Taking care of Indiana sends Notre Dame into the College Football Playoff quarterfinals against SEC powerhouse Georgia.

Indiana managed just 278 yards on 61 plays. In three games in past month against opponents ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense — Ohio State, Michigan and the Irish — the Hoosiers averaged a measly 3.9 yards per play.

Notre Dame was able to gain yardage in chunks on the ground, something no opponent had done against Indiana all season. The Hoosiers allowed an FBS-best 850 rushing yards during the regular season on 2.5 yards per carry but were gashed for 192 yards on 5.5 yards per carry against the Irish.

Look for the Irish to use the same recipe from Friday’s win in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia.

Here are the biggest keys to this quarterfinal matchup:

Will Carson Beck play for Georgia?

The odds are extremely low that Beck is available for the Bulldogs after suffering an injury late in the first half of the SEC championship game against Texas. While the year hasn’t gone as planned for a player picked to challenge for the Heisman Trophy, Beck remains the Bulldogs’ best option under center; his questionable availability damages Georgia’s chances of reclaiming the national championship.

Without Beck, look for Georgia to embrace a different playing style under backup Gunner Stockton. This was seen in the second half and overtime in the Texas win. Stockton is more mobile than Beck and allows the Bulldogs to take the offense in a new direction. That’s the good news. The bad news is that Stockton makes this offense more one-dimensional due to his inability to deliver at Beck’s level in the passing game.

Can Georgia win with Gunner Stockton?

The Bulldogs can still win with Stockton, who sparked the SEC championship win and could do the same against one of the best defenses in the country. Stockton was also a five-star prospect and one of the nation’s top quarterback recruits, giving him a slightly more upgraded résumé than your typical FBS backup.

This won’t be easy, though. Stockton will have to avoid any turnovers and use his athleticism to help deflate Notre Dame’s pass rush. One way Georgia can help get him into a rhythm is by asking Stockton to throw on early downs to help avoid those third-and-long scenarios that would clearly favor the Fighting Irish.

Can Notre Dame run the ball on Georgia?

Notre Dame has run on pretty much everyone. The Irish have run for multiple scores in every game and have run for at least 201 yards in five of the past six. Jeremiyah Love’s 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana made Notre Dame the sixth team in the FBS with three runs of 70 or more yards.

Georgia’s run defense has had moments of dominance — including a really good run in October and early November — but hasn’t been foolproof. The Bulldogs allowed Kentucky to run for 170 yards in a narrow win, gave up 173 yards and three scores in a loss to Alabama and allowed a combined 486 yards in wins against Massachusetts and Georgia Tech.

Will kicking woes cost Notre Dame?

Notre Dame’s miserable kicking game could cost the Irish a shot at the program’s first national championship since 1988.

Kicker Mitch Jeter’s hip injury has been the primary factor behind Notre Dame’s struggles. A transfer from South Carolina, Jeter made a combined 23 of 25 attempts in his final two seasons with the Gamecocks.

He made a pair in the win against Indiana, including a season-high 48-yard attempt that gave the Irish a 17-3 lead heading into halftime. But he also had another attempt blocked, leaving him 8 of 15 on field goals this season.

There are a few sports team owners who can teach a thing or two to all those millionaires and billionaires committed to gouging the public out of every dollar they can.

Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia this week became the latest owner to recognize concession prices have gotten out of hand, announcing a “value menu” with five items costing just $2 each. Rather than the second mortgage required to feed a family at most stadiums and ballparks, buying sodas, hot dogs and chips for a family of four at Suns games will now set you back less than $25.

This comes 2½ months after the Smith Entertainment Group, owners of the Utah Jazz and Utah Hockey Club, announced a similar rollback on some of their concessions. This season, there are five items priced at $3 or less, including a Farr’s Ice Cream bowl.

“Winning starts with our fans. When I walk the concourse at games there aren’t food options for families who don’t want to spend a lot of money. That needs to change,” Ishbia said in announcing the price cuts.

While Ishbia was widely praised, and rightly so, for the move, he and the Utah owners are following the lead of Arthur Blank, who cut concession prices when Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

For $20, you can get chicken tenders with fries, popcorn, a pretzel, a hot dog, nachos, a slice of pizza and a soda — refillable! — at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Want a beer to go with that? It’ll cost you — $5. And those prices aren’t just for Falcons and Atlanta United games. If you’re at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Super Bowl, Taylor Swift or, in 2026, the men’s World Cup, you’ll find the same affordable concessions.

This might seem counterintuitive, someone who’s in the business of making money willingly giving some of it up. But it’s actually turned out to be a money maker. Mercedes-Benz Stadium now serves more in concessions before kickoff than it did during an entire Atlanta Falcons game at the Georgia Dome.

And because they haven’t had to spend the equivalent of a small country’s GDP on food, those fans are then spending more money on bigger-ticket items. Like jerseys. Hats. Sweatshirts.

“Ultimately, the value outweighs the cost,” says Tim Zulawski, president of AMB Sports and Entertainment, which includes the Falcons, Atlanta United and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in its portfolio.

The rollback on concession prices amount to rounding errors for Blank, Ishbia and Ryan Smith, all of whom are billionaires. Concessions aren’t a main revenue driver, either, with most professional teams making their money on media rights, sponsorships and ticket sales.

That’s not the point.

Like everything else these days, going to a game is expensive. The average cost of a ticket to an NBA game is $53, according to SportsCasting.com, and just under $132 for a ticket to an NFL game. Concession prices vary but expect to pay between $5 and $10 each for a soda or a hot dog.

Multiply that by four, or even two, and you can understand why some fans will scale back their spending on food and drinks. Or skip it altogether.

Recognizing that, and making even the slightest effort to give their fans a break, makes those fans feel appreciated. And fans who feel appreciated are more likely to come back.

“People feel valued,” Zulawski says.

It helped that Blank and his team were still in the process of designing Mercedes-Benz Stadium when they decided to cut concession prices. They could move soda dispensers onto the concourse, for example, so concession workers aren’t having to fill and refill drinks.

But there’s no reason every owner can’t make some … concessions — especially when so many of these stadiums, arenas and ballparks are built and maintained with public money. If Ishbia and Smith can find a way to do it, surely Jerry Jones, Stan Kroenke and all the others can, too.

“We hope every entity that can takes advantage of listening to their fans and finding ways to respond. If that’s in the case of food and beverage, and we were a part of the catalyst to start, that’s an awesome feeling to know that you’re helping fans, potentially around the world, have a better experience,” Zulawski said.

Owners will gush any chance they get about their fans and how important they are to them. Blank, and now Ishbia and Smith, are doing more than talking, putting their money where the fans’ mouths are.

Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.

Coach Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will move on to play the Georgia Bulldogs in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal after a 27-17 victory over Indiana on Friday night.

The Fighting Irish and the Bulldogs will travel to New Orleans to play in the Sugar Bowl, which is one of four bowls serving as a quarterfinal game this season. The game will be played on Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m. ET on ESPN. Georgia is 3-0 against Notre Dame all-time. The two teams played in the 1981 Sugar Bowl but didn’t meet again until 2017 and 2019.

The first-round game between Indiana and Notre Dame was the first time the two in-state schools played each other since 1991.

Quarterback Riley Leonard overcame an early interception to lead the Fighting Irish’s offense. Leonard complied 231 total yards and two touchdowns against Indiana. The Notre Dame defense held the Hoosiers to 63 rushing yards.

Notre Dame improved to 12-1 with the victory, matching the program’s single-season wins record (1988, 1989, 2012, 2018). Indiana finishes its season 11-2, the best mark the program has ever posted.

Check out updates and highlights from the College Football Playoff game:

Notre Dame vs. Indiana highlights

Notre Dame 27, Indiana 17

Indiana tacks on final touchdown

Indiana continues its last-minute push with a second Kurtis Rourke touchdown pass. Rourke found Omar Cooper Jr. for a 23-yard score. It was an eight-play, 50-yard drive in 59 seconds. The two-point conversation and onside kick attempt were both unsuccessful, though.

Notre Dame took a knee to run out the final 24 seconds.

Indiana finally gets in the end zone, then recovers onside kick

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke scored his first touchdown, completing a 7-yard pass to Myles Price, who got into the end zone with a good effort. Rourke then completed a pass to Elijah Sarratt for the two-point conversation. Notre Dame leads Indiana 27-11 with 1:27 left in the fourth quarter.

Indiana recovered the onside kick, so it’s not quite done yet.

Riley Leonard’s record run shuts the door on Indiana

Notre Dame put the game out of reach with quarterback Riley Leonard’s 1-yard touchdown run. Leonard set a new program record, scoring his 15th rushing touchdown as a quarterback. Brandon Wimbush held the record since 2017.

Mitch Jeter’s extra point was successful. Notre Dame leads Indiana 27-3 with 4:44 left in the fourth quarter.

Indiana blocks Notre Dame field goal

An 11-play, 50-yard drive for Notre Dame resulted in no points as Mitch Jeter’s 37-yard field goal was blocked. While it’s something for the Hoosiers to celebrate, the Fighting Irish probably aren’t too upset about having burned another 5:36 off the clock while up 17.  

Boneheaded play, bailout timeout by Indiana helps Notre Dame extend lead

Indiana defensive lineman James Carpenter made a costly error in the middle of the third quarter that helped extend a Fighting Irish drive. Carpenter shoved Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, who was already on his way out of bounds, into a referee near the sideline on third-and-4. Carpenter was called for a personal foul and the ball was moved from the 24-yard line to the 12-yard line.

Notre Dame would end the drive by settling for a field goal after Indiana’s defense managed to keep the Irish out of the end zone. 

Mitch Jeter’s 33-yard field goal helped extend Notre Dame’s lead to 20-3 with 4:21 left in the third quarter. Notre Dame had dialed up a trick play on fourth down that was unsuccessful … but it was bailed out after the officials acknowledged Curt Cignetti called a timeout at the last moment. Notre Dame then simply kicked the field goal to extend its lead.

Where is CFP national championship 2025?

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20, 2025 (beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET). The venue was also the host of the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2018. The Alabama Crimson Tide beat the Georgia Bulldogs 26-23 in that game.

Notre Dame kickoff return

The drive fizzled out in three plays, but Notre Dame dug into the bag of tricks for a fun kickoff return to begin the second half.

Halftime: Notre Dame 17, Indiana 3

Mitch Jeter made a 49-yard field goal with 7 seconds left in the second quarter to give Notre Dame a 17-3 lead over Indiana at halftime. The Fighting Irish’s defense nearly had a shutout in the first half before the Hoosiers settled for a field goal late in the second quarter. 

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard completed 11 of 17 passes for 87 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Riley also rushed for 20 yards on five carries. Jeremiyah love rushed for 98-yard touchdown in the first quarter but finished the half with 91 yards on four carries. Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke completed 6 of 13 passes for 77 yards and had an interception, which the Fighting Irish converted into points on their following drive.

Notre Dame will get the ball to start the second half.

Curt Cignetti halftime comments

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti mentioned that it will be critical for Kurtis Rourke to make completions and help get the passing game going in the second half. Cignetti also acknowledged that the Indiana defense had too many missed tackles in the first half.

Indiana settles for field goal: Notre Dame 14, Indiana 3

QB Kurtis Rourke and Indiana seemed poised to go for it on fourth-and-4 to extend its drive before calling a timeout. Rourke remained on the sideline coming back from the break as coach Curt Cignetti decided to settle for a 34-yard field goal attempt. It was good. The Fighting Irish lead Indiana 14-3 with 3:26 left before halftime.

Who is Indiana’s offensive coordinator?

Indiana co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri will not return to the Hooisers’ program next season. He was hired as UCLA football’s new offensive coordinator earlier this month to replace Eric Bieniemy, who spent just one season with the program.

Sunseri spent some time in Los Angeles earlier this week to be introduced to the team. He will continue to coach for Indiana throughout the duration of its playoff run.

Sunseri played a big role in recruiting Kurtis Rourke to Indiana. Rourke spent five years at Ohio and was the 2022 Mid -American Conference Player of the Year.

Notre Dame 14, Indiana 0: Irish double lead with Jayden Thomas TD

Notre Dame finishes a second consecutive drive with a touchdown to take a 14-0 lead with 12:52 left in the second quarter. Quarterback Riley Leonard found Jayden Thomas for the 5-yard touchdown. It was just the second touchdown catch for Thomas this season. Mitch Jeter’s extra-point attempt was good.

It was a 16-play, 83-yard drive that took 9:08 off the clock.

End of first quarter: Notre Dame 7, Indiana 0

Notre Dame leads Indiana 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. Jeremiyah Love rushed for 97 yards and a touchdown on two carries. Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke completed 1 of 6 pass attempts for 28 yards and an interception. He threw just four interceptions during the first 12 games of the season.

Notre Dame opens scoring with 98-yard touchdown run

Notre Dame managed to turn Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s interception into points. Jeremiyah Love’s 98-yard touchdown run ties for the longest run in school history (Josh Adams vs. Wake Forest in 2015).

Per the NCAA’s David Worlock, Love’s run is the second-longest in college football postseason play.

Love was nearly untouched on the play.

Notre Dame creates a turnover

The Fighting Irish come up with an interception of their own, cutting off Indiana’s early momentum. Notre Dame starts with the ball near the goal line.

Indiana’s defense creates first turnover of the game

Quarterback Riley Leonard had his pass deflected and it landed in the hands of an Indiana defender for an interception.

Indiana will start with ball on a snowless field

While there was a chance for snow in South Bend, the field was clear and green at kickoff. Notre Dame kicked off and Indiana started on offense with quarterback Kurtis Rourke.

Indiana must stop Riley Leonard

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti mentioned during a pregame segment that it will be important for the Hoosiers’ defense to limit Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard’s ability to run with the ball.

When is College Football Playoff game between Indiana and Notre Dame?

The College Football Playoff first-round game between No. 10 seed Indiana and No. 7 seed Notre Dame kicks off at 8 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana.

How to watch Indiana vs. Notre Dame College Football Playoff game

The College Football Playoff first-round game between No. 10 seed Indiana and No. 7 seed Notre Dame will be televised nationally on ABC and ESPN.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Catch Indiana vs. Notre Dame FREE with Fubo

Indiana vs. Notre Dame odds, line

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are the favorites to defeat the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoff, according to the BetMGM odds on Friday afternoon.

Spread: Notre Dame (-6.5) 
Moneyline: Notre Dame (-275); Indiana (+220) 
Over/under: 50.5

CFP first-round predictions: Notre Dame vs. Indiana

USA Today: No. 7 Notre Dame over No. 10 Indiana

Paul Myerberg writes: ‘A relatively weak strength of schedule has Notre Dame flying under the radar as a legitimate contender. The Fighting Irish have one of the best-balanced team from offense to defense and special teams. Likewise with Indiana, even if the Hoosiers’ chances of winning one or more playoff games is viewed with a high degree of skepticism. Look for Notre Dame to slow down Kurtis Rourke and the Hoosiers while punishing the Indiana defense with the nation’s third-ranked running game in yards per carry.’

ESPN: Notre Dame has 73.7% chance to win

According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a 70.4% chance to beat the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoff as of Friday, December 13.

The Sporting News: Notre Dame 28, Indiana 24

Bill Bender writes: ‘Indiana allowed 2.5 yards per carry this season, and that run defense will be tested by the Irish trio of Riley Leonard (721 yards, 5.8 ypc.), Jeremiyah Love (949 yards, 7.1 ypc.) and Jadarian Price (651, 7.3 ypc.). Kurtis Rourke will test an opportunistic Notre Dame secondary, and the Hoosiers will need the running game to be in order, too. It’s been a dream season for Indiana coach Curt Cignetti. Will it continue against the Irish? Notre Dame covered in each of its last seven games, but this one stays tighter.’

Fox Sports: Indiana wins

RJ Young writes: ‘The Fighting Irish will face the most complete team they’ve seen all year in Indiana. The Hoosiers have beaten 10 out of 12 opponents by double-digits and believe they are the best team in the state of Indiana. However, Al Golden’s defense has been outstanding, allowing only one team to score 35 points in a game this season.’

Bowl game picks

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games.

Indiana vs. Notre Dame all-time record 

The Indiana Hoosiers have played the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 29 times since their first matchup in 1898. Notre Dame leads the all-time series with a record of 23-5-1.

In their most recent encounter in 1991, the Fighting Irish won 49-27.

College Football Fix podcast 

The first 12-team College Football Playoff is at hand. Four first-round matchups will take place on campus with one set for Friday night and three set for Saturday.

While history will be made on the field, two of the games on Saturday will go directly against NFL broadcasts, which could create ratings that disappoint and create discussion about the future college football calendar. The games are also being amid massive player movement in the transfer portal that is impacting some teams in the playoff field.

Where is College GameDay for College Football Playoffs?

‘College GameDay’ is not taking any time off in the postseason. In fact, they are giving fans double the entertainment. The show began broadcasting Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET ahead of the Indiana vs. Notre Dame game.

They GameDay crew will return Saturday at 9 a.m. ET from Columbus, Ohio, where No. 9 seed Tennessee takes on No. 8 seed Ohio State at 8p.m. ET in the final first-round game of the College Football Playoffs.

How does College Football Playoff format work? 

The 12 participating teams in the College Football Playoff bracket will be the five conference champions ranked highest by the CFP selection committee, and the next seven highest-ranked teams.

The four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded one through four and receive a first-round bye. The fifth conference champion will be seeded where it was ranked or at No. 12 if it is outside the top 12 in the CFP rankings. Non-conference champions ranked in the top four will be seeded beginning at No. 5.

‘Because of this,’ the CFP warns on its website, ‘the seeding, 1 through 12, could look different than the final rankings.’

College Football Playoff bracket: CFP schedule

The first round of the College Football Playoff will begin with one game on Friday, Dec. 19 and conclude with three games scheduled for Dec. 20.

All times Eastern

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Game 1: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)

SATURDAY, DEC. 21

Game 2: No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU, noon (TNT)
Game 3: No. 5 Texas vs. No. 12 Clemson, 4 p.m. (TNT)
Game 4: No. 8 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Tennessee, 8 p.m. (ABC/ESPN)

CFP quarterfinals schedule

The four quarterfinal games will be played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with one game on Dec. 31 and three on Jan. 1. All games will be televised by ESPN.

All times Eastern

TUESDAY, DEC. 31

Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. Penn State/SMU winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1

Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. Texas/Clemson winner, 1 p.m. (ESPN)
Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. Ohio State/Tennessee winner, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia vs. Notre Dame/Indiana winner, 8:45 p.m. (ESPN)

CFP semifinals schedule

The semifinal games will be played on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10. Both games will be televised by ESPN.

All times Eastern

THURSDAY, JAN. 9

Orange Bowl: Fiesta Bowl winner vs. Sugar Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

FRIDAY, JAN. 10

Cotton Bowl: Peach Bowl winner vs. Rose Bowl winner, 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)

CFP national championship game schedule

MONDAY, JAN. 20

Game: Orange Bowl winner vs. Cotton Bowl winner
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN

College Football Playoff rankings 

Oregon (Big Ten champion, No. 1 seed)*
Georgia (SEC champion, No. 2 seed)*
Texas (No. 5 seed)
Penn State (No. 6 seed)
Notre Dame (No. 7 seed)
Ohio State (No. 8 seed)
Tennessee (No. 9 seed)
Indiana (No. 10 seed)
Boise State (MWC champion, No. 3 seed)*
SMU (No. 11 seed)
Alabama
Arizona State (Big 12 champion, No. 4 seed)*
Miami
Mississippi
South Carolina
Clemson (ACC champion, No. 12 seed)**

*first-round bye; **automatic

Bowl seasons change: What to do about college football’s postseason?

The timing is good to think about changes. In 2026, when all the current agreements expire, the College Football Playoff is likely to expand to 14 teams. That will undoubtedly have a downstream impact on the bowls, of which there are currently 35 outside of those tied to the playoff.

The reality check here is bowl season, for all its problems, is inexorably linked to ESPN’s December programming schedule. In fact, ESPN owns and operates 17 of those games itself and has broadcast agreements with nearly all of the others. Good luck convincing college football’s most important business partner that bowl games are no longer worthwhile when they’re filling television windows over the holidays that generate more viewers than the NBA, college basketball or NHL regular season games that would likely take their place. — Dan Wolken

Read Dan Wolken’s full column here

Bowl game rankings: What are the best of the bowl bunch?

We’ll begin with a couple of stipulations. First, we’ll operate under the assumption that all the first-round playoff games, as well as the quarterfinal and semifinal bowl contests, will be appointment viewing anyway, so they won’t be included in this exercise. We’ll also add that while some matchups look attractive in terms of records and rankings, whether the games will turn out to be good hinges upon which key players actually show up. We also recognize that your interest in a particular game might differ based upon your rooting interest.

We try to put these in order of what we think will have the highest entertainment value, but circumstances can change before the games kick off. Click here for our watchability rankings for all 35 non-playoff bowls. — Eddie Timanus

Best college football quarterbacks in the transfer portal

Half of the teams in this year’s College Football Playoff are starting a transfer quarterback, including both teams in Friday night’s playoff opener between Indiana and Notre Dame. Last year’s transfer class included Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Ohio State’s Will Howard and Miami’s Cam Ward. Gabriel and Ward were Heisman Trophy finalists.

The crop of top passers in this year’s transfer cycle has much less star power but could carry a similar impact on the 2025 season. Click here for our analysis and breakdown of the best quarterbacks on the transfer market, including quarterbacks who have already signed with new schools. — Paul Myerberg

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

The Florida Gators made the Tulane Green Wave walk the plank on Friday. 

Florida defeated Tulane 33-8 on Friday at the Raymond James in Tampa Bay in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, named after the legend of mythical pirate José Gaspar. Although the broadcasters wore ruffled pirate shirts and the end zones were painted with treasure maps, both teams struggled early on to find any treasure (touchdowns). 

Florida QB DJ Lagway threw two interceptions in the first half as the Gators were held to six points, but the team rattled off 27 straight points in the second half en route to an easy victory. Lagway finished the contest completing 22 of 35 passes for 305 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Running back KD Daniels had five carries for 82 yards and one touchdown, while receiver Chimere Dike had six receptions for 96 yards. 

Tulane quarterback Ty Thompson made his first start for Tulane after starting quarterback Darian Mensah entered the transfer portal earlier this month before signing with Duke. Thompson struggled to get anything going before finally connecting with wide receiver Mario Williams for a 16-yard touchdown with less than a minute remaining and adding the two-point conversion.

Thompson completed 11 of 29 passes for 125 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He also had nine carries for 17 yards. Tulane was held to 194 total yards of offense, compared to Florida’s 529.

Check out USA TODAY Sports’ highlights and recap of the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl:

Ty Thompson throws touchdown pass for Tulane

Thompson connected with receiver Mario Williams for a 16-yard touchdown with 29 seconds remaining in the game to give the Green Wave their first points of the night. Tulane converted a two-point conversion to bring the final score to 33-8. It marked Thompson’s first career touchdown, along with his first start for Tulane.

Mario Williams had six receptions for 91 yards and one touchdown. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards this season during the contest.

“I’m so grateful for this team, the coaching staff, for putting their trust in me, and also in this team. We weren’t able to come out with a victory, but this Tulane team is going to be serious next year. I really appreciate Coach Sumrall for being a great leader,’ Williams said after the loss.

Anthony Rubio, Senator Marc Rubio’s son, scores

After Florida opened the floodgates on Tulane with a 26-0 lead, the Gators took their starters off the field and allowed some other players to get some playing time, including walk-on running back Anthony Rubio. The son of U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) ran for a nine-yard touchdown to extend Florida’s lead to 33-0 with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter. All of Rubio’s teammates ran to the end zone to celebrate with him, eliciting an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, but it didn’t appear to dampen the Gators’ mood.

Rubio finished the night with six carries for 32 yards and one touchdown.

Florida extends lead to 16-0 over Tulane

On Florida’s ninth possession of the game, quarterback DJ Lagway connected with TE Tony Livingston for a seven-yard touchdown to extend the Gators’ lead over Tulane to 16-0 with 4:30 remaining in the third quarter. The touchdown, the first of the game by either team, capped Florida’s 60-yard drive. Lagway has completed 20 of 30 passes for 275 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Halftime: Florida 6, Tulane 0

The end zones at Raymond James Stadium are painted like treasure maps in honor of the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl, but neither team has struck gold so far. Both Florida and Tulane have failed to reach the end zone through two quarters of play, but two fields goals gave the Gators a 6-0 edge over the Green Wave at halftime.

Florida came close to scoring with 3:25 remaining in the second quarter. With the Gators facing third-and-goal at Tulane’s 4-yard-line, Florida QB DJ Lagway threw an end zone interception to Tulane linebacker Dickson Agu, his second interception of the day. Lagway completed 14 of 22 passes for 190 yards and two interceptions through two quarters.

Offense has been hard to come by for Tulane, who only has 62 total yards of offense through the first half, compared to Florida’s 269. Tulane backup quarterback Ty Thompson, who is making his first start of the season for the Green Wave, completed three of 12 passes for 28 yards and one interception.

Tulane misses field goal, trails Florida 3-0

Tulane is scoreless after one quarter. The Green Wave had an opportunity to get on the board to start the second quarter, but kicker Patrick Durkin missed a 35-yard field goal that would’ve tied the game. It marks Durkin’s second miss in as many games. He missed a 38-yard field goal in Tulane’s 35-14 loss to the Army Black Knights in the American Athletic Championship on Dec. 6.

Florida on the board first, leads Tulane 3-0

The Gators were the first team to strike, turning defense into offense for the first points of the game. Tulane quarterback Ty Thompson threw an interception to Florida’s Trikweze Bridges at Gators’ 24-yard line in the Green Wave’s opening possession. Florida QB DJ Lagway drove his team all the way to Tulane’s 16-yard-line, but a key sack from Tulane DL Adin Huntington held Florida to a field goal.

When is the Gasparilla Bowl between Tulane and Florida? 

The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl game between the Tulane Green Wave and the Florida Gators kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

How to watch Tulane and Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl 

The Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl game between the Tulane Green Wave and the Florida Gators will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Watch Tulane take on Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Fubo

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Tulane and Florida odds, line 

The Florida Gators are the favorites to defeat the Tulane Green Wave in the Gasparilla Bowl, according to the BetMGM college football odds on Thursday.

Spread: Florida (-10.5) 
Moneyline: Florida (-400); Tulane (+310) 
Over/under: 49.5

2024 Gasparilla Bowl, Florida vs. Tulane predictions

USA TODAY Sports: Florida is unanimous pick

Scooby Axson: Florida
Jordan Mendoza: Florida
Paul Myerberg: Florida
Erick Smith: Florida
Eddie Timanus: Florida
Dan Wolken: Florida

ESPN: Florida 31, Tulane 17

‘Florida players and fans normally wouldn’t be excited about a non-CFP bowl in mid-December, but the program’s heartening finish under coach Billy Napier, coupled with a good recruiting push, has improved the vibes significantly. A really exciting quarterback matchup between Florida’s DJ Lagway and Tulane’s Darian Mensah took a hit as Mensah is reportedly set to enter the transfer portal.’

Adam Burke, VSiN: Tulane to cover the spread

Burke writes, ‘This line has gotten too high. (Tulane quarterback Ty) Thompson was at Oregon and was once a very highly-rated recruit. (Makhi) Hughes is a future NFL running back and (Mario) Williams could latch on somewhere as well. Tulane did look disinterested against Army, but that was after their CFP hopes went up in flames. (DJ) Lagway isn’t an overly efficient passer and Tulane’s run defense hung in there against Kansas State and Oklahoma.’

Jaren Kawada, ClutchPoints: Florida (-13.5)

Kawada writes, ‘Given how (DJ) Lagway and the offense have looked lately, there is no reason to believe a (Darian) Mensah-less Tulane offense can keep up with them. Lagway is not the only Gator to pick up the pace down the stretch, as running back Montrell Johnson Jr. has topped 90 rushing yards in three of the last four games.’

Blake Silverman, Sports Illustrated: Florida to win

Silverman writes, ‘Driving the late season surge and looking to build heading into year two in Gainesville, (Florida QB DJ) Lagway should come out slinging in Florida’s bowl game. Although (Tulane QB Ty) Thompson will look to show out equally for Tulane, (Darian) Mensah’s transfer and opt-out for their bowl game are a tall task to overcome, especially against a surging SEC team like Florida.’

Bowl game picks  

Here are USA TODAY Sports’ expert picks for all of the college football bowl games.

Tulane vs. Florida all-time record 

The Tulane Green Wave and the Florida Gators have faced off 21 times in their history. The Gators have a 13-6 record with two ties in the series.

Florida beat Tulane 63-21 in the most recent matchup on Sept. 15, 1984.

College football bowl game schedule: Entire postseason lineup

College football bowl season began on Dec. 14 and will run through Jan. 20 with the College Football Playoff championship game in Atlanta. Click here for the schedule of all upcoming bowls, including the College Football Playoff, and the results of already completed games.

We’re one week closer to the end of the 2024 NFL season and cementing the top half of the 2025 NFL draft order. There are nine teams with at least 10 losses entering Week 16 so the order could change significantly by the end of the regular season.

This upcoming draft class is less top-heavy than the 2024 class and there aren’t many instant-impact starters for the taking. The quarterback and wide receiver groups are among the weakest positions overall, a departure from the recent classes, and may change how teams approach the first round.

With that kind of class, there are plenty of options for teams in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. We’ve taken what experts from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, 33rd Team’s James Foster, and SB Nation’s J.P. Acosta to see what the teams could do come April.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Order entering Week 16

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

CBS Sports: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

33rd Team: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

SB Nation: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: ‘Ward’s impressive arm strength, elusiveness in the pocket and character make him a top pick. He does need to clean up the careless decisions that have gotten him in trouble at times in Miami, though.’

The Athletic : ‘I don’t know whether Sanders will be ready to lead a team (especially a bad one) when the 2025 season starts, but (Aidan) O’Connell can hold down the fort until he is. The mere presence of an exciting new face in the QBs group could offer the type of hope Raiders fans haven’t had in a long time.’

2. New York Giants

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

CBS Sports: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

33rd Team: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

SB Nation: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: ‘New York goes with another quarterback here in Sanders, who brings arguably the highest floor of any quarterback prospect in the class. Sanders’ timing, accuracy and poise in the pocket will be a welcome change in New York. He’ll feed Malik Nabers the ball and will hang tough in the pocket, at times to his detriment.’

33rd Team: ‘Ward is an electric playmaker with an exciting blend of arm talent and mobility. He has the drive velocity and flexible release to attack any area of the field from any platform and can layer throws between multiple levels of coverage. He’s the best play extender in this class and has rare creativity out of structure. … He still needs to significantly improve his timing and processing from the pocket, sack avoidance, ball security and intermediate accuracy.’

3. New England Patriots

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

CBS Sports: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

33rd Team: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

SB Nation: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

CBS Sports: ‘Can Travis Hunter play cornerback and get offensive packages in the NFL? If that is the case, then his stock is unique and therefore higher than most of his peers. The alternative is that he is just a pass-catching outlet for Drake Maye, who will be going into his second season.’

33rd Team:‘New England’s 29.0 percent pressure rate is the third lowest in the NFL, and pass rush is more stable than coverage year-to-year. Adding Carter to this defensive front would give New England a dynamic and versatile pass-rushing lineup. … He’s only played one season at edge rusher, but his technique is surprisingly advanced. He can use a cross-chop, double swipe or ghost move to defeat the outside hand.’

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

CBS Sports: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

33rd Team: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

SB Nation: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Williams doesn’t have the numbers of some other edges in the class but that’s more to do with the Bulldogs’ rotation. His tape against Texas alone should make him a top-10 pick. His size (6-5 and 265 lbs.) mixed with power and athleticism should make him a top-five pick.’

CBS Sports:‘When healthy and available, Will Johnson has shown that he can be a Patrick Surtain II level cornerback. Cornerback is a position of need and they land arguably the best eligible for the draft.’

5. Carolina Panthers

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

CBS Sports: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

33rd Team: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

SB Nation: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘With a crop of young weapons on offense and a solid line, [the Panthers] address the defense in Round 1. Carter’s the latest explosive athlete off the edge from Penn State. He needs to improve his technique but the sheer athleticism is exactly what teams are looking for off the edge.’

33rd Team:‘Graham is densely built, with outstanding core strength and top-tier lateral quickness. Despite his average length, his violent hands and low center of gravity make him an elite block shedder. He’s taken a significant step forward as a pass rusher this year, frequently winning with a club-swim and hesitation bull rush.’

6. Tennessee Titans

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

CBS Sports: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

33rd Team: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

SB Nation: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

CBS Sports:‘Tennessee’s season has not gone to plan and the Titans have several needs on the roster. The pass rush does not instill fear in the opposition. Abdul Carter has taken to his new role as a full-time edge rusher like a duck to water.’

33rd Team:‘McMillan is listed at 6-foot-5 and has the best ball skills I’ve ever seen for a wide receiver prospect. He has magnetic hands, unreal focus in tight windows, and routinely comes down with high-difficulty contested/acrobatic catches. … When defenders are in phase, McMillan’s freedom of movement is easily restricted, and his breaks are significantly less efficient. McMillan’s upside is enticing, but he needs an organization that’s conscious of his strengths and weaknesses.’

7. Cleveland Browns

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

CBS Sports: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

33rd Team: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

SB Nation: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan

CBS Sports:‘Left tackle is a bigger need for the Browns but how do they deny a better player? Cleveland will get themselves in trouble if it starts drafting solely for need with the team’s first Day 1 selection in four years.’

33rd Team:‘Josh Simmons was playing like the best offensive lineman in this class before he tore his ACL in Week 7. … In 158 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just one pressure. Simmons is a smooth mover with the range and recovery skills to mirror pass rushers on an island. His anchor was a concern last season but seemed to be much improved this year in limited action. He’s an excellent zone blocker with the explosiveness and hip flexibility to secure backside cutoffs.’

8. New York Jets

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia

CBS Sports: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

33rd Team: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

SB Nation: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘The Jets are an unknown heading into 2025 with vacancies at head coach and general manager. So they take a player that can fit in either at off-ball linebacker or edge rusher – both likely needs this offseason – in Walker. He’s a bit on the small side for an edge at 6-2 and 245 lbs. but has played the role well in 2024 thanks to his athleticism.’

SB Nation:‘So much about this team remains in flux due to their situation at QB, but if everything remains the same, adding an impact EDGE to help the run game out. Stewart is a massive EDGE defender with long arms, and while his pass rush diet is still slim, he offers more than enough athletic upside and versatility for a team to draft this fast-rising EDGE defender.’

9. Chicago Bears

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

CBS Sports: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

33rd Team: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

SB Nation: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

CBS Sports:‘Chicago is also making a change among its coaching structure. It will be interesting to see how the new coaching staff views its current offensive line. Some may not be suited for the next coach’s scheme. As it stands, Malaki Starks fills out a really strong secondary.’

33rd Team:‘Campbell has three seasons of starting experience at left tackle and has only allowed one sack since 2023. He has consistent hand usage, jarring strike power and unbreakable grip strength. When he lands his two-hand punch, he sustains the block and frequently drives pass rushers off of their feet. He’s also a very good run blocker with the range, leverage and drive power to execute in any scheme.‘

10. New Orleans Saints

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

CBS Sports: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

33rd Team: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

SB Nation: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘The Saints are in the bottom five of the NFL in sack percentage this season and edge rushers Chase Young and Payton Turner are both free agents next season. Pearce Jr.’s productivity is impressive with an SEC-leading 9 1/2 sacks in 2023. He’ll need to improve against the run to be an every-down player but has the frame to do so at 6-4 and 245 lbs.‘

SB Nation:‘They boost their defense with another EDGE in the Saints mold with Williams, a freakazoid defender with some of the longest arms I’ve seen on a prospect. His pass rush is still coming along, but if you liked Travon Walker, Williams will be for you.‘

11. Miami Dolphins

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

CBS Sports: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

33rd Team: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

SB Nation: Will Campbell, OL, LSU

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Miami will likely lose safety Jevon Holland in free agency and opt to get a potential replacement in the versatile Starks. The Georgia product can do anything you ask from a modern safety in the NFL. At 21 years old, his football IQ is impressive, as is his athleticism that allows him to play cover ground anywhere in coverage.‘

CBS Sports:‘If Terron Armstead moves on, then Miami very well may just turn the operation over to Patrick Paul moving forward. The Dolphins can plug and play Kelvin Banks Jr. or more bodies around to get the five best on the field.‘

12. Indianapolis Colts

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

CBS Sports: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

33rd Team: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

SB Nation: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

CBS Sports:‘Indianapolis could be in the market for a tight end, but this feels too early to address the position. The secondary is another area that could use some attention. Benjamin Morrison is coming off a significant injury, but has great upside.’

33rd Team:‘Warren is 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, and fits the mold of a do-it-all Y tight end. He has a rare ability to win jump balls and make difficult catches in traffic. Drops were a major issue last season, but he’s cut his drop rate from 15.0 percent to 2.2 percent. He’s a good route runner for his size and has even more separation potential if he improves his footwork.’

13. Cincinnati Bengals

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

CBS Sports: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

33rd Team: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

SB Nation: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

CBS Sports:‘Cincinnati had an issue stopping the run when D.J. Reader moved on last offseason. Kenneth Grant is not going to contribute much in terms of a pass rush, but the opposition is in for a long day in the run game.’

SB Nation:‘The Bengals’ inability to get pass rush from anyone not named Trey Hendrickson has been a major problem this year, and Hendrickson might also want out of his deal. Scourton has to get back to the weight he played with at Purdue, but he’s such a great blend of power and burst that it would bring the Bengals a nice complement to Hendrickson or a future building block.’

14. Dallas Cowboys

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

CBS Sports: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

33rd Team: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

SB Nation: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘The Frisco, Texas native comes home to play for the Cowboys… His contact balance is elite and his combination of vision, pass-catching and athleticism make him the best running back prospect in a loaded class. His lack of elite breakaway speed is a small knock on an otherwise outstanding scouting report..’

33rd Team:‘Burden is one of the best receivers in college football with the ball in his hands and has the fifth most yards after catch (1097) in the FBS since 2023. He has a special ability to track the ball over his shoulder – a slot fade to Luther Burden is as automatic as a 7-yard hitch to most receivers… He has the change of direction skills to separate against man coverage, but he’s more of a glider than a snappy route runner.’

15. San Francisco 49ers

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

CBS Sports: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

33rd Team: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

SB Nation: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Trent Williams will be 37 next year and was dealing with off-the-field personal tragedy this season. Colton McKivitz hasn’t played well enough in 2024 to stave off a potential replacement. Banks Jr. needs to improve his consistency on longer-developing plays but has the athleticism you want out of a tackle and starting-level pass protection skills already.’

33rd Team:‘Conerly Jr. got off to a slow start but has reestablished himself as a first-round pick and has been arguably the best tackle in college football in the last month. He’s allowed just six pressures and one sack this season… Conerly Jr. is arguably the best puller in this class and can clear rushing lanes in the alley on screens and sweeps. Despite his lack of size, he has decent drive power and does a great job widening the edge on outside zone.’

16. Atlanta Falcons

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

CBS Sports: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

33rd Team: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

SB Nation: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

CBS Sports:‘Atlanta has been among the worst pass-rushing units for several years. James Pearce Jr. is more explosive and quick than powerful but there are not many who have done a better job applying pressure over the last two college football seasons.’

33rd Team:‘The Falcons invest in their secondary with Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas, one of the most underrated players in this class. … His mirror skills in single coverage are rare for a player of his size. He rarely allows separation, much less a completion, and despite playing most of his snaps on an island, he’s one of the least-targeted cornerbacks in college football.’

17. Arizona Cardinals

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Derrick Harmon, DL, Oregon

CBS Sports: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia

33rd Team: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

SB Nation: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State

CBS Sports:‘Arizona has to toss more assets at the defensive problem. Jalon Walker will move to a full-time off-ball linebacker role at the next level, but his expertise is rushing the passer. It would be the second consecutive year using a first-round pick on the front seven..’

SB Nation:‘One of the most powerful linemen in this draft class, Williams packs a punch with really strong hands in the run and pass game. Arizona’s defense has impressed me schematically, but they’re just too small up front. Adding Williams gives them some beef and a guy who can help them be a bit stronger in the run game.’

18. Seattle Seahawks

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

CBS Sports: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

33rd Team: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

SB Nation: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

33rd Team:‘Booker is the most physically dominant offensive lineman in this class. At 348 pounds, Booker is densely built, with tree trunks for legs and good arm length. His anchor is impenetrable due to his overwhelming raw power and consistent technique… While his size limits his range and fluidity, this mostly shows up in the run game.’

SB Nation:‘As much. as Seattle needs help along the interior offensive line, they normally don’t pick for that spot early. So, I’m opting to give head coach Mike MacDonald another freak linebacker in Jihaad Campbell. Campbell does things at 6’3 and 250 pounds that most inside linebackers smaller than him are unable to do.’

19. Los Angeles Chargers

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

CBS Sports: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

33rd Team: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

SB Nation: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Jim Harbaugh gets another Wolverine in the building in Loveland. The Michigan tight end’s speed and receiving chops make him a potential playmaker at tight end. He’s operated in run-first offenses most of his college career, similar to what the Chargers are running under Harbaugh, so he’s likely only going to get better. His potential makes him the choice over the wide receivers on the board and a welcome target for Justin Herbert.’

SB Nation:‘Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert had the 10th most passing attempts to tight ends this season [entering Week 15]. Loveland might not be as good of a blocker as Warren, but he has nice agility and ability to separate from underneath defenders.’

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

CBS Sports: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

33rd Team: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

SB Nation: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Alabama

CBS Sports:‘Luther Burden III has been a popular pairing with Tampa Bay because Chris Godwin is slated to hit free agency this offseason. It remains to be seen if offensive coordinator Liam Coen will return next season — considering he will interview for head coaching jobs in a few weeks — but, if he does, then watching him scheme Burden open across the field would be fun.’

33rd Team:‘Logan Hall hasn’t developed, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is in the last year of his contract, so Tampa Bay selects Shemar Stewart, who could play multiple spots along the defensive line. Stewart is just scratching the surface of his potential as a pass rusher, but his physical upside is enticing. He’s 290 pounds with a long frame and fluid movement skills. In his best moments, he looks like a first-round pick. However, his production (six career sacks) hasn’t matched his potential, and at this point, he’s still just a moldable bundle of traits.’

21. Los Angeles Rams

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

CBS Sports: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

33rd Team: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

SB Nation: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Revel Jr. will need a clean bill of health following a torn ACL but if he’s good to go, he should be a first-round pick. If not for that injury, he could be a top-10 selection. He has impressive athleticism at 6-2 and 200 lbs. and can hold up against the run, as well. The Rams’ defensive line looks good with Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner. Time to get the back end some help.’

SB Nation:‘The Rams were rumored to be one of the teams that wanted to trade up for TE Brock Bowers last year, so this year they get a tight end in the first round. Warren has a massive catch radius, but it’s what he does after the catch and as a blocker that have me excited. The Mackey Award winner paired with WRs Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp? Sign me up.’

22. Washington Commanders

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

CBS Sports: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

33rd Team: Jalon Walker, LB/Edge, Georgia

SB Nation: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

CBS Sports:‘Right tackle Cameron Williams is still a bit raw, but he represents an upgrade over Andrew Wylie. Protecting Jayden Daniels and providing him with the skill talent that will allow him to remain successful is of the utmost priority in Dan Quinn’s second offseason.’

SB Nation:‘I could see the Commanders taking a swing on a corner like East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr here, but the thought of Luther Burden III in this offense is too good to pass up. Burden is a big play waiting to happen from the slot, where he uses his underrated separation ability underneath on top of his ability after the catch to win. WR Terry McLaurin could use another running mate, and I think Burden could be that guy.’

23. Denver Broncos

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

CBS Sports: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

33rd Team: Savion Williams, WR, TCU

SB Nation: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

33rd Team:‘Denver selects Savion Williams, the highest-upside receiver in this class, giving Bo Nix a potentially dominant outside target … rare blend of size, speed, and explosiveness fully translates on tape and makes him an imposing vertical threat. He has the burst off the line of scrimmage to quickly erase cushion or stack press coverage. His catch radius and play strength allow him to box defenders out and high-point the ball like a power forward.’

SB Nation:‘Kaleb Johnson … is such a smooth operator with quick feet and vision to find any hole, and if it weren’t for Ashton Jeanty being incredible he would be my RB1. Denver needs more from their running back room, and Johnson could be a really fun fit in that offense.’

24. Baltimore Ravens

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

CBS Sports: J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

33rd Team: Armand Membou, IOL, Missouri

SB Nation: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Baltimore’s taken undervalued Notre Dame defensive backs in the first and enjoyed the return. Morrison is different to Kyle Hamilton but has the prototypical size, foot skills, hands, and IQ to be a plus corner sooner than later. Baltimore’s allowing the most passing yards per game in the NFL and Morrison could shore that up.’

CBS Sports:‘Baltimore has always had more success with powerful pass rushers like Pernell McPhee and Za’Darius Smith in the past. The theme continues in 2025 as the Ravens look to identify key pieces to their defensive future.’

25. Houston Texans

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama

CBS Sports: Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State

33rd Team: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

SB Nation: Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue

CBS Sports:‘Offensive guard has been a point of emphasis for Houston this season. The Texans explored the idea of adding at the position before the trade deadline. Donovan Jackson has primarily played guard, but also stepped in at tackle when injuries necessitated.’

33rd Team:‘Ersery’s movement skills are easy to spot on tape, as he executes difficult backside cutoffs and effortlessly reaches and eliminates targets as a puller. … He has a varied punch strategy, using a two-hand punch, outside-hand punch, circle punch and snatch-trap technique, but he will sometimes lose the corner when he undersets and is too aggressive with his outside hand. … Ersery projects as a starting-caliber offensive lineman with guard/tackle versatility and above-average upside.’

26. Pittsburgh Steelers

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

CBS Sports: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

33rd Team: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

SB Nation: Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘The Steelers are so good at drafting and developing late-round wide receivers that this may seem a bit rich for them. But beyond George Pickens, Pittsburgh doesn’t have much in its wide receiver corps. Egbuka’s route running could work well in the intermediate areas of the field and compliment Pickens’ skill set.’

SB Nation:‘The Steelers have this issue where outside of George Pickens they don’t have anyone who can create explosive plays anywhere. I considered a running back here given that both Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris are both free agents, but with Johnson gone I decided to give them a receiver. Bond is a little slight of frame, but creates easy separation, a much needed switch up to the receivers in the room for the Steelers.’

27. Green Bay Packers

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

CBS Sports: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

33rd Team: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

SB Nation: Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

CBS Sports:‘Green Bay has historically invested in the defense with its first-round selections. As much as things change (quarterback, head coach, front office, etc.), the more they stay the same. Walter Nolen is an investment in the future of the defensive line.’

SB Nation:‘The Packers love their athletic dudes out on the edge, and Jackson fits that mold. A bit of a unique player, he’s tall at 6’7 and has long arms, but has a lot more bend and dip than many would think given his size. He played on the inside for Arkansas’ 3-man front, but I think he could blossom in Green Bay out on the edge.’

28. Minnesota Vikings

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

CBS Sports: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

33rd Team: Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss

SB Nation: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Minnesota has one of the best defenses in the league this season despite an outside cornerback rotation comprised almost entirely of free agents. Amos is strong at 6-1 and 190 lbs. and already has the press coverage technique to stick in the NFL. His ball skills are impressive (three interceptions in 2024) and he’s a willing run defender. His athleticism gives him the means to improve in zone coverage. He will need to improve as a tackler, though.’

CBS Sports:‘Minnesota needs more consistency from its interior offensive line. Jonah Savaiinaea has played right tackle at Arizona, but is projected to play inside at the next level. The Vikings have one of the best tackle tandems in the NFL and now bolster protection for next year’s presumptive starting quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.’

29. Buffalo Bills

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Nick Emmawori, S, South Carolina

CBS Sports: Tyleik Williams, DL, Ohio State

33rd Team: Nick Emmawori, S, South Carolina

SB Nation: Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan

CBS Sports:‘Tyleik Williams does not have the same ceiling as a few taken before him, but he does offer a higher floor, particularly in run defense. Buffalo’s offense is always going to be formidable as long as Josh Allen is there, so build a defense that strikes fear in AFC East foes.’

33rd Team:‘Nick Emmanwori is a unicorn and is one of the best athletes in this class, regardless of position. He plays safety but is built like a linebacker and looks like a cornerback in man coverage. … He can play press-man on tight ends and slot receivers and is surprisingly fluid in mirroring route breaks. Emmanwori is also an enforcer in the run game, with elite stopping power and the length to shed blocks.’

30. Philadelphia Eagles

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas

CBS Sports: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

33rd Team: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss

SB Nation: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

33rd Team:‘Umanmielen is 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, with 34-inch arms and elite athletic traits. He has a quick first step, effective cross-chop, and flexible hips to win the corner as a speed rusher. … Umanmielen has started to diversify his approach and counter inside more frequently. He abused Georgia’s left tackles in Week 11 with a combo of speed rushes and inside spins.’

SB Nation:‘Please go watch Michael Green play if you have to, he’s a delight. Green is a blur off the ball with speed and bend, and despite not having much of a role against the run, he can be an instant boost to any pass rush. Philly grabs him and adds him to their group of freakish edge defenders waiting to roll out at any time.’

31. Detroit Lions

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina

CBS Sports: L.T. Overton, Edge, Alabama

33rd Team: Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia

SB Nation: L.T. Overton, Edge, Alabama

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘The Lions’ defensive line was decimated by injury in 2024 and Detroit shores up the position with the 6-5, 254-lb. Kennard. The South Carolina edge rusher’s burst, length and speed give him a high ceiling in the NFL. He’s racked up 10 sacks in 2024 and has the relentless motor Detroit coach Dan Campbell will covet at the position.’

CBS Sports:‘LT Overton is still a work in progress, but the presence of Za’Darius Smith for the short-term allows them to make a long-term move on a pass rusher with major promise. Learning from Aidan Hutchinson and Smith as a rookie is like getting an advanced degree in pass rushing.’

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Jonah Savaiinaea, OL, Arizona

CBS Sports: Deone Walker, DL, Kentucky

33rd Team: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

SB Nation: Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:‘Chiefs guard Trey Smith will be a free agent this offseason and their 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia is struggling in limited time at right tackle. Kansas City invests in Savaiinaea who, at 6-5 and 330 lbs., brings the size and experience to play either guard or tackle at the next level. His length and burst could make him a better guard than tackle in the NFL but Kansas City can find the best place to put him.’

SB Nation:‘I wouldn’t be shocked here if the Chiefs took a corner to help bolster a room ravaged by injury, but man I just wonder if Travis Kelce is going to keep playing this year. That, combined with how much the Chiefs love to be in 12 and 13 personnel, and I think they could really use an impact tight end. Enter Helm, who is a great receiver after the catch and competes his ass off as a blocker. He would be another easy button for QB Patrick Mahomes.’

One of Dabo Swinney’s most important qualities is he’s never afraid to be laughed out of a room. 

Rewind to 2013. It was a few days after Clemson had played Florida State in a huge prime-time matchup. The Seminoles were on their way to a national championship. Swinney’s program was stuck in the Same Ol’ Clemson/Clemsoning era where it seemed like it just couldn’t get over the hump when it mattered. 

And Swinney’s assessment of a game in which his team had just lost 51-14? If they played 10 times, “We’d probably win five, they’d probably win five.” 

It was a crazy thing to say in the wake of such an epic beatdown, but it was pure Swinney: Defiant to the point of mockery, optimistic to the point of absurdity and unyielding to the point of irrationality. There’s a reason why Swinney, the old Alabama walk-on who grew up and made good, has always preferred to be called an over-believer instead of an overachiever. 

“I’ve been taking shots since I got this job. What’s changed?” he said this week. “I’ve been taking shots for 16 years and we just keep winning.”

Swinney won’t exactly get the last laugh this season unless Clemson pulls off the unthinkable, starting with Saturday afternoon’s first-round College Football Playoff game at Texas.

According to the oddsmakers, Clemson is the biggest underdog of the weekend. Had the Tigers not held on to beat SMU in the ACC championship game — winning it with a 56-yard field goal at the buzzer — they would have missed the CFP for a fourth consecutive year. As crazy as it seems after Swinney became a playoff staple, making six consecutive appearances with two national titles, this is the first time that nearly all of Clemson’s roster has been involved in a game of such magnitude. 

“It’s a big accomplishment for them,” Swinney said. 

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But it’s also a big accomplishment for Swinney, whose work over the last four seasons has been the subject of harsh criticism externally and even within Clemson’s fan base. A little more than a year ago, Swinney snapped at a caller to his coaches’ show — Tyler from Spartanburg — who suggested that Swinney wasn’t living up to his $11.5 million salary. 

“I used to tell people all the time, what’s the difference in Clemson? At some places there’s an expectation, but at Clemson there’s an appreciation,’ he said during that famous five-minute rant. ‘And what’s happened at Clemson is we’ve won so much that even when — it used to be the fun’s in the winning. Now even when you win, people like you complain and criticize the coaches and question everything. It’s people like you, all right?”

Swinney’s defensiveness was no surprise.

When the entire world thought he was crazy 11 years ago for saying that Clemson was right on the heels of a Florida State team that had just beaten him by 37 points, all he did was win eight of the next 10 matchups with the Seminoles and hoist eight ACC championship trophies to FSU’s three. 

When Clemson finally reached the playoff, few thought Swinney had the chops to beat Nick Saban. Instead, the Tigers took down Alabama twice in the national championship game, including a 44-16 destruction to finish off a perfect 15-0 season.

And when many around the sport were questioning whether Swinney’s stubbornness was getting the best of him as college football rapidly evolved into a sport where players can get paid and transfer freely between programs, here’s Clemson back in the playoff. Back where Swinney believes they belong. 

“We just had our 10th win for the 13th time in 14 years and our seventh CFP and even with all that people still want me to be like everybody else,” he said after the ACC championship game.

“We’ve won on the highest stage against the best of the best and, you know, we’re at a point now where we don’t win a championship and we’ve got to fire everybody and it’s the same old tired narratives that come up every single year when we lose a game. … All we hear is how bad we are and how terrible we are and how stupid I am and whatever and we just keep winning.”

You have to tip your cap to Swinney because this Clemson team, for most of the season, did not seem to be a playoff-quality outfit. 

Georgia completely flattened the Tigers in the season opener 34-3. They were flat as a pancake in a 33-21 loss at home to Louisville. And by the end of the regular season, they weren’t even the best team in South Carolina as the Gamecocks won the in-state battle for the second time in three years. 

The evidence is clear: Clemson, while still winning a lot of games, has slipped from the upper tier of college football. And it has slipped for a variety of reasons.

After a phenomenal run of putting players like DeAndre Hopkins, Sammy Watkins, Artavis Scott, Hunter Renfrow, Tee Higgins, Mike Williams and others into the NFL, it’s been awhile since Clemson could claim the ‘Wide Receiver U” moniker. Its quarterbacks have largely not lived up to their recruiting hype. After keeping their coaching staff together longer than most successful programs, Swinney finally had to deal with a brain drain.

And while Clemson’s rivals were filling roster holes with transfers, Swinney did not really use the portal at all, preferring to rely on the internal development of players he recruited out of high school. 

That hasn’t necessarily been a great bet. When the transfer portal only goes one way — out the door — it’s not easy to maintain the program the same way he could a decade ago. 

But there are signs that Swinney’s approach is changing just a bit. This week alone, Clemson has signed receiver Tristan Smith out of Southeast Missouri and Will Heldt, a big-time pass rusher from Purdue.

They are literally the first two players Swinney has taken out of the portal who weren’t backup quarterbacks. And it suggests that Swinney, who is just 55 years old, isn’t going to glide off into retirement ranting about how the modern game chased him away. 

That’s a good thing. As frustrating and rigid and hypocritical as Swinney can sometimes seem — he once railed against the professionalization of college sports, only to see his salary grow every year — it would be better for the sport if he adapted and made one more run with Little Old Clemson. Like him or not, Swinney is always great content. 

“Anything can happen,” he said before the ACC championship. ‘I think we were the first 15-0 national championship team, maybe we could be the first three-loss team. Boy, that would upset some people. God, y’all would have to take a bunch of stuff back that y’all say every day. That would really disappoint some people, but why not?”

It sounds ridiculous now, but it’s not the first time. As Dabo has shown again and again, you can’t prove it unless you say it. 

You couldn’t ask for more-perfect venue for the first game of the expanded College Football Playoff. Notre Dame rose to power in the first half of the 20th century and has been one of the preeminent programs since. In a fitting twist, the Fighting Irish will host a team that has never been on the national stage in this fashion.

But that will matter little to Indiana after a breakout campaign in coach Curt Cignetti’s first season. The Hoosiers have won 11 games for the first time. The downside? None of those wins came against a team the caliber of Notre Dame. That makes them as close to a Cinderella as there can be in the playoff. And who doesn’t love a Cinderella story?

It shapes up to be an amazing scene in South Bend with cold conditions and potential snow all in the shadow of the Golden Dome on the iconic Notre Dame campus. Who will win? Our experts provide their predictions.

Scooby Axson

The Hoosiers have been a nice story, but which Indiana team will we see? The one that dominated their less-talented competition, or the one that was run off the field by Ohio State when it stepped up in class. Notre Dame has its own playoff demons to exorcise, and the Irish’s defense will be enough to send Cinderella home early. Notre Dame 31, Indiana 20.

Jordan Mendoza

Indiana has had a fantastic season, but it’ll face a defense that really toughened up in the second half of the season. Kurtis Rourke is able to put some cracks in the passing defense, but he is unable to lead a game-winning drive in the final minutes. Notre Dame 30, Indiana 27.

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Paul Myerberg

Notre Dame is too much for Indiana across the board and scores an easy win to advance to the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. The Hoosiers have not fared well in matchups against similarly talented defenses and will need to win the turnover battle to win in South Bend. Notre Dame 36, Indiana 17.

Erick Smith

There are plenty of anti-Notre Dame fans that want to see the Fighting Irish embarrassed again on the national stage. And the Northern Illinois loss certainly provides some hope to them and Indiana. But this shapes up as a game that stays close with two defenses dominating in a cold environment before the team with more talent wins out. We saw this game before with the Hoosiers at Ohio State. It’ll be closer, but still a disappointment. Notre Dame 24, Indiana 14.

Eddie Timanus

The ‘no one believes in us’ card can be a powerful one, and the Hoosiers have been hearing about their lack of quality wins nonstop for several weeks. They’ll also be eager to prove a point to the team that has owned football in the state for a long time. The Irish will be ready, but the Hoosiers will pull the first upset of the playoffs. Indiana 31, Notre Dame 24.

Dan Wolken

I think the game is decided at the line of scrimmage, and based on what I saw from the Hoosiers against Ohio State, it’s going to be really tough for them to protect Kurtis Roarke enough to generate offensive. Notre Dame should be focused and primed to roll. Notre Dame 31, Indiana 10.