Blake Baker set to become next Tulane coach

According to my sources, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is set to become the next Tulane Green Wave head coach.

Baker has cemented himself as one of the best coordinators in all of college football and has recently interviewed for a few head coaching vacancies, including the head coaching gig for the Memphis Tigers.

Baker famously played for the Tulane Green Wave between 2000-2004 so he has ties to the university and the New Orleans area. So it wouldn’t be surprising to see him accept the Tulane job, as he wants to advance his coaching career past being a college coordinator, even if it is at a major Power 4 conference school like LSU (who recently hired a new coach.)

A deal may be announced beforehand, but I wouldn’t count on/expect one to be held before the Green Wave’s conference championship game against North Texas this Friday and/or if they win, before the conclusion of their playoff run. Stay tuned to www.sportstalkque.blogspot.com for more details to come.

NCAAF 🏈 top-25 after week 9

After 9 weeks of action, here are my top-25 rankings for the 2023 college football season

Ranking LSU #7

Over the years, there have been some great players to come through LSU that have dawned the #7. Today, I decided to rank those players. Of course, I didnt rank every single player who ever dawned the number, but I did start at 2005. Let me know what y’all think.

Breaking: Aaron Anderson enters the transfer portal

I have just learned that University of Alabama WR Aaron Anderson has entered the NCAA transfer portal. 

                  Rodger Champion/Alabama Athletics

This comes as a bit of a surprise as it was expected that Anderson figured to be a prominent figure in the Crimson Tide’s offense going forward. He showed a lot of promise during spring and fall practices leading into the 2022 season before he was ultimately sidelined by an injury which limited his playing time. As for the schools I personally think have a good chance to land his services, I think:

• LSU - is the presumptive favorite going in to land ‘Deuce’s services. It is right up the road from his hometown of New Orleans and has always been his ‘dream school.’ The only reason he decommited from LSU in the first place was because of Ed Orgeron’s firing back during the course of the 2021 season.

• Florida State - the Seminoles had a ‘bounce back’ year and figure to be in the mix nationally. Adding a playmaker like Anderson will only help FSU. Add in the fact that former HS teammate Jamie Vance just earned all-conference honors in the ACC, fellow former Karr WR Destyn ‘Fatt’ Hill is expected to enroll in May (according to ON3’s Sam Speigleman) and the recruiting coordinator is fellow New Orleans native Dave Johnson (who loves to recruit Louisiana talent), and I would think the Noles have a good chance. 

• Southern California - USC did offer Anderson coming out of HS. Catching passes from a returning Heisman Trophy winning QB in a pass happy offense that likes to get speedy receivers the ball in space doesn’t seem all that bad either.

• Colorado - with Deion Sanders shifting from Jackson State to Colorado and the transfer portal being on fire and him claiming that he wants ‘dawgs’, Anderson definitely fits that mold. Coach Prime has made it clear that he wants to revamp the entire roster and what better way than to add a former 5-star recruit into the fold via the transfer portal. 

It will be interesting to see where the former Edna Karr prospect lands next. Stay tuned to SportsTalkQue for the latest on this developing story.

2022 College Football Awards predictions

Tonight is the annual College Football Awards Show presented by Home Depot. Here is my list of predicted winners for the major categories.

Ray Guy Award (Outstanding punter)

Predicted winner: Bryce Baringer, Michigan State 

            Nick King/Lansing State Journal

Baringer will win this award. He averaged 49 yards per punt this season. A tremendous field flipper that consistently put the Spartan defense in position to thrive.

Lou Groza Outstanding Place- Kicker Award (Outstanding kicker)

Predicted winner: Joshua Karty, Stanford

                  Eric Chang/ISI Photos

I have Joshua Karty from Stanford winning this award. He was perfect on FG attempts this season, including making a 61-yarder. He was also voted the team’s MVP.

Chuck Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year)

Predicted winner: Will Anderson, Alabama

                  Vasha Hunt/AP

The EDGE rusher from Alabama finished the season with 51 tackles (17 of them being for a loss) and 10 sacks. It wasn’t as good as his output from the 2021 season, but he was still very productive for the Crimson Tide.

Paycom Jim Thorpe Award (Outstanding Defensive Back)

Predicted winner: Clark Phillips III, Utah

                  Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribute

In a somewhat close race, Clark Phillips should hoist the hardware as the nation’s best DB. He finished the season with 6 interceptions for the Utes, including 2 he returned for touchdowns. If that weren’t enough to convince you he should win this award, he held 2021 Biletnokoff winner Jordan Addison ‘in check’ in the PAC-12 championship game last weekend.

John Mackey Award (Outstanding Tight End)

Predicted winner: Brock Bowers, Georgia

                  Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

In a somewhat surprising move, I have Bowers winning this award over Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer. Yes, Mayer does have better stats and everyone knows he is the main reason Notre Dame’s offense was anywhere near productive this season, but I feel like Bowers was just as important to the Dawgs’ offense and was more impactful at the position playing tougher defenses. This honestly could go either way, but give me Bowers.

Doak Walker Award (Premire Running Back)

Predicted winner: Bijan Robinson, Texas

                  Adam Davis/Icon SportsWire via Getty Images

This will be a very close race, had it not been for being injured in the second to last game of the season, I think Michigan’s Blake Corum would have won this award. Despite missing essentially what is the last two games of the season, he still might possibly win it. All that being said, I think Texas’ Bijan Robinson pulled away with impressive showings at the end of the year to edge out the win in a very tight race. Illinois’ Chase Brown deserves some recognition as well. This is one category where I feel like all 3 finalists have a strong argument to claim this award.

Biletnokoff Award (Outstanding Receiver)

Predicted winner: Marvin Harrison, Jr. Ohio State

                  Cameron Teague Robinson/The Athletic

Anyone who has watched the Buckeyes play this season knows that Harrison Jr. is leagues ahead of any other receiver this season. He finished this campaign with 1,157 yards and 12 TD receptions. What is more impressive than that is some of the highlight reel plays he made. Harrison isn’t just the namesake of  his NFL HOFer dad, but he’s just as good (if not better) than his dad @ this level.

Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award (Best Quarterback)

Predicted winner: Caleb Williams, Southern California

                  Keith Birmingham/Pasadena Star-News

In his first year as a full time starter at a new school, Williams brought the Trojans back to national relevancy for the first time in almost 2 decades. He finished the year with 4,075 passing yards and 37 TDs through the air with only 4 interceptions. When he wasn’t able to make things happen through the air but his team still needed big plays to move the chains…

Maxwell Award (Player of the Year)

Predicted winner: Caleb Williams, Southern California

                  Associated Press

…Williams delivered in that regard as well. While his rushing stats may not jump out at you, his ability to make plays with his feet cannot be underestimated. In addition to his 37 passing TDs, he was also able to get into the end zone on the ground 10 times, including a 3 rushing TD game vs. Notre Dame in the final week of the regular season. I expect Williams to clean up tonight and to win the Heisman Trophy on Saturday.

SportsTalkQue reacts to Deion Sanders leaving Jackson State for University of Colorado

Deion Sanders bolting on Jackson State for the University of Colorado is the talk all across the country. With me being a HBCU alum, I felt really ‘close’ to this and I felt it applied to me more than most people who are voicing their opinion(s) on the matter. So without further ado, here we are.

2022 CFP Final top-4 bracket and other New Year’s 6 bowl projectionS

So the regular season is essentially over so now is the time to predict the most WONDERFUL time of the year for college football: BOWL SEASON. These are some potentially fun matchups to look forward too & these are my projections, including the College Football Playoff semifinals and the other New Year’s 6 Bowls. Here goes nothing…

New Year’s 6 Bowls:

Semifinals

Peach Bowl

Georgia vs. Ohio State

Fiesta Bowl

Michigan vs. Alabama

Other NY6 Bowls

Orange Bowl

Tennessee vs. Clemson

Sugar Bowl

Alabama vs. Kansas State

Cotton Bowl

Southern Cal vs. Tulane

Rose Bowl

Utah vs. Penn State

College Football Playoff rankings week 3

This is the second installment of my weekly College Football Playoff rankings. Watch the video below to see who I believe are the top 4 teams and the next 4-6 after them

Brooklyn Nets fire Steve Nash x College Football Playoff 1st ranking

Today, the Brooklyn Nets decided to part ways with 3rd year head coach Steve Nash. Additionally. the initial College Football Playoff rankings for the 2022 season will be released tonight. Watch the video below to see how I feel about all of this.

Top-10 college quarterbacks going into 2022 season

With the college football season set to begin today, I decided to make a list of who I feel are the top 10 QBs heading into the year. Check out the video below and let me know how accurate this list is, if there’s anybody I have too low, too high or completely missed out on.

Rank ‘em: college WRs

Over the past 25-30 years, there have been some PHENOMENAL wide receivers that have come throught the NCAA. These 8 gentlemen are who I feel like were the ‘best of the best’ at that level. Where would you rank each 1-8? Let us know below.

https://twitter.com/sportstalkque/status/1517208744257638402?s=21&t=Vb2sXl5jLw2xTPpyohohPw

Top 10 most exciting college football players to watch

In the past 25 years or so, there have been PLENTY to exciting college football players. Even in that, some stand out more than others. Here is MY top 10 list of the most exciting/fun players to watch that I’ve seen in my lifetime.

If you dont see a video above, click this link

NCAA Week 11 picks ATS

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU FOLLOW ANY OF THIS ADVICE AND DECIDE TO WAGER ANY MONEY BASED ON ANYTHING SAID OR SEEN DURING THE FOLLOWING BROADCASTING, YOU DO SO SOLEY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The creator of this content is NOT RESPONSIBLE for any potential incurred losses, monetarily or otherwise.

Host Quentin Bienemy gives his week 11 picks against the spread.

• (9) University of Miami @ Virginia Tech

• UT-San Antonio vs. UT-El Paso

• Western Kentucky University vs. University of Southern Mississippi

• (11) University of Oregon @ Washington State University

NCAA Week 10 Picks Against the Spread

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU FOLLOW ANY OF THIS ADVICE AND DECIDE TO WAGER ANY MONEY BASED ON ANYTHING STATED IN THIS VIDEO, YOU DO SO SOLEY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The author of this post is NOT RESPONSIBLE for ANY POTENTIAL INCURRED LOSSES. 

After a far too long hiatus, we're back with another edition of our weekly picks against the spread for college football (the first one in video form) Check it out below and let us know what y'all think. Happy winnings!

Deion Sanders named new Jackson State head coach

 Jackson State Universiry officially announced the hire of Deion Sanders as their new head coach. I reacted to that news.

USC ends disassociation with Reggie Bush after 10 years

After 10 years of not being able to have a relationship with each other, USC and running back Reggie Bush have finally been allowed to end their disassociation. If you all remember, Bush was ruled ineligible after the fact because of improper benefits he received while at the university. He was also stripped of the Heisman Trophy he won following the 2005 season.

What the former two time All-American RB may or may not have receieved had absolutely NO effect on how he performed on the field so to take the greatest individual award in college sports away from him for that was absolutely wrong. The trophy should be returned to him immediately and he should formally be able to retake his place amongst college football immortals. He was one of the best players of all-time on that level.

Anyhow, its good to see him back in the fold at Southern Cal. Maybe his presence can help recruiting efforts and help re-establish the Trojans as a national championship contender. Check out the video we made to celebrate the occasion. 

Itchy’s NCAAF Picks Against the Spread - Championship Weekend Edition

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU FOLLOW ANY OF THIS ADVICE AND DECIDE TO WAGER ANY MONEY BASED ON ANYTHING WRITTEN IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU DO SO SOLEY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The author of this post is NOT RESPONSIBLE for ANY POTENTIAL INCURRED LOSSES.

Last week’s NCAAF record: 2-1
Season NCAAF record: 23-11

Friday
PAC-12 Championship:
Oregon vs. Utah: over 46

Both teams have a ‘good defense’ but that’s relatively speaking, as outside of USC and Washington State, the PAC-12 hasn’t been known for its offensive firepower this year. Utah’s defense gave up 28 points to Washington and Oregon got 31 dropped on them by Arizona State (both those teams are just average offensively). The windy weather is a cause for concern, but I feel like both teams are explosive enough to put up at least 23 points a piece on each other’s defense. Oregon QB Justin Herbert was widely considered the best QB prospect in this year’s upcoming draft going into this season, and with a bunch of NFL caliber talent around him (like WRs Johnny Johnson III and Jaylen Redd) playing with their backs to the wind for half the game, they should be able to come up with 3 touchdown drives. On the other side, Utah is currently ranked number 5 in the CFP poll. The Utes have one of the best backfields in the country that no one really talks about with QB Tyler Huntley and RB Zack Moss. With a potential trip to the CFP on the line with a win and Georgia loss (we’ll get to that game later) I expect them to be focused and clicking on all cylinders to get the win. If they do, they’ll need to put points up to try to keep up (or hold off) Oregon. This game won’t be low scoring. Take the over.

Saturday
Big 12 Championship:
Oklahoma (-8.5) vs. Baylor

Some people may look at this line and think I’m tripping. Especially because of how the game turned out the last time these 2 schools played and Baylor going up 28-3 before eventually allowing a Oklahoma comeback. Well when you take a closer look at that game, Baylor was the beneficiary of 3 first half touchdowns as a result of Sooner turnovers. I don’t think Baylor will be as lucky this time around. While I do think their defense is a really good unit, I think Oklahoma’s offense is simply better and this game should play out a lot more like the second half of the last time these 2 teams met, where Oklahoma outscored Baylor 24-0. When you add in the fact that Utah losing last night opens the door for the winner of this game to get the fourth and final spot in this year’s playoff. Jalen Hurts and Lincoln Riley won’t let this opportunity slip by them. If/OU’s offense gets to rolling, I don’t think Baylor’s offense will be able to keep pace. The Sooner defense has also been playing better as of late and expect Oklahoma to come out firing on all cylinders and play their best football of the season. The Sooners SHOULD cover this spread.

Mountain West Championship
Boise State vs. Hawaii: over 64.5

We all know by now that Hawaii can score with just about anybody you put them on the field with. That’s just a given. They’ve looked really impressive most of the year offensively. The problem is, defensively, they give up a lot of points as well which isn’t good (for them). Boise State’s offense is always efficient, but this year they’re especially lethal. The last time these 2 teams met (earlier this season), the final score was 59-37 in the Broncos’ favor. The weather is somewhat of a factor and MAY slightly affect the Rainbow Warriors’ chances to put points on the board, but even if they can’t, I think Boise can hang 45-50 by themselves and in that case, I think Hawaii will be good for 2 garbage time TDs to get this total over.

SEC Championship
Georgia vs. LSU (-7.5)

I know that Georgia has somewhat of a “home-field advantage” with this game being played in Atlanta, but that’s about the only thing they have the upper hand on when I look at this matchup. Georgia came out of the SEC East (by far the weaker of the 2 divisions) and they’ve struggled offensively most of the year. I don’t expect that to change today, especially with De’Andre Swift being banged up with a shoulder injury and not having their top 2 receivers (one being out due to injury and the other being suspended for a half). On the other side of the ball, everyone knows what LSU has done and what they’re capable of offensively. Georgia’s defense is viewed as the strength of their team, but who have they played? The key to this game will be LSU’s offensive line against UGA’s defensive. front (which is pretty good). If LSU’s offensive line can block Georgia’s defensive front, it’s going to be A VERY LONG DAY for the Bulldog DBs as Joe Burrow will have time to pick them apart.

Itchy’s NCAAF Week 13 Picks Against the Spread

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU FOLLOW ANY OF THIS ADVICE AND DECIDE TO WAGER ANY MONEY BASED ON ANYTHING WRITTEN IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU DO SO SOLEY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The author of this post is NOT RESPONSIBLE for ANY POTENTIAL INCURRED LOSSES.
Last week’s NCAAF record: 4-0
Season NCAAF record: 21-10

Last week was really good for me, so I’m just gonna try to keep up with this momentum and carry it into the end of the regular season and finish on a high note. I must admit, this week I didn’t feel good about a lot of games so this might be an ‘abbreviated’ schedule for me lol.

ECU (-13.5) @ UConn

This is pretty much a situation where I’m picking against UConnof . Their defense is terrible and while ECU’s offense hasn’t consistently put up points in bunches the entire season, they have put up 43 (against a very good Cincinnati defense) and 51 points the past 2 weeks and I expect them to ‘turn up’ on the Huskies. They’ve found out how to find the end zone and UConn will have trouble keeping up.

Arkansas State/Georgia Southern: over 54.5

Idk exactly what is going on with this total. The line opened up at 59.5 and since then, it has dropped. I’ve checked the weather and that won’t play a factor. On top of that, you have one of the country’s top passing offenses in Arkansas State going against one of the worst passing defenses. On the flip side, you have one of the best running teams in Georgia Southern (that also get a ton of chunk yards and ‘big gains’) going up against one of the nation’s worst run defenses. I’ve seen a lot of other experts pick the under in this game and I don’t understand why. I guess I’m just going to have to be proven wrong because I’m all ‘over’ this one.

Texas A&M (+13.5) @ Georgia

This is the first time these teams will meet since TAMU joined the SEC 8 years ago. When I look at these teams, I see a lot of similarities. Both teams like to grind and shorten the clock out with their respective running games and rely on their defenses to stymie their opponents. The main difference is, Georgia probably has better players on their team. Still, I think 2 touchdowns is a bit much to give up, especially for a Georgia team that hasn’t really been able to break games open with their offense. Jimbo Fisher is big game coach so I expect him to put his players in position to keep this game close throughout. Kellen Mond will also have a decent day against this Dawg defense.

Itchy’s NCAAF Week 12 Picks Against the Spread

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT IF YOU FOLLOW ANY OF THIS ADVICE AND DECIDE TO WAGER ANY MONEY BASED ON ANYTHING WRITTEN IN THIS ARTICLE, YOU DO SO SOLEY AT YOUR OWN RISK. The author of this post is NOT RESPONSIBLE for ANY POTENTIAL INCURRED LOSSES.
Last week’s NCAAF record: 3-2
Season NCAAF record: 17-10


Last week, my 'lock of the year' came through (LSU/Bama over - as expected) but overall I didn't have that great of a day in college. On the surface, this week seems to look a lot easier with more favorable match-ups and spreads and totals that look like they make sense on paper. See, that's the thing with Vegas, they've made billions of dollars and built tons of casinos & sportsbooks by people thinking exactly like this. So that's why I had to curb my enthusiasm and concentrate on the research as opposed to what just looks good at first glance. Anyways, let's get into this week's winners.

Penn State/Indiana - over 55

When people look at this game, they'll figure Penn State should roll over Indiana. At a closer glance, you'll notice that the Hooisers have one of the best offenses in the B10, averaging almost 32 points per game (31.75 to be exact). Penn State's defense has been pretty stingy but they haven't really played anybody with a good offense, so their numbers and stats can be a bit misleading. I would argue that Indiana might be the best offense they'll see all year up to this point. On the flip side, Indiana's defense won't be able to stop Penn State from doing whatever it is they want to do so 8 TDs or 56 points shouldn't be a problem to get to.

Florida State/Alabama State - over 53

For as much as people talk about FSU 'falling off', it is not because of their offense. They consistently put up anywhere between 25-40 points per game against quality opponents. While Alabama State does have a pretty good defense by FCS standards and pushed UAB to the limit in week one, they will be no match for James Blackmon, Cam Aykers and the Seminole offense. For at least one week, Florida State will look like an elite program again. The bottom line is, Florida State needs this win to become bowl eligible because they won't win next week against Florida. They really need to win this game in dominating fashion to impress some of the bowl organizations to pick them to play in their game in December, so they'll come into this game focused and ready to rock. FSU might put up 50 by themselves.

Troy (-7) @ Texas State

I've been watching Troy for a few weeks now and one thing is for certain, they can put up a lot of points. I don't know if I can say the same for Texas State, who has only scored over 20 points twice this season, and against 2 of the worst teams in college football. Troy's defense is vulnerable and is liable to give up points in bunches, but I don't see the Wildcats being much of a threat to keep this game within a touchdown as the Trojans will score at will.


Texas A&M (-11) vs. South Carolina

The Aggies get a home game after a bye against a South Carolina team that is flat out not good and being decimated by injuries. The Gamecocks are pulling all their freshmen and the veterans who have played less than 4 games to preserve their redshirts (in anticipation for next season and beyond). Furthermore, they are starting 2 walk-ons at wide receiver. Ouch. TAMU will roll @ home. I feel comfortable laying the point. Kellen Mond & co. will roll @ home.

Locker Room Sports Podcast: LSU vs Alabama 2019 Preview

Host Quentin Bienemy aka “Itchy” is joined by close personal friend & Alabama football fan (🙄) Malli Benjamin to preview the 2019 game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. You don't want to miss this entertaining yet informative podcast. You won't get a preview like this ANYWHERE ELSE. Be sure to tune in and share with a friend. Available for listen on Soundcloud and on the Apple iTunes podcast section.

Soundcloud link

Apple iTunes link