The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

[redsox907]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

I don't know what it is but lately I've been seeing a ton of CPU gen players with "Legend" as the 1st name lol

Nice job sticking it to the Canes. No one cares about THE U anymore smh

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

I don't know what it is but lately I've been seeing a ton of CPU gen players with "Legend" as the 1st name lol

Nice job sticking it to the Canes. No one cares about THE U anymore smh

I wish that was the case, but there are about 20-25 4* Recruits every year who seem to love the idea of "The U" I know this because typically 10 of them are guy's I am trying to get to "The I"

Not going to lie, the 1st Quarter, they had me nervous. Their D line was doing a great job of shredding the blocks and their LB's are fast and were keeping Logan and Tompkins from getting to the edge, but it felt good to finally get them..

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK PREVIEW

ACC

#1 (11-1) FIU vs #23 (8-4) ECU

These 2 teams have had quite the rivalry over the past 5 years.. Nobody has forgot the 2027 season when ECU beat FIU in the regular season, then FIU got it's revenge in the CUSA Championship game before the 2 squads rematched in the 1st Round of the College Football Playoffs with FIU winning on their way to their 1st National Championship.

ECU is led by All-American SR QB Zach Adcock (92 Overall) who threw for 3055 yds with 32 TD and 2 INT. ECU has a trio of solid WR's but Adcock's #1 targer is SR Marquis Potts (80 Ovr) who had 63 rec for 1037 yds and 7 TD. But watch out for FR WR Ahmad Dora (74) who led the team with 9 TD's well catching 40 rec for 678 yds.

On Defense, ECU is led by SR OLB Cole Gathers (11 sacks) and SO CB Taylor Bello (4 INT's).

CUSA

#7 (10-2) Kentucky vs #12 (11-1) Marshall

The Wildcats have enjoyed their move from the SEC as they make it 2 straight trips to the CUSA Championship game. Marshall however has just 1 loss on the season (24-19) to the Wildcats back in Week 4 and they would love to get revenge and earn a seat at the Playoff table.

*Projects show Kentucky still making the playoffs if Marshall wins. If Marshall wins however they are projected to secure a Top-4 seed as they highest rated team from the non-Power 4.

PAC-16

#18 (11-1) vs (7-5) Louisiana

The Broncos lost their very firs game in Week 1 to Eastern Michigan but have since won 11 straight. These 2 teams didn't meet during the regular season, but neither of these 2 teams are strangers to playing in big games. Boise State currently despite their record being ranked #18 has a very slim chance at making the playoffs this year, as the NCAA has not given the new Pac-16 Power 4/5 status.

AMERCIAN

#8 (11-1) Boston College vs #17 (9-3) Southern Miss.

These 2 teams did not meet during the regular season either... For Southern Miss it's a must win and even with a win the Golden Eagles likely don't make the playoffs. For B.C. it's simple. A "W" would likely earn them a Top-4 seed over Marshall with a higher finish, but if Kentucky and BC both win, the polls will decide who gets the spot

BIG 12

#2 (11-1) K-State vs #21 (9-3) Rice

Rice's Week 14 win over #22 Texas Tech (25-24) propelled them in the the Championship game.. Question is do they have it in them to pull off a upset 2 weeks in a row. For K-State they are looking to pull a "Panther". The Winners of the 2028 National Championship would love a chance to make it 2 out of 3 and securing the #2 seed would be a nice start in their quest.

BIG TEN

#14 (8-4) Penn State vs #5 (10-2) Notre Dame

It was a rough year for the Nittany Lions who went just (6-4) in Big Ten play but it was good enough to earn them a spot in the Championship game vs the Irish. For PSU the mission is clear. Win and they are in the playoffs. A loss and they are out.. For Notre Dame. They are hoping for a potential Top-4 seed and to do that they must win the conference and finish higher then Kentucky/Marshall/BC in the process.

SEC

For the first time in 5 years, Georgia is not playing in the SEC title game, as the Bulldogs finish the season (6-6) Overall and just (4-6) in SEC play.

Instead if will be #3 (10-2) Ole Miss vs #4 (10-2) Alabama.

The Rebels are looking for their first SEC title since 1963 the year after they won their last National Title in 1962.

For Alabama their last SEC title game in 2023, a win here and it would make #31.

SUN BELT

(9-3) Kennesaw State vs (7-5) UL Monroe

On paper this game doesn't look like it represents much, but when you factor in the ACC is still looking for a 16th team. Winning a Sun Belt title and getting a 10th win would be a nice resume builder for the the Owls.

MOUNTAIN WEST

#15 (10-2) San Jose State vs (8-4) Wyoming.

The Wyoming Cowboys went (8-1) this year in Mountain West play after coming very close to beating Alabama on the road (34-31) in Week 1 . The Cowboys only loss was a Week 6 (48-42) loss to the Spartans..

Can the Cowboys get their revenge on a neutral site, or will the Spartans keep their very slim playoff hopes alive.

[xboxxerx]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

This season would be kind of scary if Hawkins didn't have that running game behind him. Would love to see Logan reach 7500 before seasons end. Run those tires raw. Let his NFL coach about him. [emoji23]

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

This season would be kind of scary if Hawkins didn't have that running game behind him. Would love to see Logan reach 7500 before seasons end. Run those tires raw. Let his NFL coach about him. [emoji23]

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

For sure. At times Hawkins shows off a arm that can make all the plays you want from a QB, and he is actually pretty mobile, I just don't run with my QB. But there are also times (alot of times) where he completely over throws and under throws the receiver as well. It will be interesting to see what the Offense looks like next season. We have so much depth at WR but I just don't know who the key playmakers are. NewKirk has 99 speed and would love to get him the ball deep, but everytime I try it's a INT or I get luck and they just knock it down. He isn't happy with the playcalling and is a threat to transfer.

I am actually shocked that my #3 RB Shawn Boyce is actually threatening to transfer as well unhappy with the play style. You would think he would be excited about the opportunity to step into the shoes of of the All-time NCAA rusher.

At this point, I am starting to think 8000 yds could be very do able for Logan if we make it all the way back to the Natty..

[xboxxerx]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

I have an Improvisor in a TCU dynasty I am running. I like being able to roll out of the pocket, but like Hawkins. He tends to overthrow or under throw my WR's.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

PANTHERS ADD ANOTHER ACC TITLE TO THE TROPHY CASE!!!

East Carolina Pirates at Florida International Golden Panthers
Jan 1,	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#23 East Carolina Pirates ((8-4))	7	17	7	0	31
#1 Florida International Golden Panthers ((11-1))	7	21	7	14	49

Team Stats Comparison
	ECU	FIU
Total Offense	463	533
Rushing Yards	73	192
Passing Yards	382	341
First Downs	17	27
Punt Return Yards	39	3
Kick Return Yards	28	103
Total Yards	530	639
Turnovers	2
3rd Down Conversion	4/10	4/10
4th Down Conversion	0/1	2/2
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	1-0-25%	4-0-66%
Penalties	2-24	3-30
Possession Time	19:32	20:28

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		ECU	FIU
8:59	(FIU) T. Logan 30 yd pass from D. Hawkins (PAT)	0	7
2:28	(ECU) J. Marshall 3 yd pass from Z. Adcock (PAT)	7	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		ECU	FIU
5:59	(ECU) M. Potts 84 yd pass from Z. Adcock (PAT)	14	7
4:51	(FIU) T. Cisco 32 yd pass from D. Hawkins (PAT)	14	14
4:07	(ECU) M. Potts 85 yd pass from Z. Adcock (PAT)	21	14
1:55	(FIU) K. Newkirk 17 yd pass from D. Hawkins (PAT)	21	21
0:51	(ECU) D. Muamba 47 yd FG	24	21
0:09	(FIU) T. Logan 6 yd run (PAT)	24	28
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		ECU	FIU
3:29	(ECU) A. Dora 32 yd pass from Z. Adcock (PAT)	31	28
0:00	(FIU) K. Strong 23 yd run (PAT)	31	35
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		ECU	FIU
6:12	(FIU) T. Logan 16 yd run (PAT)	31	42
3:20	(FIU) T. Logan 1 yd run (PAT)	31	49

GAME RECAP

FIU won it's 2nd straight ACC title giving Coach Miller now 5 Conference Titles in 6 seasons (3 CUSA and 2 ACC) to go along with his 2 National Championships as the FIU trophy case is filling up.

This game featured some timely flags by the ref's and a huge fake FG that turned into the game changer for FIU as the Panthers dominate the 4th Quarter for the victory.

FIU opened up the game with a quick 3 play drive as True Freshman Derek Hawkins goes 3/3 including a 30 yd pass to Logan out of the backfield for the 1st score of the game (7-0).

ECU's Zach Adcock facing a huge 3rd and 12 throws up a prayer that is picked off by SS Oscar Beal who returns the INT 60 yds for a "Pick 6" but the INT is called back as the Zebra's throw a flag and call roughing the passer on the DE John Dinapoli.

Adcock would take advantage of the new opportunity leading 9 play drive ending in a 3yd pass to John Marshall to tie the game (7-7).

ECU opened up a very busy 2nd Quarter that featured a combined 38 points, as Adcock throws the first of 2 (80+) yd bombs to SR WR Marquis Potts. Potts and Adcock hook up for a 84 yd bomb buring CB Ryan Dickerson to make it (14-7). FIU ties the game as SR Tyler Cisco catches a 18 yd curl route and then turns and goes another 16 yds for the score to make it (14-14) but Potts and Adcock use the exact same play and go 85 yds after the kick return to make it (21-14) all in less then 2 minutes.

Facing a 3rd and 10, it was FIU's turn to get some help from the Zebra's as they call Defensive PI giving Derek Hawkins a fresh set of downs, and Hawkins delivers a 17 yd bullet to Kris Newkirk to tie the game up (21-21) with under 2 minutes to play in the half.

The Panther D would hold the Pirates to a 47 yd FG to make it (24-21) getting the ball back with 47 seconds on the clock. Hawkins finds FR WR Carlos Badet on 32 yd strike before connecting with Tyler Cisco on a 48 yd bomb that he takes down to the 6 yd line before getting pushed out of bounds.

FIU still armed with 2 timeouts runs Logan up the middle and the "Wolverine delivers what would be the 1st of 3rd rushing TD's on the day as he gives the Panthers the (28-24) lead at the half.

ECU opened up the 2nd half and Adcock would try and hit Potts for a 3rd time but this time Ryan Dickerson comes up with a huge play knocking the ball lose well picking up the recovery.. The Panthers however are forced to punt as the Pirates Defense stops Titus Tompkins in the backfield for no gain on back to back carries.

Still trailing by 4, ECU drives down field but again turns the ball over as OLB George Moeung comes up with a force fumble and recovery but again the Panthers fail to turn the turnover into points as the punt.

ECU now with a 3rd chance to retake the lead do just that as Adcock finds his Freshman playmaker Ahmad Dora on a 32 yd scoring strike to make it (31-28) with 3:29 to play in the 3rd.


FIU got the ball into FG range just before the end of the 3rd Quarter and facing it 4th and 1, Coach Miller sent out the FG unit,, but the play was a fake as MAC takes the snap and pitches the ball to FB Kwabena Strong who goes 23 yds to the house for the touchdown giving FIU the (35-31) lead going into the 4th.

The trick play turns out to be the difference maker as ECU never recovers. ECU is forced to punt on their opening series of the 4th leading to a Logan's 2nd rushing score of the day (16 yds) as FIU extends the lead to (42-31) and then ECU is forced to punt 4th time leading to another Logan score as FIU makes it (49-31) with 3:20 to play in the game.

Adcock who had been near perfect all day would take to huge sacks by Dinapoli with under 2 minutes to play setting up a 4th and 16 as the Pirates turn the ball over on downs. Ball Game over....


KEY PLAYERS

QB D. Hawkins-17/28 (60%) 341 yds 3 TD
RB T. .Logan-19 carries 122 yds 3 TD, 2 rec 40 yds 1 TD
RB T. Tompkins-10 carries 22 yds, 1 rec 4 yds
FB K. Strong-4 carries 44 yds 1 TD
WR T Cisco-9 rec 182 yds 1 TD
WR S. Trapasso-2 rec 31 yds
WR C. Badet-2 rec 59 yds
WR K. Newkirk-1 rec 17 yds 1 TD
Defense-6 Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles/Recovery

QB Z. Adcock-20/25 (80%) 382 yds 4 TD
RB E. Ijalana-12 carries 66 yds, 3 rec 20 yds 1 TD
WR M. Potts-6 rec 257 yds 2 TD
WR J. Marshall-6 rec 44 yds 1 TD
WR A. Dora-3 rec 46 yds 1 TD

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

YOUR 2030 COLLEGE FOOTBALL FINAL-12

With their ACC Championship win, #1 (12-1) FIU will claim the #1 spot as they look to defend their 2029 Natty as the Top-seed.

Alabama's (48-14) win over Ole Miss in the SEC title game propels the Tide to #2 in the final rankings as they secure the #2 seed.

Notre Dame's (38-3) win over Penn State in the Big Ten Championship, lands the Irish as #3 setting up what could be a rematch with the Panthers in the Championship should both teams make it that far.

Marshall pulled off the miracle beating Kentucky (31-10) to win the CUSA title and with it the Thunder Herd jump 7 spots in the final rankings landing at #5 as they secure the Final Top-4 seed at #4.

Washington despite not playing in the Big Ten title game moves up to #4 in the final rankings and with it secures the #5 seed in the playoffs.

Former #2 K-State fell to Rice (36-21) in the Big 12 title game and with the loss drops to #6 in the rankings and is given the #6 seed.

Boston College defeated Southern Miss (24-14) to win the American but jumps just 1 spot to #7 in rankings as they secure the #7 seed.

Former #3 Ole Miss lands at #8 after the loss to Alabama and with it secures the #8 seed.

Oregon like Washington didn't play in Championship week, but instead get's a week to rest up as they secure the #9 seed and will take on Ole Miss on the road. for a chance at FIU.

Kentucky despite the loss to Marshall still makes the playoffs as they drop just 3 spots to #10, securing the #10 seed.

The Final 2 spots came down to 2 more teams who didn't play in Championship Week.

Virginia Tech went into the week ranked #10 despite a (9-3) record and the Hokies drop just 1 spot in the final rankings as they secure the #11 seed in the playoffs giving the ACC 2 teams on opposite sides of the bracket.

(10-2) Buffalo went into the Week ranked #11 and dropped 1 spot to #12 but was able to still secure the Final spot in the playoffs

The big losers this year because #15 San Jose State who defeated Wyoming (24-17) to win the Mountain West but moved up just 1 spot to #14 in the final rankings as they miss the playoffs despite a (11-2) record over (4) teams with 3 loss's.

Another big blow was #18 Boise State who finished their season with a Pac-16 win over Louisiana (28-23) yet the Broncos didn't move a single spot in the rankings, so now at (12-1) they are headed to Bowl week.

Here is full look at the Round 1 Pairings and 2nd Round Matchups.

#12 (10-2) Buffalo vs #5 (9-3) Washington winner faces #4 (12-1) Marshall

#9 (10-2) Oregon vs #8 (10-3) Ole Miss winner faces #1 (12-1) FIU

#11 (9-3) Virginia Tech vs #6 (11-2) K-State winner faces #3 (11-2) Notre Dame

#10 (10-3) Kentucky vs #7 (12-1) Boston College winner faces #2 (11-2) Alabama

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

LOGAN REPEATS AS TRIPLE WINNER

With 278 carries for 2364 yds and 30 TD's on the ground and another 178 yds and 4 scores via the air.. Tavon Logan has secured back to back National Player of the Year Honors as well as a 2nd straight Heisman Award and a 3rd straight Doak Walker Award win..


Logan wasn't the only Triple winner this year on the FIU roster though..

RS JR DE Cortez Darby quietly put together an amazing season on Defense leading the nation in Sacks with a new FIU single season record of 14.5. Well posting 42 Tackles and another 13 TFL.

Darby was named the National Defensive Player of the Year, well also winning the Lombardi Trophy and was named "Best DE" of the Year as well.

SR SS Oscar Beal had a hat trick of 3 INT's in the Opening Week 1 win over FSU and continued to be a major player in the Panthers run to #1 as he is named "Best Defensive Back" of 2030.

JR OLB George Moeung won the "Best LB" Award. Moeung led the Panthers in tackles with 69, well also posting 3 INT's and had 2 Forced Fumbles and recoveries.


**Teammates JR DE John Dinapoli finished 2nd in the voting for all 3 awards Darby won and SR RB Titus Tompkins finished 2nd for the Doak Walker Award and FS TJ Everett, CB Joey Cordero and CB Garrison Falah finished 2nd-4th for the "Best DB" award.

Marshall's Eric Skowronek edged out Matt Miller for Coach of the Year.

Notre Dame's SR QB Daniel Linnenkohl won the QB of the Year and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm beating out Marshall's Jarrad Trinidat, K-State's Bill Carney and ECU's Zach Adcock.

JR QB Even Shead (Alabama) finished 4th in the Best QB and 4th in the Heisman.. He should be a favorite to win next year if he doesn't turn Pro.

Louisiana's SR WR David Clay won "Best WR" well SR Spencer Stewart (Alabama) won the Best TE

Boston College DC James Huffman won the Broyles Award.

FIU's OC Chuck Dobbins was #3 and DC Jose Phenix was #5.

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

PANTHERS LAND 8 VERBALS PRE-PLAYOFFS

The FIU Panthers got some great news this week in the Recruiting world as FIU lands 7 verbal commitments during the Opening Week of the Playoffs. FIU now has secured 15 players for the 2030 Class with the expectations to sign another 5-10 after the playoffs are over.

Coach Miller landed (6) 4* Recruits, led by 4* DT Tyler Moehrig who many scouting services had listed as a 5*. (Rated #35 Overall/#1 MO/#5 DT). Moehrig Missouri's Gatorade POY is listed at 6'1 325lbs and will be a great interior lineman for the Panthers who can play both the run and the pass.


With rumors of current Panther Shawn Boyce unhappy with current PT and potential future with the team, Coach Miller landed 4* RB Marvin Ware this week. Ware listed at 5'11 193lbs from Lake Mnneola FL was listed as the (#169 Overall/#19 FL/#28 RB) in this year's class.

Despite already adding a pair of 4* WR earlier in the season and signing 7 WR's in last year's Class, it looks like Coach Miller is going all in as he looks to find his next Brian Cheek/Enrique Cortez combo as FIU will look to replace SR Tyler Cisco as well.

Miller tripled up this week landing another trio of pass catchers.

4* Athlete Jacques Singleton (#204 Overall/#7 SC/#30 ATH) is listed at 6'2 196lbs who can play both sides of the ball

4* Reggie Abel (#331 Overall/#7 TN/#50 WR) is another big body WR listed at 6'5 218lbs from Nashville TN.

4* Emari Allotey (#400 Overall/#49 FL/#60 WR) is listed at 5'11 197lbs from Starke FL

Well Coach Miller struck out trying to land Hawaii's Gatorade POY for a 3rd straight year he did manage to land the Big Island's 2nd rated recruit, landing 4* RG Finau Manuwai (#202 Overall/#2 HI/#13 RG). Listed at 6'4 287lbs from Honolulu HI, Manuwai will add much need depth to a 0-Line that graduates 6 players this year.

With reports of both JR's John Dinapolia and Cortez Darby both exploring entering the draft early, Coach Miller doubled down landing a pair of DE pass rushers.

3* David Bliss (#637 Overall/#83 FL/#47 DE). Listed at 6'6 282lbs from Miami and 3* Malachi Clifton (#875/#117 FL/#63 DE). Listed at 6'2 276lbs from Jacksonville FL.


With 15 players signed (2-5*, 11-4*, 2-3*) FIU's current class ranks #7 Overall in the Nationa and is currently #2 in the ACC behind Virginia Tech (#2 Overall).

FIU has 9 players left on it's Big Board before adding ant potential recruits from the Transfer Portal...

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

WEEK 1 PLAYOFF RESULTS

#12 Buffalo beat #5 Washington (47-28)

Former FIU Panther Zach Wire was 20/30 (66%) for 251 yds with 3 TD's in the loss. Wire was sacked 6 times.

For the season Wire finished with over 3500 yds passing and 43 TD's well throwing just 7 INT's for the Huskies.. A fast improvement over his 18 TD's last season for FIU.

#9 Oregon dominated the 2nd half against #8 Ole Miss outscoring the Rebels (32-7) after trailing (21-10) at the half to win the game (42-28)

Oregon JR QB Steve Burns threw for 312 yds with 5 TD in the win.

#6 Kansas State defeated #11 Virginia Tech (28-20) ending the Hokies playoff run before it even started.

#10 Kentucky beat #7 Boston College (31-19) to earn a chance to play against former SEC foe Alabama.

Will there be any 2nd Round upsets????

BOW MATCHUP/RESULTS

Hawaii Bowl- Kennesaw State-36 Wyomig-28
Birmingham Bowl- UL Monroe-35 #25 ECU-25
Camelia Bowl- Jacksonville State-35 Miami OH-29
First Responder Bowl- #21 Southern Miss-31 UAB-10
Guaranteed Rate Bowl- Baylor-31 Air Force-17
Fenway Bowl- #19 UMass-24 West Virginia-20
Bahamas Bowl- Georgia State-38 Western Kentucky-37
New Mexico Bowl- Sam Houston State-39 Charlotte-21
68 Ventures Bowl- Western Michigan-20 South Alabama-17
Cure Bowl- Central Michigan-38 #18 Boise State-
33
La Bowl- #16 Penn State-31 #14 San Jose State-21
Frisco Bowl- Louisiana-37 Purdue-20
Las Vegas Bowl #13 TCU-27 Ohio State-14
Boca Raton Bowl- Syracuse-27 Temple-10
Myrtle Beach Bowl Washington State-38 Kent State-24
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Utah State-24 UCF-18
Detroit Bowl- Wisconsin-49 Ball State-21
Armed Forces Bowl- UCLA-13 Nevada-7
New Orleans Bowl- James Madison-31 Tulane-28
Independence Bowl- Minnesota-49 #17 Rice-35
Gasparilla Bowl- Maryland-48 SMU-38
Military Bowl- Appalachian State-24 NC State-17
Liberty Bowl- Oklahoma State-21 San Diego State-20
Holiday Bowl- Nebraska-38 Miami-14
Texas Bowl- #24 Florida State-24 #22 Texas Tech-17

WEEK 2 BOWL MATCHUPS

Gator Bowl- #20 (9-3) Texas vs (8-4) Colorado
Duke's Mayo Bowl- (7-5) Memphis vs (6-6) Utah
Sun Bowl- (6-6) Houston vs (6-6) Georgia
Reliaquest Bowl- #15 (9-3) Stanford vs (8-4) Clemson
Citrus Bowl- (7-5) UNLV vs (8-4) Auburn
Arizona Bowl- (6-6) Vanderbilt vs (7-5) Cal
Pop-Tarts Bowl- (5-7) Duke vs #23 (8-4) Rutgers
Alamo Bowl (5-7) LSU vs (8-4) Iowa
Music City Bowl (7-5) Texas A&M vs (6-6) Illinios

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

PANTHERS SURVIVE 4TH QUARTER COMEBACK!!

Oregon Ducks at Florida International Golden Panthers
Jan 1,	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#9 Oregon Ducks ((11-2))	14	3	0	6	23
#1 Florida International Golden Panthers ((12-1))	7	14	7	3	31

Team Stats Comparison
	ORE	FIU
Total Offense	271	544
Rushing Yards	53	321
Passing Yards	218	223
First Downs	17	32
Punt Return Yards	0	5
Kick Return Yards	80	74
Total Yards	351	623
Turnovers	1	5
3rd Down Conversion	3/11	3/8
4th Down Conversion	0/1	0/1
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-0-50%	4-0-80%
Penalties		1-5
Possession Time	17:08	22:52

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		ORE	FIU
8:18	(ORE) S. Kowalski 4 yd run (PAT)	7	0
5:17	(FIU) T. Tompkins 8 yd run (PAT)	7	7
2:33	(ORE) S. Kowalski 15 yd run (PAT)	14	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		ORE	FIU
9:57	(FIU) T. Logan 3 yd run (PAT)	14	14
4:34	(FIU) K. Strong 1 yd run (PAT)	14	21
1:04	(ORE) M. Winton 50 yd FG	17	21
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		ORE	FIU
3:01	(FIU) T. Logan 7 yd run (PAT)	17	28
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		ORE	FIU
7:35	(ORE) M. Schottmann 28 yd INT return (2pt play failed)	23	28
3:41	(FIU) T. Dozier 39 yd FG	23	31

GAME RECAP

Oregon normally known for it's high scoring offense came into the game averaging just 29 PPG and knew they would need to slow things down to keep FIU from just running away with it..

The Panthers came into the game averaging a NCAA best 44.4 PPG but the Ducks D was ready for the challenge.

Oregon opened up the scoring in the 1st Quarter with a pair of touchdown runs from SO RB Sean Kowalski (75). Pair that with a Hawkins early INT and the Ducks had the lead (14-7) at the end of the 1st.

But FIU dominated the 2nd Quarter as Tavon Logan scores his first TD of the day to tie the game (14-14) and then it was FB Kwabena Strong punching in a short 1 yd run to give FIU the lead (21-14) midway through the 2nd. It looked like that would be the score at half but Hawkins 2nd INT of the day sets up a Duck 50 yd FG with 1:04 to play in the half making it (21-17).. Hawkins looking to rebound from his 2 early INT's would make matters worse throwing his 3rd just before the end of the half as FIU heads into the locker room with the 4 point lead.

Both Offenses struggled in the 3rd Quarter as a rare Tavon Logan fumble would turn the ball over for a 4th time today (He never had a fumble before in 960+ carries.) But the Ducks would throw a INT to Garrison Falah to setup a Logan touchdown with 3 minutes to play in the 3rd as FIU extends their lead to (28-17)

Despite the lead and despite 3 INT's on the day, FR QB Derek Hawkins was still throwing the ball in the 4th Quarter and he probably shouldn't have as Hawkins delivers INT #4 to Matt Schotterman who takes it back 28 yds for the "Pick 6" touchdown to make it (28-23) early in the 4th.. The Ducks would try for the 2pt play to make it a 3 point lead, but the Panthers D was ready stopping the Ducks in the backfield as they hold onto the 5 point lead.

For Hawkins it was pretty much his last pass of the day, as FIU would turn to Logan and Tompkins to try and win this one..

The Ducks Defense was hit and miss all day with the duo giving up over 300 yds and 3 scores, but they found their mission in the 4th Quarter holding FIU to a 39 yd FG with 3:41 to play as FIU now led by 8 (31-23).

Oregon had a chance to try and score and with a 2pt play force Overtime, but facing a 1st and Goal, JR QB Steve Burns is sacked by John Dinapoli for a 6 yd loss. Now 2nd and Goal from the 11, Oregon spikes the ball trying to converse their last timeout setting up a 3rd and 11 (stupid play in my opinion) Burns drops back and trys to loft one to the corner of the endzone by FS TJ Everett is there to knock the ball away.. Now facing a 4th down, Burns drops back and again is met with a onslaught of a pass rush as Darby and Dinapolia combine for the sack and the turnover on downs.

FIU would run out the clock ball game over..

Burns finished the day just 13/26 (50%) for 213 yds with 1 INT. He was sacked 6 times.

KEY PANTHERS
QB D. Hawkins- 11/22 (50%) 223 yds 4 INT
RB T. Logan-21 carries 218 yds 2 TD
RB T Tompkins-10 carries 100 yds 1 TD
FB K. Strong-1 carry 3 yds 1 TD
WR T Cisco-5 rec 87 yds
WR T. Harmon-3 rec 63 yds
WR S. Trappaso-3 rec 63 yds
DE J. Dinapoli-4.5 sacks
CB G. Falah-1 INT

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

ROUND 2 RESULTS

#12 Buffalo shuts out #4 Marshall (47-0) to earn a trip to the Semi-Finals for a rematch with the Panthers..

Last year FIU and Buffalo met in the Fiesta Bowl in Round 2 and the Panthers handed the Bulls a embarrassing (76-21) loss giving up 191 yds and 5 TD's to the Wolverine..

#3 Notre Dame handles it's business defeating K-State (42-10).. The Irish are headed back to the Semi-Finals for a 3rd straight year.. Now the question is can they win and setup a rematch with the Panthers in the Natty in back to back seasons??

#2 Alabama crushed #10 Kentucky (49-24) reminding the Wildcats why they left the SEC.. Can the Tide do the same to the Irish and earn a chance to play for their schools 19th National Championship..

OTHER BOWL RESULTS

Gator Bowl- Texas-31 Colorado-21
Duke's Mayo Bowl- Utah-48 Memphis-23
Sun Bowl- Houston-34 Georgia-31
Reliaquest Bowl- Clemson-38 Stanford-21
Citrus Bowl- Auburn-37 UNLV-23
Arizona Bowl- Cal-24 Vanderbilt-7
Pop Tarts Bowl- Duke 33 Rutgers-7
Alamo Bowl- LSU-30 Iowa-27
Music City Bowl- Texas A&M -32 Illinios-14

[tobin834]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Hawkins seems to have (almost) threw the game away to the other team but Logan and Tompkins both save the day with the running game. Great stuff with FIU!

[Deuce2223]

Re: The Making of a Legend Part II "It's Miller Time".. CFB25

Hawkins seems to have (almost) threw the game away to the other team but Logan and Tompkins both save the day with the running game. Great stuff with FIU!

He baffles me at times.. He can make throws that make me think this kid is the real deal and could be the guy we revamp the Offense next year into a Air Raid attack, then he can go out and over throw 3 wide open WR's forcing me to Punt or worse throw it straight into the chest of a Defender. Schlottmann had 3 of the 4 INT's but it was crazy all 3 were to different WR's so it was like he just read Hawkins eyes and knew where he was throwing the ball.