THESTUDENT
Section
A brief look at the surviving user teams heading into the quarter finals
Cade Klubnik headlines the award winners and All-American team
Firings and hirings around the country
COACH’S CORNER
Interview with GT HC Dr Dark
CFB PLAYOFF PREVIEW
OREGON DUCKS | #1 | 13-0
An incredible season thus far from Nick Larson and the Ducks. With true freshman starting all over the squad; QB Miguel Pilares, HB Seleshi Kohou, and WR Mafu Hasty lead the high powered offense and attempt to keep the unbeaten streak alive
The true dominance lies on the defensive side of the ball, as transfer edge rusher BJ Diakite and CB Rodrick ‘Hot Rod’ Pleasant absolutely torment opposing offenses. Diakite was responsible for 22 tfls to go along with his 9.5 sacks this year; while Rodrick Pleasant tallied a ridiculous 6 pick 6's on the year Truly amazing stuff from the Ducks’ defense
Armed with a first round bye, and a CPU matchup to begin their playoff run, Nick looks poised to clash with a rolling Notre Dame squad in the semifinals.
SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS | #2 | 12-1
2 straight playoff runs for Elio and his Gamecocks, this time around he earns a first round bye after a dominant win in the SEC Championship game against the Sooners.
The big story for the Cocks this season centers around their phenom WR Nyck Harbor After seeing less usage this season, the rumors are swirling that the freak athlete could be looking for a change of scenery this offseason, a move that would intrigue nearly every school in the nation Despite the rumors, Coach Elio is playing dominant football with or without his weapon X. Freshman corner Josh Ivie has erupted this year, snagging 8 ints and making his presence known each and every game.
Bizzy will be waiting to try to knock Elio off his pedestal and send the Gamecocks packing. A must see matchup.
NOTRE DAME | #3
Drew is rolling in hot after demolishing the cinderella story Golden Bears in the opening round. He now faces off against a G5 underdog, Tulane. All signs point to the Golden Domers taking care of business against the Green Wave, leaving him squared up with the Mighty Ducks in the next round
The story for Notre Dame this year was simple, no mistakes, and spread the love; Jeremiyah Love. The Junior RB plowed his way to 1,408 rush yards and 17 TDs this season, earning himself the Doak Walker Award.
Notre Dame has an interesting road to the playoffs each year as an Independent school That didn’t stop Drew from taking on some big dogs this year; racking up wins against the likes of Cal, USC, Penn State, and a ranked NC State. Its no doubt that the Fighting Irish will remain a staple in postseason play, but will this be the year they go all the way?
Bizzy finds himself in a similar position as he did last year Missing out on the ACC title, but playing his way into a top 5 ranking, and a playoff berth. A dominant year for the Canes as they played mistake free football for the majority of the season, dropping only 1 game in the regular season. A wacky game in the ACC Championship handed them a fluke loss to end their run, and ultimately miss out on that elusive first round bye. That didn’t stop the U, as they handled Wisconsin in the opening round without much trouble South Carolina awaits
The Canes found a new groove on offense this year, leaning into their new mobile QB, George Odum. Odum had 2,660 yards and 16 total TDs this season. Couple this new offensive attack with an aggressive and relentless defensive game plan, and you begin to see why Miami will be a tough out.
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS |
Quite possibly the most impressive coaching career thus far, Tosh has led the Mountaineers to their second playoff berth and once again has a first round bye. In the words of coach Tosh, the games have been ugly at times, but West Virginia has found a way to win Armed with one of the slowest rosters in the game to begin the dynasty, the talent has begun to flow into Morgantown.
Only a couple years into his coaching career, we’ve already seen some high profile interest for Coach Tosh, with the newly vacated head coaching job at Georgia being a potential landing spot. Time will tell if WVU will retain their coach and continue to build on the success they’ve seen these past two years One thing is for sure, Tosh will make some noise in the playoff one way or another.
CADE KLUBNIK | 2025 HEISMAN
All Americans
NEW BEGINNINGS
We’ve seen 6 users lose their jobs already, with more expected to depart their current positions. Its shake-up time in Campus Legends.
Riot has moved on from Georgia to coach the Army Black Knights A team that currently boasts 14 Seniors amongst their top 16 players Riot will truly be able to create his own identity as he starts a new chapter at West Point.
Zeth is no longer rocking or chalking as Kansas goes in another direction following season 2 In similar fashion, Guac gets canned in Maryland and will need a new home next year Ares gets the surprise boot from North Texas after a brief stint as coach. These users are playing their cards close to the chest and we may see them look to the wheel for a new opportunity.
Ebanks has been let go following a few disappointing seasons with the Bruins. He has landed a premium position in the grand scheme of things and will be the new coach of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee St. MTSU is coming off a C-USA Championship season and totes a surprisingly interesting roster WR Javonte Sherman is coming off a Biletnikoff award winning season
Sparty also gets the axe from Michigan State He will be heading to Buffalo to coach the Bulls next season. The Bulls do have the advantage of a fairly young roster, headlined by Charles McCarthens on D and Lamar Spurlock on O.
DR DARK: GEORGIA TECH HEAD COACH
We sit down with GT Head Coach Dr Dark and discuss season 2 results, expectations moving forward, and a sneak peak at some innovations coming to the team’s scheme.
Q : Big win in the Fenway Bowl, how are you feeling at the end of the season?
I'm feeling great I just hope this win helps keep this team moving in the right direction for the future
Q : Quite the career for SR QB Haynes King as a Yellow Jacket. What has it been like to coach the talented signal caller?
He had a great Career both on the ground and in the air. We cant wait to see what his future might hold If he decides to go in to coaching or go in to the draft
Q : Similar to King, SR Halfback Jamal Haynes has proven to be a pivotal part of the offense How will you handle his departure this spring?
We have a lot of young player waiting to come in and be the guy next year Let alone some more guys coming in, but Haynes will be missed. He was so dynamic in both the ground and passing game. We will have to find someone that can do the same next year.
Q : On the other side of the ball, Redshirt FR Safety Cedric Franklin II seems to have really taken initiative and become the voice of the team How much has he meant to the defense this year?
He has been a big part of the team To the point where when he is on the field, he become the caller more so than the MLB. He will play a more active role in the game plan next year, and has won the starting job going into this off season.
Q : What’s the outlook for the team going into year 3, any big changes we should prepare for?
The team has a great outlook going in to next year The JR QB Pyron looks to take a big leap next year Unless one of the Redshirt FR jump out at us in the offseason
Q : We are hearing you might be leaving after this Bowl season Anything you want to say about that?
We as a staff are going to talk with the AD about our future here. We know we left wins on the table and want whats best for this team. If that means we have to leave or I just have to leave, then that is what will happen But if I stay, then we will be aiming for the top spot in the ACC
