College Football Bowl Roundup: Army’s Gatorade Chase, Snoop’s Catch, and a Wild Week of Wins
Saturday’s bowl slate brought us everything we love about college football: big plays, unexpected drama, and a few hilarious Gatorade showers. From Army’s dominant win in Fenway Park to Snoop Dogg fielding kicks in the desert, here’s a full breakdown of the weekend’s action - and the moments that made it unforgettable.
Army Rolls in Fenway, Monken Gets Soaked
Army head coach Jeff Monken did everything in his power to dodge the traditional postgame Powerade bath. For a while, it looked like he might actually pull it off. But in the end, quarterback Zach Mundell and a pack of determined Black Knights closed in, and Monken - jukes and all - couldn’t escape the icy celebration.
And he earned it.
Army put together a commanding 41-16 win over UConn in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl, with the offense firing on all cylinders. Godspower Nwawuihe was a force on the ground, racking up 171 yards and two touchdowns. Cale Hellums added to the onslaught, rushing for two scores and tossing another through the air.
It was a fitting way to cap Monken’s 12th season at the helm - his sixth bowl victory and another reminder that Army, under his leadership, is more than just a tough out. They’re a program that shows up when it matters most.
Snoop Dogg’s Wild Moment in the Arizona Bowl
Only in college football can you see a Hall of Fame quarterback’s son throwing dimes while a rap legend fumbles a kickoff return. That’s exactly what happened in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl, where Fresno State handled Miami (Ohio) with an 18-3 win - and Snoop himself got in on the action.
Late in the game, the iconic artist fielded a kickoff near the back of the end zone. Let’s just say it wasn’t textbook.
He bobbled the ball, lost a shoe, and hit the turf - but still managed to secure the catch. Ever the showman, Snoop laughed it off with a “my bad, my bad,” before flashing a grin and saying, “I’m just doing it all today, baby.”
On the field, E.J. Warner - son of NFL legend Kurt Warner - was poised and efficient.
The Fresno State quarterback threw for 214 yards and a touchdown, with most of that production coming via senior wideout Josiah Freeman, who hauled in seven catches for 143 yards. Warner didn’t need to do it all, but he did more than enough to lead the Bulldogs to a comfortable win.
Minnesota’s Fleck Stays Perfect in Bowls
P.J. Fleck keeps rowing the boat - and it keeps landing in the winner’s circle.
Minnesota’s 20-17 overtime victory over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl improved Fleck’s bowl record to a perfect 7-0 during his tenure with the Gophers. The game-winner came courtesy of Jalen Smith, who laid out for a 12-yard touchdown grab in the extra frame.
Minnesota has now won nine straight bowl games, tying them with Utah and USC for the second-longest streak in college football history. Only Florida State’s 11-game run from 1985 to 1995 stands above them.
Fleck has turned postseason consistency into a calling card, winning bowls in seven of his nine seasons in Minneapolis. That’s not just impressive - it’s elite company.
East Carolina Gets Redemption After Ref’s Whistle
Sometimes, football gives you a break. Other times, it takes one away - just ask East Carolina’s Marlon Gunn Jr.
Gunn looked like he had authored a highlight-reel 68-yard touchdown run, breaking free down the right sideline and sprinting to the end zone. But a referee inadvertently blew the play dead, turning what should’ve been six points into a modest gain. To make matters worse, two plays later ECU fumbled, and Pittsburgh scooped it up for a touchdown to take a 14-10 lead.
But the Pirates didn’t fold.
Chaston Ditta answered with a deep strike to Anthony Smith - a 72-yard touchdown that flipped the game back in ECU’s favor for good. The Pirates went on to win 23-17 in the Military Bowl, a result that not only righted the officiating wrong but also gave East Carolina a well-earned postseason victory.
UTSA’s Traylor Gets Ambushed - With Help From ESPN
UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor saw the Gatorade bath coming. He just didn’t expect ESPN’s Paul Carcaterra to help deliver it.
After the Roadrunners dismantled Florida International 57-20 in the First Responders Bowl, Traylor tried to slip away from the celebration. But Carcaterra - a former Syracuse lacrosse standout - used his old footwork to cut off Traylor’s escape route, setting him up for the icy ambush from his players.
Traylor probably knew it was coming. After all, UTSA erupted for 43 unanswered points after a 14-14 first-quarter tie, completely taking over the game. It was a statement win and a fitting end to a dominant performance - and yes, a Gatorade shower well deserved.
From coaching milestones to celebrity cameos, this weekend’s bowl games had a little bit of everything. And if this is the appetizer, we’re in for a full-course feast as bowl season rolls on.