner Weigman from Texas A&M in the transfer portal. He’s the game manager that they need. He’s thrown for 839 yards, with 6 TDs to only 1 INT. The team has won through opportunistic defense. They’ve got 5 INTs and 7 forced fumbles, to along with 9 sacks.
Prediction – The Cougars will keep it close for a half, before the Red Raiders pull away. Texas Tech wins 42- 24.
– by Sean McKenzie
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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and ESPN.
What a banger of a college football weekend it was!!!
We had instant classics, as the #2 Oregon Ducks, went into Happy Valley, during a whiteout game, and beat the #7 Penn State Nittany Lions 30-24 in double overtime.
The #10 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide went in “Between the Hedges” and ended the nation’s longest home winning streak, as they beat the #12 ranked Georgia Bulldogs 24-21.
The Virigina Cavaliers pulled a major upset in double overtime, beating the (then #8), #18 Florida State Seminoles 46-38. Then followed that by having the fastest storming of the field, that I’ve ever seen. LOL. (see final play and students storm the field in video below.)
The #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes went into Husky Stadium and ended the nation’s 2nd longest home winning streak, beating the Washington Huskies, 24-6, in a very workman like performance.
It also took overtime for #15 ranked Tennessee and #16 ranked Georgia Tech to get wins over Mississippi State and Wake Forest (41-34 and 30-29).
Unfortunately, we had another head coach lose their job, as Arkansas fired Sam Pittman (really dumb move in my personal opinion) after getting their butt whooped by #22 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56-13, at home. Bobby Petrino has been named interim head coach.
With so many performances to choose from, HERE are the Week 5 College Football Helmet Stickers.
(Team) #22 Illinois Fighting Illini.
After getting absolutely molly-whopped last week, the Fighting Illini, showed some fight. They went toe-to-toe with (then ranked#21) USC Trojans and won the game, 34-32, on a 41-yard field goal as time expired. This was a great game, that showcased the best of both teams. Illinois showed the country, that they are going to get up and fight, after being knocked down. Statement win.
(Offense) Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
The senior quarterback did everything, and then some, as he led the Yellow Jackets to a hard fought victory.
King went 28 of 42, for 243 yards, with 1 TD and 0 INTs. He also had 21 carries, for 106 yards, with 2 TDs.
Because of him, Georgia Tech is not only highly ranked, but undefeated at 5-0.
(Defense) Noah Avinger, CB, Utah State.
The 6’0 senior cornerback, was all over the field on Saturday afternoon, as he helped the Utah State Aggies, give the #18 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores, all they could handle, in a 55-35 loss.
He had 12 tackles, and an interception.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to?
– by Sean McKenzie.
Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and like.
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, on3, and kslsports.
The #4 ranked Miami Hurricanes beat the Florida Gators 26-7, in their rivalry game. The Gators continue their freefall this season.
#17 Texas Tech beat the #16 Utah Utes, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, 34-10, in a turnover prone game.
#24 Notre Dame finally got a win, beating Purdue 56-30.
#19 Indiana Hoosiers absolutely beat the snot out of #9 Illinois Fighting Illini, 63-10.
In a great Saturday night game, #11 Oklahoma Sooners got a big conference win, over #23 Auburn Tigers, 24-17.
The Clemson Tigers and Wisconsin Badgers continue to fall apart, with losses to unranked opponents, Syracuse and Maryland.
With so many performances to choose from, here are your Week 4 college football helmet stickers.
1) Indiana Hoosiers.
There was no better team performance in Week 4, then Indiana. The college football spotlight was on Bloomington, IN with a primetime game on NBC, and the Hoosiers put their best foot forward. The offense couldn’t be stopped, and the defense was a stonewall, not allowing the Illini to get anything going. Great win for the team and the program.
2) Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers.
The 6’5″ junior transfer quarterback shone the brightest in the biggest game of his career to date. He went 21 of 23 (91.3%), for 267 yards, and 5 TDs, with a 260.0 RTG, and 96.3 QBR. He didn’t make any mistakes and kept the ball out of harm’s way. That’s exactly what he needs to do, if they’re going to keep winning as conference play ramps up.
3) Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo Bulls.
The 6’3″, 240 lbs senior was all over the field, and just wreaking havoc all game long, in a 21-17 loss. He finished the game with 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.
– by Sean McKenzie
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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, indystar, and ubbulls.
Is #25 USC for real??? We’ll find out as they take on an undefeated and scrappy Michigan State.
The last time we saw Oklahoma State on the field, they lost 69-3 to the Oregon Ducks. Can they bounce back against a woeful Tulsa team on Friday night?
We have the Iron Skillet Game this week, as undefeated TCU takes on their bitter rival SMU.
Will the #4 ranked Miami Hurricanes send the Florida Gators back home to Gainsville with their 3rd straight loss?
I went 2-1 last week, and I am 5-1 for the season.
So here are the 3 games you should watch this week.
1) #9 Illinois Fighting Illini at #19 Indiana Hoosiers. Game is Saturday night, at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.
I am so happy to see that NBC is doing the right thing and putting this game in primetime. 2 teams that are historically mid to bad, are having back-to-back good seasons. It’s nice to see them rewarded.
The Fighting Illini are led by QB Luke Altmyer has gone 56 of 79, for 709 yards, with 8 TDs and 0 INTs, but it’s been the running game that has really stolen the show. Junior Kaden Feagin has 50 carries for 222 yards and 3 TDs. He’s a 250 lb hammer that wears a defense down with his physical style of running.
The defense is led by senior LB Gabe Jacas, who leads the team in sacks (3.5) and forced fumbles (2). They are gap sound, and they make opposing teams earn every yard.
The Hoosiers offense is led by QB Fernado Mendoza. The Cal transfer has come in a really taken control of the offense, going 55 of 76, for 708 yards, with 9 TDs and 0 INTs. The running game has shown up so far this season, with 3 players (Kaelon Black, Lee Beebe Jr, and Roman Hemby) each already running for over 200 yards rushing a piece.
The defense is active on every level. They show a lot of movement up front and with the linebackers, trying to confuse the quarterback and disguise schemes. This had led to 4 INTs already this season.
Prediction – Illinois pulls away late to get a 31-24 win on the road.
2) #22 Auburn Tigers at #11 Oklahoma Sooners. Game is Saturday afternoon at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
Are either of these two teams for real? Especially after such dismal seasons last year. Both teams are 3-0 coming into their SEC conference openers. Of course, everyone is talking about Auburn coming back to Norman, OK after transferring out in the offseason.
Yes, Arnold was brought into Auburn to “fix” the passing game. He’s gone 48 of 69, for 501 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs, but it’s been his running ability that has sparked the offense (35 carries, 192 yards, 4 TDs). Being teamed with leading rusher, junior HB Jeremiah Cobb (46 carries, for 314 yards, and 4 TDs) has turned the Tigers into a running team.
They have a very active secondary, as 3 of their Top 5 tacklers are defensive backs. Senior defensive end Keyron Crawford leads the team in sacks (3), interceptions (1) and forced fumbles (1).
The Sooners are led by transfer QB John Mateer and his gun slinging, gritty, hardnosed mentality. He’s 71 of 105, for 944 yards, with 5 TDs but he’s thrown 3 INTs. He’s ran the ball 33 times, for 161 yards, and 4 TDs. Can he keep this pace in the SEC?
This is a Brent Venables team, which means the defense is sound. Their Top 4 tacklers are all linebackers, and they make you earn every yard, and every score. They’ve been much more physical so far this season, than last season.
Prediction – Something is telling me that Auburn pulls the upset. Mateer throws a late game INT, and the Tigers get out of Norman with a big 28-24 win.
Arkansas Razorbacks at Memphis Tigers. Game is Saturday afternoon, at Noon (12:00 PM, EST) on ABC.
Not expecting this, were you? This is a dangerous trap game for the Razorbacks, who are coming off a hard fought, disappointing loss last week.
Arkansas is led by senior QB Taylen Green, and he is so fun to watch. He’s completed 63 of 92 passes, for 866 yards, with 11 TDs and 2 INTs. He also leads the team in rushing with 32 carries, for 307 yards, with 2 TDs. He’s a dynamic dual threat quarterback.
The defense flies around with that “SEC speed” that they like to brag about. Their back seven causes havoc with that speed, and the defensive line doesn’t get out of position, which allows them to cause said havoc.
This is not the high-flying Memphis offense that we’ve all come to expect. This Tigers offense is running the football. Senior QB Brendon Lewis is 55 of 75, for 608 yards, with only 2 TDs and 1 INT. He’s also 2nd on the team with 190 yards rushing, with 2 TDs. Junior HB Sutton Smith has 247 yards, on 41 carries, with 4 TDs.
They may not be an “SEC team” but the Memphis defense has the speed to match. They already have 8 players that have 10+ tackles, and their 10 sacks and pressure have led to 4 INTs this season. Senior linebacker Sam Brumfield leads the Tigers in both tackles (17) and sacks (3).
Prediction – Arkansas is mad and will not fall victim to this trap game. Razorbacks win 42-28.
We had some incredible games, that came down to the wire and overtime.
Georgia needed OT to beat Tennessee in Knoxville 44-41.
Texas A&M scored a TD with only 13 seconds left, to beat Notre Dame 41-40 in South Bend.
Vanderbilt upset (then ranked #11) South Carolina 31-7.
The USF Bulls train finally ran off the tracks, getting beatdown by the Miami Hurricanes 49-12.
Unranked (at the time) Georgia Tech upset (then ranked #12) Clemson, 24-21 on a field goal with no time left.
There was a lot to choose from, so here are the Week 3 college football helmet stickers.
1) Vanderbilt University Commodores
The Commodores are picking up right where they left off, from their magical run last season.
Super senior QB Diego Pavia made plays when they mattered most. Throwing for 177 yards with 2 TDs and sophomore S CJ Heard was flying all over the field making plays and was a tackling machine on defense.
This is a massive win for the program and head coach Clark Lea, as the Commodores continue to show the world, that they aren’t the loveable losers of college football anymore.
2) Ahmad Hardy, Running Back, Missouri.
The sophomore running back had 22 carries, for 250 yards, and 3 TDs, in the Tigers 52-10 win over UL Ragin Cajuns.
He’s now 2nd in country in rushing yards with 462 yards, as he’s a key component in the Tigers (3-0) high powered offense, after the loss of WR Burden and QB Cook to the NFL.
3) Bryun Parham, Linebacker, University of Connecticut.
The Huskies 5th year senior had 10 total tackles and 3 sacks in a 44-41 loss to Delaware.
The linebacker has had a long cross-country journey in his college football career. Starting at San Jose State, then a one year stop in Washington, before landing at UConn this season. He’s already doubled his season totals in tackles from last season and is currently tied for 1st in the nation in sacks.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to?
– by Sean McKenzie
Subscribe, follow, and like.
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, thehour, and si.
With the 2025-26 college football season starting in just under 100 days; I thought we should look and talk about the best returning players in the sport.
This list does not include quarterbacks. Yes, it’s the most important position. There will be a sperate list for that.
Y’all know me, so let’s get right into it.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State.
2024 stats – 76 receptions, for 1,315 yards, with 15 TDs.
Smith broke multiple records at Ohio State in his freshman season with ease. He was the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and was a First-Team All-American.
The crazy thing is that the 6’3″, 215 lbs sophomore, still has 2 years of college football to play. He was unguardable last season and will continue to improve under OC/WR coach Brian Hartline.
Smith could walk into the NFL and be WR1 for most teams today. He has the size, speed, and hands to dominate the game for the next decade.
2, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State.
2024 stats – 81 total tackles, .5 sacks, 2 INTs, 6 PDs, 1 Punt Return TD.
The 6’0″, 205 lbs junior can do everything on defense. He can come down and play in the box. He’s an excellent blitzer, hitting the gaps with speed. He can deliver big hits. He can drop back and play the deep safety. He can come up and play in the slot. He does it all.
He adds additional value in the return game, as evidenced by his punt return touchdown against Indiana.
As a sophomore last season, he won Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Award. He was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, and the Nagurski Award. He was also named a unanimous first team All-American.
The 6’3″, 235 lbs junior was a second-team All-American last season. He has the speed and burst to beat the offensive tackle off the snap and is able to drop back in coverage. He goes for the football, evidenced by his 4 forced fumbles.
4. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama.
2024 stats – 48 receptions, for 865 yards, with 8 TDs.
The 6’0″, 185 lbs Williams started his freshman season very strong, scoring a touchdown in his first five games. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about him is SPEEEEEEDDDD.
Williams is very fast, and if you don’t get hands on him at the line of scrimmage, you’re eating dust and seeing his numbers.
He faded in the second half of last season. Teams figured out that he can be bullied on the LOS and be taken out of the play because of his small size.
I think that changes this season, and he’ll be better using his hands of the snap. He was first-team All-SEC and Freshman All-American.
5. Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame.
2024 stats – 163 carries, for 1,125 yards, with 17 TDs. 28 receptions for 237 yards, with 2 TDs.
The 6’0″, 212 lbs junior is the best running back in the country, especially when he’s healthy. All those numbers you see above and the highlights on YouTube, he did all that while battling a number of injuries.
He has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. The power to break tackles and run between the lines. He has the hands to catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s improved his pass blocking and blitz pickup as he’s progressed in his time in South Bend.
Fighting Irish OC Mike Denbrock even said that he was going to “deploy Love in the slot this season”, showing the he can be a playmaker anywhere.
The 6’3″, 265 lbs junior set a new school record for forced fumbles and had the most sacks in a season for Clemson, since 2018. He has good burst at the snap, and he’s always looking for the football.
Even if the offensive tackle gets his hands inside on him, Parker still has the strength to force him into the pocket and force the quarterback to get out of his rhythm.
Parker was the only FBS player in 2024 to finish in the Top 10 nationally in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles.
The 6’1″, 230 lbs senior is a tackling machine. He has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline. He has the strength to take on DT (see Iowa State game), and the toughness to take on the strongest of HBs at the LOS (see the hit on Arizona State HB Cam Skattebo).
He has great hand usage, to get off of blockers and make the tackle. He wraps up and doesn’t let go.
He was named Captain as a junior and has the complete trust of his teammates and coaches.
The 6’5″, 265 lbs, senior has ideal size and length at the position. He has the burst to win off the edge and strength to bull rush through the offensive tackles body.
He more than held his own, playing opposite of #3 draft pick Abdul Carter last season.
He played his best football in the college football playoffs, getting 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an INT in those 3 games.
With new DC Jim Knowles now running the defense, he’ll have even more opportunities to make his mark this upcoming season.
The 6’3″, 315 lbs junior is the best DT in America, and possibly the best overall defensive lineman in college football.
That’s right, I said it.
Woods has the strength and speed inside, to demand double teams on every play. You absolutely cannot have him one on one. What makes him even better, is that he can kick out and not only play DE but play it well.
He can play in either a 4-3 or a 3-4, and be just as productive in both schemes.
He plays his best games, against the best teams (see Georgia and Texas games) last season.
Putting my “fan cap” on, I’d LOVE to see him in my Cleveland Browns Orange next season.
There you go, the 10 best non-QB returning players for the upcoming college football season.
Do you agree or disagree?
Who would put in or take out?
Let me know.
– by Sean McKenzie
Follow me on X (Twitter) at JoeAmerican6771 and allsportsfancom.
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.
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