The primary Saturday of faculty soccer’s bowl season is within the books. From Ohio’s excellent freshman to a torrential downpour in Orlando, listed below are the day’s winners and losers.
Winner
Ohio operating again Rickey Hunt: The Bobcats freshman handing over a document efficiency after barely taking part in through the common season. Coming into Ohio’s 41-21 win over Georgia Southern, Hunt had seven touches for 22 yards. He completed Saturday’s recreation with 133 whole yards and 5 touchdowns, tied for probably the most in bowl recreation historical past, setting him up for a big function in 2024.
Loser
Solar Belt: The convention has probably the most bowl groups this yr (12) however acquired off to a tough begin to its bowl season. It went 1-2, together with Georgia Southern’s ugly loss to Ohio and Louisiana’s 34-31 extra time loss within the New Orleans Bowl regardless of successful the turnover battle 4-0. The one constructive was Appalachian State’s rain-soaked 13-9 win within the Treatment Bowl over Miami (Ohio).
Winner
Jacksonville State: The Gamecocks confirmed how absurd the NCAA’s rule blocking first- or second-year FBS applications from qualifying for a bowl recreation is of their extra time New Orleans Bowl win. Wealthy Rodriguez’s staff outgained the Ragin’ Cajuns 526-247, proving it belonged regardless of its struggles to guard the ball. Per Sport On Paper, Jacksonville State had a better explosive play charge, defensive cease charge and dominated the “Center 8,” or the final 4 minutes of the primary half and the primary 4 minutes of the second half. Due to the NCAA’s rule, Jacksonville State – which is able to enter its second FBS season in 2024 – may discover itself in the identical place subsequent season.
Loser
Myrtle Seashore Bowl: It has been 4 years for the reason that inaugural Myrtle Seashore Bowl and the bowl remains to be looking for its first aggressive recreation. Together with Ohio’s win over Georgia Southern on Saturday, the typical margin of victory within the 4 video games within the bowl’s historical past is eighteen.8 factors. The attendance this yr additionally dipped from a excessive of 12,023 in 2022 to 8,059, an indication persons are wising as much as the worst bowl recreation on the schedule.
Winner
Florida A&M: The Celebration Bowl changed into a thriller after Florida A&M was put in as a 7.5-point favourite over Howard pregame. The Bison jumped out to a 14-0 lead within the first 5 minutes and led 26-24 following a fourth-quarter pick-six lead, however the Rattlers averted the upset with a flea-flicker landing halfway by means of the fourth and a pair of interceptions (together with one with beneath two minute) to ice the 30-26 win.
