Let’s take a look at some of the biggest news stories from around the world of college football.
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl Cancelled
Severe weather in the Dallas area forced the 2018 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl to be canceled. It is the first time that a college football bowl game has been canceled due to the weather. The game featuring Boise State and Boston College was finally called off after a day of more than 1.5 hours due to lightning. Boston College was leading the game by a score of 7-0 when play was stopped with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter. Both Boston College and Boise State informed fans that they would be given a full refund for any tickets that were purchased through the school’s athletic department. Boise State finished the season with a 10-3 record but were denied the chance of winning their 11th game for a second straight season. Boston College was going for their first eight-win season under head coach Steve Addazio.
Herbert Returning to Oregon
Oregon Ducks star quarterback Justin Herbert has announced that he will return to the school for his senior season. Herbert was expected to be a first-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but his desire to play another season of collegiate football came first. Mel Kiper rated Herbert as the number 6 overall draft prospect, while Todd McShay had him at number 20. Herbert led the Ducks to an 8-4 record this season and a berth in the Redbox Bowl against Michigan State on Monday. The 6-foot-6 quarterback threw for 2,985 yards and 24 touchdowns during the regular season. Herbert’s brother, Patrick, will be a freshman tight end at Oregon next season after signing a letter of intent last week.
Tagovailoa Improving, Murray Ill
Questions surround the two star quarterbacks leading up to the Capital One Orange Bowl. Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is trying to bounce back from an ankle injury suffered during the SEC Championship Game, while Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray is battling an illness. Tagovailoa has told members of the media that he is about 80-85 percent leading up to the game against Oklahoma, but has been a full participant in practices this week. Murray was unavailable during media day on Wednesday with what the team is calling an “illness.” Murray was able to be a full participant in practice later that day, but the Sooners are closely monitoring the Heisman Trophy winner.
Miami Making Change at QB
Miami Hurricanes head coach Mark Richt has announced that senior quarterback Malik Rosier will start for the team in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Rosier will be replacing N’Kosi Perry who has started the past three games for the Hurricanes, including a pair of victories over Virginia Tech and Pittsburgh. Perry threw for 1,089 yards and 13 touchdowns this season but has had some history of questionable off-field behavior this season. Rosier made six starts during the regular season, throwing for 1,007 yards and six touchdowns. The Hurricanes will take on the Wisconsin Badgers at Yankee Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Trio Of Clemson Players Facing Suspension
Three Clemson Tigers football players are currently suspended after testing positive for a substance called ostarine in a recent drug test. Star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is the most notable player facing suspension, but the team is hoping that the positive test was a mistake. A secondary test has been performed on all three players, and it is possible that the NCAA could clear Lawrence and his teammates before the semifinal game on Saturday. Clemson is set to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Cotton Bowl in the first of two College Football Playoff semifinals on Saturday, December 29.
Michigan Missing Four Starters
The Michigan Wolverines will be without four starters when they take on the Florida Gators in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Offensive tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty did not travel with the team and has decided to not participate in the game. Defensive lineman Rashan Gary and running back Karan Higdon are both skipping the Peach Bowl to prepare for next year’s NFL Draft. All-American linebacker Devin Bush has not been cleared from a hip injury suffered this season, and will also use this time to prepare for the draft.
