Football (College) – Page 10

Penn State Beats Utah, as the Rose Bowl Marks the End of an Era

The recent agreement to expand the College Football Playoff, to 12 teams from four, has threatened not just the Rose Bowl’s pre-eminent status among bowl games but also its relevance.

By Billy Witz

Big 12 Conference Big Ten Conference Duggan, Max (2001- ) Dykes, Daniel (Sonny) (1969- ) Football (College) Harbaugh, Jim Texas Christian University University of Michigan

T.C.U. Topples Michigan in Wild Playoff Semifinal

Texas Christian returned two interceptions for touchdowns, just part of a zany back-and-forth upset of Michigan, 51-45, to put the Horned Frogs in the national championship game.

By Billy Witz

College Football Playoff National Championship Duggan, Max (2001- ) Dykes, Daniel (Sonny) (1969- ) Football (College) Groening, Matt Mascots Texas Christian University University of Michigan

All Glory to the Hypnotoad, TCU’s Meme Mascot

Officially, the Texas Christian University mascot is the Horned Frog. But the team’s real hero is the Hypnotoad, a “Futurama” gag of mesmerizing power.

By Billy Witz and Sasha Portis

College Football Playoff National Championship Football (College) Ohio State University Peach Bowl (Football Game) Smart, Kirby Stroud, C J (2001- ) University of Georgia

Georgia and Ohio State Know All About No. 4 Seeds Making Title Runs

Top-seeded teams have been more likely to win College Football Playoff semifinals. But teams ranked fourth — including Ohio State in 2014 — have won just as many national titles.

By Alan Blinder