Boise State’s Harsin named Auburn coach
Auburn hired Boise State’s Bryan Harsin as coach, luring him from his alma mater and into the powerful Southeastern Conference.
“I knew it would take a special opportunity to get me out of Boise and Auburn is exactly that, the chance to compete at the highest level for one of the greatest programs in college football,” Harsin said.
The 44- year- old Harsin is 69- 19 with three Mountain West titles in seven seasons at Boise State. Auburn fired Gus Malzahn this month after eight seasons, a surprising move after a 6- 4 season — and one that cost the school a buyout of more than $ 21 million.
Harsin also replaced Malzahn at Arkansas State in 2013, winning a share of the Sun Belt Conference title in his lone season there. Boise State won at least 10 games in each of his f irst six seasons. The Broncos are 5- 2 after losing to No. 19 San Jose State in the league title game and opted not to play a bowl game.
Bowl games
Zach Wilson threw for 425 yards and three touchdowns with two rushing scores as No. 16 Brigham Young routed Central Florida 49- 23 in the Boca Raton Bowl in Florida. ... Carson Strong threw for 271 yards and f ive touchdowns, and Nevada beat Tulane 38- 27 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Idaho. Nevada ( 7- 2) f inished 2020 the same way it started the year — by playing in the same bowl game, which the Wolfpack lost 30- 21 to Ohio on Jan. 3. ... The Gasparilla Bowl was canceled after South Carolina withdrew because of COVID- 19 issues within the program.
Notes
Florida received a year of probation and coach Dan Mullen was sanctioned after the school and NCAA agreed to resolve an infractions case involving impermissible contact with recruits last year. ... Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Alabama stars Mac Jones and DeVonta Smith are f inalists for the Maxwell Award given to college football’s top player. ... Louisiana State offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and defensive line coach Bill Johnson are retiring from coaching but will remain with the program as analysts.