New Mexico Bowl 2022 SMU Mustangs vs BYU Cougars. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Albuquerque, NM- Most folks thought this would be all about the offense but with 0:08 left on the clock SMU choose to go for the win with a failed 2point conversion by Tanner Mordecai. BYU defense held one last time for the slim 24-23 Cougars victory in the New Mexico Bowl.
Maiava-Peters slips past a defender during the New Mexico Bowl 2022 SMU Mustangs vs BYU Cougars. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
BYU quarterback Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters got his first start of the year and went 7/12 passing for 47 yards but used his legs on 14 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown.
“He’s (Maiava-Peters) playing great, it’s how he practiced,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake, “We gonna let him loose.”
Mordecai hands off the football during the New Mexico Bowl 2022 SMU Mustangs vs BYU Cougars. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
The Cougars allowed the Mustangs to bring the game close in the 4th quarter with 13 unanswered points.
Tanner Mordecai almost led a comeback throwing for 218 yards with 2 touchdowns and a costly interception for the Mustangs.
Ben Bywater third pick of the season went for a pick 6 by reading a bubble screen and goes 76 yards to grab the lead 17-10 in the 3rd quarter.
Bywater with the interception with Mordecai watching from the ground during the New Mexico Bowl 2022 SMU Mustangs vs BYU Cougars. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
On the next drive they went 9 plays 82 yards capped off by 22-yard touchdown run by Brooks. This 9-play drive was all on the ground eating up the clock as increased their lead 24-10.
“We have to do a better job containing him (Maiava-Peters)” said SMU coach Rhett Lashlee.
New Mexico Bowl 2022 SMU Mustangs vs BYU Cougars. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
This was a grudge match to see who would be standing last. You have to tip your hat to SMU for going for the win and not playing for overtime.
Now BYU will take this bowl win and build on this next year going into spring practice with a bright future with Maiava-Peters all around game being dual threat.
New Mexico Bowl 2022 SMU Mustangs vs BYU Cougars. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
“It was a great game,” said Sitake, “Nothing warms your heart then to win a game.”
LA Bowl Washington State vs Fresno State at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca (Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News)
Inglewood, CA – The Fresno State Bulldogs had too much bite as they dominated Washington State 29-6 to win the 2nd annual Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium.
Jimmy Kimmel and sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez were in the building to watch this Pac-12/Mountain West matchup.
LA Bowl Washington State vs Fresno State at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca (Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News)
From the sound of the first whistle the Mountain West Conference champions looked like the much better team on the field in front of a mostly Fresno State crowd.
Fresno State drove down the field on their first drive and quarterback Jake Haener found senior wide receiver Zane Pope in the end zone to give the Bulldogs an early lead.
LA Bowl Washington State vs Fresno State at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca (Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News)
Fresno added to their lead early in the 2nd quarter when senior running back Jordan Mims ran it in from four yards out to make it 14-0. The Cougars trailed 16-0 at the half and struggled mightily early.
Mims was the star of the game and named the offensive player of the year as he ran for a career high 205 yards and 2 touchdowns in his final collegiate game.
LA Bowl Washington State vs Fresno State at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca (Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News)
“It felt surreal. I knew I had a pretty solid game. Our line did their thing and I followed them,” Mims said. “We always want to stick with the run game and pound the ball first. It was good for us to make plays on the ground and we can dish out here and there and throw shots.”
The second half was mostly the same as Fresno made the Mountain West Conference 2-0 against the Pac-12 in the LA Bowl.
LA Bowl Washington State vs Fresno State at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca (Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News)
Fresno State finished the season winning their final 9 games after starting the season 1-4.
“We set history today. Every guy in that locker room day in and day out has been resilient and positive.” said Haener, who finished his college football career passing 24 of 36 passes for 284 yards in the win.
LA Bowl Washington State vs Fresno State at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Ca (Photo by Kevin Ballton / fi360 News)
The Washington State loss makes the Pac-12 1-1 in bowl games so far with Oregon State defeating Florida earlier in the day.
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 17: Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Jacob Ferenczi (56) holds the trophy during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
Las Vegas, NV – The Beavers took care of business and wants everyone to know that they had a 10-win season. After defeating the Florida Gators 30-3 dominating from the game opening series.
The SRS Las Vegas Bowl MVP was Ben Gulbranson who threw for 165 yards and first touchdown of the game. Gulbranson went 12/19 in the air for the night and ran one in at Allegiant Stadium. On the receiving end Silas Bolden caught 6 balls for 99 yards averaging 16.5 yards with a touchdown.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 17: Oregon State Beavers quarterback Ben Gulbranson (17) runs out of the pocket during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith was happy for today’s win and the dominating performance by his team. The last time Oregon State did this in a bowl game was when he himself played in the Fiesta Bowl and dominated Norte Dame 41-9 on New Year’s Day in 2001.
Oregon State choses to flip flop quarterbacks to start the first half that kept the Gators on their toes.
“He (Tristan Gebbia Backup quarterback) had a great few weeks of practice,” coach Smith. “We had a lot of contributions from a lot of different guys.”
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 17: Oregon State Beavers wide receiver John Dunmore (14) catches the ball and gets tackled by Florida Gators defensive lineman Justus Boone (12) during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
The Gators offense struggled but quarterback Jack Miller III did manage to throw for 180 yards going 13/22 on the day. As for the running game it was non existent rushing for only 39 yards.
Florida did block a field goal to end the half to keep the game in reach only trailing 10-0. But the second half was much of the same.
The Florida offense was MIA in the first half, missing a few weapons due to transfer portal and opt outs.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 17: Oregon State Beavers running back Deshaun Fenwick (5) runs the ball for a gain during the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
Deshaun Fenwick punishing running style help control the game in the second half and chewed up the clock. Fenwick rushed 21 times for 107 yards to lead the Beavers on the ground, with two more running back reaching pay dirt.
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 17: Oregon State Beavers quarterback Ben Gulbranson (17) wins the MVP of the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)
“Really proud of the group,” said coach Smith “We finished how we wanted too (victory)!”
Mike Leach during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2017. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 27, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University Head Football Coach Michael Charles “Mike” Leach passed away last night (Monday, Dec. 12) at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, following complications from a heart condition. He was 61.
In a statement, the Leach family said: “Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC as a final act of charity. We are supported and uplifted by the outpouring of love and prayers from family, friends, Mississippi State University, the hospital staff, and football fans around the world. Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father’s life.”
Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum said: “Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape. His innovative “Air Raid” offense changed the game. Mike’s keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. I will miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things.
“Mike’s death also underscores the fragility and uncertainty of our lives. Three weeks ago, Mike and I were together in the locker room celebrating a hard-fought victory in Oxford. Mike Leach truly embraced life and lived in such a manner as to leave no regrets. That’s a worthy legacy. May God bless the Leach family during these days and hours. The prayers of the Bulldog family go with them,” Keenum said.
MSU Interim Athletics Director Bracky Brett said: “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Mike Leach. College football lost one of its most beloved figures today, but his legacy will last forever. Mike’s energetic personality, influential presence and extraordinary leadership touched millions of athletes, students, coaches, fans, family and friends for decades.
“Mike was an innovator, pioneer and visionary. He was a college football icon, a coaching legend but an even better person,” said Brett. “We are all better for having known Mike Leach. The thoughts and prayers of Mississippi State University and the entire Bulldog family are with his wife Sharon, his children and the entire Leach family.”
Leach, who was named Mississippi State’s 34th head football coach on January 9, 2020, was finishing his third season in Starkville and 21st as a head coach. Forever a college football icon, he leaves an incredible legacy as a husband, father, friend and leader of young men.
WSU Coach Mike Leach, “Yes we are going to Air it Out!” Photo by Jevone Moore
The oldest of six siblings, Leach and his wife Sharon shared four children: Janeen, Kimberly, Cody and Kiersten.
Born in Susanville, California to Frank and Sandra Leach, Mike was raised in Cody, Wyoming. After graduating with honors from BYU in 1983 where he played rugby, Leach earned a master’s degree from the U.S. Sports Academy and his Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University, where he graduated in the top one-third of his class.
For nearly four decades, Leach had an unmatched impact on the game of football including thousands of student-athletes, coaches and staff. He was a two-time national coach of the year, three-time Power 5 conference coach of the year and the mastermind behind the NCAA record-setting “Air Raid” offense.
The accomplishments for Leach in his 21 years as a head coach were long and distinguished. A proven winner who established a culture of excellence at every stop of his career, Leach compiled a 158-107 (.596) record, guided his squads to 19 bowl games, produced seven seasons of at least nine victories, captured two conference division titles, became the winningest coach in Texas Tech history and set school records for bowl appearances at both Texas Tech (10) and Washington State (6). During 10 of those 21 seasons, Leach’s passing attack led the FBS – six at Texas Tech and four at Washington State.
One of the most successful coaches in the history of college football, Leach’s 158 career wins as an FBS coach are the second-most among active SEC coaches and the fifth-most among active Power 5 coaches. Of the 50 most productive passing yardage seasons in FBS history, 10 came from quarterbacks coached by Leach since his hiring as head coach at Texas Tech in 2000. That included one season by Kliff Kingsbury, one by B.J. Symons (2003), one by Sonny Cumbie, three by Graham Harrell (2006-08), one by Connor Halliday, one by Luke Falk (2015), one by Gardner Minshew II (2018) and one by Anthony Gordon (2019).
A passionate educator, mentor, historian and lifelong learner, Leach had great admiration for academics. He instilled that in his players, as his teams routinely set records for GPA and graduation rate. A masterful storyteller, Leach authored a New York Times best-selling autobiography in 2011 titled Swing Your Sword: Leading the Charge in Football and in Life. He later wrote Geronimo: Leadership Strategies of an American Warrior in 2014.
Leach built arguably the greatest coaching tree in college football, giving countless coaches their start in the profession. His historic tree includes former and current head coaches Lincoln Riley, Dave Aranda, Sonny Cumbie, Dana Holgorsen, Seth Littrell, Art Briles, Ken Wilson, Neal Brown, Josh Heupel, Eric Morris, Sonny Dykes, Kliff Kingsbury, Ruffin McNeill and assistant coaches Wes Welker, Bill Bedenbaugh, Robert Anae, Alex Grinch, Brandon Jones, and more.
Leach began his coaching career in 1987 as an assistant at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo before coaching stops at College of the Desert in 1988 and as a head coach in the European Football League in Pori, Finland, in 1989.
Leach teamed up with Hal Mumme at Iowa Wesleyan College in 1989, where the duo developed the renowned Air Raid offense. From 1989 to 1991 Leach served as offensive coordinator and line coach for a unit that led the NAIA in passing yardage one season and finished second the other two. Iowa Wesleyan quarterbacks passed for more than 11,000 yards in Leach’s three seasons and broke 26 national records.
Leach and Mumme went on to spend five seasons at Valdosta State (1992-96) and then two seasons at Kentucky (1997-98).
Named 1996 Division II Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Quarterly magazine, Leach helped Mumme lead Valdosta State to a 40-17-1 record. The 1993 Blazer offense smashed 66 school records, 22 conference records and seven national records. In 1994, Valdosta State advanced to the Division II playoffs with Leach’s offense shattering 80 school records, 35 conference records and seven more national marks.
As Kentucky’s offensive coordinator, Leach coached the Wildcat offense to six NCAA records, 41 Southeastern Conference records and 116 school records in 22 games.
Leach joined Bob Stoops’ Oklahoma staff as offensive coordinator in 1999. He directed a Sooner offense that went from one of the worst in the Big 12 Conference to one of the best. In just one year, OU’s total offense numbers improved from 293.3 to 427.2 yards per game. Under Leach, the Oklahoma offense set six Big 12 Conference and 17 school records.
Leach went on to spend 10 seasons as head coach at Texas Tech (2000-09) where his squads produced bowl appearances all 10 years. He compiled a school-record 84 victories, a school-record five bowl wins and eight consecutive seasons of at least eight victories.
The architect of the most prolific passing offense in the country, Leach received three national coach of the year awards in 2008 – the Woody Hayes Award, Howie Long/Fieldturf Coach of the Year and George Munger Award. Leach’s offense captured six NCAA passing titles and three total offense titles during his 10 seasons in Lubbock.
Leach led Texas Tech to one of the most memorable seasons in school history in 2008 as the team set a program record with 11 regular season wins en route to an 11-2 record. The win total tied the mark, set previously by the 1953 and 1973 Red Raider squads. Numerous accolades poured in from across the country as an unprecedented four players earned first-team All-America status, in addition to Leach’s three coach of the year honors. Harrell, offensive tackle Rylan Reed and offensive guard Brandon Carter each garnered first-team honors, while wide receiver Michael Crabtree was honored as a unanimous All-American and the Biletnikoff Award winner for the second-straight season.
A total of 18 players were drafted at Texas Tech under Leach’s watch and 21 others signed free agent contracts. In the spring of 2009, four players were selected among the first four rounds of the NFL Draft, marking the most successful draft for Texas Tech in the Leach era.
The program made strides academically as well under Leach. During his 10 years, Texas Tech was recognized as one of the nation’s top institutions for consistently being above a 70 percent graduation rate, according to the AFCA.
Following his tenure at Texas Tech, Leach spent eight seasons at the helm at Washington State where he compiled a 55-47 (.539) record and was named the 2018 American Football Coaches Association National Coach of the Year and two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year (2015, 2018). Leach spearheaded WSU to a school-record six bowl appearances and became the first coach in school history to lead the Cougars to five consecutive bowl games. They also led the nation in passing offense in four out of his last six seasons in charge.
The 2018 campaign saw Leach produce one of the finest coaching performances as WSU posted its first 11-win season in school history and a share of the Pac-12 North Division. The Cougars were ranked in the top 13 of each College Football Playoff rankings, including four consecutive weeks at No. 8. WSU capped the season with a win over Iowa State in the Alamo Bowl and finished No. 10 in the Associated Press and Coaches polls. Senior quarterback and Mississippi native Minshew captivated the nation, leading the FBS in passing yards per game (367.6).
In the spring of 2019, Leach taught a five-week course at WSU on Insurgent Warfare and Football Strategies, along with former Washington State Senator Michael Baumgartner.
Leach arrived in Starkville on January 9, 2020, as Mississippi State’s 34thhead football coach. He led the Bulldogs to a 19-17 record, including an 8-4 mark in 2022, and bowl appearances in all three seasons. Leach’s offense led the SEC passing in each of the last two seasons. The Bulldogs defeated seven AP Top 25 opponents during Leach’s MSU tenure, which tied for third most by a Bulldog head coach. Leach coached MSU to its two largest comebacks in program history in 2021.
"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)
Boulder, CU- All will remember a selection Sunday when schools were anticipating their rankings in the College Football Playoff. In Colorado they could care less this year because they have a new coach to meet at the tarmac and greet the next head coach for the Buffaloes.
Yes, all the rumors were true, the electrifying Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders is now the 25th full time football coach. Deion is also the third black coach in a row the Athletic Director Rick George had hired.
The room lit up so bright in the Colorado press room because now the Prime Effect was already beginning. How fitting that this announcement took place on a Sunday. Coach Prime said George’s call was confirmation not a vision or sales call.
It’s really not a strange place for Coach Prime to be led to, under the rubble is still a firm foundation that was built by Bill McCartney who was a leader of men. McCartney was the founder of Promise Keepers the men’s ministry. On the football field he led the Buffaloes to their only National Championship in 1990.
Coach Prime is on a mission to build Colorado back to college football dominance. Next year on selection Sunday will the Buffaloes being glued to TV set or internet updates to see where the rank in last regular season ranking.
“As you know I have work to finish in Jackson Mississippi,” said Coach Prime “ We gotta win this championship. (JSU)”
Just from these statements alone how can one say the Coach Prime has left Jackson State University, high and dry? What coach gets a new job, talks with his former team like a man and have the University’s confidence to allow coach to finish what he started. Who was the last coach to hold two jobs at the same time….
“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)
Coach Prime opening speech to JSU stated, we can win SWAC Championships, I Believe that our commitment to academic excellence can continue, I Believe we can sell out 60,000, if we unite together.
Why can you be made at man who brought two SWAC Championships, signed the No 1 recruit in the class of 2022, raised the academic level of the whole football team, selling out the stadium every Saturday by bring the tailgaters and more inside.
Let’s look at some numbers and cents, Prime donated half his salary back to JSU to pay his assistant coaches, raised money to upgraded the facilities, brought in Under Armor to outfit the team, inked a sponsorship with American Airlines for away games vs old bus travel. The general economy has seen triple digit rise that has been enjoyed by most business owners.
Four Home Games: Approximately $16.2 million in revenue was generated for Jackson businesses. A drastic increase from $7.2 million in 2017.
2022 SWAC Football Championship: Approximately $8 million in revenue generated.
Did Coach Prime deliver….. No one but Deion himself could image that all this would take place but he Believed something good was going to come by him being in Jackson. Just think if more folks would have come on board and caught what Coach Prime was doing… All he asked was can we unite?
Seattle, WA – A worrying trend for the 2022-2023 Seattle Kraken has been their lack of a consistently dependable defensive effort, and that has been ever-present in six of their past seven games. A defensive breakdown and three consecutive turnovers leading to breakaways gave the visiting Montreal Canadiens four goals on just eight shots, all through the first two periods. Rookie Shane Wright’s first NHL goal, scored against the team that was supposed to select him, was a small victory in a lost battle for Seattle. Although the NHL season isn’t even a third of the way through, the Kraken have glaring issues to improve upon in order to stay the course towards a postseason berth.
The Kraken have been in many high scoring contests this season, which has pros and cons. A pro is that the Seattle attack is far improved and has often been good enough to outweigh many negatives. The worrisome negative is that the defensive issues the Kraken have been dealing with have not gotten better, and allow their opponents to remain in games. Two primary defensive problems were on display in this loss; leaving skaters open and making simple mistakes. Montreal’s first goal was an example of the former, as Johnathan Kovacevic beat Martin Jones cleanly and could have done his taxes with the amount of room he was left to operate with. The second period saw three easy Montreal goals, all being scored off of sloppy play in the form of bad turnovers, losing faceoffs, and getting caught in poor position. Prior to tonight’s game, Seattle head coach Dave Hakstol made comments about the loss to Florida, many of which rang true in this contest.
“This one’s about us. Getting back at it, not really happy with our performance coming out of the other night. A really winnable game that we came up short in some of the detailed and gritty areas of the hockey games. It has nothing to do with the situation of our opponent, this is about us needing to get back to what we do, and do it well,” Hakstol remarked.
The bright spot in tonight’s loss was 18-year-old Shane Wright netting his first goal in the NHL. It appeared to be the stars aligning for Wright, playing in his first contest since an AHL Conditional Loan stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. The hotly discussed skater was able to find early success in this game, potting his first goal as a pro against the team that was long projected to select Wright before passing up on him in this past NHL entry draft. From staring down the Montreal table at the draft, rumors of a bad attitude, being a healthy scratch nearly all season to now, Wright still has a long journey ahead. Amidst all the chaos that is being thrown at someone who is just crossing into the threshold of adulthood, finding the back of the net for the first time in his career has to be a sort of calming relief. Wright reflected on the moment, postgame.
“I think it’s obviously something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Your first NHL goal is a pretty cool accomplishment, a pretty cool milestone, something that I’m going to remember for the rest of my life…. I pictured myself jumping right in and scoring a bunch, but that’s not the reality. You have to make sure you earn everything you get,” Wright stated.
Following the end of their three-game homestand, the Kraken now head out to the East coast for a four-game road trip. That slate begins
on Friday, December 9th against the Washington Capitals, the team Seattle was able to vanquish just seven seconds into overtime back on the first of this month. The two teams will have a rematch on the 9th inside of Capital One Arena, with a puck drop of 4PM PST. Seattle will be eager to remove any lingering negatives from their past two losses, and to start a tough road trip the right away.
Nashville, Tenn. – After losing to the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2022 VRBO Citrus Bowl, the Iowa Hawkeyes will seek revenge in the 2022 TransPerfect Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee.
The two schools will go head-to-head for just the second time ever as they were announced as participants in the Music City Bowl. As noted, the Wildcats came out on top earlier this year against the Hawkeyes 20-17 in the VRBO Citrus Bowl.
This will be the first time that the Iowa Hawkeyes will play in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl. The organization was selected for the 2020 edition but the Missouri Tigers were forced to cancel the bowl with a COVID-19 outbreak within the team.
“I was really grateful to receive the call this afternoon from the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, something that they have been talking to us now for a couple of weeks,” said Gary Barta, athletic director at the University of Iowa in the team release. “Actually, we’ve been in great conversations for a few years and as most of you know, we were invited, and then that went sideways due to COVID.”
“But I know our players are excited. I was talking to a few of them yesterday about this possibility. And, first of all, I want to congratulate the players, the coaches. They have earned this opportunity. So, I’m really excited for them.”
The 2022 campaign for the Iowa Hawkeyes has featured a 7-5 record finishing third in the Big Ten West conference behind Purdue and Illinois. Wins against Minnesota, Wisconsin, Purdue, Northwestern, Rutgers, Nevada, and South Dakota State highlighted the 2022 season. Although the organization had some significant victories in 2022, the losses hindered the Hawkeyes from making it to the Big Ten Championship game for the second season in a row. Losses included the first against in-state rival Iowa State since 2014, Illinois, and Nebraska. Iowa also lost games to the now-ranked No. 2 and No. 4 teams in the country; Michigan and Ohio State.
The TransPerfect Music City Bowl will be the 35th bowl game for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the first in the state of Tennessee. It’s the 10th straight Bowl invitation the Hawkeyes have received along with the ninth straight bowl game played. It will be the 20th Bowl game for Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz.
“It is our 20th bowl now since 2001, and I think each one of them represent, I think a significant accomplishment,” said Ferentz in the press conference. “The other part about it, is each one is really something that’s appreciated by everybody in our team, our program. They are special opportunities for our team, most importantly our players, and just to have this happen is really a good thing.”
In his 20 bowl games with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Ferentz has a 9-9 record. Overall, in 35 bowl games, Iowa has earned 17 victories and will look for the 18th Bowl Victory on December 31st, 2022 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
Tickets for the 2022 TransPerfect Music City Bowl can be purchased by clicking here.
Big Ten Championship Purdue Boilermakers vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on, December 03, 2022. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indianapolis – The stage was set for two different destinations for the victor! Michigan showed the CFP why they are the No. 2 seed going into the post season. Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards ran down the Boilermakers tracks with ease.
Edwards rushed for 185 yards in 25 carries to help lead his team to 43-22 victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. The ground game was so dominate with 225 total rushing yards as a team. It really set up the play action pass for J.J. McCarthy who threw three touchdowns for 161 yards.
Big Ten Championship Purdue Boilermakers vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on, December 03, 2022. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
“I rise to those occasions,” Edwards said. “I thrive for that. It’s just easy, too, when I have tremendous teammates that I call my brothers around me. They show me love. They believe in me.”
At halftime Purdue was still in the hunt for a Rose Bowl shot only trailing 14-13 keeping pace with Michigan.
during Big Ten Championship Purdue Boilermakers vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on,December 03, 2022. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Aidan O’Connell was 32 of 47 with 366 yards and two interceptions after missing some practice time early this week to mourn the death of his brother. The turnovers were too costly for Purdue to overcome.
“That’s a really, really good football team,” O’Connell said. “Once you get inside the 20, it’s tough to run the ball in the first place on them, and then, secondly, they tighten up the coverage.”
Devin Mockobee jumping over defenders during Big Ten Championship Purdue Boilermakers vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on, December 03, 2022. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
A bright spot for the Boilermakers was walk-on running back Devin Mockobee who rushed for 71 hard fought yards that included a touchdown on 17 carries. His teammates are busting with anticipation to see him gain a scholarship like he gains yards on the field.
Big Ten Championship Purdue Boilermakers vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on, December 03, 2022. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Defensive back Rod Moore led the Wolverines with 9 tackles from the secondary. While linebacker Jaylen Harrell sacked O’Connell two times along with two tackles.
Now Michigan will sleep easy tonight and await a bowl invitation with the ultimate goal of being No 1 in CFP after playing two more games. Purdue gave it their all and will most likely travel to Florida to play in the Citrus Bowl.
Devin Mockobee getting loose during Big Ten Championship Purdue Boilermakers vs #2 Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium on, December 03, 2022. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Seattle, WA – Every win streak must come to an end, but for the Seattle Kraken, it came in brutally ugly fashion. The Kraken had their franchise long seven game winning streak ripped to shreds by the Florida Panthers, as Seattle never really got their boat off the dock. After immediately giving up a dangerous chance just ten seconds in, the Kraken stacked mistake on top of mistake until the final scoreboard showed a four-goal defeat. Seattle needs to regroup, work on their defensive structure, and improve their penalty kill in order to start a new streak.
Right out of the opening faceoffs, things began poorly for the Kraken. Two growing issues for Seattle have been their defensive lapses (remember that from the inaugural season?) and penalty kill, neither of which have seemed to show much improvement lately. The Kraken weren’t able to get the puck out of their own defensive zone, failed to restrict Florida’s possessions, and simply could not stay out of the penalty box. Seattle’s penalty kill once went 18-consecutive appearances without a goal, and those days now seem like ancient history. While the Kraken have shown their offensive prowess for the large majority of the season, Seattle’s defending struggles are a constant issue. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol discussed what he saw in the loss.
“There weren’t many parts of our game that were very good tonight. That’s gonna be a tough way to win a hockey game, that’s just the bottom line… It’s been different things that have caused our specialty
teams to struggle. Our special teams had several opportunities to answer at the right time, and we weren’t either to on either side… it’s not just one part of our game tonight, our entire game was not at the level it needed to be,” Hakstol stated.
While it was to be expected that this win streak was going to find it’s end for the Kraken, the fact that it was the result of two of the team’s biggest issues points Seattle in the direction of where they need to improve. The Kraken have shown on a consistent basis that they are far improved from their inaugural roster, but with where they currently sit the team is not worried just about improvement, but making the playoffs. Seattle is currently ahead of general manager Ron Francis’ three-to-five-year plan to reach the postseason, but considering the talent level and resulting results, the issue can and should be pushed now. Seattle looked like a different team tonight than the dangerous one we have seen through these first 20+ games this season, and Jared McCann discussed that postgame.
“We were a little slow to pucks, didn’t have any jam or finishing our checks. We were not playing the way that we normally do that gives us success. It’s something to learn, we have to reset and refocus, we have to come back down to Earth here… We have a lot of veteran guys here who are able to calm us down and let us play hockey, so that helps,” McCann remarked.
The Kraken will get a day off and a practice day before their next game on Tuesday, December 6th. Seattle will finish up their three-game homestand by hosting the Montreal Canadiens, the team that the Kraken recorded their first ever home win against. Young stars Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and the Canadiens will drop the puck
against the Kraken at 7PM PST as Seattle will look to begin a new winning streak.
Las Vegas, NV- USC finished the regular season 11-1 and had hopes of reaching the College Football playoffs but their chances were derailed after No. 11 Utah defeated the Trojans 47-24 in the PAC-12 Championship game Friday at Allegiant Stadium.
Utah quarterback Cameron Rising passed for 310 yards and three touchdowns and running back Ja’Quinden Jackson rushed for 105 yards and two touchdowns to help the Utes become back-to-back PAC-12 champions.
The Utes scored 24 unanswered points and sacked USC quarterback Caleb Williams eight times.
“It’s a very disappointed locker room,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley said. “I want to give Utah a lot of credit. They battled to get back in this game. They played better than us today. They deserved the win. Our play didn’t resemble the way we played the majority of the year.”
Williams found a wide open Tahj Washington for a 50-yard completion. On the next play, Williams hit Washington for a 2-yard touchdown and an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter.
Utah drove down the field on its first possession but settled for a 25-yard field goal from Jadon Redding. On the ensuing drive, Williams broke off a 59-yard run to the Utah 11-yard line. After the play, Williams came up limping and played hurt the rest of the game. After the game, coach Riley said he popped the hamstring and that play.
“The rest of the game, I felt it,” Williams said. “A person that I admire is Kobe (Bryant) and he always said the game is bigger than what you’re feeling. So I was in my head and encouraging myself that the game was bigger than what I was feeling. I also had a group of guys that were looking at me to lead them to victory.”
On fourth and two, Williams hit true freshman running back Raleek Brown out of the backfield for a 3-yard touchdown. USC took a 14-3 lead with 2:52 left in the first quarter.
Denis Lynch gave USC a 17-3 lead with a 20-yard field goal. The offense got off to a fast start but struggled in the second quarter with a turnover on downs and a punt. Utah quarterback Cameron Rising threw two touchdowns in the second quarter to even the score 17-17.
Utah took a 24-17 lead in the third quarter when Rising threw a 57-yard touchdown to Money Parks, who broke multiple tackles to get into the end zone. Utah added a 35-yard field goal at the beginning of the fourth quarter to extend the lead 27-17.
USC answered with a Williams 12-yard touchdown pass to Mario Williams and the Trojans cut the lead 27-14 with 10:52 left in the fourth quarter. Utah came right back with Rising throw a 60-yard touchdown to Thomas Yassmin for a 34-24 lead.
The Trojans kept fighting and on the next possession, they were faced with a 4th and three when Williams found Jordan Addison wide open for a 48-yard reception.
USC reached the Utah 23-yard line but Williams was intercepted to end the scoring threat. Utah didn’t waste any time to capitalize on the turnover as Jackson broke loose for a 53-yard touchdown.
The Utes put the game away with a 23-yard touchdown run from Micah Bernard with 1:52 remaining in the fourth quarter.
