Bowl season is now in full swing as we approach New Year’s Day, showcasing intense matchups and thrilling outcomes. With this busy time for college football, let’s break down the winners and losers from the postseason so far.
Winners
USC Trojans
The USC Trojans ended their season on a positive note by defeating Texas A&M 35-31 in the Las Vegas Bowl. This win follows a challenging season that saw them start strong with a victory over LSU but falter as the year progressed. Quarterback Jayden Maiava orchestrated a comeback, throwing the game-winning touchdown to Kyle Ford with just eight seconds remaining, despite earlier struggles that included three interceptions. This victory allows USC to finish the season with a record of 7-6, allowing head coach Lincoln Riley to avoid his first career losing season. However, the road ahead remains daunting as the team gears up for 2024 and contends with player departures through the transfer portal.
Vanderbilt Commodores
In a surprising turn, the Vanderbilt Commodores defied expectations by securing a winning record despite being predicted to finish at the bottom of the SEC. They clinched their success in the Birmingham Bowl, overcoming Georgia Tech 35-27, aided by a powerful second half where they scored 21 consecutive points. Quarterback Diego Pavia excelled with three touchdown passes and plans to return to Nashville next season after gaining an extra year of eligibility. Pavia’s performance, alongside tight end Eli Stowers, who also put on a display in the bowl game, marks a significant turnaround for the program.
Navy Midshipmen
Navy celebrated a remarkable victory by edging out Oklahoma 21-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Midshipmen demonstrated grit by stopping a two-point conversion late in the game. This win marks Navy’s first 10-win season since 2019, positioning them for a solid future. Their success against fellow service academy rivals, Army and Air Force, further showcases their strength this season.
Syracuse Orange Quarterback Kyle McCord
Kyle McCord had a season to remember, leading the Syracuse Orange to a Holiday Bowl win over Washington State with a staggering performance of 453 passing yards and five touchdowns. This achievement not only secured a memorable victory but also established McCord as the ACC’s record holder for passing yards in a season with a total of 4,779. His transition from Ohio State has clearly paid dividends for Syracuse.
Connecticut Huskies
The UConn Huskies marked their place with a notable 27-14 victory over North Carolina in the Fenway Bowl. This triumph capped off a successful 9-4 season, tying a program record for wins. UConn’s resurgence in college football signifies a promising direction for the program, especially given that they hadn’t enjoyed a winning season since 2010.
Losers
Pittsburgh Panthers Coach Pat Narduzzi
Pitt experienced a frustrating conclusion to their season, falling to Toledo in a six-overtime thriller, 48-46. Coach Pat Narduzzi made a controversial decision to kick a field goal from the one-yard line instead of going for the win by scoring a touchdown. This choice likely impacted team morale, contributing to a six-game losing streak to end the season with a 7-6 record.
Tennessee Volunteers
The Tennessee Volunteers faced a difficult outing in their College Football Playoff game against Ohio State, losing 42-17. The team struggled offensively and quickly found themselves in a deep hole. Addressing their inconsistencies will be crucial for Tennessee as they look to improve and return to the playoff picture in the future.
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma’s season ended on a disappointing note as they finished with a losing record for the second time in three years under Brent Venables. With the arrival of new talents like Washington State offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle, the Sooners are hopeful about turning things around, but a challenging schedule awaits them next season.
Tulane Green Wave
Tulane’s recent performances have been alarming, marked by a home loss to Memphis that dashed their hopes for hosting the AAC championship. Following that, their defeat at the hands of Army and subsequent loss to Florida amplified their struggles, compounded by the transfer of key players that poses a setback for the program.
North Carolina Tar Heels
The North Carolina Tar Heels ended their season on a sour note, suffering a loss to UConn and finishing with a 6-7 record after a three-game losing streak. Despite missing key players, their performance was lackluster, particularly in offensive consistency, limiting their chances of winning even when opportunities arose.
As bowl season continues, teams will look to build on their successes while others will aim to regroup and improve for the next season. The landscape of college football remains dynamic and unpredictable, offering fans plenty to look forward to in the New Year.
