Tag: Diego Pavia

College Football Week 11 Recap and Helmet Stickers.

WHAT A WEEK OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!

When we all looked at the Week 11 schedule, we thought it’d be a “chalk” week.

We were W-R-O-N-G.

The ACC had 2 of their top 3 teams upset, as #14 Virginia lost to Wake Forest 16-9. Congratulations Demon Deacons on their first win against at Top 15 team since 2003. #15 Louisville lost to Cal 29-26 in overtime.

Keeping on the Top 25 upset train; unranked Wisconsin Badges trip up the #23 Washington Huskies 13-10. In my College Football Preview Article, I predicted that WISC HC Luke Fickell would be fired by now. Instead, they announced they’re going to give him 1 more season.

There was a BANGER of a game in the SEC, as the Auburn Tigers gave #16 Vanderbilt all they could handle and more. The Commodores behind an incredible game by QB Diego Pavia get the win in OT, 45-38.

In the Big Ten, we had the front runner for Catch/Play of the Year, by WR Omar Cooper Jr, as the #2 Indiana Hoosiers scored a touchdown with 36 seconds left, to win 27-24.

#9 Oregon Ducks hit a game winning field goal with 3 seconds left, to escape Kinnick Stadium, and beat the Iowa Hawkeyes, 18-16.

In the Big-12, the #8 Texas Tech Red Raiders handled the #7 BYU Cougars 29-7.

Ranked teams #1 Ohio State, #3 Texas A&M, #4 Alabama, #5 Georgia, and #10 Notre Dame, all got wins on Saturday, and kept their College Football Playoff Chances intact.

Ladies and gentlemen, the James Madison Dukes now have the BEST ODDS to get the G5 spot in the CFP (35%) with a 35-23 win over Marshall Thundering Herd. They are now 8-1 on the season.

Now without further ado, it’s time for the popular Helmet Stickers.

(Team) Sam Houston Bearkats

The Bearkats FINALLY get their 1st win of the season with 21-17 win over the Oregon State Beavers.

(Offense) Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt.

There were a lot of choices to choose from, but it has to go to the Vanderbilt QB. Pavia had 489 total yards and 4 total TDs.

He went 25 of 33, for 377 yards, and 3 TDs passing, and added 18 carries, for 112 yards, and 1 TD on the ground.

(Defense) Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech.

I had Rodriguez in my Top 10 College Football Players article before the season started, and he continues to show the country why I had him there.

He had 14 total tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and an interception, to help the Red Raiders take sole possession of 1st place in the Big-12 Conference.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, sportslogo.net, yahoosports, and collegefootballnetwork.

November 9, 2025
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
The Real Top 10 College Football Teams, after Week 9.

We all know some of the AP voters, don’t even watch the games, or even highlights (Haley Sawyer).

We all know that ESPN doesn’t even hide their SEC bias at all. You can’t be unbiased when you literally own the SEC Network (so much for real journalism and reporting).

At any time on Saturday’s, I’m watching up to 6 games at the same time. Then I spend Sunday morning watching games on my laptop.

So, without further ado, here are the REAL Top 10 teams, after Week 9.

1) Indiana Hoosiers – 8-0 – defeated UCLA 56-6.
No team in America, is playing better than Indiana on both sides of the football.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes – 7-0 – Bye.
What’s scary is that their offense isn’t even hitting on all cylinders yet, and they still have the #1 defense in the country.

3) Texas A & M Aggies – 8-0 – defeated #20 LSU 49-25.
QB Marcel Reed has this offense playing at a high level and the defense is finally getting to the quarterback this season.

4) Alabama Crimson Tide – 7-1 – defeated South Carolina 29-22.
Since their Week 1 loss to FSU, QB Ty Simpson is playing at a Heisman Trophy level clip.

5) Georgia Bulldogs – 6- 1 – Bye.
All the “breaks” are falling in their favor right now…..with a lot of help from their officiating friends (see the SEC official suspension article on ESPN).

For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, go to The Rebel Bean. Delicious drinks and a friendly staff. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.

6) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – 8-0 – defeated Syracuse 41-16.
QB Haynes King is a beast, and doesn’t make mistakes.

7) Vanderbilt Commodores – 7-1 – defeated #15 Missouri 17-10.
QB Diego Pavia is my Heisman front-runner, and is carrying this team on his back.

8) Ole Miss Rebels – 7-1 – defeated #13 Oklahoma 34-26.
QB Chambliss and HB Lacy just control the clock and beat you down.

9) Oregon Ducks – 7-1 – defeated Wisconsin 21-7.
QB Dante Moore slings it all over the field.

10) BYU Cougars – 8-0 – defeated Iowa State 41-27.
They run it, they pass it, and play great pressure defense.

Next 4 teams – Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Virigina, Tennessee.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 26, 2025
Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 9.

It’s been an exciting start to Week 9 already, as 2 games have gone into overtime and exciting finishes.

Western Kentucky beat Louisiana Tech 28-27, and Missouri State beat New Mexico State 24-17.

Some sad news, as the Auburn Tigers have lost starting center Conner Lew for the season with a torn ACL. Lew is going to be a Day 1 starting center in the NFL next season. Good luck to him, as we all wish him a speedy and full recovery.

That news actually bumped their game with Arkansas off my list. It’s still one of the more under-rated game and isn’t being talked about enough, IMO.

I went 2-2 in my picks last week.

I am 12-7 for the season.

So, without further ado, HERE are the Top 3 games you should watch (in no particular order).

1) #18 South Florida Bulls (6-1) at Memphis Tigers (6-1).
Game starts at 12:00 PM (Noon) (EST) on ESPN2.

That’s right. One of the best games this week, is from the AAC (American Athletic Conference). The Bulls are ranked and in the driver’s seat for the G5 spot in the college football playoffs. Memphis is coming off an absolutely embarrassing loss to UAB last week. Both teams are highly motivated.

The USF Bulls are simply put, “The Byrum Brown Show”. They go as he goes. He’s thrown for 1,695 yards, with 16 TDs and 5 INTs. He’s added 99 carries, for 475 yards, with 6 TDs. He leads the team in passing and rushing. On defense, they’re led by LB Mac Harris. He’s 2nd on the team in tackles (56) and 1st in sacks (5.5). He’s also has 3 forced fumbles and an INT.

Memphis has a dual-threat QB of their own. Brendon Lewis has thrown for 1,337 yards, with 8 TDs and 4 INTs. He’s added 86 carries, for 440 yards, with 7 TDs. I know, it’s weird seeing Memphis not have gaudy passing yards, but this is a running team. HBs Sutton Smith and Greg Desrosiers Jr have a combined 869 yards rushing, and 11 TDs between them. The defense forces mistakes and turnovers, as they have 10 INTs, 7 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.

Prediction – The loss to UAB will have the Tigers playing of their toes. USF is battle tested. I’m going to go with the better quarterback. Give me the USF Bulls to win 35-31.

2) Houston Cougars (6-1) at #24 Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2).
Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN2.

The winner of this game could end up tied for 2nd place in the Big-12 or in 2nd all alone. While it was expected that ASU would be competing for the conference title again, nobody saw the Cougars being here, at this point in the season.

Cougars transfer QB Conner Weigman has managed to stay healthy this season. He’s thrown for 1,380 yards, with 11 TDs to only 2 INTs. They balance it out with HB Dean Connors. He has 115 carries, for 538 yards, and 4 TDs. It’s a feisty defense that has 17 team sacks, 6 INTs, and 11 forced fumbles.

The talk of the Sun Devils offense is about the Leavitt-Tyson connection. QB Sam Leavitt has thrown for 1,358 yards, with 9 TDs and 3 INTs. WR Jordyn Tyson has 57 catches, for 628 yards, and 8 TDs. What’s not talked about is HB Raleek Brown, and the balance he brings. 110 carries, for 642 yards, with 3 TDs. The defense has 21 team sacks, with 14 coming from the defensive line. They get to the QB quick and often.

Prediction – It’s been fun watching the Cougars go on this run. I think they simply run into a better team on Saturday. Give me the Sun Devils to win 27-21.

3) #15 Missouri Tigers (6-1) at #10 Vanderbilt Commodores (6-1).
Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

It’s been a wonderful season for both teams so far, but somebody’s run is about to end here. The loser of this game is officially out of the SEC conference title picture.

Yes, QB Beau Pribula has thrown for 1,617 yards, however, he has 7 INTs to his 11 TDs. This is a running, ball control offense. HB Ahmad Hardy has 139 carries, for 840 yards (3rd in the nation), with 11 TDs (2nd in the nation). DE’s Damon Wilson and Zion Young, have a combined 10.5 sacks, and get pressure off the edges.

Vanderbilt is led by QB Diego Pavia (my Heisman Trophy frontrunner). He’s thrown for 1,569 yards, with 15 TDs to 4 INTs. He also has 77 carries, for 438 yards, with 4 TDs. He’s the heart and soul of this team. This is a gap sound defense, that gets pressure from multiple positions, as they have 20 teams sacks.

Prediction – I think this is going to be a close football game. Somehow, someway, I believe Pavia will make just enough plays to give the Commodores the win. I’m taking Vandy 24-21.

– by Sean McKenzie.

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

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, nytimes, and ESPN.

October 23, 2025
College Football Mid-Season Awards.

We are halfway through the 2025-26 college football season, and what an absolutely WILD ride it has been.

Big name head coaches have already been fired this season. James Franklin (Penn State), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Trent Dilfer (UAB), Sam Pittman (Arkansas), Brent Fry (Virginia Tech), and a few others.

Teams that a lot of “media pundits” thought would be in the national title picture are fighting just to stay at .500, like Penn State, Texas, and Clemson.

There have been teams that have “overachieved”, so far this season, like Indiana, Georgia Tech, USF, and Virginia.

Heisman “front runners” like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, and Cade Klubnik, have not lived up to the hype.

For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop in at The Rebel Bean. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.

The race for the college football playoff spot in the “Group of 5” is ABSOLUTELY LIT!!!

Navy, Memphis, USF, Tulane, Western Kentucky, UNLV, San Diego State, and James Madison, are all either undefeated or only have 1 loss. As much we all love the “Power 4” conference games, the “G5” school games are just as fun to watch. I highly recommend everyone watch these games, as the race for that spot, is going to be so much fun.

I could go on and out, but, without further ado, HERE are your mid-season awards.

Heisman Trophy – Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt Commodores.

The Heisman Trophy is an INDIVDUAL award, not a team award.

Without Diego Pavia, the Vanderbilt Commodores are probably 0-6, instead of 5-1.

He’s the best dual quarterback in the country right now.

He’s thrown for 1,409 yards, with 14 TDs to 4 INTs, as well as running for 60 carries, for 352 yards, with 2 TDs.

Pavia IS Commodore football.

Runner-up – Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor Bears.

Coach of the Year – Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers.

Nobody, and I mean, nobody, including myself, thought that the Indiana Hoosiers, would be a Top 3 football team in the country.

He won the award last season, and is the front runner this season, as they are currently undefeated (6-0) and ranked #3 in America. He has this team playing hard, playing fast, and most importantly, playing smart. Only 19 penalties in 6 games.

Runner-up – Brent Key, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

Bronco Nagurski Award – Bryun Parham, EDGE/LB, UConn.

Boo Hoo Hoo, he doesn’t play for a “Power 5” school.

Go watch the film, and tell me another player that is playing as consistently, and demanding the double and even triple teams, that Parham is?

I’ll wait…….

He has 47 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries.

He’s ALWAYS around the football and making plays.

Runner-up – Aamaris Brown, DB, UNLV.

– by Sean McKenzie

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

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

October 13, 2025
The Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 6.

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.

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.

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.

October 2, 2025