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Tag: Virginia Cavaliers

  • 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 Week 11 Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of college football team logos arranged in a grid pattern, featuring various helmets and mascots.

    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

    Logo of Sam Houston Bearkats featuring the letters 'S' and 'H' with a bear paw print, set against an orange background.

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

    (Offense) Diego Pavia, QB, Vanderbilt.

    A football player in a black jersey evades two defenders in white uniforms during a college football game.

    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.

    A Texas Tech Red Raiders football player walks off the field after a game, wearing a red jersey with the number 10 and holding a football helmet.

    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.

  • College Football Week 9 Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of various college sports team logos displayed on a black background.

    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.

    A clear cup of iced coffee topped with frothy cream, drizzled with syrup, in front of bright orange pumpkins and smaller decorative gourds against a rustic background.

    For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, stop into The Rebel Bean in Convoy. Check out their Facebook page for hours and special drink menu. The friendly staff always makes you feel welcome.

    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.

    North Dakota State University football helmet logo with a green and gold design, set against a stadium backdrop.

    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.

    A football player wearing a North Texas Mean Green jersey adjusts his helmet on the field during a game.

    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.

    A California Golden Bears linebacker celebrates a play on the field, wearing a dark blue jersey with the number 0, with teammates visible in the background.

    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.

  • The Real Top 10 College Football Teams, after Week 9.

    A grid display featuring various college sports team logos, including the Florida State Seminoles, Michigan Wolverines, and Texas Longhorns.

    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).

    For the best coffee and lattes in Van Wert County, go to The Rebel Bean. Delicious drinks and a friendly staff. Check out their Facebook page for hours and drink menu.

    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.

  • Week 6 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

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

    WOW!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Team) UCLA Bruins.

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

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

    Congratulations to all the players and staff.

    (Offense) Blake Horvath, QB, Navy Midshipmen.

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

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

    (Defense) Nathan Voorhis, DE, Ball State.

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

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

    Who would you give a helmet sticker to???

    – by Sean McKenzie

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

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

  • Week 5 College Football Recap and Helmet Stickers.

    A collage of various college football team logos arranged in rows, featuring logos from teams like Michigan, USC, LSU, and more against a black background.

    (all rankings are current)

    What a banger of a college football weekend it was!!!

    We had instant classics, as the #2 Oregon Ducks, went into Happy Valley, during a whiteout game, and beat the #7 Penn State Nittany Lions 30-24 in double overtime.

    The #10 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide went in “Between the Hedges” and ended the nation’s longest home winning streak, as they beat the #12 ranked Georgia Bulldogs 24-21.

    The Virigina Cavaliers pulled a major upset in double overtime, beating the (then #8), #18 Florida State Seminoles 46-38. Then followed that by having the fastest storming of the field, that I’ve ever seen. LOL. (see final play and students storm the field in video below.)

    The #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes went into Husky Stadium and ended the nation’s 2nd longest home winning streak, beating the Washington Huskies, 24-6, in a very workman like performance.

    It also took overtime for #15 ranked Tennessee and #16 ranked Georgia Tech to get wins over Mississippi State and Wake Forest (41-34 and 30-29).

    Unfortunately, we had another head coach lose their job, as Arkansas fired Sam Pittman (really dumb move in my personal opinion) after getting their butt whooped by #22 ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish 56-13, at home. Bobby Petrino has been named interim head coach.

    With so many performances to choose from, HERE are the Week 5 College Football Helmet Stickers.

    (Team) #22 Illinois Fighting Illini.

    Logo of the Illinois Fighting Illini on an orange background.

    After getting absolutely molly-whopped last week, the Fighting Illini, showed some fight. They went toe-to-toe with (then ranked#21) USC Trojans and won the game, 34-32, on a 41-yard field goal as time expired. This was a great game, that showcased the best of both teams. Illinois showed the country, that they are going to get up and fight, after being knocked down. Statement win.

    (Offense) Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech

    Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King runs with the football during a game, wearing a yellow and white uniform.

    The senior quarterback did everything, and then some, as he led the Yellow Jackets to a hard fought victory.

    King went 28 of 42, for 243 yards, with 1 TD and 0 INTs. He also had 21 carries, for 106 yards, with 2 TDs.

    Because of him, Georgia Tech is not only highly ranked, but undefeated at 5-0.

    (Defense) Noah Avinger, CB, Utah State.

    Portrait of a smiling male football player wearing a blue jersey, with short curly hair and earrings, against a white background.

    The 6’0 senior cornerback, was all over the field on Saturday afternoon, as he helped the Utah State Aggies, give the #18 ranked Vanderbilt Commodores, all they could handle, in a 55-35 loss.

    He had 12 tackles, and an interception.

    Who would you give a helmet sticker to?

    – by Sean McKenzie.

    Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and like.

    Stats courtesy of…..NCAA.

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