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Ohio State Buckeyes will play on the 11th

By
Jevone Moore
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New Orleans, LA – Ohio State Buckeyes now will be playing in the College Football Championship after defeating Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl 49-28 in New Year’s night cap. Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields set a new Sugar Bowl & CFP record throwing 6 touchdowns for 385 yards to lead his team.

The College Football Playoff game is no stranger to these two teams, they matched up just last year in the Fiesta Bowl for CFP semifinal. Clemson was able to sneak past Ohio State in the end to earn the right to play in the Championship game.

The victory over Clemson had to feel so sweet after beating them last year in the stats but not on the scoreboard. Now when the lights were even brighter Ohio State let NCAA know this team is real.

“I think that loss fueled us all off-season and this season,”  said  Fields “We were just glad to have this opportunity.”

On Clemson opening drive Heisman Trophy candidate Trevor Lawrence #16 caps off an 82-yard opening drive touchdown on 8 plays. Lawrence used his legs diving for the pylon and quick 7-0 lead over Ohio State 12:10 in 1Q.

After the first quarter Clemson spotted Ohio State to much of a lead. Lawrence who will be the next NFL No. 1 pick in the draft if he leaves the college ranks. He only passed for 2 touchdowns 400 yards, an interception and a fumble.

Fields early was finding his tight ends getting lost in secondary. Ohio State took their first lead with 17-yard touchdown pass to Jeremey Ruckkert 21-14  4:16 2Q.

Ohio State Trey Sermon #8 busted done the seam for a 32-yard touchdown run, catching Clemson ‘s defense flatfooted and out of position.  Midway through the first quarter tying the game 7-7 with 7:59 1Q.

Fields took a big hit scrambling down the field by linebacker James Skalski #47 stopping him short of a first down. They stopped the play and took look at the play for targeting, and it was confirmed. Now the secondary for Clemson was already missing their quarterback with Skalski being ejected took the vocal leader who calls the defense for the front seven.

 Just two plays after the ejection Fields threw a dart for the endzone and two touchdown lead before going into the half with 28-14 5:12 2Q.

“I’m just blessed,” said Fields “That hit really took a toll on me…. What pulled me through was my love for my brothers!”

In the second quarter Ohio State just had all the answers with their offense dominating on the ground grinding up yards with Sermon legs. They swag spilled over to their defense that seemed a step faster then Clemson keeping them scoreless in the quarter.

Ohio State felt good going into the half with a 35-14 after being told they shouldn’t be playing in the College Football Playoff.

Fields bounced back after throwing an interception in the endzone to start the second half with a deep 56-yard touchdown bomb to Chris Olave #2 42-21 4:55 3Q.

The ground game was a great balance for Ohio State, they finished with 254 yards as a team. Sermon carried the load with 193 yards on 31 carries.

We know that Ohio State and the Big Ten Conference are as good as their rankings.

“To win and have a chance to play against Clemson and win the way we did it’s unbelievable ,“ said coach Ryan Day “We are a great program and we have a lot of pride – Ohio State Buckeyes means something.”

Now Ohio State will get ready to gameplan for No. 1 Alabama Tide for the crown on January 11, 2021 in Miami.

The Beat Goes On: Alabama Thrives, Notre Dame Cowers In Spotlight at 2021 Rose Bowl

By
Garrett Jones
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The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet in Arlington, TX for the 2021 Rose Bowl Game. Photo by McGillen

ARLINGTON, Tx- In a Rose Bowl like no other, the result looked pretty familiar for Alabama.

After the game was moved from its traditional Pasadena home to allow for a limited number of fans in attendance, the No. 1 ranked Crimson Tide rolled to a win over No. 4 Notre Dame to clinch a spot in its fifth national championship game in the past six seasons.

There’s a stark contrast between the direction and caliber of these two heavyweights- and that was on full display in Friday’s 31-14 romp.

Alabama entered the game as a heavy favorite, and for good reason. The Crimson Tide ranked at No. 1 every week since Clemson’s Nov. 3 loss to Notre Dame., and won the Southeastern Conference in dominant fashion, including a six-point win over No. 7 Florida in the Championship Game.  Notre Dame got the controversial playoff nod over No. 5 Texas A&M despite a lackluster loss in an encore performance against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game.

The mismatch was clear early. Alabama raced out to a 14-0 first quarter lead behind two of quarterback Mac Jones’ four passing touchdowns on the day, including one to Heisman hopeful Devonta Smith- one of four finalists for college football’s most prestigious award to be awarded Tuesday night.

“(Smitty) has done as much for our team as any other player who has won the Heisman,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said on the possibility postgame. “I don’t like to make predictions, but it’d be great to see another one of our players win one.”

The loss marks another chapter in a series of concerning results in BCS or College Football Playoff Games for Notre Dame. After an undefeated 2012 regular season, Alabama whitewashed the Fighting Irish in the 2013 BCS National Championship Game, 42-14. Notre Dame also lost its only other prior playoff appearance to eventual 2019 CFP champion Clemson, 30-3. In BCS and Playoff games dating back to 2000, Notre Dame has lost every time and been outscored by a margin of 161 points including Friday.

Some were quick to criticize the College Football Playoff Committee’s decision to include Notre Dame over Texas A&M, but despite another let down, head coach Brian Kelly defended his team’s selection.

“We felt like we were as good as any other team on any given day in the country,” head coach Brian Kelly said postgame.

As for Alabama, the ebbs and flows of the coronavirus-shortened 2020 season have been proving grounds for one of its most dominant groups ever. Quarterback Mac Jones, a Heisman finalist along with Smith, recorded another fantastic game on par with a fantastic season.

Alabama got strong performances from its background performers as well. Wide recover John Metchie and “Swiss Army Knife” tight end Jahleel Billingsleycombined for 93 receiving yards on the big stage, while defensive back Christian Harris recorded an interception of Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book, which all but squashed any momentum the Irish built after forcing consecutive Alabama punts.

Nonetheless, Smith was the clear standout- together perhaps his strongest performance yet, recording three touchdown catches on 100-plus receiving yards, marking the seventh time in 2020 he’s broken the century mark. His 20th touchdown catch also tied an SEC single-season record.

Alabama’s Patrick Surtain was named defensive MVP of the game.

“We ask our corners to do a lot,” Saban said. “It’s good to see him get recognized tonight.”

Kyren Williams scored Notre Dame’s only touchdown prior to Ian Book’s late sneak into the end zone. Notre Dame’s offense was held completely in check by Alabama’s vaunted defense, recording just 139 rushing yards and punting four times. Book also left the final game of his storied Notre Dame career in the third quarter due to an injury.

Notre Dame finishes its season at 10-2, while Alabama moves on to play the winner of No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Ohio State in the 2021 CFP National Championship Game Jan. 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

“Alabama made more plays at the end of the day,” Kelly said. “We’re going to keep getting back here. We’re going to keep winning games, and we’re going to break through.”

A Rose By Any Other Name

By
Christopher Floch
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January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA, Rose Bowl stadium full for the NCAA College Football at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore

Pasadena, CA – In the insanity of 2020 College Football has emerged as the sport most accurately depicting the fear, division and uncertainty of the United States. In the wake of California’s statewide policy of not allowing any fans at any sporting events due to the COVID-19 Pandemic; the College Football Playoff(CFP) was forced to make the monumental decision to relocate the 2021 Rose Bowl from Pasadena to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will take place on January 1, 2021 and will be broadcast by ESPN.

Rose Bowl Pre-Game Art at the Rose Bowl game, Pasadena, CA. on January 1, 2016. Photo by Jevone Moore fi360 News


In a matchup of arguably the two most iconic programs in College Football number one ranked Alabama Crimson Tide will face the number four ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first semi-final of the College Football Playoff. It is not yet determined if the CFP semifinal in Arlington will be called the CFP Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One. The name is a part of the Master License Agreement and is co-owned by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and the City of Pasadena. 

“We know that the decision was not an easy one to make,” said David Eads, Tournament of Roses CEO and Executive Director. “While we remain confident that a game could have been played at the Rose Bowl Stadium, as evident in the other collegiate and professional games taking place in the region, the projection of COVID-19 cases in the region has continued on an upward trend.”

“We are very grateful to Rose Bowl officials and the City of Pasadena. They have worked hard to listen to the concerns of the CFP, the teams that might have played there, and their state and government officials,” said Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the College Football Playoff. 

The Tournament of Roses received word late this week that the State of California would not make a special exception for player guests at the game. Additionally, with significant strain on medical resources throughout Los Angeles County, the Tournament of Roses recognizes that the well-being of the student-athlete needs to come first and that continues to be our top priority.

Florida State vs Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in College Football Playoff - Coach Press Conferences
Florida State vs Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in College Football Playoff – Heisman Trophy Winners

Since March, all sporting events played in California have been unable to host spectators and participant families. The Pasadena Tournament of Roses made its first appeal for a special exception at the Rose Bowl Game in November and made a second request to the state in December. Both requests were denied.

 There was a tense atmosphere in the room as the distinguished College Football Commitee panel determined not only the fate of the games locale, but also the difficulty of selecting the four teams. Texas A & M, Cincinnati and the Oklahoma Sooners were left on the outside looking in.

While the Pasadena Tournament of Roses is extremely disappointed that this year’s game will not take place at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, the decision to move the game is based on the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Southern California along with the inability to host player and coach guests at any game in California.The last time the Rose Bowl game was played outside Pasadena, California, was 1942. The game between Oregon State and Duke was played in Durham, North Carolina, because the West Coast was deemed unsafe after the attacks on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.

Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly — expressed doubts about playing in the Rose Bowl if players’ families couldn’t be in attendance. 

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tee Higgins #5 making a touchdown catch in the second half of the National Championship Bay Area 2019 between Alabama vs Clemson game at Levis Stadium on Monday January 07, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Why would we play if you can’t have families at the game?” Kelly said. If you can’t have families at bowl games, why would you go to a game where your families can’t be part of it? What’s the sense of playing a game in an area of the country where nobody can be part of it?”

The Fighting Irish and Crimson Tide have a bowl game history.  In the 2012 BCS Title game the Crimson Tide won 42–14. 

 In the other semi-final, the ACC champs Clemson Tigers will face the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on January, 1st. 

 Big 10 champion Ohio State, akin to Notre Dame, is also a controversial pick, since the Buckeyes only played six games. The winners of each semi-final will meet in the College Football National Championship game, in Miami, Florida on January 11th.

Postgame brawl bookends narrow Mississippi State win in Armed Forces Bowl

By
Garrett Jones
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FORT WORTH, TX – Lideatrick Griffin recorded 155 all-purpose yards and added a touchdown catch as Mississippi State outlasted No. 24 Tulsa in the 2020 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, 28-26.

However, Immediately after the game concluded, both teams engaged in a full-on brawl following postgame handshakes. This came as a response of words exchanged in pregame warmups.

According to footage aired on ESPN, a member of the Tulsa staff threw punches at a Mississippi State player when the two teams met at midfield. Mississippi State’s Malik Heath appeared to kick several Tulsa players in response.

Tulsa head coach Phillip Montgomery said he didn’t see what started the brawl, but thought safety Kendarin Ray might have suffered a concussion as a result of the melee.

“Family’s going to take care of family,” Montgomery said in his postgame press conference.

AFB Postgame Notes

“I’m curious what happened,” Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach said afterward. “We haven’t had any problems with that this season. It seemed like problems arose from the handshakes.”

In a response to wintry mix and steady downpour in unseasonably cold North Texas temperatures, Mississippi State blended an extremely balanced offensive attack that recorded 148 yards in the air and 123 on the ground.

Even so, it was the Bulldogs’ play on defense and special teams that separated them from the American Conference runner-up Tulsa. Griffin recorded 121 yards on four kick returns, consistently giving freshman quarterback Will Rogers short fields. All of Mississippi State’s touchdowns on the day came from first-year players.

AFB Postgame Quotes - Mississippi State

“We’ve got some young guys that are enthusiastic and developing into gritty guys,” Leach said.

That included one from defensive back Emmanuel Forbes, who changed the game with an interception return for a touchdown- his third of the season- in the third quarter. The 90-yard pick six set a record for the longest in program history.

Tulsa quarterback Zach Smith, who started his collegiate career at Baylor, struggled in his return to the Lone Star state, completing 26 of 46 passes with a touchdown and two interceptions.

AFB Postgame Quotes - Tulsa

Mississippi State took advantage of the NCAA waiving its normal six-wins required to clinch a bowl bid due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After starting its conference-only slate 2-7, the win marked consecutive victories for the first time under head coach Mike Leach.

Tulsa, on the other hand, ends a successful campaign with consecutive narrow postseason losses. Head coach Phillip Montgomery pioneered a marked improvement in the coronavirus-shortened 2020 seasons after 3-9 and 4-8 campaigns in 2018 and 2019.

“From start to finish this group has had a belief about them,” Montgomery said. “We’ve got to continue to get better.”


The win marked Mississippi State’s first bowl triumph since the 2017 TaxSlayer Bowl. Tulsa’s bowl win drought continues into a fourth season.

Oklahoma stampedes a short-handed Florida during the 85th Cotton Bowl Classic

By
Alex Plinck
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Arlington Tx, – Ask any coach, high school, college, or professional. When you have seventeen of your players unavailable, it creates mismatches automatically and the task to take down a top ten team becomes insurmountable. That’s what the Florida Gators dealt with Wednesday evening during the 2020 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Out of the seventeen unavailable, four were the school’s top receivers, including AP All American tight end Kyle Pitts. Florida Gators’ coach Dan Mullen didn’t view Wednesday night’s game as a chore, but as a great learning experience for his younger players.

“Our young guys, I was really excited,” Mullen said after the game. “They wanted to go play in that game. They wanted to get the experience. They wanted to be on that stage.”

All of that said, the game wasn’t out of the realm of taking for Florida. After Oklahoma’s Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled, the Gators added a field goal and crawled within four halfway in the second quarter. However, the top-ranked Big 12 offense didn’t mess around after the turnover. The Sooners marched down the field in four plays capped off by a Theo Wease touchdown catch by Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. The Oklahoma defense would string together seven straight scoreless drives, and after the Gators’ field goal, the Sooners outscored Florida 38-7. It was only the second time since 2012 that the Oklahoma Sooners allowed twenty or fewer points in a bowl game (2016 Sugar Bowl vs. Auburn).

The nation’s leading passer, Kyle Trask, entered Wednesday evening throwing only twelve interceptions in his college career at Florida. The first three drives for Florida each ended in a pick, including a pick six by Tre Norwood on Trask’s second throw of the game. Trask finished the night 16 for 28 with 158 yards and those three interceptions. It was the fewest passing yards for Trask since September 14, 2019, against Kentucky, where he only had eight completions on thirteen attempts for 126 yards (21 games in between). Emory Jones took over and completed 8 of 16 passes for 86 yards but didn’t turn the ball over.

“Yeah, obviously, it’s difficult because this isn’t the way you want to go out,” Trask said after the game. “But at the same time, you’ve got to look at the big picture,” Trask announced he would enter the upcoming NFL Draft in 2021.

On the Oklahoma offensive side, it was a fine day for Spencer Rattler. Rattler completed 14 of 23 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. The fourteen completions went to nine different targets. The real start for the Sooners was their running attack. Oklahoma averaged just under eleven yards a carry on the night and rushed for 435 total yards. It’s an Oklahoma rushing attack that only averages 179.7 yards a game and a Florida rush defense that allowed 1,611 total rushing yards all season, entering Wednesday’s game. “We ran through tackles,” Sooner head coach Lincoln Riley said after the game. “Those were some tackles that at different times this year, we were ending up on the ground. Our guys ran aggressively. I thought the line really made them confident.”

The Oklahoma Sooners end the 2020 college football season on an eight-game winning after starting the year 1-2 and 0-2 in the Big 12. Meanwhile, a positive for Florida is that the Gators got a glimpse of their future. “For the program, I’m excited. I think the future’s really bright.” Dan Mullen said.

JONES, LAWRENCE, SMITH AND TRASK NAMED 2020 HEISMAN FINALISTS

By
Press Release
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Florida State vs Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in College Football Playoff - Coach Press Conferences
Florida State vs Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in College Football Playoff - Heisman Trophy Winners

The 2020 Heisman Winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 5th.

NEW YORK, NY (December 24, 2020) –   Heisman Trophy Winners Desmond Howard and Tim Tebow announced tonight that Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith and Florida quarterback Kyle Trask were named finalists for the 86th annual Heisman Memorial Trophy during ESPN’s 2020 Heisman Trophy Finalists Reveal Show Presented by Nissan.

ESPN will televise the 86th annual Heisman Trophy Ceremony Presented by Nissan on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m. ET.
Jones and Smith give Alabama 10 Heisman finalists since 1982. Trask is Florida’s eighth finalist (which includes two appearances by Danny Wuerffel and three by Tim Tebow) while Lawrence is Clemson’s third finalist selection (DeShaun Watson was named finalist twice). Oklahoma has the most with 11.

Jones, a redshirt junior in his first full season as Alabama’s starting quarterback, joined Smith in leading Alabama to an 11-0 record, an SEC title win against Florida and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. Jones, the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in addition to being All-SEC first team, completed 250-of-327 passes for a nation-leading completion percentage of 76.5 while his passer rating of 202.3 is also first. He has thrown for 3,739 yards (second-most in the nation) and 32 touchdowns (tied for third most). He earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week four times this season for his performances against Texas A&M, Georgia, Tennessee and Auburn. Jones threw for over 400 yards four times (the most in a career in Alabama history), including three times in a row against Texas A&M (435), Mississippi (417) and Georgia (417) and tossed four or more TDs six times, including two games with five against Auburn and Florida in the SEC title game (to go with 418 passing yards). Jones completed over 80.0% of his passes three times and completed at least 74.1% of his passes in eight of 11 games. 

Lawrence, a junior, was named the 2020 ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Offensive Player of the Year while leading Clemson to the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, its third straight appearance under Lawrence that includes a national title as a 2018 true freshman. Lawrence also directed the Tigers to their sixth straight conference title while becoming the first starting quarterback ever to win three ACC Championship Games. Lawrence won all nine of his starts (he missed two games due to COVID protocols), completing 198-of-286 passes for 2,753 yards and a completion percentage of 69.2 with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. He finished the season with a passer rating of 172.7 and was seventh nationally in total yards per game (329.3) which included 211 yards on the ground to go with seven rushing TDs. His interception on his 12th pass attempt at Georgia Tech ended a streak of 366 consecutive passes without an interception, the second-longest streak in ACC history and 13 pass attempts shy of matching the ACC record. He was named MVP of ACC Championship Game vs. No. 2 Notre Dame after he completed 25-of-36 passes for 322 yards with two passing touchdowns and also rushed for a season-high 90 yards.

Smith, a senior, was named the 2020 SEC Offensive Player of the Year while joining Jones in leading Alabama to the SEC title and the top seed in the CFP. Smith, in 11 games, leads the country with 98 receptions and 1,511 receiving yards while his 17 TD catches and 137.4 receiving yards per game are both second-best and his 8.9 receptions per game are tied for second best. He posted four games with 11 or more receptions, including a career-best and SEC title-game record 15 against Florida, 13 at Mississippi and 11 each against Georgia and Mississippi State. He recorded seven games with over 100 yards receiving (all with at least 144 yards), including 231 yards on eight catches at LSU, 203 against the Bulldogs (which included a season-high four TDs) and 184 yards against the Gators. He had six games with at least two TD receptions, three coming at LSU and two in the SEC title game. Smith also returned a punt for a TD for the first time in his career, going 84 yards at Arkansas in the regular-season finale. He holds the SEC and Alabama career record for receiving touchdowns with 40 and has the most 200-plus yard receiving performances in Alabama history with four.

Trask, a redshirt senior in his second year as a starter, led Florida to the SEC title game during an 8-3 season. Trask boasts national-leading totals of 375.0 passing yards per game, 4,125 passing yards, 43 touchdowns passes, 46 overall touchdowns and 285 completions. His 186.65 passer rating is fifth-best nationally while his completion percentage of 69.7 is ninth best. Trask’s 43 touchdown passes are tied for the eighth-highest total through 11 games in FBS history while his 375.0 passing yards per game is currently third-best ever in SEC history. Trask threw four or more TD passes in each of his first six games this year, making him the first player in SEC history and the fourth FBS QB since 1996 to do so. That included six TD passes in the season-opener at Mississippi as well as against Arkansas. He also became the first player in SEC history and the only FBS quarterback in the last 15 seasons to throw at least three TD passes in nine consecutive games. His five 400-yard games this year are the most in the nation and included two performances of 474 yards against Georgia and LSU as well as 408 in the SEC title game. He also threw for 433 at Tennessee and 416 at Ole Miss.

This is the first time Alabama has multiple Heisman finalists and it is the second year in a row (and the third time in the last five years) there are two from the same school. Ohio State’s Justin Fields and Chase Young were both finalists in 2019.

If either Jones or Smith win, they would be Alabama’s third Heisman winner (RB Mark Ingram 2009, RB Derrick Henry 2015). Jones would be Alabama’s first quarterback winner while Smith would be the first wide receiver to win since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991 and the first non-QB/WR since Charles Woodson in 1997.  Trask would be Florida’s fourth winner (QB Steve Spurrier 1966, QB Danny Wuerffel 1996, QB Tim Tebow 2007). Lawrence would be Clemson’s first winner.

Rounding out the top 10 finishers in the 2020 Heisman voting were:5. Najee Harris, Alabama6. Breece Hall, Iowa State7. Justin Fields, Ohio State8. Zach Wilson, BYU9. Ian Book, Notre Dame10. Kyle Pitts, Florida
The 2020 Heisman Trophy ballots went out to 927 electors, which includes 870 members of the media, our 56 living Heisman winners and one overall fan vote presented by Nissan, our premier partner. All ballots were submitted electronically to the independent accountants at Deloitte.


# # # About the Heisman Trophy Trust The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.  Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work.   The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award.  The Trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletics and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country.   Our goal through these charitable endeavors is for the Heisman Trophy to symbolize the fostering of a sense of community responsibility and service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or with special needs.

Nevada dominates the Potato Bowl over Tulane

By
Jevone Moore
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Nevada celebrates their victory in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson's Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue, fi360 news).

Boise, ID – Nevada Wolf Pack finished a very different 2020 football season with huge Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory over the Tulane Green Waves 38-27 and 7-2 record.

Nevada Toa Taua (35) cuts into gap while Tulane Marvin Moody (28) looks to make the tackle in first quarter Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

Nevada on their opening drive set the tone for the game bullying Tulane with a punishing ground game. Even thou it didn’t produce points it was a wake-up call for the Green Waves.

The game first turnover was an interception that set up game first score giving the Wolfpack the ball 1st and goal from the 11-yard line.

”We needed to score early to put pressure on them,” Nevada coach Jay Norvell said. ”And I’m really happy and satisfied with what our guys did. We talked about playing our best football game and a lot of ways we did that.”

Nevada’s Justin Lockhart (17) scores a touchdown while being defended by Tulane’s Ajani Kerr (21) in second quarter of Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

In the 2nd quarter Nevada receiver Justin Lockhart #17 kicked off a 20-point quarter with a 23-yard touchdown. Lockhart touchdown was a fade route where he high balled the catch using every inch of his 6’2 frame.

The Wildcat formation was a great addition to the gameplan, Toa Taua on 4th & 1 from midfield broke off a 50-yard run to stretch the lead to 26-7 with 6 mins left in the half.

Nevada finished the game with 480 total yards offense with 209 yards on the ground that delivered two 100-yard rusher. Toa Taua #35 rushed 20 times for 102 yards with a touchdown and Devonte Lee #2 finished with 105 yards on 18 carries.

Nevada’s Christian Swint (38) runs back after making an interception while Tulane’s Jha’quan Jackson (4) attempts to make the tackle in first quarter of Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

Carson Strong #12 threw 5 touchdowns with 271 yards for the Wolfpack to balance off their attack.

”Last game out still stings us little bit because we felt like we had a good enough team to win a championship,” said Strong, who garnered MVP honors with a Potato Bowl record-tying five touchdown passes. ”But at least you can go home with a smile on your face now.”

Tulane offensive performance started slow but did have 365 yards in total offense. The slow start and three interceptions were too much to overcome for a victory. 

Tulane’s Michael Pratt (7) makes a throw while Nevada Kameron Toomer (7) rushes in first quarter of Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

”Our margin for error is very slim,” Tulane coach Willie Fritz said. ”We’ve got to do the little things every game in order to win. We didn’t do that the whole ballgame and didn’t execute today.”

The Wolf Pack will have this game to thrust them into next season and poised  to make a run for the Mountain West Title for 2021.

Nevada’s Jaden Dedman (15) tackles Tulane’s Cameron Carroll (20) in third quarter of Nevada vs. Tulane at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue, fi360 News).

SAN JOSE STATE REMAINS PERFECT AND KING OF THE MOUNTAIN WEST

By
Terry Collins
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Boise State Broncos vs San Jose State Spartans in the Mountain West Football Championship 2020. (Photo by Jerry Kelly)

Las Vegas, NV – The San Jose Spartans (6-0) remain undefeated after defeating the Boise State Broncos (5-1) 34-20 in the Mountain West Football Championship.

Boise State Broncos vs San Jose State Spartans in the Mountain West Football Championship 2020. (Photo by Jerry Kelly)

The abbreviated 2020 season, due to COVID-19, was a breakout year for the Spartans who entered the contest on a 7 game winning streak.  True to form, the Spartans’ prolific passing attack and tenacious Defensive Line allowed them to hoist its 1st Mountain West Trophy. 

Boise has appeared in this game 4 times in recent years and is always considered a perennial power. Both teams are awaiting bowl announcements and should receive a bid relatively soon.

Spartan quarterback Nick Starkel put San Jose State on the board first.  Boise’s defense got caught in a blitz and the cornerback missed the tackle in the flat.   NFL-bound wide receiver Tre Walker took a short hitch route to the house for a 55-yard touchdown.  Nick  Starkel was awarded MVP after he finished the game 32-for-52 for 453 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Boise’s quarterback Hank Bachmeier was under a heavy dose of pressure from the stout Spartan defensive line.  Hank’s athleticism and ability to escape pressure extended drives throughout the afternoon.  However, Cade Hall, Spartan Defensive End and Mountain West Defensive Player Of The Year, set the tone with 2 sacks in the first quarter.  Sophomore Standout Viliami Fehoko Defensive End was another unrelenting force that continued to collapse the pocket.

Boise Kicker Jonah Dalmas went 2 for 3 in the first half to put 6 points on the board for the Broncos.  The first quarter was plagued by penalties that either extended or killed drives for both teams.  San Jose State led 7-3 after the end of the 1st quarter.

Boise State Broncos vs San Jose State Spartans in the Mountain West Football Championship 2020. (Photo by Jerry Kelly)

Boise’s defense continued to pressure the middle of the pocket and hurry Starkel in the second quarter.  Nose Tackle Divine Obichere created havoc throughout the contest.  San Jose adjusted its offense and used screen passes and quick slants to offset the pass rush.  Both teams played a relatively clean and disciplined 2nd quarter.  The Boise defense stiffened in the Red Zone.  The Spartans were forced to settle for 4 field goals from inside the 15-yard line.  The Spartans took a 19-6 lead into halftime but had to feel like they left a lot of points on the board.  

Boise’s special teams made it interesting in the 3rd quarter when Avery Williams returned a 69-yard punt for a touchdown.  Boise closed the gap 19-13.

The Spartans responded like champions. Nick Starkel was able to steady the ship with timely completions to Tre Walker (7 catches for 137 yards) and Derrick Deese, Jr.  Once Boise had to respect the passing game, the running lanes opened for running back Tyler Nevins.  In the 4th quarter, Boise’s defense fought hard, but the Spartans added 2 more touchdowns to extend the lead 34-20.

Boise State Broncos vs San Jose State Spartans in the Mountain West Football Championship 2020. (Photo by Jerry Kelly)

San Jose state’s historical season was many firsts: Mountain West Champion, Top 25 National Ranking, and First victory over Boise State.  Brennan stated that his most memorable part of the evening was the team and Athletic Director singing Lean on Me in the locker room.

This year was a huge success for the Spartans who outperformed all preseason metrics.  Head Coach Brent Brennan inherited a young and depleted team and went 8-29 in the first 3 seasons.  The culture is now that of winning expectations.  Even on plays that did not result in penalties, you see Coach Brennan reinforcing discipline and scheme on the sidelines.  In addition, much credit is due to Ben Thienes, Director of Football Operations and Alonzo Carter, Recruiting Coordinator and Running Back Coach Alonzo Carter.  The Spartans are now set to be fierce rivals to all that enter Sparta.

Even With Loss, UCLA Looks Forward To Make-Or-Break 2021 Season

By
Manny Nunez
-
Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Pasadena, CA – After UCLA trailed 20-3 against Stanford, UCLA managed 31 unanswered points. The Cardinal snagged back-to-back touchdowns to close out the fourth quarter, capitalizing on UCLA’s only turnover. It took two overtimes for Stanford to overcome UCLA 48-47 in a crazy final drives that put Stanford one point better.

Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Win or lose, this was a game that UCLA really wanted, even with Dorian Thompson-Robinson sitting out the second half after suffering a leg injury late in the second quarter. Chase Griffin took the helm and truly shined in Thompson-Robinson’s absence. With Thomson-Robinson and the Bruin offense struggling, Griffin takes over and holds the fort with four passing touchdowns on just 11 attempts. With Demetric Felton also sitting out just minutes before kickoff, graduate transfer Brittain Brown managed over 200 yards rushing. Confidence was also boosted from Kyle Phillips, Greg Dulcich, and Chase Cotta, all snagging touchdowns with Dulcich bringing in two of them.

Of course, even with the 31 unanswered, Stanford let loose near the end with Simi Fehoko’s record setting day. His three touchdown catches all came in the last five minutes and overtime. Along with his sixteen total catches, also a career high, the Bruins did not have an answer for him near the end of the game.

Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Still, UCLA has a lot of promise going into next season. Each of their losses were by just one possession, and they hung tight against the Pac-12 finalists. Only Felton will be departing as he is a Senior, which means the Bruins gained a lot of experience heading into next season.

However, a season like this now starts the conversation of Chip Kelly being in the hot seat. Even with yet another season below .500, the Bruins have a lot of highs that they can look forward to for next season. It does seen as if the Chip Kelly project has taken three years, and it could be the fourth that could give Bruin fans all they should have been hoping for all along.

Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
All Black PAC-12 Officiating Crew: R – Michael Mothershed, U – Michal Stephens, LJ – Harold Mitchell Jr., HL – Daryl Johnson, SJ – Gary Reed, FJ – Michael Hall, BJ -Antony Little,
CJ -Michael Marsh, ALT – Jay Edwards, Comm – Cleo Robinson, RO – Judson Howard
(Photo by Tony Crittendon)

If the schedule holds for next season, the Bruins will have all three of their non-conference games at home, which includes a date with LSU. In Kelly’s first two seasons, the Bruins fell in all three of their non-conference contests before starting Pac-12 play. Next season could be a no-excuse season, but with how 2020 ended up for UCLA, even ending the season with a tough loss, there is a lot to look forward to heading into August of 2021.

USC’s comeback bid falls short in loss to Oregon in Pac-12 title game

By
Eric Ramos
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The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

Los Angeles, CA- USC was on the road to another comeback. Another magical fourth quarter. Kedon Slovis drove his team down to Oregon’s 38-yard line with 2:47 left in the game. 

It was second-and-eight when Slovis scrambled right and tried to throw a pass out of bounds but the ball sailed towards Jamal Hill, who tipped the pass to himself and was able to keep one foot in bounds to make the interception. 

The Trojans run of comebacks fell short as Oregon was able to hold for a 31-24 win and become back-to-back Pac-12 champions on Friday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. 

“We were fighting for one more possession and we actually got it with 4:30 left,” USC head coach Clay Helton said. “It was right where we’ve known to be. We were in position even with the mistakes we made, especially the turnovers. We can’t do that with a good football team. It’s only for the kids’ heart and toughness and willingness to fight back that we put ourselves in position to go tie the game at the end.”

The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

USC was not able to overcome three turnovers by Slovis and 98 yards in penalties. Slovis finished with 320 yards and two touchdowns but had three costly interceptions. Oregon’s defense put pressure on Slovis throughout the game. Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux was named the games MVP, finishing with five tackles and two sacks. 

“We know Kayvon (Thibodeaux) and what he can do,” Helton said. “I thought he had tremendous jump off the ball tonight. They did some nice things, got three sacks tonight. They flushed Kedon (Slovis) out of the pocket and got him off his spot a bunch. I thought Kedon did a nice job keeping his eyes up and downfield and creating a lot after being flushed.”

Oregon got into the game after Washington dropped out due to Covid-19 cases on the team. The Ducks were coming off two consecutive losses to Cal and Oregon State. 

The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

On the opening drive, Slovis was intercepted by Deommodore Lenoir, who returned it 24 yards to the USC 9-yard line. Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown came in and completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Redd for an early 7-0 lead. 

Slovis was off the mark early, throwing a second interception to Hill. Oregon capitalized on the turnover with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Shough to tight end Hunter Kampmoyer. 

The Trojans defense forced a punt and Slovis got USC on the board with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was wide open down the left sideline. Oregon came right back when Shough hit DJ Johnson for a 16-yard touchdown and a 21-7 lead. 

USC answered with a 12-play, 80-yard drive which was capped with a 1-yard touchdown run by Markese Stepp. On the ensuing drive, Shough was intercepted by USC linebacker Kana’i Mauga but Parker Lewis missed a 41-yard field goal with two seconds left in the second quarter. Oregon took a 21-14 lead into halftime.

The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

Oregon led 31-17 in the fourth quarter when Slovis hit Bru McCoy on fourth-and-goal for a 4-yard touchdown. USC was able to force a punt and get the ball back with 4:43 left in the game before Slovis threw the final interception. 

“I haven’t thought one second past this game,” Helton said. “We’ve been in a mindset all season of trying to be 1-0 all week and don’t look back, don’t look forward. Right now I’ve got a bunch of kids that just gave their absolute heart and soul and are hurt and I’m going to focus on that and I’m not going to worry about what’s in the future right now.”

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