The Crimson Tide defeated Oklahoma 45-34 and Clemson crushed an overmatched Notre Dame team that shouldn’t have been in the playoff, 30-3, it should have been Georgia, to set up a classic national championship game as the Crimson Tide and the Tigers meet for the third time in the national title game and fourth time in the playoff with the Tide holding a 2-1 advantage. They’ll square off a week from today at 7 PM CT in Santa Clara, California 45 miles south of San Francisco on ESPN in the CFB National Championship game.

It’ll be the great Tua versus a super freshman quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. The offensive and defensive lines on both sides could determine this outcome, as the Clemson o line will be tested by the rugged Alabama front and the Alabama o line will be tested by an equally solid Clemson front line on defense. It could ultimately come down to quarterback play though as it does many times. Tua does have the experience of a national championship game and it was a memorable one as he lead his team back from a 13-0 deficit and threw a game winning 45 yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith in overtime to catapult the Tide over Georgia 26-23 in Mercedes-Benz Stadium last January. But Lawrence plays like a redshirt senior. I’ve never seen a quarterback so accurate throwing off his back foot. That’s not how they teach it, but he can throw it using the right form and he can hum it using the wrong form. The guy’s a stud, too. The secondaries for both teams will be tested mightily and rushing the passer for both teams will be at a premium. The difference between Lawrence and Kyler Murray is Lawrence has pretty average running ability. He can run a little bit, but he’s not exceptional. He’s OK with his legs. Tua can run if necessary and is a better runner than Lawrence. The weather in Cali will be probably mid 60’s to low 60’s at game time so fatigue won’t play a role like it did in the Orange Bowl. Chasing Kyler Murray in 84 temperature that feels in the 90’s is no picnic. But Lawrence has a pretty quick delivery and excellent receivers so Deointe Thompson and the secondary will be tested. Alabama will certainly test the Clemson secondary with Tua’s arsenal on the perimeter, DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and Jaylen Waddle. And the Crimson Tide has the better backup quarterback option if Tua gets hurt. My wife said that God is on Jalen’s side for all he’s persevered through in the last year, so if Jalen is called upon, he can deliver. Clemson has Chase Brice and he’s not bad either. He led Clemson to the game winning touchdown against Syracuse completing a 4th and 6 pass that if he didn’t complete would have cost Clemson the game. So he’s pretty good as well.

Alabama has a slight edge in turnover margin at No.21 in the country while Clemson is 43. Bama has 14 interceptions on the season and Clemson has 10. Bama has recovered 7 fumbles and Clemson has 11. Alabama has lost the ball 13 times and Clemson has lost it 16. Winning the turnover battle is always critical, but there are a lot of other factors in this game also as mentioned above.

Will be a thriller on the left coast next Monday Night

Here are predictions for today’s bowl games. 6 on tap.

Military Bowl

Cincinnati (10-2) vs Virginia Tech (6-6)

Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, Annapolis, MD. 34,000

11 AM CT

ESPN

Mike Corey, Rene Ingoglia, Alex Corddry

Refs, Mountain West, Kevin Hassell

Cincy by 6 1/2

I don’t know why, but I always trust VA. Tech in toss up games, even though Cincy is a pretty clear favorite here. The way Duke smashed Temple, 56-27, in the Independence Bowl, a Temple team that finished 9-3 overall and 7-1 in the American in the regular season, and that VA. Tech defeated Duke, 31-14, at Duke in the regular season, makes me believe in the Hokies here.

VA Tech 28, Cincinnati 27

Sun Bowl

Stanford (8-4) vs. Pittsburgh (7-6)

Sun Bowl, El Paso, TX. 51,500

1 PM CT

CBS

Brad, Gary, Jamie

Refs, SEC, David Smith

Stanford by 4

Pitt is another ACC team I like to upset a Stanford team that will be without star running back Bryce Love who is sitting out. Love wasn’t that great this year anyway running for 739 yards and only 6 TDs. So I like the Panthers here.

Pitt 28, Stanford 24

RedBox Bowl

Michigan State (7-5) vs. Oregon (8-4)

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA., 68,500

2 PM CT

FOX

Joe Davis, Brady Quinn, Bruce Feldman

Refs, Big 12, Reggie Smith

Oregon by 1 1/2

I like the Ducks to prevail here, though it’ll be close.

Oregon 30, Michigan State 28

Liberty Bowl

No. 23 Missouri (8-4) vs. Oklahoma State (6-6)

Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Memphis, 61,008

2:45 PM CT

ESPN

Clay Matvick, Dan Orlovsky, Paul Carcaterra

Refs, BIG 10 , Jerry McGinn

Missouri by 9

I’m going with Drew Lock and the Tigers here in what will be a shootout.

Missouri 38, Oklahoma State 35

Holiday Bowl

No. 22 Northwestern (8-5) vs. No. 17 Utah (9-4)

SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, 70,561

6 PM CT

Fox Sports 1

Gus, Joel, Jenny

Utah by 7

Refs, Big 12, Brandon Cruse

Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham is 11-1 in bowls in his 15 years at the helm in Salt Lake City. I like him to add to that impeccable record.

Utah 28, Northwestern 20

Gator Bowl

NC State (9-3) vs. No. 19 Texas A&M (8-4)

TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, FL. 67,164

6:30 PM CT

ESPN

Adam Amin, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Refs, Pac-12, Mark Duddy

A&M by 7

I like Jimbo and the Aggies to get the job done and with the 3rd best recruiting class in 2019 behind Bama and Georgia, look for even bigger things next year and beyond that.

Texas A&M 31, NC State 23

The College Football Playoff is here and Crimson Tide fans are happy about that. The No. 1 Tide locks horns with No.4 Oklahoma and their dynamic offense today at the Orange Bowl in Miami at 7 PM CT on ESPN. Prior to that, at 3 PM CT, No. 2 Clemson squares off with No.3 Notre Dame in the first semifinal matchup at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Here’s a look at those 2 blockbusters along with short previews and predictions for the Chick-fil-A, the Belk and the Arizona Bowls.

Bowl record: 14-8

Overall: 243-80, 75%

Capital One Orange Bowl, Second semifinal game

No.1 Alabama (13-0) vs. No. 4 Oklahoma (12-1)

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, 65,326

7 PM CT

ESPN

Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Maria Taylor, Laura Rutledge

Whistles: ACC, Duane Heydt

Bama by 14

For the Crimson Tide, Tua Tagovailoa, despite battling through some knee and ankle injuries this season, put together a masterful year completing 199 of 294 passes, 68%, for 3,353 yards, 37 TDs against only 4 ints. The great Tua has a wealth of targets led by Jerry Jeudy, who caught 59 passes for 1,103 yards and 12 TDs. Henry Ruggs III was next with 42 receptions for 724 yards and 10 TDs. The electric Jaylen Waddle pulled in 41 passes for 803 yards and 7 scores, and tight end Irv Smith caught 38 passes for 649 yards and 7 TDs. Not to be forgotten was last year’s national championship hero, DeVonta Smith, who pulled in 30 passes for 524 yards and 5 TDs. That’s quite an arsenal. Damien Harris led the running game with 771 yards and 7 TDs. The great Josh Jacobs added 495 yards and 11 TDs. The defense is anchored by awesome nose guard Quinnen Williams, who was the 3rd leading tackler on the team with 66 stops, and added 18 tackles for loss and 8 sacks. Outside linebacker Dylan Moses led the team with 76 tackles along with 10 for loss and 3 1/2 sacks. Free safety Deionte Thompson was second with 70 tackles. Defensive end Isaiah Buggs posted 12 1/2 tackles for loss and 9 1/2 sacks. Outside linebacker Christian Miller posted 10 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. The Tide defense intercepted 14 passes, led by cornerback Savion Smith’s 3. Savion took one back to the house as did safety Xavier McKinney. STAR Shyheim Carter made 2 house calls with his ints. The Tide finished with 6 non offensive touchdowns on the season as Waddle returned a punt for a score and Jacobs ran back a kick for a TD.

For the Sooners, it’s about offense. Heisman Trophy winner Kyler Murray completed 241 of 340 passes, 71%, for 4,053 yards, 40 TDs and 7 ints. Murray also rushed for 892 yards and 11 TDs. Trey Sermon is the leading rusher for the Sooners with 928 yards and 12 TDs. On the perimeter, Marquise Brown, who was injured in the Big 12 Championship game but is expected to play tonight, caught 75 passes for 1,318 yards and 10 TDs. Just as effective was CeeDee Lamb who recorded 57 receptions for 1,049 yards and 10 TDs as well. Tight end Grant Calcaterra pulled in 25 passes for 378 yards and 6 TDs, and Lee Morris added 21 receptions for 457 yards and 8 TDs. On defense, defensive end Kenneth Murray posted 140 tackles, 12 for loss and 4 sacks. Outside linebacker Curtis Bolton was next with 133 tackles, 11 1/2 for loss and 4 sacks. OU registered 6 ints on the season.

Decision

Alabama star offensive guard Deonte Brown is suspended for the rest of the playoff for undisclosed reasons, though I would assume it’s a failed drug test. Lester Cotton will take his place. I’ve heard Lester Cotton is one of the meanest guys on the team, though Mack Wilson has a good argument. I like what Tua can do through the air against the Sooner defense. I also think Bama can run the ball well against a questionable OU front 7. On the OU side of the ball, Murray hasn’t faced a defense like this in the Big 12. He’s never had to deal with Quinnen Williams and company. I see him struggling. I like the Crimson Tide to dominate this game and move on to the national championship game @ Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. on January 7th. 7 PM CT on ESPN.

Crimson Tide 52, Sooners 24

The Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Semifinal 1

No.2 Clemson (13-0) vs. No. 3 Notre Dame (12-0)

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX., 100,000

3 PM CT

ESPN

Sean McDonough, Todd Blackledge, Holly Rowe, Tom Rinaldi

Officials, SEC, Matt Austin

Clemson by 11 1/2

This is another great quarterback duel between Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence (212 of 327, 65%, 2606 yards, 24 TDs, 2 ints) and Notre Dame’s Ian Book (197 of 280, 70%, 2,468 yards, 19 TDs, 6 ints). It’s also a good running back matchup, as Clemson’s great Travis Etienne rushed for 1,464 yards and 21 TDs and the Fighting Irish’s Dexter Williams rushed for 941 yards and 12 TDs this season.

Clemson lost all star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence for the game due to a failed drug test, but they still have defensive end Clelin Ferrell (17 1/2 TFLs, 10 1/2 sacks), defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (12 1/2 TFLs, 4 1/2 sacks) and defensive end Austin Bryant (11 TFLs, 6 1/2 sacks). They’ll plug in Albert Huggins in Lawrence’s spot and Huggins finished the season with 3 1/2 TFLs and 2 1/2 sacks. Clemson posted 11 ints on the season.

Lawrence’s key targets are Tee Higgins, who caught 52 passes for 802 yards and 10 TDs. Justyn Ross pulled in 34 passes for 699 yards and 6 TDs. And the always reliable and a guy who seems like he’s been there forever, Hunter Renfrow, pulled in 43 passes for 472 yards and a TD.

Notre Dame’s leading receiver is Miles Boykin, who posted 54 receptions for 803 yards and 8 TDs. Chase Claypool added 48 receptions for 631 yards and 4 TDs. On defense, middle linebacker Te’Von Coney led the team with 107 tackles. Defensive end Khalid Kareem led the team in TFLs with 11 and had the co-lead for sacks with the opposite bookend, Julian Okwara, at 5 1/2. The Irish intercepted 11 passes this season.

Decision

The Irish have had an excellent 2018, but I don’t see them keeping up with Clemson. Like Dabo and the Tigers to face the Tide on January 7th.

Clemson 42, Notre Dame 27

Chick Fil-A Peach Bowl

No.7 Michigan (10-2) vs. No.10 Florida (9-3)

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, 71,000

11 AM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Brock Huard, Allison Williams

Whistles, Big 12, Mike Defee, likes to show off his artillery, tight shirts

Michigan by 5 1/2

Michigan has four players sitting out this game for the NFL Draft, star defensive end Rashan Gary, star linebacker Devin Bush, top running back Karan Higdon and fifth year senior offensive lineman Juwann Bushell-Beatty. Michigan sounds like they don’t want to be there. I like the upset in Atlanta.

Florida 21, Michigan 17

Belk Bowl

South Carolina (7-5) vs Virginia (7-5)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C., 75,412

11 AM

ABC

Adam Amin, Anthony Becht, Rocky Boiman

Officials, BIG 10, Jeff Servinski

South Carolina by 3 1/2

The Gamecocks have a ton of players who will miss this bowl. Star wide receiver Deebo Samuels is skipping this game for the draft. I like Jake Bentley and the offense to do just enough to prevail over a gritty UVA effort.

South Carolina 28, Virginia 27

Nova Home Loans Arizona Bowl

Arkansas State (8-4) vs. Nevada (7-5)

Arizona Stadium, Tuscon, Zona, 57,400

12 PM CT

CBS Sports Network

Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, John Schriffen

Whistles, MAC

Nevada by 1

Arkansas State 31, Nevada 28

It may be great to be an Auburn Tiger at 4 PM in the Music City. It depends on the play of Jarrett Stidham, the play of the o line and the running backs and a defense that can be good at times, but got bashed by Tua Tagovailoa and the Crimson Tide in the Iron Bowl, 52-21. Purdue is playing with a lot of passion as result of their team inspiration. Tyler Trent, a young guy battling a rare form of bone cancer, and is a passionate Boilermakers fan. Trent is in hospice but will be at the game supporting his team. Against Ohio State, Trent was there and the Boilers put on a clinic blasting the Buckeyes, 49-20. So Purdue will be charged up. The question is, will Auburn be.

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

Auburn (7-5) vs. Purdue (6-6)

Nissan Stadium, Nashville, 69,143

12:30 PM CT

ESPN

Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Roddy Jones

Whistles, Big 12, Brad Van Vark

Auburn by 3 1/2

Jarrett Stidham has declared for the NFL draft, but I’m not so sure he can be a good Sunday player. He’s got a lot to prove today. Stidham completed 209 of 346 passes, 60%, for 2,421 yards, 13 TDs and 5 ints. His offensive line had trouble protecting him quite a bit, but he was inaccurate at times also. But he’s got some pretty good weapons on the perimeter in Ryan Davis, who pulled in 64 passes for 523 yards but no touchdowns. They need to get Davis the ball and let him move the sticks and get in the end zone. Darius Slayton has 32 receptions for 510 yards and 2 TDs. But maybe the most impressive is freshman Seth Williams, who pulled in 24 passes for 479 yards and 5 TDs. Williams can be a super player with good quarterback play, which may be a little questionable at Auburn next year though freshman Joey Gatewood and incoming 5 star Bo Nix have great talent. Anthony Schwartz is a world class sprinter who rushed 23 times for 199 yards and 4 TDs. If Schwartz gets into space, he can certainly make a house call. He’s a pretty good receiver, too, with 19 receptions for 307 yards and 2 TDs. Running back Ja’Tarvious Whitlow, known as “Boobie” by his teammates, is a good when he’s healthy. Whitlow rushed for 777 yards and 4 TDs this season, but struggled with injuries and sometimes ball security. Shaun Shivers is a promising speedster who rushed for 338 yards, on 5.7 yards per carry and 3 TDs.

On defense, the Tigers are led in tackles by superb inside linebacker Deshaun Davis, who posted 103 tackles and a team leading 14 tackles for loss. Defensive end Nick Coe, who posted 13 1/2 TFLs and 7 sacks is out today with an injury. The Auburn front, led by Derrick Brown (9 1/2 TFLs, 3 1/2 sacks) and Marlon Davidson ( 4 1/2 TFLs and 2 1/2 sacks) will need to be big factors to stop what can be a pretty prolific Purdue offense. The Tigers have 12 interceptions on the season, Strong safety Daniel Thomas and linebacker Darrell Williams have both taken 1 back to the house.

Purdue is led by quarterback David Blough, who has completed 283 of 425 passes, 67%, for 3,521 yards, 25 TDs against 8 ints. Slot back Rondale Moore is explosive rushing for 203 yards and 1 TD, and catching 103 passes for 1,164 yards and 12 TDs. On defense, linebacker Markus Bailey leads them in tackles with 104. He also has 8 tackles for loss and 6 1/2 sacks, and a 41 yard interception return for a house call. Inside linebacker Cornel Jones leads the defense in TFLs with 12 1/2. The Boilermakers have posted 11 interceptions on the season.

Decision

Auburn really doesn’t have momentum heading into this game and Purdue will be playing with a lot of passion. Auburn’s talent is better, but can Gus Malzahn get them motivated for this game. It’s a big question mark. But I’ll take the Tigers in a close game. They’ll do enough.

Auburn 35, Purdue 31

Camping World Bowl

Syracuse (9-3) vs. West Virginia (8-3)

Camping World Stadium, Orlando, 65,000

4:15 PM CT

ESPN

Dave Flemming, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich

Stripes, Pac-12, Steve Strimling

Syracuse by 2

The Mountaineers started out as a 9 point favorite, but when star quarterback Will Grier decided to sit this one out for the draft, the line moved drastically. I agree with the gamblers. Syracuse quarterback Eric Dungey, who completed 205 of 343 passes, 60%, for 2,565 yards, 17 TDs and 7 ints along with running for 732 yards and 15 more TDs, and the Orange earn the victory in Orlando.

Syracuse 42, West Virginia 34

Valero Alamo Bowl

Iowa State Cyclones (8-4) vs Washington State Cougars (10-2)

Alamodome, San Antonio, 72,000

8 PM CT

ESPN

Dave Pasch, Gregory McElroy, Lugues

Laundry, BIG 10, John O’Neill

Wash State by 3

I like running back David Montgomery (1092 yards, 12 TDs), quarterback Brock Purdy (128 of193, 66%, 16 TDs, 5 ints) and a pretty solid Cyclones defense to get over the top against quarterback Gardiner Minshew (433 of 613, 71%, 36 TDs, 9 ints) and the Cougars in a slight upset.

Iowa State 38, Washington State 34

Walk-On’s Independence Bowl

Duke Blue Devils (7-5) vs. Temple Owls (8-4)

Independence Stadium, Shreveport, LA., 65,000

12:30 PM CT

ESPN

Mike Couzens, Kirk Morrison, Lauren Sisler

Refs, Big 10, Mark Kluczynski

Temple by 3 1/2

The Owls had a very solid season finishing 8-4 overall and 7-1 in the American Conference, while the Blue Devils limped home losing to Clemson, 35-6, and then getting blasted by Wake Forest, 59-7. Clemson’s an excellent team and Wake Forest is very solid, but 59-7 was a disaster. The Owls did lose their coach, Geoff Collins, who took the job at Georgia Tech and interim Ed Foley will coach the team while Manny Diaz, the defensive coordinator for Miami, will be taking over in 2019. You wonder if a team loses motivation when their coach leaves, but Utah State and App State showed with convincing victories over North Texas and Middle Tennessee in their respective bowl games, that maybe that is a little overrated. Temple won their last 3 games, 59-49 over Houston on the road, 29-17 over South Florida at home, and 57-7 over UConn on the road. That’s pretty convincing to me. Temple has a 1,000 yard rusher, Ryquell Armstead (1,098 yards, 13 TDs). Armstead and a defense that has 15 ints on the season are the difference for the Owls.

Temple 31, Duke 27

New Era Pinstripe Bowl

Wisconsin Badgers (7-5) vs Miami Hurricanes (7-5)

Yankee Stadium, New York, 54,251

4:15 PM CT

ESPN

Bob Wischusen, Mike Golic Jr. Dan Orlovsky, Paul Carcaterra

Whistles, SEC, Ken Williamson

Miami by 2 1/2

It’s going to be 42 at kickoff and getting colder, Wisconsin weather, not South Beach weather. Even though Badgers starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook is out with a concussion and Jack Coan is taking his place (50 of 82, 61%, 488 yards, 4 TDs, 2 ints), I like Johathan Taylor, who rushed for 1,989 yards and 15 TDs, and the Badgers to outlast the Canes in the Bronx.

Wisconsin 20, Miami 17

Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl

Baylor Bears (6-6) vs Vanderbilt Commodores (6-6)

NRG Stadium, Houston, 72,220

8 PM CT

ESPN

Tom Hart, JRodg, Cole

Whistles, ACC, Gary Patterson

Vandy by 4 1/2

The Vanderbilt Commodores were 4-6 heading into their last 2 games of the season after a gut wrenching loss at Missouri, 33-28 in Columbia and several tough losses throughout the season. But the Commodores answered the bell defeating Ole Miss, 36-29, in overtime, and then following that up with a dominating victory over the Tennessee Vols, 38-13. They have a loaded offense with quarterback Kyle Shurmur, a potential quarterback on Sundays, completing 236 of 369 passes, 64%, for 2,844 yards, 23 TDs against only 6 ints. And there are some more future NFLers. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who is a junior and will hopefully stay, rushed for 1,001 yards, averaging 7 yards per carry and 10 TDs. He also caught 13 passes for 170 yards and 2 more scores. Wide out Kalija Lipscomb caught 81 passes for 886 yards and 9 TDs, while tight end Jared Pinkney, along with the other 3, an NFL looking player, caught 45 passes for 698 yards and 7 TDs. On defense, middle linebacker Jordan Griffin rolled up 110 tackles. Cornerback Joejuan Williams, another NFL prospect as a junior but Vanderbilt fans are hoping he comes back, intercepted 4 passes on the season and had 10 pass breakups. Williams is lockdown.

For Baylor, they finished the season losing 2 out of their last 3, to Iowa State, 28-14, TCU, 16-9, before winning their final game in Arlington, Texas defeating Texas Tech, 35-24, a solid victory. Quarterback Charlie Brewer completed 219 of 356 passes, 62%, for 2,635 yards, 17 TDs against 8 ints. His leading receiver, Jalen Hurd, the former Tennessee standout, is hurt, so Baylor loses his 69 receptions for 946 yards and 4 TDs. But wide receiver Denzel Mims is explosive as he has caught 49 passes for 699 yards and 8 TDs. John Lovett is their leading rusher with 546 yards and 5 TDs. On defense, James Lynch leads the Bears with 8 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks. The Bears have 6 ints on the season.

Final Decision

I see the 4 man offensive juggernaut of Shurmur, Vaughn, Lipscomb and Pinkney, along with stellar play by Williams, who I expect to pick off a pass, leading the Dores to victory and setting them up for a bright future in 2019.

Vandy 31, Baylor 21

Record in Bowls: 10-4

Overall: 239-76, 76%

ServePro First Responder Bowl

Boston College ( 7-5) vs. Boise State (10-3)

Cotton Bowl, Dallas, 92,100

12:30 PM CT

ESPN

Lowell Galindo, Ahmad Brooks, Kris Budden

Whistles: PAC-12, Kevin Mar

Boise State by 2 1/2

Boise State had another excellent season and went for back to back 11 win seasons under coach Bryan Harson. They also finished 10-3 in 2016 but lost their bowl game, the then Motel 6 Cactus Bowl in Phoenix, to Baylor, 31-12. Last year they defeated Oregon in the Las Vegas Bowl, 38-28, to cap off an 11-3 season.
They can get it done both on the ground and through the air. Running back Alexander Mattison rushed for 1,415 yards and 17 TDs this season. He’s a workhorse who gets better with more carries. Good between the tackles and has take it to the house speed. Quarterback Brett Rypien completed 301 of 447 passes, 67%, for 3,705 yards, 30 TDs against only 7 ints. The senior has been around the block and knows how to get his teams past the sticks and into the end zone. Rypien’s top targets are Sean Modster, who pulled in 68 receptions for 978 yards and 8 TDs, and A.J. Richards, who caught 54 passes for 825 yards and 8 TDs as well. On defense, linebacker Curtis Weaver posted 15 tackles for loss and 9 1/2 sacks. NIckelback Kekaula Keniho leads the defense with 3 ints. Corner Tyler Horton has only 1 interception, but he made the most of it, taking it back to the house 99 yards.

For the Eagles, running back A.J. Dillon is their workhorse. He rushed for 1,108 yards and 10 TDs. Quarterback Anthony Brown has completed 158 of 285 passes, 55%, for 2,121 yards, 20 TDs against 9 ints. On defense, Connor Strachan leads the team in tackles with 91. Zach Allen has the team lead in tackles for loss with 15 and added 6 1/2 sacks. Wyatt Ray posted 11 1/2 tackles for loss and a team leading 9 sacks. Cornerback Hamp Cheevers leads the nation with 7 ints, and he’s taken 1 back for a house call. The Eagles lead the country with 18 ints.

Final decision

BC has a good defense, but dropped their last 3 to Clemson, 27-7, Florida State, 22-21, and Syracuse, 42-21. The Broncos lost out in the Mountain West Conference Championship game to Fresno State, 19-16, in overtime on their home turf, Albertson’s Stadium, a place they barely lose at. Before that, they had won 7 in a row including a 24-17 victory over Fresno State at home. I like the Broncos better in this one. While this game is pretty evenly matched, I like Mattison and Rypien to be the difference.

Boise State 30, Boston College 27

Quick Lane Bowl

Minnesota (6-6) vs. Georgia Tach (7-5)

Ford Field, Detroit, 65,000

4:15 PM CT

ESPN

Mark Neely, Ray Bentley, Allison Williams

Stripes: Big 12, Scott Campbell

Tech by 6

Paul Johnson is retiring after 11 seasons at Georgia Tech and 22 overall as head coach. The 61 year old is 82-59 at Tech with 1 ACC Championship in 2009 and 4 Coastal division titles. He is 189-58 overall including 2 national titles at FCS Georgia Southern in 1999 and 2000. Johnson spent 6 seasons at Navy. from 2002 to 2007. I like the Yellow Jackets to send their coach out in a big way with a convincing victory over the Golden Gophers.

Georgia Tech 42, Minnesota 31

Cheez-It Bowl

Chase Field, Phoenix, 48,519

8 PM CT

ESPN

Jason Benetti, Kelly Stouffer Olivia Dekker

Whistles, SEC, Marc Curles

Cal by 1

TCU finished an uncustomary 6-6 this season, but 7 defensive starters were lost for the season early in the year. Third string quarterback Grayson Muehistein came in the last 2 games of the season to replace injured second stringer Michael Collins after starter Shawn Robinson, who had been banged up some, decided to transfer. Muehistein led the Frogs to 2 victories to finish off the season, 16-9 over Baylor on the road, and 31-24 over Ok State at home to get the Frogs eligible for a bowl game. He completed 28 of 43, 65%, for 328 yards, 3 TDs and 0 ints. His main target is Jalen Reagor, who caught 71 passes for 1,053 yards and 9 TDs. Darius Anderson led the running game with 598 yards and 3 TDs. On defense, defensive end Ben Banogu posted 17 TFLs and 7 1/2 sacks.

Cal played a lot of excellent defense this season. Inside linebacker Evan Weaver posted 144 tackles this season, 4th best in the country. Cal picked off 16 passes. Free safety Antoine Davis led the team with 4, taking 1 back the distance. The defense posted 4 ints that they took back to the house. .On offense, quarterback Chase Garbers completed 147 of 241 passes, 61%, for 1,418 yards, 16 TDs against 7 ints. His leading target was Vic Wharton, who pulled in 50 passes for 502 yards and 1 score. Jordan Duncan registered 19 receptions for 234 yards and a team leading 4 TDs. Patrick Laird rushed for 935 yards and 5 TDs.

Decision

This is a close call but I like Gary Patterson’s Horned Frogs to pull it out over Justin Wilcox’s Bears and catapult the Frogs into 2019.

TCU 28, Cal 24

BYU buried Western Michigan yesterday at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, 49-18. Cougar freshman quarterback Zach Wilson was 18-of-18 for 317 yards, 4 TDs and 0 ints. Kid’s a total stud.

Florida International was also impressive in defeating Toledo, 35-32. FIU was a 7 point underdog, but quarterback Christian Alexander completed 17 of-26 passes for 209 yards and 1 TD and ran for 83 more He became the starter on Thursday when usual starter James Morgan was ruled out due to injury. Morgan had completed 65% of his passes for 2,727 yards and 26 TDs so it looked like a huge blow heading into the Bahamas Bowl. But Alexander stepped up in a big way and led his team to an impressive victory. Spike called it on the blog. Well done Spike.

Today there are 4 games on the slate, The Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field pitting Wake Forest and Memphis, The Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth featuring Army and Houston, The Dollar General Bowl in Mobile pitting Buffalo and Troy, and finally, capping it off, the Hawaii Bowl with Hawaii squaring off with Louisiana Tech.

Here’s a look at today’s games along with predictions.

Birmingham Bowl

Wake Forest (6-6) vs. Memphis (8-5)

Legion Field, 71,594

11 AM CT

ESPN

Dave Neal. DJ Shockley, Dawn Davenport

Laundry, Conference USA, Rodney Burnette

Memphis by 3 1/2

Solid matchup in the Magic City. Memphis running back Darrell Henderson, who rushed for 1,909 yards and 22 TDs, is sitting this one out for the draft. Patrick Taylor Jr. is a more than capable back who rushed for 1,017 yards and 15 TDs. Quarterback Brady White completed 231 of 365 passes, 63%, for 3,125 yards, and 25 TDs against 8 interceptions.

On the other side, the story has been the play of quarterback Jamie Newman. Newman came in November 8th and started against NC State after starter Sam Hartman was lost for the season with an injury. Wake was a 17 point underdog in Raleigh on a Thursday Night, but Newman proceeded to complete 22 of 33 passes for 297 yards and 3 TDs against 0 ints to lead the Demon Deacons to a 27-23 upset of the then No. 14 NC State. Then at Duke, the final game of the season with Wake’s bowl hopes on the line and playing as a 12 point underdog, Newman completed 18 of 23 passes for 177 yards, 4 TDs and 0 ints to lead his team to a 59-7 rout of the Blue Devils.

So I like what Newman brings into Legion Field today. And I like his team to pull off a slight upset.

Wake Forest 34, Memphis 30

Armed Forces Bowl

Army (10-2) vs. Houston (8-4)

Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, TX., 50,000

2:30 PM CT

ESPN

Chris Cotter, Emmanuel Acho, Jim Mora, Quint Kessenich

Whistles, MAC, Luke Richmond

Army by 6 1/2

The Cadets’ offense rushed for 3,556 yards this season, good for fourth in the country. Houston allowed 199 rushing yards per game, 99th in the FBS out of 129 teams. I like quarterback Kelvin Hopkins Jr. (852 yards, 12 TDs) and fullback Darnell Woolfolk (885 yards, 14 TDs) to have big days against a defense that is banged up, up front. Star defensive tackle Ed Oliver, who could be a top 5 draft pick in late April, is sitting this one out in preparation for the NFL draft, another unfortunate decision particularly for his team.

Army 38, Houston 28

Dollar General Bowl

Buffalo (10-3) vs. Troy (9-3)

Ladd Peebles Stadium, Mobile, 40,000

6 PM CT

ESPN

Anish Shroff, Ahmad Brooks, Roddy White

Stripes, ACC, Jeff Flanagan

Buffalo by 1

Troy’s scoring defense is 23rd in the country giving up only 21.1 points per game. Buffalo is 40th giving up 24.7. Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson put together a fine season completing 205 of 372, 55%, for 2,857 yards, and 27 TDs against 11 ints. He’s pretty good, but can be erratic. Troy running back B.J. Smith rushed for 1,090 yards and 12 TDs . Quarterback Sawyer Smith, who came in this season when starter Kaleb Barker was lost for the season due to injury, completed 113 of 185 passes, 61%, for 1,349 yards, 10 TDs against 6 ints. He’s a good player overall. Defensive end Hunter Reese leads the Trojans with 14 1/2 TFLs and 7 1/2 sacks. The Troy defense posted 16 interceptions. Free safety Cedarius Rookard led the way with 4. Nickel back Tyler Murray added 3.

All in all, I like Troy’s running game and defense, including a game changing interception or 2 against Jackson, who can be errant with his passes, to carry the night for the Trojans. Going with the Trojans fairly handily in Mobile.

Troy 30, Buffalo 17

Hawaii Bowl

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (8-5) vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (7-5)

Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, 50,000

9:30 PM CT

ESPN

Beth Mowins, Kirk Morrison, Allison Williams

Refs, MAC, Greg Sujak

LA Tech by 1

This is a potent offense versus a solid defense. Rainbow Warriors quarterback Cole McDonald has thrown fo 3,790 yards and 35 TDs against 8 ints. His top target, John Ursua, has pulled in 89 passes for 1,343 yards and 16 TDs, which leads the FBS. ***** Note Ursua out with a hamstring injury. ****Cedric Byrd is next with 76 receptions for 939 yards and 9 TDs. JoJo Ward has pulled in 51 receptions for 865 yards and 9 TDs also. On defense for LA Tech, defensive end Jaylon Ferguson has 23 1/2 tackles for loss, 2nd in the country just behind East Carolina’s Nate Harvey, and is tied for the FBS lead with Sutton Smith of Northern Illinois with 15 sacks. The 6’2”, 262 pound “Sack Daddy” has 42 1/2 career sacks needing only 2 against Hawaii to break the official NCAA record.

With that said, LSU defeated LA Tech, 38-21, and Mississippi State defeated them 45-3, and while those are very good SEC teams, their offenses weren’t totally prolific at times during the season. I like this Hawaii attack . I watched the Rainbow Warriors upset San Diego State at the end of the season, 31-30, and was super impressed with McDonald. I like the Warriors to get the job done on their home turf.

Hawaii 38, LA Tech 35

The bowls head to sunny Nassau and chilly Boise today, for action as the bowl season keeps cookin. Looks like there will be good quarterback play in both games, so there should be some offensive fireworks, particularly in the Bahamas. Here’ s a look at today’s slate.

Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl

Florida International Panthers (8-4) vs. Toledo Rockets (7-5)

Thomas Robinson Stadium, Nassau, Bahamas, 15,023

11:30 AM

ESPN

Steve Levy, Desmond Howard, Laura Rutledge

Whistles, Mountain West, Mike Vandervelde

Toledo by 7

Panthers’ quarterback James Morgan has put together a really good season completing 213 of 326 passes, 65%, for 2,727 yards, 26 TDs against 7 ints. Note, Christian Alexander will get the start at QB. 19-of-29, 65%, 218 yards,. 0 TDs 1 int. Played in 9 games. Morgan is out with injury. Key targets are C.J. Whorton, who has caught 36 passes for 620 yards and 6 TDs. Austin Maloney added 28 receptions for 582 yards and 5 TDs. Bryce Singleton is another key target registering 28 receptions for 336 yards and 2 TDs. Running back Napoleon Maxwell rushed for 670 yards and 7 TDs averaging 5.6 yards per carry. On defense, linebacker Sage Lewis posted 118 tackles and a sack. Linebacker Edwin Freeman was next with 88. Defensive tackle Anthony Johnson posted 3 1/2 sacks to lead the team. FIU intercepted 17 passes on the season tied for 7th best in the country. Utah State led the country with 22. FIU is tied with Troy, Cal, App State and Syracuse. Safety Dorian Hall and corner Rishard Dames lead the team with 3 apiece. Freshman linebacker Rocky Jacques- Louis has 2 ints, both of which he took back for house calls.

For the Rockets, Eli Peters took over at quarterback the last 4 games of the season and started another game, as starter Michael Guadagni was lost for the season with injury. Peters did a very nice job completing 124 of 227, 55%, for 1,573 yards, 15 TDs and 7 ints. He’s got some explosive playmakers on the perimeter. Cody Thompson caught 43 passes for 592 yards and 10 TDs, while Jon’ Vea Johnson added 29 receptions for 7 TDs. Dontae Johnson also was an explosive player, catching 43 passes for 592 yards and 7 TDs. Bryant Kobek led the rushing game with 875 yards and 13 TDs. Shakif Seymour added 526 yards and 5 TDs. Art Thompkins recorded 563 yards and 6 TDs. On defense, outside linebacker Richard Olekanma led the team with 78 tackles, posted 8 1/2 for loss and 2 1/2 sacks. Defensive tackle Reggie Howard led the team in TFLs with 14 1/2 and defensive end Tuzar Skipper posted 8 1/2 sacks for the team lead. Toledo intercepted 11 passes on the season with 3 players leading the way with 2 apiece. Middle linebacker Tyler Taafe took both of his back to the house, and defensive end Jamal Hines, and safety Zach Ford each had 2 as well..

Decision

Butch Davis was very successful at Miami (FL) in the late 90’s, OK at the Cleveland Browns and decent at North Carolina, though there were some problems with the NCAA when he was in Chapel Hill. He’s done a good job at FIU, and his team is explosive. Jason Candle is a young, exciting coach at Toledo. The 39 year old is going to be a hot commodity in the future, very soon most likely. His teams are explosive offensively and are pretty disruptive on defense. Davis’s team is explosive on offense as well. I expect fireworks in this one with 2 potent offensive attacks. I like the Rockets to play a little better on offense and get a key turnover to decide the game.

Toledo 45, FIU 37

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Western Michigan Broncos (7-5) vs. BYU Cougars (6-6)

Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho, 36,387

3 PM CT

ESPN

Roy Philpott, Tom Ramsey, Alex Corddry

Stripes, Sun Belt, Jeremy Parker

BYU by 12 1/2

BYU coach Kalani Sitake decided to make a quarterback change in midseason replacing senior Tanner Mangum with freshman Zach Wilson. Wilson, a 6’3”, 205 freshman, has completed 102 of 164 passes, 61%, for 1,063 yards, 8 TDs and 3 ints. Andre Ware was singing Wilson’s praises on Wednesday Night at the Frisco Bowl. The 1989 Heisman Trophy winner and ESPN football analyst was broadcasting the Frisco Bowl and was raving about Wilson’s talents stating that he will be a starter in the National Football League in the future. I trust the former Heisman winner, and going with his recommendation. I like BYU to roll this afternoon on the Blue Turf with high 30’s at kickoff. Not bad for Boise this time of year. Like Wilson and his team to take care of business.

BYU 35, Western Michigan 21

Marshall (8-4) vs. South Florida (7-5)

Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, 65,890

7 PM CT

ESPN

Clay Matvick, Dan Orlovsky, Paul Carcaterra

Stripes: Mountain West, Steve Baron, lead whistle

Marshall by 4

Under ninth year coach, Doc Holliday, Marshall is 5-0 in bowls. Marshall has won this bowl twice, in 2011 when it was called the Beef O’ Brady’s Bowl, and in 2014 when it was the St. Petersburg Bowl. South Florida has played in this bowl once, the inaugural one in 2006, defeating Memphis, 41-14.

Marshall quarterback Isaiah Green, a 6’2”, 202 redshirt freshman, has completed 155 of 280 passes, 55%, for 2,060 yards, 15 TDs against 10 ints. Tyler King (5’11”, 190 soph) leads the team in rushing with 655 yards on 108 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per pop and 4 TDs. South Florida has the 9th worst rushing defense in FBS allowing 245 yards on the ground per game. 6’3”, 206 pound senior Tyre Brady leads the team in receiving with 60 receptions for 819 yards and 9 TDs. Wide receiver Obi Obialo (6’3”, 213, Jr.) is next with 37 receptions for 463 yards and 4 TDs. On defense, senior outside linebacker Chase Hancock (5’11”, 223) leads the Thundering Herd with 98 tackles including 6 for loss and 3 sacks. Safety Malik Gant (JR. 6’2”, 194) is next with 90 tackles and has added 9 TFLs. Nose tackle Channing Harnes (6’5”, 252) leads the team in tackles for loss with 10 1/2 and sacks with 5 1/2. The Herd has posted 12 interceptions on the season. Gant leads the team with 2. Linebacker Omari Cobb has taken 1 back to the house for 25 yards.

For South Florida, former Alabama quarterback Blake Barnett (6’5”, 217, JR) has had his ups and downs this season. He’s completed 203 of 327, 62%, for 2,477 yards, 11 TDs and 11 ints. South Florida started the season 7-0, but lost their last 5 including a 38-10 loss to UCF at home the final game of the season. Running back Jordan Cronkrite (5’11”, 207, JR) is a nice back. He’s run for 1,095 yards and 9 TDs. Johnny Ford (5’5”, 168, FR) added 737 yards and 8 TDs and Barnett rushed for 313 yards and 8 TDs as well. So there is some potency with this offense. Slot receiver Tyree McCants, a big guy at 5”10”, 240, leads the team in receiving with 58 receptions for 607 yards and 3 TDs. Wide out Darnell Solomon registered 25 receptions for 424 yards and 4 TDs, but he’s questionable for the game with an injury. Mitchell Wilcox, also questionable for the game, has 40 receptions for 506 yards and 2 TDs. On defense, outside linebacker Khalid McGee (5’10”, 213) leads the team in tackles with 104. He also posted 6 1/2 tackles for loss and 1 1/2 sacks. Defensive end Josh Black (6’2”, 252) leads the team in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (5). The Bulls have 11 ints on the season, and are led in that department by strong safety Nick Roberts (5’10”, 183) who has 3 for 91 yards. He’s averaging 30 yards per interception return.

Final Decision

The Bulls are playing on their home turf which is certainly an asset, but they lost 5 in a row to conclude the season. Marshall did lose their last game, 41-20 to VA. Tech, which allowed the Hokies to get into a bowl game (the Military Bowl vs Cincy, Monday, Dec. 31st, 11 AM CT ESPN), but they did win 4 of 5 before that. The momentum looks to be on the Thundering Herd’s side somewhat and I like Holliday’s bowl record, which includes a 31-28 victory over Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl last season, though South Florida is going for their 3rd straight bowl victory also. Even though the Bulls have the home field advantage, I like the Herd to capture the Gaspirilla Bowl tonight, but in a highly competitive game.

Marshall 34, South Florida 28

The UAB Blazers put on a clinic last night in defeating the Northern Illinois Huskies in the Boca Raton Bowl, 37-13, before 22,614 fans at FAU Stadium.

Quarterback Tyler Johnston III completed 17-of-29 passes for 373 yards, 4 TDs and 1 int. Tyler was superb. MVP Xavier Ubosi was beyond phenomenal, catching 7 passes for 227 yards and 3 TDs including a 70 yarder with just 18 seconds elapsing in the first quarter, the 14:42 mark. Ubosi also caught a 46 yarder from Johnston III with 5:11 to go in the second quarter, and a 66 yarder with 5:15 to go in the 3rd quarter. It was a spectacular performance from the senior who may have just earned himself a lot of money with that performance. The National Football League should be very interested in Xavier now. Johnston III is a sophomore. Spencer Brown ran for 78 yards on 25 carries and Collin Lisa caught 4 passes for 64 yards. On a tenacious defense, defensive back Mar’Sean Diggs led the team with 10 tackles. Zac Williams posted 2 sacks and Anthony Rush added another. The UAB defense was swarming and aggressive and laid some serious wood.

There were some quality seniors on this team including 4 outstanding starting offensive linemen led by senior right tackle Justice Powers, Ubosi and receiver Andre Wilson and some key defensive players. But Bill Clark has excellent players returning, including Johnston III and Brown, a very good recruiting class, including 2 quality dual threat quarterbacks, and a ton of momentum heading into 2019.

Clark is a hot commodity. Auburn and Ole Miss could be interested in the future. Maybe the near future. But this is an awesome situation for Clark. He’s got a tremendous football facility, a phenomenal stadium on the way, which will be completed in 2021, players who’ll run through brick walls for him, recruiting is about to skyrocket, he’s making $1.4 million and that’ll increase to $1.6 M in 2 years with a chance for more, a community that will also run through brick walls for him, and an incredible city where he can live a very comfortable life in an extremely nice place with people who are serious about football and a city that offers a very reasonable cost of living. Clark can live very well here on his salary. And, maybe as importantly as anything, a team that can be the best in the Group of 5 and go to New Year’s Six bowl games and, who knows, maybe even better than that with the brand UAB is putting out there nationally. It’s a winning situation for Clark. He most likely will be sought after in the future, but why would he want to leave? This can be as good as it gets. He seems to be a loyal guy, loves Birmingham, and is passionate about his team and winning championships. He could very well be here for the duration. Some teams might be coming after him, but why would he want to leave.

Regardless, the UAB story is an epic. it’s a book or a movie. Both. And it keeps getting better. I know UAB fans and people throughout the city are proud of Clark and his football team. A lot of our community leaders, Tommy Brigham, Hatton Smith and Craft O’Neal, made it happen. They streamlined the effort to bring football back to UAB. They should be applauded for their efforts. And with UAB a rapidly growing organization medically and as a university, not only in the south but nationally, it doesn’t get any better than this. It’s a story of success. And it’ll only get better if Clark commits to being the coach for his entire career. He’s got all he needs right here to excel. Hopeful he makes that commitment. People sure are excited about this program, as they should be. UAB football is here to stay and it’s here to excel. The Blazers complete the 2018 season 11-3 overall and 7-1 in C-USA, and are conference champions and Boca Raton Bowl champions. And there is major momentum going forward. The sky is the limit on the Southside.

Tonight

DXL Frisco Bowl

San Diego State (7-5-4-4 Mountain West) vs. Ohio (8-4, 6-2 MAC)

Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas, 37 miles from Dallas, 20,500

7 PM

ESPN

Kevin Brown, Andre Ware, Kris Budden

Whistles: Sun Belt, Jason Autrey, lead Aladdin

Ohio by 2 1/2

Ohio quarterback Nathan Rourke completed 155 of 253 passes, 61%, for 2,225 yards, 22 TDs and 7 ints. Running back A.J. Ouellette rushed for 1,142 yards and 12 TDs, Maleek Irons added 831 yards and 8 TDs and Rourke rushed for 816 yards and 13 TDs. Papi White is the leading receiver with 58 receptions for 897 yards and 9 TDs. Andrew Meyer added 34 receptions for 445 and 4 TDs. On defense, linebacker Evan Croutch led the team with 75 tackles, 11 1/2 for loss and added 4 sacks. Defensive tackle Kent Berger was the team leader in sacks with 5. Ohio intercepted 14 passes this season. Four guys posted 2 ints, Croutch, safety Javon Hagan, linebacker Jared Dorsa and safety Kylan Nelson.

San Diego State quarterback Christian Chapman completed 50-of-87 passes, 58%, for 774 yards, 4 TDs and 1 int. He took over from Ryan Agnew who was hurt during the season. Agnew completed 104-of-199, 52%, for 1,525 yards, 10 TDs and 5 ints. Both will be available but it looks like Chapman will get the start. He’s good with his arm and his wheels. Juwan Washington is an excellent running back. Despite being injured some this season, Washington rushed for 870 yards and 10 TDs. He’s explosive. Chase Jasmin added 592 yards and 5 TDs. Fred Trevillion was the Aztecs leading receiver with 22 receptions for 598 yards and 3 TDs. Kahale Warring registered the most receptions with 31 for 372 yards and 3 TDs. Timothy Wilson Jr. added 19 receptions for 372 yards and 3 TDs. On defense, Kyahva Tezino a 6’0”, 230 pound junior middle linebacker, posted 119 tackles, 14 1/2 TFLs and 8 1/2 sacks. Safety Tariq Thompson, a 6’0”, 200 pound sophomore, added 101 tackles, 3 ints and a fumble recovery. He led the team in ints. The Aztecs intercepted 7 passes on the season.

Final Decision

These 2 teams are pretty evenly matched up, though Ohio can really move the football.But I see Tezino being a big factor on defense and Washington running well for the Aztecs. I am also bullish on the Mountain West after Utah State bulldozed North Texas in the New Mexico Bowl, 52-13, and Fresno State defeated Arizona State in the Las Vegas Bowl, 31-20. And the MAC’s champion, Northern Illinois, got bulldozed last night by the Blazers, 37-13. So I’m taking the Aztecs in an upset.

San Diego State 35, Ohio 30

Our Vanderbilt Commodore basketball team put forth a phenomenal effort last night in defeating No.18 Arizona State, 81-65, before an electric Memorial Gymnasium crowd of 9,271.

Five Commodores scored in double figures. Sophomore point guard Saben Lee led the way with 14 points on 2-for-3 from the field, 1-for-2 from trifecta and 9-for-12 from the stripe. Super freshman Aaron Nesmith added 13 on 5-for-10 from the field and 3-for-5 from triple. Talented 6’10” transfer big man Yanni Wetzell chipped in 12 points and 5 boards to go along with 2 blocks. Yanni was also 5-for-5 from the line. Super senior Joe Toye and junior sharpshooter and Notre Dame transfer Matt Ryan added 11. We shot 44% for the game, 24-for-55, and 12-for-28 from trifecta, 43%. We were on fire from 3 in the second half going 6-for-12. We also finished 21-for-29 from the stripe, 72%. Would like to see that get even better, but a solid number nonetheless.

On the defensive side we also really excelled. We held the Sun Devils high octane offense to 32% shooting from the field (21-for-65) , 29% from 3 (7-for-24) and 65 points. To give you some perspective on that accomplishment defensively, the Sun Devils came into the game averaging 83 points per contest, 46% from the field, and 34 percent from trifecta. Their leading scorer, Dort Luguentz, a 5 star freshman guard from Canada, finished with 10 points on 3-for-13 from the field and 2-for-4 from trifecta. He came into the game averaging 20 points per game. Zona State was out-rebounding teams by 11 1/2 boards per game, but we kept it close. They pulled down 42 and we yanked 39 off the glass. VU 5 star freshman 6’10”, 250 power forward Simi Shittu finished with 9 points and led the team with 7 rebounds. Wetzell and Lee both grabbed 5, and Maxwell Evans, who did an outstanding job at point along with Saben, pulled down 4 boards, and added 8 points and 3 assists. Max hit 2 critical 3 pointers towards the end of the first half. Aaron had a monster tomahawk slam in the second half off an assist by Saben that ignited the crowd and really got the team pumped up.

It was a spectacular showing by our team that took a blow when we lost McDonald’s All American and potential NBA lottery point guard Darius Garland 3 weeks ago with a torn meniscus in his knee. We miss him, but Darius is there with the team on the bench and the players are now making the adjustment and look to have put it together last night. We moved to 7-2 and Zona State dropped to 8-2. Zona State lost by 6 to No.6 Nevada on December 7th in Los Angeles, 72-66, and defeated Georgia this past Saturday Night in Athens, 76-74, after having been down by 14 at halftime. The Sun Devils also defeated No.17 Mississippi State, 72-67, in Las Vegas, November 19th.

So that team is for real. It was an unreal, herculean effort by our team. Very proud of them. It doesn’t get any easier as we face Kansas State Saturday at 6 PM in Kansas City. ESPN2 will televise. But I think Bryce and the players are now more confident in this group’s chances to make a run this season. Bryce does a tremendously great job of building teams, and this team has a chance to be pretty special. Will have more on Kansas State coming up later this week. Awesome job by the guys. They deserve a lot of credit for hanging in there through the adversity of losing Darius and through the rigors of final exams. Just a terrific effort. Hopefully, it’s sign of things to come for this talented and developing basketball team.

Football

There is a lot of electricity going on with Derek and his football team. We now have 21 commitments, many of whom will sign with us tomorrow on the first national signing day. The other is the first Wednesday in February, 2-6-19. We expect most all of these guys to sign and it looks like we could have 1 or 2 more tomorrow. It’s a very solid class. I’ve watched film on quite a few of them, and they are excellent football players. Coach Mason knows how to get good players and make them great players. He’s done that with his 2018 team and he’ll do it again with his 2019 team and beyond that. We also just got a graduate transfer quarterback, Riley Neal from Ball State. Neal will compete for the starting job in 2019. He was a 3 year starter for Ball State and is 6’5”, 217 pounds. He played in 9 games this fall as his season was cut short by injury, and completed 58 percent of his passes, for 1,917 yards and 11 TDs. He also rushed for 357 yards and 5 more TDs. He’ll join talented rising junior Deuce Wallace, rising and talented high 3 star freshman Allan Walters, and incoming freshman and great talent Jamil Muhammad, as those 4 compete for the starting job in 2019. Deuce has been reinstated to the team after serving a semester long suspension for violation of school policy. Deuce is a tremendous talent if he can get his act together. I’m sure he does now. Deuce is 6’2”, 210. As a senior at Sevier County High School in Sevierville, TN., Deuce passed for 3,505 yards and 37 TDs and led his team to the 5A state title game. Wallace also passed for 2,783 yards and 25 TDs as a junior. He was a 5,7 3 star by Rivals and an 88 by 247 Sports. He’s got it in him if he can keep his head on straight. Walters was a phenomenal high school quarterback as was Muhhamad. Should be a very compelling quarterback race this spring and summer with terrific candidates competing for the starting job.

Meanwhile, Kyle Shurmur, Kalija Lipscomb, Jared Pinkney, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Justin Skule, Bruno Reagan, Jordan Griffin, LaDarius Wiley, Joejuan Williams and this talented Commodore football team gets ready to square off with Baylor on Thursday, Dec. 28 in the Academy Sports + Outdoor Texas Bowl in Houston. We are presently a 4 point favorite. The game kicks off at 8 PM CT and will be televised by ESPN. Can’t wait to see the guys compete again. Awesome reward for Kyle and the seniors for their incredible efforts for 4 and 5 years on the West End and for the underclassmen who have worked their tails off in the weight room, and during spring and summer drills along with the grind of the season, especially the SEC part of it. So proud of these guys for hanging tough and defeating Ole Miss and Tennessee to earn the right to play in the Texas Bowl. It’ll be somewhat of a home field advantage for Baylor, as Waco is 3 hours from Houston, so they’ll have quite a few fans there. Hopefully our fans will be there, too, to cheer on this fantastic team that has been through so much adversity and come out as winners regardless of the result in the Texas Bowl. But we’re there to win. This is a business trip as well as a reward trip for our players. We’ll be locked in come 8 PM December 28th at NRG Stadium in the Rocket City. Could be a high scoring game though our defense really excelled against Tennessee. Need to win the turnover battle and cash in in the red zone. Our offense has been pretty solid all season and our defense looks like it’s getting pretty terrific as well. This is a treat for Commodore Nation and is a building block for the future along with a tremendous reward for the seniors, all the players. But it’s serious on December 28th. It’s serious now. Our guys will be ready.

Will preview the Texas Bowl next week and have a major spread on signing day tomorrow.

New Athletics Director

Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos and a 5 person committee including himself named Malcolm Turner as our new Athletics Director last week. Malcolm comes with impeccable academic credentials having been an exclusive Morehead Scholar and finalists for a Rhodes Scholarship at the University of North Carolina. He also earned an MBA and a law degree from Harvard. That’s impressive in itself, but he also has engineered successful ventures running the NBA G League capping off major accomplishment upon major accomplishment for the triple A league of the NBA and had excellent success working with and for the PGA. He comes highly recommended and endorsed by many people in the sports world including former NBA Commissioner David Stern and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Malcolm is described as a great communicator, great listener and overall superb human being. He will work tirelessly with our stellar coaches in football, basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, soccer and bowling to make Vanderbilt Sports the best it can possibly be and continue the legacy of excellence in the classroom. Malcolm said he loves the energy of Vanderbilt and the city of Nashville, he loves the relationships with the student athletes and the relationships with the coaches. Malcolm starts on February 1, 2019. Welcome aboard Malcolm.