2018 RedBox Bowl; Oregon Vs Michigan State at Levi's Stadium , Santa Clara, Calif, USA on 12/31/18. Photo Credit: Jorge Birelas/fi360 News
2018 RedBox Bowl; Oregon vs Michigan State at Levi’s Stadium , Santa Clara, Calif, USA on 12/31/18. Photo Credit: Jorge Birelas/fi360 News
Santa Clara, Ca – With 1:43 left on the clock trailing by a point Michigan St attempted a 50 yard field goal but a bad snap dashed their chances to take the lead. The Oregon Ducks sole touchdown was enough for the 7-6 victory to win the REDBOX Bowl on New Year Eve.
There was one last shot of desperation for Michigan State fans on 4th&12 :39 seconds when quarterback Brian Lewerke threw incomplete pass. Then the Ducks just took a knee to run out the clock.
Oregon touchdown came on a Justin Herbert pass for 28 yards in the 4th quarter after trailing for the whole game till that point.
2018 RedBox Bowl; Oregon vs Michigan State Michigan State Quarterback Brian Lewerke(14) hands of to LJ Scott(3) at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif, USA on 12/31/18. Photo Credit: Jorge Birelas/fi360 News
“I don’t think we were doing necessarily anything different, I think we kind of shot ourselves in the foot the first few drives,” said Herbert, “I think guys kind of settled down and fit their role and made some plays and fortunately it went our way this year.”
Herbert announced he will come back next season and not leave early for the NFL draft which will should help Oregon get back on track. He throw for 166 yards and no interceptions.
“To send out the seniors out on a positive note like that is huge.” said Herbet
2018 RedBox Bowl; Oregon vs Michigan State, Oregon Running Back Travis Dye(26) runs the ball at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif, USA on 12/31/18. Photo Credit: Jorge Birelas/fi360 News
The Oregon defense rose to the challenge by only bending against Michigan State. They went 0/3 went they went for it on fourth down. Spartans had 331 yards and had to settle for two third quarter field goals.
“Games like this, typically have not gone our way over the last few years,” Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said. “This culture has changed, it’s changed the program.”
This RedBox Bowl will be remember by as a defensive stalemate.
Safety Jevon Holland (8) Defensive MVP Photo: Jorge Birelas
Nova Arizona Bowl: Arkansas State vs Nevada in Tucson, AZ on Saturday December 29, 2018. Photo by Eric Townsend / fi360 News
Nova Arizona Bowl: Arkansas State vs Nevada in Tucson, AZ on Saturday December 29, 2018. Photo by Eric Townsend / fi360 News
TUCSON, AZ – On a cold crisp day in the Southwest, the Arkansas State Red Wolves (8-5) took on the Nevada Wolfpack (8-5) at the annual Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl.
It was a low-scoring affair, but Ty Gangi’s 11-yard pass to Reagan Roberson gave Nevada a 16-13 victory in overtime over Arkansas State on Saturday at Arizona Stadium.
The Wolfpack became the first team to win two, Arizona bowl trophies, as Nevada also won in 2015, during the bowl games’ inception.
Nova Arizona Bowl: Arkansas State vs Nevada in Tucson, AZ on Saturday December 29, 2018. Photo by Eric Townsend / fi360 News
Sloppy, is how I would describe this one. A game that saw 29 total points, 784 yards, and five interceptions, it really was a battle until the end.
The Red Wolves had numerous opportunities but ultimately came up short. “They [Nevada] made the plays they needed to and we didn’t”, said ASU Head Coach Blake Anderson.
Despite out gaining Nevada by over 200 yards, mistakes in the red zone doomed Arkansas State.
Nova Arizona Bowl: Arkansas State vs Nevada in Tucson, AZ on Saturday December 29, 2018. Photo by Eric Townsend / fi360 News
Arkansas State started off with the ball in this one, but like Nevada, both teams played field position through much of the first half.
Finally, the 0-0 tie was broken with a little over five minutes to go in the second quarter, when Nevada kicker Ramiz Ahmed connected on a 36-yard attempt to make it 3-0.
On the ensuing drive, Arkansas State would go 75 yards on six plays to regain the lead at 7-3, when running back Marcel Murray would find the end zone from two-yards out!
That would take us to the halftime, where ASU would lead 7-3.
Nova Arizona Bowl: Arkansas State vs Nevada in Tucson, AZ on Saturday December 29, 2018. Photo by Eric Townsend / fi360 News
Hoping to carry that momentum, the third quarter was where the game turned sour for Arkansas State.
The Red Wolves got inside Nevada’s 10-yard line twice and couldn’t score. In that quarter, Arkansas State had a missed field goal, a turnover on downs and an interception.
Nevada Head Coach Jay Norvell really credited the effort of his team in their win.
“They really just would not be denied,” said Novell, “we talked today about playing four quarters and I guess we played five today.”
And fight they did coach! After taking a late lead in the fourth quarter, Nevada gave up a field goal as time expired that sent the game into overtime. His team would respond by winning the game in epic fashion.
As for Anderson, he really took the blame in this one, citing the teams woes in not scoring when it mattered. Anderson wanted to get win number nine for his seniors, but said “we’ll go back to work in January and try and build from scratch.”
Both teams will get to the off-season and try to build on their success from this season.
Kadarius Toney #4 diving for the end zone during the Peach Bowl between Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on, December 29, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Jordan Scarlett #25 with a mean stiff arm during the Peach Bowl between Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on, December 29, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
ATLANTA — The Florida Gators capitalized where Michigan couldn’t; in the endzone. Quarterback Feleipe Franks led his offense with two touchdowns in the 41-15 win over the University of Michigan.
The two teams (No. 7 Mich., 10-3, No. 10 Florida, 10-3) fought to end the 2018 season with a win at the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl in downtown Atlanta.
Franks alone scored twice, rushed for 74 yards and threw for 173. Michigan had two touchdowns taken back by review, 77 rushing yards and 249 in the air.
Three Florida Gators, including Franks, running back Lamical Perine and defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson made monumental impacts in the game.
Van Jefferson #12 reach for the end zone in the first quarter of the Peach Bowl between Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on, December 29, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Perine carried the ball six times for 76 yards, one being a 53 yard trip past the goal line, as well as a reception from Franks in the endzone.
Gardner-Johnson, the recipient of the Defensive MVP award, got two interceptions, one being 30 yard pick six from Michigan’s Shea Patterson late in the game to cement his team’s dominance over the Wolverines.
Franks, the offensive MVP, held nothing back in the post game interview, where he sat with coach Dan Mullen, Perine and Gardner-Johnson.
Florida Gators showing off their championship signs after the Peach Bowl between Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on, December 29, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
“Just filled with emotion and just on how much I felt like I’ve improved from last season under Coach Mullen and Coach Johnson, and how much this team’s improved from last season as well. So it’s just a great feeling, tears of joy, that I’ve always wanted to be in the middle of confetti falling down on me, winning championships. Coach Mullen’s bringing that back to Florida.”
Shea Patterson, the Wolverines quarterback, did complete 22 of his 36 passses, but at the cost of two game-changing interceptions and five sacks. Key wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones pulled down Michigan’s lone touchdown to score in the first quarter.
That team up North had a scoring rush taken back on the first possession of the game and would continue to struggle at finishing in the endzone. Aside from the 75 yard drive for six points in the first quarter, Michigan would be held to field goals and a safety.
Michigan, running from right to left, started the first drive of the game with a successful sneak by Quarterback Shea Patterson. On 2-9 at Florida’s 46 yard line, Christian Turner broke out along the sideline for a 46 yard rushing touchdown; the six didn’t stay on the scoreboard long as review showed Turner out at the 38. The Gators then stopped a fourth down conversion to get their offense on the turf, ending the possession with a 21 yard field goal from Evan McPherson.
Patterson found Peoples-Jones for a nine yard TD, then Jake Moody sent a PAT through the goal posts to go up 3-7 over their SEC rival.
Moody then sent a ball 48 yards for three more points and would end the game with nine points. McPherson was the only Gator to score, his second came from 26 yards, out until Franks ran in the team’s first TD at the end of the half. The second half began with Florida up 13-10, and Michigan would never catch up.
“I don’t know a lot of teams that would be lining up to play us right now,” Mullens said with a smile. “… that’s part of playing in the Southeastern Conference. Week in, week out, you don’t have an off week. You got to show up and play your A-game every week. You’re prepared to play, and play big games like the one we played in today. That’s what kind of playing in a league does for you.”
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson #23 coming up big with a interception during the Peach Bowl between Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on, December 29, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
In the second half Perine would score twice. Jordan Scarlett punched through the Wolverine D for a one yard score. Gardner-Johnson scored on the interception. Michigan earned another field goal and then a safety to add up to 15.
Throughout the press conference, the Gators were down right bubbly. When asked about Franks’ level of play, Mullens turned to his QB “He’s still a young player, right? You’re a redshirt sophomore?”
In his first year at Florida, Mullins improved the team’s record of 4-7 in 2017. “Turned up” is how Perine and Gardner-Johnson expect Gainesville and the Swamp to be when they bring the trophy home. Mullens didn’t disagree, but was concerned about the trophy itself.
“ I hope we got the trophy. Did we get the trophy?”
“I know what it will be like,” Mullens continued. “On January 7th, 2019 starts. We’ll enjoy this until then, and we’ll get back to work. It’s going to be the hardest off-season anybody’s been through. We’ve got to take it to another step this off-season. Another level.”
“I don’t know what you’re laughing about right there,” Mullens then said to Perine. “You better turn it up too. Life don’t get any easier for you.”
Michigan coach Harbaugh during the Peach Bowl between Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on, December 29, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Jim Harbaugh spent roughly five minutes with the press, clearly upset about his team’s performance. “We didn’t get the run game going effectively enough. Or the passing game, the protection, and the rhythm in that area to make it — we got outplayed on that side of the ball. Defensively, it was really the same story. We didn’t play as well.”
“It was a very good season. It would have been a great season had we won this game. Didn’t get that done.”
NOTES:
In Michigan’s first-ever trip to the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, the team suffered its first loss to the Florida Gators, falling to 4-1 all-time in the series.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson had U-M’s second blocked kick of the game at the 4:58 mark of
the fourth quarter that resulted in a safety. He also had six total tackles, and one tackle for loss.
Franks joins Tim Tebow as the only other Gator since the start of the 2000 season to record a passing and rushing touchdown in a bowl game.
Coach Mullens getting the Gatorade bath during the Peach Bowl between Florida Gators vs Michigan Wolverines at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on, December 29, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
FINAL NUMBERS
BY QUARTER
F: 3 10 14 14 – 41
M: 7 3 0 5 – 15
First Downs Rushing Passing Total Yards Sacks Tackles
Camping World Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse in Orlando, FL on December 28, 2018. Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News
Camping World Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse in Orlando, FL on December 28, 2018. Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News
Orlando, FL – Syracuse Orange tops West Virginia Mountaineers 34-18 in Camping World Bowl in Orlando Florida. They didn’t pull away till 4th quarter scoring 17 unanswered points on West Virginia.
Camping World Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse in Orlando, FL on December 28, 2018. Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News
“I’m really happy for these seniors,” said Dino Babers Syracuse coach, “These guys really wanted to win their 10th game.”
This was Syracuse first 10 win season since 2001.
Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey threw for 303 yards with a touchdown with 2 interceptions that West Virginia was not able to turn into points.
The Mountaineers were not in sync having to settle for four field goals in the game with only a single touchdown all game.
Camping World Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse in Orlando, FL on December 28, 2018. Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News
Wide receiver David Sills V was asked to be the superglue for the West Virginia offense being down few receivers and having the backup quarterback under center. Sills even had to step up and return punts during this contest. He had only 4 catches for 90 yards in the game.
West Virginia came into this game knowing that it would be without its top rated signal caller Will Grier who finished in fourth place in Heisman race. Grier elected not to participate to stay healthy for upcoming NFL draft.
Kenny Robinson one of West Virginia top defends was disqualified from the game at 9:08 mark in second quarter. Robinson a All BIG-12 free safety who helps fill for the running game. Two plays later Syracuse running back Abdul Adams almost walked in for a rushing touchdown and snatching the lead back 14-10.
Camping World Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse in Orlando, FL on December 28, 2018. Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News
Syracuse running backs had a nose for the end zone with three rushing touchdowns, Adams led the way with two of scores.
Both defenses held their own in the first half to keep the game interesting for the second half of the Camping World Bowl.
Jack Allison, making his first collegiate start completed 17 of 35 passes for 277 yards in defeat.
Camping World Bowl: West Virginia vs Syracuse in Orlando, FL on December 28, 2018. Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News
“I can make a bunch of excuses,” West Virginia coach Dana Holgorsen said. “We played a good team. Give Coach Babers a lot of credit. They played good all year.”
Music City Bowl 2018: Purdue vs Auburn on December 28, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News
Music City Bowl 2018: Purdue vs Auburn on December 28, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News
Nashville, TN – Auburn Quarterback, Jarrett Stidham, just need 1:03 and 2 plays before connecting with running back Jatarvious Whitlow for a 66 yard touchdown. Stidham, who was named MVP of the 2018 Music City Bowl, would not look back from that point on as he reached a high in his Auburn career with 373 yards and 63-14 victory.
When asked later if there was a better to finish off the year he replied, “I mean, it’s nice personally to have a great day. For me, at the end of the day, it was all about the team.” And later added that, “it was really great to get a win like this and to do it in the right way.”
The 2018 Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl saw a matchup between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Auburn Tigers in front of a crowd of 59,024 fans. Both teams were hungry for a bowl game win, but Purdue was looking for their first bowl defeat of an SEC team since 1979. Unfortunately for them, losing the coin toss was just the first of many things today that did not go their way.
Music City Bowl 2018: Purdue vs Auburn on December 28, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News
From the initial touchdown, just over a minute into the game, Auburn was firing on all cylinders. By the end of the first half, they had already amassed 56 points.The point total for a single team in the Music City Bowl was 49 set by West Virginia in 2000, and the Tigers had bested that in half the time.
When Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn was asked if he envisioned getting out to a lead that quickly, he stated, “You know, everything went very well. I think we scored just about every possession of the first quarter, maybe even the first half. But our defense played well. We came out and played our best game, played our best half a football. Really put the game away at halftime.”
Purdue super fan Tyler Trent was named honorary captain of Friday’s Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl between the Boilermakers and Auburn Tigers on December 28, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News
Malzahn was right about the production of his offense in the first half. Stidham wasn’t the only player having a hot day. Wide Receiver Darius Slayton had 160 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns on the day. “We were looking to play our best game today, “ he said later, “Also for me on an individual front, it was my best day.”
Whitlow also had a banner day. His reception of the opening 66 yard touchdown pass was the longest reception of the year. He would get the Tigers next two touchdowns on the ground making a 2 yard run and a 1 yard run to put points on the board both times. This was also the first game that Whitlow has had both receiving and rushing touchdowns.
Despite managing to get 7 points to slow the bleeding in the first quarter, Purdue could not recover from the early onslaught.
Music City Bowl 2018: Purdue vs Auburn on December 28, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News
“We did not play well and Auburn did,” Boilermaker Coach Jeff Brohm spoke of the loss. “You combine those things, we got a little frustrated as it went on, had some bad mistakes that cost us. Just a really bad first half that we definitely couldn’t overcome.”
Purdue Quarterback David Blough completed 22 passes on 37 attempts, threw for 2 interceptions, and ran 22 yards for a touchdown. The rush was his longest rush of the season and 13th rushing score of his career. “It’s frustrating,” he started. “It’s embarrassing when you’re going through it.” Blough did what he could to aid the team, and ended his season with the best completion percentage in Purdue history (305-462, .660), but it wasn’t enough to resurrect the team.
Music City Bowl 2018: Purdue vs Auburn on December 28, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News
Final score was Auburn 63 to Purdue 14. Auburn is now 2-0 in Music City Bowl appearances. They will make the trip home a little lighter on their feet, while Purdue’s long ride back to West Lafayette, Indiana might feel just a little longer.
Texas Bowl 2018: Vanderbilt vs Baylor at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2018. Photo by Jeremy Kiser / fi360 News
Texas Bowl 2018: Vanderbilt vs Baylor at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2018. Photo by Jeremy Kiser / fi360 News
Houston, TX – In the chill of the night the Baylor Bears outlasted the Vanderbilt Commodores 45-38 in the Academy Sports and Outdoor Texas Bowl played at NRG Stadium.
An unlikely hero was former walk-on Marques Jones who caught the game winning touchdown pass for game MVP Charlie Brewer.
Brewer put his stamp on this game throwing for 384 yards, 2 touchdowns finding 8 different receivers. To keep Vanderbilt defense on their toes he also lead the team rushing for 124 yards and touchdown.
Texas Bowl 2018: Vanderbilt vs Baylor at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2018. Photo by Jeremy Kiser / fi360 News
“It maybe means a little bit more to us doing it probably here in the state, where our family and friends could be here. I thought our crowd today was awesome and we very much appreciate them for that. I thought today was a hard fought game, came down to the end.” said Matt Rhule Baylor head coach.
Vanderbilt had one last chance to tie the game up down seven points needing to travel 82 yards in 1:50 on the clock. Five plays later Kyle Shurmur pass went incomplete on 4th – 5.
“They (Baylor) made plays when they need to,” said Derek Mason Vanderbilt coach, “It was a heck of bowl game.”
Texas Bowl 2018: Vanderbilt vs Baylor at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2018. Photo by Jeremy Kiser / fi360 News
Shurmur did throw for 286 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions in the game. They were lead by a great rushing performance by Ke’Shawn Vaughn who had two big play touchdowns for 68 yards, 69 yards and 243 yards total for the Commodores.
Baylor will build on this 7th victory of the year for next year.
“We were there to win,” said Rhule, “We weren’t going to come out and be safe. We were going to push the ball down the field and go for it on fourth down and have some fun and we thought the best way to win the game was just keep possession of the ball, especially when they started moving it pretty well.”
Texas Bowl 2018: Vanderbilt vs Baylor at NRG Stadium on December 27, 2018. Photo by Jeremy Kiser / fi360 News
Walk-Ons Independence Bowl: Temple Owls vs Duke Blue Devils in Shreveport, LA on December 27, 2018. Photo Shane Cossey / fi360 News
Walk-Ons Independence Bowl: Temple Owls vs Duke Blue Devils in Shreveport, LA on December 27, 2018. Photo Shane Cossey / fi360 News
Shreveport, LA – Temple Owls (8-5, 7-1 AAC)led by 27-14 in the Walk-On’s Independence Bowl and went into the half looking good with a 27- 21 lead over their ACC opponent. Duke Blue Devils (8-5,3-5) had other plans, coming out of the locker rooms on fire in what is technically a comeback victory.
Duke put up 21 points in the third quarter alone, and with the help of the record breaking duo of quarterback Daniel Jones (17) and wide receiver T.J. Rahming (3) they ended with a 56-27 victory.
The game long touchdown pass came halfway into the third quarter on the second play of a Duke drive. Jones meet up with Rahming to complete an 85 yard bomb, the longest in Blue Devil bowl history. Putting them up by more than two touchdowns.
Walk-Ons Independence Bowl: Temple Owls vs Duke Blue Devils in Shreveport, LA on December 27, 2018. Photo Shane Cossey / fi360 News
Dukes head coach David Cutcliffe said of his offensive duo, “Daniel set protections and got routes adjusted… T.J. he’s in the center of all the things. We felt we could attack them in the middle of the field, which we were able to do.”
The Owls started out with a strong defensive showing, scoring two touchdowns from turnovers in the first half and hassling Jones (17) and caused him to leave the game limping for a short period.
The first Temple defensive TD came from a 52 yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Delvon Randall (2). The other from Linwood Crump (11) interception that lead to a Rob Ritrovato 1 yard TD rush to put them up by 13 with 10:25 left in the second quarter. That would be the last time the Owls would score in Shreveport.
Walk-Ons Independence Bowl: Temple Owls vs Duke Blue Devils in Shreveport, LA on December 27, 2018. Photo Shane Cossey / fi360 News
The Blue Devils put up 42 unanswered points and in the process Jones, Rahming and Duke combined to break 8 Independence Bowl records.
Dukes defense stepped up in the second half. Temple went to the half with 227 yards on offense, but only gain another 54 yards the rest of the game.
Walk-Ons Independence Bowl: Temple Owls vs Duke Blue Devils in Shreveport, LA on December 27, 2018. Photo Shane Cossey / fi360 News
Cutcliffe commented on his defense saying, “I think that’s as good a job I’ve seen of a young defense, and the coaches turning it around in a half. That was amazing.”
Dukes 56 points with 8 touchdowns tops the previous 55 points from Virginia Tech in the 2015 Independence bowl.
Quarterback Jones getting loose during the Walk-Ons Independence Bowl: Temple Owls vs Duke Blue Devils in Shreveport, LA on December 27, 2018. Photo Shane Cossey / fi360 News
Jones went 30-41 for 423 yards and combined for 6 touchdowns (5 pass, 1 rush). Setting Independence Bowl records for most completions, most combined touchdowns and most passing touchdowns.
Along with Rahming Independence Bowl receiving record of 240 yards the Blue Devils left the Owls in the rear-view mirror and never looked back to win the 4th straight Independence bowl for the ACC.
Walk-Ons Independence Bowl: Temple Owls vs Duke Blue Devils in Shreveport, LA on December 27, 2018. Photo Shane Cossey / fi360 News
Cheez-it Bowl 2018: CAL vs TCU in Arizona on December 26, 2018. Photo John Hays / fi360 News
Winning kick during the Cheez-it Bowl 2018: CAL vs TCU in Arizona on December 26, 2018. Photo John Hays / fi360 News
PHOENIX, AZ- In the 30th annual Cheez-It Bowl, formerly the Copper Bowl, the TCU Horned Frogs (7-6) battled with the Cal Golden Bears (7-6).
Luckily for TCU, on the first drive of overtime, Cal threw another interception that was nearly returned by TCU, that would have ended the game. On the ensuing drive, finally we had a winner. The Horned Frogs wore down Cal’s defense, where they would set-up a 27-yard field goal attempt from Jonathan Song that sailed through the uprights, delivering the 10-7 victory for TCU.
Coming in, both teams were battling quite the adversity. Hundreds of miles from home, battling injuries and spending time away from families during Christmas, things were setting up to be quite the interesting evening in the desert.
Cheez-it Bowl 2018: CAL vs TCU in Arizona on December 26, 2018. Photo John Hays / fi360 News
From the start, it was a slugfest. Two quality defensive units competing, dueling in the desert. However, TCU head coach Gary Patterson was confident in his group coming into this one, feeling his team would “win this one 10–9… I was only two points off” he chuckled.
In front of a crowd of over 33,000 people, we saw just about everything fitting for a Holiday game. (*Please feel free to sing this next part in the tune of 12 Days of Christmas) Nine interceptions, two offenses that struggled, one overtime and a sideline inter-fer-ence!
It was Cal that got on the board first when quarterback Chase Garbers capped a two-play, 34-yard drive that lasted 37 seconds, when he scrambled from four yards out to make it 7-0 after a converted PAT a little over midway through the first quarter.
Cheez-it Bowl 2018: CAL vs TCU in Arizona on December 26, 2018. Photo John Hays / fi360 News
Unfortunately, that was their only bright, offensive spot from the entire game, as Cal would account for five of the nine turnovers from this one.
The Golden Bears’ head coach Justin Wilcox, felt that overall, they [Cal] “just made too many mistakes during the game to win against a quality opponent like that.”
However, the second-year head coach was really proud of his players toughness and perseverance, battling through some adverse times.
Cheez-it Bowl 2018: CAL vs TCU in Arizona on December 26, 2018. Photo John Hays / fi360 News
Despite Garbers getting the start, eventually Cal would turn to back-up quarterback Chase Forrest to hopefully provide a spark. Even with the change, the offensive woes continued for Cal.
Things were not much prettier for TCU either. However, persistent through all of it, was TCU running back Sewo Olonilua. Perhaps surprisingly in this low-scoring affair, the bruising Junior out of Houston, TX finished the game with 194 yards on 32 carries and a touchdown that tied the game late in the third quarter.
Amidst the passing struggles for TCU, Olonilua “just knew we had to run the ball,” he stated. “That was the Game plan going in, we stuck to it, our O-line gave us some big holes and you know I just ran through them!”
Ultimately, the game came down to defense. Cal’s Jaylinn Hawkins was named the defensive MVP after breaking the bowl games’ record with three interceptions.
Even in a record setting performance, the redshirt junior safety was very complementary of his defense, especially the front seven. “It’s just the communication,” he said. “Everybody communicating, everybody being on point. That’s when big plays come, when everybody’s doing their job and everybody’s playing for each other.”
Despite the stellar performance, it was TCU that just made more plays than Cal in the end.
Cheez-it Bowl 2018: CAL vs TCU in Arizona on December 26, 2018. Photo John Hays / fi360 News
The Horned Frogs had a chance to win the game late, but missed a 44-yard field-goal from Cole Bunce that sent this game to overtime.
Following the win, Pattersons focus is on the future and continuing to build on the successes of his program. “For us, we need to be able to grow some guys up,” Patterson said. “ so we can play at the same level that we’ve been able to play over the last 20 years!”
Both teams will get to their off-seasons and look to continue growing and building after respectable seasons, even if the finish to 2018 wasn’t so pretty!
Minnesota Gopher 2018 Quick Lane bowl Champion during the Quick Lane Bowl between Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Ford Field on, December 26, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Detroit, MI – The top rushers in the country, the Yellowjackets of Georgia Tech, weren’t strong enough to break through a wall of gophers in Wednesday’s Quick Lane Bowl Game at Ford Field. The Minnesota Golden Gophers’ Mohamed Ibrahim led the offensive charge for the 34-10 win.
Minnesota (7-6) brought a team that showed the 28,000 plus in attendance that it was more than capable of executing on all sides of play. Ibrahim claimed 227 of the Gophers’ 271 rushing yards for two touchdowns, his personal best. Head coach P.J. Fleck had this to say about Ibrahim’s performance this season.
“He’s not the biggest, strongest or fastest … he has that too short, too small, too this, king of the toos, which is right up my alley. This kid’s got more heart, passion, courage and plays the game the right way more than anybody I’ve ever met.”
Coney Durr breaking up a pass in the end zone during the Quick Lane Bowl between Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Ford Field on, December 26, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Georgia Tech struggled with its secondary as well; Minnesota’s 6’2 redshirt Tanner Morgan threw two TDs to 6’2 junior receiver Tyler Johnson. Morgan finished the day 7-13-0 for 132 yards. He was only sacked once.
The Yellowjackets (7-6) had a shot at a comeback after a hot third quarter, but didn’t show up before then. GT runs a triple-option spread utilizing seven different backs led by senior QB TaQuon Marshall, 92 yards, and redshirt Tobias Oliver, 70. Georgia Tech didn’t break a first down chain until its fourth possession, which ended with its fourth punt. At the end of the first quarter, they were in the hole two yards.
Quick Lane Bowl between Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Ford Field on, December 26, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Marshall and his backs were unable to break through Minnesota’s defensive line; they were rarely fast enough to escape down the sidelines, and they can thank Julian Huff’s nine solo tackles for that.
This loss was Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson’s final game as head coach. He finishes 83-59 as the Yellowjacket’s coach.
Before the beatdown began, fans were treated to performances from Minnesota and Georgia Tech’s marching bands. Once the crowd had returned to their seats from the National Anthem, Minnesota took over.
Clinton Lynch breaking tackles during the Quick Lane Bowl between Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Ford Field on, December 26, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Minnesota marched down Ford Field and ended the first drive of the game with a 31 yard field goal from Emmit Carpenter. GT’s offense was only on the field 2:09 before they were forced to punt. The Gophers came back out to the turf teeming with determination. The underdogs’ second drive wound up in the end zone as Morgan connected with Johnson for 18 yards and six points.
Now behind by 10, Georgia Tech still had no forward progress. They would not earn a first down the second quarter.
The second half of the Quick Lane bowl did see a more composed GT offense, they scored on a 75 yard drive, but Minnesota was not about to back down.
Head Coach Paul Johnson of the Yellow Jackets during the Quick Lane Bowl between Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Ford Field on, December 26, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Ibrahim punched in his TDs and Morgan found Johnson once again.
BOWL GAMES
The two teams had never faced each other before. Minnesota now has a 8-12 bowl record while GT is 25-20.
SCORE BY QUARTER
M 10 3 7 14 -23
GT 0 3 7 0 – 10
M: 271 yards rushing, 132 passing, no punts, no returns, seven kickoffs.
GT: 224, 77, four punts for 75 yards, five returns for 115 yards, two kickoffs.
First Responder Bowl 2018: Boston College vs Boise State in Dallas, Texas on December 26, 2018. Photo Ari Talton / fi360 News
First Responder Bowl 2018: Boston College vs Boise State in Dallas, Texas on December 26, 2018. Photo Ari Talton / fi360 News
Dallas, TX – For the first time in bowl history, a bowl was declared no contest and canceled due to weather with no makeup game. Boston College Eagles and Boise State Broncos teams were fired up the SerPro First Responder Bowl.
The Eagles were hoping to get their eighth win of the season. The Broncos were hoping to end their season on a high note after losing the Mountain West Championship game.
“You can’t control the weather,” Boise State head coach Bryan Harsin said afterward. When thunderstorms rumbling through the area shifted course and made clear they were headed toward Fair Park, it was “a game changer,” as Boston College athletic director Martin Jarmond put it.
First Responder Bowl 2018: Boston College vs Boise State in Dallas, Texas on December 26, 2018. Photo Ari Talton / fi360 News
The game was stopped in first quarter after Boston College jumped out to a 7-0 lead on 19-yard touchdown run by A.J. Dillon on their first drive to start the game. The Eagles were up until 5:08 mark in quarter when lightning was first spotted in the Dallas area.
For player safety the bowl took an 80-minute weather delay, and with more storms expected in the Dallas area throughout the afternoon, officials cancelled the game and it was declared a ‘No Contest’.
“For those two great teams to have come so far for what I think would have been a really great match-up, of course I am very disappointed,” said Willis Winters, director of Dallas’ Park and Recreation Department, who was in the press box when the game was called.
First Responder Bowl 2018: Boston College vs Boise State in Dallas, Texas on December 26, 2018. Photo Ari Talton / fi360 News
So now SerPro left to pick up the pieces but in the end good or bad press is always press.
Both teams will still receive their conference split of all bowls played but refunds to their fans will hurt financially.
Detroit, MI – The top rushers in the country, the Yellowjackets of Georgia Tech, weren’t strong enough to break through a wall of gophers in Wednesday’s Quick Lane Bowl Game at Ford Field. The Minnesota Golden Gophers’ Mohamed Ibrahim led the offensive charge for the 34-10 win.
