McGowan Mania

2026 College Football Picks: Week Nine

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 03:06:43 +0000

Gunner Stockton, Georgia

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 40-23 | ⚡ UPSETS 2–5 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 7–2

(17) Florida Gators vs. (3) Georgia Bulldogs

📍 Atlanta

🏈 Georgia -12.5 | O/U 55.5

The "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" will have a bit of a different feel this year, moving from it's long-running roots in Jacksonville to Atlanta, just for this fall. In that sense, it should feel more like a home game for Georgia, which will be important as they fend off the upset-minded Gators. With both teams fresh off a bye and with the stakes higher in this rivalry than they've been in several years, it should be a fun battle in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The bye week was exactly what the Bulldogs needed after a shocking loss to Auburn, dropping them from their No. 1 perch. The Tigers played well, but it did have a feel of a game that Georgia let slip away. Veteran QB Gunner Stockton had an uncharacteristic two interceptions, and the Bulldogs had three turnovers total. Auburn made the plays in the high leverage moments Georgia didn't, which is a rarity for this program. Yet, it does feel like after these types of games is where Kirby Smart is at his best. He knows how to motivate his teams, and laying a midseason stinker like this is the perfect excuse for the coaching staff to turn it up a notch. Stockton is a better quarterback than what we saw against the Tigers, but he will need more support if this Bulldogs team is to accomplish their goals on the season. The ground game has been okay on the season, but it does feel like it's missing the pop it has had in the past. Dwight Phillips Jr. and Nate Frazier are a talented duo, and they are likely to spearhead the ground game again with Chauncey Bowens listed as questionable. But, is this really the best we can get from those two? There's pressure on the offensive line and receiver corps to also step up - those two groups have far more potential than what we've seen so far in 2026. Nobody beyond Craig Dandridge has been able to consistently make things happen on the outside, and the tight ends have not played at the Georgia standard. Could this be the week things change? The Gator defense had perhaps their best outing of the season last time they were out against Texas, but this is still a group with notable questions. They've really struggled with the big play in the secondary, and the defensive front is not yet at the level Jon Sumrall expects it to be. That's not to say we are going to see Georgia come out and chuck the ball all around the field, this is a Kirby team after all. But you do wonder if Mike Bobo and the Bulldogs may open up their playbook a bit right after a bye and script some shots, especially early on to test the waters against these Gators.

The Texas win may not have been pretty from Florida, but that's the type of game this team is built to win, and that Sumrall wants to be in. They made the most of their opportunities on offense, even if they weren't very explosive, played tough defense, and took care of the football. They'll look to play a similar strategy in this game, but hope to get more a bit more from the quarterback position. Tramell Jones Jr. was serviceable filling in as starter, but the hope is that starter Aaron Philo will be back in action. Both were listed on the injury report heading into the weekend, meaning Florida will almost certainly have to lean on Jadan Baugh and the ground game. Baugh started off this season on fire, looking like a real Heisman candidate, but he's been held in check in recent weeks. If he regain his form after the bye and this Gator offense can find some balance, this is a group that can put up points. You have to consider, this is not the best Georgia defense we've seen under Kirby, and Florida offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner has had their number in the past in his time at Georgia Tech. Even with all the uncertainty that clouds the quarterback position for Florida, I would not be surprised if this offense puts up more points than expected.

Rivalry games can always get a bit weird, and this feels like a bit like picking between the safer option, or taking a swing. Even after the Auburn loss, we have a fairly good idea who Georgia is - Kirby is as consistent as they come, Stockton may win them a few games late, and they are still top-to-bottom one of the most talented teams in the nation. Florida may be more volatile, but this team can really impress when they are at their best. I still am taking the Bulldogs in this spot given some of the major questions surrounding the Gators, but this is definitely an upset alert heading into Saturday.

The Pick: Georgia, 34 Florida, 24

(22) Arizona Wildcats @ (13) Texas Tech Red Raiders

2026 College Football Picks: Week Eight

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:14:55 +0000

Devon Dampier, Utah

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 34-20 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–5 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 3–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 6–1

(14) Houston Cougars @ (10) Utah Utes

📍 Salt Lake City

🏈 Utah -6.5 | O/U 56.5

The best game of the weekend is a late night duel at elevation in Salt Lake City, as the Houston Cougars travel to take on the undefeated Utah Utes. The game not only has significant Big 12 implications but could have an outsized impact on the College Football Playoff race - particularly now that the league is likely looking at multiple bids.

No team in the Top 10 of the polls is as great of a mystery at this point in the season as the Utah Utes. They've done their job, cruising past a weak schedule to get a 6-0 start on the season. But, it's hard to take too much away from beating up on Arkansas in the non-conference, and beating up on the three worst teams in the Big 12. The Colorado game last weekend may give some reason to concern, as the Utes got all they could handle from a Buffaloes team that is 2-4 on the year. The game did expose weaknesses Houston will almost certainly exploit. The Buffaloes stacked the box and forced Utah QB Devon Dampier to make some tough throws. He did still manage to go for 278 yards through the air, but a pair or interceptions kept Colorado in the game. Given all the activity at the line, it's no surprise Utah had a tough time running the ball, and it will not get easier against Houston. Wayshawn Parker has been solid all season for the Utes, but the lack of depth at the position has been interesting to watch the deeper we get into the season. Dampier and backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin may be able to create with their legs, but you have to wonder how this offense will handle against the better defenses they play if they can't get more consistency across the board on the ground. Out wide, Utah has more they can throw at you than you may expect, as Creed Whittemore and Braden Pegan have formed a very effective 1-2 punch. The Cougars did a good job containing an explosive Oklahoma State offense last weekend, but the Utes can get creative in the passing game. They'll find a way to manufacture some yardage, and one or two big plays could split this one wide open.

A two-point loss on the road to Texas Tech is the only blemish on the Cougar schedule up to this point in the season, a game that came down to a failed two-point conversion. This 2026 team very much epitomizes what Willie Fritz has done here at Houston overall - they're well-coached, fundamentally sound, and often don't beat themselves. The offense is all about balance, and has numerous different playmakers. Quarterback Conner Weigman remains at the controls, but he was beat up last weekend in the win over Oklahoma State. It sounds like he should still start as normal, but the veteran QB not being 100 percent is a storyline worth watching. In the backfield, the Cougars rely on the combo of Makhi Hughes and Re'Shaun Sanford II, and Weigman can further create with his legs. The Utes have long been a team that is tough to run against, but the rush defense has taken a bit of a slip this fall. You have to feel like the Cougars keep it on the ground and see how successful they are before going back to the air game. This is a team not short of weapons on the perimeter, but Weigman's health may impact the gameplan.

This has the looks of a fun late night Big 12 battle between two evenly matched teams. Houston is almost certainly the trickiest opponent that the Utes have seen on the year, but Utah does get them in Rice-Eccles Stadium at elevation. It does feel like a game that could come down to the last possession, but between the homefield advantage and the fact they are likely fresher, I think the Utes are the safer bet.

The Pick: Utah, 28 Houston, 21

(7) Ole Miss Rebels @ (19) Texas Longhorns

2026 College Football Picks: Week Seven

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 22:08:04 +0000

Charlie Becker, Indiana

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 29-16 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–4 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 2–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 5–1

(4) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (5) Indiana Hoosiers

📍 Bloomington, IN

🏈 Ohio State -3.5 | O/U 50.5

A rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship Game, and perhaps a preview of this year's will be on display in Bloomington on Saturday. Vegas seems to believe Ohio State has recovered from their defeat to Texas a month ago and is now resorted back to being the league frontrunner. The Hoosiers will relish the underdog role once again, out to prove the conference race still runs through Bloomington.

It's no secret what has fueled Ohio State's 5-1 start to the season: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The junior seems to be the Heisman favorite where we stand at the midway point of the regular season, with 48 receptions, 916 yards and 11 touchdowns to his credit on the year. If he continues on his current pace, he at least has a chance to get within range of the all-time single-season leader, Nevada's Trevor Insley in 1999. Indiana presents perhaps a greater challenge than he's seen in several weeks, but this is not a Hoosier secondary that has played up to the standard they did a season ago. They have lacked the D'Angelo Ponds character in the secondary, the fearless leader who goes up against the best receiver each and every week and relishes the opportunity to shut him down. If you're the Hoosier defense, the best strategy here is to somewhat contain Smith - you're not going to hold him to no damage, but you have to limit the game-breaking plays. If they can do that and force other Buckeyes to beat you, there's a chance to slow down this offense. Quarterback Julian Sayin has been good, but not particularly great. The rush offense has been a bit of a disappointment. The offensive line is banged up. And the receiver corps is really lacking much beyond Smith, with their next best target, Devin McCuin, listed as questionable. There are some real questions here Indiana could exploit, especially as their own defense seems to be progressing nicely after some early season woes. Yet, Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are inevitable in many ways, and there are factors that could be looking up. Getting Phillip Daniels healthy at right tackle is going to be huge against this Indiana pass rush. The ground game, while disappointing, has seemed to find its footing last week, albeit against Maryland. I do still wonder what we see out wide from the Buckeyes, because this has to be more than just Smith if this team genuinely wants to compete for a National Title. Could McCuin stay healthy and show up as the Robin to Smith's Batman? Is this finally the Brandon Inniss game? I do think this Ohio State team is going to try and be aggressive vertically, in a way they weren't in last year's Big Ten Championship. You have to believe they learned their lesson in that game, and also want to exploit this Hoosier back-end.

There's a much different feel to this Indiana offense, which is expected given just how much turnover occurred over the offseason. TCU transfer Josh Hoover may not be Fernando Mendoza, but he's actually been really solid across the board. Two things jump out at you with Hoover and this Hoosier offense: he's taking care of the ball in a way he didn't with the Horned Frogs, and this team relies heavily on explosive plays in a way they didn't last year. Indiana's offense last fall sure hit some big shots, but it was more of a methodical, prodding offense that made the big plays in high leverage moments. This team needs the big shots to be successful, and they've gotten them this season. Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh have been an elite duo on the perimeter, and Hoover has formed quick chemistry with both. It's a real concern for an Ohio State secondary that has also been finding themselves. There's no Caleb Downs back here this season, and it has certainly shown. That's not to say Ohio State can't stop anyone through the air, but this is a big opportunity for the likes of Jermaine Matthews and Devin Sanchez. Sanchez in particular is a big-time talent who was considered a surefire breakout candidate, but has had an up-and-down campaign thus far. Up front, the Buckeyes lack the star-power they've had in years past, but Matt Patricia has still found a way to manufacture pressure, and the rush defense matches up fairly well against the Hoosiers. In fact, that seems to be the description of this Ohio State defense - there's no Bosa brother, or Chase Young, or Downs but they find a way to get the job done. They may be okay giving up yardage, if they can create a turnover or two and make the plays in high leverage situations.

As silly as it sounds, it does feel like Indiana is being a bit overlooked on the year. This may not be the 2025 team, but it's still a great football team and Ohio State has real questions. Yet, it seems to be in the games and moments on the schedule where the Buckeyes have the most questions, we see their most dominant performances. And when your difference-maker is Jeremiah Smith, that's an awfully important deciding factor.

The Pick: Ohio State, 35 Indiana, 31

(2) Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ (8) BYU Cougars

College Football Coaching Carousel Predictions 2026

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:49:08 +0000

Manny Diaz

Now a month-and-half into the 2026 college football season, we have a good sense of what teams are going to be this fall. There have been fun stories and some pleasant surprises, but several notable programs are already looking ahead towards the offseason and what they hope are brighter days ahead in 2027. No power conference jobs have opened just yet, but it's only a matter of time until the coaching carousel starts spinning. Here's who I see taking over at each projected opening this offseason.

Colorado Buffaloes

(Fire Deion Sanders?)

For as controversial as Deion Sanders has been through his playing days and coaching career, he was the right hire at the right time for Colorado. The program desperately needed some excitement after the uninspired Karl Dorrell era in Boulder, and a reason for fans to buy in as they made the jump to the Big 12. Deion brought energy, and for a short period of time, success. The Buffaloes went 9-4 in 2024 and won their first Heisman Trophy in three decades. Since those highs, they have has gone 5-12, and the prognosis for the remainder of this fall does not look promising. The staff changes over the offseason have not moved the needle in the way Deion had hoped and perhaps most frustrating has been the quarterback situation. Julian Lewis was the type of big-name prospect coming out of high school that Colorado was hoping would lead them into the post-Shedeur Sanders future. Instead, he has been benched, with control of the offense handed to Utah transfer Isaac Wilson - at least for now. When you also consider the health problems Deion has also dealt with over the last several years, you do wonder if this is a situation where both decide to mutually part ways, with "Prime" finding a new endeavor away from the Rockies. He is owed a $26 million buyout if he is fired this fall, so perhaps CU brass doesn't have the money they need to make this move directly. But it just feels increasingly difficult to imagine a scenario in which "Prime" is again head man next fall, especially with the way the rest of the season is shaping up.

Hire: Ryan Walters, Washington Defensive Coordinator

This may not be a super popular hire in Boulder at face value given what happened with Ryan Walters during his stint as Purdue head man. Walters took over a Purdue program riding high after a superb run under Jeff Brohm and proceeded to go 5-19 over the course of two seasons. But Walters does offer almost the complete opposite of what Colorado has been under Deion, and that's appealing for a program that will be hungry for change. He's not the loud, sometimes abrasive personality of Deion, but instead a soft-spoken, old school football coach. He's an alum who played safety at the school from 2004-2008, so he has a deep understanding of Colorado football and an appreciation for the university. He is the type of coach that would want to be here and build something for the long haul, which just never felt like the case for Deion and the current regime. And, for as frustrating as the Purdue tenure was, there was a reason Walters was immediately hired on by Washington run their defense - he's an elite football mind. He has risen up the coaching ranks quickly and still has a bright future, as he is only 40 years old. I do believe coaches often learn a lot from their first head coaching gig, even it wasn't successful, and the lessons he takes with him could be just what Walters needs to turn things around this time. Another point in his favor? He's likely to be one of the more affordable options Colorado can realistically get, which may be extra important given the financial pressure the athletics department is under.

Other Names to Watch: Dan Mullen (UNLV Head Coach); G.J. Kinne (Texas State Head Coach); Brennan Marion (Colorado Offensive Coordinator); Jason Eck (New Mexico Head Coach); Brian Kelly (former Notre Dame and LSU Head Coach)

Florida State Seminoles

(Fire Mike Norvell?)

2026 College Football Picks: Week Six

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:02:58 +0000

Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 26-10 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–2 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 1–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 5–1

(2) Georgia Bulldogs @ (6) Alabama Crimson Tide

📍 Tuscaloosa, AL

🏈 Alabama -1.5 | O/U 51.5

For as much has changed in the SEC and college football over the years, Georgia and Alabama have remained constants - and the two are set to square off again on Saturday night in a matchup that has the feelings of another instant classic. Both are undefeated and have their sets sight on National Titles. The weather could be complete chaos. Future NFLers will line up all over the field. And only one team will come away with the win.

It's been smooth sailing over the first five weeks of the season for Georgia, who has taken advantage of one of the weakest schedules in the SEC up to this point to get to 5-0. Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt may genuinely be the worst three teams in the league this fall, and the Bulldogs cruised over all three. Even so, the Bulldogs still have to be excited about what the offense has been able to achieve, averaging 51.4 PPG entering the weekend. There is real balance to this group and some explosiveness, with quarterback Gunner Stockton at the controls. Stockton is completing 76% of his passes and keeping the ball out of opponent's hands, while still being willing to take the shots down the field. His supporting cast is a bit light on star power, as compared to some of the past Kirby Smart teams we've seen, but Nate Frazier and a deep backfield power the run, and there are real weapons at receiver. Craig Dandridge is the team's leading receiver, despite just nine catches on the campaign. His big play ability is something that has been missing at times for Georgia over the years and he does so by creativity after the catch. We saw Ryan Coleman-Williams become a household name with a dominant showing of his own against the Bulldogs a few years ago - could this be the type of moment for Dandridge, too? More than likely given the potential for inclement weather, it's going to be the old ground-and-pound for Georgia. It's good news they are so deep in the backfield, per usual, but the chess match against Kane Wommack and this Alabama defense is a fun storyline. Wommack is awfully creative with what he is able to do on the defensive side, and he seems to elevate his performance for the big games. The Tide are going to be aggressive and it's worth noting this is still a very young Georgia offensive line. The Bulldogs have held up on the line all season, but this is a different animal than they've seen and games like these often have a way of coming down to the war in the trenches.

There's not an overwhelming favorite in the Heisman race just yet, but if you said it was Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, I don't think anyone could argue with you. Russell simply does not look like a first-year starter - his comfortability and feel for this offense is well beyond his years. He's able to make things happen in a variety of ways, whether it's sitting back and picking apart a defense from the pocket, or going out and improvising. It has helped that Alabama's great weakness last fall, the O-Line play and the ground game, have both been much improved so far on the season. That's allowed Russell a bit more of a margin for error and not forced him to create the entire offense, as was often a problem for Ty Simpson in 2025. I'm curious what Glenn Schumann and this Georgia defense draw up to try and stop him. You almost wonder if they're going to sit back and not apply as much pressure as usual given Russell's excellent improvisation skills. When he can get out of the pocket and find openings with the big play threats the Tide possess on the perimeter, that's when he's especially dangerous. More so than anything, this feels like a mental game for this Georgia defense. Who is the toughest quarterback they've faced so far this fall, Vanderbilt freshman Jared Curtis? They're probably going to take a punch or two, potentially early, from Russell and this Alabama offense, and it's going to be about how they respond. If Alabama is able to steal away the early momentum and get the crowd fully into this one, mounting a comeback is going to be that much harder.

Alabama has owned the regular season series between these two in recent years, and they do get the homefield advantage. Yet, Kirby is going to have his boys up for a game like this, and you almost wonder if Georgia will be fresher given the light schedule. The weather throws another wrench to consider. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but we just know Alabama more at this juncture in the season and going into Bryant-Denny Stadium and coming away with a victory is an arduous process for any opponent - especially a rival like Georgia.

The Pick: Alabama, 31 Georgia, 28

(21) UCLA Bruins @ (13) Oregon Ducks

2026 College Football Picks: Week Five

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 02:37:36 +0000

Kamario Taylor, Mississippi State

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 20-7 | ⚡ UPSETS 1–1 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 1–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 3–1

(5) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (14) Iowa Hawkeyes

📍 Iowa City

🏈 Ohio State -14.5 | O/U 45.5

It took until the very last play of the game, but Iowa found a way to overcome Michigan in a thriller in Ann Arbor last weekend. Now they welcome the Big Ten favorite to Kinnick, which has long been where ranked teams go to die. Can the Hawkeyes continue the magic, or is this the type of game that will bring them back down to Earth?

In many ways, Iowa's upset of Michigan was peak Iowa football. They found a way to make it ugly, kept it close the entire way, and then made the big play when it counted to steal away the win. But, the way they did it was not a typical Iowa effort. The Hawkeyes never found a way to get anything going on the ground limping to just 58 yards total on 24 carries. Instead, it was Hank Brown and the passing attack that stepped up most when it was needed, as Brown threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns, including an excellent throw to the sideline in the end zone to seal the win. That's not to say we can expect Iowa to suddenly became a team that is going to sling the ball all over the field, but there is some actual balance to this offense this fall. Brown is a rock-solid quarterback who can make the big play when it counts, and there is real pass-catchers to throw the ball to. Tony Diaz made waves in the offseason and has impressed early on, Reece Vander Zee had the two touchdown catches last weekend, and tight end Addison Ostrenga will move the chains over the middle. Most importantly, offensive coordinator Tim Lester has worked hard to add just enough creative elements to this offense to keep defenses honest. To pull off an upset, the Hawkeyes are still probably going to have to play the field position game and rely heavily on the defense. Even the fact that there's any passing game to speak of is a far cry from some of the units Kirk Ferentz has thrown out there in recent years. Throughout the week, you have to imagine the priority for Lester and this Iowa offensive staff has been figuring out what they can do to revive the rushing attack, especially against a Buckeye defensive front that has some questions of their own. I'm of the belief Michigan has one of the best defenses in the nation, but the Hawkeyes will need more from Kamari Moulton and this entire backfield to play the type of game they are capable of.

Ohio State has recovered nicely from their shocking defeat on the road to Texas, pounding Kent State 59-3 and then running past Illinois in their opener. For as large as the offseason storyline was around the hire of Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, there has not been a major difference to the way this team has operated so far this fall. The second half against Texas was ugly, but they've looked in complete command in every instance. Now, Iowa will give them the toughest test they've seen since the Longhorns. Phil Parker-coached defenses may not have the athletes of a Texas, but they're tough, disciplined, and fundamentally sound. They're going to force Ohio State to work in a way they have not for a large chunk of the season so far. The Buckeyes will need several things to put points on the board: the ground game to find a rhythm, and somebody else, anyone else, to emerge beyond Jeremiah Smith out wide. We know how good Smith is, he has a chance to take over this game, too. But against the other elite teams on the schedule, the Buckeyes need to find somebody else to take pressure off No. 4. Devin McCuin was the big-name transfer, Brandon Inniss was the former high-profile recruit and the veteran. There's even Chris Henry Jr., the prize of this year's recruiting class, who has been held to just three catches on the year. Somebody else is going to need to start making plays - we saw how limited the offense could be when Smith was held in check. Parker and this entire coaching staff are experts at throwing difficult looks at offenses and taking them out of their comfort zones. They have had all week to prepare for Smith and may have just enough to challenge the Buckeyes to look elsewhere.

I was a believer in Iowa all offseason, and there's always an energy in Kinnick when they welcome top teams to Iowa City. Yet, I fear this has the makings of a game where Ohio State has the potential to roll. There are still questions about this roster, but the athletes they have on the field will just look completely different than Iowa. They also face a Hawkeyes team riding an emotional high after last weekend, a team primed for a letdown. It may not be a pretty game from the Buckeyes, but I think they come away with a fairly comfortable victory.

The Pick: Ohio State, 35 Iowa, 17

(6) Alabama Crimson Tide @ (17) Miss. State Bulldogs

2026 College Football Picks: Week Four

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:11:12 +0000

Jayden Maiava, USC

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 11-7 | ⚡ UPSETS 0–1 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 0–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 2–1

(1) Texas Longhorns @ (14) Tennessee Volunteers

📍 Knoxville, TN

🏈 Texas -5.5 | O/U 55.5

A come-from-behind win at home over Ohio State in Week Two has Texas fans dreaming of a National Title run. The only thing standing in their way? Seven ranked matchups the rest of the regular season, not including the Red River game with Oklahoma. First up is a trip to Knoxville to face off with Tennessee, who has rolled to a 3-0 start but is short on resume wins.

Statistically, there isn't one thing that jumps off the page at you about Texas. They've had three strong offensive showings, with the Buckeye win particularly special given the strength of the opponent. But what they make up for with gaudy stats is just how many different ways they can approach a defense. Arch Manning has thrust himself firmly into the thick of the Heisman race, but the Longhorns have spent major money to give him the right support. Hollywood Smoothers and Raleek Brown have been a very effective 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Cam Coleman is the big name outside, but Ryan Wingo and Emmett Mosley V have been just as valuable. And even though they've taken their lumps, the offensive line has been good enough to put Texas in position to win games. Perhaps most importantly, Steve Sarkisian has been on fire from a play-calling perspective, in the midst of one of his best runs since he was Alabama offensive coordinator. He'll be in store for a battle against one of the best defensive coaches in the game in Jim Knowles, who has engineered a quick turnaround for the Volunteer defense. This is a group that also spent big money this offseason, and it's obvious Knowles represents an upgrade over the departed Tim Banks. Tennessee believes they are good enough now on this side of the ball to compete with the big boys of the SEC and the early results are encouraging. With that being said, how much can we really take away from shutting down Furman, Georgia Tech, and Kennesaw State? This will tell us a lot about just how much those offseason changes can change things here in Knoxville.

There's a lot of great young quarterbacks in the SEC right now, and Tennessee's Faizon Brandon is playing as well as any of them. Brandon emerged from a crowded quarterback room and is off to a start that includes nearly 700 yards of total offense and nine total touchdowns. The most important stat, however, is the zero interceptions, quite an achievement for a quarterback playing his first three games of live college action. Again, the competition is not at the highest level it will be, but it has provided Brandon the momentum he needs to hit the meat of the schedule running. Still, this is going to be a Volunteer offense that is going to need to rely on the ground in these big games, at least early on. For all the talk of Josh Heupel playing a wide-open attack, a power-run game has been a key element in setting up everything they do out wide. He's been patient with his young quarterbacks, including Nico Iamaleava, and Brandon so far. It helps that they've held a superior edge in the trenches against all three of their opponents so far on the year, all of whom are leaky against the run. That's allowed DeSean Bishop, Daune Morris, and Brandon himself to feast against the early non-conference. This is a Texas defense with entirely different athletes, who are fast, twitchy, and physical. I am still quite a bit curious how this Longhorn defense shapes up the rest of the way this fall, and this game will give us some key indications. Will Muschamp was a big-name hire, and a bold move by Sark. The Longhorns have real star power, including Colin Simmons and Rasheem Biles, but will the consistency be there? Texas is going to have to win some ugly ones given the schedule, and that will be on the defense to get the job done.

Neyland Stadium is the type of home atmosphere that can close apparent gaps between teams, and the Volunteers will need the crowd in full tilt on Saturday afternoon. But, it's just so hard to gauge Tennessee at this point in the year, and I would need more justification if I were to go for an upset here. This has the chance to be a tough one, because this is a good Volunteer team... I think. Yet, the Longhorns look to be just too much at the end of the day.

The Pick: Texas, 38 Tennessee, 24

(20) Oregon Ducks @ (12) USC Trojans

2026 College Football Picks: Week Two

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:16:31 +0000

Raleek Brown, Texas

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 6-3 | ⚡ UPSETS 0–0 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 0–2 | 🔒 LOCKS 1–0

(1) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (4) Texas Longhorns

📍 Austin, TX

🏈 Texas -1.5 | O/U 49.5

For the third straight season, two of the sport's Goliaths will collide, this time in Austin. The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes have won the previous two meetings, and will look for the trifecta against a Texas team on the hunt for a signature victory. Both are fresh off blowout wins over Group of Five foes, with the Longhorns entering as slight favorites in their home stadium.

The Texas offense struggled mightily in last year's defeat, as Matt Patricia drew up a tremendous gameplan his Buckeye debut. This Longhorn offense has a different feel this year, at least on paper. Arch Manning seems to be getting more comfortable by the passing week, and it helps that Texas has invested so much around him. Cam Coleman is perhaps the most purely talented wide out in the country, and big things are expected of the backfield duo of Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. That backfield combo was sorely missing in last year's loss, where the Longhorns lacked any explosiveness and were not able to stretch the field horizontally. That left them trying to work in between the tackles against a fearsome Buckeye front, and the lack of success showed. Another element that was missing last year was the quarterback run game, with Arch. It's easy to forget the 2024 season since it felt so long ago, but we first saw Arch in a Longhorn uniform mainly in designed quarterback run packages in the red zone. We didn't see it as often last season, and it did feel like an element of the Longhorn offense was missing. They are going to have to be creative in moving the ball against a talented Ohio State defense, and it does feel like there is going to be opportunities here. Opening things up horizontally could also set up Coleman in a way this offense needs if they want to find the big play down the field.

Speaking of struggling offenses, Ohio State didn't exactly have a highlight reel day in last year's win over the Longhorns. They managed just 203 yards of total offense, managing just 77 yards on the ground - just 2.3 yards per carry. Something tells me that is going to change here, as Bo Jackson is the type of weapon that can change things, and he didn't receive a single carry in last year's matchup. Ja'Kobi Jackson could also factor in, as the former Florida transfer matched the sophomore in yardage in the opener against Ball State. For all the criticism around the hire of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, he earned a reputation for himself in the pros for finding ways to set up the ground game with jumbo packages and heavy sets. It may not always be pretty, but it should help the Buckeyes control the line of scrimmage in the way they need to if they want to come out victorious. That's not to sell short an aerial attack that features perhaps the nation's top QB-WR combo in Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. The Longhorns found a way to contain Smith, but we've seen countless times how the junior superstar can take over games. New Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has had the entire offseason to devise a gameplan to contain Smith, but there are also plenty of new pieces in the secondary. Beyond Smith, I am watching to see who emerges in this Ohio State receiver room, which no longer has Carnell Tate. UTSA transfer Devin McCuin feasted in the opener, and looks he could be the Robin to Smith's Batman. That's a terrifying thought for the rest of the Big Ten, and for the Longhorns in this one.

Beating any team three straight years is not an easy feat in today's modern college football with how much rosters can turn over yearly, an few teams are investing in their roster quite the way Texas is. The Longhorns also get the favorable homefield advantage, so it's no surprise to see them as the favorite. But, the pick for me is super simple - I just trust Ohio State more. The program under Ryan Day has a clear, established identity. They reload as well as anybody in the country. And I'm not sure there's anyone that can match what they feature at the skill positions, including the Longhorns. This will be a battle, but I think the Buckeyes make enough plays to secure a signature win early on in the year.

The Pick: Ohio State, 34 Texas, 27

(11) Oklahoma Sooners @ Michigan Wolverines

2026 College Football Picks: Week One

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 03:48:23 +0000

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

📊 THE RECORD

🏆 PICKS 0–0 | ⚡ UPSETS 0–0 | 🐕 SUPERDOGS 0–0 | 🔒 LOCKS 0–0

Clemson Tigers vs. (11) LSU Tigers

📍 Baton Rouge

🏈 LSU -10 | O/U 50.5

The 2019 National Championship Game feels like a lifetime ago, especially for these two respective programs. At that point, LSU was putting the finishing touches on an all-time season. Clemson had established themselves as one of the sport's most consistent programs, playing in their fourth National Championship in five years. Now, both collide in this 2026 season opener looking vastly different, and out to prove themselves in different ways. LSU now has Lane Kiffin on the sidelines and were one of the most aggressive teams in the nation in the transfer portal. Clemson has slipped significantly under Dabo Swinney, but is out to prove last season's disappointing 7-6 finish was merely an aberration. One team will come out Saturday, while the other will find themselves under pressure as they look towards the remainder of the fall.

There's a whole lot of new faces for Lane and the Bayou Bengals as they begin this new era, and it starts at quarterback. Sam Leavitt was brought on from Arizona State to jolt an offense that was downright ugly last year. He'll have a new-look offensive line, bolstered by stud tackle Jordan Seaton, and some fresh weapons to work with at the skill position. How he looks in the opener could set the tenor for the rest of LSU's season. Leavitt missed a big chunk of last year with injury, and he needs to be back to 100 percent if this team is to reach their lofty ceiling. Yet, I'm perhaps more curious about this ground game, which features holdovers Caden Durham and Harlem Berry. Every great Lane Kiffin-coached team has always featured an elite ground game that opens up everything they do through the air. For an offense that struggled to run the ball throughout the entire Brian Kelly era, finding rhythm here would be a huge testament to the quick turnaround Lane appears capable of. You do get the sense Lane is going to want to test what Clemson's athletes look like up front. If he feels he has the advantage, he is going to be just fine sitting back and running the ball all game long. Clemson has some quality pieces, namely defensive end Will Heldt and linebacker Sammy Brown, but this is not the same Tiger front seven we came to know during their height in the 2010s. It feels like LSU is going to hold the edge and be the more physical team, unless Tom Allen and this Clemson defensive staff can come up with some creative blitzes and looks to get into the backfield. Clemson feels like the team that is going to have to take chances, particularly on the road, and that has never been the strength of Dabo or this coaching staff. Their golden years were about their advantage in talent, player development, and preparation. I'm curious to see if they can devise a gameplan to overcome the talent gap here.

It's a different feel to the Clemson offense, too, after they overhauled this unit following the frustrating

Full College Football Preview 2026

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:56:10 +0000

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

Top 25

(Note: These rankings reflect where I expect teams to finish, not how I rank them entering the preseason.)

1. Oregon Ducks -- Dan Lanning's program has been among the most dominant in all of the land since his arrival, but the Ducks are still on the hunt for elusive postseason success. Now, he has a team with a core that all said to the NFL to run it back for a shot at the National Title, including Heisman frontrunner Dante Moore, several key position players, and nearly the entire D-Line. Surviving the unforgiving Big Ten will help this team build the armor they need to finish the job this time around.

2. Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- The Irish were a notable Playoff snub last winter, but they have all the looks of a team that will cruise this time around. Quarterback C.J. Carr, elite line play, and perhaps the nation's best secondary put Notre Dame in position for their best season since the turn of the century.

3. Ohio State Buckeyes -- The shocking loss to Miami in last year's Playoff indicated there is still work to be done in Columbus if they want to stay on top of the college football world. Fortunately, this year's Buckeyes team has perhaps the nation's best QB-WR combo in Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, plus one of the country's most talented freshman in Chris Henry Jr.

4. Georgia Bulldogs -- The machine in Athens keeps on running, as Kirby Smart's Bulldogs have won 11 or more games each full season for a decade straight. Don't expect that to stop in 2026, as Georgia looks to be the team to beat in the SEC. A veteran QB and loaded defense is all Kirby needs to build a National Title favorite.

5. Texas Longhorns -- The pressure is on for Steve Sarkisian at Texas. Arch Manning is in his second full season as starter. The Longhorns spent huge in the portal, including landing one of the best on the market in Cam Coleman. And then there were the staff moves, with Will Muschamp making his triumphant return as defensive coordinator. If this team can survive one of the nation's toughest schedules, a deep postseason run feels like it's in the cards.

6. Miami Hurricanes -- The breakthrough finally arrived in Coral Gables last winter. How do they build on it? Bringing on Darian Mensah at quarterback was quite the statement, and a likely upgrade at the game's most important position. He'll throw to one of the nation's most electric playmakers, Malachi Toney, who is on the cusp of superstardom. The 'Canes should dominate a middling ACC and enter the Playoff as a true title contender.

7. Indiana Hoosiers -- Nobody is overlooking the Hoosiers now after putting together one of the most

College Football Preview 2026: Big 12 Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:23:24 +0000

Julian Lewis, Colorado

Power Rankings

Teams 1-8 in Part 1

9. Arizona State Sun Devils

Replicating the magical success of the 2024 campaign was always going to be a challenge for Arizona State, and it didn't help they were bitten by the injury bug last fall. Even so, head coach Kenny Dillingham showed real coaching chops dragging this Sun Devils team an 8-5 finish, which included the upset of league champion Texas Tech.

The new challenge entering 2026 will be building on that, despite losing star quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Leavitt missed a big chunk of last season with injury, but his transfer to LSU is still a major blow to the program. Tyson, meanwhile, is playing on Sundays now, taken eighth overall by the New Orleans Saints.

Arizona State will now turn to Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley to run the offense. We saw flashes from Boley during his time in Lexington but consistency was a problem, and he was quite turnover prone, with 12 interceptions. Dillingham is going to need to curve his worst impulses, but the potential is there if he can acclimate to this system.

Boley will have some fun pieces to work with, even without Tyson. Omarion Miller and Reed Harris were big gets in the portal, with Miller coming over from Colorado and Harris from Boston College. Miller immediately becomes a go-to guy in this offense, fresh off a year in which he went for over 800 yards with the Buffaloes. Add in Washington transfer Raiden Vines-Bright, who now returns to his native Tempe, there's some thought this receiver corps could actually be better in 2026.

There's turnover at tailback after Raleek Brown got a huge NIL deal with Texas, but the Sun Devils will look to deploy a committee approach this fall. Junior Kyson Brown is probably going to get the most opportunities, but Jason Brown Jr. had the huge bowl showing against Duke in the Sun Bowl. Freshman Cardae Mack is the talented newcomer, giving this position real depth.

The defense will look a lot different in 2026 after an up-and-down season a year ago. The Sun Devils saw plenty of attrition up front and hit the portal hard to upgrade a pass defense that was among the worst in the Big 12. One of the few constants is veteran defensive linemen C.J. Fite, who will play a key leadership role this year.

The back seven may be full of newcomers, but several of them are highly accomplished. That includes tackling machine Owen Long, who comes over from Colorado State after leading FBS football in tackles last season. In the secondary, Lyrik Rawls comes over from Kansas, while Ashton Stamps is primed to enter a starting role after arriving from LSU. Stamps has 17 career starts to his credit, and his experience will be valuable in reshaping a defensive backfield that needs to be better.

Bottom Line: Dillingham can flat out coach, but this offseason was a tough one in Tempe. This is a school with ample resources, but seeing Leavitt and Brown take huge NIL deals elsewhere was a wakeup call for the program. Arizona State responded the best way they could, spending that money on greater needs and identifying potential weapons who could replace Tyson at receiver. Yet, this still has the looks of a transition season for the Sun Devils. The schedule does no favors - going on the road to Texas A&M is one thing in mid-September, but then turning around without any additional rest to meet up with Kansas in London? The Sun Devils also have Texas Tech, BYU, and Arizona all on the road this fall, quite the gift from the Big 12 schedule-makers. I'm always wary of how a team like this reacts to a long travel schedule early on in the year, and the downstream impacts it can have. Given that, and the questions elsewhere, simply getting back to a bowl game would be a success for Dillingham and staff.

10. Baylor Bears

Few coaches in college football enter this fall as squarely on the hot seat as Dave Aranda at Baylor. The Aranda tenure in Waco has been a confusing one, full of some incredible highs and shocking lows. There was the slow start during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, a surprising Big 12 Title a year later, and then four years flip-flopping between being competitive and being at the bottom of the league.

At 36-37 overall, Aranda knew he had to act this offseason, and he brought in quite a big name on offense. D.J. Lagway, the former blue-chip recruit, will be handed control of the Baylor offense after Sawyer Roberton's graduation. Lagway had his moments in Gainesville and oozed potential, but it never quite came together. This past season was especially tough, but health did seem to play a factor, as Lagway never quite looked 100 percent.

The pairing of Lagway with offensive coordinator Jake Spavital could be exciting. But, the two of them will have to make do with an offense that is replacing just about every other big name from a unit that averaged 31.1 points per contest in 2025.

Dawson Pendergrass looks like he will be the guy next to Lagway in the backfield, as he's back again after missing all of 2025. We saw him at his best in 2024, as he tallied 671 yards on the year, but he'll have to stay healthy this year. Caden Knighten is another key returnee, but the Bears need this pair to stay healthy given the lack of experience behind them.

The receiver corps has a lot of potential, but it's hard to know who the real playmakers are going to end up being. Gavin Freeman is a name to watch, now on his third school of his college career, but he's not your traditional wide out, at just 5'9". Colorado transfer Dre'lon Miller can do it all, including spending time at running back with the Buffaloes, but he has yet to put it all together. Louis Brown IV and Jadon Porter are the holdovers who Baylor is hoping can emerge.

Then, there's the offensive line. Four starters are departing from this unit, with right tackle Kaden Sieracki the only one back. The Bears are hoping transfers can fill the void, and is also high on Kaden's younger brother, Koltin, to come in and potentially start at center.

Given Aranda's defensive background, it's been pretty shocking how poorly Baylor has fared on this side of the ball throughout his tenure. Last year was more of the same, with the Bears being gashed on the ground and surrendering 32.6 PPG (120th in the country). There were sweeping changes in the offseason, with Aranda making quite the splash by bringing on Kansas State defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman to run this unit.

Klanderman is highly accomplished, and got the most from his defenses with K-State. Perhaps most importantly for the Bears, he was able to engineer some strong rush defenses. He'll have to work some magic this year, as Baylor's front seven is nearly entirely new, with the exception being linebacker Travion Barnes and defensive tackle Devonte Tezino.

It's better news in the defensive backfield, with veterans LeVar Thornton and Jacob Redding, plus a healthy Devin Turner, who returns from a torn ACL. Redding is one of the most underrated defenders in the conference, a former walk-on who has emerged as one of the most consistent tacklers in the Big 12. He missed the season finale last year with injury and wasn't at 100 percent this spring, so ensuring he is ready to go will be a top priority.

Klanderman is hoping to force more turnovers with this unit this fall, running a more aggressive unit that takes more chances than what we saw under Aranda. Between an offense that throws the ball around and a defense that could not create turnovers, Baylor was among the worst in FBS ball with a -13 turnover margin.

Bottom Line: Landing Lagway and bringing in Klanderman were the type of offseason wins Aranda needed going into a make-or-break seventh season. But it's hard to know if those are going to be enough to reverse Baylor's fortunes when you consider just how much is leaving elsewhere. The offense is replacing its quarterback, running back, top four receivers, and four starters on the O-Line. The defense, even with Klanderman's track record, is a complete mystery given all the new pieces in the front seven. Aranda seems to perform his best when his back is against the wall, but it's difficult to imagine a scenario in which Baylor builds much on last year's 5-7 mark. Depending on how they handle a late September to mid-October stretch that includes Colorado, Arizona State, and TCU could determine whether Aranda is even still the man in charge when the season concludes on the road against Houston in the season finale.

11. West Virginia Mountaineers

College Football Preview 2026: Big 12 Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:02:54 +0000

Will Hammond, Texas Tech

Power Rankings

1. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Following a 2025 season in which they went 8-1 in the league and won the Big 12 Title, Texas Tech was always going to be the team to beat heading into this fall. But after the Brendan Sorsby saga unfolded throughout the offseason, the program is taking on a true villain role as they embark on the 2026 campaign.

The Sorsby drama concluded with the $4 million quarterback and the Red Raiders officially parting ways, meaning it will be last year's backup, Will Hammond, as the projected starter. Hammond had some bright moments in relief of Behren Morton last season, but he has questions of his own. He missed the final six games of 2025 after tearing his ACL, and has been working his way back the entire offseason. The hope is that he'll be ready for the opener, but the Red Raiders will likely be cautious with him early on. Tulsa transfer Kirk Francis may be thrust into a larger role than expected when he came over from the Golden Hurricanes.

As the quarterback questions persist, Texas Tech will lean on their ground game. And that's good news, too, because this may be one of the nation's best running back rooms. Cam Dickey and J'Koby Williams combined for nearly 2,000 yards and total touchdowns last season, and they will now be joined by a healthy Quinten Joyner, who missed the entirety of 2025 with injury after transferring in from USC. Joyner ran for 478 yards the last time we saw him healthy, averaging 7.6 yards per carry for the Trojans.

The rest of the offense is similarly loaded. Although the receiver corps saw several players leave for the NFL, they added Pittsburgh transfer Kenny Johnson, and sure-handed senior Coy Eakin returns. The Red Raiders also still have high hopes for former five-star recruit Micah Hudson, who has had some flashes, but is still awaiting his true breakthrough moment. Tight end Terrence Carter, an All-Big 12 talent, is also still in Lubbock, and ready to support whoever is throwing passes.

The offensive line returns three starters, and has exceptional depth. Jordan Church comes in from Louisville and could slide into a starting guard spot, and the program is still hopeful Hunter Zambrano can regain his old form, as the former All-Missouri Valley linemen at Illinois State has had two straight injury-shortened seasons. Don't be surprised if Felix Ojo, the gem of the 2026 high school recruiting class, also finds a way to factor in immediately somewhere, too.

Defensive coordinator Shiel Wood engineered the nation's No. 3 defense in 2025. Then, he watched as Texas Tech sent a bunch of defenders to the pros, namely David Bailey, Romello Height, and reigning Butkus Award winner Jacob Rodriguez. Despite the turnover, Wood should have the Red Raiders stout on this side of the ball once more, as the program reloaded through the portal.

Senior nose tackle A.J. Holmes is a key holdover who will cause chaos in the heart of the Red Raider defensive line. Around him, Texas Tech spent big in the portal to replace the likes of Bailey and Height. San Diego State's Trey White and Miami-Ohio's Adam Trick are the top two names, with both expected to slide into starting roles.

The departure of Rodriguez is significant, as the do-it-all linebacker was the heart and soul of this unit in 2025. Nobody will completely replicate his production, but returnees Ben Roberts and John Curry will pair with Kansas State transfer Austin Romaine to create quite the strong position group. Romaine has 184 career tackles, and is looking for a resurgent 2026 after injury cost him a chunk of last fall.

There's more good news in the secondary, as headliner Brice Pollock leads a group that should be among the best in the Big 12. Pollock will have NFL attention all year long, but veterans Amier Boyd and Brendan Jordan will also play a crucial role in cleaning up on the back-end.

Bottom Line: Few programs have taken greater advantage of this new era of college football than Texas Tech, who has spent like a team that wants to win a National Title. The result has been a roster that is far and away the most talented in the Big 12, even after the Sorsby situation. The quarterback questions may linger into the fall, but the Red Raiders have the luxury of having time to figure it out. Aside from the Week Three date with Houston at home, they should roll through their early schedule before things heat up in mid-to-late October. Another 11-1 or even undefeated regular season doesn't seem out of the question given the Red Raiders miss BYU inside the conference, but the next step will be showing up in the College Football Playoff. A 23-0 blowout loss to Oregon in the Orange Bowl showed the program still has work to do as they establish themselves as one of the sport's big boys in this new college football landscape.

2. BYU Cougars

There's a lot returning from a BYU team that went 12-2 and played Texas Tech for a Big 12 Title last season, but perhaps no return is more important than that of head coach Kalani Sitake. Sitake was on the short list for the Penn State head coaching job and appeared destined to take it, before BYU countered with a hefty extension and increased NIL funding.

Sitake's return, mixed with so many key personnel pieces back, has the Cougars believing they can give Texas Tech a run for their money at the top of the league. To reach that next step, BYU needs quarterback Bear Bachmeier to continue his growth after a surprisingly strong first season as starter.

Bachmeier was not even the expected starter for BYU heading into last season, as incumbent Jake Retzlaff was returning for another year. That was until Retzlaff was suspended in June, and subsequently announced his decision to transfer to Tulane. The youthful Bachmeier then came on and totaled 3,500 yards of total offense and 26 touchdowns.

Joining Bachmeier will be tailback L.J. Martin, giving BYU quite the potent rush offense. Martin went for over 1,300 yards and 12 scores himself, and his ability to catch out of the backfield gives this Cougar offense another way to impose their will on opposing defenses. Those two will play an even greater role in 2026, as BYU is replacing its top three receivers from a season ago.

Juniors Jojo Phillips and Cody Hagen are names folks expect to emerge given their familiarity in the offense, but Oregon transfer Kyler Kasper is also a name to watch, as a huge 6'6" wide out on the perimeter. Transfer tight end Walker Lyons should also factor in, as the former USC transfer flashed significant upside with the Trojans. He comes to BYU with his brother, Ryder, who was one of the top signees of the Cougar 2026 recruiting class.

While Sitake stayed put, the same can not be said of defensive coordinator Jay Hill. He joined up with Kyle Whittingham at Michigan, leaving the Cougars to turn to Kelly Poppinga to run this defense. Poppinga has been on the staff for a long time, and he'll look to run essentially the same system Hill had in place.

Poppinga will benefit from having a bunch of starters returning, with nearly the entire front seven back. In fact, the only new starter is quite the significant one, linebacker Cade Uluave. Uluave was one of the most coveted defenders in the portal, and BYU flexed their muscles by landing the one-time Cal Golden Bear. He brings 26 starts to the table, fresh off a 2025 in which he notched 100 tackles and 12 TFL.

There's plenty of stability in the secondary, where three starters return. Senior corner Evan Johnson is among the most underrated defenders anywhere in the nation, a steady veteran who picked off five passes last year.

Bottom Line: You can understand why BYU paid Sitake big money to stay in Provo. Aside from 2023, when BYU went 5-7 as they struggled to adjust to the new-look Big 12, the Cougars have won eight or more games every season since 2019. The hope is that they can build on that success and both give Texas Tech a legitimate challenge for the Big 12 crown, and contend for the College Football Playoff. The pieces are certainly in place to do just that, especially if Bachmeier takes the steps forward as a passer many expect him to. A mid-season date with Notre Dame at home in the heart of their Big 12 schedule will be tricky, but also gives the Cougars a chance to secure the type of statement win that has eluded them for much of the Sitake years.

3. Houston Cougars

College Football Preview 2026: Big Ten Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 02:49:40 +0000

Nico Iamaleava, UCLA

Power Rankings

Teams 1-9 in Part 1

10. Minnesota Golden Gophers

It will be Year Ten on the sidelines for P.J. Fleck at Minnesota this fall, now the second-longest tenure in the league. Fleck has built a consistent winner in the Twin Cities, winning at least eight games or more in six of his last seven full seasons at the helm, with a perfect bowl record to his credit. Entering 2026, the question is whether the Gophers can make the jump from merely being solid to becoming a legitimate contender in the conference.

To improve on last year's eight wins, Minnesota will need more from an offense that averaged just 23 points per game last fall - 99th nationally. The personnel will be very familiar, as the Gophers return Drake Lindsey at quarterback, most of their top skill position pieces, and three starters on the O-Line.

Lindsey was impressive in his first season as starter, considering he was a redshirt freshman playing in perhaps the toughest conference in the sport. He threw for 2,382 yards and 18 touchdowns on the year, and did not throw an interception in Minnesota's final five games. The Gophers are excited about what he can do for an encore this fall, especially with what they bring back around him.

The receiver corps was underwhelming a season ago, but returns its top two pass-catchers in Jalen Smith and Javon Tracy, and this was clearly a position of focus for the staff in the portal. Smith was the preseason darling heading into last season and displayed big-play potential - the Gophers are hopeful he can be a true No. 1 in 2026. Cincinnati transfer Noah Jennings looks likely to factor in heavily, while Perry Thompson arrives from Auburn with loads of potential but limited production at this point in his career.

It was certainly strange to see the Gophers, a team that has always pounded the rock under Fleck, struggle to run the ball so much last year. They averaged just 103.2 YPG, which ranked them 126th nationally. The return of Darius Taylor bodes well, but he needs to stay healthy after several injury-plagued seasons. Minnesota needs others to emerge to take the pressure off Taylor - Marshall transfer A.J. Turner missed most of last season with injury but should be back and ready to go in 2026. Elon transfer T.J. Thomas is also expected to see a healthy amount of action.

The ground game will benefit from this offensive line, which has three legitimate All-Big Ten talents in tackle Nathan Roy, guard Greg Johnson, and center Ashton Beers. Right guard and right tackle are both spots where position battles will unfold in fall camp, although adding Tennessee transfer Bennett Warren should help in a major way.

Defensive coordinator Danny Collins had the unenviable task of following up Corey Hetherman after he took off for Miami, and there were certainly growing pains in Year One. The numbers were okay, but the Gophers had some uncharacteristic ugly showings, namely allowing 41 to Iowa and 38 to Northwestern.

Despite the struggles, Fleck decided to roll with Collins for 2026, and there is reason to believe in a resurgence on this side of the ball. For one, this may be the best front seven we've seen here at Minnesota since Fleck took over. Anthony Smith likely would have been a Day One or Two NFL Draft pick, but instead opted to stay put after notching 12.5 sacks last season. He'll be joined by returnees Karter Menz and Jaxon Howard, while Cal transfer T.J. Bush Jr. further bolsters the group.

The linebacker corps will be spearheaded by Maverick Baranowski. The veteran has proven his worth on the field, with 103 tackles a year ago, but is now looking to take on more of a leadership role this year. The likely starter next to him is Matt Kingsbury, who had flashes last fall.

It is the secondary where most of the questions lie, as was the case a year ago. The departure of Koi Perich, who took a massive NIL package with Oregon, stings. However, it's no secret Perich went through a bit of a sophomore slump last year, and Minnesota has important pieces still around. Kerry Brown is perhaps the most underrated safety in the Big Ten, and will now pair with veteran Aidan Gousby. Corner is also in a good spot with John Nestor back after a breakout 2025, but it's unclear who will start opposite of him.

Bottom Line: When you consider the Gophers had a first-year QB, an offense that was statistically among the worst in the Big Ten, and a defense that took a major step backwards, going 8-5 last season should actually be seen as quite the success. This team has all the places in piece to improve on that win total, although the schedule doesn't exactly do them any favors. Mississippi State offers a tough non-conference date and the road schedule is brutal, with the Gophers traveling to Washington, Indiana, Penn State, and Wisconsin. The most likely scenario is another year right around the 8-9 win mark, with the potential for an upset or two if Lindsey takes the jump some think he's capable of after such a solid debut in 2025.

11. Wisconsin Badgers

After an incredible run at Cincinnati, it has been genuinely shocking to witness Luke Fickell struggle so throughly in Madison. With a 17-21 record entering his fourth season at the helm, few coaches in college football sit as firmly on the hot seat as he does.

Fickell certainly responded this offseason, moving like a coach on his last stand. The Badgers spent big in the portal to upgrade this roster, beginning with new QB Colton Joseph, who comes over from Old Dominion. Joseph put up monster numbers with the Monarchs, and his dual threat ability should provide this Badger offense with a different look than they've had previously. For Wisconsin to be successful, they need Joseph to limit the turnovers, which was a problem at times at ODU, and stay healthy. Few programs in college football have suffered as rotten injury luck at this position as Wisconsin.

The Badgers need more from this receiver group, too. Chris Brooks Jr. and Eugene Hilton are the top holdovers from 2025, but the staff hit the portal hard. Shamar Rigsby is a name to watch from Oklahoma State, and the Badgers are hopeful they can finally be the ones to unlock Malachi Coleman. He came with high billing from the high school ranks, but simply was not able to see the field at either Nebraska or Minnesota.

It will be Iowa State transfer Abu Sama III as the feature back with Darrion Dupree and TCU transfer Nate Palmer likely to feature. For this ground attack to reach the heights of vintage Wisconsin offenses, the O-Line also has to be better. There are a couple of returning starters, but this is another unit relying heavily on transfers.

For all their struggles last season, this was still a Top 25 defense, and I'm incredibly high on this Badger defense entering 2026. There's a lot of contributors back from last year's group, and the staff filled holes strategically in the portal.

The defensive line is perhaps the top question on this side of the ball, but they'll be helped by a potentially elite linebacker corps. Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa impressed last fall and could both take major leaps during their sophomore campaigns. Posa led the team in tackles and showed real pass rushing chops, with four sacks, and he only started five games. With both of those unleashed, this Badger defense should have a feel reminiscent of the groups that once patrolled the middle for Bret Bielema and Paul Chryst.

Matthew Jung will lead the secondary, but this unit is heavily reliant on transfers. Four new cornerbacks arrived via the portal, and Missouri transfer Marvin Burks Jr. is line to start alongside Jung at the safety spot.

Bottom Line: As bad as these last three years have been for Fickell, there's reason to believe the Badgers could be in store for a turnaround. The quarterback situation quite literally could not be any worse than it has the last two seasons, and Joseph appears like a genuine upgrade. There's real depth behind him this year, too, in a way there simply wasn't the last couple of years. The Badgers also upgraded the roster top-to-bottom with transfers, spending like a program ready to get back to their winning ways. Perhaps most importantly, the schedule is quite favorable, after Wisconsin played some of the hardest schedules in the conference over the first three Fickell years. The season opener with Notre Dame at Lambeau Field will be tough, but the Badgers miss Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana inside the league. At the very least, a return to the postseason seems to be in the cards, which may be just enough to get Fickell a fifth season in Madison.

12. Nebraska Cornhuskers

A 6-2 start had Nebraska fans thinking big last fall, but four losses in their final five games led to an unfulfilling 7-6 finish. Among those four losses was a 27-point thumping from a Penn State team that had effectively quit on their season, a 24-point defeat to rival Iowa, and a loss in the bowl game to Utah by three touchdowns. Those results have Matt Rhule under a bit of job pressure as he looks towards 2026. Rhule has gotten the Cornhuskers back to respectability, but is there another gear he can reach with the program?

Any hopes of greater heights this season will rest heavily on the shoulders of new quarterback Anthony Colandrea. Now with his third school, Colandrea is hoping he can find the consistency that has eluded him throughout his collegiate career. The senior has many amazing moments, but limiting turnovers and taking more calculated risks are what Nebraska is hoping for from him this fall.

Colandrea will benefit playing in a Dana Holgorsen offense, one that is going to look to stretch the field vertically and take their shots in a way we didn't see often with Dylan Raiola in 2025. The receiver group is talented, led by the duo of Nyziah Hunter and Jacory Barney Jr., but it's still looking for a true alpha. Both Hunter and the staff are hopeful is performance in the Maryland win a year ago was a sign of things to come - he burned the Terrapins for 5-125 and two touchdowns.

The departure of Emmett Johnson at running back is significant. After a pair of productive seasons, Johnson had his true breakthrough season in 2025, going for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns before being taken in the fifth round by the Kansas City Chiefs. The 'Huskers are likely to turn to a committee approach in the hopes of replicating some of his production. Mekhi Nelson and converted wide out Isaiah Mozee are likely to see the bulk of action right away, but highly touted newcomer Jamal Rule could end up being the best of the trio when it's all said and done.

The Nebraska offensive line has a few pieces back, fortunately at two of the best important positions in left tackle Elijah Pritchett and center Justin Evans. However, this is going to be yet another O-Line that relies heavily on transfers, and how quickly they can gel could be a huge factor in the offense's eventual success.

Much like Nebraska as a whole, the defense was tremendous throughout the season's first half, but slipped in a major way down the stretch. Giving up 37 points or more in all three of their final losses was a genuine shock, and Rhule acted quickly when firing coordinator John Butler. In his place will be Rob Aurich, who brings with him a 4-2-5 defensive scheme from San Diego State.

Aurich has some interesting pieces to work with on this defense, and it starts up front. The duo of defensive ends Cam Lenhardt and Williams Nwaneri is supremely talented, but needs to be better in 2026. Nwaneri in particular was one of the country's top recruits when he signed with Missouri coming out of high school, and at 6'7", he looks like an NFL pro. Yet, just 2.5 sacks last fall indicates there is plenty of work to be done.

Junior linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr. will play a key role in shoring up a rush defense that was leaky throughout much of last season, and this was an area of focus in the portal. Dexter Foster comes over from Oregon State, while Owen Chambliss reunites with Aurich after starring at San Diego State for him a year ago.

The pass defense may be short on big name star power but it was an elite group in 2025, finishing third in the nation in pass defense. Three starters are back this fall, so we can expect Aurich to play around and perhaps be more creative with the looks he will deploy up front given he knows he has this group behind them.

Bottom Line: The long-awaited Year Three breakthrough for Matt Rhule never quite materialized last fall, and I'm not sure it will arrive in Year Four, either. There are still reasons for optimism in Lincoln, as Colandrea feels like a much better fit for this offense than Raiola, and the defense has some very nice pieces. But the lack of Johnson offensively is concerning, and there simply is not the NFL talent on this roster Nebraska fans were hoping for from Rhule at this point in his tenure. In fact, 2026 feels like it could just be a repeat of last year, as the schedule sets up in a similar way. A hot start is likely, perhaps even a 5-0 record, before Nebraska hits an October and November that includes Indiana, Oregon on the road, Washington, Ohio State, and Iowa on the road. Rhule will have ample opportunities to get the big win that has eluded him so far in his Cornhusker tenure, but it's hard to imagine this team improving much on last year's 7-6 mark.

13. UCLA Bruins

College Football Preview 2026: Big Ten Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:11:52 +0000

Dante Moore, Oregon

Power Rankings

1. Oregon Ducks

Oregon has established themselves as one of the truly elite programs in college football under Dan Lanning. After winning the Big Ten in their debut season in the league in 2024, they followed it up with an 8-1 conference record last fall, with the lone defeat coming to eventual National Champion Indiana. That's 18 wins in 19 conference games for the Ducks, Big Ten Championship Game included.

The next step for the program is winning on the big stage of the College Football Playoff after two earlier-than-expected postseason exits. The 2026 team has all the pieces in place to do just that.

It starts at quarterback, where redshirt junior Dante Moore made the surprising decision to wait on the NFL Draft and return to Eugene for another year. Moore threw for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, and his physical tools have NFL scouts drooling. He is a Heisman frontrunner heading into the 2026 campaign.

The Ducks also went out and added Nebraska transfer Dylan Raiola in the portal, providing them the depth at the QB position that is increasingly rare in modern college football. Raiola never quite lived up to the hype he received coming out of high school while at Nebraska, but he provides ample experience if anything were to happen to Moore.

The rest of the skill positions are loaded, providing Moore arguably the most impressive supporting cast in college football. The backfield is deep and only getting better, with Jordon Davison and Dierre Hill Jr. set to handle the load after the graduation of Noah Whittington. Davison ran for 15 touchdowns on just 113 attempts in 2025, and is now out to prove he can be a workhorse for the Ducks.

Out wide, Oregon is eager to have both Dakorien Moore and Evan Stewart fully healthy for 2026. Moore was well on his way to a monster freshman campaign before injuries limited him, while Stewart did not play at all a year ago. Jeremiah McClellan will also factor in heavily and at tight end, don't expect the Ducks to miss first-rounder Kenyon Sadiq too much. Junior Jamari Johnson is drawing significant offseason buzz and could end up somehow even being an upgrade at the position.

It's more of the same story on defense, where there is star power dotting the entire roster. The defensive line is going to bully opponents, feeling more reminiscent of a SEC defensive line in the early 2010s than a Big Ten unit. Matayo Uiagalelei is your prototypical twitchy, long edge rusher, while Bear Alexander and A'Mauri Washington will eat up blocks on the interior.

Losing Bryce Boettcher at linebacker hurts, but the back-seven remains loaded. Senior Teitum Tuioti is going to be unleashed at outside linebacker after notching 16 tackles for loss last fall, while veteran Jerry Mixon will play an important leadership role in this position group.

The secondary loses Dillon Thieneman, but the staff went out and simply landed the best safety transfer in college football in Koi Perich. Perich will be out to prove he can not only make the jump to an elite college program after two seasons at Minnesota, but that an underwhelming 2025 campaign was merely a sophomore slump. Rising sophomores Brandon Finney and Aaron Flowers will reprise their roles after impressive freshman seasons.

It's rare to see this much talent on both sides of the ball in the modern era of college football. Perhaps the greater question than the personnel is on the coaching staff, where the Ducks must replace offensive coordinator Will Stein and defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. Lanning opted for continuity by promoting Drew Mehringer and Chris Hampton internally, but both will need time to adjust to their new roles.

Bottom Line: Before Indiana's National Championship run last fall, the last college football program to win their first National Title was the 1996 Florida Gators under Steve Spurrier. I fully expect the 2026 Oregon Ducks to be next. This roster is loaded top-to-bottom, they have the depth to withstand any potential injury bugs, and there's an extra bit of motivation after two consecutive early College Football Playoff exits. This team should cruise through their first two months, before traveling to Columbus to meet up with Ohio State on November 7. A week later, they welcome the Michigan Wolverines to Eugene. Those two games not only provide a fascinating back-to-back challenge, but may also be exactly what the Ducks need to spark the momentum that carries them across the finish line come December and January.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

Throughout the first 12 games of the 2025-26 season, Ohio State looked en route to a National Title defense. Behind the nation's top defense and the dazzling duo of Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes cruised to into the Big Ten Championship Game with an undefeated record.

Then, they managed just ten points and were outmatched by eventual National Champion Indiana. Instead of rebounding in the College Football Playoff, the second-seeded Buckeyes were shocked by Miami, a 24-14 loss that was among the most surprising of the Playoff era. That disappointing finish has to serve as an extra bit of motivation for Ohio State as they look towards 2026.

The main core of this Buckeye offense is back, with Sayin and Smith leading the way. Sayin was firmly in the hunt for a Heisman Trophy before the frustrating finish, exceeding expectations in his first season as starter. His accuracy was particularly impressive, as his 77% completion percentage was the third-best in FBS history. The next step for him will be showing out in the most important games, including road trips to Texas and Indiana this upcoming fall.

Smith is one of the most complete receivers we've ever seen at the college level, and the Biletnikoff Award frontrunner. He benefitted from teams also having to focus on future No. 4 overall pick Carnell Tate, plus tight end Max Klare. Although both depart, senior Brandon Inniss and freshman phenom Chris Henry Jr. are expected to be the complementary pieces this time around. Henry has been receiving hype similar to that of Smith when he first arrived in Columbus, while Inniss is hoping to put together the breakthrough season that has been long awaited from him.

Bo Jackson emerged as the top option in the backfield last year, and now figures to be one of the best in the Big Ten as he prepares for his sophomore season. Behind an offensive line that returns four starters, the Buckeyes have the chance to have real balance in their offensive approach, which was missed at times in 2025.

There aren't a ton of questions about the personnel offensively, but the staff shakeup will be a storyline to watch. Arthur Smith is the new offensive coordinator, taking on his first college coaching gig in a decade-and-a-half. Smith has made a name for himself in the NFL, but underwhelming runs as the Falcons head coach and Steelers offensive coordinator in recent years naturally lead to some questions.

There's more turnover on defense, but Matt Patricia proved his worth on this side of the ball a year ago. He replaced eight starters from the 2024 group, but still managed to put together a defense that allowed just 9.3 PPG and 219.1 YPG - both first nationally.

The front seven will miss Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, but the D-Line still has the looks of a nasty group. Senior end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. was tied for second on the team in sacks last fall and should be the leader, while Beau Atkinson is in line to start opposite of him. This unit was further bolstered by the additions of Qua Russaw and James Smith, a pair of transfers from Alabama.

Caleb Downs played the QB on defense role last season, so there's no question his departure is significant. Yet, Ohio State still has high expectations for this back-end, with sophomore corner Devin Sanchez a popular breakout candidate, and transfers in line to fill holes. Earl Little Jr. and Terry Moore, both coming from ACC country, will likely have a chance to start at safety right away.

Bottom Line: The Buckeye machine shows no signs of stopping, even with the rise of Indiana and Oregon inside the league. The collection of talent on both sides of the ball boggles the mind, and this feels like a team that will finish stronger than they start as the new pieces acclimate. Another trip to the College Football Playoff feels like a certainty, but there is no denying the schedule presents challenges. The road trip to Texas is quite the test in mid-September, and the stretch in late October to early November is as tough as you will find, going to Indiana and USC and matching up with Oregon. Even so, this is a Top 5 team nationally and they should be in the thick of the National Title race once more this fall.

3. Indiana Hoosiers

College Football Preview 2026: ACC Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 01:26:51 +0000

Micah Ford, Stanford

Power Rankings

Teams 1-9 in Part 1

10. Virginia Tech Hokies

The James Franklin era begins in Blacksburg at a key moment for the program. Once a perennial power in the Big East and ACC, the Hokies have not reached the ten-win plateau in a decade, since Justin Fuente’s first season in charge. Franklin has immediately brought energy, and the hope is that he will eventually bring wins.

Coming with Franklin was quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer, who started seven games down the stretch for Penn State during the lost 2025 campaign. Grunkemeyer showed real promise, hitting 69% of his passes and nearly leading the Nittany Lions to a shocking upset of eventual National Champion Indiana.

There’s a lot to be excited about surrounding Grunkemeyer at the skill positions. Marcellous Hawkins is back at running back after rushing for 749 yards a year ago, while Ayden Greene leads the receiver corps. Tight end will also be a strength, as Benji Gosnell has multiple years of experience as a starter, and Luke Reynolds also arrives from Penn State.

The defense will be the question mark. In a fascinating move, Franklin brought back Brent Pry as defensive coordinator – after he was fired as Virginia Tech’s head man just a few months prior. As strange of a situation as it is, you can understand Franklin bringing back one of his longtime assistants, a coach who was one of the best defensive minds in the game before his unsuccessful tenure as head coach.

There are some solid pieces returning to this Hokie defense, and several former Penn Staters arrive. Between Aycen Stevens at defensive end and Kemari Copeland and Elhadj Fall, Virginia Tech will look to be more physical at the point of attack this fall.

Forcing more turnovers will be a priority, particularly on the back-end. The Hokies were -8 in turnover margin last season, which had them ranked 115th in the country. Safeties Tyson Flowers and Quentin Reddish, who is healthy again, could help tilt them into the positive side of things in 2026.

Bottom Line: Between the arrival of Franklin and Grunkemeyer, early success on the recruiting trail, and a significant NIL investment, Virginia Tech has become somewhat of an offseason darling. With how wide open the ACC is, many are expecting the Hokies to compete right away under the new regime. Yet, I'm not quite sold on the Hokies for 2026, for several reasons. For one, this team went just 3-9 last season - there is a long way to go for them to become a contender once again. The schedule is also tricky, as the Hokies play arguably the top three teams in the league (Miami, SMU, Clemson) all on the road, plus Virginia, Georgia Tech, and Pittsburgh at home. And for all his success, Franklin has typically needed a couple years to really get things rolling at his previous stops. 2026 should be all about laying the foundation for brighter days ahead, with a bowl game being both a reasonable and attainable goal.

11. Duke Blue Devils

Sure, Miami may have been the National Runner-Up, but it was none other than the Duke Blue Devils who finished as ACC Champions in 2025. Manny Diaz has done a superb job over two seasons in Durham, winning nine games each year, and winning both the league title and a bowl game.

There was real momentum for Duke heading into 2026, before Darian Mensah's decision to hit the transfer portal. Not only did the decision rob the Blue Devils of their starter, it was so late in the process, the staff had to scramble to find a suitable replacement. San Jose State transfer Walker Eget was the eventual answer.

Eget brings both experience to the table, and he threw for over 3,000 yards last season for the Spartans. However, he was limited by injury in the spring, injecting some further concern into the position. The expectation is that he'll be ready to go by the opener against Tulane, but redshirt freshman Dan Mahan is a name to watch as fall camp begins.

With Mensah gone, as well as top target Cooper Barkate, Duke is going to look to tailback Nate Sheppard to shoulder the offensive load. Sheppard went for 1,132 yards as a freshman last season, and punctuated it with a dominant showing in the Sun Bowl win. Another full offseason with the program, plus running behind a strong offensive line could earn him Doak Walker Award consideration.

Finding new weapons out wide will be a top priority for the Blue Devils. Tight end Jeremiah Hasley is a returnee who is going to play an outsized role, but it's likely transfers who will get the most attention. Jared Richardson, an FCS All-American at Penn, and Javen Nicholas from Charlotte are considered the top two options. Nicholas actually began his career as a preferred walk-on at LSU before showing out on a bad Charlotte team a year ago.

It was pretty surprising to see how much Duke struggled on defense last season. Diaz comes from a defensive background and made a name for himself as one of the most aggressive defensive minds in the game. That clearly didn't rub off on this 2025 team, as they surrendered 424.2 yards per game and were among the worst teams in the nation on pass defense.

There's reason to believe this group will take a step forward. The defensive line may actually be their greatest concern after significant turnover, but the back-seven shows real promise. At linebacker, Luke Mergott finished last season strong and seems to have a penchant for making plays, while Nick Morris is healthy again for his senior season.

The secondary simply can't be as bad in 2026 as it was last fall. Dashawn Stone is a great starting point as one of the best tackling defensive backs in the ACC, and there are familiar faces around him. Corners Kimari Robinson and Landan Callahan now have the experience they need to take a step forward.

Bottom Line: So much of Duke's success last season was built on their passing attack, so it can't be overstated how much of a loss Mensah and Barkate are. Sheppard does at least provide the offense the starting point they need, but there will be real pressure on Eget from Day One. Unfortunately, there's not a bunch of time for him to get his feet wet, as the Blue Devils open with Tulane and then go on the road to Illinois. Given the circumstances, a step back may be expected from Duke after the highs of 2025, but Diaz should still have this team battling hard into the postseason once more.

12. Florida State Seminoles

College Football Preview 2026: ACC Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:49:18 +0000

Malachi Toney, WR, Miami

Power Rankings

1. Miami Hurricanes

Last winter was the breakthrough Miami fans have been long awaiting since the Hurricanes made the jump from the Big East to ACC. The 'Canes went 13-3 and went on an impressive College Football Playoff run, toppling Texas A&M, Ohio State and Ole Miss en route to a National Runner-Up finish. Despite the success, the Hurricanes still have their eyes set on a clear goal in 2026: their first ACC Title since joining the league two decades ago.

Most of the offensive names remain the same, with one notable exception. Carson Beck is now an Arizona Cardinal after an impressive one-year pit stop in Coral Gables. In response, Miami went out and stole Darian Mensah away from Duke, the reigning ACC Champ. Now on his third school in as many years, Mensah left many Blue Devil fans with a bad taste in their mouths - but he represents a potential upgrade for the Hurricanes. Mensah threw 34 touchdowns on a 67% completion rate last fall, while throwing far less interceptions than Beck. Not only that, his ability to improvise and extend plays with his legs could give this Miami offense a much different element than they had in 2025.

The offensive line does lose Top 10 NFL Draft selection Francis Mauigoa, but this unit is Mario Cristobal's specialty. He'll lean on returning starter Matthew McCoy heavily at one of the tackle spots, while Georgia transfer Jamal Meriweather could fill the other after appearing in 13 games a year ago. Five-star true freshman Jackson Cantwell also comes in with significant fanfare, and is likely to see immediate snaps.

As good as Mensah and this O-Line are projected to be, it's the skill position talent that has to have Miami fans drooling. Wide receiver Malachi Toney was one of the most electrifying players in all of the land in his first season of college ball and looks well on his way to superstardom. He'll be joined by one of Mensah's favorite targets, Cooper Barkate, who caught 72 passes for the Blue Devils in 2025. Tight end Elijah Lofton will also factor in, but I am curious if another pass-catcher will emerge with all the attention defenses will pay to Toney and Barkate.

In the backfield, Mark Fletcher Jr. should once again be the feature option after notching 1,192 yards an 12 touchdowns a season ago. CharMar Brown will reprise his role as the physical short-yardage option, giving this Miami team the punch in the backfield the 'Canes have too often been missing in recent years.

On defense, coordinator Corey Hetherman engineered an extremely impressive turnaround last fall, with a group that allowed under 15 points per game and just over 294 yards per contest. He'll have to make do without Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor, two NFL Draft selections who accounted for 22 sacks last fall.

Even without Bain and Mesidor, the front seven should be in good hands with Justin Scott and Ahmad Moten Sr. on the interior, plus Missouri transfer Damon Wilson II pegged as a likely breakout candidate. Senior linebacker Mohamed Toure is another bright spot, back for his eighth season of college football.

Don't be surprised if the secondary ends up as the best unit on the defense. O.J. Frederique Jr. is the established name at corner, but it's rising star Bryce Fitzgerald who could shine through after picking off six passes in just four starts in 2025.

Bottom Line: Was 2025 truly the long-awaited breakthrough? It certainly felt like it, but this Miami team is now under pressure not to only prove they are the ACC's top dog, but a program that can compete for National Titles year-in, year out. The 2026 edition may be Cristobal's most talented team yet, and the schedule is miraculously soft. It's ACC Title or bust, with the Hurricanes likely setting their eyes on far loftier sights come winter.

2. Clemson Tigers

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 3 (Final Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:49:12 +0000

Cam Boozer, Duke

1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

There has been a surprising lack of drama surrounding Washington and the No. 1 overall pick, suggesting they are comfortable moving forward with A.J. Dybantsa. Dybantsa's athleticism and versatility suggest he'll make an immediate impact, but the Wizards are hopeful he can be the connective tissue that brings all their disparate pieces together into a winner. With him in the fold and fresh off a massive extension for Trae Young, this organization is likely thinking about the postseason in 2026-27.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

Is the buzz around Cam Boozer potentially being the pick at No. 2 real or manufactured drama so late in the process? I have a hard time believing the Jazz stomach passing on a talent like Darryn Peterson, even if you believe Boozer fits their needs more directly. Peterson's complete skillset is among the most impressive I've seen coming out of the college ranks in years.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cam Boozer, F, Duke

If I'm the Grizzlies, I'm just fine sticking at pick three and taking whoever manages to drop from the trio of Dybantsa, Peterson, or Cam Boozer. My suspicion is it will be Boozer, which is quite the consolation prize for Memphis. He provides them an NBA legacy with potential to play the three or four at a high level in the pros. Most important, he provides direction for an organization that needs some after the Ja Morant era went sideways.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

There's no reason for Chicago to overthink this one at pick No. 4. They should be racing to get their selection in, locking in a chance to get a supremely talented Caleb Wilson. I'm not sure I can recall a draft with a talent like this available so late, and it seems like Wilson is just scratching the surface. I would not be shocked if he ends up being the best player in the class when this is all said and done.

5. Los Angeles Clippers

Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois

NBA Draft 2026: Top 30 Big Board

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:32:19 +0000

A.J. Dybantsa, BYU

1. Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

Strengths:

Elite three-level scoring ability from all areas on the court
Ideal wing build for the modern NBA
Not afraid of the moment - seemed to play his best basketball in the biggest moments and most important games for Kansas
Underrated as a defender; averaged 1.4 steals per game with the Jayhawks

Weaknesses / Questions:

Is he 100 percent after an injury-riddled season in Lawrence? Was that season an aberration or the ongoing norm?
Real questions about his conditioning - even when he did play, he averaged under 30 minutes in his one season of college ball. Is he ready for longer, more physical games in the NBA with even less rest?
Can he grow as a playmaker? He wasn't asked to pass or distribute the ball much at Kansas, but his assist numbers were still shockingly low for a lead guard

Bust Potential: Moderate

The Take: Darryn Peterson takes the cake as the best of the best in a loaded draft class. It's rare you see a player at his age, just 19 years old, who is this polished as an offensive player. He can get to the rim with his size, he's crafty in the mid-range, and he shot 38% from three in college. Add in the fact he gets to the foul line and shoots over 80% there, you can imagine Peterson coming into the NBA and immediately carrying the scoring load. It was a strange one-season pit stop at Kansas given how many games he sat out, and how many games he was played from early. It's fair if NBA teams have concerns about that, but this is the type of prospect you can't pass on. If he is healthy, I have little doubt he grows into a perennial All-Star, potential even a superstar, in the pros.

2. A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

Strengths:

Jaw-dropping athleticism - almost sure to be an instant highlight reel regular
Impacts the game in just about every way, as he can score, set up his teammates, and is a relentless rebounder
Seems to still be growing into his frame at 6'10" and 215 pounds, with a seven-foot wingspan

Weaknesses / Questions:

Can he grow as a shooter? He may not need to, but if he can bump up his 33% shooting from three, he becomes even more dangerous offensively
Needs to grow as a decision-maker, after averaging three turnovers per game in college. With how much the ball was in his hands that was expected, but it must improve

Bust Potential: Low

The Take: In just about any other NBA Draft, sans the Victor Wembanyama and LeBron James years, A.J. Dybantsa would almost surely be the consensus No. 1 prospect. He lived up to the hype during his lone season at BYU, averaging 25.5 points per game on 51% shooting. His athleticism and finishing ability should make him an instant sensation in the pros, but he can impact the game in so many different ways. The scoring is one thing, but Dybantsa's rebounding, passing, and defensive ability are going to upgrade any roster he lands on - with the Wizards the overwhelming favorite.

3. Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 2 (NBA Finals Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 01:11:25 +0000

Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

The Wizards are one of the most intriguing teams we've had draft No. 1 in some time. They've established a young core with real promise, and acquiring Trae Young and Anthony Davis over the last year seems to indicate they are making a run at the postseason. It also means this selection could certainly be trade bait, especially with the Jazz sitting at No. 2. However, if they stick firm here, it's hard to imagine them not taking a talent like A.J. Dybantsa, who could be the missing piece they need as the undeniable franchise centerpiece.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G/F, Kansas

As strange of a lone season at Kansas as it was for Darryn Peterson, he's still one of the most impressive NBA Draft prospects we've seen in recent years. It's rare you see a player at his age who is so polished, has such a superb feel for the game, and can score anywhere on the court. Assuming Dybantsa does indeed come off the board first, Peterson would be quite the consolation prize for Utah.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cameron Boozer, F, Duke

In most drafts, Cam Boozer would be a consensus top overall pick with a bit of a throwback, back-to-the-basket game. Instead, he slots in as the likely third player off the board, a real testament to just how loaded this 2026 group is. For a Memphis organization aiming for some direction, Boozer gets them a building block in the low post who has all the looks of a steady, long-time pro.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

Spring Football 2026: Ten Players Ready for the Sophomore Leap

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sat, 23 May 2026 20:29:44 +0000

Gideon Davidson, Clemson

It's become one of my favorite annual spring traditions. Even with the chaos of the transfer portal and NIL, we still see every year second-year players rise from relative unknowns to stars in the college football universe. From Ollie Gordon to Rashod Bateman, to Demond Williams last season, this list has had a pretty good hit rate over the years. Now it's time to take a stab at this year's list, with these ten as the players I see most likely envision having a sophomore breakout.

Lotzeir Brooks, WR, Alabama

(2025 Stats: 32 receptions, 441 yards, 2 TD)

Playing under Kalen DeBoer in his short FBS head coaching career has proven to be quite the benefit to young wide receivers. Rome Odunze, Ja'Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan are all in the pros, Germie Bernard just got there, and Ryan Williams was one of the most memorable freshman phenom in recent memory. Next up in line could be Lotzier Brooks, who looked the part in his freshman season and seemed to get better each and every week. Brooks will be competing for targets with Williams (who now goes by Coleman-Williams), but the two are vastly different wide outs. Coleman-Williams is going to look for the deep shot and stretch defenses vertically, while Brooks is more of your gadget guy, using his 5'9" frame to slither into openings and make things happen. That ability to create underneath and his reliability makes Brooks a likely target to form a fast connection with whoever ends up winning the Alabama quarterback job, whether it's veteran Austin Mack or the rising youngster Keelon Russell. Expect more of what we saw in last season's College Football Playoff win over Oklahoma. Against one of the country's best defenses, Brooks caught five passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns, the type of breakout performance on the big stage that should set the stage for even greater things on the horizon.

Tanook Hines, WR, USC

(2025 Stats: 34 receptions, 561 yards, 2 TD)

While all eyes were on the star sophomore duo of Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams entering 2025, it was USC's Makai Lemon who emerged as the nation's top receiver and the eventual Biletnikoff Award winner. Lemon was so impressive that the Philadelphia Eagles made him their first round pick and likely A.J. Brown replacement, meaning the Trojans are on the hunt for a new No. 1 target. Yet, it wasn't just Lemon who departed - Ja'Kobi Lane in own right was a third round pick by the Ravens after serving as Robin to Lemon's Batman in 2025. Needless to say, there's targets available in this USC offense, which sets up perfectly for sophomore Tanook Hines. Hines made his presence felt quickly for the Trojans as a big-play threat, averaging over 16.5 yards per catch. He was at his best down the stretch, going for 6-141 and a touchdown against an elite Oregon secondary and 6-163 in the Alamo Bowl defeat at the hands of TCU. It felt like just the beginning for Hines, and the setup for him heading into 2026 is perfect. We all know how much Lincoln Riley loves to chuck the ball around, and he has a veteran QB at the controls in Jayden Maiava. A player like Hines who formed quick chemistry with Maiava last season, could go from merely impressive freshman to a household name in the Big Ten in 2026.

Devin Sanchez, CB, Ohio State

(2025 Stats: 15 tackles, 2 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery)

The entire Ohio State defense was hit hard by the NFL Draft this offseason, with the likes of Arvell Reesee, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs all hearing their names called on Day One. The result leaves defensive coordinator Matt Patricia with some work to do, particularly among a secondary that also lost Davidson Igbinosun and Lorenzo Styles Jr. later on. The Buckeyes will fill multiple gaps with transfer portal additions, namely Duke's Terry Moore and Georgia's Dominick Kelly, but they're also counting on a huge step forward from rising sophomore Devin Sanchez. The former five-star prospect had flashes last fall, appearing in 13 games and making one start, but the expectation now is that he'll break into a starting role. Sanchez will benefit the most from the fact he may be facing the best wide receiver group in football already, including Jeremiah Smith in one-on-one situations. That was evident in Ohio State's spring game, when he matched up regularly against the Biletnikoff Award favorite and slowed him down. It's hard to glean too much from one spring scrimmage, but when you consider the opportunity in front of Sanchez, the potential he displayed last season, and the high billing coming out of high school, you're looking at a superb bet to have a huge sophomore season for one of the sport's National Title frontrunners.

Gideon Davidson, RB, Clemson

(2025 Stats: 60 carries, 260 yards, 11 receptions, 93 yards)

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Edition 1 (Lottery Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Mon, 18 May 2026 20:48:59 +0000

Darryn Peterson, Kansas

1. Washington Wizards

A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU

The Wizards came away as victors of the lottery on Sunday, securing the top spot in one of the most anticipated drafts in some time. A.J. Dybantsa is widely viewed as the top prospect in the cycle and could be the missing piece on a young and athletic Washington roster. But, don't discount the Wizards exploring trade scenarios - Utah could very well be tempted to move up one selection given owner Ryan Smith's long history with Dybantsa.

2. Utah Jazz

Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas

Darryn Peterson is probably the best top-to-bottom prospect in this class, a polished three-level scorer with the potential to play and defend multiple positions in the pros. However, his strange lone season of college basketball does leave some with trepidations heading into the Draft. Peterson was incredibly impressive while he was on the court, but his odd health situation and seemingly lack of effort has to be on organization's minds at the top of the board. With all that being said, it's hard to imagine the Jazz going elsewhere given his talent and roster fit.

3. Memphis Grizzlies

Cam Boozer, F, Duke

The Grizzlies are firmly back in rebuilding mode after dealing away Jaren Jackson Jr. at the deadline and with Ja Morant's future up in the air. Cam Boozer would offer an ideal fit as they develop this young core, slotting in nicely next to Zach Edey in the frontcourt and with Cedric Coward on the wing. I have questions about whether Boozer's bullying game will translate to the NBA, but there's little question he's a Top 3 lock this cycle.

4. Chicago Bulls

Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina

NFL Mock Draft 2027: Edition 1 (Way-Too-Early Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Wed, 06 May 2026 02:46:00 +0000

Arch Manning, Texas

1. Arizona Cardinals

Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Heading into 2026, it's a three-way battle for Arizona's starting quarterback job between Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, and third-rounder Carson Beck. Perhaps one of that trio emerges as an effective short-term starter, but the more likely situation is the Cardinals are drafting near the top of the board again next spring. Arch Manning had a tumultuous 2025 campaign, but did seem to find his rhythm late in the year, and will be the beneficiary of a much improved Texas receiver room. If he continues to develop, with his namesake, he is the favorite to be No. 1 off the board in 2027.

2. New York Jets

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

It came as a major surprise that Dante Moore opted to stay in school for another season despite being projected as the No. 2 overall pick this past NFL Draft. Clearly, Moore feels like there is unfinished business at Oregon, and a stellar season could bump him to the No. 1 overall selection come next spring. The Jets are still very much in the quarterback market and land Moore with this pick in a move that came a year later than expected.

3. Miami Dolphins

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Miami spent big to bring in Malik Willis from Green Bay to be their new starting quarterback, but have arguably the worst receiver corps in the NFL. The Dolphins did invest a lot of draft capital into the position group this past spring, but it's a group that still desperately needs a headliner. Jeremiah Smith is a superstar who has put together two monster seasons in Columbus, and could be in store for an even greater junior campaign. He'll likely be one of the most hyped wide receiver prospects we've seen in some time coming out of school.

4. Cleveland Browns

C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 5 (Final Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:33:00 +0000

Caleb Downs, Ohio State

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Very rarely is there such a thing as a foregone conclusion when it comes to the NFL Draft, but there is little question who will be first off the board come Thursday. Fernando Mendoza has been perched at this spot through the entirety of the pre-Draft process, and will now be tasked with returning the Raiders to glory in arguably the toughest division in football.

Previous Selection: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Other Possibility: N/A

2. New York Jets

David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

The Draft really begins at pick No. 2, where it's up to a pair of pass rushers for the Jets: Ohio State's Arvell Reese, or Texas Tech's David Bailey. Reese has all the tools to be a dominant defender for years to come, but it does feel as though Bailey is the more polished, NFL-ready rusher at this point in his development. Given just how bad New York has been, adding a player that can make an immediate impact is a must.

Previous Selection: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

Other Possibility: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

3. Arizona Cardinals

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Could trading down be in play for Arizona at this spot? It does feel like a real possibility, but taking the best offensive linemen in this Draft provides them an upgrade at one of their greatest needs. Francis Mauigoa projects as either a tackle or guard in the pros, and can be the long-term building block in front of whoever Arizona's long-term answer is at QB - likely a 2027 NFL Draft pick.

Previous Selection: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

Other Possibility: Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

4. Tennessee Titans

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Spring Football 2026: Breaking Down the 10 Most Important Quarterback Competitions in College Football

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:22:00 +0000

Keelon Russell, Alabama

Alabama Crimson Tide

Competitors: Austin Mack (RJr.), Keelon Russell (RFr.)

For the second straight year, Kalen DeBoer has a quarterback competition on his hands in Tuscaloosa. With Ty Simpson off to the NFL, DeBoer will be forced to choose between redshirt junior Austin Mack and redshirt freshman Keelon Russell. Both represent their own pros and cons - Mack followed DeBoer from Washington and has a clear understanding of the system. He finally got his first taste of live game action last fall, appearing in four games and throwing the ball 32 times. At 6'6" with mobility, he looks the part, but his downfield throwing ability is a question mark. Meanwhile, Russell was the highly touted newcomer in the QB room last season but took a redshirt year after appearing in two games. Folks who have followed Russell's career have raved about his athletic traits, but he's seen action in FBS ball against just ULM and Eastern Illinois. The spring game this past weekend may have given us an interesting glimpse to how this competition is shaping up. Russell ended up seeing most of the snaps of the end of the scrimmage, and most felt he outplayed Mack. Now, how much stock can you really put in a spring game? Russell also saw most of the action at the end of the scrimmage when Alabama was primarily practicing red zone situations. However, it will make an impact, and should set up a very interesting fall camp. Mack is probably the "safe" option for DeBoer and this staff, but could we see them swing for the fences with a guy like Russell? While DeBoer is not on a hot seat necessarily, there is real job pressure heading into 2026 and it would not shock me if he guys with the true boom-or-bust option in the redshirt frosh.

Favorite: Russell

Arkansas Razorbacks

Competitors: K.J. Jackson (RSo.), A.J. Hill (RFr.), Braeden Fuller (RSr.)

It's a new day in Fayetteville as former Memphis head man Ryan Silverfield takes charge. And with it, will come a new quarterback, with Taylen Green moving on. It feels like a classic three-man race here, with the competitors becoming a common scenario in modern college football. There's the holdover from the old staff who has waited his turn (K.J. Jackson), the high-profile newcomer who followed the new staff from their previous spot (A.J. Hill) and the veteran from the lower level trying to prove his stuff (Braeden Fuller). Jackson has spent a pair of seasons on the roster already, playing in five games in 2025 and making the start in the season finale. He's had flashes but didn't light the world on fire against Missouri a season ago. Hill lacks experience, but was one of the highest-rated recruits in Memphis history when Silverfield brought him on. He played quite well in the two games he saw him in last season, albeit in small sample sizes. Fuller is a bit of a wild card after coming in from Angelo State, but everyone is looking for the next Trinidad Chambliss, and he's played in 28 games across his college career. I'd venture Hill has to be the favorite at this point in the process, although Jackson should be firmly in the mix. Silverfield and OC Tim Cramsey spent big to bring Hill on at Memphis and likely spent a pretty penny this past offseason to convince him to follow them to the SEC. Clearly they believe they can win with him under center, and he certainly has the upside to be a real difference-maker at the position.

Favorite: Hill

Clemson Tigers

Competitors: Christopher Vizzina (Jr.), Tait Reynolds (Fr.)

2026 Final Four Picks

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:46:00 +0000

Brayden Burries, Arizona

(3) Illinois Fighting Illini vs. (2) UConn Huskies

Line: Illinois -1.5

Illinois and UConn will get the festivities started in Indianapolis on Saturday night, two programs with a very different history. The Illini have evolved into a consistent contender under head coach Brad Underwood, but they'll be playing in their first Final Four game in over two decades. Meanwhile, UConn has won four National Titles in that span and is just two wins away from another, which would be the third under Dan Hurley. Despite those differences, this has all the ingredients of a fun, high-scoring affair in Lucas Oil Stadium.

As opposed to their last two National Title runs, which saw the Huskies decimate everything in their path, this NCAA Tournament has been all about finding ways to win close games. UConn got tested by Furman in the opener, went down to the wire with Michigan State in the Sweet 16, and then completed a shocking comeback against Duke to advance to the Final Four. It says something about Hurley as a coach and this entire team - they've taken their lumps on the season, but have consistently shown up when it mattered most. It helps that this year's group is incredibly balanced, not forced to rely on just 1-2 players to make the big shots. Big man Tarris Reed Jr. is their top scorer and a force on the defensive end, but veteran Alex Karaban and guards Solo Ball and Silas Demary Jr. play important roles. That's not even to mention freshman Braylon Mullins, who was the one who hit the last-second shot to vault the Huskies over Duke in the Elite Eight. What separates this team is the winning pedigree and experience up and down the roster. Karaban has been a part of multiple National Champion teams. Ball and Demary have played a bunch of basketball in their careers. Reed has gotten better each and every year in college, rising from a bench piece in his two seasons at Michigan to a fearsome low post presence. When you get to this stage, that experience is crucial, when so many games are won at the margins. Illinois has looked like the better team, but the intangibles favor the Huskies. Even if they get down early, which very well could happen, you have to believe this team will battle until the very last second.

For Illinois, the feel of this team is a bit different than past editions. We've come to expect great Underwood teams, but to finally break through and reach the Final Four it's been all about something the Illini are not known for: stifling defense. Illinois has always been able to run up the score, but this team has the versatility, perimeter defenders, and shot blockers to be a persistent pain on defense. It's shown with their recent wins - they held Houston to 34% shooting and out-rebounded the Cougars, a rare sight against Kelvin Sampson-coached teams. Against Iowa in the Elite Eight, the Illini held them to 38% shooting and again dominated the glass. They didn't allow a single starter not named Bennett Stirtz to score over 5 points, completely ruining any offensive rhythm from the Hawkeyes. The big men, namely the Ivisic brothers, will get most of the attention, but guys like David Mirkovic and Jake Davis are so crucial to locking up the paint and controlling the glass. That frees up the guards to really do the damage on offense, where Keaton Wagler and Andrej Stojakovic can shine, with Kylan Boswell as the glue guy. Both Wagler and Stojakovic have gone through their share of slumps, but both are playing their best basketball at the right time. If they are shooting the ball well, with the way Illinois is locking up defensively, it's hard to imagine the Huskies have the type of offensive punch to stick around in this game. Credit is due to Underwood - he has done an impressive job constructing the right roster, and adjusting what this team does to play to its strengths. You're not going to see the same run-and-gun mantra we have seen for so many years from the Illini. This team will play slower, but measured, basketball and make UConn fight every possession.

We saw these two square off earlier in the season at Madison Square Garden, with the Huskies coming away with a 13-point win. It was a game where Illinois simply could not get anything going on offense, and UConn was in complete control. Four months later, the Illini feel like a completely different team, one playing superb basketball on both ends. UConn's late-game heroics have been a great story, but something tells me the luck is going to run out at some point. Illinois is the better team as things stand today, and they prove it Saturday night.

Illinois by eight

(1) Michigan Wolverines vs. (1) Arizona Wildcats

Line: Michigan -1.5

It's been two decades since Illinois has played in a Final Four, but the wait has been even longer in Tucson for the Arizona Wildcats. They came awfully close multiple times under Sean Miller, but the Wildcats have not reached this stage since 2001, for the final time under the legendary Lute Olson. Now, they're back and facing down the Michigan Wolverines, who have risen from the Big Ten cellar to National Title frontrunners in just two years under head man Dusty May. A one seed clash will be the perfect way to conclude the night.

Arizona ripped off 23 straight wins to start the season, an impressive feat in any league but even more significant given the Big 12 landscape. Tommy Lloyd's club has not slowed down in March, as they've cruised past all the opposition in the NCAA Tournament, including a pair of really strong teams in Purdue and Arkansas. The offense has been elite all season, but it seems that this group is firing on all cylinders at the right moment. They dropped 109 points on Arkansas, shooting a staggering 64% from the field. The thing about the Wildcats is they don't shoot a ton of threes, at least compared to the other teams still standing on the season. In fact, few teams in all of Division I basketball shoot as few threes as this group, which is all about getting to the rim and finishing. It's pretty remarkable in this era of college basketball to be so good while doing the complete opposite of the way the sport has been going, but this is a team that understands their identity and plays to their strengths. Guards Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries get downhill and finish through contact, Koa Peat has been the freshman phenom, and the bigs are all capable on both ends of the court. You don't see the star-power here at Arizona you see at Michigan, who has the Big Ten Player of the Year in Yaxel Lendeborg, but it's a deep and balanced roster. They have seven different Wildcats who average at least eight points per contest, and the entire rotation all contributes. I think that depth is going to play into the strategy you're going to see them deploy. They'll look to run even more so than usual, looking for easy buckets where they can avoid Michigan's shot-blockers, namely Lendeborg and the gigantic Aday Mara. How tight the refs call this game could also have a huge impact, as it often does. If this team is getting inside and getting to the free throw line, where they shoot the ball at an incredibly high rate, they have a clear edge over the Wolverines.

The Wolverines have had an incredible season of their own, spending a chunk of the season perched as the No. 1 team in all of the land. They're quite deep themselves, but it's the star power that jumps out at you here. Lendeborg likely would have been a first round NBA Draft selection this past summer, but made the decision to stay in college. It certainly seems to have worked out, as he's been the go-to guy on a team on the cusp of a National Title. He's the feature option, while guard Elliot Cadeau is the court general. Mara provides the size down low with Morez Johnson. And then there's the veteran pieces on the wings, Roddy Gayle Jr. and Nimari Burnett. There was some concern this week around Cadeau, who suffered an allergic reaction and whose status was somewhat up in the air. It sounds like the point guard will be 100 percent, which is going to be pivotal in this matchup. Statistically he doesn't necessarily blow you away, but his pace sets the stage for everything Michigan does. He's also going to have to lock down either Bradley or Burries, quite a fearsome backcourt duo. The pace the Wolverines play at is going to be interesting to watch. They hold a size advantage down low, but I'm not sure I see this team looking to just dump it down low and bang with the Wildcats for 40 minutes. Dusty May has been a coach that relies heavily on large guards, with one traditional back-to-the-basket big. This Michigan team is a bit different, but the positional versatility is where they are going to try and seek their own advantage. Mara and Johnson do have to stay out of foul trouble - this team is not as deep up front as they are on the wings or backcourt. Will Tschetter is really their only big beyond the trio of Mara, Johnson, and Lendeborg who sees minutes, and he plays just about 13 minutes per contest. That's an interesting storyline to watch here.

You can't go wrong picking either of these teams to advance. They've both proven they're two of the best teams in the country all season long, and have kept that stellar play going into the NCAA Tournament. I think we down to the wire in this one, with one or two plays deciding the winner. I'd be a bit surprised to see an all Big Ten Championship Game, and I've been so impressed with the Wildcats every time I've watched them. This is just such an incredibly disciplined, well-rounded basketball team that won't be afraid of the moment. I like them to advance to face the Illini in the National Championship Game.

Arizona by four