Thursday, January 1, 2015

TaxSlayer Bowl: Tennessee looks to notch first winning season since 2009



TaxSlayer Bowl

Iowa (7-5) vs. Tennessee (6-6)

Jacksonville, Fla.

Jan. 2, 2015


Nov 22, 2014; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) passes the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Missouri won 29 to 21. (Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports) These two teams come into this game moving in two very different directions.


Iowa, which was picked to challenge for the Big Ten title, lost three of its final four games while Tennessee, which had the youngest roster in the nation to start the season, won three of its final four games to become bowl eligible.


That makes this contest highly unpredictable.


Neither one of these teams does anything great. Iowa had a decent running game early in the season, but that faded down the stretch. Tennessee's offense has struggled much of this season, though new quarterback Josh Dobbs has provided a little spark and running back Jalen Hurd, who has missed time because of injury, will be healthy for this contest.


So really, this contest is going to come down to motivation.


Tennessee didn’t think it would be playing in a bowl this season. This was a rebuilding year for the Vols, who had new faces on more than half of their roster. Tennessee hasn’t been to a bowl game since 2010 and hasn’t won one since 2007.


For Iowa, this is a sad consolation prize for a team that had a chance to win the Big Ten West and squandered it in the last quarter of the season. The Hawkeyes had dismal losses to Iowa State and Maryland and failed to live up to expectations in every way. Even a win in this game couldn’t erase Iowa’s 2014 underachievement.


When it all shakes out, this will probably be a high-scoring affair. Tennessee’s scoring average increased from 23.9 to 35.0 over its final four games and with the running game healthy, it figures to be clicking on all cylinders. Iowa didn’t have a lot of trouble scoring this season, just stopping its opponents.


ODDS: Tennessee (-3.5)


FUN FACT Iowa under coach Kirk Ferentz is 6-5 in bowl games and 4-2 against the SEC. However, the Hawkeyes have dropped their last two bowl appearances.


PREDICTIONS


Graham: I’m going to go with the hot team in this game even though it might not necessarily be the better one. The Vols’ offense gets rolling with its healthy running game and caps the first winning season since 2009. Tennessee 35, Iowa 24.


Nick: This could be the best test of the Big Ten and SEC. Iowa is a bizarre team while Tennessee, like Arkansas, could be considered to be better than its record indicates. The Vols are the pick here.Tennessee 27, Iowa 17.


Sam: Iowa really underperformed this year and Tennessee is billed as a program on the rise. Still, Iowa is a far more experienced team that had some tight losses to good teams down the stretch. I'll go with the Hawkeyes. Iowa 24, Tennessee 20.


For more Tennessee news, visit VolQuest.com.


For more Iowa news, visit HawkeyeReport.com.


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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday


And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - TaxSlayer Bowl: Tennessee looks to notch first winning season since 2009


Winston: Focus on 'next season, baseball'


Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston gave no hints about his future plans after the Seminoles lost 59-20 to Oregon on Thursday in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. From ESPN.com - College Football - Winston: Focus on 'next season, baseball'


Oregon players taunt Jameis Winston with 'No means no' chant while doing tomahawk chop (Video)



In the moments after Oregon trounced Florida State 59-20 in the College Football Playoff National Semifinal, a few Oregon players thought it would be funny to do the tomahawk chant with the phrase, “No means no” during the postgame celebration.


Unfortunately for those players, someone caught them on video and they’re now immortalized on the Internet forever.



Of course, this was a jab at Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston, who was accused of sexually assaulting a former female student in 2013. Winston was never arrested or charged and he was cleared of any wrongdoing in a student code of conduct hearing in December.


Still, Winston’s off-field issues have been a hot-button topic all season, so this kind of stuff probably happens more often than we know. It's unfortunate that these players had to sully an otherwise awesome moment for Oregon football.


For more Oregon news, visit DuckSportsAuthority.com.


- - - - - - -


Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday


And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oregon players taunt Jameis Winston with 'No means no' chant while doing tomahawk chop (Video)


Internet explodes with memes poking fun at Jameis Winston



Florida State got blown out 49-20 by Oregon in the first College Football Playoff semifinal. When it looked like the Seminoles still had a chance, Jameis Winston had an embarrassing fumble that led to an Oregon defensive score.



The loss snapped Florida State’s 29-game winning streak and the Internet sure had a lot of fun with the Seminoles’ misfortune.


Let’s take a look.



Odell Beckham Jr got your back.. http://ift.tt/1twBWBt


— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) January 2, 2015


Suddenly, a strong gust appeared. #RoseBowl http://ift.tt/1yd11YK


— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) January 2, 2015


MANTI TE'O's girlfriend with her first career sack!! http://ift.tt/1D92UVl


— HENNI™ (@Hennigan_again) January 2, 2015


Winston on fourth down or life alert lady? http://ift.tt/1twBWRX


— Jack Orr (@jackiepooooo) January 2, 2015


http://ift.tt/1zXjxVu


— Rob Perez (@World_Wide_Wob) January 2, 2015


Too soon? http://ift.tt/1twBX8u


— Tim (@MadeByTim) January 2, 2015


If you're loving this game, we've got a few desserts you might enjoy. #Turnovers #OREvsFSU


— Arby's (@Arbys) January 2, 2015

You know it’s bad when you have a fast food chain poking fun at you.


For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!


Follow @SamDCooper


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Internet explodes with memes poking fun at Jameis Winston


Oregon dominates Florida State in College Football Playoff semifinal



Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs in a touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) Oregon will play for the first ever College Football Playoff National Championship, and it clinched its berth in emphatic fashion.


The Ducks overwhelmed undefeated Florida State with a blazing fast offense and swarming defense en route to a dominant 59-20 win at the Rose Bowl.


The game was fairly even on both sides through one half, but Florida State continually shot itself in the foot with five second-half turnovers. And as the Seminoles continued to turn the ball over, the Ducks’ offense, led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, continually cashed in with 41 second-half points – 28 of which came off FSU turnovers.


By the time the fourth quarter rolled around the game was already in hand, and Oregon continued to pile on as it punched its ticket to the Jan. 12 title game against either Alabama or Ohio State in Arlington, Texas.


While the final score may not reflect it, this was a tight contest early. Oregon’s lead was just 8-3 (Oregon successfully converted a two-point conversion following its first TD) and the Ducks’ defense kept it that way by stuffing Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston on a goal-line stand to open the second quarter.


That’s when Oregon’s tempo really started to take its toll. The Ducks’ drive following the goal line stand led to only a field goal to give Oregon an 11-3 lead, but its 19 plays were ran at hyper speed, spanning 88 yards in just 4:45 of game time.


And when the Seminoles got their own offense going, it stalled in the red zone and settled for another Roberto Aguayo field goal late in the second.


While the Seminoles struggled in the red zone, Oregon thrived. The Ducks again quickly worked their way down the field following Aguayo’s field goal and scored via a Thomas Tyner touchdown run to go ahead 18-6.


The Seminoles, who had won 29 consecutive games that included nine come-from-behind wins, didn’t wilt just yet as a six-yard Karlos Williams touchdown run cut the Oregon lead to 18-13 going into halftime.


Florida State opened the second half with the ball, looking to go ahead, but freshman tailback Dalvin Cook fumbled in Oregon territory. The Ducks quickly capitalized as tailback Royce Freeman was in the end zone just five plays later.


It was a sign of things to come.


After the teams traded two more touchdowns – a Winston 18-yard pass to Travis Rudolph and a Mariota 56-yard pass to Darren Carrington – Cook fumbled again, this time on a pass out of the backfield. Two plays later, Mariota hit Carrington behind the defense again to increase the Oregon lead to 39-20.


At this point, Florida State desperatetly needed a score and drove down to the Oregon 30-yard line. Instead of a field goal, Florida State went for it on fourth-and-5, and that’s where the flood gates opened.


Winston scrambled to avoid pressure and the ball simply slipped out of his hand. Oregon’s Tony Washington picked up the loose ball and returned it 58 yards for a touchdown, expanding the lead to 45-20.



Any thought that Florida State had another comeback in store ended there. Oregon added two more rushing scores – one from Mariota and another from Tyner – in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.


Though Winston threw for 348 yards, Mariota was the clear winner in a battle of the last two Heisman winners. Mariota threw for 338 yards and two touchdowns whole also running for 62 yards and a score.


In all, the Ducks racked up 639 yards and looked like a team that can’t be stopped on offense.


Now Oregon will wait and see to find out which team it will face next, while the Seminoles tasted defeat for the first time since Nov. 24, 2012.


For more Oregon news, visit DuckSportsAuthority.com.


For more Florida State news, visit Warchant.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!


Follow @SamDCooper


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oregon dominates Florida State in College Football Playoff semifinal


Mariota, Ducks demolish FSU, into CFP final


Marcus Mariota and Oregon turned an avalanche of Florida State mistakes into a mountain of points, and the Ducks rolled past the defending national champions 59-20 on Thursday to turn the first College Football Playoff semifinal into a Rose Bowl rout. From ESPN.com - College Football - Mariota, Ducks demolish FSU, into CFP final


Ducks' win gives Helfrich shot at $250K bonus


The Rose Bowl Game Presented By Northwestern Mutual win for Oregon was worth $25,000 to head coach Mark Helfrich with the opportunity to make $250,000 more should the Ducks win it all. From ESPN.com - College Football - Ducks' win gives Helfrich shot at $250K bonus


Manning uncertain on CFP committee return


Archie Manning said he hasn't decided if he will return to the College Football Playoff selection committee in 2015. From ESPN.com - College Football - Manning uncertain on CFP committee return


Oregon ends Noles' streak, rolls into title game

Mariota Connects With Carrington


Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. From ESPN.com - College Football - Mariota Connects With Carrington


3Q ORE D. Cook run for 10 yds,D. Cook fumbled, forced by D. Malone, recovered by Oregn D. Malone,Cook, Dalvin rush for 10 yards to the OREGON31, fumble force

Report: North Carolina hires Chizik as DC

Source: Chizik to join North Carolina as DC


Former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik has accepted a job with North Carolina as defensive coordinator, according to a source. From ESPN.com - College Football - Source: Chizik to join North Carolina as DC


Rose Bowl Ball Boy Battle: FSU’s Red Lightning Vs. Oregon’s Kwame Mitchell


Behind all winning college football teams, there is a ball boy, one part assistant, one part cheerleader, one part whatever the f**k needs to done.... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Rose Bowl Ball Boy Battle: FSU’s Red Lightning Vs. Oregon’s Kwame Mitchell


LSU's Alexander, Collins declare for NFL Draft

Baylor kicker Chris Callahan tweets that he's 'alive' after devastating hit (Video)



Baylor kicker Chris Callahan wants everyone to know he’s OK.


Callahan took a vicious hit while trying to make a tackle following a blocked field goal by Michigan State late in the fourth quarter of Thursday’s Cotton Bowl.


Baylor's Chris Callahan

Callahan was blindsided and, by the way his body fell to the turf, appeared to be knocked unconscious.


However, Callahan took to Twitter after the game to let everyone know that he was “alive.”



I am alive. It has been a great season. I am proud to be a Baylor Bear. #SicEm


— Christopher Callahan (@chrispcallahan2) January 1, 2015

While Callahan’s tweet is pretty funny, there was genuine concern for his wellbeing that was slightly lost in the commotion and excitement of the blocked kick. Cameras never even went back to him because the Michigan State offense was on the field so quickly and the drive was so crucial to the outcome of the game.


So, it’s good to know Callahan emerged unscathed from what was truly one of the more devastating hits we’ve seen all season.


For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.


- - - - - - -


Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday


And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Baylor kicker Chris Callahan tweets that he's 'alive' after devastating hit (Video)


Oregon Takes Big Lead


Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. From ESPN.com - College Football - Oregon Takes Big Lead


Ducks' Allen exits with apparent knee injury


Oregon redshirt freshman wide receiver Devon Allen left the Rose Bowl Game Presented by Northwestern Mutual with an apparent knee injury after fielding the opening kickoff. From ESPN.com - College Football - Ducks' Allen exits with apparent knee injury


2Q ORE J. Winston run for 0 yds


Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. From ESPN.com - College Football - 2Q ORE J. Winston run for 0 yds


Barry Alvarez shows off his dance moves after Wisconsin beat Auburn (Video)



After Gary Andersen left for Oregon State, Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez served as interim head coach in the Badgers’ Outback Bowl win over Auburn. He hopes this is the last time he has to strap on the headset in an interim role and he celebrated in the locker room accordingly.


Led by Alvarez, the Badgers went their normal “U-Dub” chant and the 68-year-old Alvarez showed off some hysterical dance moves.



Alvarez was Wisconsin’s head coach from 1990-2005 before retiring to take the athletic director job. He also coached the Badgers in the 2013 Rose Bowl after Bret Bielema left for Arkansas. The Badgers lost that game to Stanford, 20-14, so the win over Auburn had to feel good for Alvarez.


The Badgers finished 11-3 on the season with the win.


For more Wisconsin news, visit BadgerBlitz.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!


Follow @SamDCooper


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Barry Alvarez shows off his dance moves after Wisconsin beat Auburn (Video)


Michigan State overcomes 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Baylor in Cotton Bowl



Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford (33) celebrates his touchdown run with teammate Donavon Clark, left, and Travis Jackson during the first half of the Cotton Bowl NCAA college football game against Baylor, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) There have been two fourth-quarter 20-point comebacks in college football this season, and now Baylor, who was involved in both, knows what’s it’s like to be on the wrong side.


The Bears coughed up a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter of the Cotton Bowl as Michigan State used a blocked field goal and a touchdown with 17 seconds remaining to secure a 42-41 victory.


Michigan State actually came back from two different 20-point deficits in the second half behind the gritty play of quarterback Connor Cook. Cook, who threw two key interceptions at inopportune moments, rallied his team in the final 12 minutes to what seemed like an improbable victory.


He started the fourth-quarterback comeback with an 8-yard touchdown pass to tight end Josiah Price to cut the score to 41-28. The Spartans then recovered an onside kick to start their next drive on the Michigan State 47 and Cook quickly got the Spartans moving with a 39-yard pass Aaron Burbridge. However, on the next play, Cook was pressured and as he was falling down, he tried to heave the ball toward one of his receivers and it was intercepted and run back 37 yards.


Michigan State’s defense held and Cook was able to regroup and lead the Spartans to a score on the next drive that was capped off with a 1-yard run by Jeremy Langford.


But on the next Baylor possession things appeared to be swinging back in the Bears favor. Quarterback Bryce Petty, who threw for a Cotton Bowl record 550 yards, got into a rhythm and started finding his receivers on slants the Spartans were having trouble covering. Petty’s best pass of the drive came on a 26-yard strike to Corey Coleman who went all the way down to the Michigan State 7-yard line. However, an offensive face mask, a rarely called penalty, was assessed on Coleman’s stiff arm. The drive stalled and the Bears were forced to try a 43-yard field goal.


RJ Williamson blocked the field goal try and it was returned 36 yards to the Baylor 46 setting up what would be the eventual game-winning drive.


Cook was not especially accurate throughout the game, but when his team needed a big play, he made it. He extended the game-winning drive with a 17-yard pass on fourth down. It took Cook three tries, but he found Keith Humphrey in the end zone for the game-winning score. On that final drive, Cook only completed 3-of-8 passes, but the three he completed were all big.


Michigan State sealed the win by sacking Petty twice on the Bears' next possession and then intercepting his final pass.


The combined 83 points marked a Cotton Bowl record as did the combined 1,135 yards. Petty did have a stellar game, but what hampered the Bears was a lack of diversity. They rushed for minus-20 yards.


Four months ago, Baylor erased a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit against TCU to win 61-58 and hand the Horned Frogs their only loss of the season. The victory became one of the hottest talking points at the end of the regular season when the Big 12’s top two teams were jockeying for position in the College Football Playoff standings. That win ultimately propelled the Bears ahead of the Horned Frogs in the final College Football Playoff rankings.


The Big 12 is 1-4 in bowl games so far this season with Kansas State and Oklahoma State yet to play. TCU has the conference’s only victory with a 42-3 thrashing of Ole Miss in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.


- - - - - - -


Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday


And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Michigan State overcomes 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Baylor in Cotton Bowl


Freeman Puts Oregon Ahead Of Florida State

LSU cornerback Collins declares for draft


LSU cornerback Jalen Collins announced on his social media accounts Thursday that he will forgo his senior season and enter the NFL draft. From ESPN.com - College Football - LSU cornerback Collins declares for draft


1Q ORE C. Nelson run for 16 yds for a 1ST down

Michigan St. rallies from 20 down, stuns Baylor

Wisconsin runs wild, notches overtime Outback Bowl win over Auburn



Wisconsin acting head coach Barry Alvarez laughs with his team after defeating Auburn 34-31 in overtime during the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) Wisconsin’s seniors had never won a bowl game. Melvin Gordon made sure that changed.


In his final collegiate game, Gordon, Wisconsin’s record-setting running back, ran for 251 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Badgers to a 34-31 overtime win over Auburn in the Outback Bowl. It was a game where the two teams combined for 956 yards of total offense, but it was Wisconsin’s rushing attack that stole the show.


In addition to Gordon’s huge game, sophomore Corey Clement – Gordon’s likely replacement next season – added 105 yards on 15 carries. In all, the Badgers racked up an Outback Bowl record 400 yards on the ground on 54 carries – a 7.4 yards per run average.


Clement scored on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Joel Stave on Wisconsin’s first drive, but the Badgers really weren’t able to get much going in the first half. In fact, Auburn led 14-7 at halftime. Cameron Artis-Payne scored on a short run, then Nick Marshall, in his final game as Tigers’ quarterback, found Ricardo Louis behind the defense for a 66-yard touchdown.


The third quarter was when the Melvin Gordon show really began.


Gordon’s 25-yard touchdown capped off the Badgers’ first drive of the second half to tie the score 14-14. After a Daniel Carlson 51-yard field goal put Auburn back in front 17-14, Gordon reeled off another highlight-reel run. Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez, filling in as interim coach following the departure of Gary Andersen, decided to go for it on a 4th-and-1 from the Badgers’ 47.


Predictably, Stave handed off to Gordon, who exploded through the line, made two men miss and was off into the secondary. He capped off the run with a ferocious stiff arm to an Auburn defender near the goal line as he fell into the end zone. That put the Badgers back in front, 21-17, with 20 seconds left in the third.


It was a back-and-forth affair from then on out with both offenses clicking on all cylinders.


To open the fourth, Auburn ran with Artis-Payne, who ran for 126 yards and two touchdowns and Corey Grant to set up a 20-yard touchdown pass from Marshall to C.J. Uzomah to retake a 24-21 lead. Wisconsin responded quickly. On seven runs, three from Clement, three from Gordon and one by wideout Kenzel Doe on an end around, allowed the Badgers to quickly go back in front 28-24 on Gordon’s third touchdown.


After regaining possession, Auburn was able to gash an exhausted Wisconsin defense again with a 10-play, 71-yard drive to regain a 31-28 lead on an Artis-Payne touchdown run with 2:55 to go.


With a chance to win the game or force overtime, Wisconsin went back to the ground. Runs from Clement and Gordon got the Badgers deep into Auburn territory, but it was the arm of Joel Stave – who had already thrown three interceptions in the game – that got the job done.


First, Stave hit Sam Arneson for a first down on a 4th-and-5 from the Auburn 33. Next he hit Gordon out of the backfield for a short gain and Doe for 10 yards down to the Auburn 11. The drive stalled there and freshman kicker Rafael Gaglianone forced overtime with a 29-yard field goal.


Gaglianone hit from 25 to open overtime and then the Wisconsin defense was able to tighten up, forcing Auburn to try to force a second overtime on another long Carlson kick. Again, Carlson missed and Wisconsin celebrated.


The win gives Wisconsin an 11-3 record to end the season with Paul Chryst coming in to be head coach in 2015.


Auburn drops to 8-5 with the loss. Additionally, the SEC West, considered by many to be the best division in college football, dropped to 2-4 in bowl season.


For more Wisconsin news, visit BadgerBlitz.com.


For more Auburn news, visit AuburnSports.com.


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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!


Follow @SamDCooper


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Wisconsin runs wild, notches overtime Outback Bowl win over Auburn


MSU blocks FG, comes back to shock Baylor


No. 7 MSU shocks No. 4 Baylor 42-41 in Cotton Bowl From ESPN.com - College Football - MSU blocks FG, comes back to shock Baylor


Top 20 Sexiest Instagram Girls: Thursday, January 1


There’s no better way to start off the New Year than seeing the daily COED Instagram feed in full bloom–with beauties like Galina Dubenenko showing... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Top 20 Sexiest Instagram Girls: Thursday, January 1


No. 7 MSU shocks No. 4 Baylor 42-41 in Cotton Bowl


ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Connor Cook threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keith Mumphery with 17 seconds left to cap a three-touchdown, fourth-quarter comeback in No. 7 Michigan State's 42-41 victory over playoff-snubbed Baylor on Thursday in the Cotton Bowl. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - No. 7 MSU shocks No. 4 Baylor 42-41 in Cotton Bowl


Gordon carries Badgers to OT win in Outback

Late surge lifts Mizzou over Minnesota in Citrus

Wisconsin RB finishes No. 2 in all-time rushing

Missouri runs away from Minnesota in fourth quarter for Citrus Bowl win



In Missouri's final game of the regular season against Arkansas, the Tigers controlled the second half via a powerful rushing game. With the Missouri passing game struggling like it had often in 2014, the Tigers went to the run game late in Thursday's Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.


And it paid off once again as the Tigers scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns thanks to big runs en route to a 33-17 victory over Minnesota.


Missouri entered the quarter leading the Gophers 19-17. After Minnesota punted, RB Russell Hansbrough ripped off a 78-yard touchdown run on the Tigers' fifth play of the drive to put Missouri up 26-17.


The Gophers worked the ball into Missouri territory after getting the ball back, but facing a fourth-and-17 with seven minutes left, Minnesota made the somewhat curious decision to punt. The kick went into the end zone, netting the Gophers just 28 yards of field position.


On Missouri's first play, RB Marcus Murphy ripped off a 69-yard run. Three plays later, QB Maty Mauk hit Bud Sasser for a second touchdown and a 33-17 lead.


The Tigers ripped off 340 yards on the ground, as both Murphy and Hansbrough went over the 100-yard mark thanks to their big gains. Murphy finished with 157 yards while Hansbrough finished with 114.


However, the offense sputtered early in the game thanks to those passing game woes. Mauk threw two interceptions on Missouri's first two possessions and finished with just 97 yards. The issues might have encouraged coach Gary Pinkel to be more adventurous than normal. In the first half, Missouri ran a fake punt to defensive tackle Harold Brantley, his second fake punt conversion of the season.


Then, to start the second half, Missouri pulled off a pooch onside kick to perfection and later tried a fake field goal. However, the fake field goal didn't work and the fake punt and onside kick only led to a total of three points.


For Minnesota, the highlight was clearly TE Maxx Williams' hurdle over a Missouri defender for a 54-yard touchdown. The score gave the Gophers a 14-13 lead briefly in the third quarter before Missouri responded with a touchdown run by Mauk.


The Gophers finish the season at 8-5 while Missouri ends the season at 11-3. It's the second-straight 11-win season for the Tigers and the fourth in program history (three have come under Pinkel). Since joining the SEC in 2012, the Tigers are 27-12 overall and have won two-straight SEC East championships.


For more Minnesota news, visit GopherIllustrated.com.


For more Missouri news, visit PowerMizzou.com.


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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!


Follow @NickBromberg


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Missouri runs away from Minnesota in fourth quarter for Citrus Bowl win


Mizzou runs past Minnesota, wins Citrus Bowl


Marcus Murphy ran for 159 yards, Russell Hansbrough added 114 yards and a touchdown and No. 16 Missouri beat Minnesota (No. 25 CFP) 33-17 on Thursday in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl. From ESPN.com - College Football - Mizzou runs past Minnesota, wins Citrus Bowl


Late surge lifts Mizzou over Minnesota in Citrus

Gordon leads Wisconsin past Auburn 34-31 in OT


TAMPA, Fla. (AP) Melvin Gordon rushed for an Outback Bowl-record 251 and three touchdowns and Rafael Gaglianone kicked a 25-yard field goal in overtime to give No. 17 Wisconsin a 34-31 victory over No. 19 Auburn on Thursday. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Gordon leads Wisconsin past Auburn 34-31 in OT


Hautelinks: Week of 1/1/15


Happy 2015 to all of you!! Get in the New Year’s spirit with these wacky new year traditions from around the world. The 2014 nostalgia is already kicking in after reading this list of unforgettable 2014 moments. Michelle Phan shows you how to set yourself up for success in the new year. Also great: 15 […] From College Fashion - Hautelinks: Week of 1/1/15


Baylor executes the 'biggest' lineman touchdown of the year (Video)



Baylor guard LaQuan McGowan became a hero to really big offensive linemen everywhere on Thursday when he scored a pivotal touchdown during the third quarter against Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl.


Baylor McGowen TD

McGowan, who is listed as 6-foot-7, 390 pounds, checked in as an eligible receiver and took the Michigan State defense by surprise when he hauled in a short pass from quarterback Bryce Petty for the 18-yard score.


The score pushed Baylor’s lead to 41-21 and halted any momentum Michigan State had gained while trying to crawl back into the game.


It also became the highlight of the contest.


Baylor McGowen bio

McGowan, whose Baylor bio lists him as “enormous,” is a backup offensive lineman but looked quite nimble in his ability to catch, turn and score. Maybe Baylor should consider using him more often.


For more Baylor news, visit SicEmSports.com.


- - - - - - -


Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday


And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook


From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Baylor executes the 'biggest' lineman touchdown of the year (Video)


Gordon rushes Wisconsin past Auburn in OT


Melvin Gordon rushed for an Outback Bowl-record 251 and three touchdowns and Rafael Gaglianone kicked a 25-yard field goal in overtime to give No. 18 Wisconsin a 34-31 victory over No. 19 Auburn on Thursday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Gordon rushes Wisconsin past Auburn in OT


Minnesota's Maxx Williams hurdles defender for TD in Citrus Bowl (GIF)



Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams saw Missouri cornerback Aarion Penton go to hit him low near the sidelines, Williams made the decision to leave his feet. And it paid off.


Williams hurdled Penton on the way to a 54-yard touchdown in the third quarter of the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on Thursday. Take a look at it:



Not only is it an impressive leap, but Williams, who is heading to the NFL after the season, hardly broke his stride. The touchdown gave the Gophers a 14-13 lead and was Williams' fifth catch of the game and his eighth touchdown catch of the season.


It came when Minnesota needed a touchdown too. The Gophers were set to get the ball at the start of the third quarter but Missouri did a surprised onside kick and recovered it. The kick led to a field goal and a 13-7 lead.


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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!


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From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Minnesota's Maxx Williams hurdles defender for TD in Citrus Bowl (GIF)


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