Tag: Devon Dampier

Top 3 Under the Radar, Non-Conference Games, You Need to Watch.

The college football season is just around the corner.

We get our gear out and make sure it’s washed, fresh, and ready.

We plan our holidays and special events, around what time our favorite teams play and when the “big games” are on TV.

It’s the time of year, where we lose our minds because our team threw an interception or fumbled the football. All the while, our wives sit on the couch thinking…..”I can’t believe I’m married to that man.” LOL.

So, in honor of this glorious time of year, I’m here to help you get your calendar set and ready.

Here are 3 “under the radar” non-conference games, you have to watch.

FYI…..No, Ohio State vs Texas is not on the list, because we all know, it’s the best non-conference game this season.

UNLV Rebels at Memphis Tigers
Saturday, August 29th, at 10:00 PM (EST) on FOX.

The winner of this game, COULD end up with the guaranteed college football spot, awarded to the highest ranked G6 school.

UNLV and head coach Dan Mullen is coming off a 10-4 season and a second-place finish, in his first season at the helm. The Rebels went out and got former Oklahoma and Auburn quarterback, Jackson Arnold to come in and lead the offense. Senior running back Jai’den Thomas ran for 1,036 yards with 12 TDs last season. The offense will lean heavily on him, as they lost their top four wide receivers. The defense only returns three starters, and is looking for a lot of players to step up.

Memphis has a new head coach in Charles Huff (my 3rd favorite hire in the offseason), and he’ll have his work cut out for himself. Starting with choosing a starting quarterback. It’s between former Ohio State and South Carolina backup Air Noland and D2 West Florida transfer Marcus Stokes, who had 30 passing and 10 rushing TDs last season. They only have 1 returning starter on offense. On defense, a lot of players followed Huff from Southern Miss, and they’ll lean on that familiarity.

Prediction – Give me the Rebels to make a statement that last season wasn’t a fluke, with a big 35-17 win.

Mississippi State Bulldogs at Minnesota Golden Gophers

Saturday, September 12th at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS.

First, KUDOS to Mississippi State for having the “stones” to actually play a Big Ten school, in Big Ten country. The SEC has historically and still refuse, preferring “neutral site” games.

Both teams have tough conference schedules, and need to win this game, for a chance at a .500 record and a bowl game at the end of the season.

The Bulldog offense returns all three interior offensive linemen, and WR Anthony Edwards returns though (67 catches, 831 yards, 4 TDs). Sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor played in 11 games, as a true freshman last season (629 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT, with 82 carries, for 458 yards, with 8 TDs). He’s a serious dual-threat problem. On defense, they return 5 starters. The return of DE Will Whitson(injury) and Florida State transfer Amaree Williams should improve the pass rush. The speed and depth in the DB room is vastly improved, and should be a stength.

The Golden Gophers return their starting QB, HB, LT, LG, and C, so plenty of experience on that side of the ball. Quarterback Drake Lindsay started as a true freshman last season, and finished with 3,382 yards, 18 TDs and 6 INTs. Running back Darius Taylor had 915 total yards last season, and he’ll need to stay healthy, after missing 3 games. On defense, they only gave up 23 points per game, and were good against the run (38th overall). They struggled against the pass (83rd). Returning DB starters John Nestor and Kerry Brown, will have to step up and be prepare to lead an inexperience room.

Prediction – Gophers Head Coach P.J. Fleck struggles in big games, and this will be no different. I think the Bulldogs come in and get a tough 28-24 win.

Arkansas Razorbacks at Utah Utes
Saturday, September 12th, 10:15 PM (EST) on ESPN.

Utah lost its long time head coach Kyle Whittingham (21 years), and Arkansas got a hot, new head coach. It’s a game of opposites, in this clash of P4 teams, that could possibly be heading in different directions with all the turnover.

Arkansas finally lured Ryan Silverfield away from Memphis. He brings a high octane offensive mindset. The quarterback position is unsettled, but whether it’s sophomore KJ Jackson or freshman AJ Hill (who followed Silverfield from Memphis), they’ll have some quality depth at wide receiver with former 4-star Chris Marshall, CJ Brown, and Ismael Cisse. On defense, they only return 2 starters (DE Quincey Rhodes Jr and LB Bradley Shaw). They’ll rely heavily on former 4-star transfers, DT Hunter Osborne (Virginia), DT Xadavien Sims (Oregon), and NT Carlon Jones (USC), to fix a run defense that finished 114th against the run last season. The entire secondary is new, so that defensive line, really needs to step up.

Utah enters a new era with Morgan Scalley at the helm. They’ll have starting quarterback Devon Dampier (2,490 yards passing, 835 yards rushing, 24 passing TDs, 10 rushing TDs, and only 5 INTs) returning. The entire offensive line is new, as last season’s OTs Fano (Browns) and Lomu (Patriots) were 1st round picks in the NFL Draft. On defense, Utah is always a tough, hard-nosed defense. They were 17th in PPG allowed (18.9) and passing yards allowed (177.8). Returning starters, LB Johnathan Hall, NB Jackson Bennee, and CB Elijah Davis, will lead with all new starters along the defensive line, and new starters in the defensive back seven.

Prediction – I think this will be a great, high scoring first half, before Utah pulls away in the second, for a 42-28 win.

What game this season, do you think is flying under the radar?

– by Sean McKenzie

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

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and ESPN.

August 10, 2026
Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 10.

After a solid Week 9 of college football, that had 3 Top 25 upsets, we come to Week 10.

There is no “marquee game” this week.

Cry me a river #5 Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gator fans, your rivalry game is NOT a marquee matchup. It’s not even in the Top 5 rivalries in all of college football. Heck, maybe not even Top 10.

Overall, it’s a nice B.

So, without further ado, here are the Top 3 Games to watch and my predictions, on Saturday.

I went 1-2 last week.

Making me 13-9 for the season.

1) #17 Cincinnati Bearcats (7-1) at #24 Utah Utes (6-2).
Game starts at 10:15 PM (EST) on ESPN.

The Big-12 might be my favorite conference to watch, year in and year out.

Because you have absolutely no clue, who is going to be in this conference title race.

NOBODY expected the Cincinnati Bearcats to be leading the conference in Week 10, but we all expected Utah to be right up near the top.

QB Brendan Sorsby is quietly having an All-American type of season. He’s thrown for 1,843 yards, with 20 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s also added 69 carries, for 425 yards, and 7 TDs in the running game. LB Jake Golday leads the team in total tackles (67) and sacks (3.5). There kicker is a perfect 11 of 11 so far, and 4-4 from 40+.

Utah QB Devon Dampier needs to be smarter with the football. He’s thrown his 4 INTs in the last 4 games that he’s played. He should get the start, after missing last weeks game. I haven’t heard otherwise. He’s thrown for 13 TDs, and has added 442 yards, with 5 TDs on the ground. Utah has one of, if not the best, DE in the country, with John Henry Booty. He has 36 total tackles, and he’s 4th in the country with 9.5 sacks.

Prediction – This is a must win game for Utah to stay in the Big-12 title picture. Cincinnati is looking to get a statement win, against a perennial power team. My heart wants to go Cincinnati, but my head is saying Utah. I’m going with my head. I’m taking the Utes in a close game at home 35-31.

2) Navy Midshipmen (7-0) at North Texas Mean Green (7-1).
Game starts at 12:00 PM (EST) or Noon, on ESPN.

Who would’ve ever thought we’d see this coming. Undefeated Navy and in 1st place, vs a once beaten Mean Green in 3rd place.

The Midshipmen play an option offense, and it all runs through QB Blake Horvath. He leads the team with 1,063 yards passing, 7 TDs and 3 INTs. He leads the team in rushing with 814 yards, and 12 TDs. Senior DT Landon Robinson has 5.5 sacks and gets pressure up the middle right into the face of opposing quarterbacks.

The Mean Green are led by freshman QB Drew Mestemaker, who’s coming off a 608-yard performance. He’s thrown for 2,468 yards, with 21 TDs to only 4 INTs. I’ve watched him 3 times this season, he’s a gunslinger. He’s going to be HIGHLY sought after by P4 schools. They have fast linebackers that force mistakes. 7 INTs, 9 forced fumbles, and 10 fumble recoveries.

Prediction – I love my Middies. Makes me so happy to see them doing good. Unfortunately, I don’t think this game goes well for Navy. I’m taking the Mean Green to win big 42-28.

3) #9 Vanderbilt Commodores (7-1) at #20 Texas Longhorns (6-2).
Game starts at 12:00 PM (EST) or Noon on ABC.

The big news here is that we don’t know yet, if Longhorns starting QB Arch Manning is going to play or not.

We all know that the Commodores want to control the clock on offense. That starts with MY Heisman frontrunner, QB Diego Pavia. He’s thrown for 1,698 yards, with 15 TDs and 5 INTs. He also has 458 yards rushing with TDs. On defense, they’re gap sound and run to the ball. The DL has 17 of the teams 21 sacks. They make plays when they need them.

The Longhorns offense, for good or for ill, revolves around QB Arch Manning. If he can’t play, then senior QB Matthew Caldwell will step in. No matter who’s at QB, they have to get WR Ryan Wingo involved. The defense is led by LB Anthony Hill Jr. He leads the team in total tackles (60) and forced fumbles (3). LB Colin Simmons leads the team in sacks (7).

Prediction – I have thought about this all week long. I just have this gut feeling that Texas is going to get a favorable call late, and pull this one out at home. I’m going Longhorns to win a very close 28-27 game.

For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean. Check out their Facebook (Meta) page for hours and drinks menu.

I’m a simple black coffee man myself, but their Sugar Shake latte is excellent.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of……wallpapercave, capperspicks, espn, and clutchpoints.

October 30, 2025
Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 8. (Bonus Game).

Week 8 is absolutely stacked with incredible games, as conferences are in the middle of playing out their schedule.

We’ve already had a major upset, as the FIU Panthers (Florida International University) defeated the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 25-6. WKU was in the running to get that “G5 spot” in the college football playoffs.

I could drone on and on, about each game, including a big game in the UAC (FCS) as the West Georgia Wolves (5-1) coming off an embarrassing loss, is looking to go into Stephenville, Texas and upset the #2 ranked Tarleton State Texans (7-0).

So here we go, the Top 3 college football games you SHOULD watch, (including a bonus game).

I am 10-5, in my predictions so far this year.

1) #20 USC Trojans (5-1) at #13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-2).
Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.

In what could be the second to last game, this historic rivalry has serious repercussions for the college football playoffs.

USC is coming off a big win last week, where they showed off their physical toughness. They’re going to need that again, as they take on a stout ND defense. HBs Waymond Jordan, King Miller, and Eli Sanders, have a combined 1,150 yards and 10 TDs. They’ll need to continue that rotation. QB Jayden Maiava leads the nation in QBR (93.1) and has 13 TDs to only 2 INTs. Of course, having one of the best WRs in the country to throw to, doesn’t hurt. WR Makai Lemon has 44 catches, for 682 yards, and 6 TDs.

The Fighting Irish suffered a heavy blow, as starting C Ashton Craig is gone for the season with a knee injury. Notre Dame has a two headed monster at HB themselves, with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. They have a combined 952 yards and 15 TDs. Freshman QB CJ Carr has come in a given them a threatening passing game. He’s thrown for 1,622 yards, with 13 TDs to only 3 INTs. The Fighting Irish have one of the best secondaries in America, with 11 INTs.

Prediction – There’s not many things better than a night game at Notre Dame, and this is going to be the best game of the week. Both teams have so much to play for. The injury to Craig is a big deal. In the end, I think USC QB Maiava throws a late pick, in a close 31-28 victory for the Fighting Irish.

2) #5 Ole Miss Rebels (6-0) at #9 Georgia Bulldogs (5-1).
Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

Ole Miss is looking to make it back-to-back to win over Georgia, and the Bulldogs need to win this game, or they’ll have 2 conference losses already.

This is a run heavy, ball control offense that the Rebels put out on the field. HB Kewan Lacy leads the team with 126 carries, for 587 yards, and 8 TDs. Dual threat QB Trinidad Chambliss has thrown for 1,286 yards, with 7 TDs and only 1 INT; but it’s his 61 carries, for 281 yards, and 3 TDs, that keeps defenses guessing.

Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton, has thrown for 1,264 yards, with 6 TDs and only 1 INT. His scrambling ability keeps linebackers at bay with 220 yards and 6 rushing TDs. They have 2 HBs that split carries, in Chauncey Bowens and Nate Frazier. This is not the usual “Georgia defense”, as they only have 8 team sacks and only created 6 turnovers. They still remain fast and gap sound though.

Will the disgusting bias officiating in favor of Georgia (like we saw last week), show up again, or will they overcorrect in favor of Ole Miss???

Prediction – Georgia knows that a loss could very well mean they’re out of the conference title race. Ole Miss knows that this is probably their toughest game left this season. I’m expecting a defensive battle. My head is saying UGA. My heart is saying Ole Miss……I’m going to follow my heart and take the Rebels to win 17-13.

3) #11 Tennessee Volunteers (5-1) at #6 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1).
Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

It’s the “Third Saturday in October”. A big SEC rivalry game. This time, there are serious conference and CFP implications on the line.

Can Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel ACTUALLY win a “big game”?

This is a balanced offense. QB Joey Aguilar has thrown for 1,680 yards, with 14 TDs and 5 INTs. It’s the running game that wears down an opposing defense. HBs Desean Bishop, Star Thomas, and Peyton Lewis have a combined 1,009 yards and 14 TDs. This is a Volunteer defense that gets serious pressure on opposing QBs, with 26 team sacks, leading to 4 INTs, 11 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries.

This Crimson Tide team is all about QB Ty Simpson. He’s stepped right into the fire, and thrown for 1,678 yards, with 16 TDs to only 1 INT. The defense doesn’t get many sacks (9 total), but they force the opposing team into mistakes, with 6 INTs, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.

Prediction – You CAN NOT ignore Heupel’s tendency to choke in big games. Alabama has been playing great since their opening season loss to FSU. As much as I truly want to pick TEN, I simply can’t. Give me the Crimson Tide to win 35-28.

BONUS GAME

#23 Utah Utes (5-1) at #15 BYU Cougars (6-0).
Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.

The Holy War.

A long-standing rivalry and a long history of these two teams completely destroying each other’s hopes and bowl season dreams.

The Utah offense lives and dies with QB Devon Dampier. He’s completing 71.5% of his passes, for 1,131 yards, with 11 TDs and 3 INTs. His 65 carries, for 378 yards with 5 TDs leads this Utes offense. It goes as he goes. This defense is led by one of the best pass rushers in the nation. DE John Henry Daley leads the team in tackles (30) and sacks (8), and he’s forced 2 fumbles.

BYU also has a dual-threat QB in freshman Bear Bachmeier. He’s thrown for 1,220 yards, with 8 TDs and 3 INTs. He has 71 carries, for 295 yards and 7 TDs. HB LJ Martin has 101 carries, for 652 yards, with 4 TDs. The Cougar defense has 8 INTs this season,

Prediction – This is one of those rivalry games, that’s completely whack-a-doo. Nothing ever goes as you think it will. This is a massive game, in an always wide-open Big 12. I’m taking the Utah Utes to win a close game 27-21.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, clutchpoints, ESPN, KUTV.

October 16, 2025