The University of Michigan has fired their football head coach Sherrone Moore, for cause, last night.
The university says, “the cause” is for having an “inappropriate relationship with a staff member”.
Moore, who is 39, was initially detained by law enforcement in Saline, Michigan on Wednesday night.
He was then turned over to law enforcement in Pittsfield County, Michigan “for potential charges”.
He is currently being held under protective custody at the Washtenaw County Jail.
Those potential charges are assault and could possibly be as serious as kidnapping.
After being fired from his position as head coach, Moore got into an argument with his wife and threatened to commit suicide. He left, then proceeded to break into the home of the assistant that he had an affair with.
He then held a knife to his own throat, and threatened to kill both himself and the staffer.
He then left her home, and was apprehended at a church, after his wife provided law enforcement his phone location.
It has been confirmed by two sources to me, that Moore was known to be “leery, creepy, and invade the personal space of female staffers and students at team facilities”.
Those same two sources also said that he had been “warned multiple times” by fellow football staff members, as well as staff members from other university sports teams.
Biff Poggi has been named Interim Head Coach for the Wolverines, in their upcoming against the Texas Longhorns, in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31st, at 3:00 PM (EST) on ABC.
– by Sean McKenzie
Pictures courtesy of….wallpapercave, on3, and mynews13.
Conference Championship Weekend is over and done with.
Congratulations to Indiana (B10), Georgia (SEC), Duke (ACC, yes you read that right), Texas Tech (B12), Tulane (AAC), James Madison (Sun Belt), Kennesaw State (C-USA), Boise State (MWC), and Western Michigan (MAC), for winning their conference titles.
It’s the main goal of these teams when they start the season, and through hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck, they all achieved it.
On Sunday, the College Football Playoff Committee released their official bracket.
There is a LOT WRONG with it as well.
First of all, I’m happy that the Dukes and Green Wave won their conferences, but in no way, shape, or form, should they BOTH be in the CFP. Personally, I don’t think ANY of the “G5 schools” deserved to be in the playoffs this season. However, if one team did deserve it, it was James Madison, not Tulane.
It’s especially hard on JMU as they have to fly all the way across the country (2,806 miles) and play the Oregon Ducks, at Autzen Stadium.
It’s a bit easier for Tulane, as they only have a 346-mile bus ride up I-55 to play the Ole Miss Rebels in Oxford.
The fact that Notre Dame was left out of the playoffs is a disgrace. They started the season 0-2 with both those loses to CFP teams Miami and Texas A&M, being by a combined 4 points.
They’ve won 10 straight games, and outside of Indiana, is probably playing the best football of any team in the country.
For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean. There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee on a snowy, cold morning, to warm your bones and start the day off right. Check out their Facebook page for hours and special drink menu.
Unlike a lot of my fellow sports writers, I’m 100% OK with Alabama making the CFP.
I understand they lost to a horrible Florida State team, but that was in Week 1. Their two other losses were to CFP Oklahoma by 2 points, and they did lose to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game by 21, but remember, they beat the Bulldogs in the regular season matchup. Ranked wins over Missouri, Vanderbilt, and Tennessee, is a fine resume, and deserving of a spot.
I wouldn’t have put them at #9 though. That’s too high for a 3 loss team. #11 or #12 would’ve been better.
Looking at the bracket, there’s some nice campus matchups. The Alabama-Oklahoma rematch is going to be another great game. Remember, that game was in Tuscaloosa and the Sooners went in to get a close 23-21 victory. You KNOW that Boomer Sooner crowd is going to be rocking in Norman for that game.
The aforementioned Tulane-Ole Miss game is a game to keep an eye on. The Rebels are in the middle of a coaching change, and they’re having a lot of movement with the staff. The fact of the matter is that we do not know how new head coach Pete Golding is going to do, with his first ever game being a playoff game.
Meanwhile, with Tulane promoting Will Hall to be the head coach, they’re in a much better spot. Hall has been the man in charge before (Southern Miss) and worked at Tulane (19-20) before returning. He understands the culture and has the big game coaching experience.
The Daily Dose in Convoy, has a delicious Banana Nut Protein Oatmeal Bowl. Check out their Facebook page for hours, special drinks, and menu.
I’m not saying the Green Wave is going to shock the world and beat the Rebels, I’m just saying………………it’s not out of the realm of possibility.
I’ll make my College Football Playoff Predictions, as well as ALL the Bowl Game predictions in a later article.
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.
For the best coffee and lattes in all of Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean. With a friendly staff and great music, it’s the best way to start your day. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.
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.
This 2025-26 college football season has not only been completely wonky on the field, but also, off the field.
So many head coaches were fired during the season, that it was hard to keep track of who was coming and going.
The upheaval of not just the program and players on the teams, but also the families of those assistant coaches.
This “win now mentality” at programs and with the donors, is actually hurting the programs, not helping.
These schools like to complain that they’re “operating at a loss”, then they go and fire a head coach, that has a $33 million dollar buyout clause (Michigan State with Jonathan Smith).
They wonder why a significant number of fans have no loyalty or sympathy anymore, THAT’S WHY!!!
All that aside, I’m going to tell you which hires were good. Which hires were bad. Which coaches out there, deserve a chance at being a head coach.
LSU has hired Lane Kiffin away from fellow SEC rival Ole Miss. I see a lot of media pundits giving this an A to A+ grade. I DON’T SEE IT.
While I don’t think this move is as bad as the Brian Kelly hire (which I despised from the nanosecond it was announced), for what LSU wants to do, it isn’t all that much better either.
Kiffin has a career record of 13-25 against Top 25 teams.
He’s going to give the Tigers much more credibility in the south with recruits again, and the offense will be better.
This is a simple B hire.
Virginia Tech went out and hired former Penn State head coach James Franklin.
The Hokies have been mostly irrelevant since Frank Beamer retired.
This is an A hire.
Franklin is a program builder. He did it at Vanderbilt, which had been a joke for basically a half century, and turned them into a consistent winner and to bowl eligibility. He took over a Penn State program that was dead in the water after the sex abuse scandal and took them to the College Football National Championship Semi-Finals, just last season.
He knows the Eastern Midwest and Mid-Atlantic recruiting scene very well. We’ve already seen recruits that decommitted from Penn State, follow and announce their intentions to play for the Hokies next season.
I’m not saying he’s going to bring a Natty to Blacksburg, but Virginia Tech will be an ACC power player as early as next season, and beyond.
GREAT MOVE by VT.
UCLA has hired Bob Chesney away from James Madison, to be their next head coach.
From all accounts, and from JMU fans that I’ve spoken to, he’s a good guy.
Chesney is known for being a “turnaround artist”. He turned around programs such as Salve Regina (D3), Assumption University (D2), and Holy Cross (FCS), before going 20-5 at JMU.
He has a long history of coaching at programs that have rigourous academic standards.
The biggest problem is that he has 0 recruiting ties to the west coast, and doesn’t have the name recognition, that will keep players. The Bruins don’t have the cache to recruit nationwide, so keeping California kids’ home is paramount to their success.
I’m rooting for the guy, and hope he brings glory back to the gold and blue, but right now, this is a D hire.
If you’ve been following me on Twitter/X (JoeAmerican6771); I’ve been SCREAMING this guy’s name.
Bryant Haines.
He’s the current defensive coordinator for the Indiana Hoosiers and had the same role at James Madison. He followed Curt Cignetti from the Dukes to the Hoosiers.
Yes, he’s an assistant coach.
Yes, he doesn’t have head coaching experience.
He’s had staggering success at JMU and Indiana, where he turned poor defenses into top ranked defenses.
I STRONGLY believe that the aforementioned James Madison, should bring him back home, and make him their new head coach.
They’ve seen him succeed not just on the field, but off the field in recruiting the Carolinas’ and VA/DC area. Which is vital to a program like JMU, because they don’t have a nationwide network.
I think whichever team gets him, is going to get a gem.
The worst hire so far of this cycle, is the Stanford Cardinal hiring Tavita Pritchard as their next head coach.
Yes, I understand that he played QB there.
Yes, I understand that like Chesney above, he gets the difficulty of an academic power.
The truth, and fact of the matter is that he was never going to get a head coaching gig other than Stanford. This was Cardinal GM Andrew Luck keeping this cheap and in house.
To me, this is a F.
Head coach Kalani Sitake will remain at BYU, after agreeing to a long-term extension on Tuesday.
He had very heavy interest from the Penn State to make him their next head coach.
Since taking over as the head coach of the Cougars in 2016, he has an 83-44 overall record at BYU.
He has previous coaching stops at Oregon State, Utah, Southern Utah, and Eastern Arizona.
All these stops in the Mountain and Western time zones, has allowed him to build a very solid recruiting base and pipeline.
This is a solid A move by BYU.
For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.
Question – With Penn State getting rebuffed, who do you think the Nittany Lions will end up hiring as their next head coach?
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.
I could go on and on and on, about each and every game.
Quite simply, I don’t have the time and energy.
I’m still recovering from my mini-stroke, and my heart monitor keeps wanting to fall off.
So, I’m going to give you my predictions on these biggest games of the week.
It all begins and ends with the Greatest Rivalry in College Sports.
“The Game” is Satruday at Noon on Fox.
The #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are traveling to take on #15 Michigan Wolverines.
The forecast is calling for cold temperatures, snow on the ground, and the wind to be a blowing.
It’s Big Ten Football.
Will the weather impact the Buckeyes passing game? It’s certainly shaping up to favor the Wolverines, as they have the superior running game. Can the Buckeyes defense continue to dominate?
Prediction – Ohio State beats TTUN for the first time since 2019. I’m taking the Buckeyes 28-21.
“The Iron Bowl”. Game starts at 7:30 PM on ABC.
The #10 Alabama Crimson Tide travel to take on the unranked Auburn Tigers.
He’s the kicker for this game. Tigers freshman QB Duece Knight had 6 total touchdowns in his start against Mercer. His dual threat ability gives them hope.
If Alabama wins, they clinch a spot in the SEC Conference Championship Game. If they lose, it’ll take some help. They have no room for error.
Prediction – The Tigers will keep in close in the first half, before the Crimson Tide pull away for the 35-21 win.
How great is it to see this game as a ranked matchup!?!?!?
The #14 Vanderbilt Commodores travel to Knoxville to take on #19 Tennessee Volunteers.
QB Diego Pavia has the chance to put a stamp on his chance to be a Heisman Finalist with a win for the first time since 2018. Let’s be honest, Pavia IS Commodore football. They go as he goes.
A Volunteer win completely eliminates Vandy from the College Football Playoffs. Can the Tennessee defense step up and help the offense out?
Prediction – It’s been a fun ride for Vandy these last two seasons, but that Tennessee offense is gonna dunk on the Commodores. Volunteers win big 42-21.
“The Lonestar Showdown” is a Friday Night game, at 7:30 PM on ABC.
The Aggies last won in Austin, way back in 2015. They have a real chance to do it this year. They’re a complete team. Head coach Mike Elko has come in and done what “big name” coaches like Jimbo Fisher failed to do.
If Arch Manning plays well, then the Longhorns have a shot. Their run game has been a colossal disappointment this season. Their defense has played great, and they’ll need to do it again on Friday Night.
Prediction – Part of me wants to say this will be close, but I’m really feeling like the Aggies gonna smack the Longhorns around. Give me Texas A&M to win 49-24.
For the best coffee and lattes in ALL of Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean. Check out their Facebook page for hours and special drink menu.
– by Sean McKenzie
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and ESPN.
As the college football season works its way towards the end of the regular season, the games are becoming more meaningful.
Conference standings, college football playoff spots, and of course, RIVALRIES.
Week 12 is a great slate of games, and it was hard to choose only 3.
So, without ado, HERE are the 3 games you should watch.
1) #9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (7-2) at #22 Pittsburgh Panthers (7-2). Game starts at 12:00 PM (Noon) (EST) on ABC.
Who thought at the beginning of the season, that Pitt would be in 1st place in the ACC? The Panthers have a chance to make a real statement. A win here, will put them in the CFB Playoff, and completely eliminate Notre Dame.
We all know about HBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price bring to the table, but it’s Fighting Irish QB CJ Carr, that has this team rolling. He’s thrown for 2,275 yards with 19 TDs to only 4 INTs. The Notre Dame defense has 25 team sacks, and the pressure they get has forced a whooping 16 INTs for this defense.
When Pitt starting QB Eli Holstein went down for the season, fans thought they were done. Instead, freshman QB Mason Heintschel has come in and has won 6 straight games. He’s thrown for 1,547 yards, with 12 TDs and 5 INTs. This is your typical Pitt defense. Fundamentally sound, and hard-nosed. They don’t “wow” you with stats, just wear you down over the course of the game.
Prediction – As much as I love seeing upsets, I can’t see it happening here. Give me the Fighting Irish, to pull away in the 2nd half for a 35-17 win.
2) #10 Texas Longhorns (7-2) at #5 Georgia Bulldogs (8-1). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
I’d like to say that if Texas loses, they’re eliminated from the CFB playoffs, but we all know the SEC bias is ridiculous. It’d be their 3rd loss, as they already have losses to #1 Ohio State and unranked dumpster fire Florida.
Longhorns QB Arch Manning has thrown for 2,123 yards, with 18 TDs and 6 INTs. They have no running game to speak of. It’s been their defense that have been winning these games. 34 team sacks, 9 INTs, 11 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries.
Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton has thrown for 2,040 yards, with 15 TDs to only 2 INTs. He’s also added 321 yards and 7 TDs on the ground. While the defense hasn’t been up to “Georgia standard” this season, they’re fast, fly to the football, and don’t miss tackles.
Prediction – I trust Kirby Smart more than Steve Sarkisian. Give me the Bulldogs to win at home 24-21.
3) North Carolina State Wolfpack (5-4) at #15 Miami Hurricanes (7-2). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.
The Wolfpack are coming off a massive upset over (then #8) Georgia Tech last week. They also have a win over #20 Virginia earlier this season. The Hurricanes started the season strong but have 2 loses (Louisville and SMU) in the last 4 games. If they lose again, they’re done.
NC State sophomore QB CJ Bailey has thrown for 2,411 yards, with 19 TDs and 7 INTs. HB Hollywood Smothers is averaging 6.9 yards per carry. He has 825 yards, with 6 TDs. Their defense is hit and miss. With this team, it’s simply a matter of which one shows up. The good (GT and VA) or the bad (ND, Pitt, Duke).
For Miami, it’s simple. QB Carson Beck has to play better than he has. He’s thrown for 2,194 yards, with 15 TDs, but he’s thrown 9 INTs. The defense has played well. 24 sacks, 9 INTs, 8 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries.
Prediction – The Wolfpack are coming off a high. There’s typically a letdown after an upset win. I see that happening here. Give me the Hurricanes to get the much need victory 28-17.
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, and onlineathens.
We are just over halfway done with the 2025-26 NFL Season.
Anybody saying they knew that the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts would be 8-2 is a liar.
Nobody thought the Carolina Panthers would be 2nd in the NFC South (5-5).
Who really thought that the Denver Broncos (8-2) AND Los Angelos Chargers (7-3), would be ahead of the 3rd place Kansas City Chiefs 5-4) in the AFC West?
Of course, we all knew that my Cleveland Browns were going to just stiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiink, but even I didn’t think we’d be this terrible on offense.
For the best coffee and lattes in all of Van Wert County, Ohio; stop into The Rebel Bean today. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu. You can also find them on the Joe.coffee app as well.
All of this just adds more questions than answers.
Is Colts QB Daniel Jones’ starting to look like he was in New York?
Can Colts running back Jonathan Taylor win the NFL MVP Award (almost always a QB Award anymore)?
How many more head coaches will be fired during the season (New York Giants fired Brain Daboll on Monday)? I predicted this would happen in my NFL Season Preview Article.
It has been an absolutely topsy-turvy, crazy season so far, and I am 100% for all of it.
So, without further ado, I give you the REAL NFL 25-26 mid-season awards.
Most Valuable Player – Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots.
The 2nd year quarterback has thrown for 2,555 yards, with 19 TDs to 5 INTs. He has a QBR of 72.9 and is completing 71.7% of his throws.
He’s led the Patriots to 1st place in the AFC East, over the much favored and talked about Buffalo Bills.
He’s even added 283 yards on the ground with 2 TDs.
He’s not making the mistakes he did as a rookie, and he’s been dominating so far this season.
Runner up – Jonathan Taylor, HB, Indianapolis Colts.
Offensive Player of the Year – Jonathan Taylor, HB, Indianapolis Colts.
No running back has had a start to the season like this, since Adrian Peterson did in 2012.
Jonathan Taylor has been an absolute animal this season.
Unstoppable, even with 9 guys in the box.
He has 189 carries, for 1,139 yards, with 15 TDs, and most importantly, 0 fumbles.
He’s averaging 113.9 yards per game and 6 yards per carry.
He is the engine that is carrying this surprising Colts team.
Runner up – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks.
Defensive Player of the Year – Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns.
NFL head coaches openly admit that they have an entire play sheet for when Myles Garrett is either on or off the field.
He completely changes the way a head coach coaches the game.
Garrett is tied for the league lead in sacks with 11.
He also leads the NFL in TFLs (tackles for loss) with 15.
This is his 8th consecutive season with double-digit sacks.
He has 34 total tackles, and 1 forced fumble.
Runner up – Brian Burns, LB, New York Giants.
Offensive Rookie of the Year – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The rookie wide receiver out of Ohio State leads the team in receptions (40), yards (677) and TDs (6).
He’s had to step into that #1 receiver role with injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr.
He’s become QB Baker Mayfield’s “go to guy” in the biggest situations.
Runner up – Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts.
Defensive Rookie of the Year – Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns.
The rookie out of UCLA, leads all rookies with 74 tackles.
He wears the “green dot” for Browns hard-nosed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
He’s all over the field.
He can cover TEs and slot WRs, as well as fill the gaps on blitzs.
He also has 1.5 sacks and 1 INT.
Runner up – Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons.
Head Coach of the Year – Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots.
Vrabel has taken a struggling quarterback, and turned him into an MVP candidate.
He has this team playing hard, tough, and fundamentally sound on both offense and defense.
As I said earlier in this article, NOBODY foresaw the Patriots being 8-2, and that all starts with head coach Mike Vrabel.
Runner up – Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts.
Who are you’re midseason award winners?
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL and ESPN.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, SI, clutchpoints, brownsnation, sportingnews, and totalprosports.
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.
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.
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I’d be remiss if I didn’t start this article, without mentioning that LSU fired head football coach Brian Kelly, late Sunday night, after their 49-25 loss at home, to #3 Texas A&M. Kelly had a 34-14 record over his four seasons at LSU.
Personal opinion – It was a bad hire from the start. I said so at the time, and caught a lot of crap for it. I think that LSU thinks it’s a better job than it really is. IF I were Interim President Matt Lee, I would immediately go get Memphis Tigers head coach Ryan Silverfield.
Onto other business, it was a solid week of college football. We had 3 Top 25 upsets.
Aforementioned Memphis Tigers defeated #18 USF 34-31, in a banger of a game. The Washington Huskies beat #23 Illinois, 42-25, and the Houston Cougars defeated #24 Arizona State 24-16, in one of the worst officiated games, that I’ve even seen. Absolutely disgraceful by that Big-12 crew.
We had some close calls, as well. #4 Alabama squeaked by South Carolina 29-22. #6 Oregon eked out a 21-7 win over Wisconsin. #16 Virginia survived a scare from North Carolina, 17-16 in OT, and #22 Texas held off Mississippi State 45-38 in overtime.
For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean in Convoy. Check out their Facebook page for hours and special drink menu. The friendly staff always makes you feel welcome.
Indiana, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Miami, Vanderbilt, BYU, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Michigan, all held serve as Top 25 teams and got the win.
Time for your favorite part, it’s Helmet Sticker time. I thank you readers for the messages, telling me that you like this segment.
(Team) North Dakota State Bison.
The defending FCS National Champions and #1 ranked Bison, absolutely MOLLYWHOPPED their rival (then ranked #2) South Dakota State Jackrabbits 38-7 on Saturday. HB Cole Payton had 4 rushing touchdowns.
(Offense) Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas Mean Green.
This was the easiest choice so far this season.
The freshman QB went 37 of 49, for a massive 608 yards, and 4 TDs, as he led the Mean Green to a 54-20 win over Charlotte. North Texas is 7-1 on the season, and still in the hunt, for that G5 college football playoff spot.
(Defense) Cade Uluave, LB, California Golden Bears.
Cal is #0.
The junior linebacker was all over the field, and causing havoc, as he did everything, he could in a double overtime loss to Virginia Tech.
Cal finished the game 19 total tackles and 2 sacks.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to?
– by Sean McKenzie
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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
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