Notre Dame is a Real Contender, Kansas is Deep, and Kiyan Chooses Pop's Alma Mater
Quick three piece on this wonderful November Sunday
An underwhelming slate of college football and basketball games this weekend left the sickos with more to desire. Outside of Tennessee and Georgia battling it out in Athens and Florida’s upset win over the Brian Kelly led LSU, there wasn’t a ton of exciting matchups this Saturday. However, this week taught us a good amount about the state of the elite college programs. And of course, this weekend saw the college announcement of New York legend Carmelo Anthony’s son.
Notre Dame is Legit
The Irish hosted the Virginia Cavaliers yesterday and took care of business starting the game on a 35-0 run before surrounding two garbage time TDs to the Cavs to secure an impressive 35-14 victory. Ever since their disappointing loss to Northern Illinois, The Irish have been nothing short of dominant with wins over then undefeated Navy and 22nd ranked Louisville on the road. Despite concerning QB play from Duke transfer Riley Leonard, Notre Dame has the 2nd best point differential in the country over their last 3 games (35.7). If ND can win-out, beating 16th ranked Army at Yankee stadium and USC on the road, the Irish will be a lock for the CFP and be a real contender due to their elite defense and solid running back play from Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.
Kansas is Deep (In College Basketball)
Quickly pivoting to the hardwood, the Kansas Jayhawks are the number one ranked team in the country and for good reason. The 4-0 Bill Self led squad has impressive wins over the 10th ranked North Carolina, surviving a late comeback attempt from the Tarheels at Allen Fieldhouse, and Michigan State at the Champions Classic. The star of this Jayhawks team is Hunter Dickinson (who is somehow still in college), but the supporting roles of KJ Adams and Dajuan Harris along with a deep bench is what makes Kansas so dangerous for opposing schools. AJ Storr, who was a one of the biggest transfer attractions following his performance at Wisconsin the previous season, is coming off the bench for Bill Self and has played a huge role in Kansas’ victories over UNC and Oakland providing 13 and 16 points in those respective matchups. Kansas’ non-conference schedule doesn’t get any easier as they are still slated to take on two ranked teams in Duke and Creighton before starting conference play in the loaded BIG XII. We will certainly learn more about this Jayhawk squad in the coming weeks, but they have clearly proven themselves as the best team in the country thus far.
Kiyan Anthony is Staying in NY
Twenty-two long years ago, a highly touted recruit from New York named Carmelo Anthony decided not to declare for the NBA draft straight out of high school, instead opting to play college ball at Syracuse. Melo averaged 22 points a game his freshman year and lead Cuse to a National Championship. From there, Anthony had a hall of fame career including 7 seasons with his hometown New York Knicks. On Friday, Carmelo’s son Kiyan (A top-40 recruit in the 2025 class from LUHI) made his decision to commit to his father’s alma mater. Kiyan most likely will not get the attention that Bronny James got at USC a year ago, but nontheless it is an exciting moment for the Anthony family and New York basketball fans.