"Nobody's in Control... We Just Pretend Better Than Most." - Davis Lockhart

[DerkontheOS]

Cowboys Run Past Nevada, 37–13, to Keep Conference Momentum Rolling

#26 S. Harris sheds a tackler on the way to his 15 yard rushing touchdown in the 4th

Wyoming made the trip to Reno on Saturday night knowing exactly what was at stake: a chance to stack Mountain West wins and officially leave last season’s two-win campaign in the rearview mirror. By the time the clock hit zero at Chris Ault Field, the Cowboys had done just that, pulling away from Nevada for a convincing 37–13 road win and improving to 2–1 in conference play.

The night didn’t start smoothly. Nevada took the opening kickoff and methodically moved into scoring range, settling for a 24-yard field goal to grab an early lead. Wyoming’s offense looked disjointed for much of the first quarter, struggling to find rhythm outside of a 31-yard catch-and-run by tight end Landon Pace. Still, the Cowboys managed to stay afloat behind freshman kicker John Patino, who drilled field goals of 44 and 29 yards to give Wyoming a slim 6–3 edge.


#88 L. Pace celebrates after his 31 yard catch and run in the 1st

Nevada struck first in the touchdown column early in the second quarter when quarterback Cade Fox scrambled in from nine yards out, pushing the Wolf Pack ahead 10–6. That would be the last time Nevada held the lead. Wyoming answered immediately, as quarterback Brian Fowler connected with Eric Richardson on a perfectly timed 74-yard strike. Richardson turned in his best performance of the season, finishing with six catches for 123 yards and the score that swung momentum firmly to the Cowboys. Before the half, Patino showed off his range again, drilling a 54-yard field goal to send Wyoming into the break up 16–10.


#2 E. Richardson breaks a tackle on his way to the end zone for a 74 yard touchdown

The third quarter turned into a grind. Nevada capitalized on a Fowler interception by linebacker Jack MacKinnon, converting it into a 26-yard field goal to cut the margin to 16–13. That would be the only scoring of the quarter, but it set the stage for Wyoming to take full control.

In the fourth, the Cowboys leaned into their identity. This isn’t the Wyoming offense of years past, and Saturday made that clear. Running back Samuel Harris broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run with just over ten minutes remaining, giving Wyoming a two-score cushion. After forcing a Nevada punt, the Cowboys went right back to the ground, pounding away with freshmen backs Harris and Alani Condo. The drive ended with the knockout blow — a fourth-down completion from Fowler to Pace for four yards that effectively ended any comeback hopes.


#1 B. Fowler throws a 4th down pass to I. Pace that would result in a touchdown

With Nevada pressing, Wyoming’s defense rose to the moment, forcing and recovering a fumble deep in Wolf Pack territory. Fowler capitalized, finding tight end Isaac Schoenfeld for a six-yard touchdown to put the finishing touches on the 37–13 win.

Once again, Wyoming’s rushing attack was the backbone of the victory, but this performance offered a glimpse of the bigger picture. Under first-year head coach Ricky Rahne, the Cowboys are beginning to show what they can be when the defense plays up to its talent and the offense controls the game on its terms. Halfway through the season, Wyoming has already surpassed last year’s win total — and Saturday night in Reno felt like another step toward something more sustainable.

[DerkontheOS]

Week 7: Chaos, Statements, and a Whole Lot of “Oh… So That’s Who They Are.

Georgia plants the flag
If there were still any doubts about who the alpha is, #2 Georgia did a pretty good job of answering them. The Bulldogs went toe-to-toe with #8 LSU and walked away with a 35–24 win that felt more convincing than the score. This wasn’t fluky, this wasn’t survive-and-advance — this was Georgia controlling the game, matching LSU’s talent, and finishing stronger. You don’t beat a top-10 SEC team like that unless you’re built for January.

Bama wins, but nobody’s throwing a parade
#25 Alabama handled Louisiana Tech 59–19, and yes, it was exactly what it needed to be. Comfortable, boring, and stress-free. Did it suddenly erase the panic from a few weeks ago? Not really. But it did stop the bleeding and quiet the message boards for at least seven days, which honestly might be the real win here.

Duke keeps running up the score like it’s personal
#3 Duke continues its villain arc, absolutely dismantling Virginia Tech 55–3 on the road. At this point, it’s not surprising — it’s expected. Every week it’s the same script: Duke scores early, Duke scores often, and Duke leaves no doubt. This team isn’t just winning; it’s humiliating people.

Indiana is not a joke anymore
Indiana went into Florida State and walked out with a 40–21 win that barely raised an eyebrow — which tells you how normalized this has become. Indiana just… Indianas now. Efficient, physical, and annoying to play. They’re quickly shaping up as Ohio State’s biggest obstacle in the new (but also very old) Big Ten pecking order.

Ohio State does Ohio State things
Speaking of the Buckeyes, #4 Ohio State handled Maryland 41–23 in a game that was never really in question. It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t dramatic, it was just solid, professional football. Sometimes the most impressive thing a contender can do is make a conference game feel routine.

PAC-12 collision course still intact
#5 USC cruised past Arizona 41–7, and #1 Oregon steamrolled New Mexico State 56–6. These games served one purpose: get to the finish line healthy. Every week that passes without a stumble just adds fuel to the inevitable USC–Oregon showdown that everyone’s circling in red ink.

Survive and advance, conference edition
#7 Miami survived a scare at Boston College, escaping with a 36–33 win. #14 North Texas had to sweat out USF, winning 41–37. #15 Texas handled Missouri 28–23 in a game that felt way closer than it should’ve been. None of these teams looked dominant, but conference wins on the road don’t come with style points — they just count.

Texas Tech faceplants, Tennessee gets lit up
The wheels completely came off for #12 Texas Tech at home, getting blasted 44–17 by unranked West Virginia for their first loss of the season. Meanwhile, unranked Ole Miss dropped 54 points on #22 Tennessee, who did score 36 but still looked like a team about to be politely escorted out of the Top 25.

BYU keeps sliding, UCLA keeps rising
#18 BYU lost for the second straight week, this time to a quietly terrifying UCLA team that’s now 6–0 and still somehow flying under the radar. The Bruins don’t get headlines, but they keep winning — and that’s usually how problems start.

SMU might actually be real
Is #21 SMU legit? After watching them hammer Wake Forest 55–21 behind Kevin Jennings, it sure looks that way. The offense is explosive, the confidence is real, and Jennings is playing like a guy who expects to be talked about nationally. At the very least, this isn’t a cute story anymore.

Georgia at No. 1, Oregon Gets Grounded, and the Poll Is Once Again a Beautiful Mess

Georgia is your new #1, and honestly? No notes. The Dawgs walked into a top-10 matchup and handled LSU 35–24 like a team that’s already pickig out playoff hotels. No flukes, no chaos, no “well if this bounce went differently.” Just Georgia being Georgia. That’s how you steal the crown.

Oregon fell because vibes matter now
Did Oregon lose? No. Did Oregon look bad? Also no. So why are they suddenly #2? Because someone in that building decided mid-October was the perfect time to play New Mexico State. That’s a November Alabama Special, not a “we’re the best team in the country” move. Voters absolutely smelled the cowardice and said, “Yeah…nah.” Drop.

Florida climbing, everyone else sliding around
Florida keeps winning and now sits at #4, which means Ohio State gets nudged to #5 and USC slides to #6. And somehow the top five ends up being weirdly perfect: SEC, Pac-12, ACC, Big Ten all represented. It’s like the poll accidentally did something right.

LSU absolutely gets whacked
LSU falling from #8 to #18 is insane behavior. Yes, they lost. Yes, it was by double digits. But it was also to the new #1 team. That’s not a collapse — that’s just running into Georgia. The poll committee basically said, “Congrats on existing, now go sit in the corner.”

Group of Five showdown loading…
Boise State creeps up to #17, now only three spots behind #14 North Texas, and suddenly we’ve got ourselves a legitimate Group of Five arms race. Someone is getting invited to the grown-ups table, and it’s no longer clear who.

BYU, Houston, Tennessee: pack it up
BYU loses twice and is immediately erased from existence. Houston and Tennessee join them in the poll graveyard. No sympathy, no explanation, just poof. The Top 25 giveth, and the Top 25 absolutely takes away.

Clemson sneaks back in, Pac-12 refuses to die
Clemson tiptoes back in at #25, hoping nobody notices. Meanwhile, the Pac-12 revival tour continues as Washington (#22) and UCLA (#24) both roll in at 6–0 like, “Hey, remember us?” The conference that was supposed to be dead is now everywhere.

Players of the Week: Because College Football Is Absolutely Unhinged

Every week you expect the usual suspects. Blue bloods. Playoff teams. Guys whose lockers are already reserved in Canton. And every week college football laughs in your face and hands out awards like this.

Navy CB Landon Callahan: “No Fly Zone, Anchors Down”
Navy beating Charlotte 24–17 is whatever. Navy doing it because one cornerback decided he was simply not allowing the forward pass? That’s art. Landon Callahan snagged two interceptions, repeatedly ruining Charlotte drives and basically playing keep-away with the football like it owed him money. There’s something deeply funny about a service academy defender winning Player of the Week by doing the least Navy thing possible — creating turnovers instead of just watching the clock bleed out. Salute the man, literally.

Louisiana WR Jaydon Johnson: Losing Never Looked This Cool
Now for the most college football sentence imaginable: Louisiana’s Jaydon Johnson wins Player of the Week in a loss. Twelve catches. 219 yards. Three touchdowns. And somehow Texas State still walks out with a 35–29 win. Johnson was out there playing Madden on rookie difficulty while everyone else was stuck on All-Madden. It was the rare performance where you look at the box score and think, “So this guy caught everything, scored at will, and they still lost?” Peak college football energy. If vibes mattered, Louisiana won by 20.

So yeah, no Alabama. No Georgia. No Heisman frontrunners. Just a Navy corner stealing souls and a Sun Belt receiver casually putting up video-game numbers in a loss. Never change, college football.

The Heisman Watch: Chaos Ball Edition (Week 8)

If you thought the Heisman race would calm down by late October, congratulations — you don’t understand college football. This thing is a rotating fever dream right now, and Week 8 somehow made it even more unhinged.

Kevin Jennings Is the Main Character Now
SMU QB Kevin Jennings has officially hijacked the Heisman conversation and refuses to give it back. Another week, another box score that looks fake: 324 passing yards, 63 rushing yards, five total touchdowns. That’s not “good,” that’s create-a-player numbers. Jennings climbs to No. 1 because at some point you have to reward the guy who keeps lighting teams on fire like it’s his job. SMU is winning, he’s stacking stats, and suddenly America is asking uncomfortable questions like, “Wait… is SMU legit?”

UCLA Enters the Chat (And Kicks the Door In)
Undefeated. Ranked. And now sitting second in the Heisman race. UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava went full problem against BYU, piling up 281 passing yards, 46 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and two through the air. That’s five total scores and a reminder that the Pac-12 is once again refusing to behave. UCLA being good was already confusing — UCLA having a Heisman contender is borderline offensive to the traditional order of college football.

Gunner Stockton: Still Good, Just… Not Winning
Tennessee QB Gunner Stockton drops from the top spot to third, which feels harsh until you remember he threw four touchdowns in a loss. That’s Heisman purgatory. You can’t lose to an unranked Ole Miss and expect voters to keep you on the throne, even if you stuffed the stat sheet. The performance keeps him alive, but the loss absolutely hurt. Welcome to the “yeah but…” section of the Heisman race.

The Blue Blood Slide
Oregon’s Dante Moore falls to fourth, and USC’s Jayden Maiava slides to fifth. Nothing catastrophic happened — they both played well — but this is what happens when other guys are out here dropping five touchdowns like it’s nothing. The Heisman race waits for no one, not even preseason favorites or West Coast royalty.

Week 8: The “Okay, Now It Actually Matters” Slate

We’ve officially hit the part of the season where September lies are exposed, depth charts are exhausted, and playoff contenders start side-eyeing each other like, “Yeah, this is gonna get messy.” Week 8 is loaded with road tests, conference beef, and at least one game that’s going to ruin somebody’s entire season.

SEC Chaos, As Always
Start in the SEC, because obviously. #10 Oklahoma heading to #4 Florida feels like one of those games that will be billed as “statement win” for the winner and “total collapse” for the loser. No in-between. Meanwhile at the very top, #1 Georgia goes on the road to Texas A&M, which is terrifying for everyone except Georgia fans who now expect to win every game by emotional attrition. A&M is feisty, weird stuff happens in College Station, and this has “closer than it should be” written all over it.

The Pac-12 Refuses to Go Quietly
Out west, #2 Oregon travels to 6-0 Utah, which is exactly the kind of game that decides whether Oregon is just really good or actually inevitable. Utah at home is never fun, never easy, and always physical. This is a real test. Meanwhile #3 Duke is once again staring at a traditional power and licking its chops, as #25 Clemson draws the short straw this week. At this point, Clemson getting bounced out of the Top 25 feels like a weekly tradition. Duke might not actually score 100, but the vibes say they’ll try.

Big Ten: Road Anxiety Edition
The Big Ten powers are all on the move. #5 Ohio State heads to Northwestern, which sounds boring until you remember weird things happen in the Midwest when no one is paying attention. #8 Indiana goes to Penn State, a game that could either cement Indiana as legit or remind everyone why Happy Valley ruins dreams. And lurking behind them is #11 Nebraska, quietly dangerous, heading to Purdue looking to keep the pressure on the conference’s upper tier.

Prove-It Games Galore
One of the most fascinating games of the week: #16 SMU at #21 Notre Dame. SMU, led by Heisman buzz magnet Kevin Jennings, has a real chance to kick the playoff door open with a road win in South Bend. Win this and suddenly the conversation shifts from “cute story” to “wait… are they actually in this?”

Same energy in the Big 12, where #19 Colorado heads to #23 Texas Tech. Two one-loss teams, both thinking they’re better than the rankings say, both desperate to avoid becoming an afterthought. Someone’s season takes a hit here.

This is the week where contenders either separate themselves or get exposed. No more hiding, no more “it’s early.” Strap in — Week 8 is where the season stops being theoretical and starts getting personal.

[DerkontheOS]

MWC Week 7: Road Warriors and a Lone Home Stand

Week 7 around the Mountain West was defined by suitcases, bus rides, and teams learning how to win away from home. Five conference games, four road victories, and one reminder that the league race is starting to take real shape as the calendar flips deeper into October.

Utah State Takes a Non-Conference Detour
Utah State’s 41–21 loss to #16 Auburn looks ugly in the box score, but in the context of the Mountain West race, it’s mostly background noise. The Aggies drop to 5–2 overall, but the loss has little to no bearing on conference standings. If anything, it was a measuring-stick game against elite talent — and Utah State now turns its full attention back to league play knowing the MWC goals remain very much intact.

Road Teams Run the Table
Conference play this week belonged to the visitors. Wyoming continued its midseason surge with a convincing 37–13 win at Nevada, controlling the game physically and asserting itself as a real factor in the middle of the league. Colorado State gutted out a gritty 23–20 win at Air Force, surviving a physical matchup that traditionally doesn’t favor visitors.

San Jose State went cross-ocean and handled business in Honolulu, knocking off Hawaii 35–24 in a game where execution and discipline won out. Meanwhile, New Mexico quietly put together one of the more impressive road wins of the week, edging San Diego State 22–20 in a tight, defense-heavy contest that came down to late-game poise.

Fresno State Holds Serve at Home
While everyone else was packing bags, Fresno State defended its turf and kept its perfect conference record intact. The Bulldogs took care of a winless UNLV squad 30–7, moving to 3–0 in Mountain West play. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient, controlled, and exactly what a contender is supposed to do against a struggling opponent.

The Bigger Picture
Week 7 reinforced a growing theme in the Mountain West: depth, balance, and the ability to win on the road are starting to separate teams. Fresno State sits comfortably atop the standings, but Wyoming, Colorado State, and New Mexico are all stacking results that keep the middle of the conference crowded and dangerous. As November approaches, these road wins may end up mattering far more than any non-conference result.

MWC Week 8 Standings: Boise State Leads, the Pack Is Forming

As we roll into Week 8, the Mountain West picture is starting to sharpen, and — surprise, surprise — Boise State is sitting right where everyone expected. The Broncos are alone at the top of the conference, carrying the MWC banner nationally as a top-25 team at No. 17, and once again looking like the standard everyone else is chasing.

The Unbeaten Chasers
Right behind Boise State is a dangerous duo that hasn’t blinked in league play. Utah State and Fresno State both sit at 3–0 in conference, and they’re doing it in very different ways. Utah State has been physical and efficient, while Fresno State has quietly handled business week after week. If Boise State slips even once, these two are positioned to make the title race uncomfortable fast.

The Crowded Middle Gets Crowded
Then comes the logjam. Colorado State leads the one-loss pack at 3–1 in conference, firmly in the mix and playing with confidence. Just behind them are Wyoming and New Mexico, both sitting at 2–1 and very much alive in the race. These are the teams that can swing the standings over the next few weeks — spoiler season is officially open.

Trying to Stay Afloat
At the one-win level, it’s about survival. San Diego State, Nevada, San Jose State, and Hawaii are all sitting on a single conference win, still within striking distance but running out of margin for error. One more loss, and the math starts getting ugly.

The Bottom of the Table
At the basement, things have gone sideways. Air Force is winless in conference and has now dropped five straight overall — a stunning fall for a program that usually thrives this time of year. Right there with them is UNLV, still searching for its first conference win and trying to find any momentum at all.

Big Picture
Boise State may be leading the charge, but the Mountain West is far from settled. Two undefeated challengers, a thick middle tier, and desperation setting in at the bottom make this a league primed for chaos over the next month. The standings say Boise State is king — the schedule says they’re about to be tested.

MWC Players of the Week: Defense Sets the Tone, Playmakers Finish the Job

Week 7 around the Mountain West was defined by grit on defense and explosiveness on the perimeter, and this week’s conference honors reflect exactly that.

On the defensive side, Dylan Phelps of Colorado State earned Player of the Week honors after putting together one of the most complete performances by any defender in the league this season. Phelps was everywhere in the Rams’ 23–20 road win over Air Force, piling up 11 tackles while also impacting the game in every possible way — a pass breakup, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. In a tight conference game where every possession mattered, Phelps was the difference, repeatedly halting Air Force drives and flipping field position. Performances like that are how close Mountain West games get decided.

Offensively, the spotlight belongs to Kyri Shoels from San Jose State, who delivered a true road-game statement in the Spartans’ 35–24 win at Hawaii. Shoels finished with seven catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, consistently stretching the field and punishing coverage whenever Hawaii tried to load the box. His ability to win one-on-one matchups opened up the entire offense and helped San Jose State seize control of the game in key moments.

Together, this week’s honorees tell a familiar Mountain West story: tough, disruptive defense paired with timely offensive playmaking. As conference races tighten and margins shrink, performances like these don’t just win awards — they win games.

MWC Week 8 Preview: Separation Saturday in the Mountain West

Conference play is officially in full swing, and Week 8 feels like the moment where the Mountain West starts to show its true shape. Every team is in league action, and several matchups will go a long way toward defining contenders, pretenders, and everyone stuck in the middle.

The headline game is obvious. Utah State puts its perfect 3–0 conference record on the line against defending champs Boise State, currently carrying the league’s national banner at No. 17. For Utah State, this is a chance to prove their fast start is real and not just schedule luck. For Boise State, it’s a chance to reassert control of the Mountain West race and remind everyone why they’re still the program everyone measures themselves against. The winner leaves this game with a clear inside track to the title game.

Elsewhere, the middle of the standings is starting to get crowded, and San Jose State at San Diego State is a classic “define the season” matchup. San Jose State enters at 1–3 in conference play, while San Diego State sits at 1–1, but both teams know a win here keeps them relevant heading into November. A loss, and the road back into the title conversation gets very narrow very quickly.

At the other end of the standings, desperation takes center stage as Air Force (0–4 in MWC play) travels to UNLV (0–3). This one isn’t about championships — it’s about pride and survival. Someone has to leave with a conference win, and avoiding the cellar could be huge for morale heading into the back half of the season.

One of the more intriguing games of the week features Wyoming on the road at New Mexico. Both teams have flashed enough to think they belong in the contender discussion, but neither has fully cemented that status yet. This game feels like an elimination bout — win, and you stay in the conversation; lose, and you’re suddenly chasing everyone else.

Finally, Fresno State, sitting at 3–0 in conference play, has a massive opportunity at home against Nevada. With Utah State and Boise State facing each other, Fresno State could quietly move into sole possession of second place — or better — by the end of the weekend. It’s the kind of week where disciplined teams take advantage, and Fresno State knows these are the games that matter most in November.

Bottom line: Week 8 is where the Mountain West starts to separate contenders from clutter. By the time the dust settles, the standings will look a lot less crowded — and a lot more serious.

[DerkontheOS]

Georgia Is Hoovering Up Weapons While Everyone Else Is Just Trying to Breathe

If you’re keeping score at home, Georgia Bulldogs are recruiting offense like they’re afraid someone’s going to turn the faucet off. Georgia already locked up Marquez Dobbs, the No. 2 wide receiver in the country, and they’re also out in front for Tavares Tam, the No. 3 WR. On top of that, they’re pushing hard for Enrique Tatum, the No. 15 overall recruit — listed as an ATH but built like a future tight end who ruins Saturdays for linebackers. This isn’t depth building. This is talent hoarding.

The rest of the SEC is doing its best to respond. Oklahoma Sooners is currently leading for Gill Hooks, the top overall offensive recruit. He’s not huge, but he’s fast in a way that makes defensive backs question their life choices. Oklahoma sees him as a plug-and-play nightmare. Meanwhile, Tennessee Volunteers is leaning into its roots by leading for Marcus Vigil, the best running back in the country — a downhill, no-nonsense back who feels destined to ruin SEC box scores.

Then you’ve got the smart, calculated moves from programs trying to punch above their weight. Missouri Tigers is leading for Barry Snowden, an Illinois receiver they’re hoping to pull south and turn into the next “where did Missouri find this guy?” story. Out west, Washington Huskies is pushing hard for Bo Jones, a California speedster they’re trying to keep closer to home and away from the SEC black hole.

The takeaway is pretty simple: Georgia is building an offense that looks illegal, the SEC arms race is officially unhinged, and everyone else is hoping development, fit, and geography still matter. Sometimes they do. Sometimes Georgia just shows up and takes your lunch money anyway.

QB Musical Chairs: Everybody’s Taken, Alabama Started It, Clemson’s Being Greedy

The quarterback board is basically full, the ink is drying, and if you’re late to the party you’re stuck holding a clipboard. Most of the Top 10 QBs are already spoken for, and the dominoes fell fast once Alabama Crimson Tide made the first move. Bama landed Austin Casey, the No. 1 QB in the country, ripping him straight out of Wylie, Texas and beating Texas schools at their own backyard game. That’s not just a recruiting win — that’s a statement. If you’re a Texas high school QB and Alabama wants you, good luck saying no.

Then there’s Clemson Tigers, who apparently decided one elite QB wasn’t enough. They’re already locked in with Kenya Drew, the No. 3 QB out of South Carolina, and they’re also leading for Avery Spain, the No. 2 prospect who’s listed as an “ATH” but let’s not kid ourselves — that’s a dual-threat QB with a disguise on. Clemson is basically vacuuming up the Carolinas’ quarterback talent and daring everyone else to complain about it.

Florida kept it simple. Florida Gators locked down Sergio Melton, the No. 4 QB, keeping the Neptune Beach kid home. That’s a quiet but important win in a state where quarterbacks usually don’t stay put. They’re also in strong position for Chip Tanley, the No. 7 QB from Maryland, which tells you Florida’s recruiting board stretches way beyond state lines.

Up north, Ohio State Buckeyes landed John Quitoriano, the No. 5 QB out of Philadelphia — tall, polished, and very “future Big Ten starter” coded. Meanwhile, Oregon Ducks did what they’ve been great at lately: keep elite West Coast talent home, securing Malik Duffy, the No. 6 QB from Portland. Nike money, continuity, and a clear path to playing time still matter.

The biggest Texas plot twist came courtesy of Oklahoma Sooners, who swooped into Mansfield and stole Kevonte Laborne, the No. 8 QB, right out from under the locals. That’s a pure Big 12 crime scene. Meanwhile, SMU Mustangs is trending hard for Deontay Agholor, the No. 9 QB, and honestly — if you’re watching Kevin Jennings turn Saturdays into mixtapes, why wouldn’t you want in on that offense?

Rounding it out, Ole Miss Rebels grabbed Matthew Ivory, the No. 10 QB from Alabama. And yeah, that one feels pretty straightforward: when Alabama signs the No. 1 QB, everyone else in the state starts looking for exits.

Defense Wins Championships, and the SEC Is Acting Like It Knows That

If you were wondering which conferences are taking defense seriously again, just look at the Top 10 defensive board. It’s basically an SEC and Big Ten turf war with a few blue-bloods throwing elbows in the background.

Let’s start with the obvious. Alabama Crimson Tide is doing Alabama things, sitting in pole position for Ahmad Cantwell, the No. 2 overall defensive prospect and a nasty edge rusher out of New Orleans. Long, violent, and built like he was grown in a lab — this is exactly the kind of defender Nick Saban made a career out of ruining Saturdays with.

Right behind them in the SEC arms race is Oklahoma Sooners, who are leading for Dwayne Wrotto, the No. 5 defensive player and a lockdown corner. Oklahoma leaning into elite DB recruiting is a scary development for a league that already hates dealing with their offense.

And then there’s Georgia Bulldogs, who continue to recruit defense like it’s still 2021 and nobody told them to stop. Georgia is leading for Joel Hagg, the No. 7 overall defender at free safety, and they’ve already locked up Jeff Nowell, the No. 5 CB. That’s just reload behavior. Not rebuild. Reload.

Don’t sleep on Arkansas Razorbacks, either. Somehow, quietly, they’re out in front for Trevor Low, the No. 9 defensive prospect and a massive edge out of Kansas. Arkansas sneaking into elite defensive recruiting lanes is exactly how programs become annoying long-term.

On the Big Ten side, Ohio State Buckeyes is holding the conference flag high. They’ve already signed Alexander Wheaton, the No. 8 defensive player and a monster edge from New Jersey, grabbed John Sisk, the No. 10 CB, and are leading for Kurt Boyce, the No. 3 overall defender out of the Bronx. Ohio State is building a defensive front that looks a lot less “Big 12 energy” and a lot more “good luck blocking this.”

And then there’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who are quietly assembling a secondary that could make offenses miserable for years. Notre Dame landed Taylor Burks, the No. 1 defensive prospect and the best corner in the class, and they’re lurking behind Arizona for edge Darrelle Lamar, while also staying in the mix for Trevor Low. Classic Notre Dame move: elite DBs, long edges, and zero noise about it.

[DerkontheOS]

Cowboys Cash In on Momentum, Add First Pieces of 2026 Class

Winning matters — especially in Laramie — and Wyoming is already seeing the ripple effect. Coming off last week’s road win, the Cowboys added their first two commitments of the 2026 recruiting class, locking in a pair of prospects that fit exactly what this staff is trying to build under first-year head coach Ricky Rahne. These won’t turn heads nationally, but inside the program, these are the kinds of signings that quietly stack seasons together.

Manny Blough is the headliner of the duo. The 6-foot-5, two-star tight end from California brings something Wyoming has been lacking at the position: speed. Blough isn’t just a catch-and-fall-down tight end. He moves well for his size and projects as a legitimate vertical threat, capable of stretching seams and forcing defenses to account for the middle of the field. He’s still raw, but the upside is obvious, and in this system, athletic tight ends tend to find the field sooner rather than later.

The second addition is Idaho Falls native Ben Iverson, a one-star center who fits the Wyoming mold up front. Iverson doesn’t come with recruiting hype, but he brings strength, toughness, and a physical base that plays well in a run-heavy offense. Centers in Laramie aren’t expected to be finished products on day one — they’re developed. With time in the weight room and coaching, Iverson has a realistic path to working into the rotation and potentially competing for a starting role down the road.

It’s a small start to the 2026 class, but it’s the right kind of start. A tight end with real receiving upside and an interior lineman built for development. Wyoming isn’t trying to win recruiting rankings — they’re trying to win football games, and these are the types of players that usually end up doing that in brown and gold.

[DerkontheOS]

Midseason Stat Check: The Numbers Are Starting to Get Stupid

We’re officially at the point in the season where the stats stop being cute and start demanding respect. Halfway through the year, the leaders aren’t flukes anymore — they’re problems. If you’re still calling some of these teams “surprises,” that’s on you.

Drew Mestemaker Is Dragging North Texas Into the National Conversation

North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker is the engine behind the Mean Green being ranked #14 and sitting as the best Group of Five team in the country. He leads the nation in passing yards and is tied for the national lead in passing touchdowns, which is absurd considering most preseason magazines forgot North Texas existed. This isn’t empty-calorie offense either — this is weekly scoreboard pressure, and defenses have no answers.

Nebraska Quietly Has the Most Efficient QB in America

One of the sneakiest stats on the board belongs to Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, who somehow leads the nation in QBR. Yes, that Nebraska. While the Huskers aren’t lighting up social media every Saturday, Raiola is ruthlessly efficient and making the most of every possession. It’s not flashy, but it’s lethal — and it explains why Nebraska keeps winning games people expect them to lose.

Duke’s Running Back Is Scoring Like It’s NCAA on Freshman Mode

Duke running back F. Bothwell leading the nation with 17 rushing touchdowns deserves its own wellness check on opposing defenses. Holy ****. Duke already scores at a ridiculous rate, and Bothwell is the reason drives don’t stall in the red zone. Every time Duke gets inside the 10, it feels inevitable — and that’s a nightmare for the ACC.

Texas Tech’s C. Dickey Is a Walking Explosive Play

Texas Tech running back C. Dickey is quietly putting together one of the most impressive seasons in the country. Second in rushing yards and averaging a cartoonish 7.1 yards per carry, he’s turning routine handoffs into chunk gains. If Tech keeps leaning into the run, Dickey is going to keep climbing every leaderboard that matters.

Receivers Are Doing Disrespectful Things to Defensive Backs

Alabama’s Ryan Williams is doing exactly what elite Alabama receivers are supposed to do — lead the nation in receiving yards while also sitting third in receptions. He’s impossible to take away because he beats you with volume and explosiveness. Meanwhile, Georgia’s Zachariah Branch is tied for the national lead with 11 receiving touchdowns, because of course Georgia has another weapon who turns red-zone snaps into automatic points.

The Stats Match the Eye Test Now

At midseason, the numbers line up perfectly with what we’re watching every Saturday. North Texas is real because Mestemaker is elite. Duke scores because Bothwell doesn’t get tackled. Nebraska wins because Raiola doesn’t make mistakes. And if you’re a defensive coordinator trying to stop Williams or Branch? Godspeed.

The second half of the season is where legends are made — and if these guys keep this pace, the record books are about to take a beating.

Midseason Defensive Check-In: Absolute Menaces Everywhere

At the halfway point of the season, the defensive stat sheet has officially gone off the rails. This isn’t “solid production” anymore — this is dudes straight up ruining Saturdays. Some of these names you expected. Others feel like glitches in the matrix.

Duke Is Good at Football and C. Lubin Is the Problem

We need to have an honest conversation about Duke. They’re not just winning — they’re dictating games, and edge rusher C. Lubin is the biggest reason why. He leads the nation in both tackles for loss and sacks, which is absurd. Every snap feels like a jailbreak, and opposing quarterbacks barely finish their drop before he’s in their lap. Duke being legit isn’t a fluke — it’s built on a defense that wrecks timing and confidence.

Minnesota’s Corners Are Stealing Lunch Money

Minnesota quietly has two defensive backs sitting in the top five nationally in interceptions, and that’s not an accident. Corners J. Mayes and J. Nester are baiting quarterbacks into bad decisions and cashing in weekly. You don’t get that many picks without film study, discipline, and a little bit of swagger. Minnesota’s secondary is turning games into trust exercises — and offenses keep failing.

Defensive Tackles Are Apparently Allowed to Do This Now

Two defensive tackles sitting in the top five in sacks is not something that should happen in polite society, yet here we are. Wyoming’s A. Din-Mbuh has seven sacks from the interior, consistently collapsing pockets like offensive lines don’t exist. Arkansas State’s Q. Wright isn’t far behind with six sacks of his own, proving that pressure doesn’t always have to come off the edge. Guards everywhere are having the worst season of their lives.

Defense Is Back and It’s Angry

Between elite edge rushers, ball-hawking corners, and defensive tackles putting up edge numbers, this season’s defensive leaders are doing more than filling stat sheets — they’re flipping games. If your offense hasn’t faced one of these guys yet, enjoy the peace while it lasts. The second half of the season is where these monsters turn good seasons into nightmare fuel.

Midseason Team Stat Check: Duke vs SMU for the Soul of College Football

We’re officially halfway through the season, which means it’s time to stop pretending sample size matters and start wildly overreacting to spreadsheets. And if you stare at the team stat leaders long enough, one thing becomes painfully clear: we need a Duke vs SMU game immediately. Not for ratings. Not for playoff implications. For our collective soul.

SMU Is Playing NCAA on Freshman Difficulty

SMU is cooking at an absurd level. Second in the country in total yards per game, seventh in passing yards, and second in scoring — only trailing Duke. That’s not balance, that’s violence. They’re moving the ball at will, scoring whenever they feel like it, and doing it with zero shame. This isn’t a “cute Group of 5 run,” this is a full-blown offensive assault that keeps daring the rest of the country to keep up.

Duke Is Basically a Lab Experiment Gone Wrong

Duke, meanwhile, looks like someone accidentally created the perfect football team in a basement lab. Sixth in total offense, seventh in rushing, and first in scoring. They don’t just beat teams — they grind them down, score efficiently, and somehow always have the ball. This is the least Duke-looking Duke team of all time, and it’s honestly unsettling.

Passing Games Doing Passing Game Things

At the top of the passing yard charts you’ve got North Texas at No. 1, which tracks if you’ve watched literally any of their games this year. They throw early, throw often, and throw like the run game personally offended them. Sitting right behind them is USC, because of course they are. Lincoln Riley could accidentally coach a top-five passing offense while trying to order DoorDash.

Run the Damn Ball (Apparently)

The rushing leaderboard looks exactly like you’d expect… until it doesn’t. The military academies are doing military academy things, chewing clock and souls, but somehow Wyoming is sandwiched right in the middle. Yes, really. Wyoming. In 2026. That’s not a typo. Turns out running downhill, behind multiple backs, with zero apology still works.

Duke’s Defense Is a Federal Crime

If Duke’s offense wasn’t enough, the defense might actually be illegal. First in total yards allowed. First in passing yards allowed. First in points allowed. That’s not dominance — that’s erasure. Teams aren’t just struggling against Duke, they’re forgetting what offense looks like by halftime.

So Yeah… Duke vs SMU, Please

One team scores on everyone. One team scores on everyone and allows nothing. SMU vs Duke isn’t just a game we want — it’s a game we need. Until then, the stat sheets are screaming the same thing every week: these two are playing a different sport, and the rest of college football is just trying to survive it.

[DerkontheOS]

Midseason MWC Stat Check: The Numbers Don’t Lie

We’re at the halfway point of the Mountain West season, and the individual stat leaders are starting to paint a very clear picture of who’s driving this conference. Some of it is expected. Some of it absolutely is not. And a lot of it explains why the standings look the way they do right now.

Colorado State’s Air Raid Is Very Real

Colorado State QB D. Curry has quietly put together one of the best seasons in the conference. He leads the MWC in passing yards and sits second in passing touchdowns, and it’s not coming from empty-calorie production. The Rams are leaning on Curry week after week, and he’s delivering. When Colorado State needs points, the ball is in his hands, and the numbers back up just how central he’s been to their success.

Wyoming’s QB Play Has Completely Flipped the Script

Wyoming QB Brian Fowler leading the conference in QBR might be the most important stat on this entire board. The Cowboys were searching for answers at quarterback last season, and now Fowler is the engine behind a team that already surpassed last year’s win total. Efficiency has been the difference, and Fowler’s decision-making and situational play are exactly why Wyoming looks like a legitimate conference contender instead of a rebuilding project.

Freshman Running Backs Are Taking Over the League

Wyoming freshman HB Alani Condo sits atop the conference in both rushing yards and yards per carry, and that’s not an accident. He’s been the tone-setter for the Cowboys’ offense, turning a traditionally grind-it-out run game into something explosive. Right behind him is Utah State HB D. Pendergrass, who is second in both categories and also second in rushing touchdowns. And just to keep the Rams involved, Colorado State’s B. Jackson leads the conference in rushing touchdowns, proving CSU can hurt you on the ground too.

Nevada’s Go-To Guy Can’t Be Stopped

Nevada WR M. Brown has been the most productive receiver in the conference, leading the MWC in both receptions and receiving yards. If Nevada throws the ball, chances are it’s going his way. He’s been consistent, durable, and reliable — the kind of player defensive coordinators build entire game plans around and still struggle to slow down.

Wyoming’s Big-Play Threat Is Exactly That

Wyoming WR Chris Durr Jr. leading the conference in yards per catch tells you everything you need to know. He doesn’t need volume to impact a game. When Fowler looks his way, it usually ends with chunk yardage. Durr’s explosiveness has stretched defenses all season and helped open up Wyoming’s run game in the process.

Colorado State Finishes Drives Through the Air

Another Ram makes the list with Colorado State WR L. Brown leading the conference in receiving touchdowns. Seven of Curry’s touchdown passes have gone his way, and it shows how dangerous CSU is once they cross midfield. When the Rams get into scoring range, Brown has been the first option, and defenses haven’t found an answer yet.

The Midseason Theme: Balance Wins in the Mountain West

From Curry’s arm to Wyoming’s ground game to Nevada’s receiving production, the midseason stat leaders show a conference defined by balance and identity. Teams that know who they are — and lean into it — are the ones sitting near the top. And if the second half of the season looks anything like the first, these names aren’t going anywhere.

Midseason MWC Defensive Check: Rams Everywhere, Din-Mbuh Wrecking Games

We’re halfway through the Mountain West season, and if you’re looking for a theme on the defensive stat sheet, it’s pretty simple: Colorado State is everywhere, and Wyoming’s Ansel Din-Mbuh is ruining lives.

Colorado State Is Winning with Defense (And the Numbers Back It Up)
The Rams don’t just show up once or twice on the leaderboard — they flood it. Linebacker D. Rodriguez leads the entire conference in tackles, setting the tone every single week. Edge rusher M. Tuitele sits second in tackles for loss, with M. Deal right behind him in third, giving Colorado State constant backfield disruption. In the secondary, CB Blocker ranks third in pass breakups, while Rodriguez somehow shows up again at fourth, because apparently he never leaves the field. When it comes to forced fumbles, the Rams are just as nasty, with FS Dylan Phelps leading the conference, SS Vincent checking in fourth, and Rodriguez again landing inside the top five. That’s not a coincidence — that’s a defense built to attack the football.

Ansel Din-Mbuh Is Making Wyoming Fans Nervous (For the Right Reasons)
Wyoming DT Ansel Din-Mbuh is having the kind of season that gets coordinators fired and group chats buzzing. He leads the Mountain West in both sacks and tackles for loss, and he’s third in forced fumbles on top of it. Interior linemen aren’t supposed to dominate like this, yet Din-Mbuh is doing it every week. The scary part for the rest of the conference is that he’s not just a stat guy — he changes games. The scary part for Wyoming fans is the obvious question starting to creep in: how long can the Cowboys keep him? National attention is coming fast.

Midseason MWC Report Card: Why the Top Is the Top (and the Rest Are Chasing)

Utah State Is the Standard Right Now
Halfway through the Mountain West season, Utah State sitting on top of the standings doesn’t feel fluky at all. They lead the conference in yards gained per game and yards allowed per game, which is about as clean of a formula as it gets. Move the ball, don’t let the other guy move it, win football games. The Aggies aren’t just winning — they’re controlling games on both sides of the ball, and that balance is why everyone else is looking up at them in the standings.

Wyoming’s Run Game Is Carrying the Load
Wyoming’s strong conference start can be traced directly to one thing: they can run the football on anyone. The Cowboys lead the Mountain West in rushing offense and points per game, which is not something you say by accident halfway through the year. That ground attack has allowed Wyoming to dictate tempo, protect a still-growing defense, and turn close games into comfortable wins. When Wyoming is ahead of the chains, they look like a legitimate contender.

Fresno State Is Winning the Turnover War
If you want a blueprint for staying in every game, Fresno State is showing it. The Bulldogs are giving the ball away less than anyone in the conference while also forcing the most turnovers on defense. That margin matters — a lot. You don’t have to dominate statistically when you consistently steal possessions, and Fresno State has turned that into a winning formula that keeps them firmly in the title picture.

Boise State Is Still Boise State
The defending champs might not lead the league in every flashy category, but Boise State remains a nightmare to deal with. They sit in the top half of nearly every offensive and defensive metric, rank second in sacks per game, and lead the conference in red-zone efficiency. That combination screams experience and discipline. They don’t beat themselves, they finish drives, and they still look every bit like the Mountain West’s measuring stick.

[DerkontheOS]

Midseason Check-In: Wyoming’s Numbers Tell the Story of a Turnaround

At the halfway point of the season, the Wyoming Cowboys look nothing like the 2–10 team that walked off the field last fall. Under first-year head coach Ricky Rahne and offensive coordinator Davis Lockhart, the Cowboys have quietly built one of the more efficient and physically imposing offenses in the Mountain West, and the team stats back it up.

The biggest difference is at quarterback. Brian Fowler hasn’t been asked to carry the offense, but when Wyoming needs him to throw, he’s been surgical. Fowler leads the conference with a 154.7 QBR, has tossed 13 touchdowns against just two interceptions, and has shown a strong command of the offense. Wyoming isn’t chasing yards for the sake of it — they’re taking what defenses give them and capitalizing on mistakes, which is exactly what this system is designed to do.

The real engine, though, is the run game. Lockhart’s offense is built on physicality and flexibility. Wyoming can line up in heavy single-back, multiple-tight-end sets and run power downhill, or shift into 11 personnel out of the shotgun and lean on zone concepts. Alani Condo has been the headliner, leading the Mountain West in rushing yards, but this is far from a one-man show. Samuel Harris has piled up 476 yards and four touchdowns, while Nate Hamilton has added 158 yards and a score of his own. The rotation keeps legs fresh and defenses guessing, and it’s why Wyoming controls tempo as well as anyone in the league.

That commitment to the run has also opened up the passing game. Wyoming has been deadly with play-action shots, and no one has benefited more than Chris Durr Jr., who is averaging a gaudy 19.9 yards per catch and has consistently stretched the field. Slot receiver Eric Richardson has been the volume guy, leading the team with 31 receptions and serving as Fowler’s reliable chain-mover. Tight ends Isaac Schoenfeld and second-stringer Landon Pace have also become more involved in recent weeks, combining for 34 catches. They aren’t burners, and the position is something the staff will likely address in the offseason, but they’ve been dependable within the structure of the offense.

Defensively, the early-season struggles are giving way to progress. The unit was shaky out of the gate, but it’s settling in, thanks in large part to the dominant play of defensive tackle Ansel Din-Mbuh. His stat line jumps off the page — 14 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and two forced fumbles — and he’s becoming a problem that opposing offenses have to game-plan around every week. In the secondary, free safety Bryson Cheeks has been everywhere, leading the team with 52 tackles and adding a sack, while corner Markie Grant has been the most opportunistic Cowboy, forcing a fumble and taking an interception to the house.

Put it all together, and the picture is clear. Wyoming has an offense that can control games and a defense that’s starting to play to its talent level. If the Cowboys continue to run the ball the way they have and the defense keeps trending upward, this team isn’t just better than last year — it’s capable of giving Utah State, and maybe even Boise State, a real fight in the second half of the season.



The back half of Wyoming’s 2026 schedule feels a lot different than it did back in early September, and that’s mostly because the Cowboys finally figured out who they are.

Looking back, the opening loss to North Texas has aged about as well as a loss can. The Mean Green have climbed all the way to No. 14 nationally and look like the best Group of Five team in the country, which takes some of the sting out of that Week 1 defeat. The following week, though, was harder to swallow. A loss to New Mexico State — now sitting at 3–4 — came while Wyoming was still searching for its identity, experimenting with personnel and trying to find consistency on both sides of the ball.

That identity finally showed up in a big way on the road at Central Michigan. The 49–14 win didn’t just get Wyoming in the win column, it flipped the season. From there, the Cowboys nearly pulled off a massive upset against Fresno State, pushing a Bulldogs team that now sits at 6–1 and 3–0 in Mountain West play to the brink. Even in a loss, Wyoming proved it could go toe-to-toe with one of the league’s best.

Since then, the momentum has been real. Back-to-back conference wins over Hawaii (38–28) and Nevada (37–13) have Wyoming sitting in a much healthier spot than anyone expected a month ago. The run game has taken over games, the offense has become efficient rather than reckless, and the defense has started to play closer to its talent level.

That makes the second half of the schedule both exciting and dangerous. The Cowboys are staring down a tough road stretch in conference play, with trips to New Mexico, San Diego State, and Colorado State. New Mexico is currently 5–1 and playing confident football, San Diego State is always a grind on the road, and Colorado State has been one of the steadier teams in the league despite an up-and-down record. Those three games will likely determine whether Wyoming is a true contender or just a dangerous spoiler.

The schedule softens late. Wyoming closes conference play at home against San Jose State and Air Force, two teams that have struggled to find footing this season. Those are games the Cowboys should feel good about if they take care of business. The regular season then wraps up in Laramie against UConn in an out-of-conference matchup that also looks very winnable.

Put it all together, and the path is clear. The final two games set up nicely, but the road gauntlet before them will test everything Wyoming has built. If the Cowboys can survive that stretch with momentum intact, this season has a chance to become something far bigger than just a bounce-back from last year’s 2–10 record.

[DerkontheOS]

Win Streak on the Road: Wyoming Heads South for a Season-Defining Night at New Mexico

Wyoming heads south this week with a chance to keep something real rolling. After back-to-back conference wins, the Cowboys travel to Albuquerque looking to extend their streak to three, but this trip to New Mexico might be the most uncomfortable Mountain West test they’ve faced since Fresno State.

On paper, the Lobos don’t jump off the page. The roster doesn’t scream “conference contender,” and the raw talent grades won’t scare anyone. But the results absolutely should. New Mexico’s defense has been one of the quiet surprises of the season, sitting 12th nationally in points allowed and 55th overall. That doesn’t happen by accident. This coaching staff has squeezed every ounce of production out of a roster full of undervalued players, and they’ve turned defense into an identity.

It starts up front. Edge rusher Darren Agu has been a consistent problem for opposing offenses, leading the team with four sacks and setting the tone with his motor. In the secondary, Frankie Edwards III has been a game-changer, earning NCAA Defensive Player of the Week honors earlier this season and giving the Lobos a true ball-hawk who can flip momentum in a hurry. This is a defense that thrives on discipline, tackling, and forcing offenses to earn every inch.

Offensively, New Mexico has taken a different path than Wyoming. Freshman quarterback Dan Mahan has been remarkably clean, throwing 11 touchdowns without an interception so far. They’re not asking him to light up the scoreboard, but they trust him to protect the football and manage games. The ground game, however, hasn’t quite followed suit. Running back D.J. McKinney hasn’t found much room despite a solid interior offensive line led by center Kaden Robnett, and that imbalance has kept the Lobos from pulling away in games.

For Wyoming, the formula is clear but far from easy. The Cowboys’ rushing attack has been the backbone of their recent success, ranking near the top nationally, and it will need to be patient and physical against a defense that doesn’t give up cheap points. If Wyoming can establish the run and avoid turnovers, they can keep New Mexico’s offense on the sideline and limit the impact of a young but efficient quarterback.

Defensively, this is another measuring stick for a unit that has flashed improvement but still has questions. Containing Mahan, forcing him into obvious passing downs, and not letting Agu wreck drives will be critical. This is not a game Wyoming can win by sleepwalking into the fourth quarter.



Make no mistake, this is shaping up to be the toughest Mountain West game left on the schedule outside of Fresno State. It’s also the kind of game that defines seasons. A win here pushes Wyoming firmly into the conference contender conversation. A loss doesn’t undo the progress, but it tightens the margin for error. For a first-year staff still laying the foundation, this is exactly the kind of road test that shows how far the Cowboys have really come.