Texas State overcomes North Texas at SERVPRO First Responder Bowl

Story and photos by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

UNIVERSITY PARK, TEXAS (January 3, 2025)  In an exciting finish, the Texas State Bobcats edged the North Texas Mean Green 30-28 in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Friday at Gerald J Ford Stadium on the SMU campus. Running back Lincoln Pare led the Bobcats with 143 yards on 21 carries, scoring two touchdowns. His standout moment was a 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, which proved crucial for the team's victory.

Quarterback Jordan McCloud also had a strong performance for Texas State, completing 26 of 35 passes for 307 yards. He threw one touchdown pass to Jaden Williams, who caught eight passes totaling 155 yards. This win marks the Bobcats' second consecutive First Responder Bowl victory, concluding their season with an 8-5 record.

For North Texas, quarterback Drew Mestemaker, a former walk-on, made his first college start. He completed 26 of 41 passes for 393 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions. Mestemaker showcased his athleticism with a remarkable 70-yard touchdown run that brought the Mean Green within two points late in the game. Despite his efforts, North Texas was unable to secure the win, finishing their season at 6-7.

The game began with Texas State taking an early lead through a 34-yard field goal by Mason Shipley. North Texas quickly responded with a 46-yard touchdown pass from Mestemaker to Miles Coleman. The teams traded scores throughout the first half, with Texas State holding a narrow 16-14 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Bobcats extended their lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Pare. North Texas answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Mackenzie McGill II, narrowing the gap. However, Pare's explosive 73-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter gave Texas State a 30-21 advantage. Mestemaker's 70-yard touchdown run brought the Mean Green close, but a late interception sealed the victory for the Bobcats.

Sugar Bowl postponed until Thursday, January 2

By Chris Price
Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA (January 1, 2025) The 2025 Allstate Sugar Bowl between the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish has been postponed following the terrorist attack in New Orleans. Early on New Year's Day, a truck drove into a crowd in the French Quarter, resulting in at least 15 deaths and many injuries.

The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Caesars Superdome, located near the incident site. In light of the attack, officials have rescheduled the game for Thursday at 3 p.m. CT. This decision was made to ensure public safety and allow law enforcement to secure the area.

Both teams are taking extra precautions. The Georgia Bulldogs are staying in their hotel under a shelter-in-place order, and all team members from both schools have been accounted for. However, reports indicate that a University of Georgia student was critically injured in the attack.

The matchup at this year's Sugar Bowl serves as a quarterfinal in the College Football Playoff. The winner will advance to the Orange Bowl to face Penn State.

In response to the attack, security measures around the Superdome have been increased to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. Authorities are working diligently to secure the area and provide a safe environment for the rescheduled game.

Baylor and LSU set for showdown in Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 30, 2024) The Baylor Bears and LSU Tigers are gearing up for an exciting clash at NRG Stadium in the Kinder's Texas Bowl on Tuesday, bringing together two teams with plenty of history, talent, and momentum. Both schools are familiar with the Texas Bowl, with Baylor making its third appearance and LSU also visiting for the third time. The Bears defeated Vanderbilt 45-38 in 2018 but lost to Illinois in 2010. LSU's last trip to the Texas Bowl in 2022 ended in a 42-20 loss to Kansas State.

Baylor comes into the game riding a six-game winning streak. After starting the season 2-4, the Bears turned things around with victories over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, TCU, West Virginia, Houston, and Kansas. Quarterback Sawyer Robertson has been key during this stretch, throwing seven of his 26 touchdown passes. Robertson has 2,626 passing yards this season, completing 199 of 317 passes with just seven interceptions.

The Bears also boast standout players on both sides of the ball. Inside linebackers Matt Jones and Keaton Thomas earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors. Thomas leads the team with 107 tackles, while Jones has 103. Wide receiver Josh Cameron has been a dual threat with 643 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Cameron’s average of 20.7 yards per punt return is the best in the nation for players with at least 14 returns.

Freshman running back Bryson Washington has been another bright spot for Baylor. He rushed for 1,004 yards this season, setting a school record for a freshman, and scored 12 touchdowns.

LSU’s offense will be led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is having a stellar season. Nussmeier has thrown for 3,739 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He needs 261 passing yards to become only the second quarterback in LSU history to hit the 4,000-yard mark in a season. Nussmeier has shined against non-conference opponents, throwing for 1,766 yards and 16 touchdowns in five such games since last year.

Freshman running back Caden Durham has contributed 693 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while LSU’s offensive line has been anchored by standout left tackle Will Campbell, a Consensus All-American. However, Campbell and right tackle Emery Jones will both miss the game after opting out.

On defense, LSU has a rich history of success under head coach Brian Kelly and will look to improve their 6-8 record in bowl games against Big 12 opponents.

This will be the first meeting between Baylor and LSU in 39 years. Baylor holds a 2-1 edge in bowl matchups, including a 21-7 victory in the Liberty Bowl in 1985. The game is also part of the Texas Bowl’s tradition of matching SEC and Big 12 teams, a streak that has continued for the past decade.

A win would be historic for Baylor, as the Bears have never ended a season with seven consecutive victories. For LSU, it’s a chance to secure their 31st bowl win and build momentum heading into next season.

Blake Horvath leads Navy to thrilling Armed Forces Bowl win

By Chris Price
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 27, 2024) Blake Horvath had a night to remember as Navy edged out Oklahoma 21-20 in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, played at Amon G. Carter Stadium on Friday. Horvath set a Navy record with a 95-yard touchdown run, helping the Midshipmen overcome an early 14-point deficit.

Horvath’s record-breaking run came late in the third quarter, tying the game at 14. With 4:34 left, he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 6-yard run. Just moments earlier, he kept the drive alive with a clutch 16-yard pass on fourth-and-3.

Oklahoma made it interesting with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Michael Hawkins Jr. to Jake Roberts with six seconds left. The Sooners went for the win with a 2-point conversion, but Navy’s Justin Reed sacked Hawkins to seal the victory.

Horvath ran for 155 yards on 18 carries and threw for 92 yards. Alex Tecza added an 11-yard touchdown run for Navy. The Midshipmen (10-3) celebrated their sixth 10-win season, their first since 2019.

Oklahoma (6-7) started strong with Gavin Sawchuk’s 21-yard touchdown and Hawkins’ 56-yard pass to Zion Kearney. Hawkins, in his first start in two months, completed 28 of 43 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

This win marks Navy’s first bowl victory over an SEC team since 1955. The Midshipmen also improved to 2-0 all-time against Oklahoma.

Notre Dame dominates Oregon State in Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

The Sun Bowl is played at the historic Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas.
Photo by Francisco Casillas, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved

By Chris Price
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

EL PASO, TEXAS (December 29, 2023) In a spectacular display of skill and dominance, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish claimed a resounding 40-8 victory over the Oregon State Beavers at the 90th Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. The sold-out crowd of 48,223 witnessed a memorable performance as Notre Dame showcased their prowess in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. The Fighting Irish, now boasting a 10-3 season record, left no room for doubt about their superiority in the Sun Bowl. Notre Dame's offense, led by freshman quarterback Steven Angeli, executed with precision, amassing an impressive 448 yards. Angeli, in his first career start, set personal bests with 212 passing yards, three touchdown passes, 14 completions, and 18 attempts. Jordan Faison emerged as a standout player, earning the C.M. Hendricks MVP title. Faison's career-high 115 receiving yards, including a remarkable 55-yard reception, propelled Notre Dame to a 32-point victory, marking the largest margin in the program's bowl game history. The Fighting Irish ground game, led by Jadarian Price's career-best 106 rushing yards, was equally formidable. Price's one-yard touchdown run in the second quarter contributed to Notre Dame's 14-0 halftime lead. The Beavers struggled to find their footing, managing only 197 yards of total offense. Defensively, Notre Dame's performance was commendable, recording four sacks and securing a safety in the fourth quarter. The Beavers, despite a valiant effort, couldn't overcome the relentless Irish defense.

Texas A&M falls short against Oklahoma State in thrilling TaxAct Texas Bowl

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Rights

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 27, 2023) In a heart-pounding battle at NRG Stadium, the Texas A&M football team fought valiantly against No. 22 Oklahoma State, ultimately succumbing to a 31-23 defeat in the TaxAct Texas Bowl on Wednesday night.

The Aggies, entering the game with a depleted roster, faced adversity from the first play when starting quarterback Jaylen Henderson exited the game due to injury. Despite the setback, reserve quarterback Marcel Reed stepped up, showcasing resilience and determination. Reed completed 20-of-33 passes for an impressive 361 yards, adding a rushing touchdown to his name.

Trailing 24-6 at halftime, Texas A&M mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. The defense, led by standout Sam Mathews, forced crucial turnovers, allowing the Aggies to outscore Oklahoma State 17-7 in the final two quarters. Mathews delivered a stellar performance, tallying a career-high 14 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, one pass breakup, and an interception.

Wide receivers Jahdae Walker, Max Wright, and Moose Muhammad III played pivotal roles in the offensive resurgence. Walker led the receiving corps with eight catches for 137 yards, while Wright contributed four catches for 62 yards, and Muhammad III finished with three catches for 68 yards.

Despite falling short, the Aggies displayed resilience and determination. Reed's connection with Wright on a pair of passes set up a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Amari Daniels, narrowing the score to 24-13 in the third quarter. Reed himself contributed a 20-yard rushing touchdown, keeping the Aggies in the fight.

A late-game surge, featuring a 51-yard field goal by Randy Bond, brought Texas A&M within striking distance at 31-28 with 5:07 remaining. The defense held strong, and with 17 seconds left, the Cowboys' 47-yard field goal attempt went wide right, providing the Aggies with one last opportunity.

In a dramatic final sequence, Reed unleashed a Hail Mary pass that unfortunately ended in an interception as time expired. The Aggies, despite the adversity and a depleted roster, showcased determination and fighting spirit until the very last play.

Air Force downs James Madison 31-14 in Armed Forces Bowl

Photo and story by Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved

FORT WORTH, TEXAS (December 23, 2023) In a thrilling showdown at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, Air Force Falcon football secured an impressive 31-21 win over No. 24 James Madison Dukes. The Falcons capped their 2023 season with a 9-4 record.

The game unfolded as a clash of titans, with Air Force facing the nation's top-ranked rush defense in James Madison, allowing only 62 yards per game. However, the Falcons defied the odds, churning out a remarkable 351 yards on the ground. Senior fullback Emmanuel Michel emerged as the star of the show, setting an Air Force bowl record with an astounding 203 rushing yards on 35 carries, earning him the well-deserved title of Armed Forces Bowl MVP.

Air Force's victory was propelled by a relentless running game and a tenacious defense that tallied four sacks and an interception. Senior linebacker Bo Richter led the defensive charge with three sacks and 4.5 tackles-for-loss, both standing as Air Force bowl records.

The Falcons took control of the game in the second quarter, seizing momentum after linebacker Jonathan Youngblood intercepted James Madison's quarterback Jordan McCloud. Air Force capitalized on the turnover, orchestrating an impressive 72-yard drive culminating in another one-yard touchdown run by Michel. The first half concluded with quarterback Zac Larrier connecting with receiver Jared Roznos for a 42-yard touchdown, establishing a commanding 21-7 lead for the Falcons.

Despite James Madison's efforts to rally in the third quarter, Air Force responded emphatically with a 75-yard touchdown drive, highlighted by Larrier's one-yard plunge, extending their lead to 28-14. The Falcons' dominance was further solidified as Matthew Dapore sealed the victory with a 26-yard field goal, bringing the score to 31-14 with 8:20 left in the game.

James Madison managed to score a late touchdown, but it was not enough to overcome Air Force's performance.