I’m down home with the flu, but WHAT A WEEK 7 of college football!!!
5 of the Top 7 ranked teams lost, for the first time SINCE 1936!!!
#1 Georgia lost to unranked Auburn 27-24. #2 Notre Dame lost to #8 BYU 28-24. #5 Indiana lost to #Ohio State 19-15. #6 Alabama lost to #Tennessee 26-10. #7 Texas lost to unranked Florida 27-24.
The #12 UCLA Bruins are still undefeated (6-0) after beating Wisconsin 17-7, starting a backup quarterback.
#15 Kentucky continues its incredible start to the season (6-1), defeating Oklahoma 21-13.
We had some absolute shootouts with #20 Houston beating #18 Oklahoma State 35-32, and West Virginia beating Cincinnati 45-42.
For the 18TH STRAIGHT YEAR, the Kansas State Wildcats beat their arch-rival the Kansas Jayhawks to win the Sunflower Showdown 35-24…..can it really be a rivalry now. LOL.
North Dakota State is now 6-1, in their FIRST YEAR playing FBS football, as they beat Nevada 31-17.
This was a really, really difficult week to choose from.
So, without further ado, here are your Week 7 College Football Helmet Stickers.
OFFENSE. Michael Hawkins Jr – QB – West Virginia Mountianeers 25 of 33 for 464 yards and 3 TDs 26 carries for 77 yards and 2 TDs
DEFENSE. Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas Longhorns. 8 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 1 sack. Left the game in 4th quarter with injury.
TEAM.
Cornell Big Red (3-2) defeated #4 Leighton Mountain Hawks 48-38 for their 1st win over a Top 5 ranked opponent since 1939!!!
The team they beat in 1939…..#4 Ohio State.
Who do you think deserves a helmet sticker???
– by Sean McKenzie
Pictures and video courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, and YouTube.
Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.
#21 UCLA Bruins beat #13 Oregon Ducks 17 – 15, in Eugene (this was the only prediction I lost).
The unranked Kentucky Wildcats upset #10 LSU Tigers 35- 34 in overtime.
Unranked South Carolina Gamecocks went into The Swamp, and beat #16 Florida Gators 38- 19.
Now, if you follow me on Twitter/X (which you should @JoeAmerican6771), you’d seen that all season long, I’ve been saying the LSU and Florida are being extremely overrated by ESPN, or as everyone with common sense calls them, E(SEC)PN.
Now, they’re going to overrate Kentucky and South Carolina next.
There were a lot of players, that deserved a helmet sticker this week, but, here the ones who get the nod.
OFFENSE. Branden Atkinson, QB, Oregon State Beavers. 29 of 38, for 409 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTs
DEFENSE. Michael Molnar, LB, Ohio Bobcats. 5 total tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
TEAM. Oklahoma Sooners. Defeated #1 Texas Longhorns 27 – 24.
Everyone had written off the Oklahoma Sooners for the season, coming into this game.
BUT, as I said in my “3 Games You Should Watch for Week 6” article, anything can happen in a rivalry game.
– by Sean McKenzie
Pictures and Videos courtesy of…..YouTube and ESPN
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.
Week 4 of the college football season, has come and gone.
We had an almost upset on Friday night, with the Northwestern Wildcats giving the #5 ranked Indiana Hoosiers, all they could handle. Barely escaping with a 29-23.
The #21 Florida Gators absolutely dominated the #4 ranked Ole Miss Rebels, getting a massive 52-28 win at home.
As I predicted months ago (see above), the Wisconsin Badgers went on the road, and pulled the upset, beating the #13th ranked Penn State Nittany Lions, 24-20.
#16 Louisville Cardinals got upset by the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 30-27.
Of course, the play that EVERYONE is talking about is #17 Iowa Hawkeyes going into “The Big House” and beating #18 Michigan Wolverines 20-19, on the final play of the game.
With so many greats games.
With so many great plays.
With so many great players.
Here are your Week 4 Helmet Stickers.
OFFENSE. Jeremiah Smith – WR – Ohio State Buckeyes. 12 catches for 217 yards, and 4 TDs.
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.
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.
Day 2 of the NFL Scouting Combine is in the books. The speed from the first day, kept going here in Day 2.
This is officially, the fastest overall class, in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine.
It started with DBs Group 1, which was CB (cornerbacks).
The big news was that San Diego State Aztec CB Chris Johnson answered the biggest question about himself, his speed. He ran a 4.40 in the 40. We knew that he’d do well in the on the field drills and he did.
Tennessee Volunteers CB Colton Hood ran a 4.44, and the one of the biggest surprises for me, and quite a few people that I talked to, was Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun running a 4.45. His tape does not reflect that type of speed, so that was a big boost for him. Both Hood and Igbinosun did very well during the on the field drills as well.
The biggest overall surprise to me and others, was Georgia CB Daylen Everette. He’s 6’3″ and not only ran a 4.38 in the 40, but he was quite fluid flipping his hips, changing directions and did well on the Gauntlet Drill.
Biggest loser was CB Julian Neal from Arkansas. He looked absolutely terrible in all the drills. Could he move to safety? Sure. It was a bad day for him.
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DB Group 2 was the safeties, and HOLY HOLY MOLY!!! It was the fastest safety class in the history of the NFL Scouting Combine.
It started with Ohio State safety Lorenzo Styles Jr running a 4.27 and a 4.28 in the 40. 3 other safeties, Robert Spears-Jennings, Treydan Stukes, and Dillon Thieneman ran under 4.40 seconds in the 40.
By far, Styles Jr had the best day, as he not only ran fast, but he also dominated the on the field drills. He kept his feet under him, he was able to keep his balance on breaks, and he was catching everything his way. There’s no way, he should be a late Day 3 pick. I think he might have worked himself into Day 2 (rounds 2 and 3).
Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren MIGHT have solidified himself as a first-round pick. Previously mentioned Dillon Thieneman from Oregon absolutely solidified his position in the second round.
Unfortunately, one of my favorite “sleeper picks” Bishop Fitzgerald was the biggest loser of the night. He ran much slower than anyone thought 4.55 in the 40. He looked stiff and couldn’t keep his balance when he had to cut on his back foot. Hopefully, he’ll do better at his pro day.
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The final Group of the day, saw the tight ends open it up for the offensive players.
What did they do??? Then went out and ran the fastest collective group in NFL Scouting Combine history. See a theme here folks.
Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq set a new NFL Combine record for TEs, running a 4.39 in the 40. He also did very well in the measurables and testing.
Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers ran a 4.51 in the 40, and he set a new NFL Combine record as well. His was in the vertical jump, jumping a whooping 45.50″ inches.
To me, the biggest winner was Wyoming TE John Michael-Gyllenborg. He ran a solid 4.60 in the 40, and looked so smooth and fluid in the on the field drills.
The biggest loser was Tennessee Volunteer TE Miles Kitselman. He ran a 4.90 in the 40, looked very rigid, and absolutely couldn’t even move Fred the Sled on the blocking drill. It was a bad day for him.
My surprise was TE Bauer Sharp from LSU. Ran a nice 4.63 in the 40. Was the best in the blocking drill, and caught everything that went his way.
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Day 3 of the NFL Scouting Combine starts at 1:00 PM (EST) on NFL Network, with Quarterbacks, Running Backs, and Wide Receivers, testing and taking the field.
I could go on and on and on, about each and every game.
Quite simply, I don’t have the time and energy.
I’m still recovering from my mini-stroke, and my heart monitor keeps wanting to fall off.
So, I’m going to give you my predictions on these biggest games of the week.
It all begins and ends with the Greatest Rivalry in College Sports.
“The Game” is Satruday at Noon on Fox.
The #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes are traveling to take on #15 Michigan Wolverines.
The forecast is calling for cold temperatures, snow on the ground, and the wind to be a blowing.
It’s Big Ten Football.
Will the weather impact the Buckeyes passing game? It’s certainly shaping up to favor the Wolverines, as they have the superior running game. Can the Buckeyes defense continue to dominate?
Prediction – Ohio State beats TTUN for the first time since 2019. I’m taking the Buckeyes 28-21.
“The Iron Bowl”. Game starts at 7:30 PM on ABC.
The #10 Alabama Crimson Tide travel to take on the unranked Auburn Tigers.
He’s the kicker for this game. Tigers freshman QB Duece Knight had 6 total touchdowns in his start against Mercer. His dual threat ability gives them hope.
If Alabama wins, they clinch a spot in the SEC Conference Championship Game. If they lose, it’ll take some help. They have no room for error.
Prediction – The Tigers will keep in close in the first half, before the Crimson Tide pull away for the 35-21 win.
How great is it to see this game as a ranked matchup!?!?!?
The #14 Vanderbilt Commodores travel to Knoxville to take on #19 Tennessee Volunteers.
QB Diego Pavia has the chance to put a stamp on his chance to be a Heisman Finalist with a win for the first time since 2018. Let’s be honest, Pavia IS Commodore football. They go as he goes.
A Volunteer win completely eliminates Vandy from the College Football Playoffs. Can the Tennessee defense step up and help the offense out?
Prediction – It’s been a fun ride for Vandy these last two seasons, but that Tennessee offense is gonna dunk on the Commodores. Volunteers win big 42-21.
“The Lonestar Showdown” is a Friday Night game, at 7:30 PM on ABC.
The Aggies last won in Austin, way back in 2015. They have a real chance to do it this year. They’re a complete team. Head coach Mike Elko has come in and done what “big name” coaches like Jimbo Fisher failed to do.
If Arch Manning plays well, then the Longhorns have a shot. Their run game has been a colossal disappointment this season. Their defense has played great, and they’ll need to do it again on Friday Night.
Prediction – Part of me wants to say this will be close, but I’m really feeling like the Aggies gonna smack the Longhorns around. Give me Texas A&M to win 49-24.
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– by Sean McKenzie
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, USAToday, and ESPN.
