We have rivalry game upsets, as the unranked Texas Longhorns, beat (then ranked) #6 Oklahoma Sooners 23-6, in the Red River Shootout (I’ll never call it “Red River Rivalry”).
The Bowling Green Falcons came back from a 21-point deficit, to beat the Toledo Rockets 28-23, in the “Battle of I-75”.
In a not so surprising outcome of a rivalry game, the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes beat (then ranked) #17 Illinois Fighting Illini, 34-16.
In my correctly picked Upset Special, the unranked USC Trojans beat (then ranked) #15 Michigan Wolverines 31-13.
I am ABSOLUTELY LOVING seeing these football teams, that typically suck, have great years so far. Example, #13 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are 6-0, after beating Virginia Tech 35-20; and the #7 Indiana Hoosiers went into Autzen Stadium and got a MONSTER win against (then ranked) #3 Oregon Ducks 30-20. Speaking of Indiana…..
(Team) #7 (for now) Indiana Hoosiers.
What a statement win by this team. A lot of people (including me) picked them to lose this game. Winning at Oregon is not easy at all. In fact, it’s so not easy, that even the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes, couldn’t do it last season.
Indiana football is not just ranked, but they’re a threat in the College Football Playoff. They’re undefeated at 6-0, and don’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon.
(Offense) Danny Scudero, WR, San Jose State Trojans.
The sophomore from San Jose, CA had a big game in a loss against the Wyoming Cowboys, as he had 10 catches, for 180 yards, and 4 TDs. He also leads the country in receiving yards with 845.
(Defense) Owen Long, LB, Colorado State.
Another sophomore showing out this week.
Long had a whooping 17 tackles, to go along with 1 sack, and a pass deflection, as the Colorado State Rams beat the Frenso State Bulldogs 49-21.
He also leads the nation in total tackles with 85 so far this season.
Who would you give a helmet sticker to?
– by Sean McKenzie
Please subscribe, follow, and like.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, mercurynews, and ESPN.
As we come up on the midpoint of the summer calendar, we start counting down the days until the first college football game of the new season. 66 days by the way, as of this writing.
The first few weeks is mostly non-conference games.
There are always big games, like this year we have Texas traveling to Columbus to take on Ohio State.
In a big surprise for us college football fans, an SEC team is actually traveling, to play a big non-conference game at another school. They typically always, always make them a neutral site game, which is garbage for the sport.
LSU is heading northeast to play the Clemson Tigers, in Memorial Stadium.
Upsets always happen. Teams that have no business “staying close” to a powerhouse, almost beat them.
Example of that happened last season, as the Bowling Green Falcons from the MAC, almost beat Penn State (Big Ten) and Texas A&M (SEC). Losing both games ONLY by a combined 13 points.
So, without further ado, here are 5 non-conference games, that you should watch and pay attention to (in no particular order).
Toledo Rockets (MAC) at Kentucky Wildcats (SEC). August 30th. Game starts at 12:45 PM (EST) on SEC Network.
Kentucky is coming off a 4-8 season and ended HC Mark Stoops 8-season bowl streak. They are replacing starters at every skill position on offense and most positions on defense. Stoops hit the transfer portal hard, and got a lot of new players from G5 schools. Stoops hasn’t had consecutive losing seasons since 2015.
Toledo returns their starting QB Tucker Gleason, speedy WR Junior Vandeross, and 3 starting offensive lineman. HB Chip Trayanum transferred in from Kentucky and Ohio State. They also return their entire secondary from last season.
I am officially calling the upset in this one. The Rockets travel the 284 miles down I-75, and get their 2nd straight upset over an SEC opponent.
Auburn Tigers (SEC) at Baylor Bears (Big-12). August 29th. Game starts at 8:00 PM (EST) on FOX.
This game is getting a bit of buzz, especially from Josh Pate (check him out on YouTube. I listen daily). and rightfully so.
While neither team is going to win their conference, this game is going to shape their individual seasons.
Auburn has a new starter behind center in transfer QB Jackson Arnold (Oklahoma), and a very good WR corps, with top WR transfer Eric Singleton Jr (Georgia Tech), and returning starters Cam Coleman and Malcolm Simmons. Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkins has DE Keldric Faulk (7 sacks) returning and 4 returning starters in the secondary. They only had 13 total takeaways though, so he’ll hope that number improves.
Baylor returns almost their entire offense from last season, led by QB Sawyer Robertson, was tied for the 19th ranked scoring offense in the country last season. On defense, the Bears hit the transfer portal HARD. Basically, shopping at the Big-10 store, bringing in players from Ohio State, Northwestern, and Oregon to make improvements on one of the worst defenses in the Big-12.
This game is going to be a shootout, and maybe even go into OT…..or 5.
West Virginia Mountaineers (Big-12) at Ohio Bobcats (MAC). September 6th. Game starts at 4:00 PM (EST) on ESPNU.
HC Rich Rodriguez is back in Morgantown for his 2nd stint, where he was 60-26 in 7 years the first time around. He has his work cut out for him, as he’s replacing all but 2 starters on offense. Good news is that 6 players followed Rich-Rod from Jacksonville State on this side of the ball. Bad news is that he’s replacing every single starter on defense. He’s really hoping that transfer DE Jimmori Robinson, who was C-USA DPOTY (10.5 sacks at UTSA) will lead the way.
QB Parker Navarro threw for 2,423 yards and ran for another 1,054 yards, and he returns for the Bobcats. 2 starting WRs and their starting TE also return, to lead a dangerous offense. The defense got absolutely smashed in the transfer portal. Only 3 starters return, and they’re all in the secondary.
It’s only 149 miles between these 2 schools; it’s not like they’re strangers. Expect some trash talk and points on the board in this one.
Boise State Broncos (Mountain West) at Notre Dame Fighting Irish (Independent). October 4th. Game starts at 3:30 PM (EST) on NBC and Peacock.
Notre Dame has arguably the best running back in American returning in Jeremiyah Love. They always have a good/great offensive line. The offense will go through the running game. On defense they have an excellent pair of CBs in Christian Gray and Leonard (trial by fire last season for Moore after Morrison went down). Though no starters return on the defensive line, they all played significant snaps last season, whether through rest or injury.
Yes, the Broncos lost Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty, but QB Maddux Madsen returns after throwing for 3,018 yards with 23 TDs to only 8 INTs. In front of him, 4 starters are returning on the offensive line. On defense, Boise State led the entire country in sacks last season with 55. 3 of their top 4 sack leaders are returning in DE Virgin-Morgan (10), S Seyi Oladipo (6.5), and DT Braxton Fely (5.5).
If you aren’t excited for this game as a college football fan, you aren’t a fan. How can you not be excited to see the Boise blue at Notre Dame Stadium?
If Boise State loses, they have NO CHANCE of making the college football playoffs.
Vanderbilt Commodores (SEC) at Virginia Tech Hokies (ACC). September 6th. Game starts at 7:30 PM (EST) on ACC Network.
Vanderbilt’s starting QB Diego Pavia is back for his final season, after throwing for 2,293 yards with 20 TDs to only 4 INTs, while adding 800 yards and 8 TDs rushing as well. They return 7 starters on a defense that only allowed 23.4 points per game all of last season. Their magical season last year, started by beat Virginia Tech at home.
The Hokies have a good dual threat QB in Kyron Drones. When he’s healthy, he’s as good as anyone in the country. Transfer HB Terion Stewart (Bowling Green) is going to give the offense some power and pop in the running game. On defense, they must replace their entire secondary and defensive line, but they return both starting LBs.
Clark Lea and Vanderbilt need to prove that last season wasn’t a fluke. What better way to start that process than back-to-back wins over a P4 school with prestige.
HC Brent Pry is on the hot seat in Blacksburg. If he loses to Vandy again, the cries for his job will get even louder.
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN and NCAA.
Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave, ESPN, athlonsports, and MSN.
Quarterback Derek Carr has decided to retire, after 11 seasons in the NFL. The former Raiders and Saints QB attended Fresno State and was the 36th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. He finishes his career throwing for 41,245 yards, with 257 TDs and 112 INTs.
Rookie mini camps were held over the weekend. Jaguars #2 pick WR/CB Travis Hunter took snaps on the offensive side of the ball. HC Liam Coen said that Hunter will get defensive reps next week. Browns #5 pick DT Mason Graham made headlines after he was caught vomiting on the field. HC Kevin Stefanski blew it off saying that he simply ate too much.
MMA NEWS.
Jack Della Maddalena (18-2) defeated Belal Muhammad (24-4) to become the new UFC Welterweight Champion, in an absolute slugfest. The judges gave Jack the UD win with scores of 48-47 (x2) and 49-46. Jack has now won 18 straight fights. His last lost coming way back in 2016.
Some things just seem to stay the same. Valentina Shevchenko (25-4-1) defended her Women’s Flyweight Championship for a record 10th time, defeating Manon Fiorot (12-2) by UD. 48-47 (x3).
Featherweight legend Jose Aldo (32-10), retired in the octagon after losing to Aiemann Zahabi (13-2).
Former Light Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame later this year.
Belfort (26-14) burst onto the scene when he won the UFC Heavyweight Tournament back in 1997, at only 19 years of age.
In 2013, his legal use of testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) became a worldwide sports controversy. The Nevada State Athletic Commission later banned TRT, from competition without medical proof of necessity.
He holds career wins against legends Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Rich Franklin, Luke Rockhold, Michael Bisping, and Dan Henderson.
NBA Playoffs.
The #4 seeded Indiana Pacers defeated the #1 seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 129-109, to take a 3-1 series lead.
PF Pascal Siakam led the team with 21 points. C Myles Turner had 7 rebounds, and PG T.J. McConnell had 8 assists.
Game 6 is Tuesday night, in Cleveland at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.
The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets 92-87, to tie the series at 2-2.
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 25 points and 6 assists. C Isaiah Hartenstein had 14 rebounds to lead the team.
Game 5 is also on Tuesday night, in Oklahoma City, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.
NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS.
The A3 and defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, defeated the A1 Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0, to tie the series at 2-2.
Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky got his 5th career playoff shutout, stopping all 23 shots attempted.
Tempers flared at the end of the game, when Maple Leafs C Max Domi (Pussycat Max, as I call him), landed his latest in a long career of cheap shots, this time on Panthers C Aleksander Barkov.
Game 5 is Wednesday night, in Toronto, at 7:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.
The C2 Dallas Stars defeated the C1 Winnepeg Jets 5-2, to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Stars RW Mikko Rantanen continues his incredible playoff run with another 3 points (1G/2A). Full game highlights below.
Game 4 is Tuesday night, in Dallas, at 8:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.
MLB NEWS.
Phillies beat the Guardians 3-0.
In a battle of division leaders, the Mets beat the Cubs 6-2.
League leading Dodgers beat the Diamondbacks 8-1.
Surprising Tigers lose to the Rangers 6-1.
The Rockies actually win a game!!! Beating the Padres 9-3.
OTHER NEWS.
Congratulations to my Aunt Chris’ as her Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets 4 games to 2 and advance to the Western Conference Finals in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs.
Question of the day – Did your favorite team make the playoffs?
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NFL, NHL, MLB, ECHL, NBA, bleacherreport, UFC.
Pictures and video courtesy of…..wallpapercave, UFC, ECHL, bleacherreport, and YouTube.
For the 2nd time in 2 games, the #3 seeded New York Knicks overcome a 20-point deficit to beat the defending NBA Champion and #2 seeded Boston Celtics. The 91-90 victory last night, gives them a big 2-0 series lead going back home to Madison Square Garden.
The odds now heavily favor the Knicks, as 85.7% of teams who win the first 2 games on the road, end up taking the best of seven series.
SG Josh Hart led the team in points with 23, but it was C Karl Anthony-Towns with his team leading 17 rebounds. Dominating the glass and not allowing those pesky second chance shots by Boston. PG Jalen Brunson led with 7 assists. Check out the final seconds of the game below.
Game 3 is in New York, Saturday afternoon, at 3:30 PM (EST) on ABC.
The #1 seeded Oklahoma City Thunder laid a 43-point butt whipping on the #4 seeded Denver Nuggets with a 149-106 victory at home.
The Thunder set an NBA record, scoring 87 points in the first half alone. The shots just weren’t falling for the Nuggets last night, and the Thunder made 56.2% of their shots, including 44.4% from beyond the arch. Full game highlights of the record-breaking night below.
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 34 points and assists with 8. PF Chet Holmgren had 11 rebounds.
It was a big win for the Thunder as the series is now tied 1-1, going to Denver.
Game 3 is Friday night, in Denver, at 10:00 PM (EST) on ESPN.
Golden State Warriors superstar PG Stephen Curry has Grade 1 left hamstring strain, is slated to miss at least 2 games, if not more.
Hamstring injuries are hard to recover from, as they can linger for weeks or months.
NHL STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS AND NEWS.
The A1 Toronto Maple Leafs take a big 2-0 series lead over the defending Stanley Cup Champion and A3 Florida Panthers with a 4-3 victory at home. Full game highlights below.
Both teams got power play goals by Barkov (FLA) and Pacioretty (TOR) in the 1st period. Goals by Nylander and Domi, gave Toronto a 3-2 lead after 2 periods of play. Lundell scored at 5:33 of the 3rd to tie it at 3-3. Only 17 seconds later, Mitch Marner scored the eventual game winner at 5:50.
Game 3 is Friday night, in Sunrise, FL, at 7:00 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.
The C2 Dallas Stars steal Game 1 in Winnepeg from the C1 Winnepeg Jets with a 3-2 win, to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
All 5 goals were scored in a wild and crazy 2nd period. Led by Stars RW Mikko Rantanen, who got his 2nd straight hat-trick. See all 3 goals below.
Game 2 is Friday night, in Winnepeg, at 9:30 PM (EST) on TNT, truTV, and Max.
The Utah Hockey Club in the NHL, now officially has a nickname and logo.
They will be called, the Utah Mammoth.
It was a 13-month process, and they had over 850,000 ballots cast by fans to come up with the name and logo.
It went through 4 rounds of “community voting” and this is the winner.
MLB SCORES AND NEWS.
The Guardians beat the Nationals 8-6.
The Yankees get the 4-3 win over the Padres in extra innings.
The Dodgers lay a beat down on the Marlins 10-1.
The Pittsburgh Pirates lose their 7th straight game to the streaking St. Louis Cardinals 5-0.
OTHER NEWS.
My Aunt Chris’ Toledo Walleye defeated my Fort Wayne Komets in double overtime, to get the 3-2 win, and tie the series at 2-2 in the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs. Game highlights below.
Game 5 is tonight, in Fort Wayne, IN. Puck drops at 7:35 PM (EST)
Get out and support your local pro and semi-pro teams.
– by Sean McKenzie
Stats and information courtesy of…..ESPN, NBA, NHL, MLB.
Pictures and videos courtesy of…..YouTube, myhighplains, and the ChicagoSunTimes.
.jpg?w=802)
allsportsfan 