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EL PASO, Texas – For the second time in three years the Stanford Cardinal came to El Paso and were outgained yardage-wise by their opponent, and for the second time in three years the team from the Pac-12 came out with a Sun Bowl victory as the Cardinal outlasted the Pittsburgh Panthers, 14-13, to win the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl.
Stanford (9-4), which had to stave off a late North Carolina rally in 2016 to win by two points, had to do the same on Monday in front of 40,680 fans to hold on to a one-point win over Pitt (7-7). It is the first one-point final in the Sun Bowl since 2006. The game was also turnover-free for the first time in 20 years.
With the win the Cardinal move to 4-1 in the Sun Bowl. The four wins are the most my any team, other than El Paso’s own UTEP (five wins), in Sun Bowl history.
Stanford was outgained in total yards 344-208, lost the time of possession battle by over seven minutes and went 1-for-10 on third downs, but found a way to pull out the victory on a lost fumble by quarterback K.J. Costello at the 3-yard line that somehow found its way right into the hands of running back Cameron Scarlett who was standing in the end zone.
“It’s not about yards, it’s about points. There’s so many different stats and I appreciate the Pro Football Focus stuff, but that doesn’t win football games,” Stanford coach David Shaw said. “You’ve got to run the ball well, you’ve got to stop the run, you’ve got to be great on first down, you’ve got to be great on third down and you’ve got to be great in the red zone.”
Pitt had a final possession to try and steal the win, and after a 4th-and-11 conversion from its own 3-yard line with 2:27 left it seemed as if it might just be the Panthers’ day. But another fourth-down conversion fell short a few plays later and sealed the win for the Cardinal.
Scarlett finished with 94 yards on the ground and two touchdowns for Stanford on his way to being named the C.M. Hendricks Most Valuable Player of the game. Costello finished with 105 yards through the air while senior wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside had three catches for 90 yards, including the biggest catch of the game, a 49-yard catch and run that set up the wacky winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Defensive end Thomas Booker nabbed the Jimmy Rogers, Jr. Trophy as the game’s best lineman.
“Coach Shaw referred to it in the locker room, I mean this game was a lot like the season, the first half of the season, but effort was never a question with these guys, they are going to figure it out,” Costello said.
On the Pitt side, quarterback Kenny Pickett finished 11-of-29 for 136 yards passing. Senior running back Darrin Hall finished with a game-high 131 yards on the ground while receiver Taysir Mack accumulated 68 yards on four catches.
“I look at our 208 yards rushing and 344 total yards to their 208 and I just doesn’t add up how that score ends up being 13-14 but that’s really the only stat that matters,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi said.
The game got off to a slow start as the Sun Bowl had a scoreless first quarter for the first time in six years.
The Panthers drove into Cardinal territory during its first two drives, including getting to the Stanford 28-yard line on its second drive of the day. But a loss of yardage during a running play and a 10-yard sack thwarted the Panthers’ drive.
Pitt finally broke through on the second play of the second quarter as its third drive ended on a 29-yard field goal by Alex Kessman. The biggest play on the 6-play, 54-yard drive was a 47-yard scamper by Hall. Kessman was named the John H. Folmer trophy winner as the game’s top special teams player after going 2-for-3 on field goals.
“Really we just wanted to take advantage of the coverage that they were showing. We felt that we could get the ball out quick and do some work there, which I thought we did,” Pickett said. “We only had a couple of explosives down the field passing. I wish we had some more deep shots that would’ve ended up in touchdowns.”
Stanford, on the other hand, could not getting anything going during its first four drives as the team from the Pac-12 started the game with four consecutive three-and-outs. The Cardinal were held to a total of three yards in the first quarter and did not get their initial first down until the 10:53 mark of the second quarter.
But after its initial first down, the Stanford offense finally came alive as the Cardinal went on a 7-play, 64-yard drive that was capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by Scarlett.
Even though Stanford was outplayed by the Panthers, they still held a 7-3 lead midway through the second quarter.
Pitt, however, had an answer. The Panthers showed the power of their running game as they answered the Cardinal touchdown with one of their own.
Pitt’s 75-yard drive ate up over five minutes of playing time and culminated with a 6-yard touchdown run by Hall, who finished with 93 yards rushing in the first half. The touchdown gave the Panthers a 10-7 led at the half.
The teams traded three-and-outs to start the second half, but with Pitt at midfield during it s second drive, Pickett hit Mack down the left sideline for a 41-yard hookup that put the ball at the Cardinal 9-yard line.
The Panthers could not punch it in the end zone, however, as they settled for Kessman’s second field goal of the day, a 28-yarder that increased the Pitt lead to 13-7 at the 8:13 mark of the third quarter. It would be the only score of the quarter.
“Offensively we have to finish drives in the red zone,” Narduzzi said. “Overall, offensively and defensively we outplayed them we just didn’t win on the scoreboard which is unfortunate and I feel bad for our seniors.”
Stanford’s winning drive began in the third quarter, and after eight plays and 78 yards the Cardinal marked the final points of the game with 11:28 left.
Pitt drove down the field on its next possession trying to answer Stanford’s score as it had in the first half. The Panthers drove to the Cardinal 35-yard line, but a couple of negative plays forced a 55-yard field goal, which Kessman missed short and wide right.
Pitt would get its final try after forcing a Stanford punt, but the drive ended after a non-conversion of a 4th-and-three with 1:44 left.
2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl – Stanford vs Pitt
EL PASO, Texas – The 85th edition of the Hyundai Sun Bowl features, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Pittsburgh Panthers meeting the Pac-12’s Stanford Cardinal. The two storied programs look to add another winning chapter to their history in the Hyundai Sun Bowl, the second-oldest bowl game in the nation.
Pitt, who finished the 7-6, was the ACC-runner up after losing in the ACC Championship game to undefeated and current No. 2 in College Football Playoff, Clemson. Stanford finished third in the Pac-12 at 8-4, ending the season on a three-game winning streak.
Three of Pittsburgh’s losses were to undefeated teams, two currently in the CFP, the aforementioned Clemson, No. 3 Notre Dame and eighth ranked University of Central Florida (UCF). The Tigers and Fighting Irish are set to play each other in the CFP Semifinal on Dec. 29, while UCF will be facing LSU in the Fiesta Bowl. In addition to playing three top-10 ranked CFP teams, Stanford will be the 11th bowl participant on Pitt’s schedule this year.
“Our invitation to the Hyundai Sun Bowl presents us with a tremendous challenge as well as an exciting opportunity,” Narduzzi said. “I have a great deal of respect for Coach Shaw and the outstanding program he has built at Stanford. They are entering this game with a lot of momentum, having won their last three games. I know our team will be excited about facing a strong Pac-12 program like Stanford.”
Stanford started the season with four straight wins, capped off with an improbable comeback victory in overtime at Oregon, 38-31. Despite the hot start and ranking as high as No. 7, the Cardinal would end up losing four of their next five games, beginning with a loss at Notre Dame 38-17. Notre Dame also defeated Pitt 19-14 earlier this season.
“They’re always talented. They’re physical, and they’ve always got great quarterbacks and fullbacks, so it’s going to be a great game,” said Narduzzi. “I’m honored to be able to get a chance to go play Stanford again.”
This will be the first meeting between the two programs since 1932, and the fourth meeting overall. Pitt leads the series 2-1, Pitt won the first meeting 16-7 at Stanford in 1922, while Stanford won the rematch, 7-0 in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2, 1928. Pitt’s only loss in 10 games that season. Four years later, Pitt responded with a 7-0 victory over Stanford at Pitt Stadium in 1932.
Pop Warner, legendary football pioneer, coached both programs, Pitt from 1915-23 and Stanford from 1924-32. Warner led Pitt to 29 straight victories and three National Championships (1915, 1916 and 1918). Warner also led Stanford to a National Championship in 1926.
Warner led Stanford to its lone victory over Pitt in the 1928 Rose Bowl, the win over his former team was his last appearance in the Rose Bowl. Warner’s name is also associated with the “Pop Warner Little Scholars program”, a nonprofit youth football organization for kids aged 5-to-16 in the United States. He started the program in 1929 to keep kids busy and out of trouble.
Pitt returns to a bowl this year after missing a bowl for the first time in 10 years. This will be the 34th bowl game for Pitt (13-20 overall), and fourth Sun Bowl for a team looking to give coach Pat Narduzzi his first bowl win (0-2). Pitt is also looking to avenge an infamous 3-0 loss to Oregon State in 2008, their last Sun Bowl appearance. The lowest scoring bowl game since Air Force and TCU played to a scoreless draw at the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 1959.
Although, Narduzzi has yet to win a bowl game as Pitt’s coach, he did top Stanford in the 2014 Rose Bowl, 24-20, as Michigan State’s defensive coordinator. This will be Narduzzi’s first Sun Bowl.
On the other side of the field, Stanford is making their 30th appearance in a bowl, going 14-14-1 all time in bowl games. They are making a school record 10th straight trip to a bowl game. The Cardinal will be playing in Texas for the third year in a row, returning to the Sun Bowl it won in 2016, for the fifth time. Stanford is 3-1 in previous Sun Bowl appearances. Stanford went to the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio in 2017.
Stanford head coach, David Shaw, 4-3 in bowls, has been named Pac-12 Coach of the Year four times (2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017). He has also coached three Heisman Trophy finalists – quarterback Andrew Luck, RB’s Christian McCaffrey and Bryce Love. Stanford will seek their fourth straight victory and fourth straight season of at least nine wins.
“Our players had a great time in El Paso,” Coach Shaw said on a conference call on Selection Sunday, “The hospitality was off the charts. The reception (for the players and coaches) is the best of all the bowls.”
Sun Bowl fans could witness a high scoring affair as teams put up over 400 yards of total offense and 23 points a game. Pitt allowed 401.4 total yards per game and 28.8 points, while Stanford allowed 415.6 yards per game and 23.75 points per game.
Both teams averaged over 370 yards of offense and 25 points a game. This will be a clash of offensive approaches, as Pitt loves to run the ball. For the first time in school history, Pitt had two 1,000-yard rushers, Qadree Ollison (1,222) and Darrin Hall (1,046).
Pitt’s success is due to its tremendous ground game, averaging over 229 yards per game. While the Panthers have found success on the ground, the Cardinal is winning through their air attack, averaging over 287 yards per game.
Stanford has not averaged more passing yards than rushing yards per game since 2014, but had to adapt and become pass-focused due to Love struggling with injuries.
“Well the biggest thing for us, after this difficult season we had,” said Shaw, “is getting our guys healthy.”
Stanford saw the return of junior guard Nate Herbig and team MVP senior wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside last week in the rivalry game, against California and will hope to return junior tight end Kaden Smith and senior wide receiver Trenton Irwin, among others.
Love previously had success playing in the 2016 Sun Bowl, filling in for Christian McCaffrey and finishing with 119 yards on the ground and a 49-yard touchdown reception. However, this season an ankle injury limited Love to 834 total yards (739 rushing and 99 receiving) and six touchdowns.
Leading the newfound Stanford air attack is junior K.J. Costello who passed for 3,429 yards and 29 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. Costello took over as the leader of the offense when 2017 Heisman runner-up Bryce Love, went down with an injury early in the season.
JJ Arcega-Whiteside, quickly established himself as Costello’s favorite target, leading the team with 60 receptions, 969 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Cardinal’s jump ball specialist is looking to be one of the first wide receivers drafted next season.
Despite the injury setback suffered by Love, many draft insiders project him as one of the first running backs that will be selected. If this were to happen, it would add to the long line of Sun Bowl participants being selected early in the NFL draft.
Whether you are turning in to see the bright futures of pro prospects or are a fan of either of these esteemed programs, the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl is sure to entertain diehard football fans in a matchup that has been decades in the making.
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association announces the lineup for halftime at the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve at Sun Bowl Stadium.
The halftime show kicks off with the Stanford Band and Pittsburgh Band taking the field to perform. The Stanford band makes a comeback after missing out on the 2016 Hyundai Sun Bowl when the Cardinal faced North Carolina. The Pitt band returns to the Sun Bowl Stadium after ten long years.
The presentation of the Sun Court follows the band with a total of 12 El Paso natives taking the field. The ladies of the court are all enrolled in universities nationwide. The court selection is made after a series of interviews to determine the ambassadors of the Sun City.
“We are excited to see both bands perform this year and would like to use the halftime to honor those who we feel deserve some recognition,” said Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We also wanted to have the opportunity to use halftime to give away a prize to a fan.”
One lucky fan will have the opportunity to win free Chick-fil-A for a year. The contestant will be kickin’ for chicken by attempting a 20-yard field goal for the grand prize.
The boys and girls who won this year’s Peter Piper Pizza Sun Bowl Punt Pass & Kick will be recognized. The event formerly sponsored by the NFL was picked up by Peter Piper Pizza to continue a fun football event for the kids in the El Paso area.
The Sun Bowl Association partnered with the College Football Playoff Foundation in Extra Yard for Teachers Week for the first time this year. Two teachers in the El Paso area who deserve to be recognized were selected for the award in September. The winners will be honored on the field.
Tickets for this year’s Hyundai Sun Bowl can be purchased by calling 915-533-4416 or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Kick-off is at noon (MT).
EL PASO, Texas – The ETSU Buccaneers (10-4) defeated Norfolk State (5-9) 89-61 in the title game of the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, Saturday, Dec. 22 in El Paso, Texas to take on the championship trophy.
ETSU took an early lead against the Spartans and never let-up while junior guard Tray Boyd III posted a career-high 24 points. Buccaneer guards Bo Hodges and Daivien Williamson played great during the two games, which led to Hodges being named the Barry Kobren Most Valuable Player, while Hodges earned a spot on the all-tournament team.
UTEP (5-6) defeated Wyoming (3-9), 76-65, in the consolation game shooting 47-percent from the field. The Miners were led by forward Efe Odigie, who marked his fifth double-double of the season. He scored 12 points and 11 rebounds, which helped him earn the 2018 Don Haskins Award.
“It was another successful and wonderful tournament,” said Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “The teams competed hard against one another and really enjoyed themselves while here in El Paso.”
ETSU really enjoyed its trip to El Paso, while not only winning the tournament, but taking in a lot of what the community has to offer.
“"I would recommend anyone that can come down here to do so. If we come back here, all of our fans, I recommend you come down because it’s been great. These people are phenomenal,” said ETSU Head Coach Steve Forbes. “"It’s been unbelievable. The hospitality we’ve gotten here has been the best I’ve had in my 29 years of coaching. I’ve heard that, but it’s true."
WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational – All-Tournament Team
Bo Hodges – ETSU – MVP
Efe Odigie – UTEP – Don Haskins Award
Daivien Williamson – ETSU
Derrik Jamerson – Norfolk State
Hunter Thompson – Wyoming
Evan Gilyard – UTEP
In 2009, the tournament was renamed to honor former UTEP head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Don Haskins. “The Bear” coached at UTEP from 1961 to 1999, winning 719 games and making 14 postseason appearances. Haskins famously led the Miners to victory in the 1966 National Championship game over Adolph Rupp and the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats.
The WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational is the oldest holiday basketball tournament in the nation.
EL PASO, Texas – The ETSU Bucs (9-4) will take on the Spartans of Norfolk State (5-8) in the championship game of the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational after each team was victorious on Thursday night at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas.
In game one of the tournament, ETSU held Wyoming to just 1-of-26 in the first half of play before eventually winning the game 76-53. Game two featured Norfolk State and UTEP with the Spartans defeating the Miners 75-62.
Wyoming vs. ETSU – Recap
The Buccaneers held Wyoming to just one field goal made in the first half, which is the second time since 1986 that a team has held an opponent to just one field goal. According to the NCAA record book, Kansas State held Savannah State to a 1-for-23 shooting night in 2008. ETSU shared the scoring duties with four players finishing in double figures with junior forward Jeromy Rodriguez picking up a double-double, posting 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Cowboys were led in scoring by redshirt freshman Hunter Thompson as he marked a career-high 25 points. He was 7-for-8 from three-point land, which ties a career-high. The Cowboys shot 31 percent from the field going 16-of-52, a season-low. Although Wyoming made only one field goal in the first half, the team shot 58 percent from the field in the second half.
ETSU shot 46 percent from the field on the night going 31-of-68. The Bucs, one of the nation’s best rebounding teams, out-rebounded the Cowboys 48-34, while scoring 52 points in the paint, which helped lead the way to a 76-53 victory.
UTEP vs. Norfolk State – Recap
For the second time in as many tries in the Sun Bowl Invitational, the Norfolk State men’s basketball team pulled off the upset of host UTEP. This time, the Spartans made 11 three-pointers that led to a 75-62 win.
Norfolk State built a six-point halftime lead and pushed it further and further out of Miner reach, before eventually taking the victory in the opening round of the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational. There were 4,284 in attendance on Friday night at the Don Haskins Center.
The Spartans take on ETSU on Saturday night at 7 p.m. (MT) for the tournament title game in the Don Haskins Center.
Saturday, Dec. 22
Consolation Game – 5 p.m. (MT) – Wyoming vs. UTEP
Championship Game – 7 p.m. (MT) – ETSU vs. Norfolk State
In 2009, the tournament was renamed to honor former UTEP head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Don Haskins. “The Bear” coached at UTEP from 1961 to 1999, winning 719 games and making 14 postseason appearances. Haskins famously led the Miners to victory in the 1966 National Championship game over Adolph Rupp and the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats.
The WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational is the oldest holiday basketball tournament in the nation.
EL PASO, Texas – The Hyundai Sun Bowl and CBS Sports announced the talent for the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl, which is set for Monday, Dec. 31 with kick-off set for 12 p.m. (MT).
Brad Nessler is handling the play-by-play while Gary Danielson is the color-analyst. Nessler and Danielson have worked the Hyundai Sun Bowl together twice before (2016 and 2017) while this will be Danielson’s 10th Sun Bowl football game. Jamie Erdahl is working her first Hyundai Sun Bowl game as the sideline reporter.
“We are very lucky to have some of the best announcers cover our game each year,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “Gary Danielson worked many games with Sun Bowl Legend Verne Lundquist. This announcing crew has covered some big games this year and to have them here at the Sun Bowl is a great way to end the year.”
The trio covered many games out of the SEC, including the SEC Championship which featured Georgia falling to Alabama. Nessler, Danielson and Erdahl also worked the Army-Navy game on Saturday, Dec. 8 in Philadelphia.
The 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl will be televised on CBS for the 51st consecutive year.
ABOUT THE CBS ANNOUNCERS
Brad Nessler
Brad Nessler is a college football and college basketball play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. In May 2016, Nessler was named the lead play-by-play announcer for the SEC ON CBS beginning with the 2017 season. He is teamed up with Gary Danielson and Jamie Erdahl calling the “SEC Game of the Week.” Nessler previously worked for CBS Sports from 1990-92 on college football, NFL as well as men’s and women’s basketball, including the NCAA Division I Women’s Championship game. He also was the network’s host for speed skating coverage at the 1992 Olympic Winter Games in Albertville, France. Before returning to CBS Sports, Nessler had an illustrious 24-year career at ESPN. From 1992-97, he called college basketball games and Big Ten football. Beginning in 1997, Nessler served as an analyst for ABC for various sports and events including college basketball, the Bowl Championship Series title game and most prominently with college football. From 2002-04, he served as an announcer for ESPN and ABC’s coverage of the National Basketball Association. After ESPN began its coverage of Monday Night Football in 2006, Nessler served as a contributor calling games between 2006-11. During his time at ESPN, he also called the ESPN College Football Primetime game on Saturday nights and the College Football Playoff semifinals. In addition to his various ESPN assignments, Nessler also served as play-by-play announcer for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football package on NFL Network from 2011-13.
Nessler began his professional broadcasting career as a play-by-play radio announcer for WGST-AM in Atlanta, Ga. from 1980-85. Throughout his time with WGST, Nessler served as a play-by-play announcer for Georgia Tech basketball and later the Atlanta Falcons. Following his assignments with WGST, Nessler served as a radio play-by play announcer for various National Football League teams, including the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins. A graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, Nessler now resides in Duluth, Ga. with his wife, Nancy.
Gary Danielson
Gary Danielson, a 13-year National Football League veteran and former Purdue University quarterback, joined CBS Sports as lead analyst for the CBS Television Network’s coverage of college football in 2006. He is teamed with Brad Nessler and Jamie Erdahl calling the “SEC Game of the Week.” Danielson joined CBS Sports after having served as analyst for ABC Sports for the nine years (1997-2005). Since 1991, he served as an analyst for ESPN’s college football broadcasts. Before joining ABC Sports, Danielson provided analysis for the Detroit Lions preseason football games.
After playing for three teams in the World Football League from 1974-75 (New York Stars, Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Wind), Danielson signed with the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 1976. He became the third all-time leading passer in Lions history. In 1985, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns where he spent four seasons before retiring in 1988. During his 13-year NFL career, Danielson passed for 13,764 yards.
Danielson was a part-time anchor/reporter at WDIV-TV (Detroit) during the off-season while a member of the Lions. And in Cleveland, he also co-hosted a sports talk show. A 1973 graduate of Purdue University, Danielson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Management, and earned a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Purdue in 1976. He is married, with four children.
Jamie Erdahl
Jamie Erdahl joined CBS Sports in 2014. In 2018, she was named the lead SEC ON CBS reporter alongside Gary Danielson and Brad Nessler. Erdahl also is a reporter for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship and regular-season college basketball games on CBS Sports and CBS Sports Network. She also serves as an analyst for select women’s college basketball games on CBS Sports Network. Prior to being named the lead SEC ON CBS reporter, Erdahl spent three years as a sideline reporter for The NFL ON CBS. In 2018, she was a major part of the CBS SPORTS HQ launch, appearing as an anchor for the 24/7 sports news outlet. Erdahl joined CBS from NESN where she worked as a rinkside reporter for the Boston Bruins. She also covered the Boston Red Sox and served as host of NESN Sports Today.
Erdahl played basketball and softball at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, before transferring to American University, from which she graduated with a degree in communications. She currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa.
EL PASO, Texas – The Pittsburgh Panthers make their fourth appearance in the Sun Bowl when they take on the Stanford Cardinal in the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl Game on Monday, Dec. 31.
“Our kids are going to be excited,” head coach Pat Narduzzi said about learning Pittsburgh (7-6, 6-2 ACC) would be heading to the Sun Bowl. “When you think about Pitt versus Stanford (8-4, 6-3 Pac-12) both those names ring a bell in people’s heads. We know how strong both institutions are and when you think of the tradition of Pitt and Stanford, I think it’s a great matchup.”
Pitt struggled early in the season and sat at 3-4 after a 19-14 loss to then No. 14 Notre Dame. It then won four consecutive games including a 23-13 win over then No. 25 Virginia on the road and won the Atlantic Division. The Panthers earned a bid in the ACC Championship Game against No. 2 Clemson but lost 42-10.
The Panthers played 11 bowl-eligible teams this season and went 6-5. The teams included Clemson (13-0) and Notre Dame (12-0) who earned bids in the College Football Playoff, and undefeated UCF (12-0).
The Panthers leaned heavily on the running game all season and had two 1,000-yard rushers for the first time in school history in Qadree Ollison (1,190) and Darrin Hall (1,021). The tandem helped Pittsburgh to 192 rushing yards against Clemson in the ACC Championship Game, the most given up by the Tigers all season. Pittsburgh is averaging 230 rushing yards a game, third-best in the ACC.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett leads Pittsburgh’s passing attack accumulating 1,833 passing yards and 12 touchdowns this season. The Panthers managed just four completions for eight yards against the Clemson defense and looks to improve passing production against Stanford.
“We know how physical they (Stanford) are up front so we’re going to have to throw the football a lot better,” Coach Narduzzi said of what his team will have to do to pick up a Sun Bowl win. “If we can’t throw the ball against Stanford then we’ll have the same result we had against Clemson. This team can score points, they can throw the ball, so we have to be able to stay up with them point-wise.”
Pitt brings physicality and tradition to El Paso this year, and coach Narduzzi is definitely looking for support from the local fans, “I’ve never been to El Paso, but I hear the hospitality is incredible. We’re looking forward to being down there and tell the people of El Paso to get their Pitt gear ready to go.”
Pitt takes on Stanford, Monday, Dec. 31, with kick-off set for noon (MT).
by Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association hosts the 57th Annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, Friday and Saturday, Dec 21-22 at the Don Haskins Center.
The tournament opens with East Tennessee State facing Wyoming at 5 p.m. (MT) followed by a matchup between Norfolk State and UTEP at 7 p.m. (MT).
“We are excited to continue all the Sun Bowl festivities with our annual basketball tournament,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “It’s always great to host teams from around the country and we hope the community continues to treat the visiting teams with the great hospitality El Paso is known for.”
ETSU (8-4) is looking to recover after a loss against Illinois, falling 73-55, Dec 15. Junior Tray Boyd leads the team in scoring (12.0 ppg) while Junior Jeromy Rodriguez is the team’s top rebounder (11.9 rpg). The Buccaneers bring in 7-footer Lucas N’Guessan, an Oklahoma State transfer who made his first appearance against Illinois.
Wyoming (3-7) suffered an overtime loss to the Denver Pioneers in Laramie 90-87. Senior Justin James is the leading scorer (24.5 ppg) and rebounder (9.8 rpg). Both Hunter Thompson (RFr.) and Jake Hendricks (Jr.) are coming off a career-high game in points scored 15 and 27 respectively.
Norfolk State (4-8) comes in after an 80-49 loss to last year’s Final Four Cinderella story Loyola-Chicago. Redshirt Junior Nic Thomas is the top scorer (14.9 ppg) and Redshirt Senior Jordan Butler leads in rebounds (5.4 rpg). The Spartans are 0-5 on the road and are in the midst of a three-game losing streak.
UTEP (4-5) won their last game against UC Riverside at home 68-56. Sophomore Evan Gilyard leads in scoring (18 ppg) while Freshman Efe Odigie is the leading rebounder (9.0 rpg). Odigie put up 24 points against the Highlanders.
The Miners fell to North Dakota State in last year’s Championship game 63-51.
Friday, Dec. 21
5 p.m. (MT) – ETSU vs. Wyoming
7 p.m. (MT) – Norfolk State vs. UTEP
Saturday, Dec. 22
5 p.m. (MT) – Consolation Game
7 p.m. (MT) – Championship Game
In 2009, the tournament was renamed to honor former UTEP head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Don Haskins. “The Bear” coached at UTEP from 1961 to 1999, winning 719 games and making 14 postseason appearances. Haskins famously led the Miners to victory in the 1966 National Championship game over Adolph Rupp and the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats.
EL PASO, Texas – The Cardinal will be making their second Sun Bowl appearance in three years when they take on Athletic Coast Conference runner-up Pittsburgh in the 85th Hyundai Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve at Sun Bowl Stadium.
This year’s Sun Bowl appearance will also be Stanford’s third-consecutive bowl game in the state of Texas. The Cardinal played in last year’s Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.
“It’s a lot of excitement,” Stanford head coach David Shaw, who is in his eight-year, said. “It’s one of the most fun periods that we had the last few years. The people at the (Sun) bowl are unbelievable."
The Cardinal began the season ranked No. 13 in the AP rankings and immediately proved their worth starting 4-0. That quick start to the season included a 17-3 win against Southern California and a 38-31 thrilling overtime victory at Oregon, both were ranked in the top 25 when they fell to Stanford.
In Week five, Stanford had its biggest test of the season, traveling to South Bend, Indiana to face No. 3 Norte Dame, who will be playing in the College Football Playoff. The Cardinal were within one possession for most of the game until the Irish ultimately pulled away to win 38-17.
After a loss to Utah, which played in the Pac-12 title game, the Cardinal rebounded with a 20-13 win at Arizona State. That win was followed by back-to-back tough losses against the Pac-12’s toughest opponents.
Stanford hosted Washington State, which was ranked No. 14 that week in the College Football Playoff rankings. After a back-and-forth affair, the Cougars walked out of Stanford Stadium with 41-38 victory and propelling them to the top 10 for the next few weeks.
The following week, Stanford went on the road to take on eventual Pac-12 champion Washington and came close to upending the Huskies but lost, 27-23.
Stanford wrapped up its regular season campaign by defeating rival California on the road, 23-13. The win clinched Stanford’s 10th-straight eight-win season.
“The biggest thing for us after this difficult season that we have is getting everyone healthy,” Shaw said. “So, we give our guys some time off, jump into school, stay in the training room and get away from football for a little bit.”
A lot of Stanford’s success came through its attention to detail on both sides of the ball. Offensively, the Cardinal finished in fifth in scoring offense and defense in the Pac-12.
Stanford was led by junior quarterback K.J. Costello, who finished with 3,435 passing yards, which was second best in the conference.
The defensive side was just as effective for the Cardinal, especially the team’s front seven. Stanford’s defense tallied a remarkable 33 sacks this season, third best in the Pac-12.
The Cardinal secondary was among the best in the country and it was led by stand-out defensive back Paulson Adebo. The sophomore led the conference with four interceptions and earned first team all-conference honors and was named a second-team All-American by the Football Writers Association.
“There’s always one big factor for me,” Shaw said. “And that’s being resilient. I think this is the most injuries we’ve had in one season. But we always bounce back. The next guy goes in and works extremely hard.”
It will be an exciting return to the Sun City for Stanford, who left El Paso in 2016 with a 25-23 win against North Carolina in the 83rd Hyundai Sun Bowl.
Tickets for this year’s Hyundai Sun Bowl can be purchased by calling 915-533-4416 or by visiting ticketmaster.com. Kick-off is at noon (MT).
by Jose Corral on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl Media Relations Dept.
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association along with the El Paso CVB have announced the musical acts for the 21st Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta presented by El Paso Live and the Sun Bowl Pregame Fan Party presented by Visit El Paso.
Bosse will headline the 21st Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta at the El Paso Convention Center on Sunday, Dec. 30. The local act who call themselves “The Live Jukebox!” will keep it interesting by playing an array of covers from Classic Rock, R&B, Disco, Rock-En-Español, 80’s Rock, Country, Cumbias, Tejano and more.
The Fan Fiesta will also feature mariachis, university pep rallies including a parade through downtown El Paso, and the popular Battle of the Bands.
The following morning Ryan G. Band will perform at the Sun Bowl Pregame Fan Party located on the corner of Glory Road and Sun Bowl Drive beginning at 8:30 a.m. (MT). Ryan Gonzalez is an aspiring singer-songwriter from El Paso who was a contestant on ‘La Voz Mexico’ in 2017. He sings covers from popular songs in both English and Spanish.
“We’re excited to have local acts perform at this year’s Fan Fiesta and Pregame Fan Party,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “El Paso is full of talented artists and we’re always happy to showcase they’re wonderful talents to our guests, especially those coming in from out of town.”
Both events are free and open to the public and will feature food, drinks, games and giveaways.
21st Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta presented by El Paso Live
Date: Sunday, Dec. 30
Time: 3 – 9 p.m.
Place: Downtown El Paso Convention Center
Admission: FREE – Open to the public
Itinerary:
3:00 PM – Doors Open
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Dancers Perform
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Live Music
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM – National Anthem & Introduction to Sun Court
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM – Mariachis
5:30 PM – Marching Bands Through DTEP
6:00 PM – 6:40 PM – Battle of The Marching Bands
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Live Music by Bosse
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Sun Bowl Pregame Fan Party presented by Visit El Paso
Date: Monday, Dec. 31
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Corner of Glory Road and Sun Bowl Drive
Admission: FREE – Open to the public
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EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and YMCA of El Paso have announced John Warren as the First-Place winner of the 2018 YMCA Hyundai Sun Bowl Challenge. Warren was one of four contestants to pick eight games correctly, but he guessed the point total for the tiebreaker.
“This is always such a fun contest to run and to participate in,” Executive Director of the Hyundai Sun Bowl Bernie Olivas said. “We are very thankful for the continued support from and relationship with the YMCA of El Paso. We are excited to see all the winners of this season’s contest at the game between Pitt and Stanford.”
One (1) First place prize to Jim Warren:
• Two (2) Captain’s Club Tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl Game
• One (1) parking pass
• Two (2) Pre-game tent party tickets
• One (1) Family membership to the El Paso YMCA for one (1) year
One (1) Second Place prize to Eric Bialowas:
• Two (2) Premium section tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl Game
• One (1) garage parking pass
• One (1) Adult membership to the El Paso YMCA for one (1) year
One (1) Third Place prize to Kevin Scott:
• Two (2) Preferred section tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl Game
• One (1) garage parking pass
• One (1) Adult membership to the El Paso YMCA for six (6) month
One (1) Fourth Place prize to Jorge Garcia:
• Two (2) Stadium section tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl Game
• One (1) garage parking pass
• One (1) Adult membership to the El Paso YMCA for three (3) month
One (1) Fifth Place prize to Louie Baisa:
• Two (2) Sun Seats section tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl Game
• One (1) garage parking pass
• One (1) Adult membership to the El Paso YMCA for one (1) month
The 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl game will be played Monday, Dec. 31, at 12 p.m. MT (2 p.m. ET) at Sun Bowl Stadium.
The 2018 game will mark the 51st consecutive broadcast on CBS. Tickets are available by calling the Sun Bowl Association office at 915-533-4416.
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Hyundai of El Paso have announced that Pittsburgh will face Stanford in the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl, Monday, Dec. 31 at 12 p.m. (MT) in Sun Bowl Stadium.
The Pitt Panthers represent the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) after coming off a 7-6 overall record during the regular season and earning runner-up in the conference. The Panthers won the ACC’s Coastal Division with a 6-2 mark. The Stanford Cardinal head to its 10th consecutive bowl game, a school-record, after going 8-4 overall and 6-3 in the Pac-12.
“This is another great matchup with two really good football teams,” Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association Bernie Olivas said. “To have a conference runner-up in our game is always great. We are ecstatic for the teams to arrive and enjoy a fun and exciting week with the Borderland community.”
This marks Pitt’s 34th all-time bowl appearance and third under the direction of Coach Pat Narduzzi. The ACC runner-up, Pitt enters the bowl season with a 7-6 overall record.
The 2018 bowl appearance will be the 30th overall for Stanford, and fifth trip to the Sun Bowl. The Cardinal is 14-14-1 in bowl games, and 3-1 in the Sun Bowl, most recently defeating North Carolina, 25-23, in 2016. This will be Stanford’s third straight bowl game in the state of Texas, including the 2017 Alamo Bowl.
“How could we not take the ACC Coastal Division Champions and a team that works as hard as it does,” said football selection committee chairman John Folmer. “The City of El Paso loves football and knows that this will be a good matchup to look forward to.”
Tickets for the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl are on sale through Ticketmaster and the Sun Bowl Association office. The 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl is set for Monday, Dec. 31 in Sun Bowl Stadium with kick-off scheduled for 12 p.m. (MT).
All information for the game can be viewed online through the link available at www.sunbowl.org. Customers and fans can also call the Sun Bowl Association office (915-533-4416) and are also invited to stop by the Sun Bowl Association office located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 in El Paso to purchase tickets.
Appearances in Sun Bowl
Pittsburgh (2-1)
Win vs. Kansas, 33-19 (Dec. 26, 1975)
Win vs. Texas A&M, 31-28 (Dec. 30, 1989)
Loss vs. Oregon State, 3-0 (Dec. 31, 2008)
Stanford (3-1)
Win vs. Louisiana State, 24-14 (Dec. 31, 1977)
Win vs. Michigan State, 38-0 (Dec. 31, 1996)
Loss vs. Oklahoma, 31-27 (Dec. 31, 2009)
Win vs. North Carolina, 25-23 (Dec. 31, 2016)
EL PASO, Texas – The 2018 College Football regular season has wrapped up for most teams. There are conference title games still left to be played to crown conference champions, but many are waiting to see where they’ll be heading this bowl season. Bowl selections will happen Sunday, Dec. 2, so we’re just days away from finding out who will be traveling to El Paso to play in the Hyundai Sun Bowl on Dec. 31.
Here’s the action going on this week in the Pac-12 and ACC.
Pac-12
No. 17 Utah knows its opponent for the Pac-12 Conference Championship game. No. 10 Washington earned its seventh straight Apple Cup victory, defeating No. 13 Washington State 28-15, earning it the right to play the Utes. After an up-and-down season, Oregon ended on a high note, defeating rival Oregon State 55-15. USC gave No. 3 Notre Dame all it could handle but fell 24-17. Utah earned 35-27 comeback victory over BYU. UCLA battled Stanford until the end, eventually losing 49-42. Arizona State defeated rival Arizona 41-40. Colorado ended the season with seven consecutive losses, losing 33-21 to California.
The Pac-12 Conference Championship game isn’t the only game this weekend with bowl implications as Stanford and California will take the field this week to make up their postponed matchup. Both games will influence the Pac-12 standings and who will be heading where come bowl selections on Sunday.
No. 17 Utah vs. No. 10 Washington (Friday)
The North and South divisions clash this Friday in Santa Clara, Calif. as No. 17 Utah (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12) meets No. 10 Washington (9-3, 7-2) to determine the Pac-12 Conference Champion. This game will serve as a rematch as the Huskies defeated the Utes 21-7 back on Sept. 15.
Utah is coming off a 35-27 win over rival BYU. A key difference in its game against Washington this time will be quarterback Jason Shelley, who didn’t play against the Huskies last time. Shelley took over the starting role after Tyler Huntley went down with an injury against Arizona State. The Utes are 3-0 and averaging 32 points a game in Shelley’s three starts. Defensively, Utah is allowing just 19 points and 316 yards a game. The Utes also rank fifth in the country in rushing defense, allowing just 100 yards a game on the ground.
The Huskies enter the game coming off a 28-15 victory over then No. 8 Washington State, giving them a share of the Pac-12 North title. This marks the second time in three seasons that Washington will compete for the Pac-12 Conference Championship. Under quarterback Jake Browning, the Huskies average 28 points and 421 yards a game. They also shine defensively, surrendering 17 points and just 311 yards a game. This game has the potential to be a defensive battle like the first encounter, but this time the reward is a date at the Rose Bowl.
Stanford at California
Stanford (7-4, 5-3) travels to take on California (7-4, 4-4) in a game that will still have an effect on the Pac-12 standing, potentially influencing who could be playing in the Hyundai Sun Bowl this year. The game was originally scheduled for Nov. 17, but poor air quality forced it to be rescheduled. The Cardinal enter this game after defeating UCLA 49-42 last week. It was a game won through the air as quarterback K.J. Costello threw for 344 yards and five touchdowns on the day. They are averaging 30 points and 401 yards of offense a game. The Golden Bears also come into the game off a victory, defeating Colorado 33-21. California scored two touchdowns defensively, both interception returns, in the first quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the game. For the season, the Golden Bears’ defense allows just 21 points and 319 yards a game.
ACC
The stage is set for the ACC Championship game between No. 2 Clemson and Pittsburgh and while the Panthers are entering the game off a loss, anything can happen in those 60 minutes. Virginia Tech defeated Virginia 34-31 and play Marshall this week in a makeup game with bowl eligibility on the line. Georgia Tech lost to in-state rival No. 4 Georgia 45-21. Florida State failed to earn bowl eligibility, losing to No. 9 Florida 41-14. Louisville’s season came to an end with a 56-10 loss to No. 15 Kentucky. No. 20 Syracuse defeated Boston College 42-21. NC State defeated North Carolina 34-28 and will play a makeup game against East Carolina this week in hopes of improving its record. Wake Forest earned bowl eligibility, defeating Duke 59-7.
The standings in the ACC are virtually set as there’s only one game left between conference opponents. Still, ACC competition has been all over the place this season, so the championship game has the potential to provide some late-season fireworks and drama.
No. 2 Clemson vs. Pittsburgh
The ACC Championship game is set between No. 2 Clemson (12-0, 8-0 ACC) and Pittsburgh (7-5, 6-2) in Charlotte, N.C. Clemson kept its undefeated season alive defeating rival South Carolina 56-36 last week. It was the most points surrendered by the Tiger defense all season. Clemson’s defense allows just 14 points and 283 yards a game, ranking fourth and seventh, respectively, in the nation. The Tigers also have the third-ranked offense in the country, gaining 539 yards and scoring 46 points a game.
Pittsburgh enters this championship game coming off a 24-3 loss to Miami. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Panthers where they were averaging 41 points a game. On the season Pittsburgh is averaging 28 points and 386 yards a game. It leans heavily on the running attack, averaging 233 rushing yards a game.
Other ACC Games
East Carolina (3-8) @ NC State (8-3, 5-3)
Marshall (8-3) @ Virginia Tech (5-6, 4-4)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
by Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
EL PASO, Texas – The NCAA, the Football Bowl Association and the Division I football conferences are scheduled to announce all placements for post-season play Sunday, Dec. 2 at approximately 2 p.m. (MT).
A Selection Sunday Party will be hosted by The Sun Bowl Association and Hyundai from 12:30-3:00 p.m. (MT) at Sunland Park Racetrack located at 1200 Futurity Dr., Sunland Park, N.M. Fans can join the excitement of finding out who will play for the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl Championship Trophy and have many chances to win great prizes.
“This has been one of the most interesting college football seasons we’ve seen in a while,” said Executive Director of the Hyundai Sun Bowl Bernie Olivas. “Other than Clemson out of the ACC, both conferences were evenly matched.”
The 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl game will take place on Monday, Dec. 31 at noon MT (2 p.m. ET) at Sun Bowl Stadium.
The 2018 game will mark the 85th anniversary of the Sun Bowl game and the 51st consecutive broadcast on CBS. The game will feature selections from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences.
NC State defeated Arizona State, 52-31 in the 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl.
EL PASO, Texas – An estimated crowd of 240,000 people from around the borderland gathered along Montana Ave. on Thanksgiving Day to enjoy an 82-year El Paso tradition.
Families and friends from El Paso and the surrounding area lined Montana Ave. in central El Paso before the sunrise to set up their chairs and get the best view of the parade. There were approximately 85 units in the parade including floats, marching bands, fire trucks, and monster trucks.
The highlight of the parade was the Grand Marshal, WWE Superstar Sin Cara who was born and raised in El Paso’s Segundo Barrio. Fans cheered as he rode through the parade route, while others ran up to the vehicle he was riding in to get pictures and autographs.
“We cannot thank KTSM enough for another successful broadcast of the parade. It’s the best one we’ve seen in over 16 years,” said Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association, Bernie Olivas. “The weather was absolutely perfect this year and the crowd was great as always. The community is the reason we do this, and they continue to help keep this tradition alive.”
Highlights of the parade including photos and videos can be found on all the Hyundai Sun Bowl social media channels.
Hyundai Sun Bowl Social Media Accounts
Facebook: Hyundai Sun Bowl
Instagram: @HyundaiSunBowl
Snapchat: sunbowl2015
EL PASO, Texas – We’ve made it to the final week of the 2018 college football regular season. While many teams know they don’t have a bowl game in their future, many others are still battling for a postseason spot. There’s still plenty of football between this week and championship week to get a clear picture of who will be playing where, but here’s some games that may have an impact on who’s playing at the Hyundai Sun Bowl this December.
Pac-12
No. 7 Washington State put the pressure on early on its way to a 69-28 win over Arizona. No. 16 Washington also used early scoring success to coast to a 42-23 victory against Oregon State. No. 18 Utah allowed just one first-quarter score before shutting the door on a 30-7 win over Colorado. UCLA showed it still has plenty to play for, defeating rival USC 34-27. Oregon outlasted Arizona State 31-29.
The Pac-12 North will be decided this week between Washington and Washington State, and Utah awaits the winner in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Here’s some of the other exciting games that will be going on this weekend.
No. 16 Washington at No. 7 Washington State (Friday)
No. 16 Washington (8-3, 6-2 Pac-12) travels to Pullman, Washington this Friday to take on No. 7 Washington State (10-1, 7-1) in the Apple Cup game to determine the winner of the Pac-12 North. The Huskies are coming off a 42-23 victory against Oregon State. The Huskies jumped out to 28-3 first-quarter lead and never looked back on their way to gaining 503 yards of offense. For Washington State, it enters rivalry week coming off a decisive 69-28 victory over Arizona. Quarterback Gardner Minshew passed for a season-high 473 yards and set the single-game school record with seven touchdown passes thrown.
Stanford at UCLA
Stanford (6-4, 4-3) enters this game coming off an impromptu bye week. The Big Game between the Cardinal and California was postponed due to poor air quality from the devastating wildfires in the area. The game was postponed to Dec. 1. The Cardinal are 2-2 in their previous four games and are averaging 32 points and 455 yards offensively in that stretch. UCLA (3-8, 3-5) is coming off a 34-27 victory over rival USC, its first win in the rivalry game since 2014. Running back Joshua Kelley rushed for 289 yards on the day, the most by a Bruins running back against the Trojans. As a team the Bruins posted 314 rushing yards, which is the most since 2014.
Arizona State at Arizona
Arizona State (6-5, 4-4) suffered a hard-fought loss to Oregon, 31-29 last week. The Sun Devils trailed 28-13 at halftime and were unable to complete the comeback, though they outscored the Ducks 16-3 in the second half. Running back Eno Benjamin rushed for 149 yards and is just 121 yards away from setting the school record for rushing yards in a season. Arizona (5-6, 4-4) enters this rivalry week coming off a 69-28 defeat to Washington State. The Wildcats managed to gain 431 yards of offense, but were plagued by four turnovers, and were unable to keep pace with the Cougars, trailing 55-14 by halftime.
Other Pac-12 Games
Friday
Oregon (7-4, 4-4) @ Oregon State (2-9, 1-7)
Saturday
Colorado (5-6, 2-6) @ California (6-4, 3-4)
No. 3 Notre Dame (11-0) @ USC (5-6, 4-5)
BYU (6-5) @ No. 18 Utah (8-3, 6-3)
ACC
Miami found success offensively, defeating Virginia Tech 38-14 and snapping their four-game losing streak. No. 2 Clemson finished the regular season undefeated in conference play, defeating Duke 35-6. No. 19 Syracuse was no match for No. 3 Notre Dame, losing 36-3. Florida State kept its hopes for a bowl game alive after a 22-21 victory over Boston College. Pittsburgh clinched the Coastal Division with a 34-13 win over Wake Forest. Louisville’s woes continued, losing 52-10 to NC State. North Carolina defeated Western Carolina 49-26. It took extra time, but Georgia Tech defeated Virginia 30-27 in overtime.
The ACC Championship game is already set between Clemson and Pittsburgh, but there are still plenty of teams playing for bowl game hopes, or just trying to finish the season off strong. Here’s several games that could provide plenty of excitement this week.
Virginia at Virginia Tech (Friday)
Virginia (7-4, 4-3 ACC) comes into this week having lost to Georgia Tech 30-27 in overtime. Despite the loss, the Cavaliers held the Yellow Jackets to 268 rushing yards, only the fourth time Georgia Tech has been held under 300 yards rushing this season. Virginia’s defense also allowed just one offensive touchdown. Virginia Tech (4-6, 3-4) is coming off a 38-14 loss to Miami, marking its fourth consecutive loss. While they were only outgained by four yards offensively, they turned the ball over three times and were held scoreless in the second half. Virginia Tech has won 14 consecutive games against Virginia and will be looking to bounce back this Friday.
No. 24 Pittsburgh at Miami
No. 24 Pittsburgh (7-4, 6-1) defeated Wake Forest 34-13 last week, winning the Coastal Division and earning its first berth in the ACC Championship game. While the Panthers were held to 154 rushing yards, they average 248 yards on the ground a game, second just to Georgia Tech in the ACC. Defensively, the Panthers held the Demon Deacons to 285 yards of offense and allowed just three second-half points. Miami (6-5, 3-4) snapped its four-game losing streak, defeating Virginia Tech 38-14. The Hurricanes’ offense found a rhythm and posted their highest point total since putting up 47 against North Carolina in September. The Hurricanes still own the third-ranked defense, allowing just 275 yards a game and are only surrendering 133 rushing yards a game.
No. 19 Syracuse at Boston College
No. 12 Syracuse (8-3, 5-2) enters this week coming off a 36-3 loss to No. 3 Notre Dame. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for the Orange. Quarterback Eric Dungey left in the first quarter with an upper-body injury and didn’t return. His status is still unknown for Saturday’s game. Syracuse struggled offensively, gaining just 234 yards on the day, down from its average of 460 yards a game. Boston College (7-4, 4-3) lost its second straight game, 22-21 to Florida State, surrendering the game-winning touchdown with just 1:49 left to play. Sophomore running back A.J. Dillon rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown, putting his season total at 1,052 rushing yards. He is the first Boston College rusher to begin his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in school history.
Other ACC Games
Saturday
Georgia Tech (7-4, 5-3) @ No. 5 Georgia (10-1)
No. 13 Florida (8-3) @ Florida State (5-6, 3-5)
NC State (7-3, 4-3) @ North Carolina (2-8, 1-6)
Wake Forest (5-6, 2-5) @ Duke (7-4, 3-4)
South Carolina (6-4) @ No. 2 Clemson (11-0, 8-0)
No. 17 Kentucky (8-3) @ Louisville (2-9, 0-8)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
by Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
EL PASO, Texas – Quade Cummins finished 54 holes in a tie for first with Spencer Ralston and used a playoff hole to take home the Lee Trevino Trophy on Tuesday, Nov. 20. The Weatherford, Okla. native finished with a 13-under-par 200 131 on the par 71, 6,889 yard El Paso Country Club course.
Cummins was in a tie for ninth entering the final round of play and shot a bogey free final round 62 to get into the playoff and then capped it off with a birdie on the first playoff hole to win. Ralston, who is from Gainesville, Ga., started the day in third place and finished in second after the playoff. Ralston played well consistently throughout the tournament carding rounds of 68-64-68.
This marks the first time since 2011 that there has been a playoff in the All-America Golf Classic, while it also marks the 14th tournament that the winner has been crowned after a playoff.
“I got it going on the back nine and saw the scoreboard around hole No. 14, and that is when I knew I had a chance if I could keep it going,” Cummins said. “I had two par saves on 13 and 14. I hit it in some really bad spots and got them up-and-down to keep my round going and it added up to a 62.”
Cummins shot 17 birdies and an eagle over three rounds of play. He tied the record for the best individual round with his final round of 62. Cummins tied with Luke List (2006), Billy Horschel (2006), Webb Simpson (2007) and Gavin Green (2014). He broke the record for best final round, which was previously held by Jeremy Anderson (1998) and Sebastian Cappelen (2012).
Ralston’s 13-under tournament total eclipsed his previous best of 12-under set at the 2018 Linger Longer Invitational. He made a tournament-high 19 birdies during the tournament, including nine during his 7-under, which matched his personal best from two previous events.
Bryson Nimmer, of Bluffton, S.C., entered the final round in first but could not keep pace with Cummins, who marked a 10-under-par in on Tuesday. Nimmer shot a 1-under-par 70 in the final round of play.
Final Results
1. Quade Cummins: 72-66-62—200 (-13)
2. Spencer Ralston: 68-64-68—200 (-13)
3. Bryson Nimmer: 63-68-70—201 (-12)
4. Brandon Smith: 71-67-64—202 (-11)
5. Matthias Schmid: 64-67-73—204 (-9)
T6. Stephen Franken: 71-65-69—205 (-8)
T6. Will Gordon: 71-64-70—205 (-8)
8. Austin Eckroat: 72-68-66—206 (-7)
T9. Walker Lee: 68-66-73—207 (-6)
T9. Chun An Yu: 68-68-71—207 (-6)
T9. Harry Hall: 68-68-71—207 (-6)
T12. Blaine Hale: 68-70-70—208 (-5)
T12. Garrett May: 69-69-70—208 (-5)
T14. Thomas Walsh: 70-69-70—209 (-4)
T14. Josh Martin: 71-71-67—209 (-4)
T14. Patrick Martin: 72-68-69—209 (-4)
17. Mason Overstreet: 73-69-68—210 (-3)
T18. Turk Pettit: 74-68-69—211 (-2)
T18. Travis Trace: 71-70-70—211 (-2)
T18. Jackson Suber: 68-71-72—211 (-2)
21. Alex Smalley: 74-68-70—212 (-1)
22. John Augenstein: 71-69—213 (E)
T23. Chandler Eaton: 72-71-71—214 (1)
T23. Phillip Knowles: 73-70-71—214 (1)
25. Peng Pichaikool: 71-74-70—215 (2)
26. Alex del Rey: 73-74-70—217 (4)
27. Austin Squires: 77-71-70—218 (5)
28. Brad Dalke: 78-74-76—228 (15)
29. Hayden Wood: 84-72-78—234 (+21)
ABOUT THE SUN BOWL ALL-AMERICA GOLF CLASSIC
The Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic is one of the premier college golf tournaments in the country. Some of golf’s brightest stars have traveled to El Paso to compete in the tournament since its inaugural year in 1974. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler are just a handful of past participants who went on to have successful PGA careers. Sun Bowl All-America Golf Classic Alumni have combined to win 54 majors championships and have earned over $2.12 billion in career earnings.
EL PASO, Texas – Matthias Schmid of Maxhvette, Germany and Bryson Nimmer of Bluffton, S.C. are tied for first place after two rounds at the 2018 Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic. Both players posted an 11-under-par 131 on the par 71, 6,889 yard El Paso Country Club course.
Schmid hit five birdies in the second round to following his first round where he tallied seven birdies to pull into a tie with Nimmer. Schmid, who won the Titliest Long Drive Contest on Sunday, mentioned that he hit some great putts on a course that featured some tough pin placements.
“The first round was great, with no bogeys and seven birdies,” Schmid said. “I was in trouble a few times but played a solid second round and hung in there.”
Nimmer also tallied 12 birdies on the day with eight of those birdies coming in round one. This is Nimmer’s second consecutive year in the Sun Bowl All-America Golf Classic and finished the tournament in with a 217 in 2017.
“I got the putter going a little bit and it was nice to hit some putts,” Nimmer said. “I didn’t play very well here last year, and it was mainly putts where I had trouble, so I felt really good to make some [putts]. Today, I played very well the first 27 holes. The back nine wasn’t that great but I hung in there.”
Spencer Ralston of Gainesville, Ga. is only one stroke behind the leaders with a 10-under-par 132 after he caught fire in round two marking birdies on holes 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. He also marked birdies on holes 15 and 17. Ralston hit a 3-under-par 68 in round one and an 7-under-par 64 in round two.
“I drove the ball on the fairway, which is pretty key out here,” Ralston said. “I got some momentum going late in round one and when I got started in the second round, that momentum carried over and hit four straight birdies.”
The final round of the Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic is, Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 8 a.m. (MT) at the El Paso Country Club. Tee times will start at 8 a.m. with the final groups beginning at 8:40 a.m. (MT).Day One Results
T1. Matthias Schmid: 64-67—131 (-11)
T1. Bryson Nimmer: 63-68—131 (-11)
3. Spencer Ralston: 68-64—132 (-10)
4. Walker Lee: 68-66—134 (-8)
5. Will Gordon: 71-64—135 (-7)
T6. Chun An Yu: 68-68—136 (-6)
T6. Stephen Franken: 71-65—136 (-6)
T6. Harry Hall: 68-68—136 (-6)
T9. Brandon Smith: 71-67—138 (-4)
T9. Garrett May: 69-69—138 (-4)
T9. Quade Cummins: 72-66—138 (-4)
T13. Justin Suber: 68-71—139 (-3)
T13. Thomas Walsh: 70-69—139 (-3)
T15. Austin Eckroat: 72-68—140 (-2)
T15. Patrick Martin: 72-68—140 (-2)
T15. John Augenstein: 71-69—140 (-2)
18. Travis Trace: 71-70—141 (-1)
T19. Mason Overstreet: 73-69—142 (E)
T19. Turk Pettit: 74-68—142 (E)
T19: Alex Smalley: 74-68—142 (E)
T19. Josh Martin: 71-71—142 (E)
T23. Phillip Knowles: 73-70—143 (1)
T23. Chandler Eaton: 72-71—143 (1)
25. Peng Pichaikool: 71-74—145 (3)
26. Alex del Rey: 73-74—147 (5)
27. Austin Squires: 77-71—148 (6)
28. Brad Dalke: 78-74—152 (10)
29. Hayden Wood: 84-72—156 (+14)
EL PASO, Texas – The 2018 college football season is close to the end. Most teams have just two games left on their schedules to finish strong and earn a postseason spot. There are plenty of predictions as to where teams will end up, including who will play at the Hyundai Sun Bowl, and we’ll look at several of those potential teams and their matchups this week.
Pac-12
No. 8 Washington State kept rolling, earning a 31-7 victory over Colorado. Arizona State earned bowl eligibility with a 31-28 victory against an improving UCLA team. Oregon led early in the fourth quarter against Utah, but were unable to hold on, losing 32-25 on the road. Stanford snapped its losing streak with a 48-17 win against Oregon State. California fell behind early but rallied to win 15-14 in a defensive battle with USC.
The season is winding down and there are still several Pac-12 teams fighting for a postseason bowl berth, while others look to improve their position and even earn a place in the Pac-12 Championship game. Here are some of the teams that could be playing in El Paso in December.
USC at UCLA
USC (5-5, 4-4 Pac-12) enters its rivalry week coming off a hard-fought 15-14 loss to California. The Trojans found success in the first half, leading 14-0 at halftime, but struggled against the Golden Bears’ defense in the second half. Defensively, the Trojans allow 370 yards a game, but held California to just 207 yards. USC looks to become bowl eligible as it gets set to take on UCLA (2-8, 2-5) this week in the Rose Bowl. UCLA enters play coming off a 31-28 loss to Arizona State, which marked the Bruins third consecutive loss. Despite the loss, the Bruins’ offense continued making strides, gaining 439 total yards, up from their average of 370 yards a game.
Stanford at California
Stanford (6-4, 4-3) is coming off a 48-17 victory over Oregon State last week, snapping a two-game losing streak and becoming bowl eligible. The Cardinal gained 596 total yards, a season-high, including 244 yards on the ground. Defensively, they were able to shut out the Beavers in the second half. California (6-4, 3-4) earned bowl eligibility last week in a 15-14 victory against USC. The Golden Bears’ defense allowed just 277 offensive yards to the Trojans, and only 40 yards in the second half. In the last four games, California is allowing just 13 points a game.
Arizona State at Oregon
Arizona State (6-4, 4-3) earned bowl eligibility under first-year head coach Herm Edwards with a 31-28 victory against UCLA last week. Defensively, the Sun Devils struggled to slow down UCLA’s offense, allowing 439 yards on the day. The offense provided support, however, gaining 480 yards, including 281 on the ground. Arizona State can win the Pac-12 South if it manages to win out, but standing in the way this week is Oregon (6-4, 3-4). The Ducks play host this week after losing 32-25 on the road to Utah last week. In the loss, the Ducks managed 405 yards of offense against the Utes’ defense. Defensively, they’ll look to bounce back after allowing 494 yards of offense to the Utes.
Other Pac-12 Games
Saturday
No. 19 Utah (7-3, 5-3) @ Colorado (5-5, 2-5)
Oregon State (2-8, 1-6) @ No. 18 Washington (7-3, 5-2)
Arizona (5-5, 4-3) @ No. 8 Washington State (9-1, 6-1)
ACC
Wake Forest completed the upset, defeating then No. 14 NC State 27-23. Louisville’s struggles continued, losing to No. 12 Syracuse 54-23. Georgia Tech won its third straight game, defeating Miami 27-21. No. 2 Clemson dominated defensively, defeating then No. 17 Boston College 27-7. Florida State was unable to keep up with No. 3 Notre Dame, losing 42-13. Duke won a shootout with North Carolina 42-35. Virginia won its non-conference game against Liberty 45-24. Virginia Tech’s defensive struggles continued, losing to Pittsburgh 52-22.
The ACC is full of teams that are on the verge of earning bowl eligibility, but time is running out. Here’s several games that could have Sun Bowl implications by season’s end.
Miami at Virginia Tech
Miami (5-5, 2-4 ACC) dropped its fourth consecutive game, losing 27-21 to Georgia Tech last week. The Hurricanes’ offensive struggles continued against the Yellow Jackets gaining just 299 yards of offense and losing three fumbles. In the four losses, the Hurricanes are averaging just 15 points a game. Virginia Tech (4-5, 3-3) lost its third consecutive game 52-22 to Pittsburgh. The Hokies’ struggles have come on the defensive end, as they surrendered 654 yards to Pittsburgh. They’ve allowed 44 points a game in their last three losses.
Pittsburgh at Wake Forest
Pittsburgh (6-4, 5-1) earned its third consecutive victory last week, defeating Virginia Tech 52-22. Pittsburgh’s offense found success all day, gaining 654 yards of offense, including 492 rushing yards. Both season-highs. The Panthers gained 634 yards of offense and 484 rushing yards against Duke three weeks ago, so their offense is clicking as they head into the final games of the season. Wake Forest (5-5, 2-4) earned an upset victory over then No. 14 NC State, 27-23 last week. Quarterback Jamie Newman made his first start for the Demon Deacons and passed for 297 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown with 30 seconds left in the game. Wake Forest’s defense held NC State to 47 rushing yards on 27 attempts.
No. 20 Boston College at Florida State
No. 20 Boston College (7-3, 4-2) enters this week coming off a 27-7 loss to No. 2 Clemson. The Eagles struggled offensively gaining just 113 yards of offense and were held to only nine yards rushing on 33 attempts. The Eagles average 407 yards a game and 34 points a game but ran into a tough matchup with the second-ranked defense in the nation. They’ll try to rebound against Florida State (4-6, 2-5) who are coming off a 42-13 loss to No. 3 Notre Dame. The Seminoles surrendered two first-half turnovers and found themselves in a 32-6 hole at halftime that they were unable to climb out of. Florida State will need to win its final two games to earn bowl eligibility.
Other ACC/Independent Games
Saturday
NC State (6-3, 2-8) @ Louisville (2-8, 0-7)
No. 12 Syracuse (8-2, 5-2) vs. No. 3 Notre Dame (10-0) (Game played at Yankee Stadium)
Western Carolina (3-7) @ North Carolina (1-8, 1-6)
Virginia (7-3, 4-2) @ Georgia Tech (6-4, 4-3)
Duke (7-3, 3-3) @ No. 2 Clemson (10-0, 7-0)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
EL PASO, Texas – The Sunland Masonic Lodge No. 1344 presented the “Community Builders Award” to Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas on Thursday, Nov. 8 at the El Paso International Museum of Art located at 1211 Montana Ave.
Freemasonry is the largest and oldest fraternal organization in the world. All Masons have a strong allegiance to their country, their family and their neighbors. As such, the “Community Builders Award” was created by the Grand Lodge to recognize non-masons who stand out in the community by their unparalleled volunteering of time and expertise in their community to make it a better place to live, raise families and work.
“This is a surprising and humbling award to receive,” said Olivas. “I dedicate this to all the people who help put on all our community events including the Sun Bowl staff, the Board of Directors, the Board of Advisors, the sponsors and the volunteers. Without all these people, we could not put on these events for the Borderland community.”
Olivas, a native El Pasoan, has developed a love and a passion for his work like no other. He oversees 20 different special events in El Paso, including the Hyundai Sun Bowl, the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, the Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic, the Sun Bowl Fan Fiesta and the Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament.
The Sun Bowl Association produces the largest economic impact in El Paso for a single event in the city with the annual Sun Bowl football game. Since becoming Executive Director, Olivas has helped secure sponsorship changes for several events. He also helped secure the Hyundai Sun Bowl’s television contract extension through 2019, making the relationship between the Sun Bowl and CBS the longest in college bowl game history.
Olivas, who was a Sun Bowl volunteer for over 20 years, served as the Sun Bowl Association President in the year 2000 – the 66th president in Sun Bowl History. His involvement with the Sun Bowl began when he joined one of the team host committees, and he was named to the Sun Bowl Board of Directors in 1992. He was also named to the football selection committee, of which he is still a member.
“We selected Mr. Bernie Olivas because he has led his staff and organization for over 15 years to put on amazing events for the community, which make El Paso a great place to live and a great place for visitors,” said Bill Perry, a member of the Sunland Masonic Lodge No. 1344.
The “Community Builders Award” is an award authorized by the Grand Lodge of Texas to be given to an individual who has done an outstanding job within the local community. There have been several of these awards given to individuals within El Paso, one of which was given to Dr. Natalicio, former UTEP President.
Sunland Lodge No. 1344 was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas in Dec. 1954 and has continually been in existence ever since, while there are eight lodges in El Paso located throughout the city.
EL PASO, Texas – Several teams improved their chances of a postseason bowl game by earning their sixth win and becoming bowl eligible last week. As teams become eligible it will help paint a better picture of who will end up where, including the matchup we’ll get to see at the Hyundai Sun Bowl. There’s some good football coming up this week in the ACC and Pac-12, so let’s look at some of the upcoming action.
Pac-12
The Pac-12 conference is up for the taking and you never know where the big upset will come from each week. Last week it was Arizona State upsetting then No. 15 Utah 38-20. No. 8 Washington State avoided an upset, defeating California 19-13 in the final minute. Colorado’s struggles continued as it lost to Arizona 42-34. Oregon got back to its winning ways with a 42-21 victory over UCLA. Washington played poor host, defeating Stanford 27-23. USC aims for bowl eligibility and picked up its fifth win, 38-21 over Oregon State.
Washington State is the only one-loss team remaining in the Pac-12 and the playing field is even among most teams. Plenty of intriguing games are coming up in November, including several this week that are worth keeping an eye on.
No. 8 Washington State at Colorado
Washington State (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12) scored a touchdown with 32 seconds left in the game to give it a 19-13 victory over California. The Cougars lead the nation with 397 passing yards a game, and quarterback Gardner Minshew leads all quarterbacks with 3,517 passing yards this season. They take their passing attack on the road to take on a Colorado team (5-4, 2-4) that has lost its last four games. Last week, the Buffaloes dropped a game at Arizona 42-34. Offensively, the Buffaloes gained 343 yards passing, but they struggled defensively, giving up 566 total yards to the Wildcats.
Oregon at No. 15 Utah
Oregon (6-3, 3-3) defeated UCLA 42-21 last week, getting back to its winning ways since dropping two consecutive games. The 492 yards gained by the Ducks were the most since week four of the season when they played Stanford. They’ll try to keep the offense rolling on the road against a Utah (6-3, 4-3) defense that allows just 314 yards a game. The Utes are coming off an upset loss to Arizona State 38-20, where they struggled defensively giving up 536 yards of offense, the most they’ve allowed all season.
California at USC
California (5-4, 2-4) comes into this game after losing to No. 8 Washington State, 19-13. The Cougars average 38 points a game but were held to their lowest score by the Golden Bears’ defense. California’s defense is allowing just 323 yards and 22 points a game. After dropping two consecutive games, USC (5-4, 4-3) got back on the winning side with a 38-21 victory over Oregon State. The Trojans gained 509 yards offensively, their best output of the season.
Other Pac-12 Games
Saturday
UCLA (2-7, 2-4) @ Arizona State (5-4, 3-3)
Oregon State (2-7, 1-5) @ Stanford (5-4, 3-3)
Bye Weeks: Washington, Arizona
ACC
No. 2 Clemson kept its hold over the Atlantic Division, defeating Louisville 77-16. No. 17 Boston College defeated Virginia Tech 31-21. No. 13 Syracuse moved up in the AP Top 25 rankings earning a 41-24 victory over Wake Forest. No. 22 NC State defeated Florida State 47-28. Unlike the Atlantic Division, the Coastal Division is up for the taking. Pittsburgh finds itself in first place this week after defeating then No. 25 Virginia 23-13. Georgia Tech earned a 38-28 victory over North Carolina. Duke earned bowl eligibility, defeating Miami 20-12.
Several ACC teams are still trying to earn bowl eligibility, while many still have a chance to play in the ACC Championship Game at season’s end. Here’s some of matchups that could have bowl implications at the end of the year.
Miami at Georgia Tech
Miami (5-4, 2-3 ACC) enters this game having lost three consecutive games, including a 20-12 defeat to Duke last week. Offensively, the Hurricanes have struggled lately, averaging 13 points a game in their last three contests, however they did manage to gain 300 yards rushing against the Blue Devils. Miami still boasts the second-ranked defense in the country, allowing just 265 yards a game. That defense will be put to the test against Georgia Tech (5-4, 3-3). The Yellow Jackets average 377 yards rushing a game, which leads the nation. They ran past North Carolina 38-28 in their last game, rushing for 461 yards.
North Carolina at Duke
North Carolina (1-7, 1-5) enters this week coming off a 38-28 defeat to Georgia Tech. The Tar Heels struggled defensively against the Yellow Jackets, surrendering 565 yards of total offense. Despite the record, the Tar Heels have lost by an average of 6.5 points a game in their last four contests and are averaging 405 yards of offense a game. Duke (6-3, 2-3) plays host this week coming off a 20-12 road victory against Miami. It marked the first time Duke had won at Miami since 1976. The Blue Devils surrendered 411 yards defensively, but held Miami scoreless in the second half.
Virginia Tech at Pittsburgh
Virginia Tech (4-4, 3-2) lost to No. 22 Boston College 31-21, marking its second consecutive loss. Offensively, the Hokies are averaging 431 yards and 31 points a game, however they’ve struggled defensively allowing 421 yards and 28 points a game. Pittsburgh (5-4, 4-1) finds itself atop the Coastal Division after a 23-13 upset victory over then No. 25 Virginia. The Panthers ran their way to victory, gaining 254 rushing yards against the Cavaliers. Defensively the Panthers allowed just 249 yards of total offense, including shutting down the Cavaliers’ running attack, surrendering just 44 yards on 26 carries.
Other ACC/Independent Games
Thursday
Wake Forest (4-5, 1-4) @ No. 21 NC State (6-2, 3-2)
Friday
Louisville (2-7, 0-6) @ No. 19 Syracuse (7-2, 4-2)
Saturday
Liberty (4-4) @ No. 25 Virginia (6-3, 3-3)
Florida State (4-5, 2-5) @ No. 4 Notre Dame (9-0)
No. 2 Clemson (9-0, 6-0) @ No. 22 Boston College (7-2, 4-1)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
by Micheal Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
EL PASO, Texas – Fans don’t want to miss the opportunity to see future PGA Tour players in action as the 2018 Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic is set for Nov. 18-20 at the El Paso County Club.
Current PGA players such as Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Ricky Fowler, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods have hit the links at the El Paso Country Club and this year there are 29 amateurs from around the country invading the Borderland.
“The golf committee continues to work tirelessly to bring some of the best amateur players in the country to El Paso,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “This year is no different. We invite everyone to come out and watch the competition and even get autographs and pictures with future pros.”
Participants are from all around the country and the world and have accomplished some amazing achievements on the course. They have achieved All-America status or have a high-amateur ranking.
“Players are invited to this tournament because of their many college achievements and outstanding amateur career and ranking,” said Tournament Director Bob Kimble. “I can assure the fans that many future PGA Tour players will be out on the course during this tournament.”Doug Ghim of Texas won last year’s All-America Golf Classic carding rounds of 67-64-64.
The Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic is one of the premier amateur golf tournaments in the country. Some of golf’s brightest stars have traveled to El Paso to compete in the tournament since its inaugural year in 1974.
Jordan Spieth, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Justin Thomas, Notah Begay and Jerry Pate are just a handful of past participants who went on to have successful PGA careers. College All-America Golf Classic Alumni have combined to win 52 major championships and have earned over $2 billion in career earnings.
The annual event starts with the Titleist Long Drive Contest and PING Putting Contest on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. (MT). The best opportunity for fans to get photos with the future PGA players and obtain autographs is on Sunday immediately following the two contests.
Rounds one and two are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 19 with a shotgun start scheduled for 8 a.m. (MT) while the final round is set for 8 a.m. (MT) on Tuesday, Nov. 20. The Lee Trevino Trophy will be presented to the winner immediately following Tuesday’s play.
2018 Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic Participants
John Augenstein – Hometown: Owensboro, Ky. – Amateur Status: Jr. at Vanderbilt
• 2018 All-SEC Second Team and 2018 SEC Academic Honor Roll selection
• Named to the GCAA Freshman All-American team and as a GCAA Honorable Mention All-American selection in 2017
• Named SEC Freshman of the Year and to the All-Freshman Team in 2017
• Clinched the SEC Championship in 2017 after winning the deciding matches in the semifinals against Florida and the finals against Texas A&M
• Career round of 63 came in second round of Carmel Cup at Pebble Beach Golf Links in 2017
Quade Cummins – Hometown: Weatherford, Okla. – Amateur Status: Jr. at Oklahoma
• Division I PING All-America honorable mention selection and All-Region pick by the GCAA after the 2017-18 season
• Won the 2016 Oklahoma Amateur Championship
• Finished third at The NCAA Norman Regional shooting his fifth 67 on the season. That was the seventh top 10 finish of his career.
Brad Dalke – Hometown: Norman, Okla. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Oklahoma
• Second-team Division I PING All-American after the 2017-18 season
• Named a 2017 Division I PING All-America honorable mention selection
• Sank championship-clinching putt at the 2017 NCAA Championships
• Earned first collegiate win at the 2017 NCAA Stanford Regional
• Competed in The 2017 Masters and 2017 U.S. Open
• 2017 Division I PING All-America honorable mention selection
• Finished as the runner-up at the 2016 U.S. Amateur
Alex del Rey – Hometown: Madrid, Spain – Amateur Status: Jr. at Arizona State
• Two-time Spanish National Champion (U16/18).
• Posted four top-10 finishes and had a 70.89 stroke average in 12 tournaments and had 12 rounds in the 60s in sophomore season.
• In 2017-18 he earned All-Pac-12 first-team honors after a solid sophomore season and then earned PING All-West Region honors.
• An accomplished junior golfer on the Spanish circuit, he has been a member of the Spanish national team since the age of 14
+Chandler Eaton – Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga. – Amateur Status: Jr. at Duke +
• Named to PING All-East Team after averaging a 71.70 scoring average over 37 rounds, second best on the team
• T-15 finish at the NCAA National Championship, giving him honorable mention All-America status
• A PING All-East Region selection after the 2016-17 season and was also named to the All-ACC and All-ACC Academic teams that year
• Tied for the team lead in rounds played (39) during the 2016-17 season and also garnered the team’s second-best scoring average with a 71.74 that year
Austin Eckroat – Hometown: Edmond, Okla. – Amateur Status: So. at Oklahoma State
• Received honorable mention All-America recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of America after the 2017-18 season
• Finished at 218 and alone in 19th place at the NCAA Columbus Regional before posting a 1-over 289 total at the NCAA Championship to tie for 19th place. earned a 1-up victory over Alabama’s Davis Shore in the NCAA title match
• Runner-up at the 2018 Pacific Coast Amateur
• Runner-up to teammate Hayden Wood at the 2018 Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur Championship
Stephen Franken – Hometown: Raleigh, N.C. – Amateur Status: Sr. at NC State
• ACC Player of the Year and ACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year
• GCAA and Golfweek Second-Team All-American
• All-ACC, ACC Honor Roll and ACC All-Academic Team
• Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar and PING All-Region East Team selection
• Finished season with stroke average of 70.56 in 36 rounds played … Season stroke average was second lowest in program history
• In 12 tournaments during his junior year, Franken finished in the top-10 eight times, the top-five six times and won once
+Will Gordon – Hometown: Davidson, N.C. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Vanderbilt +
• 2017-18 Scoring Average: 70.89
• Named GCAA Honorable Mention All-American and a GCAA All-America Scholar
• Won medalist honors at the East Lake Cup in front of a national television audience on the Golf Channel with an even-par 72
• 2018 SEC Academic Honor Roll, 2018 GCAA Honorable Mention All-American and 2018 All-SEC First Team selection
• 2017 Tom Cousins Award, 2017 SEC Academic Honor Roll and 2017 SEC Community Service Team
• 2016 GCAA Freshman All-American, 2016 SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll, 2016 All-SEC Second Team and 2016 SEC All-Freshman Team
Blaine Hale – Hometown: Dallas, Texas – Amateur Status: Sr. at Oklahoma
• 2017-18 stroke average: 71.69
• Division I PING All-America honorable mention selection after the 2017-18 season
• All-Region selection by the GCAA
• Finished fourth at The 2018 NCAA Norman Regional shooting a 54-hole score of 209 (-7)
• Earned wins in the semifinal and final to help OU secure the 2017 NCAA Championship
• Shot career-low 64 at Nike Golf Collegiate Invitational (Oct. 1-3)
• Two top-5 and six top-10 career finishes during his OU career
• 2017 Division I PING All-America honorable mention selection
Harry Hall – Hometown: Hayle, England – Amateur Status: Sr. at UNLV
• Named PING All-West Region after the 2017-18 season
• Selected All-Mountain West for the third straight year
• Named a Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-American Scholar and also Academic All-MW for the third straight year
• Was a member of the international team at the Arnold Palmer Cup
• Finished first in Santa Rosa at the U.S. Amateur Qualifier and also finished first in Las Vegas at the U.S. Open Pre-Qualifier
• Earned Dean’s List honors for both Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 and was named to the Academic All-MW team for the second straight year in 2017. He also earned the league’s Scholar-Athlete Award that year
Philip Knowles – Hometown: Bradenton, Fla. – Amateur Status: Sr. at North Florida
• PING All-American, honorable mention in 2018 and the North Florida Male Athlete of the Year during the same year
• PING All-Southeast Region and All-ASUN First Team in 2017 and 2018
• ASUN All-Freshman team in 2016
• ASUN All-Academic in 2018 and ASUN Academic Honor Roll for three consecutive years (2017-18 | 2016-17 | 2015-16)
Walker Lee – Hometown: Houston, Texas – Amateur Status: So. at Texas A&M
• 2017-18 stroke average: 73.03
• Tied atop the player leaderboard at the Aggie Invitational (211,-5) to earn his first career victory and was named SEC Freshman of the Week following his win at the Aggie Invite
• Finished tied for 32nd at the NCAA Bryan Regional and posted a tie for 41st at the NCAA Championship to help that Aggies advance to match play
• Before arriving at Texas A&M, Junior Golf Scoreboard rankings regarded Lee as the No. 2 player in the state of Texas as well as the No. 18 player nationally
Joshua Martin – Hometown: Pinehurst, N.C. – Amateur Status: Sr. at North Carolina
• Has played in 18 tournaments with a stroke average of 73.55 over 51 rounds during his time at North Carolina
• Semifinalist at the 2016 North Carolina Amateur Match Play Championship (was No. 1 seed after two rounds of stroke play)
• The No. 1 ranked player in the state of North Carolina and No. 14 in the nation by Golfweek in 2015
• AJGA Rolex All-America selection in 2010 and 2012 • The 2014 North Carolina Junior Player of the Year by the Tar Heel Youth Golf Association and the Carolinas Golf Association
• Won the 2014 North Carolina Amateur with rounds of 67-65-71-67 becoming the youngest champion in event’s history
Patrick Martin – Hometown: Birmingham, Ala. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Vanderbilt
• Averaged 71.37 strokes per round as a junior
• 2018 GCAA Honorable Mention All-American, GCAA All-America Scholar and 2018 All-SEC Second Team
• 2017 Nicklaus Award Finalist, 2017 GCAA First Team All-American, 2017 SEC Academic Honor Roll and 2017 All-SEC First Team
• • 2016 All-SEC Second Team, 2016 Tom Cousins Award Winner, SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll and 2016 SEC All-Freshman Team
• Led Vanderbilt with 70.34 stroke average in 2016-17, the second-lowest in program history.
• Finished runner-up at the SEC Championship after posting a 10-under par, 200, a Vanderbilt record at the event.
• Won the Schenkel Invitational in 2017 for his first collegiate individual title
Garrett May – Hometown: Hope, Ark. – Amateur Status: Jr. at Baylor
• 2016-17 stroke average: 71.24
• Earned 2018 Golfweek All-America third team honors and honorable mention All-America from GCAA
• Two-time PING All-Central Region selection (2017, 2018)
• Two-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree, picking up second team honors in 2017 and first team recognition in 2018
• Earned 2018 GCAA All-America Scholar recognition and five-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection.
Bryson Nimmer – Hometown: Bluffton, S.C. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Clemson
• Three-time first-team All-ACC selection and two-time All-ACC Academic team
• Three-time All-District by Coaches Association and honorable mention All-American by Coaches Association as a sophomore and second-team All-American as a junior
• Ranks third in Clemson history in career stroke average with a 71,58 figure (min of 50 rounds
• Has three top eight finishes at the ACC Tournament… won ACC Rookie-of-the-Year honors in 2015-16, he was just the third Clemson player to win the award
Mason Overstreet – Hometown: Kingfisher, Okla. – Amateur Status: Jr. at Arkansas
• 2017-18 Stroke Average: 71.52
• PING All-Region Team and SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll
• Earned his first collegiate win as he was co-medalist at the Jerry Pate Intercollegiate with rounds of 65-65-70 for a career-best 10-under par 200
• Reached the round of 16 at the 2018 U.S. Amateur
• As a freshman was the NCAA Championship runner-up and a PING All-America honorable mention
Turk Pettit – Hometown: Auburn, Ala. – Amateur Status: So. at Clemson
• 2017-18 Scoring Average: 70.97
• First-team All-ACC as a true freshman and was an honorable mention All-American
• Finished the 2017-18 season ranked No. 35 in the nation by Golfweek and 65 by Golfstat in the final rankings
• Had second round 65 at NCAA Regional to tie Clemson record for low score at any NCAA Tournament in history
• Two-time State Champion in Alabama, also won Alabama Amateur in 2016 and finished runner-up in 2017
Peng Pichaikool – Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand – Amateur Status: Jr. at Mississippi State
• 2017-18 Scoring Average: 71.75
• Placed in the Top 5 twice and in the top 10 three times
• In December of 2017, he shot 9-under at the Boonchu Ruangkit Championship, an Asian Development Tour (pro) event in Thailand, to a tie for 12th, the best finish by an amateur
• In January 2018, he competed against some of the best collegiate talent at the Jones Cup, where he placed fifth
• Tied for 30th and took a share of the best amateur finish at another Asian Tour event, the Thailand Open, in June.
• He was named to the SEC All-Freshmen team after the 2016-17 season and named to the GCAA Ping All-Region Team that year
Spencer Ralston – Hometown: Gainesville, Ga. – Amateur Status: Jr. at Ga.
• 2017-18 Scoring Average: 70.86
• Chosen as an Honorable Mention All-American by PING and the GCAA
• Named Second-Team All-SEC by the league’s coaches
• Named to the PING All-Southeast Region Team by the Golf Coaches Association of America
• Named to the SEC’s All-Freshman Team after the 2016-17 season
• Won the Tommy Aaron Award as Gainesville’s Player of the Year four times, was named All-State four times and named 5A Player of the Year three times
Matthias Schmid – Hometown: Maxhvette, Germany – Amateur Status: Fr. at Louisville
• 2016-17 Stroke Average: 71.72
• Selected as a PING all-region honoree
• Became a member of the Germany junior team with a second-place finish at the Belgium U18 and a win at the Evolve
• Won the Bavarian champion in 2017, shooting a career-low 199 and 17-under par
Alex Smalley – Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Duke
• 2017-18 Stroke Average: 70.78 (program record)
• 2017-18 PING All-East team and All-ACC honors
• Set program records in the categories of most birdies made in a season (152) and rounds at par or better (25)
• 2016-17 All-ACC Team
• 2016-17 All-ACC Academic Team
• 2016-17 Division I Ping All-Region Team (East)
• Finished 2016-17 season with best stroke average on team
• Finished 2016-17 season with lowest round of 54 on team
• Won the individual medal at the 2016 U.S. Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club
Brandon Smith – Hometown: Frisco, Texas – Amateur Status: Jr. at Texas A&M
• 2017-18 Stroke Average: 71.84
• PING All-America honorable mention selection
• Was in the hunt for medalist honors throughout the NCAA Bryan Regional (206, -10) before ultimately finishing in a tie for second, one stroke of the lead
• Stood out as the highest-placing Aggie during stroke play at the NCAA Championship (287, -1) where he finished tied for 11th to help A&M advance to match play
• Qualified for the Texas Amateur Championship for four consecutive years before arriving at Texas A&M
Austin Squires – Hometown: Union, Ky. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Cincinnati
• 2017-18 Stroke Average: 71.91
• 2017 American Athletic Conference Player of the Year
• 2017 & 2018 AAC First Team Honoree
• 2017 NCAA Tournament Regional Individual Participant
• 2017 & 2018 U.S. Amateur Qualifier, advancing to the quarterfinals in 2018
• 2018 Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-American Scholar
• Qualified for the U.S. Amateur in Pebble Beach, California, advancing to the quarterfinals of match play, the deepest run by a Bearcat in the nation’s top amateur tournament in school history
Jackson Suber – Hometown: Tampa, Fla. – Amateur Status: Fr. at Ole Miss
• High School Stroke Average: 71.0
• Two-time State individual runner-up
• In 2016, was named Tampa Bay Hillsborough Player of the Year, Spectrum Sports Player of the Year, and H.B. Plant’s Player of the Year
• Had a third-place finish in the Florida Amateur, a top-20 in the USJR Championship and Florida Boys Jr. Amateur
• Named to 2018 Wyndham Cup Team
+Travis Trace – Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. – Amateur Status: Sr. at North Florida +
• 2017-18 Stroke Average: 72.66
• 2018 PING All-American, honorable mention and PING All-Southeast Region, 2nd team
• 2018 All-ASUN, 2nd tea
• 2017 ASUN All-Tournament and 2017-18 ASUN Academic Honor Roll (2017-18)
• Became first UNF player to qualify for NCAA DI Championship as an individual in May of 2018
Thomas Walsh – Hometown: High Point, N.C. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Virginia
• 2017-18 Stroke Average: 70.71
• PING third team All-America
• Finished the 2017-18 season 39th in final Golfstat ranking and No. 65 by Golfweek
• 2018 ACC individual champion
• Was 12th at the 2018 NCAA Regional
• Named an honorable mention All-American by PING/GCAA after the 2016-17 season
*+Hayden Wood – Hometown: Edmond, Okla. – Amateur Status: Sr. at Oklahoma State+
• Was named a first-team Academic All-Big 12 pick
• Tied for 23rd place at the NCAA Championship
• Earned medalist honors at the 2017 U.S. Amateur
• Earned honorable mention Rolex All-America honors in 2012
• Helped Edmond North to four consecutive Oklahoma Class 6A state titles
Chun An Yu – Hometown: Taoyuan, Taiwan – Amateur Status: Jr. at Arizona State
• 2017-18 Stroke Average: 71.61
• Won the 98th annual Western Junior title in the summer of 2015 as he rallied late and won in a sudden-death playoff and joined the likes of Rickie Fowler, Hunter Mahan and Jim Furyk on the Milt Woodard Champions Trophy.
• Won the 2015 Junior Players Championship with a 5-under 67 and won the tournament by one stroke after trailing by six.
• Finished second at the 2014 Callaway Junior Championship and finished third at the 2014 Asia games
ABOUT MARATHON PETROLEUM
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) is a leading, nationwide, integrated energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system with over 3 million barrels per day of crude oil capacity across 16 refineries. MPC’s marketing system includes approximately 7,800 branded locations across the United States, including approximately 5,600 Marathon brand retail outlets. Speedway LLC, an MPC subsidiary, owns and operates approximately 4,000 retail convenience stores across the United States. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in two midstream companies, MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX) and Andeavor Logistics LP (NYSE: ANDX), which own and operate gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure.
EL PASO, Texas – If you’re a fan of upsets in college football then last week was right up your alley. Several teams across the country suffered upset losses, and the Pac-12 and ACC were no different. There are plenty of intriguing potential matchups for the Hyundai Sun Bowl, so here’s a quick look at what was, and what’s coming up this week.
Pac-12
Utah continued to dominate defensively, picking up a 41-10 victory at UCLA. Washington State kept momentum headed in the right direction with a 41-38 win at Stanford. California hosted the Huskies and pulled off the upset, 12-10. After its big win over Washington, Oregon has dropped two straight, including a 44-15 upset loss at Arizona last week. Oregon State continues to play hard despite its record defeating Colorado 41-34 in overtime. Arizona State went into Los Angeles and defeated USC 38-35.
There’s plenty of potential for more upsets and close games this week in the Pac-12, here’s a few that could have Sun Bowl implications.
Arizona at Colorado (Friday)
Colorado (5-3, 2-3 Pac-12) travels to Tucson this week, coming off a 41-34 overtime loss to Oregon St. After starting the season with five consecutive wins, Colorado has dropped its last three games. The Buffaloes have struggled in the three losses, averaging 22 points and gaining 354 yards of offense a game. They did gain 536 yards against the Beavers and look to keep the offensive momentum going. Arizona (4-5, 3-3) is coming off a 44-15 upset victory over then No. 19 Oregon. The Wildcats dominated the game from the start, leading 23-8 at halftime and never looked back. They gained 465 yards of offense, including 276 on the ground.
UCLA at Oregon
UCLA (2-6, 2-3) enters this game coming off a 41-10 loss to No. 16 Utah. The Bruins had won their previous two games before losing to the Utes. They were able to gain 127 yards on the ground against a Utah defense that allows only 81 rushing yards a game. Oregon (5-3, 2-3) returns home after a 44-15 loss at Arizona. Offensively, the Ducks started slow and found themselves in a 23-8 hole at halftime that they couldn’t climb out of. Quarterback Justin Herbert and top receiver Dillon Mitchell are in the concussion protocol this week and may not be available against the Bruins.
California at No. 10 Washington State
California (5-3, 2-3) earned a 12-10 upset victory over then No. 15 Washington last week. It was a defensive battle throughout as there was only 492 yards of offense gained and one offensive touchdown between from the two teams. Statistically, the teams were nearly identical, but the Golden Bears won the turnover battle. They forced two interceptions and returned one for their only touchdown of the game, giving them a 12-7 lead. No. 10 Washington St. (7-1, 4-1) defeated then No. 24 Stanford 41-38 in its last game. The Cougars trailed 28-17 at halftime before they rallied to score 17 points in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning field goal with 19 seconds left in the game. Quarterback Gardner Minshew passed for 438 yards in the victory and currently leads the nation with 3,183 passing yards.
Other Pac-12 Games
Saturday
No. 16 Utah (6-2, 4-2 Pac-12) @ Arizona State (4-4, 2-3)
Stanford (5-3, 3-2) @ Washington (6-3, 4-2)
USC (4-4, 3-3) @ Oregon State (2-6, 1-4)
ACC/Independent
Georgia Tech attempted just one pass in its 49-28 victory at Virginia Tech. Boston College’s rushing led it to a 27-14 victory over Miami. Clemson didn’t fall for a trap game, defeating Florida State 59-10 on the road. Syracuse picked up a big 51-41 upset win over NC State. Wake Forest put its offense on display in a 56-35 victory at Louisville. Virginia took the top spot in the Coastal Division with a 31-21 win against North Carolina. Pittsburgh and Duke combined for over 1,000 yards, but it was the Panthers that prevailed 54-45 over the Blue Devils. Notre Dame remained undefeated, picking up a 44-22 road victory against Navy.
Clemson has control of the Atlantic Division, but the Coastal is up for grabs. Here’s some of the action that will be coming up this week from the ACC.
Pittsburgh at No. 23 Virginia (Friday)
Pittsburgh (4-4, 3-1 ACC) picked up a 54-45 victory over Duke in its last contest. The Panthers gained 634 yards of offense in the game, including 484 rushing yards, which ranks second in school history. The 54 points and 634 offensive yards were both season-highs for the Panthers. Defensively, they’ll look to tighten up as they allowed 619 yards to the Blue Devils. No. 23 Virginia (6-2, 4-1) defeated North Carolina 31-21 in its last game. Defensively, the Cavaliers have allowed 21 points or less in four of their last five contests. The Cavaliers held the Tar Heels to 337 yards of total offense on the day. North Carolina had gained 500 yards or more in its two previous contests.
Duke at Miami
Duke (5-3, 1-3) comes off a 54-45 defeat to Pittsburgh. It was a game that saw the offenses combine for 1,253 total yards. Duke was able to pick apart the Pittsburgh defense through the air, as quarterback Daniel Jones set career-highs with 396 passing yards and four touchdowns. The Blue Devils struggled to stop the Panthers’ running attack, yielding 484 yards on the ground. Miami (5-3, 2-2) comes into this game after losing 27-14 to Boston College last week. The Hurricanes’ defense struggled against the Eagles, surrendering 433 yards including 223 rushing yards. Both were the most allowed by the Miami defense this season.
No. 24 Boston College at Virginia Tech
No. 24 Boston College (6-2, 3-1) is back in the AP Top 25 after defeating Miami 27-14 last week. Running back AJ Dillon made his return to the Eagles after missing two games due to an ankle injury and rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles have averaged 38 points and 445 yards a game this season, including 226 of those yards coming on the ground. Virginia Tech (4-3, 3-1) enters this week coming off a 49-28 loss to Georgia Tech. The Hokies were unable to stop the Yellow Jackets’ running attack, surrendering 465 rushing yards. Defensively, they have allowed an average of 425 yards of offense, 172 rushing yards, a game. The Hokies look to rebound against a Boston College team that they’ve defeated for three consecutive years.
Other ACC Games/Independent Games
Saturday
Louisville (2-6, 0-5 ACC) @ No. 2 Clemson (8-0, 5-0)
No. 22 Syracuse (6-2, 3-2) @ Wake Forest (4-4, 1-3)
Georgia Tech (4-4, 2-3) @ North Carolina (1-6, 1-4)
Florida State (4-4, 2-4) @ NC State (5-2, 2-2)
No. 3 Notre Dame (8-0) @ Northwestern (5-3)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
EL PASO, Texas – More big games, surprises and upsets littered the Pac-12 and ACC last week. Every game matters as teams compete for postseason bowl games and we look at some games involving potential Hyundai Sun Bowl opponents.
Pac-12
After losing two consecutive games, No. 24 Stanford earned a 20-13 win over Arizona State. No. 14 Washington State upset then No. 12 Oregon 34-20, setting up an intriguing matchup between the Cougars and Stanford. A week after losing to Oregon, No. 15 Washington defeated Colorado 27-13. California earned its first Pac-12 win, defeating Oregon State 49-7. No. 23 Utah won its third consecutive game with a 41-28 win against USC, while UCLA continues to build momentum with a 31-30 victory over Arizona, its second straight win.
The Pac-12 is a wide-open conference. Every team has at least one conference loss and there are still several marquee matchups coming up in 2018. Here’s a few intriguing games happening this week.
No. 23 Utah at UCLA (Friday)
No. 23 Utah (5-2, 3-2 Pac-12) enters play coming off a 41-28 victory over USC. The Utes’ defense allowed just 205 yards to the Trojans. Offensively, the Utes gained 541 yards, their most against an FBS opponent this season. Utah’s defense ranks first in the nation against the run and 10th in total defense. UCLA (2-5, 2-2 Pac-12) is coming off a 31-30 victory against Arizona. After losing its first five games, UCLA has won its last two. The Bruins are averaging 34 points and 404 yards of offense in the two wins, up from 18 points and 334 yards a game in their five losses.
Arizona State at USC
Arizona State (3-4, 1-3 Pac-12) lost its last contest 20-13 to Stanford. The Sun Devils gained 437 yards of offense, which was 79 more yards than the Cardinal, but the three turnovers committed were too much to overcome. It was the Sun Devils’ first loss at home this season. USC (4-3, 3-2 Pac-12) returns home after a 41-28 defeat to Utah. The Trojans jumped out to an early 14-0 lead against the Utes but struggled to find consistent success against the Pac-12’s top defense. The Trojans may be down to their third quarterback against the Sun Devils as starter JT Daniels and backup Matt Fink were injured against Utah. If Daniels doesn’t clear the concussion protocol it will be Jack Sears going against ASU.
No. 14 Washington State at No. 24 Stanford
The No. 14 Cougars (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) enter this week coming off a 34-20 upset win over then No. 12 Oregon. WSU led 27-0 at halftime and were able to shut the door on the Ducks who tried to make a comeback in the second half. Washington State averages 400 passing yards a game which ranks first in the nation. It ranks second in the nation in total passing offense. No. 24 Stanford (5-2, 3-1 Pac-12) finds itself back in the AP Top 25 after a 20-13 win over Arizona State. The Cardinal dominated time of possession with their running attack, gaining 127 yards on the ground and keeping the ball for over 38 minutes. Stanford also saw the return of running back Bryce Love, who missed the game against Utah with an ankle injury.
Other Pac-12 Games
Saturday
Oregon State (1-6, 0-4 Pac-12) @ Colorado (5-2, 2-2 Pac-12)
No. 15 Washington (6-2, 4-1 Pac-12) @ California (4-3, 1-3 Pac-12)
No. 19 Oregon (5-2, 2-2 Pac-12) @ Arizona (3-5, 2-3 Pac-12)
ACC
No. 3 Clemson dominated No. 16 NC State 41-7, maintaining its spot as the top team in the ACC. Syracuse got back on the winning side with a 40-37 overtime win against North Carolina. Virginia defeated Duke 28-14, keeping momentum up after its win over then No. 16 Miami. Florida State is back over .500 after a 38-17 victory over Wake Forest.
All ACC teams are playing this week after several of them had last week off. Clemson may be the best team in the conference, but no one else’s spot is guaranteed. Here are some of the games that could have Sun Bowl implications this week.
Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech (Thursday)
Both teams head into this game coming off bye weeks. In its last contest, Georgia Tech (3-4, 1-3 ACC) lost 28-14 to Duke. The Yellow Jackets struggled to get their running game going and were held to 229 yards on the ground. They have averaged 352 rushing yards a game, which ranks first in the nation. Virginia Tech’s (4-2, 3-0 ACC) last contest was a 22-19 victory over North Carolina. The Hokies scored the game-winning touchdown with 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter. They struggled to slow down the Tar Heels’ offense, giving up 522 yards of offense, including 235 yards on the ground. With two weeks to prepare the Hokies’ defense looks to rebound against the Yellow Jackets.
Miami at Boston College (Friday)
Both teams enter this contest coming off their bye weeks. In its previous game Miami (5-2, 2-1 ACC) suffered its first ACC loss, 16-13 to Virginia. The Hurricanes struggled to find consistency in the passing game, gaining 190 yards through the air. Despite the loss, the Hurricanes still boast the nation’s top overall defense. Boston College (5-2, 2-1 ACC) earned a 38-20 victory over Louisville in its last game. The Eagles earned 430 yards of offense, with 251 of those yards coming on the ground. They are averaging 447 yards a game, while the Hurricanes are allowing just 237.
Duke at Pittsburgh
Duke (5-2, 1-2 ACC) comes into this week after a 28-14 loss to Virginia. The Blue Devils got off to a slow start and fell behind 14-0 by halftime and couldn’t complete a comeback in the second half. The Blue Devils’ defense is allowing just 19 points a game, and only 15 points in their five wins. Pittsburgh (3-4, 2-1 ACC) enters this game coming off its bye week. Its last game was a 19-14 loss at No. 3 Notre Dame. Offensively, the Panthers are averaging 24 points and 337 yards a game but improve to 34 points and 381 yards a game in their three wins this season.
Other ACC/Independent Games
Saturday
No. 2 Clemson (7-0, 4-0 ACC) @ Florida St. (4-3, 2-3 ACC)
Wake Forest (3-4, 0-3 ACC) @ Louisville (2-5, 0-4 ACC)
North Carolina (1-5, 1-3 ACC) @ Virginia (5-2, 3-1 ACC)
No. 22 NC State (5-1, 2-1 ACC) @ Syracuse (5-2, 2-2 ACC)
No. 3 Notre Dame (7-0) @ Navy 2-5
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
by Michel Lujan on behalf of the Sun Bowl Association
## Sun Bowl ##
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association has teamed up with a new sponsor as Marathon Petroleum joins the Sun Bowl family to present the 2018 Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic at the El Paso Country Club, Nov. 18-20.
The Sun Bowl Marathon All-America Golf Classic is one of the premier amateur golf tournaments in the country. Some of golf’s brightest stars have traveled to El Paso to compete in the tournament since its inaugural year in 1974.
“We are thankful for the new partnership with Marathon Petroleum,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “We’re excited to see where this relationship and partnership go as we know Marathon Petroleum is an outstanding and well-respected company.”
Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler are just a handful of past participants who went on to have successful PGA careers. All-America Golf Classic Alumni have combined to win 54 majors championships and have earned over $2 billion in career earnings.
With the tournament heading into its 44th year, other golf greats to visit the borderland include Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, and Matt Kuchar just to name a few.
ABOUT MARATHON PETROLEUM
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) is a leading, nationwide, integrated energy company headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. The company operates the nation’s largest refining system with over 3 million barrels per day of crude oil capacity across 16 refineries. MPC’s marketing system includes approximately 7,800 branded locations across the United States, including approximately 5,600 Marathon brand retail outlets. Speedway LLC, an MPC subsidiary, owns and operates approximately 4,000 retail convenience stores across the United States. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in two midstream companies, MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX) and Andeavor Logistics LP (NYSE: ANDX), which own and operate gathering, processing, and fractionation assets, as well as crude oil and light product transportation and logistics infrastructure.
##Sun Bowl##
EL PASO, Texas – There were surprises and upsets last week in the ACC and Pac-12 and the experts anticipate another exciting week of play this week. With teams in each conference battling for spots in bowl games, we take a look at some of the action coming up this week between potential Hyundai Sun Bowl participants.
Pac-12
Oregon and Washington lived up to the hype as the Ducks earned a 30-27 overtime win over the Huskies. USC continues to rise in the standings after defeating No. 19 Colorado, 31-20 last week. Utah kept momentum going after taking down Stanford, with a 42-10 win over Arizona. UCLA would not throw in the towel on the season, earning its first victory in a 37-7 win over California.
The Pac-12 has shown that it’s a place for exciting football, and this week should be no different. Here’s some games to keep an eye on with teams that may be playing in El Paso at year’s end.
Stanford at Arizona State (Thursday)
Arizona State (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) comes into this game off its bye week. In their last game, the Sun Devils lost 28-21 to then No. 21 Colorado. Arizona State is averaging 30 points a game, while gaining 416 yards of offense and allowing 385 yards a game. All three of the Sun Devils’ losses have come by just seven points. They host a Stanford team coming off its second consecutive loss, 40-21 to Utah. The loss dropped Stanford to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Stanford was without running back Bryce Love, who sat out with an injury he suffered against Notre Dame. Despite the loss, Stanford gained 423 yards of offense against a Utah defense that was allowing just 300 yards a game.
No. 12 Oregon at No. 25 Washington State
Washington State (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) comes into this game off its bye week. Quarterback Gardner Minshew leads the nation in passing yards with 2,422, including 430 yards and five touchdowns in the Cougars’ 56-37 victory over Oregon State last week. Hidden behind all the offensive numbers is a Washington State defense that allows just 311 yards a game, which ranks 14th nationally. Oregon (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) makes the trip to Pullman coming off a 30-27 overtime victory over then No. 7 Washington. The Ducks found success in the running game, gaining 177 rushing yards against the Huskies’ defense, which included a six-yard run that sealed the victory for the Ducks in overtime.
USC at Utah
Utah improved to 4-2 (2-2 Pac-12) with a 42-10 victory over Arizona in its last contest. The Wildcats average 183 rushing yards a game but were held to just 72 yards on the ground by the Utes’ 11th-ranked defense, a defense that is allowing just 16 points a game. USC (4-2, 3-1 Pac-12) enters the game coming off a 31-20 win over then No. 19 Colorado. The Trojans are averaging 31 points a game in their last three contests, all victories. The Trojans jumped out to a 21-7 halftime lead and had to hold off a comeback attempt by the Buffaloes in the second half.
Other Pac-12 Games
Saturday
Colorado (5-1, 2-1 Pac-12) @ No. 15 Washington (5-2, 3-1 Pac-12)
California (3-3, 0-3 Pac-12) @ Oregon State (1-5, 0-3 Pac-12)
Arizona (3-4, 2-2 Pac-12) @ UCLA (1-5, 1-2 Pac-12)
ACC
Virginia flipped the script and used its defense to take down then No. 16 Miami, 16-13. Pittsburgh gave No. 4 Notre Dame all it could handle before losing 19-14. Duke’s defense showed up and held Georgia Tech’s rushing attack in check on its way to a 28-14 win. Boston College regrouped after its loss to NC State to earn a 38-20 victory over Louisville. North Carolina gave Virginia Tech a scare before losing 22-19 in the final seconds of the game.
Several teams had their bye week last week, but there was still plenty of good football and surprises in the ACC. Here’s a few games that could paint a clearer picture of the upcoming bowl season.
Virginia at Duke
Duke improved to 5-1 (1-1 ACC) with a 28-14 victory over Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets average 352 rushing yards a game, but the Blue Devils’ defense held them to just 229 yards on the ground. Duke’s defense and special teams forced three Georgia Tech fumbles, which Duke’s offense turned into three touchdowns, putting the game out of reach. Virginia (4-2, 2-1 ACC) travels to Durham after defeating then No. 16 Miami 16-13. It was the Cavaliers’ defense that rose to the occasion allowing just 13 points to a Hurricanes team that entered play averaging 41. They also forced three turnovers on the day. Duke’s defense is allowing 18 points a game, while Virginia’s allows just 19.
North Carolina at Syracuse
Syracuse (4-2, 1-2 ACC) enters play coming off a bye week. After winning its first four games of the season, Syracuse has lost two consecutive games to No. 3 Clemson and Pittsburgh. Both losses have come on the road, but the Orange return home this week to face North Carolina (1-4, 1-2 ACC). Syracuse averages 48 points a game at home this season. North Carolina lost in heartbreaking fashion to Virginia Tech last week, 22-19, surrendering the game-winning touchdown with just 19 seconds left to play in the game. In defeat, the Tar Heels had their best offensive output of the season with 522 yards gained on the day. They also posted 235 rushing yards against the Hokies’ defense, another season-high.
No. 16 NC State at No. 3 Clemson
Both teams enter this contest off their bye weeks, undefeated, ranked in the AP Top 25 and ranked in the top 10 defensively. Clemson (6-0, 3-0 ACC) ranks as the second-best defense in the country. The Tigers allow just 261 yards and 15 points a game. The Tigers were tested in their last home game, earning a 27-23 victory over Syracuse. NC State (5-0, 2-0 ACC) travels into town with the nation’s eighth-ranked defense, allowing 341 yards and 17 points a game. The last three games between the two have been decided by an average of 10 points, all Clemson wins.
Other ACC Games
Saturday
Wake Forest (3-3, 0-2 ACC) @ Florida St. (3-3, 1-3 ACC)
Bye Week: Boston College, Louisville, Miami, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame.
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
By Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
To purchase tickets call 915-533-4416 or go to www.ticketmaster.com
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association has verified the results and winners for the Peter Piper Pizza Sun Bowl Punt, Pass and Kick (PP&K) that was held on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the Sun Bowl Stadium.
The winner in each age division will be honored in the 2018 FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade on Thanksgiving morning and will also be honored at the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl on New Year’s Eve.
“Since the NFL stopped sponsoring this event last year, we decided to put this together because the kids really enjoy it,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director. “El Paso loves football and we are always finding ways to bring fun events for children in the community. All of the kids did excellent in the competition, and they expressed how much fun they had.”
The Sun Bowl Association invites everyone to the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade and the Hyundai Sun Bowl to congratulate each of the winners (listed below).
“On behalf of the Sun Bowl Association, I would like to thank the sponsor of this event, Peter Piper Pizza,” Olivas said. “Also, a big thanks to the El Paso Parks and Recreation department for once again assisting us with this event.”
Boys
Ages 6/7 – Nicholas J. Perez (punt: 6’10”; pass: 20’1”; kick: 26’11”; Total: 53’10”)
Ages 8/9 – Carlos E. Puente (punt: 53’11”, pass: 62’; kick: 46’11”; Total: 162’10”)
Ages 10/11 – Adian Bastidas (punt: 41’1”; pass: 66’10”; kick: 74’3”; Total: 182’2”)
Ages 12/13 – Kiva David Amber Lucero (punt: 28’; pass: 78’1”; kick: 52’9”; Total: 158’10”)
Girls
Ages 6/7 – Layla Burn (punt: 20’1”; pass: 19’9”; kick: 7’7”; Total: 47’5”)
Ages 8/9 – Natalie Gutierrez (punt: 0; pass: 4’0”; kick: 2’0”; Total: 6’0”)
Ages 10/11 – Allessandra Galvan (punt: 10’1”; pass: 26’7”; kick: 19’10”; Total: 56’6”)
Ages 12/13 – Amy Poorman (punt: 6’0”; pass: 22’3”; kick: 56’4”; Total: 56’4”)
EL PASO, Texas – Plenty of great football has been played during the 2018 college football season and last week was no different. While we still don’t know where teams will land in the postseason, including who will be at the Hyundai Sun Bowl, week seven has the potential to showcase some great games from teams who could end up in El Paso come December 31.
Pac-12
Washington stayed strong with a 31-24 victory over a UCLA team searching for its first win of the season. Running back Bryce Love was held out due to injury in Stanford’s upset loss to Utah 40-21. Washington St. keeps scoreboards lit up, this time winning 56-37 at Oregon State and Colorado kept its undefeated season intact with a 28-21 win against Arizona State.
Here’s some key matchups in another big week for Pac-12 football.
Arizona at Utah (Friday)
Utah rushed for 222 yards and forced four turnovers in its upset victory over then No. 14 Stanford, moving its record to 3-2 (1-2 Pac-12). The Utes had suffered two consecutive losses before defeating the Cardinal, earning their first conference win this season. It was the Utes best offensive performance against an FBS opponent this season, posting 421 yards of total offense. Defensively, the Utes rank seventh in the country in total yards allowed and bring that into Friday’s matchup with Arizona. The Wildcats moved to 3-3 (2-1 Pac-12) with a 24-17 victory over California last week. Arizona was outgained by California offensively, but it forced four Golden Bear turnovers, two of which were returned for touchdowns.
No. 7 Washington at No. 17 Oregon
High-powered offense meets a stout defense this week between Oregon (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) and Washington (5-1, 3-0 Pac-12). The Ducks average 46 points a game, good for 12th in the nation. The Ducks’ lowest point total came in a 38-31 defeat to Stanford. The Huskies allow just 14 points a game, ranked third nationally. The most points they’ve given up all season came this past week in a 31-24 victory over UCLA.
No. 19 Colorado at USC
USC enters this game at 3-2 (2-1 Pac-12) and coming off its bye week. The Trojans are averaging 41 points at home and are 2-0 this season in Los Angeles. They welcome in the No. 19 Colorado Buffaloes (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) this week. The Buffaloes are coming off a 28-21 victory against Arizona State, wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. was responsible for all four of the Buffaloes touchdowns in the win. Two came from receptions and two came on rushing plays. Shenault is the third-ranked receiver in the country with 703 yards gained through the air.
Other Pac-12 Games
Saturday
UCLA (0-5, 0-2 Pac-12) @ California (3-2, 0-2 Pac-12)
Bye Week: Stanford, Washington State, Oregon State, Arizona State
ACC
Notre Dame continued to impress, this time defeating Virginia Tech 45-23. NC State is off to its best start since 2002 and improved to 5-0 with a 28-23 victory against Boston College. Pittsburgh rebounded after a loss to UCF by defeating Syracuse 44-37. Miami needed all four quarters to complete its 28-27 comeback against rival Florida State.
No slowing down in ACC play. Here’s what’s coming up this week.
Duke at Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech enters the game at 3-3 (1-2 ACC) after a convincing 66-31 victory over Louisville. The Yellow Jackets rushed for, a season-high, 542 yards and eight touchdowns. This marks the second straight game that the Yellow Jackets have scored over 60 points, defeating Bowling Green 63-17 the previous week. Duke stands at 4-1 (0-1 ACC), and is coming off its bye week. The Blue Devils dropped their last game to Virginia Tech 31-14 and will look to rebound after having two weeks to prepare for the Yellow Jackets’ running attack. Duke is allowing just 123 rushing yards and 349 total offensive yards a game.
Louisville at Boston College
Boston College dropped to 4-2 (1-1 ACC) after a 28-23 loss to No. 23 NC State. The Eagles fell behind 21-3 at halftime and made a push that fell just short, outscoring the Wolfpack 21-7 in the second half. The Eagles were without running back AJ Dillon due to an injury suffered against Temple. Dillion is currently the ninth-ranked running back in the country with 652 rushing yards,. His status is unknown for Saturday’s game. Louisville slipped to 2-4 after a 66-31 defeat against Georgia Tech. While the score was lopsided, the Cardinals gained 483 yards of offense, their highest output this season. It was the second time this season, and the second straight game, that they’ve gained over 400 yards on offense.
Virginia Tech at North Carolina
North Carolina (1-3, 1-1 ACC) comes into its matchup with Virginia Tech off a bye week. The Tar Heels are currently ranked 10th in total defense in the nation. They dropped their last game to then No. 16 Miami 47-10. This will mark only the second home game of the season for North Carolina after the UCF game was cancelled due to Hurricane Florence. Virginia Tech travels to Chapel Hill at 3-2 (2-0 ACC). The Hokies lost to No. 6 Notre Dame 45-23 last week, a game where they outgained the Fighting Irish 441 yards to 438. The Hokies, lost the turnover battle, one turnover leading directly to a touchdown. They also struggled against the big plays as three of Notre Dame’s touchdowns came from 30 yards or further. The Hokies’ defense will look to rebound against the Tar Heels.
Other ACC Games
Saturday
No. 16 Miami (5-1, 2-0 ACC) @ Virginia (3-2, 1-1 ACC)
Pittsburgh (3-3, 2-1 ACC) @ No. 5 Notre Dame (6-0)
Bye Week: Clemson, Florida State, NC State, Wake Forest, Syracuse
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
By Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
EL PASO, Texas – The 2018 college football season has already been an interesting and exciting one, with teams starting to separate themselves from one another. It is still hard to determine who will visit El Paso for the Hyundai Sun Bowl but there are plenty of games to follow out of the ACC and Pac-12 this week.
Pac-12
With conference play in full swing only one Pac-12 team remains undefeated after week five, the Colorado Buffaloes. Washington continue to look like a playoff contender, dominating then No. 20 BYU 35-7. Oregon rebounded nicely after its loss to Stanford with a 42-24 victory against then No. 24 California. USC got back over .500 with a 24-20 win at Arizona.
Here’s some notable games for week six.
Arizona State at No. 21 Colorado
Colorado is 4-0 for the first time since 1998 and found itself in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2016. The Buffaloes average 284 yards passing and 205 yards rushing per game. The Sun Devils enter the game at 3-2 and earned head coach Herm Edwards his first Pac-12 win by defeating Oregon St. 52-24 last week. Sophomore running back Eno Benjamin rushed for 312 yards against the Beavers, setting a new school record for rushing yards in a game.
California at Arizona
Arizona enters the game at 2-3 after its comeback fell short against USC, losing 24-20. The Wildcats average 217 rushing yards per game but were held to just 98 yards against the Trojans. After falling behind 24-0 the Wildcats scored 20 unanswered points, but they’ll look to get off to a quicker start this week. California comes in off its first loss, losing to No. 18 Oregon 42-24. The Golden Bears suffered from five turnovers against the Ducks.
Utah at No. 14 Stanford
Stanford suffered its first loss of the season in a 38-17 loss to No. 6 Notre Dame, dropping its record to 4-1. Running back Bryce Love managed 73 yards rushing on 17 carries and one score. The Utes enter the contest at 2-2 after losing 28-24 to Washington St. In a game of contrasting styles, the Utes rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns, while the Cougars threw for 445 yards and three scores. Utah still claims the No. 3 defense in the country and will take it on the road for the second straight week.
Other Pac-12 Games:
Saturday
No. 10 Washington (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12) @ UCLA (0-4, 0-1 Pac-12)
Washington State (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) @ Oregon State (1-4, 0-2 Pac-12)
ACC
Clemson survived a scare at home, defeating Syracuse 27-23, avoiding back-to-back losses to the Orange. NC State joins the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 after defeating Virginia 35-21, moving to 4-0. Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech all rebounded and earned victories after suffering defeats a week ago.
Here’s some games to keep an eye on this week.
Georgia Tech at Louisville
Both teams enter Friday’s contest at 2-3 overall and 0-2 in ACC play. Louisville comes in off a 28-24 loss to Florida State. The Cardinals led the game 24-21 until Florida State scored on a 58-yard pass with 1:13 remaining in the game. Quarterback Jawon Pass connected for 306 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Seminoles. Georgia Tech snapped a three-game losing streak with a 63-17 victory over Bowling Green. The Yellow Jackets rushed for 372 yards against Bowling Green and now average 339 rushing yards a game, good for No. 2 in the nation.
Syracuse at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh returns home this week after losing 45-14 on the road to No. 12 Central Florida, dropping them to 2-3 on the season. In their two wins, the Panthers have kept opponents under 20 points, but have allowed 38 points or more in their losses. Syracuse (4-1, 1-1 in ACC) enters this week’s game coming off its first loss of the season, a 27-23 defeat to No. 3 Clemson. Leading 23-13 in the fourth quarter, the Orange were unable to hold off the Tigers and will look to rebound in their second straight conference road game.
Boston College at No. 23 NC State
After a 4-0 start, NC State finds itself in the AP Top 25 for the first time this season. The Wolfpack picked up their first conference win last week with a 35-21 victory over Virginia. Running back Ricky Person Jr., who was injured in the first game of the season, returned and rushed for 108 yards on 14 carries. Boston College rebounded after its first loss by defeating Temple 45-35, improving to 4-1 on the season. Running back AJ Dillon has 652 rushing yards this season, good for No. 3 in the country. Dillon left the game against Temple with an ankle injury and his status for Saturday’s game is still unknown.
No. 6 Notre Dame at No. 24 Virginia Tech
After being upset two weeks ago by Old Dominion, Virginia Tech responded, defeating then No. 22 Duke 31-14 on the road. The Hokies defense, which allowed 632 yards to Old Dominion, allowed just 327 total yards to Duke. Quarterback Ryan Willis, replacing injured Josh Jackson, threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns in his first start for the Hokies. Notre Dame remained unbeaten with a 38-17 victory over No. 14 Stanford. The Fighting Irish put up 550 total yards of offense against the Cardinal while allowing just 229 yards defensively. Defensive lineman Jerry Tillery tallied four sacks against the Cardinal, bringing his sack total to seven on the season, tied for the best in the nation.
Other ACC Games:
Saturday
Florida State (3-2, 1-2 ACC) @ No. 17 Miami (4-1, 1-0 ACC)
No. 4 Clemson (5-0, 2-0 ACC) @ Wake Forest (3-2, 0-1 ACC)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
By Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union announced the winner of the 82nd Annual Sun Bowl Parade poster contest on Monday, Oct. 1. Mr. Julian Vidales, of El Paso, Texas submitted the winning poster design.
Artists from all across the El Paso region were given a unique opportunity to make a name for themselves while being given a chance to win some nice prizes. The “FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade Poster Contest” ended last week. The judging was done by various employees and board members from the Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union and was based on creativity, clarity and relativity to the parade theme, which is “Amazing Feats.”
“When looking through the entries, we determined that Mr. Vidales’ design had everything we were looking for in a FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade poster,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We want to thank and congratulate Mr. Julian Vidales for his great work.”
WINNING DESIGN
As the winning entry, Mr. Vidales’ poster design is the official 2018 FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade poster and is now in the process of being printed for distribution. Mr. Vidales also receives four tickets to the FirstLight Sun Bowl Parade Breakfast, which is held before the parade on Thanksgiving Day, as well as a pair of tickets to the Hyundai Sun Bowl football game, which will be held on Dec. 31, 2018.
“We invite everyone to pick up a copy of the poster at any FirstLight Federal Credit Union branch or at the Sun Bowl Association office,” Olivas said. “They should be ready for distribution by Monday, Oct. 8.”
ABOUT THE PARADE
The 82nd Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 with a start-time of 10 a.m. (MT). The parade runs down Montana Ave from Ochoa Street and ends at Copia Street.
The El Paso Downtown Lions Club organized the Parade in 1935. The parade was held on New Year’s Day from 1936 until 1978, when the event was rescheduled for Thanksgiving Day. The holiday pageant is planned, coordinated and produced by volunteer efforts and draws an annual crowd of over 250,000 spectators. The Sun Bowl Parade is the largest attended community event in the west Texas, New Mexico and Mexico area, it brings together service clubs and civic organizations as well as all sectors of business and industries within the community.
For more information on the parade go to the Sun Bowl Association website at www.sunbowl.org/parade.
EL PASO, Texas – The 82nd Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 with a start-time of 10 a.m. (MT). The parade runs down Montana Ave from Ochoa Street and ends at Copia Street.
In a video produced by the Sun Bowl Association, volunteers talk about why they continue to dedicate their free time to build floats.
Link to video: https://youtu.be/Et4ksu1X_yQ
ABOUT THE PARADE
The El Paso Downtown Lions Club organized the Parade in 1935. The parade was held on New Year’s Day from 1936 until 1978, when the event was rescheduled for Thanksgiving Day. The holiday pageant is planned, coordinated and produced by volunteer efforts and draws an annual crowd of over 250,000 spectators. The Sun Bowl Parade is the largest community event in the west Texas, New Mexico and Mexico area, it brings together service clubs and civic organizations as well as all sectors of business and industries within the community.
For more information on the parade go to the Sun Bowl Association website at www.sunbowl.org/parade.
EL PASO, Texas – Four weeks into the 2018 college football season has already passed by and college football fans have been treated to many exciting games. Last week brought plenty of excitement and surprises throughout college football and this week should not be any different, especially for Pac-12 and ACC teams. Not to be left out, Notre Dame has the small task of hosting Stanford this week, a team that went to overtime against Oregon before winning 38-31.
Pac-12
Pac-12 opponents Oregon and Stanford lived up to the hype as the Cardinal needed overtime to seal a 38-31 victory over the Ducks. USC showed that it wasn’t done in 2018, picking up a 39-36 victory over Washington State and Washington avoided an upset against Arizona State picking up the 27-20 victory.
Here’s what we can look forward to in week five.
No. 7 Stanford at No. 8 Notre Dame
This game has huge implications as the winner will take a big step toward a spot in the College Football Playoff, while the loser will most likely be eliminated from the CFP conversation. Currently, Notre Dame (4-0) holds the advantage with an 18-13 series record. However, Stanford has won the last 3 straight games including a 17-10 win in Notre Dame on October 15, 2016.
Stanford (4-0) was tested last weekend at Oregon. The Cardinal football team struggled for the first half of the game but, in the second half, the defense came alive and the Stanford offense started moving the ball. In the end, Stanford got a hard-fought overtime win that should have them ready well for this weekend’s matchup against the Fighting Irish.
UCLA at Colorado
Both teams open conference play on Friday and are coming off bye weeks. Colorado stands at 3-0 and is averaging 41 points per game and allowing just 18.3. UCLA (0-3) has struggled out of the gate, playing Cincinnati, at Oklahoma, and Fresno St. The Bruins will look to turn things around in conference play.
Utah at Washington State
Both teams enter this contest coming off their first loss of the season. Utah (2-1) dropped its first game in a contest with No. 11 Washington, 21-7. Despite the loss, Utah still boasts the nation’s top defensive unit, allowing just 614 yards through three games. Washington State (3-1) lost its first game of 2018 to USC, 39-36. The Cougars average 401.8 passing yards per game and will test the Utes defensive backs.
No. 19 Oregon at No. 24 California
Oregon (3-1) lost its first game of the season in an overtime struggle with No. 7 Stanford, 38-31. Now the Ducks travel to face a California defense that’s allowed 907 yards through three games, good for sixth in the nation. The Bears (3-0) open conference play against the Ducks and come into the game off a bye week. They move into the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 for the first time since 2015.
USC at Arizona
Both teams enter this contest at 2-2. USC looked like it was about to lose a hold of its season with two straight losses before picking up an impressive 39-36 victory over Washington State. After being held to negative-5-yards rushing against Texas, the Trojans ran for 113 yards against the Cougars. Arizona lost its first two games of 2018 before winning back-to-back games over Southern Utah and Oregon State. The Wildcats rushed for 442 yards against the Beavers.
Other Pac-12 Games:
Saturday
No. 20 BYU (3-1) @ No. 11 Washington (3-1)
Oregon St. (1-3, 0-1 Pac-12) @ Arizona State (2-2, 0-1)
ACC
The ACC had a little bit of everything in week four. Clemson began conference play with a 49-21 win over Georgia Tech, and found its full-time starter in freshman Trevor Lawrence. Boston College and Virginia Tech suffered upset losses and will look to rebound this week. Syracuse stayed undefeated with a 51-21 victory over Connecticut, setting up an undefeated matchup with Clemson.
Here’s some of the games to keep an eye on this week in the ACC.
Virginia at NC State
NC State (3-0) opens conference play when it welcomes Virginia to Raleigh on Saturday. Quarterback Ryan Finley has found success through the air this season and is averaging 352 passing yards per game. Virginia (3-1, 1-0 ACC) comes off an impressive victory over conference opponent Louisville, 27-3. Quarterback Bryce Perkins threw for 197 yards and rushed for another 78 in the convincing win.
Florida State at Louisville
Both teams enter the contest at 2-2 on the season. Florida State (2-2, 0-2) may have course-corrected its season with a 37-19 victory over NIU. The Seminoles had their best offensive output against an FBS team, gaining 352 passing and 121 rushing yards on route to their highest score of the 2018 season. Louisville struggled in its conference opener at Virginia, falling 27-3, but now it turns its attention to its conference home opener. Both teams will look to get their offenses on track in this game.
Virginia Tech at No. 22 Duke
Virginia Tech (2-1, 1-0) suffered its first loss of 2018, losing 49-35 to Old Dominion. The Hokies lost quarterback Josh Jackson to a broken fibula in their game. Redshirt junior Ryan Willis replaced Jackson and threw for 131 yards and ran for 23 more. Willis will get the start against the Blue Devils. No. 22 Duke enters conference play with a 4-0 record after a 55-13 win over NC Central, and in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2015. Duke has its share of quarterback issues as starter Quentin Harris threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns before leaving with an injury. Harris was starting in place of original starter Daniel Jones. Harris is expected to start against the Hokies.
Other ACC Games:
Thursday
North Carolina (1-2, 1-0) @ No. 16 Miami (3-1)
Saturday
Syracuse (4-0, 1-0) @ No. 3 Clemson (4-0, 1-0)
Temple (2-2) @ Boston College (3-1)
Bowling Green (1-3) @ Georgia Tech (1-3)
Pittsburgh (2-2) @ No. 13 UCF (3-0)
Rice (1-3) @ Wake Forest (2-2)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
By Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union announced on Tuesday, Sept. 25 that WWE Superstar Sin Cara will be the Grand Marshal for the 82nd Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade.
Sin Cara was born on Sept. 5, 1977 in El Paso, Texas. Growing up in El Segundo Barrio, he began wrestling at Burges High School where he was an accomplished state champion multiple times. He went undefeated during his senior year and was nominated to be “Athlete of the Year” in El Paso.
“With the theme of our parade being ‘Amazing Feats’ we figured we needed to choose someone who has accomplished something big and amazing,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “How much more amazing does it get than making it to one of the biggest stages in the world, the WWE? To have someone from El Paso who is so successful and inspirational as our Grand Marshal is amazing in itself.”
Sin Cara has forged a strong international following and has become very popular for his masks as well as for his high-flying wrestling style. He made his WWE debut on Aug. 12, 2011.
“When I finally made it to the WWE, I knew I accomplished something amazing and all the hard work paid off,” Sin Cara said.
Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Sin Cara knew he needed to do everything he could to reach his dream. While working towards his goal of becoming a professional wrestler in the early 2000s, under the ring name “Mistico”, Sin Cara worked in his grandfather’s funeral home in Juarez, Mexico and gained a degree in embalming and funeral director services in Mexico.
Watching Luchadores as a child, Sin Cara knew exactly which direction he wanted to go.
Luchadores are traditionally more agile and perform more aerial maneuvers than professional wrestlers in the United States, who more often rely on power and hard strikes to subdue their opponents. The difference in styles is due to the independent evolution of the sport in Mexico beginning in the 1930s and the fact that Luchadores in the cruiserweight division (peso semicompleto) are often the most popular wrestlers in Mexican lucha libre. Luchadores execute characteristic high-flying attacks by using the wrestling ring’s ropes to catapult themselves towards their opponents, using intricate combinations in rapid-fire succession, and applying complex submission holds. Aerial maneuvers are almost always performed to opponents outside the ring, allowing the luchador to break his fall with an acrobatic tumble.
In WWE, the soaring Superstar birthed a new legacy, wowing viewers around the world with spectacular displays of agility and airborne attacks as well as joining forces with Kalisto to form the championship-winning tandem of The Lucha Dragons.
Watching Sin Cara take to the air to send Superstars spinning, whirling and scrambling for recovery is more than just observing a world-traveled competitor in his natural element; it’s to witness the impossible.
ABOUT THE PARADE
The 82nd Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 with a start-time of 10 a.m. (MT). The parade runs down Montana Ave from Ochoa Street and ends at Copia Street.
The El Paso Downtown Lions Club organized the Parade in 1935. The parade was held on New Year’s Day from 1936 until 1978, when the event was rescheduled for Thanksgiving Day. The holiday pageant is planned, coordinated and produced by volunteer efforts and draws an annual crowd of over 250,000 spectators. The Sun Bowl Parade is the largest community event in the west Texas, New Mexico and Mexico area, it brings together service clubs and civic organizations as well as all sectors of business and industries within the community.
For more information on the parade go to the Sun Bowl Association website at www.sunbowl.org/parade.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – Three full weeks of the 2018 college football season are in the books and we are starting to get a clearer picture of which teams are real contenders for playoff spots and bowl games. For most teams, conference play begins this week, although there have been a few teams to take on conference opponents already, such as Stanford and USC, who faced each other in week two.
Pac-12
There weren’t many surprising results this past week in the Pac-12. Teams like Washington, Stanford, Oregon, and Washington State all came away with victories and kept their momentum going in the right direction. The biggest surprise came with USC’s loss to Texas 37-14, though many people are high on Texas. Arizona State lost its first game under coach Herm Edwards, 28-21 to San Diego State. UCLA continued its early season struggles, losing 38-14 to Fresno State dropping the Bruins to 0-3.
Here’s some games to keep an eye on this week:
Washington State at USC
One of the more intriguing games this week, sees Washington State traveling to Los Angeles to take on USC, Friday night. The Cougars bring a 3-0 record in to face off against a Trojan team that has struggled early and holds a 1-2 record. USC was held to minus-5-yards against Texas last week and may find it challenging to run the ball against a Cougar team that is allowing 96.3 rushing yards per game.
Arizona State at No. 10 Washington
Arizona State suffered its first loss of the season and will be challenged to find a way to rebound against No. 10 Washington on the road. The Huskies are coming off a victory over Pac-12 opponent Utah, 21-7, a game in which Washington allowed just 261 offensive yards to the Utes. Arizona State will have a big test to attempt to get its third will of the season this week.
No. 7 Stanford at No. 20 Oregon
ESPN’s College Gameday will be live from Eugene, Oregon, to preview No. 7 Stanford against No. 20 Oregon on Saturday. The Cardinal will be on the road for the first time this season and it will be worth keeping an eye on how they react in front of the crowd of over 54,000 people packed into Autzen Stadium. The Ducks are averaging 503 yards, and 51.7 points per game, while the Cardinal are allowing 7.7 points and just 301 yards per game.
Other Pac-12 Games (Saturday):
Arizona (1-2) @ Oregon State (1-2)
ACC
Like the Pac-12, there weren’t many surprises in the previous week for ACC teams. Clemson continued winning and Miami is heading in the right direction after a loss in the opener against LSU. Florida State looks shaky after two early season losses while Duke continues to look impressive and it may enter conference play with a 4-0 record if it handles business this week.
Many of the ACC teams have been playing out-of-conference games the past few weeks, so it’s exciting now that many of them will begin playing their tough conference schedules in the next few weeks.
Here’s a few games to watch this weekend:
No. 23 Boston College at Purdue
Yes, Purdue is 0-3, but they’ve lost those games by a combined eight points. Don’t let the Boilermakers record fool you into thinking this team is done. The Boilermakers are close to picking up their first win of the season, and they’d love to do it against a ranked opponent this week. Boston College heads into the weekend 3-0, including wins over Massachusetts and Holy Cross. You beat who are scheduled, and the Eagles have done that, but this may prove to be their biggest test of the early season, and it won’t help that it’s on the road.
NIU at Florida State
The Seminoles are sitting at 1-2 overall on the season under first-year coach Willie Taggart. The Seminoles will try to get back to .500 on the year this Saturday against Northern Illinois (1-2) as they are favored by 9.5 points. NIU averages 12.3 points per game, while FSU averages 15.3, so it might not be a high-scoring affair this weekend.
Louisville at Virginia
A team that is popular among Sun Bowl participant predictions is Louisville. The Cardinals stand at 2-1 and travel to take on conference opponent Virginia (2-1). Last season the Cardinals handled the Cavaliers, 38-21, but that was with quarterback and former Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. This year, Malik Cunningham, who replaced Jawon Pass in the second quarter of the Western Kentucky game, will get the start on Saturday.
No. 8 Notre Dame at Wake Forest
Wake Forest enters this week at 2-1, after losing to Boston College 41-34 last week. The Demon Deacons will host No. 8 Notre Dame, in what is the Fighting Irish’s first road game of the season. Notre Dame looks to remain undefeated after an impressive showing against Michigan in week one, and an eight-point win over Ball State, 24-16, which was followed by a five-point victory over Vanderbilt, 22-17.
Other ACC Games (All Games on Saturday):
Florida International (2-1) @ No. 21 Miami (2-1)
Pittsburgh (2-1, 1-0 ACC) @ North Carolina (0-2)
No. 3 Clemson (3-0) @ Georgia Tech (1-2, 0-1 ACC)
No. 13 Virginia Tech (2-0) @ Old Dominion (0-3)
North Carolina Central (1-1) @ Duke (3-0)
NC State (2-0) @ Marshall (2-0)
UConn (1-2) @ Syracuse (3-0)
Visit www.sunbowl.org for a chance to win tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl. A team from the ACC/Notre Dame will take on a team from the Pac-12 on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon in El Paso, Texas.
By Michael Lujan on behalf of the Hyundai Sun Bowl Sept. 19, 2018
By Janyce-Monique Miller
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association is excited to partner with the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation presenting ‘Extra Yard for Teachers Week’, Sept. 15-22.
The CFP Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to using the platform of college football to spread positive messages and promote a culture of giving. ‘Extra Yard for Teachers Week’ is a CFP event that helps recognize, support, and celebrate all the amazing educators in our nation. This is the Sun Bowl Association’s first year partnering with the CFP Foundation.
“We believe we have some amazing and most caring teachers here in El Paso,” said Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We wanted to make sure we took this opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ to all our teachers and honor a couple of individuals who deserve recognition.”
The Sun Bowl Association is honoring two teachers from the El Paso area who are recipients of the 2019 Teacher of the Year awards. Anna Peden, of the Clint Independence School District, and Eduardo Hinojos, of Socorro Independence School District, will be recognized on Dec. 31, 2018 during the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl Game.
Ms. Peden has been an educator for 29 years and currently teaches fifth grade at Desert Hills Elementary school in the Clint ISD. Mr. Hinojos has been a teacher for ten years, teaching Government and Political Science at Americas High School in the Socorro ISD. Both Mr. Hinojos and Ms. Peden were selected out of 21 nominated teachers and received their awards at a ceremony that took place on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the El Paso Convention Center.
‘Extra Yard for Teachers Week’ is set for September 15-22, while Peden and Hinojos were presented with a certificate, t-shirt, gift card, and two tickets to the Hyundai Sun Bowl football game to honor and thank them for all that they do as educators. The Hyundai Sun Bowl will also recognize all teachers in attendance at the game.
For more information on ‘Extra Yard for Teachers Week’ go to https://www.cfp-foundation.org/extra-yard-for-teachers/.
Extra Yard for Teachers Week - Sept. 15-22, 2018
Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas and Mr. Eduardo Hinojos
Ms. Anna Peden
Punt Pass Kick – Entry Form and Release of Liability
EL PASO, Texas – The 2018 Peter Piper Pizza Sun Bowl Punt, Pass & Kick is set for, Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 4:30 p.m. (MT) in Sun Bowl Stadium on the UTEP campus. The free event is open to youth in and around the Borderland.
Girls and boys in five separate age divisions (listed below) compete against each other in punting, passing and place kicking. Those interested in participating for this free event must register at any Peter Piper Pizza location in El Paso beginning September 11 through September 30.
All participants must bring their birth certificate and a signed parental waiver form (see below) to the stadium, and no cleats are allowed during the competition. If there are any questions or concerns about the competition, please call Jay Pritchard of the Sun Bowl Association at 915-533-4416.
“Since the NFL is no longer sponsoring this event, we will not be sending anyone to a Cowboy game but we will honor the winners at the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Parade and the Hyundai Sun Bowl,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “We know and understand that the people of El Paso love football and this is an exciting opportunity for them to compete against other kids in the city.”
Registration forms can be found at all Peter Piper Pizza locations in El Paso and all participants must submit a signed parental waiver form at check-in on the day of the event as well. Parental waivers can be printed from the Sun Bowl Association website (www.sunbowl.org) or can be filled out on that day before the competition at Sun Bowl Stadium.
“We want to give back to the community, so we are partnering with the Sun Bowl Association for this wonderful event,” said Howard Smith, Vice President of Marketing for Peter Piper Pizza.
The first 500 participants to check-in on the day of the event will receive a free t-shirt (sizes are limited) and a water bottle. Price’s Creamy will provide refreshments for the participants.
After the competition is completed and the scores are totaled, the Sun Bowl Association will hand out first, second and third place medals to the top three finishers in each of the boys’ and girls’ divisions from the five age brackets. The first-place finisher in each of the boys’ and girls’ division from the five age brackets will be recognized at the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 22, 2018. Those first-place finishers will also receive two End Zone section tickets to the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl, which is scheduled for Dec. 31, 2018 at noon (MT).
ELIGIBILITY
• The competition is open to all boys and girls ages 6-15. Boys and girls compete separately. The five age classifications are based upon the child’s age as of Dec. 31 of the current year.
• There is no charge to participate in the PETER PIPER PIZZA SUN BOWL PUNT, PASS & KICK.
• All participants must show proof of age at check-in between 4-5:30 p.m. (MT). Failure to provide a birth certificate or state or federal issued photo ID will result in that participant being ineligible to compete.
• Participants must register before the competition at any of the Peter Piper Pizza locations in El Paso.
• Check-in begins at 4 p.m. (MT) and end promptly at 5:30 p.m. Start time for the competition is 4:30 p.m. (MT) and ends at 7 p.m. (MT).
• Please be sure to check with your state Athletic Association to ensure that your participation in PPK will not affect your eligibility to take part in any other sports during the school year.
• All participants must submit a signed parental waiver form. Bring the form with you or sign up at the stadium on that day. There will be forms available when you arrive at 4:00 pm or can be printed off our website at www.sunbowl.org.
2018 Age Verification Chart (as of Dec. 31, 2018 as of 11:59 p.m. local time)
If you were born in: You’re in group:
2012 & 2011 age 6/7
2010 & 2009 age 8/9
2008 & 2007 age 10/11
2006 & 2005 age 12/13
2004 & 2003 age 14/15
REGULATIONS
• No football shoes, turf shoes, cleats or bare feet are allowed. Only soft-sole gym shoes are permitted. Failure to wear gym shoes results in the disqualification of the participant.
• All equipment (other than shoes) needed for the competition will be provided.
• Participants who are 6-7 use a WILSON PEEWEE football. The 8-9 and 10-11 participants use a WILSON JUNIOR football. Participants who are 12-15 use a WILSON INTERMEDIATE football.
Peter Piper Pizza Locations in El Paso
5230 E. Paisano
El Paso, TX 79905
119 N. Balboa Rd.
El Paso, TX 79912
6640 Montana
El Paso, TX 79925
10501 Gateway West
El Paso, TX 79925
9450 Dyer Road
El Paso, TX 79924
5700 N. Desert Blvd
El Paso, TX 79912
1840 Lee Trevino
El Paso, TX 79936
11791 Gateway West Blvd.
El Paso, TX 79936
700 N. Zaragoza Road
El Paso, TX 79907
10771 Gateway South Blvd. Building K
El Paso, TX 79934
1800 N. Zaragosa Road
El Paso, TX 79936
12120 Montana Suite A
El Paso, TX 79938
10870 North Loop Rd.
Socorro, TX 79927
13800 Horizon Blvd.
Horizon, TX 79928
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union have teamed up with the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, Road Runner Food Bank of New Mexico and Town Square Media to feed the hungry in the Borderland. Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted at various locations throughout El Paso and Las Cruces from Sept. 10 through Nov. 5, 2018.
“FirstLight Federal Credit Union and the Sun Bowl Association recognized the need in our communities and have joined forces with Townsquare Media, the El Pasoans Fight Hunger Food Bank and Road Runner Food Bank of New Mexico to help satisfy that need,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas.
Collection bins are located at all FirstLight Federal Credit Union branches in El Paso and the Sun Bowl Association office (4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100). There are also collection bins located at the three FirstLight Federal Credit Union locations in Las Cruces.
“It’s a privilege to give back to the communities that we serve, and by partnering with the Sun Bowl Association and Townsquare Media, we want to collect as much food as possible,” said Natalia Flores, Marketing Manager for FirstLight Federal Credit Union. “As we get closer to the holidays, we are asking the community to come together and donate to the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank and Road Runner Food Bank of New Mexico, so they can give directly to those in need.”
Those donating can register to win a prize pack of four tickets to the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade breakfast and four tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl football game on Dec. 31, 2018 at noon (MT). Donors can register at any of the FirstLight branches as well as the SBA Office. The last day to donate and to register to win is Nov. 5.
FirstLight and the SBA encourages donors to “give the good stuff,” meaning that donations should include the type of food that have the most impact at a pantry—such as peanut butter, canned tuna fish, and canned vegetables—rather than less nutritious snack items or even simply those foods from the back of the cabinet that rarely get eaten.
Supporters and donors can keep up with the success and excitement of the FirstLight Sun Bowl Food Drive and all the efforts of all participants by following on Social Media (Facebook: Hyundai Sun Bowl & FirstLightFCU; Instagram: @HyundaiSunBowl and @firstlightfcu).
List of acceptable donations:
Non-perishable items only
Canned Meat (ham, tuna, meat spread)
Peanut Butter
Chunky Soups & Beef Stew
Macaroni & Cheese
Pastas
Spaghetti Sauce (in a can)
Dry Cereal & Oatmeal
Rice & Beans
Canned Vegetables & Fruits
100% Fruit Juice (cans or plastic bottles)
“Sugar Free,” “Low Sodium,” & “No Salt” Items
Please, NO fresh fruit, vegetables or glass containers
Out dated, opened or damaged products are not accepted
List of drop off points:
FirstLight El Paso Branches
5050 N. Desert Blvd. 79912
9993 Kenworthy St. 79924
1555 N. Lee Trevino Dr. 79936
1635 Pike Rd. 79906
20727 Constitution Ave. 79918
2200 N. Zaragoza Rd. 79938
Sun Bowl Office
4150 Pinnacle St., Suite 100, 79902
FirstLight Las Cruces Branches
300 E. Foster Rd., Las Cruces, N.M. 88005
3105 Del Rey Blvd., Las Cruces, N.M. 88012
3791 E. Lohman Ave., Las Cruces, N.M. 88011
FirstLight Federal Credit Union (locations)
EL PASO, Texas – Tickets for the 85th Annual Hyundai Sun Bowl are on sale now through Ticketmaster and the Sun Bowl Association office. The 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl will kick off at 12 p.m. (MT) Monday, Dec. 31, 2018. The Sun Bowl features teams from the ACC and Pac-12 conferences.
Tickets for the game can be purchased online through the link at www.sunbowl.org or by calling the Sun Bowl Association office at 915-533-4416. Fans are also invited to stop by the Sun Bowl Association office in El Paso at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 to purchase tickets. Fans have already begun purchasing tickets and renewing their ticket plans.
“I am continually amazed that our local fans are so loyal to this longtime tradition and to see how excited they are every year to return to the Sun Bowl for great football games,” said Hyundai Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “Our game is an El Paso tradition and the prices for tickets are very affordable, especially when one compares it to other forms of entertainment.”
The Hyundai Sun Bowl also works with Ticketmaster and fans can visit www.Ticketmaster.com, call the Ticketmaster toll free line at 800-745-3000 or download the Ticketmaster mobile app for both iOS and Android to purchase tickets. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will have additional handling and convenience fees.
Ticket prices start at just $22 with other options priced at $32, $47, $57 and $62. A map of the stadium’s layout can be found at www.sunbowl.org.
Fans can help send others to the game through our “Salute a Soldier Program” and “Take a Child to the Game Program.”
“As a non-profit organization we are always looking for ways to have others join us in giving back to the community,” Olivas said. “Our ‘Salute a Soldier Program’ and ‘Take a Child to the Game Program’ are two great ways to show love to the community we live in. The Fort Bliss soldiers who have received tickets in the past have been ecstatic and it’s always great to give tickets to children, especially as a Christmas gift.”
The “Salute a Soldier Program” allows fans and companies the opportunity to give a Fort Bliss soldier a memory to last a lifetime. As a sponsor, you will give the soldier an opportunity to attend the game while your company is recognized during the game.
If a fan or company would prefer to take part in the “Take a Child to the Game Program” that person or company affords local children the opportunity to attend the Hyundai Sun Bowl. With the game falling only four days after Christmas, this would make an excellent Christmas gift. The goal is to send 3,000 children to the game and give them an experience they will never forget. Along with the goodwill that comes with sending a child to the game, any person or company taking part in this program will receive recognition at the game. The Sun Bowl Association is happy to provide a list of youth organizations that your company may choose from, if you do not already have a connection with one in the community. Contact the Sun Bowl Association ticket or marketing offices for details on the two programs.
This year’s game marks the 51st consecutive year the Sun Bowl has been broadcast by CBS, which makes it the second longest program on the same network on all of television only behind the Master’s.
Link to ticket information: http://sunbowl.org/tickets/sun_bowl.
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association is teaming up with the YMCA of El Paso to give football fans around the country another chance to win a $1,500 Sun Bowl Game Package for the Hyundai Sun Bowl by participating in the YMCA of El Paso Hyundai Sun Bowl Challenge.
The contest starts this week as the 2018 college football season is now underway. Each week contestants will attempt to predict the winners of 10 predetermined Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Pac-12 games, the Hyundai Sun Bowl conference affiliates. The first game for contestants to predict is set for Friday, August 31.
“The YMCA has always enjoyed being a part of the events that the Sun Bowl Association puts on,” said Bill Coon, CEO/President of the El Paso YMCA. “The community has been very generous to us and other organizations such as ours, so we are more than happy to partner with the Sun Bowl Association to do this.”
With each game valued at one point, a weekly winner will be determined by the individual who accumulates the most points. In addition, contestants will be asked to estimate the total points scored by both teams of a predetermined game. In case of a tiebreaker, the contestant with the most accurate prediction of total points scored will be the weekly winner.
“Fans from around the country continue to have a great time with this promotion and we want to continue to make the college football experience a fun and exciting one so once again we are teaming up with the YMCA of El Paso,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We would like to thank Bill Coon and the YMCA of El Paso for the continued support, and hope the contest makes the college football season more exciting for everyone that participates.”
The 13 weekly winners will win two 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl tickets along with one month free adult membership to the YMCA of El Paso. Weekly winners will automatically advance to “Championship Week,” in which they will once again predict the winners of each college football conference championship game. The contestant with the most correctly chosen conference title games will receive two Captain’s Club level tickets to the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl, two VIP Pre-game tent party tickets, one parking pass and one-year family membership to the YMCA of El Paso.
Football fans must register for the Hyundai Sun Bowl Challenge by logging into http://sunbowl.org/contest/register. For complete rules and regulations please visit http://sunbowl.org/contest/terms.
Week One Games:
Colorado vs. Colorado State
Friday, August 31 at 7:30 PM (MT)
Washington State vs. Wyoming
Saturday, September 1 at 1:30 PM (MT)
No. 6 Washington vs. No. 9 Auburn
Saturday, September 1 at 1:30 PM (MT)
UNLV vs. No. 15 USC
Saturday, September 1 at 2:00 PM (MT)
North Carolina vs. California
Saturday, September 1 at 2:00 PM (MT)
No. 14 Michigan vs. No. 12 Notre Dame
Saturday, September 1 at 5:30 PM (MT)
Louisville vs. No. 1 Alabama
Saturday, September 1 at 6:00 PM (MT) –
BYU vs. Arizona
Saturday, September 1 at 8:45 PM (MT)
No. 8 Miami vs. No. 25 LSU
Sunday, September 2 at 5:30 PM (MT)
No. 20 Virginia Tech vs. No. 19 Florida State
Monday, September 3 at 6:00 PM (MT)
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association has announced the 2018 Sun Court that includes a new Sun Queen, Lady-in-Waiting and Sun Princesses. The 2018 Sun Court was crowned at the El Paso Country Club on Saturday, Aug 4.
“All these wonderful women are natives of El Paso and have amazing backgrounds,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “Our Sun Queen and Lady-in-Waiting will be great leaders for this great group of Sun Bowl and El Paso ambassadors.”
The Sun Court serves as ambassadors for the city of El Paso. They volunteer at various community events and make appearances at the Andeavor All-America Golf Classic, FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade, WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, Hyundai Sun Bowl Game, Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, the Helen of Troy Sun Court Charm Camp and other community events throughout the year.
The 2018 Sun Queen is Mckenna Hitter and the new Lady-in-Waiting is Stephanie Paz. Both Hitter and Paz were Sun Princesses in 2017.
There were 10 young ladies selected as Sun Princesses and were selected after applying and going through an interview process. The selection was based on poise, appearance, communication and interpersonal skills, while also having the ability to demonstrate knowledge of El Paso and the Sun Bowl Association.
The following women were selected to Sun Court this year: Kristen Ahumada, Courtney Chesanek, Daisy Colon, Ayla Lopez, Diana Martinez, Tomiko Reyes, Kirsten Stephenson, Elizabeth Vega, Alina Ward and Sydney Ward.
ABOUT THE SUN COURT
Coronation has been part of the Sun Bowl since the first-ever college Sun Bowl game was played in 1936. Coronation played a huge social role in the “Sun Carnival”, the week-long pageantry associated with the Sun Bowl.
According to the 1938 Sun Bowl game program, “The social side of the Sun Carnival centers around the Coronation of the Sun Queen with Lady-In-Waiting and her Royal Court of Princesses from all the cities of the Sun Empire and the Grand Ball tendered by the Association in honor of Her Majesty and Court.”
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and WestStar Bank have announced the match-ups for the 57th Annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, which will be held in the Don Haskins Center, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 21-22.
The four-team tournament includes two top-100 (RPI) teams and a former UTEP-conference rival from the Western Athletic Conference. Wyoming returns to El Paso for the holiday tournament and joins East Tennessee State, Norfolk State and home team, UTEP on the hardwood.
“We appreciate all the hard work that the Sun Bowl committee puts into hosting this tournament and finding quality opponents to compete in it year in and year out,” said UTEP Head Coach Rodney Terry.
East Tennessee State, who is making its first appearance in the oldest collegiate holiday basketball tournament in the nation, will open against Wyoming at 5 p.m. (MST) in the Don Haskins Center. Wyoming is making its second appearance in the tournament. The first time the Cowboys played in the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational was in 2007, going 1-1 that year.
UTEP will open the tournament against Norfolk State, which is making its third appearance in the Invitational after making it to the championship game in 2015. The Miners have played in every tournament since it began in 1961.
Friday, Dec. 21, 2018
5 p.m. (MST) – East Tennessee State vs. Wyoming
7 p.m. (MST) – Norfolk State vs. UTEP
Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018
5 p.m. (MST) – Consolation Game
7 p.m. (MST) – Championship Game
ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT
In 2009, the tournament was renamed to honor former UTEP head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Don Haskins. “The Bear” coached at UTEP from 1961 to 1999, winning 719 games and making 14 postseason appearances. Haskins famously led the Miners to victory in the 1966 National Championship game over Adolph Rupp and the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats.
The Sun Bowl Association would like to thank WestStar Bank for supporting the nation’s oldest holiday basketball tournament as it has been the title sponsor for 10 consecutive years.
EL PASO, Texas – Artists from all across the El Paso region have a unique opportunity to make a name for themselves while being given a chance to win some nice prizes. FirstLight Federal Credit Union and the Sun Bowl Association have announced the “FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade Poster Contest” that starts today.
“We wanted to continue to find ways to keep the community involved with our parade and wanted to find a way to give back,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director for the Sun Bowl Association. “We have some of the best artists around and we know we will receive some amazing entries.”
An entry can be submitted starting on Tuesday, July 17 with the final entries being accepted on Saturday, Sept. 15. Entries can be submitted at digitally via email at sunbowl@sunbowl.org or can be dropped off at the Sun Bowl Association office, which is located at 4150 Pinnacle St., Suite 100, El Paso, Texas). The poster must be 11” x 17” and must be original art. Any mixed media is suitable for reproduction, including computer-generated graphics. Copyrighted artwork and photos on a poster will automatically disqualify an entry.
The winning entry will be the official 2018 FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade poster and will be printed for distribution. The artist and winning poster will also be featured on the FirstLight Federal Credit Union and Sun Bowl websites along with their social media pages. In addition, the winner will receive four tickets to the FirstLight Sun Bowl Breakfast, which is held before the parade on Thanksgiving Day, as well as a pair of tickets to the Hyundai Sun Bowl football game, which will be held on Dec. 31, 2018.
“We look forward to seeing the entries we will receive,” Olivas said. “I am sure it will be fun and challenging to judge and pick a winner.”
The judging will be done by various employees and board members from the Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union. Judging will be based on creativity, clarity and relativity to the parade theme, which is “Amazing Feats.”
“We are excited to see the wealth of talent in the community produce something unique for this year’s parade,” said Natalia Flores, Marketing Manager, FirstLight Federal Credit Union. “It will be amazing feat in itself, having a local artist produce the winning poster.”
The winner will be announced via press release on or before Oct. 1, 2018.
For more information and a complete list of Rules and Regulations of the contest, please go to www.sunbowl.org or call Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas at 915-533-4416.
COMPLETE LIST OF RULES & GUIDELINES: 2018 Parade Poster Contest – Rules and Guidelines
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and FirstLight Federal Credit Union announced on Friday, June 21 that the theme for the 82nd Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is “Amazing Feats.”
Can you think of an “Amazing Feat” from any time in history? Examples of some “Amazing Feats” for a float can include accomplishments found in the Guiness Book of World Records, feats from History books or Biblical feats, such as Moses parting the Red Sea. Other ideas can include eating records, engineering feats or athletic records like the world record for most footballs kicked in one minute or the longest shot-put. Another example of an “Amazing Feat” is UTEP winning the 1966 National Championship in basketball.
“This theme allows those entering a float to be very creative and gives the builders lots of freedom to show that creativity,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We are excited to see what kind of ideas come up and hope that everyone has fun with this theme.”
Themes for individual floats should be built around the 2018 FirstLight Federal Credit Union
Sun Bowl Parade theme of “Amazing Feats.” Float entry applications are due at the Sun Bowl Association office, which is located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, Suite 100 in El Paso, Texas, no later than Sept. 8, 2018. A mock-up of the float, or of the artwork, along with a written description of the float and sponsor information should be sent along with the entry form and certificate of insurance no later than Sept. 8, 2018.
The 82nd Annual FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade is scheduled for Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018 with a start-time of 10 a.m. (MT). The parade runs down Montana Ave from Ochoa Street and ends at Copia Street.
The El Paso Downtown Lions Club organized the Parade in 1935. The parade was held on New Year’s Day from 1936 until 1978 when the event was rescheduled for Thanksgiving Day. The holiday pageant is planned, coordinated and produced by volunteer efforts and draws an annual crowd of over 250,000 spectators. The Sun Bowl Parade is the largest community event in the west Texas, New Mexico and Mexico area and brings together service clubs and civic organizations as well as all sectors of business and industries within the community.
For more information on the parade go to the Sun Bowl Association website at www.sunbowl.org/parade.
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association is hosting the 2018 Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament at the West Side Soccer Complex (201 Isela Rubalcava) in El Paso, Texas, Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10.
There are approximately 130 teams set to play in the 19th edition of the tournament with groups coming into El Paso from Juarez, Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and other areas throughout New Mexico and Texas. The tournament is open to boys and girls that range from U6 to U19.
“Teams and the community appreciate this tournament,” said Joe Daubach, the Special Events Director for the Sun Bowl Association. “It’s exciting to challenge all of our volunteers to take this tournament to the next level year after year. We strive to promote El Paso, while encouraging visitors to stay in hotels and eat in local restaurants. Teams leave with a great outlook about El Paso.”
Matches will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning with the tournament wrapping up on Sunday evening. Trophies will be awarded for first place teams in U9-U19 age brackets while the younger kids will all get medals, no matter where they place.
For more information about the tournament, please contact the Sun Bowl Association at 915-533-4416 or go online at www.sunbowl.org/soccer.
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and WestStar Bank are pleased to announce the teams coming to El Paso for the 57th Annual WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational, which will be held in the Don Haskins Center, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 21-22.
The four-team tournament includes two top-100 (RPI) teams and a former UTEP-conference rival from the Western Athletic Conference. Wyoming returns to El Paso for the holiday tournament and joins East Tennessee State, Norfolk State and home team, UTEP on the hardwood.
“We appreciate all the hard work that the Sun Bowl committee puts into hosting this tournament, and finding quality opponents to compete in it year in and year out,” said UTEP Head Coach Rodney Terry.
East Tennessee State is making its first appearance in the oldest collegiate holiday basketball tournament in the nation, while Wyoming is making its second appearance. The first time the Cowboys played in the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational was in 2007, going 1-1 that year. This is Norfolk State’s third appearance in the Invitational after making it to the championship game in 2015. The Miners have played in every tournament since it began in 1961.
“We are thrilled about this year’s field. We are hoping to continue our plan of bringing in the best teams we can find,” Sun Bowl basketball committee chairman Barry Kobren said. “East Tennessee posted an RPI of 92 and Wyoming finished with an RPI of 98 last year. With the addition of new UTEP head coach Rodney Terry and some great recruits coming to El Paso, this looks to be a very competitive tournament once again.”
The North Dakota State Bison defeated the UTEP Miners 63-51 in the championship game of the 2017 WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational to take home the hardware on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 in the Don Haskins Center. NDSU used a 19-2 scoring run during the final seven and a half minutes of the game to secure the victory. Guard Paul Smith, who was awarded the Barry Kobren Most Valuable Player Trophy, led all players with 19 points. Sophomore guard Tyson Ward, who was named to the all-tournament team, tallied 10 points and 11 rebounds.
“This tournament has become a tradition and the history of teams and players that have come through El Paso is tremendous,” Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas said. “Our basketball committee, which is led by Barry Kobren, continues to seek out and work towards bringing quality teams to the Don Haskins Center and El Paso.”
ABOUT THE 2018 TEAMS
East Tennessee State
• ETSU head coach Steve Forbes enters his fourth season with the Buccaneers, and has totaled 76 wins and a .724 win percentage in his first three seasons. Forbes holds the 14th highest win percentage among current NCAA Division I head coaches.
• ETSU is a member of the Southern Conference and has made 10 trips to the NCAA Tournament, while totaling 22 conference championships in program history.
• The Buccaneers are coming off a 25-win campaign in 2017-18, including a 16-game win streak, which tied a program record and also stood as the longest win streak in the country at one point during that run. The Blue and Gold also tied a program record with 11 true road wins a year ago.
• ETSU boasts one of the nation’s longest three-point streaks, as the Bucs have made at least one three-pointer in 963 consecutive games, marking the seventh-longest active streak.
Norfolk State Spartans
• Head Coach Robert Jones (Sixth Season)
• NSU finished 14-19 overall last year, 11-5 in the MEAC.
• The Spartans tied for 4th in the league standings in 2017-18, the first time in 7 years they did not finish 3rd or better.
• They have still finished 4th or better in the league in 11 of the last 12 seasons.
• NSU set school records last year for 3-pointers (254) and 3-point field goal % (35.9)
• The Spartans ranked in the top 60 in the nation last year in turnovers forced, rebounds per game and field goal % defense.
• Head coach Robert Jones is 87-82 in his 5 seasons, including 58-22 in MEAC games.
• Played in the 2015 WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational Championship.
UTEP Miners
• Head Coach Rodney Terry (First Season)
• UTEP Basketball enters a new era in 2018-19 as Rodney Terry was appointed the 19th head coach in program history on March 12.
• Terry posted four 20-win seasons in the last five years as head coach at Fresno State, leading the Bulldogs to the 2016 NCAA Tournament.
• Joining Terry on the UTEP staff are assistant coaches Lamont Smith, Brian Burton and Nick Matson, and Director of Basketball Operations Mark Gisbertz.
• The Miners return four key players from the 2017-18 season in senior forward Paul Thomas (8.1 ppg/5.4 rpg), junior guard Isiah Osborne (9.4 ppg) and sophomore guards Evan Gilyard (9.1 ppg) and Kobe Magee (4.5 ppg). UTEP also introduces a talented group of incoming freshmen including forward Kaosi Ezeagu, guard Nigel Hawkins and center Efe Odigie.
Wyoming Cowboys
• Head Coach Allen Edwards (Third Season) has won 20 or more games in his first two seasons as head coach.
• Wyoming is led by First Team All-Mountain West Player Justin James.
• The Pokes will play their first game in El Paso since 2008 when UW played in the Sun Bowl Invitational.
• The Cowboys have hit over 300 three pointers in each of the last three seasons.
• Wyoming has had two of their all-time top three scoring seasons in two seasons under Edwards.
• 2017 Final RPI – 98
• 2017 CBI Champion
ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT
In 2009, the tournament was renamed to honor former UTEP head coach and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Don Haskins. “The Bear” coached at UTEP from 1961 to 1999, winning 719 games and making 14 postseason appearances. Haskins famously led the Miners to victory in the 1966 National Championship game over Adolph Rupp and the heavily favored Kentucky Wildcats.
The Sun Bowl Association would like to thank WestStar Bank for supporting the nation’s oldest holiday basketball tournament as it has been the title sponsor for 10 consecutive years.
+ Sun Bowl +
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Executive Director Bernie Olivas announced on Wednesday, May 23 that the 85th edition of the Hyundai Sun Bowl will be played on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 in Sun Bowl Stadium with kick-off set for 12 p.m. (MT). The game, featuring a team from the ACC or Notre Dame taking on a team from of the Pac-12, will air on CBS for the 51st consecutive year.
“We are happy to announce that we are returning to our traditional New Year’s Eve slot,” Olivas said. “Many of our local fans had expressed to us that the New Year’s Eve date had become a family tradition and we are excited to have the game back on that day.”
Since the first Sun Bowl played on January 1, 1935, as a fundraising event for a local service club, the game has grown into El Paso’s number one national attraction. With its picturesque stadium nestled between two mountains it has become a staple to the Southwest.
Ara Parseghian played here, as well as Merlin Olsen. Through the years, the Sun Bowl has hosted some of the greats of the game – Tony Dorsett, Barry Sanders, Don Maynard, James Lofton, Carson Palmer, LaDainian Tomlinson and more recently Jonathan Stewart, Toby Gerhart, Mitch Trubisky, Solomon Thomas and Joey Harrington.
The 2017 Hyundai Sun Bowl consisted of No. 24 North Carolina State racking up 52 points to defeat Arizona State, 52-31, in front of 39,897 fans on beautiful Friday afternoon. The Wolfpack’s 52 points is the second-most scored by a team in the Sun Bowl’s prestigious history, trailing only the 56 scored by Oregon in 2007. The 83 combined points is also second-most in Sun Bowl history. UCLA and Northwestern combined to score 88 points in 2006.
Parking, RV parking and party passes are available for purchase at the Sun Bowl Association office. For questions concerning ADA ticket purchases and parking, please call the Sun Bowl Association office.
For ticket information about the 2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl go online to www.sunbowl.org or call the Hyundai Sun Bowl Ticket Manager at 915-533-4416.
Ticket Prices:
$22 – End Zone
$22 – Touchdown (upper corners of stadium)
$32 – Sun Seats
$47 – Stadium
$57 – Preferred
$62 – Premium
$652 – Captain’s Club
2018 Hyundai Sun Bowl Poster
SUN BOWL
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association and Executive Director Bernie Olivas announced on Sunday, May 6 that Scott Mann is its 85th President for the 2018-19 year.
As president, Mann will be the spokesman for the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors, as well as the general supervisor of the various association committees and activities.
“Mann’s vast experience and love for the El Paso community is a huge benefit for the Sun Bowl Association,” Olivas said. “His knowledge of the Sun Bowl Association makes him a great fit to lead our Board. We are all looking forward to another great year with Scott at the helm.”
Mr. Mann is an attorney and partner in long-time El Paso law firm, Kemp Smith’s Trial Department. He is also a member of the firm’s Management Committee. The primary focus of his law practice is the defense of healthcare providers in the state and federal courts of Texas and New Mexico, as well as before licensing boards in both states.
Mann will oversee the Association’s continued commitment to El Paso through various events, including the 85th Hyundai Sun Bowl on December 31, 2018. The Sun Bowl Association puts on a variety of other community events, including the Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament, the Sun Bowl Andeavor All-America Golf Classic, the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade and the WestStar Bank Don Haskins Sun Bowl Invitational.
Over the years, Mr. Mann has participated in a variety of capacities with the Association. He was a member of the basketball committee in 2008 and was part of the golf committee from 2008-2012 and again in 2014. Mann joined the Board of Directors in 2009 and has been the Association’s Vice President of Legal Affairs since 2012.
Scott Mann is married to Tekla and together they have three children; Reese, Caroline and Walt.
Joining the 85th president of the association on the Board of Directors are Stuart Sliva (President-Elect), Natalia Flores (Executive Vice President), Bill Coon (Immediate Past President), Jimmy Rogers, Jr. (Chair Emeritus), Tamara Gladkowski (Secretary), John Aranda (Treasurer), Bryan Crowe (VP Community Relations), Robert Dunlop (VP Marketing), Scott Mann (VP Legal Affairs), Wayne Thornton (VP Public Relations), Michael Guerra (VP Volunteers), Barry Kobren (Basketball Chairman), Asher Feinberg (CBS Host Chairman), Linda Smith (Coronation Chair), John Folmer (Football Chairman), Mark Pelletier (Golf Chairman), Jim Lawrence (Parade Chairman), Art Muñoz (VP Special Events), Allen Rystad (Provisions Chairman), Richard Dayoub (Board Member)Ernest Eisenberg (Board Member), Travis Hughes (Board Member), Michelle Kaip (Board Member), Richard Limas (Board Member), Victor Rueda (Board Member), Victor Salazar (Board Member), James O. Stewart III (Board Member) and Tony Valtier (Board Member).
The 2018 Sun Bowl Association Board of Advisors is made up of past presidents Amen Ayoub, Steve Beltran, Walker Crowson, Linda East, Chris Mott, Marilyn Munden, Mike Rogers, Joe Valenzuela, along with members Joana Alferez, Ruben Batista, Gil Blancas, Joseph Bocanegra, Cassandra Davisson, Celia Dubrule, David Forti, Greg Groves, Frank Hernandez, Brian Kennedy, Tommy Lewis, David Lindhuber, Leila Melendez, Andre Miranda, David Morales, Cindy Ramos Davidson, Terri Rangel, Jim Senter, Jeff Stevens, Eric Swanson, Brad Taylor, Brooke Underwood, Pat Valdez-Rios, Mario Vega and Rebekah Wierson.
For more information about the Hyundai Sun Bowl go to online at www.sunbowl.org.
#SUN BOWL#
EL PASO, Texas – The Sun Bowl Association reached its max capacity for the number of youth soccer teams participating in the 2017 annual Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament and is hoping to replicate that for the 2018 tournament, which is set for June 8-10 at the West Side Soccer Complex in El Paso, Texas.
“Our job here with the Sun Bowl Association is to put on quality events for the city, and this is just another of the many events the Association produces,” said Bernie Olivas, Executive Director of the Sun Bowl Association. “As a non-profit organization our goal is to put on a great event for the community and especially for the youth of El Paso. We are working to make each event better and better and this tournament has grown from the humble beginnings of 48 teams to the nearly 200 teams that participated in 2017.”
The Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament brings together soccer teams from El Paso, Juarez, Albuquerque, Tucson, Las Cruces, Midland, Odessa and surrounding areas to compete together in friendly competition. The tournament is open to boys and girls that range from U6 to U19.
“Teams and the community appreciate this tournament,” said Joe Daubach, the Special Events Director for the Sun Bowl Association. “It’s exciting to challenge all of our volunteers to take this tournament to the next level year after year. We strive to promote El Paso, while encouraging visitors to stay in hotels and eat in local restaurants. Teams leave with a great outlook about El Paso.”
Teams can save money by signing up for the tournament before May 10. The “Early Bird Entry Fee” is as follows:
U6 to U8–$200;
U9 to U12 – $325;
U13 to U19 – $375.
Teams that sign up after May 10 will be charged the full entry fee. Entry fee for teams signing up after May 10 is as follows:
U6 to U8– $225;
U9 to U12 – $350;
U13 to U19 – $400.
Teams will be accepted until a bracket is complete. For more information on the 2018 Annual Academy Sports + Outdoors Sun Bowl International Soccer Tournament,
For more information about the tournament, please contact the Sun Bowl Association at 915-533-4416 or go online at http://www.sunbowl.org/events/soccer.
Don't wait til it's too late!
EL PASO, Texas – The 2018 Sun Court has been around since the first Sun Bowl game in 1935, and continues to thrive. This year’s Sun Court Coronation will be on Saturday, August 1, 2018. However, applications are already available online at www.sunbowl.org.
In order to be eligible applicants must fit these few criteria’s. All Sun Princesses must be within the ages of 18-22 as of September 1, 2018. Applicants must be enrolled as a full-time student, with a minimum of 12 credit hours and must hold a GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 grading scale. Applicants may not hold any other title, as well as never being married and have not had any children.
“We are hoping that getting the application out earlier will allow those interested in applying to look at their schedules so that they can be a part of all the events we have,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “This is a great tradition for the Sun Bowl and for El Paso. We tend to get some of the best women in the community to represent the Sun Bowl Association and the City of El Paso.”
If the applicants meet these requirements they must submit their application, official transcript, professional resume, a 5×7 color head shot, and an essay by Friday, June 15, 2018. The essay may contain no more than 500 words explaining their; community involvement, activities, awards, employment, and simply information on themselves and why they would like to be a Sun Princess.
Email Amber Herrera the required documents along with the application to aherrera@sunbowl.org.
Interviews will be located at 4150 Pinnacle Street, El Paso, TX. On Saturday, July 7, 2018 starting at 9 a.m. All applicants will be notified with their interview schedule after the application deadline on Friday, June 15, 2018. If applicants are selected as a 2018 Sun Princess, they will then be eligible for the Sun Queen competition in 2019. The 2018 Sun Queen will be based on the performance of the 2017 Sun Princesses during the Sun Bowl events of that year. Any and all questions can be answered by Amber Herrera either by the email above or by phone to (915)-533-4416.
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