Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
The C.J. Stroud-Desmond Howard Handshake That Didn't Happen
During the 2021 Heisman Trophy ceremony, Howard decided to make a joke about Stroud and the Buckeyes since Michigan *finally* beat Ohio State for the first time in a decade. Saturday night, the former Heisman winner snubbed the two-time Heisman finalist but it was without a microphone this time around.
While being introduced at the Heisman Trophy ceremony, C.J. Stroud shook the hands of the first two Heisman winners on stage. He stopped at the third guy, who just so happened to be Desmond Howard. pic.twitter.com/eNXxPxpa5K
— Josh Poloha (@JorshP) December 11, 2022
Stroud shook the hands of the first two previous Heisman winners on stage, stops at Howard for a very quick second, and then continues to walk onto the stage after Howard was looking away from him. For those that think it was accidental and that the former Michigan cornerback just wasn't paying attention: Watch Robert Griffin III's reaction. It seems pretty evident that Howard knew exactly what he was doing.
Coach Prime Is Already Getting (And Flipping) Big-Name Commitments
It's not a matter of if Colorado football will be relevant again, it's only a matter of when. Deion Sanders was a great player and he has already proven to be a great coach, too. Whether it's understanding the young men he coaches and recruits or just having the experience and knowing what his players are going through, there's a reason Colorado football has been one of the most talked about programs for much of the last week even the Buffaloes were 1-11 this season.
Last weekend, 2025 five-star wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. committed to Colorado. On Saturday, four-star running back Dylan Edwards flipped his commitment from Notre Dame to the Buffaloes. No program is safe, no matter who the recruit. There's a reason Sanders is loved by so many, the only reason he might not be liked is by opposing coaches and fanbases that lose a commit (or two) to Colorado. At least they aren't in the Big Ten, right?
Bad Beat in Army-Navy Game
Army-Navy is one of the best rivalries in college football. They first met in 1890 and have met in every year since 1930, becoming a great tradition over time as well. The stand-alone game that takes serves as a gap between conference championship weekend and bowl season, all eyes are on the game between the two service academies. That not only means it gets the TV ratings, but also plenty of dollars are bet on the game, too.
In each game since 2005, the under has hit, becoming one of the most obvious bets and moneymakers for much of the last two decades. That trend looked as though it would continue...until it didn't. The score was 10-7 before Army made a field goal with just under two minutes remaining, tying the game at 10. The under seemed so obvious that prior to that field goal, the live over-under was 17.5, 15 points fewer than the line as at kickoff, which was 32.5. For the first time in the rivalry's storied history, the game went to overtime, allowing the over to hit for the first time in 17 years with Army coming back and winning the game in double overtime, 20-17.
ICYMI
Ohio State’s NIL Collectives Need More Support From Buckeye Nation
The Buckeyes are somewhat behind programs from the south when it comes to both offering commitments and their current players some cash.
Choosing Violence
Ohio State's offense hasn't been the same since its bye week and that must change if the Buckeyes want to beat top-ranked Georgia.
Now or Never
Winless in two career starts against Michigan but set to make his first CFP appearance, C.J. Stroud has an opportunity to greatly enhance his Buckeye legacy before heading to the NFL.
Up Next
Ohio State's football team doesn't play until New Year's Eve, but there are still plenty of good Buckeye teams playing. Unfortunately, given that it's Ffnals week in Columbus, there's not much going on during the week, sports-wise.
- Men's basketball: Saturday, Dec. 17 vs. North Carolina at Madison Square Garden (3 p.m.)
- Women's basketball: Friday, Dec. 16 vs. Albany (6 p.m.)
Also, a huge shoutout to the women's volleyball team who got to the Elite Eight before losing to top-ranked Texas Saturday night.
