Tag: notebook

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Super Bowl notebook: Chiefs fall flat in bid for first three-peat

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Kansas City Chiefs were vying to become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.

Instead, they became the ninth squad to come up short while attempting to score the elusive three-peat.

Kansas City was the only one of those teams that won consecutive Lombardi Trophies to return to the Super Bowl for a third straight time. But the Chiefs came up short with Sunday’s 40-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

The Chiefs trailed by as many as 34 points before narrowing the gap late in the contest.

The Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers (twice), San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots were the other organizations to win two straight Super Bowls.

Three of those teams lost in the conference championship the following season, two others fell in the divisional round and three missed the playoffs.

Prior to this season, the Patriots were the most recent team to give it a shot, beating the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2003 season and topping the Eagles a year later before losing to the Broncos in the divisional round of the 2005 campaign.

Kansas City defeated the 49ers to win it all last season, and this year’s Super Bowl was a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, which the Chiefs won 38-35 over the Eagles on Feb. 12, 2023.

The Steelers’ two chances for a three-peat came when the franchise won four Super Bowls in a dominating six-season span. After winning titles following the 1974 and 1975 seasons, Pittsburgh lost to the then-Oakland Raiders in the 1976 AFC Championship Game.

The Steelers later won the 1978 and 1979 season Super Bowl crowns before missing the playoffs in 1980.

–Philadelphia’s Cooper DeJean is a rookie cornerback known for preventing touchdowns. Saquan Barkley, a seven-year veteran, ran for 2,005 yards, caught 33 passes for 278 yards and scored 15 touchdowns this season.

So among the Eagles’ players who played in Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX on their birthday, guess who found the end zone?

Midway through the second quarter, with the Eagles leading 10-0, the 22-year-old DeJean stepped in front of a pass by Patrick Mahomes near the right sideline, crossed the field and found blockers near the left sideline for a 38-yard touchdown. It was his first NFL interception and touchdown.

Barkley, 28, finished with 97 total yards from scrimmage. He rushed for 57 yards on 25 carries, and his 40 yards receiving came on six catches.

ESPN had the pair on their set for a postgame interview, where host Chris Berman awarded them with birthday cake.

–In a game nearly free from injuries, the one notable exit was that of Kansas City Chief star defensive tackle Chris Jones, who left the game in the third quarter with a knee issue and did not return.

Jones went down on a run by Barkley with about six minutes left in the period. He was ruled doubtful to return soon after.

Earlier in the game, Jones was seen receiving treatment on his neck after the Chiefs attempted and failed to stop a Philadelphia “tush push” touchdown.

Jones, who recorded one quarterback hit, is a three-time All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champion during his tenure with Kansas City. He signed a five-year, $158.75 million free agent deal with the Chiefs in March 2024 that made him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history.

Jones had one sack earlier this postseason against Houston and five in the regular season.

–With the state of NFL officiating seemingly under extra scrutiny in recent weeks, referee Ron Torbert’s crew doled out penalties to the Chiefs and Eagles in similar numbers.

Kansas City was dinged seven times for 75 yards, and Philadelphia was flagged eight times for 59 yards.

Notably, on the Eagles first possession, they faced fourth-and-2 at midfield and Jalen Hurts appeared to complete a 32-yard pass to A.J. Brown. However, Brown was called for offensive pass interference amid some hand-fighting with cornerback Trent McDuffie, and the Eagles punted on fourth-and-12 instead.

Fox analyst Tom Brady expressed concern with the call.

“(Brown is) a big, physical, strong receiver. Just getting off the press on McDuffie. Aw, don’t like that one bit. This is too critical of a game,” Brady said.

–Field Level Media

Jan 18, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman talks to the media during 2025 CFP National Championship Media Day at Georgia World Congress Center, Building A. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

CFP Notebook: Bears keeping eye on Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman

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ATLANTA — As if being the head coach at Notre Dame didn’t bring enough attention to Marcus Freeman, the pressure of preparing the No. 7 seed Fighting Irish to play No. 8 Ohio State in the College Football Playoff Championship Game in Atlanta on Monday adds another layer of responsibilities.

What the third-year coach, who turned 39 on Jan. 10, didn’t want to do Saturday morning at the media availability was to discuss his future, specifically whether he was interested in the Chicago Bears or any other head coaching job in the NFL as some reports had suggested.

“You know how busy we’ve been preparing for this opportunity,” Freeman said. “Here’s the reality, that with team success comes individual recognition. To hear that the Bears have interest, it’s humbling. It’s the NFL.

“I have put zero thought into coaching in the NFL. All my attention has just been on getting this team prepared for every opportunity we have in front of us. Probably not the answer you’re looking for, but that’s the answer you’re going to get.”

With that, Freeman moved onto the next question but he made a salient point: People notice success.

That’s why defensive coordinators Al Golden of Notre Dame and Ohio State’s Jim Knowles were also queried about their plans.

Golden was asked if he wanted to return to the NFL where he was an assistant for the Detroit Lions (2016-19) and the Cincinnati Bengals (2020-21).

“At the end of the day this is not the time or the place,” he said. “This is about the kids. There’s always time to reflect on all of that after the season.”

Knowles, in his third season with the Buckeyes, has been rumored for the defensive coordinator position at Oklahoma.

“Bad Internet. There you go. Just trying to beat Notre Dame,” he said. “Notre Dame; that’s all I’m focused on. These things happen, I guess, when you have success, players are making plays. My job is to put them in the best position. These things come up when you do well.”

–Got his back

Golden said Saturday he doesn’t appreciate the vitriol Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has received after a fourth straight loss to Michigan on Nov. 30.

Day, who was the wide receivers coach at Temple when Golden was the head coach in 2006, has a 69-10 record since replacing Urban Meyer in 2019 but some fans called for his firing in the wake of the Michigan game.

“I couldn’t be more happy for anybody because of his work ethic and what he’s become,” Golden said. “All the critics, at the end of the day what is he? He’s a great coach. He’s a tremendous father. He’s a great husband and he’s a leader of men. So, I’m happy for him. I really am.”

–Do it again?

Ohio State won the inaugural College Football Playoff title 10 years ago, beating Alabama in the semifinal and Oregon in the championship game on Jan. 12, 2015. The Buckeyes cruised to a 42-20 win over the Ducks.

This season marked the first time the CFP expanded to 12 teams and the Buckeyes once again are in the hunt.

“I think our university did a great job of making history and I don’t think it’s any coincidence that they were the first team to win that one and I don’t think it’ll be a coincidence if we handle business on Monday,” wide receiver Emeka Egbuka said. “If you look in the eyes of my teammates, we’re all laser focused and we are here for one goal, to win the game on Monday.

“We have an amazing opportunity with this being the first 12-team playoff, and just showing how a team can battle back from adversity that maybe they faced earlier in the year.”

–Battlelines drawn

Ohio State standout receiver Jeremiah Smith expects a big game Monday since being limited to a catch for 3 yards by Texas in the semifinal after a combined 13 catches, 290 yards and four touchdowns in playoff wins over Tennessee and Oregon.

“You watch the film, they doubled, tripled me, dropping into flats, as well, but just being a decoy out there helped us win the game for sure,” he said. “I mean, it’s pretty frustrating, but I’ve got to do what’s best for the team. I can’t be selfish. We’ve got other guys on the team that can do what I can do.”

Notre Dame famously loves man coverage and cornerback Christian Gray said the defensive backs will be ready for Smith.

“We’ll play him like every other guy. Really just be violent and just be physical,” Gray said. “Whoever we go against, we’re not going to change it for them.”

Smith issued a warning.

“None of us (Ohio State receivers) think we can be covered,” he said. “I mean, we actually talked about this yesterday, as well. If that’s what they do, that’s what they do. We’re just going to go out there, play our game and show the reason not to play man-on-man.

“I’m just ready for the challenge and just getting ready to go out there Monday and put on a show.”

Gray didn’t take the bait.

“I could just say he’s got his opinion, you know,” he said. “He just said what he just said. I didn’t really see his comment on it, but whatever he says is his own opinion.”

–Craig Merz, Field Level Media

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl Classic College Football Playoff semifinal game against the Texas Longhorns at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 10, 2025. Ohio State won 28-14.

CFP notebook: Will Howard, Riley Leonard go from campers to competitors

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ATLANTA — Sports make for strange bedfellows — or in this case, roommates, as Ohio State quarterback Will Howard and his Notre Dame counterpart Riley Leonard discovered.

The pair roomed at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La., last summer and will be leading their respective teams in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Monday.

They talked at the camp about their transfers — Howard from Kansas State and Leonard from Duke — without projecting too far into the future.

“We probably wouldn’t have imagined that a couple of months later, here we are playing for the national championship for two new schools,” Howard said. “He’s a great guy, somebody I have a lot of respect for.”

Leonard pointed out that he and Howard “weren’t really the big names” at the camp.

“We were just two dudes hustling, trying to compete and make a name of ourselves,” he said. “It’s really cool to have those late-night conversations with him about life and whatever and see where we are now.”

They initially met at the camp in 2023 and now will be forever linked in the first title game since the field was expanded to 12 teams.

Howard completed 292 of his 402 passes (72.6 percent) for 3,779 yards with 33 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. Leonard went 247 of 372 (66.4 percent) with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions but has the edge in rushing.

Leonard has carried the ball 167 times for 866 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Howard has had 89 rushes for 169 yards and seven touchdowns. Howard did convert a critical fourth-and-2 run for 18 yards to keep the go-ahead drive alive against Texas in the CFP semifinal on Jan. 10.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day has a lot of respect for the Notre Dame QB.

“I think Riley Leonard is a tremendous leader and a tremendous player and a winner,” Day said.

–Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman doesn’t shy away from ties to Ohio State, but he doesn’t dwell on them either.

Freeman was a linebacker for the Buckeyes from 2004-08 for head coach Jim Tressel. He played for four Big Ten championships teams and was on the losing side in national championship games vs. Florida in 2006 and LSU in 2007. He also spent a graduate assistant year there in 2010.

He made it clear this is not the time for reminiscing as he prepares for the game.

“This has nothing to do with the past and where I went to school,” Freeman said.

Freeman was a college teammate of Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, who was also a graduate assistant for Notre Dame in 2022.

“He was in my wedding and I was in his wedding,” Freeman said. “We’ve got a lot of great moments and probably some that I won’t share on this press conference, but he’s a great friend.”

–The favored Buckeyes are a win away from redemption after an inexplicable 13-10 loss to three-touchdown underdog Michigan in the regular-season finale on Nov. 30.

A fourth straight loss to the bitter rivals had fans calling for Day’s firing, and critics suggested the Buckeyes would be one-and-done in the postseason in the aftermath of the debacle.

But blowout wins over Tennessee (42-17) and Oregon (41-21) and a 28-14 win over Texas in the semifinal put the Buckeyes a victory away from completing their redemption.

“We’ve come all this way, but it means really nothing if we don’t finish it the right way and win this last one,” Howard said.

The Fighting Irish would rather not be a footnote to history.

“They’ve got a ton of athletes everywhere,” Notre Dame linebacker Joshua Burnham said. “They’ve got a good offensive line. They’ve battled through some injuries. But so have we. It’s just going to be a game that comes down to grit and who wants it.”

–Craig Merz, Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against the Army Black Knights during the first half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn Images

CFP notebook: Notre Dame takes on Indiana’s top-ranked rushing D

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Indiana failed its first test at knocking off a powerhouse when the then-undefeated Hoosiers lost 38-15 at Ohio State on Nov. 23.

Coach Curt Cignetti believes the No. 10 seed Hoosiers (11-1) will be better prepared when they play at No. 7 Notre Dame (11-1) on Friday in South Bend, Ind., in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

“I don’t think anyone was happy with the way we came out of Ohio State,” he said. “But I think our guys have learned from that too and we’ll be better in a hostile environment than we were that particular day.”

–Notre Dame’s 10th-ranked rushing attack (224.8 yards per game) will challenge Indiana’s No. 1 rushing defense (70.8 yards).

“It’s always our plan to find a way to run the football,” Fighting Irish offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said. “Everything we do kind of builds around that and comes from that to begin with. We’re going to have to have some success on the ground.”

Jeremiyah Love led Notre Dame with 949 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Quarterback Riley Leonard is not far behind at 721 yards and 14 TDs on the ground.

–If the matchup between No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State on Saturday night comes down to a field goal, Buckeyes (10-2) coach Ryan Day said a decision has not been made between Jayden Fielding, who missed attempts from 38 and 34 yards in a 13-10 loss to Michigan in their last game, and Austin Snyder. He has not attempted a field goal for Ohio State.

“We will make a decision about who gives us the best chance to win and go from there,” Day said.

–Tennessee (10-2) believes it has the maturity and leadership to handle adversity on Saturday.

“There’s going to be ebbs and flows in the ball game, and you’ve got to continue to play and compete,” Vols coach Josh Heupel said. “I think as much as anything, that’s a real credit to the guys that we have in the locker room.”

–Both No. 6 Penn State (11-2) and No. 11 SMU (11-2) had their backup quarterbacks enter the transfer portal. The difference is the Nittany Lions’ Beau Pribula is no longer with the team while Preston Stone will be available for the visiting Mustangs when they play Saturday.

“It’s huge,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. “You keep some continuity. Preston’s played a lot of football, won a lot of games.”

Penn State coach James Franklin said Wednesday that freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer, who has not taken a snap in a game, will back up Drew Allar.

“(Grunkemeyer) has done a really good job and put himself in a position that we have a lot of confidence,” Franklin said.

–Quarterback Quinn Ewers of No. 5 Texas (11-2) practiced this week without a custom ankle brace in preparation for the home game against No. 12 Clemson (10-3) on Saturday. He wore a brace the past two games.

“I think he’s continually getting better,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said.

–Clemson coach Dabo Sweeney has the Tigers in the postseason for the seventh time in the past 11 seasons and said he doesn’t care about criticism of him.

“I mean, I’ve been taking shots for 16 years,” he said. “We just keep winning, you know?”

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Andre Turrentine (2) takes a peak into the backfield against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

College Football Playoff notebook: Tennessee’s Andre Turrentine returns to Ohio State

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No. 9 seed Tennessee will make its first visit to No. 8 Ohio State on Saturday (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN), but Volunteers safety Andre Turrentine will be in a familiar setting at Ohio Stadium for the first-round matchup of the College Football Playoff.

He played in four games for the Buckeyes (10-2) as a freshman in 2021 before the Nashville native joined the Vols.

“I know a lot of guys on that team, so just having that brotherhood and camaraderie from being a freshman there is going to be big in this game and big for me personally,” said Turrentine, a redshirt junior.

He has 35 tackles and one interception in starting all 12 games for the Vols (10-2) this season.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles feels prepared for Tennessee’s fast-paced offense, which averages 74.6 plays per game to rank 11th nationally.

“Our defense is built for tempo,” he said.

–No. 7 Notre Dame (11-1) quarterback Riley Leonard loves the idea of playing for a national championship, but as he told Nicole Auerbach of NBC Sports, the matchup with the No. 10 Hoosiers (11-1) on Friday in South Bend, Ind., (8 p.m., ABC/ESPN) is also about regional pride.

“It’s huge for the state of Indiana. We’ve been talking about it becoming a football state,” he said. “It’s notorious for basketball, for obvious reasons.”

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti on how the game will play out: “I think we’re plus-15 on turnover ratio, and they’re plus-16. So, ball security for us and them is going to be really important — winning the turnover battle.”

–Even though No. 6 Penn State (11-2) lost to No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game, the Nittany Lions were buoyed by running for 292 yards. Now, they host No. 11 SMU (11-2), which is ranked fourth nationally at 93.4 rushing yards allowed per game.

“Our expectation is that that’s what we’re supposed to do every single game,” Penn State center Nick Dawkins said. “I don’t think it matters the opponent that we played against.”

SMU coach Rhett Lashlee on the perceived advantage Penn State will have with a forecast high of 28 degrees: “They have to play in it just like we do and I don’t think they’ve played a game at home on Dec. 21, either. I don’t think the weather is a big deal.”

–No. 5 Texas coach Steve Sarkisian expects big things from quarterback Quinn Ewers when the Longhorns (11-2) host No. 12 Clemson on Saturday (4 p.m., TNT/MAX).

“We’ve all got to take our game to another level, and he’s no different, right?” Sarkisian said. “He’s got to do it.”

Actor Matthew McConaughey is a Longhorns super fan but that doesn’t mean much to defensive lineman T.J. Parker of Clemson (10-3).

“I don’t know who that is,” the sophomore said on Tuesday. “I may know his face, but not by name. I don’t know him.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cheerleaders carry flags across the field after a touchdown against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Signing Day notebook: Nebraska flips 4-star WR Cortez Mills

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Nebraska plucked a prize from old rival Oklahoma on Wednesday, inking wide receiver Cortez Mills on early National Signing Day.

Mills committed to Oklahoma on July 1. He decommitted on Wednesday, then signed with the Cornhuskers. Mills, from Homestead (Fla.), told On3 that the Nebraska recruiting staff didn’t let him forget he was wanted.

“Nebraska never went away,” said Mills, who is ranked No. 15 at wide receiver by the 247Sports composite. “They stayed consistent with me. They showed me that I was a top priority for the program and that they really wanted me. How they stayed consistent and true to who they are was very important in my decision.

“The Nebraska coaches never let their foot off the brake. They recruited me, my mom, my sister, we all had a bond and that love meant something. We made the decision as a family that Nebraska is best for me.”

–Oklahoma pulled off a flip of its own, signing quarterback Jett Nieu, a three-star prospect from Lehi (Utah) High School.

He had been committed to Oklahoma State since Sept. 10. According to 247Sports, it was new Oklahoma offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle — with whom Niu has built a relationship during the recruiting process — who lured him to the Sooners.

Niu previously was committed to Appalachian State before flipping to Oklahoma State of the Big 12.

–Four-star running back Anthony Rogers signed with Ohio State, picking the Buckeyes over Georgia. The 247Sports composite ranks Rogers, from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., as the No. 9 rusher in the class.

Rogers committed to Alabama in June 2023, then decommitted last month. The 5-foot-9 Rogers took official visits to both Columbus, Ohio, and Athens, Ga., this fall.

“It just feels like the right place for me to develop as an athlete and a man,” he told ESPN of Ohio State. He is one of three running backs to sign with the Buckeyes in this cycle.

–Field Level Media

Nov 29, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Nick Nash (3) catches a touchdown pass while under pressure from Stanford Cardinal cornerback Collin Wright (6) in the second quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Bowl notebook: San Jose State, South Florida to meet in Hawaii Bowl

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San Jose State will face South Florida in the Hawaii Bowl, officials announced Tuesday.

The contest will be held Dec. 24 on the Hawaii campus in Honolulu.

The Spartans (7-5) of the Mountain West completed the regular season by beating neighbor Stanford 34-31 on Friday. San Jose State features star receiver Nick Nash, who leads the nation with 104 receptions, 1,382 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns.

The Spartans also played in the Hawaii Bowl last season, falling 24-14 to Coastal Carolina.

South Florida (6-6) won four of its last six games, but lost 35-28 to fellow American Athletic Conference foe Rice on Saturday.

“We are excited for the opportunity to compete in the Hawaii Bowl against a very good San Jose State team,” Bulls coach Alex Golesh said in a news release. “Hawaii is a unique and beautiful destination that our players are excited to experience, and we look forward to productive bowl practices and a great game as we continue to build our program.”

–Western Michigan and South Alabama will meet in the Salute to Veterans Bowl at Montgomery, Ala., on Dec. 14. It will be the first contest of the bowl season.

Western Michigan (6-6) gained bowl eligibility with a 26-18 victory over Eastern Michigan in Mid-American Conference play on Saturday.

“This is a great opportunity for our football program and our university,” Broncos coach Lance Taylor said in a news release. “South Alabama is a well-coached, physical team that will be a great test for our team.”

South Alabama (6-6) lost to Texas State 45-38 in Sun Belt play on Friday. The Jaguars have won four of their past six games.

–Field Level Media

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. (9) runs the ball as Auburn Tigers take on Oklahoma Sooners at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Oklahoma Sooners defeated Auburn Tigers 27-21.

SEC notebook: Sooners savor rest; Florida, Georgia happy to be home

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Oklahoma is getting healthy while getting a freshman quarterback ready for No. 2 Texas at the Cotton Bowl.

Sooners coach Brent Venables expects an immense benefit to true freshman Michael Hawkins — and seven injured starters — with a bye this week before taking on the rival Longhorns.

“It’s a benefit for Mike and the offensive staff, so here’s your first body of work, good, bad and ugly and some things where we need to get better,” Venables said. “For him, you would expect there to be great growth from the first game to the second game from everything that takes place from a practice standpoint.”

Venables used a total of 28 underclassmen at Auburn to secure OU’s first SEC road win in its first attempt. Hawkins replaced a struggling Jackson Arnold and finished 10 of 15 for 161 yards plus 69 rushing yards and a touchdown against the Tigers.

The bye week timing stands to be a victory in and of itself for Venables.

“Every year is different,” he said. “It’s unique from trying to get some guys healthy is the biggest thing. This is one of the most challenging schedules we’ve had. From an opponent’s view, certainly they’re going to be able to do the same thing as well.”

–Florida coach Billy Napier said the Gators enjoyed their open date and practiced with purpose to prepare for UCF.

“For us, in-state opponent, UCF program continues to grow. It’s a big week here in Gainesville,” Napier said.

Big games are a near-term trend for Florida with successive games against Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia up next.

The Gators are committed to playing two quarterbacks, Napier said, but how they deploy the tandem of Graham Mertz and freshman DJ Lagway will differ every game.

“Based on how they practice, the opponent. We’ll execute that regardless,” Napier said.

The critical component Saturday night in The Swamp for Florida is the run defense. Former Auburn coach Gus Malzahn runs to set up the rest of the offense and the Knights are doing it better than almost everyone in college football, averaging 326.0 yards per game.

Running back R.J. Harvey had 16 TDs last season and is putting up video-game numbers in 2024. He opened with 11 carries for 142 yards and two touchdowns against New Hampshire, had 19-126-4 against Sam Houston and 29-180-2 at TCU. Last week in a loss to Colorado, he caught four passes for 92 yards with a touchdown and rushed for 77 yards.

“Gus has always been a very good game-planner. The run-play-action system,” Napier said. “The quarterback is involved in about every play. There’s some option elements. There’s some Wildcat elements. I think they’re really well-coached up front. It is a true challenge. I think they had close to 500 yards offense (vs. Colorado) they just struggled in the red zone, had a couple critical turnovers.

“Harvey is at the core of everything they do for sure.”

For Florida, running the ball might be its best defense. Napier calls on his core starting offensive line to set the tone Saturday night.

“We’re trying to develop some of the younger players, mostly in a practice setting, but we’ve committed to getting those guys some reps in the game,” Napier said of his offensive line. “We’re going to continue to do that. Pick our spots. But ultimately we’ve got five guys taking the majority of the reps.”

–Disappointment lingers for Kirby Smart as Georgia moves past the high-profile defeat at Alabama that ended a 42-game regular-season winning streak.

“We’re excited for our first SEC home game,” Smart said on Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference.

Georgia dropped three spots to No. 5 in the Top 25 poll with Auburn headed to Athens this week.

Alabama lost a 30-7 lead but held off the Bulldogs with a 75-yard touchdown pass by Jalen Milroe and a game-sealing interception of Carson Beck on Georgia’s final possession.

Smart is usually allergic to hypothetical questions but said he would have leaned toward going for the two-point conversion and win had the Bulldogs’ last drive ended with a touchdown.

“We had discussed it previously, and I felt very strongly that if the clock was under 30 seconds that we would probably go for two. But talking to the analytics afterwards, it would have suggested to not do it, you know — to play overtime, to kick it,” Smart said. “And there’s a lot that goes into that because when you give a team enough time and they know what they need, meaning it’s not tied, they have more aggression. They had three timeouts. They would have only needed a field goal. It would have played out, you know, a possibly different way, but we had discussed it and leaning towards going for two if it was under 30 (seconds), which I think happened around 43 (seconds) or something.”

–Field Level Media

Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks students paint their chest for recently hired offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino during the game against the Duke Blue Devils at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 80-75. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports.

College football notebook: Bobby Petrino’s new ID, QB at Arkansas

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Bobby Petrino rides back into the SEC and returns to Arkansas this weekend, a reminder that college football is stranger than fiction.

Petrino, 63, has this habit of resurfacing at old haunts.

Heading up the Razorbacks’ offense and coaching quarterbacks feels more significant than previous boomerang missions out of — then back to — employment opportunities at Carroll and Louisville.

But to Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman, there was no reason not to entertain pulling Petrino back to Fayetteville. Pittman could be coaching for his job, and his sole motive is winning. That will require a more flammable offense than the 2023 iteration.

“When I got on the phone with him, his passion about coming back to Arkansas and leaving it a better way than what he did before was very important to him,” Pittman said last month at SEC Media Days. “I wanted his expertise in calling plays. I knew that he knew alumni. I knew that could help us in NIL. I knew that he knew our state with our (high school) coaches. I knew that he knew Texas and California. There were so many benefits.”

Petrino literally crashed out of his last chance with Arkansas, but he’ll be back on the headset calling plays — from the sidelines — Thursday night when the Razorbacks and Arkansas-Pine Bluff kick off the 2024 season in Little Rock.

Petrino said he hasn’t had much time to think about what it will be like to be involved in a game setting in Fayetteville again. He’ll have some time. Arkansas gets a major test at No. 17 Oklahoma State next week before its true home opener Sept. 14 against UAB.

“We’re still working on parts of the identity,” Petrino said of where his offense stands entering Week 1.

A flashback of sorts for the Arkansas offense might be welcomed. The Razorbacks were 13th in the SEC in total offense in 2023, averaging 326.5 yards per game.

Fans of a recent age will remember there were pretty good times when Petrino last called Arkansas home, finding success behind quarterbacks Tyler Wilson, and Ryan Mallett, and later at Louisville with a current Baltimore-area resident, Lamar Jackson. In 2016, when Jackson won the Heisman Trophy, Louisville averaged 532.7 yards per game. They were even better the next season (Jackson finished third in Heisman voting).

Much of his new identity rests in the shared mission with Petrino’s latest prized pupil this season, Boise State transfer quarterback Taylen Green. He gives a hang about any past-life sins or judgments against Petrino and like Pittman, has zeroed in only on how the relationship can help today and tomorrow.

“Being coached by him, it’s crazy just how much knowledge and how much understanding that I got just from talking to him and just taking everything in,” Green said.

Here are a few other familiar faces you’ll see in college football on opening weekend:

–Miami (Fla.) TE Cam McCormick
No NCAA football player has more seasons at the college level than McCormick, who enrolled at Oregon in 2016 in the same freshman class as current Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Northern Illinois linebacker Kyle Pugh (2015-22) played eight seasons.

A redshirt season and devastating injuries threatened to derail McCormick’s career. He missed two full seasons (2019, 2020) at Oregon with a broken leg that limited him to two games in 2018, and hurt his foot in 2021 at the outset of his sixth season.

He would eventually transfer to Miami to rejoin Mario Cristobal, current Miami head coach, and had eight catches in 13 games last season.

McCormick, 26, is expected to suit up for his 37th career game Saturday when the Hurricanes play Florida.

“Work hard, compete. Things are going to get hard,” he said of his mentality at the start of fall camp. “Every day is not going to be a great day. How are you going to move on from that and process that?”

–Miami has another name most college football fans recognize in quarterback Cam Ward, a transfer from Washington State who was a popular portal target after finishing fourth in the nation with 311.3 passing yards per game, tops among all returning quarterbacks.

He’s become even more popular with the Hurricanes. Cristobal said in April that Ward was spending “every waking moment” in the football office to deepen bonds with teammates and master the offense at an above-and-beyond level coaches hadn’t experienced.

“Trust and confidence is earned. It’s not just given away,” Cristobal said. “What he has done, he has earned — earned — the trust of the people around him because of his time invested and the fact that he’s an alpha. And your quarterback needs to be an alpha.”

–One pass rusher Ward won’t have to dodge is Ole Miss edge Princely Umanmielen, a transfer from Florida expected to make a big impact.

Umanmielen had 7.5 sacks last season and was considered a top-five player in the portal alongside another defensive line addition, former Texas A&M defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin said he’s excited to see his defensive linemen perform this season and eventually check them out on Sundays in the NFL.

“It is a really big year for me,” Umanmielen said of his NFL outlook. “I just come every day, show up and go to work. Try to be consistent and try to be a pro every single day to make sure I’m not taking any of these days for granted.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 24, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before the game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

NFL free agency notebook: Russell Wilson headed to Pittsburgh

Posted on | by Field Level Media

After two underwhelming seasons with the Denver Broncos, quarterback Russell Wilson will get a fresh start with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year deal, multiple media outlets reported late Sunday night.

The contract is worth $1.2 million, the veteran’s minimum, per the reports.

Wilson, 35, is still under contract until the new league year begins on Wednesday, but Denver granted him permission to meet with other teams after telling him last week that it planned on releasing him.

In 30 games (all starts) with the Broncos, Wilson compiled an 11-19 record while completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 6,594 yards. The nine-time Pro Bowl selection threw for 42 touchdowns against 19 interceptions. Denver will be paying $37.8 million of Wilson’s salary while he plays for the Steelers.

–The buzz that Wilson generated carried into Monday, when a frenzy of moves were made, including the Atlanta Falcons’ decision to sign quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal.

“Excited for (Cousins) agreeing to a 4 year deal with the (Falcons),” Cousins’ agent, Mike McCartney, wrote in a post on X. ESPN then reported that the contract was worth $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed.

Cousins, 35, heads to his third NFL team. He has thrown for 39,471 yards with 270 TDs and 110 interceptions in 150 career games (145 starts) over 12 seasons with the Washington Commanders (2012-17) and the Minnesota Vikings (2018-23).

–Star running back Saquon Barkley is switching allegiances in the NFC East, agreeing to a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple media reports.

Barkley’s contract could be valued as high as $46.75 million and features $26 million fully guaranteed at signing, per ESPN.

In six seasons with the New York Giants, the 27-year-old Barkley amassed 5,211 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns in 74 games (all starts). He added 2,100 yards and 12 TDs on 288 catches.

As a countermove, the Giants reportedly agreed to a three-year, $16.5 million deal with Devin Singletary. They also reportedly added to their offensive line, bringing in guard Jon Runyan on a three-year deal worth $30 million.

On the defensive side, multiple reports indicated that the Giants acquired edge rusher Brian Burns in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Burns, a two-time Pro Bowler, will be signing a five-year deal with the Giants worth up to $150 million, per the reports. He will get $87.5 million guaranteed.

–Free agent running back Austin Ekeler agreed to a two-year contract with the Commanders, according to multiple media reports.

NFL Network and The Athletic reported the deal to be worth up to $11.43 million.

Ekeler, 28, will be reuniting with Washington running backs coach and run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, who was head coach of the Chargers from 2017-20. Ekeler has spent all seven seasons of his NFL career with Los Angeles (2017-23), rushing for 628 yards and five touchdowns across 14 games (all starts) in 2023.

–The Green Bay Packers also bolstered their backfield, bringing in running back Josh Jacobs on a four-year deal, according to multiple media reports.

NFL Network reported Jacobs’ deal to be worth $48 million. The 26-year-old led the NFL in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards before settling for 805 last season.

Jacobs’ arrival reportedly led to the release of fellow running back Aaron Jones. Jones, 29, had 656 yards and found the end zone twice on the ground a season ago. He also had 30 receptions for 233 yards and a score. All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari was also released after 11 seasons with the Packers.

ESPN reported that Green Bay also agreed to a four-year deal worth up to $68 million with safety Xavier McKinney. Jacobs and McKinney were teammates at Alabama.

–Wideout Michael Pittman Jr. is staying with the Indianapolis Colts, with Bleacher Report and NFL Network reporting that he agreed to a three-year, $71.5 million contract.

Pittman, 26, hauled in 109 catches for 1,152 yards — both career highs — in 2023. He had four TDs despite having little time to build rapport with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, who was limited to just four games due to a shoulder injury.

–The Bengals could be heading into the 2024 campaign with a new-look offense, as multiple reports indicated that wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade before it was later reported that Cincinnati had released running back Joe Mixon.

Higgins had been hit with the franchise tag, but he was growing frustrated with the team because of a lack of effort to sign him to a contract extension, per the reports.

–With Ekeler on his way to Washington, the Chargers reportedly agreed to terms with running back Gus Edwards. Financial details of the two-year contract were not released.

–Running back D’Andre Swift is also on the move, agreeing to a three-year deal, $24 million with the Chicago Bears, according to multiple media reports.

–Kicker Greg Zuerlein reportedly will be returning to the New York Jets for a third season, agreeing to a two-year, $8.4 million deal.

–Just one day after trading former first-round pick Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New England Patriots are reportedly adding to their depth under center by way of a reunion with quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Brissett agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal, but NFL Network reported that incentives could bump the contract up to $12 million.

–In addition to the splash it made by agreeing to a deal with Barkley, Philadelphia also went out and reportedly signed left guard Landon Dickerson to a four-year extension worth $84 million. The deal includes $50 million guaranteed.

–Defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will get a four-year, $110 million contract from the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network. Wilkins spent the first five seasons of his career in Miami, but the Dolphins opted not to use the franchise tag on him.

Miami did, however, reportedly bring back left tackle Terron Armstead, and former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks agreed to a three-year deal with the Dolphins worth $30 million, per reports.

–With the end of the Derrick Henry era likely on the horizon, the Tennessee Titans agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal with running back Tony Pollard, according to multiple media reports.

–Field Level Media