Big Ten Championship Iowa Hawkeyes vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on ,December 02, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis,lN-#2 Michigan Wolverines showcased pure dominance, defeating #16 Iowa Hawkeyes in a thrilling rematch of 2021 to secure their 3rd consecutive Big Ten title.
The Iowa defense, true to its advertised prowess, stood its ground against the #2 Wolverines. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the Hawkeyes managed to sack JJ McCarthy three times while conceding only one third-down conversion throughout the entire first half.
Hawkeyes’ signal caller Deacon Hill faced a challenging outing, managing just 120 yards on 18-32 passing. The relentless pressure resulted in three sacks and four fumbles for the offense.
Semaj Morgan setting up a touchdown on his big punt return during Big Ten Championship Iowa Hawkeyes vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on, December 02, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News
“Glorious defensive performance. Just tremendous, lights-out. Three and outs, I think we’re maybe four on the game. Then one first down and out. Incredible shut-out. How many turnovers were there? Three or four — three plus the four fourth-down stops. That’s, like, seven turnovers. And giving the ball to the offense in great position.” – Jim Harbaugh
Tight End (87) Addison Ostrenga led Iowa with 7 catches for 50 yards. Following closely behind was teammate Kaleb Brown (3), who contributed 5 catches for 34 yards.
In a game marked by offensive challenges, the Wolverines found a crucial momentum shift in a game-changing 87-yard punt return by Semaj Morgan.
Despite initial struggles, running back Blake Corum emerged as a key force, carrying the ball 16 times for 52 yards and securing two touchdowns, thereby tying the all-time scoring record held by Anthony Thomas.
Big Ten Championship Iowa Hawkeyes vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on ,December 02, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
“Tying the record feels amazing, standing among the greats. Coming here, I aimed to be more than just a football player—I wanted to leave a lasting impact on and off the field, striving to be a great person. I believe I’ve achieved that goal.”
Notably, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson stood out among his peers, tallying 9 catches for 64 yards. The Wolverines’ performance, characterized by key plays and standout individual efforts, ultimately shaped a dynamic and impactful game.
Big Ten Championship Iowa Hawkeyes vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on, December 02, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Iowa’s turnovers, leading to Michigan’s red zone opportunities, proved costly as they turned into crucial points for Michigan. Despite quarterback JJ McCarthy not throwing a touchdown pass, his efficiency was evident, completing 22 out of 30 passes for 147 yards.
Undefeated at 13-0 and securing their third consecutive Big Ten championship, Michigan is set to enter the CFP, eagerly anticipating the announcement of their opponent.
Despite a 10-3 record, Iowa’s loss dashed any hopes of a college football playoff berth. However, determined to conclude the season on a high note, the Hawkeyes, still bowl eligible, aim for a victorious season finale.
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 01: Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) celebrates after a first down to win the game during the Pac-12 Conference championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies on December 1, 2023 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
Las Vegas, NV- The possible final Pac-12 championship is in the books as Washington takes down Oregon, 34-31.
In an instant classic, Washington was able to hold on to pick up the victory and possibly secure a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
The Huskies dominated the first quarter jumping out to a 10-0 lead and out gaining the Ducks 117-9 in the quarter. Dillon Johnson scored the first touchdown of the game with his five-yard touchdown run.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 01: \Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson (7) runs the ball for a gainduring the Pac-12 Conference championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies on December 1, 2023 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
A Johnson four-yard touchdown pass to receiver Germie Bernard put Washington up 17-3 in the second quarter.
Oregon was able to put their first touchdown on the board prior to the end of the half when Oregon quarterback Bo Nix threw a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Terrance Ferguson. That late first half score kept the game from getting out of hand cutting the lead to 10 for the Huskies who led 20-10 at the half.
The third quarter belonged to Oregon who dominated and took the lead. Nix found Ferguson once again in the end zone and a six-yard touchdown run by running back Jordan James put the Ducks up, 24-20.
After being totally outplayed in the third quarter, Washington struck back when Johnson found the end zone once again. Johnson should have been voted MVP with his performance as he finished the game with 28 rushes for 158 and three scores.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 01: Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) looks to throw the ball during the Pac-12 Conference championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies on December 1, 2023 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who was named the game’s MVP made plays throughout and his 4th quarter touchdown pass to tight end Quentin Moore looked like the dagger putting the Huskies up 34-24 late in the fourth.
“The love and trust we have on our team is unmatched,” said Penix Jr. “We’ve been doing it each and every week. We’re not going to say we want those games to be close.”
It looked like game, set and match but Oregon had one more big play in them. With 2:14 remaining, Nix found receiver Traeshon Holden for a 64-yard touchdown to get the Ducks within three, 34-31.
The Ducks defense had three timeouts but couldn’t stop the Huskies from picking up a couple first downs to ice the game.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 01:Washington Huskies run out before the Pac-12 Conference championship game between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies on December 1, 2023 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
“That one hurts,” Ducks coach Dan Lanning said. “In a four-quarter fight, you can’t start out slow against a really good team.”
Washington (13-0) finishes as the last undefeated Pac-12 team.
“Wow,” said Washington coach Kalen DeBoer. “We did it at home. We did it on the road. We did it in wind. We did it in rain. A deep, deep, deep belief in our football team right now that when the moments get tough, we can really hone in, guys will do their job and not get overwhelmed.”
Los Angeles, CA- Behind a stellar night from their 5th-year senior Boogie Ellis, the USC Trojans (6-2) were victorious in their win over the visiting Eastern Washington Eagles (1-7) 106-78.
Boogie Ellis was flat-out phenomenal, hitting nine out of 13 field goals, including an impressive eight of 10 from behind the arc, for a total of 28 points.
The eight three-pointers marked a new career high for the guard, eclipsing his last
Photo by De’Angelo Scruggs / fi360 News
performance here at the Galen Center, where he tied his previous record with six threes against Brown University.
Ellis’s terrific shooting display was no surprise to head coach Andy Enfield. “He’s one of the greatest shooters I ever coached. I was in the NBA before college so that says a lot.”
The Trojans asserted their dominance right from the tipoff, maintaining control throughout the game. In the first half, they exhibited a strong offensive performance with 58% shooting from the floor, successfully making 18 out of 31 attempts. Their three-point shooting was equally impressive, connecting on 7 out of 15 shots, registering a 46% success rate.
Ellis Led the charge for the Trojans in the first half, making five out of 6 three-point shots and putting up 19 points.
Photo by De’Angelo Scruggs / fi360 News
The Eastern Washington Eagles also demonstrated a solid shooting performance in the first half, shooting 43% by connecting on 14 out of 32 attempts from the field. Their three-point shooting was noteworthy as well, hitting 38% by making 5 out of 13 attempts.
The Trojans led52-33at the end of the first half.
The second half began with an impressive 14-4 run by USC, extending their largest of the game at 32 points.
Ellis continued his onslaught, raining in three more attempts from deep. Isaiah Collier came alive after a two-point first half and finished with 15 points and six assists. Kobe Johnson also had a career night dishing out seven assists to go along with his 12 points.
Kobe Johnson spoke on his development and growth as a player. “Expanding my game and getting everyone involved is another step that I need to take. Freshman year, I was a defender primarily, last year I started to open people’s eyes to what I could do offensively, this year people are starting to realize the type of player I am and what I am capable of”.
Photo by De’Angelo Scruggs / fi360 News
USC’s outstanding shooting carried over from the first half, they finished with almost identical percentages as the first half. The Trojans made 18 of 32 from field goal range shooting 56% and nailed five out of nine attempts from deep, for 55%.
USC would finish the game shooting 57% from the field making 36-63 field goals and 50% from behind the arc connecting on 12-24 attempts.
The Trojans scored 100 points for the first time since March of 2018 against UNC Asheville.
Eastern Washington shot 46% in the second half, managing to make 14-30 from the field, and shot 40% from the three-point line making eight out of 20 attempts
Photo by De’Angelo Scruggs / fi360 News
Former UCLA Bruin, Jake Kyman led the way for the Eagles with 25 points shooting nine out of 13 from field goal range and shooting 70% from long distance making seven out of 10 attempts.
The Trojans prepare to head to Las Vegas to take on the #11 Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational at MGM Grand Garden Arena in what should be a primetime matchup on ESPN.
Coach Prime takes in the field prior to Nebraska at Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday September 9, 2023. Colorado won 36 to 14. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News).
DEION “COACH PRIME” SANDERS
NAMED 2023 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR
Three-Time Sportsperson Honoree LeBron James, Football Hall Of Famer Jerry Rice, And More Pay Tribute To Sanders In Series Of Essays
The University Of Colorado Head Football Coach To Be Celebrated In Boulder, Co. at Star-Studded Event On December 6, Alongside Season Two World Premiere Screening of The Prime Video Hit Series “Coach Prime”
The Sportsperson Of The Year Issue Is On Pre-Sale Now And Newsstands December 14
New York, NY – November 30, 2023 – Today, Sports Illustrated (SI) revealed Deion Sanders, the University of Colorado Buffaloes head football coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, as the 2023 Sportsperson of the Year. Sanders’s blend of unparalleled athletic accomplishments and transformative impact on the football program, school, and community of Boulder transcends sports and ripples throughout the culture.
Over the past year, “Coach Prime” rebuilt Colorado, turning a team that won one game in 2022 into one of the country’s most popular programs and biggest audience draws. Online team store sales have skyrocketed, and every home game at Folsom Field saw a sold-out crowd for the first time in school history, boasting record-setting viewership. Off the field, the Prime Effect was felt in the Colorado admissions office—first-year, Black, and nonresident applications have all surged at the school—and in the Boulder community, where football success has sparked an economic boom for local businesses.
The strides made in Boulder alone don’t fully explain why Sanders is SI’s 2023 Sportsperson of the Year. According to SI senior writer Pat Forde, his use of the transfer portal, his recruiting prowess and his embrace of NIL opportunities for his players are all changing the paradigm of what it takes to build a national-profile college football program. The Sanders journey is just beginning to remake the college football landscape.
Coach Prime talks to Willie Gaines (20) just prior to kickoff of Stanford at Colorado at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Friday October 13, 2023. Stanford won 46 to 43 in double overtime. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News).
“Deion Sanders dominated the sports conversation in 2023 as a transformative figure not just in Colorado, but for the entire realm of college sports,” said Stephen Cannella, Editor in Chief of Sports Illustrated. “On and off the field, he represents a new model for the modern college coach. The Sportsperson of the Year honor, a distinction for some of the most legendary figures in sports over the past seven decades, is now enriched by the addition of Deion to its roster.”
The annual Sportsperson of the Year Issue goes on sale Thursday, December 14 with pre-sale orders available now. On the evening of Wednesday, December 6, SI will honor Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders with the 2023 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Award, alongside the season two world premiere screening of Coach Prime on the University of Colorado campus in Boulder. The hit docuseries from SMAC Productions transports fans inside the locker room and onto the field for the 2023 season and premieres on Prime Video on December 7.
“Coach Prime” Deion Sanders is introduced as the new head
coach of Colorado football team at the Dal Ward Center in Boulder, CO on Sunday December 4, 2022. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
On the Cover
Going back to November 1989, Sanders has headlined six previous Sports Illustrated cover stories. This time around, SI details how Sanders has brought new life to the Colorado campus and helped transform a community. Among the entourage joining Sanders on this year’s Sportsperson of the Year cover are the University of Colorado Chancellor Philip DiStefano, Athletic Director Rick George, 99-year-old superfan Peggy Coppom, Sanders’s children Deion Jr., Shedeur, Shelomi, and Shilo, longtime manager and SMAC Entertainment Co-founder/CEO Constance Schwartz-Morini, trusted advisors Ray Forsett and Sam Morini, and a crowd of dedicated Buffs fans.
Other Sportsperson of the Year Issue Features:
23 for 23: In the years to come, what will we think about when we think about 2023? SI’s 23 people, moments, and trends that made this year a memorable one sparked debate, revolutionized their positions, and stirred GOAT conversations. Simone Biles, Travis Kelce, A’ja Wilson, and even the Eagles’ Tush Push are featured and anticipated to shape memories for years to come.
Fifi Does It All: 2023SportsKid of the Year, Fifi Garcia, isn’t content to dominate in just one sport. Softball, soccer, volleyball, or basketball keep her on the move non-stop. In an age in which two-way players like Ohtani have redefined what an athlete can do, Garcia has pushed the boundaries of how good a kid can be at multiple games.
Also in this issue:
One Hot Mess: Once again, the year in sports was filled with sublime moments of brilliance–and this stuff, too, from Steve Rushin.
A fond farewell to several luminaries–and SI cover subjects–the sports world said goodbye to in 2023.
What A Ride: Take a look back at Brawn GP with Mark Bechtel as a reminder that Formula One wasn’t always as predictable as it is today.
Worm Warfare: All about the secret weapon Rice used during the football season: sideline gummy treats.
Train Day: This issue’s “Full Frame” is a flashback to the 2009 Sportsperson of the Year Issue photoshoot with Derek Jeter. SI provides readers with a quick look back to that peaceful day in the Bronx on a Friday morning in November outside of the Yankee Stadium subway stop.
Baddest Beats: As we close out the year, Mark Bechtel provides a snapshot of the “worst beats” in college sports of 2023.
Since the inception of Sports Illustrated in 1954, the SI Sportsperson of the Year award has recognized an athlete, coach or team who best represents the spirit and ideals of sportsmanship, character and performance. Recent honorees include Stephen Curry, Tom Brady, Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and LeBron James. Sanders is just the seventh coach to receive the honor, joining legendary leaders Pat Summit, Mike Krzyzewski, Don Shula, Dean Smith, and John Wooden.
INGLEWOOD, CA– The Los Angeles Chargers are in a state of disarray after another close loss to the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, 20-10 at SoFi. Many of these narrow defeats are self inflicted, last night was no exception as turnovers and a sputtering offense finds the Bolts at a record of (4-7).
The four turnovers occurred in a span of five drives spread across the second, third and fourth quarters. A Cameron Dicker field goal on the nights opening drive put the Chargers up 3-0.
Afterwards, the Chargers managed only 38 yards of offense on 14 plays the rest of the first half. Chargers Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore has been a terrible fit for the team. Justin Herbert looks like a shell of his former self; he lacks the ability to rip one down the field which he used to excel at.
In 2023, Herbert has spent more time being injured in that blue tent rather than celabrating in the end zone. Everyone blames the abundance of coaches he has had in his tenure for Herbert not reaching his potential, perhaps it’s Herbert who has stopped growing and maturing into the franchise QB the Bolts need.
Justin Herbert has regressed, now it makes sense why the Miami Dolphins chose Tua Tagovailoa over Herbert in the NFL Draft.
Photo by Jevone Moore
At the tail end of a strong drive, Jackson found rookie wideout Zay Flowers in the back of the end zone from 3 yards out to give the team its first lead of the night. The 2019 NFL MVP finished with 177 passing yards and one passing touchdown on 18 of 32 passing while also rushing for 39 yards on 11 carries.
Keenan Allen as well as Austin Ekeler both fumbled the ball away to Baltimore. Herbert kick-started the scoring in the final frame with a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Gerald Everett that capped a seven-play, 60-yard march to the end zone.
All of a sudden, Los Angeles was within three with 8:32 left to play. Then, something else happened that the NFL world almost never sees: Tucker missed his first field goal inside of 50 yards in 2023, hooking on a 44-yard attempt wide left with 2:57 left in the game. That miss opened the door for Herbert and the Chargers to send the game into Overtime, or a game winning touchdown.
Charger fans know what happend: I’m starting to believe the mighty Babe Ruth played for the Chargers at some point, because this franchise is cursed. The Chargers only made it to the Ravens 46 yard line,
Photo by Jevone Moore
A blitz by cornerback Arthur Maulet on fourth-and-6 was enough for Maulet to pop Herbert as he released the football, causing it to bounce harmless to the SoFi Stadium turf. Herbert finished with 217 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception on 29 of 44 passing while leading the Chargers with 47 rushing yards on four carries.
Zay Flowers provided the exclamation point in Baltimore’s victory, taking a shotgun handoff 37 yards for a touchdown that put the Ravens up 20-10 with 1:36 to go.
Next week, the Chargers will face the (2-9) New England Patriots at Gillete Stadium.
Pasadena, CA – The Pac-12’s regular season finale saw Cal become bowl eligible for the first time in four years as they defeated UCLA in a 33-7 stomping at the Rose Bowl.
UCLA will ride into their new era of Big Ten football on a disappointing note as the Bruins were on the losing end of a tough loss at the hands of their rival, Cal.
After losing three out of the last four games, including two at home to Arizona State and Cal, Bruins head coach Chip Kelly will hear a lot of chatter in the coming weeks about his job security.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Despite the rumors of Kelly being potentially let go after a loss to ASU at home, after the Week 11 win over crosstown rivals, USC, Bruins athletic director Martin Jarmond said rumors of Kelly’s dismissal were inappropriate and inaccurate. It will be interesting to see what UCLA does moving forward regarding their head coach.
UCLA’s offense was off to a hot start as starting quarterback Ethan Garbers was moving the ball down the field quickly in the Bruins opening drive, however 13 plays into the game, Garbers came out of the game and was quickly ruled out with a right arm injury.
Kelly said losing Garbers was hard, but that’s how the game is.
“Losing Garbers was tough…you gotta move on because that’s football, that’s the way the game goes sometimes,” Kelly said.
Dante Moore (3) – Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Dante Moore stepped in relief for the Bruins, but struggled. The freshman quarterback threw for 266 yards, two interceptions, and lost a fumble. UCLA’s offense as a whole struggled to get going as Cal held the Bruins rush attack to just 116 combined yards.
“We moved the ball, but we never converted that to points,” Kelly mentioned.
Jadyn Ott, the Golden Bears’ star running back, was electric with the ball in his hands as he had 189 total yards and one kickoff return touchdown.
Kelly said it was hard trying to contain Ott’s explosive ability.
‘We couldn’t get him off the field,” he said
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
The Golden Bears’ defense was tasked with shutting down a UCLA offense that put up 38 points against USC and they did just that as they held them scoreless in the second half. That included forcing an astonishing 20% success rate in the redzone as the Bruins were 1-5 in redzone chances.
Moore mentioned that despite his struggles, the team still picked him up.
“I know with my team, they’re always going to be in my corner,” he added.
TJ Harden (25) getting loose. Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Moving ahead, the Bruins up-n-down regular season ends with a 7-5 record and they will be awaiting their bowl placement on Dec. 3.
San Diego, CA – The Aztecs of San Diego State drop the Fresno St Bulldogs 33-18 to allow coach last game a victory. Head Coach Brady Hoke left the field for the last time with the sweet taste of victory on in his mouth.
“It was really fun to watch our team play. It is great to have the oil can back.” said Hoke, “I’m very excited about that and how we played together.”
San Diego quarterback Jalen Mayden darted down the field for 70 yards through Fresno St to secure the win with the go-ahead touchdown.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
Mayden made his presence felt in the air throwing for 189 yards with a touchdown on 17-26 attempts. On the ground that long run was one of his 14 carries for 96 yards. Being dual threat Fresno need to account for him every snap not knowing how they would be attacked.
Now Fresno did have Malik Sherrod shine by racking up 138 yards on the ground with two touchdowns on 15 carries. He also caught 5 passes out of the backfield for additional 44 yards.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
The Fresno passing game was spread out with quarterback Mikey Keene hitting 9 different receivers for 190 yards and a costly interception.
Back in mid-October Fresno St was already bowl eligible so they will have another game to get a win.
Both these programs are moving in the right direction in the Mountain West.
“You always want to win. We go out every game and try to win,” said Hoke, “It’s great to win. We don’t like losing.”
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
That forced turnover was fitting for coach Hoke who career was built on tough defenses. Hoke spent 16 years as a collegiate coach.
The Aztecs will start a nationwide search for the next coach to lead this great program into the future.
Salt Lake City, UT – Utah continued their winning streak against Colorado in their rivalry series, marking their seventh consecutive victory. Ryan Staub, in his first career start for Colorado, threw for 195 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Travis Hunter for 107 yards and another touchdown on eight receptions.
Despite Colorado’s efforts, they managed 262 yards against Utah’s defense. Utah favored a ground-based strategy in the first half, with Bottari attempting only three passes before halftime, all completed. Their rush-heavy approach amassed 135 yards by halftime, opting for conservative play-calling that proved effective.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
The opening drive saw Utah dominating with eight consecutive rushing plays, capped off by Bottari’s 2-yard keeper, propelling them to a 7-0 lead. A pivotal moment came when Connor O’Toole sacked Staub, causing a fumble that Van Fillinger recovered, setting up Utah’s scoring drive.
Colorado found a breakthrough with a trick play in the second quarter, as Jimmy Horn, Jr. connected with Dylan Edwards for a 30-yard score, narrowing Utah’s lead to 10-7. However, Colorado couldn’t bridge the gap further after halftime.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
Bottari’s 16-yard pass to Luca Caldarella on 4th down set the stage for his second touchdown run in the third quarter, a 1-yard keeper. Becker’s 31-yard field goal extended Utah’s lead to 23-10 early in the fourth quarter. Despite Colorado’s efforts with Hunter’s 18-yard catch, Utah managed to run the clock down in the final 7:25, denying the Buffaloes a chance to level the score.
Staub acknowledged, “We scored and left enough time, but they executed that last drive really well,” reflecting on Utah’s ability to control the ball in the game’s closing moments.
Photo by Jason Strother / fi360 News
In a game where Utah maintained their dominance over Colorado. Next up is bowl game for the Utes as they watch the PAC-12 Championships from the outside. The Buffs will start looking at the next class in the Transfer Porter that opens Dec 4th.
Indiana Hoosiers vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
West Lafayette, Indiana- In a display of true grit and resilience, Purdue’s quarterback Hudson Card emerged as the driving force behind Purdue’s impressive fourth-quarter surge.
In the culmination of a season-long journey, with the coveted Old Oaken Bucket hanging in the balance, Card showcased unwavering toughness. Battling through rib soreness that persisted throughout the game, he demonstrated a commitment to leaving it all on the field. Matching his career-high with three touchdown passes, Card delivered the decisive blow with a 10-yard touchdown run, propelling Purdue to a hard-fought 35-31 victory over Indiana.
This not only secured the Old Oaken Bucket but also underscored the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who played through pain for the pride of his team.
Indiana Hoosiers vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Head coach Ryan Walters described Card’s injury as “painful,” acknowledging the quarterback’s determination to compete at the highest level.
Throughout the week, the coaching staff monitored Card’s condition closely, but it was Card himself who affirmed his readiness with a resolute declaration to his coach, saying, “Coach, I’m playing.” The execution of this plan proved pivotal, culminating in a triumphant end to the season for Purdue and a memorable chapter in the storied rivalry against Indiana.
Halftime adjustments and the art of motivation took center stage in this classic rivalry, where special teams emerged as a decisive factor in setting the tone for both teams.
The opening kickoff of the second half showcased the explosiveness of Purdue’s RB/KR Dylan Downing, who electrified the Boiler Maker fans with a 49-yard return. While a touchdown would have been the perfect outcome, the drive concluded with a field goal.
Drew Biber with a touchdown catch going into the half during Indiana Hoosiers vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
In a swift response, Indiana University seized the momentum with a remarkable 100-yard kickoff return by Jaylin Lucas, injecting new energy into the Hoosiers’ effort to break their two-game losing streak against Purdue. The IU offense, under the leadership of freshman Brendan, orchestrated a touchdown drive, complementing the impactful return play.
As the third quarter unfolded, IU managed to outscore Purdue 14-6, securing a 28-18 lead heading into the final quarter of what promises to be a fiercely contested and pivotal matchup in the historic rivalry.
Purdue’s resilience and determination to maintain their streak manifested strongly as the fourth quarter commenced. Sparked by big plays from Mockobee and Card, the Boilermakers orchestrated a compelling sequence culminating in a pivotal 38-yard touchdown. This scoring drive trimmed Indiana University’s lead to a mere 3 points, with the scoreboard reading 25-28 in favor of IU.
The intensity of the rivalry game was palpable, evident in each team’s relentless pursuit of victory and the desire to etch their respective school’s name on the Old Oaken Bucket. As the clock ticked down, the game hung in the balance, promising a thrilling conclusion to this fiercely contested clash between Purdue and Indiana.
Indiana Hoosiers vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 25, 2023. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
As the dust settles on the Old Oaken Bucket clash, both Indiana and Purdue find themselves at crossroads, each with distinct reflections and aspirations.
The Indiana University administration faces crucial decisions regarding their coaching staff, weighing the impact on the community against the need for improvements. With the first year under his belt, Coach Ryan Walters gains valuable insights into what to expect and areas to enhance for the upcoming 2024 season.
As the current season concludes without bowl game appearances for either team, both Indiana and Purdue set their sights on a different narrative in 2024.
While Purdue’s opener remains undisclosed, Indiana has a clear date with Florida International on August 31st, 2024, marking the starting point for their journey to reshape their football fortunes in the upcoming season.
EUGENE, OR – The No. 6 ranked Oregon Ducks secured a chance to play for the Pac-12 Championship Friday after they defeated in-state rival and No. 16 ranked Oregon State 31-7.
Oregon controlled the game for all four quarters, rebounding from last year’s heartbreaking loss against Oregon State where they let the Beavers mount a fourth quarter comeback in Corvallis.
The Ducks ran the ball on 10 of 15 plays during their first possession, converted a 4th down attempt, and managed to eat up 8:41 of clock before Bo Nix connected with Bucky Irving on a 14-yard touchdown pass for the first score of the night.
Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News
Defensively, the Ducks wasted no time setting the tone for the game either, forcing a turnover on downs that set the Ducks up with good field position, allowing Bo Nix to move the ball down field and run for a 16-yard touchdown that extended their lead to 14.
Momentum started to shift late in the second quarter after the Ducks missed a 34-yard field goal from Camden Lewis, and Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei responded with a 15-play scoring drive of 80 yards. Uiagalelei found Silas Bolden for a 9-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 14-7 with only 54 seconds left in the half.
Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News
With Oregon State set to receive the ball at the start of the second half, Bo Nix and the Ducks offense worked quickly, and Nix eventually found a wide-open Troy Franklin for a 40-yard touchdown. Franklin would finish the night with 9 receptions for 128 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks quick touchdown brought the score to 21-7 at halftime, deflating the Beavers hopes of making the contest competitive.
In more ways than one, it was the end of an era for the Ducks Friday. Heisman favorite quarterback Bo Nix played his last game at Autzen Stadium, and the in-state rivalry between Oregon and Oregon State that in 1894, is not currently scheduled moving forward.
Nix posted another stellar game to his resume in his last home game, completing 33/40 for 367 yards, 2 passing touchdowns and 1 rushing touchdown. Nix reflected on his last game at Autzen Stadium saying “[It was] surreal. That place has been really good to me, it’s been really good to my family… I’ll forever hold a special place in my heart for it”.
Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News
In a rematch against the Washington Huskies, the Oregon Ducks will get a chance to right their only loss on the year next week in Las Vegas as they play for the final Pac-12 Championship and a chance to play in the 2023 College Football Playoff. The Ducks look like a different team from what they were the first time they played Washington, and after the game head coach Dan Lanning stated “I’ve said it since the beginning of the season that we want to be playing our best football at the end of the season, and we are right now. We’ve got a really good team”.
