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

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The Road to Houston

The fallout from Texas’ upset loss in the SEC Championship Game reverberated through Sunday’s final College Football Playoff rankings, triggering a last-minute reshuffling that saw UTSA surge into the coveted No. 4 seed — and Mountain West champion BYU left on the outside looking in.

After capturing the Conference USA title, the UTSA Roadrunners were widely expected to benefit most from the Longhorns’ loss, and that projection held true as they claimed the final first-round bye. However, the day’s most controversial development came in the form of BYU’s exclusion from the playoff bracket entirely, despite winning the Mountain West Championship and entering the weekend ranked No. 12.

“The fact that not only did we win our conference, but were already ranked in the Top 12 going into Championship Weekend — it makes our omission a slap in the face,” said a frustrated BYU head coach Kliff Kingsbury following the announcement.

Adding to the controversy was the inclusion of Central Michigan, who moved up a spot in the final rankings despite falling to Marshall in the MAC Championship Game. Meanwhile, the Thundering Herd, by virtue of their win, secured the fifth and final automatic qualifying spot.

“Nothing against Central Michigan — they had a phenomenal regular season,” said ESPN’s Pat McAfee during Sunday’s College GameDay broadcast. “But how do you justify bumping them up after a loss, while an 11-win BYU team gets punished for winning their conference? It’s a terrible look for the committee.”

The College Football Playoff Selection Committee has yet to issue a public explanation, though BYU’s athletic department has announced plans to file a formal complaint.

Despite the controversy, the 2035 College Football Playoff field is officially set. The top four seeds with first-round byes are:

1. Tulane (Big 12 Champion)
2. Oregon (Pac-12 Champion)
3. Ball State (Big Ten Champion)
4. UTSA (Conference USA Champion)

The first-round matchups are as follows:

• #12 Central Michigan at #5 Oklahoma – The Chippewas will look to justify their selection against the Sooners, who fell just short in the SEC Southwest race. The winner moves on to face UTSA in the Peach Bowl.
• #9 USC at #8 Houston – After a blowout loss in the Pac-12 title game, USC heads to Houston to face the 10-2 Cougars. The winner advances to face No. 1 seed Tulane in the Fiesta Bowl.
• #11 Marshall at #6 Texas – The MAC champs take on a reeling Texas team looking to regroup. The winner earns a date with Ball State in the Orange Bowl, where the Cardinals aim to defend their back-to-back national titles.
• #10 Florida State at #7 Nebraska – The Seminoles travel to Lincoln for a showdown with the Cornhuskers, with the winner advancing to meet Oregon in the Cotton Bowl.

The postseason is now set — but the debate over who belongs will rage on long after kickoff.

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Houston's Richard Chavez Claims 2035 Heisman In An Upset

New York, NY. - Just over a month ago, the idea of anyone but Juan Franco taking home the Heisman Trophy would’ve been laughed out of the room. The Ball State star quarterback was putting up historic numbers, torching defenses through the first nine weeks of the season with 2,392 passing yards, 27 touchdowns to just nine interceptions, and another 13 rushing scores on 399 yards.

But Franco’s final stretch told a very different story.

Over his last six games, Franco continued to find the end zone—adding 21 more passing touchdowns and 10 on the ground—but his turnover issues exploded. He threw 17 interceptions and lost 4 fumbles, while also taking 26 of his national-high 46 sacks during that stretch. When the dust settled, Franco led the country in passing yards, passing touchdowns, interceptions, rushing touchdowns, and fumbles—a mix of brilliance and recklessness that made his Heisman case more complicated than expected.

The tipping point may have come during Ball State’s shocking 48-29 loss at Syracuse, where Franco accounted for six turnovers in a meltdown performance. Even in the Big Ten Championship, where Franco tallied five touchdown passes and two rushing scores, his first-half included three straight turnovers that nearly unraveled the Cardinals’ lead.

Meanwhile, Houston’s Richard Chavez stayed steady and surgical. The Cougars’ signal caller led his team to a 10-2 record, finishing the year with 47 touchdown passes and just six interceptions—only one of which came in the final six games. Chavez’s poise, consistency, and efficiency ultimately won over Heisman voters.

“I think the numbers for Juan just pop off the page,” said ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit ahead of the ceremony. “But they tell two different stories. He was electric, no doubt—but also erratic. Chavez, on the other hand, gave Houston elite production without the mistakes, and that made a huge difference.”

When his name was called in New York, Chavez was visibly stunned.

“I didn’t prepare a speech—I truly thought this night belonged to Juan Franco,” Chavez admitted during his acceptance. “But I never doubted the impact I had on the field. This is for my teammates, my coaches, and the fans. The job’s not done yet—we’re chasing a national title. With the Championship being in Houston this year, I can't help but think this is our time."

Chavez didn’t just walk away with the Heisman; he completed a clean sweep of the quarterback honors, also taking home the Maxwell, Walter Camp, Davey O’Brien, and Johnny Unitas awards.

Franco, despite his statistical dominance, left New York empty-handed—except for one bright spot on the Ball State roster. Junior tight end Franklin Walters was named the 2035 John Mackey Award winner, honoring the nation’s top tight end.

Texas had a strong presence in the awards circuit as well. Star running back Marquis Pettis, who finished third in the Heisman voting, claimed the Doak Walker Award. Safety Bryce Fiedorowicz earned the Jim Thorpe Award for best defensive back, and linebacker Angel Kellum was named the nation’s top linebacker.

The 2035 season may have started with Juan Franco as the face of college football, but it ends with Richard Chavez wearing the crown—and the hardware to prove it.

Richard Chavez Heisman Stats Stats - 2035
Passing	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	LONG	TD	INT	RAT
Richard Chavez	259/387 (66%)	3,474	9.0	289.5	82	47	6	179.3
Rushing	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM
Richard Chavez	126	890	7.0	31	11	4	74.1	0

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

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2035 College Football Playoff 1st Round Preview

Matchup Preview | December 22, 2035
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#11 Marshall Thundering Herd (11-2, 81/82/81 Away)		#6 Texas Longhorns (11-2, 92/94/91 Home)
Injury Report DT Matt Bouye (82) Ruptured Disk (4 Weeks) Game Notes Marshall Thundering Herd 2035 Results @ TCU (8-4) W 37-31 Kansas (4-8) W 39-17 @ Northern Illinois (8-4) L 37-16 Western Michigan (3-9) W 23-6 FCS W 34-20 Washington State (8-4) L 45-16 @ Toledo (4-8) W 24-22 @ Miami (OH) (7-5) W 17-14 Ohio (9-3) W 27-7 @ Bowling Green (5-7) W 38-17 Kent State (7-5) W 38-30 Akron (7-5) W 27-20 CCG - Central Michigan (10-3) W 31-28

Marshall Thundering Herd Stats - 2035
Passing	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	LONG	TD	INT	RAT
SR(RS) Khari Biggs (90)	233/367 (63%)	3,094	8.4	238.0	82	32	5	160.3
Rushing	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM
FR(RS) Rodney Poe (82)	174	738	4.2	48	8	4	56.9	1
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	DROPS	YDS/G	YAC
SR Paul Cooke (81)	67	990	14.8	6	32	7	76.2	263
Blocking					PCAKE		SACK
JR(RS) G Kevin Ziemann (85)					-		2
SO(RS) G Nathan Burns (86)					-		0
SR(RS) T Carlos Gash (82)					-		8
SR(RS) T Leonard Upshaw (83)					-		8
JR(RS) C Lee Ogunjobi (78)					-		2
	Tackles			Sacks		Interceptions
Defense	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	TLOSS	PD	INT	TD
FR(RS) CB Avery Gideon (79)	57	16	73	0.5	3	4	1	0
SR(RS) DT Matt Bouye (82)	29	9	37	6.5	8	1	0	0
SO(RS) DT Braxton Krumholz (78)	24	10	34	7.5	6	1	0	0
SO(RS) SS Earl Hennessy (81)	50	10	60	0	3	6	3	0

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The Herd Gets Trampled In Austin


Marquis Pettis' dual threat abilities were on full display in the 1st round of the CFP this weekend as the senior RB tallied 174 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout Texas win.

Marshall Thundering Herd at Texas Longhorns
Dec 22, 2035	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#11 Marshall Thundering Herd (11-2)	0	10	8	0	18
#6 Texas Longhorns (11-2)	14	17	3	14	48

Team Stats Comparison
	MRSH	TEX
Total Offense	305	463
Rushing Yards	17 - (-9)	35 - 211
Passing Yards	314	252
First Downs	13	20
Punt Return Yards	0	51
Kick Return Yards	101	18
Total Yards	406	532
Turnovers	3	1
3rd Down Conversion	4/11	8/13
4th Down Conversion	0/0	1/1
2-Point Conversion	1/1	0/0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	0/1	2/2
Penalties	1 - 5	1 - 5
Possession Time	18:38	25:22

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		MRSH	TEX
6:59	(TEX) Marquis Pettis, 17 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	0	7
2:30	(TEX) Tyler Biggs, 7 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	0	14
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		MRSH	TEX
10:54	(TEX) George Marciano, 27 Yd FG	0	17
6:08	(TEX) Miguel Jerman, 38 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	0	24
1:53	(MRSH) Dennis Rasmussen, 28 YD FG	3	24
1:35	(TEX) Miguel Jerman, 80 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	3	31
0:18	(MRSH) Josh Abdesmad, Returned Interception 95 Yds	10	31
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		MRSH	TEX
6:09	(TEX) George Marciano, 32 Yd FG	10	34
1:51	(MRSH) Leo Rheem, 44 Yd Pass From Khari Biggs (2PT)	18	34
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		MRSH	TEX
6:07	(TEX) Miguel Jerman, 39 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	18	41
1:14	(TEX) Marquis Pettis, 35 Yd Run	18	48

Marshall Thundering Herd PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Khari Biggs 20/33 314 1 2 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Rodney Poe 8 33 4.1 0 Khari Biggs 6 -47 -7.8 0 Tyrese Metchie 2 1 0.5 0 Avery Dogins 1 4 4.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Paul Cooke 6 92 15.3 0 Malik Boudreaux 3 58 19.3 0 Mohammed Moe 3 32 10.6 0 Leo Rheem 3 65 21.6 1 Rodney Poe 2 35 17.5 0 Mike James 1 9 9.0 0 Mike Montgomery 1 7 7.0 0 Tyrese Metchie 1 16 16.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Leonard Upshaw 7 2 Carlos Gash 4 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD CB Avery Gideon 14 0 (1TFL) 0 0 SS Terrence Hodges 12 0 (1TFL) 0 0 MLB London Flair 11 0 (1TFL) 0 0 CB John Abdesmad 8 0 1 1 LB Cam Tobin 2 1 (1TFL) 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Dennis Rasmussen 1/1 1/1 4 29 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Damien Earl 5 197 39.4 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Alan Roehl 9 101 11.2 0

Texas Longhorns PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Stephen Sharga 15/24 252 5 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Marquis Pettis 22 125 5.6 1 Stephen Sharga 12 83 6.9 0 Lee Vela 1 3 3.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Miguel Jerman 7 183 26.2 3 Marquis Pettis 5 49 9.8 1 John Silverman 2 13 6.5 0 Tyler Biggs 1 7 7.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Greg Augustine 8 0 Manuel Crespo 3 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD CB Vernon Folkerts 7 0 1 (FF) 0 DE Diego Battles 7 1.5 (5TFL) 0 0 MLB Angel Kellum 6 2 (2TFL) 1 0 FS Bryce Fiedorowicz 3 0 0 (FR) 0 LB Miguel Giuliano 1 0.5 (1TFL) 0 0 DT Matt Cherry 1 1 (1TFL) 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG George Marciano 2/2 6/6 12 32 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Connor Scales 2 73 36.5 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Lee Vela 1 18 18.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Lee Vela 5 51 10.2 0

LEFT - CB John Abdesmad with the play off the 1st half for the Herd, nabbing the red zone INT and dashing 95 yards to finally put Marshall on the board.
CENTER - QB Khari Biggs was under duress all afternoon absorbing 6 sacks and tossing two interceptions, both on throws he was hit while attempting, with this wobbler to MLB Angel Kellum ending any hope of a Marshall comeback.
RIGHT - Leo Rheem put CB Vernon Folkerts in the spin cycle for the TD resulting in Marshall pulling within striking distance late in the 3rd Q.

Austin, TX. - The Texas Longhorns roared into the 2035 College Football Playoff with a dominant 48-18 win over the #11 Marshall Thundering Herd in front of a raucous home crowd in Austin. From the opening snap, it was clear that the difference in talent and physicality between the SEC and MAC squads would be on full display.

Texas set the tone early, capitalizing on a quick three-and-out by Marshall to march down the field for a pair of opening-drive touchdowns. Stephen Sharga found Marquis Pettis on a 17-yard swing pass to open the scoring, then followed it up minutes later with a seven-yard strike to tight end Tyler Biggs, giving Texas a 14-0 lead after the first quarter.

Marshall’s offense showed signs of life midway through the second quarter, with back-to-back chunk plays setting up a short field goal to make it 17-3. But Texas wasted no time responding. Sharga hit Miguel Jerman for a 38-yard touchdown, and after a defensive stop, the duo connected again—this time on a screen pass that Jerman took 80 yards to the house, blowing the game open at 31-3. However, a red zone miscue from Sharga momentarily shifted momentum. A would-be touchdown to Jerman turned into a 94-yard interception return by Marshall CB John Abdesmad, one of the few bright spots for the Thundering Herd.

Despite the error, Texas kept its foot on the gas. After settling for a short field goal to start the second half, the Longhorns watched their lead briefly shrink as Marshall QB Khari Biggs found Leo Rheem for a 44-yard touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion. But the comeback hopes were dashed quickly. Sharga and Jerman struck again with another 39-yard touchdown, this time set up by a Vernon Folkerts interception. On the next drive, a pressured Biggs lobbed a wobbly pass that MLB Angel Kellum easily intercepted, giving Texas a short field. Pettis took over from there, pounding the ball inside the red zone and capping the night with a late touchdown to ice the game.

Sharga bounced back from a shaky SEC title game performance in a big way, throwing for 252 yards and five touchdowns while adding 83 more yards on the ground. Pettis continued his stellar final campaign with 174 total yards and two scores. Jerman was unstoppable, finishing with four touchdown receptions and over 160 receiving yards. The Texas defense was equally impressive, racking up five sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.

“Not a lot of people are surprised by this outcome,” said Rece Davis in the booth, pointing to the clear disparity between the conferences. Texas looked every bit like a championship-caliber team, while Marshall was simply overwhelmed.

Next up for Texas is an emotional Orange Bowl clash with #3 Ball State—a game full of storylines. Nash Savage will face off against his former quarterback and offensive coordinator, now Ball State head coach Kadin Semonza. The Cardinals are chasing college football immortality, hoping to become just the third program ever to three-peat. Meanwhile, Savage is eyeing his first national title as an SEC head coach, with the Longhorns surging at the right time.

1st Round CFP Results
28 #9 USC (9-5) vs #8 Houston (11-2) 45
36 12 Central Michigan (11-3) vs #2 Oklahoma (11-2) 31
48 #10 Florida State (10-3) vs #7 Nebraska (10-4) 23

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2035 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Preview

Matchup Preview | January 2, 2036
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#6 Texas Longhorns (12-2, 92/94/91 Away)		#4 Ball State Cardinals (12-1, 94/94/94 Home)

Matchup Preview | January 2, 2036
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#12 Central Michigan Chippewas (11-3, Away)		#5 Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners (12-1, Home)

Matchup Preview | January 2, 2036
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#8 Houston Cougars (11-2, Away)		#1 Tulane Green Wave (12-1, Home)

Matchup Preview | January 2, 2036
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#10 Florida State Seminoles (10-3, Away)		#3 Oregon Ducks (11-2, Home)

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Nash Savage & Kadin Semonza Sit Down With Pat McAfee Ahead Of Orange Bowl Showdown



Pat McAfee:
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to one of the spiciest, most emotional, legacy-heavy matchups in College Football Playoff history! It’s the Orange Bowl, it’s Ball State vs. Texas, and I’m joined by two absolute titans—one’s a legend with the headset, the other’s the reigning king of Muncie. Please welcome Texas head coach Nash Savage and Ball State head coach Kadin Semonza!

Pat McAfee:
Alright fellas, let’s not waste any time. Coach Semonza—you were his quarterback. Then you were his OC. Now you’re across the field trying to knock him out of the playoff. That’s gotta feel wild, right?

Kadin Semonza:
laughs It’s surreal, man. I spent most of my football life under Coach Savage. We built something special—from Ball State to Syracuse. So to be here now, both chasing a title on opposite sidelines? It’s poetic.

Nash Savage:
We’ve been through it all. I still remember a 20-year-old Kadin out there slinging it and telling me my play-calls weren't aggressive enough. Now he’s out here running tempo like it’s a video game.

Pat McAfee:
Hey now! No shade on the Kadin's version of the Nitro, Coach Savage! But seriously—y’all won five national titles together. One as player and coach, four as coaches. Now you’re in each other’s way. That’s gotta stir up something deep.

Nash Savage:
No doubt. This one’s personal—but it’s all love. I mean, “steel sharpens steel,” right? This guy helped make me better every year we worked together. But come kickoff? I want to knock him out of the bracket just like he wants to end my season.

Kadin Semonza:
Exactly. Respect doesn’t mean you hold back. We didn’t build each other up just to take it easy. It’s legacy time now.

Pat McAfee:
Alright. Let’s get real. Kadin—you’re trying to three-peat. Only two programs in history have ever done that: the 1930s Minnesota squad and, yep, Nash’s 2029–2032 Syracuse dynasty—with you on staff. If you do it now, without him, that’s a massive statement.

Kadin Semonza:
That’s the goal, man. It’s not about proving I can do it without him—it’s about finishing what my team started. But yeah, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel a little extra meaningful to try and get that third ring going through Coach Savage.

Pat McAfee:
Coach Savage—Stephen A. Smith’s been barking all year. Said you haven’t won a title without Kadin. That maybe he was the magic behind the curtain. That get to you?

Nash Savage:
laughs, nods Oh, I’ve heard it. Look, I don’t take anything away from Kadin. He’s brilliant. But I’ve won games everywhere I’ve been—Ball State, Syracuse, Georgia, now Texas. I left Georgia earlier than I wanted. Took over a Texas team that needed a kick in the pants. Now we’re back. This isn’t about proving anyone wrong—it’s about winning the damn game.

Pat McAfee:
Let’s zoom out. Ten years ago, you two were drawing up plays in a MAC film room. Now it’s Orange Bowl, CFP, national title on the line. Legacy-wise, what does this moment mean?

Nash Savage:
It’s full circle, man. Whether I win or Kadin wins, I’m proud of what we built. But make no mistake—I want that trophy. I want to prove that Texas football is back. And I want to win it my way.

Kadin Semonza:
Same here. I’ve got kids on my roster who grew up watching me play. That’s humbling. But I’m not done writing my chapter. Three-peat, Ball State going from MAC to Big Ten dominance—it’s all in front of us. But first, we gotta get through each other. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Pat McAfee:
Alright, I’m getting misty-eyed here. This is football, family, fate all rolled into one! But before I let y’all go—final thoughts. And maybe… one jab for old time’s sake?

Kadin Semonza:
laughs Alright, alright. Look, I respect Coach Savage more than anyone. But I hope we put up 60 on him just like the old days when we used to roast other teams together.

Nash Savage:
Bring it on. Just remember who taught you how to diagram a blitz pickup. And don’t come crying when we run for 300 on that “all gas, no brakes” defense of yours.

Pat McAfee:
laughs loudly LET’S GOOOO! Ball State. Texas. Orange Bowl. Mentor vs. mentee. Legacies on the line. This is why we love college football, baby!

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Missed XP Sends Longhorns Packing


In a back and forth contest that saw nearly 1,000 yards of offense, a missed XP was the difference as Ball State walked away with a 35-34 victory in the Orange Bowl.

Texas Longhorns at Ball State Cardinals
Jan 2, 2036	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#6 Texas Longhorns (12-2)	7	14	0	13	34
#4 Ball State Cardinals (12-1)	14	7	7	7	35

Team Stats Comparison
	TEX	BALL
Total Offense	461	498
Rushing Yards	28 - 228	22 - 153
Passing Yards	233	345
First Downs	21	28
Punt Return Yards	0	0
Kick Return Yards	34	68
Total Yards	495	566
Turnovers	0	1
3rd Down Conversion	3/10	4/5
4th Down Conversion	4/5	0/0
2-Point Conversion	0/0	0/0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2/0	5/0
Penalties	3 - 25	5 - 50
Possession Time	22:14	21:46

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		TEX	BALL
9:34	(TEX) Marquis Pettis, 57 Yd Run	7	0
6:48	(BALL) Brendan Eisen, 13 Yd Run	7	7
0:53	(BALL) Franklin Walters, 7 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	7	14
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		TEX	BALL
6:14	(TEX) Marquis Pettis, 8 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	14	14
2:55	(BALL) Tory Shough, 8 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	14	21
0:42	(TEX) Miguel Jerman, 29 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	21	21
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		TEX	BALL
3:57	(BALL) Franklin Walters, 10 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	21	28
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		TEX	BALL
10:34	(BALL) Etinosa Okuyemi, 17 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	21	35
9:16	(TEX) Miguel Jerman, 62 Yd Pass From Stephen Sharga	28	35
3:20	(TEX) Marquis Pettis, 1 Yd Run (Missed XP)	34	35

Texas Longhorns PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Stephen Sharga 15/26 233 3 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Marquis Pettis 19 166 8.7 2 Stephen Sharga 7 51 7.2 0 Lee Vela 2 11 5.5 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Miguel Jerman 5 126 25.2 2 Marquis Pettis 4 33 8.2 1 John Silverman 3 40 13.3 0 Lee Vela 2 24 12.0 0 Andre Mond 1 10 10.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK James Trainer 8 0 Javier Pina 3 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD FS Bryce Fiedorowicz 10 0 (1TFL) 0 (FF) 0 MLB Angel Kellum 8 2 (2TFL) 0 0 DT Matt Cherry 4 0 (1TFL) 0 0 LB Miguel Giuliano 2 0 (1TFL) 0 0 LB Jabari Okpala 0 0 0 (FR) 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG George Marciano 0/1 4/5 4 NA PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Connor Scales 1 39 39.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD John Silverman 1 19 19.0 0 Lee Vela 1 15 15.0 0

Ball State Cardinals PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Juan Franco 25/31 345 4 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Brian Ojabo 10 91 9.1 0 Brendan Eisen 8 73 9.1 1 Juan Franco 4 -11 -2.7 9 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Etinosa Okuyemi 8 142 17.7 1 Miguel Estrella 4 76 19.0 0 Antonio Soto 4 45 11.2 0 Tory Shough 3 26 8.6 1 Franklin Walters 3 22 7.3 2 Brendan Eisen 2 13 6.5 0 Brian Ojabo 1 21 21.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Von Pierre 8 0 Travis Madu 4 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD MLB Devonta Kumah 11 0 0 0 FS Jayden Canaday 9 0 (1TFL) 0 0 LB Aries Hakim 2 0 (1TFL) 0 0 DT Byron Gribbs 2 0 (1TFL) 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Maurice Gooch 0/0 5/5 5 NA PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Stephen Brazill 1 58 58.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Brian Ojabo 6 68 11.3 0

LEFT - Marquis Pettis was lethal, racking up 98 yards in the 1st quarter alone thanks in part to a 57 yard TD run to open the game.
CENTER - Juan Franco took the Heisman snub to heart, shredding the vaunted Longhorns secondary in his 1st game since the trophy ceremony.
RIGHT - Miguel Jerman had a pair of big touchdowns that kept Texas within striking distance.

Miami, FL. - For all the build-up—the legacy implications, the mentor-vs-mentee drama, and the firepower on both sidelines—no one could have predicted how it would end: with a missed extra point and Ball State calmly running out the clock. “Just wow,” exclaimed a stunned Kirk Herbstreit in the booth as #3 Ball State edged #6 Texas 35-34 in the Orange Bowl, advancing to the CFP Semifinals in thrilling fashion.

From the first whistle, this one lived up to the hype. Texas, led by the dynamic backfield duo of QB Stephen Sharga and RB Marquis Pettis, struck first with Pettis breaking loose for a 57-yard touchdown run on the opening drive. But Ball State responded with poise and punch, quickly knotting the game on Brendan Eisen’s 13-yard run before Juan Franco found TE Franklin Walters for a 7-yard score to give the Cardinals a 14-7 lead.

Texas refused to flinch. Sharga orchestrated an 11-play drive that included a clutch 4th down conversion and culminated in an 8-yard TD pass to Pettis to tie the game again. Ball State’s offense, one of the most explosive in the nation, remained a step ahead. Franco dialed up a deep ball to Etinosa Okuyemi and later found Tory Shough on an 8-yard score to regain the lead. But with 90 seconds left in the half, Sharga struck again, connecting with Miguel Jerman on a 29-yard corner route to send the game into halftime tied 21-21.

Controversy struck early in the third quarter when Ball State’s Antonio Soto appeared to drop a swing pass, which Texas recovered. Replays showed Soto’s knee may have been down, but the call stood. “I don’t understand how they stand by that call,” remarked Rece Davis, echoing the disbelief of many fans. Yet Texas squandered the opportunity, and kicker George Marciano’s 32-yard attempt fluttered short—an ominous sign of things to come.

Franco made Texas pay, tossing his third touchdown of the day to Walters on a 10-yard strike. After a Texas three-and-out, Ball State extended the lead to 14 as Franco capped off an 11-play drive with a 17-yard dart to Okuyemi—his fourth TD pass.

But Texas wasn’t done. Sharga found Jerman again, this time for a 62-yard catch-and-run score to bring the Longhorns within a touchdown. The defense, finally making a stand, forced a Ball State punt—the only one of the game—and Sharga went to work again. With 3:23 remaining and facing a 4th-and-goal from the 1, Pettis took a direct snap, made a linebacker miss, and bulldozed into the end zone. The comeback was complete—until it wasn’t.

Marciano, already rattled from his earlier miss, sent the extra point veering into the stands, leaving the Longhorns still trailing 35-34. “The momentum shift was sudden, but you felt it,” said senior MLB Angel Kellum, whose 2 sacks had given Texas a glimmer of hope.

But hope would fade on the next drive. Ball State bled the clock with runs of 14, 11, and 14 yards before facing a 3rd-and-2 near midfield. With the game on the line, Texas sent the house. Franco, calm as ever, hit Shough on a short out route to seal the game and the legacy win.

Franco was surgical, completing 25-of-31 passes for 345 yards and four touchdowns in a masterclass of quarterback play. “He was unflappable,” said McAfee postgame, noting the senior’s response after being snubbed for the Heisman. Texas’ Sharga was nearly as effective, throwing for 233 yards and three scores while rushing for another 51, but his and Pettis’s combined brilliance—199 all-purpose yards and two TDs for the latter—weren’t enough.

Marciano was notably absent from the postgame podium, with head coach Nash Savage taking full responsibility: “That was my call.”

For Ball State, the win may define a generation. Head coach Kadin Semonza, the former Heisman-winning QB under Savage turned offensive architect, now has a CFP win over his mentor, a 43-2 record in three years, and a shot at a three-peat. “It’s humbling,” Semonza said postgame. “We bring out the best in each other—even when we’re on opposite sidelines. Steel sharpens steel.”

While Semonza extended his dynasty, questions now swirl around Savage, who has yet to win a national title without Semonza. “Do we start asking if Semonza was the mastermind all along?” ranted Stephen A. Smith on the postgame show. “Two playoff wins since they split! Meanwhile, Semonza has turned Ball State into a juggernaut!”

Ryan Clark came to Savage’s defense, citing multiple CFP appearances and SEC title game runs. “People did this with Saban, too,” Clark said. “But when you raise the standard, anything short of a trophy feels like failure.”

In the wildest twist of the CFP, Ball State was the only top-four seed to survive the quarterfinals. Central Michigan outlasted UTSA, Houston stunned top-seeded Tulane, and Florida State knocked off Oregon.

Now, the Cardinals turn their attention to the Rose Bowl and a heavyweight semifinal clash with the Seminoles. For Semonza, the mission continues. For Savage, the wait—for a title, for validation—goes on.

CFP Quarterfinal Results
38 12 Central Michigan (12-3) vs #5 UTSA (12-2) 30
24 8 Houston (12-2) vs #1 Tulane (12-2) 23
33 #10 Florida State (11-3) vs #3 Oregon (11-3) 28

[redsox907]

2035 College Football Playoff Semifinals Preview

Matchup Preview | January 12, 2036
	@
#4 Ball State Cardinals (13-1, 94/94/94 Away)		#10 Florida State Seminoles (11-3, 86/85/87 Home)
Game Notes Florida State Seminoles 2035 Results @ Louisiana (9-5) W 21-9 FCS W 48-0 @ Louisville (5-7) L 31-24 Boston College (6-7) L 21-10 Duke (5-7) W 47-14 @ North Carolina (6-6) W 38-10 @ NC State (8-6) L 24-21 South Carolina (7-6) W 34-0 Wake Forest (8-5) W 26-14 @ Georgia Tech (9-4) W 27-21 Clemson (5-7) W 17-10 @ Florida (6-7) W 24-16 CFP 1st Round Nebraska (10-4) W 48-23 Cotton Bowl Oregon (11-3) W 33-28

Florida State Seminoles Stats - 2035
Passing	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	LONG	TD	INT	RAT
SR(RS) Elliott Liaina (82)	117/194 (60%)	1,681	8.7	210.1	76	19	4	161.2
Rushing	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM
JR(RS) Mohammad Igwenagu (88)	128	395	3.1	45	4	1	39.5	1
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	DROPS	YDS/G	YAC
SR(RS) Josh Costanzo (79)	67	976	14.6	13	84	5	69.7	574
Blocking					PCAKE		SACK
SR(RS) C Dave Elston (83)					-		4
SO G Melo Figueroa (80)					-		4
SR(RS) G Khari Rasmussen (83)					-		4
FR(RS) T Baylon Cantrell (81)					-		6
SR(RS) T Henry Coco (82)					-		8
	Tackles			Sacks		Interceptions
Defense	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	TLOSS	PD	INT	TD
JR(RS) MLB Cory DaConti (89)	75	15	90	1.5	6	6	2	0
JR(RS) DE Rakkim Purvis (90)	47	9	56	11.5	13	1	0	0
SR(RS) DT Chad Trimble (84)	42	8	50	10.5	8	2	0	0
JR(RS) FS David Childress (86)	44	23	67	3.5	5	13	3	0

Matchup Preview | January 12, 2036
	@
#12 Central Michigan Chippewas (12-3, Away)		#8 Houston Cougars (12-2, Home)

[redsox907]

Ball State Holds Off Late Comeback By Seminoles, Advance to National Championship


CB Mike Hatchett taking a bow after the 2nd pick six by the Ball State defense ballooned the lead to 35-10

Ball State Cardinals at Florida State Seminoles
Jan 12, 2036	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#4 Ball State Cardinals (13-1)	7	14	14	3	38
#10 Florida State Seminoles (10-3)	7	3	0	21	31

Team Stats Comparison
	BALL	FSU
Total Offense	454	452
Rushing Yards	29 -174	27 - 96
Passing Yards	280	349
First Downs	21	18
Punt Return Yards	16	13
Kick Return Yards	18	88
Total Yards	488	553
Turnovers	2	3
3rd Down Conversion	4/9	6/12
4th Down Conversion	0/0	0/0
2-Point Conversion	0/0	0/0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2/1	1/0
Penalties	5 - 35	5 - 45
Possession Time	19:56	24:04

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		BALL	FSU
1:25	(BALL) Franklin Walters, 30 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	7	0
0:02	(FSU) Josh Costanzo, 82 Yd Pass From Elliott Liania	7	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		BALL	FSU
6:38	(FSU) Silas Dozier, 48 Yd FG	7	10
3:44	(BALL) Devonta Kumah, Returned Interception 48 Yds	14	10
0:44	(BALL) Etinosa Okiyemi, 9 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	21	10
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		BALL	FSU
4:34	(BALL) Cary Jeffery, 1 Yd Run	28	10
3:01	(BALL) Mike Hatchett, Returned Interception 46 Yds	35	10
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		BALL	FSU
6:51	(BALL) Maurice Gooch, 22 Yd FG	38	10
4:10	(FSU) Josh Costanzo, 31 Yd Pass From Elliott Liaina	38	17
2:16	(FSU) Donald Huntley, 2 Yd Run	38	24
0:49	(FSU) Josh Costanzo, 25 Yd Pass From Elliott Liaina	38	31

Ball State Cardinals PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Juan Franco 13/27 280 2 2 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Juan Franco 15 75 5.0 0 Brendan Eisen 11 97 8.8 0 Brian Ojabo 2 1 0.5 0 Cary Jeffery 1 1 1.0 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Etionsa Okuyemi 4 65 16.2 1 Franklin Walters 3 53 17.6 1 Miguel Estrella 1 33 33.0 0 Martin Guardado 1 19 19.0 0 Tory Shough 1 77 77.0 0 Gideon Dahl 1 20 20.0 0 Brian Ojabo 1 5 5.0 0 Brendan Eisen 1 8 8.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Travis Madu 5 1 Taylor Landers 4 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD MLB Devonta Kumah 10 0 1 1 SS Reshard De Beer 8 1 (2TFL) 0 0 CB Mike Hatchett 6 0 1 1 CB Lorenzo Gainwell 5 0 (1TFL) 1 0 DE Jalen Dunham 5 0 (3TFL) 0 0 DE James Tye 1 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Maurice Gooch 1/1 5/5 8 22 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Stephen Brazill 3 143 47.6 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Miguel Estrella 1 15 15.0 0 Ron Mauch 1 3 3.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Brian Ojabo 2 16 8.0 0

Florida State Seminoles PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Elliott Liaina 21/34 349 3 3 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Mohammad Igwenagu 14 47 3.3 0 Elliott Liaina 10 50 5.0 0 Donald Huntley 3 6 2.0 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Josh Costanzo 8 184 23.0 3 Mohammad Igwenagu 4 30 7.5 0 Alex Lehan 4 48 12.0 0 Moses Kane 3 58 19.3 0 Andre Egboh 2 29 14.5 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Lester Meredith 9 0 Dave Elston 2 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD SS Kelvin Fisk 9 0 0 0 MLB Cory DaConti 9 0 (2TFL) 0 0 LB Gabe Harvin 5 1 (4TFL) 0 0 DE DeMario Pappoe 5 1 (3TFL) 0 0 DE Rakkim Purvis 3 0.5 (1TFL) 0 0 DT Chad Trimble 2 1 (2TFL) 0 0 DT Bryce Burns 2 0.5 (1TFL) 0 0 CB John Cheeseman 1 0 2 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Silas Dozier 1/1 4/4 7 49 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Allen Brooks 4 194 48.5 3 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Gideon Gwacham 6 88 14.6 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Alex Lehan 1 13 13.0 0

Pasadena, CA. - Ball State is heading back to the National Championship game—but it wasn’t without a late-game scare. The #4 Cardinals outlasted a furious Florida State comeback to win 38-31 in the Rose Bowl, surviving a wild 21-point 4th quarter from the #10 Seminoles after holding a commanding 38-10 lead early in the final frame.

The first half belonged mostly to Ball State, despite two frustrating interceptions from star quarterback Juan Franco. He opened the scoring with a 30-yard strike to tight end Franklin Walters, but Florida State responded with an 82-yard bomb from Elliott Liaina to Josh Costanzo. From there, the Cardinal defense stiffened, holding FSU to just a field goal while scoring on a 48-yard pick-six by Devonta Kumah and a 9-yard touchdown pass from Franco to Etinosa Okiyemi. Ball State led 21-10 at the half, having racked up nearly 270 yards of offense to FSU’s 163.

In the third quarter, Ball State looked every bit the two-time defending national champion. A 1-yard touchdown plunge by Cary Jeffery and a second pick-six—this time a 46-yard return by Mike Hatchett—pushed the lead to 35-10. A field goal early in the fourth made it 38-10, and it seemed the game was over.

But Elliott Liaina and Josh Costanzo had other ideas.

Liaina threw for 240 yards in the 4th quarter alone, connecting with Costanzo for touchdowns of 31 and 25 yards, with a 2-yard Donald Huntley rushing score sandwiched in between. Florida State recovered back-to-back onside kicks, trimming the deficit to just seven with 49 seconds left. But their third attempt at an onside kick fell short, and Ball State was finally able to breathe, kneeling out the clock.


Despite the win, concerns linger for Ball State. Juan Franco completed under 50% of his passes and threw two interceptions, absorbing five sacks against a relentless FSU front. “After a spectacular game against the Longhorns, Franco looked rough this whole outing,” noted Kirk Herbstreit postgame. “If they play this sloppy in the championship, I don’t see them winning a third straight national title.”


Still, the Cardinals survived and advanced, now one win away from an unprecedented three-peat. Whether they’ll face former MAC rival Central Michigan or high-powered Houston, with the reigning Heisman winner Richard Chavez, remains to be seen—but Ball State has earned their shot at history.

Sugar Bowl Results
20 12 Central Michigan (12-4) vs #8 Houston (13-2) 48

[redsox907]

2035 National Championship Preview

Matchup Preview | January 21, 2036
	@
#4 Ball State Cardinals (14-1, 94/94/94 Away)		#8 Houston Cougars (13-2, 84/84/84 Home)
Injury Report G Marco Jurevicius (88) Torn Tricep (10 Weeks) WR Jayden Bolen (81) Broken Wrist (6 Weeks) Game Notes Houston Cougars 2035 Results Akron (8-5) W 42-17 Northern Illinois (8-5) L 16-13 FCS W 48-7 @ Nebraska (10-4) W 35-21 @ Ohio (10-3) W 52-28 Missouri (7-6) W 27-8 Baylor (4-8) W 45-7 @ Oklahoma State (5-7) W 40-21 Tulane (12-2) L 35-23 @ Texas Tech (5-7) W 49-24 TCU (9-4) W 31-24 @ SMU (5-7) W 45-17 CFP 1st Round USC (9-5) W 45-28 Fiesta Bowl Tulane (12-2) W 24-23 Sugar Bowl Central Michigan (12-4) W 48-20

Houston Cougars Stats - 2035
Passing	C/ATT	YDS	AVG	YDS/G	LONG	TD	INT	RAT
SR(RS) Richard Chavez	315/472 (66%)	4,199	8.9	279.9	82	56	6	178.0
Rushing	ATT	YDS	AVG	LONG	20+	TD	YDS/G	FUM
SR(RS) David Iwuchukwu (89)	218	1,296	5.9	65	20	5	86.4	0
Receiving	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	DROPS	YDS/G	YAC
JR Thad McGahee (78)	88	1,266	14.4	20	82	6	84.4	637
Blocking					PCAKE		SACK
SR(RS) C Keke Ebukam (80)					-		3
FR(RS) G Nick Canonico (82)					-		3
SO(RS) G Nico Urrutia (86)					-		2
SR(RS) T Juan Cruz (84)					-		9
SR(RS) T Gordon Jones (85)					-		6
	Tackles			Sacks		Interceptions
Defense	SOLO	AST	TOT	SACK	TLOSS	PD	INT	TD
JR(RS) MLB DeMarco Keenoy (87)	47	19	66	1.5	3	8	2	0
FR(RS) DE Gordon Stork (81)	26	5	31	6.5	9	0	0	0
SR(RS) LB George Spector (90)	41	8	49	11.0	4	2	0	0
JR(RS) CB Bradley Veal (86)	46	5	51	0	0	9	5	0

[redsox907]

#ChirpChirp


Ball State joined the history books as they became the 3rd franchise to secure a three-peat in the modern college football era after their 42-10 demolition of the Houston Cougars.

Ball State Cardinals at Houston Cougars
Jan 22, 2036	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#4 Ball State Cardinals (14-1)	7	14	14	7	42
#8 Houston Cougars (13-2)	0	3	7	0	10

Team Stats Comparison
	BALL	HOU
Total Offense	460	494
Rushing Yards	31 - 144	20 - 244
Passing Yards	316	250
First Downs	26	18
Punt Return Yards	0	0
Kick Return Yards	44	87
Total Yards	504	581
Turnovers	3	7
3rd Down Conversion	4/9	2/7
4th Down Conversion	2/2	0/0
2-Point Conversion	0/0	0/0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	4/0	0/0
Penalties	3 - 25	1 - 5
Possession Time	25:00	19:00

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		BALL	HOU
6:26	(BALL) Brian Ojabo, 1 Yd Run	7	0
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		BALL	HOU
8:15	(BALL) Brendan Eisen, 1 Yd Run	14	0
0:55	(BALL) Etinosa Okuyemi, 16 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	21	0
0:00	(HOU) Angel Dunning, 50 Yd FG	21	3
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		BALL	HOU
10:44	(HOU) David Iwuchukwu, 87 Yd Run	21	10
4:15	(BALL) Etinosa Okuyemi, 54 Yd Pass From Juan Franco	28	10
2:15	(BALL) Alani Mafi, Returned Interception 53 Yds	35	10
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		BALL	HOU
1:20	(BALL) Brendan Eisen, 1 Yd Run	42	10

Ball State Cardinals PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Juan Franco 17/29 316 2 3 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Brendan Eisen 16 82 5.1 2 Juan Franco 8 39 4.8 0 Brian Ojabo 7 23 3.2 1 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Etionsa Okuyemia 6 190 31.6 2 Franklin Walters 3 34 11.3 0 Miguel Estrella 2 24 12.0 0 JP Binn 2 41 20.5 0 Brendan Eisen 1 0 0.0 0 Tory Shough 1 6 6.0 0 Gideon Dahl 1 9 9.0 0 Brian Ojabo 1 12 12.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Travis Madu 6 1 Franklin Walters 2 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD MLB Devonta Kumah 9 0 (2TFL) 0 0 CB Alani Mafi 7 0 (1TFL) 2 1 CB Lorenzo Gainwell 5 0 2 0 MLB Tavon Jones 5 0 (1TFL) 1 0 DE Alton Roque 3 1 (3TFL) 0 0 LB Antoine Sanders 2 0 1 0 DE Jalen Dunham 2 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Maurice Gooch 0/0 6/6 6 NA PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Stephen Brazill 2 82 41.0 1 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Brian Ojabo 3 44 14.6 0

Houston Cougars PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Richard Chavez 16/29 250 0 6 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD David Iwuchukwu 13 207 15.9 1 Richard Chavez 3 16 5.3 0 Deon Ashe 2 7 3.5 0 Thad McGahee 2 14 7.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Sean Whipple 5 113 22.6 0 Thad McGahee 3 35 11.6 0 Taylor Swoope 3 20 6.6 0 Zach Kerr 2 40 20.0 0 Luis Mingo 1 9 9.0 0 Deon Ashe 1 9 9.0 0 David Iwuchukwu 1 24 24.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Nick Canonico 9 0 Gordon Jones 6 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD MLB DeMarco Keenoy 12 0 (1TFL) 1 0 FS Jabari Mama 10 0 0 0 CB Bradley Veal 6 0 2 0 DE Paul Harris 4 1 (1TFL) 0 0 LB Diego Queiro 3 1 (1TFL) 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Angel Durning 1/2 1/1 4 50 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Jayson Leake 1 41 41.0 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Tim Mix 7 87 12.4 0

LEFT - Etinosa Okuyemi was the hero offensively for Ball State, pulling in big plays to keep the Ball State offense rolling in the 2nd half.
CENTER - HB David Iwuchukwu had an explosive 1st half with 127 yards and opened up the floor gates, or so you would think, to kickoff the 2nd with an 87 yard touchdown run. However, the Cougars shied away from the running game as Iwuchukwu would only finish with 13 carries, albeit for 207 yards.
RIGHT - Alani Mafi and the Ball State defense made sure there wouldn't be another near collapse after last week against FSU, nabbing 3 interceptions in the final frame and 6 total as they kept the Heisman winning Richard Chavez in check all evening.

Houston, TX. - Maybe it was the weight of the hometown lights. Maybe it was the pressure of chasing glory while trying to slay a dynasty. Or maybe, on this particular Sunday night in Houston, Richard Chavez just folded. On college football’s biggest stage, the reigning Heisman winner unraveled spectacularly, tossing six interceptions—three of them in the fourth quarter alone—and losing a fumble in a stunning 42-10 blowout loss to the now three-time defending national champions, Ball State.

The Cardinals jumped out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back, suffocating Houston’s high-powered offense while forcing turnover after turnover. Juan Franco, Ball State’s own Heisman runner-up, wasn’t at his best—he threw three picks of his own—but delivered when it mattered with two touchdown passes and 316 yards on 17-of-29 passing. His favorite target, Etionsa Okuyemi, was electric, hauling in six catches for 190 yards and two scores, including a diving fourth-quarter grab to keep the final touchdown drive alive.

Houston’s lone bright spot was HB David Iwuchukwu, who piled up 107 rushing yards in the first half and exploded for an 87-yard score to open the third quarter. But inexplicably, the Cougars abandoned the run game down the stretch, putting the game—and ultimately, their season—in the shaky hands of Chavez. The results were disastrous.

The Ball State defense, maligned earlier in the year for giving up big plays, rose to the moment with its most complete performance of the season. With the win, the Cardinals became just the third program to ever three-peat, joining Alabama under Nick Saban and Minnesota under Bernie Bierman. And incredibly, HC Kadin Semonza has done it in just his first three seasons at the helm.

After toppling his mentor Nash Savage in the CFP quarterfinals, Semonza now owns a 46-2 record and three national titles. Asked postgame if he’s on pace to become one of the greatest to ever do it, ESPN’s Ryan Clark didn’t hold back:

“Listen—what Kadin Semonza is doing is special. It’s rare. You walk into a program with the pressure of winning now, and you go win everything three years straight? That’s legendary stuff. But we ain’t handing out gold jackets yet. Nick Saban coached for almost three decades. Bear Bryant, even longer. If Kadin wants to sit at the table with the giants, he’s gotta stay hungry. Right now? He’s at the front of the line. But he’s still gotta eat.”

Semonza himself kept it grounded, though not without a touch of swagger: “I know I had a head start—this was a national title-caliber roster when I took over. But not everyone could’ve done what I’ve done with it. I don’t ask for flowers often… but yeah. I think I deserve ’em this time.”

And after three straight titles? He’s absolutely right.

But while it may be Ball State’s time now—while Kadin Semonza stands atop the mountain, planting his flag as the face of a new era in college football—his former mentor Nash Savage and the Texas Longhorns aren’t riding off quietly into the night.

The dynasty in Muncie may reign supreme for now, but the fire in Austin still burns. Savage, a five-time national champion in his own right, came up short this postseason—but with a loaded roster returning and unfinished business fueling the offseason, don’t expect the Longhorns to stay quiet for long.

The sport might belong to Ball State today, but a reckoning is coming. Because as Savage himself once said: “Iron sharpens Iron.”

And those blades are bound to clash again.

[Deuce2223]

Are you still playing all the Ball State games and I think I missed it but did you sim watch the Texas/Ball State matchup or did you play as Texas?

[redsox907]

Still playing the Ball State games. Offense only while Coach Savage's team is alive, then both sides when its just Ball State left. And I played the game as Texas. I think that's my 1st missed XP ever in 20+ seasons on CFB25 smh

[LopaKa]

brutal loss on the missed XP. At least you lost to the champs lol