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Tag: Big Ten

  • Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 4.

    Collage of college football team logos from various universities, including iconic mascots and colors.

    Week 4 of the college football season is upon us.

    There are quite a few good games.

    There are quite a few interesting games.

    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.

    Logo matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Indiana Hoosiers with a dark background.

    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.

    Logos of Auburn Tigers (A) and Oklahoma Sooners (OU) displayed on a split background.

    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.

    Logos of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Memphis Tigers on a gradient blue background, with 'Arkansas' and 'Memphis' labels below each logo.

    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.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, athlonsports, espn, USAToday.

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

  • Week 3 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    Collage of college football team logos including Georgia, Michigan, Texas A&M, and more on a dark background.

    What a Week 3 of college football!!!

    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

    Vanderbilt University Commodores logo featuring a black star with a white 'V' at the center.

    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.

    A Missouri football player wearing a black jersey with yellow and white accents runs with the ball on the field during a game.

    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.

    Two University of Connecticut football players celebrating on the field, wearing white uniforms with blue accents, amidst an excited crowd in the background.

    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.

  • Top 10 Returning College Football Players (Non-QB).

    A collage of various college football team logos displayed in a grid format.

    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.

    1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State.
      A college football player wearing a red jersey with the number 4 celebrates in the end zone, holding a football aloft, with a cheering crowd in the background.

      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.

      Ohio State football player celebrating during a game, dressed in a red jersey with the number 2, while fans in the background cheer.

      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.

      3. Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas

      A Texas Longhorns football player celebrates on the field, wearing a white jersey with 'TEXAS' across the front. The player appears to be in action during a game, surrounded by teammates and opponents in the background.

      2024 stats – 113 total tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 1 PD.

      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.

      Wide receiver from Alabama making a catch in a football game, defended by an opposing player.

      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.

      A Notre Dame football player in a navy blue jersey and gold pants runs with the ball during a game. There's a crowd in the background, and team members are visible on the sidelines.

      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.

      6. T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson.

      A Clemson football coach speaks to a player wearing an orange jersey with the number 12 during a practice or game. In the background, additional teammates are visible in orange uniforms.

      2024 stats – 57 total tackles, 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 PD.

      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.

      7. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech.

      A college football player wearing a red uniform with 'Red Raiders' on the chest, running on the field with a focused expression.

      2024 stats – 127 total tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT, 4 PD, 1 Defensive TD.

      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.

      8. Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State.

      A football player wearing a blue and white uniform with the number 33, running on the field during a game at Penn State, showcasing his athleticism and readiness for action.

      2024 stats – 42 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 3 PD.

      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.

      9. Matayo Uiagalelei, OLB/EDGE, Oregon.

      An Oregon football player in a green uniform tackles an opposing player in a yellow uniform during a game.

      2024 stats – 38 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT, 1 PD.

      The 6’5″, 270 lbs junior led the Big Ten in sacks last season. He had at least one sack in nine straight games. He’s a straight pass rushing LB.

      He’s not going to go out there and keep up with TEs on verts and crosses.

      He’s going to give you strength, effort, a relentless motor, and more often than not, he wins his matchups.

      10. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson.

      Clemson football player wearing an orange jersey with the number 11, standing on the field during a game.

      2024 stats – 26 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 5 QB hurries.

      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.

      A close-up of the College Football Playoff National Championship trophy on the football field, with empty stadium seats in the background under clear blue skies.

      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.

      Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, athlonsports, on3, 247sports, clutchpoints, tigernet,texasfootball, clemsontigers, cnn.