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, Coaches Corner (0/2) , Howtos (0/10) , Inside Deventer Devils (0/28) , Jack6s RZA Guide (0/21) , News (1/661) , Rumours (0/0) , Stories (0/4) , Top25 Rankings (0/22) 2026-01-01 10:14
Happy new year to everyone!
Oh boy, I’m getting tired of this and I’m happy the bulk of bowl games are now done and only a few are left.
The FOURTH SET OF BOWLs from Monday, 29th to Wednesday, 31st of December.
Mon., Dec 29
JLab Birmingham Bowl
Georgia Southern vs Appalachian State
In this bowl, it did not really look like App State would have a real chance.
Georgia Southern did score a TD in the 1st quarter and the Mountaineer did miss a field goal.
Later, already in the 2nd quarter, did they throw an INT and Georgia Southern got 3 points out of that.
A drive later did then App State score a TD, to get a bit closer, but the Eagles walked off the field with another 3 points to have a 13:7 lead.
Not too far apart, as it seems, but App State with those crucial errors and Georgia Southern did use their chances and got points out of it.
If that continues, the game would be over.
Well, spoiler alert, it did.
The Eagles got out of the locker room and scored a TD, the Mountaineers another INT, which led to another Eagles TD.
From here it was more or less garbage time, even a Georgia Southern INT did give the App State fans some hope.
But they made not even 3 points out of that and Georgia Southern did drive that game home in the 4th to win 29:10.
Quite as expected.
Jacks BOWL Score: 17-11
Tue., Dec 30
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Coastal Carolina vs Louisiana Tech
Louisiana had big problems with CCU.
The 1st quarter was all CCU on offense and LT made mistakes.
CCU did only lead 7:0, so not too bad for LT, but they just did not get their hands on the game at that point.
In the 2nd did LT score a field goal, but CCU another TD and went into the half leading 14:3.
All done?
No.
Louisiana Tech started to get the Coastal Carolina offense under control and held them scoreless but were only able to score another field goal in the 3rd quarter.
And then came the big LT quarter, which did shift the game.
CCU totally ineffective and the Bulldogs did score 2 TDs and another field goal to win 23:14.
CCU did of course try to win the game, but that desperation did pay off for the Bulldogs with great field position and some scoring, so nice comeback win.
Jacks BOWL Score: 18-11
TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Tennessee vs Illinois
I’m happy for Illinois regarding the result, I’m sure the community will remember this game, while Tennessee would love to forget it.
Both teams came into the game, willing to play.
Illinois aggressive on their 1st drive on 4th and 7 on TEN 33 went for it and failed. Not sure whether it is clever to leave points off the board against a SEC team, but OK.
Tennessee scored a TD on the next drive and but so did also Illinois. 7:7 at that point.
Later in the 2nd quarter again Illinois on a 4th and 2 on TEN 29 going for it and failed again.
Tennessee got a missed field goal on the next drive and Illinois did on the next drive finally decide that a field goal might help and kicked it, to go into the break with a 10:7 lead.
The 3rd quarter was crazy, 2 drives with punts and then a fumble by Tennessee, which was recovered by Illinois in the Vols endzone.
The Vols angry, going over the field on the next drive and score a TD, but failed to stop Illinois to score on the ensuing drive, so the Illini now up 24:14.
Still, the Vols not done and still and SEC team, so they gave the comeback try, scored a TD on the next drive, already on the 4th quarter.
They held Illinois to a field goal, so now down 6.
On the kickoff did Tennessee lose the ball, picked it up and ran it TO THE HOUSE! Suddenly leading 28:27.
But 5 minutes to go and Tennessee did a bad job on controlling the Illini offense. So, the team went on the field and went over the field, had a 4th and 1 and got 13 out of it, did eat away the clock with kneel downs and kicked the game winner as walk-off-field goal! 30:28.
Unbelievable effort by the Illini offense on that day and no tough defense by the Vols, at all!
Jacks BOWL Score: 18-12
Valero Alamo Bowl
#16 USC vs TCU
I did expect a close game and USC to win, if they get the ball last.
Guess what, it went into OT.
The 1st quarter was all defense, the 2nd all offense.
TCU did lead 14:13 at that point.
The again a quite defense driven quarter, in which USC did score a TD to take the lead. 21:14.
The kicked a field goal in the 4th and it did look like USC would just seal the deal here, only to let TCU score a TD and back into the game.
Next USC drive a 3-and-out and TCU did used what they had to tie the game with a field goal 2 ticks before the end.
So, OT.
And here, USC got the ball 1st and were held to a field goal.
TCU came in and at first it did look great for USC (incomplete and a sack), but on 3rd and 20 did they get a 35-yard TD run after a short pass and 3 to 4 broken tackles at the sideline to win the game 30:27.
USC, that was really bad!
Congratulation to TCU.
Jacks BOWL Score: 18-13
Wed., Dec 31
ReliaQuest Bowl
#23 Iowa vs #14 Vanderbilt
When I saw the performance of Iowa in this bowl game, I was wondering, why they did not get into the top range of the BIG10 this season.
But they lost to good teams in 3 close losses and here you are, in one of those OTHER bowls.
But they did end the season with a great performance, while Vanderbilt did not.
Vandy was lucky not getting beaten by a mile in this game, being so ineffective in the 1st half.
Iowa did score a TD and by an INT in the Iowa endzone did nix some more points in the 1st quarter. Vandy at that moment scoreless and clueless.
They scored finally a field goal in the 2nd, but Iowa did score a TD and went into the locker room with a 14:3 lead.
If you have in mind, that the Vanderbilt QB was so angry he did not get the Heisman, he did for sure not look like a Heisman QB in that half.
In the 3rd quarter did the game finally get some more live out of Vanderbilt offense, but their defense was unable to keep the Hawkeyes from scoring. Granted, Vandy did score more than Iowa and got the deficit a bit down, but not much. At the start of the 4th, it was Iowa 24:17.
But Iowa got the ball and scored on the next drive for 31:17.
Vandy in need and they did actually make also a TD drive, 31:24.
The Hawkeyes did control the clock and ate away a lot of time, but had to settle for field goal, with 4 minutes left.
So, Vanderbilt with the ball, 10 points behind, they went over the field and kicked a field goal with less than 3 minutes left.
The regular kick was not returned, and Iowa did get a first down when needed most, kneeled down the rest of the time and won, 34:27.
For sure was Iowa motivated and prepared, while Vanderbilt did lack the punch it needed to win this.
Jacks BOWL Score: 18-14
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Arizona State vs Duke
I was wrong in 2 ways, in this game.
For one, I expected a low scoring game, but both teams did score plenty.
And for two, I expected the Sun Devils to win, but Duke did just not go down.
Both teams did score quickly in the 1st quarter and the quarter must have been very entertaining. 14:14, start of the 2nd quarter.
Then came a wild quarter with scoring after scoring after scoring, only that ASU had to settle for a field goal once and Duke led at the half, 28:24.
The 3rd quarter was the relaxing phase, with both teams only scoring once, so we went into the 4th quarter with Duke leading 35:32.
And the Sun Devils got the ball, went over the field and took the lead, stopped Duke on 2 ensuing drives and then fumbled the game way.
On their own 8 did they lose the ball and Duke said THANKS and took the lead back.
With 2 minutes left to play, ASU had to move quickly and did throw and INT a bit later to hand the game to Duke, winning 42:39.
What a season for Duke and what a game here.
Jacks BOWL Score: 18-15
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
#18 Michigan vs #13 Texas
I admit, Michigan was more in this game, than I anticipated, but not enough.
They started strong, tied the game with a field goal late in the 1st quarter, recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff return and scored a TD on the next drive.
Texas did answer, but Michigan was able to score further and at the half it was a tied game at 17.
Late in the 3rd did Michigans luck run out, when they did throw an INT, already trailing by 4 points.
They were lucky enough to not allowing points out of this, but they lost at least a field goal out of this.
The Wolverine did recover, scored a TD, but were unable to stop Texas on the next drive and were trailing again.
On the ensuing drive another INT did seal their fate.
This time intercepted at midfield did Texas QB find an open gap on the next play and ran 60 yards for a TD with no defender near him!
The rest is score corrections on desperation. At the end did Texas win 41:27.
With the QB returning, the Longhorns can dream of a title run next season.
And Michigan has to adjust to a new HC now.
Jacks BOWL Score: 19-15
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Nebraska vs #15 Utah
This I make quickly.
Utah was just too much.
After a good 1st quarter was Nebraska then ineffective until garbage time in the 4th quarter, when they were already training by 30 points.
Utah did score and score the whole game, with the 2nd quarter the most with 17:0.
For Utah a new era starts with their promoted HC.
Nebraska is still looking for that killer punch they lack since a decade or more.
Jacks BOWL Score: 20-15
That’s for the bowls in this entry.
But we have also that 1st quarterfinal and it was a stunner.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS QUARTERFINAL
Wed., Dec 31
2025 CFP Quarterfinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
#10 Miami vs #2 Ohio State
Miami did play awesome and exploited the Ohio State defense, again and again.
And more stunning in this game, the Ohio State offense was ineffective.
The 1st quarter was scoreless, with OSU lucky to recover a Miami fumble near the Buckeyes endzone, denying them points.
But on the next drive, a Miami TD for the lead.
And on the next offense drive? OSU did throw a really bad short yardage pass to the sideline and a Miami defender took the ball to the house!
Down 0:14 did Ohio State get the ball back and made nothing, until they later missed a field goal. 0:14 at the half!
Then 2 long drive in the 3rd quarter by Ohio State for a TD and Miami for a field goal, 17:7.
The Buckeyes willing to change their fate, scored a TD beginning of the 4th and stopped Miami.
But Miami did stop Ohio State also, got the ball back and marched over the field, eating away clock time and scored a TD, 24:14.
Now less than a minute left, down by 10 for the Buckeyes, so, open the playbook.
The 1st pass incomplete, the 2nd an INT at mid-field.
Miami did win, 24:14 and one of the big favorites did stumble and left the competition.
Jacks BOWL Score: 20-16
That’s it for the reviews, now the next few games coming.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS QUARTERFINAL
Thur., Jan 1 2026
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl.
#5 Oregon vs #4 Texas Tech
@Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
This season the Orange Bowl did get again a Quarterfinal; last season they had a semi.
In the past it was an ACC/SEC/BIG 10/Notre Dame bowl, but of course this link to conferences ended, when this (and the other major six bowls) became part of the playoff rotation.
The SEC has a 23-17 record here.
The record-holder for games is the old Big Eight conference (out of which in the mid-90s the BIG-12 was founded) with 42 games.
The BIG10 is 5-6 and the BIG-12 is 4-3.
I think nobody had Texas Tech (12-1 record) on the list to get here.
But they did play a great season and won the BIG-12, convincingly.
That makes Oregon (12-1) as at-large-team the underdog, right?
Well, no. Vegas has Oregon ahead by 2.5 points, which is of course not much.
With 2 dynamic offenses clashing here, chances are high we will see many points and likely also some turnovers.
This could end with the last drive in a no huddle offense and a score or a dramatic stop.
My gut feeling here is, that Oregon has a better team.
But there is not much room to argue the Red Raiders were not tested this season, because they did play good teams, like Utah and BYU twice, while Oregon did also not play many tough teams, like Indiana, Iowa and Penn State, and were also not perfect.
I just think that the Ducks have a better team and will likely win.
Ducks win.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 2026 Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential
#9 Alabama vs #1 Indiana
@Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
This was also last year a quarterfinal, so likely next year a semi.
Traditionally this bowl, is linked to the PAC-12 and the BIG10.
Played in the Rose Bowl stadium, home of the UCLA Bruins.
The Rose Bowl exists since 1902. The oldest bowl game of all.
Traditionally the PAC-12-Champ did play the BIG10-Champ, but this was abandoned when BCS and CFP were introduced, and other matchups had to be made possible.
Still, if possible, they tried to have at least a PAC-12 vs BIG10 matchup (like last 2022), but that is now also over with the 12-team-playoff system.
The PAC-12 has most played games in this, 101, with a record of 52-46-3, while the BIG10 has 76 games with 36-40, including last years game, featuring two teams against each other.
This season we have a SEC team against the BIG10-Champ.
The playoff participation of Alabama was (and for some still is) controversial, since they did not drop in the rankings after they lost against Georgia on the SEC championship game and were 10-3 afterwards.
They were by far the highest ranked 3-loss-team and some would have had them ranked much deeper.
Still, they won against Oklahoma, on the road, in the 1st round, being now 11-3.
They now have to play an Indiana team, which is 13-0, won the BIG10 for the 1st time since 1967 (that was a 3-team tie then) and as lone winner since 1945!
They did also win for the 1st time ever the Heisman Trophy with their QB.
With that in mind did Vegas try to figure out, what to do with that team against Alabama and they made Indiana a 7.5-point favorite.
I expect a thriller here, with an open end.
Both teams have cases, both teams are able to play tough.
The key will be, whether that defense line of Alabama will again be as disruptive as it was against Oklahoma. Because if that happens, Bama wins.
I think with that QB behind their center and a very dynamic offense in place, Indiana has a real case here and I like to pick them, even I do very much respect the Crimson Tide talent.
Hoosiers win.
College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl
#6 Ole Miss vs #3 Georgia
@Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
The Sugar Bowl is this season the last quarterfinal of the playoffs (again, so likely next season a semi).
The Bowl itself exists since 1935.
In the past, a BIG 12 team battled a SEC team, but now of course is invited, what fits the playoff rules.
It's played in the home of the New Orleans Saints.
By far the SEC did send in the past the most teams (82) and has a record of 42-39-1. That includes also teams on both sides.
This season we have a SEC vs SEC matchup, which likely drives up the conspiracy people regarding the SEC corruption.
Well, I don’t think so, but of course has the SEC a lobby on the playoff ranking committee and get a lot of teams in.
But Ole Miss DID win against Tulane and Georgia DID win the SEC.
I did wonder why Georgia did not get the spot ahead of Ohio State, but that’s likely geek arguing with who should be higher with 1 loss.
Ole Miss is 12-1 and won against Tulane, lost during the season against Georgia.
Georgia is 12-1 and lost during the season against Alabama.
This seems to be a quite open match.
As sidenote it has to be mentioned, that the Rebels did lose their HC (to LSU, prior the playoffs) and have now a new HC from within, who did his 1st match in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Vegas favors the Bulldogs by 6.5 points.
I’m not that sure, but I have not much to argue against that.
Geogia is running on high cylinders since their loss to Alabama and Ole Miss did show some weakness against them.
With the HC situation in mind, this can go any way with Ole Miss. They might lose a step or they might gain a step.
I stay with the Bulldogs and hope for a great game.
Bulldogs win.
And there are a few bowls left to be played.
The FIFTH SET OF BOWLs from Thursday, 1st to Wednesday, 7th of January 2026.
Thur., January 2 2026
Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl
Rice vs Texas State
@Amon G. Carter Stadium, Fort Worth, Texas
This is played on the field of the TCU Horned Frogs and the bowl is alive since 2003.
The CUSA did send the most teams to the bowl in 20 years but won only 4 of 12. Independent teams do have the best record, 6-0.
Since 4 seasons the matchup should be AAC vs CUSA, but that did not work out in 2022, 2023, 2024 and also not this season.
Instead, we have an AAC team (conference record at 3-3, including last seasons win), against a Sun Belt team (conference record 0-1).
Even worse is, that we have Rice with a record of 5-7, only playing here, because 3 other, eligible, teams, did decide not to play and a few 5-7 teams were granted the right to play.
Since the strength of the team is not relevant in that process, only the academic progress rate, Rice did get a shot.
They face a 6-6 Texas State team, which did play an OK season, but also not really great.
Still Vegas makes them a 16.5-point favorite, which looks quite heavy for a such a team against an American team.
Sure, Rice did lose the last 2 games in big manners, while Texas State did win the last 3 quite good.
But here, rested, both teams might get on the field and play different.
Will Rice win? Not sure. Likely not.
Will Texas State win? Not sure, maybe.
If THAT Texas State team shows up, which did win against UTSA, a team from within the American, which did beat Rice big time, that this is a done deal, but you never know.
I’m leaning towards the Bobcats, but not that heavy as the line says.
Bobcats win.
AutoZone Liberty Bowl
Navy vs Cincinnati
@Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Memphis, Tennessee
This is played on the home field of the Memphis Tigers.
This bowl is played since 1959.
It's a BIG 12 against SEC bowl.
But we got an American team here instead of an SEC team.
The SEC has a 22-11 record with most games in this bowl.
The BIG-12 is 4-8 so far, including last seasons loss.
The American was here 6 times and went 4-2.
For me, this is a coin toss game, since both teams had good games and bad games during the season and with bad games, I really mean games, where their playing was so bad the lost either BIG or the playing was not understandable and the narrowly won a close one, or lost a close one.
Navy (10-2) had that with North Texas and that game against Army was really bad.
Cincinnati (7-5) did lose the last 4 and especially against BYU it was a disaster.
Vegas favors Navy by 7.5 points.
I’m not that confident, but can see why, given the record and their lesser number of bad games.
But Cincinnati can be a force, if they play right, but will they?
I don’t trust any of those teams, so a coin toss.
Midshipmen win.
Duke's Mayo Bowl
Wake Forest vs Mississippi State
@Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
Played in the home field of the Carolina Panthers, this bowl is played under different names since 2002, latest change since 2020.
It's an ACC vs SEC game planned for this season (the bowl switches the opponent conference between SEC and BIG10 annually right now).
The ACC did send of course the most team so far, their record is 10-13 including last seasons loss (now 6 games losing streak).
The SEC did send 7 so far, 4-3 and the BIG 10 is quite new in the mix and has won so far all 3 appearances.
Wake Forest is 8-4 this season, which is great for a team, which usually is not often on the winning side, but the new HC did get already a winning season on year 1.
Mississippi State is 5-7 and got only here, thanks to the 3 teams not willing to play a bowl and a good enough APR rate.
Despite having such a bad record are the Bulldogs a 3.0-point favorite, which does likely result on their status as SEC team and the Demons being an ACC team, which did play a fluffy schedule.
Their toughest games were against Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, while MSU had to play 6 ranked teams during the season, and some of those were wins or close losses.
I think Wake Forest has a chance here, giving the circumstances with a new HC and a long season and a long rest.
It will likely come down, as many of those bowl games, which team is more motivated to play tough.
That’s hard to predict.
I lean towards the Bulldogs but would not be surprised to see the Demons winning here.7
Bulldogs win.
Trust & Will Holiday Bowl
#17 Arizona vs SMU
@Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
They play this bow since last year on the home field of the San Diego State Aztecs.
The bowl exists since 1978 and should feature a PAC-12 team (including legacy teams) vs an ACC team.
The PAC 12 had 27 teams so far in this bowl and won only 9.
The BIG-12 is 11-7, but did not play here since 2013.
The ACC is almost brand new in this bowl and is 1-2, with winning for the 1st time last season.
Arizona is 9-3 and had an impressive season.
SMU is 8-4 and did lack a bit the punch of last seasons great results.
Arizona is favored by 1.5 points, which is not much.
Both teams did lose some close games and with a bit more luck, could have had a much better record.
Arizona did only lose inside the BIG-12, while SMU did lose to ACC teams and BIG-12 teams.
I lean towards Arizona here, with their offense being very good and explosive.
I expect a high scoring game and likely it will come down to turnovers and the motivation.
Wildcats win.
'Til next time
Jack6 on BLOCK OF GRANITE
Tags: Block of Granite, News
2025-12-28 10:50
Bowl season is rolling and we close in the end if the whole thing.
We got a lot of bowls after Christmas, so let’s have a look on those.
But prior to that, a quick look at the coaches situation.
more coaching changes
Only 2 spots were left to fill, Ohio and Michigan.
Both did get their man.
Ohio decided to promote their interims HC to permanent HC. That means, John Hauser, the DC of Ohio, got the job. It’s his 1st HC gig, but did deliver as interims HC already a win in the bowl.
And Michigan did somehow got Kyle Whittingham, the now former HC of Utah. And they didn’t even have to make him one of the highest paid HC on top. Wow. Whittingham did coach Utah for 21 seasons and was expected to send the team off in the upcoming bowl game but will now instead not coach the bowl and will be Michigans next HC.
Fine, let’s go to the bowls.
The THIRD SET OF BOWLs from Friday, 26th to Sunday, 28th of December.
Fri., Dec 26
GameAbove Sports Bowl
Central Michigan vs Northwestern
I make this fast, since there was not much of a game.
Northwestern had CMU very good under control for 3 quarters, held them to zero points in that period, and did capitalize in the 2nd quarter from 3 CMU turnovers in a row with 3 touchdowns in a row.
After the break did then CMU fumble again, this time already returned for a TD and Northwestern did finally have a long drive to cap it with another TD to lead 34:0.
Now, already in garbage time, did Central Michigan finally score and Northwestern did play worse, so they won at the end 34:7.
Jacks BOWL Score: 11-6
Rate Bowl
New Mexico vs Minnesota
This game went into OT and I did pick in my ESPN pick sheet the wrong team (to have it in sync with my blog picking) however that happened.
So here I picked Lobos and there I pick the Gophers.
Lobos did score 1st, a field goal and won the 1st quarter, the Gophers did win the 2nd quarter 7:3.
Then nothing happened in the 3rd quarter and in the 4th the Gophers did cap a drive with a rushing TD.
But the Lobos were not done, on the ensuing kickoff the returner ran the ball back for 100 yards, untouched for a touchdown and the 2-pointer went good.
So, tied at 14 the game went in OT.
The Lobos were held for a field goal, and the Gophers did throw on 3rd down into the endzone and the receiver made a tremendous catch to win the game, 20:17.
Great win for the Gophers, a bitter end for the Lobos.
So here I picked wrong, on ESPN I got a good one by error.
Jacks BOWL Score: 11-7
Servpro First Responder Bowl
FIU vs UTSA
Oh man, UTSA did lighten up the scoreboard in buckets.
The 1st quarter was all equal, 14:14, but in the 2nd it was 17:0 UTSA, in the 3rd it was only 9:6 Roadrunners and in the 4th came another 17:0 UTSA quarter to win 57:20.
Man, that is a brutal win for the Roadrunners and a brutal loss for the Panthers.
Jacks BOWL Score: 12-7
Sat., Dec 27
Go Bowling Military Bowl
Pittsburgh vs East Carolina
This game did turn out, mostly, as expected.
Lots of defense, with several errors.
East Carolina made the 1st error, by missing a field goal in the 1st quarter and the 3rd by playing for 4th down close the Pitt endzone and failing to convert.
Pitt made the 2nd, by fumbling the ball in their own half.
But the quarter went scoreless.
In the 2nd did then East Carolina kick a field goal, recovered a fumble on a punt return a bit later and made nothing out of it, and allowed close to the break a long Pittsburgh drive to take the lead with a TD, 7:3 at the half.
Pittsburgh fumbled the ball beginning of the 3rd quarter, which led to a ECU TD, and returned a fumble for a TD a bit later, allowed an ECU big play on the next drive to score a TD and fumbled the ball, when they got the ball back.
So, the teams went into the 4th quarter with ECU leading 17:14.
And the bad performance did continue with ECU kicking another field goal, Pitt then having a long drive, capped by an INT and ECU kicking another field goal.
Down by 9 points now, what do you do after another long Panthers drive?
On 4th and goal with less than 2 minutes to play they kicked a field goal.
Sure, the result might be the same, kicking a field goal and then having the pressure to score a TD afterwards, but what does it do in the players head?
Well, the onside kick was a failure, so ECU did run down the clock and won 23:17.
Great win by the Pirates over a very sloppy Panthers team.
Jacks BOWL Score: 12-8
Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl
Penn State vs Clemson
Well, some might say, the game was over after the 1st Clemson drive.
The Tigers had the ball 1st and did accomplish nothing.
On the 4th play, 4th down, on their own 32 with 3 to go, did the cocky Clemson HC decide to go for it and the pass was incomplete.
The Tigers were lucky the did held Penn State only to a field goal afterwards.
Then came a lot of nothing-drives on both sides, until Clemson did miss a field goal try and only on the next possession did they finally score a field goal, which was answered by Penn State with a walk-off field goal to the break for a 6:3 lead.
The 3rd quarter was dominated by 2 long drives, one Penn State drive, with nothing, since they decide to go for it on 4th and 4 deep in Clemson territory and accomplished nothing, and one by Clemson which ended with a punt.
Then the luck of Clemson did end, Penn State made a field goal, and a TD on their next drive, while Clemsons offense was still ineffective.
Finally, after the Lions TD did Clemson score a TD, then down 15:10.
Not all lost, right?
Except they allowed another long Penn State drive, capped by a TD.
With 5 minutes to play, still room for a comeback, if only they had a future NFL QB. Oh, they had one, and they went over the field, only to be stopped on 4th and 11 in field goal range, a bit over 2 minutes to go.
Penn State did run down the clock and won, 22:10.
What a bad season for Clemson and a good game for the interims coached Lions.
Jacks BOWL Score: 12-9
Wasabi Fenway Bowl
UConn vs Army
At least this did turn out as I expected it.
Until halftime it was an open game and Army had some problems on offense and defense. They led 14:10 at the half.
Then the 3rd quarter did turn out to have a sharper Army defense and Army did score 2 TDs to lead 27:10.
With UConn being stopped in the Army red zone did Army then march over the field and score another TD in the 4th, which then started garbage time, in which UConn final scored a TD on their own.
At the end did Army win 41:16.
UConn can start new with their new HC now, while Army has to can dream of
a good next season with the QB returning.
Jacks BOWL Score: 13-9
Pop-Tarts Bowl
#22 Georgia Tech vs #12 BYU
Motivation and errors, I did say, would be the key here.
Well, for 2 quarters were Georgia Tech motivated and flawless.
They led 21:10 at the half.
Then came the errors, which did at first not cost much.
A fumble after a long drive in the BYU redzone? Bad, but they were leading by 11, right?
And BYU did throw an INT, so no harm.
A blocked field goal a bit later? Hmmmm.
BYU did score a TD afterwards, but GT was still leading.
Their offense did stuck, but they held also BYU.
Then, again nothing on the next drive and BYU?
They scored a TD.
Still, 2 minutes left, GT can roll!
But the Jackets did throw and INT at the endzone of the Cougars and lose the game, 21:25.
Great comeback by the Cougars, really disappointing performance by the Yellow Jackets.
Jacks BOWL Score: 13-10
Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop
Miami (OH) vs Fresno State
Welcome to the field goal bowl.
Miami did kick the first field goal and took the lead, but from there onwards their offense did just suck and was held scoreless.
Fresno State on the other side did kick field goals after field goals.
At the half it was 9:3 Bulldogs, then came a score less quarter, because they missed a field goal and finally in the 4th did the Bulldogs then score the lone TD of the game, followed by another field goal.
Likely one of the most boring games of the season, with a Bulldogs win at 18:3.
Jacks BOWL Score: 14-10
Isleta New Mexico Bowl
#25 North Texas vs San Diego State
A nailbiter and a high scoring one.
North Texas did start big winning the 1st quarter 21:6.
Then came an error prone 2nd quarter with lots of missed field goals, and turnovers. At the end did SDSU win the quarter 14:7, but North Texas was still leading 28:20.
Then came the 3rd and it did look like SDSU would just lose the game, even with UNT having more turnovers than the Aztecs.
But the Aztecs offense was held in check and the Green did score 2 TDs, now leading 42:20.
But not so fast.
In the 4th did San Diego score a TD, stopped Texas and returned the punt for another TD.
The Green did then score a TD and the Aztecs were in big need to score.
They did and stopped UNT on downs.
But then did the whole comeback try a bit in trouble, they did throw and INT and allowed North Texas to eat a bit the clock away.
On the next drive did San Diego score again, but with only 1 tick left on the clock the options were limited.
North Texas won 49:47.
An entertaining game, for sure.
If I would be a fan, any side, likely I would have collapsed on those many errors and points.
Jacks BOWL Score: 15-10
TaxSlayer Gator Bowl
#19 Virginia vs Missouri
And then comes this.
I (and many others) did expect a high scoring game and we got?
Mizzou did score on their 1st drive a TD, great.
Then nothing for the rest of the game.
Virginia did score a field goal in the 2nd quarter and a TD after a very long drive in the 3rd. After a Tigers INT they did score another field goal and then came the scoreless 4th quarter effort on both sides to finally ending the game 13:7 for Virginia.
I think a) Virginia did profit from many Missouri errors, and b) that was one of the worst, if not THE worst game by Missouri on offense for the whole season.
Jacks BOWL Score: 15-11
Kinder's Texas Bowl
LSU vs #21 Houston
And another entertaining bowl.
LSU started strong with a 99-yard-Return-TD on the kickoff.
That’s how you like it.
A bit later a TD drive and the Tigers led 14:0.
But the Cougars were not down, they scored a TD also in the 1st quarter and at the start of the 2nd quarter again, after LSU did miss a field goal.
Late in the 2nd then the lead of Houston for the break, 21:14.
But both teams were still in the game, LSU did score, Houston did and LSU again starting the 4th quarter.
Tied at 28 did then Houston had to kick a field goal, stopped LSU and had then a great TD drive afterwards. Now leading by 10.
LSU did answer, scored a TD and with a minutes left to play, tried an onside kick. Houston got it, ran down the clock and won 38:35.
Not the way I thought it would go in total, but a win is a win.
Jacks BOWL Score: 16-11
That were the set of bowls I had previewed the last time.
Now the next set for the next 3 days!
The FOURTH SET OF BOWLs from Monday, 29th to Wednesday, 31st of December.
Mon., Dec 29
JLab Birmingham Bowl
Georgia Southern vs Appalachian State
@Protective Stadium, Birmingham, Alabama
This bowl exists since 2006.
The bowl has an AAC vs SEC affiliation, but if a conference is not able to send a team, it tickles down to CUSA or MAC or Sun Belt.
The stadium is the home field of the UAB Blazers.
The American did send very often a team here, 16 times, and won 10 games. The Sun Belt was only 2 times here but lost both.
Compared to the matchup last year, this season the matchup is rather boring, featuring TWO Sun Belt teams, which do even play in the same division.
Man, that is a bummer. Bowls are meant to feature matchups you don’t see too often, and here we have a rematch.
Georgia Southern is 6-6, while Appalachian State is 5-7 and got only here, because 3 eligible teams decided to not play in any bowl.
During the season did Georgia Southern win the game against App State, which was very close.
In the bowl is Georgia Southern again the favorite, by 8.5 points.
Not sure that is OK, but likely the bad streak of Appalachian State (lost 5 out of 6 last games) did not go well with Vegas.
Not sure, how much the location will have an influence here. If so, likely Georgia Southern has a small boost.
For me, this is an open matchup, in which likely the Eagles would win 6 or 7 out of 10, with App State for sure having a chance.
What will happen is open.
I can only pick a winner and s e l e c t of course ...
Eagles win.
Tue., Dec 30
Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl
Coastal Carolina vs Louisiana Tech
@Independence Stadium, Shreveport, Louisiana
Played since 1976 and current tie-ins are Big 12 vs PAC-12, including the legacy teams.
The alignment does change from time to time and honestly, I think they grab what's available, leaning maybe towards some teams more than some others.
The stadium is usually only used for this bowl on sports, beside some event games.
Record holder on this is the SEC, but their last game here was 2016.
This season we have a Sun Belt teams vs Conference USA.
And we have with Louisiana Tech the same team as last year (who lost last year) and this season they are 7-5. In this bowl they are 3-2-1 and holding the record regarding appearance.
Coastal Carolina is 6-6 and lost their HC and will be handled by an interims HC.
Interesting is, that Louisiana Tech is favored here by 9.5 points.
Likely the main driver here are the 3-game losing streak of CCU and the win by LT against Southern Miss, which has a quite similar record inside the Sun Belt as CCU.
What I learned on bowl games is, that all can be a factor, but don’t have to be, because the team playing then is not always comparable with the team in the regular season. Rosters do change, motivation does change and also the coaches do change.
This can have positive or negative consequences and you never know.
But such surprises are hard to predict, so I go with my gut feeling and that says, the Bulldogs are likely a bit better.
Bulldogs win.
TransPerfect Music City Bowl
Tennessee vs Illinois
@Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
This is played in the Tennessee Titans home stadium.
The bowl itself exists since 1998.
It's an ACC vs BIG10 vs SEC game bowl.
The SEC had the most teams send to the bowl so far, with a 10-15 record, including last seasons win.
The BIG10 lost last year and is now 6-5.
And we have again a BIG10 team against an SEC team.
Tennessee did start great but lost some steam during the season and ended with an 8-4 record.
Illinois did also start great, had a slump in the middle of the season and finished also 8-4.
My gut feeling was, when I read the matchup, that Tennessee is the favorite. Vegas has the same setup, but quite close with the Vols being a 2.5-point favorite.
Illinois had problems with pass happy teams, so maybe Tennessee will rip them apart, but also did Illinois play some good defense against strong teams, so it’s open, how they will do.
My feeling is, we will see a quite open game, maybe with a lot of points, but with Tennessee grinding towards a win with a tougher defense and a stronger offense.
Volunteers win.
Valero Alamo Bowl
#16 USC vs TCU
@Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
The dome in San Antonio is the home of the San Antonio Spurs, the Basketball team, and they play in only half of the dome as far as I know.
Initially the dome was built to get an NFL team to San Antonio, but they still wait for that and with new build domes are now way fancier, I guess they will never see an NFL team playing there regularly. It's right now also the home field of the UTSA Roadrunners and the UFL team San Antonio Brahmas.
The Alamo bowl is played since 1993 and does feature BIG 12 vs PAC-12, including the ‘legacy teams’.
The BIG 12 did send so far, the most teams, 30 and has a record of 16-14, including last years win AND loss since it was a game featuring 2 BIG-12 teams.
The PAC-12 did play 16 games so far and has a 7-9 record, including last years win.
This season we have again a former PAC-12 teams, now playing in the BIG10 with USC, who did finish 9-3. That is a solid result, but is still apart from the results USC expects to get.
And we have TCU, 8-4 overall, who had a good season, but did again not get into the region it had 4 seasons ago, when they lost in the national championship game.
Vegas has USC ahead by 6.5 points and if USC can bring their offense intact and willing to play, they should be able to beat TCU.
The key to the game will be the USC defense, which did lack the punch in some games. TCU can score and did score, so if that USC defense does not hold the line, TCU will win the time control and the game.
Played in Texas, this could be a factor.
But San Antonio is quite far away from the TCU campus, so if not for local patriotism, there should be not big impact.
I expect both teams to come prepared and USC to have chance here.
They can score quickly, so if they keep that game open and get the ball last, they will win.
Trojans win.
Wed., Dec 31
ReliaQuest Bowl
#23 Iowa vs #14 Vanderbilt
@Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Played in the home stadium of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this bowl exists since 1986. Until 2021 this was known as the Outback Bowl.
It's another BIG10 vs SEC bowl.
The SEC did participate 35 times, and won 20 of those games, including last years loss), and vacated 1 win (LSU 2013).
The BIG10 had 36 games and won only 14 times, including last season.
Iowa did play a great season so far (8-4), much better than I did anticipate, but did not play good against contenders and did therefore not get into the top spots inside the BIG10.
Vanderbilt did also play a great season (10-2), but lost 2 crucial games, which did not only hold the team out of the SEC championship game, but also out of the playoffs.
The team is led by a Heisman Trophy finalist, and he is very serious in playing football.
Vanderbilt is under his watch very dangerous and does not quit.
Iowa on the other hand did play a very tough defense and was surprisingly effective on offense, so hopefully we will see an open game.
Vandy is favored by 4.5 points, which seems reasonable.
Played in Florida, this might help the team from Tennessee more than the team from Iowa, regarding the weather.
I like Vanderbilt in this matchup, still would not be surprised to see Iowa at the end winning.
My expectation is a close, quite low-scoring game to come, in which Vanderbilt wins by an inch.
Commodores win.
Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl
Arizona State vs Duke
@Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas
This bowl is established since 1935.
It's an ACC vs PAC-12 game planned, played on the home field of the UTEP Miners. The PAC-12 teams do also include the ‘legacy teams’, which departed to other conferences.
The PAC-12 did send so far the most teams here with 34 and has a record of 19-14-1 (in the old days even in bowls tied games were OK).
Since it is so old, Indy teams did play 31 times here and have a 18-11-2 record.
The ACC won only 6 games out of 17 so far.
The BIG-12 had only 2 teams here so far, and is 1-1.
Arizona State had a good season (8-4), but after last years great season, this was a step backwards.
Duke on the other hand made a step forward, finished 8-5 and won the ACC for the 1st time since 1962!
Not sure what we can expect here.
Duke did win against the odds in the championship game and here they are a 3.0-point favorite.
Arizona State had good wins and bad losses, so it’s open, what we will get here.
My gut feeling is, Duke is motivated to play, but in the desert against the Sun Devils, I’m not sure they will have lady luck on their side.
I pick the Sun Devils in a close game, likely low scoring.
Sun Devils win.
Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
#18 Michigan vs #13 Texas
@Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida
The Citrus bowl was established in 1947 and does feature a SEC team vs a BIG10 team.
The stadium is only used for Citrus Bowl and this you-name-it-bowl (Pop-Tarts Bowl).
Though the years did the SEC play 41 matches here and won 25, lost last year.
The BIG10 did play 33 games and won 14, including last year.
This season we have (at least for me) no great matchup.
On paper it sounds great, but Michigan did not really play well this season, went only 9-3 (which is a fail in Michigan books) and now they have on top that drama regarding the fired HC and his threat on suicide and the affair with a staff member.
That will not help, if you face a team, which did almost play for the SEC championship and just got the message they will have their starting QB back for next year.
Texas is also 9-3, and I do think they are a bit stronger than Michigan.
Granted, both teams did have stupid losses, which did cost them at least playoff spots, if not spots in the championship games, but Texas had at least also some great wins, especially at the end of the season, while Michigan had nothing like that.
So, no wonder does Vegas have them as 7.5-point favorite and I back that up.
I don’t see Michigan holding off that offense often enough and also don’t see them scoring often enough against Texas.
Longhorns win.
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl
Nebraska vs #15 Utah
@Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
This bowl is operated since 1992 and is now played inside the home dome of the Las Vegas Raiders and UNLV.
It's a PAC-12 vs BIG10 planned, including the ‘legacy teams’ of the PAC-12.
The PAC-12 got the lead in games in this bowl, but 10-11.
The MWC is right behind them in participations and has a record of 12-8.
The BIG10 is 3-0 in this bowl, with last seasons win.
Nebraska is not really a great matchup against Utah.
The Huskers have a record of 7-5 and for sure they are quite happy with the current status of the program, compared to the results of the past 10 years. But playing against Utah, who made 10-2, and who also made the playoffs, almost.
The Utes did lose their HC to Michigan, not sure how that will turn out.
I expected the team to give their last for the HC, but now I’m not sure, how the motivation will be.
Utah is favored by 14.0 points and even I like the Huskers coach, Utah will likely play very tough.
Utes win.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS QUARTERFINAL
Wed., Dec 31
2025 CFP Quarterfinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic
#10 Miami vs #2 Ohio State
@AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Last year this bowl had a semifinal, but since the series rotate the bowls, it gets a quarterfinal this season.
Played since 1937 this was a long time already an at-large-bowl, but of course now it has to take, what comes up in the playoffs.
It's played in the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
After all those seasons since the conference did die in 1996 the Southwest Conference, out of which a lot of teams went on to build the BIG 12, has still the record for most games, 57, but their win total is at 24, while the still active SEC is now 25-17-1.
The BIG10 is 6-2 and the ACC is 2-1.
We have here Miami, now 11-2, which did beat a sloppy Texas A&M team in the 1st round in a defense battle against a rested Ohio State team, which is 12-1, and lost the BIG10 championship game.
Ohio State got here as 1st round bye team as the single non-conference champion.
Vegas favors Ohio State by 9.5 points, which is quite a lot.
The thing is, every inch of my body feels, that Miami shouldn’t be here, but they did win and deserve to play here.
Last season I did underestimate the Buckeyes, which will not happen this year.
I think Ohio State can be beaten, but I doubt Miami will do this.
They would need another bad game by their opponent, which is of course possible, but unlikely.
The team as something to prove after the loss to Indiana and will likely play tough ball.
I expect a low scoring game, in which Miami will just not get the scoring chances they need to win against that Buckeyes team.
Buckeyes win.
'Til next time
Jack6 on BLOCK OF GRANITE
Tags: Block of Granite, News
