UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
West Lafayette, IN- The top-ranked UCLA Lady Bruins showed no signs of jet lag as they extended their winning streak to 16 games and secured their fifth conference victory with an 83-49 rout of Purdue in the newly reformed Big Ten. Junior Lauren Betts led the charge with 13 second-half points, finishing with a game-high 17 to power the Bruins to another dominant performance.
UCLA started strong, shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from three-point range and over 65% overall in the first quarter. Their scorching performance propelled the Lady Bruins to a commanding 29-13 lead, setting the tone in their first Big Ten conference matchup against Purdue.
UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The Lady Bruins showcased why they hold the nation’s top ranking, overpowering the Lady Boilermakers with a dominant 40-12 advantage in the paint and stifling defense that held Purdue to just 33% shooting. Balanced scoring propelled the Bruins to a commanding 25-point lead by halftime, leaving no doubt about their superiority. With easy buckets and relentless defensive pressure, the Lady Bruins turned the game into a lopsided affair, cementing their reputation as the team to beat.
The Lady Bruins’ depth was on full display as four players scored in double figures, allowing Coach Cori Close to rest her starters. Lauren Betts led the charge with 17 points, including a quick 13 in the second half, while Timea Gardiner chipped in an efficient 16 points in just 16 minutes, shooting 4-for-5 from beyond the arc and 6-for-8 overall. Kiki Rice dazzled with a smooth Euro step to split two Purdue defenders, finishing with 11 points, as did Janiah Barker. With contributions across the roster, the Lady Bruins showcased why they’re a force to be reckoned with.
UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Destini Lombard paced the Lady Boilermakers with 16 points, while McKenna Layden and Rashunda Jones chipped in 8 points each. Despite their efforts, the team struggled to find offensive rhythm against the top-ranked Lady Bruins.
The Lady Bruins return home for a three-game stretch against Northwestern, Penn State, and Baylor, aiming to maintain momentum in a tough Big Ten conference. With four teams ranked in the top 10, the competitive slate promises to test the Bruins as they prepare for the Big Tournament in March. These matchups will provide a crucial opportunity to solidify their standing and sharpen their edge against elite competition.
UCLA Bruins vs Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena on January 07, 2025. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 3: North Texas defensive back Evan Jackson’s (2) tackle puts Texas State quarterback Jordan McCloud (3) during the fourth quarter of the First Responder Bowl against North Texas at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia/Fi360 News)
Dallas, TX- Three hundred seventy-four days ago, the Texas State Bobcats celebrated their first bowl win in school history. Friday, Texas State repeated with a 30-28 hard-fought victory against another Texas school, the North Texas Mean Green. It was the 40th meeting between Texas State and North Texas, but their first since 1994. With both of Texas State’s bowl wins coming at Gerald J Ford Stadium at SMU, Dallas is almost a second home for the Bobcats.
“We love Dallas, and we recruit Dallas hard,” Texas State head coach GJ Kinne said. “I’m from here, and I played a bowl game here. It’s a special place for sure.”
Kinne also said that in last year’s First Responder Bowl win vs. Rice, he hugged his grandma and grandpa, but only his grandpa was in the stands this year.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 3: Texas State head coach GJ Kinne celebrates the Bobcats 30-28 win over North Texas and back-to-back First Responder Bowl titles at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia/Fi360 News)
“It’s one of those deals where I was thinking about her tonight, and it was a special one,” Kinne said.
It was another special night for Texas State and its fans. They witnessed a see-saw back-and-forth game showcasing two of the top five offenses in college football, averaging over 470 yards a game.
North Texas’ opening possession resulted in a one-first down punt, but Texas State drove the football down the field in a 43-yard opening field goal by Mason Shipley. The Mean Green answered by marching down the field in 80 yards using the arm of Drew Mestemaker. Mestemaker threw a dart over the middle of the field to Miles Coleman as the impact on the tackle drove Coleman to the end zone and gave North Texas a 7-3 lead midway in the opening quarter.
It was Mestemaker’s first college start as a freshman, and Mestemaker hadn’t made a start since the 9th grade at Vandergrift High School in Austin, Texas.
“He came in poised,” Mean Green head coach Eric Morris said about Mestemaker. “He made the decision he needed to make and led us down the field on the scoring drive. I always had the confidence in him, so the offense never wavered from him.”
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 3: Texas State running back Lincoln Pare (7) motions to the student section after his 73-yard touchdown seals the win for the Boobcats and the game MVP award during the fourth quarter of the First Responder Bowl against North Texas at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia/Fi360 News)
The Bobcats came back on a third down on their following possession, with a 70-yard completion from Jordan McCloud to Jaden Williams downed inside the one-yard line. Texas State attempted to run it in on back-to-back plays, but they were ruled short of the end zone and ended up kicking a 21-yard field goal. Replays appeared that the runner broke the plane on both runs, but the officials deemed the ball didn’t break the goal line.
“I would say two of those were touchdowns,” McCloud said with a smile.
North Texas answered the scoring drive with a nine-play touchdown drive. The drive featured a 17-yard run by Kiefer Sibley and a 27-yard completion from Mestemaker to Damon Ward Jr. A targeting penalty on Texas State’s Justin Harris assisted in the drive, and on the first play of the second quarter, Mestemaker found Landon Sides in the corner of the end zone for the touchdown, extending the North Texas lead to 14-6.
The Bobcats’ following possession featured the same rhythm, the offense moving down the field. However, it was another drive that featured a missed chance in the end zone. McCloud found an opening for Joey Hobert, but it appeared the sunlight played a factor, and Hobert dropped a potential touchdown. Texas State settled with another Shipley field goal (47 yards).
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 3: Texas State kicker Mason Shipley (36) watches as his first of three first half field goals sails through the uprights during the First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia/Fi360 News)
Texas State marched down in 10 plays and 78 yards on the next Bobcats possession. It capped off with a floating pass from McCloud to Williams with a Mean Green defender all over Williams. North Texas moved the ball 66 yards down the field inside the red zone thanks to three Miles Coleman catches for 44 yards. However, Mestemaker threw a dart to Texas State’s Manny Nunnery with a minute left in the half for the game’s first turnover.
While the Bobcats couldn’t capitalize at the end of the half on the turnover, they stormed out of halftime with a near-7-minute drive that went 13 plays and 75 yards. The drive included a third-down conversion and a fourth-down conversion, passing up on a 46-yard field goal. Lincoln Pare needed one touch to cap off the goal-line score, powering up the middle for six and giving Texas State their first two-score lead of the game, 23-14.
North Texas threatened with a 57-yard completion to Ward, but the Mean Green fell a yard short on a 4th and 3 at the Bobcats 26, turning it over on downs. Texas State did what you wanted: up two scores to start the fourth, eat up the clock, and move the ball. However, McCloud threw it inside the North Texas 30 to Mean Green’s Evan Jackson. After the takeaway, North Texas drove the ball to the Bobcats’ 23 on a Makenzie McGill catch and run of 29 yards, but a blindside hit to Mestemaker from Jordan Polk caused a fumble recovered by Kalil Alexander. Texas State returned the favor as McCloud fumbled on the sack, forced by Fatafehi Vailea and recovered by Breylon Charles. The Bobcats fumble resulted in a McGill rushing touchdown set up by a 42-yard completion to Sides, setting up the Mean Green at the 1. North Texas pulled to within 2, down 23-21.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 3: North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) makes a pass during the first half of the First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia/Fi360 News)
Things got wackier. In three plays, Pare broke loose for 73 yards down the field in a matter of one minute to negate North Texas’ previous scoring possession.
“They were just loading the box,” Pare said on the breakaway run. “Anything I could get to just to get to the second level, I knew that I could win. The [offensive] line did a great job, washed everybody down, and I had one guy to beat.”
However, Mestemaker showcased his legs with a 70-yard sprint down the sideline, and in a matter of ninety seconds, both teams traded haymakers as the Mean Green pulled back, down 30-28.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 3: North Texas tight end Victor Aderungboye (19) gets airborne for a pass auls in a 16 yard touchdown pass during the second quarter of the First Responder Bowl against Texas State at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia/Fi360 News)
[Mestemaker] is athletic [and] he’s big,” Bobcats coach Kinne said about the Mean Green freshman quarterback. “You saw the run at the end of the game. I think it’s going to be tough to beat that kid out moving forward. He’s a really good player.”
Texas State moved the ball and ended up punting, but it pinned North Texas inside the 10-yard line. The Mean Green couldn’t advance as Texas State sealed the win with its defense.
Texas State has gone back-to-back seasons with eight wins and a bowl victory. Senior Jordan McCloud feels it’s just the beginning of the Texas State Bobcats program.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 3: Texas State receiver Jaden Williams (0) explodes for a big gain during the first half of the First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on January 3, 2025, in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia/Fi360 News)
“It’s a lot of talent on this team,” McCloud said. “Everybody learns how to figure it out, stick together, and handle adversity. I think this program is going to be really unstoppable.”
Pasadena, CA- Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith put on a show with 187 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 6 Ohio State to a 41-21 win over No 1. Oregon in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.
The Buckeyes scored 34 points in the first half and Will Howard passed for 319 yards to give Oregon its first loss of the season. This was a revenge game for Ohio State, who lost to Oregon 32-31 in the regular season.
Photo by William ‘Jaye’ Johnson / fi360 News
“I think sometimes in this game coaches get too much attention,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “This is about these guys right here. A lot of good players out there, but they’ve got to make it work. And I thought they really put it on the field and we came out aggressive.”
Ohio State didn’t waste any time getting on the board as Howard connected with Smith for a 45-yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead on its opening drive. Howard gave the Buckeyes a 14-0 lead in the first quarter when he hit Emeka Egbuka with a 42-yard touchdown pass.
After Ohio State added a field goal at the beginning of the second quarter, Howard threw his third touchdown of the first half, second to Smith, to give the Buckeyes a 24-0 lead.
Photo by William ‘Jaye’ Johnson / fi360 News
“Will does a great job in practice just trusting us, just throwing the ball out there.” Smith said. “We tell him, just throw it out there. We’ll make a play for you.”
Senior running back TreVeyon Henderson took the handoff and raced down the right sideline for a 66-yard touchdown. The Buckeyes added another field goal to take a 34-0 lead. Oregon was able to avoid the first-half shutout with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Dillion Gabriel to Traeshon Holden at the end of the second quarter.
Noah Wittington scored on a 2-yard run to cut the Ohio State lead 34-15 but the Buckeyes extended the lead on Henderson’s second touchdown of the game. Gabriel threw for 299 yards and two touchdowns but their championship hopes ended in Pasadena.
Photo by William ‘Jaye’ Johnson / fi360 News
“When you play a great team like Ohio State, you can’t not be playing on all cylinders.And they were. They were clicking on all cylinders,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “We really didn’t have the ability to stop them, and we didn’t have the ability to get something going for us, on offense.”
Ohio State advanced to play No. 4 Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10, with a shot at the national title game. Texas advanced after a double-overtime win over Arizona State in the Peach Bowl.
Los Angeles, CA – The No 4. USC Trojan women’s basketball team kicked off 2025 with a 75-55 victory over the visiting Nebraska Cornhuskers on New Year’s Day. Sophomore guard Juju Watkins led the Trojans in scoring with 26 points and four assists to help them advance to 3-0 in Big Ten play and 13-1 overall.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Nebraska and USC were evenly matched throughout the first two quarters, with Nebraska holding a slight lead in the second. Southern California responded with a 10-0 run to close out the first half and take a narrow 39-35 lead into halftime. The Cornhuskers shot 46% from the field and went 3-5 from long distance for 60% in the first half. USC shot 48% and 3-9 from behind the arc for 33% in the first two periods of play.
The Women of Troy turned up the defensive pressure in the second half holding Nebraska to 23% shooting from the field and only allowing them to score 7 of 30 field goals. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb spoke about the defensive adjustments that were made at halftime, “We just really challenged our players to play with more toughness and aggressiveness. They’re a good team and if you’re um sort of uh passive at all they’re going to make you pay so we made a point to try not to let them get anything easy and we communicated better in the second half too.”
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
USC’s defense forced 18 Cornhusker turnovers which the Trojans turned into 25 points. USC shot 40% from the field in the second half going 11-27 from the floor. The Trojans also dominated inside the paint finishing the contest with a 42-18 advantage.
Kiki Iriafen was the second leading scoring for the Trojans contributing 14 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.
Logan Nissley led Nebraska with 14 points finishing 4-5 from three-point range. USC now prepares to go on a road trip to face Rutgers next weekend in a tough conference matchup and also a top-10 showdown with the No. 8 Maryland Terrapins, who currently sit at 12-0.
Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Coach Gottlieb spoke on what the team needs to do to be locked in for their upcoming road trip. “Just lock in on what makes us great and try to sustain that for 40 minutes we’re never going to be perfect, nobody’s perfect but you need to pack with you on a road trip a kind of tenacity and togetherness that no one can take away. We know this is a big road trip also it’s two really talented teams and we’ll get the team as ready as possible and I think we’ll be up for the challenges”.
GLENDALE, Ariz.— Penn State made history on December 31, 2024, with a commanding 31-14 win over Boise State in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, the first-ever College Football Playoff quarterfinal. The Nittany Lions (13-2, 8-1 Big Ten) showcased a balanced offense and stifling defense to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
“We played a complete game—offense, defense, and special teams,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said. “We played complementary football and did some special things tonight. I’m just proud of our guys.”
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Allar Leads the Charge
Quarterback Drew Allar spearheaded Penn State’s (13-2, 8-1 Big Ten) offensive efforts, throwing three touchdown passes, including two to tight end Tyler Warren. Allar’s 11-yard strike to Warren in the first quarter set the tone, and a third-quarter touchdown to Warren re-established control after Boise State closed the gap to three points.
“Drew makes big-time throws,” Franklin said. “He started out the game on fire, and we made things a little harder than they needed to be with penalties. But he stepped up when it mattered.”
Turnovers Define the Game
Turnovers played a pivotal role in the Nittany Lions’ success. Penn State’s defense forced three interceptions and recovered a fumble. Safety Zakee Wheatley’s interception in the second quarter and a fumble recovery in the first halted Boise State drives and set up crucial scoring opportunities.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen threw for 304 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted three times, halting their momentum at critical junctures. Conversely, Penn State’s lone turnover, a fumble by Allar in the first quarter, went unpunished as the Broncos failed to capitalize.
“Football always comes down to execution, and we just didn’t execute as much as we needed to, to establish the run game as much as we have to in a game like this.” Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson said. “It’s something that we’ve got to look back and learn and grow from.”
Shutting Down Ashton Jeanty
Penn State’s defense effectively neutralized Boise State’s standout running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 104 yards on 30 carries but struggled to break free. His longest run was just 26 yards, and he fumbled in the first quarter, leading to a Penn State touchdown.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Penalties Create Drama
Both teams struggled with penalties, with Boise State committing 13 for 90 yards and Penn State 10 for 98 yards. Boise State’s mistakes were particularly costly, including a false start on 4th-and-1 in the second quarter that forced them to punt and a roughing-the-passer call in the third that extended a Penn State touchdown drive.
Key Performances
Penn State’s offensive balance shone, with Kaytron Allen rushing for 134 yards on 17 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt. Nicholas Singleton added 87 yards on 12 carries, including a game-sealing 58-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Allar finished with 171 passing yards, completing 13 of 25 attempts. Tight end Tyler Warren stood out with six catches for 63 yards and two touchdowns, while Omari Evans contributed a 38-yard touchdown reception.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Defensively, Dani Dennis-Sutton recorded six tackles, a sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss. The secondary, led by Wheatley and Zion Tracy, disrupted Boise State’s passing game and forced turnovers at key moments.
A Historic Start to the Expanded CFP
This game was the first of four quarterfinals played over two days in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff format, marking a new era for college football. Penn State’s victory solidified its place in history as the inaugural CFP quarterfinal winner, setting the tone for the remaining games.
When Penn State head coach James Franklin was asked his thoughts on getting to face Georgia or Notre Dame next “Honestly, I want to enjoy this Boise win and this Fiesta Bowl win for a couple hours.” he remarked. “Two great programs. History, tradition, talent, coaching. At this point in the season, you’re going to play really good people, and we’re excited about that opportunity.”
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
With a balanced offensive attack, opportunistic defense, and contributions from every unit, Penn State not only made history but also positioned itself as a strong contender in the chase for the national championship. “
Tucson, Az-The Miami University Redhawks showcased an explosive second half to defeat Colorado State 43-17 in the inaugural Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl on Saturday afternoon, marking their largest bowl game victory in program history.
Redhawks running back Kevin Davis delivered a career-best performance, rushing for 148 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. His electrifying 97-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was the second-longest in Miami history and solidified his place as the game’s MVP. Davis also amassed 245 all-purpose yards, including an 81-yard kickoff return. The outgoing senior shared his thoughts on his last game with the team “It’s like a dream come true. It doesn’t even feel real. The biggest thing about it is I get to do it with the guys I love. “
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
The Redhawks (9-5, 7-1 MAC) led 9-3 at halftime, with kicker Dom Dzioban contributing three field goals. Defensive efforts in the first half included a forced fumble by Ambe’ Caldwell and an interception by Adam Trick, setting the stage for Miami’s offensive explosion.
The third quarter belonged to the Redhawks. Miami Head Coach Chuck Martin remarked “We got going in the third quarter.” Setting a tempo and “It worked and then the next drive it worked and next thing you know the floodgates opened.” Brett Gabbert, in his final game as Miami’s quarterback, orchestrated multiple scoring drives, including a 4-yard touchdown by Davis and his own 10-yard rushing touchdown. A forced fumble by Matt Salopek, recovered by Silas Walters, further fueled the momentum. After Colorado State failed to convert on fourth down, Davis’ 97-yard dash widened Miami’s lead to 29-3.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
The Rams (8-5, 6-1 Mountain West) fought back with a 56-yard touchdown pass from Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi to Stephon Daily, but Miami’s defense, led by seniors Ty Wise and Salopek, kept the game out of reach. Jordan Brunson added two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Colorado State’s season ended with turnovers playing a critical role. The Rams committed four, leading to 19 Miami points. Commenting on the game Rams Head Coach Jay Norvell said “We talked a lot about what we had to do to win this game. And we didn’t execute what we talked about.” In what was their first bowl game appearance since 2017.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Miami’s win improved its all-time bowl record to 9-7 and provided a triumphant finish to a memorable season.
The Arizona Bowl is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supporting programs in southern Arizona. They are the only bowl game in the country that gives 100% of net proceeds to non-profit organizations.
Colorado Shedeur Sanders (2) is tackled by BYU Isaiah Glasker (16) and Harrison Taggart (11) in the first quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 28, 2024. BYU won by a score of 36 to 14. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
San Antonio, TX- Saturday night, the greatest father-son era in college sports took his last ride in the Alamo Dome .
As Deion Sanders walked down the sideline with his son Sheduer one last time you can see the emotion in his eyes knowing this will be the last pre game walk with his son as his coach . Also coaching his son Shilo Sanders the hard hitting safety who choose to follow his father to Jackson State who will turn pro with many of his teammates who have made Colorado one of the most popular team in sports .
BYU Jakob Robinson (0) trips up Colorado LaJohntay Wester (1) in the third quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 28, 2024. BYU won by a score of 36 to 14. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
To think what Deion Sanders has done in the past four years is mind blowing to college football he has put the spotlight back on the young players who will be the future stars of NFL and has started at all time high level. Name another coach that can flip the number one player in the country from Florida State to HBCU. I don’t even think the likes of The Great Nick Saban could do that what Deion his sons Travis Hunter and the rest of the Colorado Buffaloes have done has shifted the attention back to college football as it was in the 90s when Bobby Bowden was dominating at Florida State and when the Miami hurricanes were an unstoppable force. Saturday night’s outcome of two power houses from the Big 12 proved that BYU is the big brother for now and Colorado has the potential to run the table in the future, maybe the future of college football, considering the talent that Colorado has coming in from around the nation.
BYU Mata’ava Ta’ase (88) stretches out for a pass while Colorado Shilo Sanders (21) closes in during the first quarter of the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 28, 2024. BYU won by a score of 36 to 14. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Speaking of the future Julian Lewis Carde Smith and Kaidon Salter were present . Salter could be the key next year to the bus run for the college football championship with His championship caliber play coming from Liberty being in the preseason Heisman Trophy conversation at the beginning of the season and Juju being the future of Colorado Buffalo football.
BYU had everything working most of the game and Colorado had a hard time converting on third down . Sheduer completed 16 of 23 passes for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite the loss Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter put on a show in his last game for Colorado with 106 yards and a touchdown and no touchdowns given up on defense. BYU also opted to stay away from throwing to Hunter side unlike most teams this season but the Buffalo still came up with three interceptions one that didn’t count went to Shiloh Sanders, but was brought back on an offside penalty by Colorado. Sanders did pick off a two point conversion try late in the game that prevented BYU From going up by 35 points. The one thing I can say Colorado never gave up the entire game. They kept in all their starters and the entire team during the game.Sheduer and Coach Prime spoke after how important it was to keep fighting so the team would follow suit the entirety of the game.
BYU celebrates their victory over Colorado in the Valero Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday December 28, 2024. BYU won by a score of 36 to 14. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Colorado did a complete 180 from last season finishing 9-4 second in the Big 12 conference which leads plenty excitement for next season with a new class of players coming in. Coach Prime is proving he’s the master of the transfer portal with few key players that the team signed over the last few weeks that could set up Colorado to push for a berth in the college football playoffs and a national title. The future looks bright in Boulder . #TheBuffsAreHere
LAS VEGAS, NV – USC quarterback Jayden Maiava found receiver Kyle Ford for a 7-yard touchdown pass with eight seconds remaining to comeback and defeat Texas A&M 35-31 to win the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on Friday night.
It looked like Texas A&M (8-5) was primed for the win after quarterback Marcel Reed capped off a 7 play 75-yard drive with his 19-yard touchdown run to put the Aggies up 31-28 with 1:49 remaining.
Maiava and the Trojans had an up-and-down night but found a way to make the plays when it mattered.
Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News
USC (7-6) put together a 10-play drive for 75 yards that led to Maiava and Ford’s touchdown connection.
Maiava went 8-for-9 on the final drive for 78 yards including a 33-yard pass to receiver Ja’Kobi Lane on 3rd-and-13 from the Aggies’ 46.
“He didn’t play his best there for a while, missed a few things he doesn’t’normally miss, ”USC coach Lincoln Riley said of Maiava, “but he stuck with it. That’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to keep fighting.”
Lane was the star of the night with seven catches for 127 yards and a Las Vegas Bowl-record three touchdown catches.
Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News
“At the end of the day we all realized what we came to do in Vegas, and that is come out with a win,” said Lane. “And I think we’re all happy with that, and it’s time to go home and enjoy a little bit of Christmas time that we missed.”
USC trailed 24-7 with 5:12 left in the third quarter before turning it around starting with Lane’s second touchdown of the day making 24-14 late in the third quarter.
Maiva finished the game 22-for-39 passing for 295 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.
Reed gave everything he could to help knock off the Trojans but he left too much time in the end. He finished the game with a total of 339 yards (293 passing & 46 rushing) and 4 touchdowns ( 3 passing & 1 rushing).
Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News
On Sept. 1 at Allegiant Stadium in the opener, the Trojans overcame a third-quarter deficit and scored with eight seconds left to beat LSU 27-20 and they finished their season in a very similar way.
It was a fitting end for USC to end a season marked by frustration, on a high note from which they hope for a bright future ahead.
“You just kind of feel it within the locker room right now,” Riley said. “A confidence that we’re going to be in every fight, that we’re not going to go away.”
San Diego, CA- The Syracuse football team capped off first year head coach Fran Brown’s inaugural season with an emphatic 52-35 win over Washington State in the DirecTV Holiday Bowl.
It was a dominant effort from the Orange on offense as they combined for 606 total yards.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord threw for 453 yards and five touchdowns. McCord broke Deshaun Watson’s Atlantic Coast Conference season passing yards record in the win. On the ground, it was one of the best performances of the season from running back LeQuint Allen. He rushed 17 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns.
Washington State came into the game without their head coach as Jake Dickert accepted the head coaching job at Wake Forest and their starting quarterback John Mateer transferred to Oklahoma as well.
All in all, the Cougars lost over 20 players to the transfer portal, head coach, both coordinators, and their quarterbacks and running backs coach.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Despite all their losses, the Cougs still performed admirably. Mateer’s backup, Zevi Eckhaus threw for 363 yards and three touchdowns in the losing effort. In the last game of his WSU career, senior wide receiver Kyle Williams went out with a bang. Williams reeled in 10 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown.
Washington State were +18.5 underdogs coming into the game, but it didn’t matter to them as they came out and put up 21 points in what was an explosive first quarter. The two teams exchanged blow for blow and totaled 35 points in the first quarter alone as the defense seemed to be non-existent early on.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
The Orange didn’t take their foot off the pedal and added an additional three touchdowns in the second quarter to jump into the lead and they didn’t look back. McCord found wide receiver Oronde Gadsen II twice in the endzone for two passing touchdowns.
“The way we practice, there are so many reps that guys are getting a lot of reps,” Syracuse head coach Fran Brown said postgame. “So when it’s their time to go, they should be ready to play.”
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Gadsden II would finish the game with four receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
The Cougs offense would tail off after their 21-point first quarter, mustering up two touchdowns in the second half after being shutout in the second quarter.
“I mean I’m just thankful for all of them you know I’m happy that we’re we in the position we’re in and uh we set a standard I think the 10 win show that we are becoming a successful program,” said Brown.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Syracuse would hold on to win the bowl game and improve to a 10-3 record and will undoubtedly finish the season as a ranked team. The win gives Brown and the program momentum heading into year two after posting 10 wins in his first season at the helm.
