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

[Deuce2223]

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

Ugh, that sucks. Was really excited to see Logan gash the Canesm, but as long as you can wrap up the ACC CCG it shouldn't hurt your playoff seeding. Still sucks tho.

Yeah, I probably should've just replayed the V.T. game, because now I have to wait another year to get my revenge against the Canes.

It's okay though. I just posted the ACC Championship game, and Logan is feeling good, with fresh legs ready to lead the Panthers into a deep run in the playoffs.

I am not sure what's crazier the fact that Logan has 3040 yds on just 339 carries or the fact that Fair has a chance to break 1000 yds this season (he is at 850) or the fact Logan has 43 TD's even with Tompkins grabbing 10 and Fair with 5.

[Deuce2223]

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

YOUR FINAL 12

With Championship Week in the books, we get a look at what 12 teams still have a shot at being crowned the 2029 National Champions.

#1 Georgia took care of business defeating Texas (38-24) to win the SEC Championship and with it the #1 seed in this year's playoff.

#2 Penn State did the same defeating Nebraska to win the Big Ten title and claim the #2 seed.

With #7 FIU's win over Syracuse in the ACC Championship the Panthers rebounded from their Week 13 loss to Miami to move up 2 spots in the rankings to #5 and claim the #3 seed with the Championship win.

#10 Buffalo failed to beat #20 Northwestern (35-11) to win the American and in the process failed to secure the #4 seed.

That opened the door for Texas Tech the Big 12 Champ (defeated K-State 42-6) to claim the #4 seed as the 10th ranked team in the nation.

Buffalo however got a surprise. Most assumed the Bulls would be out of the playoffs but the rankings dropped them just 1 spot to #11 after the loss and the committee awarded them the #11 seed.

#13 Kentucky got redemption from their Week 13 loss to Louisville beating the Cardinals (36-21) to win the CUSA title and with it secured the #12 seed in the playoffs.

Here is a look at the full 12 team bracket

#12 (11-2) Kentucky vs #5 (10-2) Notre Dame winner will play #4 Texas Tech in the Peach Bowl

#9 (9-3) Wisconsin vs #8 (10-3) Nebraska. winner will play #1 (12-1) Georgia in the Orange Bowl

#11 (10-3) Buffalo vs #6 (11-2) Texas. winner will play #3 (12-1) FIU in the Fiesta Bowl

#10 (9-3) Washington vs #7 (10-2) Ole Miss. winner will play #2 Penn State in the Cotton Bowl.

OTHER BOWL MATCHUPS

Fenway Bowl #16 (10-3) Northwestern vs (8-4)UNC
"The American Conference Champs will look for win #11 against the Tar Heels."

68 Ventures Bowl (9-4) Georgia State vs (6-6) Miami OH
"Sadly this is the best option for the the Sun Belt Champs. A 6-6 program from Ohio "

New Mexico Bowl (10-3) Air Force vs (7-5) James Madison
"The Falcons win the MWC and awarded with a trip to New Mexico"

Independence Bowl #14 (10-3) Colorado State vs (7-5) Hawaii.
"Fresh off their Pac-16 victory the Rams get a (7-5) matchup against a former MWC opponent.. Yeah for them..

Bahamas Bowl #22 (9-4) UL Monroe vs (8-5) Louisville.
The Runner up Bowl as 2nd place from the Sun Belt takes on 2nd place from CUSA

Sun Bowl- (9-4) Central Michigan vs (7-5) Iowa
"The Chips won the MAC and will look for win #10 against the Hawkeyes."

Cure Bowl #24 (8-4) Western Michigan vs (7-5) Kennesaw State
La Bowl (6-6) Illinois vs (8-4) San Jose State
Frisco Bowl (8-4) Troy vs #20 (9-3) Southern Miss
Las Vegas Bowl (6-6) Tulsa vs (9-4) Cal
Boca Raton Bowl (7-5) West Virginia vs #17 (9-3) Middle Tennessee
Myrtle Beach Bowl (7-5) La Tech vs (7-5) Ball State
Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (8-4) UAB vs (8-4) Utah State
Detroit Bowl (6-6) Stanford vs (7-5) Eastern Michigan
Gasparilla Bowl (8-4) Memphis vs (7-5) Rutgers
Armed Forces Bowl (6-6) Jacksonville State vs #21 (8-4) Nevada
New Orleans Bowl (7-5) Marshall vs (7-5) UNLV
Hawaii Bowl (6-6) Coastal Carolina vs (6-6) Boise State
Birmingham Bowl (7-5) Colorado vs (6-6) Wake Forest
Camellia Bowl (8-4) UCLA vs (7-5) Western Kentucky
First Responder Bowl (7-5) Northern Illinois vs #25 (9-3) Louisiana
Guranteed Rate Bowl (7-5) Fresno State vs (7-5) Wyoming
Gator Bowl #15 (8-4) Arkansas vs (8-5) Syracuse
Duke's Mayo Bowl (8-4) Virginia Tech vs #12 (9-4) Kansas State
Reliaquest Bowl (6-6) Oregon vs (7-5) Auburn
Citrus Bowl (7-5) Michigan vs #19 (8-4) TAMU
Arizona Bowl (6-6) Toledo vs (9-4) Texas State
Pop Tarts Bowl #18 (9-3) SMU vs (7-5) Maryland
Alamo Bowl (6-6) Michigan State vs (8-4) Arizona State
Music City Bowl (6-6) Clemson vs #23 (8-4) USC
Military Bowl (7-5) UConn vs (6-6) Duke
Liberty Bowl (6-6) UMass vs (6-6) Appalachian State
Holiday Bowl (7-5) Florida State vs (6-6) Temple
Texas Bowl (6-6) Alabama vs (8-4) BYU

**Noteworthy teams that didn't make a Bowl.
Miami (5-7)
ECU (3-9) 2-8 in ACC play
Liberty (2-10) 2-8 in ACC play

BC (5-7) just 3-6 in the American
Purdue (3-9) just 3 years removed from winning the conference and going to the playoffs
Navy (1-11)

Ohio State (5-7) 4-6 in Big Ten play
Cincinnati (4-8) just 2-8 in Big Ten play after winning back to back American titles and going to the playoffs as a Top-4 seed.
Indiana (1-11) 0-10 in Big Ten play

Old Dominion, FAU and Charlotte all finished (5-7) as 7 of the 10 teams from CUSA are bowling and Kentucky is headed to the playoffs.

Tennessee and LSU finished 5-7, Florida and Oklahoma finished 4-8, Miss State and Missouri finished 3-9 and South Carolina finished 1-11.

Arkansas State went 0-12 this season.

[Deuce2223]

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

LOGAN BRINGS HOME THE HARDWARE!!!

I am pretty sure any voter who didn't vote for FIU Tavon Logan to win the Heisman would've had his voting rights revoked after the season he had.

Logan not only took home the Heisman, but also added a National Player of the Year and a 2nd Doak Walker Award to go with it.

The crazy part is Logan's Historic season isn't over as he will continue to pile more stats onto his current #'s as he looks to set a bar so high no one will ever reach it.

Teammate RS FR Kris Newkirk joined him at the show as he is rewarded the "Best Special Team Returner in the nation posting 23 KR for 505 (22.0 avg) yds with 1 TD and 59 PR for 665 yds (11.3) for a combined 1170 yds.

OC TY Hilton also was awarded the Broyles Award given to the Best Coordinator in the nation. The FIU Offense dominated this season with 7977 yds (3281 passing, 4654 rushing) well averaging 54.6 PPG with a 31 PTD 62 RTD and 397 1st Downs not counting any playoff stats.

Surprisingly Coach Matt Miller did not win the Coach of the Year as voters gave that honor to Penn State's Erik Hunter (James Franklin) with Buffalo's Madison Soehmer (Pete Lembo) finishing 3rd.

Georgia's David Odum beat out Penn State's Lester Paxson for both the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as well as the Davey O'Brien. Odum finished 2nd in the Heisman well Paxson was 3rd.

UConn's JR DE Robert Jurgenson won the Defensive POY and Best D-Lineman but Georgia SR DE Bryce Adams won the Lombardi.

Ole Miss's Terrance Armah who finished 4th in the Heisman won the "Best WR" Award edging out teammate Bill Hooey and Notre Dame JR WR Dallas Fasano who was 5th in the Heisman.

[Deuce2223]

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

1ST ROUND RESULTS

#5 Notre Dame dominated #12 Kentucky (51-10) as they advance to their Round 2 matchup with #4 TTU

#8 Nebraska beat #9 Wisconsin (28-14) to advance for the chance to knock off #1 Georgia.

#7 Ole Miss defeats #10 Washington (42-21) to advance to take on #2 Penn State.

#11 Buffalo rebounds from their American Conference Championship loss, to upset #6 Texas (29-3) as the Bulls will advance to take on #3 FIU.

[xboxxerx]

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

Enjoyed the Sanders/Logan moment, Deuce. Great add there. Sucks about the VT, Miami mistake. Hope you are feeling better, buddy. Hope Logan stuffs these playoff games down everybody's throat. [emoji16]

Sent from my SM-S928U using Operation Sports mobile app

[redsox907]

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

Buffalo is likely going to be a cake walk for the Wolverine. My guess is a matchup with Georgia or Penn will be the only chance for a defense to slow down your historic running game.

[Deuce2223]

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

LOGAN LEADS PANTHERS TO VICTORY ON CHRISTMAS DAY!!!

Buffalo Bulls at Florida International Golden Panthers
Dec 25, 2029	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#11 Buffalo Bulls ((11-3))	0	14	0	7	21
#3 Florida International Golden Panthers ((12-1))	20	21	14	21	76

Team Stats Comparison
	BUFF	FIU
Total Offense	366	707
Rushing Yards	113	403
Passing Yards	242	298
First Downs	12	38
Punt Return Yards	0	58
Kick Return Yards	108	85
Total Yards	474	850
Turnovers	3	0
3rd Down Conversion	6/14	9/13
4th Down Conversion
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-0-100%	6-2-57%
Penalties	2-15	1-5
Possession Time	16:46	31:14

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		BUFF	FIU
9:06	(FIU) T. Logan 24 yd run (PAT)	0	7
5:02	(FIU) T. Dozier 32 yd FG	0	10
3:30	(FIU) T. Dozier 27 yd FG	0	13
0:47	(FIU) T. Logan 3 yd run (PAT)	0	20
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		BUFF	FIU
11:04	(BUFF) K. Arora 8 yd run (PAT)	7	20
7:17	(FIU) B. Cheek 22 yd pass from Z. Wire (PAT)	7	27
4:03	(FIU) T. Logan 3 yd run (PAT)	7	34
1:08	(BUFF) D. John 11 yd pass from B. Marshall (PAT)	14	34
0:50	(FIU) B. Cheek 57 yd pass from Z. Wire (PAT)	14	41
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		BUFF	FIU
7:12	(FIU) T. Logan 12 yd run (PAT)	14	48
2:39	(FIU) T. Logan 8 yd run (PAT)	14	55
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		BUFF	FIU
6:18	(FIU) N. Fair 1 yd run (PAT)	14	62
4:20	(FIU) J. Cordero 7 yd INT Return (PAT)	14	69
3;14	(BUFF) T. Garnes 54 yds B. Marshall (PAT)	21	69
2:54	(FIU) M. Benshaw 1 yd run (PAT)	21	76

GAME RECAP

East Coast/West Coast, it doesn't matter if Tavon Logan needs to deliver a ball to the endzone for a touchdown he is like Santa. He will get it there.

Logan dominated the Bulls Defense scoring 5 times on the day well rushing for 191 yds on 23 carries. Logan now has 3231 yds on the season and 48 TD's on the ground and 50 including a pair of receiving TD's Still with potentially 2 games to play.

Teammate Nick Fair did a pretty good job of impersonating Logan when the "Wolverine" wasn't on the field as Fair actually out carries his star teammate for the first time carrying the ball 25 times as he finishes with 136 yds including a 4th Quarter touchdown run. Fair is now just 14 yds shy of breaking the 1000 yd barrier for the season.

JR RB Titus Tompkins only saw the ball 3 times but had one of the biggest runs of the day carrying the ball 62 yds down to the 1 yd line before SR Major Benshaw finished off the drive with a 1 yd TD run. For Benshaw it was his first career touchdown for the Panthers after suiting up for 4 seasons.

Coach Miller

"Major has been a absolute great teammate and player to coach. So it was cool to see Titus give me the heads up to have him finish off the drive even though Titus deserved the score. That's what I love about these guy's even in the midst of a historic season, nobody is selfish about their stats"

The Panther run game wasn't the only part of the team dominating today.. QB Z. Wire played great too completing 14/20 (70%) of his pass's for 298 yds with 2 touchdowns, both going to JR WR Brian Cheek.

Cheek a former Alabama transfer has put together a pretty amazing season considering FIU rushing stats. With his 6 rec for 120 yds and 2 scores , Cheek now has 14 TD's on the season matching 2027 season and despite just 48 rec he is just 6 yds shy of a 1000 yd season (994).

With 1 more TD catch he will surpass teammate Dominick Naanee in the school record for most TD's in a season and is currently battling another teammate Enrique Cortez for most TD receptions by a Panther in his career despite playing 1 less season then Cortez, who this season has surpassed former Panther great and current OC TY Hilton All-time for Yards in a career.

[Deuce2223]

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

PENN STATE ADVANCES TO SETUP 2027 REMATCH

#2 Penn State defeated #7 Ole Miss to Advance to the Semi Finals for a 2nd straight season with a rematch against #3 FIU. Only this time FIU will have Heisman winner Tavon Logan in the backfield. Can the PSU Defense shutdown Logan and end his historic season or will Logan continue to carry FIU to a potential 2nd National Title in 3 seasons.

#1 Georgia showed why they are just that #1 as they defeat #8 Nebraska (56-10) to advance..

They will face #5 Notre Dame who crushes Texas Tech (38-3) as they make their 2nd trip to the the Semi's in the past 3 seasons setting up what should be great Semi Final Action.


*FIU will play PSU in the Rose Bowl well Georgia and Notre Dame are scheduled to play in the Sugar Bowl*

This year's National Championship game will be back in Glendale AZ at State Farm Stadium..

[Careless Whisper]

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

Rematch against Penn State at the Rose Bowl is what Hollywood producers dream of. Shame to hear about the situation causing the Miami loss - thankfully it doesn't seem to have hindered you much heading into the CFP. I'd have to imagine that Logan won the Heisman by a historic number of votes, or close to it.

[redsox907]

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

Time for Logan to prove he was the missing ingredient last year and plow through the Nittany Lions.

What overall is Logan up to now? With him being a redshirt sophomore I wonder how a potential Natty run impacts his decision to declare at the end of the season.

[Deuce2223]

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

Time for Logan to prove he was the missing ingredient last year and plow through the Nittany Lions.

What overall is Logan up to now? With him being a redshirt sophomore I wonder how a potential Natty run impacts his decision to declare at the end of the season.

Logan is a 88 base that jumps to a 90 with my current Coaches influence
Tompkins is a 86 that bumps to a 87
Fair is a 83 that bumps to a 84
Benshaw is a 79 that bumps to a 81
Boyce (Redshirting) is also a 79 that bumps to 81
Cantwell is a 75 that bumps to a 77

I just finished playing the PSU game and after saving simmed ahead just to see if Logan leaves (I actually won the Natty in the sim,) and he stayed. So did Cheek actually. Stewart leaves as a 1st Round pick and was a little surprised by the transfer portal. Kunasyzk my #4 WR who would've jumped to #3 leaves because of Play style (he ha 14 rec for 351 yds 1 TD) and then Boyce left as well stating play style as well (which I really think meant playing time) as Logan and Tompkins were both set to return.

Will be interesting to see if that plays out the same after I actually play the game. In past Dynasties seasons when I look ahead, it seems to change alot.

[Deuce2223]

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

TEAM EFFORT PROPELS PANTHERS TO NATTY!!

Florida International Golden Panthers at Penn State Nittany Lions
Jan 1, 2029	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#3 Florida International Golden Panthers ((13-1))	7	14	7	6	34
#2 Penn State Nittany Lions ((13-1))	7	17	3		27

Team Stats Comparison
	FIU	PSU
Total Offense	488	352
Rushing Yards	210	187
Passing Yards	272	160
First Downs	21	15
Punt Return Yards	20	19
Kick Return Yards	75	62
Total Yards	583	433
Turnovers	2	3
3rd Down Conversion	6/15	5/15
4th Down Conversion	1/1
2-Point Conversion
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	2-1-60%	2-1-75%
Penalties	4-35	1-5
Possession Time	21:29	18:31

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		FIU	PSU
6:50	(PSU) T. Scioli 8 yd pass from L Paxson (PAT)	0	7
5:44	(FIU) T Logan 13 yd run (PAT)	7	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		FIU	PSU
9:39	(FIU) Ryan Kunaszyk 79 yd pass from Z. .Wire (PAT)	14	7
5:54	(PSU) J. Shembo 3 yd pass from L Paxson (PAT)	14	14
3:48	(FIU) B. Cheek 72 yd pass from Z. Wire (PAT)	21	14
2:24	(PSU) N. Bloom 68 yd run (PAT)	21	21
0:54	(PSU) O. Tyms 48 yd FG	21	24
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		FIU	PSU
6:51	(PSU) O. Tyms 34 yd FG	21	27
0:15	(FIU) I. Dennis 1 yd run (PAT)	28	27
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		FIU	PSU
4:58	(FIU) T. Dozier 24 yd FG	31	27
3:17	(FIU) T. Dozier 41 yd FG	34	27

**To try and lower the the Overall score of the game, I actually changed the minutes played from 12 min Quarters to 10.. I also boosted the CPU run block to 60 hoping it would maybe generate more of a rushing attack. I don't know if it helped but I gave up almost 200 yds rushing, so it will be something I will monitor moving forward**

GAME RECAP

It was a total team effort, but FIU got it's revenge and defeated the Mighty Nittany Lions in a rematch of last year's semi's as the Panthers will advance to their 2nd National Title game in 3 seasons..

PSU got on the scoreboard midway through the 1st, but Tavon Logan would tie the game (7-7) with his only touchdown of the day.

The Panthers got 2 huge breaks in the 2nd Quarter as RS SO WR Ryan Kunasyzk (rumored to be exploring the transfer portal) catches a pass and bounces off 2 defenders before taking it to the house 79 yds for a score. Then later in the quarter, JR WR Brian Cheek catches a Curl pass as the lone Lion defender slips, allowing Cheek to turn on his after burners (99 speed) and take it 72 yds to the house to give FIU the lead.

Penn State however showed they know how to run the ball too as SR RB Nick Bloom (86) takes it 68 yds to the house to tie the game (21-21) with just over 2 minutes to play in the game.

Zach Wire would throw his 2nd INT of the game trying to get the Panthers on the scoreboard 1 more time before the half to give FIU the lead but instead it backfires as PSU nails a FG to give them the (24-21) lead at the half.

The 2nd half MVP goes to the FIU Defense. The Panther Defense held PSU to a FG to open up the 3rd Quarter scoring (27-21) and after T. Logan is stopped twice well trying to score from the 3 yd line, FIU turned to FB Isaiah Dennis who punches it in from 1 yd out to give FIU the (28-27) lead going into the 4th.

Penn State was dealt a major blow on the opening play of the 4th as SR QB Lester Paxson (88) leaves the game forcing RS FR Jamie Bryant (82) to take over.

It was a nightmare debut for the former 4* from New Jersey, as Bryant throws 3 INT's including a pair into the endzone both picked off by SR CB Brian Wall.

The Nittany Lion D though would step up holding FIU to a pair of FG's after the first 2 turnovers making it (34-27) still with over 3 minutes left in the game. PSU made a interesting call with 2:47 to play facing a 4th and 5 the Lions would actually punt giving FIU a chance to try and just run off the clock to win the game, but still armed with all 3 timeouts, the PSU Defense again comes up with a huge stop on 3rd and 2 forcing FIU to punt the ball back with 1:18 to play.

Bryant however would throw his 3rd INT to Oscar Beal 2 plays later and now out of timeouts could do nothing as Wire takes a knee to run out the remaining time.



KEY PLAYER STATS

QB- Z. Wire 9/25 (36%) 272 yds 2 TD 2 INT, sacked 3 times
RB T. Logan-30 carries 154 yds (5.1 avg) 1 TD, 1 rec 25 yds
RB N. Fair-8 carries 53 yds (6.6 avg)
RB I. Dennis-3 carries 21 yds 1 TD
WR B. Cheek 2 rec 118 yds 1 TD
WR R. Kunaszyk 3 rec 103 yds 1 TD
WR F. Okwara 1 rec 12 yds
WR E. Cortez 1 rec 8 yds
WR T. Cisco 1 rec 6 yds
MLB T. Stewart-7 Tackles
OLB A. Wooleyhad-7 Tackles
CB B. Wall-2 INT
SS O Beal- 1 INT

QB L. Paxon-14/18 (77%) 113 yds 2 TD, 36 yds rushing
QB J. Bryant-5/18 (27%) 3 INT, sacked 3 times
RB N. Bloom-15 carries 171 yds 1 TD, 6 rec 44 yds
WR T. Scioli-5 rec 55 yds 1 TD
WR T. Koch- 1 rec 20 yd
TE Q. Pounds-2 rec 15 yds
MLB J. Redfield 12 Tackles 2 TFL, 1 Sack, 1 INT
OLB K. Lewis 4 Tackles 1 INT
SS J. McInnis- 15 Tackles
MLB R. Snow-13 Tackles
PK-0. Tyms- 2/3 FG's

[Deuce2223]

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

IRISH EARN A CHANCE AT REVENGE!!

Tied (7-7) at the end of the 1st Quarter, Notre Dame took a (19-10) lead into the locker room and extended it to (25-10) going into the 4th Quarter.. Georgia battle back though scoring twice in the 4th, but the Irish tack on a score of their own to survive the 4th Quarter comeback.. FINAL SCORE NOTRE DAME-32 GEORIGA-24

*This game featured another huge loss at QB as Georgia lost Star QB D. Odum (Winner of the O'Brien and Johnny U) early in the game (9/11 81% 92 yds 1 TD) as they relied on RS SO Jammal Harvey (78) to lead them. Harvey finished 14/22 (63%) 186 yds 2 TD 1 INT

For Notre Dame the win sets up a rematch with FIU that goes back to the 2027 season, when FIU beat Notre Dame in the Semi Finals on their way to the Panthers first National Title.

It was a 4th Q comeback but the Panthers as Brian Cheek caught a 1 yd pass from Clayton Dees to give FIU the (38-37) lead with just 20 seconds to play after the Irish had to settle for a FG with 3:55 to play in the game.

It should be noted that in that game Notre Dame held FIU to just 9 positive rushing yards on the day as Cole Tabb finished the game with 12 carries for 21 yds

[redsox907]

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

Feels like you caught a break with Paxon going down, he didn't have huge stats but was keeping the ball moving. Him being out put the pressure on the freshman who crumbled.

Notre Dame vs FIU for all the marbles. Looks like the beginnings of a great rivalry between the two??

[BuckRaven]

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

Huge game from Logan to keep the sticks moving (especially with Penn State's DBs clamping Wire)