Tag: ncaa

2001: The Legacy and the Longing

2001. Yes, that’s the title of a movie, but it is also a year with significant meaning for Miami football. This was the last year the Miami Hurricanes achieved college football’s ultimate prize: the national championship.

That 2001 team was special. Not only did the Hurricanes go undefeated, but that roster eventually produced 38 NFL draft picks and is largely considered one of the greatest college football teams of all time.

After many years in the Big East Conference, Miami, along with Virginia Tech and Boston College, moved to the ACC in 2004 and 2005. When this move was announced, many people in the college football world (myself included) thought Miami would dominate the ACC. You have to remember: for many years, there was only one team that controlled that conference, and it was Florida State, Miami’s biggest rival.

However, what most people did not expect was that joining the ACC brought considerable parity, which, unfortunately for Miami, evened the playing field. Twenty-two years later, Miami has yet to win the ACC and has not won another national championship.

Close Calls and Near Misses

Granted, they have had their chances over the years:

• 2004: In their first year in the ACC, the Hurricanes faced their archrival, FSU, in the first game of the year and won in overtime. They went on to win five games in a row. Then, on October 30th during a Thursday night game in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the Hurricanes lost to the legs of UNC kicker Connor Barth. With 4 seconds left in regulation, the freshman planted a 42-yard field goal to upset the #4 Hurricanes, 31–28.
• 2005: The Hurricanes were one of the best teams in the nation. On November 19, ranked #3 in the land and hosting Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jackets’ stingy defense came into the Orange Bowl and held Miami to only ten points and 237 total offensive yards, upsetting the Hurricanes 14–10 and ending their hopes for a BCS title game appearance.
• 2025: After making it through three rounds of the College Football Playoff, Miami finally made it back to the title game for the first time since 2003—played right in their home stadium. Carson Beck, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher Jr. all played lights out, helping the Miami offense gain 342 total yards. Yet, with all that firepower, it was not enough to stop Fernando Mendoza and his Cinderella Indiana Hoosiers, who went on to win the 2025 National Championship.

The 2026 Season Outlook

Even though the season did not end with Mario Cristobal and his Miami Hurricanes hoisting the national championship trophy, Cristobal is ready to try again in 2026.

For the third straight year, Miami is going with a transfer under center:

• 2024: Cam Ward (Washington State)
• 2025: Carson Beck (Georgia)
• 2026: Darian Mensah (Duke)

Mensah, a junior transfer from Duke, is a dual-threat athlete with a huge arm and great speed. Last year at Duke, he threw for 3,973 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions while leading the Blue Devils to their first ACC championship and a Sun Bowl victory over Arizona State.

Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shannon Dawson is itching to get Mensah on the field:

“He’s got an understanding of the game, he really does. His demeanor is very even-keel, which is important—especially at that position—because bad things are going to happen, and it’s not even your fault. I think the number one character trait of really good quarterbacks is being able to move on.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hurricanes are coached by Corey Hetherman, whose defense held opponents to only 14.8 points per game and ranked fifth in total defense nationwide last season. Returning to lead the unit once again are defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr., linebacker Mohamed Toure, and defensive back Bryce Fitzgerald.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 schedule is not incredibly daunting, but the November 7th game in South Bend against Notre Dame could be one for the ages—especially if both teams enter the matchup unbeaten, which is a strong possibility.

Coach Cristobal has closed the chapter on last season, and the look on his face after the championship loss was that of a man who is hungry. His Hurricanes are ready to seal the deal, and if they can get past Notre Dame on November 7th, their path to the playoff will be set.

I’ve always wondered what motivates someone to gamble—whether for fun, out of a strange passion, or due to an addiction. I have never fully understood why someone would take a chance on something with unfavorable odds.

If you look up the term, Wikipedia defines it as follows:

“Gambling is the act of risking money or valuables on an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning more money or material goods.”

The keyword there is UNCERTAIN.

I am not here to preach about moral obligations when it comes to risking personal assets. There are plenty of scriptures, sermons, and lectures from grandfathers on the subject. Over the course of my life, I’ve bought a few scratch-offs and lottery tickets—probably fewer than I could count on my fingers and toes. Nor am I judging anyone who goes to Las Vegas or Cherokee to play blackjack.

I just feel there are far more reliable ways to build wealth—such as the stock market, mutual funds, or a Roth IRA. They take time, but for the most part, the long-term trend points up.

A History of Blemishes: The Pete Rose Precedent

Gambling in sports has always left a stain on individuals and teams alike.

We all know what Pete Rose did while managing the Cincinnati Reds—and if you don’t, you weren’t around in 1989. Rose placed multiple wagers on his own team and on baseball games. Even though he maintained that he never bet against the Reds, Major League Baseball permanently banned him from the game, barring him from induction into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Now, sadly, this issue has trickled down to collegiate athletics—specifically the sport I love most: college football.

The Brendan Sorsby Saga

Quarterback Brendan Sorsby is currently at the center of attention across the college football landscape. Having played at Indiana and Cincinnati, he boasts impressive career numbers: 7,208 passing yards, 60 touchdowns, and a 61.4% completion rate.

This past winter, he enrolled at Texas Tech to finish his collegiate career—but that path quickly unraveled:

• April 27: Sorsby entered a residential rehab facility for gambling addiction. Concurrently, reports linked him to an NCAA investigation regarding wagers placed on his former team, Indiana, during the 2022 season while he was on their roster.
• May 18: Following an NCAA ineligibility ruling, Sorsby filed a lawsuit against the governing body. To manage the situation, Texas Tech declared him ineligible for the upcoming 2026 season.
• June 8: A Texas district court judge granted Sorsby a temporary injunction, restoring his eligibility to practice and play for the Red Raiders.

Sorsby admitted to placing 40 wagers on Indiana games (games in which he did not play). I respect the young man for admitting he has a gambling problem, even if the NCAA views the infraction strictly.

Sorsby’s attorneys argued that “the NCAA will suffer no cognizable harm from letting Mr. Sorsby play football”.

Integrity of the Game

In my view, both sides are missing the mark.

On one hand, the NCAA—as a governing body—can outline rules regarding sports betting, but its enforcement power has dwindled significantly since the advent of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) laws.

On the other hand, while Sorsby’s attorneys are fulfilling their duty to advocate for their client, at what cost? Does this further damage the integrity of the player and the sport itself?

Ask yourself this:

• Would you want to play for someone who bets on his own team?
• Would you want to play against someone who bets on the opposition?

Reports indicate that several programs and conferences voiced reluctance to play Texas Tech while Sorsby remained on the roster.

The Cincinnati Question

There is also a broader question: Sorsby spent two seasons at Cincinnati. Is it believable that teammates, coaches, and staff had no indication of his gambling activity? Cincinnati essentially allowed it to become Texas Tech’s burden. If any institution warrants further scrutiny regarding oversight, it is Cincinnati.

Moving Forward

Sorsby declared his intention to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL supplemental draft. While this moves Texas Tech out of the legal spotlight, he faces a steep hill to clear his name, as professional leagues maintain strict gambling policies.

The broader reality is that college athletics currently operates without a centralized governing authority capable of regulating this new era. Young student-athletes are suddenly exposed to immense financial opportunities and gambling access without adequate guardrails.

At some point, personal accountability must take over. If someone chooses to gamble, they do so at their own risk—not at the expense of their team’s integrity.

I love college football, but situations like this are difficult to watch. The sport needs clear boundaries and accountability moving forward to preserve its integrity.

I find it amusing that a college football coach can be fired for going 34-14. I find it equally amusing that a college football coach thinks they’re exempt from being fired for having a winning record. In a perfect world, a head coach would not lose their job for winning ball games and going to a bowl game every year, but this is not a perfect world, and any coach can be fired on any given day.

Which brings me to Brian Kelly, former head coach of the LSU Tigers. As I mentioned, Kelly went 34-14 overall, with a 19-10 SEC record. That’s pretty good considering he was a head coach at a top ten college football program. Alas, that record is not good enough for LSU. In my lifetime, LSU has won three national championships – 2003, 2007, and 2019. They have also won five SEC conference championships this century – 2001, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2019. This is the standard at LSU, and Brian Kelly knew that when he accepted the job.

So, how did Kelly get this job to begin with? He has a good resume, for starters. Let’s take a look at Brian Kelly’s coaching history:

Grand Valley State (Division II) – Record 118-35-2

Central Michigan – Record 19-16

Cincinnati – Record 34-6

Notre Dame – Record 92-39

Looking at his resume, you see why he was appealing to LSU, especially his record at Notre Dame. If you can win at a school with as much tradition as they do in South Bend, surely that would carry over to a blueblood program like LSU…so they thought.

Kelly’s reputation for being an aggressive recruiter was indeed appealing to Athletic Director Scott Woodward, who hired Kelly in November 2021. To get players to come to South Bend, Indiana, is no easy feat; it gets cold in the Midwest, and there is a lot of snow. So, you have to recruit nationally, and Kelly did that, getting some great players. For example, five-star defensive lineman Stephen Tuitt from Monroe, Ga., was a dominant force for the Irish in Kelly’s early years in South Bend. And don’t forget Ronnie Stanley out of Las Vegas. He had a few injuries while at Notre Dame, but still had a great four years and went on to the NFL.

For Kelly, LSU was a great fit- the school’s prestigious history, the rivalries in the SEC, the rich pool of talent in the state of Louisiana, etc. Kelly knew he had peaked at Notre Dame. Once they were thrashed by Alabama in the 2013 National Championship game, he knew he would never win a championship in South Bend – that was his mindset. So, the move to Baton Rouge was a no-brainer.

At first, it was a match made in Cajun Heaven. In Kelly’s first year, the Tigers went 10-2, with an overtime win against Alabama, and wins on the road against Florida and Auburn, and a SEC championship appearance. In 2023, the season starts and ends just about the same as his first season, going 10-2 and winning a New Year’s bowl game against Wisconsin. It starts to go south the next season, in 2024. Kelly’s team loses their third straight home opener. In mid-season, they lost three games in a row – Alabama, Texas A&M, and Florida, and no SEC championship game or playoff. Fast forward to this season, the Tigers open with a win on the road at Clemson, but the win loses its shine thanks to Dabo and his team having one of their worst seasons since 1998. Next, you lose a close game to Ole Miss and get slapped by Vandy on the road, handing LSU their first loss to the Commodores since 1990!

However, the straw that broke the camel’s back took place last Saturday. Texas A&M came into Tiger Stadium, the single hardest place to play for any opponent, and beat LSU like a rag doll. Never in my lifetime have I seen LSU get beaten in every facet of the game like they were on Saturday. The Aggies won that game 49-25. Grant it, the Aggies are the #3 team in the nation, but LSU is a tough out at night. The atmosphere is electric. Just ask Nick Saban, who would be the first to tell you beating LSU at home under the lights might be one of the toughest things you can do in college football.

On Sunday, Brian Kelly was fired from LSU. Whether it was the loss to A&M, not meeting preseason expectations, or failure to have his team prepared, the Brian Kelly tenure has come to an end in Baton Rouge.

He also has a 54-million-dollar buyout, which is still being worked on.

To Kelly’s credit, he said and did all the right things when he arrived- he even did his best Cajun accent when introduced as the head coach at a tiger basketball game( the video will make you cringe).

But Kelly’s on-and-off tantrums, the way he threw his players and coaches under the bus, and his Type A persona were not good fits for LSU. And, at the end of the day, it’s about wins and losses. The wins were there, but unlike his Cajun accent, they just weren’t impressive.

What are the attributes of a great rivalry?

Is it the schools?

Is it the legendary coaches?

Is it the Hall of Fame players?

Or is it the game itself?

You see, the great rivalries have a specific title to their matchup, i.e., Alabama vs. Auburn is called “the Iron Bowl.” Michigan vs. Ohio State is called ” The Game.” Georgia vs. Florida is called “the world’s largest cocktail party.” Many more rivalries in college football have unique titles, but the one with the most flair, the most history, and some of the greatest traditions is the “Red River Shootout.”

Oklahoma and Texas have been playing each other for 120 years. Their first meeting was on October 10, 1900. Currently, Texas leads the all-time series, 64-51-5. However, the series record has no meaning in this year’s game. Remember, they still play the game on the field!

So far in the 2025 season, these teams look to be on two different paths- Oklahoma is 5-0 and is hoping to keep its playoff dreams alive with a win this Saturday. Meanwhile, after losing to both Ohio State and Florida, the Longhorns are just looking for an identity. However, if I have learned anything from this rivalry, the team that comes into this game with its back against the wall usually plays up to its potential, and then some.

So why is Texas struggling so far this season?

One of my favorite authors on leadership, Napoleon Hill, says, ” A good football team consists in harmonious coordination of effort more than in individual skill.” I think it boils down to the players. Texas has a talented roster, but there is a serious lack of effort on this squad. They’re either missing assignments, not blocking upfront (just watch last week’s game in the swamp), or Arch is missing his targets.

In the Ohio State game, Arch looked confused and was out of rhythm for most of the game. In the Longhorns’ next three games (San Jose St, UTEP, and Sam Houston), Manning totaled 8 touchdowns and 718 yards in the air. That’s not bad, but it was against inferior competition. Last week in Gainesville, Manning threw for 263 yards, two touchdowns, and two picks. Arch made some incredible throws, but he also threw some very questionable passes that got picked off. Which brings me to this conclusion- Arch is very talented, and his stats are not bad – 1,151 yards, 11 touchdowns, with a QBR of 60.1. Yet, he’s still a work in progress. The game needs to slow down for him, and once it does, look out.

The Sooners, meanwhile, do not have an identity crisis, as they have laid waste to the opposition in every game so far this season. Defensively, they’re only giving up an average of 10 points a game, which is a testament to coach Venables. Saturday will be a huge test as Arch Manning has a great arm and can run with great speed. I look for Venables to dial up the blitz over half the game. Junior Quarterback John Mateer, who has not played since the Auburn game due to an injury to his throwing hand, is still questionable. Backup, Miachael Hawkins Jr., filled in for Mateer for the remainder of the Auburn game and did a fantastic job. If Mateer can’t go, Hawkins will be ready to lead the Sooners.

This game comes down to two things:

1. Can coach Sark come up with a game plan to help Arch and his offense move the ball?
2. If Mateer can’t go, does Hawkins have the big game capability to lead the Sooners to victory?

For Oklahoma, this is a revenge game. The Sooners got beat down last year, 34-3. And while they have big aspirations this season, Saturday’s game is personal.

And for Texas, you must put last week’s loss in the rearview and come out to Dallas with a chip on your shoulder.

This game is for bragging rights, the Golden Hat, and a clear path to the college football playoff.

The Red River Shootout is this Saturday at 3:30 PM on ABC.

If the ACC were to be a television show, it would have to be a day-time soap opera. With schools threatening to leave or schools from other regions of the nation joining, the ACC has been a drama filled organization the past few years.

Established on June 14, 1953, the ACC was originally made up of seven members- Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, NC State, Viginia, Maryland, and South Carolina. Since its founding, eleven more schools have since joined the conference (South Carolina joined the SEC in ’92). So, this tells me there is stability in Greensboro, North Carolina, home of the ACC.

However, there seems to be some cracks in the foundation. In 2024, Florida State and Clemson both claimed that the revenue share in the ACC was not up to par, collectively. The ACC Grant of Rights is basically an agreement where member schools transfer their media rights to the conference (ACC) for a specific period- 2036. Meaning, the ACC has leverage to allocate money to each member institution. The issue FSU and Clemson have is that other schools are receiving the same amount or more and they both feel it’s not fair because they bring in more money than the other schools in the conference, specifically from football.

I write this because, yes, the ACC does need to figure out a way to keep both Clemson and FSU from leaving the conference, after all, they traditionally have been the two power houses for the ACC. Likewise, it would be very beneficial if Miami and Virginia Tech, both who joined the ACC in 2004, would finally bring their A game (no pun attended) to the conference!

Alas, here’s the reality- the conference in whole needs to start winning against other power five schools. To change conference perception, this needs to change before other member schools cry about revenue share. And in week 1, the ACC has a great opportunity to make this change-

Georgia Tech vs. Colorado

LSU vs. Clemson

East Carolina vs. NC State

Syracuse vs. Tennessee

Alabama vs. FSU

Cal vs. Oregon St

Virginia Tech vs. South Carolina

Notre Dame vs. Miami

UNC vs. TCU

If you can win the majority of these games, you’re off to a great start to right the ship and change the national perception of the conference.

Here is the 2025 full ACC schedule:

It might still be grilling season, but talkin’ season is about to heat up! We’re less than fifty days to the 2025 college football season and there is a huge list of things we need to discuss before the season kicks off. Whether it’s new coaches, incoming freshman, or weekly matchups, it’s too hot to not discuss. Let’s dive in and check out what’s in store for this new season of college football:

1. Can the reigning National Champions repeat? Despite losing to their archrival Michigan at home and despite losing to Oregon on the road, the Ohio State buckeyes prevailed to win the National Championship last season. To repeat, which only twelve teams have done since 1936, they will have to replace some major pieces on both sides of the ball. Junior signal caller Lincoln Kienholz and five-star freshman Julian Sayin will be competing for the starting QB position this fall. Also, All-American wide receiver Jermiah Smith and incoming freshman Chris Henry Jr., son of late Cincinnati Bengal Chris Henry, who most likely will be lining up next to Smith, look to keep the offense rolling for the Bucs. Both lines seem to be a question for this team. However, coach Ryan Day is a great recruiter and developer of talent, and he will keep this well oil machine running this Fall. Ohio State opens the season with Texas coming to the Horseshoe on August 30th.
2. Can Coach Sark and his Longhorns finally get a national championship? The hype is real in Austin-Arch Manning is now the starter for the Texas Longhorns. By now the world has seen Arch play behind center and have seen the potential he has, the question is, can he project his team to a new level? Though it was only two games, Arch threw for 939 yards and 9 touchdowns with a QBR of 87.5 as a starter. If you want a comparison, just look at Trevor Lawerence. The only difference I see is Arch can run, and he can run fast. If you look at past national champions, you will see the majority of these teams had someone special behind center, and Arch is special. In 2025, the Longhorns have a brutal schedule- they open at Ohio State, play Georgia in Athens, have their annual showdown with Oklahoma, and end the year with their archrival Texas a&m. If this team wants the grand prize, they need to unleash Arch.
3. Does Lincoln Riley survive this season? The irony of Lincoln Riley heading to Los Angeles a few years ago to escape the SEC has the college football wondering if he can actually win in the B1G? His record at USC is not awful- 25 wins and 14 loses with 11-3 in 22, 8-5 in 23, and 7-6 in 24(first year in B1G), just worse after each year. And this season doesn’t look to be any easier- Oregon, Michigan, and Notre Dame on the road, and you might want to add Matt Rhule’s Nebraska cornhuskers to this mix as well. If Riley can find a way to win these games, his seat becomes significantly cooler, and the Trojans can gain some momentum for the future.
4. Is Gunner Stockton ready to lead the Georgia Bulldogs? Expectations are always high in Athens and this season will not be an exception. The Bulldogs finished 11-3 last season, ending it with a loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff. With Carson Beck transferring to Corral Gables, the starting QB position will go to Gunnar Stockton, who played admirably when called on last season. The Sophomore is a physical Quarterback who can throw on the run if the pressure comes. He just needs to make better decisions with the football, and that will come with experience. With their two biggest games in Athens (Alabama and Texas), the schedule sets up nicely for Kirby Smart and his bulldogs for another SEC run.
5. Will Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish finish what they started? Notre Dame was a very sneaky team in 24. After their loss to Nothern Illinois, most people had written the Irish off, but that loss was the best thing to happen to that squad- the Irish went on a thirteen-game winning streak which took them to the National Championship game! The Irish have an early first test against Miami, then they host the Texas a&m aggies, Boise State, and USC at home. If the Irish can survive a few road tests, they could be sitting pretty again in the playoff.
6. Can Mario Cristobal and his Hurricanes get out of their own way? The Hurricanes always pass the eye test in the preseason, but somehow the hype is too much for the Hurricanes, at least as of late. However, the tide could soon be turning for the Canes with the addition of UGA QB transfer, Carson Beck. Add a top 15 recruiting class, the Hurricanes are looking to get back to their winning ways in ’25.
7. Has Dabo Swinney finally accepted this new college football landscape? Dabo Swinney is one of the longest tenured coaches in College Football, and he is also one the most respected in the sport. But with all those accolades and admiration, his Tigers have not been playing the caliber football they’re known for. The changing landscape of college football has not caught Coach Swinney off guard, but his approach to this new era has costs the Tigers on serious talent. In 2025, Clemson plays a one of their tougher schedules in recent memory- LSU at home, South Carolina away, and Georgia Tech and Louisville on the road as well. Coach Swinney is hoping his senior Quarterback, Cade Kublink and some exciting freshman give his Tigers the jolt they need to win another ACC championship and maybe something a little sweeter.
8. Can Josh Heupel get the Vols to an SEC championship? Josh Heupel came to Knoxville at a time when the program had been a hot mess since for almost fifteen years. For a storied program like the University of Tennessee, that would seem to be unbelievable, but the reality is that until Heupel arrived, the Vols went through four coaches and during that span, they were either really bad or very mediocre. Thankfully for the Vols, they now have a coach who knows x’s and o’s, and who can recruit with the best of them. That’s a winning formula for most successful teams; they just need to get out of their own way. Georgia comes to Knoxville on September 13, and mark my words, the Vols have that game circled. If they can upset the dogs, their crown for the east is for theirs to the taking.
9. What’s next for Dan Lanning and Oregon? Head Coach Dan Lanning is not one for moral victories, he is strictly business and doesn’t take losing well. His frustrations are valid- Going undefeated the entire season just to lose in the first round in the playoff to Ohio St was a gut punch, and not because it was in the Rose Bowl, but because it was a team they had already played and defeated. However, a new season brings renewed hope, and with a roster that comes back and a great recruiting class, this team is showing no signs of slowing down.
10. Has James Franklin peaked in Happy Valley? Penn State is one of those teams that play great the majority of the season but always find a way to lose a game they shouldn’t have. They were one game away from making it to the National Championship, losing 27-24 to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, a game they could have won. Coach Franklin has a favorable schedule this year, but if they fall short again, how long do the fans in happy valley accept these shortcomings?

Week Zero beings on August 23 with Iowa State taking on Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland at Noon.

The 2024 college football season was, in a nutshell, improbable.

There were plenty of triumphs, tragic defeats, and last second miracles.

Here’s a recap of the 2024 season-

Ohio State won their ninth National Championship in the inaugural twelve-team playoff, defeating a great Notre Dame team.

The Texas Longhorns made an early impression in their new conference (SEC), exceeding even head coach Steve Sarkisian’s expectations by making the twelve-team playoff and eventually the final four.

New Alabama head coach Kalen Debore saw firsthand the weekly gauntlet that is the southeastern conference. There were plenty of ups and downs during Debore’s first year in T-town. What will the Tide look like in 25 when a lot of new players and transfers?

The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Texas Longhorns, not once, but twice, and helped propel them to an SEC championship and a place in the twelve-team playoff.

The Clemson Tigers, with their backs against the wall, won another ACC championship. Even in down years, Dabo Swinney’s teams continue to be a model of consistency.

The Michigan Wolverines were a different team without Jim Harbaugh, but it did not stop them from upsetting their bitter rival, the Ohio St. Buckeyes in Columbus, Ohio.

The Oregon Ducks went undefeated in their first season in the B1G.

Texas and Texas a&m renewed their long-standing rivalry in College Station that ended with a Longhorn win.

Coach Prime’s Buff’s had a winning season and went bowling for the first time in five seasons.

Cam Ward and the Miami Hurricanes started off strong but lost another heartbreaker to Georgia Tech, which cost them a shot at the ACC and a slot in the twelve-team playoff.

The USC Trojans finished with a mediocre 7-6 record.

And last but not least, All-American, Travis Hunter won the Heisman trophy.

Now that the ’24 season is in the rear view, what’s on the horizon for ’25?

I’ll have my thoughts on teams, players, and how the season will turn out for each power 5 conference soon.

This first-year twelve-team playoff started with a dozen teams, and now the final four—Notre Dame, Penn State, Texas, and Ohio State—have clinched their spots in the semifinals.

All four teams will battle it out for a spot in the title game this Thursday and Friday.

Penn State will host Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, while Texas will play host to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

While these matchups are not what most expected, they’re nonetheless intriguing.

Orange Bowl breakdown–

Penn St. vs. Notre Dame could potentially be a defensive slugfest, as both teams do not give up many yards. Meanwhile, Texas vs. Ohio State could be a shootout, with the firepower in both teams’ offenses.

The Nittany Lions only have two loses, both really close games to Ohio State and Oregon in the B1G title game. For the most part, they have relied on great QB play from Drew Allar. The junior has compiled 3,192 yards, 24 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. And to compliment Allar, junior backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen have totaled 2041 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns between them. Together, they have set the tone for all season for the Nittany Lion offense.

For the Fighting Irish, they have been a totally different team since their lost to Nothern Illinois. Whatever head coach Marcus Freeman told this team after their loss to NIU, they have responded with ruthless aggression. Since that loss in week two, the Irish are averaging on offense 37.7 points a game and only giving up on average 13.6 points on defense.

Keys to the game: For Penn State, stick to your rush attack but give Allar time to make some throws to keep the Irish D honest. For Notre Dame, let Quarterback Riley Lenaord be who he is and make plays with his feet.

Cotton bowl breakdown –

Ohio State and Texas don’t play each other often. The last time both teams squared off was in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl which resulted in a Longhorn victory. For this year’s contest, both teams share many similar qualities- both teams have a high-powered offense that can score at will, but the difference comes in how they attain it.

For the Longhorns, head coach Steve Sarkisian has all the tools at his arsenal- a prolific passer in Quinn Ewers, a bell cow running back in Quin Trevion Wisner, and all-American receivers in Matthew Golden, Ryan Wingo, and Isiah Bond. Together, they make up one of the most prolific offenses in the country. However, for the first time in two decades, the Longhorns have a stellar defense to complement their offense. So far this season, the Longhorn D is giving up 17 points a game. They’re very fast up front and have totaled 44 sacks so far this season.

Up in Columbus, Ryan Day has assembled the best transfers from the portal during the offseason- Quahshawn Junkins (Ole Miss), Caleb Downs (Alabama), and Will Howard (Kansas St). Not only that, but he also has one of the best freshman wide receivers in the country- Jerimiah Smith. Minus two close losses to Oregon and Michigan, these players have made a huge difference for coach Day and the Buckeyes this season.

For this matchup, the Buckeyes have to protect Will Howard. The Longhorns have the nation’s best defense, and they will be bringing pressure most of the game. And for Texas, stick to your guns- run the ball effectively and let Quinn connect with some deep passes.

Both of these games should be entertaining and should have solid finishes. Whether you’re a fan of these schools or not, I think we’re all in for a treat.

The Orange Bowl is this Thursday, 1/9 at 7:30 on ESPN.

The Cotton Bowl is this Friday, 1/10 at 7:30 on ESPN.