College football bowl season takeaways

We have made it to the bowl season of the 2021 school soccer marketing campaign, and we’re preserving observe of every one of many video games over the ultimate weeks of the 12 months. From breakout gamers, to notable performances and a lot extra, our reporters break down every part it is advisable to know from all of the 2021 bowl video games.

Full schedule | Results | Live file

Saturday Dec. 18

RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl: Western Kentucky 59, App State 38

A 12 months in the past, Bailey Zappe performed 4 video games, a part of FCS Houston Baptist’s abridged COVID-19 marketing campaign. After Saturday’s RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl, Zappe is now the FBS single-season report holder for each landing passes and passing yardage. It has been a heck of a journey.

Zappe transferred to Western Kentucky final offseason — following HBU offensive coordinator Zach Kittley to the Hilltoppers — and blossomed into school soccer’s most prolific passer He tossed 4 touchdowns within the first half in opposition to Appalachian State, tying Joe Burrow’s report of 60 passing touchdowns in a season, and added two extra to set the mark within the second half. Whereas Zappe was selecting aside the Mountaineers’ secondary (they allowed simply 12 passing TDs all 12 months), the Hilltoppers’ floor recreation had its greatest recreation of the season, too, with Noah Whittington and Kye Robichaux each discovering the tip zone within the 59-38 win.

Zappe figures to turn into a mid-round NFL decide — and a attainable steal for some staff — however his one season taking part in FBS soccer will dwell on within the report books. In the meantime, Kittley is about to maneuver on to Texas Tech as the brand new OC, and Saturday’s fireworks definitely give Pink Raiders followers one thing to be excited for in 2022. — David M. Hale

Friday Dec. 17

Bahamas Bowl: Middle Tennessee 31, Toledo Rockets 24

Toledo was 0-4 in one-score video games within the common season, so it made sense that the Rockets would finish the season with yet one more tight loss. Center Tennessee went on a 17-0 fourth-quarter run to take an insurmountable lead, ultimately prevailing 31-24. MTSU freshman quarterback Nick Vattiato had a stunning outing, throwing for 270 yards and two touchdowns, together with a 59-yard bomb to Jarrin Pierce. However the largest difference-maker was third downs: The Blue Raiders had been 7-for-16 on third downs, whereas Toledo was simply 1-for-12 till changing three on its closing drive. The Rockets made loads of explosive performs, however MTSU was capable of play keepaway, snapping the ball 85 occasions and taking late benefit of an more and more weary Toledo protection. — Invoice Connelly

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After Silas Kelly forces a turnover, his Coastal Carolina teammates rejoice by proclaiming him king, “Recreation Of Thrones” fashion.

Tailgreeter Cure Bowl: Coastal Carolina 47, Northern Illinois 41

Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall was arrange for fulfillment coming into this recreation, with Northern Illinois’ protection 118th in FBS in factors allowed. The sophomore quarterback did not disappoint, throwing for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 47-41 victory that got here all the way down to the final play for the Huskies.

Northern Illinois operating again Jay Ducker, who got here on sturdy in October for the Huskies, was their breakout performer with 146 yards dashing on 24 carries. Regardless of the shut loss, it was a fantastic season for NIU, which completed the 2020 season 0-6.

The Remedy Bowl was the Chanticleers’ second one in as a few years, however this time, they had been capable of safe their first bowl win in class historical past. — Harry Lyles Jr.