Seen 'em all – 136 FBS teams of 138 in action! Up to 749 games since 1979. Week 5 – Game 749: USC (6-1, 3-1) 31 Penn State (3-3, 0-3) 23. Capture our unique, fun, life-long adventure in my book on Amazon.com: "Fifty Years of Tailgate Tales: The Good, the Fun and the Ugly." Click on our 2026 Schedule below. Follow us to exciting games, fun travels, frank insights, and stars of tomorrow in games we'll attend this season!
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.
It’s that time of year again to show Collegefootballfan.com’s Top offensive players seen in action! We’ve done our scouting having attended 44 NCAA football games over the last three seasons. Would’ve been over 20 more if not for Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. Only got to attend three, 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 upcoming draft. Based on what we saw for ourselves, we don’t 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.
We take great pride in seeing so many teams with great talent. During 2022 in particular, just among Georgia, Ohio State, Alabama, and Clemson on our schedule, we saw a lot of pro prospects. We enjoy watching not only what players will be selected and when on April 27-29, but we also look forward to which one’s go forward to have fantastic pro careers. 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. Six months and four days until our 44th season kicks off on August 26.
Quarterback prospects
If we were selecting a QB as our first 2023 draft choice, It would definitely be Bryce Young (9) of Alabama. Seen here engineering a 55-0 win over Utah State early in 2022.Purdue Boilermaker QB Aidan O’Connell threw for 7,202 yards and 50 TDs the past two seasons. We look for him to go in the middle rounds of the 2023 pro draft.Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker (5) put together to good years in 2021 and 2022. An injury cut short his 2023 season. The pros will be carefully reviewing his health status before selecting him in the middle of this year’s draft.Houston’s Clayton Tune led the Cougars completing 67.7% of his passes for 7,620 yards and 70 scores while throwing only 10 INTs the past two seasons. He will be a good pickup as an understudy in the 2023 pro draft. here he is seen throwing against a tough Cincinnati secondary in the 2022 AAC championship game.In the 2023 pro draft, Kentucky QB Will Levis (above center) is highly touted by Mel Kiper, Jr. among others. He played terribly here against Georgia in a 16-6 loss where his play made the difference. He was beaten out by Sean Clifford at Penn State before transferring to Kentucky. He opted out for the 2022 Music City Bowl where his team lost to Iowa, 21-0. We don’t see what others see. There are better QBs that should be selected ahead of him in this year’s draft.
Working title: Fifty years of Tales from the Tailgate: The Good, the Fun, and the Ugly of College Football, 1972-2022 (and beyond)
“College football—what better way to spend an autumn afternoon?” That catch-phrase of ABC’s Chris Schenkel during the 1960’s always stirs memories of growing up watching NCAA football on television every fall Saturday afternoon. As a kid, I would tune into the games to not only witness the exciting action on the field, but to experience emotions from the sights and sounds surrounding the games – fight songs, drumbeats, school colors, cheerleaders, card sections, chants, feisty mascots, and passionate crowds – and I wanted to experience all of that in person someday.
After graduation from college in 1979, I’d eventually see half of the big-time teams play before the 2000 college football season began. As usual, I perused team schedules to check out what games I wanted to attend during the upcoming season. I realized that I could possibly see nine new teams I hadn’t seen before. After that, 50 more Division 1A teams remained to be seen in person.
Could such an unimagined goal be possible “to see ‘em all”? Could I actually get to see every 1A team play in person at least once in my lifetime? This was something that I’d love to do. It wouldn’t be easy based on time, some extra travel, growing responsibilities, and of course, money.
Granted, I would be focused on only one, sometimes two games on a Saturday or over a weekend, causing me to miss many televised games. For my passion, however, I’d be living and breathing the excitement, traditions, and atmosphere of at least one game being played somewhere. I’d read about avid baseball fans making trips to see as many Major and Minor League teams play in as many venues as possible on a tour across the country during the summer. Of course, limited to games played generally on Saturdays over four months, I couldn’t complete this objective in one season. Who could?
By no means did I have access to a private or corporate jet. Not in my wildest dreams would anyone want to hire me to cover college football for major some media outlet. Who would hire a business major whose college football experience comprised of the following: one season of 150-lb football where I never made weight; a season of transfer ineligibility spent running on a scout-team offense for a D-3 program (my frosh cohorts and I called ourselves, “Scout-team All-Americans” to offset the three days a week against the first-team defense); a year recovering from an ACL and menial meniscus injury self-inflicted during a spring, club lacrosse game ( I was elected team captain because I probably clobbered everybody in practice at last once); coming back from that injury in the best shape of my life two football seasons later; and eventually walking into the coaching staff meeting to say “screw this” after a scrimmage against Millersville State my senior year (my parting words were, “This ain’t Notre Dame!). I could not say I was a college football player, but I was definitely a college football “practicer”.
Though this vision to see ‘em all might take years, I knew doing this out of sheer desire would be an experience to savor. Also in 2000, with a wife and two young kids, I’d have to figure out how I could get them to buy into my plan cutting into quality, family time, and the household budget.
Also, realize my endeavor wasn’t to make it to every stadium across the country from my native New Jersey. That would be divorce no matter how saintly my wife may be. I had to pick and choose my games with a time-constrained plan in place. In addition to that, I was obligated to earn a living Monday-Friday.
Now in 2023 settling into retirement, looking back I wouldn’t have done this any other way. This turned out to be challenging enough, and I wanted to do this for my own personal enjoyment. Employment doing this would remove the fun and add pressure. To paraphrase that Navy ad campaign from years ago, “I didn’t need another job, I wanted an adventure.”
I developed plans looking at future schedules. Where and when could I drive to a particular game? There would be costs. How much? Could I afford to fly in some cases? Could I visit with friends, or find low-cost hotels? Could I get friends to travel with me, or go by myself? I desired to get this done, but I also wanted to have fun while doing it. Some close to me had doubts. Of course, I couldn’t have continued my “goal”, or maybe I should say “habit”, over the years without the blessings my wife. St. Laurie, as some refer to her, became the patron saint of college football widows.
For more than fifty years, attending college football games in person has provided me with memorable, fun-filled, rewarding experiences. Being able to share these “adventures” with other college football fans makes it all even more fun. This book starts fifty years ago on this surreal trip. It starts as a junior in high school and continues after retirement in a 42-year career as a Purchasing professional. Update: my ultimate college tailgate travel tour to see ‘em all continues into 2023 and beyond! Up to 676 games attended in all. It’s not over. The journey continues.
Regarding this adventure, some readers may find it dismal that I saw the majority of teams play for the first time against the likes primarily of Penn State, Army, Navy, or Rutgers. Others may think that I “cheated” by attending games at a close, neutral site like The Meadowlands. In those earliest years reported, travel was bound based on my starting salary. Earning $12,000 in 1979, my entertainment budget determined where I could afford to go and how much I could spend.
Of course, my football-focused budget called for tickets, beer, gas, parking, food, beer, and my just-developing game program library. Of course, that salary also financed a non-football budget. It paid for necessities like apartment rent, beer, utilities, a car payment, softball travels, groceries, and beer. Sometimes, I could actually afford to go out on a date. However, I’ve attended another 250+ games since writing the first book published in 2011. As the salary grew along with frequent flier points for business travel, my horizons for football travel expanded. I’ve now attended games at 78 FBS stadiums; 170 in all including neutral sites and lower division venues.
Later games played by many teams seen play the first time offered more significance than the original games attended. Rather than write another full story about another game attended, instead I include a “Fast Forward” epilogue to original chapters where I highlight that particular team’s sightings to closer, present-day experiences (Example: LSU’s first-game chapter reports a loss in 1981 to Notre Dame. In 2018, I watched QB Joe Burrow and LSU riddle Oklahoma, 63-28, at the CFP Peach Bowl on their way to the National Championship). I report that in the LSU chapter’s “Fast Forward.”
On the other hand, things are changing in college football. For better or for worse? I address that in these chapters. Back in the 80’s, SMU football got shut down for two years with the “Death Penalty” for illegal payments to student-athletes. Now, the NCAA instituted a policy titled “Name, Image, and Likeness” (NIL) supposedly for the benefits of athletes to make money in what is now basically becoming a major industry, literally of football factories. Many deemed policies to compensate athletes were necessary to cover living expenses.
Instead, this is becoming a “monster”. Schools now solicit contributions from supporters to be matched by corporate sponsors to raise NIL funds to entice the best talent. Was this the intent of the NIL policy? How is this different than what SMU did in the 80s to shut its program down? The NCAA, an “academic” institution, seems to have put little thought into any of this. I address issues like this as the “Ugly” in college football.
Back to the “Good” and the “Fun” of my book. In some cases, your favorite teams may have ended up on the “short-end” of the initial chapter. I have to say though that in most of those cases, I came up with a silver lining to shed a more positive light on your team’s personal history with me. But, consider this book follows a historical adventure on one fan’s passion to “see ‘em all.” It’s an adventure over time and distance.
I have two favorite teams (Penn State and Navy), but I didn’t commit to see them play every weekend. I wanted to visit different places, see different teams, enjoy unique game atmospheres, witness specific traditions, meet fans of different schools, travel different routes. Maybe you would’ve liked doing this yourself someday, but since you couldn’t, take this long, fun, unique journey along with me.
With my relocation from NJ to Tennessee for retirement, there comes a “bucket list”. It assures I will see games at venues still yet to be attended. Hopefully, this will not only draw people to my blog, collegefootballfan.com, but also provide me experiences for another book idea.
I have one outside the realm of seeing every team play, but it’s still based on my life-long experiences following college football. This updated edition of my original book offers a perspective of 50 years and many different places to enjoy a college football game on a fall, Saturday afternoon, or now even on a weekday night. Come along for a fun, interesting, unique ride.
But also, I have concerns about the future of this great American institution going forward. Will it change for the worse? Will it adapt for the better? I inquire for the benefit of us fans, not for players, schools, coaches, or media networks (too many TV timeouts we have to sit through). After recording fifty years as an avid fan of college football, I will summarize and address my hopes, concerns, and ideas as to where it all goes in the future. And please continue track all of my progress to “see ‘em all” on my website,www.collegefootballfan.com. In addition to my history, game reviews, and season previews, I write editorials in posts titled “Steveo’s Salvos”. Enjoy and ponder.
