Daily News 19

Tag: 2026 college football

  • Monmouth vs. Tennessee Tech College Football: Live Updates

    Monmouth vs. Tennessee Tech College Football: Live Updates

    The 2026 college football season is underway, and No. 23 Monmouth is opening its campaign on the road against No. 15 Tennessee Tech in one of only two Division I matchups between ranked teams during Week 0.

    The Hawks and Golden Eagles meet Saturday in Cookeville, Tennessee, with Monmouth seeking a major road upset. The Asbury Park Press is providing live updates and analysis throughout the season opener.

    Monmouth vs. Tennessee Tech live updates

    Former Glassboro star gets Monmouth’s first first down

    Former Glassboro standout Kenny Smith Jr. recorded two consecutive runs to begin Monmouth’s third drive and picked up the Hawks’ first down. Monmouth benefited from a pass interference call, but the offense continued to struggle to establish a rhythm.

    The new-look offensive line had a difficult start, with penalties and execution problems affecting both pass protection and the running game. Monmouth was forced to punt again.

    Monmouth forces a punt as pass rush shines

    Although Tennessee Tech’s drive was extended by an initial pass interference penalty, Monmouth’s defense responded emphatically. One of the key questions for the Hawks entering the season was which players would emerge on the edges to strengthen the pass rush.

    Syracuse transfer Jahide Lesaine provided an early answer with a third-down sack.

    Penalty derails another Monmouth drive

    A bizarre penalty interrupted the Hawks’ possession when officials called a “snap infraction” on the center. The call changed a third-and-4 into a third-and-9.

    After two three-yard gains on a sweep by Gavin Nelson and a run by Elijah Jennings, Monmouth ended the drive with an incompletion. The Hawks went three-and-out again as their difficult start continued.

    Tennessee Tech capitalizes after starting in Monmouth territory

    The Golden Eagles began their drive at Monmouth’s 44-yard line. Southeast Missouri State transfer Jax Leatherwood started at quarterback for Tennessee Tech, meaning both teams used their anticipated starters at the position.

    Monmouth nearly forced a three-and-out, but Tennessee Tech converted a third-and-7 and continued into the end zone. On third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, Leatherwood found Gabe Nunez, who beat Hasson Manning for the touchdown.

    Tennessee Tech took a 7-0 lead with 9:56 remaining in the first quarter.

    Monmouth opens with a three-and-out

    The Hawks began at their own 25-yard line after a touchback, with Frankie Weaver starting at quarterback. Two negative plays set up third-and-15, and Weaver’s deep out was incomplete.

    Monmouth went three-and-out on its opening possession.

    Pregame notes and projected starters

    Eleven positions on Monmouth’s media two-deep depth chart received an “OR” designation, indicating that the starting spot could still go either way. The opener will show whether those designations reflect season-opening gamesmanship or lead to early rotations at certain positions.

    Monmouth projected offensive starters

    Quarterback: 13 Frankie Weaver (6-5, 215, R-So.)

    Running backs: 3 Elijah Jennings (5-9, 180, R-So.); 6 Kenny Smith Jr. (5-10, 190, R-Fr.)

    Wide receivers: 0 Gavin Nelson (6-0, 180, R-Sr.); 7 Tra Neal (6-1, 180, R-Jr.); 14 Christian Harrison (6-0, 195, Jr.)

    Tight ends: 88 Marcus Middleton (6-3, 235, R-Jr.); 84 Shane Garrett (6-4, 240, R-Jr.)

    Offensive line: 73 Matt Fries, left tackle (6-5, 295, R-Sr.); 61 Collin Goetter, left guard (6-4, 295, R-So.); 65 Kevin Shriner, center (6-1, 300, R-Sr.); 74 Michael Petito, right guard (6-2, 325, R-Jr.); 77 Josh Duran, right tackle (6-6, 305, R-Jr.)

    Monmouth projected defensive starters

    Defensive ends: 4 Hunter Watson (6-5, 260, R-So.); 52 Mounir Keshen (6-2, 245, So.)

    Defensive tackles: 8 JJ Lewis (6-3, 280, Sr.); 90 Brendan Bigos (6-4, 280, R-Sr.); 92 Bryce Rooks (6-0, 295, R-Sr.)

    Linebackers: 27 Spencer Kishbaugh (6-3, 225, R-Jr.); 5 Charlie Sasso (6-0, 230, R-Sr.); 1 Ryan Russo (6-2, 230, R-Sr.)

    Star: 20 Hasson Manning Jr. (5-11, 190, Sr.)

    Safeties: 2 Jaeden Jones (6-0, 200, Jr.); 26 Donovan Fey (6-2, 205, R-Jr.)

    Cornerbacks: 22 Christian Palmer Jr. (6-1, 185, So.); 36 Elijah Mathis (6-4, 200, R-Fr.)

    How to watch Monmouth vs. Tennessee Tech

    Game: No. 23/22 Monmouth vs. No. 15/14 Tennessee Tech

    Date and time: 7 p.m. EST, 6 p.m. local time, Aug. 29

    TV: ESPN+

    Location: Cookeville, Tennessee

    Source: sports.yahoo.com

  • With Top Producers Returning, UNC Running Backs Poised for a Strong Start Under Bobby Petrino

    With Top Producers Returning, UNC Running Backs Poised for a Strong Start Under Bobby Petrino

    North Carolina’s running back room enters the 2026 season with returning production, added experience and several unproven players competing for opportunities. After ranking 14th among ACC teams in rushing yards last season, the Tar Heels bring back their top two rushers in sophomore Demon June and veteran Benjamin Hall.

    The pair accounted for more than half of North Carolina’s rushing production in 2025. The backfield also welcomes former LSU running back Kaleb Jackson, along with several young players looking to establish themselves.

    Demon June leads North Carolina’s backfield

    June is expected to play a central role after leading North Carolina in rushing during his first-year season. He carried 84 times for 464 yards, scored two rushing touchdowns and added one receiving touchdown across 11 games.

    The sophomore showed flashes of explosive ability, including a 148-yard performance against Richmond. That was the most rushing yards in a single game by a North Carolina first-year running back since Michael Carter ran for 157 yards against Virginia in 2017.

    June’s usage and production were inconsistent, however. More than half of his rushing yards came in two games, and he finished the final four games of the season with 20 carries for 48 yards.

    At his best, June can make explosive plays and develop into North Carolina’s primary running back. With more opportunities likely in the backfield this season, he has a chance to become a consistent contributor.

    Benjamin Hall brings experience

    Hall has the potential to complement June effectively. The veteran was North Carolina’s second-leading rusher last season, recording 274 yards and two touchdowns on 71 carries.

    His best performance came against California, when he rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Entering his fourth season, Hall provides valuable experience to a relatively uncertain position group.

    Tar Heels add depth with Kaleb Jackson

    North Carolina also has several returning players competing for backfield opportunities. Sophomore Jaylen McGill appeared in 10 games last season and recorded 19 rushing yards on seven carries. Junior Charleston French has totaled 87 rushing yards during his first two seasons with the Tar Heels.

    The Tar Heels added redshirt junior Kaleb Jackson, who spent the first three seasons of his college career at LSU. Jackson recorded 331 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 82 career carries with the Tigers, though his opportunities were limited last season. He carried seven times for 16 yards across four games.

    At 6-foot, 240 pounds, Jackson gives North Carolina a physical presence in the backfield and could provide an option in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

    Crew Davis adds future potential

    North Carolina also added first-year running back Crew Davis, the lone running back recruit in the Tar Heels’ 2026 class. Davis arrives after a standout career at Iona Preparatory, where he was named MaxPreps New York Player of the Year as a junior. He rushed for 2,078 yards and 23 touchdowns during that season.

    With June and Hall returning and Jackson joining the position group, Davis may have to wait for his opportunity. His high school production nevertheless gives North Carolina another potential option as it builds depth at running back.

    The Tar Heels’ running back room combines returning production and experience with emerging potential. With offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino expected to use a balanced approach, the group’s ability to produce consistently will be crucial to North Carolina’s offensive performance throughout the 2026 season.

    Source: dailytarheel.com

  • North Carolina Tar Heels vs. TCU: How to Watch Bill Belichick’s Team’s First College Football Game and Kickoff Time

    North Carolina Tar Heels vs. TCU: How to Watch Bill Belichick’s Team’s First College Football Game and Kickoff Time

    TCU vs. North Carolina: 2026 NCAA Football Week 1 Odds, Kickoff Time and How to Watch

    The college football season opens with a high-profile 2026-27 NCAA Division FBS matchup as the TCU Horned Frogs host the North Carolina Tar Heels in Week 1. Sportsbooks have installed TCU as a clear favorite, while North Carolina enters as the underdog seeking an early upset.

    The season opener will help shape the narrative for both teams, with discipline, offensive execution and overall form still to be established on the field. TCU has the benefit of playing at home, while Bill Belichick’s North Carolina team faces an immediate road test.

    Uncertainty is typically at its highest in an opener. Offensive chemistry, depth along the line and game tempo have yet to be tested, adding extra interest to the betting markets.

    North Carolina vs. TCU kickoff time

    North Carolina vs. TCU is scheduled for Friday, August 27, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The game is part of Round 1 of the NCAA Division FBS regular season and will be played with the TCU Horned Frogs listed as the home team.

    Kickoff times across the United States are:

    • Central Time: 11:00 a.m.
    • Pacific Time: 9:00 a.m.

    Where to watch North Carolina vs. TCU live in the United States

    Viewers who want to watch the Tar Heels’ first game, scheduled to be played at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, can watch the matchup on ESPN or stream it through FUBO.

    How North Carolina and TCU enter the season opener

    Because this is the first game of the season, neither team has a win-loss record. The betting market, however, gives TCU an implied 72.4% probability of winning, compared with 27.6% for North Carolina.

    That is a sizable gap for a season opener and reflects the market’s confidence in the home favorite. In American football moneyline betting, there is no tie outcome: bettors choose between two possible winners.

    North Carolina vs. TCU betting odds

    The outright winner market strongly favors TCU:

    • TCU Horned Frogs: 1.37 (implied probability 72.4%)
    • North Carolina Tar Heels: 3.55 (implied probability 27.6%)

    At 1.37, a TCU moneyline bet offers limited value because the potential return is small relative to the stake. That consideration is especially relevant in Week 1, when a favorite can start slowly and the upset risk may not be fully reflected in the price.

    North Carolina at 3.55 represents a more speculative value bet. Bettors who believe the Tar Heels can win on the road would receive a significantly higher return. The straightforward market view is that TCU should win; the key question is whether the Horned Frogs can win by the margin suggested by the spread.

    Total points: Over/Under

    The total-points market features two closely priced lines:

    • Over/Under 47.5: Over 1.92, Under 1.92
    • Over/Under 48: Over 1.94, Under 1.89

    Point spread

    The available handicap lines are:

    • TCU -7.5 at 1.92
    • TCU -8 at 1.91
    • TCU -8.5 at 1.91
    • TCU -10.5 at 2.09
    • North Carolina +7.5 at 1.96
    • North Carolina +8 at 1.92
    • North Carolina +8.5 at 1.85
    • North Carolina +10.5 at 1.71

    The spread is centered around eight points in TCU’s favor, a margin slightly larger than a touchdown and a two-point conversion. It gives the Horned Frogs a meaningful advantage without making the matchup appear completely one-sided.

    The central betting question is whether North Carolina can cover the spread. Taking North Carolina at +8.5 or +10.5 offers protection against a narrow defeat, a plausible outcome if TCU wins without pulling away. Covering a double-digit spread in Week 1 remains a demanding task for any team, even at home.

    Source: www.marca.com

  • How to Watch Memphis vs. UNLV Today on TV and Streaming

    Memphis football opens the 2026 season in Week 0 with a road game against UNLV on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Las Vegas.

    The Tigers begin the Charles Huff era with significant changes but familiar expectations in the American. Memphis enters the matchup with a 0-0 record.

    UNLV is also 0-0 and starts the second season of the Dan Mullen era. The Rebels have added more than 30 transfers, including Auburn transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold, who is expected to start.

    What channel is Memphis football vs. UNLV on today?

    TV channel: FOX
    Livestream: Fubo (free trial) | FOX One

    Memphis football vs. UNLV will air nationally on FOX during Week 0 of the 2026 college football season. Tim Brando and Devin Gardner will call the game from the booth at Allegiant Stadium, while Josh Sims reports from the sidelines.

    Streaming options include Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.

    Memphis football vs. UNLV start time

    Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
    Start time: 9 p.m. Central

    The Memphis football vs. UNLV game is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Central at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

    Memphis football vs. UNLV predictions, picks and odds

    Odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, Aug. 28.

    Prediction: UNLV 38, Memphis 35

    “Expect a shootout. Although there’s uncertainty at the quarterback position on both sides, these teams are positioned to score lots of points in 2026. The Rebels ultimately eke out a win with a late field goal.”

    Pick by Commercial Appeal beat reporter Jonah Dylan.

    Spread: UNLV by 4
    Over/under: 56.5 points
    Moneyline: Memphis (+160) | UNLV (-190)

    Source: www.commercialappeal.com