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Tag: College

  • 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

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    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, thehour, and si.

  • Top 3 College Football Games to watch for Week 3.

    A collage of various college football team logos arranged in a grid format, featuring teams from different universities.

    Week 3 of the college football season, officially starts on Thursday night, when North Carolina State (2-0) travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2-0).

    There is a nice mixture of rivalry games was well as in-conference games this week.

    The “money games” (The Ohio State Buckeyes are paying the Ohio Bobcats $1.9 million dollars to play in Columbus) are starting to come an end. THANK YOU!!!

    Let’s be honest, how many times we can watch a “directional school” lose to a P4 team 70-0. It just gets old, real fast.

    One of the WORST games coming up this week is the Oregon Ducks (2-0) going to Evanston, Illinois to take on the Northwestern Wildcats (1-1), on FOX as it’s “Big Noon Saturday”.

    It’s going to be an absolute mud stomping.

    Here are the Top 3 games you should watch for Week 3.

    1) #16 Texas A&M Aggies at #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.

    The undefeated Aggies are looking to come into South Bend, and keep the Fighting Irish winless.

    Last year’s game in College Station saw the Aggies blow a 13-6 lead in the fourth quarter, as Notre Dame got the win 23-13.

    These two teams are completely different, as the Irish are starting CJ Carr at QB, and HB Jeremiyah Love is looking to improve on his 10 carries for only 33 yards in Week 1.

    Aggies sophomore QB Marcel Reed has thrown for 7 TDs to 0 INTs, and he’s the teams leading rusher with 105 yards.

    If Notre Dame loses, thier road to the college football playoffs is basically gone.

    Prediction – Aggies get revenge 28-24.

    2) #6 Georgia Bulldogs at #15 Tennessee Volunteers.
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

    Graphic featuring the logos of the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers with a football theme and stadium background.

    The Bulldogs have won 8 straight games in this rivalry, only 1 win away from tying the longest winning streak. Currently at 9, held by Tennessee (1989-1999).

    Georgia is looking to get back to Bulldogs football, which is a great defense and strong running game. They’ve got 429 yards rushing through 2 games.

    Head coach Josh Heupel and his Tennessee offense is at it’s best with a good running game and play action pass. They have run for 505 yards and 7 TDs through 2 games.

    Appalachian State transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar will face the biggest test of his college football career so far. He’s thrown for 535 yards with 5 TDs and 0 INTs for the Volunteers.

    Prediction – Make it 9 straight, in close game 31-28.

    3) Pittsburgh Panthers at West Virginia Mountaineers.
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    Graphic featuring football helmets of the Pittsburgh Panthers and West Virginia Mountaineers with the title 'BACKYARD BRAWL' in bold letters.

    The 108th Backyard Brawl.

    Nothing like old-school, smashmouth, pure hatred rivalry.

    This game always means a lot, and even moreso this season, as West Virginia is coming off a bad loss to the Ohio Bobcats in Week 2.

    They need better from junior quarterbak Nicco Marchiol. Only 1 passing TD through 2 games is simply not good enough.

    Their defense has played great so far, with 7 sacks, 3 INTs, and 3 forced fumbles.

    The Panthers are 2-0, and led by sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein. He’s thrown for 519 yards, with 8 TDs and only 2 INTs in two games.

    The defense gets after the opposing quarterback consistently, with 8 sacks on the season.

    Prediction – Pittsburgh makes it 2 straight wins 24-21.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, IrishFootballRant, clutchpoints, wvsportsnow.

  • Week 2 College Football Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of college football team logos, featuring various mascots and designs from well-known universities.

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

    While it was chalk for most of the games, there were a few good games and some upsets.

    The University of Findlay Oilers (Division 3) upset #17 University of Indianapolis Greyhounds, 38-35. (Fan hat on) Congratulations to Head Coach Kory Allen and the Oilers. Go Oilers!!! (Fan hat off)

    #18 Oklahoma beat #15 Michigan 24-13.

    #11 Illinois woke up in the 2nd half to be Duke 45-19.

    #8 Clemson didn’t even get off the bus until halftime. They were down 16-0 at halftime, before coming back to win 27-16.

    The CyHawk Trophy game down to a 50+ yard field goal for the 2nd straight year; and again, it was the #16 Iowa State Cyclones coming away with the victory, 16-13 over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

    Without further ado, here are your Week 2 college football helmet stickers.

    1) University of South Florida Bulls.

    Logo of the University of South Florida Bulls, featuring a stylized bull with the initials USF against a green and black background.

    Coming off a big win against (then ranked #25) Boise State, for the 2nd straight week, the Bulls were on the road in a hostile environment. AND once again, they pull off the upset. Beating the #13 Florida Gators, in Gainsville, 18-16.

    QB Byrum Browns went 23 of 36, for 263 yards, and 1 TD, but it was the kicking game that showed out for the win.

    Kicker Nico Gramatica hit FG’s of 38, 25, and the game winner of 20 yards, with no time left on the clock.

    2) Julin Sayin, Quarterback, Ohio State.

    Ohio State quarterback throwing a pass during a college football game, wearing a red jersey with white stripes and a grey helmet.

    After outplaying the overhyped Arch Manning in Week 1, the sophomore followed it up going 18 of 19, for 306 yards, with 4 TDs and 1 INT.

    He showed off his accuracy, ball placement, ability to adjust presnap, and ability to scan and read the defense.

    He’s stepping in and showing that the spotlight and expectations are not too much for him.

    3) Jadon Pearson, Linebacker, Fresno State.

    Headshot of a smiling male athlete with long dreadlocks, wearing a red sports polo shirt.

    I watched quite a bit of this game on the CW Network, and Pearson was absolutely everywhere. In the backfield, getting sideline to sideline in a flash, making tackles downfield, filling the gap on blitz packages, he did it all against Oregon State.

    Finishing the game with a big 16 tackles, many on third downs to get the Beaver offense off the field.

    Who would you give a helmet sticker to? Drop a comment.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, 24/7sports, gobulldogs.com