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
Subscribe, follow, like, and drop a comment below.
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, meangreensports, and SI.
It’s been an exciting start to Week 9 already, as 2 games have gone into overtime and exciting finishes.
Western Kentucky beat Louisiana Tech 28-27, and Missouri State beat New Mexico State 24-17.
Some sad news, as the Auburn Tigers have lost starting center Conner Lew for the season with a torn ACL. Lew is going to be a Day 1 starting center in the NFL next season. Good luck to him, as we all wish him a speedy and full recovery.
That news actually bumped their game with Arkansas off my list. It’s still one of the more under-rated game and isn’t being talked about enough, IMO.
I went 2-2 in my picks last week.
I am 12-7 for the season.
So, without further ado, HERE are the Top 3 games you should watch (in no particular order).
1) #18 South Florida Bulls (6-1) at Memphis Tigers (6-1). Game starts at 12:00 PM (Noon) (EST) on ESPN2.
That’s right. One of the best games this week, is from the AAC (American Athletic Conference). The Bulls are ranked and in the driver’s seat for the G5 spot in the college football playoffs. Memphis is coming off an absolutely embarrassing loss to UAB last week. Both teams are highly motivated.
The USF Bulls are simply put, “The Byrum Brown Show”. They go as he goes. He’s thrown for 1,695 yards, with 16 TDs and 5 INTs. He’s added 99 carries, for 475 yards, with 6 TDs. He leads the team in passing and rushing. On defense, they’re led by LB Mac Harris. He’s 2nd on the team in tackles (56) and 1st in sacks (5.5). He’s also has 3 forced fumbles and an INT.
Memphis has a dual-threat QB of their own. Brendon Lewis has thrown for 1,337 yards, with 8 TDs and 4 INTs. He’s added 86 carries, for 440 yards, with 7 TDs. I know, it’s weird seeing Memphis not have gaudy passing yards, but this is a running team. HBs Sutton Smith and Greg Desrosiers Jr have a combined 869 yards rushing, and 11 TDs between them. The defense forces mistakes and turnovers, as they have 10 INTs, 7 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.
Prediction – The loss to UAB will have the Tigers playing of their toes. USF is battle tested. I’m going to go with the better quarterback. Give me the USF Bulls to win 35-31.
2) Houston Cougars (6-1) at #24 Arizona State Sun Devils (5-2). Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN2.
The winner of this game could end up tied for 2nd place in the Big-12 or in 2nd all alone. While it was expected that ASU would be competing for the conference title again, nobody saw the Cougars being here, at this point in the season.
Cougars transfer QB Conner Weigman has managed to stay healthy this season. He’s thrown for 1,380 yards, with 11 TDs to only 2 INTs. They balance it out with HB Dean Connors. He has 115 carries, for 538 yards, and 4 TDs. It’s a feisty defense that has 17 team sacks, 6 INTs, and 11 forced fumbles.
The talk of the Sun Devils offense is about the Leavitt-Tyson connection. QB Sam Leavitt has thrown for 1,358 yards, with 9 TDs and 3 INTs. WR Jordyn Tyson has 57 catches, for 628 yards, and 8 TDs. What’s not talked about is HB Raleek Brown, and the balance he brings. 110 carries, for 642 yards, with 3 TDs. The defense has 21 team sacks, with 14 coming from the defensive line. They get to the QB quick and often.
Prediction – It’s been fun watching the Cougars go on this run. I think they simply run into a better team on Saturday. Give me the Sun Devils to win 27-21.
3) #15 Missouri Tigers (6-1) at #10 Vanderbilt Commodores (6-1). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.
It’s been a wonderful season for both teams so far, but somebody’s run is about to end here. The loser of this game is officially out of the SEC conference title picture.
Yes, QB Beau Pribula has thrown for 1,617 yards, however, he has 7 INTs to his 11 TDs. This is a running, ball control offense. HB Ahmad Hardy has 139 carries, for 840 yards (3rd in the nation), with 11 TDs (2nd in the nation). DE’s Damon Wilson and Zion Young, have a combined 10.5 sacks, and get pressure off the edges.
Vanderbilt is led by QB Diego Pavia (my Heisman Trophy frontrunner). He’s thrown for 1,569 yards, with 15 TDs to 4 INTs. He also has 77 carries, for 438 yards, with 4 TDs. He’s the heart and soul of this team. This is a gap sound defense, that gets pressure from multiple positions, as they have 20 teams sacks.
Prediction – I think this is going to be a close football game. Somehow, someway, I believe Pavia will make just enough plays to give the Commodores the win. I’m taking Vandy 24-21.
– by Sean McKenzie.
Subscribe, follow, and like.
Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, nytimes, and ESPN.
Week 8 is absolutely stacked with incredible games, as conferences are in the middle of playing out their schedule.
We’ve already had a major upset, as the FIU Panthers (Florida International University) defeated the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 25-6. WKU was in the running to get that “G5 spot” in the college football playoffs.
I could drone on and on, about each game, including a big game in the UAC (FCS) as the West Georgia Wolves (5-1) coming off an embarrassing loss, is looking to go into Stephenville, Texas and upset the #2 ranked Tarleton State Texans (7-0).
So here we go, the Top 3 college football games you SHOULD watch, (including a bonus game).
I am 10-5, in my predictions so far this year.
1) #20 USC Trojans (5-1) at #13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-2). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.
In what could be the second to last game, this historic rivalry has serious repercussions for the college football playoffs.
USC is coming off a big win last week, where they showed off their physical toughness. They’re going to need that again, as they take on a stout ND defense. HBs Waymond Jordan, King Miller, and Eli Sanders, have a combined 1,150 yards and 10 TDs. They’ll need to continue that rotation. QB Jayden Maiava leads the nation in QBR (93.1) and has 13 TDs to only 2 INTs. Of course, having one of the best WRs in the country to throw to, doesn’t hurt. WR Makai Lemon has 44 catches, for 682 yards, and 6 TDs.
The Fighting Irish suffered a heavy blow, as starting C Ashton Craig is gone for the season with a knee injury. Notre Dame has a two headed monster at HB themselves, with Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. They have a combined 952 yards and 15 TDs. Freshman QB CJ Carr has come in a given them a threatening passing game. He’s thrown for 1,622 yards, with 13 TDs to only 3 INTs. The Fighting Irish have one of the best secondaries in America, with 11 INTs.
Prediction – There’s not many things better than a night game at Notre Dame, and this is going to be the best game of the week. Both teams have so much to play for. The injury to Craig is a big deal. In the end, I think USC QB Maiava throws a late pick, in a close 31-28 victory for the Fighting Irish.
2) #5 Ole Miss Rebels (6-0) at #9 Georgia Bulldogs (5-1). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
Ole Miss is looking to make it back-to-back to win over Georgia, and the Bulldogs need to win this game, or they’ll have 2 conference losses already.
This is a run heavy, ball control offense that the Rebels put out on the field. HB Kewan Lacy leads the team with 126 carries, for 587 yards, and 8 TDs. Dual threat QB Trinidad Chambliss has thrown for 1,286 yards, with 7 TDs and only 1 INT; but it’s his 61 carries, for 281 yards, and 3 TDs, that keeps defenses guessing.
Bulldogs QB Gunner Stockton, has thrown for 1,264 yards, with 6 TDs and only 1 INT. His scrambling ability keeps linebackers at bay with 220 yards and 6 rushing TDs. They have 2 HBs that split carries, in Chauncey Bowens and Nate Frazier. This is not the usual “Georgia defense”, as they only have 8 team sacks and only created 6 turnovers. They still remain fast and gap sound though.
Will the disgusting bias officiating in favor of Georgia (like we saw last week), show up again, or will they overcorrect in favor of Ole Miss???
Prediction – Georgia knows that a loss could very well mean they’re out of the conference title race. Ole Miss knows that this is probably their toughest game left this season. I’m expecting a defensive battle. My head is saying UGA. My heart is saying Ole Miss……I’m going to follow my heart and take the Rebels to win 17-13.
3) #11 Tennessee Volunteers (5-1) at #6 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
It’s the “Third Saturday in October”. A big SEC rivalry game. This time, there are serious conference and CFP implications on the line.
Can Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel ACTUALLY win a “big game”?
This is a balanced offense. QB Joey Aguilar has thrown for 1,680 yards, with 14 TDs and 5 INTs. It’s the running game that wears down an opposing defense. HBs Desean Bishop, Star Thomas, and Peyton Lewis have a combined 1,009 yards and 14 TDs. This is a Volunteer defense that gets serious pressure on opposing QBs, with 26 team sacks, leading to 4 INTs, 11 forced fumbles, and 7 fumble recoveries.
This Crimson Tide team is all about QB Ty Simpson. He’s stepped right into the fire, and thrown for 1,678 yards, with 16 TDs to only 1 INT. The defense doesn’t get many sacks (9 total), but they force the opposing team into mistakes, with 6 INTs, 6 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries.
Prediction – You CAN NOT ignore Heupel’s tendency to choke in big games. Alabama has been playing great since their opening season loss to FSU. As much as I truly want to pick TEN, I simply can’t. Give me the Crimson Tide to win 35-28.
BONUS GAME
#23 Utah Utes (5-1) at #15 BYU Cougars (6-0). Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.
The Holy War.
A long-standing rivalry and a long history of these two teams completely destroying each other’s hopes and bowl season dreams.
The Utah offense lives and dies with QB Devon Dampier. He’s completing 71.5% of his passes, for 1,131 yards, with 11 TDs and 3 INTs. His 65 carries, for 378 yards with 5 TDs leads this Utes offense. It goes as he goes. This defense is led by one of the best pass rushers in the nation. DE John Henry Daley leads the team in tackles (30) and sacks (8), and he’s forced 2 fumbles.
BYU also has a dual-threat QB in freshman Bear Bachmeier. He’s thrown for 1,220 yards, with 8 TDs and 3 INTs. He has 71 carries, for 295 yards and 7 TDs. HB LJ Martin has 101 carries, for 652 yards, with 4 TDs. The Cougar defense has 8 INTs this season,
Prediction – This is one of those rivalry games, that’s completely whack-a-doo. Nothing ever goes as you think it will. This is a massive game, in an always wide-open Big 12. I’m taking the Utah Utes to win a close game 27-21.
What a slate of college football games there is to choose from here in Week 7.
The week started last night, with Missouri State beating Middle Tennessee State 22-20, and Liberty beating UTEP 19-8.
We have big time ranked matchups in the Big Ten and SEC.
We have the annual Red River Shootout (I refuse to call it Red River Rivalry, PC can kiss my butt), between #6 Oklahoma Sooners (5-0) taking on the Texas Longhorns (3-2) at 3:30 PM on ABC. As history has shown, records mean nothing in this heated rivalry.
With so many games to choose from, here are the Top 3 games, that you SHOULD watch this weekend.
I am 10-5 in my predictions so far this season.
1) #7 Indiana Hoosiers (5-0) at #3 Oregon Ducks (5-0). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS.
Yes, the Indiana Hoosiers are not just highly ranked, they’re a good FOOTBALL team. For those of us who are older, it’s been a long time since we could say that, and let’s be honest….it does feel good.
Curt Cignetti has come in and turned this program around. The Hoosiers are led by QB Fernando Mendoza, who’s completing 73% of his throws, for 1,208 yards with 16 TDs, to only 1 INT. He hasn’t made many mistakes, and goes through his progressions well. On defense, they get pressure off the line and are fairly gap sound. With 16 team sacks, they’ve forced 7 INTs this year.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning continues to chug along and win ball games. The Ducks are led by QB Dante Moore. He’s completing 74.6% of his passes, for 1,210 yards, with 14 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s shown great poise and decision making as only a sophomore. This is a fast and fundamentally sound defense. They stay in their lanes don’t give up many YACs in the run or pass.
Prediction – We’re going to find out if Indiana is “for real – real”. I think they’re going to hang tough, but it’s hard for opponents to win in Autzen Stadium. Give me the Ducks to pull away late and win 42- 31.
2) #15 Michigan Wolverines (4-1) at USC Trojans (4-1). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC.
This game isn’t getting talked about enough, by the “national pundits” This is a MUST WIN for the Trojans, after a tough road loss last week, and next week’s game is a very tough game.
The hype around Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood was extremely high. His performance on the field, thus far, has been extremely disappointing. The REAL leader of this offense is HB Justice Haynes. He has 85 carries, for 654 yards, with 8 TDs. He’s averaging 7.7 yards per carry. It’s a Wink Martindale defense, which means pressure and forcing turnovers. With 15 team sacks and 7 INTs, it’s the same old, same old. Fast, tough, and sound. I love defenses like this.
USC QB Jordan Maiava has come in and done better than almost everyone thought he would. He’s completing 70.5% of his passes, for 1,587 yards, with 11 TDs to only 1 INT. HB Waymond Jordan takes the pressure off with his ability vision and ability to hit the hole FAST. He has 537 yards, on 77 carries, with 5 TDs, and averaging 7.0 yards per carry. The defense has been MUCH improved. They have 17 team sacks, 6 INTs, and have forced 6 fumbles. Senior LB Eric Gentry is the guy to watch, as he has 30 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.
Prediction – As stated above, this is a must win for USC. It’s a home game, sandwiched between two tough road games. I’M CALLING THE UPSET HERE!!! The Trojans get it done in a close game 28-24.
3) #24 University of South Florida Bulls (4-1) at University of North Texas Mean Green (5-0). Game is Friday Night, at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN 2.
The winner of this of this big time American Athletic Conference game, could very well end up getting the “G5 at large” spot in the College Football Playoffs.
The South Florida Bulls are battle tested, with wins over Boise State and Florida. They’re lone loss is to MY #1 team in the country, Miami Hurricanes. They’re led by dual-threat QB Byrum Brown. He’s thrown for 1,194 yards, with 10 TDs to 4 INTs. He’s also ran for 282 yards, on 64 carries, with 3 TDs. LB Mac Harris has been incredible so far this season. He has 42 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.
Freshman QB Drew Mestemaker has come in and shown great poise and decision making, so young. He’s thrown for 1,247 yards, with 11 TDs and 0 INTs. The Mean Green LBs are just dominate. Thier starting 3 have 119 of the 359 team tackles (33%). They also have 3 of the teams 6 INTs. The DL holds up well, so that these guys can fly all over and make plays.
Prediction – The Mean Green defense is for real. The Bulls are for real. It’s going to be a great, close, low scoring game. The big game experience that South Florida has this season, will be the difference. I’m taking the Bulls to win 24-17.
– by Sean McKenzie
Subscribe, follow, and like.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, CBSSports, ESPN, and NYTimes.
Week 6 of the college football season starts tonight, with the Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-4) traveling to take on the New Mexico State Aggies (2-2) at 9:00 PM (EST) on CBSSN.
That is NOT one of my Top 3, by the way.
This is going to be a Saturday of chalk. Teams you think are going to win, ARE going to win. I don’t foresee a bunch of upsets or anything.
So, without further ado, here you go.
1) #3 Miami Hurricanes (4-0) at #18 Florida State Seminoles (3-1). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
If you are a fan of college football, then you know just how awesome it is, to see this bitter rivalry game be meaningful again. I am so excited for this game.
Transfer QB Carson Beck has this offense humming along. He’s recovered nicely from offseason elbow surgery and back to his old form. He’s completing 73.2% of his passes, with 8 TDs to only 3 INTs. Their running game is solid with HBs Mark Fletcher Jr and Charmar Brown combining for 9 TD runs. The defense has been solid. Getting sacks and pressures from all 3 levels. They don’t get out of position often.
QB Tommy Castellanos has come in and given this offense a spark, with his dual threat ability. His feet have done the most damage running for 217 yards and 4 TDs, not all on designed runs. HIs scrambling ability gives opposing defenses nightmares. The Seminole’s running game is top notch, as they’ve run for a combined 1,345 yards and 20 TDs already this season. The defensive backs are fast and fly all over the field, as Earl Little Jr leads the team in tackles (28), and Ashlynd Barker leads the team in sacks (2).
Prediction – Florida State is embarrassed by the upset last week and will come out swinging at home. This is a rivalry game, so it’d be close. I think Miami pulls it out on a Carson Beck TD late. Hurricanes win 28-24.
#16 Vanderbilt Commadores (5-0) at #10 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
That’s right, your read that correctly. Vanderbilt is ranked and undefeated. This isn’t your grandpappy’s “cakewalk” Commadores team.
The Commadores are led by “super senior” QB Diego Pavia. Arguably, the best dual-threat QB in the entire country. He’s completing 74.6% of his passes, for 1,211 yards with 13 TDs to only 3 INTs. He’s also ran for 294 yards with 2 TDs. He always keeps his eyes downfield when scrambling, and doesn’t make stupid mistakes. The defense gets pressure fast. They have 14 team sacks on the young season, led by EDGE Miles Capers with (3.5). They also create turnovers, with 7 forced fumbles, and have recovered 6 of them.
The loss to FSU in Week 1 has flipped something in the Crimson Tide. Their focus and play has been much more sound since then. Junior QB Ty Simpson has thrown for 1,138 yards with 11 TDs and 0 INTs. He’s taking care of the football and keeping the offense on the field. While the defense isn’t putting up the sack and turnover numbers from years past; they’re fast and haven’t been overpursing like last season and in Week 1. They’ve gone back to fundamentals, and it’s showing up on film.
Prediction – Vanderbilt isn’t sneaking up on Bama this time, like last season. The Commadores are a serious team. I so badly want to pick them, but something is telling me that the Crimson Tide will get it done at home. I’m taking Alabama in a close game 34-31.
#11 Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0) at Houston Cougars (4-0). Game starts at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.
Yes, you read that right. I’m saying the University of Houston football is a must watch. At least it is this week. They are scrapy and undefeated with 2 wins over “Power 4” schools already.
This is the biggest game for Houston since joining the Big-12 conference.
The Red Raiders offense has been balanced and efficient. QB Behren Morton has thrown for 1,065 yards with 11 TDs to only 3 INTs. The running game has 818 yards and 10 TDs on the season. The defense is led by one of the best LBs in the country (1 of my Top 10 players in all of America) Jacob Rodriguez, with 28 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.
The Cougars got QB Conner Weigman from Texas A&M in the transfer portal. He’s the game manager that they need. He’s thrown for 839 yards, with 6 TDs to only 1 INT. The team has won through opportunistic defense. They’ve got 5 INTs and 7 forced fumbles, to along with 9 sacks.
Prediction – The Cougars will keep it close for a half, before the Red Raiders pull away. Texas Tech wins 42- 24.
– by Sean McKenzie
Subscribe, follow, and like.
Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and ESPN.
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.
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.
allsportsfan 