Seen 'em all – 133 FBS teams in action. Three new members to be added the next two years. All divisions: 706 games attended since 1979! Get my new book now available on Amazon.com in Kindle and in Paperback: Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly! Follow our 31-game schedule in 2024.
Martin, TN – Both teams return to reality today. Last week both ventured to play top level FBS teams. The Missouri State Bears fell to Kansas (2-0), 48-17. The Skyhawks of UT Martin went to the very top of the ladder traveling to Athens, Georgia to face the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs. They lost 48-7. Both teams will be chomping at the bit to play someone their own size now. I’ll be seeing these two both play for the first time in my 658th game. Last season, Missouri State defeated UT Martin, 35-30. This should be a good one! Taking St. Laurie on a short road trip to Paris, Tennessee and to Land Between the Lakes Nature Preserve. Look for results of this game by Monday morning. By the way, shortly I will be releasing my new book entitled, Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: the Good, The Fun, and the Ugly.
My stories of my journey of a lifetime to see 658 games makes up most of the Good and the Fun, but my two essays included will inform readers of the Ugly that could kill this great sport of college football as we know it, and my suggestions on changes to make more teams in the FBS more competitive for the CFP championship. I will announce it soon to be released on Amazon.com.
Nashville, Tennessee – After the No. 12 Tennessee Vols scored on their opening drive of the game following memorial tributes to the Cavalier football players killed last season by a former teammate, they seemed to give the visitors multiple chances to stay in this game before dominating them in the second half to overwhelm them in a 49-13 victory. A turnover on downs, two shanked punts, a fumbled punt and kickoffs out of bounds in the first half by Tennessee handed Virginia great field position. Despite the opportunities, the Cavaliers demonstrated poor capabilities in the basics of blocking and tackling to capitalize and overcome the Volunteer mistakes.
Vols head downfield on game’s opening drive for a 7-0 lead.
Evident poor O-line play by Virginia
Multiple missed tackles on many plays let the Vol offense move at will until costly play would stop their progress. The Virginia offensive line on the right side especially could not keep Tennessee defenders out of the UVA backfield. UT defensive end James Pearce recorded two sacks of starting QB Tony Muskett in the first period to decimate any Cav momentum. Virginia right offensive tackle Ugonna Nnanna tried to hand-wrestle defenders as they blew by him in what my high school coach would refer to a “look-out block” – what you would yell to your QB before he gets sacked. Under former Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliot, the Cavalier team lacks many basic fundamentals. In reports after the game, he credited RB Michael Hollins in his return from being gravely wounded in the shooting he recovered from. That was the most positive note regarding Virginia football this day.
The Vols clicked on 8 plays for 62 yards on its first possession when Joe Milton’s five-yard swing pass left to Dylan Sampson put the Vols in the lead early, 7-0. Tennessee, known for a quick, well executed hurry-up offense with Hendon Hooker at QB last season, did not look as efficient with Joe Milton III under center. Guest Game Analyst Bruce Shannon, a UT grad, fan and friend, told me that UT played without their starting center Cooper Mays today. He reportedly underwent a minor medical procedure and was filled in for by Ollie Lane, who had five career starts but never at center, which probably made a difference in their offensive efficiency early today.
Vols couldn’t get going
The Cavs then stopped the next Vol drive on a fourth and one at the UT 29 to take over on downs. It resulted in a 28-yard field goal attended that banged off the right upright to keep UVA off the board. Tennessee’s next drive was highlighted by Ramel Keyton’s wide-open dropped pass bound for an evident touchdown that forced the Vols to punt from the 24. Rugby-style punter Jackson Ross shanked the punt out of bounds for 16 yards.
Because of inept blocking, the Cavs started at the UT 40, but punted from their own 48 after a tackle for loss and a sack. Vols raced through the Cav line on each and every play. The Cavs forced the Vols to punt again to start from their 20, but again they lost nine yards again to punt from their 11. Tennessee’s Dee Williams fumbled the punt return, and the Cavs resumed possession on their 31 to start the second quarter.
Cavs couldn’t stop up front
The very poor Virginia offense gained no yards and put the Tennessee offense back at the seven with a 62-yard punt by Dan Sparks. He outshined his counterpart Ross who shanked another punt to put the Cavs in Tennessee territory at the 46. No matter what Tennessee misfired on to give Virginia field position in their territory, they could not take advantage. Sparks next punt started the Vols from their ten. This time, despite two early penalties, the Vols cashed in with a 13-play drive capped by Sampson’s second score on a three-yard run for 14-0 lead.
Once again, Vol kicking gave the Cavs a break putting them with the ball on their 35. Josh Turbyville’s kickoff went out of bounds. Virginia finally got on the board with Will Bettridge’s 30-yard field goal. With 1:42 left in the half, Tennessee demonstrated on its next possession that it was ready to take control .
Downtown Nashville looms over Nissan Stadium for a hot day in the Music City for an 11 am kickoff.
Vols dominate after shaky start
Jaylen Wright picked up 37 rushing yards on the drive. Milton completed two passes and plunged in from the one with six seconds remaining for a 21-3 halftime lead. The writing was on the wall for the second half. Virginia had nothing and Tennessee now had the momentum going their way. On a brutally hot, sunny, 90° afternoon in the upper deck of Nissan Stadium, I put away the camera and note pad. Besides setting them aside for the rest of the game, I did something I rarely do. I went to the concession area to get under the shade. and buy cold beers and water for my fellow tailgaters. It was well worth getting out of the sun, standing in line, and buying a few cold drinks for the second half. There was no other relief under the sun for fans or UVA football at Nissan today.
Tennessee’s first two possessions of the second half resulted in a one-yard score by Milton and a two-yard score by Sampson. Virginia finally put up six with a 17-yard scoring run by Perris Jones for a 35- 10 Tennessee lead. Going into the final period, Milton threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Warren. Sampson scored his fourth TD of the day capping a 40-yard drive with a three-yard run. Highly regarded recruit, quarterback Nico Iamaleava, played under center in this final UT scoring drive. Bettridge put up three from 40 to close out the scoring on the day. It was a 49-13 rout by a good team that didn’t play its best. It needs work against a team that looked very inept and looks destined for the ESPN Bottom 10.
Stats
Milton completed 21 of 30 for 201 passing yards and two TDs. Sampson recorded 52 yards on 13 carries and one reception for his four scores. Jalen Wright did the most leg work with 12 carries for 115 yards. Despite some drops, Keyton led UT receivers with three catches for 66. The defense took advantage of poor Virgina blocking with 11 tackles for loss and four sacks, two by Pearce and two by Tyler Baron.
UVA’s Michal Hollins noted by Tony Elliot for his personal comeback from the tragic shooting ran three time for -7 yards. Perri Jones and Kobe Pace matched in rushing each carrying seven times for 39 yards. The Virginia Cavaliers have a lot of work to turn things around for the rest of this season.
The announced attendance of 69,507 today set the Nissan Stadium attendance record for college football. Collegefootballfan.com was proud to be part of another record!
Next!
The Vols host FCS Austin Peay (0-1) in Neyland Stadium next week. So like Georgia, Ole Miss, Arkansas and Mississippi State, they’ll take advantage of a weaker FCS competitor. We still won’t know what Tennessee will have for SEC play after that. Against Power Five teams in Week One, they won the only contest in the SEC’s 1-3 record against similar competition. The first two SEC teams they play were among those losers – Florida to Utah and South Carolina to North Carolina. Virginia hosts a strong James Madison from the Sun Belt. Like Nnanna probably yelled to Tony Muskett with a 10.9 QBR for the day, “Look out!”
On the other hand, our game next week falls into a very competitive mode between two FCS teams who played way out of their league in Week One. We venture to Martin, Tennessee to a first-time venue to see the UT-Martin Skyhawks of the Ohio Valley-Big South Conference, 48-7 losers to No. 1 Georgia, host the Missouri State Bears of the Missouri Valley Conference, who lost to highly improved Kansas, 48-17. We have a couple of interesting side stops planned on the way to and from. The meeting should be a very competitive game between two programs we’ve never seen play before. The Skyhawks beat the Bears last season, 35-30. “Look-out!”
St. Laurie surrounded by Vol fans and alumni Grace, Mary Jean, Bruce and Jaela at pregame Bloody Mary and Pork Roll, Egg, and Cheese on Bagel breakfasts from Jersey Oven in Mt. Juliet. Apricot crumb cake by St. Laurie.Great start for our game day No. 657!
Jacksonville, Alabama – In an a very evenly matched opener for Collegefootballfan.com statistically and on the scoreboard, three turnovers made the difference as the Jacksonville State Gamecocks defeated the UTEP Miners, 17-14. For JSU, they started their first season successfully in their inaugural game. They became the 132nd team to start play in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The kickoff started the festive pre-game action when the temperature soared at 99°. Most partisan Gamecock fans stayed throughout the first half of play with their team up, 10-7. However, after their very popular band, The Marching Southerners, finished their stirring halftime performance, many left for the comfort of cooler places elsewhere.
Jacksonville State Marching Southerners perform at halftime vs. UTEP
First half action
Jacksonville forced their first turnover on downs halting the Miners on a fourth and two. They took over at the UTEP 47. PK Alan Karajac delivered a 41-yard field goal to take the lead in the first. The Gamecocks followed up with a score on their ensuing possession early in the second. Bobby Wiggins scored on a four-yard run to cap an 80-yard drive to put the Cocks up, 10-0. Another UTEP drive resulted in a fumble which the Gamecocks didn’t capitalize on. However, the Miners finally scored as the half ended. On a one-yard plunge by Deion Hankins, it put UTEP to within three before the stirring halftime performance by the Marching Southerners.
Jacksonville State recovers Gavin Hardiman fumble after 11-yard sack.
Adapting to FBS at JSU
JSU Stadium was half full with most fans only on the home side. Interstates to backroads got me there in three and a half hours an hour before kickoff. That was my plan, but to find a place to park took very long. No signs to any general public parking. Every space on campus was already taken. I did a few circular tours before someone ahead of me got the barriers removed from a lot. There, a few of us followed right through to empty spaces near the Montgomery football offices where empty spaces could be seen from the road. Patience had lucked out after asking a security guy where I could go.
If JSU wants to go big-time, they’re going to have to address this to park more beyond the 17,000 in announced attendance today. For now, all seats are considered General Admission at low prices and the entire visitor side which can probably seat 10,000 more only held a few hundred UTEP fans. Good deal for the short-term, but parking will have to be addressed since it’s non-existent near campus currently.
To start the second half, Jacksonville State thwarted Texas El Paso’s first drive with an interception by linebacker Kolbi Fuqua. An evenly matched game. UTEP stopped Jacksonville on a fourth down to take back the ball on the next Gamecock series. Midway through the third, Jacksonville extended its lead when freshman RB Malik Jackson’s seven-yard gave them a 17-7 advantage. Karajac failed to add to the buffer on a 45-yard attempt before the third ended.
Jacksonville State wins turnover battle
Early in the fourth on the Miners’ next possession, Gavin Hardison connected with Kelly Akharaiyi for a 32-yard touchdown pass. The teams exchanged punts three times before putting UTEP on their 12 for their last opportunity to ties or go ahead. On a fourth and one at the JSU 24, Hardison fired a pass to the left flat where Safety Jeremiah Harris lunged in front of the intended receiver for an interception. With no time-outs left for the Miners, the Gamecocks ran out the clock. Head Coach Rich Rodriguez’s team celebrated it first win in the FBS. Their turnover on downs resulted in their first score, a fumble recovery and two interceptions stopped four other Miner drives to key the win. The Miners held advantages in total yards (364-277), passing yards 208-67) and time of possession (34:38-25:22).
Next!
Jacksonville State hosts FCS East Tennessee State next weekend. UTEP also hosts an FCS opponent, Incarnate Word. Since both teams compete now in ConferenceUSA, I will see the Gamecocks at Middle Tennessee on October 4, a Wednesday night game. Later, I will see UTEP also in Murfreesboro on November 18. We’ll see if any progress will ensue until then. This Saturday at 11 am CST, No. 12 Tennessee comes to Nashville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers at Nissan Stadium. Tailgate time and dark sunglasses for me with all that orange in The Music City!
Extra Points: Game 656 set a few new milestones for Collegefootballfan.com at Jacksonville State University Stadium. We attended a game in our 80th FBS stadium, our 172nd among college football venues at all levels overall. The 17-14 score marked the 70th FBS game we attended by a final score of three points or less, and our 143rd final score resulting within seven points or less.
JSU Head Coach Rich Rodriguez confers with his QB Zion Webb during time-out.
It’s been a crazy off season with so many confusing changes going on in college football that it’s hard to keep up with. You haven’t seen any updates of Steveo’s Salvos lately. It doesn’t mean I’m avoiding what’s going on. As a matter of fact, I’ve been analyzing the many factors that can change college football for better or worse. Rather than keeping my website up to date, I’m getting ready to release a new book covering all the changes and potential impacts for college football in the long term. The title of my new book is:
Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun, and the Ugly.
I plan to have the book released on Amazon.com in the
next few weeks. Look for upcoming announcements.
Our 2023 Collegefootballfan.com schedule starting this weekend:
Between Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee, next season we plan to attend more games with both as CUSA has a new mid-week television package.
Click on links below for UTEP, Jacksonville State, Virginia and
Never know what gems teams find in these rounds. It’s amazing how many of these 2023 NFL draft selections exceed expectations to eventually become the building blocks of these teams for many years.
Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo hauled in this underthrown Will Levis pass against Kentucky and turned to race downfield the spot the ball on the 47. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him at No. 105. Georgia seems to be the AAA football team for Philly. Great strategy!BYU OT Blake Freeland provides final push into end zone for a score against UAB in 2021 Independence Bowl. The Indianapolis Colts picked him in the fourth round. Troy C Jake Andrews (55) made the grade in Round 4 among draft selections at No. 107 to head on the the New England Patriots.Roschon Johnson scores from one to give Texas a 31-27 lead to pull ahead for good against Baylor. We look for him to be a “hidden gem” who will have a stellar career in the pros.It looks like Auburn DE Colby Wooden (25) will have to step up a little more quickly here if he wants to play for the Green Bay Packers who drafted him in Round 4. PSU QB Sean Clifford got the ball to TE Brenton Strange on this play. All three were taken among 2023 NFL draft selections. Clifford (14) and he will be teammates as Clifford was selected by the Packers in Round 5.Georgia QB Stetson Bennett (13) completes an outlet pass to his leading rusher of the day, Kenny McIntosh (6). The LA Rams took him 26th in Round Four. Why not? He’s a winner having led the Bulldogs to a 29-1 record for two championships the last two seasons. What do the Rams have to lose?Purdue Boilermaker QB Aidan O’Connell finished up the Third round for us. He was selected 135th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. His favorite target and former HS teammate in this game against Penn State, Charlie Jones, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals four slots ahead of him.
Houston Cougar WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell makes one of two TD grabs against Navy last season. The third team All-American we see as going in the second round of the 2023 draft and being sent into heavy action somewhere his Rookie season. Oh well! The Texans grabbed him in the third. The Texans weren’t far behind the Lions following us.Alabama’s DL Byron Young (47) fights through Utah State Aggies blocking to make a tackle. LV Raiders made him the 70th pick overall among third round 2023 draft selections.Louisville DL Yaya Diaby (6) found his way to Tampa Bay as the 82nd selection overall. Seen here finding his way to a James Madison ball carrier in 2022.Iowa Safety Riley Moss (33) and all of Hawkeye secondary dominated Levis-less Kentucky all day in a 21-0 win at Music City. Moss went to Denver as the 83rd pick overall in the third round 2023 draft selections.The San Francisco 49ers traded up to take PSU S Ji’Ayir Brown (16) as the 87th selection in the third round of 2023.Wake Forest DT Kobie Turner (0) was taken 89th by the LA Rams. In 2022, he and the Demon Deacs defeated Vanderbilt, 45-25. Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown (0) stops Baylor RB in Austin in the Longhorns 38-27 win. His hometown favorites, the Cowboys, chose him at No. 90 to team up with LB Micah Parsons.Our third # 0 in a row comes up. Georgia TE Darnell Washington clears path for Kenny McIntosh against Kentucky. Projected to go in Rounds 2-3, his number got called up by the Steelers at No. 93.From three straight # 0’s all the way up to #99! Our sixth Detroit Lion pick came at No. 96. Here, DL No. 99 Brodric Martin of Western Kentucky hustles to chase down a Middle Tennessee runner in the Topper’s 35-17 victory in 2022. Martin will be wearing MTSU colors this Fall.Baylor DT Siaki Ika, second from top in white (62), looks to be a run stopper at 6’3″, 335 lbs. Expected to go in Round 4-5 this year, the Cleveland Browns took him in the Third Round 2023 selections at No. 98.We witnessed nine other players selected among Round Three 2023 draft selections. Rather then list them all, we just offer you of The Dance Team of Western Kentucky whose DT Brodric Martin got drafted.
Look for selections we saw selected in Rounds 4-7 soon!
After the first three rounds, we can say that seeing many of The Top 25 in action last season that we saw many talented performers in action taken as 2023 draft selections in the first three rounds. Trouble is though that we saw a few teams among the best play, like Ohio State, camera problems prevented us from getting any good action photos. On the other hand, we captured some draft choices in action over the past few years playing outside the Top 25 like North Dakota State and Western Kentucky who the pros thought just as highly about. You never know. Check out the collection of photos below showing who we saw and some of our humble thoughts for what they are worth.
If we were selecting a QB as our first 2023 draft choice, It would definitely be Bryce Young (9) of Alabama. The Carolina Panthers thought as much, too. Despite the concern about his size, we think he’ll be big in the pros. Seen here engineering a 55-0 win over Utah State early in 2022.We also saw CJ Stroud of Ohio State play. Went to Texans on next pick.Will Anderson Jr (31), seen here in action taking on the challenge of Utah State in Bama’s 55-0 onslaught. No doubt to go as the premier LB in the 2023 NFL draft. Texans traded up to take him third overall. Great move on their part.Texas RB Bijan Robinson (5) should be the first running back selected in the draft shown here vs. Baylor. We were correct, but no one expected a RB to be taken at No. 8 in first round by Falcons. He’ll join Tyler Allgeier in Atlanta who we liked the previously year when we saw him have two big games for BYU. Falcons should have great one-two punch running attack now.Georgia DT Jalen Carter (88) leads Dawgs against Kentucky for short gain. Though his value may have dropped due to legal consequences, he will go in the first found. Went to the Eagles at No. 9. After that, the Eagles continued to load up on the Junkyard Dawgs. Do they know something nobody else does?Tennessee OT Darnell Wright (58) opens a hole against Purdue in the 2021 Music City Bowl. Selected at No. 10 among the 2023 draft selections, he’ll be creating seams for fellow Chicago Bears to run through next season. Alabama Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) on the run versus Utah State. The transfer from Georgia Tech averaged 5.5 yards per run and 11.7 yards on catches out of the backfield. Diverse weapon for any pro-style offense. Another RB went surprisingly in the first round of 2023 draft selections. The Detroit Lions took him at No. 12.Iowa DE Lukas Van Ness (91) and team shut out Kentucky in 2022 Music City Bowl. Van Ness projected to go in Round 2-3 of 2023 NFL Draft. Surprise! The Green Bay Packers selected him at No. 13 in Round 1 among 2023 draft selections. The pros love Iowa Defenders and Tight Ends.At No. 14, the Steelers selected UGA G Broderick Jones. He chose jersey No. 77 in honor of his deceased Bulldog teammate Devin Willock who he played along side, shown up to his right, to dedicate his pro career to his memory. Speaking of Iowa defenders, here’s another. LB Jack Campbell (31) shows leverage here against Kentucky in the Music City. He went at No. 18 to the Detroit Lions. In hindsight, some analysts say the Lions could have gotten better at this position. Sometimes, the lower rated draftees turn out to be the best picks. On the other hand, this is Detroit. Boston College WR Zay Flowers (4) shown here in action vs Wake Forest in 2021. The Ravens drafted him at No. 22 to give QB Lamar Jackson “another weapon”. Does that mean Jackson will run less? Hard to envision.First Round selections OSU OT Paris Johnson and WR Jaxon Smith Njiba, UGA LB Nolan Smith, and Clemson DE Myles Murphy and DT Bryan Bressee also played in games I attended, but I didn’t get good photos of them. Instead, I got some good cheerleader photos like this one.
Round Two of 2023 draft selections
Standout Penn State DB Joey Porter, Jr. (9) got selected first in Round 2 by the same team his father played for, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Shown here an action this past season against Auburn.Kentucky QB Will Levis dropped into Round Two to the Tennessee Titans. Despite what Mel Kiper thinks, I say he should have gone much lower. Kiper loved Jake Locker and Malik Willis. For Titans – strike 3! Levis could not start at Penn State, was inaccurate under no pressure vs UGA, had no QB comp at U of K, and lost at home to Vanderbilt, 17-14. Over-rated. Back to Iowa. This time another TE. Looking for another George Kittle. No. 84 Sam LaPorta displays downfield blocking tenacity against Kentucky secondary. He was selected at No. 34 overall by the Detroit Lions.Hopefully unlike Iowa, the Lions will have someone to throw him the ball once in a while.Auburn DE Derick Hall (29) was picked 37th overall among 2023 draft selections by the Seattle Seahawks. Shown here against Penn State in 2022.In 2019 action against Delaware, Soph OT Cody Mauch (88) of North Dakota State blocks for the FCS national champ FG unit. Tampa Bay selected him No. 48. Can’t tell if he’s got a mouth piece or had teeth in this pic.Penn State TE Brenton Strange (86) charges down field for gain against Auburn. The Jacksonville Jaguars got themselves a good bargain at No. 61 overall. Good hands, speed, and tough runner with the ball.Another Penn Stater got selected among the 2023 draft selections right after Brenton Strange. When you hear of a football player named “Juice”, he’s usually a slick RB. In this case, the Texans took Juice Scruggs (70), a center shown here providing QB protection against Purdue.Among second round players seen in action that we neglected to get on camera, we saw DB Brian Branch of Alabama, DB Cam Smith of South Carolina, and WR Rashee Rice of SMU against Navy in 2019. However, we got great seats to photograph South Carolina cheerleaders at their game against Kentucky.
Round Three of 2023 selections
When the Philadelphia Eagles go tired of bolstering their defense, they bulked up their offensive line with Alabama’s No. 54 Tyler Steen. Shown here in lower center in The Tide’s opener against Utah State, Steen landed at No. 65 in the draft.Evidently the Detroit Lions followed us closely! They selected Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker (5) as their fifth player at No. 65. We got their first six selections in action on camera. Wait until you see where the next one came from!
For more of the third round and beyond, link here!
Pro selections draw nearer as we approach the 2023 NFL draft from April 27-29. One note: I haven’t focused in this topic as much as I usually do. I am totally immersed this spring working on a new book I hope to publish in June well before the 2023 college season kicks off. The working title is called, Fifty years . It will be based on my original book published in 2011, Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ’em all! The new book starts with the adventures taken from the first book telling of the first time I attended a game played by every FBS team. Then, I “fast-forward” from there to basically the best of games I attended played by each FBS since. You will find I attended many great exciting and significant games played by every FBS team, all 131 and counting. So much great down to the last-minute action! Stories revel in players’ and coaches’ names you still recognize today, and others whose moments were fleeting, but still a significant part of their school’s gridiron history.
Bringing history up to date
In Fast Forwards, I take liberty to analyze and give my opinions on the current status of changes currently impacting the great sport of college football. You may agree or disagree with what I say, but the main thing I’d like to do is create awareness of what is happening and the possible ramifications and possible alternative solutions for this great game in the future. These topics in some cases can be considered as what I determined to be the rising “ugly” side of college football.
In the end, I also present my “bucket list” – more from the fun side. Entering my sixth decade attending college football games every weekend (655 since 1979) when I started doing this religiously, I plan to continue doing this as long as I can. Games to attend, venues to visit, game action to enjoy, and great fans to meet! Watch for updates regarding Fifty Years very soon. Back to the 2023 NFL draft.
Today, we introduce Collegefootballfan.com’s Top Defenders seen in action eligible for selection! Over the last three seasons, we’ve done our scouting having attended 44 NCAA football games. Would’ve been over 20 more if not for Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. Only got to attend three that season, but witnessed pro talent among six squads in action.
We note many of the players we’ve seen rank right up at the top of the mock drafts announced. Based on what we saw for ourselves, we don’t always agree with all the soothsayers have to say. They watch highlight films. We watch entire games in person. Already, we envision some of their top picks as flops. Hopefully, our photo files contain some more glimpses of a few gems we picked out on our own. Take a look for your enjoyment and fantasy league selections.
Agility, quickness, and toughness sought first at next level
We captured some of the best here. Surely some of these guys will be key pro performers for years to come. Four months and one day until our 44th season kicks off on August 26.
Here come some of the best defenders for the 2023 NFL draft:
Will Anderson Jr (31), seen here in action taking on the challenge of Utah State in Bama’s 55-0 onslaught. No doubt to go as the premier LB in the 2023 NFL draft.Also seen here for The Tide, LB Henry To’o To’o will probably go by the third round.Georgia DT Jalen Carter (88) leads Dawgs against Kentucky for short gain. Though his value may have dropped due to legal consequences, he will go in the first found.Georgia Safety Kelee Ringo (5) hauled in this underthrown Will Levis pass and turned to race downfield to spot the ball on the 47. He will go in Round 1-2 of 2023 NFL draft.A pride of Nittany Lions led by S Ji Ayir Brown (16) prey on QB in win at Auburn. Brown won Team and Rose Bowl MVP in 2022. Recorded 74 tackles, 4.5 for loss, and four INTs. Round 1-2 selection in NFL 2023 draft.Another PSU DB expected to go high in 2023 NFL draft, CB Joey Porter, Jr. (9) seen here at Purdue. Iowa DE Lukas Van Ness (91) shut out Kentucky in 2022 Music City Bowl. Van Ness projected to go in Round 2-3 of 2023 NFL Draft.Second team All Big Ten in 2022 with 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Blocked two kicks. Baylor DT Siaki Ika, second from top in white, looks to be a run stopper at 6’3″, 335 lbs. Seen here against Texas State in 2021. Expected to go in Round 4-5 this year.Army LB Andre Carter (34) is first West Pointer to be drafted in many years. Long and lean and having played against lesser teams among the FBS, he will be a work in process. Look late in Round 6-7.EDGE rusher Derrick Hall of Auburn (29) led the Tigers with 12 TFLs and seven sacks in 2022. He tallied 60 total tackles, intercepted a pass, and forced two fumbles to earn first-team All- SEC honors. Projected to be taken in second round of 2023 NFL draft.
Pro selections draw nearer as we approach the 2023 draft from April 27-29. One note: I haven’t focused in this topic as much as I usually do. I am totally immersed this spring working on a new book I hope to publish in June well before the 2023 college season kicks off. The working title is called, Fifty years . It will be based on my original book published in 2011, Tales from the Tailgate: From the Fan who’s seen ’em all! The new book starts with the adventures taken from the first book telling of the first time I attended a game played by every FBS team. Then, I “fast-forward” from there to basically the best of games I attended played by each FBS since. You will find I attended many great exciting and significant games played by every FBS team, all 131 and counting. So much great down to the last-minute action! Stories revel in players’ and coaches’ names you still recognize today, and others whose moments were fleeting, but still a significant part of their school’s gridiron history.
Bringing history up to date
In Fast Forwards, I take liberty to analyze and give my opinions on the current status of changes currently impacting the great sport of college football. You may agree or disagree with what I say, but the main thing I’d like to do is create awareness of what is happening and the possible ramifications and possible alternative solutions for this great game in the future. These topics in some cases can be considered as what I determined to be the rising “ugly” side of college football.
In the end, I also present my “bucket list” – more from the fun side. Entering my sixth decade attending college football games every weekend (655 since 1979) when I started doing this religiously, I plan to continue doing this as long as I can. Games to attend, venues to visit, game action to enjoy, and great fans to meet! Watch for updates regarding Fifty Years very soon. Back to the 2023 draft.
Today, we introduce Collegefootballfan.com’s Top Receivers seen in action eligible for selection! Over the last three seasons, we’ve done our scouting having attended 44 NCAA football games. Would’ve been over 20 more if not for Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. Only got to attend three that season, but witnessed pro talent among six squads in action.
We note many of the players we’ve seen rank right up at the top of the mock drafts announced. Based on what we saw for ourselves, we don’t always agree with all the soothsayers have to say. They watch highlight films. We watch entire games in person. Already, we envision some of their top picks as flops. Hopefully, our photo files contain some more glimpses of a few gems we picked out on our own. Take a look for your enjoyment and fantasy league selections.
Durability and toughness sought first at next level
Regarding the receiving corps scouted, we’ve seen a few that sit atop many a pro teams’ 2023 draft wish lists. In this list, we include swift wide-receivers and big sure-handed tight ends who can also block. With the advancement of the professional passing games, NFL rosters can’t have enough of both available find the openings quickly and to step in to take over when a teammate goes down to injury
Here are some of the best, we’ve been able to capture at games we attended. Of all the positions played, this is where we think it’s the easiest to find good talent because there are so many good receivers among the college ranks. Again, we always find it fun to say, “we remember when…” before everybody else sees them play for the first time.
Check for updates until the 2023 draft for both our top offensive players and defensive prospects entering the draft on our respective pages. Among all our file photos, we may come across more after our initial reviews. Four months and seven days until our 44th season kicks off on August 26.
Here come our Tight Ends for the 2023 NFL draft:
Georgia TE Darnell Washington (0) clears path for Kenny McIntosh against Kentucky. Second Team All-SEC. Projected to go in Rounds 1-2 of the 2023 draft.Penn State TE Brenton Strange takes it over for go ahead TD against Auburn in the 28-21 win in 2021. Third team All Big-Ten. Look for him to go in middle rounds and be solid as a pro performer.Boilermaker receivers like TE Payne Durham made outstanding catches to give QB Austin O’Connell a record setting day in 2021 Music City! Tough with good hands. Second team All Big Ten in 2022. Rounds 3-4. Good choice for any team. Cincinnati TE Josh Whyle snags pass here for a 29-yard TD pass against UCF in 2020. An All-AAC first teamer in 2022, look for him to go in middle rounds of the 2023 draft.
Top Wide Receivers in action moving up
Houston Cougar WR Nathaniel “Tank” Dell makes one of two TD grabs against Navy last season. The third team All-American we see as going in the second round of the 2023 draft and being sent into heavy action somewhere his Rookie season. Virginia WR Keytaon Thompson Jr. comes into the 2023 draft as an interesting selection. At 6’4″ he’s played QB and WR but shown RB capabilities as seen here (#99) against BYU. Has wide range of talent but can probably focus now as WR. See him going in the later rounds. We liked what we saw when he played against BYU and Louisville in 2021.WR Mitchell Tinsley transferred to Penn State in 2023. In 2022, we watched him play for Western Kentucky here in a win over MTSU. We don’t know if his value increased while he played for the Lions. At best, we see him going in the lower rounds of the 2023 draft.Wake Forest WR A.T. Perry pulls in one of five passes against Vanderbilt in 2022. Quick with sometimes questionable hands, he can be taken anywhere in Rounds 3-5 of 2023 draft.
It’s that time of year again as we draw near to the pro draft coming up on April 27-29. Today we introduce Collegefootballfan.com’s Top running backs seen in action eligible for selection! Over the last three seasons, we’ve done our scouting having attended 44 NCAA football games. Would’ve been over 20 more if not for Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. Only got to attend three that season, but witnessed pro talent among six squads in action.
We note many of the players we’ve seen rank right up at the top of the mock drafts announced. Based on what we saw for ourselves, we don’t always agree with all the soothsayers have to say. They watch highlight films. We watch entire games in person. Already, we envision some of their top picks as flops. Hopefully, our photo files contain some more glimpses of a few gems we picked out on our own. Take a look for your enjoyment and fantasy league selections.
Durability and toughness sought first at next level
Regarding our stable of running backs scouted, we’ve seen a few that sit atop many a pro teams’ wish lists. In recent years though, it seems RBs have lost the luster they used to have. Other positions such as offensive tackles, EDGE rushers, shutdown DBs, and long WRs take precedence in value over runners. At the collegiate level, we don’t see many who dominate an offense as in the past, especially with read/pass option schemes. However, at the pro level, that offense leaves such QBs more prone to injury.
Pro-style offensive strategies rely more now than ever on those running backs who can pick up the short, tough yards in situations to keep drives alive. There’s still that sudden burst needed when the receivers spread that secondary apart to open up more running room. Don’t want to say that RBs are a dime a dozen, but there are a select few coming into the draft that will be sought to fill those needs make a difference at the next level. Always fun to say, “we remember when…”
Check for updates until 2023 draft for both our top offensive players and defensive prospects entering the draft on our respective pages. Among all our file photos, we may come across more after out initial reviews. Four months and 26 days until our 44th season kicks off on August 26.
Here come our Top Running Backs for the 2023 NFL draft:
Texas RB Bijan Robinson (5) should be the first running back selected in the draft with rushing yards. In 2023, he finished sixth in the FBS with 1,580yards and 18 Touchdowns. We believe that Dewayne McBride of UAB, who we saw in the Blazers Independence Bowl win in 2021 over BYU, will be the second RB to be selected.Alabama Running back Jahmyr Gibbs (1) on the run versus Utah State. The transfer from Georgia Tech averaged 5.5 yards per run and 11.7 yards on catches out of the backfield. Diverse weapon for any pro-style offense.In our 2022 opportunity to see No. 1 Georgia, Bulldog RB Kenny McIntosh led his team with 143 yards. He led the Dawgs balanced running attack with 829 yards and 10 TDs. We look for him to go in the middle rounds.Longhorn Running Back Roschon Johnson (2) scores from one to give Texas a 31-27 lead over Baylor to pull ahead for good. Playing in the shadows of Bijan Robinson, he could make a bigger impact in the NFL.Kentucky Running Back Chris Rodriguez averaged 6.4 yards per carry over four seasons and has demonstrated capability to burst for long touchdowns runs. We look for him to get picked up in the middle rounds of the 2023 draft.
