Bowl season has begun, and our reporters are breaking down all of it.
Below you’ll find takeaways from every game as well as game MVPs and the top moments from social media.
At the end of each day we’ll crown the current MVP of bowl season. The early leader on Day 1 is Ohio freshman running back Rickey Hunt, who scored five touchdowns in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
Dec. 16
Ohio secured consecutive 10-win seasons for the first time in program history, and extended its bowl game winning streak to five behind a stifling first-half defensive effort against Georgia Southern. The Bobcats (10-3) intercepted Georgia Southern quarterback Davis Brin three times (twice in the first half) from the safety position — from 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 advantage by halftime. Bobcats’ freshman running back Rickey Hunt broke out by recording 133 total yards (115 rushing) and five total touchdowns (four rushing), tying the NCAA bowl record for touchdowns from scrimmage (12th player in history) and establishing a new Ohio bowl game record. Ohio fifth-year senior quarterback Parker Navarro, taking over the reins of the offense after Kurtis Rourke entered the transfer portal, managed the game effectively, despite the team being outgained 383-352 in total yards. Navarro completed 11 of 16 passing for 120 yards and threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Hunt. — Blake Baumgartner
MVP: Running back Rickey Hunt, Ohio. The freshman scored five touchdowns and had 133 all-purpose yards.
OMG MAKE THAT FIVE!!!! RICKEY HUNT TOUCHDOWNNNNNNNN!
📺 https://t.co/ZKAg3kVT1g | #OUohyeah pic.twitter.com/mAAbGUoq9e
— Ohio Football (@OhioFootball) December 16, 2023
Florida A&M senior quarterback Jeremy Moussa didn’t hang his head long after throwing a fourth quarter pick-six that allowed Howard to reclaim the lead. Moussa recovered quickly, utilizing the flea flicker to connect with sixth-year senior wide receiver Jah’Marae Sheread for a 38-yard game-winning score. In guiding the Rattlers (12-1) to their first HBCU/FCS national championship since 1998, Moussa completed 19 of 32 passes to nine different receivers for 289 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Howard (6-6) scored touchdowns on its first two possessions and didn’t trail until Moussa 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 had a fumble recovery and a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown for the Bison, which took its upset bid of the heavily favored Rattlers down to the wire. The Rattlers’ defense made life difficult for Bison quarterback Quinton Williams, intercepting him three times — resulting in 14 points — and holding the Bison to 187 total yards (106 passing). Howard was up at halftime despite being outgained 107-98 and passing for only 41 yards. — Baumgartner
MVP: Wide receiver Kelvin Dean, Florida A&M. Scored two fourth quarter touchdowns, including a 53-yarder.
The Marching 100 is always impressive pic.twitter.com/ABFPKh1gYF
— Marcus Matthews (@GOOCHAVELI) December 16, 2023
The ‘Showtime’ Marching Band performs for the @howardu faithful #CelebrationBowl pic.twitter.com/rGcggrMw5m
— Marcus Matthews (@GOOCHAVELI) December 16, 2023