Tag: NCAAF

Why South Carolina will make the playoffs

By: Benson Elmore

South Carolina’s path to the College Football Playoffs is not the easiest, but it’s definitely possible with the right combination of clutch wins, good matchups, and the power of the team. Here’s how Carolina can and will make the CFP

1. Raw Offense

South Carolina’s offense has been stacked lately, with  Lanorris (him) Sellers, Nyck Harbor, Mazeo Bennet, and Joshua Simon, giving them a dangerous passing offense. The Gamecocks have been able to put up points against top-tier competition, and if they continue to develop their offense under Beamer, they’ll have the firepower to compete with any team in the SEC. And let’s not forget about Rocket Sanders who knows how to blow right through top tier defenses

2. Strong Coaching

Shane Beamer is a rising star in the coaching ranks. His energy, leadership, and ability to develop players have already shown results in his first few seasons at South Carolina. He’s built a solid foundation for the team and has proven that he can win big games, which is shown by South Carolina’s stunning upsets over a couple of ranked teams. With Beamer continuing to grow as a head coach, the Gamecocks could make a crazy statement in the future in the SEC.

3. SEC Scheduling Advantage

South Carolina plays in the SEC, which is without a doubt the most competitive conference in college football. While the schedule is tough, it also provides the Gamecocks with opportunities to get some big wins. If they can thrive in a tough schedule and pick off the last couple of teams on their schedule, it would give them no reason for the committee to keep them out of the playoffs. 

4. Defensive Improvement

South Carolina’s defense has been raw at least lately. People like Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart have dominated O-lines. Don’t even get me started on the defensive backs. This defense can beat any team in the league, no doubt about it. 

5. The College Football Playoff Expansion

The most important factor for South Carolina’s playoff chances in the future is the expansion of the CFP to 12 teams. With a larger field, the chances of South Carolina making them increases significantly. If they can keep winning games, they will make the playoffs. 

Is South Carolina a good football team?

By Milling Galloway

Does South Carolina have a good football atmosphere? Yes. Does South Carolina have the resources to be a national ranked team? Yes. Once again the answers to all these questions are yes. Sure enough we are a mediocre team once again. I’m tired of this. Year after year it’s the same thing over and over again. Why can’t we ever be good? Only once in the program’s history has South Carolina ever been good.

The problem, in my opinion, is that our offense is terrible. Our defense could easily stand with the best offenses in the nation; Bama, Georgia, any of them to be honest. Our offense once again is holding us back. Sellers is a decent quarterback that can run: He is not the problem. Our receivers are trash and our offensive line is atrocious. Lets step away from the negatives and look at the positives. Rocket Sanders is one of the most talented running backs we have ever seen. He has turned what should be no yard gains into explosive plays for the offense. Our tight end core has some good true freshmen talent that I would like to see more of.

Shane in my opinion isn’t the coach for us. It’s time to go looking for new staff. He has been given too much leniency. The play calling has to change as well. That means it is time to get rid of Dowell Loggins as soon as possible. The only reason we played a good game against Alabama is because of the Defense led by Kyle Kenard. It certainly helps the team when you have the best defense of end in the country. I honestly can not take the embarrassment of being a fan of South Carolina. You just get to a point where you know we are gonna lose and just accept our fate. All I know is if Shane doesn’t get his act together, we are gonna have a lot of problems.

Is Ryan Williams the best wide receiver in college football?

By Milling Galloway

As an avid college football viewer, I would like to say I have the authority to think Ryan Williams is the best receiver in college football. Although Jeremiah Smith is one of the most alien-like physical specimens the world has ever seen. Don’t quote me on that! I mean the guy is a beast. Two one hand catches with ease last week. He’s just that type of guy, but there is one man above them all. Ryan Hollywood Williams, as the young man and the world would call him. 247 Sports mentions, “The Crimson Tide’s leader in catches, yards and touchdowns through four starts, Williams is already a superstar. He averages a jaw-dropping 28.9 yards per catch and should be a Biletnikoff finalist as a first-year player if he stays healthy and top-ranked Alabama keeps up in the College Football Playoff picture.” This young man is something else. Putting numbers up like that, should be a crime. He is seventeen years old! My age and touching arguably the best defense in the country, in Georgia. This year the rise of the true freshman is taking over the sport. Another case people may argue is Travis hunter is the best receiver. I really like him as the best player in the country, but not as the best receiver. Everyone already knows he’s a freak of nature. Marca.com remarks, “As a sophomore, he was crowned Alabama’s Mr. Football-the first underclassman to receive the honor-thanks to a season with 1,641 receiving yards, 24 receiving touchdowns, 700 rushing yards, and 15 rushing touchdowns.” This shows that Hollywood has been doing this since high school. He also won back to back National Gatorade player of the year. He also graduated early and is still the best receiver in the nation. The world has never seen a kid of this caliber and the world and I are so excited to see what the future holds for the young man.

Was 2019 LSU the greatest College Football Team ever?

By: Carson Wilsey

For many reasons, the 2019 LSU football team has been recognized as one of the greatest in college football history. The Tigers won a national championship versus Clemson with an outstanding 15-0 record under head coach Ed Orgeron’s coaching. This group not only changed the way collegiate football is played, but they also showed amazing talent and teamwork.

LSU’s exceptional offensive performance, led by Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, was a major contributing factor to their excellence. With a record-breaking season people witnessed him throw for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns, Burrow showcased off his ability to read defenses and deliver insane throws. Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator, created an offensive scheme that prioritized a fast-paced, dynamic approach that combined explosive passing plays with a powerful rushing game. LSU’s attack was difficult to stop because of its variety; they outscored their opponents every game and regularly put up incredible numbers.

LSU’s defense, which was essential in their championship run, was just as excellent. Throughout the season, the defense, led by players such as Derek Stingley Jr. and Grant Delpit, demonstrated both talent and grit. They frequently forced turnovers and made crucial stops, which gave the offense strong field position. This amazing balance between defense and offense was essential for LSU to maintain control of its games and adjust to the diverse challenges that different opponents presented.

Lastly, LSU’s outstanding schedule serves as more evidence of their dominance. The Tigers demonstrated their ability to execute under pressure by defeating several highly regarded teams, including Florida and Alabama. A strong defense, a difficult schedule, and historically high offensive output all work together to solidify the 2019 LSU football team’s legacy. Their accomplishments not only represented the height of college football, but they also established a standard that other teams would have to meet, motivating a new generation of players and supporters.

College football 25 is the best game 

By: Bryce Hanson

    College football is the highlight of many peoples lives. Every Saturday 18 to 24 year old men put their lives on the line to play an entertaining game for us fans to watch. And if you want to admit it or not everyone of those fans wish they could be part of the game. Well  luckily for those fans it’s now possible. With one of the most entertaining games named College Football 25. 

     This game has everything a person would want: The complete college experience. From keeping your grades up to have an eligible GPA, to practicing your butt off to maybe becoming a starter, it has it all. But this game doesn’t just stop at being a college athlete, you can also be a head coach for a struggling team and you have to rebuild them, or be the coach of a dominant power house and keep their legacy alive. One thing that puts this game ahead of the rest is the amount of teams you can pick from. It doesn’t matter what conference your favorite team is in, if their D1 they’re in the game. Another thing that just makes this game so special is the complexity of it, like I said you can be a coach or a player but there is also just quick play were you can play as any team against any team for fun. Then you have ultimate team where you try to get the best college players ever and put them all on one team. Another thing I love about this game is that it’s not easy. Most games have an easy mode that just makes the game too easy so you can’t lose but in this game anything can happen. 

Dabo Swinney- Good or Bad coach

By: Braelen Lewis

There has been a recent debate over if coach Dabo Swinney is a good coach or not and that the only reason he has won any national championships is because of the great quarterbacks and weapons that he had. I think however that although he did have awesome players on his team, they also won all those games due to his incredible coaching skills. Another reason why people think he is a bad coach is because they think he is an old head and can’t adapt to the transfer portal, but in my eyes it makes me respect him all the more because if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it. I think that Dabo doesn’t deserve all the hate he gets because he really is just a good guy, he just likes the old ways in highschool recruiting. I also think that the highschool recruiting he does works. I mean the team has been getting some hate recently due to Cade Klubnik not doing so well, but I think that he’s taken all the hate and turned it into a drive to work harder and be a better player and I think that it showed last week in the game against Appalachian state. This year’s defense is the best we’ve seen in recent years, and it also wasn’t his fault when we had Dj because it looked like he was going to be a good pick because of how good he was in high school but he just couldn’t compete at the college level. Also Dj just sucks I mean he is completely destroying Florida State’s football program, and it really proves that when he was at Clemson the losses weren’t coaches fault they were Dj’s because he sucks. In all, I believe that coach Dabo is a good football coach and doesn’t deserve any of the hate he gets.

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.

Why was FSU Snubbed out of a Playoff Spot?

By: Jones DesChamps

In the midst of chaos during this college football season, the College Football Playoff Committee has caused uproar amongst loyal fans. As the final season of the four team playoff concludes, the committee has made its most controversial decision yet. By leaving an undefeated, power 5 conference champion out of the playoff picture, the committee has decided to exclude a flawless team from being crowned as one of the most deserving teams in the country. Although this point has been proven by the professional analysts as a proper decision, it is beyond evident that Florida State was cheated out of a chance at a national championship. 

To begin, throughout the history of the college football playoff, no undefeated power 5 conference champion has ever been left out. Not only that, but it is the committee’s job to put in the MOST DESERVING TEAMS, not the best four teams. If it’s their job to put in the most deserving teams, then how is a team that hasn’t lost a game left out of the playoffs. Not only that, Florida State has neutral or away wins against Clemson, Louisville, and LSU, all three of which are ranked wins. If you believe that it is the committee’s job to put the BEST four teams in the playoffs, then history does not side with your answer. In 2015, the committee allowed Michigan State into the playoffs, a team who was clearly not one of the best four teams in the country but made it in because they deserved it. The same thing has happened with Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and TCU throughout history, by allowing bad, yet deserving teams into the playoffs. So, it’s evident that the committee does not care about who’s better, but they care about who’s the most deserving. 

Secondly, a large reason that Florida State was eliminated from playoff contention was because of the season-ending injury that their star quarterback, Jordan Travis, suffered three weeks ago. Not only is it ridiculous to discipline a team for winning all of their games but punishing a team because of a player’s injury is unreasonable, too. It is completely outrageous to exclude an undefeated conference champion, who has won their last two games with a backup quarterback, from the playoffs. That quarterback, who apparently isn’t good enough, has gotten the job done. How is it appropriate to penalize a perfect team with over eighty scholarship players because of a wrong step taken by one of those players? Correct, it’s not appropriate. Yes, if injuries would have taken over a team, that’s one thing, but one player doesn’t lead a team to zero losses. Clearly, this team was cheated out of a chance to bring home a trophy. 

So, as it’s blatantly obvious, the College Football Playoff Committee failed in doing their job and has robbed a deserving team of a chance at history. 

Does Alabama have a real chance to beat Georgia in the SEC championship this week?

by: Clark Kinney

It seems year in and year out Alabama always seems to wiggle themselves into the playoff picture no matter the team they have and this year is no different. Despite some early quarterback questions and a loss to Texas in the second game of their season, Bama is coming hot into the SEC championship vs. Georgia. Georgia is the back to back national champions and are undefeated so far this season but some believe they are not as good as they have been. This is looking like it could be a very good matchup. 

Jalen Milroe, the Alabama quarterback, has been looking very good in his past few games. Some people have questioned his pocket presence and arm talent, but he has shined throwing and running as of late. Milroe can flatout fly and has been running all over SEC defenses week in and week out. Alabama complements an extremely athletic quarterback with a crazy receiving core featuring Ja’Corey Brooks, Jermaine Burton, and Kobe Prentice to name a few. Bama also has a very good defense and have held opponents to just about 313 yards of offense per game which is very good considering their tough SEC schedule filled with high powered offenses. 

On the other hand, the Georgia Bulldogs are just flat out good. As mentioned before, Georgia is unbeaten so far this season and have only lost one game in the past 3 years. However, Georgia lost almost all of their starting defensive players to the draft along with their starting quarterback, Stetson Bennet IV. Despite the losses, the Dawgs have looked good and have had some key wins over solid opponents including a 30-21 victory over 9th ranked Missouri, a 38-10 victory over Tennessee, and a crushing 52-17 victory over 11th ranked Mississippi. Their offense is good with Alabama transfer Carson Beck at quarterback and almost a guaranteed future first round pick Brock Bowers at tight end. Along with everything else, their defense is good too allowing an average of just 294 yards of offense per game which tops Alabama’s defense. 

Even though Georgia is very, very good and have been for a while now, I just think it is so hard to bet against Alabama even though they are likely the underdogs. Also, Alabama’s coach Nick Saban is one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Georgia’s coach Kirby Smart is a former assistant coach of Saban and Saban has a whopping 28-3 record against his former assistants. So, do I think Alabama has a real chance to beat Georgia in the SEC championship this week? Yes, and I think they will beat them. 

Texas A&M kicks off 2023 Coaching Carousel.

by: Jones DesChamps

To the surprise of absolutely nobody, another college football coach is out of a job. Jimbo Fisher, Texas A&M’s head ball coach, has been let go.. Although his buyout is over 77 million dollars, Texas A&M buried their wallet and decided to let their fraudulent coach walk. Jimbo, who has recruited at the highest level, has not produced the lopsided records that his university was hoping for. Due to his underwhelming performances, Texas A&M decided to explore their other options. However the question still remains; who does this prestigious university look to hire next? 

The first realistic candidate for this high-paying job would be Dan Lanning. Simply put, Texas A&M is a better coaching job than Oregon is. Yes, Lanning has over-achieved at Oregon, but his efforts would be more fruitful at the higher level of SEC football. The timing would be difficult in the landing of this highly valuable coach, but if time is money then A&M has plenty of time to offer. Lanning is only in his second year at Oregon, but his success should grant him an offer at this job. 

Secondly, sticking to their guns, Texas A&M should look after a veteran coach. That coach could be Mike Elko. Clearly, football is not the top priority at Duke University. Elko, if he were offered, would certainly jump on the bandwagon to take over the job with the Aggies. Elko, who has little to no recruiting impact, could completely change this irrelevant reputation if put in the right situation. Not to mention, the Blue Devil’s head coach made his claim to fame as the defensive coordinator at A&M. His history with this university may prove vital in landing this job. 

Lastly, but certainly not least, would be the most interesting candidate, Lane Kiffin. No one controls Coach Kiffin. Every offseason, Kiffin is rumored to leave his position at Ole Miss and nowhere would be a better fit than Texas A&M. A&M is just a higher paying, more prestigious job than he has. His success as a Rebel has earned himself respect and recognition as one of the most explosive and high powered coaches in the country, and that’s exactly what the Aggies need. Kiffin would be the perfect coach to break through the barriers using A&M’s resources, so if the Aggies send an offer his way, do not be surprised to see this off-the-wall coach accept this offer. 

Obviously, there are plenty of worthy candidates for this job, but who will the Aggies offer? Will it be one of these possible options, or will the Aggies find someone different? Only time will tell.