Tag: Bowl

Alamo Bowl First Quarter Recap

Texas has played well so far. If the defense continues to play this way, the offense will have a great chance to win it for the Longhorns.

To start the game, Texas won the toss and elected to receive. Putting Sam Ehlinger and the offense on the field immediately, the Longhorns started out strong with a deep shot to Collin Johnson for 34 yards down the middle.

From that point on, Keaontay Ingram was solid in the run game, getting Texas down to the Utah 10 yard line. On third down, Ehlinger got away with a throw, as Utah more than likely should have had a pick-six.

Cameron Dicker hit a 29-yard field goal to put Texas up 3-0.

With Utah getting the ball for the first time, they got a first down via a Tyler Huntley throw to Cole Fotheringham on their first play. Texas forced a punt three plays later after stuffing running back Zach Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley.

Texas got the ball back after a Utah punt and was not able to do much. Only gaining a first down through a Ute penalty, second and third down was dominated by the Utah defensive line, getting to Ingram and Ehlinger behind the line of scrimmage.

Zach Moss started to do Zach Moss type things for the Utes to open up their second drive, gaining 11 yards on the first two plays. Utah went to the passing game after that but found little success. Devonta’e Henry dropped a swing pass from Huntley that could have gone a long way. The Longhorn defense continued their strong start, forcing another punt.

Roschon Johnson got in the action to start the third drive, getting 21 yards throughout the entire drive. Texas could not capitalize on his gains though, punting for the second time after a Brennan Eagles screen pass forced a 4th and 11.

After getting away with a field goal on their first drive, Texas is lucky to be up 3-0 in this game. The defense has been outstanding so far, limiting Tyler Huntley to what he can do in the passing game. If they continue to play this way throughout the entire game, the offense will have a great chance to win Tom Herman’s third consecutive bowl game.

Texas stats

Sam Ehlinger: 2-6 33 yards

Keaontay Ingram: Five rushes, 20 yards

Roschon Johnson: Three rushes, 21 yards

Collin Johnson: One catch, 34 yards

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Three reasons Texas will win the Alamo Bowl

Seen as underdogs, Texas is going to need a lot to go their way to win the Alamo Bowl. Here are three reasons Texas will win against Utah.

Wrapping up the third season under Head Coach Tom Herman, the Longhorns are in their third consecutive bowl game. While it is not exactly where Texas wants to be, after not even going to a bowl game for the final two years of Charlie Strong, it can be seen as an accomplishment.

Seen as the underdogs in the Alamo Bowl against Utah, the Longhorns are going to need a lot to go their way to win this game. Things have gone their way before the game has even kicked off, as they should have the home field advantage and star wide receiver Collin Johnson is expected to return for the game.

Here are three reasons Texas will win the Alamo Bowl against Utah:

Home field advantage

Whenever you play a bowl game in your home state, a huge crowd in your favor is expected. That is especially true when the venue you are playing in is around an hour and a half drive. The Longhorns should have a huge crowd in attendance for Tuesday’s Alamo Bowl against Utah. The Utes should have a decent-sized crowd themselves but will be hard to outnumber the following Texas will have.

In a similar situation early in the year, Texas played a “neutral site” game against Rice at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans. While Rice is located in Houston, the support was mainly for Texas fans. Utah has a bigger undergrad population and more likely more alumni, it will not be able to balance out Texas fans. Having a virtual home game will keep the Longhorns competitive throughout the game.

Collin Johnson is back

For most of the season, Texas has been without star wide receiver Collin Johnson. After deciding to skip the NFL and come back for his senior season, Johnson has only played in six games this season. He has been effective in those six games, having at least five receptions in four games. He last played against Kansas State in November, where he had seven catches for 110 yards and a touchdown.

Even if he does not make an impact with the ball in his hand, he is something Utah will have to think about. His presence in the lineup takes the pressure off other receivers like Devin Duvernay. Johnson may not be 100% but as this will be his final ever time to play in a Longhorn’s uniform, expect him to make a significant impact.

Recent bowl success

Under Tom Herman, the Longhorns are 2-0 in bowl games. The last Texas coach to win their first two bowl games with the program was Blair Cherry back in 1947 and 1948. Playing in the 2017 Texas Bowl, the Longhorns took care of old Big 12 opponent Missouri, 33-16. Last season, Texas got a huge win in the Sugar Bowl against sixth-ranked Georgia, 28-21. Herman has gotten the team to play well for the big occasion.

With this being the 11th Power 5 opponent (12th if you count BYU) they have faced this year, they are not stranger to tough competition. However, this will be the most prestigious bowl game the Utes have played in since defeating Alabama in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. The Longhorns have been on a big stage before and will be ready to play. Having that advantage over Utah will give Texas the ability to compete with the Utes.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Alamo Bowl Comparison: Line of Scrimmage

Most games in college football are won at the line of scrimmage. Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines:

Most games in college football are won and lost at the line of scrimmage. Having offensive lineman that can block and give time for plays to develop is just as crucial as getting pressure from your defensive line to disrupt what the other team is doing.

That will be no different for this year’s Alamo Bowl when Texas faces Utah. The Utes have some of the best units on the line of scrimmage in the country and have the opportunity to give the Longhorns some problems. Both units considered weaknesses for Texas, if they are not able to hold their ground, it could be a long night.

Here is a comparison of Texas’ and Utah’s offensive and defensive lines and how they matchup against each other:

Texas’ offensive line vs Utah’s defensive line

The second most sacked quarterback in the Big 12, Ehlinger has taken some shots from opponent defensive lines this season. The worst came against Oklahoma when the Sooners were able to record nine sacks from eight different players. The Longhorns offensive line has given up a lot but still has been above average throughout the season.

As for Utah’s pass rush, they have gotten to the quarterback 29 different times this season. Senior defensive end Bradlee Anae is second in the Pac 12 with 12.5 sacks after leading the conference last season. The run defense has also been excellent, only giving up 56 yards per game. After going quiet against a very good Oregon offensive line in the Pac 12 championship, the Utes will be looking for redemption.

Who has the advantage?

Utah’s defense was the best in the Pac 12 and it all started on the line of scrimmage. They have the advantage, but it is not like the Longhorns have gone against bad defensive lines all season. The offensive line for Texas should be prepared for whatever is thrown at them, but if mistakes are made, the Utes will capitalize quickly.

Quarterback Sam Ehlinger may have to do some scrambling throughout the game. Extending plays with his feet and running for a few first downs or finding receivers will be critical. Utah will more than likely have good pressure throughout the entire game, but if Ehlinger can be as clutch as we know he can be, Texas will be just fine.

Texas’ defensive line vs Utah’s offensive line

From a pass-rushing standpoint, the Longhorns have struggled this season, only having 22 sacks this season, the third-fewest in the conference. While the unit as a whole is young, it has still struggled this season, especially in the Big 12. With a defensive line led by senior Malcolm Roach, Texas has a tough test against the Utah offensive line.

The reason running back Zach Moss is having such success this season is because of space the Utah offensive line is giving him. A big, physical group led by left tackle Darrin Paulo, the Utes have one of the best offensive lines in the country. Only allowing 21 sacks this year, only one team in the Pac 12 gave up less. From a running perspective, they average 214 yards per game, the best in the conference. The offensive line has been the key to this success, giving Moss and quarterback Tyler Huntley the opportunity to make plays.

Who has the advantage?

The defensive line has been a weakness for Texas this season while Utah’s offensive line has been one of their strengths. The Utes have the advantage going into the game as it is one of their strengths against one of Texas’ weaknesses, but the Longhorns have an opportunity to flip that.

The matchup between the Longhorns defensive line and the Ute offensive line will be one of the most critical in this game. If Texas is able to get constant pressure, it will disrupt everything Utah has planned offensively. Limiting Moss and forcing Huntley into some early throws would give the Longhorns a great chance to win.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Texas sends two players home before Alamo Bowl

Texas has sent home two players ahead of tomorrow’s Alamo Bowl. LBs David Gbenda and Byron Vaughns violated team rules and will not play.

Texas has sent home two players ahead of tomorrow’s Alamo Bowl against Utah. Linebackers David Gbenda and Byron Vaughns violated team rules and will not be playing in tomorrow’s game.

Both freshman, Vaughns has played in seven games this season. Recording 14 tackles in those games, he was a key contributor to the win against Kansas earlier this year. Of his eight total tackles that day, six of them were solo. Vaughns also forced a fumble in the loss to TCU.

Gbenda has played in four games, but only recorded a tackle against Kansas.

For a Texas defense that has struggled this season, losing depth at the linebacker position will not help. They will face off against Utah tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Alamo Bowl Quarterback Comparison

This year’s Alamo Bowl has the chance to be high scoring with Tyler Huntley and Sam Ehlinger. Here is the QB comparison between UT and Utah.

This year’s Alamo Bowl has the chance to be an offensive shootout with quarterbacks Tyler Huntley and Sam Ehlinger under center. With Texas scoring 35 points a game and Utah scoring 34 points a game, both quarterbacks are accustomed to scoring.

When looking at the two, they have similar traits that make it an interesting matchup. Each player has been starting for three seasons and has been vital to their team’s success. The offenses run through their quarterbacks and if they are struggling, more than likely their team is going to have a bad day.

Here is the quarterback comparison between Texas and Utah:

Tyler Huntley: 73.7 completion percentage, 2,966 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, four touchdowns, 88 rushing attempts, 257 rushing yards, five touchdowns

Sam Ehlinger: 65.1 completion percentage, 3,462 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 152 rushing attempts, 590 rushing yards, nine touchdowns

Similarities

Both Huntley and Ehlinger are mobile quarterbacks who have the ability to make plays on their feet. While Ehlinger has the better rushing stats on the season, Huntley is a threat when running the read-option with star running back Zach Moss. Letting Huntley carry the ball is dangerous, as he has the ability to make people miss. As for Ehlinger, he has the ability to power over defenders. We saw it in the Sugar Bowl last season and throughout the year this year. Both have the ability to make big plays in the air, but their work running the ball will be key.

Differences

Of the two, Huntley is the more accurate quarterback. Both having their highest completion percentage of their careers, Huntley has slightly better than Ehlinger throughout this season. Completing 75% or better of his throws in seven out of 13 games this season, Huntley has been the most accurate quarterback in the Pac 12 this season and is only behind Joe Burrow on a national level. It will be crucial for Texas to get some pass breakups and not give Huntley time to find receivers. If they do, he is going to hit them all day for big gains.

Which team has the QB advantage?

While they are similar, Huntley is the better quarterback in this game. One of the most accurate quarterbacks in college football mixed with his lack of interceptions this season makes him reliable game in and game out. Having one of the top backs in the country in Zach Moss helps take the pressure off him as well. Ehlinger is more important to the Longhorns than Huntley is to the Utes, but Huntley’s accuracy and ability to use his feet makes him dangerous.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Three defensive keys against Utah

Texas and Utah are going to be energized as they will be playing on prime time television on NYE. Here are three defensive keys for Texas.

Going into this year’s Alamo Bowl, Texas and Utah have two different outlooks. Texas is happy to be in such a good bowl game after a disappointing 7-5 season, while Utah was one game away from the College Football Playoff. Despite this, both teams are going to be energized as they will be playing on prime time television on New Year’s Eve.

Losing the Pac 12 championship to Oregon, if the Utes had won that game they would of been playing in a more important game. Most of that was due to their offense success and the threatening duo of Tyler Huntley and Zach Moss. If Texas wants any chance of slowing Utah down, they need to make those two uncomfortable.

Here are three defensive keys for the Longhorns against the Utes:

Containing Zach Moss

Texas has faced some great running backs this season in Chubba Hubbard, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Pooka Williams. Utah’s running back Zach Moss may be the best of the bunch. Rushing for 1,329 yards in the Pac 12 this season, Moss led the conference in yards this season. He also led in rushing touchdowns, having 15.

Running backs have had big games against the Longhorns this season, with Oklahoma State’s Chubba Hubbard having 121 rushing yards and Kansas’ Pooka Williams having 190. If Texas is going to have someone beat them, it needs to be anyone but Moss. He has the ability to run all over defenses and the Longhorns cannot let that happen.

Force Tyler Huntley to throw an interceptions

In the Pac 12 championship against Oregon, Utah’s quarterback Tyler Huntley really struggled after having a solid season for the Utes. Only completing 58.6% of this throws, his lowest of the season. He also threw two interceptions against the Ducks, the same amount he had in the previous 12 games.

Utah is 0-4 in games that Huntley throws multiple interceptions. Texas forced multiple interceptions against Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia this season, going 3-0 in those games. It may sound simple, but if the Longhorns can make Tyler Huntley uncomfortable and throw a couple interceptions, Texas has a great chance of winning on New Year’s Eve.

Get pressure on Tyler Huntley

The way you make Huntley uncomfortable is by getting constant pressure against a solid Utah offensive line. The Utes only gave up 21 sacks this season, the second-fewest in the Pac 12. On the flip side, the Longhorns only had 22 sacks this season, the third-fewest in the Big 12. It would be an excellent time for Texas to start pressuring the quarterback well.

If they do get pressure, they must also contain Huntley, as he can easily make plays with his feet. Contain him inside the pocket, get some sacks, or force him into throws he is uncomfortable making. That would force quick, short drives by the Utah offense and let the Longhorns’ offense be as explosive as everyone knows it can be.

Texas will face Utah on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Big 12 Bowl Game Schedule

Bowl season is here and the Big 12 has sent six different teams bowling this year. Here is the bowl schedule for the rest of the Big 12.

Bowl season is finally upon us and the Big 12 has sent six different teams bowling this year. Going 4-3 last season, the conference will look to improve on that record. Playing in the New Year’s Six bowl games, the Big 12 went 1-1, with Texas winning the Sugar Bowl against Georgia and Oklahoma and losing in the Orange Bowl to Alabama.

Oklahoma State, TCU, and Baylor were the other three teams to take care of business last season. This season, TCU and West Virginia do not get back to a bowl game, while Kansas State joins in for the first time since 2017. Baylor will be in the Sugar Bowl, while Oklahoma once again represents the conference in the College Football Playoff.

Here is the bowl schedule for the rest of the Big 12:

Oklahoma State vs Texas A&M

Texas Bowl

Friday, Dec. 27 at 5:45 p.m. CST

Houston, TX

ESPN

Iowa State vs Notre Dame

Camping World Bowl

Saturday, Dec. 28 at 11:00 a.m. CST

Orlando, FL

ABC

Oklahoma vs LSU

Peach Bowl

Saturday, Dec. 28 at 3:00 p.m. CST

Atlanta, GA

ESPN

Kansas State vs Navy

Liberty Bowl

Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 2:45 p.m. CST

Memphis, TN

ESPN

Baylor vs Georgia

Sugar Bowl

Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 7:45 p.m. CST

New Orleans, LA

ESPN

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Michigan set to take on Alabama in the VRBO Citrus Bowl

Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban are set for a January 1 showdown in Orlando, Florida.

[jwplayer fkE2694z-XNcErKyb]

With the College Football Playoff field set, everything else has fallen into line, including the Wolverines final destination for the 2019 season. And while Michigan won’t get to participate in the New Year’s Six for the third time in the Jim Harbaugh era, it looks like the maize and blue will still have a commensurate opponent.

While Michigan has long been out of the playoff picture, having lost two games before November, the same couldn’t be said for the Wolverines latest opponent, as the Alabama Crimson Tide were in the hunt all the way until its final game of the season — a close loss at Auburn. With its only loss other than that being to CFB Playoff LSU — another close loss — it was widely thought that Alabama could still sneak into the playoff, but with the offense being hampered by starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s season ending injury, the Crimson Tide didn’t just have the same cache, they also found themselves behind not only LSU, but also Georgia and Florida in the pecking order.

And now, the 9-3 Wolverines will take on Nick Saban and the 10-2 Crimson Tide in the VRBO Citrus Bowl in Orlando, according to Brett McMurphy from Stadium and Kirk Herbstreit on ESPN (though it has yet to be officially announced).

Alabama is now quarterbacked by backup Mac Jones, but also have a dynamic foursome at wide receiver, in DeVonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and Jaylen Waddle. And, at tailback, the Tide feature a name well-known to Michigan football fans that pay close attention to recruiting: former No. 1 running back Najee Harris, who chose Tuscaloosa over Ann Arbor in a last-minute decision.

Also, there’s the matchup of former Alabama co-offensive coordinator Josh Gattis and his former head coach in Saban. Gattis departed Tuscaloosa for Ann Arbor this past offseason, nearly a year ago.

Of course, Michigan hopes that this game will either be more like a repeat of the Wolverines’ last game in the Citrus Bowl, in 2015, when the maize and blue routed Florida, or like the last time it faced Bama in a bowl game, in 2000, when Tom Brady led the Wolverines to a comeback, overtime victory in the Orange Bowl. The last time the two faced off, however, Michigan lost in a season-opening blowout at AT&T Stadium in 2012.

The VRBO Citrus Bowl takes place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Jan. 1 at 1PM EST and will be broadcast on ABC.

Who will Georgia football play in its bowl game?

The Georgia Bulldogs fell 37-10 to LSU in Atlanta Saturday and are likely headed back to New Orleans for another disappointing Sugar Bowl. Final. Georgia 10 // LSU 37 #GoDawgs – Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) December 8, 2019 Despite the …

The Georgia Bulldogs fell 37-10 to LSU in Atlanta Saturday and are likely headed back to New Orleans for another disappointing Sugar Bowl.

Despite the 27-point loss to the Tigers, the Bulldogs won the head-to-head matchup with rival Florida in Jacksonville this season and have an extra win on the schedule, so it’s hard to see Georgia falling behind the Gators.

However, if the Dawgs were to slip behind Mullen and company, they would likely head to Miami for the Orange Bowl against ACC runner-up Virginia.

Assuming it’s the former and not the latter, Georgia gets Baylor in the Sugar Bowl, who fell 30-23 in overtime to Oklahoma on Saturday.

Several players are expected to sit out the bowl game for the Dawgs, but time will tell of Georgia comes out motivated for its bowl this season or plays flat like it did against Texas just one year ago.

As for now, it’s waiting time in Athens, with the Bulldogs’ New Years Six fate in the hands of the committee.

Notre Dame Football: Ranking Potential Bowl Game Opponents

Finally the biggest draw in the Big XII comes up on our breakdown.  Is Texas back?

In one of the worst kept secrets in college football at this point, we sit and wait to act surprised when on Sunday we will all officially find out that No. 15 Notre Dame will be headed to play a Big XII opponent in the 2019 Camping World Bowl.

That means a trip to Orlando but who the Irish play in the game is still very much up in the air for multiple different reasons.

For one – Oklahoma and Baylor both right now sit at six and seven in the College Football Playoff rankings respectively, with both still being very much alive for a potential New Year’s Six Bowl game berth if they are to fall in Saturday’s conference championship.

That’s important because it would change the Alamo automatically getting whoever loses and instead, give the bowl the chance to pick which of the 5-4 Big XII teams it would like, as Kansas State, Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Texas all finished in a tie for third place after all going 5-4 in conference play.

It got me wondering though – who should Notre Dame fans be rooting for to play?

I get that some Irish fans will have a family or friend that is connected to one of the schools that will make that their obvious choice, but for everyone who doesn’t, what are you rooting for to happen?

A quick look at the potential match-ups, one at a time.

Kansas State

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5