Takeaways from the 2024 Bowl Season: Army Dominates, BYU Shines, and More
The 2024 bowl season is in full swing, and if you’re a college football fan, this is the time of year you’ve been waiting for. With several games already concluded, our college football experts have been busy analyzing all 36 bowl matchups. They’ve been diving into key storylines, spotlighting players to watch, and providing takeaways and MVPs as the games wrap up. So, buckle up and get ready for some exciting football action!
Takeaways
Let’s start with the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, where Army triumphed over Louisiana Tech with a score of 27-6. After Sun Belt champion Marshall dropped out of the game due to coaching changes and player transfers, Army faced a Louisiana Tech team that had a 5-7 record during the regular season. The mismatch was evident, and Army’s overwhelming victory was no surprise. Army quarterback Bryson Daily was the star of the show, rushing for 127 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries. He broke the single-season FBS record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with 32, trailing only Barry Sanders and Montee Ball in total rushing scores for a season. Hayden Reed also contributed with 114 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping Army set a school record with its 12th win of the season. Daily was named the MVP for his standout performance.
In the Valero Alamo Bowl, BYU defeated Colorado 36-14. BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff dubbed it “the people’s Big 12 championship,” and the Cougars took out their frustrations after a 9-0 start that ended with losses to Kansas and Arizona State. Colorado, led by Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, struggled against BYU’s defense, which held them scoreless until the third quarter. Sanders threw two interceptions, and BYU’s Parker Kingston returned a punt for a 64-yard touchdown. LJ Martin added two rushing touchdowns for the Cougars. BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker was named MVP for his defensive efforts, including eight tackles and an interception.
The Go Bowling Military Bowl saw East Carolina edge out NC State 26-21 in a game that ended in a melee. NC State’s potential game-winning drive ended with an interception, leading to frustrations boiling over. The ACC’s bowl record took a hit, with NC State’s loss contributing to a 1-9 record. East Carolina’s Dontavius Nash was the MVP, securing the game-winning interception.
In the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, Miami (OH) dominated Colorado State 43-17. Miami’s defense was the key, forcing three turnovers and holding Colorado State to just 17 points. Miami’s Kevin Davis was the MVP, scoring on a 97-yard touchdown run and finishing with 148 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The Pop-Tarts Bowl was a thrilling contest, with Iowa State narrowly defeating Miami 42-41. The game was a tale of two halves, with Miami leading at halftime before Iowa State mounted a comeback. Rocco Becht was the MVP, with 270 passing yards and the game-winning touchdown run.
In the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, TCU cruised to a 34-3 victory over Louisiana. TCU’s defense was dominant, holding Louisiana to just 113 yards in the first three quarters. Josh Hoover threw four touchdown passes, but LaMareon James was the defensive MVP with three pass breakups.
The Bad Boy Mowers Pinstripe Bowl saw Nebraska edge out Boston College 20-15. Nebraska’s defense was key, with four fourth-down stops. Rahmir Johnson was the MVP, clinching the win with a crucial fourth-down conversion.
In the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, UConn defeated North Carolina 27-14. UConn’s defense was dominant, allowing just 67 yards through three quarters. Pryce Yates was the defensive MVP with six tackles and a sack.
The SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl featured a thrilling comeback by USC, who defeated Texas A&M 35-31. USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane was the MVP, with three touchdown receptions, including the game-winner with 8 seconds left.
In the DirecTV Holiday Bowl, Syracuse defeated Washington State 52-35. Syracuse’s Kyle McCord was the MVP, passing for 453 yards and five touchdowns.
The AutoZone Liberty Bowl saw Arkansas defeat Texas Tech 39-26. Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green was the MVP, passing for 341 yards and two touchdowns.
In the Birmingham Bowl, Vanderbilt defeated Georgia Tech 35-27. Diego Pavia was the MVP, totaling five touchdowns.
The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl saw Navy edge out Oklahoma 21-20. Blake Horvath was the MVP, with 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
In the GameAbove Sports Bowl, Toledo defeated Pitt 48-46 in six overtimes. Junior Vandeross III was the MVP, with 12 receptions for 194 yards and the game-winning 2-point conversion.
The Rate Bowl saw Kansas State defeat Rutgers 44-41. Dylan Edwards was the MVP, with 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
In the 68 Ventures Bowl, Arkansas State defeated Bowling Green 38-31. Harold Fannin Jr. was recognized for his 17-catch, 213-yard performance.
The Hawai’i Bowl saw South Florida defeat San José State 41-39 in five overtimes. Mac Harris was the MVP, with two tackles for loss and eight total tackles.
In the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, Northern Illinois defeated Fresno State 28-20 in two overtimes. Josh Holst was the MVP, with 182 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Myrtle Beach Bowl saw UTSA defeat Coastal Carolina 44-15. Owen McCown was the MVP, with 254 passing yards and two touchdowns.
In the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, Florida defeated Tulane 33-8. Desmond Watson was the MVP, with multiple viral moments and a crucial first-down conversion.
The StaffDNA Cure Bowl saw Ohio defeat Jacksonville State 30-27. Parker Navarro was the MVP, with four touchdowns in the first half.
In the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Sam Houston defeated Georgia Southern 31-26. Jaylon Jimmerson was the MVP, with two interceptions and nine total tackles.
The Art of Sport LA Bowl saw UNLV defeat Cal 24-13. Marshall Nichols was the MVP, executing a perfect fake-punt pass play.
In the Boca Raton Bowl, James Madison defeated Western Kentucky 27-17. JC Evans was the MVP, with a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown.
The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl saw Memphis defeat West Virginia 42-37. Demeer Blankumsee was the MVP, with 120 receiving yards and a touchdown.
In the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl, South Alabama defeated Western Michigan 30-23. Bishop Davenport was the MVP, with 271 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Cricket Celebration Bowl saw Jackson State defeat South Carolina State 28-7. Joanes Fortilien was the MVP, with two touchdown receptions.
Previews
Looking ahead, the TransPerfect Music City Bowl features Iowa against Missouri. Iowa had a solid season, finishing 8-4, while Missouri aims for a 10-win season. Key players to watch include Iowa’s Kamari Moulton and Missouri’s Theo Wease Jr.
In the ReliaQuest Bowl, Alabama faces Michigan. Alabama’s Ryan Williams and Michigan’s Dominic Zvada are players to keep an eye on.
The Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl features Louisville against Washington. Louisville’s Ja’Corey Brooks and Washington’s Carson Bruener are key players to watch.
In the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, South Carolina takes on Illinois. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Illinois’ Luke Altmyer are players to watch.
The Kinder’s Texas Bowl features Baylor against LSU. Baylor’s Bryson Washington and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier are key players to watch.
In the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, Duke faces Ole Miss. Duke’s Brian Parker and Ole Miss’ Suntarine Perkins are players to keep an eye on.
The SERVPRO First Responders Bowl features North Texas against Texas State. North Texas’ Damon Ward Jr. and Texas State’s Jordan McCloud are key players to watch.
In the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, Minnesota takes on Virginia Tech. Minnesota’s Ethan Robinson and Virginia Tech’s quarterback are players to watch.
The Bahamas Bowl pres. by Atlantis Resorts features Buffalo against Liberty. Buffalo’s Shaun Dolac and Liberty’s Quinton Cooley are key players to watch.
Originally Written by: ESPN
