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  • The Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 7.

    A collage of college football team logos, featuring various mascots and symbols representing teams from across the United States.

    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.

    Split image featuring the Indiana University Hoosiers logo on the left in crimson and the University of Oregon Ducks logo on the right in yellow against a green background.

    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.

    Logo of the University of Michigan (M) on a navy blue background overlaid with the logo of the University of Southern California (SC) on a cardinal red background.

    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.

    Logos of the University of South Florida Bulls and the University of North Texas Mean Green, set against a backdrop of football-related images.

    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

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    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, CBSSports, ESPN, and NYTimes.

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

  • Week 6 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    A grid display of various college football team logos, showcasing colorful and distinct designs representative of each university.

    WOW!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Team) UCLA Bruins.

    UCLA Bruins logo featuring a smiling bear with blue and gold accents on a light blue background.

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

    Congratulations to all the players and staff.

    (Offense) Blake Horvath, QB, Navy Midshipmen.

    A Navy Midshipmen quarterback gestures with the football, showcasing an impressive play during a college football game, with fans cheering in the background.

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

    (Defense) Nathan Voorhis, DE, Ball State.

    A Ball State football player, wearing a black and white uniform with the number 44, practices on the field. Coaches and teammates watch from the sidelines.

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

    Who would you give a helmet sticker to???

    – by Sean McKenzie

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

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

  • The Real Top 10 College Football Rankings. Week 7.

    Collage of four college football players from different teams, featuring players from Ohio State, Oregon, Miami, and Alabama, set against a colorful background.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    An iced coffee with a logo from The Rebel Bean, held in front of a decorative fall wreath.

    For the best coffee in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean.
    Check out their Facebook Page for hours and special fall drinks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    – by Sean McKenzie.

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    Picture courtesy of…..on3.

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA.

  • 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.

  • Knights Defense Pitches a Shutout, in Conference Win.

    The Crestview Knights football team runs through an inflatable player tunnel during the pregame festivities on Military Appreciation Night.

    It was Military Appreciation Night in Convoy, Ohio, on a warm, early fall evening.

    The Crestview Knights took the field, donning special uniforms, after pregame ceremonies thanking local community members, for their service to our great country.

    The Delphos Jefferson Wildcats made the short trip west on US-30, looking to pick up their first conference win of the season.

    On the first snap of the game, the Wildcats fumbled the football but managed to recover. After picking up a first down, they would get nothing. Jefferson converted a fake punt, but a delay of game penalty and another fumble for an eighteen-yard loss, would stall their opening drive.

    High school football game in Convoy, Ohio, featuring Crestview Knights in special uniforms and Delphos Jefferson Wildcats on the field with a scoreboard in the background.

    The Knights would not convert their own 4th and 4, on their first possession of the game. Knights TE/DE Liam Putman would get his 1st of 7 sacks (new school record) on second down, forcing the Wildcats into a 3rd and 16.

    Putman would have 3rd down catches of 11 and 8 yards on the ensuing possession for the Knights.

    Crestview would finally get on the board, with a 59-yard touchdown run by quarterback Huxley Grose, at the 1:17 mark of the game of the first quarter. That would be it for the quarter as well.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights leading 7-0 against the Delphos Jefferson Wildcats with 1:17 left in the first quarter.

    The Wildcats would once again struggle with the snap. This time on a 4th and 3 punt. The high snap would force the punter into an incomplete pass, giving the Knights the football at the 27-yard line. Crestview wouldn’t do anything with the ball on this drive, and ended up missing a 45 yard field goal attempt.

    Another bad snap on 2nd down, making it a 3rd and 9. The Wildcats would convert on a big 48-yard pass, all the way down to the 38-yard line. After a false start penalty, Jefferson would call a timeout, with 8:12 left in the half.

    The theme continued, as the 2nd bad snap of the drive, made it 3rd and 35 for Jefferson. Pressure by the Knights defense forced a bad pass, and #0 Hayden Perrott would pick it off, and take the interception back 50 yards for a touchdown. Made it a 14-0 game with 7:00 minutes left.

    Crestview Knights football scoreboard showing Knights 14, Guest 0, with 7:00 minutes left in the second quarter.

    A Jefferson false start penalty on 2nd down and Crestview would get a sack by #66 OT/DE Will Sheets would end the drive.

    Knights #15 WR/DB Braxtyn Couts would get their 2nd interception of the game.

    #4 QB Huxley Grose would connect with #15 Braxtyn Couts for a 25-yard touchdown pass. PAT was good, and that would end the scoring for the first half, with the Knights leading 21-0.

    Scoreboard displaying Crestview Knights 21, Delphos Jefferson Wildcats 0 at halftime with 20 minutes remaining.

    Special shoutout to Crestview Knights #13 WR/DB Bowen Ayers, who returned my 50/50 tickets, that fell out of my pocket.

    The Knights would lose a yard on the first play of the half, then a holding call would push the ball back to the 17-yard line. They would be forced to punt from deep in their territory.

    The Knights would recover a fumble.

    #2 HB/DB Braxton Leeth would finally get his first good run of the game, going 13 yards. A Crestview false start would make it 1st and 15 on the 35.

    Leeth would pop off back-to-back 18 yard runs and score his first touchdown of the game. PAT good making it 28-0 with 7:55 left in the 3rd.

    Crestview Knights scoreboard showing a score of 28-0 against the guest team, with 7:55 remaining in the third quarter.

    DEs Liam Putman and Will Sheets would get a big 3rd down sack.

    HB Braxton Leeth would run for 9 yards on first down.

    QB Huxley Grose would lose 2 yards, making it 3rd and 3 from the 36.

    Leeth would run for 37 yards and his 2nd touchdown of the game.

    A football play in progress during a night game, with players in dark and light uniforms on the field, bright stadium lights illuminating the scene.

    The PAT was good, making it a 35-0 Crestview lead.

    That would be the final scoring play of the game.

    The scoreboard at a football game shows Crestview Knights leading 35-0 against the guest team, with 0:00 time remaining in the fourth quarter.

    QB Huxley Grose finished the game 12 of 21, for 102 yards, and 1 TD.

    HB Braxton Leeth had 17 carries, for 117 yards, with 2 TDs.

    TE Liam Putman had 4 catches, for 32 yards.

    Putman also led the team in tackles and sacks with 7, to become the 1st ever allsportsfan.com Player of the Game.

    A football player from the Crestview Knights stands on the sidelines after a game, wearing a camouflage jersey and holding a ticket while smiling for the camera.

    I spoke to Crestview Knights Head Coach Cole Harting on the sideline after the game.

    I asked him what were the positives in another conference win?

    “I thought our defense played lights out. Liam Putman had five, six, or seven sacks, and that was huge for us. Our defense has struggled at times this season, and to come out and with this type of dominate performance was just amazing to watch. We struggled on offense tonight and our defense picked us up.

    Football team huddled together on the field during a night game, surrounded by coaches and support staff.

    I asked him about Liam Putmans’ dominate game, especially his catches on 3rd down. If that was something they worked on in practice this week.

    “We always work on third downs, and we really work on our plays, and we really run and focus on those plays. We executed very well tonight on those plays.

    Crestview Knights football team poses together on the field after Military Appreciation Night, wearing special camouflage uniforms.

    The Knights were unstoppable off the edge in the game. Getting pressure on Jefferson all game long and forcing scrambles and not letting him get comfortable. I asked him about the defensive performance off the edge.

    “Our guys up front played phenomenal tonight. They made it tough for their quarterback. We didn’t give him time and that led to a couple of interceptions which is pretty awesome.”

    The Knights are now 5-1 overall, and 3-0 in the Northwest Conference. They travel to Bluffton next Friday Night to play the Pirates. Game starts at 7:00 PM (EST).

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.

  • Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 5.

    A collage of various college sports team logos set against a black background, featuring symbols from popular universities.

    Week 5 of the college football season starts tonight, with the Army Black Knights (1-2) at East Carolina Pirates (2-2), at 7:30 PM (EST) on ESPN.

    With conference play underway, the games start to have serious meaning towards season goals, and ultimately, the college football playoffs.

    With so many great games available to watch, I’m here to give you the 3 games that you should.

    1) #6 Oregon Ducks (4-0) at #3 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.

    Logos of the Oregon Ducks and the Penn State Nittany Lions on a blue background.

    The highflying Ducks offense is traveling across the country to take on the Nittany Lions, in Penn State’s “White out game”.

    Sophomore QB Dante Moore has thrown for 962 yards with 11 TDs to only 1 INT. He’s completing 74.7% of his throws so, and the offense just hums along with quick strikes. The defense plays fast and downhill, making it difficult for opposing offenses to get anything started.

    The Penn State offense has been anemic to say the least. Has head coach James Franklin been holding back so far?

    The Nittany Lions have arguably the best running back tandem in the country with Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. They have a combined 8 TDs so far. QB Drew Allar was some people’s “QB1”, and he’s only thrown 4 TDs through 3 games. Their defense as always is tough and gets pressure on the quarterback. DC Jim Knowles will scheme something up for this big matchup.

    Prediction – Penn State is 13-8 in “White out games”, make it 13-9, as Oregon wins this game 31-27.

    2) #17 Alabama Crimson Tide (2-1) at #5 Georgia Bulldogs (3-0).
    Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

    Logo split of Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs, showcasing their team symbols against contrasting backgrounds.

    Where is the running game? They’ve only rushed for a combined 371 yards and 4 TDs, through 3 games. Where is the defense? They only have 4 sacks total. Can junior QB Ty Simpson carry this team? He’s thrown for 862 yards, with 9 TDs and 0 INTs so far. He just might have to find some magic.

    The Bulldogs have found their running game. They have 3 HBs already over 100 yards each, and as a team, have run for 627 yards and 10 TDs. That means that junior QB Gunnar Stockton just need to not make mistakes, and he’s done that so far, throwing for 722 yards, with 4 TDs and 0 INTs. It’s Georgia, which means fast and active linebackers and safeties flying all over the field making tackles.

    Prediction – I think this game is going to be ugly for Alabama. Give me Georgia to win 42-21.

    3) #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-0) at Washington Huskies (3-0).
    Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on CBS and Paramount+.

    The logos of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Washington Huskies on a split background, with Ohio State's logo on red and Washington's logo on purple.

    The Buckeyes have arguably the best WR tandem in America, with WRs Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. That means sophomore QB Julian Sayin has a big edge. He’s thrown for 779 yards, with 8 TDs and 3 INTs. Projected starting HBs James Peoples and CJ Donaldson have been disappointing, but freshman HB Bo Jackson has done great in his brief appearances. On defense, S Caleb Downs is a playmaker that every team avoids, so LBs Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, are free to fly all over and wreak havoc.

    The Huskies offensive gameplan is simple; get the ball to senior HB Jonah Coleman, as much as possible. He has 51 carries, for 347 yards, and 9 TDs. Sophomore QB Demond Williams Jr, is a dual threat as well. He’s thrown for 778 yards, with 6 TDs and 0 INTs, but he’s also ran the ball 34 times, for 220 yards, with 2 TDs.

    KEY STAT: Washington has won 22 straight games at home.

    TRAP GAME ALERT!!!

    Prediction – The Huskies are going to give the Buckeyes, all they can handle. I won’t be shocked if they pull off the massive upset. However, I’m going with Ohio State to win a close game 42-38.

    – by Sean McKenzie.

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    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, ESPN, and CBSSports.

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

  • Lady Knights Dominate Lady Bearcats in Conference Match.

    Crestview Lady Knights Volleyball Team huddled together on the court before a match, wearing blue uniforms and preparing for the game.

    The Crestview Lady Knights Volleyball Team hosted the Spencerville Bearcats at The Ray, in a Northwest Conference match.

    The Lady Bearcats got the first point of the match, but that would be the highlight of the first set for them. The Lady Knights were aggressive and aces by #10 Lillie Best (18-4) and #1 Ayla Kreischer (21-5), easily won the first set by a score of 25-9.

    The 2nd set, saw the Bearcats again get the first point, and was a much closer start to the set. Going back and forth, it was a 5-5 game. The Lady Cats went on a run, seizing momentum, forcing Crestview HC Tammy Gregory to call a timeout, down 12-7.

    A volleyball player from the Crestview Lady Knights prepares to serve during a match against the Spencerville Bearcats, with an audience visible in the background.

    The timeout worked, as it completely stopped the momentum that Spencerville had gathered, as the Lady Knights tied the game at 12-12, and then went on a run. An ace by #20 Nora Perkins forced a Spencerville timeout, with Crestview up 20-16. The Lady Knights would win the 2nd set 25-17.

    This time, the Knights would get the first point of the set, and would quickly jump out to an 8-4, then 15-5 lead.

    An ace by #10 Lillie Best would a force a Bearcat timeout, leading 13-5. Then next ten points would be a bit back and forth, with the Knights leading 19-9. A long hard-fought rally would go the way of Crestview to make it 23-16, before the Lady Knights would win the final set 25-18, and win the match in straight sets (25-9, 25-17, 25-18).

    Crestview Lady Knights Volleyball Team and Spencerville Bearcats shaking hands after the match, with the scoreboard showing a final score of 25-18.

    Kaci Gregory led the Knights on serves, going 15 of 15 with 1 ace, as well leading the team in digs, with 12. It’s fun watching her dive all over the court. She’s a vocal leader as well.

    Haley McCoy led the team in hitting (14 kills) and blocks (3).

    Emily Lichtle led the team in setting with 23 assists.

    Crestview Lady Knights volleyball team in a huddle during a match, wearing blue and red uniforms.

    The win makes the Lady Knights an undefeated 4-0 in conference play. I asked Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory about how they girls are keeping the winning train rolling.

    “They’re confident and they trust one another. The younger ones are really coming along, and the older ones, they trust them. Another conference win and we’re still working towards that goal of winning the conference.”

    With another undefeated team on the docket, I asked coach, how they’re preparing for the challenge.

    “We’re going to focus on the basics tomorrow. We only practice on Wednesday and Fridays, because we play every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Aggressive serving and you can’t get enough defense.”

    I asked about the Lady Knights aggressiveness at the net. It was much more prominent in this game.

    “I don’t want them being tipping machines, but we talk about how you should have all your options, even in the timeouts. No free balls, we preach that over, and over, and over. They’ve got to do something aggressive, and they are doing that.”

    The 16th state ranked Lady Knights are now 9-3 overall (4-0 in the NWC). They travel up I-75 to take on the Bluffton Lady Pirates, who are 12-5 overall and (4-0 in the NWC).

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Stats courtesy of…..Crestview head coach Tammy Gregory.

  • Knights Take on Lancers, in a Cross County Rivalry Match.

    Players from the Crestview Knights and Lincolnview Lancers shake hands at the net after a volleyball match, showcasing sportsmanship in a gym filled with spectators.

    Nothing like a good rivalry game, on a warm Tuesday afternoon, to get the blood flowing.

    That’s exactly what we saw in as the Lincolnview Lancers made the trip across Van Wert County, to take on the Crestview Knights.

    The Lancers were coming off back-to-back losses, and the Knights had won two straight matches.

    Lincolnview opened the scoring, before going down 13-8 and calling a timeout. The Lancers then won a long rally to make it a 15-13 game. The Lancers and Knights traded timeouts at 16-15, and 20-18. The girls would trade points and rallies back and forth, before the Knights finally put them away, winning a hard fought first set, 28-26.

    A packed gymnasium filled with fans watching a volleyball match, with a player preparing to serve in the foreground.

    Knights #7 Emily Lichtle opened the 2nd set with an ace. Crestview would force a timeout by Lincolnview up 3-0.

    There would be a long discussion at the net by two officials and players from each team, as nobody saw which side of the net, the ball fell, on what was supposed to be the 7th point of match. They finally decided to simply replay the point, and eventually the Knights won. (The two officials would not answer when I asked about it after the game).

    They would once again go back and forth, with ties at 7-7, and again at 13-13. Crestview would go on a 4-point streak and force another timeout at 18-14. The Knights would call a timeout at 21-19.

    The Knights would win the second set, the same way they started. Another ace by #7 Emily Lichtle iced it, 25-20.

    She had a big game, going 17/17 on serves, with 2 aces, and a whooping 20 sets.

    A volleyball match in progress, featuring players from Crestview and Lincolnview in a gymnasium filled with spectators.

    The Lancers would get the 1st point of the third set, before the Knights would answer with 4 straight. There would be great saves by Knights players #5 Lydia Grace and #3 Kaci Gregory, to get the ball back in play. Crestview would end up winning the point and going up 8-7. The Lancers didn’t go down easy, forcing a Knights timeout, with the Lancers up 11-9.

    They would trade leads, before getting to a 15-15 tie. There was a miscommunication between Grace and Gregory on play, and the Lancers got the point to go up 16-15. Crestview would take the lead back at 17-16, and #20 Nora Perkins would get a big ace at 19-16. Forcing a Lancers timeout at 21-18. Perkins would finish going 16/16 on serves, with 1 ace, and 13 sets.

    The Lancers had one last fight in them, tying it at 22-22, before the Lady Knights would win the 3rd and final set of the match, in straight sets (28-26, 25-20, 25-22).

    #21 Haley McCoy led the team with 12 kills and 4 blocks. Kaci Gregory and Lydia Grace each had 19 digs for the Knights. Grace also went 9/10 on serves with an ace, as well.

    Players and coaches gathered in a gymnasium before a volleyball match between Crestview and Lincolnview, with the scoreboard showing 0-0.

    I spoke with Crestview Knights girls volleyball head coach Tammy Gregory after the game.

    I asked her how she and the team were feeling after getting a big conference win.

    “I’m just so proud of the girls. You know, we put it together. We made some changes down the stretch, and they just trust each other. They’re becoming more confident every game. Winning the conference is a goal of ours. They had a game last night, and the girls stepped up and did what they had to do.”

    It was a game of long rallies, with both teams going on long runs of 5 and 6 straight points. I asked how she kept the girls focused when momentum changes like that.

    Crestview Knights girls volleyball team huddled around their coach, discussing strategy during a match.

    “We talk about that because your right. You know, our goal is to never let somebody score more than two points, but you know, that stuff happens. You have to stop it. Whether that’s a timeout, or changing something on the court, so that it looks different to the serving team. Once you get the momentum, you have to keep it going.”

    The Knights are coming up on a stretch of 5 games in 9 days. I asked about that upcoming calendar.

    “We’ve got another conference game on Thursday, and the girls know that we cannot overlook any team, at any given night. Some things are going well for us, some things aren’t, but we’re going to continue to gel and believe in one another.”

    A crowded gymnasium filled with spectators watching a volleyball match, featuring bleachers on both sides and a volleyball net in the foreground.

    The Knights are now 6-3 overall, and 2-0 in the Northwest Conference.

    The Lady Knights will host the Allen East Mustangs (3-8 overall, and 0-2 in conference play), on Thursday afternoon. JV starts at 5:30 PM (EST).

    Knights JV girls volleyball team was also victorious, winning 2-1.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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    Stats courtesy of…..Knights Head Coach Tammy Gregory.

  • Top 3 College Football Games to watch for Week 3.

    A collage of various college football team logos arranged in a grid format, featuring teams from different universities.

    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.

    Graphic featuring the logos of the Georgia Bulldogs and Tennessee Volunteers with a football theme and stadium background.

    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.

    Graphic featuring football helmets of the Pittsburgh Panthers and West Virginia Mountaineers with the title 'BACKYARD BRAWL' in bold letters.

    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.

    – by Sean McKenzie

    Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, IrishFootballRant, clutchpoints, wvsportsnow.

  • Crestview Knights take on the 4-time defending state champions.

    Crestview Knights football team walking onto the field before a game, wearing blue uniforms, with coaches and staff in the background.

    The Crestview Knights varsity football opened their 2025 home schedule against the toughest team in the entire state of Ohio.

    The Marion Local Flyers.

    The Flyers came in on a 65-game winning streak, and have won 4 straight football state championships.

    The Knights came in 1-0 after defeating rival Parkway, 62-41.

    Crestview Knights football team running onto the field before the game.

    Crestview received the opening kickoff, and got a nice return by #2 Braxton Leeth. That would be as good as it got for the Knights on the opening drive.

    A miscommunication on 3rd down, led to a 5-yard loss. That was immediately followed by a bad snap, causing Marion Local to take over at the 23-yard line.

    The Flyers scored a touchdown on the 1st play, with a 23-yard run by #20 Ben Meier, to take a fast 7-0 lead.

    A Crestview Knights football player in blue uniform number 4 prepares to pass the ball while being pressured by a player from the opposing team in yellow.

    The following possession, Knights QB #Huxley Grose would get a nice scramble for a first down. The Flyers would stop Leeth for a 1-yard loss on 3rd and 3.

    Knights head coach Cole Harding would go for it on 4th down, but the Flyers broke up the pass.

    The Flyers would score on the 2nd play of their 2nd drive, and that would be a theme for the night, to make it 14-0.

    On the very 1st play of the Knights 3rd drive, QB Huxley Grose would throw his 1st of 3 interceptions of the game. The Flyers would quickly score their 3rd touchdown in 3 drives.

    A football player in a yellow jersey evades a tackle from a blue jersey player on a grassy field during a game.

    Marion Local would have a bad snap on the PAT, but they managed to get to the edge and actually convert it, into a successful 2-point conversion.

    Crestview would go for it on another 4th down play, and covert with a nice pass from Grose to #7 TE Liam Putman.

    The 1st quarter would end with the Flyers up 22-0.

    Marion Local would score again to make it 29-0 in the 2nd quarter.

    Knights #28 Conner Hammons would get an interception, but it would be a 3 and out.

    The Flyers would score back-to-back touchdowns, and it would be a massive 43-0 halftime lead.

    Scoreboard showing Crestview Knights 0, Guest 43, with 19:48 left in the third quarter.

    The officials would go to a running clock for the 2nd half of the game. It wouldn’t get any better for the Crestview Knights.

    Knights TE Liam Putman would be hurt of the 1st play of the 2nd half. Thankfully, he was able to the sideline under his own power. He would not return to the game.

    Another Flyers touchdown, thanks to some bad tackling attempts makes it 49-0.

    A holding penalty would move the Knights back. Leeth with a 9 yard run to make it 3rd and 9. Marion Local would get the sack forcing another Knights punt.

    Knights DL #57 Aiden Helt would get a big sack on 3rd down to force a Flyers punt.

    Marion Local would down the punt at the 4-yard line. The Knights would fumble the ball shortly afterwards, and the Flyers would return it to the 1-yard line. Another Flyers touchdown would make it 56-0 at the end of the 3rd quarter.

    Crestview Knights varsity football team huddled together on the field before the game.

    The Flyers would get 1 more touchdown on this night, to get a 63-0 win over the Knights.

    Marion Local has now won 66 games in a row. It’s their 50th straight regular season win.

    The Flyers last lost a regular season game, way back on October 18th, 2019, to the Minster Wildcats.

    A group of Crestview Knights football players in yellow and gray uniforms walk off the field under bright stadium lights after a game.

    Knights QB Huxley Grose finished 3 of 10, for 20 yards, and 3 INTs.
    HB Braxton Leetch had 24 carries, for 79 hard earned yards.
    DB Braxtyn Couts led the team with 6 tackles.

    Flyers QB Brennen Hess finished 4 of 6, for 96 yards, with 2 TDs and 1 INT.
    HB Ben Meier had 8 carries, for 110 yards, and 3 TDs.

    I spoke with Crestview head coach Cole Harting after the game.

    Players from the Crestview Knights football team walking on the field during a night game, with stadium lights shining.

    I asked Coach Harting, what are some positives that he and the team could take out of this home opening loss?

    “You know, our kids played hard. I thought we did some good things on offense. Defense is still coming along. We missed some tackles. We knew how good this team was coming in and it showed. We still got a way to go, to get to that point.”

    I asked him if he had any update on injuries to Braxton Leeth and Liam Putman.

    “Yeah, I mean we didn’t want them to take any more extra hits, so we pulled them a bit early. They are our bellcows and we wanted to get them a little bit of extra rest. Nothing to really worry about.”

    Prayers for them.

    A group of Crestview Knights football players and coaches gathered on the field, discussing strategies during a night game.

    The Crestview Knights (1-1) take on rival Wayne Trace Raiders (0-2) next Friday night, at 7:00 PM (EST) at Wayne Trace High School.

    – by Sean McKenize.

    Follow me on X (Twitter) @JoeAmerican6771.

    2 pictures courtesy of…..Richardson Photograpy.

    Stats courtesy of…..Chris Lutz.