HOUSTON, TX – No. 20 Oklahoma State built an 18-point first half lead and held on to win the 2023 TaxAct Texas Bowl, outlasting short-handed Texas A&M for a 31-23 win in at NRG stadium Wednesday night.
Fresh off a loss in the Big 12 championship game, the Cowboys (10-4) did what they did best and returned to their solid run game. Running back Ollie Gordon II, who finished top ten in Heisman Trophy voting, rushed for 118 yards and a score.
Texas Bowl – Photo by Eric Williams / fi360 News
Not only will Oklahoma State be able to build off the momentum of the bowl win, but it also recieved significant wind in its sails with Gordon announcing he’s returning for the 2024 season, spurning the transfer portal and NFL draft prospects.
On the other side, Texas A&M (7-6) will be more than happy to turn the page to 2025. The Aggies fired Jimbo Fisher after another mediocre run through Southeastern Conference play in November, and the resulting exodus of his recruits in the transfer portal left the Aggies with just 48 scholarship players in the game. This included just 1 scholarship quarterback after starter Jaylen Henderson left the game after the first play from scrimmage due to an apparent arm injury.
Texas Bowl – Photo by Eric Williams / fi360 News
True freshman Marcel Reed took over and played well off the bench, throwing for 361 yards. Junior kicker Randy Bond was 3-3 on field goals, including a bowl-record 51 yard make off the crossbar in the fourth.
On the other side, senior Alan Bowman played well in the final game of his collegiate career that spanned five years and three power five programs, starting at Texas tech and Michigan. Bowman tossed 2 touchdowns and eclipsed the 400 yard mark for the first time all season.
Mike Gundy after the Texas Bowl – Photo by Eric Williams / fi360 News
Oklahoma state coach Mike Gundy earned a 10th win in a single season for the 8th time in his career. A&M interim coach Elijah Robinson is off to Syracuse, where he’ll call defensive plays for new head coach Fran Brown.
The Mike Elko era at Texas A&M begins in earnest on Aug. 31, 2024 against Notre Dame in College Station, TX. Oklahoma State opens the same date against FCS finalist South Dakota State in Stillwater, OK.
Phoenix, AZ- The Kansas Jayhawks were able to hold off a 3rd quarter charge of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 49-36. Jason Bean was named the bowl MVP after throwing for 449 yards with 6 touchdowns.
The Rebels did manage to score 17 unanswered points, J.Bean had thrown two interceptions in back-to-back possessions. Rebels scoring first with three-yard touchdown run and 7-0 lead. That was their only and last lead of the game.
Photo by Troy Flowers / fi360 News
“Yeah, it’s a lot better ending than last year. I’m just thankful for the way that this team played tonight. They played their guts off. Like I said, I’m just thankful,” said J. Bean.
J.Bean did manage to throw to 8 different receivers to keep the defense honest. His top two targets were Lawrence Arnold who six catches 132 yards, 3 touchdowns, and Luke Grimm had 4 catches, 160 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Photo by Troy Flowers / fi360 News
The Jayhawks had jumped out to 28-10 halftime lead, J. Bean had already thrown for 274 yards, 3 touchdowns and interception.
An impressive 40-yard touchdown to Arnold (2) from J. Bean on 4&1 to move ahead 34-24 in the 4th quarter.
Photo by Troy Flowers / fi360 News
I’m really proud of this football team for a lot of reasons. They overcame a lot tonight and persevered. It wasn’t our prettiest performance, but we found a way to make plays and stops when we needed to.” Said Kansas coach Lance Leipold.
Photo by Troy Flowers / fi360 News
Rebels quarterback Jayden Maiava had a good game throwing for 291 yards with 3 touchdowns finding three different receivers in the endzone. They did have 106 yards rushing as a team but just not enough to make a difference.
This Kansas team in three years under its new coach Leipold is turning the program around in the right direction. This game will be a springboard for next year competing in the Big 12 minus Texas & Oklahoma.
Photo by Troy Flowers / fi360 News
“We’ve had our ups and downs, and I think it’s just a credit to our attitude and how we stay even keeled and not let the bad things really get to us and the good things either.” said J. Bean “I think the team handled the negativity very well, and I’m proud of them for doing that. I’m just glad we came out with a W.”
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 26: Texas State running back Jahmyl Jeter (28) scores a 29-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2023 in Dallas, TX. Texas State beat Rice 45-21. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia)
Gerald J Ford Stadium may have run out of beer throughout Tuesday’s game, but it didn’t run out of feistiness from the Texas State Bobcats. Texas State finished the season 7-5, their best finish since 2014, and made their first bowl game in school history (Bobcats were not selected to a bowl game in 2014). Meanwhile, despite changes on the offensive side, Rice snuck into a six-win season to reach their six-win season. Tuesday was the fifth meeting between the two schools (the first since 1987). This matchup also marked the first time in First Responder Bowl history that the two featured teams were from the state of Texas. Overall, the chippiness and physicality showcased felt like a Texas-sized showdown.
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Texas State defensive back Kaleb Ford-Dement (2) celebrates with teammates after an interception during the fourth quarter of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2023 in Dallas, TX. Texas State beat Rice 45-21. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia)
“I don’t think our guys had any jitters; I think we were just too amped up, maybe,” Texas State head coach GJ Kinne said. “I told the guys [the] message. I was like go into a bowl game; that’s great. But winning a bowl game, that’s what matters.”
Texas State wasted no time out of the gate. First-Team All-American Ismail Mahdi started with a 26-yard gashing run on the first play, setting the tone for the Bobcats’ opening drive. Six plays later, Jahmyl Jeter hit up the seam from 29 yards and a touchdown, his longest season run for Texas State, putting them up 7-0. After both teams punted, Rice started their second drive with good field position due to kick catch interference. It was a mixture of run and pass for Rice, aided by another Bobcat personal foul penalty. The Owl’s drive concluded with Luke McCaffery’s 7-yard swing catch caught behind the line of scrimmage and ran into the end zone.
Texas State’s next possession was the TJ Finley show. Finley completed five passes aided by a terrific catch by Joey Hobert for 21 yards. After Ashtyn Hawkins ran to the Rice 3-yard line, it was three straight runs for Jeter, punching it in for his second touchdown for the opening quarter. It was a first quarter dominated by Texas State outgaining Rice 168-42.
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Rice running back Dean Connors (0) takes a handoff from quarterback AJ Padgett (12) of the second quarter of the SERVPRO First Responder. Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2023 in Dallas, TX. Texas State beat Rice 45-21. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia)
On Rice’s first offensive play of the second, Brian Holloway ran in front of AJ Padgett’s pass to Boden Groen and took it for a 36-yard pick-six. Tuesday was Padgett’s fourth game starting for Rice after quarterback JT Daniels, season starting quarterback for the Owls, medically retired from football due to multiple concussions suffered. After the Bobcats went three-and-out, Rice went down the field in 11 plays and 77 yards. Texas State bailed out Rice with multiple third-down defensive penalties (25 yards total on the drive on two Texas State penalties). Rice scored on a Dean Connors run to cut the deficit back to 7 halfway in the second quarter for the Owls.
After another three-and-out by Texas State, Rice used the ground game attack to punch it in. On three rushes, the Owls drove down the field aided by two carries for 55 yards by Connors. It was the 28-yard rush by Connors that tied the game up. Texas State took the final minutes of the second and marched the field, but the drive stalled in the red zone as seconds wound down. The Bobcats had -1 total yards on their first two possessions of the second quarter but totaled 51 yards on the Mason Shipley 31-yard field goal drive at halftime to put Texas State up 24-21 at the break.
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Rice quarterback AJ Padgett (120 drops back for a pass during the quarter of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2023 in Dallas, TX. Texas State beat Rice 45-21.
To start the second half, Texas State pooch-kicked the ball and recovered the kick on a muffed return, beginning with a short field. Following the recovery, Texas State scored in 10 plays and 30 yards, capped off with lineman Nate Jones’ first career touchdown (listed as 6 feet and 5 inches, weighing in at 320 pounds). The touchdown extended the Bobcats’ lead to 10 at 31-21.
“I’ve been waiting forever. We practice it every week,” Nate Jones said after the game. “They told me that I had about a 50% chance of getting called. We get down to the first end zone, I say hey let’s run it, they don’t run it. Then they call it, and I just go nuts.”
“I was going crazy on the sideline,” MVP Linebacker Brian Holloway said about the Nash Jones touchdown. “I hope there’s a video of me; it was executed perfectly. I was so hyped. I saw TJ stop, and I was like, what is he doing? I see Nash catches it; it was beautiful.”
On the ensuing possession, Padgett threw another pass intended for Groen but wound up in the hands of Holloway, who took it for his second pick-six of the night, extending the lead to 38-21. Holloway became the first Texas State Bobcat in program history with two interceptions in a game, let alone two pick-sixes, and considering it was at SMU, the place Holloway transferred from to Texas State, it was almost a Cinderella story.
“I mean to [win MVP] at SMU, the school I transferred from, it’s just the ultimate full circle story,” Holloway said. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am. For my teammates and our coaches and giving me the opportunity to have this conversation, [I’m] very grateful and a loss of words.”
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Texas State offensive lineman Nash Jones (76) scores on a trick play during the third quarter of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2023 in Dallas, TX. Texas State beat Rice 45-21. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia)
“Just knowing the story of [Brian] playing [at SMU] and to come back here [and] he gets two interceptions [and] two [touchdowns], I was going absolutely crazy on the sidelines,” Nash Jones said when watching Brian’s performance Tuesday. After Nash talked, both he and Brian shook hands.
The intensity grew higher to begin the fourth quarter. Yellow laundry consistently hit the field, along with an ejection of corner Joshua Eaton of Texas State (who had two unsportsmanlike penalties against him). The 129 penalty yards by Texas State shattered the First Responder Bowl record for most penalty yardage in a game (Illinois had 68 in 2014 vs. Louisiana Tech, which was the previous high). The Bobcats proceeded to pick off Padgett one more time (by Shawn Holton), and then later in the fourth, Kaleb Ford-Dement intercepted a pass off of inserted quarterback Shawqi Itraish. Texas State added another touchdown by Jeter on another turnover, equaling seven Rice turnovers on the day (four in the fourth quarter). Bobcat nation stormed the field as Texas State did what they sought: a bowl win in their inaugural appearance, 45-21.
“We didn’t perform real well today,” Rice head coach Mike Bloomgren said. “Some of it is because of Texas State and the plays they made, but there’s a lot of plays that we’re very capable of making that we did not make today.” Bloomgren did provide praise to the defense, which had to overcome seven turnovers. “We always live for the sudden change situations; you just never know what could happen,” Defensive lineman De’Braylon Carroll said when having to take the field after circumstances like turnovers. “Back against the wall [or] everything’s going good, we have to respond the same way.”
As for Texas State and the fans, Tuesday is a night that cements itself into Bobcat history. With many memories, but certain ones stick out for a few players.
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 26: Texas State long snapper John Oehrlein (45) celebrates with teammates after an recovering a Rice fumble during the fourth quarter of the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on December 26, 2023 in Dallas, TX. Texas State beat Rice 45-21. (Photo by Jeff Dahlia)
“After the game, I saw my family, and I got to hug my dad. He’s been my biggest supporter from day one. When I was a butthole in high school, he was there to chastise me and get me right, put me on the straight and narrow. He’s the one to help give me god and put me on the right path,” Nash Jones said. “To see my dad after taking the bowl win and do history here to see everything that culminated just to see him and fall into his arms, I’ll never forget that.”
“Going out there and playing one more game with my brothers and knowing it’s my last game, it’s a different feeling. Especially when you look into the eyes of those other seniors, and we’re telling each other, we’re doing this for you,” Holloway said. “You don’t know it feels until it’s you [and] you’re the one that is playing your last college football game.”
Sometimes they say you always remember your first and your last, and for Brian Holloway, he will remember his last in Bobcat Maroon.
Quick Lane Bowl Ford Field on, December 26, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
DETROIT, MI- In a thrilling mid-afternoon showdown at Ford Field for the Quick Lane Bowl witnessed a clash between the Big Ten representative, Minnesota, and the Mid-American Conference contender, Bowling Green. This gridiron confrontation held heightened significance as the two teams aimed to break the deadlock in their limited history, having faced each other only four times. The most recent encounter in September 2021 ended with Bowling Green claiming a hard-fought victory of 14-10. With two wins apiece, this bowl game presented an opportunity for Minnesota to seek redemption and emerge victorious in the Quick Lane Bowl.
Quick Lane Bowl Ford Field on, December 26, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The game opened with a fierce offensive battle, showcasing brilliance from both teams. Bowling Green quickly grabbed attention with a three-play drive culminating in a 46-yard touchdown reception by Odieu Hiliare, courtesy of Connor Bazelak. Unfazed, Minnesota responded with a resilient 13-play, 75-yard drive led by Running Back Darius Taylor. Though Cole Kramer connected with Elijah Spencer for a touchdown, a missed two-point conversion heightened the suspense. In this rematch of the 2021 battle, a thrilling showdown was set right from the kickoff.
The first half started with a flurry, as both teams quickly scored early touchdowns, creating a fast-paced atmosphere. However, the game promptly shifted gears into a defensive showdown. Bowling Green’s defense made a pivotal impact with an interception, while Minnesota’s defense secured a sack. The intensity continued with a total of six punts, split evenly between the two teams. Despite the early offensive excitement, the transition to a defensive battle added suspense, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Notably, Bowling Green’s Odieu Hiliare (5 catches, 104 yards) and Minnesota’s Darius Taylor (16 carries, 76 yards) emerged as key players in the first half.
Quick Lane Bowl Ford Field on, December 26, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Entering the second half trailing by just a single point at 9-10 against Bowling Green, Minnesota sought the motivation and momentum needed for a comeback victory in the Quick Lane Bowl. The Minnesota defense wasted no time picking up where they left off, applying relentless pressure on the Bowling Green quarterback and securing two crucial sacks. This defensive dominance ignited the offense, propelling them to orchestrate two touchdown drives. The result was a dramatic turnaround, with Minnesota seizing a two-possession lead and injecting a surge of excitement into the Quick Lane Bowl matchup.
“It’s not over till that final whistle blows!” The fourth quarter unfolded with uncertainty, questioning whether Minnesota could maintain their lead or if Bowling Green would mount a comeback. Pasean Wimberly emerged as a game-changer, electrifying the crowd and Bowling Green fans alike. His explosive 42-yard run moved the chains, setting the stage for a thrilling drive. Wimberly capped it off with an 18-yard touchdown run, bringing the Falcons within one score in a Quick Lane Bowl that was far from decided. The final quarter promised intense moments and a nail-biting finish, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
Darius Taylor breaking tackles while running for 208 yards and a touchdown during Bowling Green Falcons vs Minnesota Gophers at Quick Lane Bowl Ford Field on, December 26, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
As the final seconds ticked away and the scoreboard read all zeros, Minnesota secured their payback against Bowling Green. The game reflected Minnesota’s unwavering resilience and control, responding to every big or momentum-shifting play by Bowling Green. In a display of old-fashioned ground and pound, freshman Darius Taylor emerged as the driving force. Making a triumphant return to action since October, Taylor set a career-high with 208 rushing yards on 35 carries. His game-sealing 17-yard touchdown run showcased the grit and determination that defined the Gophers throughout. Taylor rightfully earned the Quick Lane Bowl MVP, contributing to Minnesota’s impressive streak of seven consecutive bowl game victories. It was a fitting conclusion to a story of resilience, dominance, and sweet payback for the Gophers.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Nothing has gone right for the Los Angeles Lakers ever since they won the NBA In-Season Tournament earlier this month in Las Vegas, the slump continued on Christmas day where the Boston Celtics put coal in the Lakers stocking with a sound 126-115 victory at Crypto.com Arena.
After the game, James addressed reporters and delivered an honest take on the state of the Lakers, sizing up the team compared to the rest of the NBA’s top squads.
“I don’t think we’re where we wanna be to be able to compete against the top teams,” James said, via Lakers Daily.
Anthony Davis dropped a game-high 40 points and corralled 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Lakers to victory. James provided just 16 points in the loss, his lowest scoring output on a Christmas Day game in 18 tries.
From the tipoff, the Boston Celtics were scorching from beyond the arc- jumping out to a 12-0 lead before the Lakers knew what hit them. Trailing by 18 points in the first half-the Purple and Gold mounted a comeback-briefly taking a 59-58 edge.
Boston improved its record to a league-best 23-6, flashing improved balance on the heels of a splashy offseason that included trades for Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. All five Celtics starters scored in double figures, and they put away the Lakers (16-15) with suffocating defense in the second half.
Jayson Tatum added 25 points in the win.
“They were just clicking on all cylinders,” Davis said. “The turnovers [and] the transition game hurt us tonight. Against a team like that, the best team in the league, they make you pay for it.”
LeBron James had 16 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, but the Lakers have dropped six of eight since winning the inaugural In-Season.
The Lakers will host the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday.
LAS VEGAS, NV – In a compelling showdown at Allegiant Stadium for the Las Vegas Bowl, Northwestern and Utah clashed in a defensive spectacle that showcased grit, resilience, and strategic maneuvers. The game, a testament to defensive prowess, culminated in a 14-7 victory for Northwestern, solidifying their season’s end on a triumphant note.
From the kickoff, it was apparent that this game would be defined by defensive might. Utah’s decision to defer after winning the toss handed the initial offensive opportunity to Ben Bryant and the Northwestern team. Despite their efforts, Northwestern faced relentless pressure from Utah’s defense, resulting in a quick punt and a subsequent turnover-on-downs, showcasing both teams’ defensive fortitude.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Northwestern’s defense, a force to be reckoned with throughout the season, asserted its dominance early, managing three takeaways and sacking Utah’s Bryson Barnes an impressive five times by game end. Meanwhile, Utah’s defense matched the Wildcats’ intensity, preventing significant yardage gains and frustrating Northwestern’s offensive drives.
The first half witnessed a seesaw battle, with Northwestern gaining a slim 7-0 lead courtesy of Bryant’s precision passing to Cam Johnson for a touchdown. Despite missed opportunities to widen the gap, including a couple of errant kicks from Jack Olsen, the ‘Cats held onto their lead as Utah struggled to capitalize on offensive possessions.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Entering the second half, Utah mounted a resilient comeback. Micah Bernard’s touchdown brought the game level at 7-7, setting the stage for a tense and critical final quarter. Bryant, who briefly exited the game due to injury, returned with a vengeance, connecting with Bryce Kirtz for a crucial touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 14-7 with just over six minutes remaining.
The closing minutes were a test of nerves for both sides. Utah pushed to bridge the gap, marching toward midfield, but Northwestern’s defense, unyielding and resolute, denied the Utes’ attempts on critical fourth-down plays. Bryant’s composed playmaking and a crucial conversion on third down cemented Northwestern’s victory, allowing them to run down the clock and clinch the Las Vegas Bowl triumphantly.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
The game’s narrative was not just about numbers on the scoreboard but a tale of defensive tenacity, strategic adaptations, and individual moments of brilliance. Northwestern’s victory epitomized their season-long resilience, a testament to their unwavering determination to finish on a high note.
As the final whistle blew, Northwestern emerged victorious, celebrating a hard-fought win against a formidable opponent. The Las Vegas Bowl served as a fitting conclusion to Northwestern’s season, a testament to their character, resilience, and unrelenting spirit, leaving a lasting impression on the college football landscape.
FORT WORTH, TX - DECEMBER 23: Air Force running back Emmanuel Michel (4) celebrates after pivotal first down in the fourth quarter of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G. Carter Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Fort Worth TX. Air Force beat James Madison 31-21. Photo by Jeff Dahila / fi360 News
Ft Worth, TX- Saturday was the first meeting between the schools. In addition, the nineteen wins between James Madison and Air Force tied for the second-most wins between the schools in an Armed Forces Bowl (2017 between San Diego State and Army had 19, and 2003 had Boise State and TCU combine for 22 wins). Both schools started the season 8-0. James Madison was an overtime loss away from an undefeated season, while Air Force dropped their last four to end the season.
FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 23: Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun gets a celebratory soaking from defenseman Bo Richter (8) at the conclusion of the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Photo by Jeff Dahila / fi360 News)
“It’s been a crazy year to go 11-1 in the regular season after the second year transitioning to the FBS. The adversity we had was that the coaching staff that departed went to Indiana. You can ask for a better finish, but as a team, we finished the way we wanted to, which is to be together,” Phoenix Sproles said.
James Madison entered the afternoon, allowing 61.5 rushing yards per game in 2023 (best in NCAA). However, the Air Force prides itself on their running attack, averaging 275.8 rushing yards/per game this season. “Bring the best, and let us show you what we got,” Running back Emmanuel Michel said after the game as they ran for 203 yards on 35 carries in Saturday’s win. “We’re just competitors that way. The diesels (offensive line) really just took that challenge and took it head on and just opened lanes for me and other guys that carried the rock today.”
Quarterback Zac Larrier responded when I asked about James Madison as the best run defense in the NCAA entering Saturday. “It’s not like we took it personal and that they were number one, but we definitely did take it personal that we weren’t number one in rush yards on the year.” The Liberty Flames averaged 302.9 rushing yards a game this season.
FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 23: Air Force running back Emmanuel Michel (4) breaks free for a 31-yard run during the third quarter. Photo by Jeff Dahila / fi360 News
It was the Falcons’ offense that pushed forward to start. The first run went for 54 yards by Emmanuel Michel, and the drive ended on eight carries for 86 yards with a touchdown for Air Force to put them up 7-0. It was only the fourth time in 2023 that James Madison’s defense allowed 80 or more rushing yards in a game. Senior lineman Jamree Kromah talked about the defense’s preparation against the rushing attack of Air Force and how the scout team tried to replicate it in getting ready for the Falcons.
“Later in the game, as we got adjusted to the speed and everything, trust our training, you kind of saw a lot of positive things in our defense,” Kromah said. “The only thing affected us is the explosives. Yet it has arisen but would lead them to scoring the ball is explosive plays.”
On the ensuing possession for James Madison, the Dukes went down the field in seven plays and 75 yards, ending with Phoenix Sproles’ 18-yard catch in the corner of the end zone from Jordan McCloud. McCloud threw for 62 yards on the touchdown drive, ending the first quarter even at 7.
FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 23: James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) is sacked by Air Force linebacker Bo Richter (8) during the fourth quarter. Photo by Jeff Dahila / fi360 News
In the second, James Madison drove inside the Air Force 25, but McCloud threw a floating pass intercepted by Johnathan Youngblood, ending the Dukes’ threat and setting up Air Force’s second touchdown. Air Force went down the field in seven plays and 76 yards, culminating in another Michel score, but it was a 51-yard run by John Lee Eldridge to the Dukes’ 5-yard line that set up the 1-yard score. Both teams punted in their next two possessions as the Falcons’ defense got to McCloud throughout the quarter.
“At some point, naturally as a quarterback, you want to be able to take three and a reset and know it’s one-to-two in terms of your progression, and there’s a rhythm that you want to have as a quarterback,” Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun said regarding the pressure on McCloud throughout the game. “Then all of a sudden, things are a little closer to you, or somebody’s moving you off the spot. Now you’ve disintegrated that rhythm.
FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 23: James Madison receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) looks to avoid Air Force defensive back Jayden Goodwin (16) during the first quarter. Photo by Jeff Dahila / fi360 News
Then the Falcons did something they only did twice in the first half: throw a pass. Zac Larrier threw a deep slant to Jared Roznos for a 42-yard touchdown to close out the half and put Air Force up 21-7 at the break. In 2023, the Falcons averaged 88.3 passing yards/game, while James Madison ranked the tenth worst passing defense in NCAA this season (267.1 yards/game).
James Madison’s defense stepped up to start the second half. After Air Force couldn’t convert a 4th and 2 at midfield, the Dukes stormed down the field in five plays, which capped with a Kaelon Black end zone catch by McCloud (Black was wide open in the corner) to cut the Air Force lead back to 7 at 21-14.
FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 23: Air Force quarterback Zac Larrier (9) pitches the ball to Falcons running back John Lee Eldridge III (not shown). Photo by Jeff Dahila / fi360 News
Air Force followed the Dukes’ score by doing their specialty and running down the field in 9 plays and 75 yards. Larrier threw twice, but Michel’s 31-yard up-the-middle carry set up the “tush-push” touchdown by Zac Larrier. On the next drive, the Air Force ate up the clock, which resulted in a Matthew Dapore field goal. The drive lasted 17 plays and just under 10 minutes to extend the Air Force lead to 31-14.
In the final minutes, McCloud found Sproles in the end zone for his second touchdown, but James Madison couldn’t recover the onside kick; therefore, Air Force ran out the clock to secure the win. “I’m in complete ahh of our guys,” Calhoun said. “Our players [and] coaches, it’s amazing what they do as far as being able to handle that kind of academic load [and] all their military demands and still able to play competitive football.”
FORT WORTH, TX – DECEMBER 23: James Madison quarterback Jordan McCloud (2) throws a third quarter touchdown. Photo by Jeff Dahila / fi360 News
“I’m frustrated at the loss,” James Madison interim head coach Damian Wroblewski said. “I’m proud of the team, aggravated at our execution at times and consistency of execution. But I’m also thankful and joyful that I got to spend three weeks leading these guys.”
Saturday was Air Force’s fifth straight bowl win, and their last three came in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. “Especially being here, and I know we recruit out of Texas a lot. [But] being able to show out and show some guys how we play the game and show them what brand of football we play and allow them to make a decision out of high school [and] show them what we got, it’s good. It’s good to let them see us play, and then the new generation will come in, and a lot will be from Texas.” Linebacker Bo Richter talked about the Air Force upperclassmen’s success in bowl games in the DFW area.
INGLEWOOD, CA– on a rainy night at SoFi, the Los Angeles Rams faced off against the visiting New Orleans Saints. With matching (7-7) records, the winner would maintain a lead for the final Wildcard spot in the NFC. Playoff race. The Rams earned a 30-22 victory on Thursday, December 21.
To cap off a 14 play 95 yard Drive on thir opening drive, Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw a one yard touchdown Dart to wide receiver sensation Puka Nacua for the games opening score.
The Rams defense was Stout and nasty, Kobie Turner got a sack on Derek Carr. Showing great resolve and tenacity, the Saints responded with a 45-yard connection between Carr and Rashid Shasheed for a touchdown cutting the Rams lead to 10-7.
Matthew Stafford found breakout WR Demarcus Robinson’s toe-tap touchdown catch extended Los Angeles Rams’ Robinson caught the ball in the endzone, managing to get both feet in bounds.
The Rams piled up 244 yards in the opening half while taking a 17-7 lead at intermission.
Photo by Jevone Moore
Matthew Stafford has been incredible the past 4 weeks. Putting up remarkable stats, such as his 14 touchdown passes compared to one interception. Tonight was no exception. He becomes the first quarterback in franchise history to put up two touchdowns and no interceptions in four straight games.
Robinson had a big half with 82 yards on six catches. Kyren Williams carried the ball for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Wide Receiver Puka Nacua added to his record-breaking rookie campaign. It is his fourth game where he has caught for more than 100 yards. He scored a touchdown. Nacua caught 9 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown.
Once a playoff afterthought after a 3-6 start, Sean McVay’s crew has now won four of its last five games to make a serious postseason push. But with a crowded field clawing for two spots, there’s little room for error down the stretch.
On third-and-6 near midfield, Carr was locked onto tight end Juwan Johnson, who was running a route across the middle of the field. Carr didn’t see a lurking Jordan Fuller. Fuller and all the safety had to do was wait for the ball to hit his hands, reel in the pass, and get going the opposite direction.
Unfortunately, those pesky Saints refused to go quietly. A Derek Carr touchdown pass and successful two-point conversion made it a one position game with 3 minutes remaining in the game.
Nacua recovered the onside kick, and lowered his shoulder on a reverse, pounding his way to a first down, brushing off contact securing the win.
After starting December by signing a record $700 million contract to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani is now getting attention for supporting another team in the City of Angels.
The two-way star was at SoFi Stadium before the “Thursday Night Football” matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams. He was gifted a custom Rams jersey bearing his name with the No. 17 — the number he wore with the Los Angeles Angels.
Los Angeles improve to (8-7) on the season. Currently in the sixth spot in the wild NFC Playoff chase, the visit the New York Giants on New Year’s Eve at MetLife Stadium.
Frisco, TX – UTSA’s head coach, Jeff Traylor, may never look at coffee the same way again after Tuesday night’s 35-17 Frisco Bowl win over Marshall. It was the Roadrunner’s first NCAA bowl win in school history, a program that was 0-4 in bowl games. They rallied down double digits for the first time this season, overcame their starting quarterback, Frank Harris, who didn’t play due to a shoulder injury and played through multiple in-game injuries, especially on the defense. It was an unforgettable night where one would feel like a tub of coffee pours on you.
Photo by Jabril Douglas / fi360 News
Tuesday’s matchup featured two teams who recently moved out of Conference USA. UTSA (8-4) and Marshall (6-6) were in-conference opponents for nine years until the Thundering Herd moved to the Sun Belt in 2022 following UTSA’s move to the American Athletic Conference the following year. It’s the fourth meeting between these two schools, which Marshall’s defense dominated, outscoring the Roadrunners 64-19 (Marshall won two of the three meetings).
Marshall started the 2023 season strong, winning their first four. However, they dropped five straight, including 10+ point losses in four straight. Their 35-21 win over Arkansas State solidified their position to go bowling. In the meantime, UTSA met Tulane in their final game with a chance to face SMU for the American title. But Tulane’s defense stiffened up and took the post-Thanksgiving game 29-16, ending UTSA’s regular season.
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After UTSA went three-and-out and Marshall picked up one first down, the Thundering Herd’s defense set the tone. Eli Neal intercepted a pass in the red zone by Owen McCown. Marshall took quick advantage as Eli Payne capped off the immediate goal-to-go with a one-yard touchdown run. Both offenses couldn’t muster up anything in the first quarter as the teams combined 66 total yards in the first, along with another Marshall interception of McCown by Micah Abraham deep in Marshall territory.
Despite the offensive stalls on both sides, Marshall matched the total yardage on the first play of the second quarter. Rasheen Ali busted through 64 yards to the end zone to extend Marshall’s lead to 14-0 twelve seconds into the second. The Ali 64-yarder became a Frisco Bowl record for the longest touchdown run. UTSA answered with an eight-play and sixty-two-yard drive ending with a Robert Henry score, cutting the Thundering Herd lead back to seven at 14-7.
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UTSA got the ball back after Marshall went three-and-out on their following possession. The Roadrunners did what a roadrunner does: speed down the field. Owen McCown found Joshua Cephus on a 44-yard touchdown pass, evening up the game at 14. Marshall picked up a 46-yard completion from Cole Pennington to Jayden Harrison, but the drive stalled and led to a Rece Verhoff field goal. On the ensuing drive, it was another productive and methodical drive by the Roadrunners. It ended with another Henry score that resulted in a 13-play and 75-yard drive to close out UTSA’s half and give them the 21-17 lead at the break. The Roadrunners accumulated 230 total yards in the 2nd despite only 16 yards in the first quarter. “We stayed locked in,” UTSA wide receiver and offensive MVP Joshua Cephus said about the offense after the first. “Of course, there’s going to be a little adversity, but we just stayed locked
Frisco, TX – Just in case you great football fans missed it; History was made today! University of Texas San Antonio Roadrunners has won their first ever bowl game!!!! The Scooters Coffee Frisco Bowl was in full effect Tuesday night as the UTSA Roadrunners (9-4) came out on top over the Marshall Thundering Herd (6-7) with the ending score of 35-17. Without their starting quarterback Frank Harris being able to lead the team to this victory, the Roadrunners were directed by their stellar receiver Joshua Cephus, who sliced up the defense for 7 spectacular catches, 102 yards and a touchdown!
Fans, this win didn’t come as easy as the ending score made it seem. After opening the game with 2 series ending in punts for both teams, the Thundering Herd started to gain some momentum as their defense forced the UTSA freshman QB Owen McCown to throw 2 interceptions leading to a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Marshalls RB Ethan Payne. Shortly after, a massive 64-yard touchdown run by running back Rasheen Ali put Marshall up 14-0 leaving the Thundering Herd fans excited leading into the second quarter.
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The Roadrunners were able to settle down and begin chipping away at the 14-0 deficit, scoring a well needed touchdown in just 3 drives! A 3-yard touchdown run from RB Robert Henry; Owen McCown’s 44-yard touchdown pass to WR Joshua Cephus, & another rushing touchdown by RB Robert Henry from 1 yard out, placed UTSA in the driver’s seat with 21-17 going into the half.
Scooters Coffee Frisco Bowl Offensive MVP Joshua Cephus spoke post-game about the team’s first quarter struggles “We just stayed locked in… As you focus on the same things, the big things take care of themselves.” All was true because “The big things did take care of themselves” in the second half when the Roadrunners defense stepped up, denying Marshall to score while in the red zone.
Down 28-17 at the beginning of the 4th quarter, Marshall was gazing for a spark to assist with putting them back into the game for an opportunity to win. After a 10-play drive and getting the ball down to the UTSA 37-yard line, CB Kam Alexander, Scooters Coffee Frisco Bowl Defensive MVP came up clutch with an unbelievable interception that was returned 57 yards; setting up a 1 play 17-yard touchdown run by RB Rocko Griffin putting the final nail in the coffin.
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Marshalls Head coach Jeff Traylor praises his defense for their second half performance, he stated “They believe in our culture they really do, all those (Defensive) coaches do a great job.” The UTSA held Marshall to 5-18 on 3rd down conversions and not allowing the Herd to score in the second half.
On the flip side of the coin Head coach Charles Huff talks about what went wrong for Marshall after the 1st quarter, “The difference in the second quarter on is that we started to get leaky. Miss a tackle and it turns into 4–5-yard gain and now they are in a manageable situation…We had to tackle well to stay in the game and as time went on, we got looser and looser with that.” Hopefully the ending score strikes as motivation for Marshall Thundering Herd to tighten up for the up coming season.
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This marks the UTSA Roadrunners’ first ever Bowl game win.
