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Tag: Miami

  • The Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 6.

    A collage of college football team logos arranged in a grid pattern.

    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.

    Logo of the Vanderbilt Commodores on a black background alongside the logo of the Alabama Crimson Tide on a red background.

    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.

    Logos of Texas Tech Red Raiders and Houston Cougars on contrasting backgrounds.

    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.

  • Week 4 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    Collage of various college football team logos arranged in a grid pattern, featuring teams from different universities.

    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.

    Indiana University logo on a textured maroon background.

    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.

    Indiana Hoosiers quarterback throwing a pass under pressure during a college football game.

    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.

    Buffalo Bulls player wearing a blue helmet and white jersey with the number 2, in a ready stance during a college football game.

    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.

  • Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 4.

    Collage of college football team logos from various universities, including iconic mascots and colors.

    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.

    Logo matchup between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Indiana Hoosiers with a dark background.

    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.

    Logos of Auburn Tigers (A) and Oklahoma Sooners (OU) displayed on a split background.

    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.

    Logos of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Memphis Tigers on a gradient blue background, with 'Arkansas' and 'Memphis' labels below each logo.

    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.

  • The Real College Football Power Rankings For Week 3.

    Graphic featuring 'College Football Top 10' with a football design and the Dr. Roto logo.

    Week 2 of the college football season has come and gone.

    We saw a big upset in USF over Florida.

    Oregon absolutely smoked Oklahoma State.

    Georgia and Clemson struggled offensively against inferior opponents in Austin Peay and Troy.

    Arch Manning and Texas rebounded against San Jose State.

    As things start to settle in with teams, I’m here to give you the REAL Power Rankings. Not that bias crap that ESPN and the AP spits out there.

    1) Ohio State Buckeyes. (2-0).
    2) Oregon Ducks. (2-0),
    3) LSU Tigers. (2-0)
    4) Miami Hurricanes. (2-0).
    5) Penn State Nittany Lions. (2-0).
    6) Georgia Bulldogs. (2-0).
    7) Florida State Seminoles. (2-0).
    8) Tennessee Volunteers. (2-0).
    9) Illinois Fighting Illini. (2-0).
    10)South Florida Bulls. (2-0).

    A collage of various college sports team logos displayed in a grid format.

    Yes, I put the USF in the Top 10.

    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.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Pictures courtesy of…..drroto and wallpapercave.