What a banger of a college football weekend it was!!!
We had instant classics, as the #2 Oregon Ducks, went into Happy Valley, during a whiteout game, and beat the #7 Penn State Nittany Lions 30-24 in double overtime.
The #10 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide went in “Between the Hedges” and ended the nation’s longest home winning streak, as they beat the #12 ranked Georgia Bulldogs 24-21.
The Virigina Cavaliers pulled a major upset in double overtime, beating the (then #8), #18 Florida State Seminoles 46-38. Then followed that by having the fastest storming of the field, that I’ve ever seen. LOL. (see final play and students storm the field in video below.)
The #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes went into Husky Stadium and ended the nation’s 2nd longest home winning streak, beating the Washington Huskies, 24-6, in a very workman like performance.
It also took overtime for #15 ranked Tennessee and #16 ranked Georgia Tech to get wins over Mississippi State and Wake Forest (41-34 and 30-29).
Unfortunately, we had another head coach lose their job, as Arkansas fired Sam Pittman (really dumb move in my personal opinion) after getting their butt whooped by #22 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56-13, at home. Bobby Petrino has been named interim head coach.
With so many performances to choose from, HERE are the Week 5 College Football Helmet Stickers.
(Team) #22 Illinois Fighting Illini.
After getting absolutely molly-whopped last week, the Fighting Illini, showed some fight. They went toe-to-toe with (then ranked#21) USC Trojans and won the game, 34-32, on a 41-yard field goal as time expired. This was a great game, that showcased the best of both teams. Illinois showed the country, that they are going to get up and fight, after being knocked down. Statement win.
(Offense) Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
The senior quarterback did everything, and then some, as he led the Yellow Jackets to a hard fought victory.
King went 28 of 42, for 243 yards, with 1 TD and 0 INTs. He also had 21 carries, for 106 yards, with 2 TDs.
Because of him, Georgia Tech is not only highly ranked, but undefeated at 5-0.
(Defense) Noah Avinger, CB, Utah State.
The 6’0 senior cornerback, was all over the field on Saturday afternoon, as he helped the Utah State Aggies, give the #18 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores, all they could handle, in a 55-35 loss.
He had 12 tackles, and an interception.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to?
– by Sean McKenzie.
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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, on3, and kslsports.
Week 5 of the college football season starts tonight, with the Army Black Knights (1-2) at East Carolina Pirates (2-2), at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.
With conference play underway, the games start to have serious meaning towards season goals, and ultimately, the college football playoffs.
With so many great games available to watch, I’m here to give you the 3 games that you should.
1) #6 Oregon Ducks (4-0) at #3 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.
The highflying Ducks offense is traveling across the country to take on the Nittany Lions, in Penn State’s “White out game”.
Sophomore QB Dante Moore has thrown for 962 yards with 11 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s completing 74.7% of his throws so, and the offense just hums along with quick strikes. The defense plays fast and downhill, making it difficult for opposing offenses to get anything started.
The Penn State offense has been anemic to say the least. Has head coach James Franklin been holding back so far?
The Nittany Lions have arguably the best running back tandem in the country with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. They have a combined 8 TDs so far. QB Drew Allar was some people’s “QB1”, and he’s only thrown 4 TDs through 3 games. Their defense as always is tough and gets pressure on the quarterback. DC Jim Knowles will scheme something up for this big matchup.
Prediction – Penn State is 13-8 in “White out games”, make it 13-9, as Oregon wins this game 31-27.
2) #17 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) at #5 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
Where is the running game? They’ve only rushed for a combined 371 yards and 4 TDs, through 3 games. Where is the defense? They only have 4 sacks total. Can junior QB Ty Simpson carry this team? He’s thrown for 862 yards, with 9 TDs and 0 INTs so far. He just might have to find some magic.
The Bulldogs have found their running game. They have 3 HBs already over 100 yards each, and as a team, have run for 627 yards and 10 TDs. That means that junior QB Gunnar Stockton just need to not make mistakes, and he’s done that so far, throwing for 722 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. It’s Georgia, which means fast and active linebackers and safeties flying all over the field making tackles.
Prediction – I think this game is going to be ugly for Alabama. Give me Georgia to win 42-21.
3) #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) at Washington Huskies (3-0). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS and Paramount+.
The Buckeyes have arguably the best WR tandem in America, with WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. That means sophomore QB Julian Sayin has a big edge. He’s thrown for 779 yards, with 8 TDs and 3 INTs. Projected starting HBs James Peoples and CJ Donaldson have been disappointing, but freshman HB Bo Jackson has done great in his brief appearances. On defense, S Caleb Downs is a playmaker that every team avoids, so LBs Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, are free to fly all over and wreak havoc.
The Huskies offensive gameplan is simple; get the ball to senior HB Jonah Coleman, as much as possible. He has 51 carries, for 347 yards, and 9 TDs. Sophomore QB Demond Williams Jr, is a dual threat as well. He’s thrown for 778 yards, with 6 TDs and 0 INTs, but he’s also ran the ball 34 times, for 220 yards, with 2 TDs.
KEY STAT: Washington has won 22 straight games at home.
TRAP GAME ALERT!!!
Prediction – The Huskies are going to give the Buckeyes, all they can handle. I won’t be shocked if they pull off the massive upset. However, I’m going with Ohio State to win a close game 42-38.
– by Sean McKenzie.
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Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, ESPN, and CBSSports.
We had some incredible games, that came down to the wire and overtime.
Georgia needed OT to beat Tennessee in Knoxville 44-41.
Texas A&M scored a TD with only 13 seconds left, to beat Notre Dame 41-40 in South Bend.
Vanderbilt upset (then ranked #11) South Carolina 31-7.
The USF Bulls train finally ran off the tracks, getting beatdown by the Miami Hurricanes 49-12.
Unranked (at the time) Georgia Tech upset (then ranked #12) Clemson, 24-21 on a field goal with no time left.
There was a lot to choose from, so here are the Week 3 college football helmet stickers.
1) Vanderbilt University Commodores
The Commodores are picking up right where they left off, from their magical run last season.
Super senior QB Diego Pavia made plays when they mattered most. Throwing for 177 yards with 2 TDs and sophomore S CJ Heard was flying all over the field making plays and was a tackling machine on defense.
This is a massive win for the program and head coach Clark Lea, as the Commodores continue to show the world, that they aren’t the loveable losers of college football anymore.
2) Ahmad Hardy, Running Back, Missouri.
The sophomore running back had 22 carries, for 250 yards, and 3 TDs, in the Tigers 52-10 win over UL Ragin Cajuns.
He’s now 2nd in country in rushing yards with 462 yards, as he’s a key component in the Tigers (3-0) high powered offense, after the loss of WR Burden and QB Cook to the NFL.
3) Bryun Parham, Linebacker, University of Connecticut.
The Huskies 5th year senior had 10 total tackles and 3 sacks in a 44-41 loss to Delaware.
The linebacker has had a long cross-country journey in his college football career. Starting at San Jose State, then a one year stop in Washington, before landing at UConn this season. He’s already doubled his season totals in tackles from last season and is currently tied for 1st in the nation in sacks.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to?
– by Sean McKenzie
Subscribe, follow, and like.
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, thehour, and si.
Week 3 of the college football season, officially starts on Thursday night, when North Carolina State(2-0) travel to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons(2-0).
There is a nice mixture of rivalry games was well as in-conference games this week.
The “money games” (The Ohio State Buckeyes are paying the Ohio Bobcats $1.9 million dollars to play in Columbus) are starting to come an end. THANK YOU!!!
Let’s be honest, how many times we can watch a “directional school” lose to a P4 team 70-0. It just gets old, real fast.
One of the WORST games coming up this week is the Oregon Ducks (2-0) going to Evanston, Illinois to take on the Northwestern Wildcats(1-1), on FOX as it’s “Big Noon Saturday”.
It’s going to be an absolute mud stomping.
Here are the Top 3 games you should watch for Week 3.
1) #16 Texas A&M Aggies at #8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.
The undefeated Aggies are looking to come into South Bend, and keep the Fighting Irish winless.
Last year’s game in College Station saw the Aggies blow a 13-6 lead in the fourth quarter, as Notre Dame got the win 23-13.
These two teams are completely different, as the Irish are starting CJ Carr at QB, and HB Jeremiyah Love is looking to improve on his 10 carries for only 33 yards in Week 1.
Aggies sophomore QB Marcel Reed has thrown for 7 TDs to 0 INTs, and he’s the teams leading rusher with 105 yards.
If Notre Dame loses, thier road to the college football playoffs is basically gone.
Prediction – Aggies get revenge 28-24.
2) #6 Georgia Bulldogs at #15 Tennessee Volunteers. Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
The Bulldogs have won 8 straight games in this rivalry, only 1 win away from tying the longest winning streak. Currently at 9, held by Tennessee (1989-1999).
Georgia is looking to get back to Bulldogs football, which is a great defense and strong running game. They’ve got 429 yards rushing through 2 games.
Head coach Josh Heupel and his Tennessee offense is at it’s best with a good running game and play action pass. They have run for 505 yards and 7 TDs through 2 games.
Appalachian State transfer quarterback Joey Aguilar will face the biggest test of his college football career so far. He’s thrown for 535 yards with 5 TDs and 0 INTs for the Volunteers.
Prediction – Make it 9 straight, in close game 31-28.
3) Pittsburgh Panthers at West Virginia Mountaineers. Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.
The 108th Backyard Brawl.
Nothing like old-school, smashmouth, pure hatred rivalry.
This game always means a lot, and even moreso this season, as West Virginia is coming off a bad loss to the Ohio Bobcats in Week 2.
They need better from junior quarterbak Nicco Marchiol. Only 1 passing TD through 2 games is simply not good enough.
Their defense has played great so far, with 7 sacks, 3 INTs, and 3 forced fumbles.
The Panthers are 2-0, and led by sophomore quarterback Eli Holstein. He’s thrown for 519 yards, with 8 TDs and only 2 INTs in two games.
The defense gets after the opposing quarterback consistently, with 8 sacks on the season.
Prediction – Pittsburgh makes it 2 straight wins 24-21.
They are the only team with two, Top 25 wins so far this season. If a Power 4 school had won at Boise State and at Florida, in back-to-back weeks, the mainstream sports media would be heaping praise on them.
Since they weren’t “ranked” before the season started, they’re being ignored, and given a “courtesy ranking” by the clowns at ESPN and the AP.
I omitted the Texas Longhorns, because their offense is struggling. Yes, Arch Manning threw for 4 TD’s, but 3 of those were on busted coverages and most of his passes, were under 4 yards.
BOLO – Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Texas A&M Aggies, and Vanderbilt Commodores.
The college football calendar has a brief lull in it, as graduation ceremonies start taking place, and summer break coming up.
So, I figured now is the time to get my 1st “rankings” article out.
There is NO “clear cut” number 1 team out there this upcoming season. They all have weaknesses, they’ve lost a lot of starters, they got a new quarterback, got to rebuild the offensive line, etc, etc.
So, here we go….
#1 Penn State Nittany Lions.
WE ARE PENN STATE!!!
The Nittany Lions have my #2 ranked returning QB returning in Drew Allar. They have my #1 returning backfield in HBs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. They always have a guy that can rush the quarterback.
They got 2 EXCELLENT transfer WRs in Trebor Pena (84 catches, for 941 yards and 9 TDs at Syracuse), and Devonte Ross (76 catches, for 1,043 yards, and 11 TDs from Troy).
They get the Oregon Ducks at home on September 27th. They have back-to-back road games against Iowa on October 18th, then get 13 days off before going into Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 1st.
#2 Texas Longhorns.
The “Arch Manning Era” has officially begun.
He did well, when he had to start for the injured Quinn Ewers, going 61 of 90, for 939 yards, with 9 TDs and 2 INTs, PLUS, don’t forget about his running ability. 25 carries, for 108 yards and 4 TDs. Can he stand up to a full season of college football? We’ll see.
They brought in 4 defensive linemen from the transfer portal (Maraad Watson, Travis Shaw, Cole Brevard, and Lavon Johnson). They’re going to rely on 2 freshmen at WR in Ryan Wingo and transfer Emmett Mosley V, to come in and keep the recent trend of strong play, going at that position.
They open the season at Ohio State on August 30th. That will be a HUGE game for both teams. Of course, you have the Red Rivalry against Oklahoma on September 11th, but their 2nd hardest game isn’t until November 11th at Georgia.
#3 Ohio State Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes have the #1 offensive player in the country in WR Jeremiah Smith AND the #1 defensive player in the country in S Caleb Downs.
YES, they have to replace 14 players that were drafted into the NFL in April, but they always have one of the top recruiting classes every year, so the cupboard is never bare, let alone dearth. Transfer TE Max Klare (51 catches, for 685 yards and 4 TDs) from Purdue will add a different dimension to the passing game over the middle. DE Beau Atkinson (35 tackles, and 7.5 sacks) the transfer from North Carolina will look to ease the loss of Sawyer and JTT.
The biggest question is….Who is the starting QB?
My source in Columbus has told me that Julian Sayin has already wrapped it up, the coaching staff is just keeping it to themselves.
Ohio State gets Texas at home in the season opener. That game will say a lot about where this team is with all the new players and new staff. Of course, the biggest game in ALL of college sports is Ohio State vs Michigan on November 29th.
#4 Georgia Bulldogs.
HC Kirby Smart is always going to put a tough defense on the field. He went out and got LB Elo Modozie (34 tackles and 6.5 sacks) from Army, to add to returning LBs CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson.
Transfer HB Josh McCray (117 carries, for 609 yards and 10 TDs) from Illinois will add some old-school between the tackles toughness, to compliment the speed of returning HB Nate Fraizer. They’re hoping that transfer WRs Noah Thomas (Texas A&M) and Zachariah Branch (USC) add some much needed production outside.
They do get Alabama (9/27) and Texas (11/15) at home this season. They have no real “road test” in 2025. They play Florida in their rivalry game at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
#5 Clemson Tigers.
The Tigers have my #1 ranked QB in all of college football in Cade Klubnik. He has returning playmakers at WR in Antonio Williams and Bryant Westco, and an experienced offensive line in front of him.
They have no running game to speak of, as Phil Mafah went to the NFL and Jay Haynes is still recovering from a torn ACL. Freshman HB Gideon Davidson COULD start from day one. He was the #3 ranked HB in the 2025 recruiting class.
They open the season against LSU at home on August 30th. That’ll be a tough game. The ACC isn’t what it once was. Their toughest conference games are home against SMU (10/18) and at Louisville (11/14).
#6 LSU Tigers.
My #3 ranked QB Garrett Nussmeimer threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 TDs last season. He got help at WR in the transfer portal with Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (Kentucky) coming in.
They did lose 4 starters on the offensive line, so that is a problem. HC Brian Kelly is hoping that transfers C Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech) and G Josh Thompson (Northwestern) will step in and sure up that weakness.
The defense is hoping that LB Harold Perkins Jr is able to get back to his freshman and sophomore numbers, after only playing in 4 games last season, due to injury.
The Tigers play the afore mentioned Clemson Tigers on the road to start the season. They play Alabama (11/8) on the road, but they do get Florida (9/13), South Carolina (10/11), and Texas A&M (10/25) at home this season.
#7 Oregon Ducks.
There is a tight QB battle between former 5-star recruit Dante Moore and Austin Novosad. Whoever wins that race just needs to not do anything stupid. This is a young team on offense, that will probably really on the running game. Big time transfer HB Makhi Hughes comes in from Tulane, where he had 265 carries, for 1,401 yards, and 15 TDs.
HC Dan Lanning always has a good defense on the field, and this season is no exception, as LBs Devon Jackson, Teitum Tuioti, Matayo Uiagalelei, and leading tackler Bryce Boettcher return.
They get Oklahoma State at home September 6th, which is a sleeper great game. Conference games at Penn State (9/27) and at Iowa (11/8) are their toughest in conference opponents.
#8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
The Fighting Irish have arguably the #1 ranked HB in the country Jeremiyah Love back. Junior HB Jadarian Price isn’t a slouch as a backup either (120A-746Y-7TDs).
They got some much needed help at WR in the portal with Malachi Fields (Virginia) and Will Pauling (Wisconsin).
They lost 3 contributors along the offensive line, so that vaunlted depth that ND usually has is gone this season.
They have a QB battle between freshman CJ Carr and sophomore Kenny Minchey. According to reports, Carr had the edge coming out of spring practice.
Notre Dame has a tough 2 games to open the season. They play at Miami(FL) on (8/31), then they have Texas A&M at home on (9/13).
#9 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Yes, HC Kalen DeBoer had a rough first season as the HC, but there is too much talent on this team to fall completely off the map.
WR Ryan Williams is back after his breakout freshman season. He added 6’5″ transfer WR Isaiah Horton from Miami (FL) to add some size. The offensive line returns 3 starters, including LT Kadyn Proctor.
Experienced LBs Justin Jefferson and Deontae Lawson return. CB Domani Jackson and S Keon Sabb are back in the secondary.
Alabama plays Georgia in Athens on (9/27) but gets LSU at home on (11/8). The Iron Bowl against in-state rival Auburn, is in Auburn on (11/29).
#10 Illinois Fighting Illini.
That’s right I said it!!!
The Fighting Illini won 10 games last season, and are returning their starting QB Luke Altmyer, all 5 starting offensive linemen, their entire starting secondary, and their best LB Gabe Jacas.
They got WR Hudson Clement (West Virginia) in the portal, along with DL James Thompson Jr (Wisconsin), Curt Neal (Wisconsin), and Tomiwa Durojaiye (Florida State).
They should be undefeated heading into their home game against USC (9/27). They get Ohio State at home on (10/11). They have to face Wisconsin (11/22) in Madison, and I know that Luke is angry about losing starters to Bielema.
This team could absolutely sneak into the Big Ten title game and maybe the College Football Playoffs.
Question – Who is your surprise team for the upcoming college football season?
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.
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