Tag: preview

Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) rushes the ball against Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) in the fourth quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Rams need to slow Saquon Barkley in NFC divisional matchup at Eagles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

If it were up to Saquon Barkley, he would put the entire Philadelphia Eagles organization on his back and try to sprint into the NFC Championship Game.

The Los Angeles Rams hope to prevent that from happening, but it won’t be easy.

Barkley will be a focal point when the Eagles host the Rams on Sunday afternoon in an NFC divisional-round playoff matchup. No. 2 seed Philadelphia is coming off a win over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round, and No. 4 seed Los Angeles advanced after a wild-card win over the Minnesota Vikings.

It will be the second meeting of the season between the Eagles and Rams. In the first game, Barkley erupted for a career-high 302 yards from scrimmage, including a franchise-record 255 rushing yards, to go along with two touchdowns.

Philadelphia cruised to a 37-20 win in that one. Barkley became the sixth player in NFL history to record multiple rushing touchdowns of 70-plus yards in a game.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni knows the Rams want to avoid a blockbuster sequel.

“They’ll see stuff on film they want to repeat and they want to do differently,” Sirianni said. “We know we’re going to get people’s best effort to stop Saquon. That’s what we’ve dealt with all year.”

Neither club is a stranger to the big stage. Sirianni and the Eagles are looking to reach the conference title game for the second time in the past three seasons, and Rams coach Sean McVay is aiming for his third championship game in eight seasons.

The teams took far different paths to this point in the postseason.

Philadelphia was one of the best teams in the NFL for much of the regular season as it surged to a 12-2 start and finished 14-3 as the NFC East champions.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, lost four of its first five games and sat at 5-6 in the standings after the loss to Barkley and the Eagles on Nov. 24. But then the Rams closed the regular season on a 5-1 run to clinch the NFC West, and they dominated the Vikings in their playoff opener, 27-9, despite the game being moved to Arizona because of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

McVay said the early-season struggles were a blessing, in retrospect.

“All those scars were necessary to be able to get us to the point we are today,” McVay said. “There’s a resilience, a grit. You learn from those challenging setbacks, and that’s where real growth can occur if people take the right approach.”

Matthew Stafford is the steadying influence who runs the Rams’ offense. He passed for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the regular season, and he posted a 117.7 passer rating last week while completing 19 of 27 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns against the Vikings. Stafford is 5-1 in the playoffs with the Rams.

Wideouts Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp are Stafford’s top two weapons in the passing game and will test the Philadelphia secondary. Running back Kyren Williams racked up 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns in the regular season and also will pose a threat.

For the Eagles, Jalen Hurts will look to build upon a playoff opener in which he completed 13 of 21 passes for 131 yards and two scores in the 22-10 win. He also rushed six times for 36 yards, and he will give Philadelphia a dual threat as the Rams primarily focus on Barkley.

Sirianni praised Hurts for taking care of the football and giving his team a chance to win.

“It’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?” Sirianni said. “Impressive by him in being able to lead us to wins and not turn the ball over. And be explosive doing it. Everybody has hard jobs to do, but that’s a very hard job for Jalen to do. Can’t give him enough credit.”

Eagles wideout A.J. Brown will try to break out in the receiving game after catching only one pass for 10 yards last week. Brown missed practice Wednesday to rest his knee but returned to practice later in the week and said he’ll be ready to play Sunday.

On defense, the Rams are coming in hot after matching an NFL playoff record with nine sacks against the Vikings a week ago. Kobie Turner had two sacks, and Byron Young and Neville Gallimore finished with 1 1/2 sacks apiece.

The Eagles also boast a high-energy defense. Philadelphia turned in a stellar defensive performance with four takeaways against the Packers in the wild-card round. The unit led the NFL in turnover margin (plus-17) and points scored off takeaways (97) over the final 11 weeks of the regular season.

Philadelphia cleared tight end Dallas Goedert (illness) to play Sunday despite missing Thursday’s practice and being limited Friday. The only player the Eagles ruled out was defensive tackle Byron Young (hamstring) – no relation to the Ram of the same name.

The Rams ruled out linebacker Troy Reeder (hamstring) and defensive end Larrell Murchison (foot). Left tackle Alaric Jackson (chest, knee), backup O-lineman Justin Dedich (illness), nose tackle Bobby Brown III (shoulder) and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (thigh) are officially questionable, but McVay expects each of them to play.

This is the fourth time the teams have met in the playoffs and the first time since the 2001 season. The Rams hold a 2-1 edge in the series.

–Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps away from Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Oct. 6, 2024.

MVP favorites Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen ready for playoff showdown

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The two leading candidates for the NFL MVP award will share the field Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens visit the Buffalo Bills in an AFC divisional playoff game.

But neither Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson nor Buffalo’s Josh Allen view it as a one-on-one battle when the teams square off at Orchard Park, N.Y.

Regardless, the chatter is loud and the contest seemingly continues to narrow down to Lamar vs. Josh.

Jackson is in the mix for his third MVP award. Allen is trying to win his first.

“In the history of football, I’ve never played against another quarterback,” Allen said Wednesday. “I played against their defense.”

Jackson is trying to avoid the comparisons and the MVP discussions, and makes it clear he has no interest in being pals with other quarterbacks.

“We competing against each other,” Jackson said Wednesday. “I’m trying to beat you. I’m not trying to be your friend.”

Veteran Bills linebacker Von Miller sees the appeal of the game and not just because a spot in the AFC Championship Game is on the line.

“He’s an elite player, I’m a huge fan of Lamar for a bunch of years,” Miller said. “Battle of MVPs this weekend. They have a really good team. But we have a good team, as well. That’s why you play the game. You have one game to prove it. It’s not a best-of-seven. You play 60 minutes.”

The second-seeded Bills recorded a 31-7 rout of the visiting Denver Broncos in last week’s wild-card round while the third-seeded Ravens dominated the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers 28-14.

Baltimore racked up 299 rushing yards against the Steelers with Derrick Henry rushing for 186 and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

Henry was signed as a free agent in March after spending his career with the Tennessee Titans and has given the Ravens an extra element. He rushed for 1,921 yards and tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in the regular season.

“Having him is huge,” said Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, Henry’s former college teammate at Alabama. “I know it’s no fun taking those hits because he usually takes those hits to the defenders. He’s always been a pretty locked-in guy.”

Baltimore is trying to return to the AFC Championship Game. The Ravens lost at home to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 last season.

Jackson is just 3-4 as a playoff starter and Baltimore is trying to win two games in the same postseason for the first time since Joe Flacco quarterbacked them to the Super Bowl title in the 2012 season.

Buffalo has lost in this round in three straight campaigns after reaching the AFC title game in the 2020 season, where the Bills fell to the Chiefs. Allen is 6-5 as a playoff starter, including a 17-3 divisional-round win over the Ravens in the 2020 campaign.

Earlier this season, the Ravens rolled to a 35-10 home victory over the Bills on Sept. 29. Henry scored on an 87-yard run as part of a season-best 199-yard day on the ground.

Jackson passed for two touchdowns that day while Allen didn’t throw for any.

“I don’t think either team has taken a step back in any way — both teams are better across the board,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said while reflecting on the previous matchup. “Both teams have kind of defined their personalities a little bit more over the course of the season. It’s kind of what you’d expect at this point.”

Buffalo coach Sean McDermott really doesn’t need a reminder of how the first matchup went.

“They handled us pretty good the first go-around and they’re certainly playing well, well-coached,” McDermott said. “(Harbaugh) won a Super Bowl and comes from great pedigree, so it’ll be a big challenge for us.”

Buffalo reserve running back Ray Davis (concussion) is listed as questionable after being a limited practice participant all week.

Ravens receiver Zay Flowers (knee) is doubtful after missing practice all week. He was injured in the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns and sat out against the Steelers.

“He can play without practicing — for sure — if he feels healthy enough and if it’s safe for him,” Harbaugh said earlier in the week.

Baltimore returner/receiver Deonte Harty (knee) is listed as questionable after practicing all week. Harty would have to be activated from injured reserve to play Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Buffalo safety Marcus Fuqua (10) and linebacker Shaun Dolac (52) take down Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (0) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday September 2, 2023 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis.

Buffalo looks to keep rolling vs. Liberty in Bahamas Bowl

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Most teams that go to bowl games these days must deal with multiple opt-outs and players hitting the transfer portal, thinning out the depth chart for the year’s last game.

Not so at Buffalo.

“Our team is largely intact going into the bowl game,” first-year coach Pete Lembo said. “Very few guys going into the portal, so that’s great. I think it’s a sign that the guys have bought into what we’re doing.”

So is the Bulls’ 8-4 record, which is why they got the call to take on Liberty (8-3) in Saturday’s Bahamas Bowl in Nassau.

Buffalo went 6-2 in the Mid-American Conference, highlighted by a 23-20 overtime win on Sept. 21 at then-No. 23 Northern Illinois. The Huskies were two weeks removed from their stunning upset at Notre Dame, which won 12 straight games after that, including Thursday’s Sugar Bowl victory over No. 2 Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.

The Bulls rolled through November with four straight high-scoring wins, closing the regular season with a 43-7 rout of winless Kent State. Senior quarterback C.J. Ogbonna, who started his career at Southeast Missouri State, nearly doubled his yards-per-game average over the season’s second half from 125 to 249 — with 14 touchdown passes in that span.

But the marquee names on Buffalo’s roster belong to the defense. Linebackers Shaun Dolac and Red Murdock combined for a whopping 302 tackles, ranking 1-2 in FBS. Dolac collected 159 stops to become the program’s first consensus All-America pick.

While the Bulls will end the year with most of their key faces still on their roster, the Flames must take the field without their star quarterback. Kaidon Salter hit the portal after the regular season to join Colorado, where he might get the chance to replace Shedeur Sanders next year.

After leading Liberty to its first New Year’s Six bowl berth last season, Salter encored by throwing for 1,886 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 587 yards and seven scores on the ground. He’ll be replaced by Ryan Burger, an Appalachian State transfer who will make his first start since getting the call for the Mountaineers’ season opener in 2023.

Burger will at least have the comfort of the nation’s second-ranked rushing attack at his disposal. While Quinton Cooley (and his 1,254 yards and 13 touchdowns) opted out, Billy Lucas is sticking around. Lucas rushed for 663 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Coach Jamey Chadwell said his team has scrimmaged frequently and done a lot of individual work in the four weeks leading up to the game to keep them sharp.

“I think we’re in a pretty good place as far as guys looking at the opportunity to get better,” Chadwell said. “But everybody’s going to the bowl games with a shell of a team, except our opponent. That’s just the way it is.

“Everybody’s lost players, and that’s not the best look for college football.”

The Flames have won all three prior meetings with Buffalo, including a 55-27 decision last year in Buffalo.

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shakes hands after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Vikings, Lions to settle No. 1 seed in ‘fairytale’ showdown

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Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell brings intensity to every game.

As for Sunday night’s matchup between the Lions and Minnesota Vikings, which will determine the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Campbell knows his adrenaline will be pumping.

“You couldn’t write a better scenario,” Campbell said. “This is fairytale stuff.”

The stakes are clear for the latest game in a longtime rivalry between NFC North foes Detroit (14-2) and visiting Minnesota (14-2).

The winning team will seize the top seed, a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the conference playoffs. The losing team will earn a wild-card berth and begin the postseason on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Atlanta Falcons.

The Lions and Vikings took much different paths to the regular-season finale.

Detroit reached the NFC championship game last season and led by 17 points at halftime against the San Francisco 49ers on the road. But the Lions faltered in the second half and lost 34-31 to the 49ers to miss out on a chance to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.

This year, Detroit surged to a 12-1 record to start the season and has been one of the top teams in the NFL for months. Both Lions’ losses — a 20-16 setback against Tampa Bay and a 48-42 defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills — came by single digits.

Campbell knows that a No. 1 playoff seed could help to prevent a repeat from last season’s heartbreaking road loss in the conference title game. The Lions also have been hit by recent injuries, and a bye could provide an important extra week for players to rest and heal.

“You come out of that game and feel like, what gives you the best odds to where the ultimate (goal) is, which is as we all know what the prize is, and that’s the Super Bowl,” Campbell said, reflecting on last year’s playoff loss at San Francisco. “You try to set yourself up the best you can, and that’s why you put those goals out there.

“So, yeah, it’s been there for a while. Certainly, this is something we want to do and we’ve had in our minds — division and one seed and all that, and it’s right there in our hands.”

Meanwhile, Minnesota entered the season as a longshot to win the division, let alone make a deep run in the playoffs. The Vikings went 7-10 a year ago and parted ways with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who signed as a free agent with Atlanta.

In Cousins’ place, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold to a one-year contract as a possible reclamation project. They also drafted JJ McCarthy out of Michigan in the first round.

McCarthy sustained a season-ending knee injury in the preseason. Darnold took full control of the offense and never looked back.

In 16 starts, Darnold has passed for 4,153 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Darnold deserves praise for his excellence this season.

“You can tell a guy what it’s going to be like and you can tell a guy a lot of things,” O’Connell said. “But only the player is responsible for getting himself to where Sam has gotten himself to.”

Darnold said he was excited to take the field with his teammates on Sunday night. The Vikings are riding a nine-game winning streak and have not lost since Oct. 24 against the Rams.

“I will say this: It’s fun,” Darnold said. “That’s really all it is. Just having a ton of fun playing football right now. Whatever happened last week and the week before that, it doesn’t matter right now. All that matters is this game and this opportunity, and that’s all I’m thinking about.”

Justin Jefferson is Darnold’s top target with 100 catches for 1,479 yards and 10 touchdowns. Aaron Jones leads the ground attack with 1,093 rushing yards and five scores.

For Detroit, Jared Goff has also shined at quarterback with 4,398 yards, 36 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Amon-Ra St. Brown has 109 catches for 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns, and Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The showdown also features an intriguing head-to-head challenge between two of the more respected assistants in the NFL — Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

The teams last met in Week 7, when the Lions held on for a 31-29 win in Minneapolis. Goff threw for two touchdowns and Gibbs rushed for two more.

–Field Level Media

Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (5) scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

49ers, Cardinals to end season with backups in starting roles

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Out of the postseason race, the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals are preparing to start backups because of injuries for their season-ending matchup Sunday in Glendale, Ariz.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan announced Wednesday that Joshua Dobbs will start at quarterback in place of Brock Purdy, who suffered a right elbow contusion with nerve inflammation in Monday’s 40-34 loss to the visiting Detroit Lions.

Dobbs, who played eight games for the Cardinals (7-9) last season while Kyler Murray nursed a knee injury, finished Monday’s game for San Francisco (6-10).

He played five snaps, completing three of four pass attempts for 35 yards and rushing for a 7-yard touchdown.

Brandon Allen started for Purdy earlier in the season in a 38-10 loss to the Green Bay Packers when the latter was out with a shoulder injury.

“(Dobbs has) been great, him and Brandon,” Shanahan said. “They’ve been two good guys to have there. They both have given really good looks in the scout team.

“They split reps, and they’re always ready. They both prepare like they’re going to be the starter every week. They’ve been great.”

Tight end George Kittle (ankle, hamstring), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (ribs, wrist) and defensive end Nick Bosa (knee) were noted non-participants in practice through Wednesday.

Arizona placed running back James Conner (knee) on injured reserve this week and signed Michael Carter off the practice squad. Rookie running back Trey Benson (ankle) was also placed on injured reserve, with offensive lineman Nick Leverett signed from the practice squad to fill the roster vacancy.

Carter played the last two games because of the injuries to Conner and Benson and totaled 88 yards on 18 carries and seven receptions for 41 yards.

DeeJay Dallas, the only other running back on the 53-man roster, is likely to get carries. Arizona also has Tony Jones Jr. and Hassan Hall on its practice squad.

“They all have their roles, but (Carter’s) going to get a bunch of carries, I’m sure,” Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon said.

The teams last met in Santa Clara, Calif., on Oct. 6, when the Cardinals improved to 2-3 with a 24-23 win.

After losing the next week at Green Bay, Arizona won four consecutive games to improve to 6-4 and stand atop the NFC West going into its bye week.

However, the Cardinals have lost five of their last six, including two against division rival Seattle Seahawks, to fall out of playoff contention.

Murray is coming off a 33-completion, 321-yard performance against the host Los Angeles Rams but had two interceptions in the 13-9 loss.

Arizona’s lone touchdown was a 1-yard completion from Murray to Trey McBride, who caught his first score this season. He finished with 12 catches for 123 yards.

“I think for me, and any player in general, going into the last game and the offseason, I think it’s big to feel good about your last performance,” Murray said. “Me, personally, I would like to go into the offseason playing well and have that on my mind.”

Shanahan mentioned that although 11 San Francisco players missed practices this week and receiver Ricky Pearsall (illness, chest) and safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) were limited, the last game is not viewed as a way to get reps for younger players.

“Rosters aren’t built like that,” Shanahan said. “You get to sit five to seven guys. You can sit seven if you bring up two practice squad guys. You don’t just sit there and tell every guy who is a veteran he’s going to be the backup and play special teams.

“We don’t have rosters like that really anywhere. You’ve got to balance it out to make sure you’ve got 48 guys who can play.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks to pass in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Playoff-bound Chargers not sitting starters in finale vs. Raiders

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A month ago it may have sounded unfathomable, but the Las Vegas Raiders are looking to close a disappointing campaign with a third straight victory on Sunday as they host the playoff-bound Los Angeles Chargers.

It won’t be an easy task for a Raiders (4-12) team that has suddenly found life in the season’s waning moments. Despite the Chargers (10-6) being locked into the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs, coach Jim Harbaugh plans to play the starters with the full intent of entering the postseason on a winning note.

“We play to win,” Harbaugh told the Lets Go! Podcast. “We’re going to be playing to win at all times. That never changes. I like what Derwin James said. He’s our captain. That leadership’s been already bequeathed to those tremendous leaders that we have on the team, and he said 11 wins sounds better than 10. So we’re attacking it. We’re attacking it with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.

“What are we going to do? Dress 25 guys for the game?”

The Raiders’ sudden uptick in performance has been the subject of controversy among the Silver and Black’s vocal fanbase. After their 10th straight loss — 15-9 to the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 16 — the Raiders were 2-12 and in pole position for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That presumably would have led to the selection of future franchise quarterback Shedeur Sanders from Colorado. Instead, the Raiders then beat the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints. The result? They’ve now dropped to the projected eighth overall pick after a season that was as dire as any in franchise history.

Regardless, the outside opinions mean little to the people inside the locker room in Nevada.

“(The message is to) finish,” Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce said. “We all signed up for 17 games, an 18-week schedule. We’ve had a really good month in my opinion, regardless of record. Just seeing the improvement, things that we talked about, and now just a great opportunity against a divisional foe that we know very well, that we saw in Week 1, to finish.”

The Chargers got the better of the Raiders in that season-opening matchup with a convincing 22-10 home victory. JK Dobbins was the star, rushing for 135 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in his team debut.

Dobbins has a career-high 842 rushing yards with nine touchdowns despite missing four games with a knee injury. Los Angeles has won two straight games, including a convincing 40-7 road drubbing of the New England Patriots last Sunday.

One silver lining for the Raiders has been the historic emergence of rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who broke both Mike Ditka’s record for most receiving yards by a rookie tight end (1,144) and Puka Nacua’s record for most receptions by a rookie (108) in the win over the Saints last Sunday. Bowers also set a franchise receptions for catches in a season, surpassing Darren Waller (107 in 2020).

The Chargers have their own rookie star emerging in Bowers’ former Georgia teammate Ladd McConkey. He is fourth among all rookies in receptions (77) and yards (1,054) and tied for second in TDs (seven) despite missing a game with an AC joint injury.

A big reason for McConkey’s emergence has been his chemistry with Justin Herbert, who has thrown for 3,524 yards and 21 touchdowns this season while throwing only three interceptions.

On the injury front, Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (foot) and guard Jordan Meredith (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday, while defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson (ankle), defensive tackle John Jenkins (heel), tackle Kolton Miller (wrist) and safeties Isaiah Pola-Mao (hip) and Trey Taylor (back) were limited.

McConkey (toe) was among the Chargers who sat out practice Wednesday, along with running back Gus Edwards (ankle), wide receiver Josh Palmer (foot) and Poona Ford (elbow). Linebacker Denzel Perriman (groin) and tackle Trey Pipkins III (hip) were limited.

–Field Level Media

Nov 2, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin in the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi won 63-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

No. 14 Ole Miss has something to prove in Gator Bowl vs. Duke

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There’s no shortage of motivation for No. 14 Ole Miss in the Gator Bowl.

The incentive for Duke might be a bit different, but the Blue Devils will be out to prove something as well Thursday night in Jacksonville, Fla.

Both teams hold 9-3 records but arrived at this point in different ways.

Ole Miss was a contender for a spot in the College Football Playoff, while Duke was under the radar for most of the season. It will be the first meeting between the teams.

“We have a chance to get 10 wins,” Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn said. “… A lot of us know this is our last time really getting to throw an Ole Miss jersey on.”

Ole Miss appears to be fired up for this matchup. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, considered an NFL prospect, has thrown for 3,875 yards and 25 touchdowns. He will play in the game before focusing on draft preparation. Tre Harris had a team-high 1,030 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, though he could be limited by injuries.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has made comments disparaging other conferences in connection to the CFP committee’s selections for the 12-team tournament. So he’s bound to be determined to make a point on behalf of the Southeastern Conference against an Atlantic Coast Conference team.

The Rebels are on board.

“Everybody on this team is just so bought-in on what the coaches and Kiffin has been able to do these last couple years,” receiver Jordan Watkins said.

Duke is looking to cap another strong season with one more statement result despite some potential roster holes.

“You play to win the game and play to try to maximize all your players’ strengths,” first-year Blue Devils coach Manny Diaz said. “You have to do what is necessary to try to move the ball against a highly, highly disruptive defense.”

Duke has been decimated by defections, particularly on offense. Quarterback Maalik Murphy entered the transfer portal early in the process, while running back Star Thomas, who compiled a team-high 871 rushing yards, announced following Christmas that he was leaving. Murphy set the school’s single-season record with 26 touchdown passes.

The QB position for the bowl was further dinged because Grayson Loftis, who started several games late in the 2023 season, entered the portal as well. That leaves starting quarterback duties in the hands of Henry Belin IV.

“Henry is a guy who has won a game as a starter here a year ago,” Diaz said. “It’s a great lesson for everybody in the program that perseverance pays off, and he has a chance now to perform on an outstanding stage against a terrific opponent.”

Diaz said it will be important “to get our timing down for the passing offense.”

Belin will have receiver Eli Pancol, who is wrapping up his college career. Pancol has a team-high nine touchdown receptions.

Duke’s defense will have to rely on cornerback Chandler Rivers, who has been tabbed for several postseason honors. He had three interceptions and caused two fumbles during the regular season. He also notched 7 1/2 tackles for loss.

Duke, which will make its first appearance in the Gator Bowl, ranks second in the country with 14 fumble recoveries and 9.2 tackles for loss per game.

Ole Miss’ opt-out list includes linebacker Chris Paul and safety Jadon Canady.

The Rebels defeated five bowl-eligible teams this year, while Duke topped four.

Duke and Ole Miss have a common opponent in Wake Forest, which was drubbed by Ole Miss in September. It was later revealed the Demon Deacons had pulled out of next season’s game at Ole Miss. That rankled Kiffin and might further fuel his motivation against an ACC foe. Duke rallied to win at Wake Forest in the regular-season finale on a TD pass as time expired.

Duke is 8-8 all-time in bowls, though the Blue Devils have a five-game bowl winning streak. The last four of those victories have come against opponents outside of power conferences.

–Field Level Media

Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) and offensive lineman Leif Fautanu (79) and quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrate during the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

No. 4 Arizona State bids to continue stunning season vs. No. 5 Texas in Peach Bowl

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They weren’t expected to win their conference. They certainly weren’t expected to qualify for the College Football Playoff.

Nonetheless, the fourth-seeded Arizona State Sun Devils (11-2) have a chance to earn perhaps the biggest win in program history when they battle fifth-seeded Texas (12-2) in a CFP quarterfinal on New Year’s Day at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.

The winner will meet either top-seeded Oregon or No. 8 seed Ohio State in a semifinal game at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10 in Arlington, Texas.

Projected last in the preseason Big 12 poll, Arizona State secured an automatic bid to its first CFP with a 45-19 drubbing of Iowa State in the conference championship on Dec. 7.

Despite the Sun Devils boasting 311 fewer all-time victories than the Longhorns, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham doesn’t see the matchup as David versus Goliath.

“No, I wouldn’t say that,” Dillingham said. “I would say this is a really good football team that was predicted to win a national championship versus the Big 12 champion. I’m excited to see our guys go out there and compete.”

Riding a six-game winning streak, Arizona State will have rested for 24 days by the time New Year’s Day rolls around, admittedly an obstacle Dillingham’s team will have to overcome.

“Not playing a game for 3 1/2 weeks is definitely a challenge,” Dillingham said. “Especially because we were playing our best football. … We really dominated the end of the season, in my opinion.”

Averaging 34.5 points per game, the Sun Devils’ offense is led by quarterback Sam Leavitt’s 2,663 passing yards and 29 total touchdowns, alongside running back Cam Skattebo’s 1,568 rushing yards and 19 scores.

An upstart Arizona State squad enters Wednesday’s game as nearly two-touchdown underdogs, much due to Texas’ stingy defense, which allows the second-fewest points per game in college football (13.3).

The Longhorns have slipped twice this season, to Georgia, first in a 30-15 home loss on Oct. 19, then in a 22-19 overtime defeat in the Southeastern Conference title game on Dec. 7.

Appearing in its second straight CFP, Texas pulled away from visiting Clemson in the opening round last Saturday to win 38-24. Now preparing for the Longhorns’ second all-time meeting with Arizona State (2007 Holiday Bowl), coach Steve Sarkisian doesn’t take December football for granted.

“To be a part of this game is a fantastic honor,” Sarkisian said. “We’re really proud of the fact that we’ve gotten to this point. We obviously have a ton of respect for Arizona State and the job coach Dillingham has done. They’re a very good football team. We know how hard it is to win the Big 12.”

Last time out, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 202 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but the Longhorns shredded the Clemson defense with 292 rushing yards. Jaydon Blue ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns, paired with Quintrevion Wisner’s 110 yards and two scores.

“We needed to run the ball to beat Clemson, and we’re going to need to run the football to keep advancing in these playoffs,” Sarkisian said. “That’s what playoff football is about. … There’s a lot that goes into the run game. It takes all 11 to run the ball.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates his touchdown scored against the against the Cincinnati Bengals with quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Week 17 NFL Capsules

Posted on | by Field Level Media

–Saturday
Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network
No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense at 18.3 points per game, the Chargers have yet to give up more than 20 points in a road game this season. That’s been accomplished only by five teams in league history, most recently the 2010 Chicago Bears and 2001 Philadelphia Eagles. Turnovers have been a challenge for New England. The Patriots have lost five straight games while breaking in rookie quarterback Drake Maye (14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Maye has thrown a touchdown pass in seven straight games to tie Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history. He has completed 67.6 percent of his passes, just behind the rookie record set by Dak Prescott (67.8) of the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. He also has a pick in seven consecutive games. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has only three interceptions — 18 touchdowns — this season, but two of them came in the past two games. New England is 12-2 all-time as the home team in this matchup.

Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Everything is at stake for the Broncos as the finish line to a surprising season approaches. Denver lost the inside track to the wild-card berth to the Chargers last week. But the franchise can still land a playoff berth and 10-win season for the first time since 2015, when Peyton Manning piloted the Super Bowl 50 champions. Denver leads the NFL with 51 sacks and rookie QB Bo Nix has six games with two or more TD passes and no interceptions this season. That’s an impressive feat but Bengals QB Joe Burrow is setting the bar far higher. He leads the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes. He’s the fourth player with 4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes in three of his first five seasons (Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Dan Marino). Burrow’s consistency is to be commended. He’s the first player ever to record 250 passing yards and three touchdown passes in seven consecutive games, a streak he can stretch to eight on Saturday. WR Ja’Marr Chase leads the NFL with 108 receptions for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving him 45 in his career. Only Randy Moss (53) and Jerry Rice (49) had more in their first four NFL seasons.

Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6), 8 p.m. ET, NFL Network
Beat the Cardinals and the Rams can celebrate a sixth season with double-digit wins under Sean McVay. But to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five seasons, Los Angeles has to wait for Week 18 and a matchup with the Seahawks. The Rams are cooking defensively, a credit to the production of their young front seven. WR Puka Nacua leads the NFL with 57 receptions since Week 10, with five-plus receptions and 50-plus receiving yards in each of his seven games during the span. The Cardinals lost in OT at Carolina last week to take themselves out of the mix for the postseason. It was Arizona’s third loss in a row on the road, and the Rams beat the Cardinals 26-9 in Los Angeles last season. The Rams have won eight of 10 games since their bye week, when they were 1-4. Kyren Williams has provided support for quarterback Matthew Stafford during the Rams’ 4-0 run in December. Williams, a Pro Bowl selection last season, has a career-high 1,243 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries following his 122-yard game against the Jets last week.

–Sunday
New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Bills are hoping to get wide receiver Amari Cooper going. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Buffalo. He had just one catch for 10 yards last week against the Patriots. Buffalo needs a win to finish 8-0 at home — the Chiefs are also undefeated at home — for the third time in franchise history (1988, 1990). Bills QB Josh Allen has 75 career regular-season wins, tied with Russell Wilson for the most regular-season wins by a quarterback in his first seven seasons in NFL history. There are big numbers on the line for the Jets, but none of them relate to the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers has 499 regular-season TD passes. He’s one away from joining the 500 Club of Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508). Manning (244 games) is the only player to reach 500 in fewer than 250 career games; Rodgers is playing No. 247 on Sunday. The Jets are 1-5 over their past six games and lost the first matchup between these teams 23-20 in Week 6.

Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Carolina put up 36 points and took down the Cardinals last week. The Panthers are playing inspired ball and would be thrilled to continue in the spoiler role by bumping Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers out of the top spot in the NFC South. Mayfield, who started for Carolina to open the 2022 season, found his Pro Bowl form under current Panthers coach Dave Canales, Tampa’s offensive coordinator last season. Mayfield has five games with at least 300 passing yards and multiple TD passes this season. That’s the bar Panthers QB Bryce Young aspires to, but he’s content letting RB Chuba Hubbard carry the offense when necessary. Hubbard has career highs in yards from scrimmage (1,366), rushing yards (1,195) and rushing TDs (10) in 2024. The Buccaneers are trying to bounce back from a costly loss at Dallas. Down two late in the fourth quarter, Buccaneers RB Rachaad White lost a fumble that ended the potential game-winning drive. Mayfield is adamant he wants WR Mike Evans to get to 1,000 yards for the 11th consecutive season. Evans needs 182 yards and has owned Carolina with an average of 140.5 yards in his past four home games against the Panthers.

Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
RB Saquon Barkley could carry the load this week with QB concerns for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts (concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) were both hurt in the 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders last Sunday. That’s only part of what’s different since Dallas was whipped 34-6 by the Eagles on Nov. 10. Even with the Cowboys working their way back toward .500, Dallas subtracted another peak playmaker in WR CeeDee Lamb. Second in the NFL with 101 receptions, Lamb is on the shelf for the rest of the season right alongside QB Dak Prescott. The Eagles are primed to lean on their constant threat in Barkley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,114) and rushing (1,838). With Lamb out, life becomes more difficult for QB Cooper Rush at the controls of the Cowboys’ offense. Rush has guided Dallas to wins in four of the last five games, throwing nine touchdown passes and just one interception. The Eagles’ defense had five takeaways at Washington last week but has a minus-10 turnover margin (28 turnovers, 18 takeaways) while the Cowboys are tied for fifth in the NFL at plus-10 (26 takeaways, 16 turnovers).

Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Indianapolis is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt but trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by two games with two contests left. The Chargers and Broncos both have games on Saturday. If both nine-win clubs win, the Colts will be eliminated and miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Colts QB Anthony Richardson might be held out if there’s no spoils on the line for Indy, as he’s battling foot and back injuries. A heavier workload suits Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards and three scores on 29 carries during last weekend’s 38-30 home win over the Tennessee Titans. New York is in danger of losing an 11th consecutive game behind an offense putting up only 14.3 points per game this season. The Giants are starting Drew Lock at quarterback for the fourth time in the past five games. Lock underwent an MRI on his passing shoulder Monday but no damage was found. He hurt it during Sunday’s 34-7 road loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has completed just 52.7 percent of his passes. He has one touchdown and four interceptions in 129 attempts.

Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
For the second time in 21 days, the Titans and Jaguars square off with a spot in the AFC South cellar — and near the top of the NFL draft order — hanging in the balance. It could be argued that the loser will come out ahead in the long run. After all, that team would enhance its chances to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mason Rudolph, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday’s 38-30 loss at Indianapolis, gets the start over Will Levis for the Titans this week. Rudolph also threw three interceptions, adding to the team’s NFL-high total of 32 turnovers. The Titans’ offensive line has permitted 47 sacks this season — 40 with Levis at the helm. Levis also has thrown 12 interceptions and lost two fumbles, while Rudolph has thrown eight picks and lost a fumble. When the teams met on Dec. 8 in Nashville, Jacksonville notched a 10-6 win, holding Tennessee to 272 total yards and limiting Levis to 168 yards passing. It’s the Jaguars’ only road win of the season. Jacksonville is coming off a 19-14 loss last week in Las Vegas, another three-win team. The defeat moved Jacksonville up to the projected No. 3 overall pick, one spot ahead of the Titans. The Jaguars could be without as many as six usual starters on offense this week.

Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Las Vegas hired Antonio Pierce as head coach after the team had an encouraging 5-4 record during his stint as interim head coach last season. Still, the disappointing 2024 season leaves Pierce’s future in question. New Orleans is 3-3 under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who was promoted when Dennis Allen was fired after a seven-game losing streak this season. The Raiders are expected to start second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who has shared that role with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. Rizzi earned victories in his first two games in charge and three of the first four, but the team had by far its worst performance under him in a 34-0 road loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who is in his second season in New Orleans, is trying to return from an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand. Rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, who is 0-4 as a starter and played poorly against the Packers, is more likely to start Sunday. Las Vegas ended a 10-game losing streak by beating the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14 last week.

Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
Saturday’s NFL slate could determine whether the Dolphins are playing for more than pride. Miami hopes to have a chance at the playoffs, while the only thing Cleveland can do is find a rare winning feeling in a disappointing season. Expected to contend for a second straight playoff berth, the Browns instead have an outside chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft. A third starting quarterback of the year, second-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson, gets the call with Jameis Winston (shoulder) ailing and Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the season. In a 24-6 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, Thompson-Robinson finished 20 of 34 for 157 yards while tossing two interceptions and absorbing five sacks. Thompson-Robinson, who was limited in practice on Thursday because of a quad issue, wants to do a better job avoiding those outcomes. The Dolphins’ defense could help in that matter as they entered the weekend 26th in sacks (31) and tied for 22nd in interceptions (eight). Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he won’t rest players even if the Chargers and Broncos push Miami out of the playoffs on Saturday.

Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
There is still a lot on the line for the Vikings and Packers, who are behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North but competing for playoff position. Free agent signee Sam Darnold is the first quarterback to win 13-plus games in his first season with a team since Dak Prescott with the Cowboys in 2016 and first non-rookie since Peyton Manning with the Broncos in 2012. He’s had immense production from former Packers RB Aaron Jones and All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson (92 receptions for 1,387 yards, 10 TDs). Head coach Kevin O’Connell has 13 wins in two of his first three years with the Vikings — only current Packers coach Matt LaFleur and former 49ers coach George Seifert have done that. Green Bay also has a playoff spot clinched for the fifth time in six seasons under LaFleur. Powered by Jones’ replacement Josh Jacobs (career-high 13 rushing TDs) and QB Jordan Love, the Packers fell short of a furious comeback in the Week 4 meeting. Love had 389 yards and four TDs but was intercepted three times. He also had four total TDs in last season’s win at Minnesota on New Year’s Eve.

Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
A matchup of top-10 draft picks headlines the “Sunday Night Football” showdown in Week 17. With only one career start under his belt, Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, attempts to boost Atlanta’s playoff chances against Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick. The Commanders are hunting their first playoff berth since 2020. Washington could have a playoff spot wrapped up if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. If Tampa Bay wins, Washington can clinch with a win over Atlanta. Atlanta is searching for its third straight victory while Washington has won three in a row and could get to 11 wins for the first time since 1991. Penix won his debut start at home last week, completing 18 of 27 passes (66.7 percent) for 202 yards with an interception and led the Falcons to four scoring drives in a 34-7 home win against the Giants. Daniels is coming off a five-touchdown performance, including the game-winner with six seconds remaining, to lead Washington to an upset win over the visiting Eagles. He passed for 258 yards and ran for 81. Daniels has rushed for a team-high 737 yards along with six touchdowns. Washington entered Week 17 third in rushing (152.7 yards per game) and 16th in passing (220.9 yards per game).

–Field Level Media

Dec 6, 2024; Boise, ID, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is interviewed by Fox Sports reporter Allison Williams after the game against the UNLV Rebels at Albertsons Stadium. Boise State beats UNLV 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-Imagn Images

Penn St. big favorite in CFP quarterfinal, but Boise St. undeterred

Posted on | by Field Level Media

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Sixth-seeded Penn State and No. 3 seed Boise State enter their College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday with perfect records in their Fiesta Bowl history.

The Broncos, who earned a bye into the matchup in Glendale by winning the Mountain West title, are 3-0 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Penn State, which advanced to the quarterfinals after beating visiting SMU 38-10 last week in the opening round, is 7-0 in the Fiesta Bowl.

No other school has won more Fiesta Bowls. Arizona State and Ohio State each have five wins in the bowl’s history.

“Our guys are very aware of our history here at Penn State,” coach James Franklin said after a practice this week in Phoenix. “We spend a lot of time in the offseason talking about those things, or former players come back and talk to our guys.”

Boise State (12-1) won its three Fiesta Bowls between 2007 and 2014, including a 43-42 classic in overtime over Adrian Peterson and Oklahoma in 2007.

The Broncos were underdogs in that game and in wins over TCU in 2010 and Arizona in 2014.

They were 10.5-point underdogs to Penn State (12-2) when the Fiesta Bowl line opened.

“We might not have what everybody else has, but we definitely have enough,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said. “We’re going to continue to push forward.”

Boise State is the last non-Power 4 conference team to win the Fiesta Bowl.

“Boise State has been built on earning our right to play against one of the top football teams in the country like Penn State,” Danielson said. “I believe in our team … please count us out. People, media, count us out. I know how we are going to work, and I know we are going to work to play our absolute best.”

Franklin, an assistant coach at Washington State and Idaho State in 1998 and 1999, respectively, appreciates the Boise State program after coaching in the area.

“Boise State has the ingredients to succeed,” Franklin said. “It’s in the university. It’s in the community. It’s embedded there. And that’s why you’ve seen so many people be able to go there and have success.”

Franklin also praised running back Ashton Jeanty for what he means to Boise State being in the playoffs.

“I think it starts and ends with Jeanty,” Franklin said. “He can run away from you and score from a distance. Breaks a ton of tackles — 1,300 yards of his rushing yards are after contact, which is like a ridiculous stat.”

Jeanty, who finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, has 344 carries for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns. He took home the Maxwell Award as the most outstanding player in the sport and was a unanimous All-American selection.

Jeanty is 132 yards from breaking the NCAA single-season rushing record set by Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State in 1988.

Danielson is similarly in awe of Penn State senior tight end Tyler Warren.

Warren, who has a team-best six TD receptions, leads the Nittany Lions in receptions (92) and receiving yards (1,095). Both of those marks are single-season Big Ten records for tight ends. He won the Mackey Award as the nation’s best tight end and finished seventh in the Heisman voting.

“Tyler Warren is elite,” Danielson said. “That’s not just my opinion; I’m very positive he’s going to be the first tight end taken off the board in the NFL draft because of that.

“He can do it all. He is extremely violent at the point of attack. He can catch every ball. He’s one of their top targets on all downs. And he can play wildcat and throw the ball. You talk about just an extremely gifted athlete, we’ve got to know where (Warren) is at all times.”

–Javier Morales, Field Level Media