Tag: college-football

Bryant Wesco Jr. breakdown

By: Griffin Jones

Bryant Wesco Jr. is a sophomore wide receiver for the Clemson Tigers. Coming off an incredible high school career with 109 catches, 1,903 yards, and 29 touchdowns, he followed it up with a great freshman season with the Tigers. Recording 41 catches, 708 yards, and 5 touchdowns. 

Coming into his sophomore year, he was seen as a superstar by many people around the country, seen as a major part of the three headed monster of the elite Clemson receiving room. Surrounded by a top 5 roster along with two other preseason All-ACC receivers, he was expected to thrive. 

In the first game of the season, Clemson faced number nine ranked LSU, Wesco tracked in 4 receptions for 66 yards almost getting in the endzone in the second quarter and making a miraculous catch in the third quarter in a Clemson loss.

Coming off a disappointing loss Clemson faced a weak Troy team, with seven minutes left in the second quarter, Clemson was trailing 16-0 and Wesco hadn’t recorded a catch. In the final three quarters Bryant hauled in seven catches for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns in a comeback victory for the Tigers.

The following week versus the Yellow Jackets, Wesco had 7 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown within this was a huge 73 yard slant to the house to keep Clemson in the game in an eventual 21-24. The next week home vs Syracuse was not much of a game as the Tigers lost 34-21, although they took a L Wesco still had 6 catches for 79 yards hauling in 2 touchdowns.

The following week, the Tigers faced a horrible UNC team in which they destroyed, due to this Wesco was taken out of the game early only getting 2 catches for 42 yards. In a game versus Boston College, he bounced back with 5 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown including an incredible touchdown catch in a 41-10 win. However, in the most recent game versus SMU Bryant Wesco was returning punts as he has all year and was hit low, flipping him on his neck and tragically ending his great start to the season early. His final stats being 31 receptions for 537 yards for 6 touchdowns.

LaNorris Sellers is Him

By Milling Galloway

Let’s just say it loud and clear: LaNorris Sellers is HIM. Like, if you’ve watched this man play, you already know that he’s not merely good, he’s different. He’s got that special blend of talent, poise, and energy that just makes you stop whatever you are doing to watch him cook.

First of all, the arm talent is ridiculous. Guy throws lasers down the field as if it’s nothing. Off-platform, tight windows, in pressure situations, none of those things matter. He throws in ways that leave you wondering how that actually occurred. Then, just as the defense has him figured out, he trucks someone and takes off. Not only is he agile, he’s a threat in movement. But what sets LaNorris Sellers apart isn’t simply the physical skills; it’s how he conducts himself. Calm, assured, level-headed. Not too hot, not too cold. You can tell he’s made for big games. Pressure? No problem. It’s exuding “QB1 energy” every day.

Also, talk about leadership. Players gather around him. Coaches believe in him. Fans love him. There’s just something about the presence, you know, he’s going to be something special. The funny part is, he’s just getting started. We have not even seen him at his best yet, though. Give him some time, give him some practice, and then watch out. The rest of America needs to wake up because LaNorris Sellers is going to be trouble. So yeah, go ahead and remember the name. LaNorris Sellers. Star in the making. Future legend. He’s already so good it’s terrifying. This year, he has not really looked the part. The Gamecock O-line might be working at Target next week if they keep this up.  LaNorris needs to hit the draft and become a household name. If I were him, I would for sure not be a Gamecock next year. 

Clemson vs LSU Postgame Breakdown

By: Griffin Jones

On Saturday August 30th, 2025 the number 8 ranked LSU Tigers traveled to Memorial Stadium to take on the number 4 ranked Clemson Tigers in a highly anticipated matchup. There was an unbelievable amount of hype coming into this game as this was the first time the 2 teams faced off since January 13th, 2019 where LSU topped Clemson 42-25 in the National Championship. While the two teams have played formerly, LSU leading 4-1, this was the first game inside of either team’s stadium which are both labeled as “Death Valley”. The high rankings along with the possible revenge lead fans to call this game the battle to be the “Real Death Valley”. 

Coming into the game the spread was Clemson favored by -4.5 as they returned 81% of their offensive talent and 75% of their defensive talent, this combined with a great offseason and a home field advantage led many to believe this was Clemson’s game to win. LSU however returned 65% of offensive production and 59% of defensive production losing much of their offensive line and receiving core. However, using the transfer portal LSU was able to instantly replace their positions of need with equal or similar talent.

Despite both teams returning diverse numbers of talent, they each came into the season labeled to have a top five skilled rosters in the country. All of this skill along with a Heisman hopeful quarterback on each team excited some to the point where they were saying this would be the “Game of the Year”. 

Entering the game LSU players were greeted by 80,000+ Clemson fans who were starving for a big win. A 7:30 kickoff time only fed into the excitement of the roaring fans. Clemson won the coin toss and decided to defer and the game was under way.

The first play from scrimmage LSU’s star sophomore running back Caden Durham shook off a tackle and ran for a gain of  24 yards leaving them just shy of Clemson territory. The Tigers gained 1 more first down getting to the Clemson 40 but after that stalled, leaving out at a 3 & 11. As this was the biggest play of the game at this point the fans were deafening during a huge third down on the first drive. This caused Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to call a timeout due to the screams. The rest of the first half was filled with many unsuccessful with LSU’s offense looking superior throughout. Despite this, Clemson’s lead in the turnover battle along with a strong drive in the second quarter helped them head into the half with a 10-3 lead over LSU.

However, this lead would be short lived as LSU’s dominance of time of possession, Clemson’s inability to establish the run game, and an interception thrown in the second half turned things LSU’s way. As they tied the game 10-10 with a Caden Durham touchdown and took the lead with a 1on1 endzone ball to 6 ‘7 receiver Trey’dez Green. Once LSU claimed the lead they never let it go, despite Clemson’s best effort on their final drive they came up just short of forcing overtime. As Klubnik was pressured into a poor throw on 4th down from LSU’s 15 with just under a minute left. 

I believe that these are two playoff teams who have a lot of potential this year if they reach their full ability. Although Clemson lost, I think Troy will help them get some confidence and hopefully bounce back in the future and figure things out in what seems like a strong ACC this year.

South Carolina v Virginia Tech Preview

By: Benson Elmore

On Sunday, August 31, The Gamecocks travel to Mercedes Benz stadium to play the Virginia Tech Hokies, so here is a breakdown of how I think this game will end up going. 

In this game, Carolina is the heavy favorite here by seven and a half points, which I think is pretty valid. I think that Carolina’s offense will be very hard to stop with Heisman candidate Lanorris Sellers, stud wide receivers Nyck Harbor and Mazeo Bennet, and new transfer Rahsul Faison. Also defensive studs like sophomore Dylan Stewart, Jalon Killgore, and Brandon Cisse are going to give Virginia Tech a very hard time moving the ball. 

With Mercedez Benz stadium being closer to South Carolina then Virginia, I think that more Carolina fans will be in attendance than Virginia tech. I think the energy will not be as high as a normal college football game, since the location is at a neutral site, and I do not think that this game will be entertaining at all if you are a Virginia Tech Hokies fan. I seriously think that Carolina is going to light Virginia Tech’s defense up and I do not think that Virginia Tech will move the ball well against Carolina either. 

Now, a little bit about why Carolina’s stud QB Lanorris Sellers could win the Heisman this year. Lanorris Sellers has a real shot at winning the Heisman this year. He’s got everything you need like crazy arm strength, fast legs, and the ability to make big plays when it counts. Sellers can make all the throws, but what sets him apart is how he moves in the pocket, avoiding pressure and creating chances out of nowhere. He’s a dual-threat QB, so defenses can’t just focus on one thing. If he keeps putting up big numbers and leads his team to wins, he could definitely be in the mix for the Heisman this season. He’s got the tools to be special.

Who Will Win the CFP?

By: Henry Jones

This year, with the introduction of the twelve team playoffs, the race to the beloved National Championship is more exciting than ever. The favorites to win right now are Oregon and Ohio State. They each have a sixteen percent chance to win. While this isn’t very high, it adds a sense of suspense between the race. Other teams like Clemson, Arizona State, and SMU are seen as dark horses to make a run. This new playoff format is almost comparable to College Basketball during March Madness. Meaning that any team has a chance to upset anybody because all of these teams have very strong teams. A team I am looking forward to making it all the way to the chip are the Boise State Broncos. With their stud running back, Ashton Jeanty, and their strong fanbase I believe they have a chance to go all the way. The only doubt I have is whenever they go against an extremely strong defense such as Oregon or Georgia. Each team has a very elite run defense and it will be interesting to see how Boise State’s run heavy offense performs against us. Another thing that may prove to be a problem is their quarterback. Maddox Madsen is a very mid level quarterback who piggybacks off of Jeanty all season long. Another matchup I will be waiting to watch is Arizona State versus Penn State. Penn State is one of the most overrated teams every year and I will be watching to see how they try to stop Arizona State’s breakout star running back Cam Skatebbo. To end, in my opinion I think that if Carson Beck stays out of the quarterback position and their stud sophomore backup stays in the game, there is no team that will beat a locked in Georgia team.

Worst NFL Team v Best College Football Team

NFL or College Football – which is better – Smoke Signals Student ...

By: Sam Tristan

Worst NFL team vs Best College team

The question of whether the best college football team could defeat the worst NFL team is a subject that has fueled debates and discussions among sports enthusiasts for years. While college football teams exhibit exceptional skill and talent, there are several reasons why the top collegiate team would likely fall short against the lowest-ranked NFL team.

The sheer disparity in talent and experience between college and professional athletes is substantial. NFL players are among the elite in their sport, having honed their skills at the collegiate level and then further refined them in the professional arena. The best college football team may have standout players, but they lack the depth and experience that characterize an NFL roster.

NFL teams are composed of athletes who have not only excelled in college but have also undergone the rigorous demands of professional training, coaching, and competition. The transition from college to the NFL involves adapting to a faster, more complex game with a higher level of physicality. While the best college team may have a few players with NFL potential, the overall roster may struggle to match the physicality and speed of their professional counterparts.

The strategic and tactical aspects of the game in the NFL are on a different level when compared to college football. NFL coaches, many of whom have years of experience at the highest level, employ complex game plans and strategies that take advantage of their players’ strengths and exploit opponents’ weaknesses. The best college team, while undoubtedly well-coached, may not have encountered the level of strategic complexity and adaptability present in the professional game.

Another critical factor is the difference in size, strength, and athleticism between NFL and college players. NFL athletes, conditioned by elite training programs and nutrition regimens, generally possess a physical advantage over their college counterparts. The linemen in the NFL, for instance, often outweigh and outmuscle their college counterparts, making it challenging for a college team to compete in the trenches.

The notion of the best college football team defeating the worst NFL team seems improbable due to the vast disparities in talent, experience, and strategic complexity. While college football showcases exceptional athletes and intense competition, the NFL represents the pinnacle of the sport, with players and teams operating at a level that transcends the collegiate game. The transition from college to the professional ranks involves a significant leap in all aspects of the game, making it unlikely that even the best college team could overcome the challenges posed by the lowest-ranked NFL team.

The greatest CFB Team Ever

By: Sam Tristan

The 2019 LSU college football team stands out as one of the greatest of all time for several compelling reasons. Led by head coach Ed Orgeron and quarterback Joe Burrow, the Tigers achieved a remarkable 15-0 record, capping off their extraordinary season with a victory in the College Football Playoff National Championship.

One defining aspect of the 2019 LSU team was its prolific offense. Under the guidance of Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, the Tigers set numerous records, showcasing an explosive and dynamic style of play. Burrow himself threw for an astonishing 60 touchdown passes during the season, establishing a new single-season record. The team’s offense averaged an impressive 48.4 points per game, leaving opponents struggling to contain their high-powered attacks.

Moreover, the 2019 LSU team navigated a challenging schedule, defeating seven top-10 ranked opponents throughout the season, including decisive wins against powerhouse teams like Alabama and Clemson. The National Championship game against Clemson showcased the team’s resilience, as they overcame an early deficit to secure a convincing 42-25 victory.

The team’s success extended beyond individual performances to a cohesive and determined unit that demonstrated exceptional teamwork and camaraderie. The combination of an explosive offense, a tenacious defense, and a resilient mindset makes the 2019 LSU Tigers a formidable candidate for the title of the greatest college football team of all time. Their dominant and historic season left an indelible mark on the sport, solidifying their place in the annals of college football history.