Monday, February 10, 2025

Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 2024-25: Edition 2

Jaden Akins, Michigan State
* = Records updated through 2/10/25

1. Purdue Boilermakers

18-5 overall, 11-2 Big Ten

Previous Ranking: 2

There were some understandable growing pains for Purdue in the first few months post-Edey, but the Boilermakers have grown into the league favorite as things stand in early February. Trey Kaufman-Renn has grown into the premier post presence that has become commonplace on Matt Painter teams, but the pairing of Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer in the backcourt has helped Purdue separate from the pack in the league. The junior guard duo play with a pace and selflessness that makes defending the Boilermakers on any given night incredibly difficult, and the depth on the roster has shown itself to be crucial the deeper we get into Big Ten play. A difficult slate lies directly ahead, with three ranked teams in a row on the schedule, two of them being road games, but Purdue still appears to be not just be the comfortable league favorite, but its best chance to earn a No. 1 seed come Selection Sunday.

2. Michigan State Spartans

19-4 overall, 10-2 Big Ten

Previous Ranking: 1

Following a 9-0 start to Big Ten action, the Spartans stumbled recently, with a pair of losses to the LA schools, before recovering taking down Oregon over the weekend. In a way, it shouldn't come as a surprise Michigan State has run into turbulence during their West Coast tour, but it does show Tom Izzo still has work to do as March nears. This is a remarkably balanced Spartan team that plays true team basketball, ranking in the Top 10 nationally in assists per contest. They don't have to rely on just one piece offensively, but they have enough ways to beat opponents that defenses have had a difficult time figuring out how to contain them over the course of 40 minutes. But, what has been an advantage for much of the season has shown to be a potential concern over their last two games, as the lack of a true go-to scorer has left the Spartans struggling to find any rhythm offensively. In the USC game in particular, Michigan State's leading scorer, Jeremy Fears Jr., managed just 12 points and was one of just two Spartans to finish with double-digits. In a league like this, with elite offenses, that type of offensive production simply is not going to cut it, particularly when you go on the road into the hostile environments the Big Ten has to offer. The win over Oregon did show the Spartans are still a formidable foe in East Lansing, but we will learn a lot about what the ceiling of this team is with their remaining road schedule. 

Monday, February 3, 2025

NFL Mock Draft 2025: Edition 2 (Super Bowl Edition)

Shedeur Sanders, No. 3 to New York
 1. Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

At this point in early February, it doesn't feel like there's an overwhelming favorite to go off the board first overall to Tennessee. There's been rumors the Titans could consider an edge rusher, such as Abdul Carter, or a do-it-all prospect like Travis Hunter in this spot. But at the end of the day, it's hard to imagine them trotting out the likes of Mason Rudolph and Will Levis again in 2025. Cam Ward is the type of prospect who should have a strong pre-Draft process, making him the quarterback of the future here in Nashville.

2. Cleveland Browns

Abdul Carter, DE/LB, Penn State

Cleveland is in a position similar to that of Tennessee - a team that certainly needs a quarterback, but could also choose to go best player available in this spot. Abdul Carter would offer a clear difference-maker off the edge, forming a terrifying 1-2 punch with Myles Garrett on the opposite end. He just feels like a safer selection at this point in the process rather than a swing at a Shedeur Sanders, who would likely be the other direction they'd go here.

3. New York Giants

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

This feels like the most likely scenario for the New York Giants and Shedeur Sanders - and a win for both sides. The Giants finally get their franchise signal-caller after cutting their losses with Daniel Jones, and it's a player used to be the big stage and bright lights. Meanwhile, Shedeur will get an opportunity to start right away in an offense with some nice pieces, notably rising star Malik Nabers on the perimeter.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

2025 College Football Way-Too-Early Top 25

Arch Manning, Texas
 1. Ohio State Buckeyes

Is it boring to pick the reigning National Champion as the No. 1 team heading into 2025? Perhaps, but no other team in the country have what the Buckeyes have - not just the nation's best offensive player, Jeremiah Smith, but the top defensive player in the country in safety Caleb Downs. Filling out the roster around those two shouldn't be any issue in Columbus, who remains a machine in both high school recruiting and the NIL game. There will be a new figurehead offensively, with Will Howard completing his one-year rental season as starting QB but with all due respect to Howard, one-time Alabama transfer Julian Sayin feels like an upgrade at the position. He should be counted on for a monster season right away, throwing to the likes of Smith, Carnell Tate, and Brandon Inniss, a former blue-chip prospect himself who should begin to emerge now that Emeka Egbuka moves on. On the other side of the ball, rumors at the time of publishing are that coordinator Jim Knowles may be moving on to the same position at Penn State in a deal that would make him the highest paid defensive coordinator in the country. Ohio State will have the resources to reel in a big-name replacement, but it will be interesting to see how they rebuild a front seven that will be hit hard by NFL defections. Fortunately, he'll have a bunch of former four and five-star recruits to choose from on the depth chart, and I suspect Ohio State will be active in the spring transfer portal window to plug any remaining holes. The Texas Longhorns await in the season opener on August 30 in Columbus, a game that should set the tenor for the entire season for both teams.

2. Georgia Bulldogs

This always felt like a transition year for Georgia, as they managed the departures of Brock Bowers and Ladd McConkey offensively, plus several key pieces on the defensive side of the ball. Despite an uncharacteristic three losses and an early College Football Playoff exit, the Bulldogs did still finish as SEC Champs, and one figures they will be back with a vengeance in 2025. Look for Gunner Stockton to take over as starting quarterback now that Carson Beck has taken his talents to Miami, and pair up with rising sophomore Nate Frazier in this Georgia backfield. The Bulldogs will need more from a group of pass-catchers that disappointed all season long, but considering Beck's well-documented struggles, they could all benefit from a new signal-caller getting them the ball. Defensively, coordinator Glenn Schumann is going to have his usual collection of freaks at all three levels. Look for guys who were previously overshadowed to take advantage of newfound opportunities with all the NFL departures, including names like linemen Christen Miller, linebacker C.J. Allen, and defensive back K.J. Bolden. 

3. Texas Longhorns

Two straight appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals have given Texas the taste of national relevance they have so long craved, but it's clear what the goal is for the program in 2025: a National Title. They'll have to do so without the quarterback that has gotten them to those two consecutive semifinals, Quinn Ewers, although nobody around Austin seems particularly heartbroken about that fact. On the contrary, Longhorn fans are giddy at the chance to finally see Arch Manning running the show after we saw flashes of his playmaking potential throughout this past fall. Manning won't be doing everything alone - Texas could have one of the nation's best running back duos with Quintrevion Wisner and a healthy C.J. Baxter back in the fold. Young playmakers like Ryan Wingo and DeAndre Moore Jr. figure to be Manning's top weapons at receiver, but I do have concerns about an offensive line that is almost sure to see two linemen drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft this spring in Kelvin Banks Jr. and Cameron Williams. The defense may also have to do some retooling along the line with so many pieces off to the NFL, but the cupboard is far from bare on this side of the ball. Anthony Hill Jr. should be a Butkus Award frontrunner, while Collin Simmons is ready to take over as their most feared edge rusher. Figuring out the secondary will be an offseason priority, as this group took some lumps in 2024 and will now be without reigning Thorpe Award winner Jahdae Barron.

Sunday, January 19, 2025

College Football Playoff National Championship Prediction 2025

Emeka Ebguka, Ohio State

The first ever 12-team College Football Playoff has just two teams left standing - Ohio State and Note Dame - both of whom will look to cap off the 2024-25 college football season as National Champion. Not only will the victor forever live in college football history for surviving the 12-team field, it feels like both of these programs have something to prove on Monday night. Ryan Day and Ohio State have remained the Big Ten's juggernaut, but four straight losses to arch-rival Michigan and a number of heartbreaking postseason losses have left Buckeye fans hungering for a team that can win the big one. On the other hand, Notre Dame is searching for their first National Title since 1988. Both teams have also faced their share of adversity - Notre Dame's season looked dead after an early September loss to Northern Illinois before ripping off 13 straight wins to get to this point. Ohio State suffered the humiliating loss to Michigan, but also a one-point defeat to Oregon earlier in the regular season that left them on the outside looking in on the Big Ten Title race. Needless to say, there are countless storylines that make this the perfect farewell to this college football season in Atlanta.

Ohio State's offense was held mostly in check by Texas in their semifinal victory, but this unit should still be the best on the field Monday night when these two square off. Clearly, Chip Kelly and Ryan Day have adjusted their gameplan after the baffling showing against Michigan to conclude the regular season, as they've responded with renewed aggressiveness. Quarterback Will Howard is looking to chuck the ball all over the field, and it makes quite the difference when you have the nation's best group of receivers catching the football. Freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith has received all the press as of late for his play in the Playoff, but you can't count out veteran Emeka Egbuka or Carnell Tate Jr. In fact, it feels like Notre Dame's likely outsized focus on Smith is going to open up further opportunities for this cast of receivers, and it would not be shocking if a usually complementary piece has a huge night. The Irish must also contend with the two-headed monster of Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson out of the backfield, a pairing that sets the stage for everything Ohio State likes to do on the perimeter. But, beyond just the skill positions, I'd argue the most underrated element of Ohio State's Playoff run has been their offensive line. This is a group that is not playing at 100 percent, namely with center Seth McLaughlin done for the year, but they've done a superb job against three elite defensive fronts over the course of this postseason. Notre Dame and defensive coordinator Al Golden are going to try and dial up some unique blitzes and give the Buckeyes different looks than they've seen this year. The Michigan game certainly provides somewhat of a blueprint, but this Ohio State team is playing at an entirely different level than that group in late November. I do like Notre Dame's chances to at least contain the running game, with their collection of well-rounded linemen and linebackers, but how they handle the passing attack may make all the difference. The Irish have loads of talent on the back-end, including former Buckeye Xavier Watts, but they've been streaky at times in defending the pass. The Irish have not seen a pass offense even close to this level since the USC game - a game where they surrendered 360 yards through the air and 35 points.

As compared to the Buckeyes, the Notre Dame offense is short on star-power and flash. But, they have a clear identity that they execute at an incredibly high level, a testament to not just the players, but how Marcus Freeman has built and shaped this roster. Quarterback Riley Leonard has been tremendous as a one-year rental, as the former Duke transfer has provided the Irish with the dual-threat at the position they've lacked for some time. Leonard isn't going to drop back and throw for 300 yards on any given night, but he does enough to put the Irish in position to win consistently. He's joined in the backfield by the combo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who have set the tone for this offense the entire season. Neither should be intimidated by an Ohio State defensive front that features several future NFL defenders, plus do-it-all linebacker Cody Simon. On the contrary, this feels like an opportunity where they'll elevate their respective games for this moment. They'll certainly be relied on to carry the load, but the Irish will also need someone on the perimeter to really step up. Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison have played well through the Playoff, but Notre Dame needs a semblance of offensive balance against this talented Buckeye defense. It feels like the Irish will have their chances through the air, if they're willing to take them. Although Ohio State's pass defense has been strong all season, spearheaded by safety Caleb Downs, their corners have been occasionally struggled. Notre Dame should be willing to take their shots in this game - their often conservative style has worked to get them to this point, but the Buckeyes are a different animal altogether. Of course, Riley Leonard will need time in the pocket for things to develop downfield, and there is reason for concern for this Irish O-Line. The Irish will be without starting left tackle Anthonie Knapp after he went down in the semifinal win. Charles Jagusah, who was slated to start prior to the season before a torn pectoral kept him out for the entire fall, looks like he may potentially have to step in. With the way Ohio State's line has played through this Playoff run, any negative impact from the loss of Knapp could flip this entire game.

These two teams are obviously deserving of being on this stage after what they've done through the 12-team College Football Playoff, but I would not expect a pretty game. Notre Dame is going to try and slow it down and force it into a low-scoring affair, which they've done to great success on the season. The thing is, Ohio State can play that way if they have to. This is an elite defense that has turned it up a notch in the Playoff so far, and they're fine playing the type of field position game the Irish want. Ohio State just has the personnel to match whatever style they need to, in a way that Notre Dame can't. They also seem like a team that is on a special journey, and this is just the final hill to climb. Motivation is never going to be an issue in a National Championship Game, but there's just a feeling you have watching Ohio State that this is the team that's going to be left standing when it's all said and done. I think the Buckeyes will get it done and win their first National Title since 2014 - which just so happened to be the first year of the four-team Playoff. 

The Pick: Ohio State, 28 Notre Dame, 20

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings 2024-25: Edition 1

Braden Smith, Purdue
* Records Updated through morning of 1/14/25

1. Michigan State Spartans

14-2 overall, 5-0 Big Ten

We've become accustomed to Tom Izzo's Michigan State teams taking their lumps in the non-conference and early Big Ten play, but this 2024-25 team appears to be different. They've jumped out to a 5-0 start to conference action, punctuated by an impressive victory over Northwestern to cap off the weekend. The Spartans have been fortunate to miss most of the other league heavyweights en route to their strong start, but the way they've came out and taken care of business seems to indicate this team is a real threat to take home the regular season Big Ten crown this winter. The schedule remains favorable through the month of January, but we'll learn a lot about this team with how they handle the February slate. In a stretch from February 4 - 21, five of Michigan State's six games will be against teams currently ranked in the Top 25, including trips Oregon, Illinois, and Michigan.

2. Purdue Boilermakers

13-4 overall, 5-1 Big Ten

A rough month of December, at least by typical Purdue standards, knocked the Boilermakers down the rankings, and they've responded with five straight victories. Much like Michigan State, the Boilermakers have certainly taken advantage of a relatively soft start to their conference schedule, but winning five of six league games is a challenge in any conference, let alone the Big Ten. Junior guard Braden Smith has been the centerpiece of an offense that seems to have figured out their early-season woes. He's always been an elite floor general, but Smith's growth as a scorer so far this season makes this Purdue backcourt a real challenge for opposing defenses. He went for 34, 20, and 22 in a three-game span during this win streak, but still remains one of the country's best passers. In fact, his 8.9 assists per game put him third nationally, behind Louisiana Tech's Sean Newman Jr. and Gonzaga's Ryan Nembhard.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

College Football Playoff Picks 2024-25: Orange Bowl, Cotton Bowl

Quinn Ewers, Texas

Orange Bowl: (7) Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ (6) Penn State Nittany Lions (Miami Gardens)

Line: Notre Dame -1.5

O/U: 44.5

Few programs in recent college football history have epitomized being good, but not quite good enough, quite like Notre Dame and Penn State. Both have been remarkably consistent, particularly since the mid-2010s, but neither has been able to have their true breakthrough moment. For one of these programs, that will change on Thursday night in Miami Gardens. One team will get the opportunity to move on to the National Championship Game and potentially erase their late-season demons. Will it be the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who recovered from a stunning early September defeat to Northern Illinois to get to this point? Or, will it be the Penn State Nittany Lions, a team that far too often has played third wheel to Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten, but now awaits their biggest game in years? The storylines write themselves, and the first semifinal of the 12-team College Football Playoff should be an exciting game, set to go down to the wire.

Notre Dame spent big over the offseason to bring on offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock from LSU and pair him with Duke transfer Riley Leonard at quarterback. Yet, there's nothing remarkably different with this offense than what we've come to expect from the Irish over the years. They remain a ground-and-pound team that will lean heavily on their defense and bully opponents into submission. Leonard has been rock-solid in much the same mold of an Ian Book, a steady figurehead running the offense who takes care of the football. He'll take the occasional shot down the field, but this is an overall conservative passing attack for the most part. Leonard does give the Irish an edge with his rushing ability, which has been passing at this position in the past for ND, but you do wonder how eager the Irish will be to rush him considering this will be the 15th game on their schedule - and they may just have one more game left. Alongside Leonard, Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love remain a strong duo in the backfield, with either having proven they can handle the load. Love isn't 100 percent after getting banged up in their massive Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia, but should be at a good enough place to still see a heavy workload in this one. Up front, the Irish have looked their usual ferocious selves after a shaky start to the fall, and out wide, it's also a similar story. The Irish don't exactly have a true headliner at receiver, but this is a deep group, and you always wonder if this is the game one of them has a true breakout. Beaux Collins finished as their leading receiver, but you have to feel like Jaden Greathouse and Jordan Faison are the real threats this Penn State defense has to be concerned with. Consistency has been a problem with both, but they have the game-breaking speed to cause real damage if they do get some space. Even so, I don't suspect the Irish will stray too far from their gameplan. They'll look to turn this into a field position game, especially against an aggressive Penn State defense. The Nittany Lions potentially being without star edge rusher Abdul Carter would certainly reduce much of the pressure on this Irish defense, but this is still going to be a methodical approach on the big stage.

Much like Notre Dame, the Nittany Lions brought on a new play-caller over the offseason, and it has been instrumental in them being one of the four teams still alive in the National Championship hunt. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki hasn't completely revamped this side of the ball, but he's done a superb job maximizing Penn State's strengths and zoning in on key mismatches. This still remains an offense that will lean on their ground game to fuel them, with Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen being one of the nation's top combos, but QB Drew Allar has also made significant strides in his junior season. Penn State has been limited in that they don't have a true alpha at the receiver position, but they've made do with their short and intermediate stuff. Of course, it helps when they have the John Mackey Award winner at tight end in Tyler Warren, who will line up just about anywhere and should be a key player to hone in on for coordinator Al Golden. Warren's mere presence, and ability to move around in unique formations constantly keeps defenses on their toes, and often opens up opportunities for the other weapons on this roster. He'll obviously get the ball no matter what, but I am curious to see how the rest of this Nittany Lion receiver corps plays against an Irish secondary that is among the best in the nation. However, that's not to say Notre Dame has looked indestructible on the back-end - they were gashed by USC down the stretch and if not for several pivotal drops by Georgia receivers, likely would have given up serious yardage to the Bulldogs. You get the feeling Penn State is going to get one or two major opportunities through the air in this game, and if they're able to capitalize in a way Georgia was not, it could certainly swing this game in their direction.

The similarities between these two run deep. It's not just two historically great teams that are looking to climb the mountaintop once again for the first time since the 1980s, but they also play a similar brand of football. They want to establish the run and play ball control offensively, rely on a physical defense, and do just enough to come out victorious. There's nothing particularly pretty about either team, but there's no reason to doubt their effectiveness - they're both sitting one win away from a National Championship Game after all. It feels like this is going to a nail-biter where one or two big plays is going to make all the difference, a true coin flip. Coaching may make all the difference in a game like this, and I've been incredibly impressed by what Marcus Freeman has been able to do in important, close games throughout his short Notre Dame tenure. Despite his relative lack of experience compared to James Franklin, I simply trust him more. And I trust him to bring the Irish to their first National Championship Game in over a decade on Thursday night.

The Pick: Notre Dame, 24 Penn State, 21

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

College Football Playoff Picks 2024-25: Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Fiesta Bowl: (6) Penn State Nittany Lions @ (3) Boise State Broncos (Glendale)

Line: Penn State -11.5

O/U: 54.5

For much of the BCS era, Boise State was the lovable underdog, crashing a system designed for the sport's heavyweights. As we've transitioned to the 12-team CFB Playoff era, they're in a slightly different position, operating as the higher seed and "home" team in this year's Fiesta Bowl. In the way of the Broncos this time around are the Penn State Nittany Lions, fresh off a dominant showing in their first round win over SMU. With entry into the Playoff semifinals on the line and fun matchups all across the board in this game, it should be a fun way to kick off the quarterfinals of the first 12-team Playoff.

Needless to say, Boise State's offense revolves around superstar tailback Ashton Jeanty, in the midst of one of the greatest running back seasons in college football history. Jeanty has rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns, and it certainly hasn't been simply racking up huge stats against meager competition. In games against Boise State's two toughest opponents on the season, Oregon and UNLV, Jeanty rushed for 192, 128, and 209 (played UNLV twice). He should relish this opportunity against a strong Penn State defense, a program that has long been known as a factory of elite linebacker play. This Nittany Lion defense is particularly strong up front - Abdul Carter sets the edge as a relentless pass rusher after transitioning from linebacker, and the trio of Kobe King, Tony Rojas, and Dom DeLuca plays all over the field, sideline-to-sideline. Jeanty is still a candidate to take a big run or two to the house, as he often does, but he'll have to work for every yard in a way he hasn't often this season. The Nittany Lions will certainly do everything they can to force the Broncos to use their passing game in a way they simply haven't for much of the season in an effort to get them out of their rhythm. Maddux Madsen has been efficient under center and taken care of the football, doing just enough to put Boise in position to win games with Jeanty leading the way. But, is he ready for this type of stage against a blitz-heavy Penn State defense? Former Indiana transfer Cam Camper on the perimeter knows Penn State well, and tight end Matt Lauter and Latrell Caples will also be featured heavily. How effective they are against a Nittany Lion secondary that is still occasionally prone to the big play will be a fascinating watch.

The Penn State offense may not have an Ashton Jeanty, but this is a balanced group that enters the game averaging over 35 points per contest. You'll see play-caller Andy Kotelnicki mix things up quite a bit with this group, including using shifts and unique formations to keep the defense honest. Quarterback Drew Allar is the figurehead, and he's had an impressive junior season, but the Nittany Lions also lean heavily on the running back duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Allen is more of the short yardage specialist, while it's Singleton that can break open games with his breakaway speed. No matter who is on the field, they'll put pressure on a Boise defense that hasn't really seen a two-headed monster in the backfield quite like this, even against their toughest opponents. The Bronco defense will also have to contend with tight end Tyler Warren, one of the most interesting players in college football. Warren will line up truly everywhere, even taking some snaps out of the backfield. The Broncos must be creative in how they cover him, without leaving themselves too exposed to the other weapons Penn State can throw at them. You also get the feeling Andy Kotelnicki may have further tricks up his sleeve for this type of big stage. Trick plays, gadget plays, another different formation - he's going to keep Boise constantly guessing for the entire sixty minutes. 

In their fourth Fiesta Bowl, Boise State will rock their usual uniform combination - a blue, white, orange look that they are currently 3-0 in. Certainly the energy and "vibes" will be there for the Broncos, but this is an incredibly tough matchup for them. Penn State is an exceptionally balanced and well-rounded football team, and they are focused in after their first round dominance. I figure they do just enough to contain Jeanty and they pound the rock the other way, where they hold a superior edge in the trenches. I don't suspect a super pretty football game, but I figure the Nittany Lions will come out victorious.

The Pick: Penn State, 30 Boise State, 17

Friday, December 20, 2024

College Football Playoff Picks 2024-25: Texas-Clemson, Ohio State-Tennessee

Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

College Football Playoff First Round: (12) Clemson Tigers @ (5) Texas Longhorns

Line: Texas -12

O/U: 51.5

After a three-year hiatus, the Clemson Tigers are returning to the College Football Playoff. Their reward? The fifth-seeded Texas Longhorns, who were battling for a potential top overall seed in the SEC Championship Game before ultimately coming up short against Georgia. It will be an uphill battle for Dabo Swinney and the Tigers as they travel to Austin as two touchdown underdogs, but also an opportunity to prove they still belong in the conversation of truly elite teams on a national level.

Clemson's three-point effort in the season-opening loss to Georgia was quite the concerning start for a program that had suffered through a startling amount of offensive woes the year prior, their worst season in a decade-and-a-half. But since that game, the Tiger offense has flipped a switch, utilizing a balanced attack to average 37.4 PPG and serve as the catalyst for the eventual ACC Champion. Quarterback Cade Klubnik has been the figurehead, a guy who had a frustrating first season as starter in 2023, but has shown tremendous growth this fall. Klubnik has always had the arm talent, but he's played with significantly more confidence this season and has been willing to air it out in a way we simply didn't see previously. This still isn't an aerial attack at the level of the prime Deshaun Watson or Trevor Lawrence years, but the Tigers can truly stretch the field vertically. It has certainly helped Klubnik that the receiver corps has also seen major improvements, with Antonio Williams solidifying himself as a solid No. 1 and the young guys, T.J. Moore and Bryant Wesco Jr., seemingly getting better each and every week. I think the momentum the Clemson passing game will take into this one has a real chance to continue. Texas has been good enough on the back-end to be successful, but they thrive off turnovers. If Klubnik and company can take care of the football, which they've done for much of the year, they have a real chance to rack up some major yardage through the air. Where the Texas defense does hold an advantage, however, is up front, where they feature a host of future NFL defensive linemen and a budding superstar in linebacker Anthony Hill. Vernon Broughton is the big name for the Longhorn defensive line on the interior, but this is a group that is deep and relentless, going up against a Clemson O-Line that hasn't seen athletes like this since the Georgia game. These Tiger blockers are experienced, but I wouldn't be surprised if there isn't a bit of shell-shock initially with what Texas throws at them. And if Clemson isn't able to recover and tailback Phil Mafah is held in check, the Tigers may have to press offensively in a way they haven't had to for much of the season. If that indeed happens, how they handle that adversity will tell us a lot about this football team - when they fell behind to UGA and Louisville early, they simply were not able to recover.

The Longhorns faced their fair share of obstacles offensively on the season, albeit in a different way than Clemson. Injuries have ended up being an unfortunate theme of the fall for Texas, beginning in fall camp with a season-ending injury to C.J. Baxter, who was primed for a huge year as the feature back. Since then, the Longhorns have watched as QB Quinn Ewers has faced a myriad of health problems, and now enter the CFB Playoff with their top target, Isaiah Bond, and top O-Linemen, Kelvin Banks Jr., both banged up. It sounds like Banks is in line to return to action after missing the SEC Championship Game, but Bond's status is a little bit more up in the air as we stand at the time of publishing. Losing a player like Bond would be huge for this Longhorn offense - he's not just their most productive wide receiver, his mere presence commands the defense's attention, and opens up opportunities elsewhere. There are other weapons Ewers can take advantage of, including Matthew Golden and rock-solid tight end Gunnar Helm Jr., but it will be interesting to see how this passing game operates in this one. Fortunately, the ground game has really improved since the start of the season, with sophomore Quintrevion Wisner really emerging as a lead back. He should be eager to get back on the field after being held in check by Georgia, and able to give this strong Clemson defensive front a challenge. In fact, it's the battle between this Clemson front seven and Texas O-Line that I may be the most excited about. The Tigers remain an NFL Draft factory with what they do in their front seven, while Steve Sarkisian's buildup of the Longhorn offensive line has been the secret sauce to their recent success. Even in a game like this, with so much talent on the field, I suspect whoever maintains the edge in the trenches will come out victorious.

Heading into this Playoff, the Longhorns were my National Title pick. And they still are - despite the injury questions that still seem to be hanging over them. But, this is a tough first round game, even if this Clemson team still has their flaws. They still have NFL athletes on both sides of the ball that should be able to challenge the 'Horns, and Klubnik is enough of a weapon himself to test this Texas secondary. I still think Texas finds a way to outlast them in Austin, but I think this could be a tight one until the very end.

The Pick: Texas, 31 Clemson, 28

Monday, December 16, 2024

College Football Playoff Picks 2024-25: Notre Dame-Indiana, SMU-Penn State

Drew Allar, Penn State

College Football Playoff First Round: (10) Indiana Hoosiers @ (7) Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Line: Notre Dame -7.5

O/U: 51.5

The state of Indiana has always been known for their basketball, but the success of the Indiana Hoosiers this fall now sets up an exciting in-state matchup between the state's flagship universities - on the gridiron. It really is the type of first round matchup the College Football Playoff was going for in its expansion to 12 teams, pitting the traditional power (Notre Dame) against the upstart Hoosiers, a program with almost no football history to speak of. Add to that the fact the programs are separated by just 200 miles and there's a real chance of snow in the forecast, this game has all the makings of a classic in South Bend.

As shocking as Notre Dame's loss to Northern Illinois was in early September, the Irish deserve all the credit in the world for their response over these last three months. They've won ten straight games, including three over ranked foes, and absolutely pummeled most of their competition en route to the 11-1 regular season finish. They've done so with an extremely balanced scheme and a well-coached, smothering defense that has allowed the Irish to beat opponents in any way they please. Quarterback Riley Leonard, who transferred over from Duke for a one-season run with the Irish, has looked in complete command after a shaky start. He hasn't been asked to air it out, but instead lead a methodical, quick attack passing game that relies heavily on timing. The passing game has been incredibly balanced - six different Notre Dame pass-catchers have recorded 190 or more receiving yards, but only one, Beaux Collins, is over the 400 yard mark. I'll be curious to see whether Notre Dame choses to continue that balance into the Playoffs. The knock on this program throughout much of the Brian Kelly years were that their lack of explosive playmakers on the outside restricted them from going head-to-head against the true elites of the sport. Guys like Collins and Jaden Greathouse are good enough to give opposing defenses on the perimeter, but how aggressive offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock chooses to be will tell us whether that issue has persisted into big games in the Marcus Freeman era. Either way, the Irish should still lean heavily on their ground game, especially considering this matchup. Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have been a superb 1-2 punch out of the backfield, and are operating behind an offensive line that has improved drastically since Week One of the season. This group seems like they'll be able to neutralize Mikail Kamara and the rest of a physical Hoosier defensive front, pounding the rock and limiting Indiana's offensive possessions. Notre Dame has no problem making this is a low-scoring, ugly type of game. That still is their comfort zone and considering the potential weather, it certainly feels like the right strategy.

Curt Cignetti instantly set off fireworks his brash confidence upon taking the Indiana job, but there's no denying what a superb job he has done in Year One in Bloomington. Sure, the Hoosiers played a favorable schedule, but they've looked every bit like one of the Top 12 teams in the country, one year removed from a nine-loss season under Tom Allen. The team is well-coached, disciplined, and prepared each and every week, and they should relish the opportunity to show what they can do against an in-state rival. The Irish defense will be quite the test for them with what Al Golden can draw up as offensive coordinator. However, quarterback Kurtis Rourke and the rest of these Hoosiers have not been intimidated by any opponent all season, and they should be ready to go for this one. Rourke in particular has to be feeling good after seeing what the Irish defense looked like in their final game of the regular season against USC. Although they still came out victorious, Notre Dame was regularly burned by Lincoln Riley and an aggressive Trojan passing game, a really concerning look for a group that has looked so good for much of the year. Of course, Lincoln Riley is quite the offensive genius, but Notre Dame has clearly missed star cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who is out for the season. Look for the Hoosiers to take their shots down the field, especially early on, to feel out what adjustments the Irish made over the last couple weeks. Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper aren't just Indiana's top two receivers, they're both deep threats that have proven they can break open games. Cooper is averaging over 21 yards per catch, and has to be a player to key in on for Golden and the rest of this Notre Dame defense. The Hoosiers are able to feature a rushing attack that is quite the complement to what they do throwing the football, but this will be a tough matchup for them. Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton are more than capable, but the Irish are as good of a front seven as you'll see in college football. They're not quite as athletic up front as they've been in the past, but between Jack Kiser, Drayk Bowen, and this ferocious defensive line, they're going to make Indiana work for every inch.

The first game of the 12-team College Football Playoff era should be a competitive one, but I'm not sure it's going to be the prettiest, highest-scoring game of the first round. Considering how these two will look to play and the weather element, I get the sense this is going to be a little bit of an ugly, grinding type of football game. Both of these teams are capable of winning that type of game, but I just trust the Irish a bit more in their identity and what they know they can do. The Hoosiers will not be an easy out, but ND wins the battle of Indiana this time around.

The Pick: Notre Dame, 27 Indiana, 17

Sunday, December 8, 2024

NFL Mock Draft 2025: Edition 1 (Early Edition)

Cam Ward, Miami (FL)
 * Draft order determined prior to NFL Week 14 games

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Unless something drastic changes over the course of the next week, Travis Hunter is almost sure to take home the 2024 Heisman Trophy. That's likely to be just the beginning of the accolades for the two-way superstar after an impressive 2024 campaign, with the culmination to be him crowned as the top overall pick in next spring's NFL Draft. There remains an open question what exact role Hunter will have at the next level, but a talent like this comes along once a generation - there will be little question which direction Jacksonville goes here if they do indeed secure the No. 1 pick.

2. Las Vegas Raiders

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

There's a very real chance Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders go 1-2 when it's all said and done this next spring. Sanders has his fair share of detractors, but there's little denying the huge numbers he's put up over the course of two seasons at Colorado, and his huge arm would jolt this Las Vegas offense out of a long slumber. There's also something to be said about the fit here - Shedeur just feels like a future Raider, doesn't he?

3. New York Giants

Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

At long last, the Daniel Jones experiment is over. The Giants will undoubtedly be looking for a new franchise signal-caller to guide the franchise starting next fall, and Miami's Cam Ward fits the bill. Ward's decision to hold off on the NFL for an extra year after flirting with going pro last winter has proved to be an excellent decision, giving him more time to show off his skillset to scouts and vaulting him into Top 5 pick territory.