From The Shadows| The Rise Of Nash Savage (CFB25) New Thread

**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 10:33 AM

Ball State Year-by-Year Results

2025 - Nash Savage
Record: 12-2
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
Camellia Bowl Win

2025 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Qian Magwood - Doak Walker
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
DD Snyder - Jim Thrope

2026 - Nash Savage
Record: 14-1
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
Fiesta Bowl Win

2026 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Heisman, Davey O'Brien, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Tawfiq Byard - Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thrope
Kenneth Merrieweather - Chuck Bednarik
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff

2027 - Nash Savage
Record: 17-0
Conference: 9-0
Mid-American Conference Championship
1st Round CFP Win
Peach Bowl Win
Cotton Bowl Win
National Championship Win

2027 Awards
Kadin Semonza - Heisman, Davey O'Brien, Johnny Unitas, Maxwell, Walter Camp
Kenneth Merrieweather - Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik
Nyck Harbor - Fred Biletnikoff
Devin Teague - Jim Thrope

2028 - Kliff Kingsbury
Record: 11-3
Conference: 8-1
Mid-American Conference Championship

2028 Awards
Philip Onwualu - Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp, Fred Biletnikoff

2029 - Mike Bloomgreen
Record: 13-1
Conference: 9-0
Mid American Conference Champioinship

2029 Awards
Mike Bloomgreen - Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year
Cortez Duval - Doak Walker
Marvin Mooney - John Mackey

2030 - Mark Stoops
Record - 11-2
Conference: 7-1

2030 Awards
Spencer McElmurry - John Mackey
Frank Snyder - Best Returner

2031 - Mark Stoops
Record - 12-2
Conference - 7-1
Big 12 Championship

2031 Awards
Robby Van Maanen - Fred Biletnikoff
Spencer McElmurry - John Mackey

2032 - Mark Stoops
Record - 14-2
Conference: 7-1
Big 12 Championship
Fiesta Bowl
Peach Bowl

2032 Awards
Daryl Pope - Doak, Heisman, Maxwell, Walter
Morgan Ervin - Rimington

2033 - Kadin Semonza
Record: 16-0
Conference: 8-0
Big 12 Championship
Sugar Bowl
Cotton Bowl
National Championship

2033 Awards
Spencer McElmurry - John Mackey
Melvin Casher - Lombardi

2034 - Kadin Semonza
Record: 15-1
Conference: 8-0
Big 12 Championship
Cotton Bowl
Peach Bowl
National Championship

2034 Awards
Dominick Blonko - Fred Biletnikoff

2035 - Kadin Semonza
Record: 15-1
Conference: 8-0
Big Ten Championship
Orange Bowl
Rose Bowl
National Championship

2035 Awards
Franklin Walters - John Mackey

**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 10:34 AM

NCAA Yearly History & Awards

2025

Spoiler

2026

Spoiler

2027

Spoiler

2028

Spoiler

2029

Spoiler

2030

Spoiler

2031

Spoiler

2032

Spoiler

2033

Spoiler

2034

Spoiler

2035

Spoiler

**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 10:35 AM

Records Set By Savage Coached Players

Single Game
Kadin Semonza (2025) - Ball State Passing Yards - 529
Kadin Semonza (2025) - Ball State Passing TDs - 7
Immanuel Hendrix (2032) - ACC/Syracuse Passing TDs - 8
Dalton Wear (2032) - Syracuse Receiving Yards - 285

Single Season
Nyck Harbor (2026) - MAC/Ball State Single Season Receiving Yardage - 2,566
Nyck Harbor (2026)- MAC/Ball State Single Season Receiving Touchdowns - 39
Kadin Semonza (2026) -MAC/Ball State Single Season Passing Touchdowns - 65
Kadin Semonza (2026)- MAC/Ball State Single Season Passing Yards - 5,344
Philip Onwualu (2026) - Ball State Single Season Receptions - 112
Kenneth Merrieweather (2026) - Ball State Single Season Sacks - 14
Jason Veasy (2030) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Sacks - 29
Spencer Vernon (2029) - Syracuse Single Season Receptions - 107
Lee Browner (2031) - ACC/Syracuse Single Season Rushing Yards - 2,356
Lee Browner (2031) - ACC/Syracuse Single Season Rushing Touchdowns - 31
Immanuel Hendrix (2032) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Passing Touchdowns - 73
Immanuel Hendrix (2032) - ACC/Syracuse Single Season Passing Yards - 5,473
Dalton Wear (2032) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Receiving Yards - 2,937
Dalton Wear (2032) - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Single Season Receiving Touchdowns - 41
Daniel Velasco (2033) - Georgia Single Season Rushing Yards - 1,937
Daniel Velasco (2033) - Georgia Single Season Rushing Touchdowns - 21
Melvin Miles (2033)- Georgia Single Season Receiving Yards - 1,293
Melvin Miles (2033) - Georgia Single Season Receiving Touchdowns - 19

Career
Nyck Harbor - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Career Receiving Touchdowns - 96
Nyck Harbor - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Career Receiving Yards - 6,187
Kadin Semonza - NCAA/MAC/Ball State Career Passing Touchdowns - 183
Kenneth Merrieweather - Ball State Career Sacks - 28
Jason Veasy - NCAA/ACC/Syracuse Career Sacks - 99
JC Hoag - ACC/Syracuse Career Rushing Yards - 6,026
JC Hoag - Syracuse Career Rushing Touchdowns - 61
Dalton Wear - ACC/Syracuse Career Receiving Touchdowns - 88
Dalton Wear - ACC/Syracuse Career Receiving Yards - 6,490
Dalton Wear - ACC/Syracuse Career Receptions - 293
Immanuel Hendrix - ACC/Syracuse Career Passing Yards - 15,292
Immanuel Hendrix - ACC/Syracuse Career Passing Touchdowns - 172

**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 10:40 AM

Alright, going to be the guinea pig for the new site / in between site. Finishing up my BG3 honor mode run (Have Gortash and the brain left....wish me luck lol) and wanted to have this ready to go again.

We're picking up right where we left off, which was a embarrassing 2034 SEC Conference Championship beatdown by the Oklahoma Sooners on the Georgia Bulldogs. Still working on how I'll update games so I won't be re-doing that recap. But it was 63-24....not the best showing by the Dawgs.

End of season awards and CFP announcements will be coming and then the playoffs will get underway. Not sure if we'll combine the threads once the site is in its final form, or if I'll just keep updating this one going forward. We'll play it by ear.

**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 10:42 AM

Oklahoma's Tim Fotu Cleans Up Award Season

New York, NY. - Following a jaw-dropping 403-yard, 5-touchdown performance in Oklahoma’s blowout win over Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, senior quarterback Tim Fotu has been crowned the Heisman Trophy winner for 2034.

Fotu’s dominance on the big stage helped him edge out Ball State’s prolific quarterback Juan Franco, whose own heroic 7-touchdown effort wasn’t quite enough to overcome the Sooners' star. Over the course of the season, Fotu threw just four interceptions, a stark contrast to Franco’s 18, cementing his status as the most efficient and clutch performer in the nation.

The Heisman wasn’t Fotu’s only hardware of the night. He also claimed the Maxwell Award (Player of the Year), the Walter Camp Award, the Davey O’Brien Award (Top QB), and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, completing a clean sweep of the major quarterback honors.

Fotu’s historic campaign was elevated by his elite receiving corps, as wide receivers Stefon Muama and Quincy Zakelj finished third and fourth, respectively, in the Heisman voting—an unprecedented achievement for a single team.

The accolades didn’t stop there for the Sooners:

Linebacker Jamaal Countess earned the Chuck Bednarik Award and Linebacker of the Year, highlighted by his 1.5-sack performance in the SEC title game.
Running back Tim Maze added to Oklahoma’s trophy case by winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back.

Several standout performers from around the country also earned national recognition:

Georgia’s true freshman safety Cory Lane captured the Jim Thorpe Award after a breakout season in the Bulldogs' secondary.
Defensive end Ronnie Momah took home the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, recognizing him as the nation’s best defensive player.
Tight end Lonnie Banks claimed the John Mackey Award, cementing his place as the country’s top tight end.

For Ball State, there was both celebration and disappointment. While Juan Franco fell just short in the Heisman, Maxwell, and Walter Camp races—finishing runner-up in all three—his top target, Dominick Blonko, earned the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best wide receiver.

It was a remarkable award season, with Oklahoma’s dominance and Ball State’s rise taking center stage—offering a fitting prelude to what promises to be an unforgettable playoff.

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**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 10:58 AM

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The Road To Inglewood

The road to the 2034 National Championship is officially set—and for West Virginia, it ends in heartbreak once again.

Back in 2007, the Mountaineers were on the cusp of glory. Ranked #2 with a 10-0 record, they appeared destined for a BCS National Championship berth. But a shocking 13-9 loss to bitter rival Pittsburgh shattered their hopes.

This year, the story was eerily similar. Behind Heisman contender quarterback George Douzable, West Virginia stormed to another 10-0 start, knocking off long-time nemesis Syracuse, as well as Miami and Pitt. The Mountaineers looked every bit like championship contenders—until it all unraveled.

A stunning 35-21 loss to 3-9 Boston College derailed their momentum and dropped WVU to the 8th seed heading into the ACC Championship. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Mountaineers needed a win to secure an automatic berth.

Instead, Georgia Tech delivered a crushing blow. The Yellow Jackets mounted a dramatic comeback, outscoring West Virginia 21-7 in the second half—including a decisive 14-0 run in the fourth quarter—to win 35-31. The Mountaineers' title dreams were dashed once more.

West Virginia finishes the season ranked 12th in the nation, but it wasn't enough. With automatic bids in play, Colorado State of the Mountain West leapfrogged them to claim the final playoff spot.

The ripple effects were felt beyond Morgantown. Ohio State, which missed the Big Ten Championship Game, also found itself on the outside looking in. Had WVU won, Illinois would have claimed the fifth automatic bid, and the Buckeyes would have comfortably secured the 12th spot. Instead, Illinois vaulted into a top-four seed and earned a first-round bye, paving the way for Colorado State—previously ranked 19th—to crash the playoff party.

The Rams’ Cinderella story may be short-lived, however, as they face the surging Syracuse Orange in the first round. The winner will advance to the Rose Bowl to take on Pac-12 Champion Arizona, who defeated Oregon twice this season to clinch the title.

Elsewhere in the bracket:

Oregon and Georgia will square off in a high-stakes matchup, both looking to rebound from disappointing conference championship game performances. The winner moves on to the Sugar Bowl to face SEC Champion Oklahoma.
Texas travels to Happy Valley to take on Penn State, with the victor earning a spot against Big Ten Champion Illinois in the Orange Bowl.
In a potential David-vs-Goliath clash, Army will try to shock the nation against a powerhouse Alabama team. The winner earns a date with Big 12 Champion Ball State in the Cotton Bowl.

For West Virginia, it's another chapter in a long history of "what ifs." Despite an electric season and elite talent, the Mountaineers will be watching the playoffs from home.

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**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 11:29 AM

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Longhorns Prepared To Swing For The Fences In Head Coaching Search

Austin, TX. - With the Texas Longhorns once again struggling to find their footing in the SEC, the program is making one thing clear: it’s time to climb back to the mountaintop.

“It’s been far too long since the Texas Longhorns last hoisted a National Championship trophy,” said a calm yet resolute Matthew McConaughey, Texas’ Minister of Culture, standing alongside Athletic Director Chris Del Conte following the announcement that Willie Shor had been relieved of his duties as head coach.

“This isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about identity. It’s time we find the man who changes the culture—who walks the walk, talks the talk, and leads this ship to destiny. Alright, alright, alright.”

Shor’s tenure began with promise. The former Ball State offensive coordinator and Kliff Kingsbury protégé posted a 37–9 record, including a trip to the 2031 National Championship, in his first three seasons. But the momentum didn’t last. A 6–6 season followed, and though he steadied the program with 7–6 and 8–4 finishes—returning to the playoff this year—Del Conte had seen enough. The Longhorns needed new energy, a new fire.

That energy, sources say, could come in the form of Nash Savage, the current head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs.

The buzz around Austin is deafening. According to multiple insiders, Texas is prepared to offer Savage the richest coaching contract in college football history, projected to exceed the $13.2 million per year Georgia gave Kirby Smart in 2025.

Enter Pat McAfee, who brought his usual fire when addressing the rumors on his show:

“Before Twitter goes NUCLEAR—I have NOT, I repeat, HAVE NOT talked to Coach Savage since Shor got the axe,” McAfee exclaimed. “BUT... I have had looooong conversations with him over the years, and let me tell ya—Texas has always been circled on his wish list.”

“He was a Longhorn, man! He played WR there, blew out his knee, went back to Alaska and picked up the clipboard. This ain’t a fairytale—this is a long-brewing reunion. Texas just never had the timing right. He leaves Ball State? Boom—Texas opens. Leaves New York? Boom—Texas flames out again. But this time? He’s only two years into a three-year deal at Georgia—his usual setup—and everything I’m hearing says Texas is ready to rip it up, buy it out, and throw down THE BAG OF ALL BAGS.”

As the speculation swirls, Coach Nash Savage remains composed and focused ahead of Georgia’s first-round playoff clash with Oregon

“I’m focused on Oregon,” he said flatly when asked about the Texas rumors. “That’s all.”

Still, the question lingers:

If Georgia makes a deep run, will Savage stay put—or will destiny come calling from his alma mater, asking him to cross SEC lines and lead the Longhorns home?

**redsox907** · 05-05-2025, 07:24 PM

2034 College Football Playoff 1st Round Preview

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Other 1st Round Matchups

#11 Texas (8-4) @ #4 Penn State (10-2)

#19 Colorado State (11-2) @ #3 Syracuse (9-3)

#10 Army (10-2) @ #5 Alabama (9-3)

**redsox907** · 05-06-2025, 03:49 PM

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CRC Announces 2035 Re-Alignment Plans

The Conference Realignment Contingent (CRC) has officially announced the next phase of its realignment plan, effective for the 2035 college football season. Headlining this latest cycle are the Ball State Cardinals and Syracuse Orange, who will both be moving to the Big Ten Conference.

This realignment marks the third installment of the CRC’s five-year review cycle, a strategy first implemented in 2025. The 2030 realignment brought seismic changes to the college football landscape, and the 2035 shift is set to continue that momentum.

“The advantage of reassessing every five years is that it prevents dominant programs from being stuck in conferences that no longer match their competitive level,” said CRC spokesperson Mark Emmert. “Over the past five seasons, Ball State and Syracuse have consistently risen above their competition. Their elevation to the Big Ten is both well-earned and well-timed.”

Former Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney echoed that sentiment. “Back in 2030, Ball State was already a regional fit, but we didn’t want to overwhelm the program. Their performance since then has made it clear—they belong at the top,” said Delaney. “As for Syracuse, even without head coach Nash Savage, the team has delivered two CFP appearances and a National Championship berth. They’re more than capable of thriving in the Big Ten.”

While the moves have been praised, analysts have noted broader strategic implications for the conference.

“Look, the Big Ten hasn’t had a REAL dude in the CFP since Michigan won it all back in 2023,” said ESPN analyst Pat McAfee. “Penn State and Michigan State made the semis, and both got absolutely smoked. This feels like a desperation play to restore some pride. And hey—let’s not forget the CRC kneecapped the Big Ten’s expansion plans a few years ago. This might just be a little ‘our bad’ from the powers that be.”

Beyond Ball State and Syracuse, several other changes are part of the CRC’s 2035 realignment strategy:

Louisville will rejoin the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), filling the spot left by Syracuse.
Vanderbilt will move to Conference USA, as part of an effort to streamline the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
To make room in the Big Ten, Purdue and Indiana will shift to the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
The Tulsa Golden Hurricane will join the Big 12, replacing Ball State.

In addition to the conference changes, the CRC announced that there will be divisional shifts inside the divisions as well, notably in the Big Ten

With the move to the Big Ten, the Ball State Cardinals and Syracuse Orange will join the East Division, alongside Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Michigan State Spartans will shift to the West Division but will continue to play their annual rivalry game against Michigan under protected scheduling rules.

As the 2034 College Football Playoff draws near, both Ball State and Syracuse will be making their final postseason runs as members of their current conferences, aiming to leave a lasting legacy before beginning a new chapter in 2035.

**redsox907** · 05-06-2025, 11:14 PM

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Oregon Holds On Despite 4 2nd Half Turnovers

Oregon QB Dane Albert was nearly perfect in the 1st half going 11/13 for 214 yards and 3 touchdowns and while the QB cooled off in the 2nd half, his Ducks did just enough to hold on for a gritty 35-31 victory in the 1st round of the 2034 College Football Playoff

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Oregon	7	21	7	0	35
Georgia	7	14	7	3	31

Q	Team	Time	Score	ORE	UGA
1st	UGA	5:07	Zach Gaskin, 5 Yd Run	0	7
1st	ORE	0:57	Zach Tribble, 10 Yd Pass From Dane Albert	7	7
2nd	ORE	9:27	Kai Garrison, 17 Yd Pass From Dane Albert	14	7
2nd	ORE	8:41	Kareem Mornokola, 5 Yd Run	21	7
2nd	UGA	4:09	Dexter Gaudet, 1 Yd Run	21	14
2nd	ORE	0:59	Kareem Moronkola, 21 Yd Pass From Dane Albert	28	14
2nd	UGA	0:13	Cole Soto, 2 Yd Pass From DaShawn Salako	28	21
3rd	ORE	9:41	Kai Garrison, 15 Yd Pass From Dane Albert	35	21
3rd	UGA	0:52	Zach Gaskin, 6 Yd Pass From DaShawn Salako	35	28
4th	UGA	10:11	Quincey Toone, 41 Yd FG	35	31

Key Stats

Dane Albert 21/29, 384 Yds, 4 TD, 2 INT	DaShawn Salako 16/28, 229 Yds, 2 TD, 2 INT
Kareem Moronkola 20 Att, 71 Yds, TD	Kalen Hurt 8 Att, 76 Yds
TE Alton Calloway 7 Rec, 179 Yds	WR Cole Soto 5 Rec, 35 Yds, TD
DE AJ Jasmine 5 Tkl, 3 Sacks, 3 TFL, FF	MLB Caleb Keene 8 Tkl, 1/2 Sack, 2 TFL
CB Monte Duarte 7 Tkl, 1/2 Sack, 2 INT	CB Maurice Boling 7 Tkl, INT
MLB Sam Hautau 9 Tkl, TFL, FF, FR	MLB Ronnie Fritz 5 Tkl, Sack, TFL, FF

Athens, GA. - In a thrilling 2034 College Football Playoff first-round showdown at Sanford Stadium, the 9th-ranked Oregon Ducks held off a late surge from the 8th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs to earn a 35–31 victory and punch their ticket to the CFP quarterfinals. Oregon’s explosive first-half offense, led by quarterback Dane Albert, was the difference, as the Ducks built a lead too large for Georgia to overcome despite a valiant effort from the Bulldogs’ defense and quarterback DaShawn Salako.

Georgia opened the game with a physical 14-play drive capped by a five-yard touchdown run from Zach Gaskin, mirroring their methodical start against Oklahoma just two weeks prior. But Oregon wasted no time responding, as Dane Albert found Zach Tribble for a 10-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. From there, Oregon’s offense surged ahead. The Ducks scored on four of their five first-half possessions, including back-to-back touchdown strikes following Georgia turnovers—a Salako interception that led to a 17-yard touchdown to Kai Garrison, and a Salako fumble that set up Kareem Moronkola’s 21-yard touchdown catch.

Trailing 28–14, Georgia clawed back before halftime with a 65-yard bomb from Salako to Dom Short that set up a Cole Soto touchdown, trimming the deficit to 28–21 at the break. Albert was nearly flawless through two quarters, completing 11-of-13 passes for 214 yards and three scores. He continued that rhythm into the third, orchestrating a four-play, 65-yard drive capped by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Garrison that extended the lead to 35–21.

Though Oregon wouldn’t score again, their defense and timely plays from Albert helped preserve the win. Salako led Georgia on another touchdown drive late in the third, and a field goal early in the fourth brought the Bulldogs within four. However, three Oregon turnovers in the second half—including two interceptions and a fumble—went largely unpunished, as the Georgia offense failed to capitalize. A promising drive following an interception was derailed by a holding penalty and a sack, forcing the Bulldogs to settle for a field goal—their final points of the game.

Down four with just over three minutes left, Georgia had a final shot after forcing a turnover, but a critical drop on third down by All-American tight end Lonnie Banks forced a punt. Oregon sealed the game on the ensuing possession when Albert escaped a sack and found tight end Alton Calloway for a 30-yard gain on third-and-five, allowing the Ducks to run out the clock.

“You have to give credit to Georgia, they didn’t quit,” said ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit after the game. “But they just didn’t have the same ‘it factor’ we’ve seen from Nash Savage–coached teams in the past.” With rumors swirling about Savage’s potential departure to Texas, questions loom over Georgia’s future, but the Bulldogs’ toughness was undeniable. Still, it was Oregon’s precision and resilience—embodied by Albert’s poise and four-touchdown performance—that proved decisive in this CFP classic.

1st Round College Football Playoff Results
28 #11 Texas (8-5) @ #4 Penn State (11-2) 31
3 #19 Colorado State (11-3) @ #3 Syracuse (10-3) 34
0 #10 Army (10-3) @ #5 Alabama (10-3) 31

**redsox907** · 05-07-2025, 12:17 AM

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2034 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Preview

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#5 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3) vs #2 Ball State Cardinals (12-1)

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JR(RS) QB Oscar Garcia (90)	278/419 (66%), 3,703 Yds, 36 TD, 7 INT
JR(RS) HB Vau Fujita (92)	163 Att, 980 Yds, 10 TD
JR(RS) WR Amir Momah (90)	64 Rec, 1033 Yds, 10 TD
JR(RS) LB Kevin Hanks (81)	65 Tkl, 0.5 Sack, 2 TFL, INT
SR(RS) DT Cortez Cooke (84)	37 Tkl, 6 Sacks, 10 TFL
SR(RS) DT Eric Cutrera (87)	36 Tkl, 8 Sack, 7 TFL
SR(RS) CB Najee Lamur (83)	62 Tkl, 3 INT

#3 Syracuse Orange (10-3) vs #9 Arizona Wildcats (11-2)

#8 Oregon Ducks (12-2) vs #1 Oklahoma Sooners (12-1)

#4 Penn State Nittany Lions (11-2) vs #7 Illinois Fightin Illini (11-2)

**redsox907** · 05-07-2025, 03:33 PM

Kikaha Plays Hero With Last Minute Go Ahead Touchdown

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
#5 Alabama	0	7	14	14	35
#2 Ball State	7	7	7	21	42

Q	Team	Time	Score	ALA	BS
1st	BS	5:15	Cary Jeffery, 1 Yd Run	0	7
2nd	BS	7:44	Cary Jeffery, 12 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	0	14
2nd	ALA	2:13	Danny Schlueter, 35 Yd Pass From Oscar Garcia	7	14
3rd	ALA	9:56	Amir Momah, 73 Yd Pass From Oscar Garcia	14	14
3rd	BS	4:55	Tory Shough, 13 Yd Pass From Emeka Kikaha	14	21
3rd	ALA	2:11	Eric Spriggs, 50 Yd Pass From Oscar Garcia	21	21
4th	BS	10:12	Dominick Blonko, 13 Yd Pass From Emeka Kikaha	21	28
4th	ALA	7:45	Pat Henderson, 18 Yd Run	28	28
4th	BS	5:14	Emeka Kikaha, 1 Yd Run	28	35
4th	ALA	2:45	Amir Momah, 15 Yd Pass From Oscar Garcia	35	35
4th	BS	0:45	Emeka Kikaha, 4 Yd Run	35	42

Key Stats

Alabama	Ball State
Oscar Garcia 20/28, 321 Yds, 4 TD	Emeka Kikaha 21/27, 276 Yds, 2 TD, INT
Vai Fujita 10 Att, 45 Yds	Brendan Eisen 23 Att, 135 Yds
WR Amir Momah 4 Rec, 123 Yds, 2 TD	WR Etinosa Okuyemi 5 Rec, 120 Yds
LB Kevin Hanks 16 Tkl	LB Fetu Sopoaga 3 Tkl, 0.5 Sack, TFL
DE Matthew Dutton 6 Tkl, Sack, 2 TFL	MLB Tavon Jones 3 Tkl, 0.5 Sack, TFL
CB Elijah Falah 13 Tkl, TFL, INT	LB Bob Buzbee 6 Tkl

LEFT - Emeka Kikaha rushing in the game winning score, his 2nd TD on the evening
RIGHT - Ball State finally getting home when it mattered most as Tavon Jones and Fetu Sopoaga team up for the 4th down sack to ice the game for Ball State

Arlington, TX. - In a high-stakes shootout at the Cotton Bowl, #2 Ball State rallied behind backup quarterback Emeka Kikaha to defeat #5 Alabama 42–35 and punch their ticket to the CFP Semifinals. The Cardinals jumped out to a 14–0 lead behind Heisman runner-up Juan Franco, but the game turned when Franco exited midway through the second quarter with a knee injury.

In stepped Kikaha, the former 5-star recruit, who overcame a red-zone interception before halftime to deliver a stunning second-half performance. Kikaha finished 21-of-27 for 276 yards and two touchdown passes, while also surprising the Alabama defense with two rushing scores. His poise was on full display during the game-winning drive, converting a critical 4th-and-4 to Etinosa Okuyemi before audibling into a QB Blast for a four-yard touchdown with 0:59 left.

Alabama QB Oscar Garcia was exceptional, throwing for 321 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-tying score to Amir Momah with under two minutes to play. But on the Tide’s final possession, facing 4th-and-7 from midfield, Ball State dialed up the blitz. Linebackers Tavon Jones and Fetu Sopoaga got home for the game’s only sack, sealing the upset.

Ball State now advances to the Peach Bowl, where they’ll face Big Ten champion Illinois in the national semifinal.

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
#3 Syracuse (11-3)	7	21	7	7	42
#9 Arizona (11-3)	0	7	14	3	24

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
#8 Oregon (12-3)	0	10	0	6	16
#1 Oklahoma (13-1)	7	14	14	14	49

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
#4 Penn State (11-3)	7	3	15	7	32
#7 Illinois (12-2)	7	14	7	6	34

**redsox907** · 05-07-2025, 07:21 PM

Tarnished Legacy or Fresh Start? First Take Reacts to Nash Savage’s Stunning Exit from Georgia

The college football world was rocked Tuesday morning when Georgia head coach Nash Savage announced his resignation after just two seasons to take over the Texas Longhorns program—his alma mater. The move ends a brief but eventful tenure in Athens and reignites questions about Savage’s legacy, commitment, and ultimate goals.

In his statement, Savage didn’t shy away from the personal reasons behind the decision.

“At the end of the day, my heart just wasn’t at Georgia,” Savage said. “I felt after five seasons in Syracuse that it was time to move on, and I had my sights set on the SEC. But when Georgia came up, I admit—I was blindsided. In retrospect, I should have waited for a more appropriate opportunity instead of jumping at the first one.”

The former Ball State and Syracuse coach leaves Georgia with a 21–7 record across two seasons, including a College Football Playoff appearances in 2033 and 2034. Yet for a man who went 119–6 in his previous eight seasons—winning five national championships—anything short of another title was bound to raise eyebrows.

On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Clark didn’t waste time jumping into the debate over what the move means for Savage’s legacy—and the SEC as a whole.

Stephen A. Smith: “Nash Savage is leaving Georgia a coward, and I don’t use that word lightly. This man walked into the SEC thinking it was going to be just like the MAC and the ACC. The moment he got punched in the mouth—by Florida, by Oklahoma, by Oregon—he packed his bags and ran. This is Bobby Petrino all over again. Lane Kiffin in Knoxville. You don’t get to come into Athens flashing rings and vanish two years later.”

Clark pushed back immediately, arguing that the criticism lacked context.

Ryan Clark: “Let’s be fair. The man went 21–7 in two years—that’s a career year for most SEC coaches. Sure, he didn’t win another title, and yes, he doubled his career losses. But that’s only because his standard is insane. He’s not running—he’s making a choice. His heart wasn’t in Athens, and instead of staying and pretending, he made the move that was best for him.”

Savage’s Bulldogs were bounced in the SEC Championship Game this year in a lopsided 63–24 loss to Oklahoma before falling in the first round of the CFP. The previous year saw a promising playoff run cut short by archrival Florida.

For Smith, those setbacks weren’t just blemishes—they were dealbreakers.

Stephen A. Smith: “When your name is Nash Savage, and you’ve got five rings and a resume like his, you don’t get to play the ‘average is good’ card. He came to win titles. And what did he do? He got outclassed by Florida. Humiliated by Oklahoma. And bounced by Oregon. That’s not just underwhelming—that’s unacceptable.”

Clark, however, believes the move may reignite Savage—and the Longhorns.

Ryan Clark: “Texas is about to get the best version of Nash Savage. Recharged. Locked in. Home. He’s going to re-establish himself and bring Texas back as the premier program in the SEC. I’d love to see Texas vs. Georgia in the SEC title game real soon. That would be fireworks.”

Smith didn’t budge.

Stephen A. Smith: “Even if he wins at Texas, it’ll never be clean. There’ll always be that asterisk. That stain. He quit on Georgia. And no matter how much he wins in Austin, his legacy will always be tarnished.”

With Texas having gone just 21–16 over the past three seasons, the expectations for Savage are enormous. Anything short of an SEC title—soon—may validate his critics. But for now, the Longhorns faithful are celebrating the return of a prodigal son with championship DNA.

Time will tell whether Nash Savage made the right call—or if he’ll forever be remembered for the one he didn’t finish.

**redsox907** · 05-07-2025, 09:32 PM

2034 College Football Playoff Semifinal Preview

#7 Illinois Fighting Illini vs #2 Ball State Cardinals (13-1)
84 OVR | 84 OFF | 84 DEF |||| 92 OVR | 92 OFF | 92 DEF

Illinois Key Players

SO(RS) Terrance Marvin (80)	215/315 (68%), 2,828 Yds, 29 TD, 5 INT
FR(RS) Malik Rubin (87)	245 Att, 1,196 Yds, 11 TD
SR(RS) WR James McKeon (78)	42 Rec, 670 Yds, 13 TD
FR(RS) LB Shon Coats (81)	69 Tkl, 1 Sack, 5 TFL
SR(RS) DE Brian Dell (84)	57 Tkl, 16 Sack, 13 TFL
JR(RS) LB Kordell Hurtado (84)	47 Tkl, 11 Sack, 4 TFL
SR(RS) CB Ben Tull (83)	34 Tkl, 0.5 Sack, 2 INT

#3 Syracuse (11-3) vs #1 Oklahoma (13-1)

2035 Awards
Award	Player	Pos	Team
Bronko Nagurski Trophy	Paul Nielsen	DE	Oregon
Chuck Bednarik Award	Paul Nielsen	DE	Oregon
Davey O'Brien Award	Richard Chavez	QB	Houston
Doak Walker Award	Marquis Pettis	HB	Texas
Fred Biletnikoff Award	Oscar Bunting	WR	West Virginia
Heisman Memorial Trophy	Richard Chavez	QB	Houston
Jim Thorpe Award	Bryce Fiedorowicz	FS	Texas
John Mackey Award	Franklin Walters	TE	Ball State
Linebacker of the Year	Angel Kellum	MLB	Texas
Lombardi Award	Paul Nielsen	DE	Oregon
Lou Groza Award	Dennis Rasmussen	K	Marshall
Maxwell Award	Richard Chavez	QB	Houston
Outland Trophy	Spencer Angel	G	Oregon
Ray Guy Award	Kevin Cutrera	P	Kansas State
Returner of the Year	Marco Alonso	WR	SMU
Rimington Trophy	Connor Dimke	C	Georgia State
Walter Camp Award	Richard Chavez	QB	Houston

From The Shadows| The Rise Of Nash Savage (CFB25) New Thread

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