UNC can cap off a turbulent season with a bowl victory in Detroit. The Tar Heels will take on Rutgers in the Quick Lane Bowl after going 6-6 in the regular season. Head Coach Larry Fedora says the opportunity is as much about 2015 as it is about those seniors who are leaving.
"Just like getting extra practices for Spring Ball," said Fedora. "We're trying to get as many reps with those guys who are going to be with us and we feel like can help us in the future."
NC State has one of the youngest teams in the country, with little bowl experience. Meanwhile,their opponent, the University of Central Florida has played in a St. Petersburg, FL bowl game three of the last six seasons. Wolfpack Coach Dave Doeren has been at the helm for only two years -- UCF's George O'Leary has run that team for more than a decade. The Wolfpack have put up some big numbers against some very good teams, though. So a quick start and a youthful adrenaline rush could prove to be to their advantage.
Blue Devil Football hits the national stage this afternoon as Duke takes on the Arizona State Sun Devils. The Sun Bowl sends the teams to El Paso, Texas, where Duke hopes to put the finishing touches on a well-rounded season. Duke started off strong this year, but lagged late in the season, including a high-profile loss to UNC. But Coach David Cutcliffe says they've found themselves in pretty good position heading into the game.
"Two nine and three team, we're playing the 15th ranked team in the country, CBS, nationally televised game, you couldn't write a better script," said Cutcliffe.
After a season with high-profile wins over UNC and Virginia Tech, East Carolina Football is headed down to Alabama for the Birmingham Bowl. They'll be taking on the Florida Gators - an SEC team that's already on ECU's regular schedule for next year. Pirates Head Coach Ruffin McNeill says holiday football is good thing for him and his school.
"When you're practicing when it's cold, you know you've had a good year, said Mcneill. "My mom, my angel, she would say 'Tuffy, are you coming home for Christmas?" I'd say "Mom, if I come home, that's not a good year for Tuffy.'"
