Tag: Hurricanes

2025-26 College Football Playoff Bracket is Set.

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.

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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.

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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.

– by Sean McKenzie

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and ESPN.

December 8, 2025
The Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 12.

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.

November 13, 2025
College Football Week 9 Recap and Helmet Stickers.

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.

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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.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, meangreensports, and SI.

October 27, 2025
College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers for Week 8.

What an incredible week of college football we had on Saturday.

We had MAJOR Top 10 upsets!!!

It all started on Friday night, when the Louisville Cardinals upset (then #2) ranked Miami Hurricanes, 24-21. DO NOT look deep into this one, as it took QB Carson Beck throwing 4 INTs for it to happen.

The Arizona State Sun Devils knocked off the (then #7) Texas Tech Red Raiders, 26-22, in game that came down to the wire.

The UAB Blazers upset the (then #22) Memphis Tigers, 31-24, in a game that nobody saw coming.

As I said in my Top 3 Games to Watch article, the best game of week, was between (then #13 and #20) Notre Dame and USC. The Trojans had no answer at all for the Fighting Irish’s running game, as ND won 34-24.

Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama, and Oregon, all took care of business, and got wins, to stay in the Top 10.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Florida Gators have fired Billy Napier. Billy Gonzales has been named the interim head coach.

So, without further ado, here are your Week 8 College Football Helmet Stickers.

(Team) UCLA Bruins.

After starting the season 0-4 and firing their (now former) head coach Deshaun Foster, the Bruins have won 3 straight games. Not just any games either, they’re conference games. The UCLA Bruins are currently 3rd in the Big Ten, as they defeated Maryland 20-17.

They needed something to jump start this program, and it’s working out quite well so far in the month of October, as interim head coach Tim Skipper, has this team playing hard and rolling.

(Offense) Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Jeremiyah Love was my #1 rated HB coming into the season, and he showed again, exactly why.

The Trojan defense had no answer for him at all. He ran through them, around them, and any other adjective you can think of.

He had 24 carries, for 228 yards, with a touchdown. He added 5 catches for 37 yards as well.

(Defense) Treylin Payne, LB, Texas State Bobcats.

The Bobcat senior had an incredible 24 total tackles, in a 37-40, double overtime loss to Marshall.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to?

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, CBSSports, and on3.

October 21, 2025
The Real College Football Top 10 Teams After Week 8.

The Associated Press Poll, better known as the AP Poll will be out on Sunday.

As we all know, the AP voters are out of their minds. With AP Poll voters like Haley Sawyer, admitting that they don’t watch the games, nobody takes it seriously anymore.

The ESPN Poll is completely bias, as they own the SEC Network and don’t even hide it.

I’m here to give you the unbiased, real Top Ten college football teams, after Week 8.

1) Ohio State Buckeyes – 7-0 – defeated Wisconsin 34-0.

2) Indiana Hoosiers – 7-0 – defeated Michigan State 38-13.

3) Alabama Crimson Tide – 6-1 – defeated #11 Tennessee 37-20.

4) Texas A&M Aggies – 7-0 – defeated Arkansas 45-42.

5) Georgia Bulldogs – 6-1 – defeated #5 Ole Miss 43-35.

6) Miami Hurricanes – 5-1 – lost to Louisville 24-21.
It took QB Carson Beck throwing 4 INTs for them to lose.
Don’t overthink this, they’re still a top team in the nation.

7) Oregon Ducks – 6-1 – defeated Rutgers 56-10.

8) Ole Miss Rebels – 6-1 – lost to #9 Georgia 43-35.
They choked away a late lead.
Still a top 10 team.

9) Notre Dame Fighting Irish – 5-2 – defeated #20 USC 34-24.

10) Texas Tech Red Raiders – 6-1 – lost to Arizona State 26-22.
They didn’t have their starting QB Behren Morton (knee) and barely lost to a vastly under-rated Sun Devils team on the road.
Like Miami, don’t overthink this.
Texas Tech is better than Georgia Tech and Oklahoma, who many will rank above them now with the loss.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and scores courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 19, 2025
Week 6 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

WOW!!!

That’s the only word that can describe Week 6 of the college football season.

Then ranked #7 Penn State got beat 42-37, by a UCLA Bruins team, that hadn’t won a game all season.

Then #9 Texas lost to unranked Florida 29-21, in the swamp.

FYI, the final scores of those games do not indicate the true picture of how bad PSU and UT actually looked on the field.

Then #14 Iowa State could not overcome losing BOTH their starting CBs for the season, during the week, and lost to unranked Cincinnati 38-30.

The #3 Hurricanes and then ranked #18 Seminoles gave us a great game, as Miami won 28-22.

#10 Alabama got revenge on then ranked #16 Vanderbilt 30-14. In a game that was closer than the final score as well.

Then ranked #24 Virigina beat Louisville, in overtime, 30-27. The ACC has been completely whack-a-doo so far this season.

With so many performances to choose from, HERE are the Week 6 college football Helmet Stickers Awards.

(Team) UCLA Bruins.

The Bruins hadn’t won a game all season AND already fired their head coach. EVERYONE had written them off for this season, but they reminded the whole college football world to, NEVER POKE A BEAR.

Congratulations to all the players and staff.

(Offense) Blake Horvath, QB, Navy Midshipmen.

When you hear “Navy football”, you think Option and Wing-T offense. However, in the 1st leg of the Commander-in-Chiefs Trophy, Horvath set a school record with 469 total yards. He went 20 of 26 passing, for 339 yards, with 3 TDs and 0 INTs, as well as having 17 carries, for 130 yards, and 1 TD, in a 34-31 win over Air Force.

(Defense) Nathan Voorhis, DE, Ball State.

The defensive end had 8 total tackles, and 3.5 sacks on the day, as his timely defensive plays, helped lead the Ball State Cardinals to a 20-14, come from behind win, over the defending MAC champion Ohio Bobcats.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to???

– by Sean McKenzie

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Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, yardbarker, and thestarpress.

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 7, 2025
The Real Top 10 College Football Rankings. Week 7.

Week 6 of the 2025-26 college football season is in the books.

We all know that the AP and ESPN are completely full of doo-doo and bias as all heck.

You can make a legitimate argument for ANY order of my top 3 teams.

Even for me personally, it was difficult to come up with an order.

So, without further ado, here is the REAL Top 10 teams.

1) Miami Hurricanes. 5-0. – They have 3 wins against ranked opponents. On the field results matter, and they have the best resume so far this season.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes. 5-0. – They’re cruising, and it doesn’t even look like they’re trying that hard yet. Wins over ranked Texas, as well as quality wins over Washington and Minnesota.

3) Oregon Ducks. 5-0. – New QB Dante Moore has this team rolling over everybody.

4) Texas A&M Aggies. 5-0. – That win over Norte Dame is looking better and better as the season goes on. Quality win over Mississippi State.

5) Ole Miss Rebels. 5-0. – Quality wins over LSU and G5 power Tulane, gave them the edge over the next team.

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6) Texas Tech Red Raiders. 5-0. – Quality wins over ranked Utah Utes and G5 power Houston. As they should, they’ve blown out the lesser competition.

7) Alabama Crimson Tide. 4-1. – Ever since they laid an egg in Week 1 against FSU, they have 2 wins against ranked teams (UGA and Vanderbilt).

8) Indiana Hoosiers. 5-0. – They mud stomped their only ranked matchup (Illinois) and grinded it out against an always game Iowa. They can run, pass, and play defense.

9) Georgia Bulldogs. 4-1. – Their lone loss against Alabama (see above) and they have a quality ranked win, at Tennessee.

10) Oklahoma Sooners. 5-0. – They have 2 wins against ranked team, but the unfortunate injury to starting QB John Mateer must count against them.

Just outside looking in – Tennessee, Georgia Tech, LSU, Notre Dame, Illinois.

– by Sean McKenzie.

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Picture courtesy of…..on3.

Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 5, 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
Week 4 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

What a Week 4 of college football it was.

The #4 ranked Miami Hurricanes beat the Florida Gators 26-7, in their rivalry game. The Gators continue their freefall this season.

#17 Texas Tech beat the #16 Utah Utes, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, 34-10, in a turnover prone game.

#24 Notre Dame finally got a win, beating Purdue 56-30.

#19 Indiana Hoosiers absolutely beat the snot out of #9 Illinois Fighting Illini, 63-10.

In a great Saturday night game, #11 Oklahoma Sooners got a big conference win, over #23 Auburn Tigers, 24-17.

The Clemson Tigers and Wisconsin Badgers continue to fall apart, with losses to unranked opponents, Syracuse and Maryland.

With so many performances to choose from, here are your Week 4 college football helmet stickers.

1) Indiana Hoosiers.

There was no better team performance in Week 4, then Indiana. The college football spotlight was on Bloomington, IN with a primetime game on NBC, and the Hoosiers put their best foot forward. The offense couldn’t be stopped, and the defense was a stonewall, not allowing the Illini to get anything going. Great win for the team and the program.

2) Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers.

The 6’5″ junior transfer quarterback shone the brightest in the biggest game of his career to date. He went 21 of 23 (91.3%), for 267 yards, and 5 TDs, with a 260.0 RTG, and 96.3 QBR. He didn’t make any mistakes and kept the ball out of harm’s way. That’s exactly what he needs to do, if they’re going to keep winning as conference play ramps up.

3) Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo Bulls.

The 6’3″, 240 lbs senior was all over the field, and just wreaking havoc all game long, in a 21-17 loss. He finished the game with 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, indystar, and ubbulls.

September 23, 2025
Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 4.

Week 4 of the college football season is upon us.

There are quite a few good games.

There are quite a few interesting games.

Is #25 USC for real??? We’ll find out as they take on an undefeated and scrappy Michigan State.

The last time we saw Oklahoma State on the field, they lost 69-3 to the Oregon Ducks. Can they bounce back against a woeful Tulsa team on Friday night?

We have the Iron Skillet Game this week, as undefeated TCU takes on their bitter rival SMU.

Will the #4 ranked Miami Hurricanes send the Florida Gators back home to Gainsville with their 3rd straight loss?

I went 2-1 last week, and I am 5-1 for the season.

So here are the 3 games you should watch this week.

1) #9 Illinois Fighting Illini at #19 Indiana Hoosiers.
Game is Saturday night, at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.

I am so happy to see that NBC is doing the right thing and putting this game in primetime. 2 teams that are historically mid to bad, are having back-to-back good seasons. It’s nice to see them rewarded.

The Fighting Illini are led by QB Luke Altmyer has gone 56 of 79, for 709 yards, with 8 TDs and 0 INTs, but it’s been the running game that has really stolen the show. Junior Kaden Feagin has 50 carries for 222 yards and 3 TDs. He’s a 250 lb hammer that wears a defense down with his physical style of running.

The defense is led by senior LB Gabe Jacas, who leads the team in sacks (3.5) and forced fumbles (2). They are gap sound, and they make opposing teams earn every yard.

The Hoosiers offense is led by QB Fernado Mendoza. The Cal transfer has come in a really taken control of the offense, going 55 of 76, for 708 yards, with 9 TDs and 0 INTs. The running game has shown up so far this season, with 3 players (Kaelon Black, Lee Beebe Jr, and Roman Hemby) each already running for over 200 yards rushing a piece.

The defense is active on every level. They show a lot of movement up front and with the linebackers, trying to confuse the quarterback and disguise schemes. This had led to 4 INTs already this season.

Prediction – Illinois pulls away late to get a 31-24 win on the road.

2) #22 Auburn Tigers at #11 Oklahoma Sooners.
Game is Saturday afternoon at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

Are either of these two teams for real? Especially after such dismal seasons last year. Both teams are 3-0 coming into their SEC conference openers. Of course, everyone is talking about Auburn coming back to Norman, OK after transferring out in the offseason.

Yes, Arnold was brought into Auburn to “fix” the passing game. He’s gone 48 of 69, for 501 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs, but it’s been his running ability that has sparked the offense (35 carries, 192 yards, 4 TDs). Being teamed with leading rusher, junior HB Jeremiah Cobb (46 carries, for 314 yards, and 4 TDs) has turned the Tigers into a running team.

They have a very active secondary, as 3 of their Top 5 tacklers are defensive backs. Senior defensive end Keyron Crawford leads the team in sacks (3), interceptions (1) and forced fumbles (1).

The Sooners are led by transfer QB John Mateer and his gun slinging, gritty, hardnosed mentality. He’s 71 of 105, for 944 yards, with 5 TDs but he’s thrown 3 INTs. He’s ran the ball 33 times, for 161 yards, and 4 TDs. Can he keep this pace in the SEC?

This is a Brent Venables team, which means the defense is sound. Their Top 4 tacklers are all linebackers, and they make you earn every yard, and every score. They’ve been much more physical so far this season, than last season.

Prediction – Something is telling me that Auburn pulls the upset. Mateer throws a late game INT, and the Tigers get out of Norman with a big 28-24 win.

Arkansas Razorbacks at Memphis Tigers.
Game is Saturday afternoon, at Noon (12:00 PM, EST) on ABC.

Not expecting this, were you? This is a dangerous trap game for the Razorbacks, who are coming off a hard fought, disappointing loss last week.

Arkansas is led by senior QB Taylen Green, and he is so fun to watch. He’s completed 63 of 92 passes, for 866 yards, with 11 TDs and 2 INTs. He also leads the team in rushing with 32 carries, for 307 yards, with 2 TDs. He’s a dynamic dual threat quarterback.

The defense flies around with that “SEC speed” that they like to brag about. Their back seven causes havoc with that speed, and the defensive line doesn’t get out of position, which allows them to cause said havoc.

This is not the high-flying Memphis offense that we’ve all come to expect. This Tigers offense is running the football. Senior QB Brendon Lewis is 55 of 75, for 608 yards, with only 2 TDs and 1 INT. He’s also 2nd on the team with 190 yards rushing, with 2 TDs. Junior HB Sutton Smith has 247 yards, on 41 carries, with 4 TDs.

They may not be an “SEC team” but the Memphis defense has the speed to match. They already have 8 players that have 10+ tackles, and their 10 sacks and pressure have led to 4 INTs this season. Senior linebacker Sam Brumfield leads the Tigers in both tackles (17) and sacks (3).

Prediction – Arkansas is mad and will not fall victim to this trap game. Razorbacks win 42-28.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, athlonsports, espn, USAToday.

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

September 18, 2025