Lauck, Pieper Named Lombardi Award Semifinalists
Fourth-year offensive linemen Trevor Lauck and Kade Pieper have been named 2026 Lombardi Award semifinalists.
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ACC Football power rankings after week 9
Welcome to the league where this week Boston College has CFP aspirations….whoops sorry about that Eagles fans. Let’s get to this week’s ACC power rankings: ********************************************************************************************************* What did we get wrong this week?
Strike 2: Is CU’s Deion Sanders growing his own coaching tree?
After Colorado’s overtime win over Kansas State ended a five‑game skid, Deion Sanders’ future at CU remains secure thanks to a $26 million buyout. While his on‑field record sits at 19‑26, the former NFL star may be forging a more lasting legacy by building a minority‑rich coaching tree. Coordinators Brennan Marion and Chris Marve, ex‑NFL players Vonn Bell and Dante Carter, and former Jackson State star Rashad Davis are among the 11 minority coaches primed for head‑coach roles, with Marion even touted as Sanders’ possible successor. Past hires like Sean Lewis and Marshall Faulk have already moved on to head positions, suggesting Sanders is intentionally cultivating future leaders in college football.
Paul Finebaum calls first College Football Playoff rankings ‘discombobulated’
ESPN's Paul Finebaum went after the latest CFP rankings on Wednesday.
UA Staff Decide They Don’t Want To Hear from Public After Auburn Game Announcement
Auburn week gave Arkansas athletics an opportunity to venture into territory it hadn't yet explored this season.
Paul Finebaum slams ‘discombobulated’ initial CFP rankings
Paul Finebaum erupts on ESPN’s Get Up, calling Tuesday’s first College Football Playoff rankings “as discombobulated as I’ve ever seen.” He derides the committee’s puzzling placements—most notably Alabama’s high slot ahead of Tennessee, who beat them weeks earlier—suggesting the new emphasis on strength of schedule is skewing the list, with two‑loss teams outranking one‑loss foes. Finebaum predicts the rankings will shift after Alabama’s win over LSU, with the next poll due Nov. 10.
Louisville’s Defensive Issues Started Last Winter and Jeff Brohm Should Explain Why
Jeff Brohm’s defensive overhaul began on Dec. 30, 2025, when he dismissed co‑defensive coordinators after Louisville ranked 16th in yards allowed. Rather than hiring experienced replacements, he promoted from within, leaving four staff spots vacant. Critics highlight his rapid turnover—five defensive coordinators in two years and three co‑coordinators in a single season—as a red flag. With the Cardinals’ defense now underperforming far below 2025 expectations, fans demand transparency on the staffing decisions before the 2027 season.
Nebraska Football: Time to Become Un-Rhule-y
Corn Nation’s November 4, 2026 piece blasts Nebraska’s new coaching staff, calling head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen inept. The author decries poor communication about the star quarterback’s injury, excessive analyst‑driven decisions, and an overstaffed “quality‑control” crew. He predicts a loss to Illinois, mocking Rhule’s recent press conference and comparing his tenure to Scott Frost’s failures. The rant also touches on broader concerns about NIL money and its impact on college football.
Rabbit Evans’ breakout season rewards the road back from injury
Rabbit Evans has turned last season’s injury setback into a breakout year, giving Utah a versatile defensive playmaker ahead of the Holy War.
State of the SEC: Post-Week 9
The first CFP rankings drop as the SEC reshapes after Week 9. Georgia secures the top spot at 7‑1 (5‑1 SEC) with a 27‑8 victory over #17 Florida, highlighted by three defensive interceptions and multiple sacks from Chris Cole and teammates. Kentucky matches Georgia at 7‑1, while Alabama slips to 6‑2 after a bye. Ole Miss rallies with a 45‑15 win over Auburn, and Texas flashes a 31‑3 rout of Mississippi State behind Arch Manning’s three TD passes. Arkansas, LSU, and several others sit on bye weeks, leaving the conference race wide open.
Is Respectable Good Enough?
Five years after Kansas hired Lance Leipold, the Jayhawks have swung from a nine‑win, bowl‑eligible high in 2023 to a 3‑5 start in 2026, sparking doubts about the program’s direction. Tim Riordan, former UB Bull Run editor, reflects on his 2021 interview with Leipold, discussing the coach’s flexible, program‑building reputation, the impact of the transfer portal, and the fallout from the Turner Gill hire. Riordan admits the results fall short of his expectations—he’d hoped for a steady 7‑8 win team with occasional 10‑win seasons—and questions whether Leipold can sustain success amid constant roster turnover. With Kansas needing three wins in its final four games to secure a bowl berth, the piece examines the future of Kansas football and Leipold’s tenure.
Kyle Whittingham gives encouraging updates on key injuries
Coach Kyle Whittingham says Michigan’s defense will regain two key pass rushers—senior DE John Henry Daley and junior DE Dom Nichols—ahead of the Michigan State rivalry after a 21‑point loss at Rutgers. He also announces an open competition for the kicking job, noting sophomore Trey Butkowski’s 60% field‑goal rate. Freshman QB Tommy Carr earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week with 266 passing yards, a TD and two rushing scores, though he admits to missed deep throws to speedy receiver Andrew Marsh. Whittingham praises Carr’s film‑room work and stresses continual improvement as the Wolverines eye the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
College Football Playoff Resume Rankings 2026 – Week 9
ESPN700’s Week 9 CFP Resume Rankings rank teams solely by their strength of schedule, using a point system that rewards wins over ranked, Power‑4 and Group‑6 opponents while penalizing losses. Texas tops the list with 9 points (wins over Ohio State, Tennessee and Ole Miss), followed by Kentucky (7.5) and Miami (7). Ohio State, Indiana, Utah, Oregon, Ole Miss, Alabama, Georgia, Texas Tech, BYU and others fill the top‑12, each earning points from marquee victories. The column also notes teams like Notre Dame (7‑1, 1 point) and Boise State (7‑1, 3 points) that are playoff‑eligible but sit outside the top‑12 resume ranking.
National analyst projects Syracuse to land 4-star OT Sidney Rouleau, who decommitted from Michigan
Syracuse football has buzz for 2027 4-star OT Sidney Rouleau, who visited last weekend and has decommitted from Michigan.
Oregon Ducks Podcast: It Never Rains on this Podcast 11-04-26
Tristan and I break down Oregon’s performance against Northwestern drive by drive, and look ahead to Ohio State.
Minnesota Football: RoWINg to UCLA – Opponent Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3) travel to Huntington Bank Stadium on Nov. 7 to face unbeaten No. 5 UCLA (8-0). UCLA’s explosive ground game, led by senior running back Wayne Knight’s 680 yards and 12 touchdowns, averages 281.5 rushing yards per game, while its offense thrives under coordinator Dean Kennedy’s complex schemes. However, the Bruins lost starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a season‑ending knee injury, leaving backup Ty Dieffenbach struggling with sub‑60% completions and no rushing threat. Minnesota must rely on a game plan focused on stopping the run, as UCLA ranks 10th in run defense (87.2 yds/game) and 5th in scoring defense (13.4 ppg). With UCLA’s turnover‑heavy defense and Minnesota’s recent offensive woes, the preview questions whether the Gophers can crack the Bruins’ stout front.
Penn State Commits in Action: Playoffs Kicking Off
Penn State’s 2027 and 2028 recruiting classes shine in high‑school playoffs as the Nittany Lions miss the college postseason. Four‑star tight end Cooper Terwilliger dominates a 47‑7 quarterfinal win for T.F. Riggs (SD) with three catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, and his team heads to a semifinal versus Sturgis Brown. Four‑star receiver Landom Blum scores three touchdowns and racks up 199 yards for Woodbine (IA) in an eight‑man league, setting up a quarterfinal against Bishop Garrigan. Three‑star defensive lineman Carter Blattner records five tackles, a forced fumble and 1.5 sacks in Northern Highlands (NJ)’s opening win. Quarterback James Armstrong posts 2,000 passing yards, 29 TDs and 700 rushing yards en route to a 9‑1 season and a WPIAL berth. These prospects are gearing up for their next playoff games, offering a glimpse of Penn State’s future talent.
Tiger Rag Radio: How Do LSU And Alabama Match Up In a Top 15 Showdown?
Tiger Rag dives into the upcoming top‑15 showdown at Tiger Stadium, breaking down LSU's matchup against Alabama. The piece features a scouting report from Mark Heim of AL.com and WNSP, highlighting key strengths, weaknesses, and player matchups for the Crimson Tide as they prepare for Saturday’s game. Readers get insights on offensive schemes, defensive threats, recent form, and tactical considerations that could shape the outcome of the rivalry.
Sam Leavitt Watched LSU-Bama As A Kid In Oregon … It Will Be “Surreal” When He Plays In It Saturday
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who grew up watching the Tigers face Alabama from Oregon, describes stepping onto Tiger Stadium this Saturday as "surreal." The 14‑year‑old fan turned freshman reflects on his journey, the rivalry’s history, and his preparation for the high‑stakes game against the Crimson Tide. Editor Glenn Guilbeau highlights Leavitt’s emotions, his first snap, and the anticipation surrounding LSU’s performance in the November 4, 2026 showdown.
Tiger Rag Radio: Tipping Off The Will Wade Era & LSU’s Path To The College Football Playoffs
Tiger Rag previews Will Wade’s return to LSU, breaking down his 100-57 season opener over LSU New Orleans and evaluating how Lane Kiffin’s Tigers have progressed under his leadership. The episode outlines LSU’s tactical upgrades, key player performances, and maps the team’s realistic path to the College Football Playoffs this season.
Russell Wilson Reportedly Interviewed for the NC State Job, and Now He’s Up Against Philip Rivers
Former Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson interviews for the NC State head‑coach vacancy, joining fellow ex‑Wolfpack star Philip Rivers as a leading candidate. Wilson, who retired after the 2025 Giants season and currently works as a CBS analyst, played three seasons in Raleigh before transferring to Wisconsin. Rivers, a high‑school coach in Alabama with no college experience, has been the presumed favorite since Dave Doeren’s firing on Oct. 24. Both iconic quarterbacks could vie for the job, though NC State may still consider candidates with proven head‑coaching backgrounds.
KIRK SPEAKS: Northwestern
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz faces a pivotal road clash with Northwestern on Saturday, a game that could decide the Hawkeyes' playoff hopes. Ferentz praised former star Jack Campbell amid a personal family situation and stressed the importance of November road wins for success. He admitted the team’s “Jekyll and Hyde” inconsistency—brilliant one week, shaky the next—and warned that the Wildcats, thriving under fourth‑year coach David Braun, will test Iowa’s resilience. The press conference hints at a high‑stakes showdown at Northwestern’s new stadium, with Ferentz hoping the Hawkeyes can finally find their November groove.
If LSU wins or loses vs. Alabama
LSU (6-2, No. 15) hosts No. 9 Alabama at Tiger Stadium, a pivotal SEC showdown. After back‑to‑back wins over Mississippi State and Auburn, a victory would crown the Tigers with their biggest win of the year, boost Lane Kiffin’s first‑season credibility, and solidify quarterback Sam Leavitt as a leader, improving LSU’s bowl outlook. Conversely, a loss would drop LSU to 6‑3, intensify doubts about its ability to compete with elite SEC foes, and tighten the margin for error in Kiffin’s campaign. The game stands as LSU’s chance to deliver a defining statement before the season’s final stretch.
3 overreactions to the first College Football Playoff rankings of 2026
The inaugural 2026 College Football Playoff rankings spark three major overreactions, according to Saturday Down South. Missouri, the lowest‑ranked 2‑loss SEC team, feels snubbed as the committee drops them several spots despite a tough schedule that includes Texas, Georgia and Kentucky. Notre Dame’s No. 11 placement shocks fans, with the 7‑1 Irish arguing they deserve a top‑10 spot before their high‑stakes game against Miami. Meanwhile Alabama lands at No. 5 with two losses, prompting questions about the committee’s leniency toward the Tide versus other 2‑loss SEC squads like Missouri and Tennessee. The article previews how Week 10 matchups could reshape these rankings before Selection Sunday.
Syracuse vs Clemson: TV/streaming, time, odds, history & more
The Syracuse Orange (4‑4, 2‑4) face the Clemson Tigers (5‑3, 3‑2) on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 12 pm in the JMA Wireless Dome. After a two‑game winning streak, Syracuse is a slim +2.5‑point underdog on FanDuel. ESPN2 will broadcast the game, with streams on WatchESPN and local radio coverage via Cuse.com, TK 99/105, WAER 88.3 and SiriusXM 258. The Tigers, led by 19‑year head coach Dabo Swinney, aim to rebound from a 7‑5 season and a Pinstripe Bowl loss, while the Orange, coached by Fran Brown, look to repeat their 34‑21 upset last year. The rivalry stands at 10‑3 in Clemson’s favor, but Syracuse holds a one‑game winning streak.
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