Duke: 2022 Military Bowl Champions

Riley Leonard totaled 236 yards of offense as Duke topped UCF 30-13 at the Military Bowl in Annapolis, Md., on Wednesday.

Leonard completed 19-of-28 passes for 173 yards, carried the ball 10 times for 63 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns.

The victory for Duke (9-4) marked its first bowl win since 2018 and gave the Blue Devils their first nine-win season since 2014. It was just the seventh time in program history that Duke won nine or more games in a single season.

John Rhys Plumlee led UCF (9-5) with 203 yards of total offense, including 182 passing. Isaiah Bowser scored both of the Knights’ touchdowns on short runs.

Duke rushed for 177 yards and each of its three touchdowns came on the ground. Leonard’s first score of the day, a 1-yard second quarter punch-in, gave Duke 30 rushing scores on the season to set a program record. The score put Duke on top 17-7.

The Blue Devils extended that mark when Leonard scored from 3 yards out to seal the victory with 2:29 to play in the game.

Jacquez Moore got the Blue Devils on the scoreboard with 7:47 remaining in the first quarter on a 14-yard TD run. Moore had 43 yards on 12 carries.

Following a career-long 48-yard field goal from Todd Pelino, Duke took a 20-7 lead into halftime. The Blue Devils benefited in the first half from a Tre Freeman sack – the first of his career – a reversed call on a fumble, and a roughing-the-passer call against UCF on a third down.

UCF didn’t tally a tackle-for-loss until the third quarter and had difficulty stopping Duke’s offense.

The Blue Devils had six sacks and a late fourth quarter interception by freshman Chandler Rivers.

Duke won despite playing without leading tackler Shaka Heyward, who was recovering from a tonsillectomy.

–Field Level Media

Wisconsin: 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl Champions

PHOENIX — Wisconsin held off a late rally by Oklahoma State in the closing minutes to win the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl, 24-17, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday evening. The Badgers had several new players in key positions, including quarterback.

A long, sometimes-difficult season came to a conclusion with more adversity - and, eventually, a win.

''It ended exactly the way we wanted it to - we got the win,'' said Braelon Allen, who ran for 116 yards and scored on a 20-yard touchdown.

Luke Fickell, hired away from Cincinnati after a trip to the College Football Playoff last season, joined the team on the sideline for the bowl game. He wasn't there to run the show, though; all the decisions were left to interim coach Jim Leonhard.

The Badgers had everything working in the first half. The offense had balance, the defense stifling while they built a 17-point lead.

In the second half, Wisconsin (7-6) bogged down on the slippery Chase Field turf and the defense started giving up chunk plays as the Cowboys rode their way back.

Cedrick Dort finally ended Oklahoma State's momentum, intercepting Garret Rangel's pass with three minutes left, preserving the Badgers' eighth win in their past nine bowl games.

''This is what I envisioned what this was about from afar,'' Fickell said. ''And that's what they've shown me over the last three and a half weeks: they want to be here, they want to do it together and they want to do it the right way.''

The Cowboys lost four of five to close out the regular season and struggled offensively while falling into a 24-7 hole midway through the third quarter. Rangel had the lone offensive highlight in the first half with a big assist from Stephon Johnson Jr., who broke a couple of tackles to turn a swing pass into an 84-yard touchdown.

''We had the one big play, but other than that we weren't able to sustain anything,'' Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said.

Rangel led Oklahoma State back, throwing for 229 yards and two touchdowns in place of Spencer Sanders, who entered the transfer portal.

The freshman improvised on a fourth-and-goal by shoveling a pass to Ollie Gordon while in the grasp of a defender to open the fourth quarter and set up Tanner Brown's 24-yard field goal to pull the Cowboys to 24-17.

With momentum back on Oklahoma State's side, Rangel tried make a big play downfield after another Oklahoma State second-half defensive stop. Dort pulled it back to the Badgers by cutting inside John Paul Richardson for what ended up being the game-clinching interception.

''We came out here with a little bit of a reduced roster and new guys were involved, and we had to kind of find our way,'' Gundy said. ''Guys competed practice hard for three weeks. Had a great week of practice out here, so I was proud of them.''

Among the many changes Wisconsin faced was at quarterback after Graham Mertz, a three-year starter, entered the transfer portal.

The Badgers turned to fifth-year starter Chris Wolf, who attempted six passes before arriving in the desert.

Wolf had some success on short passes early and found Hayden Rucci on a 15-yard TD pass in the second quarter. He also threw an interception in the end zone on Wisconsin's second drive and finished 16 of 26 for 116 yards.

''Chase played well. He controlled what he could control, he took shots and I never saw him bat an eye,'' Fickell said.

East Carolina: 2022 Birmingham Bowl Champions

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Holton Ahlers chose to stay in his hometown with a mission to restore some pride and prominence to East Carolina football.

After Tuesday night's 53-29 throttling of Coastal Carolina in the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl, the senior quarterback can proudly say, "Mission accomplished."

Ahlers, who played at Greenville's D.H. Conley High School, punctuated his record-breaking career with a stellar performance in ECU's first bowl game since the 2014 Birmingham Bowl. The 6-4, 230-pound left-hander displayed his versatility and had a hand in six touchdowns, throwing for five to four different receivers and running for one. He nearly added a score on a reception but came up a yard shy after hauling in a pass from receiver and former high school teammate C.J. Johnson.

To cap off the evening, Ahlers, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player, made his final move by assisting senior Noah Henderson with the traditional dumping of the Gatorade cooler on head coach Mike Houston.

"This is all I ever wanted, this moment right here," an emotional Ahlers said moments after the game. "To finally be here means everything to me."

Ahlers came to ECU in 2018, the last of Scottie Montgomery's three consecutive 3-9 seasons. Houston took over the rebuilding task and got the Pirates to bowl eligibility in year three with a 7-5 record, but the chance to play in the Military Bowl ended when Boston College pulled out due to covid.

The long journey culminated in a celebration Tuesday night in Protective Stadium.

"This has been the goal since we got here, to get ECU back to winning and back to being in bowl contention and back to winning bowl games. Tonight's a very significant achievement for a lot of people.

"I told Holton and Noah after they froze me to death on the sideline just how proud I am of them," Houston said. "They stuck it out, they finished the way they wanted to finish, and they truly can say that they turned the program around."

With the exception of a season-high 11 penalties for 130 yards and a blocked punt, the Pirates (8-5) dominated a Coastal Carolina team seeking a third straight 10-win season. ECU remarkably extended its streak of games without a turnover to seven while forcing a pair of fumbles.

The 53 points not only marked a season high but rank as the second most an ECU team has scored in a bowl game.

"It was a tough game," said interim head coach Chad Staggs, who took over after Jamey Chadwell departed for Liberty. "We fought, we battled. We're not going to leave any excuses out there. We didn't compete well enough to win the ballgame. They outplayed us."

Coastal (9-4) traded blows with ECU into the second quarter and led 14-10 when talented quarterback Grayson McCall left with an injury. With backup Bryce Carpenter suspended due to an arrest, the duties fell into the hands of junior Jarret Guest.

Guest threw one touchdown pass before being a crunching hit sidelined him in the fourth quarter. That left little firepower to answer the Pirates' onslaught.

"When you've got No. 10 (McCall) in the ballgame we're a little bit better," Staggs said. "Jarret came in and threw a touchdown pass. It was really kind of the turnovers there."

Ahlers, meanwhile, showed poise and leadership in his finale. He finished 26 of 38 for 300 yards, rushed for 48 yards and added 14 yards receiving for 362 total yards. For his career, Ahlers compiled school and American Athletic Conference bests of 13,927 passing yards and 15,387 total yards.

He also set an AAC record for touchdowns responsible for, throwing for 97 scores and eclipsing Shane Carden's ECU record for rushing touchdowns with his 25th.

The 300-yard passing game gives Ahlers five for this season and 19 for his career. He said finally being healthy played a big role in being sharp.

"I could finally run again without my shoulder popping out of place," he said. "I tore my labrum the third drive of the season. I was told I should sit out, and I said, "Hell no, I ain't taking off that purple and gold just yet.' I did it for this right here. I did it for these fans and my family and my football family as well."

Although Ahlers took center stage, he benefited from a strong supporting cast. Sophomore speedster Keaton picked up 83 yards on his first three carries and finished with 127 yards on 22 carries – his seventh straight 100-yard game, ninth eight of the season and 15th of his career. He also moved into third place on ECU's career rushing list with 3,026 yards, passing Carlester Crumpler (2,900) and Chris Johnson (2,982).

C.J. Johnson had seven catches for 83 yards, boosting his season total to 1,016. Isaiah Winstead added six catches for 72 yards and a pair of touchdowns, giving the Toledo transfer 1,085 yards and seven scores. Jaylen Johnson added five catches – three on the opening drive – for 55 yards and a touchdown.

"It was a total team effort," Ahlers said.

The Pirates led 24-14 at the end of a long and disjointed first half plagued by penalties, injuries and official reviews. ECU moved the ball at will, piling up 330 total yards and scoring on four of six possessions – one drive ended on downs at Coastal 33, and the half ended the other.

ECU, the least-penalized team in the nation at 29.8 yards per game, drew seven flags for 85 yards in the first half. The first of those came on the opening drive on first down from the 5, and the Pirates settled for a 28-yard field goal.

Ahlers' first of two first-half touchdown strikes to Winstead put ECU up 10-0 before the Chanticleers awakened and rallied for a pair of scores and a 14-10 lead. Resse White ran in from the 1 at the end of a none-play, 60-yard drive, then McCall tumbled in on a 9-yard scamper that put Coastal ahead but also ended his night.

McCall, a three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year who has entered the transfer portal, flipped as he collided with three Pirates at the goal line and landed on his head. He walked off slowly and did not return, finishing the night 11-of-14 for 75 yards through the air and 12 yards rushing.

ECU quickly answered, cashing in a 46-yard kickoff return by Marlon Gunn with an 11-yard pass from Ahlers to Winstead. The Pirates extended the lead to 24-14 when Mitchell darted in untouched from the 1 with 1:44 left.

The Pirates pounced quick in the second half after Jireh Wilson recovered the first of two fumbles forced by Gerard Springer. Ahlers nearly got in the end zone with his third career reception, then tossed 2-yard pass to Jaylen Johnson for a 31-21 lead.

A 47-yard pass from Guest to Tyler Roberts gave Coastal a glimmer of hope, but ECU chalked up two quick scores to seize control. Ahlers scored on a 1-yard run after Springer sacked Guest, forced a fumble and then jumped on the loose ball.

A 15-yard connection to C.J. Johson made it 49-21, then Ahlers capped the night with a 1-yard pass to Shane Calhoun and a two-point shovel pass to Mitchell.

All that remained was the celebration.

"I told Coach Houston I was going to sleep in my uniform," Ahlers said. "I don't want to take it off yet.

"Being a kid from Greenville and experiencing that out there, that's all I've ever wanted, was to bring this university and this football program back. These fans certainly deserve it. You could see it out there. Almost the whole stadium on our side was purple and gold. It's a night I'll remember forever."

Memphis: 2022 First Responder Bowl Champions

DALLAS – The University of Memphis football team earned a 38-10 victory over Utah State in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl on Tuesday at Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas. With the victory, the Tigers end the season with a 7-6 record, while the Aggies finish at 6-7.

 

The 28-point win for Memphis is the largest in the program's bowl history. Ryan Silverfield is the first head coach in team history to earn back-to-back bowl game championships and joins Tommy West as the only head coaches in Tiger history with two total bowl titles.

 

Sophomore quarterback Seth Henigan was named the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl MVP after completing 20-of-29 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. Henigan extended his streak of consecutive games with at least one TD pass to 24.

"I am so proud of our resiliency today and leading up to today," Silverfield said. "We are going to celebrate this and be proud of the moment. I am proud of our guys and our seniors. That win was for them. Thanks to all of the great fans from the city of Memphis. I am honored to coach this team. There are bright days ahead of us."

 

Fifth-year defensive back Sylvonta Oliver had two interceptions to spearhead the Memphis defensive effort, matching both the team's bowl game record, as well as the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl mark. The Tigers limited Utah State to just 261 total yards, the second fewest in program bowl history.

 

Memphis never trailed in the game on Tuesday, running out to a 24-3 lead at halftime thanks in part to a 21-point second quarter. Wide receiver Eddie Lewis had a pair of touchdown catches in the frame, finishing the game with five receptions for a game-high 83 yards and two scores.

 

Tight end Caden Prieskorn capped the first half with a three-yard touchdown catch with 24 seconds remaining. Prieskorn's score capped one of the best seasons for a tight end in Memphis history. The redshirt sophomore finished the year with 48 receptions for 602 yards and seven scores. His receptions and TD receptions are tied for the most among tight ends in single-season history, while his receiving yards are the second-most.

 

In the fourth quarter, the Aggies cut the lead to 24-10, but running back Jevyon Ducker ended the drama, scoring from 1-yard and 48-yards out to make the score 38-10. Ducker finished with 13 rushes for a game-high 83 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Defensively, redshirt junior linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku had a game-high 10 tackles with one tackle for loss, while defensive back Joel Williams had one tackle and an interception for the Tigers. Playing in their final games for Memphis, linebackers Tyler Murray and Xavier "Zay" Cullens finished with seven tackles each.

Buffalo: 2022 Camellia Bowl Champions

MONTGOMERY, AL – For the second time in three years, the University at Buffalo football team hoisted the Camellia Bowl trophy over its heads as bowl champions, defeating Georgia Southern, 23-21, at the Cramton Bowl on Tuesday afternoon. An undermanned Bulls squad had reserve players step up all day to help UB win its third bowl in program history.

Players like Clevester Hines, who before this week was a wide receiver, was forced to start at cornerback and finished with seven tackles and three pass breakups. He helped the Bulls slow down a pass-happy, high-powered Georgia Southern offense. On the offensive side of the ball, running back Tajay Ahmed was pressed into action due to injuries and responded by rushing for a career-high 98 yards and a touchdown.

While several new faces stepped up, the usual old reiables paced the Bulls, especially early. Wide receiver Justin Marshall had 11 catches for 127 yards, both career highs, and scored UB's first touchdown of the game enroute to being named the bowl's Most Valuable Player.

Marshall was the favorite target of quarterback Cole Snyder who threw for 265 yards and a score. He became just the third quarterback in program history to throw for 3,000 yards in a season. Snyder also connected with Quian Williams five times for 100 yards.

Buffalo took a 14-6 lead late in the first half on a short touchdown run by Ahmed.

Georgia Southern responded early in the second half by quickly tying the game on a long touchdown pass. However, the Bulls answered with consecutive Alex McNulty field goals to take a 20-14 lead into the fourth quarter.

Early in the fourth quarter, Dylan Powell came up with his first career interception to set up UB at the Georgia Southern 40-yard line. The Bulls were able to drive down the field and McNulty hit a chip shot to extend the UB lead to nine. It was McNulty's third field goal of the game and 49th of his career, breaking the program's all-time record.

The Eagles scored a touchdown, with 3:38 left, to cut the UB advantage to two points. However, the Bulls were able to get two key first downs and Georgia Southern never got the ball back.

Linebacker Shaun Dolac led the UB defense with 13 tackles and added a forced fumble that was recovered by Jalen McNair to set up a UB field goal. Fellow linebacker James Patterson, making his 56th and final career start for the Bulls, had eight tackles, including a tackle for loss.

 

It was the third straight bowl win for the Bulls after winning the 2019 Bahamas Bowl and 2020 Camellia Bowl.

ISML 2022: The First Genshin Semifinal Is Set

ISML 2022: The First Genshin Semifinal Is Set

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

26 December 2022

To the surprise of no one, Hu Tao is in the semifinals of the 2022 International Saimoe League Genshin Impact Tournament, defeating Yae Miko 2812-1551. "A straightforward concession," Yae was quoted to say. "Oh well, I look forward to watching the rest of this competition. I can only hope Ei (Raiden Shogun) can fare better against the director, or this will look bad for all of us in Inazuma!"

Ganyu will be Hu Tao's next opponent. A tough, bitter contest was fought between her and the Dendro Archon, Nahida, but in the end, the cocogoat herself prevailed 2296-2015. "Nahida is as tough as they come so I had to be on my toes to figure her out," Ganyu said. "Hu Tao on the other hand, well...she's a different story. I will consider it the biggest victory ever to take her down. If I can't do it, I don't think the Shogun can stop her either!"

Ganyu's mentor, Cloud Retainer, easily trounced Oz, Fischl's familiar, 2151-1235. "One knew the outcome of this from the beginning," said the adepti crane. "One can't definitely determine Ganyu's next trial, but if is an outcome one did not expect...one may be most certainly pleased regardless of her final test's result."

And now we take a look at the other results. In the Female Division, Mai Sakurajima romped past Ritsu Tainaka 3665-2681, Chisato Nishikigi delivered a 3713-2428 rout of Megumi Katou, Isla defeated Zero Two 3122-2540, Violet Evergarden cruised past Taiga Aisaka 3929-2136, Emilia flew past Sagiri Izumi 3107-2845, Marin Kitagawa defeated Index Prohibitorum 3159-2968 and Rikka Takanashi roared past Ai Haibara 4336-2175.

Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Kaguya Shinomiya 3196-2442, Takina Inoue took down Shiro 3375-2636, Elaina annihilated Kamui Kanna 3962-2186, Yui Hirasawa rocked Mio Akiyama 2712-2519, Shouko Nishimiya shook Sora Kasugano 3266-3591, Rem rammed Kanade Tachibana  3409-2604 and Mashiro Shiina smashed Miku Nakano 3576-2672.

Wrapping up Female Division play, Yui Yuigahama earned the Upset of the Round, a 3073-2902 scalp of Asuna Yuuki, Yukino Yukinoshita drilled Utaha Kasumigaoka 3908-2011, Nao Tomori defeated Kuroko Shirai 3485-2955, Nino Nakano overcame Mitsuha Miyamizu 3277-2811, Mikoto Misaka thumped Tsukasa Yuzaki 4341-2023, Eru Chitanda pounded Tamako Kitashirakawa 4026-2018 and Chika Fujiwara prevailed over Azusa Nakano 3087-2907.

In the Male Division, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji rolled past Ainz Ooal Gown 3318-1765, Izumi MIyamura defeated Satoru Gojou 2744-2184, Riku Dola rocked Kousei Arima 2724-2282, Hachiman Hikigaya dismantled Nasa Yuzaki 3897-1730, Yuu Otosaka leveled Levi 2831-2385, Mochizou Ouji rounded Kaito Kuroba 2803-2273 and Houtarou Oreki pulverized Shirou Emiya 3836-1816.

Shidou Itsuka prevailed over Loid Forger 2739-2556, Yuuta Togashi routed Saika Totsuka 3856-1799, Subaru Natsuki drove past Shinpei Ajiro 2952-2305, Itachi Uchiha slayed Dio Brando 2475-2236, Accelerator accelerated past Sorata Kanda 3546-2049, Taki Tachibana took down Rimuru Tempest 2829-2419 and Tanjiro Kamado blew Ken Kaneki away 2545-2162.

Wrapping up Male Division play, Kazuto Kirigaya sliced and diced Masamune Izumi 3356-1888, Sora won a 2726-2627 barnburner over Miyuki Shirogane, Fuutarou Uesugi defeated Takashi Natsume 2572-2463, Sakuta Azusagawa dismantled Kyoujurou Rengoku 3766-1719, Touma Kamijou broke Joutarou Kuujou 3492-1953 and Tomoya Okazaki defeated Haruka Kasugano 2590-2361.

In Seasonal action, Nezuko Kamado flattened Tooru Amuro 2990-1836, Silence Suzuka silenced Sakura Matou 2309-2002, Illyasviel von Einzbern rolled past Kotoko Iwanaga 2307-2054, Takagi took down Momo Chiyoda 2897-1522,  Special Week raced past Toge Inumaki 2919-1486, Renge Miyauchi rallied past Ninym Ralei 2240-1911, Kobayashi overcame Wakana Gojou 2993-1731 and Sajuna Inui torched Yuuko Yoshida 2744-1746.

Ai Hayasaka routed ZHong Lanzhu 4080-1019, Miko iino pounded Eiko Tsukimi 3068-1774, Tohka Yatogami annihilated Zhuge Kongming 3241-1646, Yoshino thumped Filo 3211-1317, Shikimori  droved past Kogorou Mouri 2995-1953, Tomoyo Sakagami upended Shouko Komi 2483-2000, Ushio Kofune whipped past Serena 3093-1302 and Ushio Okazaki eased past Mio Kofune 2964-1628.

Wrapping up Seasonal action, Fuuko Ibuki mowed down Reina Aharen 2503-2029, Kurumi dusted off Son Goku 3763-1375, Ruka Sarashina sat on Shalltear Bloodfallen 2284-2001, Sumi Sakurasawa slaughtered Hinata Hyuuga 2419-1927, Kei Karuizawa pounded Jolyne Kuujou 3053-1674, Yume Iridou throttled Ayano Yugiri 2418-1803, Albedo prevailed over Hizuru Minakata 2335-2149, Suzune Horikita routed David Martinez 3242-1491, Kisara grounded Rin Shima 2790 and Lucy defeated Nazuna Nanakusa 2210-2029.

Match Day 5 of the 2022 International Saimoe League Amethyst Period is scheduled for 29 December 2022. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

FFXIV/Genshin Impact: Hustle And Bustle Of...Radz-At-Han!?

#FFXIV #GenshinImpact #Crossover #Nahida

New Mexico State: 2022 Quick Lane Bowl Champions

It was mostly a crowd of orange and brown shirts in Detroit, in favor of the MAC’s Bowling Green State Falcons on Boxing Day. It makes sense, considering the New Mexico State Aggies had to travel significantly farther to play in the Quick Lane Bowl. Nevertheless, Jerry Kill’s Aggies picked up just their second bowl win since since 1960 and first since the 2017 Arizona Bowl.

Seven wins is also tied for their highest win total since 1965.

Junior quarterback Diego Pavia was named the player of the game, completing 17 of 29 passes for 167 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Pavia also notably had several key runs with 12 carries for 65 yards, including the team’s final first down that cemented the 24-19 victory.

How It Happened

BGSU senior quarterback Matt McDonald was put through concussion protocol in the first quarter after a late hit out of bounds, that was called as such. McDonald would miss the rest of the game and was replaced by Camden Orth. Orth completed 14 passes on 22 attempts for 191 yards and a touchdown.

New Mexico State led 14-0 at the half while forcing an interception and two missed field goals by the BGSU offense. To open the second half, Ethan Albertson kicked a 35-yard field goal to extend the NMSU lead. Bowling Green got on the board when Ta’ron Keith took the return 75 yards for the score on the ensuing kickoff.

Bowling Green offensive lineman Bronson Warner was ejected in the third quarter following his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Two NMSU possessions later, running back Ahmonte Watkins took a handoff 45 yards for the score to make it 24-7. Bowling Green countered with Albertson’s first field goal make of the day a few minutes later. The Falcons continued their comeback attempt by blocking an NMSU punt out the end zone for a safety with seven minutes remaining. On the ensuing possession, Orth threw his only touchdown of the day when he hit Tyrone Broden for 19 yards.

New Mexico State got the ball back with 6:27 remaining and milked a 13-play, 43-yard drive that included three first-down runs by Pavia. Pavia did nearly fumble the ball away with 5:20 remaining, but the Aggies were able to recover it.

The Take

The sticking point of this game is going to be the play of Pavia. It absolutely should. The Albuquerque native and former JUCO national champion was the spark that ignited this win with how hard he played, putting his body on the line seemingly every other play.

Let’s not let the job that Jerry Kill did with this program get lost, however. He and his staff not only put together one of the program’s best seasons of the last twenty years, but they did it in Kill’s first year at the helm. To put it in perspective, New Mexico State won more games this year than they did in 2019, 2020, and 2021 put together.

This victory also marks the first bowl victory of Kill’s career.

As the program heads to Conference USA in 2023, Kill might be in the midst of his quickest program turnaround yet.

FFXIV/Genshin Impact: Layla

#FFXIV #GenshinImpact #Layla

BoBA ISML 2022 Predictions: Amethyst Match Day 4

ARENA 1 [[Sakurajima Mai]] Tainaka Ritsu

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 2 [[Katō Megumi]] Nishikigi Chisato

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 3 [[Isla]] Zero Two

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 4 Aisaka Taiga [[Violet Evergarden]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 5 [[Emilia]] Izumi Sagiri

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 6 Index L. Prohibitorum [[Kitagawa Marin]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 7 [[Takanashi Rikka]] Haibara Ai

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 8 [[Tokisaki Kurumi]] Shinomiya Kaguya

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 9 Inoue Takina [[Shiro]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 10 [[Elaina]] Kanna Kamui

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 11 Akiyama Mio [[Hirasawa Yui]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 12 Kasugano Sora [[Nishimiya Shōko]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 13 [[Rem]] Tachibana Kanade

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 14 Shiina Mashiro [[Nakano Miku]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 15 [[Yūki Asuna]] Yuigahama Yui

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 16 Kasumigaoka Utaha [[Yukinoshita Yukino]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 17 [[Shirai Kuroko]] Tomori Nao

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 18 [[Nakano Nino]] Miyamizu Mitsuha

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 19 Yuzaki Tsukasa [[Misaka Mikoto]]

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 20 [[Chitanda Eru]] Kitashirakawa Tamako

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 21 [[Fujiwara Chika]] Nakano Azusa

by <=2000
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 22 Ainz Ooal Gown [[Ayanokōji Kiyotaka]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 23 [[Gojō Satoru]] Miyamura Izumi

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 24 Arima Kōsei [[Riku Dola]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 25 [[Hikigaya Hachiman]] Yuzaki Nasa

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 26 [[Levi]] Otosaka Yū

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 27 Ōji Mochizō [[Kuroba Kaito]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 28 [[Oreki Hōtarō]] Emiya Shirō

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 29 [[Ishigami Yū]] Edogawa Conan

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 30 Loid Forger [[Itsuka Shidō]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 31 [[Togashi Yūta]] Totsuka Saika

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 32 [[Natsuki Subaru]] Ajiro Shinpei

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 33 Dio Brando [[Uchiha Itachi]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 34 [[Accelerator]] Kanda Sorata

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 35 [[Tachibana Taki]] Rimuru Tempest

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 36 [[Kamado Tanjirō]] Kaneki Ken

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 37 Izumi Masamune [[Kirigaya Kazuto]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 38 [[Shirogane Miyuki]] Sora

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 39 [[Natsume Takashi]] Uesugi Fūtarō

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 40 [[Azusagawa Sakuta]] Rengoku Kyōjurō

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 41 [[Kamijō Tōma]] Kūjō Jōtarō

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 42 Kasugano Haruka [[Okazaki Tomoya]]

by >=250
Over/Under: 6100
Under

ARENA 43 Amuro Tōru [[Kamado Nezuko]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 44 Matō Sakura [[Silence Suzuka]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 45 [[Iwanaga Kotoko]] Illyasviel von Einzbern

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 46 Chiyoda Momo [[Takagi]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 47 [[Special Week]] Inumaki Toge

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 48 Miyauchi Renge [[Ninym Ralei]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 49 Gojō Wakana [[Kobayashi]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 50 Inui Sajuna [[Yoshida Yūko]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 51 Kyaru [[Eris Boreas Greyrat]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 52 Zhong Lanzhu [[Hayasaka Ai]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 53 [[Iino Miko]] Tsukimi Eiko

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 54 [[Yatogami Tōka]] Zhuge Kongming

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 55 [[Yoshino]] Filo

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 56 [[Shikimori]] Mōri Kogorō

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 57 Komi Shōko [[Sakagami Tomoyo]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 58 [[Kofune Ushio]] Serena

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 59 Kofune Mio [[Okazaki Ushio]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 60 Aharen Reina [[Ibuki Fūko]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 61 [[Kurumi]] Son Goku

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 62 [[Shalltear Bloodfallen]] Sarashina Ruka

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 63 [[Sakurasawa Sumi]] Hyūga Hinata

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 64 Kūjō Jolyne [[Karuizawa Kei]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 65 [[Irido Yume]] Yugiri Ayano

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 66 [[Albedo]] Minakata Hizuru

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 67 David Martinez [[Horikita Suzune]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 68 Shima Rin [[Kisara]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

ARENA 69 Nanakusa Nazuna [[Lucy]]

by <=1000
Over/Under: 5400
Over

GENSHIN IMPACT TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS PART ONE

ARENA 70 [[Hu Tao]] Yae Miko

by <=1500
Over/Under: 6000
Over

ARENA 71 Nahida [[Ganyu]]

by >=1000
Over/Under: 6000
Under

ARENA 72 [[Cloud Retainer]] Oz

by >=1250
Over/Under: 4269
Over

Voter Id: a593dd6e-859d-5f87-a4ad-54806ca01e06

Middle Tennessee State: 2022 Hawaii Bowl Champions

Zeke Rankin's fourth field goal of the game, a 37-yarder with 2:05 left, lifted Middle Tennessee to a 25-23 win over San Diego State on Saturday in the Hawaii Bowl in Honolulu.

Rankin's kick capped a 55-yard drive that enabled the Blue Raiders (8-5) to win their fourth straight game after trailing by two touchdowns before the first quarter ended. Middle Tennessee's defense clinched the win by forcing their fifth turnover of the game on a botched hook-and-lateral play at the Aztecs' 43 with 55 seconds left.

Chase Cunningham completed 26 of 43 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns with an interception for the Blue Raiders. He survived a pass rush that sacked him seven times for 76 yards. Middle Tennessee won despite rushing for negative 66 yards and gaining only 170 total yards.

Jalen Mayden was 19 of 43 for 309 yards with two touchdowns and three picks for San Diego State. The Aztecs managed just three field goals after the first quarter but led 23-22 after Jack Browning connected from 52 yards out with 5:43 remaining in the game.

Jaylin Lane caught 10 passes for 111 yards and a score for the Blue Raiders.

San Diego State dominated the first quarter, using a passing game that improved dramatically over the season's second half after Mayden was installed at quarterback.

He hit Mark Redman with a 9-yard touchdown pass at the 7:18 mark, then found Kenan Christon with a short pass that became a 73-yard scoring strike just over 2 1/2 minutes later and gave the Aztecs a 14-0 lead.

But Middle Tennessee then found traction on both sides of the ball, even though it couldn't protect Cunningham from San Diego State's rush line. It hit the board on a 44-yard field goal by Rankin just over three minutes into the second quarter.

Cunningham cut it to 14-10 on an 8-yard touchdown pass to defensive end Jordan Ferguson with 3:14 left and Rankin connected from 49 with 22 seconds remaining, slicing the Blue Raiders' deficit to a point at halftime.

Wake Forest: 2022 Gasparilla Bowl Champions

TAMPA – Behind a three-touchdown performance from Sam Hartman as he earned MVP honors on Friday night, Wake Forest defeated Southeastern Conference representative Missouri 27-17 to win the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. The win marked Wake Forest's fifth in the last seven years since the Deacs began the Atlantic Coast Conference's second-longest bowl streak back in 2016. 

 

Head coach Dave Clawson's five bowl victories, which is the most in school history, now ranks tied for fifth in ACC history for postseason wins. Clawson ranks behind Bobby Bowden (Florida State, 11), Dabor Swinney (Clemson, 11), Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech, 6) and Danny Ford (Clemson, 6). Meanwhile, he is now tied with Jimbo Fisher (Florida State, 5) and Ralph Friedgen (Maryland, 5).

 

Hartman earned his second-straight bowl game MVP honor, as he garnered the accolade following his standout performance against Rutgers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in 2021. 

 

With that, the Charlotte, N.C. native is the first player in program history to earn two bowl game MVPs in their career at Wake Forest. 

 

Overall for the game, Hartman completed  23-of-36 passes for 280 yards and three touchdown passes. His five-yard touchdown throw to redshirt sophomore Taylor Morin in the first quarter set a new Atlantic Coast Conference record for career TD passes. The scoring toss was his 108th of his storied career as he passed Clemson's Tahj Boyd for the league record.

 

The 2022 Wake Forest football team (8-5, 3-5 ACC) is just the 10th in program history to win eight games in a season in the 115-year history of the program. Four of the 10 eight-win seasons have come in the Dave Clawson era (40 percent).

 

On Friday night, the Deacs forced one Missouri turnover and wreaked havoc in the Tigers backfield with 10 tackles-for-loss as a team. Individually, senior captain Ryan Smenda, Jr. led Wake Forest with a game-high 11 tackles, his seventh double-digit tackle performance of the season, as he moved into eighth all-time in program history with 355 career tackles. 

 

Additionally on offense, redshirt junior wideout A.T. Perry caught 11 passes for 116 yards, marking the fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season as well as the 12th of his career. 

 

Meanwhile, Taylor Morin reeled in a career-high tying two touchdown passes in the first and fourth quarters, respectively. Additionally, Jahmal Banks found the end zone with a 48-yard reception in the third. 

Looking forward, Wake Forest Athletics is excited to raise the standard of success and looking forward to an exciting 2023 season. Season ticket deposits for the 2023 season are available now for $50 per seat. New or existing season ticket holders can visit GoDeacs.com/tickets to make their deposit online or email the Wake Forest Ticket Office at tix@wfu.edu over the holidays.

 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Wake Forest won the coin toss and deferred to the second half as Missouri opened the contest on offense. 

The Demon Deacon defense forced a three-and-out on the Tigers' first offensive possession as Wake Forest took over at its own 15-yard line. 

On 3rd and 1, Dylan Hazen and Chase Jones stuffed Missouri's rush attempt to force a punt on the opening possession of the game. 

A five-yard touchdown pass from Sam Hartman to Taylor Morin gave the Deacs an early 7-0 lead with 9:43 remaining in the first quarter. 

 The touchdown helped Hartman pass Tajh Boyd (Clemson, 107) for the most career touchdown passes in ACC history. 

Big plays fueled the 11-play, 85-yard drive as Hartman found A.T. Perry for a 28-yard pass and Justice Ellison powered his way for 14 yards on 3rd and 4. 

Overall, Ellison picked up 26 yards on five carries. 

Missouri trimmed Wake Forest's advantage to 7-3 with a 35-yard field goal following a 13-play, 58-yard drive.           

Once the Tigers got into the red zone, the Demon Deacon defense stepped up. Evan Slocum recorded a tackle for a loss on three yards on first down before Chase Jones made a stop on 3rd down to force the field goal. 

The teams traded punts on the next two possessions as Wake Forest continued to lead 7-3 with 14 minutes left in the second quarter. 

Tyler Williams recorded a sack on 3rd and 5 to force Missouri's second punt of the game. 

A one-yard rush by Justice Ellison increased Wake Forest's lead (14-3) with 10:51 remaining in the first half. 

Hartman connected with Donavon Greene for 29 yards and Jahmal Banks for 12 yards on the first two plays of the drive before an eight-yard completion to Blake Whiteheart put the Deacs into the red zone. 

Prior to Ellison's score, the Ashburn, Va. native picked up nine yards on the ground.

Wake Forest's defense forced its second-straight Missouri punt as Wake Forest took over at its own 14-yard line with nine minutes left in the quarter. 

After a false start penalty backed up Missouri, Ryan Smenda, Jr. and Dion Bergan, Jr. stuffed a Tiger rushing attempt on first down before back-to-back incompletions. 

Evan Slocum was credited with a pass breakup on 2nd and 16. 

After the Deacs were forced to punt, Will Cobb made a spectacular play, recovering a muffed Missouri return to give Wake Forest the ball back in its own territory with 6:53 remaining. The Tigers intercepted a Demon Deacon pass attempt in the end zone to get the ball back less than two minutes later. 

Missouri found the end zone for the first time of the contest thanks to a one-yard touchdown pass, trimming Wake Forest's lead to 14-10 late in the second quarter.

Wake Forest went into the half with a four-point lead (14-10) after the defense contained Missouri on its final offensive possession of the opening 30 minutes. 

A four-yard touchdown run on 3rd and goal gave Missouri its first lead of the game (17-14) with 5:45 remaining in the third quarter. 

Wake Forest immediately answered with a touchdown of their own as Hartman connected with Banks on a 48-yard touchdown through the air. The extra point was unsuccessful as the Deacs led 20-17 with 4:29 remaining in the game. 

The Deacs defense forced its second three-and-out of the game on Missouri's next offensive possession. Evan Slocum broke up a pass attempt on fourth down to give the Deacs the ball back as Wake Forest held onto its three-point (20-17) advantage after three quarters of play. 

For the second-straight possession, a Demon Deacon defender made an outstanding play on fourth down as Caelen Carson smothered a Missouri receiver on a deep pass down the sideline. 

The Deacs regained possession with 5:55 left after another tough defensive stand by Wake Forest, highlighted by a Tyler Williams sack and a Dylan Hazen defensive stop on 3rd down. 

Hartman and Morin connected for the duo's second touchdown of the night, increasing Wake Forest's lead to 27-17 with 2:33 remaining in the game. 

Wake Forest ran off 3:22 off the game clock on the drive as Ellison rushed the ball four times and Hartman scampered for a 15-yard rush on 1st and 10. 

Wake Forest's defense came up big again on Missouri's next possession as Kobie Turner and Rondell Bothroyd notched sacks on back-to-back plays to force a 4th and 33. 

The Deacs got the ball back with 1:00 remaining and ran out the clock to secure the 27-17 victory.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Head coach Dave Clawson's five bowl victories, which is the most in school history, now ranks tied for fifth in ACC history for postseason wins. Clawson ranks behind Bobby Bowden (Florida State, 11), Dabor Swinney (Clemson, 11), Frank Beamer (Virginia Tech, 6) and Danny Ford (Clemson, 6). Meanwhile, he is now tied with Jimbo Fisher (Florida State, 5) and Ralph Friedgen (Maryland, 5).

 

Clawson has now won 149 games as a head coach and he is the only active Power 5 head coach (entering bowl season) in the country to win double-digit games in a single season at four different Division I institutions. 

 

STANDOUT STATS

The Deacs have set a new standard for success in the win column with a record of 19-8 over the last two seasons. The 19 wins in a two-year period are the second most in school history and three away from the program record of 21 set in 2006 & 2007. Additionally, Wake Forest's 19-8 record is the 10th-best mark in all of Power-5 in the last two seasons:

Wins in Last Two Seasons as of Dec. 4 (Power-5) Aside from Wake Forest:

1. Georgia (27-1)

2. Michigan (25-2)

4. Alabama (23-4)

3. Ohio State (22-3)

5. Clemson (21-5)

6. Utah (20-7)

T7. Oklahoma State (19-7)

T7. Oregon (19-7)

T7. Pitt (19-7)

10. Wake Forest (19-8)

T11. Baylor (18-8)

T11. Kansas St. (18-8)

T11. Ole Miss (18-7)

Wake Forest's 1,367 points scored during the 2020-22 period is the highest-scoring three-year period in Deacon history. Additionally, Wake Forest has scored 1,043 points over the last two seasons combined and their scoring average of 38.6 points per game ranks sixth during that time. The Deacs are the only ACC school with 1,000 points and lead the ACC in points per game this season:

Rank     Team                GP       TP        PPG

1.         Ohio State        25        1,128    45.1

2.         Georgia            28        1,088    38.9

3.         Alabama           27        1,087    40.3

4.         W. Kentucky    27        1,085    40.2

5.         Tennessee         25        1,079    43.2

6.         Wake Forest     26        1,043    38.6

7.         Utah                 27        1,026    38.0

8.         Michigan          27        1,022    37.9

9.         UTSA               27        1,019    37.7

All totals aside from Wake Forest are as of Dec. 4.

A key to the Deacs scoring success has been the numbers that they have put up through the air in the last two seasons. Wake Forest is one of six schools to throw for more than 8,000 yards in that time and nearly 600 yards more than any other ACC team:

Rank     Team                GP       Passing Yards

1.         WKU               27        10,479

2.         Miss. State       25        8,690

3.         Ohio State        25        8,482

4.         Alabama           27        8,412

5.         Purdue             26        8,354

6.         Wake Forest     27        8,0358

All totals aside from Wake Forest are as of Dec. 4.

Additionally, the Demon Deacons have found the endzone through the air 21 more times than any other ACC team since the start of the 2021 season and their 82 passing touchdowns are the third most in the country:

Rank     Team                GP       Passing TDs

1.         WKU               27        101

2.         Ohio State        25        84

3.         Wake Forest     26        82

4.         Alabama           27        80

5.         SMU                24        73

All totals aside from Wake Forest are as of Dec. 4.

The 43 passing touchdowns as a team this season are the most in the country and has helped propel the Demon Deacons to the highest-scoring offense in the ACC:

Season    Total Points   Points per game

2022       469                36.1

2021        574*              41.0*

2020       324                36.0

2019       414                31.8

2018       427                32.8

2017       459                35.3

* Wake Forest program record

FROM COACH CLAWSON

"I am just really proud of our whole program. From the players and the staff, this was just a really good team win. I think we probably played some of our best defense of the year tonight as we got a pass rush and we covered. There were so many games this year that were like that in the fourth quarter, and unfortunately we did not win as many of those as we would like. However, to be able to finish tonight and win that game in the fourth quarter is a big deal. It is always great to win a bowl championship, add a trophy to the trophy case and to get rings for our players. It will be a great memory. Also, I just want to thank our players and staff for their hard work and dedication all year. So many times when you see things not going a team's way, they kind of give up or stop working. We never did that. Again, we were 6-1 and No. 10 in the country and then we lost some close games. But our guys never stopped working, they never stopped preparing and they never stopped believing in each other. We always played hard. I think tonight was just a great example that we were a football team that finished. The fact that we did not have a bunch of guys opt-out. Bowls are important, and so are bowl championships. I want to thank our band, our cheer squad, our students and the fans that came down to Tampa to support the Deacs. And, I really want to thank all of the people with the Gasparilla Bowl. This is a great bowl. They do a great job. We're honored they invited us and we're very proud to be the Gasparilla Bowl Champions."

 

2022 SEASON RECAP

Awards:

Wake Forest had 12 student-athletes earn All-ACC honors.

Quartet of Demon Deacons Garnered CSC 2022 Academic All-District Honors.

Sam Hartman Wins ACC Brian Piccolo Award.

Stats & Recaps:

All recaps and box scores from the season are located on this page. 

2022 Season Stats are here.

Senior Day on Nov. 19 at Truist Field:

Wake Forest Athletics honored 22 football players, 15 members of the Spirit of the Old Gold & Black, 15 Deacs from the Spirit Squads and six student staffers last Saturday evening at Truist Field. Several football student-athletes that were honored on Saturday have remaining eligibility and following this season will assess the potential of returning for the 2023 season in the coming weeks. 

Dec. 21, 2022: Early National Signing Day

Wake Forest set to add 19 high school prospects for the 2023 season.

2022 Team and Individual Notes:

Wake Forest has won eight games in a season for just the 10th time in the 115-year history of the program. 

Four of the 10 eight-win seasons have come in the Dave Clawson era (40 percent). 

Friday's Gasparilla Bowl victory over Missouri  marked Wake Forest's first ever win over Missouri as this was the first matchup between the two schools.

Additionally, the Deacs moved to 3-0 against SEC opponents in the Clawson era.

With the win over Missouri on Friday and a victory in Week 2 at Vanderbilt, Wake Forest defeated two programs from the Southeastern Conference this fall for the first time since 2008, and just the second time in program history the Deacs accomplished this feat in a single season. 

Sam Hartman was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl.

Hartman earned his second-straight bowl game MVP honor, as he garnered the accolade following his standout performance against Rutgers in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl in 2021. 

Hartman is the first player in program history to earn two bowl game MVPs in their career at Wake Forest. 

The 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl marked Wake Forest's seventh-straight bowl appearance, a new school record. 

Additionally, the Demon Deacons' streak is the second-longest active streak in the Atlantic Coast Conference and the 12th longest in the nation.

Overall, Wake Forest holds a 11-6 all-time in bowl games. 

Since the start of the 2016 season, the Deacs are tied for the second-most wins in the ACC not counting the COVID-shortened 2020 season entering bowl season:  

Clemson -- 73  

Wake Forest -- 49

Pitt - 45

NC State- 45  

Miami- 43  

Additionally over the last five years, the Deacs have the second-most wins in a single five-year period:  

38 (2017-21) 

37 (2018-22)  

36 (2004-08 & 2006-10)  

34 (2016-20)  

33 (2015-19)  

31 (1944-48) 

After scoring 44 points in Week 1 vs. VMI, 45 points in Week 2 at Vanderbilt, 37 points in Week 3 vs. Liberty, 45 points in Week 4 vs. Clemson, 31 points in Week 5 at Florida State, 45 points in Week 6 vs. Army, 43 points in Week 8 vs. Boston College, 21 points in Week 9 vs. Louisville, 21 points in week 10 vs. NC State, 34 points in week 11 vs. North Carolina, 45 points in week 12 vs. Syracuse, 31 points in week 13 vs. Duke and 27 points in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, Wake Forest's 469 total points ranks second in program history.

1. 2021 574 points

2. 2022: 469 points

3. 2017 459 points

Wake Forest finished the 2022 season averaging 36.1 points per game, helping the Deacs post its sixth consecutive season of averaging 30 or more points a game. This is the longest active streak and the fourth longest in ACC history.

Entering the 2022 season, Wake Forest is the only program in the Atlantic Coast Conference to average at least 30.0 per game in each of the last five seasons. This is tied for the fourth longest streak in ACC history:

12 - Florida State (1992-03)

10 - Clemson (2011-20)

8 - Florida State (2008-16)

6 - Wake Forest (2017-22)

5 - North Carolina (2012-16)

Wake Forest has now thrown for 43 touchdowns as a team this season. The program record was set last season with 39 passing touchdowns.

Individual Notes:

Sam Hartman:

Here is a feature from Jen Lada and ESPN that details how his offseason medical condition was discovered and Sam Hartman's inspiring road to recovery.

This piece aired on Nov. 19, 2022.  

Sam Hartman has completed 270-of-428 passes (63.1%) for 3,701 yards and 38 touchdowns. 

Sam Hartman completed 23-of-36 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns on Friday. This marked Hartman's 34th-straight game with a touchdown, the longest active streak in the nation. 

Hartman broke the Wake Forest all-time passing mark against Liberty, eclipsing Riley Skinner (2006-09) with a five-yard pass to Ke'Shawn Williams in the third quarter. With 280 yards today against Missouri, he has now thrown for 12,967 career passing yards. 

Sam Hartman (2018-present), 12,967

Riley Skinner (2006-09), 9,762

Tanner Price (2010-13), 8,899

John Wolford (2014-17), 8,794

Brian Kuklick (1994-98), 8,017

Hartman is the 41st player in NCAA history and just the third passer in the history of the ACC to eclipse the 12,000-yard passing barrier for his career, joining elite company. Last week, Hartman passed Kenny Pickett and is remains second in ACC history in this category:

1.         Philip Rivers, NC State (2000-03)                      13,484

2.         Sam Hartman, Wake Forest (2018-Pres.)            12,967

3.         Kenny Pickett, Pitt (2017-21)                             12,303

4.         Tajh Boyd, Clemson (2010-13)                          11,904

5.         Ryan Finley, NC State (2014-18)                       10,501

6.         Sam Howell, North Carolina (2019-21)               10,283

7.         Deshaun Watson, Clemson (2014-16)                 10,168

8.         Trevor Lawrence, Clemson (2018-20)                10,098

9.         Thaddeus Lewis, Duke (2006-09)                       10,065

10.       Brad Kaaya, Miami (2014-16)                            9,968

With his five-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Morin in the first quarter on Friday, Hartman passed Tajh Boyd (Clemson, 107) for the most career touchdown passes in ACC history. 

Overall, with three touchdowns on Friday, Hartman has thrown 110 touchdowns over the course of his collegiate career. 

1. Sam Hartman, Wake Forest (2018-Present) – 110

   Tajh Boyd, Clemson (2010-13) – 107

3. Philip Rivers, NC State (2000-03) – 95

4. Sam Howell, North Carolina (2019-21) – 92

5. Deshaun Watson, Clemson (2014-16) – 90

    Trevor Lawrence, Clemson (2018-20) – 90

7. Kenny Pickett, Pitt (2017-21) – 81

8. Chris Weinke, Florida State (1997-00) – 79

9. Russell Wilson, NC State (2008-10) – 76

He was just the 26th QB in FBS history to cross over the 100 touchdown mark for his career.

With 110 career passing touchdowns and 17 career rushing scores, Hartman's 127 total touchdowns are the second most in conference history: 

1. Tajh Boyd, Clemson (2010-13) – 133

2 Sam Hartman, Wake Forest (2018-Present) – 127

3. Malik Cunningham, Louisville (2018-Pres.) – 119

    Lamar Jackson, Louisville (2015-17) – 119

5. Deshaun Watson, Clemson (2014-16) – 116

6. Philip Rivers, NC State (2000-03) – 113

7. Sam Howell, North Carolina (2019-21) – 111

8. Trevor Lawrence, Clemson (2018-20) – 108

9. Kenny Pickett, Pitt (2017-21) – 102

10. Marquise Williams, North Carolina (2012-15) – 99

With one touchdown catch on Saturday, redshirt junior wide receiver A.T. Perry has recorded 28 career touchdown receptions, the most by a Demon Deacon wideout in program history. 

Wake Forest Career Receiving Touchdowns

1. A.T. Perry (2018-Present), 28

2. Ricky Proehl (1986-89), 25 

3. Todd Dixon (1990-93), 22 

4. Cam Serigne (2014-17), 21 

   Red O'Quinn (1946-49),  21 

   Chris Givens (2009-11), 21 

6. Desmond Clark (1995-98), 20

8. Kenny Duckett (1978-81), 19 

9. Greg Dortch (2017-18), 17 

   Jaquarii Roberson (2017-21), 17

Sam Hartman and A.T. Perry finished their Wake Forest careers as one of the top QB-WR duos in conference history. The pair has combined for 27 touchdowns, which is tied for the second most in ACC history. 

1. Torry Holt & Jamie Barnette, 28

2. Sammy Watkins & Tajh Boyd, 27

    AT Perry & Sam Hartman, 27

4. Tee Higgins & Trevor Lawrence, 25

5. Nuk Hopkins & Tajh Boyd, 24

    Calvin Johnson & Reggie Ball, 24

Perry also moved into the top 10 in program history in career receptions and is tied for the most in the Dave Clawson era by a wide receiver:

Career Receptions

1. Michael Campanaro (2010-13)                       229 

2. Desmond Clark (1995-98)                              216

3. Ricky Proehl (1986-89)                                  188

4. Jammie Deese (1996-99)                                184

5, Cam Serigne (2014-17)                                  174

6. AT Perry (2018-pres.)                                  171

7. Chris Givens (2009-11)                                  163

8. Thabiti Davis (1994-97)                                 161

9. James Brim (1983-86)                                   153

10. John Henry Mills (1988-92)                         142

Greg Dortch (2017-18)                                      142

Additionally, Perry now is the Clawson era receiving yards leader and ranks third in program history in that category:

CAREER RECEIVING YARDS

1. Ricky Proehl (1986-89)                                  2,949

2. Desmond Clark (1995-98)                              2,834

3. AT Perry (2018-Pres.)                                  2,662

3. Michael Campanaro (2010-13)                       2,506

4. Chris Givens (2009-11)                                  2,473

6. Wayne Baumgardner (1978-81)                      2,431

7. Jammie Deese (1996-99)                                2,348

8. Todd Dixon (1990-93)                                   2,300

9. Jaquarii Roberson (2017-21)                          2,158

10. Cam Serigne (2014-17)                                2,075

11. Jason Anderson (2001-04)                            2,066

12. James Brim (1983-86)                                  2,040

Perry and Donavon Greene have been some of the most explosive receivers in program history:

Career Avg. Per Reception (min. 75 Rec.) 

1. Donavon Greene (2019-Pres.)          18.6 (79/1,473)

2. Jason Anderson (2001-04)                  18.0 (115/2,066) 

3. Wayne Baumgardner (1978-81)          17.24 (141/2,431)

4. Todd Dixon (1990-93)                       17.16 (134/2,300) 

5. AT Perry (2018-Pres.)                      15.9 (171/2,662) 

6. Ricky Proehl (1986-89)                      15.7 (188/2,949) 

    Fabian Davis (1999-02)                      15.6 (100/1,557) 

8. Red O'Quinn (1946-49)                     15.28 (124/1,895) 

9. Scotty Washington (2016-19)             15.24 (110/1,676) 

10. Chris Givens (2009-11)                    15.172 (163/2,473) 

11. Sage Surratt (2018-19)                     14.8 (107/1,582) 

12. Jaquarii Roberson (2017-21)             14.8 (146/2,158) 

13. Bill Millner (1973-76)                      14.37 (75 of 1078)

Ryan Smenda, Jr. inched up on the Wake Forest all-time tackles list on Friday, recording a game-high 11 tackles. This moved him up into eighth on the all-time list and gave the senior sole possession  of the most tackles by a Demon Deacon since 2000. 

Earlier this season, Smenda, Jr. eclipsed his previous high for tackles in a season. 

Coming into the bowl, his 9.6 tackles per game ranked fourth in the ACC. 

Wake Forest Top-5 Tackles since 2000

1. Ryan Smenda (2018-Pres)    355

2. Aaron Curry (2005-08)          332

3. Ryan Janvion (2013-16)         328

4. Brandon Chubb (2012-15)      326

5. Jon Abbate (2004-06)            297

6. Marquel Lee (2013-16)          291

Wake Forest Career Tackle Leaders

1. Ed Stetz  (1969-71): 460 

2. Carlos Bradley (1978-80): 431 

3. Kevin Giles (1991-94):410 

4. Bill Armstrong (1973-76): 402 

5. Kelvin Moses (1994-99): 399 

6. Ernie Purnsley (1985-88): 385 

7. Reggie McCummings (1983-85): 374 

8. Ryan Smenda (2018-Pres): 355 

9. Jimmie Simmons (1984-87): 346

10. Aaron Curry (2005-08): 332 

11. Ryan Janvion (2013-16): 328 

12. Brandon Chubb (2012-15): 326 

13. Marc Hester (1977-79): 322 

14. Rory Holt (1982-86): 319

Wake Forest went into the season with a veteran bunch of offensive linemen led by starters Je'Vionte Nash, DeVonte Gordon, Sean Maginn, Loic Nya and Michael Jurgens all returning up front. 

The Demon Deacons are one of just eight FBS teams to return five starters along the offensive line. 

The starting Beef Boy unit has combined to play in 237 games in their career; the most in FBS by nine combined games: 

Wake Forest 237

Pitt 226

Georgia State 216

NC State 213

Utah State 205

In the ACC, Wake Forest is also one of the most veteran units returning from a season ago with Green Bay Packer fourth-round selection Zach Tom as the only absence from last season's starting unit: 

1 Pitt - 98.6% 

2 Louisville - 83.5 

3 Wake Forest - 82.9 

4 Syracuse - 82 

5 NC State - 80.5

UP NEXT

Wake Forest Athletics is excited to raise the standard of success and looking forward to an exciting 2023 season. Season ticket deposits for the 2023 season are available now for $50 per seat. New or existing season ticket holders can visit GoDeacs.com/tickets to make their deposit online or email the Wake Forest Ticket Office at tix@wfu.edu over the holidays.

Houston: 2022 Independence Bowl Champions

SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) – University of Houston senior quarterback Clayton Tune connected with junior wideout Nathaniel Dell for a 12-yard touchdown with 20 seconds remaining, and Houston rallied from a 13-point deficit to beat Louisiana 23-16 inside Independence Stadium in the Radium Technologies Independence Bowl on Friday afternoon.

The TD pass was Tune's third of the game and 40th of the season, tying him with Western Kentucky's Austin Reed for the most in the nation. Before the winning throw, he completed a 41-yard pass to KeSean Carter on third-and-30 to move Houston into Ragin' Cajuns territory.

The Cougars (8-5) never led until that late touchdown as Tune heated up amid unseasonably cold temperatures in northwest Louisiana. It was 25 degrees at kickoff, with a wind chill of 12 degrees.

Louisiana (6-7) led 13-0 midway through the second quarter and 16-6 at halftime.

Tune, who finished 19 of 28 for 216 yards and was named the Independence Bowl Offensive MVP, led Houston on a 13-play, 70-yard drive to open the second half and hit Dell for a 2-yard touchdown that made it 16-13. Senior defensive back Art Green was named the game's Defensive MVP after recording nine tackles.

Clinging to a 3-point lead, Louisiana stuffed Houston on fourth-and-short at the Ragin' Cajuns 5-yard line midway through the third quarter, but the Cougars eventually tied the game on Kyle Ramsey's 19-yard field early in the fourth.

The Ragin' Cajuns wasted a chance to retake the lead when running back Chris Smith fumbled at the Houston 4.

Louisiana located three hours south of Shreveport, took the opening kick and orchestrated a 15-play, 75-yard drive that ended when tight end Johnny Lumpkin made a dazzling touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone.

The Cajuns got three field goals in the first half from by Kenneth Almendares (42, 42, and 22 yards). Chandler Fields finished 17 of 25 passing for 169 yards and a touchdown.

Tune's first TD toss was a 33-yarder to Carter in the second quarter. Carter finished with 104 yards on three catches, and Dell had six receptions for 44 yards and the two TDs.

ELITE COMPANY

Tune and Reed, who threw six TD passes in Wednesday's New Orleans Bowl victory over South Alabama, are three ahead of Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams of Southern California and Ohio State's C.J. Stroud. Williams still has a bowl game to play and Stroud's Buckeyes are in the College Football Playoff.

THE TAKEAWAY

Louisiana: First-year coach Michael Desormeaux guided the Ragin' Cajuns to their first losing season since 2017 (5-7). The program had posted three consecutive seasons with at least 10 victories (34-5 in that stretch).

Houston: Coach Dana Holgorsen honored one of his mentors, the late Mississippi State coach Mike Leach, by wearing a black hoodie with ''STATE'' on the front. Holgorsen played for Leach at Iowa Wesleyan and later coached under him at Texas Tech. Leach died on Dec. 12.

With the win, Holgorsen becomes the first Houston coach to lead the Cougars to multiple bowl wins since Bill Yeoman (6 victories). It also marked the first time a Cougar head coach had led the program to consecutive bowl wins since Yeoman in the 1980 Cotton Bowl Classic (Jan. 1, 1980) and 1980 Garden State Bowl (Dec. 22, 1980).

UP NEXT

Louisiana: The Ragin Cajuns remain in-state to open the 2023 season as they will host another Louisiana school, Northwestern State, on Sept. 2.

Houston: The Cougars open the 2023 campaign at home against UTSA on Sept. 2.

ISML 2022: Amethyst Period Continues

ISML 2022: Amethyst Period Continues

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

The Bedlam on Baltic Avenue

23 December 2022

Match Day 3 of the 2022 International Saimoe League Amethyst Period is in the books. We start with action in the Genshin Impact Tournament. Over in Teyvat, Hu Tao thumped Kokomi Sangonomiya 3408-1525, Yae Miko defeated Klee 2641-2213, Nahida pumped Venti 3158-1620, Ganyu dismissed Lumine 2961-1872, Raiden Shogun routed Shenhe 3489-1350, Keqing slaughtered Yoimiya 2941-1863, Ayaka Kamisato crushed Eula 3214-1598 and Zhongli prevailed over Kazuha Kaedehara 2374-2178.

In Exhibition action, Yuno Gasai won a 2015-1927 snoozer over Shouko Komi, Aqua crushed Konata Izumi 2850-1124, Yuiichirou Hyakuya and Shinoa Hiiragi won a 2320-2305 thriller over Li Syaoran and Sakura Kinomoto and Sasuke Uchiha won a four-way race with 1773 votes.

In the Female Division, Mikoto Misaka routed Tamako Kitashirakawa 3901-2264, Eru Chitanda grounded Azusa Nakano 3701-1943, Chika Fujiwara defeated Tsukasa Yuzaki 3002-2396, Mai Sakurajima romped past Megumi Katou 3107-2566, Chisato Nishikigi cruised past Zero Two 3195-2326, Isla got past Ritsu Tainaka 2909-2596 and Violet Evergarden flattened Emilia 3726-2068.

Sagiri Izumi defeated Index Prohibitorum 3034-2813, Marin Kitagawa roared past Taiga Aisaka 2947-2402, Rikka Takanashi rocked Kaguya Shinomiya 3250-2677, Kurumi Tokisaki shot down Shiro 3329-2221, Takina Inoue took down Ai Haibara 3195-2765, Elaina won the closest race of the round, a 2914-2903 nailbiter over Yui Hirasawa and Mio Akiyama boomed past Sora Kasugano 3422-2165.

Wrapping up Female Division play, Shouko Nishimiya got past Kamui Kanna 3047-2314, Rem rammed Mashiro Shiina 2924-2827, Miku Nakano slashed past Asuna Yuuki 2949-2651, Kanade Tachibana flew past Yui Yuigahama 2747-2608, Yukino Yukinoshita slayed Kuroko Shirai 3125-2911, Nao Tomori flattened Mitsuha Miyamizu 3490-2121 and Nino Nakano knocked down Utaha Kasumigaoka 2780-2462.

In the Male Division, Sakuta Azusagawa jojo'd Joutarou Kuujou 3357-1924, Touma Kamijou broke Haruka Kasugano 3185-1940, Tomoya Okazaki prevailed over Kyoujurou Rengoku 2395-2164, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji dominated Satoru Gojou 2807-1978, Izumi Miyamura got past Kousei Arima 2536-1981, Riku Dola rocked Ainz Ooal Gown 2637-1899 and Hachiman Hikigaya leveled Levi 3424-1852.

Yuu Otosaka pounded Mochizou Ouji 2807-1940, Kaito Kuroba prevailed over Nasa Yuzaki 2424-2396, Houtarou Oreki thumped Yuu Ishigami 3597-1887, Conan Edogawa defeated Shidou Itsuka 2682-2465, Loid Forger eased past Shirou Emiya 2596-2225, Subaru Natsuki drove past Dio Brando 2905-1974 and Saika Totsuka toasted Itachi Uchiha 2634-2145.

Wrapping up Male Division play, Accelerator accelerated past Rimuru Tempest 3217-2032, Taki Tachibana took down Ken Kaneki 2838-1943, Sorata Kanda prevailed over Tanjiro Kamado 2421-2373, Kazuto Kirigaya slashed past Miyuki Shirogane 2894-2325, Sora slammed Fuutarou Uesugi 2886-2046 and Takashi Natsume got past Masamune Izumi 2310-2284.

In Seasonal action, Ai Hayasaka belted Miko Iino 3476-1219, Tohka Yatogami slayed Zhong Lanzhu 3021-1344, Eiko Tsukimi rolled past Zhuge Kongming 2145-1722, Yoshino silenced Shikomori 2592-2092, Tomoyo Sakagami upended Filo 2366-1764, Shouko Komi blew past Kogorou Mori 2485-2028 and in a battle of the Ushios, Ushio Okazaki defeated Ushio Kofune 2399-2169.

Wrapping up Seasonal action, Fuuko Ibuki rolled past Serena 2769-1338, Reina Aharen drilled Mio Kofune 2515-1691, Kurumi grounded Ruka Sarashina 2772-1864, Sumi Sakurasawa slayed Son Goku 2536-1422, Shalltear Bloodfalled sat on Hinata Hyuuga 2238-1870, Kei Karuizawa whipped past Yume Irido 2371-1955, Albedo took down Jolyne Kuujou 2430-1704, Ayano Yugiri defeated Hizuru Minakata 2118-1939, Suzune Horikita prevailed over Kisara 2288-2260, Lucy routed David Martinez 2639-977 and Nazuna Nanakusa defeated Rin Shima 2079-1845.

Match Day 4 of the 2022 International Saimoe League Amethyst Period is scheduled for 25 December 2022. Vote for your favorite characters at InternationalSaimoe.com and join the ongoing debate.

Air Force: 2022 Armed Forces Bowl Champions

Air Force football (10-3) capped the 2022 season with a resounding 30-15 win over Baylor (6-7) at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl Thursday night at Amon G. Carter Stadium on the campus of TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.   The Falcons reached double-figures in wins for the third-straight full season.

After a close 9-7 lead at the half, the Falcons out-scored the Bears 21-8 in the second half to roll to the win.

The Falcons racked up 276 yards rushing on the ground, led by senior quarterback Haaziq Daniels and senior running back Brad Roberts.  Daniels threw for two touchdowns and 103 yards passing.  In addition, Daniels ran for 81 yards and one touchdown.  For his efforts, Daniels took home bowl game MVP honors for the second straight season.

Roberts capped a standout season and career with his 11th 100-yard rushing game for the season, with 116 yards on 37 carries, including two touchdowns.  Roberts finished the season with a school-record 1,728 yards rushing and his 17 rushing TDs tied for eighth.  His 3,541 career rushing yards is third all-time at Air Force and the most by a fullback.  His 35 career rushing touchdowns is third at Air Force and the most by a fullback.  

After forcing a Baylor punt to start the game, Air Force scored on its first possession, grinding out a 15-play, 55-yard drive that took 8:44 off the clock to take a 6-0 lead after the extra point was blocked.  Roberts capped the drive with a two-yard plunge off the right side for the touchdown.

The Falcons forced another Baylor punt and drove right back down the field to score on a 37-yard field goal by Matt Dapore to go ahead 9-0 with 1:13 to play in the first quarter.

Baylor pulled to within two points right before the half with a touchdown.  The Bears drove 47 yards on six plays, capped by an eight yard touchdown pass by quarterback Blake Shapen to wide receiver Hal Presley with five seconds to play before the half to make it a 9-7 game.

Air Force re-took the momentum in the second half, opening with a touchdown on just five plays to go ahead 16-7.  The Falcons went 83 yards, capped by a two-yard run by Daniels.  Setting up the touchdown score was a 68-yard pass from Daniels to wide receiver Amari Terry.

The Falcons extended the lead with a touchdown after stopping Baylor on downs.  Air Force went 64 yards on six plays, capped by a 15 yard touchdown pass by Daniels to tight end Caleb Rillos, to make the score 23-7.

Air Force made it 30-7 on another Roberts touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.  The drive went for 42 yards on seven plays.

Baylor scored a late touchdown and converted the two-point attempt to make it 30-15.  The Bears went 85 yards on four plays, capped by a 14 touchdown reception by receiver Gavin Holmes.

The Falcons recovered the onside kick with 3:34 to play and took the clock down to 22 seconds to essentially run out the clock.

Air Force held Baylor to 230 yards of offense and just 42 yards rushing.  The Falcons held the ball for 40 minutes and three seconds and limited Baylor to just 19:57 with the ball.