LSU, Oregon, Tennessee take New Year’s Day bowl games

After a brief hiatus, college football’s bowl season resumed on New Year’s Day, featuring three exciting matchups before the highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinals.

In the Reliaquest Bowl, No. 17 LSU secured a dramatic 35-31 victory over Wisconsin. Despite missing Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, the Tigers claimed their first lead with a game-winning touchdown just over three minutes before the end.

In the Fiesta Bowl, No. 8 Oregon overcame a slow start to dominate No. 23 Liberty with a 45-6 win. Bo Nix, in his final college football game, threw for 363 yards and five touchdowns, leaving a lasting mark.

Meanwhile, No. 21 Tennessee delivered a commanding performance in the Citrus Bowl, shutting out No. 17 Iowa with a 35-0 victory to end their season on a high note.

Top Plays:

Fiesta Bowl: No. 8 Oregon 45, No. 23 Liberty 6

1. Flamin’ hot start for Liberty: The Flames made an early impact, scoring on the game’s first drive and taking a 6-0 lead with a 17-yard touchdown pass.
2. Bo knows: Overcoming initial struggles, Bo Nix threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Gary Bryant Jr., giving Oregon a 10-6 lead.
3. Nix not falling: Evading Liberty’s pass rush, Nix threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Ferguson, extending Oregon’s lead to 17-6.
4. Bo makes history: Nix set a school record with his 43rd passing touchdown of the season, a touch pass touchdown.
5. Sneaking one in before halftime: Nix added another touchdown right before halftime, tossing a 17-yard pass to Traeshon Holden, giving the Ducks a 31-6 lead.
6. Bucky adds to the Ducks’ lead: Bucky Irving rushed for a 1-yard score, securing Oregon’s dominance with a 45-6 lead.

Citrus Bowl: No. 21 Tennessee 35, No. 17 Iowa 0

1. The mascot makes its entrance: Cheez-It’s mascot, “Ched-Z,” made a dramatic entrance for the Citrus Bowl.
2. Tennessee scores first: Nico Iamaleava rushed for a 19-yard touchdown, opening the scoring for Tennessee and making it a 7-0 game.
3. Running for two: Iamaleava added his second rushing touchdown, rushing from a few yards out to give the Vols a 14-0 lead.
4. Tennessee’s defense Volunteers to help score: James Pearce strip-sacked Deacon Hill, leading to a touchdown and a 21-0 lead for Tennessee.
5. Pearce’s pick-six: Pearce intercepted Hill’s pass for a 52-yard pick-six, extending Tennessee’s lead to 28-0.
6. Adding one through the air: Iamaleava tossed an 18-yard pass to McCallan Castles, capping off a strong day for the Volunteers.

Reliaquest Bowl: No. 17 LSU 35, Wisconsin 31

1. The first TD of 2024: Tanner Mordecai found Bryson Green for a leaping grab, giving Wisconsin a 7-0 lead.
2. To the house!: Will Pauling took Mordecai’s pass 52 yards for a touchdown, extending Wisconsin’s lead to 14-0.
3. Letting the defensive player score: Harold Perkins, a defensive star, got a rushing touchdown, cutting Wisconsin’s lead to 14-7.
4. Jackson nukes away for 6: Kaleb Jackson’s 12-yard touchdown run tied the game late in the first half.
5. Pauling scores again!: Mordecai found Pauling in the end zone, giving Wisconsin a 21-14 lead at halftime.
6. Over the top to Thomas: Garrett Nussmeier connected with Brian Thomas Jr. for a 38-yard touchdown, making it a 28-21 game.
7. Going to Hilton for a nice stay in the end zone: Nussmeier found Chris Hilton for a 14-yard touchdown, tying the game at 28-28.
8. Back to Brian: Nussmeier tossed a touchdown pass to Grant, giving LSU a 35-31 lead with just over three minutes remaining.