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Tag: UNLV Rebels

  • Top 3 Under the Radar, Non-Conference Games, You Need to Watch.

    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.

    Pictures courtesy of…..wallpapercave and ESPN.

  • College Football Conference Championship Games Preview and Predictions.

    Collage of various college sports team logos arranged in a grid pattern on a black background.

    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.

    Duke Blue Devils and Virginia Cavaliers football coaches in front of the ACC Championship logo, with players visible in action.

    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.

    Graphic featuring two college football players, one from Indiana Hoosiers wearing a white jersey with red lettering and one from Ohio State Buckeyes in a gray jersey with red details, set against their respective team logos.

    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.

    Logo collage for the Big 12 Football Championship featuring Texas Tech Red Raiders and BYU Cougars, with an Edward Jones sponsorship banner.

    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.

    Collage of players and coaches from the SEC Championship Game featuring Georgia Bulldogs and Alabama Crimson Tide.

    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.

    A hand holding an iced coffee drink from The Rebel Bean in front of a frosty tree.

    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.

  • College Football Mid-Season Awards.

    A collage of various college sports team logos arranged in a grid format, featuring prominent colleges such as Florida State, Michigan, Auburn, and more.

    We are halfway through the 2025-26 college football season, and what an absolutely WILD ride it has been.

    Big name head coaches have already been fired this season. James Franklin (Penn State), Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State), Trent Dilfer (UAB), Sam Pittman (Arkansas), Brent Fry (Virginia Tech), and a few others.

    Teams that a lot of “media pundits” thought would be in the national title picture are fighting just to stay at .500, like Penn State, Texas, and Clemson.

    There have been teams that have “overachieved”, so far this season, like Indiana, Georgia Tech, USF, and Virginia.

    Heisman “front runners” like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, and Cade Klubnik, have not lived up to the hype.

    A cup of coffee with foam is placed in front of two large orange pumpkins and smaller decorative gourds, set against a dark backdrop.

    For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop in at The Rebel Bean. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.

    The race for the college football playoff spot in the “Group of 5” is ABSOLUTELY LIT!!!

    Navy, Memphis, USF, Tulane, Western Kentucky, UNLV, San Diego State, and James Madison, are all either undefeated or only have 1 loss. As much we all love the “Power 4” conference games, the “G5” school games are just as fun to watch. I highly recommend everyone watch these games, as the race for that spot, is going to be so much fun.

    I could go on and out, but, without further ado, HERE are your mid-season awards.

    Heisman Trophy – Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt Commodores.

    Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia in action, displaying strong emotions on the field during a college football game.

    The Heisman Trophy is an INDIVDUAL award, not a team award.

    Without Diego Pavia, the Vanderbilt Commodores are probably 0-6, instead of 5-1.

    He’s the best dual quarterback in the country right now.

    He’s thrown for 1,409 yards, with 14 TDs to 4 INTs, as well as running for 60 carries, for 352 yards, with 2 TDs.

    Pavia IS Commodore football.

    Runner-up – Sawyer Robertson, QB, Baylor Bears.

    Coach of the Year – Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers.

    Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti on the sidelines during a college football game, wearing a red coaching outfit and headphones.

    Nobody, and I mean, nobody, including myself, thought that the Indiana Hoosiers, would be a Top 3 football team in the country.

    He won the award last season, and is the front runner this season, as they are currently undefeated (6-0) and ranked #3 in America. He has this team playing hard, playing fast, and most importantly, playing smart. Only 19 penalties in 6 games.

    Runner-up – Brent Key, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.

    Bronco Nagurski Award – Bryun Parham, EDGE/LB, UConn.

    A football player wearing a dark blue uniform with the number 6, standing on the field and looking intently during a game.

    Boo Hoo Hoo, he doesn’t play for a “Power 5” school.

    Go watch the film, and tell me another player that is playing as consistently, and demanding the double and even triple teams, that Parham is?

    I’ll wait…….

    He has 47 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 3 fumble recoveries.

    He’s ALWAYS around the football and making plays.

    Runner-up – Aamaris Brown, DB, UNLV.

    – by Sean McKenzie

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

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