College football's bowl season is in full swing. As we wrap up the final full week of December, let's take a look at some of the bigger stories to come from the sport over the weekend.
Wild Finish In FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl
Going up against the NFL in primetime is never easy, especially if the bowl doesn't have as much marquis cache or brand equity as the more high-profile variety. But Liberty and Coastal Carolina provided some must-see television just as the Raiders and Dolphins were engaged in a crazy final minute of their own.
Ultimately, Liberty would spoil Coastal Carolina's undefeated season in overtime, blocking a field-goal attempt that would have tied the game at 37 and sent things to a second extra session.
That was preceded by the Chanticleers trying to allow Liberty to score the go-ahead touchdown with under a minute to play in regulation. But the Flames tried to avoid the touchdown to take more time off the clock, only to cough up the football at the goal line.
Liberty finished their season 10-1, while Coastal Carolina ended up 11-1 in what was a Cinderella run in 2020.
King To Return To Hurricanes
Miami quarterback D'Eriq King announced that he will return to the team for the 2021 season. The Houston transfer was only expected to play at Miami for one season, but the NCAA granted all players an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic if they decided to use it.
King has thrown for 2,573 yards, 22 touchdowns and just five interceptions this season as the Hurricanes prepare to face Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl on Tuesday.
"If you were to talk to me a month and a half, two months ago, I'd have probably told you I was declaring (for the NFL draft)," King said. "It's everybody's dream that's playing college football to have a shot at the NFL, and I feel like I would have had a good chance to make a team this upcoming year. I think I have a lot of stuff to work on still to take that next step to the NFL."
Williams Opts Out, Will Skip Bowl
One of Miami's more disappointing moments this season came on Dec. 12 when North Carolina completely dominated it in a 62-26 blowout when they were ranked No. 10 in the country. The Tar Heels rushed for over 500 yards that day, including 236 and three touchdowns from Javonte Williams.
This weekend, Williams announced that he'll skip the Orange Bowl against Texas A&M, opting to prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft.
"I would like to thank God for blessing me with the health and ability to play the game I love and allowing me to be in this position," Williams said. "Thank you Coach (Mack) Brown and the staff for giving me countless opportunities to display my talents."
Williams rushed for 1,140 yards on 157 carries with 19 touchdowns this season and is considered a top five prospect at his position.
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