Bowl Games

TAMPA, Fla. — In a dominant display against a top-ranked opponent, the Michigan Wolverines capped off their season with a 19-13 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the ReliaQuest Bowl. This win marked a historic moment for the Wolverines, becoming the first program to defeat Alabama twice in a single calendar year. The game was marked by a ferocious Michigan defense that forced three early turnovers, setting the tone for the victory.

Despite missing key players, the Wolverines showcased their resilience. Freshman running back Jordan Marshall led the charge, rushing for 100 yards on 23 carries and earning game MVP honors. 1  The defense, spearheaded by a stellar performance from coordinator Wink Martindale, proved to be the difference-maker, consistently pressuring Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and forcing multiple turnovers.  Michigan sacked Milroe five times and held Alabama to just 192 total yards, including a paltry 75 passing yards. The win capped a remarkable season for the Wolverines, who showcased their depth and determination.   

This victory over Alabama not only solidifies Michigan's status as a national powerhouse but also provides a strong foundation for the future. With a young and talented core, the Wolverines are poised to continue their ascent and compete for championships in the years to come. This ReliaQuest Bowl victory will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the program's history.

In a thrilling matchup at the 2024 Cure Bowl in Orlando, Florida, the Ohio Bobcats emerged victorious over Jacksonville State, securing a 30-27 win. The game was a showcase of offensive fireworks, particularly in the first half, where Ohio dominated early. Parker Navarro set the tone for the Bobcats, scoring two rushing touchdowns in the first quarter, including a 24-yard dash and an 8-yard run, giving Ohio a 14-0 lead. Jacksonville State responded with a spectacular 75-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Huff to Cam Vaughn, closing the gap to 14-7 as the first quarter ended.

Ohio extended their lead in the second quarter, with Navarro continuing his stellar performance by adding a 7-yard rushing touchdown. Although the extra point was missed, the Bobcats didn’t falter. Late in the quarter, Anthony Tyus III caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Navarro, bringing Ohio’s lead to 27-7 by halftime. Jacksonville State fought back fiercely in the second half. Tyler Huff scored on a 7-yard run in the third quarter, and Tre Stewart’s two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a critical 1-yard push with just over three minutes left, brought the Gamecocks within three points.

Despite Jacksonville State's valiant comeback attempt, Ohio’s defense held firm in the final minutes. Gianni Spetic’s 38-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter proved to be the decisive factor, ensuring the Bobcats’ victory. The Cure Bowl showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, but Ohio's explosive start and clutch plays ultimately sealed their win. Parker Navarro’s dual-threat performance was pivotal, as Ohio celebrated a hard-fought victory in Orlando.

FSU took on LSU for their season opener on neutral ground but the Seminoles wound up on top, by the end of the night. When you put the #5 team up against #8, you would expect a closer game than 21points. Sunday night, the two teams started out trading off Touchdowns right up until the half, but LSU kicked a field goal to take a 17-14 leaded as they headed into the locker room. 

Florida State, going into the second half, took the opening possession all the way to the LSU 16, to ultimately  tie up the game 17-17, when R. Fitzgerald  connected on a 33-yard field goal with 9:19 left in the quarter. To start the fourth quarter, R. Green cut inside the LSU receiver who had slipped on the route and picked off Daniels' pass to set up the Nole offense at their 43-yard line.  Travis and Coleman would then, with 10:18 left in the game, change the board to 31-17.  The crowd at Camping World was 100% behind the Nole's at this point and you could tell momentum was on their side. 

The Fourth quarter provided LSU no breaks as Travis threw a 44yd pass to J. Belll, allowing him to get to the endzone, bringing the score to 38-17. Both teams would score again in the 4th quarter but LSU had no chance of saving this game, as it turns out.  With only 1:15 left on the clock, FSU's final Touch down sealed LSU's fate. 

Coming from most anywhere else to Orlando, in January, is a victory in and of itself.  Combine the live crowd of almost 51 thousand fans and the excitement of these two teams facing off, and you have quite a nice little afternoon.  

With the exception of Iowa's FG in the 1st quarter, Kentucky dominated the first half of the game. In the first quarter, the Wildcats kept Iowa off the boards while they went 80yds on their first possession, with a 13 play / 80yd drive.  The 2nd quarter was again the Hawkeyes trying to match Kentucky or at least stay in the game.  Kentucky double Iowa's 3 points earned in the second with two field goals, one of which was a 27yd kick from Ruffolo. Kentucky goes into half-time with a 10pt lead, Iowa 3 - Kentucky 13.

The second half of the game is where Iowa had their chance to claw back into the game but failed to get the needed traction.  in the third quarter they had two great missed opportunities but only got to the endzone once. The fourth quarter was their big chance, having just held Kentucky out of the endzone for the whole 3rd quarter.  It was however D. Square's interception in the 4th quarter that really sealed the deal.  With only only 53 seconds on the clock Iowa tried to release the ball to a tight pocket but Square was ready and grabbed the ball at the 25yd line. 

Clemson scored on the first drive, it took 15yds and lasted over 8min but the Tigers covered 69yds (to get into field goal range) in a possession that would score board.  That 8:08 drive also marks the longest drive of the season for Clemson.  The first half was some really great football and kept the entire stadium on the edge of their seat.  Iowa would tie up, eventually, with a 22yd field goal to finish off their 78yd drive that took 11 plays to complete. 

Taking a look back at the first half though, things become a bit more clear as to how these teams differed.  Clemson held the ball for 17:19 and covered a noticeable amount more turf, having added 212yd's vs Iowa's 153.  Those stats were comprised from 44 total plays, 15 of which were completed passes (24 attempts).

The third quarter was really the best for Clemson with 14 points being added to tally vs Iowa's lone FG, leaving them with 3.  But Iowa didn't just roll over and die, Iowa actually gave the Clemson fans a pretty good scare with a strong 4th quarter that kept the Tigers out of the end zone and away from the posts.

“It’s all about how you finish,” said Dabo Swinney, who won his 150th game as Clemson’s head coach. “What an unbelievable effort by this team. Ten wins in 11 straight seasons – that’s historic. People don’t realize how hard that is to do. We were back-against-the-wall at 2-2, and they finished tonight.” Albeit true, that wasn't the best finish unless the context was a reference to the W, what a great Cheez-it bowl.

Alabama has some of the best receivers in the college game right now, namely Jerry Jeudy.  Even with Michigan's early 3pt lead, going into half time 16-14, Alabama hadn't yet shown the Wolverines what they were in for, at Orlando's Citrus Bowl. Having put 275yds on the board, against Michigan's 109yds, in the 2nd half.

Jeudy, had gained 204yds from six receptions and a touchdown. Najee Harris also lit up the boards a bit, with 136yds (24 carries) that brought him into the end zone twice.  One of Harris' touchdowns was right over the top of Michigan's defense, putting an exclamation point on the day. 

Let's not leave Mac Jones out of this conversation, even with Tagovailoa out, Mac put up 27 passes with 16 of them generating 327 total yards (including three touchdowns). If you're Michigan, this has got to sting a bit, considering the 2020 Citrus bowl marks their fourth straight loss at a Bowl game.  Are they getting put up teams that simply execute better or is it time to consider moving on from Harbaugh.

Tony Jones Jr. didn't seem to have any concerns blowing right through Iowa's defenses. Having rushed for 135yrds, this powerhouse running back was the driving force in todays big win.  Jones' will most certainly hit some highlight reels with stiff-arm that gained 18yards for Notre Dame.

Tony Jones Jr. wasn't done, after totally humiliating Tayvonn Kyle.  Jones' can now also claim the longest touch down by a Notre Dame player in any Bowl game... ever.  After running 84yds into the endzone, he not only set a record for his school but also posted the longest TD rush in Camping World history.  Some teams get a few great moments during a season, if you were in Orlando Saturday, you got to see Notre Dame play one of the best games they ever had played.

This victory puts Notre Dame at 11-2 and Iowa's loss leaves them 7-6, for the season.

The game didn't start out with obvious signs that SU would win their 10th game in Orlando, but they pulled it off.  At half time, SU was up by two and by the third they were losing 18-17.  At this point in the day, it seemed like anyone's game to win.  However, by the end of the night, T. Harris grabbed four for 55yds total and Custis would do even better with 80, thanks to 5 catches.

Florida Sports HUB, as you know, usually only covers local teams but with the Orange coming to the Citrus bowl and our logo fitting the theme, we had to bring you this one.  

1st quarter was 7-3 Syracuse

2nd quarter was 12-14 Syracuse

3rd quarter ended 18-17 WV

Final Score 34-18 Syracuse