Welcome to World of Sports, The Feather’s revived sports column written by multiple sports enthusiasts. Our writers will be serving up tasty tidbits, hot takes on the latest sports trends and events, along with predictions about the world of sports beyond Fresno Christian Schools. Meet us here to explore the world of sports and to weigh in with your own opinions on these worldwide topics.
The NCAA college football season is only a third of the way through, and numerous memorable moments have already been made. Hard hits and incredible one-handed catches are a staple in today’s game, making college football the preferred form of entertainment for many fans across the nation.
Week one produced multiple unforgettable games, kicking the season off in Dublin, Ireland, with Iowa State beating Kansas State in a 27-24 nail-biter. The game with the most anticipation was a rematch of the 2025 College Football Playoff semi-finals, where once again the Ohio State Buckeyes squeaked out the win over the Texas Longhorns.
This game marked the first since 2006 where the number one and two-ranked opponents faced off in their season openers. Fresno Christian student Knox Berry, ‘27, is a steadfast Texas fan and was watching the game.
“I was so sad,” Berry said. “The defense played well, but the offense was not great. It was Arch Manning’s away game debut. And it’s hard starting against Ohio State, but he could have done better.”
Manning bounced back, leading Texas to a dominant 38-7 win over San Jose State in week two. This week produced six games where the winning team scored at least 60 points; Alabama beat Louisiana-Monroe 73-0, Tennessee beat East Tennessee State 72-17, Ohio State beat Grambling State 70-0, Oregon beat Oklahoma State 69-3, Florida State beat East Texas A&M 77-3, and Texas Tech beat Kent State 62-14.
Thankfully, week three had a better turnout of competitive games. Georgia Tech hosted Clemson during their white out game and finished the contest on a last-second 55-yard field goal, which put them up 24-21. In a similar fashion, the Tennessee Volunteers had a chance to beat the Georgia Bulldogs on a last-minute field goal when the game was tied 38-38, but instead missed wide right. The game consequently went into overtime, and Georgia stole the win 44-41.
To finish the week off, Notre Dame lost to Texas A&M, giving up a touchdown with 13 seconds left, ending the game with a heartbreaking score of 41-40. Thus marking their second loss of the season and most likely removing all playoff hopes for the Fighting Irish. Things took a turn for the better when the Irish acquired their first win against Purdue in week four, beating the Oilers in a high-scoring 56-30. And then continuing the rhythm last week at Arkansas, demolishing them 56-13.
Virginia upset number 8-ranked Florida State in double overtime, 46-38. Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos threw an interception to Ja’Son Prevard, ending the game and immediately causing a stampede as Virginia fans stormed the field. This electrifying action caused the ACC to fine the University of Virginia $50,000.
Both Texas A&M and Georgia Tech continue their undefeated seasons with wins over Auburn and Wake Forrest. Likewise, the Oregon Ducks continue their undefeated season with a double overtime win against the Penn State Nittany Lions. In a similar way to Florida State, Penn State’s quarterback, Drew Allar, threw an interception to end overtime and hand Oregon the win. FC student Ben Dias, ‘27, felt the energy of the night at Beaver Stadium, cheering on the Nittany Lions.
“It was so crowded, with almost every seat filled,” Dias said. “I’ve never seen a game like that before in my life. Even though they lost, it was still such a cool experience to be there. I’ll never forget it, and I wish I could go again.”
This coming weekend of college football features two conference matchups with both teams being ranked. The number 3-ranked, undefeated Miami Hurricanes travel to the number 18-ranked Florida State Seminoles in a rivalry bout. Along with the number 10-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide hosting the 5-0 Vanderbilt Commodores, who are ranked number 16.
The season is a long way from ending, with 10 more weeks of regular-season play, all culminating in the National Championship set for Jan. 19, at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium.
To read more World of Sports articles on The Feather, go to World of Sports: New Era begins as Coach Matt Entz joins Fresno State Bulldogs or World of Sports: Micah Parsons trade sparks excitement