Category Archives: college

Penn State is taking an underdog mentality into the Ohio State clash

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Ten days after James Franklin’s firing, the reverberations are still being felt in Happy Valley, the home of Penn State’s football team. On ESPN’s College GameDay, Franklin stated that his “goal hasn’t changed,” insisting he plans to chase a national title elsewhere following a 3-3 start and a swift dismissal after losses to Oregon, UCLA, and Northwestern.

In the wake of Franklin’s departure, the Penn State football team has turned to longtime assistant Terry Smith as interim head coach while a broader coaching search continues in the background. The immediate task, however, is stabilizing a locker room ahead of its biggest test yet.

This context frames a week built around belief and response rather than résumés alone. Speaking ahead of the upcoming game, Terry Smith said about Penn State versus No. 1 Ohio State: “No one is giving us a chance, and I’m going to re-emphasize that to our team. I don’t think we’ve ever been a 20-point underdog since I’ve been here, but it’s motivation. No one believes in us. We’re going to come out and fight.”

Smith’s message is simple: lean into edge and execution. After a turbulent October and an interim handover, he is trying to convert doubt into fuel. This week is as much about clarity as it is about tactics — penalties, situational football, and red-zone decisions have all swung close games the wrong way this season.

The underdog framing also resets expectations without lowering standards, a balance Penn State needs to strike facing a top-ranked opponent on deck.

Fan sentiment hasn’t been subtle since the transition. In the first post-Franklin game, a 25-24 loss to Iowa, social media reflected familiar frustration—flashes of promise smothered by late miscues, special teams swings, and a fourth quarter that slipped away. That game felt like the season in miniature and added more weight on Smith’s first marquee week to re-center the team’s focus and confidence.

The Penn State football team doesn’t control the spread or the outside noise. What it does control is effort and precision. Smith’s public refrain—that belief and fight travel—sets a clear baseline for Saturday’s showdown in Columbus.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/penn-state-football-news-nittany-lions-taking-underdog-mentality-into-ohio-state-clash

SMU hits historic new low in loss to Wake Forest

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SMU Football Hits First ACC Loss in Winston-Salem Against Wake Forest

SMU football entered Winston-Salem with an unblemished Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) record, having never lost a conference game since joining the ACC. Still very much in the ACC title game picture, the Mustangs faced Wake Forest with high hopes. However, on Saturday, SMU experienced a new low.

The Demon Deacons snatched victory from the ACC runner-up and 2024 College Football Playoff contender with a walk-off field goal. This marked SMU’s first defeat in ACC play since joining the conference. College football reporter Matt Fortuna notes that this is also the Mustangs’ first conference loss since November 17, 2022, when Tulane—then an American Athletic Conference team—upended SMU. At that time, both teams were members of the American Athletic Conference.

SMU’s Offensive Struggles vs. Wake Forest

The Mustangs introduced a high-octane offense in their ACC debut last season under quarterback Kevin Jennings. Jennings had recently impressed fans with a dazzling behind-the-back pass, showcasing the potential of SMU’s 2024 attack. However, against Wake Forest, SMU and Jennings looked far from their usual dynamic form.

The Dallas-based university went punt, turnover on downs, punt, and another punt on their first four possessions, struggling to generate offense. They did not put points on the board until their fifth offensive possession, when kicker Sam Keltner converted a 36-yard field goal. But on the very next drive, Jennings took a sack and lost the ball, with Wake Forest’s Jayden Loving recovering the fumble caused by Gabe Kirschke.

SMU’s lone touchdown came late in the third quarter when Shaadie Clayton-Johnson scored on a six-yard run. Despite this, the Mustangs had trouble moving the ball on the ground, managing just 75 total rushing yards at 2.7 yards per carry. Jennings, a dual-threat quarterback, contributed only seven rushing yards and threw for 171 yards. He was also intercepted by Wake Forest’s Karon Prunty.

Wake Forest Becomes the First Team in 2025 to Shut Down Jennings

Wake Forest became the first team in the 2025 season to prevent Kevin Jennings from throwing a single touchdown pass. Moreover, their victory ended SMU’s impressive conference winning streak.

As SMU looks ahead, they will need to regroup and address the offensive issues that surfaced against the Demon Deacons to stay competitive in the ACC title race.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/smu-hits-historic-new-low-in-loss-to-wake-forest

FanDuel promo code: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins for Indiana vs. UCLA

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One of the best stories in college football continues on Saturday when Indiana takes on UCLA in a Big Ten tussle. The Hoosiers, under the leadership of Curt Cignetti, are No. 2 in the most recent AP Poll — marking the first time that Indiana has ever climbed that high in the rankings. It’s a remarkable accomplishment for the Hoosiers, who signed Cignetti to a massive contract worth nearly $93 million.

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https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/betting/fanduel-promo-code-bet-5-get-300-in-bonus-bets-if-your-bet-wins-for-indiana-vs-ucla/

Paige Bueckers Can’t Stop Admiring UConn’s 2025 National Championship Ring Details

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On Thursday, the UConn Huskies held their ring ceremony to celebrate their 2025 NCAA championship.

The event was a memorable occasion that brought together players, coaches, and fans to honor the team’s incredible achievement.

Celebrating their hard work and dedication, the Huskies showcased their championship rings as a symbol of their success and commitment to excellence.

The ceremony highlighted the pride and unity within the UConn basketball community, marking a significant milestone in the program’s history.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/wnba/news-paige-bueckers-can-t-stop-admiring-uconn-s-2025-national-championship-ring-details

Just like old times as Epondulan leads Bombers win over another top program

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Jose Rizal University coach Nani Epondulan had one reminder for the Heavy Bombers ahead of their crucial matchup against San Beda in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

“I told my players after that loss to EAC, make sure to bring your heart at baka maihi kayo sa salawal sa,” he warned — meaning, they need to play with passion and intensity, or risk losing their composure on the court.

This litmus test will be a defining moment for the Heavy Bombers as they aim to bounce back and show their true potential in the season.
https://sports.inquirer.net/643696/just-like-old-times-as-epondulan-leads-bombers-win-over-another-top-program

Motivated FEU aims to build on latest V-League title run

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MANILA, Philippines — The Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws continue to celebrate the rise of Philippine men’s volleyball as they prepare to challenge the top club teams in the country’s Spikers’ Turf league.

For the second consecutive year, FEU asserted their dominance by ruling the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge. In a thrilling winner-take-all match, the Tamaraws swept their opponents from De La Salle University with set scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-23.

https://sports.inquirer.net/643674/motivated-feu-aims-to-build-on-latest-v-league-title-run