Oregon, Liberty to meet in Fiesta
GLENDALE, Ariz. — No. 18 Liberty (13-0) rolled through its sixth season as a Division I program undefeated, earning a spot in Monday’s Fiesta Bowl.
Awaiting the Flames in the desert is something unlike anything they’ve faced, maybe ever: the big, bad Oregon Ducks.
“It doesn’t take a lot of time to watch the video to know how talented they are,” Liberty coach Jamey Chadwell said. “We shared with them (the team), and I think I’ve said it before, they’re six points away from playing for a national championship.”
Oddsmakers certainly think so.
No. 8 Oregon is a 171⁄2-point favorite, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, one of the most lopsided betting lines during bowl season.
The Ducks are led by quarterback Bo Nix, a Heisman Trophy finalist who has put up gaudy numbers and has a chance to break the NCAA single-season record for completion percentage.
Oregon has one of the best offensive lines in the country, a group that allowed an FBS-low five sacks this season. The Ducks’ past-blocking grade of 92.0 is the best in the country, according to Pro Football Focus.
Oregon’s defense has been just as good, finishing 12th against the run (97.5 yards per game) while giving up 10 points or less six times.
The Ducks aren’t about to take the Flames lightly, either.
“Several of the players on their team started off at Power Five schools and I don’t know if everybody realizes this, they’ve won every single game they’ve played,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said with a touch of sarcasm. “That’s a pretty good team and our players recognize that.”
Missouri gives coach extension
Missouri rewarded coach Eliah Drinkwitz a contract extension through the 2028 season on Sunday after he led the Tigers to an 11-2 record and a 14-3 victory over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Friday in Arlington.
Drinkwitz’s contract was due to expire after the 2027 season. The extension approved by the Missouri Board of Curators also is expected to include a bump in pay, though the school had yet to announce the financial details.