I’ve been battling the flu for a week. I’m still fighting it, so I’m not feeling great.
I’m not gonna put in a long introductory start or even do a deep dive of evey game.
I’m just getting straight to the point.
In no particular order…..
#14 Houston Cougars (6-1) at #10 Utah Utes (6-0)
Game starts at 10:15 PM (EST) on Saturday night, on ESPN.
This is going to be a QB battle.
Casey Weigman (HOU) is completing 67.7% of his passes for 1,771 yards, 20 TDs to only 2 INTs. He can run the ball too, with 229 yards and 6 TDs.
Devon Dampier (UTAH) is completing 73.1% of his passes, for 1,412 yards, with 15 TDs, to 4 INTs. He also can run the ball, with 198 yards and 3 TDs.
Prediction – My brain is telling me to take Utah at home. However, something is nagging at me to take Houston on the road. I’m gonna listen to my brain, and take Utah in a close, high scoring game. 45-42.
#6 Indiana Hoosiers (6-1) at Michigan Wolverines (4-2). Game starts at 12:00 (Noon) (EST), Saturday afternoon, on FOX.
The Hoosiers are coming off their first loss in 1.5 seasons (they were the undefeated national champions last season). How will they respond???
Michigan has FINALLY benched QB Bryce Underwood, and freshman Tommy Carr (grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr) is getting his first career start. What a tough assignment too.
Prediction – I feel sooooooooooo bad for Tommy. He’s getting his dream coming true, and it’s against a very tough and fast defense. While “The Big House” is a difficult place to play, Indiana is too good and too well coached. Indiana wins 35-21.
The Floyd of Rosedale Trophy Game.
#15 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on FS1.
These two teams have battling for this 98 lb bronze pig since 1935.
Iowa will be starting their backup QB Jeremy Hecklinski for the 2nd straight game. 1st string QB Hank Brown IS available but still dealing with a shoulder injury. HB Kamari Moulton ran for a career high 208 yards last week.
You NEVER know which Minnesota team is gonna show up on the field, on any given Saturday. If their offense (starting with QB Drake Lindsay) can ever match the play of their defense, this team could be a top tier team Big Ten team. PJ Fleck is a GREAT coach.
Prediction – Rivalry games are always so hard to predict. I don’t think “the bloom falls of the rose” for Iowa entirely this week, but I do think it’s gonna be a close game. Give me the Hawkeyes 23-20.
Well, it’s Week 4, and that means for most college football teams; we are a quarter (25%) of the way through the season.
There are a lot of good games this week, as conference play begins for a lot to teams.
Of course, E(SEC)PN or just ESPN is just promoting the living crap out of the SEC games.
This is a GREAT week for SEC football though, so as annoying as it is, it’s actually justified this week.
I will say this, #1 Texas Longhorns vs #14 Tennessee Volunteers (Game starts at Saturday afternoon, 12:00 PM Noon, on ABC), is NOT on my list. Neither you nor I, have any interest in seeing TEN HC Josh Heupel meltdown in a big game again.
Neither you nor I, want to watch the extremely overrated South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers pull another Heupel, against #8 Alabama Crimson Tide (Game starts Saturday night, at 7:00 PM, on ESPN).
So without further ado, are the REAL Top 3 games you should watch this weekend (in no particular order)…..
1) #4 Ole Miss Rebels (3-0) at #21 Florida Gators (3-0). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on ABC.
I could go on and give you all the stats, and make your eyes cross as you read this.
I won’t do that.
This game is going to show us if the Florida Gators are for real, and deserve to be ranked.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss and HB Kewan Kacy are going to score points.
Can Florida QB Aaron Philo and HB Jaden Baugh, keep up.
That’s the nut and bolts of this game. Plain and simple.
Prediction – The Ole Miss offense is simply too much. Give me the Rebels BIG. 42-21.
2) #20 Oregon Ducks (2-1) at USC Trojans (4-0). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST), Saturday night, on NBC.
This is a rivalry game. It means a lot on the West Coast, especially on the recruiting trail.
The Oregon Ducks have the worst P4 (Power 4) loss of the season (to Oklahoma State), and then put up 84 points against Portland State.
They have to win this game. This is their only ranked opponent until November 7th (Ohio State).
For USC, they don’t have to win this game. They still play 3 more ranked teams (as of now), in Penn State (October 10th), Ohio State (October 31st), and Indiana (November 14th). They have small bit of leeway.
Prediction – USC is a different team at home than on the road. I’ll take the Trojans in a close game 35-31.
2) Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) at West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0). Games starts at 7:00 PM (EST), Saturday night, on FS1.
Nobody is talking about this game, and that is a big mistake. This is going to be a really fun game to watch. BOTH teams have momentum in their favor.
The Cowboys are still riding high off their massive upset of the afore mentioned Oregon Ducks.
Cowboys QB Drew Mestemaker is your classic “gunslinger”. He’s going to make incredible throws and some boneheaded throws. He’ll always keep them in contention.
They’re gonna need HB Caleb Hawkins to continue to ground out the yards in this game, and keep the WVU offense off the field.
Speaking of…..
West Virginia is coming off their 38-27 upset win over (than ranked) #25 Virginia last week.
Mountaineers QB Micheal Hawkins Jr is the entire offense. He’s thrown for 477 yards, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs, and he’s the leading rusher with 44 carries, for 322 yards, and 6 TDs.
They need SOMEBODY ELSE to step up.
Prediction – This is going to be a game of “big moments” and back and forth play. WVU is favored by 1.5 points. This is hard, but I trust the proven QB that can throw. Give me Oklahoma State to go into Morgantown and win on a game winning drive 28-27.
What game are you looking forward to the most???
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and USAToday.
As Week 3 of the college football season, typically has the non-conference games being wrapped up, unless you’re SEC, it’s hard to determine which games are worth your time.
I’m an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, but the truth is, that I’m not going to be watching a lot of their against Kent State (Noon on FOX) on my 4-way split screen TV.
I’m not picking #7 LSU Tigers at #8 Ole Miss Rebels, (7:00 PM (EST) on ABC), because it’s too easy, and we all, already know it’s a big game.
You gotta get through the muck, of the schedule, and that’s what I’m here for.
Here are the Top 3 games that I’ll be paying attention to the most.
1) #22 Houston Cougars 2-0 at Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0).
Gametime is Friday Night, at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.
The Cougars are led by 5th year Senior QB Casey Weigman. He likes to spread the ball around, with 3 WRs already over 100 yards receiving. Against Texas Tech, they’ll need HBs Makhi Hughes and Re’Shaun Sanford to keep averaging over 5 YPC, to alleviate the pressure. On defense, they have active DBs, that get involved in pass rush, as DB Javion White leads the team with 2 sacks. That has to change. That front four needs to start getting pressure.
The Red Raiders are led by QB Will Hammond. He’s a pure pocket passer, completing 76% of his passes. He’s also taken 4 sacks. Junior HB J’Koby Williams leads the team in rushing with 187 yards and 2 TD, and receptions, with 10 catches. Texas Tech always has smart linebackers, and that continues. Senior Jamond Mathis leads the team with 2.5 sacks. LBs Ben Roberts (15) and Austin Romaine (12) are tackling machines.
Prediction – Everytime I picked against the Cougars last season, they won. I’d like to say that I learned my lesson, but NOPE!!! Give me Texas Tech at home 34-30.
2) #16 SMU Mustangs (2-0) at #23 Louisville Cardinals (1-1).
Gametime is Saturday afternoon at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN2.
The Mustangs are led by one of the best and most fun QBs in college football in Senior Kevin Jennings. He is must see TV. Jennings is completing over 76% of his passes, for 767 yards, with 8 TDs and 2 INTs. The entire offense runs through him. On defense, they’re led by Senior S Jimmy Wyrick. He leads the team in tackles (11) and sacks (2).
The Cardinals are led by Ohio State transfer Junior QB Lincoln Kienholz. He’s completely 68% of his passes for 639 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. He also leads the team in rushing with 20 carries for 111 yards, and 3 TDs. Can he keep this pace up for an entire season? On defense, their top 3 tacklers are all DBs, in Koen Entringer, Kaleb Beasley, and DJ Waller Jr. They only have 1 sack through 2 games. That’s not good enough.
Prediction – It’s always hard to count out Louisville. They’re a scrappy team. Kevin Jennings is the better QB and they have the better defense. Mustangs win 42-27.
3) Virginia Tech Hokies (2-0) at Maryland Terrapins (2-0).
Gametime is Saturday night at 7:30 PM (EST) on FS1.
Hokies QB Ethan Grunkmeyer followed head coach James Franklin to the Hokies, from Penn State. He’s completing 77% of his passes for 551 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. HBs Jeffrey Overton and Marcellous Hawkins Jr, have rushed for over 263 yards and 6 TDs, through 2 games. On defense, they have 12 sacks through 2 games, led by DL Mylachi Williams and Cortez Harris, with 3 each. Both are also tied for the team lead in tackles (7).
The Terrapins are led by Sophomore Malik Washington. He’s completing 73% of his passes, for 533 yards, with 3 TDs and 0 INTs. On defense, LBs Trey Reddick (12) and Carlton Smith (10) lead the team in tackles. Overall, they have 10 sacks and 3 INTs.
The underwriting storyline of this game, is that Virginia Tech, paid Maryland $600,000 to cancel games in 2027 and 2028. This originally was supposed to be a 4 game home and home series, to renew a regional rivalry game. They will play this game, and the final game will be played in 2029.
Prediction – Both of these defenses are off to hot starts. It simply comes down to which HC I trust more…..James Franklin or Mike Locksley??? I’ll take Franklin and Virginia Tech 21-14, in a defensive game.
What game are you excited to watch??? Drop a comment.
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.
As the college football regular season starts to wind down, the conference title and college football pictures are starting to clear up a bit.
But don’t start counting your chickens quite yet.
There’s a reason that the games are played on the field, and not on paper.
Ignore games like #10 Alabama playing Eastern Illinois, and #3 Texas A&M playing Samford.
So, without further ado, here are the 3 must watch games.
1) #15 USC Trojans (8-2) at #7 Oregon Ducks (9-1). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS.
PERSONALLY, I think the Ducks are overrated. Here is the chance to prove not just me, but a lot of voters wrong.
The Trojans want to finally be taken seriously, not just in the Big Ten, but nationally. Here’s their chance to really make a statement.
All the talk is about the quarterbacks of these two teams. Dante Moore (Oregon) and Jayden Maiava (USC), and they both deserve their flowers, BUT, this game is going to come down to the trenches and run game.
USC has a nice tandem of backs in the King Miller and Waymond Jordan. Oregon answers with Noah Whittington, Jordan Davison, and Dierre Hill Jr.
The Ducks defense have 7 less sacks (24-17) and force less turnovers than the Trojans, which is hasn’t been the case in recent years.
The game is at Autzen Stadium, and that plays a big part as well.
Prediction – I so badly want to pick USC, but even Ohio State couldn’t beat Oregon at home. Give me the Ducks to win a very close game, 38-35.
2) BYU Cougars (9-1) at Cincinnati Bearcats (7-3). Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.
The Bearcats are coming off of back-to-back losses.
The Cougars MUST win this game to stay in the Big-12 conference title hunt.
Bearcats QB Brendan Sorsby wasn’t happy with his performance last week (15-28, 154 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs), and told me himself, that he’s out to prove a point. For the season, he’s thrown for 2,218 yards, with 22 TDs to only 4 INTs. He also has 483 yards and 9 TDs on the ground.
The Cougars want to run the football, then hit you over the top on play action. Freshman QB Bear Bachmeier has 2,177 yards with 13 TDs to only 4 INTs, but like Sorsby, his legs will keep any play alive, with 479 yards and 10 TDs.
Prediction – This is a hard game to pick. West coast teams struggle coming east, especially in “primetime games”. That said, the Cougars defense will step up. BYU gets the 28-21 win.
3) Louisville Cardinals (7-3) at SMU Mustangs (7-3). Game starts at 12:00 (Noon) on ESPN2.
Louisville is coming off back-to-back losses, after cracking the Top 25. Both losses were by a combined 4 points though.
The Cardinals live and die with QB Miller Moss, even more so after the injury to starting HB Isaac Brown. He HAS to stop turning the ball over (11 TDs and 7 INTs). He has 2,344 yards passing, but he’s made bad decisions in these losses.
SMU only has 1 conference loss, and can make the ACC Championship Game for the second straight season.
The Mustangs have one of the most fun QB’s to watch, in Kevin Jennings. He’s thrown for 2,810 yards, with 21 TDs and 9 INTs. They have a great defense, that gets pressure on the opposing QB (33 teams sacks) and forces turnovers (16 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries).
Prediction – Somehow, someway, the Cardinals have been keeping the games close. Not gonna happen this week. Give me the Mustangs to win in a blowout 35-17.
– by Sean McKenzie.
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Photos courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, and MSN.
What a slate of college football games there is to choose from here in Week 7.
The week started last night, with Missouri State beating Middle Tennessee State 22-20, and Liberty beating UTEP 19-8.
We have big time ranked matchups in the Big Ten and SEC.
We have the annual Red River Shootout (I refuse to call it Red River Rivalry, PC can kiss my butt), between #6 Oklahoma Sooners (5-0) taking on the Texas Longhorns (3-2) at 3:30 PM on ABC. As history has shown, records mean nothing in this heated rivalry.
With so many games to choose from, here are the Top 3 games, that you SHOULD watch this weekend.
I am 10-5 in my predictions so far this season.
1) #7 Indiana Hoosiers (5-0) at #3 Oregon Ducks (5-0). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS.
Yes, the Indiana Hoosiers are not just highly ranked, they’re a good FOOTBALL team. For those of us who are older, it’s been a long time since we could say that, and let’s be honest….it does feel good.
Curt Cignetti has come in and turned this program around. The Hoosiers are led by QB Fernando Mendoza, who’s completing 73% of his throws, for 1,208 yards with 16 TDs, to only 1 INT. He hasn’t made many mistakes, and goes through his progressions well. On defense, they get pressure off the line and are fairly gap sound. With 16 team sacks, they’ve forced 7 INTs this year.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning continues to chug along and win ball games. The Ducks are led by QB Dante Moore. He’s completing 74.6% of his passes, for 1,210 yards, with 14 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s shown great poise and decision making as only a sophomore. This is a fast and fundamentally sound defense. They stay in their lanes don’t give up many YACs in the run or pass.
Prediction – We’re going to find out if Indiana is “for real – real”. I think they’re going to hang tough, but it’s hard for opponents to win in Autzen Stadium. Give me the Ducks to pull away late and win 42- 31.
2) #15 Michigan Wolverines (4-1) at USC Trojans (4-1). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.
This game isn’t getting talked about enough, by the “national pundits” This is a MUST WIN for the Trojans, after a tough road loss last week, and next week’s game is a very tough game.
The hype around Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood was extremely high. His performance on the field, thus far, has been extremely disappointing. The REAL leader of this offense is HB Justice Haynes. He has 85 carries, for 654 yards, with 8 TDs. He’s averaging 7.7 yards per carry. It’s a Wink Martindale defense, which means pressure and forcing turnovers. With 15 team sacks and 7 INTs, it’s the same old, same old. Fast, tough, and sound. I love defenses like this.
USC QB Jordan Maiava has come in and done better than almost everyone thought he would. He’s completing 70.5% of his passes, for 1,587 yards, with 11 TDs to only 1 INT. HB Waymond Jordan takes the pressure off with his ability vision and ability to hit the hole FAST. He has 537 yards, on 77 carries, with 5 TDs, and averaging 7.0 yards per carry. The defense has been MUCH improved. They have 17 team sacks, 6 INTs, and have forced 6 fumbles. Senior LB Eric Gentry is the guy to watch, as he has 30 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Prediction – As stated above, this is a must win for USC. It’s a home game, sandwiched between two tough road games. I’M CALLING THE UPSET HERE!!! The Trojans get it done in a close game 28-24.
3) #24 University of South Florida Bulls (4-1) at University of North Texas Mean Green (5-0). Game is Friday Night, at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN 2.
The winner of this of this big time American Athletic Conference game, could very well end up getting the “G5 at large” spot in the College Football Playoffs.
The South Florida Bulls are battle tested, with wins over Boise State and Florida. They’re lone loss is to MY #1 team in the country, Miami Hurricanes. They’re led by dual-threat QB Byrum Brown. He’s thrown for 1,194 yards, with 10 TDs to 4 INTs. He’s also ran for 282 yards, on 64 carries, with 3 TDs. LB Mac Harris has been incredible so far this season. He has 42 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.
Freshman QB Drew Mestemaker has come in and shown great poise and decision making, so young. He’s thrown for 1,247 yards, with 11 TDs and 0 INTs. The Mean Green LBs are just dominate. Thier starting 3 have 119 of the 359 team tackles (33%). They also have 3 of the teams 6 INTs. The DL holds up well, so that these guys can fly all over and make plays.
Prediction – The Mean Green defense is for real. The Bulls are for real. It’s going to be a great, close, low scoring game. The big game experience that South Florida has this season, will be the difference. I’m taking the Bulls to win 24-17.
– by Sean McKenzie
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Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, CBSSports, ESPN, and NYTimes.
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.
