My NCAA Rankings 2025-26 After Week One

 Week One was filled with expected wins and some big upsets. There were marque matchups and there were giants playing against the obscure. When the dust settled after week one here are my Top 25.

1) Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0) beat the Texas Longhorns 14-7. Texas was supposed to be a contender this year and possibly could still be one. Ohio State is the defending National Champs. Next up Grambling State.

2) Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0) beat Nevada 46-11. Penn State was in the running last year. Entertains Florida International next.

3) Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) beat Marshall 45-7. The Dawgs have consistently been contender talented over Kirby Smart's tenure. Georgia might be under the radar this year. Georgia has another cupcake with Austin Peay scheduled next.

4) Oregon Ducks (1-0) crushed Montana State 59-13. Last year's runner ups host Oklahoma State next.

5) Miami Hurricanes (1-0) topped Notre Dame 27-24 to make a statement. The Canes have a breather with Bethune-Cookman next.

6) LSU Tigers (1-0) took down the Clemson Tigers 17-10. The Tigers host Louisianna Tech next.

7) South Carolina Gamecocks (1-0) defeated Virginia Tech 24-11. South Carolina State is the next contestant on the Gamecocks schedule.

8) Illinois Fightin' Illini (1-0) crushed Western Illinois 52-3. Illinois visits Duke next.

9) Texas Longhorns (0-1) lost to Ohio State 14-7. Regroups against San Jose State next.

10) Arizona State Wildcats (1-0) doubled up Northern Arizona 38-19. Visits Mississippi State next.

11) Notre Dame Fightin' Irish (0-1) lost to Miami 27-24. Does not play.

12) Clemson Tigers (0-1) lost to LSU 17-10. Tigers host Troy next.

13) Florida Gators (1-0) beat Long Island University 55-0. The Gators will be tested all year long, The first test upstart South Florida.

14) Michigan Wolverines (1-0) beat New Mexico 34-17. Michigan visits Oklahoma next.

15) Iowa State Cyclones (2-0) beat Kansas State 24-21 in week 0, then beat South Dakota 55-7. Hosts Iowa next.

16) SMU Mustangs (1-0) beat East Texas A&M 42-13.SMU hosts Baylor next.

17) FSU Seminoles (1-0) surprised the world by thumping Alabama 31-17. Next up is East Texas A&M

18) Oklahoma Sooners (1-0) beat Illinois State 35-3. Hosts Michigan next.

19) Ole Miss Rebels (1-0) crushed Georgia State 63-7. visits Kentucky next. 

20) Texas A&M Aggies (1-0) stopped UTSA 42-24. Entertains Utah State next.

21) Tennessee Volunteers (1-0) smashed Syracuse 45-26. Host East Tennessee next.

22) South Florida Bulls (1-0) Boise State from the rankings 34-7. Visits Florida next.

23) Indiana Hoosiers (1-0) beat ODU 27-14. Entertains Kennesaw State next.

24) Utah Utes (1-0) crushed UCLA 43-10. Entertains Cal-Poly next.

25) Texas Tech Red Raiders (1-0) rolled over Arkansas-Pine Bluff 67-7. Kent State visits next.

R.I.P Ryan Sandberg

 When I was younger baseball came to me through the TV superstations like the Braves on WTBS and the Cubs on WGN. One of the baseball diamond stars of my younger days was Ryan Sandberg. He passed away on July 28th at the age of 65.

He was a Hall of Fame second baseman for the Chicago Cubs. He was the National League MVP in 1984. He was a 10-time All Star.

                                             Some highlights...

65 feels a bit young to pass away, but cancer does not care. He will be missed by his family, friends and baseball fans.

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 9

 Oregon remains on top. The rankings shuffled up a bit. A couple of undefeated teams tasted defeat. Only 8 remain. 

1) Oregon Ducks (8-0) whipped Illinois 38-9. Visits Michigan next.

2) Penn State Nittany Lions (7-0) pulled away from Wisconsin 28-17. Hosts Ohio State next.

3) Indiana Hoosiers (8-0) beat Washington 31-17. Visits Michigan State next.

4) Miami Hurricanes (8-0) throttled Florida State 36-14. Hosts Duke next.

5) Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1) held off Nebraska 21-17. Visits Penn State,

6) BYU Cougars (8-0) won against UCF 37-24. Enjoys a week off.

7) Iowa State Cyclones (7-0) did not play. Entertains Texas Tech next.

8) Georgia Bulldogs (6-1) did not play. Clashes with the Florida Gators next.

9) Tennessee Volunteers (6-1) did not play. Entertains Kentucky next.

10) Texas Longhorns (7-1) held off Vandy 27-24. Enjoys a week off. 

11) Texas A&M Aggies (7-1) made a statement over LSU 38-23. Visits South Carolina next.

12) Clemson Tigers (6-1) did not play. Hosts Louisville next.

13) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (6-1) crushed Navy 51-14, Enjoys a week off.

14) Pittsburgh Panthers (7-0) crushed Syracuse 41-13. Visits SMU next.

15) SMU Mustangs (7-1) nipped Duke 28-27 in overtime. Hosts Pitt next.

16) Kansas State Wildcats (7-1) prevailed over Kansas 29-27. Visits Houston next.

17) Alabama Crimson Tide (6-2) shut out Missouri 34-0. Has a week off.

18) Boise State Broncos (6-1) topped UNLV 29-24. Hosts San Diego State next.

19) LSU Tigers (6-2) fell to Texas A&M 38-23. Has a week off.

20) Army Black Knights (7-0) did not play. Hosts rival Air Force.

21) Ole Miss (6-2) beat Oklahoma 26-14. Visits Arkansas next.

22) Missouri Tigers (6-2) lost to Alabama 34-0. Has a week off.

23) Illinois Fighting Illini (6-2) was whipped by Oregon 38-9. Hosts Minnesota next.

24) Colorado Buffaloes (6-2) beat Cincinnati 34-23. Has a week off.

25) Vanderbilt Commodores (5-3) fell to Texas 27-24. Visits Auburn next.

Ole Miss (6-2) beat Oklahoma 26-14.

R.I.P Pete Rose

 Charlie Hustle is perhaps the greatest baseball player not in the Hall of Fame. Pete Rose hit over .300 for his career. He has played in more Major League Baseball games and has more hits than any other player in the league's history. 

                                                       Highlights:

He was a 17 time All-Star, an MVP, won three batting titles, a three-time World Series Champion, and a rookie of the year award through a 23-year career.

When he became the hit king:

He was banned from the Hall of Fame for betting on baseball. However, his achievements show he was an all-time great.

My NCAA Rankings 2024-25 After Week 5

NCAA Football rolled through week 5. My previous number one and number six fell. The top 6 look solid. After that there is some shuffling. A few teams fell out and a few other teams are looking to get inside the rankings. The first full month of College Football has come to an end. How will October unfold?

1) Alabama Crimson Tide (4-0) beat Georgia 41-34. Visit Vanderbilt next.

2) Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) crushed Michigan State 38-7. Entertain Iowa next.

3) Texas Longhorns (5-0) defeated Mississippi State 35-13. Texas enjoys a week off.

4) Oregon Ducks (4-0) dropped UCLA 34-13. Host Michigan State next.

5) Tennessee Volunteers (4-0) did not play. Visit Arkansas next.

6) Penn State Nittany Lions (4-0) defeated Illinois 21-7. Host UCLA next.

7) Miami Hurricanes (5-0) barely avoided an upset with a 38-34 win over Virginia Tech.  Visits California next.

8) Missouri Tigers (4-0) did not play. Visits Texas A&M next.

9) Georgia Bulldogs (3-1) lost to Alabama 41-34. Tries to regroup with Auburn next.

10) Michigan Wolverines (3-1) beat Minnesota 27-24. Visits Washington next.

11) BYU Cougars (5-0) beat Baylor 34-28. Have a week off.

12) USC Trojans (3-1) regrouped and beat Wisconsin 38-21. Visits Minnesota next.

13) LSU Tigers (4-1) took care of South Alabama 42-10. Enjoys a week off.

14) Iowa State Cyclones (4-0) shut out Houston 20-0. Host Baylor next.

15) Indiana Hoosiers (5-0) defeated Maryland 42-28. Visit Northwestern next.

16) Ole Miss Rebels (4-1) were upset by Kentucky 20-17. Visit South Carolina next.

17) Oklahoma Sooners (4-1) beat Auburn 27-21. Has a week off.

18) Clemson Tigers (3-1) whipped Stanford 40-14. Visits FSU next.

19) Pittsburgh Panthers (4-0) did not play, Visits UNC next.

20) Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-1) beat Louisville 31-24. Has a week off.

21) Illionois Fighting Illini (4-1) lost to Penn State 21-7. Has a week off.

22) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-0) beat Washington 21-18. Visits Nebraska next.

23) Duke Blue Devils (5-0) topped North Carolina 21-20. Visits Georgia Tech next.

24) Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-1) beat Purdue 28-10. Host undefeated Rutgers next.

25) Texas A&M Aggies (4-1) beat Arkansas 21-17. Host Missouri next.

.

R.I.P Bobby Hull

 Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull passed away at the age of 84 on January 30, The legendary skater scored 741 goals in a career that scanned 23 years. He was the NHL's MVP twice and lead the league in points three times. 

He was a NHL All-Star 12 times, a two-time WHA MV and five-time WHA All-Star. 

Bobby Hull will be missed by his fans, friends and family.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: Z is for Ryan Zimmerman

 Ryan Zimmerman recently from baseball and the Washington Nationals. Fitting to end the A to Z challenge with him. He was a World Series Champion, a two-time all-star,  who enjoyed a 16 year career.

A tribute to him:

I hope you enjoyed this years challenge, stay tuned for normal blogging returning tomorrow!

Blogging from A to Z April Challange 2022: Y is for Cy Young

 They award the best pitchers in the American League and National League the Cy Young Award. However, how great was Cy Young? Cy Young holds the records for 511 wins and 749 complete games which are both records which will probably never be broken.

                                                Opening of Baseball's Hall of Fame

More on Cy Young

Cy Young a legend from baseball's early days and much more than an award.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: X is for Xavi

 Xavi is perhaps the greatest midfielder to kick a soccer ball. He was on the 2010 World Cup winning team representing Spain. 

Xavi scored 82 goals and enjoyed a long playing career. 

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: W is for Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky is considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time. During this A to Z Challenge I have highlighted a few potential GOATs in their respective sport. You might be pretty good if you are nicked named "the great one." Winning four Stanley Cups (NHL Championships) and nine Hart Trophies (MVP Awards) might back that up. Of course he is in the Hall of Fame.

Is there anyone currently who could challenge Gretzky as the great one?

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: Lindsey Vonn

 Last week of the challenge and I am bringing up a different sport Woman's Alpine Skiing. Of course that means a new athlete in Lindsey Vonn. She won four overall Woman's World Cup Champion. The first USA woman's skier to win a Gold Medal in the Olympics. Winning 82 World Cup races she is the greatest female ski racer from the USA and one of the greatest in the world.

Her Olympic Medal runs...

A tribute to her...

4 more days left in the challenge!

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: U is Jose Uribe

 Jose Uribe played in the Major Leagues for 10 seasons, mostly for the San Fransisco Giants. The shortstop. His life ended in a car accident in his native Dominican Republic when he was 47. Not the biggest stat, but he had a long career. Who are some of your favorite players who might not have been stars?

I will be back tomorrow with a new post.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: T is for Tim Tebow

 Today's athlete has played two professional sports. Tim Tebow best known for his college glory days of winning two National Championships and a Heisman Trophy Championship.

He played in the NFL most notably with the Denver Broncos and New York Jets.

In 2013 he failed to catch on with the New England Patriots and in 2015 he failed to catch on the Philadelphia Eagles.

In 2016-2019 Tebow pursued a baseball career in the New York Mets farm system. In 2020 he failed to make the Mets in Spring training.

He tried a football comeback as a tight end with the Jacksonville Jaguars this past season but was cut before the regular season.

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: S is for Sammy Sosa

 During his career Sammy Sosa hit 609 home runs, was an MVP and a 7-time All Star. He was a baseball player and the athlete for S. Sammy played in the steroid, performance enhanced drug era. However, his longball hitting did pique an interest in the sport.

His career will probably have an asterisk beside it forever. Does he deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? Or just a player with great stats, questionable playing ethics, a career gone by?

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: R is for Ronaldo

 Cristiano Ronaldo is considered to be one of the top players, if not the best player in soccer.  He has scored 800 goals in 1100 games in typically low scoring sport. He has enjoyed hoisting 32 trophies in his career,

Above a list of his top 10 goals. Below more...

Is Ronoldo the best? Is his rival Mesi better? Where would you rank him all-time?

             

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: Q is for Quick, Mike Quick

 Today we are going back to the gridiron with the letter Q. Today's athlete is the former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Mike Quick. Quick led the NFL in receiving yards in 1983. He was a five-time Pro Bowler in his nine-year NFL career. He is also inducted in the Eagles Hall of Fame.

We keep rolling on with the challenge I will have a new post tomorrow!

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: P is for Pete Rose

 Pete Rose was a 17-time all-star, a three-time World Series Champion, MVP and rookie of the year. Known as Charlie Hustle as a kid I thought he played the game the right way. He is the all-time hit leader.

He would be in the Hall of Fame except for a gambling controversy. Should he be forgiven? Was his punishment too severe? 

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: O is for Olaf Kolzig

 Moving right along with the A to Z Challenge today we are changing to yet another sport hockey. Today's letter is O and Olaf Kolzig, who was also known as Olie the Goalie is the athlete of the day.

He was a two-time all-star and was award the Vezina Trophy for best Goaltender in 2000. He holds many Washington Capital records including wins with 301. 

A fan made tribute from youtube...

Here he celebrates #300

Stayed tune as the challenge rolls on tomorrow!

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: N is for Nancy Lopez

 Keeping on woman athletes and moving from soccer to golf. Today's athlete is Nancy Lopez. She is inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and won 48 LPGA events during her career. 

She had a great career and is one of the greatest woman golfers.

We will be back to the challenge on Monday!

Blogging from A to Z Challenge 2022: M is for Mia Hamm

 Switching sports to soccer or the other football. Let's switch gears even further by choosing our first female athlete. Mia Hamm perhaps the greatest woman's soccer player of all time. She won four NCAA Championships at North Carolina. She was on World Cup Champion teams in 1991 and 1999. In 1995 Team USA finished in third place and also in 2003. 

                                            Here is a commercial with Michael Jordan...

Besides the World Cup she was on tow Gold Medal Olympic Teams 1996 and 2004. In 2000 she was on a Silver Medal Team. She also won a championship in a professional league.

Her top 10 goals...

Is there a better female soccer player than Mia Hamm? Stay tuned for a new athlete or team for N.