Category: Football

Georgia football’s defensive stats are absolutely nuts

These Georgia football defensive stats are literally nuts.

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This Georgia defense is the best in the conference and it’s one of the NCAA’s elite defenses. In nine games this year, the defense has allowed a high of 17 points.

Here’s each game so far:

6, 17, 0, 17, 14, 13, 0, 17, 0.

Remember, in the South Carolina game Georgia’s defense actually only allowed 13 points. The Gamecocks got seven when they returned an interception back for a touchdown.

That’s three shutouts, and two of those came against SEC teams Kentucky and Missouri.

This defense is something special.

Saturday proved that again as Georgia held Missouri to 0 points, 198 total yards, 148 passing and 50 rushing.

In the fourth quarter, Georgia almost saw its nine game streak of no rushing touchdowns allowed come to a close. But the defense prevailed and not only did not allow a rushing score, but no score at all for that matter.

The passing defense could be cleaned up a little bit, but the Dawgs are still fine in that category, ranking 17th nationally.

A big part of Georgia’s solid passing defense can be credited to the run defense. Georgia takes away its opponents run game. It’s a sure thing. Basically, if you think you want to run the ball against Georgia, think again.

With the Dawgs being so stout against the run, teams are forced to throw it. And just because the Georgia pass defense is not as elite as its run defense, don’t take that secondary lightly. There are some big name players back there just waiting for you to throw it at them.

Compared to the rest of the SEC, there’s no questioning that Georgia has the conference’s best defense.

Just look at these stats and where they rank among the SEC and the nation.

10.1 points per game allowed (2nd nationally, 1st in the SEC)

260.3 total yards per game allowed (5th nationally, 1st in the SEC)

4.32 yards per played allowed (4th nationally, 1st in the SEC)

185.8 passing yards per game allowed (17th nationally, 3rd in the SEC)

5.6 yards per attempt (5th nationally, 2nd in the SEC)

74.5 rushing yards per game allowed (4th nationally, 1st in the SEC)

2.77 yards per carry allowed (4th nationally, 1st in the SEC)

29.6% opponent 3rd down conversion rate (11th nationally, 1st in the SEC)

57.14% opponent red zone score conversion rate (1st nationally, 1st in the SEC)

Locked On Spartans Podcast: It’s Michigan Week?

Wil Hunter and Matt Sheehan talk about the death of Charles Rogers. Then they get into the general lack of buzz around Michigan State vs. Michigan and Ambry Thomas’ comments to the media about MSU. …

Wil Hunter and Matt Sheehan talk about the death of Charles Rogers. Then they get into the general lack of buzz around Michigan State vs. Michigan and Ambry Thomas’ comments to the media about MSU.

You can find the episode on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

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Jauan Jennings added to Biletnikoff watch list

Jauan Jennings added to Biletnikoff watch list.

KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee wide receiver Jauan Jennings has been added to the 2019 Biletnikoff watch list according to the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation on Monday.

Jennings, a redshirt senior for the Volunteers, is fifth in the Southeastern Conference in receiving yards with 771. He’s also fifth among conference receivers in touchdown receptions with seven.

Jennings has 50 receptions, which is sixth in the SEC. He’s averaging just over 15.4 yards per catch in 2019.

The redshirt senior has recorded three 100-yard games this season and is a team leader for the Vols and has scored multiple touchdowns in a game twice this year.

The Biletnikoff Award, named for former Florida State and Oakland Raiders great, is given to the most outstanding wide receiver in the FBS.

 

Ohio State football sets new all-time high in ESPN FPI metric

Ohio State has been dominant in 2019, and one metric used to track such things by the ESPN FPI has been broken by the Buckeyes.

Ohio State continues to dominate in 2019. Not one single team has been able to provide anything resembling a challenge against the Buckeyes. So far, the season’s opponents have been like a wet paper towel against a freight train.

Now, if we rewind all the way back to the beginning of the year before all the games began, the ESPN Football Power Index had little faith in Ohio State being this dominant. In fact, it was on the fringe of not even appearing on any of the graphics projecting the top teams for the season.

My how things have now changed. Not only has Ohio State been the No. 1 team for a few weeks now in the FPI ratings, just this past week it shattered the all-time high measurement in the points above average rating per Brad Edwards of ESPN.

The Buckeyes points above average in layman terms means that Ohio State is 34.7 points better than your average college football team.  Lookout well-below average Rutgers, you have been put on notice.

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Now, ESPN only began collecting these data sets in 2004, but that’s better than 2005 Texas (national champs), 2005 USC (Pete Carroll dynasty), and 2013 Florida State (Jameis Winston national champs).

That’s quite the achievement, especially since it is only November and there’s still plenty of time to improve the rating. If we are then to forecast where this team will land, well — if history is any indication — it should be in the College Football Playoff and have a great chance of winning the whole ball of wax.

Now, the games have to be played, but this is as telling of a stat when it comes to domination as one can get. If, that is, you put much stock in ESPN’s FPI.

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Daniel Bituli named SEC Defensive Player of the week for second time in 2019

Daniel Bituli named SEC Defensive Player of the week.

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KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee senior linebacker Daniel Bituli was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week following the Volunteers’ 17-13 comeback victory over Kentucky Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington.

Bituli had a season-high 19 tackles and helped the Big Orange shut out the Wildcats over the final 30 minutes of the crucial SEC showdown.

He was awarded the honor Monday after he made the key fourth-and-goal stop that sealed the victory for the Vols (5-5 overall, 3-3 in the SEC).

Bituli’s 19-tackle performance is tied for fifth highest by a Power 5 player this season. He had 10 solo tackles and was credited for half a tackle for loss against the Wildcats (4-5, 2-4).

Bituli was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after UT beat South Carolina 41-21 on Oct. 28.

Against the Gamecocks, he had a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. He also had 15 tackles, including one TFL as the Vols also shut out South Carolina in the second half.

South Jersey Catholic school under fire for not seriously punishing athletes’ discussion of ‘raping’ a student

A Catholic high school in New Jersey is under siege or allegedly letting a pair of football players who discussed raping another student on Snapchat get off with a slap on the wrist.

A Catholic high school in Southern New Jersey has found itself in the eye of a storm after two of its athletes allegedly discussed “raping” a student over Snapchat but were not seriously punished for the exchange.

As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, two football players for Paul VI High School in Haddonfield, N.J. allegedly discussed raping another student in a social media exchange on Sep. 26. Parents of the alleged target of the exchange complained to police, who investigated the incident but decided against charging the two teens.

That left any punishment up to officials at Paul VI, which decided the appropriate penalty was only what is outlined in the school handbook for harassment and a threat: Two hour-long detentions and 15 demerits. School officials added that both students were also forced to take anti-intimidation and sexual harassment education courses.

The two issues that have since been attacked by former Paul VI students on social media are A) whether the existing codified penalty for sexual harassment and threat violations is adequate, and B) whether two students openly discussing raping a younger student is a violation worthy or more than sexual harassment and a threat.

While the president of Paul VI, Michael Chambers, said he believed the two teenagers in question were still members of the school’s football team, he could not confirm that they were still active after the incident. Paul VI is currently 0-8 in the 2019 schedule.

UT football: How opponents fared in Week 11

UT football: How opponents fared in Week 11

KNOXVILLE — With Week 11 of the college football season in the books, Vols Wire takes a look at how Tennessee’s opponents fared last week and what lies ahead for each of them.

How Tennessee’s opponents fared in Week 11

Georgia State (6-3) lost to Louisiana-Monroe 45-31 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Appalachian State, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

BYU (5-4) beat Liberty 31-24 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Idaho State, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Chattanooga (5-5) beat Samford 35-27 on Saturday. Next up: vs. The Citadel, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Florida (8-2) beat Vanderbilt 56-0 on Saturday. Next up: at Missouri, Saturday, Noon.

Georgia (8-1) beat Missouri 27-0 on Saturday. Next up: at Auburn, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Mississippi State (4-5) was idle. Next up: vs. Alabama, Saturday, Noon.

Alabama (8-1) lost to LSU 46-41 on Saturday. Next up: at Mississippi State, Saturday, Noon.

South Carolina (4-6) lost to Appalachian State 20-15 on Saturday. Next up: at Texas A&M, Saturday,  7:30 p.m.

UAB (6-3) lost to Southern Mississippi 37-2 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Texas-El Paso, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Kentucky (4-5) lost to Tennessee 17-13 on Saturday. Next up: at Vanderbilt, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

Missouri (5-4) lost to Georgia 27-0 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Florida, Saturday, Noon.

Vanderbilt (2-7) lost to Florida 56-0 on Saturday. Next up: vs. Kentucky, Saturday, 3:30 p.m.

2023 athlete Treyaun Webb commits to Georgia Bulldogs football

Treyaun Webb, a 2023 athlete, has verbally committed to the University of Georgia. Webb is from Jacksonville, Florida and plays football at Trinity Christian Academy. Webb named UGA his leaders back in February. Today, he committed to Georgia via …

Treyaun Webb, a 2023 athlete, has verbally committed to the University of Georgia. Webb is from Jacksonville, Florida and plays football at Trinity Christian Academy.

Webb named UGA his leaders back in February. Today, he committed to Georgia via Twittter:

Webb is UGA’s first commitment in either the class of 2022 or 2023. Kirby Smart and company only have three commits in the class of 2021. Webb has a long way to go throughout the process and several years to develop before he’d come to Athens.

Webb is only 180 pounds and is six feet tall. He may grow some more before he plays in college. It’s another win for Georgia recruiting.

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Eastern Michigan-Akron odds: Akron searching for first win

Previewing Tuesday’s Eastern Michigan Eagles at Akron Zips sports betting odds and lines, with college football matchup analysis and picks.

The Eastern Michigan Eagles (4-5) head to Northeast Ohio Tuesday night trying to keep the Akron Zips (0-9) down. The MACtion kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at InfoCision Stadium. We analyze the Eastern Michigan-Akron odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Eastern Michigan at Akron: Three things you need to know

1. Eastern Michigan needs two wins for bowl eligibility, and the three remaining teams on the schedule have a combined record of 6-21 straight up.

2. Not only is Akron winless at 0-9, the Zips are the only team in FBS which hasn’t covered the spread this season, too.

3. Eastern Michigan won the most recent meeting by a 27-7 score back on Nov. 10, 2018 on the gray turf in Ypsilanti.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Eastern Michigan at Akron: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Eastern Michigan 45, Akron 13

Moneyline (ML)

EASTERN MICHIGAN (-1000) is a bit too expensive on the moneyline, but the Eagles are going to get it done on the road. Akron (+525) has been the worst team in FBS, and shows no signs of turning it around.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Eastern Michigan returns a profit of $1.

Against the Spread (ATS)

EASTERN MICHIGAN (-16.5, -115) is the better play, as it looks to keep up the offensive resurgence and get into position for a bowl game. The Eagles have scored 23 or more points in three of the past four games, and five of the past seven. The Eagles rank 32nd in the nation with 276.6 passing yards per game, so they can move the ball. Their problem is a lack of defense, ranking 109th in points allowed (33.2 PPG). The Eagles are 6-0 against the spread in the past six trips to Akron, and 9-3 ATS in the past 12 meetings in this series overall.

EMU’s lack of defense shouldn’t be a problem against Akron (+16.5, -106), as the Zips rank near the bottom of FBS in total yards per game (255.6), rushing yards per game (52.9) and points scored (10.2). They’re 129th in total yards, and 130th in rushing yards and scoring. Defensively, the Zips have allowed 35.7 PPG to rank 119th in the country.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (46.5, -110) has cashed in four straight on the road for Eastern Michigan, and the Over is 3-1-1 in its past five conference tilts. Akron has a total of nine points scored over its past four games against Kent State, Buffalo, Northern Illinois and Bowling Green. However, the defense has allowed 84 total points over the past two, and 26 or more points in eight of nine this season.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Western Michigan-Ohio odds: Bobcats slight home favorite

Previewing Tuesday’s Western Michigan Broncos at Ohio Bobcats college football matchup, with NCAA football betting odds, picks and best bets

The Western Michigan Broncos (6-4) travel to meet the Ohio Bobcats (4-5) on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET from Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio.

We analyze the Western Michigan-Ohio odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Western Michigan at Ohio: Three things you need to know

1. Ohio was tripped up at home last Wednesday against Miami-Ohio 24-21. The Bobcats still need two more wins in the final three games to attain bowl eligibility.

2. Ohio ranks 36th in the nation with 198.8 rushing yards per game, but is awful against the run. It has allowed 196.8 rushing yards per game, ranking 99th in the country.

3. Western Michigan has won two in a row, averaging 42.0 PPG. The Broncos are already become bowl eligible with six victories. They have scored 24 or more points in each of the past eight games.

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!

Western Michigan at Ohio: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Western Michigan 31, Ohio 27

Moneyline (ML)

WESTERN MICHIGAN (+100) is the more functional team, as Ohio (-121) has struggled down the stretch. The Bobcats have managed a 1-3 SU record and 0-4 ATS mark in their four games at home against FBS teams.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Western Michigan returns a profit of $10.

Against the Spread (ATS)

WESTERN MICHIGAN (+1.5, –110) is the play on the road, as Ohio has managed an 0-5 ATS record in its five games at home. Western will get it done on the road and keep its hopes alive for a spot in the MAC Championship Game. The Broncos are tied atop the West Division standings with Central Michigan.

The Bobcats, 2-7 ATS overall, took a tough loss last week, 24-21 vs. visiting Miami of Ohio. They also might be missing one of their better players, TE Adam Luehrman, due to a leg injury. Feel confidence rolling with the Broncos.

Over/Under (O/U)

The OVER (60.5, –115) has hit in five straight appearances on Tuesday for Western Michigan, while going 4-1-1 in the past six games on the road. The over has also connected in 10 of the past 11 on the road against teams with a losing home mark. The over is 4-1 in Ohio’s past five following a straight-up loss, while the over is 5-1 in its past six meetings with Western.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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