Before we get started Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah for all my brothers and sisters on the Osceola. Hopefully Jerry does not drink too much egg nog. While the college football season is winding down that just means we are already getting ready for 2025. Last week the news was slow and FSU was struggling to get some traction with the transfer portal. With Christmas right around the corner we found some gifts under the tree. First came the commitments of James Williams (Nebraska DE) followed up by Gunnar Hansen the (Vandy OT) commitment. The week did not slow down there. Deante McCray (WKU-Edge Rusher), Randy Pittman (UCF-TE) and Adrian Medley (UCF-OG) all pulled the trigger for FSU. That now puts FSU at 8 transfer portal commitments. While last week looked a little bleak this week we are all smiles. I told you everything was going great (LOL). The portal closes soon until the New Year. We expect some more news before the New Year.
So how do we grade the new toys...?
James Williams - Nebraska DE - 6'6 250 pounds : 14 Tackles, 5 sacks, 5 TFL - - This highlight is against Rutgers - First off I have been saying for a while now that FSU is small on both the offensive and defensive lines. Whether that it is the strength coach at FSU or just the players being brought it this needed to change. Williams changes that narrative. I really like the fact that Williams is 6'6 (HE IS BIG) and he has length. SIZE Matters - (LOL) on this sack he gets up the field and the tackle is off balance. He goes hard to the outside and then twist back inside and creates a pressure. I like what he brings to the defense. I I expect him to be a major upgrade on the outside. (Grade A)
Gunner Hansen-Vanderbilt -OT-6'5-330: In 2022 (Played in 11 games -640 snaps), 2023 (12 games -779 snaps), not sure on 2024 season. He was voted offensive line of the week after his play against Alabama. He has been an All SEC Academic Honor Roll nominee. He does not give up sacks and rarely gets penalized. Kids smart. I think FSU can use some of that on their football team. Love the fact that he played at Saint Thomas Aquinas. He has been well coached for over 5-6 years now. Hansen moves well. He is light on his feet. He is able to get onto a defender quickly. You will see him get his hands on a defender quickly. He does not lose leverage or balance. He is not a super big athlete. He also is not one that is going to overpower guys. With FSU scheme he is not going to be asked to blow guys off the ball. Hansen is a major upgrade for FSU. He is a better run blocker than a pass blocker. (Grade B++)
Deante McCray - WKU -DE -6'4 285: Once again SIZE, SIZE, SIZE. He is a DE in the 3-3-5 scheme for FSU. 59 tackles (2024), 2.5 sacks, 3 TFL. Watched 2-3 WKU games this year. He is someone that is going to have to work on his motor. He is someone that will help in the run game. He has the size to help set the edge on defense. Worst case scenario McCray will provide depth. He needs to learn to use his eyes better. He will take himself out of plays. I like the fact that he has production but there is work to be done here. (Grade B-)
Randy Pittman-UCF TE-6'2-230: When FSU took his commitment out of high school, I really was high on him. At UCF this year he had 32 receptions, 416 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is a great complement to what FSU already has at tight end (Landen Thomas). He gives you a weapon. You will see him line up in the backfield. He will line up as a tight end next to the tackle. You may even see him line up out wide. You saw what Jaheim Bell provided FSU offense. It is someone else the defense must account for. I love this pick up. Maybe the best portal signing to date. (Grade A)
Adrian Medley-UCF -OT/OG -6'5-305: I have no idea what Herb Hand thought when he turned on FSU film to watch the OL but he probably went to his agent and asked if he could get a little more out of FSU. Hansen (South Florida -STA), Medley (Pensacola). Medley gives you both size and length on the OL. I have big proponent of FSU getting bigger. Medley provides that. I like that he can play guard or tackle. Another versatile swing guy. Not super athlete but Medley comes off the ball well and can run block. He will struggle at times with some quickness from defensive lineman. He can use his length to keep defensive lineman at bay. I feel this is a very good take as well. (Grade B)
Xavier Payne-Orlando Jones- 6'7-290- (2026) Went to the state title game last week where Jones played vs. AH. I saw Payne on the field and thought to myself that is the type of kid FSU should go after. Payne stood out physically. He is a legit 6'6-6'6. He is listed at 6'7. He was in pretty good shape. While big, Payne still had room to grow into his body. This is a kid who is going to play at 320-325 at the next level. FSU needs to keep the big uglies from Florida home. This is a good start to the 2026 class.
SIZE, SIZE, SIZE....Been preaching it for a while. You watch Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame...What do they all have in common, they are big up front. The days of undersized OL and DL are gone. You have to be able to move people on the OL and you need to be able to get off blocks on the defensive line. I like the trend by the new coaches to identify BIG GUYS.
Bowl Games first....James Madison vs. WKU - Bob Chesney - HC - Sounds more like a country singer. JM produced Cignetti, I expect Chesney to be next in line. If a job like Pitt opens up next year I could see him getting hired. They had to start a new QB and the offense was still able to produce. It has to be tough on these coaches who basically get their teams raided and have to play bowl games. No excuses...they went out and won anyway. Caden Veltkamp - 25-39 302 yards a 2 touchdowns. He is only a sophomore. Someone was watching and recruiting him after this game.
UF vs. Tulane - Florida should have fired Napier after they were 4-5 and lost 49-17 to Texas. Their administration got this good idea to let him finish out the year. They won two games LSU and Ole Miss they were not supposed to and now they allow Napier another season. STUPID. I will give credit for the team not falling apart. That being said if you watched the Tulane vs. UF game - this is not a well-coached team. Going for a field goal, time out. A time out on special teams because you’re not aligned right. On second and 1 you are rolling on offense, try a trick play, does not work, procedure penalty on the following play. You get a 15 yard penalty on a drive you’re moving the ball and in the other teams territory only to get a big play the next one only to get called for holding. Florida tried everything in their power to keep a game close against a bad football team. Lagway looked bad in the game. Florida has accepted being mediocre. He did not get fired this year but the clock will start to run next year. UF schedule in 2025 (at LSU 9-13), (at Miami-9-20), vs. Texas (10-4), at Texas A&M (10-11), vs. Georgia (11-1), at Kentucky (11-8), at Miss (11-15), vs. Tennessee (11-222) vs. FSU. Someone in the admin is trying to get the man fired. I can't respect a coach who allows a kid who is 450 pounds to play an entire game. To top it off he gives him a handoff so his sideline can cheer and he fumbles the ball. YAY.
The one thing that I did like about the Tulane game is that Anthony Rubio got 6 touches, for 32 yards and a touchdown. He is the son of Marco Rubio. This is not about being political. I had the chance to watch Anthony play in high school and he was actually pretty good. Small but the kid made plays. This is why the bowl games are still good. Someone who walks on, earns some playing time and is able to live out their dreams of playing college football. Whether a Gator, Nole, Seminole....this is why I still love college football.
The Playoffs - 38-24, 38-10, 42-17 and 27-17. The outrage of the pundits - How can Indiana be in the playoffs? They did not play anyone. Tennessee wins Chattanooga, NC State, Kent State, Arkansas, OU, UF, Miss State, UK, Utep, Vandy.
Their big win 9-3 Alabama (24-17). They were down 21-0 before I could sit down. If not for an interception in the end-zone the game ends 49-17. Should Tennessee not have been in the playoffs? The pundits need STFU already and just watch the games. I don't want to hear their biased opinions. The reality is Alabama went 9-3. They had one good half of football against UGA and that is it this year. They struggled to beat USF, should have lost to UGA and SC. They got blowout against a bad OU team. 9-3. LOSES MATTER.
I hear the crying from the pundits oh Alabama plays a harder schedule. Trust me when IU started the season their schedule was hard for them as it is every year. They are the home coming queen for most teams in the BIG 10. They just happened to be very good this year.
This is the reality of the SEC - They got greedy. They had to bring Texas and OU into a conference already loaded. ESPN got greedy. The NFL which is run by smart people would have made sure to balance the field in college football. The smart move would have been to put OU and Texas in the ACC. The SEC basically cannibalized themselves this year. Too bad....They have more money than everyone else, they have better facilities, they have the best NIL, best coaches...the playing field is tilted so far to their side and now they want the playoff system rigged where even when their teams lose...Well they deserve to be in. SHUT UP. I don't want to hear it. I thought Miami was deserving to be in the playoffs until Clemson beat SMU. Alabama would have had the same beat down put on them against Ohio State that Tennessee did. People actually think Jalen Milroe would have looked much better. LOL. He would have looked just as bad. I honestly now wish Bama did get in and got a shot at that last night. It would have shut them all up.
12 to 16 - Get ready the playoffs will expand again and eventually stop at 16. I feel that will be the magic number. You saw the stands at Penn State, Ohio State, Texas and Notre Dame. I looked it up Penn State low end ticket was 80 dollars for their home playoff game. We know the tickets went for more than that. X 106,000 - 8,5 million. The money that brings to local businesses. Oregon, Boise State, ASU, Georgia lost out on that. It won't happen next year. You get a 1 seed and lose out on that one home game. NOT HAPPENING. 16 will be the field. Miami, South Carolina, Alabama would have all gotten in. At that point there is no one left to argue or cry. The moment the NCAA went to a playoffs college football realized the only way to pull it off was to pay the players.
I am not going to lie...I enjoyed all the games. I know Penn State vs. SMU was a blow out but don't fool yourself, SMU now knows what they need and their oil money is going to buy themselves some players. SMU will have a big time football team in 2-3 years.
You look at Indiana - it is amazing but one play actually two turn the game away from them. Down inside the red-zone, score a touchdown and the Hoosiers go up 7-0 and the pressure is on ND. Instead they turned the ball over. They follow it up by giving ND the ball on the 2 yard line. Next play....GIVE ME SOME LOVE...Jeremiyah Love. He went 98 yards for a touchdown. That play was so deflating. The reality is this moment was also too big for IU. Rourke their QB came to IU from Ohio University. It is a big move from the MAC playing on Tuesday nights to being in ND (December) under the lights against a team that is ready for you.
As for ND - Colin Cowherd has a segment where he says where I was right, where I was wrong. I was wrong on Marcus Freeman. I thought the job for Freeman was to big for him. He had never been a head coach and now he was handed the keys to ND. Freeman did have a slip up against NIU earlier this year but his team recovered and they are legit. They are very good up front in the trenches. They have a very good QB (Leonard) which runs their offense. They have a stud TE and RB. They got dudes on the DL. I was wrong about Freeman. Guy is a good coach. He made great hires as well. Their OC came from LSU last year and was the reason why Daniels played so well. Their DC is Al Golden. He had a rough go around at Miami but I do feel the guy is a very good coach. It would not surprise me to see him get the HC job at UVA next year or even a Pitt. He is a NE guy...Fits matter sometimes and he was not one at Miami. He got rid of the tie and seems to coach much more relaxed now.
Tennessee vs. Ohio State - FSU vs. Clemson (13), Miami vs. Nebraska (01), Tennessee vs. Nebraska (95). And UF vs. Nebraska. It takes about five minutes into the game to realize UH-OH....This is not going to end well. The SHOE was a hornet’s nest for Tennessee last night. I went on their boards and man they want everyone fired. Their stud back Dylan Sampson got 2 carries. I don't know if he was hurt but the kid did not play. Nico Iamaleva is the reason why freshman should not start. Kids talented. He can run....But as Sam Darnold once said "coach i am seeing ghost out there" Well Nico was seeing ghost or what seem to be 14-15 buckeyes on defense every play. Ohio State has the most talented team in college football and showed it last night.
Penn State vs. SMU- James Frankin has a very good football team. I know people continue to knock him but Penn State has a great player in their TE (#44). They have two studs at RB (Singelton, Allan). They have the best DE in the country #11 Carter. Penn State is a cold weather team that seemed to play better inside against Oregon. I think they are a dangerous team.
Ryan Day - Not a big fan of his but last night he acted like someone who had the biggest cojones. Guy was smiling early on. He knew what was coming. His team looked like they were running at a different gear than Tennessee all night. By the way I guess Tennessee does not belong in the playoffs. Reality is Ohio State would have done that to pretty much anyone last night. Coming off a bad loss to Michigan, at home, with the most loaded roster and everyone doubting you. Even Ryan Day could not mess this one up.
Tennessee - I see their fans on their boards wanting to fire everyone. LOL. Another delusional fan base. They went 10-3. They beat Bama...SET THEM GOALS, REACH THEM GOALS and shoot for the moon next year. Fans want to see freshman QB's so badly...14-31 for 104 yards is what you get from a freshman QB. Most are not Jameis or Trevor Lawrence. Most are Nico. He will be much better then next time he gets a chance to play in this game. Big reason why I am upset with Luke Kromenhoek parents. Yes, I am upset with his parents. He had no business starting this year...He did. He got two games this year. He needed more time to develop. If he stays till 2026, FSU wins and wins big. Just dumb on his part. But onto the next....
There are five star players and then there ARE FIVE STAR PLAYERS. I am of the belief that the networks should either limit their five star rankings or create a new category for rankings. Jeremiah Smith and Hykeem Williams are not the same players. Both were rated five stars and the fan bases expect the same results. I have a 10 (rating) and 9 (rating) and 8 (rating). 10 is for a guy like Pat Surtain Jr. I rarely give out 10 ratings. I gave one to DJ Pickett this year. These are guys who are just different. Jeremiah Smith is the best receiver prospect to come out of Florida this decade. He is SPECIAL. You watch him perform at Ohio State and he is worth 2-3 wins. He is the best receiver in college football. He will be a top ten pick in two more years. He is worth the money. Guys that are difference makers. You saw Howard just throw the ball up and he knows that Smith is coming down with it. Smith is a FIVE STAR...Maybe they create a 6 star for 1-2 players every year.
Final Thoughts: I am a big college football fan. I hear people keep saying the game is not the same, nothing is. I used to go outside on Christmas Day and play tackle football with my friends. Those days are long gone. Things continue to change. College football with all its flaws is still special to me. I enjoy watching all the bowl games. You now watch the games and go man that player would be a nice fit for FSU. I went to hardrock casino in Hollywood last night and it was packed. There were tons of people betting on the games. College football is not going anywhere. It is big business. I feel that one way the ACC can get ahead of this.....pass sports betting in each state that you have an ACC team. Make a deal with FanDuel or one of these gaming sites and put the ability to bet on games inside stadiums. Take the revenue from that and give it to your teams. Now some may go NO WAY....Listen, eventually one of the other conferences will do it and guess what. YOU WILL GET LEFT BEHIND AGAIN. Be the first for once ACC....
So how do we grade the new toys...?
James Williams - Nebraska DE - 6'6 250 pounds : 14 Tackles, 5 sacks, 5 TFL - - This highlight is against Rutgers - First off I have been saying for a while now that FSU is small on both the offensive and defensive lines. Whether that it is the strength coach at FSU or just the players being brought it this needed to change. Williams changes that narrative. I really like the fact that Williams is 6'6 (HE IS BIG) and he has length. SIZE Matters - (LOL) on this sack he gets up the field and the tackle is off balance. He goes hard to the outside and then twist back inside and creates a pressure. I like what he brings to the defense. I I expect him to be a major upgrade on the outside. (Grade A)
Gunner Hansen-Vanderbilt -OT-6'5-330: In 2022 (Played in 11 games -640 snaps), 2023 (12 games -779 snaps), not sure on 2024 season. He was voted offensive line of the week after his play against Alabama. He has been an All SEC Academic Honor Roll nominee. He does not give up sacks and rarely gets penalized. Kids smart. I think FSU can use some of that on their football team. Love the fact that he played at Saint Thomas Aquinas. He has been well coached for over 5-6 years now. Hansen moves well. He is light on his feet. He is able to get onto a defender quickly. You will see him get his hands on a defender quickly. He does not lose leverage or balance. He is not a super big athlete. He also is not one that is going to overpower guys. With FSU scheme he is not going to be asked to blow guys off the ball. Hansen is a major upgrade for FSU. He is a better run blocker than a pass blocker. (Grade B++)
Deante McCray - WKU -DE -6'4 285: Once again SIZE, SIZE, SIZE. He is a DE in the 3-3-5 scheme for FSU. 59 tackles (2024), 2.5 sacks, 3 TFL. Watched 2-3 WKU games this year. He is someone that is going to have to work on his motor. He is someone that will help in the run game. He has the size to help set the edge on defense. Worst case scenario McCray will provide depth. He needs to learn to use his eyes better. He will take himself out of plays. I like the fact that he has production but there is work to be done here. (Grade B-)
Randy Pittman-UCF TE-6'2-230: When FSU took his commitment out of high school, I really was high on him. At UCF this year he had 32 receptions, 416 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is a great complement to what FSU already has at tight end (Landen Thomas). He gives you a weapon. You will see him line up in the backfield. He will line up as a tight end next to the tackle. You may even see him line up out wide. You saw what Jaheim Bell provided FSU offense. It is someone else the defense must account for. I love this pick up. Maybe the best portal signing to date. (Grade A)
Adrian Medley-UCF -OT/OG -6'5-305: I have no idea what Herb Hand thought when he turned on FSU film to watch the OL but he probably went to his agent and asked if he could get a little more out of FSU. Hansen (South Florida -STA), Medley (Pensacola). Medley gives you both size and length on the OL. I have big proponent of FSU getting bigger. Medley provides that. I like that he can play guard or tackle. Another versatile swing guy. Not super athlete but Medley comes off the ball well and can run block. He will struggle at times with some quickness from defensive lineman. He can use his length to keep defensive lineman at bay. I feel this is a very good take as well. (Grade B)
Xavier Payne-Orlando Jones- 6'7-290- (2026) Went to the state title game last week where Jones played vs. AH. I saw Payne on the field and thought to myself that is the type of kid FSU should go after. Payne stood out physically. He is a legit 6'6-6'6. He is listed at 6'7. He was in pretty good shape. While big, Payne still had room to grow into his body. This is a kid who is going to play at 320-325 at the next level. FSU needs to keep the big uglies from Florida home. This is a good start to the 2026 class.
SIZE, SIZE, SIZE....Been preaching it for a while. You watch Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame...What do they all have in common, they are big up front. The days of undersized OL and DL are gone. You have to be able to move people on the OL and you need to be able to get off blocks on the defensive line. I like the trend by the new coaches to identify BIG GUYS.
Bowl Games first....James Madison vs. WKU - Bob Chesney - HC - Sounds more like a country singer. JM produced Cignetti, I expect Chesney to be next in line. If a job like Pitt opens up next year I could see him getting hired. They had to start a new QB and the offense was still able to produce. It has to be tough on these coaches who basically get their teams raided and have to play bowl games. No excuses...they went out and won anyway. Caden Veltkamp - 25-39 302 yards a 2 touchdowns. He is only a sophomore. Someone was watching and recruiting him after this game.
UF vs. Tulane - Florida should have fired Napier after they were 4-5 and lost 49-17 to Texas. Their administration got this good idea to let him finish out the year. They won two games LSU and Ole Miss they were not supposed to and now they allow Napier another season. STUPID. I will give credit for the team not falling apart. That being said if you watched the Tulane vs. UF game - this is not a well-coached team. Going for a field goal, time out. A time out on special teams because you’re not aligned right. On second and 1 you are rolling on offense, try a trick play, does not work, procedure penalty on the following play. You get a 15 yard penalty on a drive you’re moving the ball and in the other teams territory only to get a big play the next one only to get called for holding. Florida tried everything in their power to keep a game close against a bad football team. Lagway looked bad in the game. Florida has accepted being mediocre. He did not get fired this year but the clock will start to run next year. UF schedule in 2025 (at LSU 9-13), (at Miami-9-20), vs. Texas (10-4), at Texas A&M (10-11), vs. Georgia (11-1), at Kentucky (11-8), at Miss (11-15), vs. Tennessee (11-222) vs. FSU. Someone in the admin is trying to get the man fired. I can't respect a coach who allows a kid who is 450 pounds to play an entire game. To top it off he gives him a handoff so his sideline can cheer and he fumbles the ball. YAY.
The one thing that I did like about the Tulane game is that Anthony Rubio got 6 touches, for 32 yards and a touchdown. He is the son of Marco Rubio. This is not about being political. I had the chance to watch Anthony play in high school and he was actually pretty good. Small but the kid made plays. This is why the bowl games are still good. Someone who walks on, earns some playing time and is able to live out their dreams of playing college football. Whether a Gator, Nole, Seminole....this is why I still love college football.
The Playoffs - 38-24, 38-10, 42-17 and 27-17. The outrage of the pundits - How can Indiana be in the playoffs? They did not play anyone. Tennessee wins Chattanooga, NC State, Kent State, Arkansas, OU, UF, Miss State, UK, Utep, Vandy.
Their big win 9-3 Alabama (24-17). They were down 21-0 before I could sit down. If not for an interception in the end-zone the game ends 49-17. Should Tennessee not have been in the playoffs? The pundits need STFU already and just watch the games. I don't want to hear their biased opinions. The reality is Alabama went 9-3. They had one good half of football against UGA and that is it this year. They struggled to beat USF, should have lost to UGA and SC. They got blowout against a bad OU team. 9-3. LOSES MATTER.
I hear the crying from the pundits oh Alabama plays a harder schedule. Trust me when IU started the season their schedule was hard for them as it is every year. They are the home coming queen for most teams in the BIG 10. They just happened to be very good this year.
This is the reality of the SEC - They got greedy. They had to bring Texas and OU into a conference already loaded. ESPN got greedy. The NFL which is run by smart people would have made sure to balance the field in college football. The smart move would have been to put OU and Texas in the ACC. The SEC basically cannibalized themselves this year. Too bad....They have more money than everyone else, they have better facilities, they have the best NIL, best coaches...the playing field is tilted so far to their side and now they want the playoff system rigged where even when their teams lose...Well they deserve to be in. SHUT UP. I don't want to hear it. I thought Miami was deserving to be in the playoffs until Clemson beat SMU. Alabama would have had the same beat down put on them against Ohio State that Tennessee did. People actually think Jalen Milroe would have looked much better. LOL. He would have looked just as bad. I honestly now wish Bama did get in and got a shot at that last night. It would have shut them all up.
12 to 16 - Get ready the playoffs will expand again and eventually stop at 16. I feel that will be the magic number. You saw the stands at Penn State, Ohio State, Texas and Notre Dame. I looked it up Penn State low end ticket was 80 dollars for their home playoff game. We know the tickets went for more than that. X 106,000 - 8,5 million. The money that brings to local businesses. Oregon, Boise State, ASU, Georgia lost out on that. It won't happen next year. You get a 1 seed and lose out on that one home game. NOT HAPPENING. 16 will be the field. Miami, South Carolina, Alabama would have all gotten in. At that point there is no one left to argue or cry. The moment the NCAA went to a playoffs college football realized the only way to pull it off was to pay the players.
I am not going to lie...I enjoyed all the games. I know Penn State vs. SMU was a blow out but don't fool yourself, SMU now knows what they need and their oil money is going to buy themselves some players. SMU will have a big time football team in 2-3 years.
You look at Indiana - it is amazing but one play actually two turn the game away from them. Down inside the red-zone, score a touchdown and the Hoosiers go up 7-0 and the pressure is on ND. Instead they turned the ball over. They follow it up by giving ND the ball on the 2 yard line. Next play....GIVE ME SOME LOVE...Jeremiyah Love. He went 98 yards for a touchdown. That play was so deflating. The reality is this moment was also too big for IU. Rourke their QB came to IU from Ohio University. It is a big move from the MAC playing on Tuesday nights to being in ND (December) under the lights against a team that is ready for you.
As for ND - Colin Cowherd has a segment where he says where I was right, where I was wrong. I was wrong on Marcus Freeman. I thought the job for Freeman was to big for him. He had never been a head coach and now he was handed the keys to ND. Freeman did have a slip up against NIU earlier this year but his team recovered and they are legit. They are very good up front in the trenches. They have a very good QB (Leonard) which runs their offense. They have a stud TE and RB. They got dudes on the DL. I was wrong about Freeman. Guy is a good coach. He made great hires as well. Their OC came from LSU last year and was the reason why Daniels played so well. Their DC is Al Golden. He had a rough go around at Miami but I do feel the guy is a very good coach. It would not surprise me to see him get the HC job at UVA next year or even a Pitt. He is a NE guy...Fits matter sometimes and he was not one at Miami. He got rid of the tie and seems to coach much more relaxed now.
Tennessee vs. Ohio State - FSU vs. Clemson (13), Miami vs. Nebraska (01), Tennessee vs. Nebraska (95). And UF vs. Nebraska. It takes about five minutes into the game to realize UH-OH....This is not going to end well. The SHOE was a hornet’s nest for Tennessee last night. I went on their boards and man they want everyone fired. Their stud back Dylan Sampson got 2 carries. I don't know if he was hurt but the kid did not play. Nico Iamaleva is the reason why freshman should not start. Kids talented. He can run....But as Sam Darnold once said "coach i am seeing ghost out there" Well Nico was seeing ghost or what seem to be 14-15 buckeyes on defense every play. Ohio State has the most talented team in college football and showed it last night.
Penn State vs. SMU- James Frankin has a very good football team. I know people continue to knock him but Penn State has a great player in their TE (#44). They have two studs at RB (Singelton, Allan). They have the best DE in the country #11 Carter. Penn State is a cold weather team that seemed to play better inside against Oregon. I think they are a dangerous team.
Ryan Day - Not a big fan of his but last night he acted like someone who had the biggest cojones. Guy was smiling early on. He knew what was coming. His team looked like they were running at a different gear than Tennessee all night. By the way I guess Tennessee does not belong in the playoffs. Reality is Ohio State would have done that to pretty much anyone last night. Coming off a bad loss to Michigan, at home, with the most loaded roster and everyone doubting you. Even Ryan Day could not mess this one up.
Tennessee - I see their fans on their boards wanting to fire everyone. LOL. Another delusional fan base. They went 10-3. They beat Bama...SET THEM GOALS, REACH THEM GOALS and shoot for the moon next year. Fans want to see freshman QB's so badly...14-31 for 104 yards is what you get from a freshman QB. Most are not Jameis or Trevor Lawrence. Most are Nico. He will be much better then next time he gets a chance to play in this game. Big reason why I am upset with Luke Kromenhoek parents. Yes, I am upset with his parents. He had no business starting this year...He did. He got two games this year. He needed more time to develop. If he stays till 2026, FSU wins and wins big. Just dumb on his part. But onto the next....
There are five star players and then there ARE FIVE STAR PLAYERS. I am of the belief that the networks should either limit their five star rankings or create a new category for rankings. Jeremiah Smith and Hykeem Williams are not the same players. Both were rated five stars and the fan bases expect the same results. I have a 10 (rating) and 9 (rating) and 8 (rating). 10 is for a guy like Pat Surtain Jr. I rarely give out 10 ratings. I gave one to DJ Pickett this year. These are guys who are just different. Jeremiah Smith is the best receiver prospect to come out of Florida this decade. He is SPECIAL. You watch him perform at Ohio State and he is worth 2-3 wins. He is the best receiver in college football. He will be a top ten pick in two more years. He is worth the money. Guys that are difference makers. You saw Howard just throw the ball up and he knows that Smith is coming down with it. Smith is a FIVE STAR...Maybe they create a 6 star for 1-2 players every year.
Final Thoughts: I am a big college football fan. I hear people keep saying the game is not the same, nothing is. I used to go outside on Christmas Day and play tackle football with my friends. Those days are long gone. Things continue to change. College football with all its flaws is still special to me. I enjoy watching all the bowl games. You now watch the games and go man that player would be a nice fit for FSU. I went to hardrock casino in Hollywood last night and it was packed. There were tons of people betting on the games. College football is not going anywhere. It is big business. I feel that one way the ACC can get ahead of this.....pass sports betting in each state that you have an ACC team. Make a deal with FanDuel or one of these gaming sites and put the ability to bet on games inside stadiums. Take the revenue from that and give it to your teams. Now some may go NO WAY....Listen, eventually one of the other conferences will do it and guess what. YOU WILL GET LEFT BEHIND AGAIN. Be the first for once ACC....
