Mon Sep 08 16:00:00 UTC 2025: **College Football Week in Review: Controversies, Rivalries, and the Idaho Vandals’ Helmets**

**[City, State] –** The college football season is heating up with rivalries reigniting and controversies sparking across the nation. This week’s headlines are dominated by Michigan’s self-imposed penalties, intense in-state matchups, and a makeup game finally happening after seven years.

**Michigan Faces Scrutiny Over Suspension and Appeals**

Michigan’s head coach, Sherrone Moore, is set to serve a two-game suspension for NCAA rules violations, beginning after this week’s game against Oklahoma. While the university cited Moore’s sentimental ties to his alma mater as the reason for delaying the suspension, critics suspect the move was strategically timed to ensure his presence for the crucial road game against the Sooners. To further complicate matters, the NCAA added a third game suspension for Moore, but deferred it to 2026.

Despite the relatively lenient ruling, Michigan has announced its intention to appeal the sanctions, which include a hefty fine and the subtle suggestion that they would have gotten a postseason ban. The university is also appealing a targeting ejection of star linebacker Jaishawn Barham, which will sideline him for the first half against Oklahoma. The Big Ten has denied the appeal.

**Rivalry Week Heats Up**

Several key rivalry games are set to take place this weekend, pitting in-state programs and neighboring schools against each other. Among the most anticipated matchups:

* **Missouri vs. Kansas:** A historic rivalry renewed after more than a decade, fueled by deep-seated animosity dating back to the Civil War.
* **Iowa vs. Iowa State:** The annual battle for the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Trophy.
* **Florida vs. South Florida:** An in-state clash that gives fans bragging rights.
* **SMU vs. Baylor:** A rekindled rivalry from the old Southwest Conference days.
* **Arkansas vs. Arkansas State:** A first-ever meeting, stirring up tension in the state.

**Long-Awaited Makeup Game**

The Akron-Nebraska game, originally scheduled for 2018, is finally set to be played this week. The original contest was canceled due to severe storms. Akron, who received a payout for the cancellation, will receive another payment for this weekend’s game.

**Other Notable Observations**

* Miami’s Mario Cristobal is showing promise.
* Texas’ Steve Sarkisian needs to improve game planning.

**Prediction for Michigan vs. Oklahoma:**

Oklahoma is favored to win the game with a score of 23-17.

**Idaho to Wear the Coolest Helmets Ever This Week**

The Idaho Vandals will unveil a new helmet design.

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