Texansโ defense holds its own against Derrick Henry, makes key plays in victory: โFinally got over the humpโ
Derrick Henry busted through an arm tackle attempt from defensive tackle Thomas Booker, loped past safety Jalen Pitre when he whiffed as he dove at his cleats and accelerated away from defensive backs Tavierre Thomas and Desmond King on his pathway to the end zone.
No. 23 Liberty outlasts No. 9 Coastal Carolina in Cure Bowl
Liberty players celebrate after defeating Coastal Carolina in overtime with a blocked field goal in the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Matt Stamey)ORLANDO, Fla. โ Elijah James blocked Massimo Biscardi's 42-yard field goal attempt in overtime to give No. 9 Coastal Carolina on Saturday night in a wild finish in the FBC Mortgage Cure Bowl. Liberty (10-1) took the lead on Alex Barbirโs 44-yard field goal on the first extra possession. Coastal Carolina (11-1) got a huge break in regulation when Liberty's Joshua Mack fumbled inside the 1 with 41 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Biscardi added a 33-yard field goal on the final play of the half after Barbir kicked a 37-yarder for Liberty.
Auburn fires football coach Gus Malzahn after 8 seasons
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn listens to an official's call during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)Auburn has fired coach Gus Malzahn, who led the Tigers to the national championship game in his first season but could never replicate that success. They were also upset by a struggling South Carolina, which wound up firing coach Will Muschamp during the season. We will begin a search immediately for a coach that can help the Auburn program consistently compete at the highest level.โโDefensive coordinator Kevin Steele will be interim coach. Auburn will owe Malzahn a $21.45 million buyout for the remaining four years of a seven-year, $49 million deal.
Barbir's FG gives No. 25 Liberty 38-35 win over Hokies
25 Liberty to a 38-35 victory over Virginia Tech. But officials ruled that Virginia Tech had called a timeout before the kick. โIโve always done this,โ Virginia Tech coach Justin Fuente said. Hendon Hooker paced Virginia Tech, throwing for 217 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 156 yards and a touchdown. Virginia Tech: The Hokies play Miami at home on Saturday.