Winners and losers from bowl season’s first Saturday

The first Saturday of school soccer’s bowl season is within the books. From Ohio’s excellent freshman to a torrential downpour in Orlando, listed here are the day’s winners and losers.

Winner

Ohio operating again Rickey Hunt: The Bobcats freshman delivering a report efficiency after barely taking part in through the common season. Entering Ohio’s 41-21 win over Georgia Southern, Hunt had seven touches for 22 yards. He completed Saturday’s sport with 133 whole yards and 5 touchdowns, tied for probably the most in bowl sport historical past, setting him up for a big position in 2024.

Loser

Sun Belt: The convention has probably the most bowl groups this yr (12) however bought off to a tough begin to its bowl season. It went 1-2, together with Georgia Southern’s ugly loss to Ohio and Louisiana’s 34-31 additional time loss within the New Orleans Bowl regardless of profitable the turnover battle 4-0. The solely constructive was Appalachian State’s rain-soaked 13-9 win within the Cure Bowl over Miami (Ohio).

Winner

Jacksonville State: The Gamecocks confirmed how absurd the NCAA’s rule blocking first- or second-year FBS applications from qualifying for a bowl sport is of their additional time New Orleans Bowl win. Rich Rodriguez’s crew outgained the Ragin’ Cajuns 526-247, proving it belonged regardless of its struggles to guard the ball. Per Game On Paper, Jacksonville State had the next explosive play price, defensive cease price and dominated the “Middle 8,” or the final 4 minutes of the first half and the first 4 minutes of the second half. Because of the NCAA’s rule, Jacksonville State – which can enter its second FBS season in 2024 – may discover itself in the identical place subsequent season. 

Loser

Myrtle Beach Bowl: It’s been 4 years because the inaugural Myrtle Beach Bowl and the bowl continues to be trying to find its first aggressive sport. Including Ohio’s win over Georgia Southern on Saturday, the typical margin of victory within the 4 video games within the bowl’s historical past is eighteen.8 factors. The attendance this yr additionally dipped from a excessive of 12,023 in 2022 to eight,059, an indication individuals are wising as much as the worst bowl sport on the schedule.

Winner

Florida A&M: The Celebration Bowl was a thriller after Florida A&M was put in as a 7.5-point favourite over Howard pregame. The Bison jumped out to a 14-0 lead within the first 5 minutes and led 26-24 following a fourth-quarter pick-six lead, however the Rattlers averted the upset with a flea-flicker landing halfway by the fourth and a pair of interceptions (together with one with underneath two minute) to ice the 30-26 win.