Ryan McCrystal
@ryanmccrystal.bsky.social
College football & the NFL Draft @ Sharp Football Analysis | Previously: ESPN Stats & Info, Bleacher Report, numberFire
https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/author/ryan-mccrystal/
https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/author/ryan-mccrystal/
Pinned
Ryan McCrystal
@ryanmccrystal.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Spent some time building the ultimate college football starter pack (in spreadsheet to avoid 150 limit).
Everyone is organized by conference and school.
Now I need your help sharing this and filling in the blanks. Let me know who I need to add!
🔗 docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Everyone is organized by conference and school.
Now I need your help sharing this and filling in the blanks. Let me know who I need to add!
🔗 docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Sonny Cumbie saved his job by finally having a winning season this year, but suffering the biggest upset of bowl season would likely put him right back on the hot seat entering 2026.
December 30, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Sonny Cumbie saved his job by finally having a winning season this year, but suffering the biggest upset of bowl season would likely put him right back on the hot seat entering 2026.
Following up on this stat:
Oklahoma correctly adjusted and blitzed Simpson 44% of the time.
Probably could've blitzed more, bc Simpson really hurt them on non-blitzes: 11-16, 131 yards, TD
Oklahoma correctly adjusted and blitzed Simpson 44% of the time.
Probably could've blitzed more, bc Simpson really hurt them on non-blitzes: 11-16, 131 yards, TD
R Mason Thomas returns for Oklahoma tonight. But the Sooner should still consider dialing up more blitzes to get to Alabama's Ty Simpson.
Check out more key stats on this matchup in my first-round matchup preview:
🔗 www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/best...
Check out more key stats on this matchup in my first-round matchup preview:
🔗 www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/best...
December 30, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Following up on this stat:
Oklahoma correctly adjusted and blitzed Simpson 44% of the time.
Probably could've blitzed more, bc Simpson really hurt them on non-blitzes: 11-16, 131 yards, TD
Oklahoma correctly adjusted and blitzed Simpson 44% of the time.
Probably could've blitzed more, bc Simpson really hurt them on non-blitzes: 11-16, 131 yards, TD
Reposted by Ryan McCrystal
Mark Fletcher picked up 110 of his 172 yards after contact vs A&M.
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
Miami vs. Ohio State: College Football Playoff Betting Pick & Prediction
We give you our college football prediction for Ohio State vs. Miami when betting against the spread, breaking down the College Football Playoff matchup.
www.sharpfootballanalysis.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Mark Fletcher picked up 110 of his 172 yards after contact vs A&M.
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
Oregon's coaching staff was in the CFP last year.
Biggest career bowl game for Texas Tech's staff
HC Joey McGuire - Liberty Bowl
OC Mack Leftwich - First Responder Bowl
DC Shiel Wood - Military Bowl
Biggest career bowl game for Texas Tech's staff
HC Joey McGuire - Liberty Bowl
OC Mack Leftwich - First Responder Bowl
DC Shiel Wood - Military Bowl
December 30, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Oregon's coaching staff was in the CFP last year.
Biggest career bowl game for Texas Tech's staff
HC Joey McGuire - Liberty Bowl
OC Mack Leftwich - First Responder Bowl
DC Shiel Wood - Military Bowl
Biggest career bowl game for Texas Tech's staff
HC Joey McGuire - Liberty Bowl
OC Mack Leftwich - First Responder Bowl
DC Shiel Wood - Military Bowl
The more I dig into the Oregon/Texas Tech numbers the more I'm blown away by the run of terrible QBs Texas Tech faced this year (at least as passers).
Sam Leavitt was genuinely the only threatening passer they faced. And of course he threw for 300+ and won.
Sam Leavitt was genuinely the only threatening passer they faced. And of course he threw for 300+ and won.
December 29, 2025 at 11:49 PM
The more I dig into the Oregon/Texas Tech numbers the more I'm blown away by the run of terrible QBs Texas Tech faced this year (at least as passers).
Sam Leavitt was genuinely the only threatening passer they faced. And of course he threw for 300+ and won.
Sam Leavitt was genuinely the only threatening passer they faced. And of course he threw for 300+ and won.
Would not be shocked if Dabo genuinely believes going outside the program to hire Riley is a significant factor in Clemson's downfall.
(it's not)
(it's not)
News: Dabo Swinney announced today that Clemson OC Garrett Riley will not return in 2026.
December 29, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Would not be shocked if Dabo genuinely believes going outside the program to hire Riley is a significant factor in Clemson's downfall.
(it's not)
(it's not)
Mark Fletcher picked up 110 of his 172 yards after contact vs A&M.
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
Miami vs. Ohio State: College Football Playoff Betting Pick & Prediction
We give you our college football prediction for Ohio State vs. Miami when betting against the spread, breaking down the College Football Playoff matchup.
www.sharpfootballanalysis.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Mark Fletcher picked up 110 of his 172 yards after contact vs A&M.
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
Don't bet on a repeat performance against Arvell Reese and Company.
Opponent-adjusted yards after contact allowed to RBs:
Texas A&M: ranked 129th
Ohio State: ranked 4th
More on this game in my Cotton Bowl preview👇
I am just now learning that former Vandy QB Ken Seals is still in college. Apparently he'll be starting for TCU tomorrow.
December 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
I am just now learning that former Vandy QB Ken Seals is still in college. Apparently he'll be starting for TCU tomorrow.
Winning coach should have to kiss the cheeks🍑
Nothing says Bowl Season like two conference rivals playing in Alabama for a statue of Vulcan with a bare butt
The Birmingham Bowl,
aka The Little 🍑 Bowl!
The Birmingham Bowl,
aka The Little 🍑 Bowl!
December 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Winning coach should have to kiss the cheeks🍑
Bo Mascoe is one of the best cornerbacks entering the portal so far.
Ohio State's Jermaine Mathews has been tough to beat downfield this year.
December 29, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Bo Mascoe is one of the best cornerbacks entering the portal so far.
Georgia Southern vs App State in the Birmingham Bowl today.
I'm on the Eagles for a lot of points, but if you need to make up ground in your pool App State isn't a terrible upset pick.
Georgia Southern's defense is horrendous, so anything is possible.
More on the upcoming bowl matchups here:
I'm on the Eagles for a lot of points, but if you need to make up ground in your pool App State isn't a terrible upset pick.
Georgia Southern's defense is horrendous, so anything is possible.
More on the upcoming bowl matchups here:
College Bowl Game Predictions, Picks & Analysis for Every Game
Predictions & analysis for every 2025 College Bowl Game. Strategy for 2025 Bowl Game pick 'em pools & confidence pools, plus 2025 Bowl Game schedule.
www.sharpfootballanalysis.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Georgia Southern vs App State in the Birmingham Bowl today.
I'm on the Eagles for a lot of points, but if you need to make up ground in your pool App State isn't a terrible upset pick.
Georgia Southern's defense is horrendous, so anything is possible.
More on the upcoming bowl matchups here:
I'm on the Eagles for a lot of points, but if you need to make up ground in your pool App State isn't a terrible upset pick.
Georgia Southern's defense is horrendous, so anything is possible.
More on the upcoming bowl matchups here:
Jim Nance just thought Myles Garrett got the record-breaking sack and went into an epic call only to quietly trail off as he said "by .... Alex Wright"
December 28, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Jim Nance just thought Myles Garrett got the record-breaking sack and went into an epic call only to quietly trail off as he said "by .... Alex Wright"
This makes me sad. I miss reading printed newspaper.
Our photographer Alex Kormann captured the exact moment the presses stopped for the last time in Minneapolis, ending a 158 history of locally printed newspapers.
December 28, 2025 at 4:11 PM
This makes me sad. I miss reading printed newspaper.
Who's the best passer Miami has faced this season?
Probably CJ Carr, who played pretty well in his debut on the road. Or maybe Miller Moss, who also played well on the road and led an upset win.
I wonder if Julian Sayin has a surprisingly good day (so long as OSU's o-line holds up)
Probably CJ Carr, who played pretty well in his debut on the road. Or maybe Miller Moss, who also played well on the road and led an upset win.
I wonder if Julian Sayin has a surprisingly good day (so long as OSU's o-line holds up)
December 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Who's the best passer Miami has faced this season?
Probably CJ Carr, who played pretty well in his debut on the road. Or maybe Miller Moss, who also played well on the road and led an upset win.
I wonder if Julian Sayin has a surprisingly good day (so long as OSU's o-line holds up)
Probably CJ Carr, who played pretty well in his debut on the road. Or maybe Miller Moss, who also played well on the road and led an upset win.
I wonder if Julian Sayin has a surprisingly good day (so long as OSU's o-line holds up)
Fritz is a year younger than Kyle Whittingham, yet we didn't hear any serious rumors about him this coaching carousel.
Maybe next year? If Drinkwitz were to leave Missouri, Fritz should be an obvious candidate. Could also be the guy to right the ship at FSU if Norvell doesn't bounce back.
Maybe next year? If Drinkwitz were to leave Missouri, Fritz should be an obvious candidate. Could also be the guy to right the ship at FSU if Norvell doesn't bounce back.
Willie Fritz has a 10-win season at 5 different schools, after tonight's bowl win moved Houston to 10-3.
Blinn JC, Central Missouri, Sam Houston, Tulane, Houston
The only HC job where he didn't win 10 games was Georgia Southern, where he won 9 and 8 games over two seasons.
Blinn JC, Central Missouri, Sam Houston, Tulane, Houston
The only HC job where he didn't win 10 games was Georgia Southern, where he won 9 and 8 games over two seasons.
December 28, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Fritz is a year younger than Kyle Whittingham, yet we didn't hear any serious rumors about him this coaching carousel.
Maybe next year? If Drinkwitz were to leave Missouri, Fritz should be an obvious candidate. Could also be the guy to right the ship at FSU if Norvell doesn't bounce back.
Maybe next year? If Drinkwitz were to leave Missouri, Fritz should be an obvious candidate. Could also be the guy to right the ship at FSU if Norvell doesn't bounce back.
Reposted by Ryan McCrystal
Willie Fritz has a 10-win season at 5 different schools, after tonight's bowl win moved Houston to 10-3.
Blinn JC, Central Missouri, Sam Houston, Tulane, Houston
The only HC job where he didn't win 10 games was Georgia Southern, where he won 9 and 8 games over two seasons.
Blinn JC, Central Missouri, Sam Houston, Tulane, Houston
The only HC job where he didn't win 10 games was Georgia Southern, where he won 9 and 8 games over two seasons.
December 28, 2025 at 6:12 AM
Willie Fritz has a 10-win season at 5 different schools, after tonight's bowl win moved Houston to 10-3.
Blinn JC, Central Missouri, Sam Houston, Tulane, Houston
The only HC job where he didn't win 10 games was Georgia Southern, where he won 9 and 8 games over two seasons.
Blinn JC, Central Missouri, Sam Houston, Tulane, Houston
The only HC job where he didn't win 10 games was Georgia Southern, where he won 9 and 8 games over two seasons.
These announcers, including the official in the booth, butchered that intentional grounding debate.
Chandler Morris did not receive the snap, so he is not allowed to throw the ball away. The official on the field explained this when announcing the penalty and somehow everyone missed it.
Chandler Morris did not receive the snap, so he is not allowed to throw the ball away. The official on the field explained this when announcing the penalty and somehow everyone missed it.
December 28, 2025 at 1:16 AM
These announcers, including the official in the booth, butchered that intentional grounding debate.
Chandler Morris did not receive the snap, so he is not allowed to throw the ball away. The official on the field explained this when announcing the penalty and somehow everyone missed it.
Chandler Morris did not receive the snap, so he is not allowed to throw the ball away. The official on the field explained this when announcing the penalty and somehow everyone missed it.
Clemson loses to the corpse of Penn State. Pitt loses to East Carolina’s backup QB. Cal lost to Hawaii. Louisville barely snuck by Toledo.
At least the ACC got its first playoff win since 2019.
At least the ACC got its first playoff win since 2019.
December 27, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Clemson loses to the corpse of Penn State. Pitt loses to East Carolina’s backup QB. Cal lost to Hawaii. Louisville barely snuck by Toledo.
At least the ACC got its first playoff win since 2019.
At least the ACC got its first playoff win since 2019.
This is shaping up to be a mess in East Lansing. Bajakian made a name for himself as Butch Jones' OC/QB coach helping develop Dan Lefevour at CMU and Zach Collaros at Cincy.
Since then...😬 just absolutely brutal offenses and not a single good QB developed. He's got a hideous resume from 2013-now
Since then...😬 just absolutely brutal offenses and not a single good QB developed. He's got a hideous resume from 2013-now
Sources: Michigan State is set to hire UMass OC Mike Bajakian as its next QBs coach.
Bajakian was Northwestern’s OC from 2020-23, working the first three of those seasons under new Spartans coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Bajakian was Northwestern’s OC from 2020-23, working the first three of those seasons under new Spartans coach Pat Fitzgerald.
December 27, 2025 at 6:14 PM
This is shaping up to be a mess in East Lansing. Bajakian made a name for himself as Butch Jones' OC/QB coach helping develop Dan Lefevour at CMU and Zach Collaros at Cincy.
Since then...😬 just absolutely brutal offenses and not a single good QB developed. He's got a hideous resume from 2013-now
Since then...😬 just absolutely brutal offenses and not a single good QB developed. He's got a hideous resume from 2013-now
🚨LAST MINUTE CHANGE🚨
UConn QB Nick Evers appears to be gone (rumors he left the program, no one has confirmed). That leaves UConn with a 4th-string QB.
Switching that pick to Army with the same confidence points
UConn QB Nick Evers appears to be gone (rumors he left the program, no one has confirmed). That leaves UConn with a 4th-string QB.
Switching that pick to Army with the same confidence points
2 games underway already and 8 more to come.
If you need help with some bowl pick 'em advice, check out all my picks here: www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/coll...
If you need help with some bowl pick 'em advice, check out all my picks here: www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/coll...
College Bowl Game Predictions, Picks & Analysis for Every Game
Predictions & analysis for every 2025 College Bowl Game. Strategy for 2025 Bowl Game pick 'em pools & confidence pools, plus 2025 Bowl Game schedule.
www.sharpfootballanalysis.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:54 PM
🚨LAST MINUTE CHANGE🚨
UConn QB Nick Evers appears to be gone (rumors he left the program, no one has confirmed). That leaves UConn with a 4th-string QB.
Switching that pick to Army with the same confidence points
UConn QB Nick Evers appears to be gone (rumors he left the program, no one has confirmed). That leaves UConn with a 4th-string QB.
Switching that pick to Army with the same confidence points
2 games underway already and 8 more to come.
If you need help with some bowl pick 'em advice, check out all my picks here: www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/coll...
If you need help with some bowl pick 'em advice, check out all my picks here: www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/coll...
College Bowl Game Predictions, Picks & Analysis for Every Game
Predictions & analysis for every 2025 College Bowl Game. Strategy for 2025 Bowl Game pick 'em pools & confidence pools, plus 2025 Bowl Game schedule.
www.sharpfootballanalysis.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:49 PM
2 games underway already and 8 more to come.
If you need help with some bowl pick 'em advice, check out all my picks here: www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/coll...
If you need help with some bowl pick 'em advice, check out all my picks here: www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/betting/coll...
Georgia Tech's first-time offensive play-caller today:
December 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Georgia Tech's first-time offensive play-caller today:
Whittingham would be a great hire to stabilize the program, which is clearly in a bad place right now.
Long term, Whittingham’s conservative nature likely stands in the way of consistently competing with Ohio State and Oregon (and Indiana?) at the very top of the Big Ten.
Long term, Whittingham’s conservative nature likely stands in the way of consistently competing with Ohio State and Oregon (and Indiana?) at the very top of the Big Ten.
News: Former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has emerged as Michigan’s top target, sources confirm to NBC Sports. A deal could be done as soon as this afternoon.
First reported by ESPN.
First reported by ESPN.
December 26, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Whittingham would be a great hire to stabilize the program, which is clearly in a bad place right now.
Long term, Whittingham’s conservative nature likely stands in the way of consistently competing with Ohio State and Oregon (and Indiana?) at the very top of the Big Ten.
Long term, Whittingham’s conservative nature likely stands in the way of consistently competing with Ohio State and Oregon (and Indiana?) at the very top of the Big Ten.
Reposted by Ryan McCrystal
The magic of Christmas 🎅🏻👦🏼🐯🎁 #MerryChristmas #CalvinandHobbes
December 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The magic of Christmas 🎅🏻👦🏼🐯🎁 #MerryChristmas #CalvinandHobbes
Ready for Santa!
Now time to wrap presents while spending some time with George Bailey.
Now time to wrap presents while spending some time with George Bailey.
December 25, 2025 at 12:37 AM
Ready for Santa!
Now time to wrap presents while spending some time with George Bailey.
Now time to wrap presents while spending some time with George Bailey.