Tag: Boise State Broncos

2026-27 College Football Predictions.

After what has seemed like a long, long, spring and summer, us college football fans, can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

We are all still in a sense of disbelief, that the historically worst team in college football, the Indiana Hoosiers, won the College Football National Championship.

While “recruiting battles” and keeping up with the all the coaching changes kept our appetites wet, there is nothing like seeing them clash on the field.

I could hem and haw about all the new changes in the offseason, but, I’m going to get right to the meat of the matter (go back and read my articles).

So, without further ado, here are my college football season predictions.

1) Who will win the ACC, B12, B10 and SEC?

NIL (name, image, and likeness), has stopped the SEC from cheating (which a lot of former players openly admit now) and has now leveled the playing field. Hence, we have Indiana winning the Natty.

It makes the conferences deeper than ever before. We no longer just have Alabama and Georgia in the SEC. Ohio State and Michigan and the B10.

I’ll start with the ACC, and let’s be honest here. It’s the Miami Hurricanes. They avoid the other Top 2 contenders (SMU and Louisville) in the regular season. Unless something catastrophic happens, I expect them to finish conference play undefeated.

The most fun conference to watch every season, is by far the Big-12. Why you ask? Because they’ve had 5 different conference champions in the last 5 season. You never know who is going to win, and that makes it fun.

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All the “experts” on ESPN, or as us fans call them, E(SEC)PN, are picking the Texas Tech Red Raiders to win back-to-back conference titles. While it’s possible, it’s certainly NOT a given. They do miss out on having to play BYU, and they do get Houston at home (Sept 18th at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX). They lost a lot of production at quarterback and on defense. Projected QB starter Will Hammond is coming off an ACL, that he suffered in October last year.

The BYU Cougars and Houston Cougars, are returning their starting QBs, in Bear Bachmeier and Conner Weigman. Both the Cougar teams are returning the majority of their defensive starters from last season as well.

Ultimately, I think Texas Tech makes it back-to-back, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they don’t.

It’s an absolute crapshoot in the Big-10. Almost everyone is picking the Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, or the Indiana Hoosiers. However, do not count out the USC Trojans.

They return starting QB Jordan Maiava, HB King Miller, and all five starters along their offensive line. Five players return on defense as well. They schedule did them no favors though. They have Oregon (Sept 28th) and Ohio State (Oct 31st) at home, and travel to Indiana (Nov 14th). Do not be shocked if USC wins 2 of these games and make it to Indianapolis.

At the end of it all, I think it’ll come down to the Buckeyes and Ducks. I think Ohio State beats Oregon on November 7th in Columbus, but the Ducks clip them in the Big-10 Championship Game, to win conference title.

Down in the SEC, the most talented team is the Texas Longhorns. They avoid Georgia and Alabama in the regular season. They get Ole Miss at home (Oct 24th) and ARE going to get revenge, and just clobber Florida at home (Oct 17th). They do have to travel to Texas A&M to finish the regular season (Nov 27th). I think if they can avoid injuries, they’ll win the conference.

However, you can never count out the Georgia Bulldogs, and do not sleep on Mike Elko and Texas A&M. The Aggies return starting QB Marcel Reed. If her can cut down on his 12 INTs, they’ll give Alabama (Oct 24th) and Texas (Nov 27th) a very serious scare.

2) Notre Dame will finish inside the Top 4.

Yes, I know that Notre Dame lost their top 2 running backs from last season in Jeremiyah Love (3rd overall pick) and Jadarian Price (32nd overall), but, CJ Carr returning at quarterback, after an impressive freshman season (2,741 yards, with 24 TDs and 6 INTs).

The Irish went out and got former Ohio State WRs Quincy Porter and Myles Graham in the transfer portal to give him weapons on the perimeter and offset the loss of the running game. Three offensive lineman return, and Notre Dame always has good tight ends.

They return 7 starters on defense, including quite possibly the best CB tandem in all of college football (Leonard Moore and Christian Gray), and All-American S Tae Johnson. It’s going to be a nightmare throw against them.

They also used the portal to get better along the defensive line, pairing newcomers DE Keon Keeley (Alabama), DT Francis Brewu (Pitt), and DT Tione Gray (Oregon), with returning starters DE Boubacar Traore and DT Jason Onye.

They two toughest games are at home, against the Miami Hurricanes (Now 7th) and SMU (Nov 21st). They do travel to play the always sneaky tough BYU (Oct 17th). Other than that, their schedule is easy.

I fully expect them to be 11-1 or even 12-0 at the end of the season.

3) Boise State will be the lone Group of 6 school in the College Football Playoffs.

Last year the College Football Playoff Committee put 2 Group of Five schools in the playoff, and it went absolutely terrible with blowout losses, with Oregon beating James Madison 51-34, and Ole Miss beating Tulane 41-10.

They’ve learned their lesson. It won’t happen again.

Boise State is the best team in the newly reformed Pac-12 and all the Group of 6 schools (Pac-12, Mountain West, Conference USA, MAC, American Athletic, and Sun Belt).

Starting quarterback Maddux Madsen returns after throwing for 2,334 yards with 18 TDs and 9 INTs. HB Duke Riley is also returning after turning down multiple offers from P4 teams. He ran for 1,125 yards and 10 TDs. They return 3 starters along the offensive line (C, RG, RT).

They return 3 of 4 starters on the defensive line, for a defense that finished ranked 39th best overall in the country last season. They are going to rely heavily on them, as the “back 7” only returns 2 starters, in LB Boen Phelps and CB Jaden Mickey.

The Broncos have an incredibly tough game to open the season, against the Oregon Ducks (Sept 9th, at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS).

Their toughest conference games, are all at home (Utah State on Oct 3rd, Texas State on Oct 31st, and San Diego State on Nov 21st) as well.

4) The 1st Head Coach to be fired will be…..

With all the off the field distractions going on with Head Coach Bill Belichicks’ personal life, now GM Mike Lombardi and DC Steve Belichick have been suspended, with an external investigations ongoing, he’s already on the hot seat.

They open their schedule against 5 teams that made a bowl game appearance, in their first 6 games.

I am predicting the Tar Heels only win will be against East Tennessee State (Sept 12th), and he’ll be fired before Oct 24th game at home against Syracuse.

OC Bobby Petrino will take over and lead them to wins over Syracuse, UConn, and an upset win over Virigina.

5) Who will make the College Football Playoffs.

First Round Byes

Oregon Ducks
Texas Longhorns
Miami Hurricanes
Norte Dame Fighting Irish

First Round Games

#12 Boise State at #5 Ohio State.
#11 Indiana at #6 Texas Tech.
#10 Ole Miss at #7 Georgia.
#9 USC at #8 Texas A&M.

Quarter-final Games

#5 Ohio State vs #4 Notre Dame.
#9 USC vs #1 Oregon.
#11 Indiana vs #3 Miami.
#7 Georgia vs #2 Texas.

Semi-Final Games

#5 Ohio State vs #1 Oregon.
#3 Miami vs #2 Texas.

National Championship Game

#5 Ohio State vs #2 Texas.

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National Champion

Ohio State wins their 2nd national championship in 3 years, when they go on a similar run, as they did in 2024.

What are your predictions for the upcoming college football season?

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of….. ESPN, NCAA, and Lindy’s.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and SI.

August 15, 2026
College Football Conference Championship Games Preview and Predictions.

Finally, after duking it out all regular season, teams have arrived here at Championship Saturday.

Conference Championships mean a lot to the fans, the players, and the teams.

It’s not all about NIL for the players, and bonuses for the coaches, it’s also about pride.

Saying We are the champions of the Big Ten, or SEC, or Big 12, or ACC, means a lot.

It shows that you went through the gauntlet of meaningful games, and rivalry games, to be called champions. Every player and team aspires to reach that goal, but you are the only ones to do it.

So, here we go.

ACC Championship Game – Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Duke Blue Devils (7-5) vs #17 Virginia Cavaliers (10-2)
Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on ABC.

These 2 teams just met on November 15th, and the Cavaliers laid a 34-17 butt whopping on the Blue Devils.

NO, the game was not as close as the score indicated.

Unfortunately, the Cavaliers have suffered a few injuries since that game, and the Blue Devils have gotten a few players back from injury in the secondary since.

Like most games, this one will come down to the trenches and quarterback. Chandler Morris for UVA and Darian Mensah for Duke.

Personally, I love that these 2 teams, (which historically struggle in football), playing for the conference title is great. It shows one of the very few good things that NIL has done, which is parity.

Prediction – I think it’s going to be a repeat, but closer. I’m taking the Cavaliers to win 28-24.

Big Ten Championship Game – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.
#2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0) vs #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0).
Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.

This game could very well end up being for the Heisman Trophy, as both quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin are the front runners.

Indiana MUST control the clock and keep the Buckeyes offense off the field, if they want to win this game. They rank 9th in the country in rushing, averaging 229.8 YPG and must use it to their advantage. The revamped offensive line has only allowed 15 sacks all season too. That will allow the play action passing game to open up and let Mendoza show off his arm and accuracy.

Ohio State MUST get pressure on Mendoza, as he’s first in the conference getting rid of the football (2.5 seconds). Make him hold onto the football and be uncomfortable. That will allow the Buckeye playmakers on defense like Downs, Reese, Styles, to do what they do best. They have the advantage at all the skill positions, so just play within themselves.

Prediction – Indiana hasn’t played a defense like this all season long. I think they’ll hang around for a little while, before Ohio State takes over. Give me the Buckeyes to win 35-17.

Big 12 Championship Game – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
#11 BYU Cougars (11-1) vs #4 Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1).
Game starts at Noon (EST) on FOX.

Like in the ACC Championship Game, these 2 teams have already met. Texas Tech won 29-7 on November 8th.

BYU likes to play “ugly football”. They run the ball and play sound defense. The offensive line must get movement this time, and allow HB LJ Martin to eat. He leads the conference with 1,229 yards and has 11 TDs. That’ll allow their freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier to be comfortable. IF they can find a way to keep it close, they’ll have a chance. Otherwise, it’ll be a rinse and repeat.

Texas Tech simply has to continue to play top notch defense and allow quarterback Behren Morton to get into a rhythm early. In the first meeting, they had a 13-0 lead at the half. It should’ve been 28-0, but they couldn’t convert in the redzone. Linebackers David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez are the leaders of this team. They just need to keep the other 9 players calm and focused. This is the team’s first ever Big 12 conference championship game.

Prediction – This game was U-G-L-Y the first time around, and I don’t think it’ll be better. Texas Tech is clearly the better team. Give me the Red Raiders to win 28-13.

SEC Championship Game – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA.
#3 Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) vs #9 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2)
Game starts at 4:00 PM (EST) on ABC.

Like 2 of the previous games here, these teams have met already this season, with the Crimson Tide winning 24-21.

The Bulldogs haven’t forgotten that loss either.

The Georgia defense HAS to play better than it did in the first game. They allowed Alabama to dominate them on the ground. Stopping the run and getting pressure will make it much easier for their offense (who struggled last week). Quarterback Gunnar Stockton only threw for 70 yards, with 1 TD and 1 INT last week against Georgia Tech. He CAN NOT repeat that performance. HC Kirby Smart must get him into rhythm very early.

For Alabama, with starting running back Jam Miller questionable for the game, and backup Kevin Riley is out with a broken jaw; they’ll need quarterback Ty Simpson to be absolutely on point. They have the advantage at WR with Williams and Bernard, so use that with quick passes and crossing routes. The defense allowed 227 yards rushing in the first meeting (mostly in the 2nd half), they must not allow that to happen again.

Prediction – History has shown us, that it’s hard to beat the same team twice in a season. Alabama jumped out early, but Georgia fought back when they first met this season. I think it’ll be a very close game. This is so hard to predict. Simpson is the better QB, but Smart is the better coach. I’ll go out on a limb and take the Crimson Tide to win 28-24.

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In other Conference Championship Games, on Friday Night, give me….

#25 James Madison over Troy in the Sun Belt Championship Game.
Jacksonville State over Kennesaw State in the C-USA Championship Game.
#24 North Texas over #20 Tulane in the AAC Championship Game.
Boise State over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game.

In the other Saturday game, I’m taking Western Michigan to spank Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship game.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, clutchpoints, MSN, and FOX4News.

December 4, 2025
The Real College Football Power Rankings For Week 3.

Week 2 of the college football season has come and gone.

We saw a big upset in USF over Florida.

Oregon absolutely smoked Oklahoma State.

Georgia and Clemson struggled offensively against inferior opponents in Austin Peay and Troy.

Arch Manning and Texas rebounded against San Jose State.

As things start to settle in with teams, I’m here to give you the REAL Power Rankings. Not that bias crap that ESPN and the AP spits out there.

1) Ohio State Buckeyes. (2-0).
2) Oregon Ducks. (2-0),
3) LSU Tigers. (2-0)
4) Miami Hurricanes. (2-0).
5) Penn State Nittany Lions. (2-0).
6) Georgia Bulldogs. (2-0).
7) Florida State Seminoles. (2-0).
8) Tennessee Volunteers. (2-0).
9) Illinois Fighting Illini. (2-0).
10)South Florida Bulls. (2-0).

Yes, I put the USF in the Top 10.

They are the only team with two, Top 25 wins so far this season. If a Power 4 school had won at Boise State and at Florida, in back-to-back weeks, the mainstream sports media would be heaping praise on them.

Since they weren’t “ranked” before the season started, they’re being ignored, and given a “courtesy ranking” by the clowns at ESPN and the AP.

I omitted the Texas Longhorns, because their offense is struggling. Yes, Arch Manning threw for 4 TD’s, but 3 of those were on busted coverages and most of his passes, were under 4 yards.

BOLO – Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Texas A&M Aggies, and Vanderbilt Commodores.

– by Sean McKenzie

Pictures courtesy of…..drroto and wallpapercave.

September 9, 2025
5 Non-Conference College Football Games, You Should Pay Attention To.

As we come up on the midpoint of the summer calendar, we start counting down the days until the first college football game of the new season. 66 days by the way, as of this writing.

The first few weeks is mostly non-conference games.

There are always big games, like this year we have Texas traveling to Columbus to take on Ohio State.

In a big surprise for us college football fans, an SEC team is actually traveling, to play a big non-conference game at another school. They typically always, always make them a neutral site game, which is garbage for the sport.

LSU is heading northeast to play the Clemson Tigers, in Memorial Stadium.

Upsets always happen. Teams that have no business “staying close” to a powerhouse, almost beat them.

Example of that happened last season, as the Bowling Green Falcons from the MAC, almost beat Penn State (Big Ten) and Texas A&M (SEC). Losing both games ONLY by a combined 13 points.

So, without further ado, here are 5 non-conference games, that you should watch and pay attention to (in no particular order).

Toledo Rockets (MAC) at Kentucky Wildcats (SEC).
August 30th.
Game starts at 12:45 PM (EST) on SEC Network.

Kentucky is coming off a 4-8 season and ended HC Mark Stoops 8-season bowl streak. They are replacing starters at every skill position on offense and most positions on defense. Stoops hit the transfer portal hard, and got a lot of new players from G5 schools. Stoops hasn’t had consecutive losing seasons since 2015.

Toledo returns their starting QB Tucker Gleason, speedy WR Junior Vandeross, and 3 starting offensive lineman. HB Chip Trayanum transferred in from Kentucky and Ohio State. They also return their entire secondary from last season.

I am officially calling the upset in this one. The Rockets travel the 284 miles down I-75, and get their 2nd straight upset over an SEC opponent.

Auburn Tigers (SEC) at Baylor Bears (Big-12).
August 29th.
Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.

This game is getting a bit of buzz, especially from Josh Pate (check him out on YouTube. I listen daily). and rightfully so.

While neither team is going to win their conference, this game is going to shape their individual seasons.

Auburn has a new starter behind center in transfer QB Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma), and a very good WR corps, with top WR transfer Eric Singleton Jr (Georgia Tech), and returning starters Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons. Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkins has DE Keldric Faulk (7 sacks) returning and 4 returning starters in the secondary. They only had 13 total takeaways though, so he’ll hope that number improves.

Baylor returns almost their entire offense from last season, led by QB Sawyer Robertson, was tied for the 19th ranked scoring offense in the country last season. On defense, the Bears hit the transfer portal HARD. Basically, shopping at the Big-10 store, bringing in players from Ohio State, Northwestern, and Oregon to make improvements on one of the worst defenses in the Big-12.

This game is going to be a shootout, and maybe even go into OT…..or 5.

West Virginia Mountaineers (Big-12) at Ohio Bobcats (MAC).
September 6th.
Game starts at 4:00 PM (EST) on ESPNU.

HC Rich Rodriguez is back in Morgantown for his 2nd stint, where he was 60-26 in 7 years the first time around. He has his work cut out for him, as he’s replacing all but 2 starters on offense. Good news is that 6 players followed Rich-Rod from Jacksonville State on this side of the ball. Bad news is that he’s replacing every single starter on defense. He’s really hoping that transfer DE Jimmori Robinson, who was C-USA DPOTY (10.5 sacks at UTSA) will lead the way.

QB Parker Navarro threw for 2,423 yards and ran for another 1,054 yards, and he returns for the Bobcats. 2 starting WRs and their starting TE also return, to lead a dangerous offense. The defense got absolutely smashed in the transfer portal. Only 3 starters return, and they’re all in the secondary.

It’s only 149 miles between these 2 schools; it’s not like they’re strangers. Expect some trash talk and points on the board in this one.

Boise State Broncos (Mountain West) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Independent).
October 4th.
Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.

Notre Dame has arguably the best running back in American returning in Jeremiyah Love. They always have a good/great offensive line. The offense will go through the running game. On defense they have an excellent pair of CBs in Christian Gray and Leonard (trial by fire last season for Moore after Morrison went down). Though no starters return on the defensive line, they all played significant snaps last season, whether through rest or injury.

Yes, the Broncos lost Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, but QB Maddux Madsen returns after throwing for 3,018 yards with 23 TDs to only 8 INTs. In front of him, 4 starters are returning on the offensive line. On defense, Boise State led the entire country in sacks last season with 55. 3 of their top 4 sack leaders are returning in DE Virgin-Morgan (10), S Seyi Oladipo (6.5), and DT Braxton Fely (5.5).

If you aren’t excited for this game as a college football fan, you aren’t a fan. How can you not be excited to see the Boise blue at Notre Dame Stadium?

If Boise State loses, they have NO CHANCE of making the college football playoffs.

Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC) at Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC).
September 6th.
Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ACC Network.

Vanderbilt’s starting QB Diego Pavia is back for his final season, after throwing for 2,293 yards with 20 TDs to only 4 INTs, while adding 800 yards and 8 TDs rushing as well. They return 7 starters on a defense that only allowed 23.4 points per game all of last season. Their magical season last year, started by beat Virginia Tech at home.

The Hokies have a good dual threat QB in Kyron Drones. When he’s healthy, he’s as good as anyone in the country. Transfer HB Terion Stewart (Bowling Green) is going to give the offense some power and pop in the running game. On defense, they must replace their entire secondary and defensive line, but they return both starting LBs.

Clark Lea and Vanderbilt need to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke. What better way to start that process than back-to-back wins over a P4 school with prestige.

HC Brent Pry is on the hot seat in Blacksburg. If he loses to Vandy again, the cries for his job will get even louder.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, athlonsports, and MSN.

June 29, 2025