2021 College Football Tracker For Bowl Opt-Outs, Injuries & Coaching Changes – The Action Network

Over the past few weeks, it seems as if we’ve had a college football news cycle that never ends with coaching changes and periodic opt-outs. The former has been tough to keep up with, and the latter will only become more frequent over the next week or so.

Below, you will find a running log of all-important news for each individual bowl game. I will continuously update this file as more news comes in, so make sure you periodically check back if you want to double-check any game information before placing a bet.

And make sure to pay extra close attention to coaching situations across the country because some coaches still plan to participate in their team’s bowl game (Oregon’s Joe Moorhead), while others do not (Miami’s Rhett Lashlee).

For convenience, the bowls are listed in chronological order below.

Our 3 Most Recent Updates

• Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson will likely miss the Gasparilla Bowl against UCF after undergoing minor knee surgery.
• Appalachian State wide receiver Corey Sutton will miss the Boca Raton Bowl after undergoing surgery.
• Iowa running back Tyler Goodson has declared for the NFL Draft and will skip the Citrus Bowl against Kentucky.

Cure Bowl: Dec. 17 in Orlando, FL

Coastal Carolina -10 · Over/Under: 52.5

All eyes are on the status of Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall, who has a potential future in the NFL and has dealt with an injury this season. Offensive coordinator Willy Korn has also been a hot name in the rumor mill to take the same position at a power program.

The Chants will return to the Cure Bowl for the second straight year still in search of the program’s first-ever bowl victory.

On the Northern Illinois side, the Huskies could see the return of second-leading wide receiver Tyrice Richie, who missed the past four games due to injury.

Bahamas Bowl: Dec. 17 in Nassau, Bahamas

Toledo -10.5 · Over/Under: 52.5

Both teams have made numerous quarterback changes this year.

Middle Tennessee is down to its third and fourth string options in freshman Nick Vattiato and sophomore Mike DiLiello after Chase Cunningham suffered a season-ending leg injury and Bailey Hockman retired from football.

Vattiato was initially thrown into the fire but was replaced by DiLiello in the regular-season finale, which saw the Blue Raiders come back to beat FAU with 17 fourth-quarter points to secure bowl eligibility.

Meanwhile, Toledo has gone exclusively to the more mobile freshman Dequan Finn after Carter Stanley didn’t pan out early in the season.

New Mexico Bowl: Dec. 18 in Albuquerque, NM

Fresno State -10.5 · Over/Under: 50

Fresno State will not have the services of head coach Kalen DeBoer, who recently took the same job at Washington. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will also join DeBoer in Seattle.

Against a UTEP team seeking its first bowl win since 1967, running backs coach Lee Marks will serve as the interim head coach. Meanwhile, wide receivers coach Kirby Moore (Kellen Moore’s brother) will handle the offensive coordinator duties and call plays for the first time.

Quarterback Jake Haener originally announced he would transfer to likely follow DeBoer to Washington but recently stated he would remain in Fresno. We still don’t have confirmation if he will start at quarterback for the bowl after originally deciding to leave the team.

Without Haener, the Bulldogs would turn to one of two freshmen in either Logan Fife or Jaylen Henderson.

New Orleans Bowl: Dec. 18 in New Orleans, LA

Louisiana -5.5 · Over/Under: 53.5

After getting hired as Florida’s new head coach, Billy Napier stayed to coach Louisiana in the Sun Belt Conference Championship.

However, that won’t be the case for this bowl game. New head coach Michael Desormeaux will take over those duties after being promoted from the tight ends coach and co-defensive coordinator.

Napier — who stated a small group will stay on board to help coach the team through National Signing Day on Dec. 15. — is taking a number of staff members with him to Gainesville, including:

• Defensive coordinator/OLB coach Patrick Toney
• RB coach Jabbar Juluke
• Strength and conditioning coach Mark Hocke
• Offensive analyst Ryan O’Hara

Additionally, two recruiting staffers, the director of football logistics and director of player personnel will also head to Florida. There’s also still a chance that Louisiana’s defensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator join Napier.

In regards to Marshall, quarterback Grant Wells will play.

Boca Raton Bowl: Dec. 18 in Boca Raton, FL

Appalachian State -2.5 · Over/Under: 68

WKU offensive coordinator Zach Kittley left to take the same position with Texas Tech. However, but head coach Tyson Helton recently stated he anticipates Kittley will remain with the team through the Boca Raton Bowl.

Quarterback Bailey Zappe — who could break Joe Burrow’s single-season touchdown record — looks like he will play as of this moment.

Two key cogs of the explosive WKU offense recently entered the transfer portal in wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley (80 catches for 1,299 yards and 12 touchdowns) and two-time All-Conference USA offensive tackle Mason Brooks. However, Helton said both will play in the bowl.

It looks like WKU will be at full strength from a staff and personnel perspective with four exceptions:

• Starting defensive tackle Jeremy Darvin (surgery after injury last game)
• Starting linebacker Will Ignont (didn’t play past two games due to injury)
• Co-offensive coordinator Bryan Ellis (new Georgia Southern OC)
• Offensive line coach Stephen Hamby (joining Texas Tech staff)

On the Appalachian State side, wide receiver Corey Sutton will miss the game after undergoing surgery.

Independence Bowl: Dec. 18 in Shreveport, LA

BYU -7 · Over/Under: 54.5

UAB could be without leading rusher DeWayne McBride, who suffered an injury late in the season. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry and rushed for just under 1,200 yards.

Also, third-leading receiver RaJae’ Johnson-Sanders entered the transfer portal as did quarterback Tyler Johnston, who lost his starting gig to Dylan Hopkins. One potential opt-out to monitor for the Blazers would be star defensive end Alex Wright.

The key BYU news to watch is whether or not anything happens with long-time head coach Kalani Sitake, whose name has been connected with the open head coaching position at Oregon.

Lending Tree Bowl: Dec. 18 in Mobile, AL

Liberty -8.5 · Over/Under: 58.5

All signs point toward quarterback Malik Willis, who some project as a first-round draft pick, playing for the Flames.

LA Bowl: Dec. 18 in Inglewood, CA

Oregon State -7 · Over/Under: 66

No news to report as of now.

Myrtle Beach Bowl: Dec. 20 in Myrtle Beach, SC

Tulsa -9.5 · Over/Under: 52.5

Tulsa recently saw a few assistants leave with defensive coordinator Joseph Gillespie leaving for the same position at TCU and offensive line coach Zach Hanson heading to USC. Gillespie will also take cornerbacks coach Carlton Buckels along with him to Fort Worth.

Tulsa has yet to confirm if any will stay with the team through the bowl game.

Three players also recently entered the transfer portal for the Golden Hurricane:

• WR Sam Crawford Jr.
• DL Deven Lamp
• OG Dante Bivens

Crawford has 114 catches in 27 career starts but missed the past three games due to injury. Meanwhile, Lamp did get one start this season, while Bivens had started in previous seasons before becoming a backup this season.

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: Dec. 21 in Boise, ID

Wyoming -3 · Over/Under: 58.5

Wyoming pro prospect linebacker Chad Muma, a Butkus Award finalist, announced he will play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.

However, the Cowboys will be without defensive line coach Pete Kaligis (hired by Washington State) and starting nickel back Keyon Blankenbaker (transfer portal).

Frisco Bowl: Dec. 21 in Frisco, TX

UTSA -2.5 · Over/Under: 49.5

UTSA starting safety Rashad Wisdom will miss the first half due to a targeting call in the second half of the Conference USA Championship game.

It’s worth at least mentioning that San Diego State dealt with a massive COVID-19 outbreak ahead of the Mountain West Championship game, but there are over two weeks in between that game and the bowl.

Armed Forces Bowl: Dec. 22 in Fort Worth, TX

Army -3.5 · Over/Under: 59.5

Star running back Tyler Badie will apparently play for Missouri. Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz also mentioned there will be an open competition at quarterback leading up to the bowl after starter Connor Bazelak struggled following a return from injury in the second half of the season.

Keep in mind that Army will play Navy before this bowl game, which will eat into its preparation. I will update any potential injuries that come out of that game.

Gasparilla Bowl: Dec. 23 in Tampa, FL

Florida -7.5 · Over/Under: 57

After some petty accusations of avoiding each other, UCF and Florida will finally meet for the first time since 2006. The Gators actually already played another in-state team in Raymond James Stadium earlier this season against USF.

UCF star quarterback Dillon Gabriel announced he will transfer, but he had already been lost for the season due to injury. The Knights could see the return of running back Isaiah Bowser, who has been sidelined with an injury since early November.

The much more intriguing news is on the other side with Florida, which will have interim coach Greg Knox (running backs and special teams coach) on the sidelines as the Gators transition from the recently-fired Dan Mullen to the recently-hired Billy Napier.

We could also see some Gators opt out. The biggest NFL draft prospects are cornerback Kaiir Elam and defensive lineman Zachary Carter.

In addition to potential opt-outs, Florida wide receiver Jacob Copeland and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate have entered the transfer portal.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson will likely miss the game as well due to minor knee surgery.

Frisco Classic Bowl: Dec. 23 in Frisco, TX

Miami (Ohio) -3 · Over/Under: 54

No news to report as of yet for what is essentially a home game for North Texas just a half-hour from campus.

Hawaii Bowl: Dec. 24 in Honolulu, HI

Memphis -6.5 · Over/Under: 60

Hawaii made a bowl with a 6-7 overall record after closing out its season with a blowout road upset of Wyoming. However, the news isn’t all rosy for the Rainbow Warriors after recent reports of turmoil within the program.

On a related note, starting quarterback Chevan Cordeiro and starting running back Dae Dae Hunter both decided to leave the program and enter the transfer portal.

Quarterback Brayden Schager, who really struggled in relief of an injured Cordeiro, will presumably get the start.

Camellia Bowl: Dec. 25 in Montgomery, AL

Georgia State -4.5 · Over/Under: 50

No news to report.

Quick Lane Bowl: Dec 27 in Detroit, MI

Western Michigan -2.5 · Over/Under: 66.5

Nevada lost head coach Jay Norvell, who took the same position at Colorado State in an intraconference move.

Defensive coordinator Brian Ward also left for the same position at Washington State, and it remains to be seen if offensive coordinator Matt Mumme follows Norvell to Fort Collins.

As a result, running backs coach Vai Taua will serve as the interim for the bowl game. Now, Cole Turner will sit out as we wait to see if wide receiver Romeo Doubs and projected first-round quarterback Carson Strong decide to opt out.

Meanwhile, Nevada wide receivers Melquan Stovall and Justin Lockhart have also entered the transfer portal.

Military Bowl: Dec. 27 in Annapolis, MD

Boston College -3.5 · Over/Under: 51

It was recently announced that pro prospect Phil Jurkovec will return under center as Boston College’s quarterback in 2022. Expect him to start in this bowl game.

The Eagles did have a number of players recently enter the transfer portal, but none were primary contributors.

Guaranteed Rate Bowl: Dec. 28 in Phoenix, AZ

Minnesota -4 · Over/Under: 45

The most interesting storyline for this game involves 2021 West Virginia offensive analyst Kirk Ciarrocca, who could actually help the Gophers prepare for the Mountaineers.

Head coach PJ Fleck recently fired offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr. and replaced him with Ciarrocca, who previously served as OC in Minnesota from 2017-19.

Current co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Matt Simon will call plays for the bowl game with Ciarrocca not participating, but that doesn’t mean he can’t provide valuable insight into West Virginia’s offense. It’s certainly a very unique situation.

West Virginia did lose three players to the transfer portal in December, including:

• LB VanDarius Cowan
• OT Parker Moorer
• WR Isaiah Esdale

However, none were primary contributors in recent games. Esdale did finish as the team’s fourth-leading receiver and primary punt returner, but Cowan and Moorer lost most of their playing time by season’s end.

First Responders Bowl: Dec. 28 in Dallas TX

Louisville -1.5 · Over/Under: 55.5

Louisville recently announced head coach Scott Satterfield will return in 2022, and it also learned that star quarterback Malik Cunningham will return next season.

However, the Cardinals did recently lose their first- and fourth-leading receivers to the transfer portal in Jordan Watkins and Justin Marshall, respectively.

Liberty Bowl: Dec. 28 in Memphis, TN

Mississippi State -8.5 · Over/Under: 60

Texas Tech recently announced the hiring of former Baylor associate head coach Joey Maguire as its new head coach. However, Interim head coach Sonny Cumbie will still lead the Red Raiders in their bowl game despite already accepting the head job at Louisiana Tech.

He will return to Lubbock on Dec. 13 to help with bowl preparations, while running backs coach DeAndre Smith will oversee things in the interim.

This game has some extra intrigue since it will mark a reunion for Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach against his old team that he claims still owes him millions. Popcorn, please.

Check back for any opt-out news.

Birmingham Bowl: Dec. 28 in Birmingham, AL

Auburn -3 · Over/Under: 52

Auburn did recently lose five players to the transfer portal:

• RB Shaun Shivers
• WR Elijah Canion
• S Ladarius Tennison
• DE Caleb Johnson
• OG Tashawn Manning

However, only Manning was a starter.

Rumors continue to swirl about potential opt-outs for Auburn, which I will continue to monitor. The most obvious name is cornerback Roger McCreary, who many project as a first-round NFL Draft pick.

Holiday Bowl: Dec. 28 in San Diego, CA

NC State -1 · Over/Under: 60

No coaching or personnel news to report as of now. It’s worth noting this bowl game will debut at Petco Park.

Fenway Bowl: Dec. 29 in Boston, MA

Virginia -1 · Over/Under: 72.5

The Hoos will take on SMU in the inaugural Fenway Bowl in what will mark head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s final game with the program after announcing he will resign at the end of the season.

Virginia’s staff will remain intact for its bowl game, but Anthony Poindexter will no longer be taking over as the Cavaliers’ head coach.

It’s also worth noting that eight Virginia players have entered their names in the transfer portal. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t stay and play in the bowl game — but it’s worth monitoring.

That list contains a number of starters from this season, including three offensive linemen:

• C Olusegun Oluwatimi (Rimington Award finalist)
• T Bobby Haskins
• G Joe Bissinger
• LB Noah Taylor

It will obviously be worth monitoring the status of quarterback Brennan Armstrong as well.

SMU will have a new head coach at the helm after the departure of Sonny Dykes, who also took offensive coordinator Garrett Riley and a few other assistants.

It remains to be seen if new head coach Rhett Lashlee, who has plenty of familiarity with Virginia after serving as offensive coordinator for Miami, will serve as interim coach.

On the field, two of SMU’s top wide receivers Reggie Roberson (and Danny Gray opted out of the bowl after declaring for the NFL draft. That pair combined for 100 catches for 1,428 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Pinstripe Bowl: Dec. 29 in Bronx, NY

Virginia Tech -1 · Over/Under: 55

After letting head coach Justin Fuente go, interim head coach J.C. Price will lead the Hokies against Maryland. The current staff will stay on board through the bowl game during the transition to new head coach Brent Pry.

The Hokies will not have the services of four starters who opted out to prepare for the NFL draft, including:

• WR Tre Turner
• DT Jordan Williams
• DE Amare Barno
• G Lecitus Smith

Other potential opt-outs include center Brock Hoffman, cornerback Jermaine Waller and safety Chamarri Conner. The Hokies also lost wide receiver Tayvion Robinson (starting punt returner as well) and backup quarterback Knox Kadum to the transfer portal.

Seven Maryland players entered the transfer portal, including a pair of extremely high 2021 recruits, but none were seeing any impactful playing time by the end of the season.

Cheez-It Bowl: Dec. 29 in Orlando, FL

Clemson -1 · Over/Under: 45.5

Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy will be without two of his receivers, Joe Scates and Tarique Milton, for the Cheez-It Bowl. That pair combined for 23 catches, 423 yards and four touchdowns on the season.

Head coach Matt Campbell, whose name swirled in the rumor mill for a potential head coaching job elsewhere, says he expects everyone else to suit up as of now. However, I’d keep an eye on the status of star running back Breece Hall.

Meanwhile, the Tigers lost longtime defensive coordinator Brent Venables, who took the head coaching position at Oklahoma. Also, offensive coordinator Tony Elliott formally interviewed for the head coaching vacancy at Duke.

There’s no official opt-out news to report as of now for Clemson, but I’d expect some in the near future. The biggest name to watch is projected first-round cornerback Andrew Booth Jr.

Alamo Bowl: Dec. 29 in San Antonio, TX

Oklahoma -4.5 · Over/Under: 61.5

This will be a battle of interim coaches, as Bob Stoops will lead the Sooners against Bryan McClendon and the Ducks.

Most of Mario Cristobal’s staff at Oregon may join him in Miami, while defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter has taken the same position at Texas Tech. However, offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead plans to coach the bowl game after taking the head coaching job at Akron.

Meanwhile, Lincoln Riley already brought a few key assistants with him from Norman to USC, including defensive coordinator Alex Grinch in addition to the wide receivers coach, outside linebackers/defensive ends coach and strength coach. Plus, defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux joined the SMU staff.

Both teams will also have to make do without star defensive players who declared for the NFL Draft. Oregon will be without defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux, while Oklahoma will be missing defensive linemen Nik Bonitto and Perrion Winfrey.

Oregon starting right tackle Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu also declared for the NFL Draft but stated he’ll play in the Alamo Bowl. The same can’t be said for starting cornerback DJ James, who entered the transfer portal.

Oklahoma’s second-leading receiver, Jadon Haselwood, also entered the transfer portal and committed to Arkansas. Former starting quarterback Spencer Rattler and tight end Austin Stogner (14 catches for 166 yards and 3 TD) also hit the portal.

Check back for potentially much more news on this one leading up to the game.

Peach Bowl: Dec. 30 in Atlanta, GA

Pittsburgh -3 · Over/Under: 63.5

As of Wednesday, Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett hasn’t decided whether or not he’ll play in the Peach Bowl.

The same can’t be said for offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who abruptly resigned and took the same position at Nebraska.

It appears Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III will suit up. The status of injured wide receiver Jalen Nailor remains up in the air.

Las Vegas Bowl: Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, NV

Wisconsin -7 · Over/Under: 42.5

Arizona State will be without two of its top backs, Rachaad White (declared for NFL Draft) and Deamonte Trayanum (entered transfer portal), in the Las Vegas Bowl.

Those two combined for over 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns on the season. That’s not great news against Wisconsin’s elite rush defense.

Music City Bowl: Dec. 30 in Nashville, TN

Tennessee -3 · Over/Under: 63.5

For Purdue, all eyes will be on the status of a pair of potential early-round NFL Draft picks in defensive end George Karlaftis and wide receiver David Bell.

In regards to the Vols, they will be without running back TiYon Evans, who entered the transfer portal and recently committed to Louisville. Evans finished the season with 521 rushing yards on 81 carries.

Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Dec. 30 in Charlotte, NC

North Carolina -7 · Over/Under: 57.5

Quarterback Sam Howell will apparently suit up for the Tar Heels. Meanwhile, South Carolina will be without leading rusher ZaQuandre White, who opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Gator Bowl: Dec. 31 in Jacksonville, FL

Texas A&M -6.5 · Over/Under: 59.5

This will be a rematch of the 2017 Belk Bowl in which Wake Forest won in a shootout by a final score of 55-52.

Texas A&M has a much better defense this time around, but it will have to make do without star defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, who’s off to the NFL.

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher also stated that original starting quarterback Haynes King still likely won’t be healthy enough to play after getting hurt in the second game of the season. Therefore, this looks like the Zach Calzada Show once again.

Sun Bowl: Dec. 31 in El Paso, TX

Miami -1.5 · Over/Under: 59.5

Who’s ready for the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl? If this matchup looks familiar in this particular bowl, these two teams met in the same bowl six years ago in a snowy affair.

Jake Dickert was recently promoted from interim to permanent head coach at Washington State. He has made a number of staff changes as Washington State will transition from the run-n-shoot offense back to a more traditional Air Raid scheme.

However, it appears that the current staff will remain intact through the Sun Bowl.

Meanwhile, Manny Diaz was ousted as head coach at Miami, which hired Mario Cristobal away from Oregon. This will actually mark Miami’s third appearance in the Sun Bowl with all three coming after it fired its head coach.

There’s no word yet on who will serve as the Hurricanes’ interim coach for this game.

Arizona Bowl: Dec. 31 in Tuscon, AZ

Boise State -8 · Over/Under: 55

No news to report on this game as of now.

It’s worth monitoring the status of Boise State quarterback Hank Bachmeier. He was beaten up at the end of the season after getting hit more than any other quarterback in the nation this year. Plus, backup Jack Sears, who saw some playing time over the past two seasons, entered the transfer portal.

The two potential draft picks who could possibly sit out for Boise State are wide receiver Khalil Shakir and safety JL Skinner.

Orange Bowl: Dec. 31 in Miami Gardens, FL

Georgia -8 · Over/Under: 43.5

Nobody will opt out of a College Football Playoff semifinal, but Georgia does have a decision to make at quarterback. Will head coach Kirby Smart stick with Stetson Bennett after a disappointing performance in the SEC Championship or roll with JT Daniels?

Cotton Bowl: Dec. 31 in Arlington, TX

Alabama -13.5 · Over/Under: 58

Alabama wide receiver John Metchie, who led the team with 96 receptions, will not suit up in the College Football Playoff semifinal due to an ACL injury suffered in the SEC ChampionshipgGame.

Outside of Metchie and Jameson Williams, no other Alabama wide receiver has more than 333 receiving yards.

Rose Bowl: Jan. 1 in Pasadena, CA

Ohio State -6.5 · Over/Under: 66.5

There’s no word yet on any opt-outs for either team.

In my opinion, the two biggest names to keep an eye on are Ohio State wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave.

Outback Bowl: Jan. 1 in Tampa, FL

Penn State -2.5 · Over/Under: 46.5

Earlier this month, the Nittany Lions lost defensive coordinator Brent Pry, who left to take over as head coach at Virginia Tech. Head coach James Franklin has yet to make a decision on the interim DC as the search continues for Pry’s replacement.

Penn State has a few potential opt-outs, highlighted by star wideout Jahan Dotson. Meanwhile, all eyes were on the status of Arkansas star wide receiver Treylon Burks, but he has declared for the NFL Draft.

Citrus Bowl: Jan. 1 in Orlando, FL

Kentucky -2 · Over/Under: 44

Iowa star center Tyler Linderbaum, who many project to go in the first round of the NFL Draft, has stated he will no doubt suit up against Kentucky. However, Hawkeyes running back Tyler Goodson has declared for the draft and will skip the Citrus Bowl.

Sugar Bowl: Jan. 1 in New Orleans, LA

Baylor -1 · Over/Under: 54

Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral — a projected first-round pick in next year’s NFL Draft — plans on playing in the Sugar Bowl.

Meanwhile in Oxford, offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby is expected to take the same position at Oklahoma under new head coach Brent Venables.

In regards to Baylor, the questions leading up to the Sugar Bowl will revolve around who will start at quarterback: Blake Shapen or Gerry Bohanon.

Head coach Dave Aranda said he believes the latter will be healthy by New Year’s Day.

Fiesta Bowl: Jan. 1 in Glendale, AZ

Notre Dame -2.5 · Over/Under: 45.5

With Brian Kelly leaving for Baton Rouge, newly-appointed head coach Marcus Freeman will take over the reins in South Bend.

So far, the only reports of any assistants who will join Kelly include special teams coach Brian Polian and co-strength and conditioning coach Jacob Flint.

Star safety Kyle Hamilton hinted that he’d played had Notre Dame made the College Football Playoff, but now Hamilton and running back Kyren Williams will skip the Fiesta Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft.

The big news surrounding Oklahoma State centers around defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who left for the same position at Ohio State. However, the Broyles Award finalist won’t start his new gig until Jan. 2.

Interestingly enough, Knowles will prepare for Notre Dame in the bowl game and then again for Ohio State’s opener next season.

Texas Bowl: Jan. 4 in Houston, TX

LSU -1 · Over/Under: 46.5

Keep an eye on the status of Kansas State quarterback Skylar Thompson, who missed the regular-season finale with an injury. He’s currently not ready to practice as of Dec. 7.

Head coach Chris Klieman also announced the Wildcats will move on from offensive coordinator Courtney Messingham and tight ends coach Jason Ray.

Former KSU quarterback Collin Klein will serve as the interim offensive coordinator for the Texas Bowl.

Similar to Kansas State, LSU has major questions at quarterback after Max Johnson recently announced he will enter the transfer portal. Fellow QB Myles Brennan did the same back in November, which only leaves one scholarship quarterback in true freshman Garrett Nussmeier, who has already used up his allowable games to maintain his redshirt.

If he wants to preserve that redshirt, LSU would have to start a walk-on at quarterback in either Tavion Faulk or Matt O’Dowd.

It appears that LSU offensive line coach Brad Davis will serve as the interim head coach for the bowl game during the transition from Ed Orgeron to Brian Kelly. A few assistants have also departed since the end of the regular season.

We will keep you up to date on any key LSU players who decide to sit out.