Tag: Texas Tech Red Raiders

College Football Conference Championship Games Preview and Predictions.

Finally, after duking it out all regular season, teams have arrived here at Championship Saturday.

Conference Championships mean a lot to the fans, the players, and the teams.

It’s not all about NIL for the players, and bonuses for the coaches, it’s also about pride.

Saying We are the champions of the Big Ten, or SEC, or Big 12, or ACC, means a lot.

It shows that you went through the gauntlet of meaningful games, and rivalry games, to be called champions. Every player and team aspires to reach that goal, but you are the only ones to do it.

So, here we go.

ACC Championship Game – Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Duke Blue Devils (7-5) vs #17 Virginia Cavaliers (10-2)
Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on ABC.

These 2 teams just met on November 15th, and the Cavaliers laid a 34-17 butt whopping on the Blue Devils.

NO, the game was not as close as the score indicated.

Unfortunately, the Cavaliers have suffered a few injuries since that game, and the Blue Devils have gotten a few players back from injury in the secondary since.

Like most games, this one will come down to the trenches and quarterback. Chandler Morris for UVA and Darian Mensah for Duke.

Personally, I love that these 2 teams, (which historically struggle in football), playing for the conference title is great. It shows one of the very few good things that NIL has done, which is parity.

Prediction – I think it’s going to be a repeat, but closer. I’m taking the Cavaliers to win 28-24.

Big Ten Championship Game – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN.
#2 Indiana Hoosiers (12-0) vs #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-0).
Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.

This game could very well end up being for the Heisman Trophy, as both quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Julian Sayin are the front runners.

Indiana MUST control the clock and keep the Buckeyes offense off the field, if they want to win this game. They rank 9th in the country in rushing, averaging 229.8 YPG and must use it to their advantage. The revamped offensive line has only allowed 15 sacks all season too. That will allow the play action passing game to open up and let Mendoza show off his arm and accuracy.

Ohio State MUST get pressure on Mendoza, as he’s first in the conference getting rid of the football (2.5 seconds). Make him hold onto the football and be uncomfortable. That will allow the Buckeye playmakers on defense like Downs, Reese, Styles, to do what they do best. They have the advantage at all the skill positions, so just play within themselves.

Prediction – Indiana hasn’t played a defense like this all season long. I think they’ll hang around for a little while, before Ohio State takes over. Give me the Buckeyes to win 35-17.

Big 12 Championship Game – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX.
#11 BYU Cougars (11-1) vs #4 Texas Tech Red Raiders (11-1).
Game starts at Noon (EST) on FOX.

Like in the ACC Championship Game, these 2 teams have already met. Texas Tech won 29-7 on November 8th.

BYU likes to play “ugly football”. They run the ball and play sound defense. The offensive line must get movement this time, and allow HB LJ Martin to eat. He leads the conference with 1,229 yards and has 11 TDs. That’ll allow their freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier to be comfortable. IF they can find a way to keep it close, they’ll have a chance. Otherwise, it’ll be a rinse and repeat.

Texas Tech simply has to continue to play top notch defense and allow quarterback Behren Morton to get into a rhythm early. In the first meeting, they had a 13-0 lead at the half. It should’ve been 28-0, but they couldn’t convert in the redzone. Linebackers David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez are the leaders of this team. They just need to keep the other 9 players calm and focused. This is the team’s first ever Big 12 conference championship game.

Prediction – This game was U-G-L-Y the first time around, and I don’t think it’ll be better. Texas Tech is clearly the better team. Give me the Red Raiders to win 28-13.

SEC Championship Game – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA.
#3 Georgia Bulldogs (11-1) vs #9 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-2)
Game starts at 4:00 PM (EST) on ABC.

Like 2 of the previous games here, these teams have met already this season, with the Crimson Tide winning 24-21.

The Bulldogs haven’t forgotten that loss either.

The Georgia defense HAS to play better than it did in the first game. They allowed Alabama to dominate them on the ground. Stopping the run and getting pressure will make it much easier for their offense (who struggled last week). Quarterback Gunnar Stockton only threw for 70 yards, with 1 TD and 1 INT last week against Georgia Tech. He CAN NOT repeat that performance. HC Kirby Smart must get him into rhythm very early.

For Alabama, with starting running back Jam Miller questionable for the game, and backup Kevin Riley is out with a broken jaw; they’ll need quarterback Ty Simpson to be absolutely on point. They have the advantage at WR with Williams and Bernard, so use that with quick passes and crossing routes. The defense allowed 227 yards rushing in the first meeting (mostly in the 2nd half), they must not allow that to happen again.

Prediction – History has shown us, that it’s hard to beat the same team twice in a season. Alabama jumped out early, but Georgia fought back when they first met this season. I think it’ll be a very close game. This is so hard to predict. Simpson is the better QB, but Smart is the better coach. I’ll go out on a limb and take the Crimson Tide to win 28-24.

For the best coffee and lattes in all of Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean. With a friendly staff and great music, it’s the best way to start your day. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.

In other Conference Championship Games, on Friday Night, give me….

#25 James Madison over Troy in the Sun Belt Championship Game.
Jacksonville State over Kennesaw State in the C-USA Championship Game.
#24 North Texas over #20 Tulane in the AAC Championship Game.
Boise State over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship Game.

In the other Saturday game, I’m taking Western Michigan to spank Miami (OH) in the MAC Championship game.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and information courtesy of…..NCAA and ESPN.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, clutchpoints, MSN, and FOX4News.

December 4, 2025
College Football Week 11 Recap and Helmet Stickers.

WHAT A WEEK OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!

When we all looked at the Week 11 schedule, we thought it’d be a “chalk” week.

We were W-R-O-N-G.

The ACC had 2 of their top 3 teams upset, as #14 Virginia lost to Wake Forest 16-9. Congratulations Demon Deacons on their first win against at Top 15 team since 2003. #15 Louisville lost to Cal 29-26 in overtime.

Keeping on the Top 25 upset train; unranked Wisconsin Badges trip up the #23 Washington Huskies 13-10. In my College Football Preview Article, I predicted that WISC HC Luke Fickell would be fired by now. Instead, they announced they’re going to give him 1 more season.

There was a BANGER of a game in the SEC, as the Auburn Tigers gave #16 Vanderbilt all they could handle and more. The Commodores behind an incredible game by QB Diego Pavia get the win in OT, 45-38.

In the Big Ten, we had the front runner for Catch/Play of the Year, by WR Omar Cooper Jr, as the #2 Indiana Hoosiers scored a touchdown with 36 seconds left, to win 27-24.

#9 Oregon Ducks hit a game winning field goal with 3 seconds left, to escape Kinnick Stadium, and beat the Iowa Hawkeyes, 18-16.

In the Big-12, the #8 Texas Tech Red Raiders handled the #7 BYU Cougars 29-7.

Ranked teams #1 Ohio State, #3 Texas A&M, #4 Alabama, #5 Georgia, and #10 Notre Dame, all got wins on Saturday, and kept their College Football Playoff Chances intact.

Ladies and gentlemen, the James Madison Dukes now have the BEST ODDS to get the G5 spot in the CFP (35%) with a 35-23 win over Marshall Thundering Herd. They are now 8-1 on the season.

Now without further ado, it’s time for the popular Helmet Stickers.

(Team) Sam Houston Bearkats

The Bearkats FINALLY get their 1st win of the season with 21-17 win over the Oregon State Beavers.

(Offense) Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt.

There were a lot of choices to choose from, but it has to go to the Vanderbilt QB. Pavia had 489 total yards and 4 total TDs.

He went 25 of 33, for 377 yards, and 3 TDs passing, and added 18 carries, for 112 yards, and 1 TD on the ground.

(Defense) Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech.

I had Rodriguez in my Top 10 College Football Players article before the season started, and he continues to show the country why I had him there.

He had 14 total tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and an interception, to help the Red Raiders take sole possession of 1st place in the Big-12 Conference.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, sportslogo.net, yahoosports, and collegefootballnetwork.

November 9, 2025
College Football Week 9 Recap and Helmet Stickers.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t start this article, without mentioning that LSU fired head football coach Brian Kelly, late Sunday night, after their 49-25 loss at home, to #3 Texas A&M. Kelly had a 34-14 record over his four seasons at LSU.

Personal opinion – It was a bad hire from the start. I said so at the time, and caught a lot of crap for it. I think that LSU thinks it’s a better job than it really is. IF I were Interim President Matt Lee, I would immediately go get Memphis Tigers head coach Ryan Silverfield.

Onto other business, it was a solid week of college football. We had 3 Top 25 upsets.

Aforementioned Memphis Tigers defeated #18 USF 34-31, in a banger of a game. The Washington Huskies beat #23 Illinois, 42-25, and the Houston Cougars defeated #24 Arizona State 24-16, in one of the worst officiated games, that I’ve even seen. Absolutely disgraceful by that Big-12 crew.

We had some close calls, as well. #4 Alabama squeaked by South Carolina 29-22. #6 Oregon eked out a 21-7 win over Wisconsin. #16 Virginia survived a scare from North Carolina, 17-16 in OT, and #22 Texas held off Mississippi State 45-38 in overtime.

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Indiana, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, Miami, Vanderbilt, BYU, Texas Tech, Tennessee, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Michigan, all held serve as Top 25 teams and got the win.

Time for your favorite part, it’s Helmet Sticker time. I thank you readers for the messages, telling me that you like this segment.

(Team) North Dakota State Bison.

The defending FCS National Champions and #1 ranked Bison, absolutely MOLLYWHOPPED their rival (then ranked #2) South Dakota State Jackrabbits 38-7 on Saturday. HB Cole Payton had 4 rushing touchdowns.

(Offense) Drew Mestemaker, QB, North Texas Mean Green.

This was the easiest choice so far this season.

The freshman QB went 37 of 49, for a massive 608 yards, and 4 TDs, as he led the Mean Green to a 54-20 win over Charlotte. North Texas is 7-1 on the season, and still in the hunt, for that G5 college football playoff spot.

(Defense) Cade Uluave, LB, California Golden Bears.

Cal is #0.

The junior linebacker was all over the field, and causing havoc, as he did everything, he could in a double overtime loss to Virginia Tech.

Cal finished the game 19 total tackles and 2 sacks.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to?

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, meangreensports, and SI.

October 27, 2025
The Real Top 10 College Football Teams, after Week 9.

We all know some of the AP voters, don’t even watch the games, or even highlights (Haley Sawyer).

We all know that ESPN doesn’t even hide their SEC bias at all. You can’t be unbiased when you literally own the SEC Network (so much for real journalism and reporting).

At any time on Saturday’s, I’m watching up to 6 games at the same time. Then I spend Sunday morning watching games on my laptop.

So, without further ado, here are the REAL Top 10 teams, after Week 9.

1) Indiana Hoosiers – 8-0 – defeated UCLA 56-6.
No team in America, is playing better than Indiana on both sides of the football.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes – 7-0 – Bye.
What’s scary is that their offense isn’t even hitting on all cylinders yet, and they still have the #1 defense in the country.

3) Texas A & M Aggies – 8-0 – defeated #20 LSU 49-25.
QB Marcel Reed has this offense playing at a high level and the defense is finally getting to the quarterback this season.

4) Alabama Crimson Tide – 7-1 – defeated South Carolina 29-22.
Since their Week 1 loss to FSU, QB Ty Simpson is playing at a Heisman Trophy level clip.

5) Georgia Bulldogs – 6- 1 – Bye.
All the “breaks” are falling in their favor right now…..with a lot of help from their officiating friends (see the SEC official suspension article on ESPN).

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6) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – 8-0 – defeated Syracuse 41-16.
QB Haynes King is a beast, and doesn’t make mistakes.

7) Vanderbilt Commodores – 7-1 – defeated #15 Missouri 17-10.
QB Diego Pavia is my Heisman front-runner, and is carrying this team on his back.

8) Ole Miss Rebels – 7-1 – defeated #13 Oklahoma 34-26.
QB Chambliss and HB Lacy just control the clock and beat you down.

9) Oregon Ducks – 7-1 – defeated Wisconsin 21-7.
QB Dante Moore slings it all over the field.

10) BYU Cougars – 8-0 – defeated Iowa State 41-27.
They run it, they pass it, and play great pressure defense.

Next 4 teams – Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Virigina, Tennessee.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 26, 2025
College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers for Week 8.

What an incredible week of college football we had on Saturday.

We had MAJOR Top 10 upsets!!!

It all started on Friday night, when the Louisville Cardinals upset (then #2) ranked Miami Hurricanes, 24-21. DO NOT look deep into this one, as it took QB Carson Beck throwing 4 INTs for it to happen.

The Arizona State Sun Devils knocked off the (then #7) Texas Tech Red Raiders, 26-22, in game that came down to the wire.

The UAB Blazers upset the (then #22) Memphis Tigers, 31-24, in a game that nobody saw coming.

As I said in my Top 3 Games to Watch article, the best game of week, was between (then #13 and #20) Notre Dame and USC. The Trojans had no answer at all for the Fighting Irish’s running game, as ND won 34-24.

Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M, Georgia, Alabama, and Oregon, all took care of business, and got wins, to stay in the Top 10.

Of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Florida Gators have fired Billy Napier. Billy Gonzales has been named the interim head coach.

So, without further ado, here are your Week 8 College Football Helmet Stickers.

(Team) UCLA Bruins.

After starting the season 0-4 and firing their (now former) head coach Deshaun Foster, the Bruins have won 3 straight games. Not just any games either, they’re conference games. The UCLA Bruins are currently 3rd in the Big Ten, as they defeated Maryland 20-17.

They needed something to jump start this program, and it’s working out quite well so far in the month of October, as interim head coach Tim Skipper, has this team playing hard and rolling.

(Offense) Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Jeremiyah Love was my #1 rated HB coming into the season, and he showed again, exactly why.

The Trojan defense had no answer for him at all. He ran through them, around them, and any other adjective you can think of.

He had 24 carries, for 228 yards, with a touchdown. He added 5 catches for 37 yards as well.

(Defense) Treylin Payne, LB, Texas State Bobcats.

The Bobcat senior had an incredible 24 total tackles, in a 37-40, double overtime loss to Marshall.

Who would you give a helmet sticker to?

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, CBSSports, and on3.

October 21, 2025
The Real College Football Top 10 Teams After Week 8.

The Associated Press Poll, better known as the AP Poll will be out on Sunday.

As we all know, the AP voters are out of their minds. With AP Poll voters like Haley Sawyer, admitting that they don’t watch the games, nobody takes it seriously anymore.

The ESPN Poll is completely bias, as they own the SEC Network and don’t even hide it.

I’m here to give you the unbiased, real Top Ten college football teams, after Week 8.

1) Ohio State Buckeyes – 7-0 – defeated Wisconsin 34-0.

2) Indiana Hoosiers – 7-0 – defeated Michigan State 38-13.

3) Alabama Crimson Tide – 6-1 – defeated #11 Tennessee 37-20.

4) Texas A&M Aggies – 7-0 – defeated Arkansas 45-42.

5) Georgia Bulldogs – 6-1 – defeated #5 Ole Miss 43-35.

6) Miami Hurricanes – 5-1 – lost to Louisville 24-21.
It took QB Carson Beck throwing 4 INTs for them to lose.
Don’t overthink this, they’re still a top team in the nation.

7) Oregon Ducks – 6-1 – defeated Rutgers 56-10.

8) Ole Miss Rebels – 6-1 – lost to #9 Georgia 43-35.
They choked away a late lead.
Still a top 10 team.

9) Notre Dame Fighting Irish – 5-2 – defeated #20 USC 34-24.

10) Texas Tech Red Raiders – 6-1 – lost to Arizona State 26-22.
They didn’t have their starting QB Behren Morton (knee) and barely lost to a vastly under-rated Sun Devils team on the road.
Like Miami, don’t overthink this.
Texas Tech is better than Georgia Tech and Oklahoma, who many will rank above them now with the loss.

– by Sean McKenzie

Stats and scores courtesy of…..NCAA.

October 19, 2025
The Real Top 10 College Football Rankings. Week 7.

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.

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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.

October 5, 2025
The Top 3 College Football Games to Watch for Week 6.

Week 6 of the college football season starts tonight, with the Sam Houston State Bearkats (0-4) traveling to take on the New Mexico State Aggies (2-2) at 9:00 PM (EST) on CBSSN.

That is NOT one of my Top 3, by the way.

This is going to be a Saturday of chalk. Teams you think are going to win, ARE going to win. I don’t foresee a bunch of upsets or anything.

So, without further ado, here you go.

1) #3 Miami Hurricanes (4-0) at #18 Florida State Seminoles (3-1).
Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

If you are a fan of college football, then you know just how awesome it is, to see this bitter rivalry game be meaningful again. I am so excited for this game.

Transfer QB Carson Beck has this offense humming along. He’s recovered nicely from offseason elbow surgery and back to his old form. He’s completing 73.2% of his passes, with 8 TDs to only 3 INTs. Their running game is solid with HBs Mark Fletcher Jr and Charmar Brown combining for 9 TD runs. The defense has been solid. Getting sacks and pressures from all 3 levels. They don’t get out of position often.

QB Tommy Castellanos has come in and given this offense a spark, with his dual threat ability. His feet have done the most damage running for 217 yards and 4 TDs, not all on designed runs. HIs scrambling ability gives opposing defenses nightmares. The Seminole’s running game is top notch, as they’ve run for a combined 1,345 yards and 20 TDs already this season. The defensive backs are fast and fly all over the field, as Earl Little Jr leads the team in tackles (28), and Ashlynd Barker leads the team in sacks (2).

Prediction – Florida State is embarrassed by the upset last week and will come out swinging at home. This is a rivalry game, so it’d be close. I think Miami pulls it out on a Carson Beck TD late. Hurricanes win 28-24.

#16 Vanderbilt Commadores (5-0) at #10 Alabama Crimson Tide (3-1).
Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.

That’s right, your read that correctly. Vanderbilt is ranked and undefeated. This isn’t your grandpappy’s “cakewalk” Commadores team.

The Commadores are led by “super senior” QB Diego Pavia. Arguably, the best dual-threat QB in the entire country. He’s completing 74.6% of his passes, for 1,211 yards with 13 TDs to only 3 INTs. He’s also ran for 294 yards with 2 TDs. He always keeps his eyes downfield when scrambling, and doesn’t make stupid mistakes. The defense gets pressure fast. They have 14 team sacks on the young season, led by EDGE Miles Capers with (3.5). They also create turnovers, with 7 forced fumbles, and have recovered 6 of them.

The loss to FSU in Week 1 has flipped something in the Crimson Tide. Their focus and play has been much more sound since then. Junior QB Ty Simpson has thrown for 1,138 yards with 11 TDs and 0 INTs. He’s taking care of the football and keeping the offense on the field. While the defense isn’t putting up the sack and turnover numbers from years past; they’re fast and haven’t been overpursing like last season and in Week 1. They’ve gone back to fundamentals, and it’s showing up on film.

Prediction – Vanderbilt isn’t sneaking up on Bama this time, like last season. The Commadores are a serious team. I so badly want to pick them, but something is telling me that the Crimson Tide will get it done at home. I’m taking Alabama in a close game 34-31.

#11 Texas Tech Red Raiders (4-0) at Houston Cougars (4-0).
Game starts at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.

Yes, you read that right. I’m saying the University of Houston football is a must watch. At least it is this week. They are scrapy and undefeated with 2 wins over “Power 4” schools already.

This is the biggest game for Houston since joining the Big-12 conference.

The Red Raiders offense has been balanced and efficient. QB Behren Morton has thrown for 1,065 yards with 11 TDs to only 3 INTs. The running game has 818 yards and 10 TDs on the season. The defense is led by one of the best LBs in the country (1 of my Top 10 players in all of America) Jacob Rodriguez, with 28 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 INT.

The Cougars got QB Conner Weigman from Texas A&M in the transfer portal. He’s the game manager that they need. He’s thrown for 839 yards, with 6 TDs to only 1 INT. The team has won through opportunistic defense. They’ve got 5 INTs and 7 forced fumbles, to along with 9 sacks.

Prediction – The Cougars will keep it close for a half, before the Red Raiders pull away. Texas Tech wins 42- 24.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

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

October 2, 2025
Week 4 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

What a Week 4 of college football it was.

The #4 ranked Miami Hurricanes beat the Florida Gators 26-7, in their rivalry game. The Gators continue their freefall this season.

#17 Texas Tech beat the #16 Utah Utes, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, 34-10, in a turnover prone game.

#24 Notre Dame finally got a win, beating Purdue 56-30.

#19 Indiana Hoosiers absolutely beat the snot out of #9 Illinois Fighting Illini, 63-10.

In a great Saturday night game, #11 Oklahoma Sooners got a big conference win, over #23 Auburn Tigers, 24-17.

The Clemson Tigers and Wisconsin Badgers continue to fall apart, with losses to unranked opponents, Syracuse and Maryland.

With so many performances to choose from, here are your Week 4 college football helmet stickers.

1) Indiana Hoosiers.

There was no better team performance in Week 4, then Indiana. The college football spotlight was on Bloomington, IN with a primetime game on NBC, and the Hoosiers put their best foot forward. The offense couldn’t be stopped, and the defense was a stonewall, not allowing the Illini to get anything going. Great win for the team and the program.

2) Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers.

The 6’5″ junior transfer quarterback shone the brightest in the biggest game of his career to date. He went 21 of 23 (91.3%), for 267 yards, and 5 TDs, with a 260.0 RTG, and 96.3 QBR. He didn’t make any mistakes and kept the ball out of harm’s way. That’s exactly what he needs to do, if they’re going to keep winning as conference play ramps up.

3) Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo Bulls.

The 6’3″, 240 lbs senior was all over the field, and just wreaking havoc all game long, in a 21-17 loss. He finished the game with 12 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery.

– by Sean McKenzie

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Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, indystar, and ubbulls.

September 23, 2025
Top 10 Returning College Football Players (Non-QB).
With the 2025-26 college football season starting in just under 100 days; I thought we should look and talk about the best returning players in the sport.

This list does not include quarterbacks. Yes, it’s the most important position. There will be a sperate list for that.

Y’all know me, so let’s get right into it.
1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State.
2024 stats – 76 receptions, for 1,315 yards, with 15 TDs.

Smith broke multiple records at Ohio State in his freshman season with ease. He was the Big Ten Receiver of the Year, the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and was a First-Team All-American.

The crazy thing is that the 6’3″, 215 lbs sophomore, still has 2 years of college football to play. He was unguardable last season and will continue to improve under OC/WR coach Brian Hartline.

Smith could walk into the NFL and be WR1 for most teams today. He has the size, speed, and hands to dominate the game for the next decade.

2, Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State.

2024 stats – 81 total tackles, .5 sacks, 2 INTs, 6 PDs, 1 Punt Return TD.

The 6’0″, 205 lbs junior can do everything on defense. He can come down and play in the box. He’s an excellent blitzer, hitting the gaps with speed. He can deliver big hits. He can drop back and play the deep safety. He can come up and play in the slot. He does it all.

He adds additional value in the return game, as evidenced by his punt return touchdown against Indiana.

As a sophomore last season, he won Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Award. He was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, and the Nagurski Award. He was also named a unanimous first team All-American.

3. Anthony Hill Jr, LB, Texas

2024 stats – 113 total tackles, 8 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 1 PD.

The 6’3″, 235 lbs junior was a second-team All-American last season. He has the speed and burst to beat the offensive tackle off the snap and is able to drop back in coverage. He goes for the football, evidenced by his 4 forced fumbles.

4. Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama.

2024 stats – 48 receptions, for 865 yards, with 8 TDs.

The 6’0″, 185 lbs Williams started his freshman season very strong, scoring a touchdown in his first five games. The first thing that comes to mind when talking about him is SPEEEEEEDDDD.

Williams is very fast, and if you don’t get hands on him at the line of scrimmage, you’re eating dust and seeing his numbers.

He faded in the second half of last season. Teams figured out that he can be bullied on the LOS and be taken out of the play because of his small size.

I think that changes this season, and he’ll be better using his hands of the snap. He was first-team All-SEC and Freshman All-American.

5. Jeremiyah Love, HB, Notre Dame.

2024 stats – 163 carries, for 1,125 yards, with 17 TDs. 28 receptions for 237 yards, with 2 TDs.

The 6’0″, 212 lbs junior is the best running back in the country, especially when he’s healthy. All those numbers you see above and the highlights on YouTube, he did all that while battling a number of injuries.

He has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. The power to break tackles and run between the lines. He has the hands to catch the ball out of the backfield. He’s improved his pass blocking and blitz pickup as he’s progressed in his time in South Bend.

Fighting Irish OC Mike Denbrock even said that he was going to “deploy Love in the slot this season”, showing the he can be a playmaker anywhere.

6. T.J. Parker, DE, Clemson.

2024 stats – 57 total tackles, 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 PD.

The 6’3″, 265 lbs junior set a new school record for forced fumbles and had the most sacks in a season for Clemson, since 2018. He has good burst at the snap, and he’s always looking for the football.

Even if the offensive tackle gets his hands inside on him, Parker still has the strength to force him into the pocket and force the quarterback to get out of his rhythm.

Parker was the only FBS player in 2024 to finish in the Top 10 nationally in sacks, tackles for loss, and forced fumbles.

7. Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech.

2024 stats – 127 total tackles, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 INT, 4 PD, 1 Defensive TD.

The 6’1″, 230 lbs senior is a tackling machine. He has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline. He has the strength to take on DT (see Iowa State game), and the toughness to take on the strongest of HBs at the LOS (see the hit on Arizona State HB Cam Skattebo).

He has great hand usage, to get off of blockers and make the tackle. He wraps up and doesn’t let go.

He was named Captain as a junior and has the complete trust of his teammates and coaches.

8. Dani Dennis-Sutton, DE, Penn State.

2024 stats – 42 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 3 PD.

The 6’5″, 265 lbs, senior has ideal size and length at the position. He has the burst to win off the edge and strength to bull rush through the offensive tackles body.

He more than held his own, playing opposite of #3 draft pick Abdul Carter last season.

He played his best football in the college football playoffs, getting 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and an INT in those 3 games.

With new DC Jim Knowles now running the defense, he’ll have even more opportunities to make his mark this upcoming season.

9. Matayo Uiagalelei, OLB/EDGE, Oregon.

2024 stats – 38 total tackles, 10.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT, 1 PD.

The 6’5″, 270 lbs junior led the Big Ten in sacks last season. He had at least one sack in nine straight games. He’s a straight pass rushing LB.

He’s not going to go out there and keep up with TEs on verts and crosses.

He’s going to give you strength, effort, a relentless motor, and more often than not, he wins his matchups.

10. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson.

2024 stats – 26 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 5 QB hurries.

The 6’3″, 315 lbs junior is the best DT in America, and possibly the best overall defensive lineman in college football.

That’s right, I said it.

Woods has the strength and speed inside, to demand double teams on every play. You absolutely cannot have him one on one. What makes him even better, is that he can kick out and not only play DE but play it well.

He can play in either a 4-3 or a 3-4, and be just as productive in both schemes.

He plays his best games, against the best teams (see Georgia and Texas games) last season.

Putting my “fan cap” on, I’d LOVE to see him in my Cleveland Browns Orange next season.

There you go, the 10 best non-QB returning players for the upcoming college football season.

Do you agree or disagree?

Who would put in or take out?

Let me know.

– by Sean McKenzie

Follow me on X (Twitter) at JoeAmerican6771 and allsportsfancom.

Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.

Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, athlonsports, on3, 247sports, clutchpoints, tigernet,texasfootball, clemsontigers, cnn.
May 23, 2025