GREENVILLE – Maybe the warning came before the football was even kicked.

During pregame ceremonies for East Carolina’s home opener Saturday afternoon, the ECU faithful gasped as the head of PeeDee the Pirate fell off.

For the Pirates, things did not get much easier from there.

Appalachian State erased an early deficit, built a 14-point second-half advantage and survived a furious late ECU comeback to leave a sunny Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium with a 27-24 victory.

ECU scored with just 21 seconds remaining to pull within three, but the Pirates could not recover the ensuing onside kick, allowing the Mountaineers to escape Greenville with the win.

The loss came despite ECU outgaining App State 417-384 and finishing with a 22-21 advantage in first downs. The Pirates rushed for 187 yards and passed for 230, but App State controlled the ball for nearly 36 minutes and turned three trips inside the ECU red zone into three touchdowns. 

ECU initially appeared ready to give the home crowd plenty to celebrate.

The Pirates opened the game with a 12-play, 60-yard drive before a missed 33-yard field goal, but their defense quickly gave the offense another opportunity. After forcing an App State punt, ECU marched 83 yards in eight plays, with Michael Allen scoring on a 2-yard run to give the Pirates a 7-0 lead with 4:11 remaining in the opening quarter.

App State responded with James London’s 41-yard field goal in the final minute of the quarter, and from there the afternoon began turning toward the visitors.

The Mountaineers took their first lead just 43 seconds into the second quarter. Quarterback Malachi Singleton finished an 83-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, putting App State ahead 10-7. 

App State struck again midway through the quarter when Jamarian Lewis scored on a 10-yard run. ECU managed only a 33-yard Noah Perez field goal before halftime, leaving the Mountaineers with a 17-10 advantage.

The Mountaineers immediately added to it after the break.

App State took the second-half kickoff and drove 80 yards in seven plays, with Treyaun Webb scoring from 13 yards out. The touchdown pushed the lead to 24-10 with 12:12 remaining in the third quarter.

ECU finally found the explosive play it needed less than two minutes later.

Quarterback Mitch Griffis connected with Jacobe Dickerson for a 61-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 24-17. But App State answered once again, getting a 37-yard London field goal with 3:57 remaining in the third to restore a two-score advantage at 27-17. 

From there, the game became a test of whether ECU could generate enough offense quickly enough.

The Pirates had opportunities. App State failed to score in the fourth quarter, but ECU’s first two possessions of the period ended in punts. A promising 11-play drive then reached the App State 23 before Griffis was intercepted with 2:16 remaining.

It appeared to be the final blow.

Instead, ECU got one more opportunity.

The Pirates forced another App State punt and took possession at their own 40 with 1:56 remaining. Griffis directed a nine-play, 60-yard drive and found Jonathan Hamilton for a 7-yard touchdown with 21 seconds left.

Perez’s extra point made it 27-24.

ECU’s comeback, however, needed one more possession.

It never came.

App State let the ensuing onside kick go out of bounds and ran out the final seconds, turning away the Pirates’ last attempt to steal back a game that had slipped away during the middle two quarters.

Singleton finished 19 of 27 passing for 255 yards for App State while also scoring on the ground. Lewis led the Mountaineers with 73 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. App State finished with 129 rushing yards and 255 through the air. 

Griffis completed 21 of 37 passes for 230 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for ECU. He also rushed for 52 yards, while Ashton Gray led the Pirates’ ground game with 99 yards on 16 carries. Ja’Melvin was ECU’s leading receiver with seven catches for 94 yards, while Dickerson’s lone reception produced the 61-yard third-quarter touchdown.

ECU’s defense kept the Pirates alive, holding App State scoreless throughout the fourth quarter. But the Mountaineers had already done enough damage, particularly during a stretch in which they turned a 7-3 deficit into a 24-10 advantage.

The Pirates were also unable to consistently extend drives, converting only two of 12 third downs. App State converted five of 14 and held the ball for 35:50 compared with ECU’s 23:54. The Mountaineers also produced seven points off turnovers, while ECU produced none. 

The atmosphere still had one quintessentially Greenville moment left. As the fourth quarter began, Greenville native Petey Pablo raised ECU’s “No Quarter” flag, bringing the home crowd back to life for one final push.

The Pirates nearly gave them the comeback to go with it.

Instead, App State walked away with a three-point victory on an afternoon when PeeDee’s head hitting the ground before kickoff turned out to be an unfortunately appropriate bit of foreshadowing.

RALEIGH – For nearly 90 minutes Friday night, lightning managed to do something Richmond could not: stop NC State.

Even that proved temporary.

The Wolfpack overwhelmed the Spiders from the opening minutes at Carter-Finley Stadium, weathered a lengthy lightning delay during the second quarter and returned to finish a dominant 73-0 victory Friday night.

NC State amassed 734 yards of total offense while limiting Richmond to just 110, turning a game interrupted by Mother Nature into a showcase for virtually every corner of the Wolfpack roster. NC State rushed for 428 yards, averaged 10.6 yards per offensive play and finished with 31 first downs compared with Richmond's six. 

The rout began quickly.

Davion Gause put the Wolfpack ahead with a 19-yard touchdown run less than four minutes into the game. Just 37 seconds of game time later, Jayden “Duke” Scott broke loose for a 65-yard touchdown, giving NC State a 14-0 advantage.

Scott struck again late in the opening quarter, scoring from seven yards out to make it 21-0.

The Wolfpack needed little time to extend that advantage in the second. Quarterback CJ Bailey capped a five-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, pushing NC State's lead to 28-0 with 11:33 remaining.

Then the game stopped.

Lightning in the area forced the teams off the field and sent the game into a delay that stretched for nearly an hour and a half. A night that had begun with NC State scoring four touchdowns in barely more than a quarter suddenly became a waiting game.

When the teams finally returned, however, the interruption had done little to change the direction of the contest.

NC State scored three more touchdowns before the second quarter ended.

Freshman quarterback Will Wilson scored on a 1-yard run with 8:30 remaining. Bailey then connected with Preston Douglas for a 15-yard touchdown with 6:23 to play, and Wilson added another 1-yard scoring run with just 24 seconds remaining.

By the time the second quarter finally ended, the Wolfpack led 49-0. 

After already spending nearly 90 minutes off the field because of the weather, the teams did not head back to the locker rooms for a conventional halftime. Instead, they took only a three-minute break before beginning the third quarter.

The unusual schedule did nothing to slow NC State.

Wilson added his third rushing touchdown of the night early in the third quarter, scoring from five yards out to make it 56-0. He later threw his first touchdown pass, finding Hunter Provience for a 3-yard score with 4:12 remaining in the period.

NC State carried a 63-0 lead into the fourth quarter.

Kanoah Vinesett added a 45-yard field goal with 6:31 remaining before Dylan McCoy provided the final points with a 51-yard touchdown run with 1:49 to play. The score completed a night in which NC State produced eight rushing touchdowns and two through the air. 

Scott led the Wolfpack rushing attack with 128 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries, averaging 14.2 yards per attempt. McCoy added 73 yards on four carries, while Wilson rushed for 62 yards and three scores.

Bailey did most of his damage through the air, completing 13 of 17 passes for 281 yards and a touchdown. Keenan Jackson was his leading target, catching four passes for 123 yards, including a 54-yard reception. 

The Wolfpack defense was every bit as dominant.

Richmond managed only 34 rushing yards and 76 passing yards, averaged 2.2 yards per play and converted just two of 13 third-down opportunities. The Spiders never reached the red zone and punted nine times. NC State, meanwhile, scored on all eight of its trips inside the Richmond 20. 

Richmond running back Warrick Stephenson accounted for 58 of the Spiders' 34 net rushing yards, while quarterbacks Jack Callaghan and Ashten Snelsire combined to complete eight of 27 passes for 76 yards and an interception. 

The game began at 7:03 p.m. and did not end until 11:51, stretching to an elapsed time of four hours and 47 minutes. An announced crowd of 56,919 watched a contest that included a weather delay, an almost nonexistent halftime and one of the most lopsided performances possible on a football field. 

Lightning may have interrupted NC State's momentum Friday night.

It never took it away.

CHAPEL HILL – In a seismic shift that will reverberate through college football, the University of North Carolina has hired legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick as its new head football coach, marking a transformative moment for a program seeking to reclaim its competitive identity.

The six-time Super Bowl champion, widely regarded as the most successful coach in NFL history, agreed to a five-year contract that instantly elevates the Tar Heels' football profile. The move comes after UNC fired Mack Brown following a disappointing 6-6 season, with the program searching for renewed direction and national relevance.

Belichick's hiring represents more than a coaching transition; it's a strategic reimagining of UNC football. At 72, the NFL coaching icon brings a unprecedented level of credibility and tactical expertise to Chapel Hill, promising to construct a program that mirrors his professional success.

The coach's connection to North Carolina runs deep. His father, Steve Belichick, served as an assistant football coach for the Tar Heels from 1953 to 1955, a familial link that adds emotional resonance to his arrival. Bill Belichick grew up immersed in football culture, learning complex play diagrams and coaching strategies from his father long before becoming a coaching legend.

UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts emphasized the transformative potential of the hire. "Carolina is committed to excellence and creating opportunities to succeed, from the classroom to the field of competition," Roberts said. "Coach Belichick embodies that commitment."

Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham framed the hiring as a strategic response to the evolving landscape of college athletics. "Bill Belichick is a football legend," Cunningham stated. "Hiring him represents a new approach that will ensure Carolina football can evolve, compete, and win."

Belichick arrives with a coaching resume that is unparalleled in professional football. His 333-178 NFL record, six Super Bowl championships as head coach, and two additional titles as a defensive coordinator represent a standard of excellence few coaches have approached. He stands just 14 wins away from Don Shula's all-time NFL coaching victories record.

The coach's vision for college football is distinctly pragmatic. In recent interviews, he described his ideal program as an "NFL program at a college level" – a pipeline designed to prepare players for professional careers through sophisticated training, nutrition, and coaching techniques.

This approach could prove particularly attractive in the modern college football ecosystem, where Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and transfer portals have transformed recruitment and player development. Belichick has already demonstrated an understanding of these dynamics, signaling a forward-thinking strategy for building the Tar Heels' program.

The hiring also maintains a family football tradition. Belichick's son Stephen, currently defensive coordinator at the University of Washington, is expected to play a significant role in the North Carolina coaching staff.

North Carolina football has languished in recent years, last winning an ACC title in 1980. The program's last sustained success came under Mack Brown's previous tenure, which ended with a 44-33 record over six seasons. Belichick's arrival signals an ambitious attempt to restore the Tar Heels to national prominence.

An emergency meeting of the University's Board of Trustees is scheduled Thursday to formally approve Belichick's contract, a procedural step that appears to be a formality given the overwhelming institutional support.

For a program seeking resurrection, Bill Belichick represents more than a coach. He embodies a transformative vision – a bridge between professional excellence and collegiate potential, promising to redefine North Carolina football in his own legendary image.

Appalachian State Football is the favorite in the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division as they head into the upcoming season. Leading the charge is quarterback Joey Aguilar, recognized as the league’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. Additionally, nine Mountaineers earned spots on the preseason All-Sun Belt teams, underscoring their depth and talent.

In the East Division rankings, Appalachian State secured the top spot with 96 voting points and 12 first-place votes from the conference’s coaches. James Madison followed closely with 79 points and two first-place votes. On the other side, Texas State led the West Division with 92 points and nine first-place votes, while Troy and Louisiana also garnered significant recognition.

Offensively, wide receiver Kaedin Robinson and tight end Eli Wilson joined Aguilar on the first-team roster. Defensively, Appalachian State’s standout players included Santana Hopper on the line, Nate Johnson at outside linebacker, Jordan Favors at safety, and Ethan Johnson at cornerback—all earning first-team honors.

The Mountaineers’ depth was further highlighted by second-team selections Michael Hughes as kicker and Kanye Roberts at running back. Alongside Arkansas State and Georgia Southern, Appalachian State led all teams with the most selections across both preseason teams, securing seven first-team spots.

Joey Aguilar’s impressive stats from the previous season cemented his reputation, finishing fifth nationally with 33 touchdown passes and setting school records with 3,757 passing yards and 4,002 total offensive yards. Kaedin Robinson matched his prowess with 10 touchdown catches and a total of 905 receiving yards, the highest in Appalachian State’s FBS era. Eli Wilson also shone among Sun Belt tight ends, ranking top three in catches, yards, and touchdown receptions.

Defensively, Santana Hopper and Nate Johnson were recognized as Freshman All-Americans, with Hopper making significant contributions late in the season with 3.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. Nate Johnson’s 7.5 sacks tied him for first nationally among true freshmen. Jordan Favors excelled with four interceptions, tying for the Sun Belt lead, while Ethan Johnson showcased his skills with 11 pass breakups and 56 tackles.

Michael Hughes earned second-team All-American honors after an outstanding season, converting 19 of 22 field goals, including a game-winning kick from 54 yards out. Kanye Roberts emerged as Appalachian State’s top rusher in crucial games, amassing 696 yards and seven rushing touchdowns throughout the season.

The Mountaineers open the 2024 season at home against East Tennessee State before going on the road at Clemson and East Carolina.

CHARLOTTE — The 2024 ACC Football Championship Game is scheduled for a primetime kickoff at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, taking place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This season marks the first with 17 ACC football teams, and once again, the championship game will feature the top two teams based on their regular-season conference performance. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, anticipating a competitive race among the conference's teams to earn a spot in the prestigious game, which will be broadcast from a venue adjacent to the ACC's headquarters.

This primetime kickoff at 8 p.m. ET continues a trend, with this being the 15th occurrence in the last 16 years that the game will be held under the lights. Since its inception in 2005, a total of 13 different teams have contested the ACC Football Championship Game, with Florida State emerging victorious in the previous season to secure its fifth title. Bank of America Stadium, the venue for 13 of the last 14 championship games, solidifies its status as a reliable host, with an agreement in place to continue hosting through 2030. Despite challenges in 2020, the game typically draws nearly 70,000 fans, reflecting the strong support and interest in ACC football.

Over the past decade, the ACC has consistently seen high attendance, ranking second among Power 5 conference championships. Success in the championship game has often propelled ACC teams to the National Championship Game or the College Football Playoff, highlighting the conference's competitiveness and success on the national stage in recent years.

IRVING, TX – Two North Carolina college football legends were among the nineteen former players announced as the 2024 class of the College Football Hall of Fame today. Julius Peppers, a former standout at the University of North Carolina, and Armanti Edwards, the record-setting quarterback of Appalachian State’s championship runs, were among the 2024 College Football Hall of Fame Class revealed today during ESPN’s “Championship Drive Presented by Allstate” before this year’s college football playoff championship game.

Julius Peppers, a native of Bailey, NC, and Southern Nash fame is no stranger to accolades. During his college career from 1999 to 2001, Peppers was an All-American and won the Chuck Bednarik Award for the nation’s top defensive player in 20011. He recorded impressive stats with 167 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 53 tackles for loss, five interceptions, and five forced fumbles. After college, Peppers was selected by the Carolina Panthers as the second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. He went on to have a stellar professional career, earning Pro Bowl selection in nine of his 17 seasons.

Armanti Edwards, whose illustrious college career at Appalachian State from 2006 to 2009 left an indelible mark on the sport, is being recognized for his exceptional contributions to college football. Edwards’ dynamic playing style and ability to perform under pressure were hallmarks of his college career. During his tenure at Appalachian State, Edwards led the Mountaineers to two Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) national championships. He also made history as the first player to win the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding offensive player in the Division I FCS, twice.

The induction ceremony will occur later this year, where Peppers and Edwards will officially join the ranks of the greatest players in college football history. Their selection for this honor underscores their significant contributions to college football and cements their legacy as two of the sport’s most influential figures.

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

PLAYERS:

• Justin Blackmon – WR, Oklahoma State (2009-11)
• Paul Cameron – TB, UCLA (1951-53)
• Tim Couch – QB, Kentucky (1996-98)
• Warrick Dunn – RB, Florida State (1993-96)
• Armanti Edwards – QB, Appalachian State (2006-09)
• Deon Figures – CB, Colorado (1988, 1990-92)
• Larry Fitzgerald – WR, Pittsburgh (2002-03)
• Toby Gerhart – RB, Stanford (2006-09)
• Dan Hampton – DT, Arkansas (1975-78)
• Steve Hutchinson – OG, Michigan (1997-2000)
• Antonio Langham – CB, Alabama (1990-93)
• Randy Moss – WR, Marshall (1996-97)
• Julius Peppers – DE, North Carolina (1999-2001)
• Paul Posluszny – LB, Penn State (2003-06)
• Dewey Selmon – NG, Oklahoma (1972-75)
• Alex Smith – QB, Utah (2002-04)
• Kevin Smith – CB, Texas A&M (1988-91)
• Chris Ward – OT, Ohio State (1974-77)
• Danny Woodhead – RB, Chadron State [NE] (2004-07) 

COACHES:

• Mark Dantonio – 132-74-0 (64.1%): Cincinnati (2004-06), Michigan State (2007-19)
• Danny Hale – 213-69-1 (75.4%): West Chester [PA] (1984-88), Bloomsburg [PA] (1993-2012) 
• Frank Solich – 173-101-0: (63.1%) Nebraska (1998-2003), Ohio (2005-2020) 

CHARLOTTE – In a stadium that looked like Morgantown South, the West Virginia Mountaineers gave their dedicated fans a resounding 30-10 victory at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Wednesday night at Bank of America Stadium. Game MVP Garrett Greene led his team in rushing and passing as the Mountaineers improved to 9-4 on the season.

The Mountaineers wasted no time getting on the scoreboard as Greene hit a streaking Traylon Ray down the sideline on the game's first play. The freshman wide receiver raced past Tar Heel defenders for a seventy-five-yard touchdown. Just as the Tar Heels offense looked poised to even the score, West Virginia safety Aubrey Burks picked off an errant pass in the end zone, giving the ball back to the Mountaineers.

The Tar Heels finally got on the scoreboard with a Noah Burnette field goal halfway through the second quarter. The rest of the quarter was a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. West Virginia extended their lead with a 78-yard punt return touchdown by Beanie Bishop Jr., only for the Tar Heels to respond with a 16-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Conner Harrell to JJ Jones. However, West Virginia closed out the half with a field goal, heading into the locker room with a 17-10 lead.

The second half witnessed a continuation of West Virginia’s dominance. Kicker Michael Hayes added two more field goals, further solidifying the Mountaineers’ lead. Running back Jaheim White’s eleven-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter served as the final blow, sealing West Virginia’s decisive victory, and began a chorus of “Country Roads” by the thousands of Mountaineer faithful who had made the trip south. The postgame "Mayo Dump" had an equally raucous cheer.

Although the stat line was close, with West Virginia gaining 379 total offensive yards compared to North Carolina’s 353, the Mountaineers’ defense recorded two interceptions and consistently disrupted the Tar Heels’ offensive plays. The limited Tar Heels fans in attendance were left stunned, wondering how a season that began with so much promise ended with three straight losses and a bowl loss for the fourth season in a row.

BIRMINGHAM, AL – In a hard-fought battle at Protective Stadium, the Duke Blue Devils emerged victorious against the Troy Trojans, claiming a 17-10 win in the Birmingham Bowl on December 23, 2023. The game showcased a mix of defensive prowess, offensive resilience, and standout special teams performances.

Early Domination and Defensive Brilliance

Duke wasted no time asserting control, with graduate running back Jaylen Coleman punching in a one-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter. The Blue Devils set the tone early, ultimately holding Troy to a meager three points until late in the fourth quarter.

The defensive unit proved to be the backbone of Duke's success. Sophomore cornerback Chandler Rivers shone with three critical pass breakups, etching his name into the bowl record books. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman led the team with nine tackles, capping off a season where he surpassed the 100-tackle mark.

A standout moment came from senior defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles, who notched four tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, and 1.0 sack, disrupting Troy's offensive rhythm. The Blue Devils collectively recorded 10 pass breakups, marking a historic high for a bowl game in the program's history.

Offensive Contributions and Milestones

Graduate running back Jaylen Coleman, in his final appearance, contributed significantly with a crucial touchdown. Freshman quarterback Grayson Loftis showcased composure, going 19-of-29 for 183 yards despite facing a resilient Troy defense.

Senior wide receiver Jalon Calhoun etched his name alongside Duke great T.J. Rahming, tying for third all-time in program history with 253 career catches. Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Sahmir Hagans played a pivotal role, hauling in five receptions for 55 yards.

Special Teams Excellence

Sophomore kicker Todd Pelino delivered a clutch performance, converting three field goals (34-, 37-, and 45-yards), tying a Duke bowl record. His precision proved crucial in securing the win, matching the tenacity displayed by the defense throughout the game.

Graduate student punter Porter Wilson showcased his punting prowess, registering four punts for 188 yards, concluding the season with the best single-season punting average in program history (46.64).

Sealing the Victory

The game's defining moment came in the fourth quarter when graduate safety Jeremiah Lewis secured the win with his fifth career interception, putting an end to Troy's hopes of a comeback.

Duke's triumph not only marked its fifth consecutive bowl victory but also snapped Troy's 10-game winning streak and halted its five-game bowl winning streak. The Blue Devils closed the season with an 8-8 all-time bowl record, leaving an indelible mark on the Birmingham Bowl and capping off a memorable year for Duke football.

TROY, AL – In a rain-soaked showdown at Veterans Memorial in Troy, Alabama, the first three quarters of the Sun Belt conference championship game was a gritty battle between the visiting App State Mountaineers and the Troy Trojans. Despite the inclement weather, a crowd of 20,183 ardent fans braved the elements to cheer on their teams, their roars echoing through the stadium. The atmosphere was electric, the stakes high, and the players on both sides gave it their all on the field, but it was the Trojans who rattled off twenty-eight points in the final quarter to win 49-23.

How it Happened

After a scoreless first quarter, both offenses finally found their rhythm. Troy’s junior running back Kimani Vidal, the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Year, rushed for two touchdowns, one for 7 yards and another for 36 yards, giving the West Division champions a 14-0 lead. The Mountaineers responded with a quick drive and one-yard touchdown rush by Kanye Roberts, narrowing the gap to 14-7.

In the third quarter, Kanye Roberts scored another rushing touchdown for the Mountaineers, tying the game at 14-all. The Trojans responded with a fifty-one-yard touchdown pass from Gunnar Watson to Chris Lewis. The Mountaineers added a 41-yard field goal by Michael Hughes, making the score 21-17 in favor of the Trojans. This was the closest the Mountaineers would be the rest of the night.

In the fourth quarter, the Trojans extended their lead with a 2-yard touchdown rush by Kimani Vidal and a 10-yard scoop and by Don Callis. The Mountaineers fought back with a 6-yard touchdown rush by Joey Aguilar, but the PAT rush failed. The Trojans sealed their victory with two more rushing touchdowns by Kimani Vidal, one for 6 yards and another for 49 yards, making the final score 49-23 in favor of the Trojans.

Top Performers

For the Mountaineers, quarterback Joey Aguilar completed 28 of 39 passes for a total of 275 yards. On the ground, Kanye Roberts led the rushing attack with fifty-three yards and two touchdowns on thirteen carries, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. Anderson Castle and Nate Noel also contributed to the rushing game with forty-seven yards each. In the receiving corps, Kaedin Robinson led with seventy yards on six receptions, followed by Christen Horn with forty-two yards on five receptions. On the defensive side for the Mountaineers, Nick Ross, EJ Jackson, Ethan Johnson, and C. Sullivan each recorded six tackles. Andrew Parker Jr. also contributed with five total tackles.

For the Trojans, Kimani Vidal had an outstanding game, rushing for 233 yards and five touchdowns on twenty-six carries, averaging an impressive nine yards per carry. On the defensive side, Dell Pettus led with eleven total tackles and one sack, followed by Javon Solomon with eight total tackles and two sacks. Reddy Steward and Irshaad Davis also made significant contributions to the defense.

In the first game of the day, the Duke Blue Devils hosted the Pittsburgh Panthers at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium, where they emerged victorious with a score of 30-19. Duke's Grayson Loftis threw for 248 yards and 2 touchdowns, while LeQuint Allen rushed for 144 yards. Despite a valiant effort from Pittsburgh's Nate Yarnell, who threw for 265 yards and 3 touchdowns, the Panthers were unable to secure a win.

Also in the noon kickoff window, the Syracuse Orange triumphed over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 35-31 at JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse's Garrett Shrader passed for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns and rushed for 46 yards and 1 touchdown. Wake Forest's Taylor Morin had an impressive game with 140 receiving yards, 7 receptions, and 2 rushing yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Orange.

In the midafternoon, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane narrowly edged out the East Carolina Pirates in a thrilling match that ended 29-27. The game, held at Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, saw Tulsa's Anthony Watkins rush for 106 yards and Kirk Francis pass for 297 yards and 2 touchdowns. Despite a strong performance from East Carolina's Alex Flinn, who passed for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Pirates fell short.

Finally, the South Florida Bulls trounced the Charlotte 49ers with a score of 48-14 at Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls' defense was the star of the show, holding the 49ers to just 14 points. Standout performances included South Florida's Byrum Brown, who threw for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns, and Kelley Joiner, who had 71 receiving yards, 4 receptions, 2 touchdowns, and 33 rushing yards.

MACON, GA – In a hard-fought battle on the gridiron, the Mercer Bears emerged victorious against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, ending the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ season with a final score of 17-7 on Saturday afternoon.

The game showcased intense defensive efforts from both teams, with Mercer ultimately prevailing through a combination of standout plays and resilient defense.

The Bears’ Carter Peevy wasted no time asserting his dominance in the second quarter, scoring both of Mercer’s touchdowns in a four-minute window. Peevy’s 2-yard run in the second quarter set the tone offensively and he continued to dazzle with a spectacular 72-yard touchdown run, expanding Mercer’s lead to 14-0.

Gardner-Webb, however, answered back before halftime. Quarterback Jaylen King connected with Karim Page for a 3-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 14-7, and entering the locker room with hopes of a second-half comeback.

The third quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle, with neither side yielding significant ground. Gardner-Webb’s Jay Billingsley attempted a 45-yard field goal that went wide left, maintaining Mercer’s lead. Mercer matched possessions with a missed field goal of their own to keep it scoreless heading into the final stanza.

As the game progressed, the Mercer defense proved formidable, forcing turnovers and limiting Gardner-Webb’s offensive opportunities. Despite Gardner-Webb’s defense, highlighted by Ty French’s three sacks, Mercer’s Reice Griffith sealed the deal with a 29-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, extending the lead to its final margin.

Gardner-Webb fought hard in the closing minutes, attempting to mount a comeback, but Mercer’s defense stood strong. A pair of interceptions by Mercer on Gardner-Webb’s final two drives sealed the fate of the Runnin’ Bulldogs.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs ended the 2023 season as back-to-back conference champions for the first time in two decades with the first-ever set of back-to-back postseason appearances. Gardner-Webb finished a perfect 5-0 at home for only the second time in team history.

RALEIGH – In a highly anticipated rivalry showdown, the North Carolina State Wolfpack emerged victorious over the North Carolina Tar Heels with a commanding 39-20 win at Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday night.

The Wolfpack set the tone early, capitalizing on opportunities and establishing a lead that proved insurmountable for the Tar Heels. Kicker Brayden Narveson showcased his accuracy with two first-quarter field goals, a 32-yarder, and a 40-yarder, giving NC State an early 6-0 advantage.

NC State quarterback Brennan Armstrong continued the attack in the second quarter, connecting with Kevin “KC” Concepcion for two touchdown passes (11 yards and 6 yards) to extend the lead to 20-0. Narveson added another field goal before halftime, and the Wolfpack entered the break with a 26-7 advantage.

The Tar Heels, however, showed resilience in the second quarter when quarterback Drake Maye found John Copenhaver for a 15-yard touchdown pass, closing the gap to 26-7.

The Wolfpack’s offensive prowess persisted in the second half. Armstrong orchestrated an impressive 75-yard drive, culminating in a 20-yard touchdown pass to Dacari Collins, extending the lead to 33-14. The Tar Heels responded with a Drake Maye one-yard rushing touchdown, but NC State’s Delbert Mimms III answered back with a 7-yard rushing score.

Maye continued to fight for the Tar Heels, connecting with Devontez Walker for a touchdown pass, making it 39-20, but the deficit proved too significant to overcome.

In terms of statistics, the Wolfpack dominated in total offense, amassing 504 yards compared to the Tar Heels’ 384. Armstrong led the charge with 334 passing yards and three touchdowns. Concepcion was a key target, securing seven receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

On the defensive side, the Wolfpack showcased their strength, with Payton Wilson leading the charge in his last home game with 15 total tackles, including two sacks and an interception.

Despite the Tar Heels’ efforts, the Wolfpack’s balanced attack and strong defensive showing secured their victory in this heated rivalry clash. With this win, NC State improves its record and secured the #3 spot in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.

COLUMBIA, SC – In a thrilling second-round NCAA Division II playoff game, Lenoir-Rhyne emerged victorious over Benedict, whose #1 seed in the region allowed them to host the second-round game. Homefield advantage was not enough for the Tigers as the visiting Bears were able leave Columbia with a 35-25 victory.

How it Happened

The first quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee run 29 yards for a touchdown, followed by an extra point from Jake Brown. However, Benedict quickly retaliated with two touchdowns from Reginald Harden, who ran 58 yards and 87 yards respectively.

In the second quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox from Lenoir-Rhyne ran 4 yards for a touchdown, with an extra point added by Jake Brown. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Caden High, who ran 29 yards for a touchdown, with Tom Piccirillo securing the extra point.

The third quarter saw Lenoir-Rhyne take the lead with two touchdowns. Sean White completed passes to Songa Yates and John Godwin, who ran 21 yards and 26 yards respectively for touchdowns, with Jake Brown adding the extra points.

In the final quarter, Zayvion Turner-Knox ran 2 yards for a touchdown, with Jake Brown adding the extra point. Benedict's Aeneas Dennis completed a pass to Reginald Harden, who ran 36 yards for a touchdown.

Playmakers

Lenoir-Rhyne's Dwayne McGee had an impressive game, rushing 216 yards from 21 attempts and scoring one touchdown. Zayvion Turner-Knox also contributed significantly, rushing 45 yards from 8 attempts and scoring two touchdowns. In the passing game, Sean White completed 27 out of 35 attempts, throwing for 310 yards and two touchdowns.

On the receiving end, Kelin Parsons caught 6 passes for 103 yards, while Songa Yates caught 4 passes for 48 yards and one touchdown. Deondre Lester and Tate O'bryan also contributed to the receiving game.

On the defensive side, Jon Ross Maye led the team with 11 total tackles, while C'darius Kelley made 2 solo tackles.

What’s Next

This victory propels fourth-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne into the national quarterfinals, with a matchup against region #3 Valdosta State, who upset the number two seed Delta State, 38-31, on Saturday afternoon.

As the clock struck noon on Selection Sunday, football fans across the nation eagerly tuned in to witness the unveiling of the 2023 FCS playoff bracket. The anticipation reached its peak as the NCAA Division I Football Championship Committee revealed the field of 24 teams competing for the prestigious title.

Two teams from North Carolina, Gardner-Webb and North Carolina Central, found themselves among the chosen few. For the Gardner-Webb Runnin' Bulldogs, it was a testament to their resilience throughout a challenging season. Despite facing one of the toughest nonconference schedules in FCS football, the Runnin' Bulldogs secured significant victories against Elon and #13 UT Martin. They stumbled along the way, facing tough losses to FBS Appalachian State and fellow playoff team Austin Peay. However, as conference play unfolded, Gardner-Webb turned the tide, finishing strong with a 5-1 record and clinching the conference championship for the second consecutive year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the North Carolina Central University Eagles soared into the playoffs on the wings of an impressive season. Fresh off winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and the HBCU national championship, the Eagles showcased their strength in a schedule that included marquee matchups against UCLA and a trip to the Circle City Classic in Indianapolis. Victories against South Carolina State and Norfolk State highlighted their success, while a challenging loss to Howard kept them out of the Celebration Bowl for a second year in a row but opened the door to the FCS playoffs.

As the bracket unfolded, fans marveled at the matchups that would define the road to the national championship in Frisco, Texas. Gardner-Webb was slated to face Mercer in the first round, a game that promised intensity and excitement. Meanwhile, NC Central prepared for a showdown with Richmond, setting the stage for a clash between two formidable opponents. Both North Carolina teams will play away from home for the first round of the playoffs with a win putting each team on the road at one of the top eight national seeds.

Top 8 seeds

1. South Dakota State
2. Montana
3. South Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Albany
6. Montana State
7. Furman
8. Villanova

The playoff journey begins on Thanksgiving weekend on ESPN+, with the first-round matchups set to captivate audiences across the nation. 

ELON – In a commanding performance, the Elon football team showcased their offensive prowess and defensive prowess, securing a decisive victory over Hampton in a game marked by explosive plays and defensive turnovers.

The first quarter set the tone for Elon's dominance as quarterback Matthew Downing orchestrated two impressive touchdown passes. The first, a 33-yard connection to Jamarien Dalton, occurred just 19 seconds into the game, with Jack Berkowitz converting the extra point. Elon quickly followed up with another Downing pass, this time a 60-yard bomb to Chandler Brayboy, extending their lead to 14-0.

Hampton responded with a scoring drive of their own, as Chris Zellous connected with Paul Woods for a 43-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 14-7 by the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter witnessed Elon's continued offensive onslaught. Downing, displaying precision in his passes, linked up with Christian Da-Silva for a 33-yard touchdown, further extending the lead to 21-7. The Elon defense then made a significant impact, with Bo Sanders intercepting a pass and returning it 34 yards for a touchdown. Marco Patierno added to the defensive heroics with a 23-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown, pushing Elon's lead to a commanding 34-7.

As the second quarter unfolded, Elon continued to capitalize on Hampton's defensive lapses, with Jack Berkowitz adding three more points to the board through a 39-yard field goal. The offensive onslaught continued just before halftime, as Downing connected with Johncarlos Miller II for a 53-yard touchdown, concluding the first half with Elon leading 44-7.

Despite Hampton's efforts to mount a comeback in the third quarter, Chris Zellous's 2-yard rushing touchdown brought the score to 44-14. However, Elon remained in control, ensuring a substantial lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Elon sealed their dominant performance with Wayne Dixie III's 27-yard touchdown run, capping a 51-14 victory. The play was part of a seven-play, 89-yard drive that showcased Elon's offensive versatility.

Elon finishes the season with a 6-5 overall record and 6-2 in the CAA.

HICKORY – In a historic performance, quarterback Sean White led the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears to a resounding victory over the Shepherd Rams in the opening round of the NCAA Playoffs. White’s stellar performance saw him amass 398 passing yards, breaking a 104-year program record and surpassing the previous mark set by Brian Bryson in 1987. White’s impressive stat line included 25 completions on 31 attempts, five passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns.

The Bears dominated the game, securing a decisive 63-17 victory over Shepherd at Moretz Stadium in Hickory. With this win, Lenoir-Rhyne advanced to an 11-1 overall record, while Shepherd concluded their season at 9-3.

Key moments from the matchup included White’s flawless opening drive, where he went 10-for-10 for 65 yards, setting the tone for the game. The Bears displayed offensive prowess, recording six passing touchdowns – a feat achieved for the second consecutive game and a historic first in the program’s history.

The game statistics tell the tale of Lenoir-Rhyne’s dominance. White’s 405 total yards of offense broke an NCAA era program record, and the team registered a remarkable 617 total yards, with 461 yards coming through the air. The Bears showcased balance on offense, limiting the Rams to just 94 rushing yards on 32 attempts.

Individual performances highlighted Dwayne McGee’s 96 rushing yards on 16 carries, while Songa Yates continued his impressive form with six receptions for 141 yards, contributing to his back-to-back 100-yard games and five touchdowns over the past two weeks. Defensively, Jon Ross Maye recorded seven tackles and an interception, while Andre Jefferson contributed four tackles and two sacks.

Beyond the box score, the Bears set several records, including 461 passing yards, an 80 percent completion rate, and 8.9 yards per play – the second-highest in the NCAA Era. Jake Brown tied a record with nine made extra points, and Lenoir-Rhyne’s 617 total yards ranked as the sixth most in a single game in the NCAA Era.

Lenoir-Rhyne’s head coach, Mike Jacobs, secured his first win against Shepherd in three attempts and notched his fifth career playoff victory. Looking ahead, the Bears will face Super Region 2’s top seed, Benedict, next Saturday in Columbia, S.C., with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. As they continue their playoff journey, Lenoir-Rhyne aims to build on the momentum of their record-breaking performance and extend their success in the postseason.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – East Carolina’s football woes continued as they dropped to a 2-9 overall record and 2-4 in Annapolis, suffering a 10-0 defeat at the hands of Navy. The loss concluded the ECU’s road schedule for the season, with the Pirates finishing 1-5 away from home.

In a challenging offensive outing, ECU failed to score for the first time since October 4, 1997, when they suffered a 56-0 loss to Syracuse, ending a remarkable streak of 322 consecutive games with points on the board. The Pirates managed only 189 yards of total offense, including a season-low 34 rushing yards, highlighting the struggles on that side of the ball.

Despite the offensive difficulties, East Carolina’s defense showcased its resilience by holding Navy to 10 points. This marked the fourth time this season that the Pirates limited an opponent to 13 points or less. 

In individual player performances, quarterback Alex Flinn faced immense pressure from Navy’s defense but completed a career-high 24 of 38 pass attempts for 155 yards. However, he failed to secure any touchdowns and threw two interceptions. Flinn also led the team in rushing with 31 yards on 12 carries.

Chase Sowell emerged as a bright spot for the receiving corps, totaling 62 yards on 11 catches. On the defensive side, Teylor Jackson recorded his first career forced fumble, while Jason Shuford achieved his first career fumble recovery. BJ Davis stood out with a team-high 10 tackles, reaching double figures for the second consecutive week.

Looking ahead to their final game of the 2023 season, East Carolina is set to face Tulsa in an American Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday, November 25. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be streamed live via ESPN+.

As the Pirates prepare to conclude their season, Coach Mike Houston remains focused on ending on a positive note against Tulsa, stating, “We have a chance to finish things off on a positive note with a win at home next week against a very talented Tulsa team."

HARRISONBURG, VA – In a stunning upset, Appalachian State secured a hard-fought 26-23 overtime victory against the previously unbeaten and 18th-ranked James Madison University. The sold-out crowd at Bridgeforth Stadium witnessed a nail-biting showdown that unfolded as a slugfest of a conference showdown.

The game’s defining moment came in overtime when App State’s quarterback, Joey Aguilar, connected with Kaedin Robinson for an 8-yard touchdown pass. Robinson’s remarkable effort, breaking tackles and reaching the end zone, secured the Mountaineers’ triumph. The celebration ensued, but a tense review confirmed Robinson’s touchdown, avoiding a potential touchback and sealing the victory for App State.

To stay in contention for a Sun Belt Championship Game berth, the Mountaineers (7-4, 5-2) must defeat Georgia Southern in their next game and rely on James Madison (10-1) to bounce back with a win against Coastal Carolina.

App State showcased resilience, withstanding a late rally from the Dukes, who erased a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game. James Madison’s late-game heroics included a successful two-point pass to force overtime.

The Mountaineers’ defense played a crucial role, with Nate Johnson and Michael Fletcher each recording two sacks. Thomas Davis’ forced fumble and Ethan Johnson’s interception in the second quarter contributed to App State’s halftime lead of 10-5.

The second half featured defensive prowess from both teams, with red-zone field goals and strategic plays. App State’s Kevin Abrams-Verwayne added a key sack, and the Mountaineers’ defense forced turnovers to close out the first half.

App State’s offense, led by Aguilar, showcased its prowess with a 13-play, 80-yard touchdown drive, extending their lead to 17-5. James Madison responded with a 15-play, 76-yard touchdown drive, bringing the score to 17-12. App State’s subsequent 11-play, 70-yard march, highlighted by Aguilar’s crucial pass to Eli Wilson, ended with a field goal, securing an 8-point advantage.

This victory marked a significant turnaround for App State, breaking a streak of five straight overtime losses and nine out of their last ten.

The Mountaineers’ head coach, Shawn Clark, improved to 3-2 in his last five games against ranked opponents. As the Mountaineers look ahead to their next challenge, fans eagerly await the culmination of an unpredictable and thrilling football season.

GREENSBORO – The Campbell Camels and North Carolina A&T Aggies finished their first season in the Coastal Athletic Association with a matchup in Greensboro on Saturday afternoon. The Camels jumped out to a 28-0 lead before holding on to defeat the Aggies, 28-14. With the win, the Camels finish .500 in conference play in their first season in the CAA while the Aggies finished winless in the CAA.

How it Happened

The game kicked off with the Campbell Camels taking an early lead in the first quarter. Jalen Kelsey made a 10-yard touchdown pass from Hajj-Malik Williams, followed by a successful PAT kick by Williams. Shortly after, Tai Goode scored another touchdown for the Camels, catching a 9-yard pass from Williams, with another successful PAT kick by Williams.

In the second quarter, the Camels extended their lead with Hajj-Malik Williams catching a 24-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Fitez, followed by a successful PAT kick by Caleb Dowden. Lamagea McDowell also rushed for a 1-yard touchdown, with another successful PAT kick by Dowden. However, the Aggies fought back with Eli Brickhandler rushing for a 1-yard touchdown, followed by a successful PAT kick by Owen Daffer. In the fourth quarter, Wesley Graves scored a 3-yard touchdown pass from Alston Hooker, with another successful PAT kick by Daffer, making the final score 28-14 in favor of the Campbell Camels.

On the Ground

The Campbell Camels' rushing attack was led by Lamagea McDowell who rushed for 70 yards on 14 carries, scoring one touchdown. NaQuari Rogers also contributed significantly with 64 yards on 13 carries. The team had a total of 187 rushing yards. On the other side, the Aggies' rushing game was spearheaded by Shimique Blizzard who rushed for 79 yards on 15 carries. Eli Brickhandler and Wesley Graves also made notable contributions with 27 and 26 yards respectively. The Aggies ended the game with a total of 142 rushing yards.

Through the Air

In the passing game, Hajj-Malik Williams of the Campbell Camels completed 15 out of 20 passes for a total of 188 yards, throwing two touchdowns. Brandon Fitez also completed a pass for 24 yards and a touchdown. Jalen Kelsey was the standout receiver for the Campbell Camels with 39 yards and a touchdown from 4 receptions. VJ Wilkins also had a good game with 71 yards from 3 receptions. For the Aggies, Alston Hooker completed 11 out of 15 passes for a total of 159 yards, throwing one touchdown. Eli Brickhandler also contributed with 16 yards from 5 completed passes. Amonte Jones led the receiving game with 49 yards from 4 receptions. Ger-Cari Caldwell and Damond Harmon also made significant contributions with 52 and 31 yards respectively.

Defensive Standouts

The Campbell Camels' defense was led by CJ Tillman, who had 10 total tackles, including 5 solo and 5 assisted. He also had 0.5 sacks for a loss of 4 yards. Monchovia Gaffney and Trevon Booker also made significant contributions with 6 total tackles each. The team had a total of 3 sacks for a loss of 20 yards and 1 forced fumble. On the other side, the North Carolina A&T Aggies' defense mirrored the Camels' stats. CJ Tillman led the Aggies' defense with 10 total tackles, including 5 solo and 5 assisted, and 0.5 sacks for a loss of 4 yards. Monchovia Gaffney and Trevon Booker each contributed 6 total tackles. The Aggies' defense also had 3 sacks for a loss of 20 yards and 1 forced fumble. Both teams showcased their defensive strengths in the game, contributing to the intense competition on the field.

In a highly anticipated college football matchup, the Appalachian State Mountaineers, riding a triumphant three-game winning streak, are set to face the undefeated James Madison Dukes. This clash is not just another game; it's a chance for App State to make a statement on the grand stage of ESPN's College GameDay, featuring the Mountaineers for the second consecutive season. After last year’s broadcast, Boone erupted as the Mountaineers defeated Troy on a last-minute Hail Mary, but the euphoria was short-lived as JMU handed App State a 32-28 defeat the following week. Memories of that loss linger as the Mountaineers aim to rewrite history on the turf of Bridgeforth Stadium. The Mountaineers have historically been a thorn in the side of AP Top 25 teams with seven of the Mountaineers’ last eight games against ranked teams ending in one-score games. App State is 2-2 in their last four games against the AP Top 25

Quarterback Joey Aguilar, thrust into the spotlight after replacing the injured Ryan Burger, has been a revelation. With 26 touchdown passes in 10 games, Aguilar ranks among the best in the Sun Belt and the Group of Five. His ability to lead the offense will be crucial against a formidable JMU defense. Running back Nate Noel, despite battling an injury, achieved a milestone by surpassing 3,000 career rushing yards. His explosive plays, exemplified by a 61-yard touchdown run against Georgia State, make him a key offensive weapon for the Mountaineers. Defensively, App State has shown resilience, limiting opponents in recent victories over Marshall and Georgia State. The Mountaineers aim to build on this momentum, ensuring that their 2023 losses, all decided in the closing seconds, become a thing of the past.

Campbell vs. North Carolina A&T: As the 2023 college football season reaches its conclusion, the Campbell Fighting Camels (4-6, 3-4 CAA) gear up for their final showdown against North Carolina A&T (1-9, 0-7 CAA) at Truist Stadium in Greensboro, N.C., with kickoff slated for 1:00 p.m. As Campbell concludes its inaugural CAA season, the team finds itself on the brink of making history. With a chance to secure a fourth victory in conference play, the Fighting Camels aim to join the ranks of Old Dominion, the only other program to achieve this feat in their first CAA season back in 2011. The team's current 3-4 record in the conference is a testament to their competitive spirit. Quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams, a standout performer, enters the final game of his Fighting Camel career as the program's all-time leader in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and completions. Williams, completing 71% of his passes, has orchestrated the offense with 243.4 passing yards per game and 17 touchdowns. His connection with a diverse group of 17 receivers has been a key feature of the Campbell offensive arsenal. North Carolina A&T, also in its inaugural CAA season, enters the finale on a six-game losing streak. Despite a challenging season, the Aggies showcase talent in running back Kenji Christian, who leads the team with 709 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and linebacker BJ Turner, who boasts 85 tackles, including 12 for loss.

NC State vs Virginia Tech: The upcoming clash between the NC State Wolfpack and the Virginia Tech Hokies, marking the 52nd meeting in a historic rivalry dating back 123 years, is steeped in tradition and significance. With only seven matchups since Virginia Tech joined the ACC in 2004, the Wolfpack aims to build on their recent victory. Notable connections, including current Wolfpack assistant coaches Brian Mitchell and Charley Wiles with extensive tenures at Virginia Tech, add intrigue. Quarterback Brennan Armstrong, familiar with the Hokies from his time at Virginia, brings a dynamic element to the contest. Defensive strength, highlighted by Virginia Tech's Sacksburg reputation and NC State's resilience, sets the stage for an intense battle. As both teams vie for supremacy in the ACC, this matchup promises gridiron excitement and the continuation of a college football saga.