McGowan Mania

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

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 4

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 03:27:00 +0000

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

An impending April 1 Pro Day is a mere formality at this point in the pre-Draft process for Fernando Mendoza. There's little question the reigning Heisman winner and National Champion will add No. 1 overall pick to his resume in late April. The Raiders have already been hard at work on surrounding Mendoza with the right pieces, signing center Tyler Linderbaum to the highest contract for a center in NFL history.

Previous Selection: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Other Possibility: N/A

2. New York Jets

Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

Fernando Mendoza has been perched as a lock to the Raiders for some time now, and it appears Arvell Reese may be approaching that lock status second overall to the Jets. The Ohio State defender has wowed NFL folks throughout the pre-Draft process, and looks to be the missing piece in a retooled New York defense.

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

Other Possibility: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

3. Arizona Cardinals

Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

2026 is going to be all about tanking for the Cardinals. They're fine throwing in the towel on the year and hopefully having their choice of a loaded 2027 quarterback class. Drafting Francis Mauigoa here provides them a long-term anchor at tackle they need to protect whoever ends up being the guy in 2027 and beyond.

Previous Selection: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

Other Possibility: David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

4. Tennessee Titans

Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket Analysis: South Region

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:49:00 +0000

Boogie Fland, Florida

The Top Seed: Florida Gators

For the first time in program history, the Florida Gators are a No. 1 seed in back-to-back years of the NCAA Tournament. That's right, not even during the Billy Donovan years were the Gators a top seed in consecutive seasons, a testament to the work Todd Golden has done in Gainesville. Needless to say, the quest for a second straight National Title is alive and well after the Gators went 26-7 overall and 16-2 in the SEC. This team has a different feel than last year's group - they don't quite have the big shotmakers they did season with Walter Clayton Jr., but few in the country can match this frontcourt. Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon are an elite forward combo, and big man Rueben Chinyelu may be the team's MVP. His constant activity around the rim and rebounding prowess consistently allow Florida to extend possessions and capitalize on double chance opportunities. Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee may not have the star power of the backcourt from last winter, but they're capable, efficient guards who have played a lot of college basketball. There's a lot of ingredients to like about this team here, and the path isn't brutal. They may have the weakest 4/5 grouping of any region potentially awaiting them in the Sweet 16, so an Elite Eight berth at the very least feels like it's in play. Yet, after the run last season when you simply could not count out the Gators, even greater things are certainly in play.

Don't Forget About: Vanderbilt Commodores

Sure, I may not think this is the best 4/5 grouping in the field, but Vanderbilt is a much better team than the average fan may realize. Head coach Mark Byington inherited a mess when he took over in Nashville when he took over prior to the 2024-25 campaign. The Commodores had not played in March since 2017, and the end to the Bryce Drew and Jerry Stackhouse years were rough. In short order, Byington has built this team into a legitimate SEC contender, and it shows with their five-seed billing. This is a dangerous offensive team, one that averages over 86 points per contest, and they're led by one of the nation's most underrated players in Tyler Tanner. The sophomore has evolved from a bench option as a freshman into the roster's centerpiece, leading the Commodores in scoring, assists, and field goal percentage. Tanner's ability to get into the paint and open up space for the rest of the offense is a hallmark of the Byington system. What you'll notice watching this team is just how movement and activity there is, which creates a real headache for defenses over the course of 40 minutes. The path to the second weekend is clear, a feat Vanderbilt hasn't accomplished in two decades. This year's McNeese is not last year's McNeese, and a Nebraska/Troy matchup in the second round seems to bode well for the Commodores.

The Storyline Team: Nebraska Cornhuskers

2026 NCAA Tournament Bracket Analysis: East Region

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:05:00 +0000

Cam Boozer, Duke

The Top Seed: Duke Blue Devils

In four seasons at the helm of his alma mater, Jon Scheyer has already built an impressive resume. He's established himself as arguably the premier recruiter in college basketball today, gone 121-24 total, and won a handful of ACC Titles. Yet, despite getting deeper into the NCAA Tournament each year in the role, he's still searching for that first National Title. This feels like it could be the team to win one with, which would be the first in Durham in over a decade. The roster has it all - the legacy superstar destined to be a top three pick this upcoming summer in the NBA Draft (Cam Boozer), the elite complementary scorers in Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster, and the gigantic post in Patrick Ngongba II. This Duke team feels like more of a complete team than last year's group, which came agonizingly close to playing for a National Title before a stunning collapse to Houston. If there are two causes for concern Scheyer and company will be out to prove wrong this March? There are significant injuries on the roster, with Foster and Ngongba both missing the ACC Tournament with separate foot problems. There's positive signs Ngongba will be back for their first NCAA Tournament game, but Foster's status is more up in the air. Cayden Boozer performed admirably in Foster's place during the ACC Tournament, but this is a much better team when Foster is on the court. Secondly, despite being the top overall seed, the Blue Devils really didn't receive that favorable of a draw in this region. Consider the coaches they will likely need to overcome if they want to come out of the East: Rick Pitino or Bill Self, Tom Izzo, and Dan Hurley. This is going to be a real test for Scheyer to prove his coaching chops, and that he's truly elevated the program since Coach K's farewell.

I'm Buying Stock: St. John's Red Storm

St. John's entered the 2025-26 campaign with their highest preseason ranking in five decades, which just so happened to be the year the Red Storm played in the Final Four. Given the lofty expectations, it wasn't a major surprise they took some lumps early, losing in the non-conference to the likes of Iowa State, Auburn, Alabama, and Kentucky. Yet, since entering Big East, few teams in the nation have been more impressive than Rick Pitino's club. They took the Big East regular season crown from UConn and then topped it off by winning the conference tournament, with a dominant win over the Huskies being quite the statement to send the team into the NCAA Tournament riding high. Despite that finish is did come as a surprise to see the Red Storm on the 5-line, likely the result of a tough non-conference and the weakest Big East we've seen in years. You better believe Pitino is going to be using that as an extra bit of motivation, bad news for whoever they meet up with in this East Region. This is the type of team you absolutely don't want to see in March already. They have star power, a clear identity, and will play a full 40 minutes of physical, punishing basketball. Even if you find a way to beat them, they're such a pain, they leave you so battered and bruised you likely lose the next. I love the draw here to get to the Sweet 16, and believe they're the greatest test to Duke inside the region. If that game does indeed happen, that may as well be the regional final, determining who comes out of the East.

Welcome to the Dance: Cal Baptist Lancers

Final 2025-26 Big Ten Basketball Superlatives

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:14:00 +0000

Fred Hoiberg, Nebraska

Final Power Rankings

1. Michigan Wolverines

(Previous Rank: 1)

2. Illinois Fighting Illini

(Previous Rank: 2)

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

(Previous Rank: 3)

4. Michigan State Spartans

(Previous Rank: 4)

5. Wisconsin Badgers

(Previous Rank: 6)

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 3 (Combine Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:28:00 +0000

Arvell Reese, Ohio State

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

The Combine may have thrown much of the first round into disarray, but there's no question at the top. Fernando Mendoza didn't even work out in Indianapolis, but still remains the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 overall off the board in late April. It's starting to feel more like a question of what else the Raiders will do to surround Mendoza with the right pieces than whether the reigning Heisman winner will be on his way to Las Vegas.

2. New York Jets

Arvell Reese, DE/LB, Ohio State

Things get interesting with the Jets at the No. 2 spot. Their most obvious need remains quarterback, but there's nobody in this range that makes sense. So instead, pass rusher seems to be the consensus selection here, with Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. the top candidates. Bailey was a sack machine at Texas Tech, but to me, Reese has the higher ceiling in what he can be as a pro. It's no surprise to me the Buckeye product had a superb Combine - he's a physical freak who still has time grow into his 6'4", 240-pound frame.

3. Arizona Cardinals

David Bailey, DE/LB, Texas Tech

It's an important offseason for the Cardinals, who have to find a way forward in an NFC West that includes three of not only the best teams in the conference, but the NFL. Offensive line is in consideration here, but it's hard to imagine Arizona being able to pass up a player like David Bailey in this spot. Bailey was the most dominant rusher in all of the land this past fall, notching 14.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL, and a 20.2% pressure percentage for the Red Raiders.

4. Tennessee Titans

Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (FL)

March Madness 2026: Predicting the Entire NCAA Tournament Field One Month Out

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:19:00 +0000

March Madness 2026

Midwest Region (Chicago)

1 Michigan Wolverines (Top Overall Seed)

16 Howard Bison / Wright State Raiders

Notes: Between Arizona losing back-to-back games last week and Michigan further padding their resume with a win at Mackey Arena over Purdue, the Wolverines are the clear team to beat nationally as things stand in mid-February. Only one blemish is on the schedule: a shocking loss to Wisconsin in Ann Arbor. And, while surprising, it's certainly not a bad one for Michigan given the Badgers have been one of the hottest teams in the country over the last month. With plenty of opportunities to further bolster their resume down the stretch, the Wolverines are starting to feel like a lock on the one-seed line.

8 Auburn Tigers

9 NC State Wolfpack

Notes: Steven Pearl has taken his lumps in his first season as Auburn head man, with the Tigers sitting at 14-11 overall and 5-7 inside the SEC. However, wins over St. John's, Florida, and Arkansas keep the Tigers on the right side of the bubble. Only one ranked foe remains on the schedule, so there is little margin for error for this team over the next month.

5 Kentucky Wildcats

12 Belmont Bruins

Notes: Mark Pope's team keeps rising up the totem pole and lands at the five spot here, but the upset-minded Belmont Bruins would be a tough matchup. The Bruins have long been one of the most consistent mid-majors in the country, but Casey Alexander hasn't taken the program to an NCAA Tournament yet despite seven straight seasons of at least 20 wins. They are the clear favorite in the Missouri Valley, with a 14-3 conference mark with three regular season games remaining.

4 Virginia Cavaliers

13 East Tennessee State Buccaneers

Notes: Ryan Odom is in the running for National Coach of the Year with the job he's done in Charlottesville, with Virginia still in the ACC Title picture. The game against Duke on February 28 could very well decide the league. Even if UVA isn't able to down the mighty Blue Devils, they seem destined to land somewhere in the 3-5 range, assuming things don't fall off the rails down the stretch. North Carolina and Virginia Tech on the road remain their only two ACC losses.

6 Tennessee Volunteers

Big Ten Power Rankings 2025-26: Edition 2

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:28:00 +0000

Keaton Wagler, Illinois

(Updated through: morning of 2/10/26)

1. Michigan Wolverines

Previous Ranking: 1

Despite one of the most impressive starts to the season in program history, there was some question how Dusty May's Michigan Wolverines would respond when they did face adversity during the Big Ten schedule. The last month, we've gotten our answer. After dropping their first game of the season in a shocker to Wisconsin in mid-January, the Wolverines have simply ripped off eight straight wins, including a pair of them over Top 10 teams, and remain perched as the clear favorite in a loaded league. It hasn't been close wins either - of those eight straight victories, seven have been in the double digits. The race to the No. 1 overall seed come Selection Sunday is on, and this team has plenty of opportunities to pad their resume. Aside from road games with Purdue and Illinois, plus a date with Michigan State in Crisler Center, the non-conference battle with Duke in "The Duel in the District" looms as one of the most anticipated games of the year.

2. Illinois Fighting Illini

Previous Ranking: 6

Several teams have been vying to be the greatest threat to Michigan inside the Big Ten, but it's Illinois alone as second in the conference at 11-2 as things stand today. The loss over the weekend to Michigan State snaps a 12-game winning streak, but it's hard to take any major conclusion aways from that game. The Illini shot the ball poorly, at just 37% from the field, and still took the Spartans to overtime in East Lansing. The difference for this Illini team over the past month has been freshman phenom Keaton Wagler, who has been one of the best players in the country in recent weeks. The 46-point outburst to beat Purdue was the main highlight, but Wagler hasn't slowed down. In fact, his performance against Nebraska may have been even more impressive, as he not only dropped 28 points, but added five assists and five boards. His play has completely overshadowed the fact Illinois has been without steady lead guard Kylan Boswell for the past month, who is recovering from a broken hand. The expectation is that Boswell is going to return over the next couple weeks, further bolstering a team that seems to be getting better each and every week. Boswell's return is going to be huge down the stretch not only because of his experience, but his defense. As good as Wagler has been and as good as Andrej Stojakovic can be, the Illini really need his perimeter defense if this is the year they finally make a March run.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Previous Ranking: 3

2026 Minnesota Gopher Football Schedule Breakdown

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:22:00 +0000

P.J. Fleck, Minnesota

In the wild world of modern college football, the Minnesota Golden Gophers head into 2026 with an uncommon sense of stability. P.J. Fleck will enter his tenth season on the sidelines in Dinkytown, with much of his coaching staff intact and a roster that returns key contributors across the board. The personnel, beyond the high-profile transfer of star safety Koi Perich, also brings continuity. Quarterback Drake Lindsey will be back for a second season as starter, Darius Taylor will spearhead the backfield, and notable names like Anthony Smith and Kerry Brown headline the defense.

With that foundation in place and the 2026 schedule released this week, we have a very early idea of what next fall will look like for the Gophers. The schedule offers plenty of tough matchups and potential landmines – meaning Fleck and company will have to have the team ready to go if they want to improve on last season’s eight win campaign.

September 3 vs. Eastern Illinois

It will be the Eastern Illinois Panthers who kick off Minnesota’s season at Huntington Bank Stadium. It will be the 14^th season in a row the Gophers kick off their fall on the first Thursday night of FBS football.

It was a rough 2025 campaign for the once-proud Panthers, as they fell to 3-9 and a lowly 2-6 inside the Ohio Valley Conference. The only FBS comparison we can make isn’t a super helpful one – the Panthers went on the road to Alabama this last November and were dominated to the tune of 56-0. A Tide rushing attack that struggled all season ran for 270 yards and a staggering eight touchdowns.

You have to believe the plan for the Gophers is for this to essentially act as a preseason game. Drake Lindsey and the rest of the key players will get their reps in the first half, but it’s likely we see them move down their depth chart in the second. It should give us a chance to learn more about what this backfield looks like beyond Darius Taylor, as the Gophers will almost surely take advantage of their size and physicality in the trenches.

Way, Way Too Early Score Prediction: Minnesota, 49 Eastern Illinois, 7

September 12 vs. Mississippi State

It’s not too often we see SEC teams travel this far north in the early non-conference, so Minnesota – Mississippi State will be an intriguing one. Jeff Lebby has gone just 7-18 since taking over in Starkville, but the program has made real strides. They played in a bowl game this past fall, coming up short in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.

2026 Way-Too-Early College Football Top 25

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 23:29:00 +0000

Bo Jackson, Ohio State

1. Ohio State Buckeyes -- As disappointing as the end of this season was, is there any doubt Ryan Day's Buckeyes are going to be back with a vengeance in 2026? They're likely to have the top two non-quarterbacks taken in the upcoming NFL Draft, plus a host of other contributors. Yet, the most important pair is going to be back in quarterback Julian Sayin and wide out Jeremiah Smith. There may be extra motivation next fall for Sayin after coming up short in the Heisman race in 2025, while it still feels like Smith may be able to reach another level in what is sure to his final season of college ball. Bo Jackson emerged as the top option on the ground down the stretch and will play a key role in 2026 keeping defenses honest, all behind a well-stocked offensive line. The defense is where the heavy losses will be, including safety Caleb Downs, who operates as the quarterback of this unit. Yet, this is Ohio State, so we know they will have talent ready to step up for coordinator Matt Patricia. The Buckeyes strategically filled holes through the early portion of the transfer portal process, with Earl Little Jr. (Florida State) and Terry Moore (Duke) bolstering the back-end, and Qua Russaw (Alabama) helping reinforce the front alongside returnee Kenyatta Jackson. Christian Alliegro could be the most underrated addition of the bunch, as he showed ample potential at Wisconsin and now enters the ideal situation for a breakout in Columbus.

2. Oregon Ducks -- Could 2026 be the year Oregon finally climbs the mountaintop and wins their first National Title in program history? The return of quarterback Dante Moore, who passed on an opportunity to likely be the No. 2 overall selection this spring, has Ducks fans thinking big. Moore will have a new play-caller after OC Will Stein took the Kentucky job, but he'll benefit from a loaded roster around him. The projected pass-catcher group is especially exciting - while star tight end Kenyon Sadiq is off to the NFL, sophomore Dakorien Moore is on the cusp of superstardom, and Evan Stewart is slated to return after missing the entirety of 2025. There is turnover on the staff defensively, too, as Tosh Lupoi left for his alma mater, Cal. But Dan Lanning has built a machine here in Eugene, and the cupboard is far from bare. Bear Alexander and Matayo Uiagalelei both held off on their NFL ambitions to run it back for Oregon up front, and cornerback Brandon Finney Jr. has a chance to be special after earning Freshman All-American honors this past fall. Add in names like Koi Perich, who comes over from inside the Big Ten after two superb years at Minnesota, and the Ducks have all the tools to complete their quest towards a National Title. After coming close the last couple years, it feels like only a matter of time before Lanning and the Ducks finish the job.

3. Georgia Bulldogs -- It felt like Georgia overachieved a bit in 2025 given the youth on this roster, which is great news for their 2026 fortunes as they look to stay atop the SEC. Gunner Stockton isn't the most talented QB Kirby Smart has had here in Athens, but he's one of the most clutch, and he answered a lot of questions in his first year as starter. Stockton will benefit from an improved ground game taking some of the heat off of him, as Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens have a chance to be the best Georgia backfield duo since Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The defense had some uncharacteristic struggles this past fall, but gained valuable experience. Linebackers Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole will be the key pieces up front, while I've been long awaiting K.J. Bolden's eventual breakout at safety. Beyond Bolden, however, the secondary has significant turnover and was hit hard by portal defections. How youngsters like Rasean Dinkins play could be the make or break between Georgia merely being Playoff good and bringing home a third National Title for Smart.

4. Texas Longhorns -- Do not be surprised if, for the second straight year, Texas heads into the fall as the

2025-26 College Football Playoff National Championship Prediction

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 19:38:00 +0000

Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

Following months of action, the 2025-26 college football season concludes Monday night with a pair of teams hoping to end the year as National Champions. The top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers were dominant throughout the fall, but have turned it up a notch in the College Football Playoff, pummeling Alabama and Oregon to get to this stage. Now, they square off with the last remaining "underdog" Miami Hurricanes, who have upset Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Ole Miss in a row. For the 'Canes, it's a chance to showcase a return back to being one of the top brands in the sport on the national stage. For Indiana, they're hoping to put the finishing touches on one of the greatest turnarounds in sports history. Who comes out on top in Miami Gardens?

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has already racked up a long list of accolades over the course of

Big Ten Power Rankings 2025-26: Edition 1

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 03:09:00 +0000

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan

1. Michigan Wolverines

Previous Ranking: N/A

Dusty May's Michigan Wolverines have been a machine over the first two months of the college basketball season, perched not just as the best in the Big Ten, but the nation's No. 1 team. They've been absolutely decimating their competition, including wins over San Diego State (by 40), Auburn (by 30), Gonzaga (by 40), and now USC inside the league (by 30). It's rare to see this complete of a team playing this well at this point on the calendar, but I am curious to see how the Wolverines fare once the competition is turned up a notch inside Big Ten play. Their schedule remains fairly light throughout most of January, but the end of the month and into February will give us a great example of what this team is capable of. Michigan State, Nebraska, Purdue all await in the next month-and-a-half, along with a non-conference date with Duke in the "Duel in the District" on February 21.

2. Purdue Boilermakers

Previous Ranking: N/A

Aside from a home loss to Iowa State in early December, there's not a blemish on Purdue's record after entering the season as the preseason No. 1 in the country. They've carried their superb play through the early portion of the Big Ten schedule, handling Rutgers, Minnesota, and Wisconsin all with ease en route to a 3-0 start. In addition to the success in the win-loss column, Purdue has a player chasing history in veteran floor general Braden Smith, who set the Big Ten career assists record this past weekend in the Wisconsin win, surpassing Michigan State's Cassius Winston. With his pace, he's in shouting distance of the all-time leader in Division I basketball in Bobby Hurley, with 1,076 being the number to beat. With Smith pacing this offense, Fletcher Loyer emerging as their go-to scoring option, and Trey Kaufmann-Renn and Oscar Cuff on the block, Purdue have all the looks of the greatest threat to Michigan inside the league. Their date on February 17 could be the game of the year, not just in the conference, but college basketball as a whole.

3. Nebraska Cornhuskers

College Football Transfer Portal 2025-26: Ranking the Top 10 Available Quarterbacks (So Far)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:06:00 +0000

Josh Hoover, TCU

The 2025-26 college football season may not yet be officially done, but the transfer portal has created an early offseason full of activity in recent weeks. Quarterbacks who have fallen out of favor at their most recent stops, or see an opportunity to land significant NIL money elsewhere have entered the portal and begun a recruitment process that is going to have a huge impact on the National Title race. More dominoes will fall in the coming weeks but with most of the big names already in the portal, these are the ten to keep a close eye on as the offseason marches on.

1. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State to TBD

(2025 Stats: 1,628 passing yards, 306 rushing yards, 15 total TD, 3 INT)

The 2025 campaign wasn't quite the encore Arizona State was hoping for after breaking through and reaching the College Football Playoff in 2024. Yet, the Sun Devils still managed to go 8-4 overall and 6-3 in a vastly improved Big 12, despite suffering through injuries all season long. Among those injuries was quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was shut down for the season in early November for foot surgery. Even with the lingering health questions, which are likely to keep him sidelined through the spring, Leavitt has drawn the attention of some of the sport's top programs, including several currently in the College Football Playoff. Originally beginning his career at Michigan State, Leavitt took off in the Sun Devil offense last fall, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns, along with five more on the ground. His numbers understandably took a dip this past season with how much time he missed, but he's proven he can make pro-ready throws and command a top offense. The expectation is that the 2026 season will be his last, as he hopes to play for a National Title contender before heading off to the NFL. Being an Oregon native and with the Ducks likely shopping for a Dante Moore replacement, they appear to be the early frontrunner. However, teams like Miami, LSU, and Texas Tech are also likely to be in the mix in his recruitment process.

Transfer Prediction: Oregon

2. Josh Hoover, TCU to TBD

(2025 Stats: 3,472 passing yards, 31 total touchdowns, 13 INT)

College Football Playoff 2025-26 Prediction

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:33:00 +0000

Gunner Stockton, Georgia

First Round

Byes: (1) Indiana Hoosiers, (2) Ohio State Buckeyes, (3) Georgia Bulldogs, (4) Texas Tech Red Raiders

(9) Alabama Crimson Tide @ (8) Oklahoma Sooners

It's a rematch in the first game of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff. Oklahoma outlasted the Crimson Tide the first time the two met in mid-November, in a game that essentially vaulted them into the field. Now, Alabama is looking for vengeance on the road in Norman.

Contrary to what we became so accustomed to during the Lincoln Riley years, it's the defense that sets the tone for this Sooners team. They allow just under 14 points per contest, and have the nastiest front seven in the country. But, can the offense do enough to beat Alabama for a second time? Amazingly, Oklahoma came out victorious despite just 212 yards of total offense and after going 3-13 on third down. John Mateer has not been himself since his thumb injury, but the ground game too has lacked the bite necessary to complement the defense.

Three turnovers are what doomed Alabama during the first matchup, but they looked the better team. It will be interesting to see how they respond after the SEC Championship Game loss, a game that wasn't very competitive. Was that the type of loss that will serve as an extra layer of motivation for a Playoff run, or an indication this team has completely faded down the stretch? I find myself leaning towards the former, because this team is far too talented to go down without a fight. Oklahoma may be able to muck this one up, but it's tough to beat any team twice during a season in this modern age of college football.

The Pick: Alabama, 27 Oklahoma, 20

(10) Miami Hurricanes @ (7) Texas A&M Aggies

Two teams playing in their first ever College Football Playoff, these two programs are eager to prove themselves on the grand stage. A&M suffered quite the hiccup with a loss to Texas on Black Friday in a game that exposed some notable flaws. The Aggies struggled to run the ball, couldn't stop the Longhorns the other way, and weren't as physical as they needed to be.

Miami suffered a few rough moments themselves in the middle part of the season, but the season-opening Notre Dame win and four straight victories to conclude the year was enough for them to gain entry into the field. This is a team with a clear X-factor: quarterback Carson Beck is going to make or break their fortunes. He threw six interceptions in their two losses this year, which came by a combined nine points. If he can't take care of the ball in this one, the Aggies are most certainly the type of opportunistic team that will capitalize on those mistakes.

For A&M, the offensive story has been an inconsistent one. Marcel Reed has plenty of moments of brilliance and the receivers are an explosive group, but there remains plenty of streakiness in his game. I also worry about this offensive line facing down the fearsome Hurricane defensive front, with Rueben Bain Jr. and company ready to show out. You also have to wonder how the staff shakeups are going to play out for the Aggies. Offensive coordinator Colin Klein is staying on through the Playoff after accepting the head coaching job at his alma mater, Kansas State. The same is true of defensive coordinator Jay Bateman. But, you have to think the fact both have one foot out the door is going to have an impact, and it's not a challenge the Hurricanes are dealing with.

The Pick: Miami, 31 Texas A&M, 28

(11) Tulane Green Wave @ (6) Ole Miss Rebels

Much like Texas A&M, these two teams are in major transition mode. Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall is officially moving on to Florida, but he's always sticking around for the College Football Playoff. The same can't be said of Lane Kiffin, who is officially gone and has taken several members of the Ole Miss staff with him.

Despite the turnover in Oxford, we do have a clear picture of what this Rebel team will look to do on Saturday. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss leads a high-flying offense that includes star tailback Kewan Lacy and an abundance of options on the perimeter. Even without Lane in town, this is a group that has looked the part all season long and has to be eager to show out against a good Tulane defense - but one that ultimately is a Group of Five defense.

Springing an upset of the 11-1 Rebels will require some magic from the Green Wave and BYU transfer Jake Retzlaff at quarterback. The team leader in passing and running, Retzlaff has been a major addition to the roster after coming over late in the offseason. Retzlaff has a deep group of receivers to throw the ball to, with five different players eclipsing 300 yards on the season. But, it's an offense that lacks a ton of star power, and you do wonder whether Retzlaff is going to have the support he needs to make something happen.

This is a game that is also a rematch - with Ole Miss winning the first meeting in dominant fashion, 45-10. Tulane will have an opportunity to right their wrongs and will have more time to prepare, but there's such a difference on the depth chart between these two. Perhaps this stays close into the second half, but I still see Ole Miss running away with it eventually.

The Pick: Ole Miss, 41 Tulane, 21

(12) James Madison Dukes @ (5) Oregon Ducks

NFL Mock Draft 2026: Edition 2 (Early Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Dante Moore, Oregon

1. Tennessee Titans

Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State

Surrounding Cam Ward with more talent to work with would be the traditional route for a team like the Titans, but I figure the franchise would be hard-pressed to pass up on a talent like Arvell Reese near the top of the Draft. It's not often you see a player at 6'4", 245 pounds move the way Reese does, and he's set the tone for a historically good Ohio State defense all season long. Already Reese is in good position to be the first player off the board next spring, and he's almost sure to blow folks away with his physical gifts in the pre-Draft process.

2. New York Giants

Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

It's the Buckeyes going 1-2 here, as the Giants shore up their secondary with safety Caleb Downs. Downs was a high-profile recruit who began his career at Alabama and he played from Day One. Yet, he's elevated his play since arriving in Columbus, demonstrating jaw-dropping range, elite closing speed, and a high football IQ. He's one of the best safety prospects we've seen in a long, long time.

3. New Orleans Saints

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Tyler Shough has performed better than expected since taking over as the starting QB for the Saints, but is the 26-year old really the face of the future for New Orleans? It feels like the Saints will invest in a new signal-caller early on next spring, and Fernando Mendoza fits the bill. He's got the collegiate production to back it up, with a Heisman likely coming his way, and at 6'5" with a strong arm, he has the physical tools.

4. Las Vegas Raiders

Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

College Football Picks 2025: Week Fifteen (Championship Week)

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 23:08:00 +0000

Fernando Mendoza, Indiana

Current Picks Record: 69-47

Upset: 5-11

Superdogs: 6-4

Locks: 7-6

Big Ten Championship Game: (#2) Indiana Hoosiers @ (#1) Ohio State Buckeyes (Indianapolis)

Line: Ohio State -4

O/U: 47.5

The lone remaining undefeated teams in FBS ball collide this Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Ohio State has been on a march towards a second National Title, but they get their greatest test of the fall in this game against the Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoosiers are no lovable underdog this year - they've dominated all season long, and look the part of a National Title frontrunner.

Both of these teams boast elite defenses, but it's still the quarterbacks likely to steal the show in this one. Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Indiana's Fernando Mendoza are locked in a battle for the Heisman, with the winner of this game almost sure to become the national favorite. Sayin has looked in complete control in his first season as starter, shredding defenses to the tune of 3,065 yards an 30 touchdowns. It helps that he is throwing to arguably college football's premier receiver corps, headlined by Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. The pair has been banged up late this fall, but appear to be 100 percent at the right time, and you wonder if they have another gear set to unleash now. Smith was impressive all 2024 long, but it was the postseason were he made a name for himself as college football's best receiver - do we see a similar story this time around? Tight end Max Klare offers an awfully impressive complementary piece, and the passing game shouldn't overshadow how impressive the Buckeye rushing attack has been down the stretch. Freshman Bo Jackson has really emerged as the guy for the Buckeyes, as he nears the 1,000 yard mark in his first season of college ball. He's crossed the century mark in four of Ohio State's last five games, and has to be hungry to show what he can do against one of the nation's top defenses. You do have to wonder how Indiana is going to play this one on this side of the ball. The front seven is absolutely elite, a disciplined and violent group that rarely makes mistakes. Yet, this is the toughest challenge yet for the secondary, who hasn't seen a passing offense of this caliber yet this season. The closest thing they came to was likely Oregon, but the Ducks don't have a Smith or Tate on the outside, at least not yet (Dakorien Moore may get there). The Hoosiers are going to make the Buckeyes fight for everything up front, but you do wonder if a breakdown or two on the back-end could break this game wide open.

We've seen Indiana's offense hit another level this season after an impressive 2024, thanks in large part to the addition of Mendoza. Last year's signal-caller, Kurtis Rourke, was rock-solid, a veteran who put the team in position to win games. But, Mendoza is a legit NFL talent with the arm to burn opposing defenses down the field, something he's done early and often in 2025. He benefits from a deep group of playmakers around him, with Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt the top weapons at receiver, while Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black lead the ground attack. Hemby and Black are a pair of powerful runners that can carve up a defense, often setting up speedster Khobie Martin, or sucking in the defense for Mendoza to do his damage over-the-top. This will be a challenge for Indiana in that this Buckeye defense doesn't make the mistakes of other defenses. The Hoosiers are going to need to play a crisp game of football on this side of the ball, and likely be okay playing field position for a decent chunk of this game. You also have to wonder what things look like up front - the Hoosiers have given Mendoza ample protection all season long, but Ohio State is relentless. There may not be a Chase Young or Bosa brother along the Buckeye D-Line this year, but they'll come at you in waves. Add in Caleb Downs on the back-end, essentially the quarterback of this defense, they are impressive in everything they do.

Indiana may not have the endless collection of blue-chip recruits Ohio State has, but they're every bit as good of a football team as the Buckeyes. I get the feeling this is going to be a tight, low-scoring affair into the second half, until Ohio State is able to turn on the burners and separate. Their passing attack is just an advantage when you reach this point of the season, and I'm not entirely convinced the Hoosiers are ready to slow down the two-headed monster of Smith and Tate over four quarters.

The Pick: Ohio State, 28 Indiana, 21

SEC Championship Game: (#3) Georgia Bulldogs @ (#9) Alabama Crimson Tide (Atlanta)

Line: Georgia -2.5

O/U: 48.5

College Football Picks 2025: Week Fourteen

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 06:02:00 +0000

Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Current Picks Record: 63-44

Upset: 5-10

Superdogs: 5-4

Locks: 6-6

(#3) Texas A&M Aggies @ (#16) Texas Longhorns

Line: Texas A&M -2.5

O/U: 52.5

Last season, Texas and their stingy defense shut down Texas A&M in their first game in a decade-and-a-half en route to a SEC Championship Game appearance. This year, instead it's the Aggies in position to compete for a conference title and eventual Playoff berth. Still, A&M is out to prove they are worthy of their high ranking, and going into Austin and beating the Longhorns would go a long way in proving their legitimacy.

Marcel Reed has proven a lot of people wrong this season, and his performance in the South Carolina win two weeks ago was potentially his most impressive yet. Reed, and A&M as a whole, had an atrocious first half, with multiple turnovers and nearly multiple more. Instead of mailing it in during the second half, Reed responded in a major way, fueling the Aggies to an epic comeback and finishing with 439 passing yards and three touchdowns. Now, Reed is looking to keep the magic going against a tough Longhorn defense, albeit one that has struggled to defend the pass at points this fall. Reed has plenty of help, namely K.C. Concepcion and Mario Craver out wide, plus several options in the backfield. Being without veteran Le'Veon Moss at tailback hurts, but the likes of Rueben Owens and Amari Daniels, plus Reed's legs, give this A&M rushing attack just enough bite. I'm watching the A&M offensive line closely, too - they were pushed around by this Texas defensive front last fall and face a stiff challenge once again. The Longhorns are nasty along the line of scrimmage, and have to be fired up for this type of rivalry game. As impressive as Reed has been, if Texas is able to pressure him and contain this ground game, you do wonder if we are going to see Reed start to press. A huge turnover or two in a game like this, that could come down to the wire, could ultimately make all the difference. The Longhorn secondary is banged up and vulnerable, but it's up to Reed to set up this Aggie offense for success.

Was the Arkansas win last weekend finally what the Texas offense needed to finish a disappointing season on a high note? It feels like we've been waiting all season long for the Longhorns to get going on this side of the ball, but they remain frustratingly inconsistent. They have looked good against the worst of the SEC defenses, but can it carry over to a well-coached, disciplined group like A&M? Arch Manning does feel like he's found something during the season's second half, even if there remain growing pains week-to-week. Yet, Manning has been far from the sole problem for this Longhorn offense this fall. On the contrary, the rushing offense and offensive line have been immensely disappointing. Even in wins, the Longhorns have struggled to get anything going on the ground, and it's made this team completely one-dimensional. The offensive line has struggled to get any push, even against defenses you'd imagine they'd have an advantage over. Now, they face an A&M front that includes sack machine Cashius Howell and several other players likely to play on Sundays, including Dayon Hayes and Tyler Onyedim. Quintrevion Wisner ran for 186 yards for Texas last year in this matchup, but I don't envision that happening again. It truly does feel like A&M is going to have the better athletes on the field Saturday, a stark difference to what we saw a season ago.

At multiple points this fall, I've expected A&M to get caught by someone and yet here they are, sitting at 11-0 with a Playoff berth essentially clinched. This is a game the old A&M would lose, but this team just feels different. They aren't just the better team, they've proven an ability to overcome adversity and still come out on top on the other side. With Texas being so inconsistent, the Aggies are the smarter pick here, even on the road.

The Pick: Texas A&M, 34 Texas, 24

(#1) Ohio State Buckeyes @ (#15) Michigan Wolverines

College Football Picks 2025: Week Thirteen

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 22:47:00 +0000

Jayden Maiava, USC

Current Picks Record: 58-41

Upset: 3-9

Superdogs: 5-4

Locks: 6-6

(#15) USC Trojans @ (#7) Oregon Ducks

Line: Oregon -10.5

O/U: 59.5

Old Pac-12 foes collide in the most important game of the weekend, albeit one with different stakes. For one, this matchup could have major implications for the Big Ten Title race, if one of Ohio State or Indiana were to falter. But more importantly is the College Football Playoff - USC remains on the outside looking in, but a win here and they could secure their first Playoff trip in program history. Of course, that would simply require the Trojans to go into Eugene and steal away a win from a Top 10 Oregon.

Unsurprisingly for a Lincoln Riley-coached team, USC's success this fall has rested on an explosive offense, one averaging over 38 points per game. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been at the controls, nearing the 3,000-yard mark in terms of passing yards, with 18 touchdowns through the air. Maiva isn't a prototypical Riley quarterback, as a lightly recruited signal-caller who began his career at USC. But, his dual threat ability and lively arm have worked wonders in this offense, which has also benefitted from a monster season from wide receiver Makai Lemon and company. The most underrated aspect of this Trojan team, however, is their ground game. With Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders going down with injuries, the expectation was that this group would struggle, but freshman King Miller has been a revelation, hitting the 100-yard mark in three of his last five games. Miller's hard-running style has added some real bite to this offense, forcing defenses to commit resources to the run and opening up massive windows for Maiva, Lemon, and Ja'Kobi Lane. Miller has been successful even against strong run defenses, but now faces arguably his greatest test yet in Oregon. The athletes the Ducks feature in their defensive front resemble an NFL team more so than a college football team. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher and company are going to make the Trojans work for every single yard. That would be a challenge for any team, let alone a USC team that is fresh off a win over Iowa, a team that always leaves opponents battered and bruised. Riley may be able to scheme his weapons open as much as possible, but he'll still need his offensive line to have their best game of the season if they are to spring an upset.

The Ducks have lit up scoreboards all season long, although in a different way than the Trojans. They're still fairly balanced, but their ground game is certainly the primary fuel behind their success on the year. This may be the deepest backfield in all of college football - there isn't one alpha necessarily, but all of Noah Whittington, Jordon Davison, Dierre Hill Jr. and Jayden Limar can carry the load when needed. Quarterback Dante Moore can also break open plays with his legs, giving Oregon an endless supply of options. It's hard to overstate how significant of an advantage that is over the course of a game, particularly so late in the season. It allows Oregon to rotate in fresh legs on a nearly constant basis, giving them a leg up on just about every play. USC's defense has improved tremendously under coordinator D'Anton Lynn, but do they have the players to hang with this Oregon rushing attack over an entire sixty minutes? That's not to ignore the Ducks can throw the ball quite well, too, with Moore and a deep collection of pass-catchers. Freshman phenom Dakorien Moore is the most dangerous weapon and one who Oregon looks to get out in space as much as they can. But, the Ducks can also bring in tight end Kenyon Sadiq, a true matchup problem, along with veterans Gary Bryant Jr. and Malik Benson. All of that is anchored behind an elite offensive line, giving the Ducks quite the imposing offense. It's not a group known for the big play quite in the way USC is, but the pure amount of weapons available for play-caller Will Stein and company is staggering.

The Trojans are going to try and follow the Indiana model, like every other opponent against Oregon has. The Hoosiers were able to slow the game down and win in the trenches, a feat we don't see come often against teams like the Ducks. That just doesn't cater to USC's strengths - this is a team that would rather play a shootout, where they can extend the number of possessions with an aggressive defenses that forces a turnover or two. This has been a good USC team, but the matchup is just not favorable, especially in Autzen Stadium.

The Pick: Oregon, 35 USC, 24

(#22) Missouri Tigers @ (#8) Oklahoma Sooners

College Football Picks 2025: Week Eleven

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 04:48:00 +0000

Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

Current Picks Record: 52-38

Upset: 3-8

Superdogs: 5-3

Locks: 5-6

(#7) BYU Cougars @ (#8) Texas Tech Red Raiders

Line: Texas Tech -10.5

O/U: 52.5

It's the most important game of the year for the Big 12 this weekend, with the undefeated BYU Cougars traveling to Lubbock to take on a Red Raider team with just one loss to their credit. The winner not only sets themselves up as the clear favorite in the league, but positions themselves on the inside track to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.

Even without star tailback Tajh Brooks, who graduated over the offseason, the Texas Tech offenses has not skipped a beat in 2025. They've averaging nearly 44 points per contest, riding a balanced and productive unit to success. At the heart of it is veteran quarterback Behren Morton, who appears fully healthy again after suffering through an injury-plagued October. Injuries have been an unfortunate theme throughout much of Morton's career, but he's arguably the best in the Big 12 when healthy. His health will be extra important down the stretch, as the Red Raiders lost high-quality backup Will Hammond for the season. Morton looked good in his return against Kansas State, and it does help that the rest of this offense is full of playmakers. Cameron Dickey and Ja'Koby Williams have more than made up for the absence of Brooks on the season in this backfield, while the pass-catchers include five different players who have all eclipsed 300 yards. It's not even just the explosiveness or speed you'll notice with this Texas Tech offense, either. They have worked hard to build up the lines of scrimmage through the portal, and it's become a very physical, hard-nosed football team. Against a BYU defense that has long been known for it's physicality, this has the looks of a really feisty, hard-hitting contest. This Cougar defense has been the epitome of bend-not-break this season, letting up tons of yardage, but making plays when it matters most. Texas Tech may be the best offense they've seen yet, which sets up quite the challenge.

It's amazing in many different ways that BYU has reached the month of November with a perfect record, but the offensive success may be the most surprising. This is a group that lost their starting quarterback, Jake Retzlaff, when he was kicked off the team and transferred to Tulane mere weeks before the season. Bear Bachmeier, with no experience, has stepped in and put together a magical season. Bachmeier isn't a player who is going to step back and zip it all over the field to the tune of 300 yards. But, he's a truly gritty quarterback who does enough to put his team in position to win. He's particularly dangerous with his legs, with 408 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground to this point. Texas Tech did shut down dual-threat Devon Dampier in their game against Utah earlier in the year, but Bachmeier's a bit of a different runner. He may not have Dampier's speed or athleticism, but he's a real slippery runner that will demand attention all game long from the Red Raiders. Bachmeier is flanked by a real capable tailback in ultra-reliable L.J. Martin, with the pair combining for one of the best rush offenses in the conference. It is shaping up to be quite the battle between this BYU rushing offense and Texas Tech's front seven. I'll be the first to admit, I was skeptical the Red Raiders and their money was going to be enough, but they've completely changed the tenor of this defensive front. This a relentless front seven that is as disciplined as you'll find in college football today. They're going to force Bachmeier into tighter windows and tougher decisions than he's had to make for much of the season, and it's on the road. We may still see the Bachmeier magic, but there's going to have to be even more than usual in this one.

BYU has been an awesome story, but it's not unfair to say they likely should have multiple losses. It's not complete luck, this team has performed when it has mattered most, but someone is going to catch them. Texas Tech is the best team, top-to-bottom in the conference, and I think they have more than enough to finally give the Cougars their first loss of the fall.

The Pick: Texas Tech, 24 BYU, 20

(#3) Texas A&M Aggies @ (#22) Missouri Tigers

Line: Texas A&M -6.5

O/U: 48.5

Old Big 12 foes clash in Missouri over the weekend, albeit with different goals. Texas A&M, off to their best start in decades, is out to prove they are a legitimate National Title contender by adding another ranked win to their resume. Missouri is on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff race, but has a chance to change their entire season with a home upset.

Still riding high after a 49-point outburst against LSU, Texas A&M's offense is aiming to keep the momentum going on the road. Quarterback Marcel Reed has been the real deal, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and adding 349 with his legs. He's still incredibly young, so the bad decisions still sprout up, but he's shown significant improvement so far this season and his dual-threat ability is a constant headache for opposing defenses. He's benefitted greatly from who the Aggies landed in the portal, as Mario Craver and K.C. Concepcion have been among the best receivers in the SEC this season. Craver is the more traditional perimeter receiver, but when you factor in Concepcion's ability to impact games on special teams, this duo becomes downright terrifying. In the backfield alongside Reed, Rueben Owens II and Le'Veon Moss have been an impressive duo themselves, although Moss is likely still out for this game stemming from an ankle injury suffered in the Florida game. The Aggies didn't need Owens quite as much in the LSU game as you may expect, but if Reed is contained by this Missouri defense, they'll need the tailback to make his presence felt. This is a good Missouri defense, but one prone to the big play. If Reed can take care of the ball and not turn it over, this team should be in good position to keep putting points on the board.

Missouri's season took a turn in the Vanderbilt game. Not only did they come up short against the Commodores, starting QB Beau Pribula was lost for the season. With backup Sam Horn also injured, the Tigers turned to freshman Matt Zollers, who looks to be the starter for this game. Zollers actually looked pretty good considering the circumstances against Vanderbilt, and has now had a week to prepare for this contest. But, this A&M defense is a different animal completely - the Aggies will let up yardage, but this is one of the best teams in the nation when it comes to third down defense. Taurean York at linebacker and defensive linemen Cashius Howell (9.5 sacks on the season) lead an aggressive group that is going to apply the pressure on Zollers constantly. Missouri's offensive line has held up well on the season, but this is arguably the best front seven they've seen to this point. The Tigers are also going to need a big day from Ahmad Hardy, their star tailback. Hardy has been having a monster season as this team's workhorse, but it's been no secret teams have sold out to stop the run. There was no better example of that than Alabama, who limited Hardy to 52 yards on 12 carries, and forced a then-healthy Pribula to beat them through the air. With a young quarterback, Missouri may have to be creative with how they get Hardy the ball and scheme their other weapons open.

I'm always a bit hesitant to take teams fresh off a massive victory, like A&M's win over LSU two weeks ago. This has the feels of a classic letdown spot, but the absence of Pribula makes me hesitant to predict the upset. Zollers may still surprise, but this is not the ideal matchup for a freshman QB making the first start. I think the Aggies win in a game that may get just a bit ugly.

The Pick: Texas A&M, 31 Missouri, 21

Other Picks

(#9) Oregon Ducks @ (#20) Iowa Hawkeyes -- I'm always interested in the upset factor when it comes to Top 10 teams coming to Kinnick. But, the Hawkeyes have been an unlucky charm for me this fall - the Ducks come away with the victory.

The Pick: Oregon, 27 Iowa, 13

LSU Tigers @ (#4) Alabama Crimson Tide -- What once looked like a possible SEC Championship Game preview almost feels like a foregone conclusion at this point. The Crimson Tide have been through the gauntlet and have made it to the other side. I think this battle-tested team has little issues with a Tiger team now led by an interim staff.

The Pick: Alabama, 38 LSU, 24

(#2) Indiana Hoosiers @ Penn State Nittany Lions -- I keep waiting for a potential Indiana slip-up, but the Hoosiers look to be a well-oiled machine. Penn State still has talent, they are a better team than what the record may indicate, but I can't pick against Indiana right now.

The Pick: Indiana, 34 Penn State, 20

(#23) Washington Huskies @ Wisconsin Badgers -- Rumors out just today are that Luke Fickell is likely to be back next season in Madison. Something tells me that isn't going to change the product on the field. Washington rolls on the road.

The Pick: Washington, 30 Wisconsin, 14

Upset: Northwestern Wildcats @ (#19) USC Trojans -- Friday night games can always get a bit strange, and this one has that energy. USC won a thriller over Nebraska last week, but Northwestern is a better team than most may realize. This feels like a game where the Wildcats muck it up into an ugly Big Ten game, and find a way to win.

The Pick: Northwestern, 24 USC, 21

Superdog (covers > 21 point spread): Navy Midshipmen (+27) @ Notre Dame Fighting Irish -- Navy may have suffered their first loss of the season a week ago, and going into South Bend is not an ideal follow up. However, the Irish have struggled at times to stop the run, and the triple-option can close the talent gap.

The Pick: Notre Dame, 35 Navy, 17

Lock of the Week: Vanderbilt Commodores (-6) vs. Auburn Tigers -- Interim coaches do tend to make things a bit strange, and the fact of the matter is that Auburn's defense is still elite. However, the offense is just such a disaster, I don't see them keeping up with a Commodore team that has scared on everyone they've played.

The Pick: Vanderbilt, 24 Auburn, 10

College Basketball Preview 2025-26: Top 25

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 22:53:00 +0000

Braden Smith, Purdue

1. Purdue Boilermakers -- The ever-steady Purdue Boilermakers are about as consistent as you can find in today's world of college basketball but they have their sights set on even loftier goals in 2025-26: a National Title. The stars all seem to be aligning, with the roster full of veterans who have all played with each other for several years, plus a Big Ten that is wide open beyond the projected top two. Braden Smith is back as the floor general and should be in the hunt for National Player of the Year honors, while shooting guard Fletcher Loyer and big man Trey Kaufman-Renn provide plenty of scoring punch alongside him. Matt Painter and staff further bolstered the roster through the portal by bringing one of the most well-rounded big men on the market in South Dakota State's Oscar Cluff. Cluff is so much more than the traditional back-to-the-basket post we've become accustomed to under Painter, with a well-rounded and versatile offensive game. If he can acclimate quickly with Smith and company, Purdue should have more than enough firepower for what should be a special season in West Lafayette.

2. Duke Blue Devils -- The Blue Devils lost a pair of Top 5 NBA Draft selections over the offseason, including the reigning National Player of the Year. They then watched their top transfer portal target, Washington State's Cedric Coward, stay in the Draft after a strong Combine. Despite all that, Duke seems to be one of the best bets to hoist the National Title in 2026 after coming up short last year. Such is the luxury of being arguably the sport's premier brand. Cameron Boozer is expected to take over Cooper Flagg's role as the freshman phenom on the roster, as the 6'9" forward from Miami has all the offensive attributes to immediately be one of the best players in the country in Year One. He's flanked by several other highly touted true freshman, including his twin, Cayden, and wing Nikolas Khamenia. However, beyond just the newcomers, it's the holdovers that may make all the difference on this Duke team. Isaiah Evans is ready for his breakout moment after showing real flashes off the bench last season, while Caleb Foster is hoping for a resurgence after seeing his role diminished a year ago. And down low, Maliq Brown has proven his worth as a top-notch defender and force on the glass whose importance goes far beyond the stat sheet. The blend of experience and star power provides Jon Scheyer the clear ACC fronrtunner, and all the ingredients to bring home the first National Title to Durham in a decade, and his first as head man.

3. Florida Gators -- Todd Golden and company brought a National Title back to Gainesville for the first

College Football Picks 2025: Week Ten

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:51:00 +0000

Brendan Sorsby, Cincinnati

Current Picks Record: 47-34

Upset: 3-7

Superdogs: 4-3

Locks: 5-5

(#17) Cincinnati Bearcats @ (#24) Utah Utes

Line: Utah -10.5

O/U: 54.5

They still have not received the national attention they deserve, prior to his week, but Cincinnati finds themselves in great position in the Big 12 Title race and as a bonafide CFB Playoff contender. The Bearcats are 7-1 and their lone loss came in the season-opener, against Nebraska at a neutral site. Yet, this week will tell us a lot about just how legit the Bearcats are, as they travel to Salt Lake City to meet up with Utah. Fresh off a blowout win over Colorado, the Utes are hoping for their own resume-boosting victory in front of the home crowd.

This is a genuinely good Cincinnati offense, a unit that is averaging over 38 points per contest, with a nice mix of pass and run. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has really taken off after a couple up-and-down seasons, with over 1,800 yards through the air and 20 touchdowns to just one interception. The stats alone would be impressive, but it's Sorsby's feel for the game that stands out at you when watching this Cincinnati team. He doesn't turn the ball over, he gets the ball out quick and doesn't take sacks, and he plays with the poise of a veteran college football quarterback. He's benefitted from a solid supporting cast that may not have a ton of star power, but is quite solid. Evan Pryor and Tawee Walker have been an excellent 1-2 punch in the backfield alongside Sorsby, while Cyrus Allen and big-play threat Caleb Goodie do damage on the perimeter. With that being said, Pryor has been ruled out for this game, robbing the Bearcats of a key piece who just simply moves the chains. It may not force this team to completely overhaul their gameplan, but Sorsby may be asked to do even more, and Walker is going to have to carry the load even more so than he has through the first nine weeks. Utah's defense does pose an interesting challenge for this Bearcats team. We've just come to expect the Utes and their physical nature to be a differentiator in this conference, and this is a team that does have real athletes in this front seven. Yet, they've been pushed around in both of their losses, albeit to a pair of really good teams in BYU and Texas Tech. It does feel like they own the edge in the trenches in this game, but it felt like that was supposed to be the case in past games, and hasn't always been. Interestingly enough, Utah's pass defense, which was my main concern for the team entering the season, has been arguably their greatest strength. They're fourth in the nation in pass defense yardage allowed, and seem to have the right combination on the back-end to slow down Sorsby and company.

There have been some notable ups-and-downs for this Utah offense over the course of the season, but last week was certainly a highlight. With starting QB Devon Dampier out, the Utes had their most complete offensive game of the season, gaining 587 yards and dropping 53 points on the Colorado Buffaloes. Freshman Byrd Ficklin was a complete surprise, leading the team in passing and rushing despite entering the game with just nine career pass attempts. Dampier is expected to play this Saturday as he was not listed on Utah's injury report, but could that be a negative? It's easy to overreact to one game, and Dampier has still proven his worth, but you do have to wonder how Utah's offense will react to such an impressive performance. With Dampier in, the Utes may take the occasional shot down the field in a way they didn't really with Ficklin, but this is still a run-oriented offense. Dampier's legs are always a factor, and Wayshawn Parker has had an impressive season as their lead back. Don't be surprised if we still do see plenty of Ficklin, who has been used in a lot of packages throughout the fall to this point. What I may be most excited for this Utah team is the battle in the trenches, especially these Ute blockers against Cincinnati's defensive front. Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano are two surefire future NFL tackles, while Dontay Corleone is one of the best interior D-Linemen anywhere in the country, even if he's been held in check for much of this season. This is not going to be one of your old Big 12 games that resembled basketball scores - this has the looks of a physical, low-scoring affair to me.

The Pick: Utah, 28 Cincinnati, 20

(#9) Vanderbilt Commodores @ (#20) Texas Longhorns

Line: Texas -3.5

O/U: 46.5

College Football Picks 2025: Week Nine

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:42:00 +0000

Marcel Reed, Texas A&M

Current Picks Record: 42-30

Upset: 3-6

Superdogs: 4-2

Locks: 4-5

(#3) Texas A&M Aggies @ (#20) LSU Tigers

Line: Texas A&M -2.5

O/U: 49.5

Not since the days of the Southwest Conference have the Texas A&M Aggies been ranked as high as No. 3 in the land, but Mike Elko has the program rolling in his second season at the helm. The Aggies are 7-0, with an impressive win over Notre Dame in the non-conference to boot. However, it's the next five games that will really tell us what this team is truly about, with three ranked teams lurking in road games. First up is the reeling LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge.

Texas A&M relied heavily on their ground game throughout the Jimbo Fisher years and into the debut campaign of Elko, but this 2025 edition has shown some real big-play ability. Quarterback Marcel Reed has grown up quickly, leading a balanced and consistent group. Reed's legs have always been there, but his downfield passing has taken off this fall and he's shown a real poise and command of the offense that was there in spurts last season. Of course, it helps that the Aggies hit on two of their receiver targets in the portal in NC State transfer K.C. Concepcion and Mississippi State's Mario Craver. The duo has been the fuel of this passing attack all season - they've combined for 69 receptions and over 1,000 yards, while no other Aggie has over 11 catches on the year. Craver in particular has really come into his own as this team's deep threat, a YAC weapon who has formed quick chemistry with Reed. With that being said, this LSU secondary is not the same group we've become accustomed to in the last couple years. This is a legitimate SEC secondary with true difference-makers for coordinator Blake Baker. It's a unit that includes my midseason Jim Thorpe Award winner, Mansoor Delane, who has become absolutely shutdown over the last few weeks. I have a feeling he'll match up early and often with either Craver or Concepcion, which should give us some awesome tape. In fact, this entire LSU defense has been downright good for much of the season, with the Ole Miss being the primary exception. But even in that game, they surrendered lots of yardage, but were still in the game late by holding the Rebels to just 23 points. This entire defense has really taken off under Baker and should be ready for the balance A&M is able to create. Even with Whit Weeks appearing to be sidelined for this game, this looks to be the greatest defensive challenge A&M Has seen yet this fall.

While the defense has been a strong point, it remains baffling to me just how bad this LSU offense has looked all season long. They brought back a supposed Heisman contender at quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier, a rising sophomore at tailback in Caden Durham, and they spent big money in the portal over the offseason to upgrade the receiver corps. It has simply not come together in any effective way - the Tigers are averaging just 25.9 points per contest. I'm still under the belief that Nussmeier, while inconsistent, is a much better QB than we've seen this season and I see real opportunity for him against this A&M defense. After all, this Aggie defense did give up nearly 300 yards to C.J. Carr and Notre Dame in just his second start of his career earlier this fall, even with the improvements they've made since. It's the complete lack of any type of running game that has been the sore spot for LSU much of this season. Durham has barely been able to get anything going, and none of the other options in the rest of the backfield have fared much better. To be fair, Durham hasn't been 100 percent much of this season, but it does feel like this team has to change up something in a big way if they want to have some semblance of success running the ball. The offensive line has been a primary source of problems after replacing four starters from last season and this A&M front is not an easy matchup to get things rolling again. Play-caller Joe Sloan has tried to disguise the rushing issues with the short passing game, which has been a painful watch. What I'd like to see most from LSU, and what I think we may finally see, is more aggressiveness on this side of the ball. It does feel like Brian Kelly is coaching for his job over the next month-plus now - will we see him act like it? This team has all the talent to be significantly better, and I don't see what they have to lose in this type of game.

The SEC race the final month-and-a-half of the season is going to be a wild one, and I think we're going to see the league really beat itself up. A&M is a very good football team, but I think someone, or potentially multiple teams, catches up to them down the stretch. This is such a difficult conference to stay atop of, and Death Valley is a different beast entirely. While LSU may not be inspiring a ton of confidence lately, I think this team figures things out for the Saturday night upset.

The Pick: LSU, 34 Texas A&M, 28

(#8) Ole Miss Rebels @ (#13) Oklahoma Sooners

Line: Oklahoma -5.5

O/U: 51.5

College Football Midseason Awards 2025

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:28:00 +0000

Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

It feels only yesterday when Iowa State and Kansas State opened up the 2025 college football campaign in Dublin, Ireland. But with November right around the corner, the reality is that the season is already at its halfway point. There's still so much left to unfold but as we gear up for the season's second half, it feels like the right time to honor the teams and players that have made the first half so special.

Projected National Champion: Ohio State Buckeyes

As boring as it may be to pick the reigning National Champion and nation's current No. 1 team in this spot, Ohio State feels like they've separated themselves from the pack to this point in the fall. Julian Sayin has proven to be an upgrade at the quarterback position, with plenty of help from Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate Jr., but it's the defense that is the greatest change for this Buckeye team. Even if after sending an entire slew of players to the pros last spring, Ohio State has been even better on that side of the ball under the tutelage of first-year coordinator Matt Patricia. The Buckeyes have allowed just 41 points over their first seven games, the lowest total from a defense through their first seven in over three decades. It's a trend that bodes well for this team's chances at a potential National Title repeat - the last four teams that have allowed fewer than 50 points during their first seven games of the season have all advanced to the National Championship game. But beyond just the product on the field, Ohio State has one of the easiest paths of any team in contention for a National Title. With Penn State falling apart, the only ranked team the Buckeyes face the rest of the way is the Michigan Wolverines. It's hard to imagine this team not entering the Big Ten Championship Game undefeated and setting themselves up for a bye in the College Football Playoff, which they didn't have last year.

Others in Consideration: Alabama Crimson Tide, Indiana Hoosiers, Texas A&M Aggies, Oregon Ducks, Georgia Bulldogs, Miami Hurricanes

Projected Playoff Field:

1 Ohio State Buckeyes -- There's no Indiana or Oregon looming in the regular season this year, meaning Ohio State has a clear path to an undefeated regular season. Even if they slip up along the way, this team has built enough of a resume to still be firmly in the hunt for a bye this year.

2 Alabama Crimson Tide -- Since the season-opening loss to Florida State, Alabama has been on an absolute tear. Both sides of the ball seem to be getting better each and every week, and the Crimson Tide have made it through the most difficult part of their schedule. They are the team to beat in an SEC that has a lot to be figured out the rest of the way.

3 Indiana Hoosiers -- The road win over Oregon in impressive fashion asserted Indiana as a legitimate National Title contender, but now the goal for the Hoosiers is to continue the momentum. Fortunately not a single ranked foe remains on their regular season schedule and all three of their road games are against teams trending downwards. We very well could see a 12-0 Indiana facing a 12-0 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game.

College Football Picks 2025: Week Eight

noreply@blogger.com (McGowan Mania) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:22:00 +0000

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Current Picks Record: 37-26

Upset: 2-5

Superdogs: 4-2

Locks: 4-4

(#5) Ole Miss Rebels @ (#9) Georgia Bulldogs

Line: Georgia -7.5

O/U: 54.5

While there is still so much left to be figured out in the SEC race, Ole Miss finds themselves in great position as near the home stretch of October. The Rebels are off to a 3-0 start in the league, with an impressive win over LSU. But now is when we learn just how good this team really is, with back-to-back road games against ranked foes, starting with the mighty Georgia Bulldogs in Sanford Stadium.

It's not an exaggeration to say the entire trajectory of the season for Ole Miss changed when Ferris State transfer Trinidad Chambliss took over as starting quarterback. Sophomore Austin Simmons was expected to be the team's breakout star, but injuries forced Chambliss into a larger role, and neither he nor the Rebels have looked back since. He finds himself in the Heisman conversation at the season's midway point, leading an always-explosive Rebel offense. The ability of Chambliss to create with his legs, even more so than Jaxson Dart the last several years, has forced defenses into quite a bind. If they sell out to contain him, there are enough weapons on the perimeter for this offense to win on big plays alone. The personnel around him certainly helps - this may not be the best Ole Miss receiver corps since Lane Kiffin took over, but it certainly feels like the deepest. Harrison Wallace III and Deuce Alexander have been the top pass-catchers, but the emergence of Dae'Quan Wright at tight end, and the abundance of weapons beyond that trio give this offense so much explosiveness and big play potential deep into games. It creates an interesting matchup for a Georgia defense that has been good so far this year, but not quite at the standard we've come to expect from Kirby Smart coached teams. It just doesn't feel like this Bulldog defense has the usual collection of stars we've come to expect, and they've suffered more breakdowns on the back-end than is usual. Yet, my greatest key to the game may come on third down, where Ole Miss is Top 20 in the country, while Georgia has struggled to get off the field. If Georgia can win the most important downs, and limit the magic Chambliss is able to create, they absolutely can win at home. But, Lane and the rest of this Rebels team have been on fire for so much of the season, they have to be relishing the opportunity for another massive victory.

It's been all about balance for the Georgia offense so far this season. Quarterback Gunner Stockton has made some big throws but he hasn't been putting up gaudy stats, instead playing a brand of football that feels reminiscent of the Jake Fromm team back in 2017. That has always been the bread-and-butter for Kirby, setting things up with the run and doing just enough through the air to come out victorious. The thing is, the rush offense has been very unlike Georgia over these last couple years, even if it does appear to be gathering some momentum in recent weeks. Redshirt freshman Chauncey Bowens has taken over as the lead back and given this ground game some much-needed pop, but consistency remains an issue. He looked the part against Alabama, rushing for 119 yards and a score, but has been held in check in recent weeks. Is this the matchup to get him rolling again? Sophomore Nate Frazier, who I had pegged as a breakout candidate, has been quieter than expected early on, managing just 24 yards on ten carries last week in the Auburn win. I'm not even sure the rushing issues are solely to blame on the backs - the offensive line hasn't been quite as good and expected, and it does feel like teams have been willing to stack the box against Stockton. He's going to have to make some big throws in this game, which we've seen do before, with the Tennessee game coming to mind right away. But, can Stockton make those throws more regularly, throughout the contest? If so, this team might just have what they need to open things up and give Ole Miss a defensive challenge they haven't quite had for much of the season.

It has not felt like a vintage Georgia team up to this point in the season - they could easily have three losses at this point. But, as Kirby's teams often do, they have found ways to win games. I sort of feel like that's how this one will play out, too. They've had an entire year to prepare for an Ole Miss team that embarrassed them a season ago, and this Georgia staff is still one of the best in the country. They should have the right defense schemed up to contain Chambliss and if the offense can find some semblance of explosiveness, I like their chances even more.

The Pick: Georgia, 31 Ole Miss, 28

(#11) Tennessee Volunteers @ (#6) Alabama Crimson Tide

Line: Alabama -8.5