I’ve been battling the flu for a week. I’m still fighting it, so I’m not feeling great.
I’m not gonna put in a long introductory start or even do a deep dive of evey game.
I’m just getting straight to the point.
In no particular order…..
#14 Houston Cougars (6-1) at #10 Utah Utes (6-0)
Game starts at 10:15 PM (EST) on Saturday night, on ESPN.
This is going to be a QB battle.
Casey Weigman (HOU) is completing 67.7% of his passes for 1,771 yards, 20 TDs to only 2 INTs. He can run the ball too, with 229 yards and 6 TDs.
Devon Dampier (UTAH) is completing 73.1% of his passes, for 1,412 yards, with 15 TDs, to 4 INTs. He also can run the ball, with 198 yards and 3 TDs.
Prediction – My brain is telling me to take Utah at home. However, something is nagging at me to take Houston on the road. I’m gonna listen to my brain, and take Utah in a close, high scoring game. 45-42.
#6 Indiana Hoosiers (6-1) at Michigan Wolverines (4-2). Game starts at 12:00 (Noon) (EST), Saturday afternoon, on FOX.
The Hoosiers are coming off their first loss in 1.5 seasons (they were the undefeated national champions last season). How will they respond???
Michigan has FINALLY benched QB Bryce Underwood, and freshman Tommy Carr (grandson of legendary Michigan coach Lloyd Carr) is getting his first career start. What a tough assignment too.
Prediction – I feel sooooooooooo bad for Tommy. He’s getting his dream coming true, and it’s against a very tough and fast defense. While “The Big House” is a difficult place to play, Indiana is too good and too well coached. Indiana wins 35-21.
The Floyd of Rosedale Trophy Game.
#15 Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on FS1.
These two teams have battling for this 98 lb bronze pig since 1935.
Iowa will be starting their backup QB Jeremy Hecklinski for the 2nd straight game. 1st string QB Hank Brown IS available but still dealing with a shoulder injury. HB Kamari Moulton ran for a career high 208 yards last week.
You NEVER know which Minnesota team is gonna show up on the field, on any given Saturday. If their offense (starting with QB Drake Lindsay) can ever match the play of their defense, this team could be a top tier team Big Ten team. PJ Fleck is a GREAT coach.
Prediction – Rivalry games are always so hard to predict. I don’t think “the bloom falls of the rose” for Iowa entirely this week, but I do think it’s gonna be a close game. Give me the Hawkeyes 23-20.
What a week of college football, Week 6 has in store for us.
The Red River Shootout/Rivalry between the #1 Texas Longhorns vs the Oklahoma Sooners. No matter the rankings, this game is always chippy and physical.
#14 Missouri Tigers are coming off a big win over (then ranked) #8 Florida, and they’re taking on the Texas A&M Aggies (who are rumored to be under investigation for NIL violations). Can the Tigers handle being the hunted, instead of the hunter???
Can Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule FINALLY beat a ranked team? They take on last year’s National Champions, #7 Indiana Hoosiers. Personally, I’m saying doubt it.
With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to pin down a list, but, here are the 3 games you should watch…..
1) #20 Iowa Hawkeyes (4-1) at Washington Huskies (3-2) Game starts at 9:00 PM (EST), Friday night, on FOX.
Both teams are coming off crushing losses (Iowa to Ohio State at home, and Washington at USC).
While, Iowa was simply outclassed on the field, Washington SHOULD have won, and simply choked the game away.
It seems like Iowa has finally found a good QB in Senior Hank Brown (832 yards, 5 TDs, and 1 INT). As usual with the Hawkeyes, it’s all about defense and the running game. Senior Kamari Moulton gets the bulk of the carries (50 carries for 311 yards, and 2 TDs), but Braeden Jackson, Xavier Williams, and Nathan McNeil all have over 100 yards on the ground. Senior LB Cam Buffington has 44 tackles to lead the team, and DE Joesph Anderson has 3 sacks.
Washington has one of my favorite dual-threat QBs to watch, Demond Williams Jr (1,327 yards, 8 TDs and 3 INTs in the passing game, 53 carries for 191 yards, and 2 TDs running). On defense, it all runs through Senior safety Alex McLaughlin, as he leads the team in total tackles (36), sacks (2.5), and INTs (2).
The Huskies are favored by 3 points (as of this writing).
Prediction – I badly want to take Washington. My gut is telling me that Williams will try too hard and cost his team the game late. Give me the Iowa Hawkeyes in a close 28-27 upset win.
2) #21 UCLA Bruins (4-0) at #13 Oregon Ducks (3-1). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on CBS.
Are Bob Chesney and his UCLA Bruins for real???
Well, we’re about to find out, as they face their toughest test BY FAR.
This Bruins offense goes through the running game, NOT QB Nico Iamaleava. Senior HB Wayne Knight followed Chesney from James Madsion and leads the team with 49 carries, for 445 yards, and 9 TDs. He’s not alone though. HBs Anthony Woods (36, 269, 4), and Jaivian Thomas (28, 155, 3), help shoulder the load. On defense, LB Sammy Omosigho simply has a nose for the football. He leads the team in total tackles (38), sacks (3), and forced fumbles (4).
Junior transfer QB Dylan Raiola (Nebraska) will get the start. He’s 30 for 36, for 413 yards, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs, so far this season. He’ll need to continue playing well, which he didn’t do at Nebraska. On defense, transfer S Koi Perich (Minnesota) leads the team in total tackles (24). LB Matayo Uiagalelei leads the team in sacks (3). DB Jett Washington leads the team in INTs (2) and forced fumbles (1). What does that tell you??? That they have playmakers all over the defensive back 7.
Prediction – The UCLA storyline is great, and Bob Chesney is going to bring the Bruins back to relevance for the next few years. HOWEVER, he’s in for a rude awakening. The Ducks are favored by 11.5, and I’ll take that. Ducks win 42-21.
3) #2 Georgia Bulldogs (5-0) at #5 Alabama Crimson Tide (5-0). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST), Saturday night, on ABC.
Get your pizza and popcorn ready, don’t forget your TUMS too (if you eat this late LOL); because this game is gonna be fun!!!
Georgia is led by the best QB in the SEC (yes, I said it) in Gunnar Stockton (1,049 yards, 13 TDs, 1 INT). He simply doesn’t make mistakes. They need the run game to step up in this game. Their leading rusher, HB Nate Frazier, only has 211 yards on the ground, but does have 5 TDs. As usual, the UGA LBs are fast and active. They have 9.5 of the teams 13 sacks and 4 of the teams 5 forced fumbles. They fly around to the football, and they will need to continue to cause turnovers in this game.
Alabama’s’ high-octane offense, is led by dual-threat Sophomore QB Keelon Russell. He’s thrown for 1,414 yards, 11 TDs and 2 INTs, and has run for 184 yards with 4 TDs. The Crimson Tide have 3 HBs with 200+ rushing yards, Daniel Hill (51 carries, 247 yards, 4 TDs), Trae’shawn Brown (42 carries, 211 yards, 5 TDs), and EJ Crowell (26 carries, 204 yards, 3 TDs). Future 1st round pick WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, leads the team with 20 catches, for 376 yards, and 4 TDs. The defense gets after the QB, as they have 16 team sacks this season, causing 8 INTs, and forcing 6 fumbles.
Prediction – Some think this will be high scoring. Some think this will be a defensive struggle. I think it’ll be in the middle. Alabama got them in the regular season last year, but lost in the conference title game. I DO NOT think that happens here. Bulldogs get the win in Tuscaloosa, 35-28.
What game do you think should’ve made the list???
– by Sean McKenzie
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and ESPN.
Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.
Alison Owens and Kale Vining were crowned as Homecoming King and Queen at Friday nights football game.
The small town of Convoy, Ohio had been abuzz all week long. It was homecoming week at Crestview Local Schools.
Spirit Week had kids and teachers dressing in their PJs, Whiteout Wednesday, dressing up as their favorite hero or villain, and then the home colors last night.
The smell of Friday night popcorn and pizza from Cheers and Gears Bar & Grille filled the air, as people milled about and talked at the concession stand.
As the Knights football took to the field, the kids and the home crowd were hyped up and ready.
Unfortunately, that would be as good as it would get for the Knights, as they would lose to the visiting Allen East Mustangs 41-0.
The Knights would bobble the opening kickoff but recover. They’d drive down the field, all the way to the 11 yardline. They’d get a holding penalty on 4th down. They’d miss the field goal with 6:05 left in the game.
The Mustangs immediately responded with a 38 yard TD run by HB Miles McDorman, to end the 1st quarter with a 7-0 led.
Allen East would get another TD from McDorman from 30 yards, then QB Keagan Jones would find WR Cam Smith for 2 TDs in the second quarter, for 66 yards and 55 yards, and take a 27-0 lead into the locker room at the half.
In the third quarter, QB Keagan Jones would score on a 30 yard scramble, and a 2 yard run by McDorman.
Allen East HB Miles McDorman scores his 3rd touchdown of the day, on this 2 yard run.
McDorman would finish the game with 141 yards, on 15 carries with 3 TDs.
Knights Freshman QB Calin Balliet went 14-21 for 75 yards, but threw 3 INTs. One of which, was an absolutely TERRIBLE missed DPI (defensive pass interference) by the side judge.
I spoke with Knights Head Coach Cole Harting after the game.
“We operated really well on that opening drive, until we got into the redzone. That penalty backed us up and we weren’t able to finish that. Scott kicked well in practice, so we decided to give him a shot. We missed, and from that point on, we couldn’t a get stop when we needed it. Couldn’t get a first down, when we needed it. We got to do a better job of executing the little things. We just got to get better at that, and if not, it’s going to be a long rest of the season.”
The Daily Dose in Convoy is a sponsor of the allsportsfan.com Player of the Game. For all your special-tea drinks, high protein breakfast and snacks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.
The Knights are now 1-5 overall and 1-2 in Northwest Conference play. They travel to take on the Delphos Jefferson Wildcats (3-3 overall 0-3 NWC), next Friday Night at 7:00 PM (EST).
Well, it’s Week 4, and that means for most college football teams; we are a quarter (25%) of the way through the season.
There are a lot of good games this week, as conference play begins for a lot to teams.
Of course, E(SEC)PN or just ESPN is just promoting the living crap out of the SEC games.
This is a GREAT week for SEC football though, so as annoying as it is, it’s actually justified this week.
I will say this, #1 Texas Longhorns vs #14 Tennessee Volunteers (Game starts at Saturday afternoon, 12:00 PM Noon, on ABC), is NOT on my list. Neither you nor I, have any interest in seeing TEN HC Josh Heupel meltdown in a big game again.
Neither you nor I, want to watch the extremely overrated South Carolina QB LaNorris Sellers pull another Heupel, against #8 Alabama Crimson Tide (Game starts Saturday night, at 7:00 PM, on ESPN).
So without further ado, are the REAL Top 3 games you should watch this weekend (in no particular order)…..
1) #4 Ole Miss Rebels (3-0) at #21 Florida Gators (3-0). Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST), Saturday afternoon, on ABC.
I could go on and give you all the stats, and make your eyes cross as you read this.
I won’t do that.
This game is going to show us if the Florida Gators are for real, and deserve to be ranked.
Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss and HB Kewan Kacy are going to score points.
Can Florida QB Aaron Philo and HB Jaden Baugh, keep up.
That’s the nut and bolts of this game. Plain and simple.
Prediction – The Ole Miss offense is simply too much. Give me the Rebels BIG. 42-21.
2) #20 Oregon Ducks (2-1) at USC Trojans (4-0). Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST), Saturday night, on NBC.
This is a rivalry game. It means a lot on the West Coast, especially on the recruiting trail.
The Oregon Ducks have the worst P4 (Power 4) loss of the season (to Oklahoma State), and then put up 84 points against Portland State.
They have to win this game. This is their only ranked opponent until November 7th (Ohio State).
For USC, they don’t have to win this game. They still play 3 more ranked teams (as of now), in Penn State (October 10th), Ohio State (October 31st), and Indiana (November 14th). They have small bit of leeway.
Prediction – USC is a different team at home than on the road. I’ll take the Trojans in a close game 35-31.
2) Oklahoma State Cowboys (2-1) at West Virginia Mountaineers (3-0). Games starts at 7:00 PM (EST), Saturday night, on FS1.
Nobody is talking about this game, and that is a big mistake. This is going to be a really fun game to watch. BOTH teams have momentum in their favor.
The Cowboys are still riding high off their massive upset of the afore mentioned Oregon Ducks.
Cowboys QB Drew Mestemaker is your classic “gunslinger”. He’s going to make incredible throws and some boneheaded throws. He’ll always keep them in contention.
They’re gonna need HB Caleb Hawkins to continue to ground out the yards in this game, and keep the WVU offense off the field.
Speaking of…..
West Virginia is coming off their 38-27 upset win over (than ranked) #25 Virginia last week.
Mountaineers QB Micheal Hawkins Jr is the entire offense. He’s thrown for 477 yards, with 5 TDs and 0 INTs, and he’s the leading rusher with 44 carries, for 322 yards, and 6 TDs.
They need SOMEBODY ELSE to step up.
Prediction – This is going to be a game of “big moments” and back and forth play. WVU is favored by 1.5 points. This is hard, but I trust the proven QB that can throw. Give me Oklahoma State to go into Morgantown and win on a game winning drive 28-27.
What game are you looking forward to the most???
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and USAToday.
As Week 3 of the college football season, typically has the non-conference games being wrapped up, unless you’re SEC, it’s hard to determine which games are worth your time.
I’m an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, but the truth is, that I’m not going to be watching a lot of their against Kent State (Noon on FOX) on my 4-way split screen TV.
I’m not picking #7 LSU Tigers at #8 Ole Miss Rebels, (7:00 PM (EST) on ABC), because it’s too easy, and we all, already know it’s a big game.
You gotta get through the muck, of the schedule, and that’s what I’m here for.
Here are the Top 3 games that I’ll be paying attention to the most.
1) #22 Houston Cougars 2-0 at Texas Tech Red Raiders (2-0).
Gametime is Friday Night, at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.
The Cougars are led by 5th year Senior QB Casey Weigman. He likes to spread the ball around, with 3 WRs already over 100 yards receiving. Against Texas Tech, they’ll need HBs Makhi Hughes and Re’Shaun Sanford to keep averaging over 5 YPC, to alleviate the pressure. On defense, they have active DBs, that get involved in pass rush, as DB Javion White leads the team with 2 sacks. That has to change. That front four needs to start getting pressure.
The Red Raiders are led by QB Will Hammond. He’s a pure pocket passer, completing 76% of his passes. He’s also taken 4 sacks. Junior HB J’Koby Williams leads the team in rushing with 187 yards and 2 TD, and receptions, with 10 catches. Texas Tech always has smart linebackers, and that continues. Senior Jamond Mathis leads the team with 2.5 sacks. LBs Ben Roberts (15) and Austin Romaine (12) are tackling machines.
Prediction – Everytime I picked against the Cougars last season, they won. I’d like to say that I learned my lesson, but NOPE!!! Give me Texas Tech at home 34-30.
2) #16 SMU Mustangs (2-0) at #23 Louisville Cardinals (1-1).
Gametime is Saturday afternoon at 3:30 PM (EST) on ESPN2.
The Mustangs are led by one of the best and most fun QBs in college football in Senior Kevin Jennings. He is must see TV. Jennings is completing over 76% of his passes, for 767 yards, with 8 TDs and 2 INTs. The entire offense runs through him. On defense, they’re led by Senior S Jimmy Wyrick. He leads the team in tackles (11) and sacks (2).
The Cardinals are led by Ohio State transfer Junior QB Lincoln Kienholz. He’s completely 68% of his passes for 639 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. He also leads the team in rushing with 20 carries for 111 yards, and 3 TDs. Can he keep this pace up for an entire season? On defense, their top 3 tacklers are all DBs, in Koen Entringer, Kaleb Beasley, and DJ Waller Jr. They only have 1 sack through 2 games. That’s not good enough.
Prediction – It’s always hard to count out Louisville. They’re a scrappy team. Kevin Jennings is the better QB and they have the better defense. Mustangs win 42-27.
3) Virginia Tech Hokies (2-0) at Maryland Terrapins (2-0).
Gametime is Saturday night at 7:30 PM (EST) on FS1.
Hokies QB Ethan Grunkmeyer followed head coach James Franklin to the Hokies, from Penn State. He’s completing 77% of his passes for 551 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. HBs Jeffrey Overton and Marcellous Hawkins Jr, have rushed for over 263 yards and 6 TDs, through 2 games. On defense, they have 12 sacks through 2 games, led by DL Mylachi Williams and Cortez Harris, with 3 each. Both are also tied for the team lead in tackles (7).
The Terrapins are led by Sophomore Malik Washington. He’s completing 73% of his passes, for 533 yards, with 3 TDs and 0 INTs. On defense, LBs Trey Reddick (12) and Carlton Smith (10) lead the team in tackles. Overall, they have 10 sacks and 3 INTs.
The underwriting storyline of this game, is that Virginia Tech, paid Maryland $600,000 to cancel games in 2027 and 2028. This originally was supposed to be a 4 game home and home series, to renew a regional rivalry game. They will play this game, and the final game will be played in 2029.
Prediction – Both of these defenses are off to hot starts. It simply comes down to which HC I trust more…..James Franklin or Mike Locksley??? I’ll take Franklin and Virginia Tech 21-14, in a defensive game.
What game are you excited to watch??? Drop a comment.
After what has seemed like a long, long, spring and summer, us college football fans, can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
We are all still in a sense of disbelief, that the historically worst team in college football, the Indiana Hoosiers, won the College Football National Championship.
While “recruiting battles” and keeping up with the all the coaching changes kept our appetites wet, there is nothing like seeing them clash on the field.
I could hem and haw about all the new changes in the offseason, but, I’m going to get right to the meat of the matter (go back and read my articles).
So, without further ado, here are my college football season predictions.
1) Who will win the ACC, B12, B10 and SEC?
NIL (name, image, and likeness), has stopped the SEC from cheating (which a lot of former players openly admit now) and has now leveled the playing field. Hence, we have Indiana winning the Natty.
It makes the conferences deeper than ever before. We no longer just have Alabama and Georgia in the SEC. Ohio State and Michigan and the B10.
I’ll start with the ACC, and let’s be honest here. It’s the Miami Hurricanes. They avoid the other Top 2 contenders (SMU and Louisville) in the regular season. Unless something catastrophic happens, I expect them to finish conference play undefeated.
The most fun conference to watch every season, is by far the Big-12. Why you ask? Because they’ve had 5 different conference champions in the last 5 season. You never know who is going to win, and that makes it fun.
Daily Dose in Convoy, has you covered for all your Protein Breakfast Bowls, Protein Snacks, and Special Tea needs. On the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for morning and afternoon hours.
All the “experts” on ESPN, or as us fans call them, E(SEC)PN, are picking the Texas Tech Red Raiders to win back-to-back conference titles. While it’s possible, it’s certainly NOT a given. They do miss out on having to play BYU, and they do get Houston at home (Sept 18th at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX). They lost a lot of production at quarterback and on defense. Projected QB starter Will Hammond is coming off an ACL, that he suffered in October last year.
The BYU Cougars and Houston Cougars, are returning their starting QBs, in Bear Bachmeier and Conner Weigman. Both the Cougar teams are returning the majority of their defensive starters from last season as well.
Ultimately, I think Texas Tech makes it back-to-back, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they don’t.
It’s an absolute crapshoot in the Big-10. Almost everyone is picking the Ohio State Buckeyes, Oregon Ducks, or the Indiana Hoosiers. However, do not count out the USC Trojans.
They return starting QB Jordan Maiava, HB King Miller, and all five starters along their offensive line. Five players return on defense as well. They schedule did them no favors though. They have Oregon (Sept 28th) and Ohio State (Oct 31st) at home, and travel to Indiana (Nov 14th). Do not be shocked if USC wins 2 of these games and make it to Indianapolis.
At the end of it all, I think it’ll come down to the Buckeyes and Ducks. I think Ohio State beats Oregon on November 7th in Columbus, but the Ducks clip them in the Big-10 Championship Game, to win conference title.
Down in the SEC, the most talented team is the Texas Longhorns. They avoid Georgia and Alabama in the regular season. They get Ole Miss at home (Oct 24th) and ARE going to get revenge, and just clobber Florida at home (Oct 17th). They do have to travel to Texas A&M to finish the regular season (Nov 27th). I think if they can avoid injuries, they’ll win the conference.
However, you can never count out the Georgia Bulldogs, and do not sleep on Mike Elko and Texas A&M. The Aggies return starting QB Marcel Reed. If her can cut down on his 12 INTs, they’ll give Alabama (Oct 24th) and Texas (Nov 27th) a very serious scare.
2) Notre Dame will finish inside the Top 4.
Yes, I know that Notre Dame lost their top 2 running backs from last season in Jeremiyah Love (3rd overall pick) and Jadarian Price (32nd overall), but, CJ Carr returning at quarterback, after an impressive freshman season (2,741 yards, with 24 TDs and 6 INTs).
The Irish went out and got former Ohio State WRs Quincy Porter and Myles Graham in the transfer portal to give him weapons on the perimeter and offset the loss of the running game. Three offensive lineman return, and Notre Dame always has good tight ends.
They return 7 starters on defense, including quite possibly the best CB tandem in all of college football (Leonard Moore and Christian Gray), and All-American S Tae Johnson. It’s going to be a nightmare throw against them.
They also used the portal to get better along the defensive line, pairing newcomers DE Keon Keeley (Alabama), DT Francis Brewu (Pitt), and DT Tione Gray (Oregon), with returning starters DE Boubacar Traore and DT Jason Onye.
They two toughest games are at home, against the Miami Hurricanes (Now 7th) and SMU (Nov 21st). They do travel to play the always sneaky tough BYU (Oct 17th). Other than that, their schedule is easy.
I fully expect them to be 11-1 or even 12-0 at the end of the season.
3) Boise State will be the lone Group of 6 school in the College Football Playoffs.
Last year the College Football Playoff Committee put 2 Group of Five schools in the playoff, and it went absolutely terrible with blowout losses, with Oregon beating James Madison 51-34, and Ole Miss beating Tulane 41-10.
They’ve learned their lesson. It won’t happen again.
Boise State is the best team in the newly reformed Pac-12 and all the Group of 6 schools (Pac-12, Mountain West, Conference USA, MAC, American Athletic, and Sun Belt).
Starting quarterback Maddux Madsen returns after throwing for 2,334 yards with 18 TDs and 9 INTs. HB Duke Riley is also returning after turning down multiple offers from P4 teams. He ran for 1,125 yards and 10 TDs. They return 3 starters along the offensive line (C, RG, RT).
They return 3 of 4 starters on the defensive line, for a defense that finished ranked 39th best overall in the country last season. They are going to rely heavily on them, as the “back 7” only returns 2 starters, in LB Boen Phelps and CB Jaden Mickey.
The Broncos have an incredibly tough game to open the season, against the Oregon Ducks (Sept 9th, at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS).
Their toughest conference games, are all at home (Utah State on Oct 3rd, Texas State on Oct 31st, and San Diego State on Nov 21st) as well.
4) The 1st Head Coach to be fired will be…..
With all the off the field distractions going on with Head Coach Bill Belichicks’ personal life, now GM Mike Lombardi and DC Steve Belichick have been suspended, with an external investigations ongoing, he’s already on the hot seat.
They open their schedule against 5 teams that made a bowl game appearance, in their first 6 games.
I am predicting the Tar Heels only win will be against East Tennessee State (Sept 12th), and he’ll be fired before Oct 24th game at home against Syracuse.
OC Bobby Petrino will take over and lead them to wins over Syracuse, UConn, and an upset win over Virigina.
5) Who will make the College Football Playoffs.
First Round Byes
Oregon Ducks Texas Longhorns Miami Hurricanes Norte Dame Fighting Irish
First Round Games
#12 Boise State at #5 Ohio State. #11 Indiana at #6 Texas Tech. #10 Ole Miss at #7 Georgia. #9 USC at #8 Texas A&M.
Quarter-final Games
#5 Ohio State vs #4 Notre Dame. #9 USC vs #1 Oregon. #11 Indiana vs #3 Miami. #7 Georgia vs #2 Texas.
Semi-Final Games
#5 Ohio State vs #1 Oregon. #3 Miami vs #2 Texas.
National Championship Game
#5 Ohio State vs #2 Texas.
Voted the Best Pizza and Best Beer in Van Wert County, stop into Cheers and Gears Bar & Grille for all your lunch and supper needs. On the corner of US-49 and Tully Street, across the street from Daily Dose.
National Champion
Ohio State wins their 2nd national championship in 3 years, when they go on a similar run, as they did in 2024.
What are your predictions for the upcoming college football season?
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of….. ESPN, NCAA, and Lindy’s.
The college football season is just around the corner.
We get our gear out and make sure it’s washed, fresh, and ready.
We plan our holidays and special events, around what time our favorite teams play and when the “big games” are on TV.
It’s the time of year, where we lose our minds because our team threw an interception or fumbled the football. All the while, our wives sit on the couch thinking…..”I can’t believe I’m married to that man.” LOL.
So, in honor of this glorious time of year, I’m here to help you get your calendar set and ready.
Here are 3 “under the radar” non-conference games, you have to watch.
FYI…..No, Ohio State vs Texas is not on the list, because we all know, it’s the best non-conference game this season.
UNLV Rebels at Memphis Tigers Saturday, August 29th, at 10:00 PM (EST) on FOX.
The winner of this game, COULD end up with the guaranteed college football spot, awarded to the highest ranked G6 school.
UNLV and head coach Dan Mullen is coming off a 10-4 season and a second-place finish, in his first season at the helm. The Rebels went out and got former Oklahoma and Auburn quarterback, Jackson Arnold to come in and lead the offense. Senior running back Jai’den Thomas ran for 1,036 yards with 12 TDs last season. The offense will lean heavily on him, as they lost their top four wide receivers. The defense only returns three starters, and is looking for a lot of players to step up.
Memphis has a new head coach in Charles Huff (my 3rd favorite hire in the offseason), and he’ll have his work cut out for himself. Starting with choosing a starting quarterback. It’s between former Ohio State and South Carolina backup Air Noland and D2 West Florida transfer Marcus Stokes, who had 30 passing and 10 rushing TDs last season. They only have 1 returning starter on offense. On defense, a lot of players followed Huff from Southern Miss, and they’ll lean on that familiarity.
Prediction– Give me the Rebels to make a statement that last season wasn’t a fluke, with a big 35-17 win.
Mississippi State Bulldogs at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Saturday, September 12th at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS.
First, KUDOS to Mississippi State for having the “stones” to actually play a Big Ten school, in Big Ten country. The SEC has historically and still refuse, preferring “neutral site” games.
Both teams have tough conference schedules, and need to win this game, for a chance at a .500 record and a bowl game at the end of the season.
The Bulldog offense returns all three interior offensive linemen, and WR Anthony Edwards returns though (67 catches, 831 yards, 4 TDs). Sophomore quarterback Kamario Taylor played in 11 games, as a true freshman last season (629 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT, with 82 carries, for 458 yards, with 8 TDs). He’s a serious dual-threat problem. On defense, they return 5 starters. The return of DE Will Whitson(injury) and Florida State transfer Amaree Williams should improve the pass rush. The speed and depth in the DB room is vastly improved, and should be a stength.
The Golden Gophers return their starting QB, HB, LT, LG, and C, so plenty of experience on that side of the ball. Quarterback Drake Lindsay started as a true freshman last season, and finished with 3,382 yards, 18 TDs and 6 INTs. Running back Darius Taylor had 915 total yards last season, and he’ll need to stay healthy, after missing 3 games. On defense, they only gave up 23 points per game, and were good against the run (38th overall). They struggled against the pass (83rd). Returning DB starters John Nestor and Kerry Brown, will have to step up and be prepare to lead an inexperience room.
Prediction – Gophers Head Coach P.J. Fleck struggles in big games, and this will be no different. I think the Bulldogs come in and get a tough 28-24 win.
Arkansas Razorbacks at Utah Utes Saturday, September 12th, 10:15 PM (EST) on ESPN.
Utah lost its long time head coach Kyle Whittingham (21 years), and Arkansas got a hot, new head coach. It’s a game of opposites, in this clash of P4 teams, that could possibly be heading in different directions with all the turnover.
Arkansas finally lured Ryan Silverfield away from Memphis. He brings a high octane offensive mindset. The quarterback position is unsettled, but whether it’s sophomore KJ Jackson or freshman AJ Hill (who followed Silverfield from Memphis), they’ll have some quality depth at wide receiver with former 4-star Chris Marshall, CJ Brown, and Ismael Cisse. On defense, they only return 2 starters (DE Quincey Rhodes Jr and LB Bradley Shaw). They’ll rely heavily on former 4-star transfers, DT Hunter Osborne (Virginia), DT Xadavien Sims (Oregon), and NT Carlon Jones (USC), to fix a run defense that finished 114th against the run last season. The entire secondary is new, so that defensive line, really needs to step up.
Utah enters a new era with Morgan Scalley at the helm. They’ll have starting quarterback Devon Dampier (2,490 yards passing, 835 yards rushing, 24 passing TDs, 10 rushing TDs, and only 5 INTs) returning. The entire offensive line is new, as last season’s OTs Fano (Browns) and Lomu (Patriots) were 1st round picks in the NFL Draft. On defense, Utah is always a tough, hard-nosed defense. They were 17th in PPG allowed (18.9) and passing yards allowed (177.8). Returning starters, LB Johnathan Hall, NB Jackson Bennee, and CB Elijah Davis, will lead with all new starters along the defensive line, and new starters in the defensive back seven.
Prediction – I think this will be a great, high scoring first half, before Utah pulls away in the second, for a 42-28 win.
What game this season, do you think is flying under the radar?
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and Lindy’s.
There are only 62, long days until the first college football game of the 2026-27 starts, when the North Carolina Tar Heels take on the Texas Christian Horned Frogs, on Saturday August 29th, in Dublin, Ireland, at 12:00 PM Noon, on ESPN.
Until then, we have to anxiously wait, and overanalyze everything there is to analyze about college football. We read all the magazines, listen to podcasts, and try not to let ESPN brainwash us with their bias drivel (they own SEC Network and hold exclusive rights to all conference games).
For those of us who watch the games, we know that Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning isn’t worthy of being Top 5, let alone being the “front runner” as ESPN, Lindy’s, and so many others have him.
So, without further ado, here are the REAL Top 5 Heisman Trophy Pre-season front runners. (in no particular order)
Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes.
Sayin was a Heisman Trophy finalist last season, after completing an incredible 77% of his passes (3rd most in FBS history), for 3,610 yards, with 32 TDs to only 8 INTs. Yes, he has WR Jeremiah Smith to throw to, but he lost WR Carnell Tate in the draft (Tennessee Titans), and TE Max Klare (Rams) to the NFL. He will be asked to shoulder more of the load this season,
He’ll have plenty of BIG games this season, as the Buckeyes play at Texas (Sept 12th), at Indiana (Oct 17th), at USC (Oct 31st), home against Oregon (Nov 7th), and against Michigan (Nov 28th).
Darian Menseh, QB, Miami Hurricanes.
He led the Duke Blue Devils to an ACC Championship, throwing for 3,973 yards, with 34 TDs to only 6 INTs. He transferred to Miami, and will have far better on the field talent, throwing to WR Malachi Toney. He’ll have to dominate, which he’s shown he can do, because the Hurricanes schedule is weak. The game in South Bend, IN against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, on Nov 7th, is his biggest test.
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon.
Moore threw for 3,565 yards, with 30 TDs and 10 INTs. He lost his top two pass catchers from last season, so he’s going to be asked to carry a much heavier load this season. He showed an ability to use his feet last season, and that will help his game this season. He would’ve been the second quarterback takin in this past draft, had he decided to leave, but he returned to make one last run at a National Championship.
Games at USC (Sept 28th), and at Ohio State (Nov 7th) will be his biggest chances to show out to the Heisman committee.
Honorable Mention:
CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..foxsports, clutchpoints, canesinsight, and SI.
The Browns started the draft with 2 picks in the first round, at #6 and #24, thanks to the trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season (Travis Hunter).
They also had 2 very glaring holes on their roster. Offensive tackle and wide receiver. The question was always, which order would they address them. Would it be WR/OT or OT/WR?
Amongst the draft analysts and pundits, it was split almost 50/50. The fans however, were overwhelming in favor of going WR with pick #6, and hoping that one of the OTs would fall to #24. The particular WR that most Browns fans wanted, was Carnell Tate, the wide receiver from Ohio State. They ended up doing what I was in favor of, and taking an OT first, then take a WR second.
They not only addressed their biggest needs in the first round, but 4 of their first 5 overall picks were either a WR or OT. They doubled up on TE with 2 of their final 3 picks, and took the most athletic quarterback in this class.
Cheers and Gears Bar & Grill, located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street in Convoy, Ohio. Pizza, burgers, daily lunch specials, and the best mozzarella sticks in Van Wert County. Check out their Facebook page for hours and menu.
Draft Picks.
Pick 9: OT Spencer Fano, Utah Utes My OL1 in this class. Played LT his freshman year at Utah, before moving to RT. Great footwork, and athletic ability to mirror defenders. Doesn’t get beat very often with spin or swim moves. Great use of his hands in pass protection. Very strong and violent hands. Great balance. His hips and feet stay centered, allowing him to absorb that initial contact from bull rushes. Has the strength to move defenders in the run game, and get to the second level. He finishes on every snap. Does a great job of turning his hips, to allow a clear running lane for the running back in the B gap. My grade – A+
Pick 24: WR KC Concepion, Texas A&M Aggies Arguably the most athletic receiver in this class. Fast and great acceleration off the line of scrimmage. Can make defenders miss with his jukes and spin moves. Dynamic punt returner (see LSU game). Absolutely TERRIBLE hands. Way too many drops. All the athletic ability in the world, don’t mean diddly squat, if you can’t consistently catch the football. My grade – F
Pick 39: WR Denzel Boston, Washington Huskies My WR2 in this class. Absolute steal at 39. He’s a true big X receiver, at 6’4″ and 212 lbs. Catches everything thrown his way. 2nd best route runner in this class. The way he snaps off his routes, creates the separation from CBs that he doesn’t get with speed. Knows how to high point the ball. Huge catch radius. Had 20 TDs in 2 seasons. My grade – A+
Pick 58: S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo Rockets Arguably “the steal of the draft”. My S3. Tall safety at 6’4″. Plays his best games, against better competition. Willing tackler. Turnover machine. Had 8 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions in his college career. Can play single high safety, and play in the box. Possible Grant Delpit replacement, as his contract expires after this season. My grade – A+
Pick 86: OT Austin Barber, Florida Gators Absolute mauler in the run game. Great feet, makes it easy for him to slide. Gets to the second level fast. Very strong hands. Very experienced, with 47 games in 5 seasons. Does struggle with double moves. Struggles with the “Wide 9” formation. My grade – B
Pick 146: C Parker Brailsford, Alabama Crimson Tide Quick off the snap, allowing him to reach the second level fast. Great feet (see a theme here). Finishes every single rep through the whistle (see Georgia game). High football IQ and very aware of his surroundings. Picks up twists and delayed blitzes with ease. Smooth as silk on pull blocks and working in space. Better pass protecter than run blocker. Small for position. Only 6’2″ and 282 lbs. Penalty prone (17 flags in 3 seasons). My grade – B
Pick 149: LB Justin Jefferson, Alabama Crimson Tide Fast. He has 4.5 sideline-to-sideline speed. Smooth backpedal when playing in zone coverage. Great tackler. His “missed tackle rate” dropped every season, as he progressed through college. His speed, acceleration, and ability to flip his hips in transition, allow him to stay with tight ends and running backs. He’s a classic WLB at 227 lbs. Struggles to hold up at the point of attack. Often just washed away in the run game. My grade – B+
Pick 170: TE Joe Royer, Cincinnati Bearcats My TE5. A steal in this spot. Great hands. BIG catch radius, at 6’5″. Excellent football IQ. He finds the soft spots in zone and just sits. Giving his QB a big easy target. Seeks out contact, running through arm tackles and lowering his head for that first down. Good route runner, using his feet and head fakes to get open when covered man-to-man. Has the speed to play in the slot and beat out linebackers and safties that drop down. Lacks strength in the run game. His willingness to fight for extra yards, has resulted in fumbles (see Miami game). My grade – A.
Pick 182: QB Taylen Green, Arkansas Razorbacks Absolute athletic freak for a QB. Tremendous ability to turn a sack, into a first down. Very strong arm. High release point means very few batted passes. GOD AWFUL accuracy. Wouldn’t trust him to hit the broadside of a barn at 10 yards. When pressured, runs backwards instead of climbing the pocket. His overconfidence in his athletic abilities, leads to taking too many sacks and plays resulting in loss of yards. Too loosie-goosie with the football when running. A HORRIBLE TD-INT ratio (53-35). My grade – F
Pick 248: TE Carsen Ryan, BYU Cougars Good size at 6’4″ and 250 lbs. Decent production when thrown to. 45 catches, for 620 yards, and 4 TDs. A willing and capable blocker in the run game. Short arms, means a small catch radius. Needs to improve route running on short and intermediate routes. Almost completely stops when taking on lead blocking role. My grade – C
For your high protein breakfast oatmeal, snacks, and bagels, as well as boba, and special drinks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located at the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for new upcoming summer hours and drink menu.
Overall, Browns General Manager Andrew Berry did a tremendous job addressing their most pressing needs and building depth on the offensive side of the ball. The 2 players chosen on the defensive side of the ball are going to contribute on Day 1. Whether that’s McNeil-Warren replacing Hickman at FS or being the primary backup at both safety spots; as well as Jefferson being the primary backup to Schwesinger and/or Williams at linebacker.
New Browns head coach Todd Monken has proven that he’s able to adapt his offensive play calling, around the players on his roster.
This draft tells me that he’s going to run a lot of 12-personnel formations. He’s going to put one of the TE’s (Fannin Jr or Royer) in the slot, and have a smart, pass blocking first center, making the offensive line calls. His offensive linemen will pull and stretch the defense with zone runs, and then find the wide receivers and tight ends, in the intermediate zone of the field.
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..NFL, NCAA, PFF, and ESPN.
The city of Pittsburgh set a new record, with an attendance of over 805,000 people, over the 3-day event.
257 players had their dreams come true, hearing their names called on stage.
The 1st pick wasn’t a surprise as National Champion and Heisman Trophy Winning QB Fernando Mendoza went to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders also ended the epic slide of CB Jermod McCoy, when they took him with the 101st pick, in the 4th round. The slide was due to medical reports on his knee, otherwise he’d been takin in the 1st round.
There were 11 Ohio State Buckeyes taken, the most in this 2026 NFL Draft Class.
There were 10 Quarterbacks drafted.
There were a whopping 36 WRs drafted.
The Naval Academy had 2 players selected this year. DT Landon Robinson with the 226th pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, and Eli Heidenreich with the 230th pick, to his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers. Both were taken in the 7th round.
Mr. Irrelevant (the name for the player chosen last in the draft), is Red Murdock, LB, from the University of Buffalo.
There were quite a few really good classes this year. Teams did really well at addressing needs and playing the board.
There were also a few stinkers, as well.
So, without further ado, here are a few of the best and worst team class this year.
My Cleveland Browns had one of the best draft classes, however, I will be writing a stand-alone article on them, so they are not included here.
BEST – Carolina Panthers.
Pick 19: T Monroe Freeling, Georgia Bulldogs
Pick 49: DL Lee Hunter, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Pick 83: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee Volunteers
Pick 129: CB Will Lee lll, Texas A&M Aggies
Pick 144: C Sam Hecht, Kansas State Wildcats
Pick 151: S Zakee Wheatley, Penn State Nittany Lions
Pick 227: LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami (OH) RedHawks
Every single one of these picks, have the chance to be full-time starters, either this season or next season. Freeling might be starting Day 1, because LT Ikem Ekwonu is recovering from a major season ending injury late last season, and RT Taylor Morton is 31 years old and has only 2 years left on his contract.
WORST – Jacksonville Jaguars
Pick 56: TE Nate Boerkircher, Texas A&M Aggies
Pick 81: DI Albert Regis, Texas A&M Aggies
Pick 88: G Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon Ducks
Pick 100: S Jalen Huskey, Maryland Terrapins
Pick 119: ED Wesley Williams, Duke Blue Devils
Pick 164: TE Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars
Pick 191: WR Josh Cameron, Baylor Bears
Pick 203: WR CJ Williams, Stanford Cardinal
Pick 233: ED Zach Durfee, Washington Huskies
Pick 240: LB Parker Hughes, Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
I’m not even going to pretend to know, what the hell the Jaguars were doing. I’m sure this all makes sense in their heads, not only myself, but some Jaguars fans that I spoke to, are completely baffled. I will say this though…. OG Emmanuel Pregnon is a D-A-W-G!!! He was one of my favorite offensive linemen in this entire class.
At least with the 49ers, I knew what their gameplan was here. They’re wanting Stribling to be the replacement for Aiyuk…..OK, but there were better players on the board. I do like CB Prysock. He’s a big corner with long arms, and does a good job locating the ball when it’s in the air. LT Trent Williams is probably retiring after this season, and by taking 2 OTs in Willis and Cruz Jr, they’re hoping for a mid/late round steal. It ain’t happening.
BEST – New York Jets
Pick 2: ED David Bailey, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Pick 16: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon Ducks
Pick 30: WR Omar Cooper Jr, Indiana Hoosiers
Pick 50: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana Hoosiers
Pick 103: DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles
Pick 110: QB Cade Klubnik, Clemson Tigers
Pick 188: G Anez Cooper, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
Pick 228: S VJ Payne, Kansas State Wildcats
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what the New York Jets did in this class. They got the #1 rated DE/EDGE rusher. They got the #1 rated TE. They got my #4 WR prospect. They got the #1 rated Slot CB, who CAN play outside as well. Let me tell you, when Darrell Jackson keeps his hands disciplined and in line with his hips and feet, he just dominates inside. So much potential. QB Cade Klubnik had a down season, but he has great timing and accuracy on all levels of the field, with a smooth throwing motion. Do NOT be surprised, if he easily beats out Brady Cook for the backup QB spot, and plays significant time if Geno Smith struggles as the starter.
WORST – Dallas Cowboys
Pick 11: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State Buckeyes
Pick 23: ED Malachi Lawrence, UCF Knights
Pick 92: ED Jaishawn Barham, Michigan Wolverines
Pick 112: T Drew Shelton, Penn State Nittany Lions
Pick 114: CB Devin Moore, Florida Gators
Pick 137: ED LT Overton, Alabama Crimson Tide
Pick 218: WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina Pirates
They had THE BEST pick in the 1st round, with the #1 overall player in the entire draft (safety Caleb Downs) just fall into their lap. After that, they completely tanked. They wanna get more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, that’s great, but there were far better options at 23, 92, and even 137. It’s like they just threw spaghetti on the wall, and hoping that something sticks. OT Drew Shelton struggles against good competition, and the NFC East is a tough place for linemen.
BEST – Miami Dolphins
Pick 12: T Kadyn Proctor, Alabama Crimson Tide
Pick 27: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State Aztecs
Pick 43: LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Pick 75: WR Caleb Douglas, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Pick 87: TE Will Kacmarek, Ohio State Buckeyes
Pick 94: WR Chris Bell, Louisville Cardinals
Pick 130: LB Trey Moore, Texas Longhorns
Pick 138: LB Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh Panthers
Pick 158: S Michael Taaffe, Texas Longhorns
Pick 177: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri Tigers
Pick 180: TE Seydou Traore, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Pick 200: G DJ Campbell, Texas Longhorns
Other than their first pick (OT Kadyn Proctor), who is going to absolutely fail miserably, this is a GREAT draft by Miami. CB Chris Johnson is a Day 1 starting cornerback. LB Jacob Rodriguez is a turnover machine and is always around the football. WR Chris Bell was a LOCK to be a 1st Round WR before he tore his ACL late last season. He’s a great X WR and will be starting as soon as he is medically cleared. LB Kyle Louis is a tacking machine. S Michael Taaffe can do everything you need a safety to do.
In summary, the 2026 Draft Class will go down as one of the strangest classes of all-time, certainly in my lifetime. Shocking picks, epic slides, a record-breaking number of trades, kept not just the teams on their toes, but fans on the edge of their seats or wondering….. “What the heck are they doing?”
For the delicious breakfast bowls and bagels, as well as high protein snacks, and boba drinks, stop into The Daily Dose in Convoy. Located on the corner of US-49 and Tully Street. Check out their Facebook page for special drinks and menu items.
– by Sean McKenzie
Information courtesy of…..NFL, ESPN, and PFF.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and WTAE.
