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Tag: College Football

  • The Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 6.

    A collage of college football team logos arranged in a grid pattern.

    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.

    Logo of the Vanderbilt Commodores on a black background alongside the logo of the Alabama Crimson Tide on a red background.

    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.

    Logos of Texas Tech Red Raiders and Houston Cougars on contrasting backgrounds.

    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.

  • Week 5 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of various college football team logos arranged in rows, featuring logos from teams like Michigan, USC, LSU, and more against a black background.

    (all rankings are current)

    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.

    Logo of the Illinois Fighting Illini on an orange background.

    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

    Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King runs with the football during a game, wearing a yellow and white uniform.

    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.

    Portrait of a smiling male football player wearing a blue jersey, with short curly hair and earrings, against a white background.

    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.

  • Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 5.

    A collage of various college sports team logos set against a black background, featuring symbols from popular universities.

    Week 5 of the college football season starts tonight, with the Army Black Knights (1-2) at East Carolina Pirates (2-2), at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    With conference play underway, the games start to have serious meaning towards season goals, and ultimately, the college football playoffs.

    With so many great games available to watch, I’m here to give you the 3 games that you should.

    1) #6 Oregon Ducks (4-0) at #3 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.

    Logos of the Oregon Ducks and the Penn State Nittany Lions on a blue background.

    The highflying Ducks offense is traveling across the country to take on the Nittany Lions, in Penn State’s “White out game”.

    Sophomore QB Dante Moore has thrown for 962 yards with 11 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s completing 74.7% of his throws so, and the offense just hums along with quick strikes. The defense plays fast and downhill, making it difficult for opposing offenses to get anything started.

    The Penn State offense has been anemic to say the least. Has head coach James Franklin been holding back so far?

    The Nittany Lions have arguably the best running back tandem in the country with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. They have a combined 8 TDs so far. QB Drew Allar was some people’s “QB1”, and he’s only thrown 4 TDs through 3 games. Their defense as always is tough and gets pressure on the quarterback. DC Jim Knowles will scheme something up for this big matchup.

    Prediction – Penn State is 13-8 in “White out games”, make it 13-9, as Oregon wins this game 31-27.

    2) #17 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) at #5 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

    Logo split of Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs, showcasing their team symbols against contrasting backgrounds.

    Where is the running game? They’ve only rushed for a combined 371 yards and 4 TDs, through 3 games. Where is the defense? They only have 4 sacks total. Can junior QB Ty Simpson carry this team? He’s thrown for 862 yards, with 9 TDs and 0 INTs so far. He just might have to find some magic.

    The Bulldogs have found their running game. They have 3 HBs already over 100 yards each, and as a team, have run for 627 yards and 10 TDs. That means that junior QB Gunnar Stockton just need to not make mistakes, and he’s done that so far, throwing for 722 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. It’s Georgia, which means fast and active linebackers and safeties flying all over the field making tackles.

    Prediction – I think this game is going to be ugly for Alabama. Give me Georgia to win 42-21.

    3) #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) at Washington Huskies (3-0).
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS and Paramount+.

    The logos of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Washington Huskies on a split background, with Ohio State's logo on red and Washington's logo on purple.

    The Buckeyes have arguably the best WR tandem in America, with WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. That means sophomore QB Julian Sayin has a big edge. He’s thrown for 779 yards, with 8 TDs and 3 INTs. Projected starting HBs James Peoples and CJ Donaldson have been disappointing, but freshman HB Bo Jackson has done great in his brief appearances. On defense, S Caleb Downs is a playmaker that every team avoids, so LBs Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, are free to fly all over and wreak havoc.

    The Huskies offensive gameplan is simple; get the ball to senior HB Jonah Coleman, as much as possible. He has 51 carries, for 347 yards, and 9 TDs. Sophomore QB Demond Williams Jr, is a dual threat as well. He’s thrown for 778 yards, with 6 TDs and 0 INTs, but he’s also ran the ball 34 times, for 220 yards, with 2 TDs.

    KEY STAT: Washington has won 22 straight games at home.

    TRAP GAME ALERT!!!

    Prediction – The Huskies are going to give the Buckeyes, all they can handle. I won’t be shocked if they pull off the massive upset. However, I’m going with Ohio State to win a close game 42-38.

    – by Sean McKenzie.

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    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, ESPN, and CBSSports.

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

  • Week 4 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    Collage of various college football team logos arranged in a grid pattern, featuring teams from different universities.

    What a Week 4 of college football it was.

    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.

    Indiana University logo on a textured maroon background.

    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.

    Indiana Hoosiers quarterback throwing a pass under pressure during a college football game.

    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.

    Buffalo Bulls player wearing a blue helmet and white jersey with the number 2, in a ready stance during a college football game.

    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.

  • 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

  • The 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 2.

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

    Week 2 of the college football season is here. While we all know that most of the games this week are “money games”, there are still a few games, that have serious meaning for not just the upcoming season, but potentially, for the college football playoff picture.

    So here are the 3 most important games to watch this weekend.

    1) #11 Illinois Fighting Illini at Duke Blue Devils.
    Game starts at Noon (EST) on ESPN.

    Collage of college football players and coaches featuring Illinois' quarterback Luke Altmeyer, Duke's quarterback Darian Mensah, and coach Bret Bielema.

    The Fighting Illini are highly ranked and return their best players in starting quarterback Luke Altmeyer, and linebacker Gabe Jacas. Both performed well in their Week 1 win over WIU.

    They need junior running back Aidan Laughery to have another 100-yard game, and keep the Duke offense, off the field.

    Illinois is a popular “sleeper team” in the Big Ten. They must win games these non-conference games, as their conference schedule starts off tough.

    Blue Devils starting quarterback Darian Mensah transferred in from Tulane and made a big impact in Week 1. The sophomore went 27 of 34, for 389 yards, with 3 TDs and 0 INTs. He’ll need to keep that momentum going, because the run game is lacking.

    Prediction – Illinois wins 35-28.

    2) #15 Michigan Wolverines at #18 Oklahoma Sooners.
    Games starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

    Collage featuring college football coaches and players, with two footballs in the foreground.

    This is only the 2nd time these two rich and storied programs have ever met.

    This game is all about the tale of two different quarterbacks.

    Michigan is starting a true freshman in Bryce Underwood in his first “true road test”. He looked OK, in his first start last week, going 21 of 31, for 251 yards, with 1 TD.

    Oklahoma is trotting out a veteran transfer in junior John Mateer. He looked great in his Sooner debut, going 30 of 37, for 392 yards, with 3 TDs and 1 INT.

    Both teams need this win, to break the absolute stink of last season off their skins.

    I think homefield and crowd noise is going to play a big part early in this game. It’s hard to play on the road in college football, and Norman is going to be rocking.

    Prediction – Oklahoma wins 28-17.

    3) Iowa Hawkeyes at #16 Iowa State Cyclones.
    Game starts at Noon (EST) on FOX.

    A composite image featuring three individuals: a quarterback in a red Iowa State jersey, a quarterback in a black Iowa Hawkeyes jersey holding a football, and a coach smiling in a black cap, representing the rivalry between Iowa State and Iowa.

    Nothing like an early season rivalry game to get the juices flowing.

    The Cy-Hawk Trophy Game was started in 1977 by fans, after these two football teams didn’t play for 43 years.

    It is one of my favorite rivalry games and trophies.

    We all know that the Iowa Hawkeyes seem to be allergic to the passing game. They really on defense and running the football. They ran for 310 total yards in their Week 1 victory, and will absolutely need to do the same thing again. Their defense is always gap sound, and they don’t miss tackles. Senior kicker Drew Stevens nailed a 55-yarder last week, and that’s a great weapon to have.

    Iowa State is led by redshirt junior Rocco Becht. He’s a three-year starter for the Cyclones. He’s a gritty and tough quarterback, who has proven he knows how to win big games. Through two games this season, he’s gone 33 of 48, for 461 yards, and 5 TDs and 0 INTs.

    Iowa leads the series 47-24, but Iowa State won the trophy last year in a gritty 20-19 game. The Cyclones have won 2 of the last 3 games.

    Prediction – Cyclones make it 2 straight wins with a 27-24 victory.

    A close-up of a trophy featuring a football player statue on top, labeled 'The Cy-Hawk Trophy', held by hands in a cheering crowd.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, profootballnetwork, clutchpoints, and sportsgrid.

  • Week 1 College Football Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of various college football team logos arranged in a grid pattern.

    Week 1 of the college football season has come to an end. Except for the UNC vs TCU game tonight.

    Ohio State made Paul Finnebaum look like the clueless jackwang that he really is. Defeating Texas 14-7.

    Unranked Florida State coming off a two-win season, upset an obviously over-rated #8 Alabama 31-17.

    #9 LSU went into Death Valley and defeated #4 Clemson 17-10.

    #17 Kansas State BARELY avoided starting the season 0-2, defeating FCS North Dakota 38-35.

    The Arch Manning hype train proved to be what I said it was months ago. I did not, and do not believe he’s even a Top 5 college football quarterback right now.

    My Upset special for Week 1 did not come through, as the Toldeo Rockets fell to the Kentucky Wildcats 24-16.

    So, without further ado, here are my helmet sticks for Week 1.

    1) Florida State Seminoles.

    Florida State Seminoles logo featuring a Native American head, with a black and garnet color scheme, illuminated against a dark background.

    Coming off one of the worst seasons in program history. They went out and got another transfer quarterback from the portal. Tommy Castellanos had a history with new offensive Gus Malzahn; and they used it to pull off the upset of the season (as of now).

    2) Isaiah Chisom, Linebacker, UCLA.

    Portrait of Isaiah Chisom, a UCLA linebacker, wearing a blue UCLA football polo and smiling at the camera.

    The linebacker transferred from Oregon State to UCLA and had a whopping 17 tackles for the Bruins, in a 43-10 thumping at the hands of the Utah Utes. He was all over the field. The lone bright spot for a Bruins team that had so much hype around their new incoming quarterback.

    3) Eddie Lee Marburger, QB, UT Rio Grande Valley.

    Headshot of Eddie Lee Marburger, a quarterback from UT Rio Grande Valley, wearing a gray shirt with the university's logo, against an orange background.

    The transfer quarterback from UTSA, went 18 of 19, for 365 yards, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs. That’s a 94.7% completion percentage and a QBR of 343.0.

    Week 2 of the college football season begins on Thursday night at 6:00 PM (EST), with 5 different division 2 or division 3 games.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and scores courtesy of…..NCAA.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, uclabruins, and goutrgv.