Uthinkuknowsports

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  • Saints vs. Lions preview: Detroit tests short-handed offense

    Saints vs. Lions preview: Detroit tests short-handed offense

    Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT | Ford Field, Detroit | FOX
    DraftKings (Aug. 31): DET -7 | Over/under: 49.5
    Opening numbers: DET -7 | Opening over/under: 48.5 (lines move) [S1/S3]

    The setup

    New Orleans opens Year 2 with Tyler Shough but without first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson, who begins the season on injured reserve. Detroit still owns one of the league's best scoring attacks, but it has a new coordinator and new offensive tackles.

    What I’m watching

    Can New Orleans' pass rush create the pressure swing that has historically changed Jared Goff, and can Shough finish drives against a top-five PFF defense?

    Personnel snapshot

    • The roster note: No. 8 pick Jordyn Tyson is out with a hamstring injury and was designated to return from injured reserve. Detroit moves Penei Sewell to left tackle, drafted Blake Miller for the right side and added Isiah Pacheco after David Montgomery's departure.
    • The current hook: New Orleans drafted Jordyn Tyson eighth overall to grow with Tyler Shough, but a hamstring injury will keep him out of Week 1. Shough now faces PFF's fifth-graded 2025 defense without his prized rookie target. [S4/S12]
    • The game-shaping angle: Detroit's pass offense ranked fifth in EPA per play; New Orleans' defense ranked 10th overall. The Saints' quickest path to competitiveness is making this a pressure game, not a track meet. [S7]

    Three quick analysis points

    • The numbers clash: Detroit scored 28.3 points per game; New Orleans scored 18.0. The Saints also ranked last in red-zone touchdown rate, so merely moving the ball will not be enough. [S7/S8]
    • The leverage point: Jared Goff's PFF passer rating was 121.7 when clean and 70.6 under pressure. New Orleans' defensive sack rate ranked fifth, giving the Saints one obvious upset lever. [S5/S7]
    • The tell-your-friends stat: Jared Goff has thrown a touchdown pass in 23 straight games, the NFL's longest active streak. New Orleans' pass rush is trying to end it in the opener. [S14]

    How the game is decided

    New Orleans needs sacks and red-zone touchdowns. Detroit wins the math if Goff stays clean and the Saints settle for three.

    Prediction

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources and double-check links

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • Broncos vs. Chiefs preview: AFC West control at stake

    Broncos vs. Chiefs preview: AFC West control at stake

    Monday, September 14, 2026 | 7:15 p.m. CT | GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | ESPN / ABC
    DraftKings (Aug. 31): KC -3 | Over/under: 42.5
    Opening numbers: KC -2.5 | Opening over/under: 42.5 (lines move) [S1/S3]

    The setup

    Denver arrives as the defending AFC West champion after sweeping Kansas City. The Chiefs added Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III while Patrick Mahomes works back from a knee injury.

    What I’m watching

    If Mahomes plays, can Kansas City protect him from the league's best 2025 sack-rate defense? If he does not, can the run game prevent Denver from controlling the night?

    Personnel snapshot

    • The roster note: Kenneth Walker III debuts for Kansas City on a three-year deal. Mahomes' Week 1 status remains the central injury watch; Justin Fields is also on the Chiefs roster.
    • The current hook: Kenneth Walker III goes from Super Bowl LX MVP to Kansas City's backfield. The Chiefs have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Kareem Hunt in 2017. [S2]
    • The game-shaping angle: The close-game records were mirror images: Denver went 11-2 in one-score games; Kansas City went 1-9. That is a 10-win swing in the exact situations that often define this rivalry. [S8]

    Three quick analysis points

    • The numbers clash: Denver's defense ranked sixth in EPA, first in sack rate and first at preventing explosive passes. That is an unforgiving first test for any version of Kansas City's quarterback plan. [S7]
    • The leverage point: Patrick Mahomes' PFF passer rating was 98.9 clean and 67.5 under pressure. His knee status matters, but so does a Denver rush built to make every quarterback move. [S5/S7]
    • The tell-your-friends stat: Travis Kelce needs 45 receiving yards to pass Jason Witten for the second-most ever by a tight end. Only Tony Gonzalez would remain ahead of him. [S14]

    How the game is decided

    Kansas City needs Walker to keep Denver's rush honest. Denver wants the game to reach a tight fourth quarter, where last year's evidence could not be more different.

    Prediction

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources and double-check links

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • Ravens vs. Colts preview: Elite ground games collide

    Ravens vs. Colts preview: Elite ground games collide

    Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis | CBS
    DraftKings (Aug. 31): BAL -3.5 | Over/under: 48.5
    Opening numbers: BAL -3.5 | Opening over/under: 49.5 (lines move) [S1/S3]

    The setup

    Baltimore adds Trey Hendrickson to a defense now coordinated by Anthony Weaver under new head coach Jesse Minter. Indianapolis counters with the best rushing-efficiency baseline in the league.

    What I’m watching

    Can Baltimore's rebuilt front get Indianapolis behind schedule, and can the Colts force Lamar Jackson to win against a secondary that struggled in PFF's grading?

    Personnel snapshot

    • The roster note: Trey Hendrickson debuts for Baltimore. Jesse Minter begins his first regular-season game as Ravens head coach, with Anthony Weaver running the defense.
    • The current hook: Baltimore did not make a cosmetic change: it added Trey Hendrickson after ranking 31st in defensive sack rate and 30th in PFF pass-rush grade. [S2/S4/S7]
    • The game-shaping angle: Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor combined for 3,180 rushing yards and 34 rushing touchdowns last season. Week 1 features two of football's most productive runners in the same building. [S14]

    Three quick analysis points

    • The numbers clash: Indianapolis finished No. 1 in rushing EPA per play; Baltimore's run offense ranked No. 3. The easiest game plan for both teams may be to make the other defense tackle for four quarters. [S7]
    • The leverage point: Lamar Jackson posted a 132.4 rating on PFF's 20-plus-yard throws, with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Indianapolis' PFF coverage grade ranked 28th. [S4/S6]
    • The tell-your-friends stat: These teams went a combined 5-12 in one-score games last season: Baltimore was 2-5 and Indianapolis 3-7. The late-game margin is a real Week 1 storyline. [S8]

    How the game is decided

    The Colts need the run game to prevent Hendrickson from hunting. Baltimore needs explosives before another close finish becomes a coin flip.

    Prediction

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources and double-check links

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • Buccaneers vs. Bengals preview: Week 1’s highest total probably means plenty of points

    Buccaneers vs. Bengals preview: Week 1’s highest total probably means plenty of points

    Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. CT | Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati | FOX
    DraftKings (Aug. 31): CIN -3.5 | Over/under: 51.5
    Opening numbers: CIN -3.5 | Opening over/under: 50.5 (lines move) [S1/S3]

    The setup

    The highest early total on the Week 1 board pairs two offenses that need their defenses to catch up. Cincinnati's answer is a major interior addition: Dexter Lawrence.

    What I’m watching

    Can Lawrence change Cincinnati's run defense and compress Baker Mayfield's pocket, or does Tampa Bay expose the same red-zone defense that finished at the bottom of the 2025 baseline?

    Personnel snapshot

    • The roster note: Dexter Lawrence debuts after Cincinnati traded the No. 10 pick for him. The Bengals reworked a defense that allowed 28.9 points per game in 2025.
    • The current hook: Cincinnati traded the No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence because the defense needed a centerpiece: the Bengals ranked 29th in defensive EPA per play and 29th in PFF defensive grade. [S2/S4/S7]
    • The game-shaping angle: The early total is 51.5, highest in Week 1. These defenses allowed a combined 53.1 points per game last season, so the market is not hiding the shootout expectation. [S3/S8]

    Three quick analysis points

    • The numbers clash: The biggest flashing matchup is near the goal line. Cincinnati's offense ranked No. 2 in red-zone touchdown rate; Tampa Bay's defense ranked No. 32. [S7]
    • The leverage point: Joe Burrow's PFF passer rating was 108.0 from a clean pocket and 79.3 under pressure. Tampa Bay's pass-rush grade ranked eighth, giving the Bucs a realistic way to cool the game down. [S4/S5]
    • The tell-your-friends stat: Tampa Bay has won five straight season openers, while Baker Mayfield is 3-0 on Kickoff Weekend with the Bucs and threw a touchdown pass in 16 of 17 games last season. [S10/S14]

    How the game is decided

    Red-zone defense is the separator. Field goals keep Tampa Bay in it; Cincinnati touchdowns make the total look justified.

    Prediction

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources and double-check links

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • 49ers vs. Rams preview: NFL debuts in Australia

    49ers vs. Rams preview: NFL debuts in Australia

    Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 7:35 p.m. CT | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne | Netflix
    DraftKings (Aug. 31): LAR -3.5 | Over/under: 48.5
    Opening numbers: LA -2.5 | Opening over/under: 48.5 (lines move) [S1/S3]

    The setup

    The NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia sends an NFC West rivalry to a stadium built for more than 100,000 people. The Rams arrive with Myles Garrett joining Aaron Donald (will he play?) on an already top-graded roster.

    What I’m watching

    Can San Francisco’s protection and Brock Purdy’s sack avoidance hold up against Garrett, and can the 49ers’ rebuilt defense keep Matthew Stafford from dictating the game?

    Personnel snapshot

    • The roster note: Myles Garrett debuts beside Aaron Donald, with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson also new in the secondary. Nick Bosa and George Kittle were expected back at practice before the trip.
    • The current hook: The Rams have won three straight international games by a combined 92-17, but all were in London. Now they meet San Francisco in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia at a stadium that seats more than 100,000. [S1/S11]
    • The game-shaping angle: The kickoff is Thursday night in the U.S. but Friday at 10:35 a.m. in Melbourne. Travel, body clocks and a morning local kickoff make this unlike any normal NFL home game. [S1/S11]

    Three quick analysis points

    • The numbers clash: The Rams were No. 2 in offensive EPA per play while San Francisco was No. 24 on defense. PFF was even harsher: Los Angeles graded No. 1 on defense and the 49ers No. 31. [S4/S7]
    • The leverage point: Matthew Stafford posted a 118.0 PFF passer rating when kept clean but 78.8 under pressure. San Francisco’s 2025 defensive sack rate ranked last, so the 49ers must find a new way to speed him up. [S5/S7]
    • The tell-your-friends stat: Christian McCaffrey is one of only two players ever, with LaDainian Tomlinson, to post three seasons with 2,000-plus scrimmage yards and 15-plus touchdowns. [S14]

    How the game is decided

    The simple question is whether San Francisco can make Stafford uncomfortable before Garrett makes Purdy uncomfortable.

    Prediction

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources and double-check links

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • Patriots vs. Seahawks preview: Super Bowl LX rematch opens 2026

    Patriots vs. Seahawks preview: Super Bowl LX rematch opens 2026

    Wednesday, September 9, 2026 | 7:20 p.m. CT | Lumen Field, Seattle | NBC / Peacock
    DraftKings (Aug. 31): SEA -3.5 | Over/under: 44.5
    Opening numbers: SEA -3.5 | Opening over/under: 44.5 (lines move) [S1/S3]

    The setup

    Seven months after Seattle beat New England in Super Bowl LX, the same two 14-win teams open the next season in the same building. New England's biggest counterpunch is new No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown.

    What I’m watching

    Can Drake Maye's league-leading 2025 passing efficiency survive Seattle's elite coverage and third-down defense long enough for Brown to change the rematch?

    Personnel snapshot

    • The roster note: A.J. Brown makes his Patriots debut. Seattle replaces Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III after his move to Kansas City.
    • The current hook: Seven months after Super Bowl LX, New England returns to Seattle with A.J. Brown, just the second 1,000-yard receiver to join a team that had reached the Super Bowl the previous season. The other was Brandin Cooks joining New England in 2017. [S11]
    • The game-shaping angle: This is only the fifth NFL game played on a Wednesday since 1950 and the first Wednesday game in Patriots history. The previous four landed there because of a political convention, a COVID postponement or Christmas. [S11]

    Three quick analysis points

    • The numbers clash: This is the cleanest strength-on-strength matchup of Week 1: New England finished No. 1 in offensive EPA per play; Seattle finished No. 2 on defense. It is the best 2025 offense against the second-best 2025 defense. [S7]
    • The leverage point: Drake Maye's PFF passer rating was 114.3 from a clean pocket and still 90.2 under pressure. Seattle's 86.5 coverage grade ranked second, so the Seahawks may need coverage and pressure to win together. [S4/S5]
    • The tell-your-friends stat: Sam Darnold became the fourth quarterback to win a Super Bowl in his first season with a team, and the first to post 13-plus wins in back-to-back seasons for different teams. [S14]

    How the game is decided

    If New England stays on the field on third down, Brown can tilt the rematch. If Seattle forces long-yardage, its coverage becomes the headline again.

    Prediction

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources and double-check links

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • UT Martin vs. West Virginia preview: Can WVU finish?

    UT Martin vs. West Virginia preview: Can WVU finish?

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 12:00 PM CT | Milan Puskar Stadium, Morgantown, WV | ESPN+
    DraftKings snapshot: not yet posted in the ESPN/DraftKings feed | Over/under: not yet posted [S1]

    What’s at stake

    West Virginia won Rich Rodriguez’s return game, but the 31-24 score hid two completely different halves. The Mountaineers led Coastal Carolina 24-0, then were outscored 24-7 after halftime and needed the full four quarters to survive. UT Martin answered an opening loss to Central Arkansas with a 42-7 win over first-year program Chicago State. [S2/S3/S4/S5]

    This is the first meeting. West Virginia should win, but this is a chance to show it can finish cleanly before the schedule becomes less forgiving. For UT Martin, the upset path is obvious: test the secondary that just allowed 373 passing yards and avoid helping WVU’s run-heavy offense with penalties or short fields. [S2/S3/S6]

    Three things to know

    1. Both offenses found their identity on the ground: West Virginia rushed 61 times for 281 yards, with Cam Cook and Michael Hawkins Jr. both topping 100. UT Martin rushed for 216 yards and six touchdowns against Chicago State, led by Tommy Ansley’s 106 yards and three scores. The team that wins early downs can keep the other offense watching from the sideline. [S2/S3]
    2. West Virginia’s secondary has an immediate repair job: Coastal Carolina threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. UT Martin’s Tate Surber did not throw a touchdown last week, but the Skyhawks averaged 10 yards per pass attempt and had three receivers reach 55 yards. An FCS opponent still has a real route to explosive plays if WVU repeats its second-half coverage problems. [S2/S3]
    3. The sloppiness can erase the talent gap: UT Martin committed 13 penalties for 110 yards and turned the ball over twice. West Virginia had seven penalties for 70 yards, including five for 50 yards in a third quarter when Coastal ran 21 plays to WVU’s six. The Mountaineers should control this game, but another penalty-filled stretch could keep it uncomfortable. [S2/S3]

    Stat comparison

    MetricUT Martin 2026West Virginia 2026UT Martin 2025 rankWest Virginia 2025 rank
    Points per game33.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)31.0 (No. 69*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 116
    Points allowed per game21.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)24.0 (No. 92*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 100
    Yards per game386.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)413.0 (No. 60*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 96
    Yards allowed per game331.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)425.0 (No. 106*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 106
    Passing yards per game204.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)132.0 (No. 110*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 103
    Passing yards allowed per game198.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)373.0 (No. 125*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 129
    Turnover margin-3 (FCS; no FBS rank)+1 (No. 30*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 57

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S2/S3/S4/S5/S10]

    Players to watch

    • UT Martin — Tommy Ansley: He rushed 16 times for 106 yards and three touchdowns against Chicago State. The sophomore produced half of UT Martin's six rushing scores. [S3/S8]
    • West Virginia — Cam Cook: The Jacksonville State transfer rushed 30 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns. His 72-yard run on West Virginia's first snap set up a touchdown 47 seconds into the season. [S2/S7]

    Looking for a prediction?

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • Colgate vs. Central Michigan preview: Can CMU recover after blowout loss?

    Colgate vs. Central Michigan preview: Can CMU recover after blowout loss?

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 12:00 PM CT | Kelly/Shorts Stadium, Mount Pleasant, MI | ESPN+
    DraftKings snapshot: not yet posted in the ESPN/DraftKings feed | Over/under: not yet posted [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Central Michigan's home opener suddenly feels like an early gut check. The Chippewas did not record a first down until the final minute of the first half and finished with 149 yards in a 38-7 loss at New Mexico. Colgate is 2-0 after following a Week 0 win at Fordham with a 35-10 win over Holy Cross. [S2/S3/S4/S5]

    This is the first meeting, and Central Michigan brings two meaningful streaks into it: 17 straight wins over FCS opponents and three straight home-opening wins. Colgate's explosive passing game makes those streaks more than trivia if CMU's offense again cannot stay on the field. [S2/S6]

    Three things to know

    1. CMU's quarterback situation has to produce something: Jadyn Glasser and Angel Flores combined to complete 7 of 16 passes for 30 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. Colgate just intercepted Holy Cross three times. If Central Michigan becomes one-dimensional again, the Raiders can attack the run without fearing the pass. [S2/S3/S4]
    2. Colgate can create points without long drives: Jake Stearney threw four touchdown passes, including scores of 64 and 58 yards. Matt Fogler caught six passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns. Central Michigan allowed only 159 passing yards at New Mexico, but the Lobos controlled the game so thoroughly that they did not need to chase big plays. [S2/S3/S4]
    3. The third-down gap explains both openers: Colgate converted 5 of 12 third downs and held Holy Cross to 66 rushing yards. Central Michigan went 2 of 11 on third down and possessed the ball for only 22:31. CMU does not need a spectacular offense yet; it needs enough first downs to keep Colgate's playmakers off the field. [S2/S3/S4]

    Stat comparison

    MetricColgate 2026C Michigan 2026Colgate 2025 rankC Michigan 2025 rank
    Points per game29.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)7.0 (No. 122*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 111
    Points allowed per game12.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)38.0 (No. 110*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 49
    Yards per game438.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)149.0 (No. 126*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 113
    Yards allowed per game259.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)364.0 (No. 81*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 53
    Passing yards per game224.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)30.0 (No. 127*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 118
    Passing yards allowed per game190.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)159.0 (No. 52*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 49
    Turnover margin-1 (FCS; no FBS rank)-2 (No. 107*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 38

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S2/S3/S4/S10]

    Players to watch

    • Colgate — Matt Fogler: He turned six catches into 153 yards and three touchdowns against Holy Cross. His longest score covered 64 yards, so Central Michigan has to know where he is on every snap. [S3/S8]
    • Central Michigan — Nasir Williams: He produced Central Michigan's only touchdown on a 23-yard run and also led the Chippewas with 11 receiving yards. That unusual combination shows how little else worked in the passing game. [S2/S4/S9]

    Looking for a prediction?

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • California vs. Syracuse preview: Early ACC test for two darkhorse contenders

    California vs. Syracuse preview: Early ACC test for two darkhorse contenders

    Saturday, 2026-09-12 | 2:30 PM CT | JMA Wireless Dome, Syracuse, NY | ACC Network
    DraftKings snapshot: SYR -3 | Over/under: 56.5 [S1]

    What’s at stake

    California and Syracuse enter their ACC opener with opposite emotions. Cal erased an 11-point deficit and tied UCLA late in the third quarter, only to allow 21 unanswered points in the fourth and lose 45-24. Syracuse scored touchdowns on six straight possessions and opened with a 66-3 rout of New Hampshire. [S2/S3/S4]

    The opener results need context—Syracuse faced an FCS opponent, while Cal faced a Power Four rival—but the problems and strengths line up directly. Cal’s run defense was gashed; Syracuse showed a balanced offense. Syracuse’s defense created 11 sacks and three turnovers; Cal gave the ball away three times. [S2/S3/S4]

    Three things to know

    1. Cal’s run defense faces the worst possible follow-up: UCLA rushed for 277 yards at 8.7 per carry, including five rushing touchdowns by Anthony Woods and Wayne Knight. Syracuse ran for 238 yards at 5.5 per carry, and freshman Shavane Anderson Jr. needed only 10 attempts to gain 102 yards and score three times. If Cal cannot fix its fits and tackling, Syracuse will not have to expose Steve Angeli to much risk. [S2/S3/S4]
    2. Pressure and turnovers can decide the game: Syracuse recorded 11 sacks and forced three turnovers against New Hampshire. Cal surrendered three sacks, and Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw two interceptions as the Bears finished minus-2 in turnover margin. The competition jumps sharply for Syracuse, but Cal cannot give an aggressive defense extra possessions. [S2/S3/S4]
    3. Cal’s offense was more functional than the final score suggests: The Bears gained 410 yards, converted 11 of 21 third downs and held the ball for 34:49. Adam Mohammed added 166 yards from scrimmage. Syracuse dominated an FCS opponent, but it also committed 12 penalties for 125 yards. Cal can make this a real game if it protects the ball and forces the Orange to defend long drives. [S2/S3/S4]

    Stat comparison

    MetricCalifornia 2026Syracuse 2026California 2025 rankSyracuse 2025 rank
    Points per game24.0 (No. 80*)66.0 (No. 6*)No. 96No. 122
    Points allowed per game45.0 (No. 117*)3.0 (No. 10*)No. 77No. 126
    Yards per game410.0 (No. 64*)513.0 (No. 36*)No. 89No. 106
    Yards allowed per game461.0 (No. 112*)159.0 (No. 16*)No. 62No. 126
    Passing yards per game291.0 (No. 38*)275.0 (No. 43*)No. 19No. 80
    Passing yards allowed per game184.0 (No. 63*)99.0 (No. 20*)No. 45No. 122
    Turnover margin-2 (No. 107*)+3 (No. 6*)No. 87No. 135

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S2/S3/S4/S9]

    Players to watch

    • California — Adam Mohammed: In his Cal debut, he rushed 28 times for a career-high 120 yards and a touchdown and caught seven passes for 46 more. He was the Bears' most dependable answer as they erased an 11-point deficit. [S2/S3/S7]
    • Syracuse — Umari Hatcher: He caught eight passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including scoring grabs of 19 and 18 yards. He gives Steve Angeli a proven downfield answer as the competition rises. [S4/S8]

    Looking for a prediction?

    I make final predictions on my TikTok/YouTube/Instagram/Facebook pages @uthinkuknowsports.

    Sources

    Full disclosure: I use AI tools to format my research into an article encompassing all of the information.

  • Florida A&M vs. Miami preview: Can Rattlers slow record duo?

    Florida A&M vs. Miami preview: Can Rattlers slow record duo?

    Thursday, 2026-09-10 | 7:00 PM CT | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | ACC Network
    DraftKings snapshot: not yet posted in the ESPN/DraftKings feed | Over/under: not yet posted [S1]

    What’s at stake

    Miami has only four days between a cross-country road win at Stanford and its home opener against an in-state opponent. The Hurricanes looked every bit like the team that reached last season's national championship game: Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney produced record-setting debuts, and the defense did not allow a touchdown in a 45-6 win. Florida A&M comes in from a 31-13 loss to South Carolina State in which its offense gained only 161 yards. [S2/S3/S6]

    The series is lopsided, but it owns one unforgettable exception. Miami is 11-1 against Florida A&M; the Rattlers' lone win was a 16-13 upset in the first meeting in 1979. For FAMU, staying competitive would require turning the three takeaways it created last week into far more help for the offense. [S3/S5/S6]

    Three things to know

    1. Miami can use this game to fix the one quiet part of its opener: Mensah threw for 401 yards and five touchdowns, but Miami rushed for 121 yards at 3.8 per carry. Florida A&M just allowed South Carolina State to run for 292 yards at 7.7 per attempt. If the Hurricanes want a more complete offense before the schedule toughens, this is the obvious place to test the run game. [S2/S3]
    2. FAMU's offense cannot leave its defense on an island: The Rattlers finished with minus-1 rushing yard, went 4 of 17 on third down and gained 161 yards overall against South Carolina State. Miami held Stanford to 299 yards and two field goals. FAMU created three takeaways last week, but it will need actual drives—not only defensive help—to keep this from getting away early. [S2/S3]
    3. Mensah and Toney already look like a nightmare: Mensah completed 27 of 30 passes for a career-high 401 yards and five touchdowns without an interception. Toney caught 12 passes for 234 yards and three scores, breaking Miami's single-game receiving record. FAMU's first job is not stopping everything; it is preventing that one connection from deciding the game by halftime. [S2/S3]

    Stat comparison

    MetricFlorida A&M 2026Miami 2026Florida A&M 2025 rankMiami 2025 rank
    Points per game16.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)45.0 (No. 35*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 51
    Points allowed per game19.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)6.0 (No. 21*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 6
    Yards per game210.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)549.0 (No. 22*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 48
    Yards allowed per game321.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)299.0 (No. 62*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 12
    Passing yards per game176.0 (FCS; no FBS rank)428.0 (No. 5*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 41
    Passing yards allowed per game173.5 (FCS; no FBS rank)221.0 (No. 85*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 43
    Turnover margin+3 (FCS; no FBS rank)-2 (No. 107*)FCS — not ranked with FBSNo. 12

    *The 2026 ranking is based on the 131 teams who had played by Saturday night. We did not wait on the Sunday and Monday college football games to publish the majority of our previews. [S2/S3/S4/S9]

    Players to watch

    • Florida A&M — Justin Bostic: He made six tackles and scored Florida A&M's only defensive touchdown against South Carolina State. The Rattlers forced three turnovers, and Bostic represents the kind of game-changing play they need again. [S3/S7]
    • Miami — Malachi Toney: His 12 catches, 234 yards and three touchdowns set a Miami single-game receiving record, passing Eddie Brown's 220-yard game from 1984. [S2/S3/S8]

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    Sources

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