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2022 Music City Bowl, Iowa vs. Kentucky, 12-31-22: Photo Gallery

January 7, 2023 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

Iowa Hawkeyes football has been all about defense in 2022, allowing 10 points or less on nine different occasions. The team allowed just 13.3 points per game for the season. On Saturday in Nashville they continued another consistent trend…scoring on defense. The team’s 21-0 TransPerfect Music City Bowl shutout victory over the Kentucky Wildcats featured two defensive touchdowns.

Scoring on defense has been a theme for a long time during head coach Kirk Ferentz’s tenure at the school, spanning from the late Norm Parker to current defensive coordinator Phil Parker (no relation).

“Forever it seems like that our guys have done a good job…we do a good job with turnovers making them offensive opportunities if you will,” Ferentz said after the game. “Those guys know where to go, know where to get and our guys hustle when there is a turnover. They’re trying to make it more than just getting a possession.”

Freshman five-star recruit Xavier Nwankpa started off the scoring on defense and delivered in his first career start. Replacing All-Big Ten safety Kaevon Merriweather -who declared for the 2023 NFL Draft- Nwankpa posted eight tackles, a 52-yard interception touchdown return and one pass breakup.

Nwankpa’s felt as if the performance only increased expectations for the future at Iowa.

“Definitely set the bar for me on where I gotta go, where I gotta improve from,” Nwanka said of the bowl game performance. “So just keep making plays, having fun during the spring and get ready for next fall.”

One of the players who will continue to join him in the secondary is 2022 TransPerfect Music City Bowl MVP Cooper DeJean. DeJean –a 10.7 100-meter sprinter and 24-foot long jumper at OA-BCIG High School Iowa)-also contributed to the defensive scoring with his third interception touchdown return of the season.

But he was quick to give credit to those around him.

“Winning MVP…I think is more of a team award, because without these guys on defense I couldn’t do what I was able to do,” DeJean offered modestly. “Those guys were pressuring the quarterback all game. A lot of credit to the guys up front and everybody else on the defense.”

Iowa led the nation with seven defensive touchdowns in 2022.

Brian Ferentz serves as the offensive coordinator for Iowa

Former New England Patriots tight ends coach Brian Ferentz has been Iowa's offensive coordinator since 2017. The Hawkeyes averaged 17.7 points per game in 2022.

Kentucky LB Trevin Wallace tackles Iowa TE Luke Lachey in the 2022 Music City Bowl

Kentucky sophomore linebacker Trevin Wallace tackles Hawkeyes sophomore tight end Luke Lachey in the first quarter. Lachey, who had three catches for 36 yards and one touchdown, finished 2022 averaging 14.2 yards per catch.

Kentucky WR Barrion Brown gets a step on Iowa cornerback Riley Moss in the first quarter of this contest

Kentucky speedy freshman Barion Brown (No. 2 pictured) gets a step on All-Big Ten cornerback Riley Moss in the second quarter. Brown averaged 27.5 yards per kickoff return (TD) in 2022 and also led the Wildcats with 628 yards receiving (4 TDs).

Iowa freshman DB Xavier Nwankpa communicates on the field

Iowa freshman Xavier Nwankpa (seen communicating with teammates) returned an interception 52 yards for a score in his first career start.

Iowa's Seth Benson about to make a tackle in the 2022 Music City Bowl

Iowa's Seth Benson (No. 44 pictured) is about to tackle Kentucky's JaTahn McClain after beating cross block of Justice Dingle II (No. 47 pictured).

Iowa senior linebacker Seth Benson makes a tackle versus Kentucky RB JuTahn McClain

Iowa linebacker Seth Benson wraps up Kentucky RB JuTahn McClain with DE Joe Evans and LB Jack Campbell about to assist. Benson finished eighth in the Big Ten with 94 tackles in 2022.

Iowa LB Jack Campbell about to take on the Kentucky running back after blitzing

Iowa LB Jack Campbell was once again active in this game (10 tackles, QB sack, 2 TFLs). Campbell posted his eighth double-digit tackle performance of 2022.

Kentucky RB JuTahn McClain picks up Iowa LB Jack Campbell on a blitz

Kentucky's JuTahn McClain effectively picks up Iowa LB Jack Campbell on a blitz in the second quarter.

Iowa LB Jack Campbell rushes off the edge as Kentucky QB Destin Wade drops back to pass

Iowa's Jack Campbell -the 2022 Butkus Award winner- wins inside of the running back as Kentucky QB Destin Wade drops back to pass in the second quarter. Campbell's only quarterback sack of the year came in this contest.

Kentucky RB La'Vell Wright runs the ball on an outside zone in the third quarter

Kentucky redshirt freshman RB La'Vell Wright runs for a six-yard gain on an outside zone principle in the third quarter.

Iowa CB Cooper DeJean picks off a second quarter pass in the 2022 Music City Bowl

Iowa sophomore CB Cooper DeJean picks off this second quarter pass intended for Kentucky wide receiver Barrion Brown and scores a touchdown.

DeJean running the ball into the end zone as coaches go crazy copy

DeJean's third interception return for a touchdown tied Mississippi State's Emmanuel Forbes for the national lead in 2022.

Cooper DeJean crosses the goal line on interception in the 2022 Music City Bowl

DeJean (No. 3 pictured) -the 2022 Music Bowl MVP- crosses the goal line after his interception return for a touchdown. DeJean frequently made Iowa's fans go wild in 2022, as he finished with 75 tackles, five interceptions (3 TDs) and eight pass break ups. DeJean also averaged over 16.5 yards per punt return and posted a 34-yard return in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl.

Iowa punter Tory Taylor punts the ball in the third quarter of the 2022 Music City Bowl

Iowa punter Tory Taylor controlled field position most of the afternoon. He averaged over 48 yards per kick on eight punts.

Iowa LT Mason Richman locks up with Kentucky OLB Jordan Wright

Kentucky OLB Jordan Wright battles Iowa LT Mason Richman at the point of attack. Wright finished with 9.5 tackles for losses for the Wildcats in 2022.

Iowa running back Jaziun Patterson makes the defender miss in the hole

Iowa freshman RB Jaziun Patterson attempts to make Kentucky safety Zion Childress miss during the fourth quarter.

Kentucky freshman DB Kobi Albert makes a tackle in the fourth quarter

Kentucky freshman DB Kobi Albert takes Iowa freshman RB Jaziun Patterson to the turf in the fourth quarter.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz holds up the 2022 Music City Bowl Trophy

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz holds up the 2022 Transperfect Music City Bowl trophy. The former UConn linebacker and four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year has now won 10 bowl games in his 24 years at the school.

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2022 SDCCU Holiday Bowl, UNC vs. Oregon, 12-28-22: Photo Gallery

January 7, 2023 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

The Oregon Ducks (10-3) were searching for something in head coach Dan Lanning’s first season to provide an exclamation point. Taking on a nine-win ACC Coastal champion -led by star quarterback Drake Maye- in the North Carolina Tar Heels (9-5) provided just the recipe. But after the Tar Heels went up 27-21 with just 2:29 remaining in the game, the outcome was still very much in doubt.

Enter Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix.

Up until that point, the Auburn transfer had been just okay. But he completed five-of-six passes on the drive for 56 yards, including the game-winning six-yard touchdown to senior wideout Chase Cota.

Nix talked about the connection in detail.

“That’s one of our go-to plays, we feel really good about that play (game-winning touchdown pass)…we’ve run it multiple times,” Nix recalled. “And sure enough they brought a house blitz and Chase knows over and over that’s the throw if we get house. He’s gonna get a natural pick going across the middle, and we did a great job of picking up the protection. We threw it over the middle and got a completion for a touchdown.”

On the other side of the field, ACC Offensive Player of the Year Drake Maye got off to a fast start (206 yards passing, 51%, 3 TDs) for the Tar Heels, but the Oregon defense began to combat some of his efforts in the second half.

A big reason?

They stayed in the present.

“I thought our team did a great job of being in the present,” Lanning said after the game. “Our players made great adjustments. Even some of those drives we stalled out…didn’t get a first down, I think our guys believed hey we’re gonna get a stop and get an opportunity to do it again. And that’s what it came down to. You’re talking about phenomenal players making great plays and down the stretch, that’s what you saw.”

San Diego's Petco Park was the home of the 2022 Holiday Bowl

For the first time, the 2022 SDCCU Holiday Bowl was held at Petco Park in downtown San Diego.

The Navy Leap Frogs fly into the 2022 Holiday Bowl

A Holiday Bowl tradition includes the Navy Leap Frogs flying in before the game...even on fire.

Helicopter flyover at the 2022 Holliday Bowl

After the Navy Leap Frogs finished flying in, a helicopter flyover left the stadium.

Oregon's fans showed up in abundance after making the trip from Eugene

There was a large contingent of Oregon fans who made the trip to San Diego.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning leading his team out of the tunnel prior to the game.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning (pictured) led the Ducks to a 10-win season in his first year as head coach.

North Carolina running back Elijah Green eludes tacklers in the first quarer

North Carolina running back Elijah Green, pictured, eludes Holiday Bowl Defensive MVP Mase Funa (7 tackles, QB sack, 2 TFLs) on this first quarter carry as a flag gets thrown for holding.

Oregon's defensive backs vs. UNC's wide receivers in the Red Zone

Oregon's secondary works through its man coverage versus UNC's wide receivers while defending a bunch trips formation in the Red Zone.

North Carolina wide receiver Kobe Paysour tries to elude Oregon defenders

Oregon safety Jamal Hill and defensive end Mase Funa attempt to corral North Carolina's Kobe Paysour (No. 8 pictured) on a six-yard completion in the first quarter.

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown walks the sideline during the 2022 Holiday Bowl. Brown -a former running back at Vanderbilt and Florida State- has won 274 games in his illustrious coaching career.

Oregon RB Noah Whittington (No. 22 pictured) getting tackled by UNC LB Kaimon Rucker in space

UNC LB Kaimon Rucker tackles Oregon RB Noah Whittington (No. 33 pictured) during the third quarter as Cedric Gray (No. 33 pictured) chases alongside.

North Carolina's Drake Maye talks on the sideline with coaches during the game

UNC's Drake Maye talking on the sidelines with the coaches after a second quarter scoring drive. Maye finished a spectacular freshman campaign with three touchdown passes, but completed just 14-of-35 passes in the contest. The ACC Offensive Player of the Year accounted for 45 touchdowns (38 PASS, 7 RUSH) in 2022.

Oregon offensive tackle T.J. Bass preparing before the snap in stance

Oregon left tackle T.J. Bass (No. 56 pictured) prepares to take on North Carolina defensive end Jahvaree Ritzie in the third quarter of the game.

Oregon's Bo Nix throwing from the pocket

Oregon QB Bo Nix releases a ball during the team's game-winning fourth quarter touchdown drive. Nix -an Auburn transfer- accounted for 43 touchdowns (29 PASS, 14 RUSH) in his first year for the Ducks. He completed 77% of his passes (205 yds, 2 TDs, INT) in the 2022 Holiday Bowl.

UNC CB Marcus Allen breaks down to tackle vs. Oregon RB Noah Whittington

Oregon's Noah Whittington (No. 22 pictured) goes one-on-one with cornerback Marcus Allen. Whittington finished the season with 779 yards rushing (5.6 YPC) and 5 TDs and also caught 22 passes (TD).

Oregon's Trikweze Bridges with the tackle for loss in the 2022 Holiday Bowl

Oregon CB Trikweze Bridges (3 tackles, 2 PBUs) tackles North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton for no gain after rushing on a cornerback blitz in the fourth quarter.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning holds up the Holiday Bowl trophy as the team celebrates.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning holds up the Holiday Bowl trophy as his team celebrates.

Oregon's Jeffrey Bassa celebrates with the 2022 Holiday Bowl trophy

Oregon's Jeffrey Bassa (pictured left) celebrates with his teammates after the team's Holiday Bowl victory.

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2022 First Responder Bowl, Utah State vs. Memphis, 12-27-22: Photo Gallery

January 6, 2023 DraftNasty Staff Reports Leave a comment

The 2022 Servpro First Responder Bowl featured two teams in the Memphis Tigers (6-6) and Utah State Aggies (6-6) trying to get over the .500 mark. Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan completed 20-of-29 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns to earn game MVP honors.

Despite the outstanding performance, Henigan was quick to credit teammates after the game.

“We had a bunch of players make plays,” Henigan offered. “Jey (Jeyvon Ducker) had a long touchdown run, and a couple here and there. Preiskorn (Caden) had a touchdown, Eddie (Lewis) had a good over the shoulder catch, Joe (Joseph Scates) had one up the sideline. They were just getting open for me and, with enough time, we were having success.”

His deference should not take away from the sophomore’s two-year run as a starter for the Tigers. The former Denton Ryan High School (Tex.) standout earned the starting job as a true freshman and has not looked back. Through two seasons as a starter, he has completed 62-percent of his passes for 6,893 yards with 47 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

The Servpro First Responder Bowl was played at the same site (Gerald J. Ford Stadium) as the team’s last game of the regular season. In that contest, Henigan threw a game-ending interception to SMU’s Brandon Crossley with just two seconds remaining in a 34-31 loss.

Henigan’s bounce-back effort from that heartbreak in his hometown did not go unnoticed by Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield.

“I think the bounce back by Seth, who came out and played his tail off…kind of shows you the resilience that we’re all about,” Silverfield explained. “For me, that’s why it’s personal and I’m proud to be able to get a win today because of what it meant to those guys in the locker room.”

The 2022 Servpro First Responder Bowl trophy represents a game that started off in 2011 as the TicketCity Bowl before getting rebranded to the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2013. Since 2018, the bowl has been named the First Responder Bowl.

Utah State LB AJ Vongphachanh locks up with Memphis OL Davion Carter

Memphis OG Davion Carter gets into a battle with Utah State LB AJ Vongphachanh near the goal line. Vongphachanh led the Aggies with 101 tackles and finished second on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss in 2022.

Memphis QB Seth Henigan throws the ball on the run

Memphis quarterback and First Responder Bowl MVP Seth Henigan (seen throwing the ball rolling right in the second quarter) threw for over 400 yards two times in 2022.

Utah State's Byron Vaughns attempts to hit

Utah State OLB Byron Vaughns turns the corner and pressures Memphis QB Seth Henigan on this second quarter touchdown pass to Eddie Lewis.

Eddie Lewis extends for touchdown catch in the 2022 First Responder Bowl

Memphis WR Eddie Lewis caught 42 passes for 615 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022. He also averaged 9.8 yards per punt return (TD) for the season.

Memphis WR-PR Eddie Lewis running into the end zone

Lewis (pictured running into the end zone) beat Utah State senior DB Ajani Carter on this touchdown catch. It was the first of two touchdown receptions for Lewis on the afternoon.

Joseph Scates makes an acrobatic catch in the 2022 First Responder Bowl

Memphis WR Joseph Scates attempts to make an acrobatic catch during this game. Scates averaged 22.9 yards per catch with four touchowns this season.

Memphis PK Chris Howard kicks a field goal during the second quarter of the game. Howard, a first-team All-AAC selection, made 21-of-24 field goal attempts in 2022.

Memphis' Joel Williams picks off a pass in the 2022 First Responder Bowl

Memphis sophomore defensive back Joel Williams picks off a pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter of the 2022 First Responder Bowl.

Memphis celebrates 2022 Servpro First Responder Bowl victory

Senior linebacker Cincir Evans, pictured, holds up the 2022 Servpro First Responder Bowl trophy while being surrounded by teammates.

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2022 Independence Bowl, Louisiana vs. Houston, 12-23-22: Photo Gallery

December 24, 2022 DraftNasty Staff Reports Leave a comment

Houston Cougars quarterback Clayton Tune -effectively a fourth quarter maestro in 2022– once again saved his best for last in the 2022 Independence Bowl. As temperatures ranged in the mid-teens, Tune heated up right on time.

With the game in the balance tied at 16, Tune and star receiver Nathaniel “Tank” Dell made an in-game adjustment on an audible that led to the game-winning 12-yard touchdown pass. Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen had no problem allowing his star quarterback make the call.

“I told yall a couple of day ago that he (Tune) was going to call a lot of the plays based on his familiarity with what they were going to do defensively,” Holgorsen offered after the game. “He changed that play (game-winning 12-yard touchdown pass to Dell) right. That’s what make this relationship (pointing to Tune and Dell) so special.”

Donavan Mutin and Zykeius Strong enter the smoke before the Independence Bowl

Houston defensive lineman Zykeius Strong (No. 90 pictured) and linebacker Donavan Mutin (No. 3 pictured) lead the Cougars entrance onto the field in the 2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

Eric Garror returns a kickoff in the 2022 Independence Bowl

Louisiana CB-KR Eric Garror (No. 7 pictured) returned two punts for touchdowns in 2022 for the Ragin' Cajuns. During his career, he also posted nine interceptions, three punt return TDs and 26 pass breakups.

Noah Guzman about to tackle Louisiana's Eric Garror in the 2022 Indepdendence Bowl

Houston S Noah Guzman is about to meet Louisiana KR Eric Garror in the 2022 Independence Bowl.

Nathaniel Dell uses jab step off of the line of scrimmage

Dell, Jr. (No. 1 pictured) had an all-day battle with Louisiana CB Trey Amos. He uses a jab step to release from Amos off the line of scrimmage on this play.

After beating Amos off of the line of scrimmage, Dell was able to use his speed on a crossing route. The Florida native led the nation with 17 touchdown receptions in 2022 and posted 31 in a spectacular three-year run for the Cougars. Despite excellent coverage from Amos (No. 21 pictured) much of the afternoon, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Tune.

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns fans brave the temperatures of the Independence Bowl

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns fans braved temperatures in the teens for the 2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Clayton Tune (No. 3 pictured) handled the cold weather well and passed for 229 yards with three touchdown passes. He finished the year with 40 touchdown passes and is now headed to the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl.

Wide receiver Ke'Sean Carter (No. 8 pictured) catches a 49-yard corner route vs. Louisiana CB Eric Garror and S Bralen Trahan in the second quarter of the 2022 Independence Bowl.

Fellow wide receiver Ke'Sean Carter (No. 8 pictured) catches a 49-yard corner route vs. Louisiana CB Eric Garror and S Bralen Trahan in the second quarter. He finished with four receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown.

Louisiana offensive line vs. Houston defensive line in the 2022 Independence Bowl

Redshirt sophomore LT Nathan Thomas (No. 50 pictured) engages Houston stalwart DL D'Anthony Jones (No. 44 pictured) on the edge to protect QB Chandler Fields during Saturday's game.

Houston's Art Green defends a pass versus Louisiana's Neal Johnson, Jr.

2022 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl defensive MVP No. 26 Art Green (9 tackles, PBU) breaks up a pass intended for Louisiana WR Neal Johnson, Jr. in the end zone during the second quarter of Friday's contest.

Gervarrius Owens and Neal Johnson both dislodge from the ball in the end zone

Gervarrius Owens (No. 2 pictured) and Louisiana WR Neal Johnson, Jr. both go in opposite directions in full chemistry during a second quarter pass in the 2022 Independence Bowl.

Louisiana PK Kenneth Almendares had a strong day in the 2022 Independence Bowl

Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns PK Kenneth Almendares kicks a field goal in the 2022 Independence Bowl. Almendares made two 42-yard field goals in the cold temperatures of Shreveport.

Louisiana dancing after a field goal in the 2022 Independence Bowl

As a result of his three-field goal performance, Almendares (pictured in the middle) practiced his dance moves with teammates Johnny Lumpkin (No. 88 pictured) and Pearse Migl (No. 24 pictured).

2022 Independence Bowl celebration with fireworks

Houston's Art Green, Nathaniel Dell, Clayton Tune and Ta'Zhawn Henry celebrate the 2022 Independence Bowl championship with head coach Dana Holgorsen.

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2022 Las Vegas Bowl, Oregon State vs. Florida, 12-17-22: Photo Gallery

December 19, 2022 DraftNasty Staff Reports Leave a comment

The 2022 Las Vegas Bowl was largely dominated by an Oregon State Beavers (10-3) squad seeking its first 10-win campaign since the 2006 season under then-head coach and 2022 USFL Coach of the Year Mike Riley. Prior to that, the team’s current head coach, Jonathan Smith, quarterbacked the Beavers to an 11-1 record and 2001 Fiesta Bowl victory over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

The Beavers had 24 first downs to the Gators 13, scored on five of its six Red Zone scoring attempts and converted seven-of-12 third down opportunities in a resounding 30-6 victory in Allegiant Stadium.

But when asked to compare the current team to the one in which he passed for a career-high 2,773 yards and 20 touchdowns at the beginning of the century, the 2022 Pac-12 Co-Coach of the Year was having none of it.

“Ahhh…yeah,” Smith said in an aw-shucks manner while laughing . “I’m not going to be a smart aleck now. I think that both those teams had really good players on it and, again, special years on both instances. Really happy with this team. I’ll leave it there.”

Florida (6-7) -led by first-year head coach Billy Napier– was without starting quarterback Anthony Richardson (opted-out) or senior wideout Justin Shorter.

Allegiant Stadium was the home of the 2022 SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl.

Oregon State fans made the trip from Corvalis to support their team in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl

Oregon State fans made the trek from Corvalis, Oregon to support the team in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl.

Ben Gulbranson protected by his offensive line in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl

The Oregon State offensive line, led by senior right guard Bradnon Kipper (No. 68 pictured) provided protection throughout the contest. The line led a team that rushed for 164 yards and three touchdowns.

Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter attempts to block kick

Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter (No. 9 pictured seen getting his hands up on a field goal block attempt) finished the 2022 campaign with 55 tackles, two quarterback sacks, four tackles for loss and one interception.

Florida LB Amari Burney (No. 2 pictured) chasing after Oregon State RB Deshaun Fenwick in the open field. Fenwick finished with 107 yards on 21 carries.

Deshaun Fenwick runs the football in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl

Fenwick (No. 5 pictured) often found the cutback lanes behind the double team blocks of Kipper (No. 68 pictured) and center Jake Levengood (No. 70 pictured).

Jam Griffin vs. Trey Dean III in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl

Trey Dean III (No. 0 pictured) attempts to tackle Oregon State running back Jam Griffin during the fourth quarter of the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl.

Oregon State RB Deshaun Fenwick stiff-arms Trey Dean III in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl

Oregon State RB Jam Griffin (No. 8 pictured) stiff-arms Florida DB Trey Dean III during the fourth quarter of the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl.

Oregon State RB Jam Griffin scores the touchdown in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl

Jam Griffin (No. 8 pictured) scores his seventh touchdown of the year in the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl.

Griffin (No. 8 pictured) does the Gator Chomp after putting the Beavers up 30-0 against Florida in the fourth quarter of the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl.

Ben Gulbranson named the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl MVP

Oregon State redshirt freshman quarterback Ben Gulbranson threw for 165 yards (63%) and one touchdown. The 2022 Las Vegas Bowl MVP also rushed for a touchdown in the contest.

Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smtih holding up Las Vegas Bowl trophy

Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith (seen holding up the 2022 Las Vegas Bowl trophy) became the first coach to lead the team to a 10-win season since Mike Riley back in 2006.

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2022 SWAC Championship, 12-3-22: Photo Gallery

December 4, 2022 DraftNasty Staff Reports Leave a comment

The 2022 SWAC Championship game was filled with electricity from the start, as the Tigers got out to a 26-point lead at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, put on a show for the fans. However, the performance of Southern quarterback Glendon McDaniel helped lead a furious comeback for the Jaguars (7-4) in the third quarter. Eventually, the Tigers (11-0) cruised to a 43-24 victory to earn their second consecutive SWAC championship.

UPDATE: The game was bittersweet for many Tigers fans, as both head coach Deion Sanders and Shedeur are now headed to lead the Colorado Buffaloes in 2023 after they took on UNC-Central in the 2022 Cricket Celebration Bowl.

The 2022 SWAC Championship game filled Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Southern Jaguars cheerleaders in the middle of acrobatics

The Southern Jaguars cheerleaders were floating in the air while giving their fans entertainment all afternoon.

Jackson State head coach Deion "Prime" Sanders walks the sidelines during the team's victory. Sanders compiled a 27-6 record in three seasons for the Tigers.

Southern quarterback Glendon McDaniel looking for a receiver in the pocket behind left tackle Eli Fields.

Southern left tackle Eli Fields (No. 78 pictured) deposits Jackson State DE Justin Ragin (No. 92 pictured) on a run play in the first quarter.

Southern's band getting ready to perform

Southern's band, appropriately named "The Human Jukebox" prepares to perform at halftime of the 2022 SWAC Championship game.

Jackson State QB Shedeur Sanders' ability to escape pressure improved in 2022.

Shedeur Sanders getting hit while throwing

Southern's Jordan Carter hits Jackson State's Shedeur Sanders in mid-air

Jackson State CB De'Jahn Warren breaks up a pass

Cornerback De'Jahn Warren breaks up a pass along the sidelines in the third quarter of the 2022 SWAC Championship game.

Glendon McDaniel throwing a ball during the contest

Southern quarterback Glendon McDaniel threw for 220 yards (TD) and rushed for 162 yards (2 TDs) in the game.

McDaniel's stiff-arm in the 2022 SWAC Championship

McDaniel frequently got away from Jackson State's defenders with a variety of moves in the contest.

Jackson State players celebrate the 2022 SWAC championship

Jackson State's Devin Hayes, Tayvion Beasley and Donavan Hunt take in the team's championship victory.

Shane Hooks at the 2022 SWAC Championship

Jackson State wide receiver Shane Hooks celebrates the team's second consecutive SWAC Championship.

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Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee, 11-26-22: Photo Gallery

November 27, 2022 DraftNasty Staff Reports Leave a comment

The Tennessee Volunteers responded to a 25-point thrashing from the South Carolina Gamecocks to post a resounding 56-0 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores (5-7) on a rainy night in Nashville. Despite the Commodores holding nearly a 28-minute advantage in time of possession, the Volunteers scored at will. They rushed for 362 yards on just 31 carries and posted three touchdown runs of 50-or-more yards. In addition, they returned a punt for a score in the win.

Tennessee (10-2) running backs Jaylen Wright (5 carries, 160 yards, 2 TDs) and Dylan Sampson (12 carries, 131 yards, TD) cleared the 100-yard barrier while junior Jabari Small added 79 yards and two more scores.

Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea led the Commodores to a five-win season in 2022. It represented the team's highest victory total since 2018.

Tennessee's Jabari Small making a LB miss in space

Tennessee RB Jabari Small (No. 2 pictured) makes Vanderbilt LB Anfernee Orji miss in the hole on a long touchdown run in the third quarter.

Jabari Small touchdown run vs. Vanderbilt

Tennessee RB Jabari Small runs for the second of his two touchdowns on the day as the Tennessee fans celebrate in the end zone. Small rushed for 83 yards (7.2 YPC) on the afternoon.

Vanderbilt punter Matt Hayball, an FAU transfer, finished the season averaging over 45 yards per punt. The team, however, allowed nearly 15 yards per punt return for the season, including 116 yards and one touchdown return in this contest.

Vanderbilt WR Will Sheppard attempts to get away from Tennessee defensive back Wesley Walker, who had eight tackles and 1.5 TFLs in this game. Sheppard finished the year with 60 receptions for 776 yards (12.9 YPR) and 9 TDs.

Tennessee WR Squirrel White (No. 10 pictured) attempts to elude Vanderbilt DB Jaylen Mahoney in space. White finished 2022 with 30 catches for 481 yards (16 YPR) and 2 TDs.

Vanderbilt RB Ray Davis one-on-one in the open field

Tennessee DB Jaylen McCollough (58 tackles, 2 TFLs, 4 PBUs) is matched up one-on-one with Vanderbilt RB Ray Davis (1.042 yards, 4.5 YPC, 5 TDs) during Saturday's game.

Davis, who finished with 60 yards rushing on 21 carries, attempts to get by multiple Tennessee defenders.

Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III finished the 2022 season with 10 touchdown passes (65%) and zero interceptions.

Tennessee freshman RB Dylan Sampson gets lifted up after a TD run

Tennessee freshman running back Dylan Sampson gets lifted into the air after an 80-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the team's 56-0 victory.

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USC vs. UCLA, 11-19-22: Photo Gallery

November 20, 2022 DraftNasty Staff Reports Leave a comment

The USC Trojans, led by quarterback Caleb Williams, overcame a 14-point first quarter deficit to win a shootout in the battle of Los Angeles Saturday night.

Williams passed for a career-high 470 yards with two touchdowns and also added another 33 yards (TD) on the ground. His counterpart, UCLA star quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, accounted for six touchdowns (4 PASS, 2 RUSH) but also had four turnovers in the team’s hard-fought 48-45 defeat.

The Trojans (10-1) kept themselves relevant in the race for a potential CFP playoff berth with a huge game coming up against Notre Dame next week.

UCLA and USC filled the Rose Bowl in 2022

The Rose Bowl had the feel of a big game and the city of Los Angeles turned out to check out all of the stars.

Chip Kelly about to embrace Dorian Thompson-Robinson before his final game at the Rose Bowl copy

UCLA head coach Chip Kelly and quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson share an embrace on senior night for the Bruins. It was the last home game of a five-year run for the coach and quarterback.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson runs off the field after a first quarter touchdown vs. USC

Dorian Thompson-Robinson celebrates his first quarter touchdown against USC. Thompson-Robinson finished 2022 with 39 total touchdowns (27 PASS, 12 RUSH).

UCLA's Kazmeir Allen leaps through a tackle attempt

UCLA all-purpose standout Kazmeir Allen (No. 19 pictured) finished with 1,048 all-purpose yards (4 TDs) in 2022. He averaged 24.6 yards per kickoff return this past season after averaging nearly 29 yards per kick return in 2021.

UCLA tight end Hudson Havermahl returns a kickoff during the contest. He finished the season with two touchdowns on 15 receptions.

USC wide receiver Kyle Ford running with the ball

USC wide receiver Kyle Ford, pictured, caught three passes for 73 yards and one touchdown in the game. He also produced three receptions for 73 yards one week prior versus Colorado.

USC RB Raleek Brown (No. 14 pictured) attempts to secure the ball from UCLA LB Darius Muasau on his tackle and strip attempt. Brown, a freshman, finished with 919 all-purpose yards for the Trojans in 2022 (6 TDs).

2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams scores vs. UCLA

Caleb Williams' second quarter touchdown run was his seventh rushing score of the season. He finished the year with 10 scores on the ground.

USC QB Caleb Williams throwing from the pocket

Williams -the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner- threw for 4,537 yards and 42 TDs this past season. He threw just five interceptions in 500 passing attempts.

UCLA defensive lineman Jay Toia making a tackle

UCLA DL Jay Toia (No. 93 pictured) sets up his tackle vs. USC RB Austin Jones. Toia, a sophomore, finished 2022 with 30 tackles and three tackles for loss.

Jones (No. 6 pictured), however, came back to score in the third quarter. He finished with 120 yards rushing on 21 carries (2 TDs). In addition, he caught four passes for 57 yards in the game.

USC's Shane Lee running down on the kickoff team

USC LB Shane Lee (No. 53 pictured) -an Alabama transfer- recorded nine tackles and an interception on the night. He runs down on the kickoff unit for the team as well.

UCLA's field goal block team versus USC's field goal unit

UCLA's field goal block team attempting to get off the ball vs. USC's field goal unit.

UCLA junior placekicker Nicholas Barr-Mira (seen setting up to kick before a fourth quarter extra point) is following a deep tradition of kickers at the school.

USC DL Tuli Tuipulotu (No. 49 pictured) attempts to block the field goal in the fourth quarter. Tuipulotu -the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year- finished second in the nation with 22 tackles for losses.

UCLA fans after a tough loss vs. USC in 2022

UCLA's fans were hoping to pull off the upset, but were left in disbelief on how the game ended.

Photo Galleries, NFL, 2021, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview

2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo Gallery/Practice Notes: National Team, Day 2

January 31, 2021 DraftNasty Staff Reports Leave a comment

We look at Nebraska’s Brenden Jaimes’ technique, as well as many of the National team’s offensive linemen on Day 2 of the 2021 Senior Bowl. A Big Ten linebacker began to stand out with his positional versatility and a Pac-12 linebacker wasn’t too far behind.

Oregon State LB Hamilcar Rashed facing Purdue LB Derrick Barnes in KR drill, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Oregon State LB Hamilcar Rashed, Jr. vs Purdue LB Derrick Barnes, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Former Oregon State DE-OLB Hamilcar Rashed, Jr. (No. 11 pictured) shows his potential as a guard on kickoff return going against Purdue LB Derrick Barnes. After posting 14 sacks in 2019, Rashed, Jr. did not post a sack in 2020. During his career, he has shown the ability to play off the ball in spots. On Day 2, he worked over tight ends with his upper body strength when aligned outside as a Sam linebacker.

Ohio State LB Baron Browning covering Boston College TE Hunter Long, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Ohio State LB Baron Browning, Boston College TE Hunter Long, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Ohio State LB Baron Browning (No. 55 pictured) displayed coverage skill, enough strength to hold force on the edge (versus TEs), and disengaged favorably during Day 2 of the National team's practice session. Despite weighing in the 240-pound range, he moves well laterally.

Memphis PK Riley Patterson kicking at the 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Memphis PK Riley Patterson kicking field goal, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Memphis placekicker Riley Patterson missed a couple of kicks on Day 1, but was much more consistent on Day 2 from 40 yards and beyond. Patterson's range is impressive, as he attempted eight kicks of 50 or more yards in 2020.

National DL vs. American OL, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

National DL vs. National OL, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

North Dakota State OL Dillon Radunz and California OL Jake Curhan impress with their hand placement during a team period on Day 2 of the National team practices. Wisconsin-Whitewater center Quinn Meinerz (No. 71 pictured) keeps his hands inside of UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa (middle of the picture).

Nebraska OL Brenden Jaimes turns out Northern Iowa DE Elerson Smith, 2021 Senior Bowl

Oklahoma RB Rhamondre Stevenson gets the handoff, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

On the backside of run away (Oklahoma's Rhamondre Stevenson getting hand off from Ian Book), Nebraska's Brenden Jaimes (No. 67 pictured) sends a message to Northern Iowa DE Elerson Smith (No. 47 pictured on this play). Jaimes played right tackle, right guard, left guard and left tackle during the week. On Day 2, he got into problems when over-setting (leaning to punch) at guard and turning sideways (parallel to sidelines) too quickly in the down at tackle. When he stayed square (at tackle or guard), he was tough to get around.

Ilinois State DB Christian Uphoff, Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson, Illinois State Christian Uphoff in kickoff drills 2021 Senior Bowl

Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson (No. 99 pictured) and Illinois State DB Christian Uphoff both had their moments during the week. Jackson offers some versatility as a sub-package three-technique defensive tackle and Uphoff could be an H-LB in nickel/dime situations.

Photo Galleries, NFL, 2021, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview

2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo gallery/Practice Notes: National Team, Day 1

January 31, 2021 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

The National team had several high profile players on its roster, including Alabama Crimson Tide Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. On Day 1, however, we spotlight disruptive defensive tackles, an FCS slot wideout and a flexible Fighting Irish defender in our Photo Gallery recap.

Ta'Quon Graham and Osa Odighizuwa working in drills, 2021 Senior Bowl

UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa and Texas DL Ta'Quon Graham working the bags 2021 Senior Bowl

On Day 1, UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa (No. 92 pictured) worked over guards as a three-technique defensive tackle, using a deft combination of power and quickness. He occasionally lost balance once up the field. Texas' Ta'Quon Graham (No. 49 pictured) had some issues with burly offensive guards on down blocks (due to pad level), but did show power when posting interior linemen as a one-technique defensive tackle.

Daelin Hayes rushing Feleipe Franks on Day 1 of the 2021 Senior Bowl practices

Notre Dame DE Daelin Hayes, QB Feleipe Franks 2021 Senior Bowl

Notre Dame DE Daelin Hayes (No. 9 pictured) bent around Oklahoma OT Adrian Ealy (pictured at the top) to force Arkansas QB Feleipe Franks to step up in the pocket on Day 1 of the National Team's practice session. Hayes later captured Franks on a naked bootleg and forced him to throw an errant pass that was nearly intercepted by California cornerback Camryn Bynum.

Purdue LB Derrick Barnes bending to meet UNC RB Michael Carter in the hole

Purdue LB Derrick Barnes bends in the hole versus UNC RB Michael Carter, 2021 Senior Bowl

In 2019, Purdue LB Derrick Barnes (No. 19 pictured) was asked to rush the passer quite a bit from an outside linebacker spot. His physicality was evident when he met Michigan FB Ben Mason in the hole on a lead isolation on Day 1 of 2021 Senior Bowl practices. UNC RB Michael Carter (No. 7 pictured) displayed his unique footwork to maneuver through line gaps throughout the week. Much like in school, Carter was efficient running behind pulling offensive linemen on Day 1.

Wisconsin-Whitewater OL Quinn Meinerz, Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike at 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 1)

Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike vs. Wisconsin-Whitewater OL Quinn Meinerz, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 1

Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike (pictured swimming No. 71 Quinn Meinerz in the middle) used his quickness to get upfield penetration on Day 1 of the 2021 Senior Bowl practices. In one-on-one pass rush drills, his inconsistent hand usage allowed Meinerz to sit in the chair versus him. During a 9-on-7 period (run drill), Onwuzurike was flattened by MTSU OL Robert Jones. As evidenced in the picture above, pad level is a concern at times for Onwuzurike.

Washington CB Keith Taylor, Jr., South Dakota State WR Cade Johnson

Washington CB Keith Taylor, Jr. vs South Dakota State WR Cade Johnson, 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 1)

Washington's Keith Taylor, Jr. played in just three games in 2020 and South Dakota State's Cade Johnson did not play at all. Johnson's efficiency working in the slot extended to the sidelines, where he allowed his body to die along the chalk to stay inbounds. Taylor, Jr. had some success working against bigger receivers, but left an interception opportunity on the ground in a one-on-one period. Inside speed releases give him issues on occasion (Wallace, 1-on-1, Senior Bowl '21, Day 1).

Ole Miss TE Kenny Yeboah, Illinois State DB Christian Uphoff, Oklahoma DB Tre' Norwood, 2021 Senior Bowl

Ole Miss TE Kenny Yeboah going for ball versus Tre Norwood and Christian Uphoff, 2021 Senior Bowl

Ole Miss tight end Kenny Yeboah (No. 88 pictured) couldn't make this grab in man coverage versus Illinois State DB Christian Uphoff. Oklahoma's Tre Norwood had a strong break off the hash to help contend. Yeboah, a former Temple Owl, impressed in pass protection and produced some solid blocks as a down tight end turning out defenders.

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Category Archives: Photo Galleries

2022 Music City Bowl, Iowa vs. Kentucky, 12-31-22: Photo Gallery

2022 SDCCU Holiday Bowl, UNC vs. Oregon, 12-28-22: Photo Gallery

2022 First Responder Bowl, Utah State vs. Memphis, 12-27-22: Photo Gallery

2022 Independence Bowl, Louisiana vs. Houston, 12-23-22: Photo Gallery

2022 Las Vegas Bowl, Oregon State vs. Florida, 12-17-22: Photo Gallery

2022 SWAC Championship, 12-3-22: Photo Gallery

Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee, 11-26-22: Photo Gallery

USC vs. UCLA, 11-19-22: Photo Gallery

2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo Gallery/Practice Notes: National Team, Day 2

2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo gallery/Practice Notes: National Team, Day 1

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