By STEPHEN HAWKINS
Associated Press
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Baker Mayfield and No. 2 Oklahoma never fretted the potential consequences of having to play in the revived Big 12 championship game.
The Sooners just went out and proved how deserving they are of that playoff berth coming their way by dominating TCU again, 41-17 on Saturday in the second top-10 matchup in four weeks between the Big 12's top two teams.
"I'm really proud of our group for not listening to the entire narrative across the country that we shouldn't be playing this championship game and all that mess," coach Lincoln Riley said. "We knew there was going to be a championship game and that was just going to be part of our journey if we wanted to get to this place."
Mayfield, the Heisman Trophy front-runner, threw four touchdown passes as Oklahoma (12-1, CFP No. 3) won its record 11th Big 12 title.
"The reason I came back was to play for a national title," Mayfield said. "The most exciting thing about today is we control our destiny. ... That's all out in front of us."
The Sooners are a lock Sunday to be in the College Football Playoff for the second time in three seasons. They are the only Big 12 team to make the four-team playoff format that started in 2014.
Mayfield was so confident in the Sooners winning their third straight Big 12 title that in postgame he wore a shirt he had from back-to-back championships that already been updated, showing the three in a row he has won since transferring from Texas Tech.
"I had it updated before Bedlam," Mayfield said, referring to game against rival Oklahoma State a month ago.
The Sooners probably would have made the playoff even if the Big 12 hadn't played its first championship game since 2010. But a loss would have likely knocked OU out of contention.
Oklahoma jumped out to a quick 17-0 lead, including Caleb Kelly's 18-yard fumble return for a touchdown after running back Kyle Hicks' turnover on the first offensive play by TCU (10-3, No. 11).
Kenny Hill threw two TD passes to get the Horned Frogs within 24-17 at halftime, but Oklahoma was in total control after scoring twice on its first three offensive plays after the break.
"Big plays, we gave up a couple. ... Two plays basically in the second half," TCU coach Gary Patterson said. "The worst thing that could happen in the third quarter happened."
A week before the Heisman winner will be named, Mayfield finished 15-of-23 passing for 243 yards and took game MVP honors. His first two touchdowns were to tight end Mark Andrews .
Hill opened the second half with three consecutive incompletions. On the first play after the punt, Mayfield hit Mykel Jones for a 55-yard catch-and-run score.
A fourth-and-1 stop by Oklahoma's defense, led another Sooners touchdown. Marquise Brown made an impressive over-the-shoulder grab for a 52-yard TD and a 38-17 lead.
Hill, who started his college career at Texas A&M behind Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, was 27-of-37 for 234 yards passing, and led TCU with 51 yards rushing.
"It's been a fun ride and a wild ride, and I think this guy (Patterson) here for giving me the opportunity to come here and play," Hill said. "As far as Baker goes, man, he looks like the Heisman."
THE TAKEAWAY
TCU: The Horned Frogs had allowed only six points (two field goals) combined after halftime in their last seven games. Even Oklahoma was scoreless in the second half of its 38-20 home win on Nov. 11. The 41 points are the most TCU has allowed this season.
Oklahoma: The Sooners' 11th Big 12 title overall was the first without Bob Stoops, the coach for their last national title in 2000 who resigned unexpectedly last summer. Riley, at 34 the youngest FBS head coach, is only the fifth coach in FBS history with no previous head coaching experience at a four-year college to win at least 12 games in his debut season.
TITLE GAMES
Oklahoma is 8-1 in Big 12 championship games, winning seven of them between 2000 and 2010, when the Sooners beat Nebraska in the league's last championship game until Saturday.
IMPRESSIVE GRAB
TCU was within 17-14 when John Diarse made a one-handed TD grab before falling out of bounds. Initially ruled an incompletion, TCU had a touchdown after the replay review. Diarse had immediately run to the sideline and told Patterson it was a catch. "I told him I would take it as a catch as soon as they put their hands up," the coach said.
UP NEXT
TCU: The Horned Frogs could still possibly make it into one of the New Year's Six bowl games, and if not likely will be the Big 12 representative in the Alamo Bowl.
Oklahoma: The Sooners wait to find out who they will play and in which national semifinal game, the Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl.
Sunday, December 3, 2017
No. 6 Georgia makes playoff bid, routs No. 4 Auburn 28-7
By PAUL DEWBERRY
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Kirby Smart took the customary drenching with an ear-to-ear smile. He bounced up and down on the sideline with as much exuberance as his players. And when the coach waved his visor to the red-and-black faithful, he knew better than anyone how much this meant after a long, long wait.
Rebounding emphatically from a blowout loss at Auburn just three weeks ago, the No. 6 Bulldogs doled out a whipping of their own on Saturday. And what a time for some revenge, with the Southeastern Conference championship and almost surely a trip to the College Football Playoff going to the winner.
Roquan Smith gobbled up two crucial turnovers, freshman Jake Fromm threw a pair of touchdown passes and Georgia cruised to a 28-7 victory over the No. 4 Tigers in an SEC title game that was a total reversal of the last meeting between the teams.
"It's great to bring it back to Georgia," said Smart, who played defensive back for the Bulldogs in the 1990s. "The Bulldog Nation is certainly starved."
Smart needed only two seasons to return his alma mater to national prominence, though he certainly learned a thing or two about what it took to get there in his previous job as Nick Saban's defensive coordinator at Alabama.
"It's hard to do," Smart said. "This one feels the same way."
Georgia (12-1) claimed its first SEC title since 2005.
Of course, there's a bigger prize for the taking.
The Bulldogs haven't won a national title since 1980, a drought that has only grown more and more irritating to Georgia fans as schools all around them — Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Clemson, Florida State — finished No. 1 in the years since.
"It's been an incredible journey," said Fromm, who took over as the starter when Jacob Eason was injured in the season opener and never relinquished the job. "I never thought it would shake out this way."
Auburn (10-3) didn't see it coming, either.
The Tigers rolled into Atlanta as the hottest team in the country after impressive wins over Georgia and then-No. 1 Alabama in its last three games. But the Tigers were stymied by their own mistakes, which also included a blocked field goal, and they had no answer for a Georgia team eager to make up for its embarrassing 40-17 defeat on the Plains .
"They flipped the script on us from the last game," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said.
Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and freshman D'Andre Swift provided a much more efficient running game, which opened up things for the young quarterback. Fromm completed 16 of 22 passes for 183 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown to Isaac Nauta in the second quarter and a 6-yarder to Terry Godwin with just over 13 minutes remaining that essentially sealed Georgia's victory.
The Bulldogs, who were No. 6 in the latest CFP standings, should move into the top four after their dominating performance. Auburn was ranked second in the CFP poll, only to have its hopes fade away with a lackluster offensive performance. The Tigers were up held to 259 yards after piling up 488 in their Nov. 11 romp.
Swift, another impressive Georgia freshman, finished it off with a 64-yard touchdown run through a huge hole. He dashed to the end zone without being touched, sending the Georgia fans into a raucous celebration that figured to go on well into the night.
Swift finished with 88 yards, Chubb had 77 and Michel added 45 before he left the game in the third quarter with what is believed to be a minor knee injury. In the last game against the Tigers, Chubb was held to 27 yards and Michel 21 — their lowest outputs of the season.
Auburn started out like it was headed for another big win. Jarrett Stidham capped the opening possession with s 6-yard scoring pass to Nate Craig-Myers, and the Tigers pushed into position to extend their lead early in the second quarter.
That's when the game suddenly turned.
Stidham dropped back to throw, couldn't find anyone open and didn't sense Davin Bellamy coming up behind him. The Georgia linebacker stripped the ball away and Smith fell on it for the Bulldogs at the 16.
Georgia drove the other way for the tying score and tacked on the first of two field goals by Rodrigo Blankenship for a 10-7 lead at the half.
Auburn wasted another scoring opportunity in the third quarter when Daniel Carlson's 31-yard field goal attempt was swatted away by DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle.
Then, trailing 13-7, another turnover on the first play of the fourth quarter finished off the Tigers.
Kerryon Johnson, who played despite an ailing right shoulder, was stripped of the ball and Smith scooped it up again at the Auburn 39 , retaining the spiked, Road Warrior-style vest that Georgia awards to players who take the ball away from the other team, the Dawgs' version of the turnover chain.
Smith picked up another prize after the game: the MVP award.
THE TAKEAWAY
Georgia: Smart did a masterful job of motivating the Bulldogs after they were thoroughly outmuscled in the first meeting. "They just physically whipped us up front," Malzahn said.
Auburn: After being knocked out of the playoff, the Tigers will turn their attention to Malzahn's future. He's been mentioned as a possible candidate at Arkansas. "I'm happy at Auburn," he insisted. "I think the best is yet to come."
OFFENSIVE WOES
Johnson, whose status wasn't known until game time, managed just 44 yards on 13 carries. Clearly, he was bothered by his ailing shoulder, but he wasn't the only one who struggled.
Stidham, who played brilliantly during a five-game winning streak, was held to 16 of 32 for 145 yards by a Georgia defense that brought heavy pressure all game. He was sacked three times.
UP NEXT
Georgia: Will likely head to either the Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl to play in a semifinal playoff game.
Auburn: Could wind up returning to Atlanta on New Year's Day for the Peach Bowl against Central Florida.
Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — Kirby Smart took the customary drenching with an ear-to-ear smile. He bounced up and down on the sideline with as much exuberance as his players. And when the coach waved his visor to the red-and-black faithful, he knew better than anyone how much this meant after a long, long wait.
Rebounding emphatically from a blowout loss at Auburn just three weeks ago, the No. 6 Bulldogs doled out a whipping of their own on Saturday. And what a time for some revenge, with the Southeastern Conference championship and almost surely a trip to the College Football Playoff going to the winner.
Roquan Smith gobbled up two crucial turnovers, freshman Jake Fromm threw a pair of touchdown passes and Georgia cruised to a 28-7 victory over the No. 4 Tigers in an SEC title game that was a total reversal of the last meeting between the teams.
"It's great to bring it back to Georgia," said Smart, who played defensive back for the Bulldogs in the 1990s. "The Bulldog Nation is certainly starved."
Smart needed only two seasons to return his alma mater to national prominence, though he certainly learned a thing or two about what it took to get there in his previous job as Nick Saban's defensive coordinator at Alabama.
"It's hard to do," Smart said. "This one feels the same way."
Georgia (12-1) claimed its first SEC title since 2005.
Of course, there's a bigger prize for the taking.
The Bulldogs haven't won a national title since 1980, a drought that has only grown more and more irritating to Georgia fans as schools all around them — Alabama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Clemson, Florida State — finished No. 1 in the years since.
"It's been an incredible journey," said Fromm, who took over as the starter when Jacob Eason was injured in the season opener and never relinquished the job. "I never thought it would shake out this way."
Auburn (10-3) didn't see it coming, either.
The Tigers rolled into Atlanta as the hottest team in the country after impressive wins over Georgia and then-No. 1 Alabama in its last three games. But the Tigers were stymied by their own mistakes, which also included a blocked field goal, and they had no answer for a Georgia team eager to make up for its embarrassing 40-17 defeat on the Plains .
"They flipped the script on us from the last game," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said.
Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and freshman D'Andre Swift provided a much more efficient running game, which opened up things for the young quarterback. Fromm completed 16 of 22 passes for 183 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown to Isaac Nauta in the second quarter and a 6-yarder to Terry Godwin with just over 13 minutes remaining that essentially sealed Georgia's victory.
The Bulldogs, who were No. 6 in the latest CFP standings, should move into the top four after their dominating performance. Auburn was ranked second in the CFP poll, only to have its hopes fade away with a lackluster offensive performance. The Tigers were up held to 259 yards after piling up 488 in their Nov. 11 romp.
Swift, another impressive Georgia freshman, finished it off with a 64-yard touchdown run through a huge hole. He dashed to the end zone without being touched, sending the Georgia fans into a raucous celebration that figured to go on well into the night.
Swift finished with 88 yards, Chubb had 77 and Michel added 45 before he left the game in the third quarter with what is believed to be a minor knee injury. In the last game against the Tigers, Chubb was held to 27 yards and Michel 21 — their lowest outputs of the season.
Auburn started out like it was headed for another big win. Jarrett Stidham capped the opening possession with s 6-yard scoring pass to Nate Craig-Myers, and the Tigers pushed into position to extend their lead early in the second quarter.
That's when the game suddenly turned.
Stidham dropped back to throw, couldn't find anyone open and didn't sense Davin Bellamy coming up behind him. The Georgia linebacker stripped the ball away and Smith fell on it for the Bulldogs at the 16.
Georgia drove the other way for the tying score and tacked on the first of two field goals by Rodrigo Blankenship for a 10-7 lead at the half.
Auburn wasted another scoring opportunity in the third quarter when Daniel Carlson's 31-yard field goal attempt was swatted away by DaQuan Hawkins-Muckle.
Then, trailing 13-7, another turnover on the first play of the fourth quarter finished off the Tigers.
Kerryon Johnson, who played despite an ailing right shoulder, was stripped of the ball and Smith scooped it up again at the Auburn 39 , retaining the spiked, Road Warrior-style vest that Georgia awards to players who take the ball away from the other team, the Dawgs' version of the turnover chain.
Smith picked up another prize after the game: the MVP award.
THE TAKEAWAY
Georgia: Smart did a masterful job of motivating the Bulldogs after they were thoroughly outmuscled in the first meeting. "They just physically whipped us up front," Malzahn said.
Auburn: After being knocked out of the playoff, the Tigers will turn their attention to Malzahn's future. He's been mentioned as a possible candidate at Arkansas. "I'm happy at Auburn," he insisted. "I think the best is yet to come."
OFFENSIVE WOES
Johnson, whose status wasn't known until game time, managed just 44 yards on 13 carries. Clearly, he was bothered by his ailing shoulder, but he wasn't the only one who struggled.
Stidham, who played brilliantly during a five-game winning streak, was held to 16 of 32 for 145 yards by a Georgia defense that brought heavy pressure all game. He was sacked three times.
UP NEXT
Georgia: Will likely head to either the Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl to play in a semifinal playoff game.
Auburn: Could wind up returning to Atlanta on New Year's Day for the Peach Bowl against Central Florida.
Bryant, No. 1 Clemson pound No. 7 Miami 38-3 for ACC crown
By PETE IACOBELLI
Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kelly Bryant long ago laughed off those worried he couldn't succeed Clemson's national championship icon Deshaun Watson this year.
How's the ACC championship game MVP look now?
Bryant ran for a touchdown, threw for another and passed for 252 yards to help the top-ranked Tigers (12-1, No. 1 CFP) claim their likely spot atop the College Football Playoff poll with a 38-3 victory over No. 7 Miami on Saturday night.
Bryant, the smiling, lanky, 6-foot-3 junior has shaken off defenders the way he's pushed aside concerns he would not match Watson's success. But Bryant's shown week after week, he's more than up to the challenge.
Bryant proved it once more against the Hurricanes (10-2, No. 7 CFP). He set a championship game record by completing his first 15 passes — topping the mark held by teammate you know who from two years ago — and putting the Tigers ahead 14-0 on his twisting, 11-yard TD run in the opening quarter.
"We had a lot of questions about the guys who left," Bryant said. "Having the guys around me who've believed in me has helped. And like coach Dabo says, just be the best version of Kelly B I can be."
The best of Bryant certainly points to another title run for the defending champs.
Oh, no, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney, corrects, "We're the attacking champs. We're attacking to try and win another one."
Swinney said amidst the postgame celebration he hadn't been to New Orleans since going with Alabama in 1992, the then wide receiver part of that national championship squad. This time, the Tigers as top seed get their pick of sites and Swinney left no wiggle room about what he'll choose.
"Get ready, Sugar Bowl," he shouted. "Here we come."
Bryant capped his game with a 27-yard TD pass to Deon Cain on the way to Clemson's third straight ACC crown.
"It's just in our DNA. We're built for moments like this," said Bryant, named the game's MVP.
Clemson's defense made things stand up against a Hurricanes team that has been spurred on to its turnaround season by their glitzy, bling-covered "Turnover Chain" — jewelry worn by any Miami player with a pick or a fumble.
Instead, it was the Tigers who won the turnover battle (3 to 1) and held Miami to its fewest points and yards of the season to spoil the Hurricanes' first appearance in the contest since the one-time powerhouse joined the league in 2004.
Bryant and receiver Ray-Ray McCloud even mocked the Miami necklace, McCloud pantomiming putting an invisible chain around Bryant's neck after the quarterback's TD run.
Clemson's Travis Etienne opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown before Bryant's twisting, 11-yard run for a 14-0 first-quarter lead. It was essentially over after that as the Hurricanes (10-2, No. 7 CFP) have lost two straight after rising to No. 2 in the CFP two weeks ago.
"Obviously, it didn't go well at all," Miami coach Mark Richt said. "It just shows they're the class of our league and they're the measuring stick."
Miami fell apart in the third quarter with a pair of Malik Rosier interceptions leading to 10 points for the Tigers. The Hurricanes, who had averaged 440 yards a game this season, finished with 214 yards. The broke the shutout on Michael Badgley's 29-yard field goal with 3:29 to go.
THE TAKEAWAY
Miami: The Hurricanes showed they still have some growing to do to catch up with the ACC's elite program. Miami let early chances get away — a long pass to an open receiver overthrown by Rosier, a recovered muffed punt in Clemson territory — and paid for it as the Tigers relentless offense and dominating defense took control. "They came out and from the beginning, they jumped us," Miami receiver Braxton Berrios said.
Clemson: The Tigers have methodically proven themselves at every turn this year when the doubters were sure they'd falter with so many (11 new starters) fresh faces after last year's national championship. Once more, Clemson answered the questions and will head to its third straight College Football Playoff, a likely No. 1 and favorite to win a second consecutive crown.
THREE-PEAT
Clemson joined Florida State as the only teams to win three straight ACC championships. The Seminoles had their run from 2012-2014, right before the Tigers got going with their current streak. Clemson's win also made it seven in a row for Atlantic Division teams over Coastal opponents.
BIG RUSH
The Tigers set an ACC championship game mark with four different players scoring rushing touchdowns. Along with TDs by Etienne and Bryant, Clemson's Adam Choice had a 1-yard scoring run and Tavien Feaster had an 11-yard scoring run.
CHARLOTTE RETURN
The title game came back to Charlotte after a year in Orlando, Florida, due to the ACC's ban on awarding championships to North Carolina for a law that limited protections for LGBT people. The law was repealed earlier this year, the ban lifted and the contest restored to Bank of America Stadium.
UP NEXT
Miami will most likely head to the Orange Bowl in the ACC's usual spot.
Clemson should maintain the top spot in the CFP rankings and, with the option to choose location, will certainly choose the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans over the Rose Bowl to ensure it gets a strong crowd in the stands for the national semifinals. Its opponent will be announced Sunday.
Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Kelly Bryant long ago laughed off those worried he couldn't succeed Clemson's national championship icon Deshaun Watson this year.
How's the ACC championship game MVP look now?
Bryant ran for a touchdown, threw for another and passed for 252 yards to help the top-ranked Tigers (12-1, No. 1 CFP) claim their likely spot atop the College Football Playoff poll with a 38-3 victory over No. 7 Miami on Saturday night.
Bryant, the smiling, lanky, 6-foot-3 junior has shaken off defenders the way he's pushed aside concerns he would not match Watson's success. But Bryant's shown week after week, he's more than up to the challenge.
Bryant proved it once more against the Hurricanes (10-2, No. 7 CFP). He set a championship game record by completing his first 15 passes — topping the mark held by teammate you know who from two years ago — and putting the Tigers ahead 14-0 on his twisting, 11-yard TD run in the opening quarter.
"We had a lot of questions about the guys who left," Bryant said. "Having the guys around me who've believed in me has helped. And like coach Dabo says, just be the best version of Kelly B I can be."
The best of Bryant certainly points to another title run for the defending champs.
Oh, no, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney, corrects, "We're the attacking champs. We're attacking to try and win another one."
Swinney said amidst the postgame celebration he hadn't been to New Orleans since going with Alabama in 1992, the then wide receiver part of that national championship squad. This time, the Tigers as top seed get their pick of sites and Swinney left no wiggle room about what he'll choose.
"Get ready, Sugar Bowl," he shouted. "Here we come."
Bryant capped his game with a 27-yard TD pass to Deon Cain on the way to Clemson's third straight ACC crown.
"It's just in our DNA. We're built for moments like this," said Bryant, named the game's MVP.
Clemson's defense made things stand up against a Hurricanes team that has been spurred on to its turnaround season by their glitzy, bling-covered "Turnover Chain" — jewelry worn by any Miami player with a pick or a fumble.
Instead, it was the Tigers who won the turnover battle (3 to 1) and held Miami to its fewest points and yards of the season to spoil the Hurricanes' first appearance in the contest since the one-time powerhouse joined the league in 2004.
Bryant and receiver Ray-Ray McCloud even mocked the Miami necklace, McCloud pantomiming putting an invisible chain around Bryant's neck after the quarterback's TD run.
Clemson's Travis Etienne opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown before Bryant's twisting, 11-yard run for a 14-0 first-quarter lead. It was essentially over after that as the Hurricanes (10-2, No. 7 CFP) have lost two straight after rising to No. 2 in the CFP two weeks ago.
"Obviously, it didn't go well at all," Miami coach Mark Richt said. "It just shows they're the class of our league and they're the measuring stick."
Miami fell apart in the third quarter with a pair of Malik Rosier interceptions leading to 10 points for the Tigers. The Hurricanes, who had averaged 440 yards a game this season, finished with 214 yards. The broke the shutout on Michael Badgley's 29-yard field goal with 3:29 to go.
THE TAKEAWAY
Miami: The Hurricanes showed they still have some growing to do to catch up with the ACC's elite program. Miami let early chances get away — a long pass to an open receiver overthrown by Rosier, a recovered muffed punt in Clemson territory — and paid for it as the Tigers relentless offense and dominating defense took control. "They came out and from the beginning, they jumped us," Miami receiver Braxton Berrios said.
Clemson: The Tigers have methodically proven themselves at every turn this year when the doubters were sure they'd falter with so many (11 new starters) fresh faces after last year's national championship. Once more, Clemson answered the questions and will head to its third straight College Football Playoff, a likely No. 1 and favorite to win a second consecutive crown.
THREE-PEAT
Clemson joined Florida State as the only teams to win three straight ACC championships. The Seminoles had their run from 2012-2014, right before the Tigers got going with their current streak. Clemson's win also made it seven in a row for Atlantic Division teams over Coastal opponents.
BIG RUSH
The Tigers set an ACC championship game mark with four different players scoring rushing touchdowns. Along with TDs by Etienne and Bryant, Clemson's Adam Choice had a 1-yard scoring run and Tavien Feaster had an 11-yard scoring run.
CHARLOTTE RETURN
The title game came back to Charlotte after a year in Orlando, Florida, due to the ACC's ban on awarding championships to North Carolina for a law that limited protections for LGBT people. The law was repealed earlier this year, the ban lifted and the contest restored to Bank of America Stadium.
UP NEXT
Miami will most likely head to the Orange Bowl in the ACC's usual spot.
Clemson should maintain the top spot in the CFP rankings and, with the option to choose location, will certainly choose the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans over the Rose Bowl to ensure it gets a strong crowd in the stands for the national semifinals. Its opponent will be announced Sunday.
Buckeyes claim Big Ten title over Badgers, seek playoff spot
By MICHAEL MAROT
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — J.T. Barrett felt and played like his old self Saturday.
The only thing that would make the Ohio State quarterback feel better would be making the playoffs.
Six days after undergoing surgery on his right knee, Barrett started the game, threw two touchdown passes, ran for another and led No. 8 Ohio State to a 27-21 victory over previously unbeaten No. 3 Wisconsin for the Buckeyes' first Big Ten title since their 2014 national championship run.
"We have two wins over two top-four team and another one over a team ranked 12th or 13th," said coach Urban Meyer, who included a win over Penn State in his rundown. "We're a conference champion and we deserve a shot."
All the Buckeyes (11-2, No. 8 CFP) can do now is wait to see if college football's selection committee agrees.
With one final chance to make an impression, Ohio State ended the Badgers' perfect season and the nation's longest active winning streak at 13 by winning their fourth in a row.
And they did it behind a quarterback many expected to be watching.
But unlike most athletes, who need at least two or three weeks to recover from minor knee surgery, Barrett told doctors and coaches he would be OK.
After watching Barrett in pregame warmups with a protective brace around the injured knee, Meyer gave his three-time captain the starting nod. Barrett didn't disappoint.
He wound up 12 of 26 for 211 yards and two interceptions and ran 19 times for 60 yards including a crucial fourth-down conversion that set up the last field goal of the game.
"We expected to see the best and he was," Badgers coach Paul Chryst said of Barrett. "He's a heck of a quarterback."
It didn't take Barrett long to get going, either.
Following a 9-yard run on third down on the Buckeyes' second possession he hooked up with a wide open Terry McLaurin for an 84-yard TD pass to make it 7-0.
Two possessions later, Barrett threw a short pass to Parris Campbell, who turned a missed tackle into a 57-yard mistake for another score. Then after a 77-yard run by J.K. Dobbins, Barrett powered in from the 1-yard line to give the Buckeyes a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter.
"It never does (surprise me)," Meyer said. "That's just because I've had (Tim) Tebow — this kid is a lot like him. How you keep him out of the game I just don't know how it happens."
No, Barrett wasn't perfect.
The only time he really paid for it, though, came on an ill-advised pass from near his goal line in the first quarter. Barrett was picked off by Andrew Van Ginkel, who returned it 9 yards for a Wisconsin score.
Otherwise, the Buckeyes stayed pretty much in control and kept Barrett out of trouble.
"I didn't have any pain in my knee," Barrett said before answering whether the Buckeyes deserve a playoff spot. "I feel like we're one of the best teams in the country."
Wisconsin got within 21-10 at halftime and 21-13 early in the third quarter before the offense got into the end zone on Chris James' 1-yard run early in the fourth. A conversion pass from Alex Hornibrook to Troy Fumagalli cut the deficit to 24-21.
But Barrett's extra effort on the fourth down play set up the field goal and the Buckeyes defense stopped Wisconsin twice to close it out.
THE TAKEAWAY
Ohio State: Since getting blown out at Iowa last month, the Buckeyes have been trying to play their way back into the playoff picture. The win over Wisconsin just might do it. Three of the four playoff spots were likely sewn up Saturday, going to Big 12 champ Oklahoma, SEC champ Georgia and ACC champ Clemson. Will the committee take another conference champion over Auburn or Alabama? Stay tuned till Sunday.
Wisconsin: Critics contended the Badgers were never as good as their undefeated record because of a weak schedule. On Saturday, they fought to the end but still came up short. The usually stout defense missed too many tackles and gave up too many big plays.
RECORD BREAKER
The last time Dobbins played a game in Indiana, he rushed for freshman game record of 181 yards in a rout over the Hoosiers. This time, Dobbins broke Maurice Clarett's season freshman record at Ohio State. And all he needed was one run. Dobbins finished with 17 carries for 174 yards and surpassed Clarett's total of 1,237 yards on the 77-yard run. He finished the day with 1,364 yards. Dobbins was named the game's MVP.
STREAK BUSTERS
Wisconsin started the game as the only team in the nation that hadn't trailed in the fourth quarter. That streak ended when the Badgers opened the fourth down 24-13. Jonathan Taylor's streak of four straight 100-yard games also ended Saturday. The Big Ten rushing champ was held to 41 yards on 15 carries and failed to score for the fourth time this season.
TURF TWIST
The game was delayed after the seams of two pieces of turf came apart during James' TD run. The refs immediately stopped play and summoned maintenance, which spread a black substance underneath the turf and rubber pellets on top of the turf. After about 10 minutes, the game resumed to the roar of the crowd.
UP NEXT
Ohio State: Will find out where it's heading this postseason on Sunday.
Wisconsin: Also awaits its postseason fate Sunday.
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — J.T. Barrett felt and played like his old self Saturday.
The only thing that would make the Ohio State quarterback feel better would be making the playoffs.
Six days after undergoing surgery on his right knee, Barrett started the game, threw two touchdown passes, ran for another and led No. 8 Ohio State to a 27-21 victory over previously unbeaten No. 3 Wisconsin for the Buckeyes' first Big Ten title since their 2014 national championship run.
"We have two wins over two top-four team and another one over a team ranked 12th or 13th," said coach Urban Meyer, who included a win over Penn State in his rundown. "We're a conference champion and we deserve a shot."
All the Buckeyes (11-2, No. 8 CFP) can do now is wait to see if college football's selection committee agrees.
With one final chance to make an impression, Ohio State ended the Badgers' perfect season and the nation's longest active winning streak at 13 by winning their fourth in a row.
And they did it behind a quarterback many expected to be watching.
But unlike most athletes, who need at least two or three weeks to recover from minor knee surgery, Barrett told doctors and coaches he would be OK.
After watching Barrett in pregame warmups with a protective brace around the injured knee, Meyer gave his three-time captain the starting nod. Barrett didn't disappoint.
He wound up 12 of 26 for 211 yards and two interceptions and ran 19 times for 60 yards including a crucial fourth-down conversion that set up the last field goal of the game.
"We expected to see the best and he was," Badgers coach Paul Chryst said of Barrett. "He's a heck of a quarterback."
It didn't take Barrett long to get going, either.
Following a 9-yard run on third down on the Buckeyes' second possession he hooked up with a wide open Terry McLaurin for an 84-yard TD pass to make it 7-0.
Two possessions later, Barrett threw a short pass to Parris Campbell, who turned a missed tackle into a 57-yard mistake for another score. Then after a 77-yard run by J.K. Dobbins, Barrett powered in from the 1-yard line to give the Buckeyes a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter.
"It never does (surprise me)," Meyer said. "That's just because I've had (Tim) Tebow — this kid is a lot like him. How you keep him out of the game I just don't know how it happens."
No, Barrett wasn't perfect.
The only time he really paid for it, though, came on an ill-advised pass from near his goal line in the first quarter. Barrett was picked off by Andrew Van Ginkel, who returned it 9 yards for a Wisconsin score.
Otherwise, the Buckeyes stayed pretty much in control and kept Barrett out of trouble.
"I didn't have any pain in my knee," Barrett said before answering whether the Buckeyes deserve a playoff spot. "I feel like we're one of the best teams in the country."
Wisconsin got within 21-10 at halftime and 21-13 early in the third quarter before the offense got into the end zone on Chris James' 1-yard run early in the fourth. A conversion pass from Alex Hornibrook to Troy Fumagalli cut the deficit to 24-21.
But Barrett's extra effort on the fourth down play set up the field goal and the Buckeyes defense stopped Wisconsin twice to close it out.
THE TAKEAWAY
Ohio State: Since getting blown out at Iowa last month, the Buckeyes have been trying to play their way back into the playoff picture. The win over Wisconsin just might do it. Three of the four playoff spots were likely sewn up Saturday, going to Big 12 champ Oklahoma, SEC champ Georgia and ACC champ Clemson. Will the committee take another conference champion over Auburn or Alabama? Stay tuned till Sunday.
Wisconsin: Critics contended the Badgers were never as good as their undefeated record because of a weak schedule. On Saturday, they fought to the end but still came up short. The usually stout defense missed too many tackles and gave up too many big plays.
RECORD BREAKER
The last time Dobbins played a game in Indiana, he rushed for freshman game record of 181 yards in a rout over the Hoosiers. This time, Dobbins broke Maurice Clarett's season freshman record at Ohio State. And all he needed was one run. Dobbins finished with 17 carries for 174 yards and surpassed Clarett's total of 1,237 yards on the 77-yard run. He finished the day with 1,364 yards. Dobbins was named the game's MVP.
STREAK BUSTERS
Wisconsin started the game as the only team in the nation that hadn't trailed in the fourth quarter. That streak ended when the Badgers opened the fourth down 24-13. Jonathan Taylor's streak of four straight 100-yard games also ended Saturday. The Big Ten rushing champ was held to 41 yards on 15 carries and failed to score for the fourth time this season.
TURF TWIST
The game was delayed after the seams of two pieces of turf came apart during James' TD run. The refs immediately stopped play and summoned maintenance, which spread a black substance underneath the turf and rubber pellets on top of the turf. After about 10 minutes, the game resumed to the roar of the crowd.
UP NEXT
Ohio State: Will find out where it's heading this postseason on Sunday.
Wisconsin: Also awaits its postseason fate Sunday.
Grambling St. beats Alcorn St. 40-32 in SWAC Championship
Associated Press
HOUSTON (AP) — Grambling State coach Broderick Fobbs was pleased with repeating as Southwestern Athletic Conference champions, but acknowledged he was not very happy after his team had to squeak by.
Devante Kincade threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more scores, and Grambling State held off Alcorn State 40-32 on Saturday night en route to its second straight SWAC Championship.
It was the third consecutive meeting between the teams in the title game. Alcorn State (7-5) won it in 2015, and Grambling State (11-1) rallied for a 27-20 victory in the 2016 championship. The Tigers have won 11 straight games since losing their opener, 43-14 against Tulane, and is 8-2 in the SWAC title games.
"The feeling is unbelievable," Grambling State linebacker De'Arius Christmas said. "You can't explain the feeling because we are back-to-back champions, but we feel like we are not done. We won the game, but it wasn't the way we wanted to. We weren't a great team, we won as a good team. We want to be great."
Kincade had touchdown runs of 14 and 27 yards. He threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Jones, and his 4-yarder to Quintin Guice just before halftime gave the Tigers a 38-10 lead. Martez Carter ran for a 5-yard touchdown and Marc Orozco kicked a 48-yard field goal in the first half for Grambling.
"I knew they would make a run at some point because that is the type of program they have," Fobbs said. "I thought that us being so explosive in the first half put them on their heels. At the end of the day, I thought they ran out of time."
The Tigers finished with 439 yards of offense but had just 76 yards in the second half.
"I saw the momentum shift and start to leave," Fobbs said. "Once it goes, it starts to snowball and you can't get it back and you're holding on for dear life. I think we learned a very valuable lesson that you have to play for four quarters, especially when you're playing against very good teams."
Lenorris Footman was 20-of-34 passing for 307 yards with a touchdown pass and run in the fourth quarter for Alcorn State, which was making its fourth straight SWAC title game appearance. De'Lance Turner ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns, and Marquis Warford caught seven passes for 131 yards. The Braves finished with 502 yards.
"It's not over until the time runs out," Footman said. "We had to keep fighting throughout the year. I just kept telling the guys keep fighting."
Trailing by 30 early in the fourth, the Braves mounted a furious rally. Footman threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Norlando Veals, and his 5-yard touchdown run ahead of a 6-yard scoring run by Turner, and a successful 2-point conversion pass to Veals, capped the scoring with 1:50 left.
Grambling State recovered the ensuing onside kick and then went three-and-out, but Miguel Mendez punted the ball 40 yards to the Braves 2, and Alcorn State had the ball with 46 second left. Footman led the Braves on a 10-play drive to the Grambling 43, but his Hail Mary attempt was short.
"The second half we played I was very impressed with," Alcorn State coach Fred McNair said. "The way this team fought back, we did a great job of doing that."
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Alcorn State: The Braves moved the ball with ease in the first quarter and second half in mounting their rally, but they didn't have a first down in the second quarter. The Braves were 4 of 13 on third-down conversions, but forced two turnovers and converted them into 10 points.
Grambling State: The offense continued to put up big numbers. The Tigers have scored at least 30 points in all but three games this season. Grambling's defense played well in the first three quarters, forcing two turnovers, which was converted into 10 points, but they struggled in the fourth quarter. The Tigers tackled Turner in the end zone for a safety to start the fourth quarter.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY
Special teams played a large role in the first quarter. Grambling's Bryce Williams recovered an Alcorn fumbled punt leading Orozco's 48-yard field goal. Alcorn State's Daimen Anderson recovered a Grambling fumbled punt that led to a 21-yard field goal by Corey McCullough in the opening quarter.
Miguel Mendez ended the first quarter with an 8-yard run on fourth-and-7 from the Grambling 33 to keep the drive alive, setting up Carter's 5-yard touchdown run.
UP NEXT
Alcorn State ends its season.
Grambling State will defend its Celebration Bowl title in Atlanta on Dec. 16.
HOUSTON (AP) — Grambling State coach Broderick Fobbs was pleased with repeating as Southwestern Athletic Conference champions, but acknowledged he was not very happy after his team had to squeak by.
Devante Kincade threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more scores, and Grambling State held off Alcorn State 40-32 on Saturday night en route to its second straight SWAC Championship.
It was the third consecutive meeting between the teams in the title game. Alcorn State (7-5) won it in 2015, and Grambling State (11-1) rallied for a 27-20 victory in the 2016 championship. The Tigers have won 11 straight games since losing their opener, 43-14 against Tulane, and is 8-2 in the SWAC title games.
"The feeling is unbelievable," Grambling State linebacker De'Arius Christmas said. "You can't explain the feeling because we are back-to-back champions, but we feel like we are not done. We won the game, but it wasn't the way we wanted to. We weren't a great team, we won as a good team. We want to be great."
Kincade had touchdown runs of 14 and 27 yards. He threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Jones, and his 4-yarder to Quintin Guice just before halftime gave the Tigers a 38-10 lead. Martez Carter ran for a 5-yard touchdown and Marc Orozco kicked a 48-yard field goal in the first half for Grambling.
"I knew they would make a run at some point because that is the type of program they have," Fobbs said. "I thought that us being so explosive in the first half put them on their heels. At the end of the day, I thought they ran out of time."
The Tigers finished with 439 yards of offense but had just 76 yards in the second half.
"I saw the momentum shift and start to leave," Fobbs said. "Once it goes, it starts to snowball and you can't get it back and you're holding on for dear life. I think we learned a very valuable lesson that you have to play for four quarters, especially when you're playing against very good teams."
Lenorris Footman was 20-of-34 passing for 307 yards with a touchdown pass and run in the fourth quarter for Alcorn State, which was making its fourth straight SWAC title game appearance. De'Lance Turner ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns, and Marquis Warford caught seven passes for 131 yards. The Braves finished with 502 yards.
"It's not over until the time runs out," Footman said. "We had to keep fighting throughout the year. I just kept telling the guys keep fighting."
Trailing by 30 early in the fourth, the Braves mounted a furious rally. Footman threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Norlando Veals, and his 5-yard touchdown run ahead of a 6-yard scoring run by Turner, and a successful 2-point conversion pass to Veals, capped the scoring with 1:50 left.
Grambling State recovered the ensuing onside kick and then went three-and-out, but Miguel Mendez punted the ball 40 yards to the Braves 2, and Alcorn State had the ball with 46 second left. Footman led the Braves on a 10-play drive to the Grambling 43, but his Hail Mary attempt was short.
"The second half we played I was very impressed with," Alcorn State coach Fred McNair said. "The way this team fought back, we did a great job of doing that."
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Alcorn State: The Braves moved the ball with ease in the first quarter and second half in mounting their rally, but they didn't have a first down in the second quarter. The Braves were 4 of 13 on third-down conversions, but forced two turnovers and converted them into 10 points.
Grambling State: The offense continued to put up big numbers. The Tigers have scored at least 30 points in all but three games this season. Grambling's defense played well in the first three quarters, forcing two turnovers, which was converted into 10 points, but they struggled in the fourth quarter. The Tigers tackled Turner in the end zone for a safety to start the fourth quarter.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAY
Special teams played a large role in the first quarter. Grambling's Bryce Williams recovered an Alcorn fumbled punt leading Orozco's 48-yard field goal. Alcorn State's Daimen Anderson recovered a Grambling fumbled punt that led to a 21-yard field goal by Corey McCullough in the opening quarter.
Miguel Mendez ended the first quarter with an 8-yard run on fourth-and-7 from the Grambling 33 to keep the drive alive, setting up Carter's 5-yard touchdown run.
UP NEXT
Alcorn State ends its season.
Grambling State will defend its Celebration Bowl title in Atlanta on Dec. 16.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Mixlr Six Rankings - The Final Edition
Well, here it is. Conference Championship Weekend has come
to an end and here is our final Mixlr Six Rankings of the year. Who do we think
deserve to make the Playoffs? Find out below.
1.
Oklahoma
·
Record: 12-1 (Big 12 Champions)
·
Last Game: 41-17 win vs. TCU
·
Carter Floyd: #1
·
Pierre Moss: #2
·
Dan Vasta: #2
·
Seth Eaves: #1
·
Matthew Owens: #1
2.
Clemson
·
Record: 12-1 (ACC Champions)
·
Last Game: 38-3 win vs. Miami
·
Carter Floyd: #2
·
Pierre Moss: #1
·
Dan Vasta: #1
·
Seth Eaves: #2
·
Matthew Owens: #2
3.
Georgia
·
Record: 12-1 (SEC Champions)
·
Last Game: 28-7 win vs. Auburn
·
Carter Floyd: #3
·
Pierre Moss: #3
·
Dan Vasta: #3
·
Seth Eaves: #3
·
Matthew Owens: #3
4.
Alabama
·
Record: 11-1
·
Last Game: 14-26 loss @ Auburn
·
Carter Floyd: #4
·
Pierre Moss: #5
·
Dan Vasta: #4
·
Seth Eaves: #4
·
Matthew Owens: #4
5.
Ohio
State
·
Record: 11-2 (Big Ten Champions)
·
Last Game: 27-21 win vs. Wisconsin
·
Carter Floyd: #5
·
Pierre Moss: #4
·
Dan Vasta: #5
·
Seth Eaves: #6
·
Matthew Owens: N/A
6.
Central
Florida
·
Record: 12-0
·
Last Game: 62-55 win vs. Memphis
·
Carter Floyd: N/A
·
Pierre Moss: #6
·
Dan Vasta: N/A
·
Seth Eaves: #5
·
Matthew Owens: #5
Carter
Floyd:
1. Oklahoma
2. Clemson
3. Georgia
4. Alabama
5. Ohio
State
6. Wisconsin
Pierre
Moss:
1. Clemson
2. Oklahoma
3. Georgia
4. Ohio
State
5. Alabama
6. Central
Florida
Dan
Vasta:
1. Clemson
2. Oklahoma
3. Georgia
4. Alabama
5. Ohio State
6. Wisconsin
Seth
Eaves:
1. Oklahoma
2. Clemson
3. Georgia
4. Alabama
5. Central
Florida
6. Ohio
State
Matthew
Owens:
1. Oklahoma
2. Clemson
3. Georgia
4. Alabama
5. Central
Florida
6. Southern
California
Tune in live to all the Selection Sunday coverage on USRN on Mixlr.com Sunday, December 3rd with coverage starting at 12pm EST with Matthew Owens, Seth Eaves & Carter Floyd.
Friday, December 1, 2017
Top 25 roundup: No. 3 Michigan St. routs No. 5 Notre Dame
EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Cassius Winston piled up 17 points, five rebounds and seven assists, and No. 3 Michigan State never trailed while handing No. 5 Notre Dame its first loss, 81-63 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Thursday.
Joshua Langford contributed 17 points, while Miles Bridges tossed in 14 points with six rebounds for Michigan State (6-1). Nick Ward added 12 points and five rebounds.
Bonzie Colson led Notre Dame (6-1) with 17 points and six rebounds. Rex Pflueger had 15 points and T.J. Gibbs added 11, while Matt Farrell supplied 10 -- all in the second half -- for the Fighting Irish.
The Spartans controlled the first half from the opening tip and led 46-26 at halftime. Notre Dame could only get within seven in the second half.
NO. 9 TEXAS A&M 78, TEXAS-RIO GRANDE VALLEY 60
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- DJ Hogg had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Admon Gilder also scored 17 to lead Texas A&M to victory over Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Hogg made two 3-pointers and Gilder had eight points as the Aggies (7-0) scored the first 16 points and 20 of the first 25 while cruising to their best start in 10 seasons. Tyler Davis finished with 13 points and seven rebounds, Tonny Trocha-Morelos had nine points, and Robert Williams totaled 14 rebounds for Texas A&M.
Nick Dixon, who averages 22.5 points, had 13 points and six rebounds for the Vaqueros (3-6). Texas-Rio Grande Valley shot 31.4 percent from the field.
NO. 19 WEST VIRGINIA 102, NJIT 69
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Jevon Carter scored 16 of his 25 points in the first half and became West Virginia's career steals leader in the victory over NJIT.
Carter made 5 of 11 shots from 3-point range, sank all six free throws and finished with a team-leading nine rebounds, six assists and five steals. Carter broke Greg Jones' career steals mark with No. 252 late in the first half, leading to a transition dunk by Teddy Allen. Allen finished with 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench for the Mountaineers (7-1).
Anthony Tarke scored 13 points and Diandre Wilson added 12 for the Highlanders (4-3).
SETON HALL 89, No. 22 TEXAS TECH 79
NEW YORK -- Desi Rodriguez had 24 points, Myles Powell added 19 and Seton Hall used a strong second half to defeat Texas Tech in the Under Armour Reunion at Madison Square Garden.
Khadeen Carrington scored 16 points and Angel Delgado had 12 points for the Pirates (6-1), who outscored the Red Raiders 49-31 in the second half. Powell had 17 in the second half, including all four of his 3-pointers.
Keenan Evans scored 21 points and Zach Smith added 12 for Texas Tech (6-1), which entered the AP poll this week and was in the Top 25 of both polls for the first time since Dec. 28, 2009.
Joshua Langford contributed 17 points, while Miles Bridges tossed in 14 points with six rebounds for Michigan State (6-1). Nick Ward added 12 points and five rebounds.
Bonzie Colson led Notre Dame (6-1) with 17 points and six rebounds. Rex Pflueger had 15 points and T.J. Gibbs added 11, while Matt Farrell supplied 10 -- all in the second half -- for the Fighting Irish.
The Spartans controlled the first half from the opening tip and led 46-26 at halftime. Notre Dame could only get within seven in the second half.
NO. 9 TEXAS A&M 78, TEXAS-RIO GRANDE VALLEY 60
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- DJ Hogg had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Admon Gilder also scored 17 to lead Texas A&M to victory over Texas-Rio Grande Valley.
Hogg made two 3-pointers and Gilder had eight points as the Aggies (7-0) scored the first 16 points and 20 of the first 25 while cruising to their best start in 10 seasons. Tyler Davis finished with 13 points and seven rebounds, Tonny Trocha-Morelos had nine points, and Robert Williams totaled 14 rebounds for Texas A&M.
Nick Dixon, who averages 22.5 points, had 13 points and six rebounds for the Vaqueros (3-6). Texas-Rio Grande Valley shot 31.4 percent from the field.
NO. 19 WEST VIRGINIA 102, NJIT 69
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Jevon Carter scored 16 of his 25 points in the first half and became West Virginia's career steals leader in the victory over NJIT.
Carter made 5 of 11 shots from 3-point range, sank all six free throws and finished with a team-leading nine rebounds, six assists and five steals. Carter broke Greg Jones' career steals mark with No. 252 late in the first half, leading to a transition dunk by Teddy Allen. Allen finished with 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench for the Mountaineers (7-1).
Anthony Tarke scored 13 points and Diandre Wilson added 12 for the Highlanders (4-3).
SETON HALL 89, No. 22 TEXAS TECH 79
NEW YORK -- Desi Rodriguez had 24 points, Myles Powell added 19 and Seton Hall used a strong second half to defeat Texas Tech in the Under Armour Reunion at Madison Square Garden.
Khadeen Carrington scored 16 points and Angel Delgado had 12 points for the Pirates (6-1), who outscored the Red Raiders 49-31 in the second half. Powell had 17 in the second half, including all four of his 3-pointers.
Keenan Evans scored 21 points and Zach Smith added 12 for Texas Tech (6-1), which entered the AP poll this week and was in the Top 25 of both polls for the first time since Dec. 28, 2009.
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