Bama, Clemson Cruise in CFP Semifinal
The College Football Playoffs kicked off on New Year's Eve Saturday night, and neither game was all that competitive. First, it was Alabama's top-ranked defense that held Washington to just seven points, as they scored 10 points off turnovers in a 24-7 win in the Peach Bowl. Bo Scarbrough ran for 180 yards and two scores in the win, as the Crimson Tide will compete for their fifth title in eight years. Washington ends their season at 12-2, reaching the playoffs after a decade of struggles, including an 0-12 season in 2008.
Later in the evening, it was the second-ranked Clemson Tigers who had an even more impressive showing, shutting out Ohio State, 31-0, in the Fiesta Bowl. Deshaun Watson ran for two touchdowns, and threw for another, as the Tigers set up a rematch with Bama in the National Title Game in Tampa, Florida. The Tide won last year's game, 45-40, in Glendale, Arizona. Clemson held the Buckeyes to just 215 yards and nine first downs, and is now seeking their first national title since 1981. The rematch will take place on January 9th.
Blue Jackets Extend Streak, End Wild's Run
The Columbus Blue Jackets killed two birds with one stone on Saturday night, as they not only won their 15th straight, but also snapped the Minnesota Wild's 12-game win streak, with a 4-2 victory. Cam Atkinson scored twice, as the Blue Jackets now sit just two games away from the NHL record of 17 straight wins. Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves and has now allowed two or fewer goals 10 times during the streak. This was the first game in American sports that matched two teams with win streaks of at least 12. Columbus will look to inch closer to history on Tuesday when they host the Edmonton Oilers.
Three Top-10 Teams Go Down in CBK
The college basketball world brought in the New Year with three top-10 teams falling on Saturday, two of which were upsets. But first, it was top-ranked Villanova improving to 14-0 by handing No. 10 Creighton their first loss, 80-70, on the road. Jalen Brunson had a career-high 27 points, as the Wildcats extended their win streak to 20 games. The Bluejays now sit at 13-1 on the year.
Meanwhile, two more top-10 teams struggled in upset losses in the ACC, starting with the fifth-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Justin Bibbs had 18 points to lead Virginia Tech in an impressive 89-75 upset win Saturday afternoon. The game was the conference opener for both schools, as the Hokies snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Blue Devils. Staying in the ACC, No. 9 North Carolina fell in their conference opener as well, 75-63, against Georgia Tech. Josh Okogie had 26 points, while Ben Lammers added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Yellow Jackets, who forced the Tar Heels to turn the ball over a season-high 20 times in the game.
The College Football Playoffs kicked off on New Year's Eve Saturday night, and neither game was all that competitive. First, it was Alabama's top-ranked defense that held Washington to just seven points, as they scored 10 points off turnovers in a 24-7 win in the Peach Bowl. Bo Scarbrough ran for 180 yards and two scores in the win, as the Crimson Tide will compete for their fifth title in eight years. Washington ends their season at 12-2, reaching the playoffs after a decade of struggles, including an 0-12 season in 2008.
Later in the evening, it was the second-ranked Clemson Tigers who had an even more impressive showing, shutting out Ohio State, 31-0, in the Fiesta Bowl. Deshaun Watson ran for two touchdowns, and threw for another, as the Tigers set up a rematch with Bama in the National Title Game in Tampa, Florida. The Tide won last year's game, 45-40, in Glendale, Arizona. Clemson held the Buckeyes to just 215 yards and nine first downs, and is now seeking their first national title since 1981. The rematch will take place on January 9th.
Blue Jackets Extend Streak, End Wild's Run
The Columbus Blue Jackets killed two birds with one stone on Saturday night, as they not only won their 15th straight, but also snapped the Minnesota Wild's 12-game win streak, with a 4-2 victory. Cam Atkinson scored twice, as the Blue Jackets now sit just two games away from the NHL record of 17 straight wins. Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves and has now allowed two or fewer goals 10 times during the streak. This was the first game in American sports that matched two teams with win streaks of at least 12. Columbus will look to inch closer to history on Tuesday when they host the Edmonton Oilers.
Three Top-10 Teams Go Down in CBK
The college basketball world brought in the New Year with three top-10 teams falling on Saturday, two of which were upsets. But first, it was top-ranked Villanova improving to 14-0 by handing No. 10 Creighton their first loss, 80-70, on the road. Jalen Brunson had a career-high 27 points, as the Wildcats extended their win streak to 20 games. The Bluejays now sit at 13-1 on the year.
Meanwhile, two more top-10 teams struggled in upset losses in the ACC, starting with the fifth-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Justin Bibbs had 18 points to lead Virginia Tech in an impressive 89-75 upset win Saturday afternoon. The game was the conference opener for both schools, as the Hokies snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Blue Devils. Staying in the ACC, No. 9 North Carolina fell in their conference opener as well, 75-63, against Georgia Tech. Josh Okogie had 26 points, while Ben Lammers added 11 points and 11 rebounds for the Yellow Jackets, who forced the Tar Heels to turn the ball over a season-high 20 times in the game.
