Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
ON THE ROAD TO FRISCO — College football’s bowl season opened Saturday with a slate of games, including San Diego State’s record-setting run over Houston in the Las Vegas Bowl.
It was also playoff time at some levels of football, and if you think there weren’t plays to be made — think again.
Here are some of our favorite moments from football this weekend.
Bo Pelini goes to Frisco
Kevin Rader hauled in this behind-the-back-of-his-defender laser from Hunter Wells as time expired to lift Youngstown State to a 40-38 win over Eastern Washington in the FCS semifinals played in single-digit temperatures.
Former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini has Youngstown State on the verge of capturing its fifth national title in school history and first since 1997. And fortunate for us, he’s bringing along an old friend when the Penguins play James Madison next week in Frisco, Texas.
Northwest Missouri’s D-II title built on snow and great playsIf you haven’t heard (because all of you are close followers of Division II college football), Northwest Missouri State won its sixth Division II national title with a 29-3 win over North Alabama played on Hoth … errrr, Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas, in minus-7 degree weather (with the wind chill).
The Bearcats can thank wide receiver Randy Schmidt for icing the game (OK, OK; we’re sorry) with a sweet one-handed catch while clinging to a 7-3 lead in the third quarter.Pretty cool, right? (OK, now we’re done).
Zeke in a barrel
Speaking of cool: Ezekiel Elliott has been a revelation for Dallas in his rookie season. The former Ohio State running back has more than 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns while leading the Cowboys to a 12-2 record and the top spot in the NFC East.
In the spirit of Christmas, he also made a donation to the Salvation Army following a touchdown Sunday night against Tampa Bay.
Well, sort of.
Zeke made an important contribution for the @dallascowboys tonight. Can you contribute to the millions in need? https://t.co/zwJrWxPYLjpic.twitter.com/12zBHxczIz
— Salvation Army USA (@SalvationArmyUS) December 19, 2016
It likely won't be Elliott's last donation to the popular Christmas fund this year.
Zeke says he'll make donation to @salvationarmy to match whatever the NFL fines him if they fine him for the celebration. #doingTheMostGood
— Derek Eagleton (@derekeagleton) December 19, 2016
Happy Holidays, everyone.
