Monthly Archives: December 2025

Alamo Bowl Preview and Prediction

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

No. 16 USC (9-3) battles TCU (8-4) in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. Lincoln Riley’s Trojans, led by QB Jayden Maiava, overcome opt-outs (including top WRs) to outgun TCU’s passing attack in a dome shootout. Prediction: USC 38, TCU 31. Continue reading →

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Music City Bowl Preview and Prediction

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Tennessee (8-4) faces Illinois (8-4) in the Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 at 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Vols QB Joey Aguilar shines amid opt-outs (including WR Chris Brazzell II), but Illinois’ relative health and physicality edge a depleted Tennessee defense for the upset. Prediction: Illinois 34, Tennessee 31. Continue reading →

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Independence Bowl Preview and Prediction

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Coastal Carolina (6-6) faces Louisiana Tech (7-5) in the Independence Bowl on Dec. 30 at 2:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. A quasi-home game for Tech, whose opportunistic secondary and late-season rush attack exploit Coastal’s coaching transition and OL losses. Prediction: Louisiana Tech 30, Coastal Carolina 17. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Tuesday, December 30, 2025: Be the Mustard Seed

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read Matthew 13:31-34 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it … Continue reading →

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Mascot and Colors (Apparently That’s Enough)

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Monday’s WordPress question asks for a mascot and team colors—without bothering to specify the sport, the city, or even the logic behind the choice. So naturally, I tried to be responsible, worked backward, explored several ridiculous sports, enhanced flag football beyond necessity, and only then picked a mascot. Because vibes alone felt insufficient. Continue reading →

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Birmingham Bowl Preview and Prediction

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Georgia Southern (6-6) faces Appalachian State (5-7) in the JLab Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 29 at 2:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. A Sun Belt rivalry rematch—Eagles won 25-23 in November—gets weird with App State’s losing record and heavy opt-outs. Personal note: my niece cheers for the Mountaineers, so I’ll be scanning the sidelines! Prediction: Georgia Southern 31, Appalachian State 21. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Monday, December 29, 2025: Where is Your Mission Field?

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read Acts 1:1-11 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”Acts 1:8  Reflect Imagine that you’re a Christian missionary. You’ve … Continue reading →

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The Sunday Pour: The Forgotten Bottle—Rediscovering What the New Year Still Holds

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

The New Year isn’t always about starting over. Sometimes it’s about rediscovering what’s been quietly waiting—preserved, not wasted—like a forgotten bottle tucked behind the rest. Continue reading →

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Holding Convictions Without a Megaphone

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

My beliefs haven’t shifted nearly as much as the way I carry them. Time, experience, and the responsibility of teaching have taught me that equipping young minds matters far more than persuading them. Conviction doesn’t require volume—and instruction should never become indoctrination. Continue reading →

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Quick Thought – Sunday, December 28, 2025: Facts Lead to Truth

Posted on December 28, 2025 by Douglas Blaine

Read John 8:21-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”John 8:31-32 Reflect In … Continue reading →

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