College football takeaways - what we learned from every game

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  • ESPN staffDecember 16, 2023 at 06:20 PM ET

Bowl season has begun, and our reporters are breaking it all down.

Below you’ll find excerpts from each game as well as the game’s best players and top moments from social media.

At the end of each day, we will be crowned the MVP of the championship season. The early leader on Day 1 was Ohio freshman running back Ricky Hunt, who scored five touchdowns in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.

Full schedule | results

December 16

Ohio State secured 10 consecutive winning seasons for the first time in program history, extending its bowl game winning streak to five, behind a stifling defensive effort in the first half against Georgia Southern. The Bobcats (10-3) intercepted Georgia Southern quarterback Davis Breen three times (twice in the first half) from the safety position — by sixth-year senior Jeremiah Wood, sophomore Adonis Williams Jr. and sixth-year senior Walter Reynolds. The Eagles (6-7) were held to 35 total yards in the first half, turning the ball over three times as the Bobcats jumped out to a 20-0 halftime advantage. Bobcats freshman running back Ricky Hunt went on to record 133 total yards (115 rushing) and five total touchdowns (four rushing), tying the NCAA record for touchdowns from scrimmage (12th in history) and establishing a new Ohio Bowl game record. Ohio fifth-year senior quarterback Parker Navarro, who took over the reins of the offense after Curtis Rourke entered the transfer portal, ran the game effectively, despite the team being outgained 383-352 in total yards. Navarro completed 11 of 16 passes for 120 yards and threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Hunt. –Blake Baumgartner

best player: Running back Ricky Hunt, Ohio. The freshman scored five touchdowns and had 133 all-purpose yards.

Florida A&M senior quarterback Jeremy Moses didn’t hang his head for long after he threw down a six-pointer in the fourth quarter that allowed Howard to regain the lead. Moses recovered quickly, using a flea flash to connect with sixth-year senior wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread for a game-winning 38-yard score. In guiding the Rattlers (12-1) to their first HBCU/FCS national championship since 1998, Moses completed 19 of 32 passes to nine different receivers for 289 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Howard (6-6) scored a touchdown on its first possession and didn’t trail until Moses found senior running back Kelvin Dean (three receptions for 87 yards and two scores) for a 21-yard score early in the fourth quarter. Senior defensive back Carson Hinton recovered a fumble recovery and interception 27 yards for a Bison touchdown, which led to Howard’s upset attempt from the heavily favored Rattlers down to the wire. The Rattlers’ defense made life difficult for Bison quarterback Quinton Williams, intercepting him three times — leading to 14 points — and holding the Bison to 187 total yards (106 passing). Howard was up and running in the first half despite being outscored 107-98 and passing for just 41 yards. — Baumgartner

best player: Wide receiver Kelvin Dean, Florida A&M. He scored twice in the fourth quarter, including a 53-yarder.

All Jacksonville State wanted was a chance. Coach Rich Rodriguez and his Gamecocks got the opportunity to play in a bowl game during the transition from the FCS to the FBS because there were not enough teams eligible to play a bowl game. Freshman Garrison Rippa’s 27-yard field goal — his second career attempt — completed the win over Louisiana in overtime. Jacksonville State (9-4) ran 109 plays, the second-most in a bowl game since major classification began in 1937, and had a 526-247 edge in total yardage but nearly lost because it couldn’t take care of the ball. Three of its four turnovers were returned for touchdowns, including redshirt freshman safety Tyree Skipper’s 43-yard pick with 5:32 remaining in regulation that gave Louisiana its final lead of the game at 31-24. The Ragin’ Cajuns (6-7) became the first team in the past 20 years to score three defensive points in a bowl game. With Jacksonville State quarterbacks Zion Webb (leg) and Logan Smothers (arm) suffering injuries during the game and rotating in and out, junior running back Ron Wiggins dished out 126 yards and a touchdown to carry the Gamecocks — Baumgartner

best player: Cornerback Jalen Clark, Louisiana. Even in loss, it’s worth recognizing Clark, who returned a fumble 46 yards for a touchdown and an interception 16 yards for another score.


College football is back, and the first few weeks of the season have been full of thrilling matchups and surprising outcomes. From upsets to blowout victories, each game has provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of every team. As we analyze the action from each game, it’s clear that there are many takeaways that can shape the landscape of the college football season. From standout performances to areas of improvement, here’s what we learned from every game so far.

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