Best of the 2016 college football bowls

Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine carries the ball for a touchdown against Auburn. (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2)

Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield is tackled by Auburn defensive back Nick Ruffin, bottom, and defensive lineman Marlon Davidson. (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2)

Oklahoma cornerback Jordan Thomas reaches up to intercept a pass intended for Auburn wide receiver Tony Stevens. (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2)

Auburn wide receiver Carson Griffis is flipped up by Oklahoma cornerback Jordan Thomas after making a pass reception. (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 2)

USC running back Ronald Jones II runs against Penn State defensive end Shareef Miller. (Rose Bowl, Jan. 2)

Penn State cornerback Christian Campbell breaks up a pass against USC. (Rose Bowl, Jan. 2)

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley runs against USC linebacker Quinton Powell. (Rose Bowl, Jan. 2)

Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch for a touchdown against USC Trojans defensive back Adoree' Jackson (2) and defensive back Leon McQuay III (22) during the second quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl.

USC Trojans defensive back Iman Marshall (8) celebrates making an interception against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the first quarter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl.

Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs against USC Trojans defensive back Adoree' Jackson (2) during the first half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl.

Wisconsin Badgers safety Keelon Brookins (24) celebrates with teammates after the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.

Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Sojourn Shelton (8) celebrates after defeating the Western Michigan Broncos 24-16 at AT&T Stadium.

Wisconsin Badgers tight end Eric Steffes (44), tight end Troy Fumagalli (81), fullback Leon Jacobs (32), and linebacker Garret Dooley (5) pose with the trophy after defeating the Western Michigan Broncos 24-16 at AT&T Stadium.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Corey Clement (6) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium.

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Bart Houston (13) and offensive lineman David Edwards (79) celebrate a touchdown during the first half against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.

Wisconsin Badgers safety Leo Musso (19) celebrates after a tackle against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium.

Western Michigan Broncos head coach P. J. Fleck reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at AT&T Stadium.

Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Aaron Mends (31) is congratulated by teammates after he made a sack against the Florida Gators during the second half at Raymond James Stadium.

Florida Gators defensive back Chauncey Gardner (23) celebrates with defensive back Marcell Harris (26) and defensive back Teez Tabor (31) after a play in the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Raymond James Stadium.

Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Brandon Snyder (37) celebrates after intercepting the ball in the first quarter against the Florida Gators at Raymond James Stadium.

Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Joshua Jackson (15) defends Florida Gators wide receiver Ahmad Fulwood (5) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium.

Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Josey Jewell (43), defensive lineman Parker Hesse (40) and defensive back Anthony Gair (12) tackle Florida Gators running back Jordan Scarlett (25) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney and quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebate the Tigers' victory in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State.

Clemson running back Wayne Gallman (9) leaps over Ohio State safety Malik Hooker (24) to score a touchdown during the second half.

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs in a touchdown during the third quarter against Ohio State.

Clemson running back C.J. Fuller (27) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against Ohio State.

Clemson running back C.J. Fuller (27) catches a touchdown pass against Ohio State.

Clemson wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) is stopped by Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette (3) during the first half.

Ohio State safety Malik Hooker (24) intercepts a pass intended for Clemson wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the first half.

Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) throws under pressure from Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (90) during the first half.

Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough (left), head coach Nick Saban and linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) celebrate after winning the Peach Bowl.

Washington Huskies linebacker Psalm Wooching (28) reacts after a play during the third quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Georgia Dome.

Alabama linebacker Ryan Anderson (22) returns an interception for a touchdown to give the Tide a 17-7 lead at the half.

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Tony Brown (2) celebrates after a play during the second quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome.

Washington Huskies wide receiver John Ross (1) fumbles against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP semifinal at the Peach Bowl at the Georgia Dome.

LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (4) and LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) hold the trophy after they beat the Louisville Cardinals at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9.

LSU Tigers wide receiver D.J. Chark (82) catches the ball as Louisville Cardinals cornerback Zykiesis Cannon (24) attempted to defend during the first half at Camping World Stadium.

LSU Tigers running back Derrius Guice (5) gets tripped up by Louisville Cardinals safety Chucky Williams (22) during the first quarter at Camping World Stadium.

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets celebrate after beating the Kentucky Wildcats in the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets won 33-18.

Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Dorian Baker (2) catches a touchdown catch in the second half as Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Step Durham (8) defends at EverBank Field. The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets won 33-18.

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Qua Searcy (1) reacts after a first down play in the first quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at EverBank Field.

Michigan cornerback Channing Stribling and safety Dymonte Thomas defend a pass intended for Florida State wide receiver Auden Tate. (Orange Bowl, Dec. 30)

Florida State defensive back Trey Marshall, left, and linebacker Matthew Thomas tackle Michigan tight end Jake Butt. (Orange Bowl, Dec. 30)

South Alabama running back Xavier Johnson loses control of the ball as he is tackled by Air Force defensive back Weston Steelhammer. (Arizona Bowl, Dec. 30)

South Alabama quarterback Dallas Davis is tackled by Air Force defenders. (Arizona Bowl, Dec. 30)

Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs scores a touchdown on a 10-yard run against Nebraska. (Music City Bowl, Dec. 30)

Nebraska running back Terrell Newby carries the ball against Tennessee. (Music City Bowl, Dec. 30)

Stanford quarterback Keller Chryst looks to throw the ball against North Carolina. (Sun Bowl, Dec. 30)

North Carolina receiver Ryan Switzer celebrates after catching a touchdown against Stanford. (Sun Bowl, Dec. 30)

TCU defender Tipa Galeai celebrates a sack and fumble recovery against Georgia. (Liberty Bowl, Dec. 30)

Georgia running back Sony Michel tries to avoid the tackle attempt by TCU's Ty Summers (42) and Jeff Gladney. (Liberty Bowl, Dec. 30)

Oklahoma State players celebrate after defeating Colorado to win the Alamo Bowl.

Oklahoma State wide receiver James Washington (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Colorado.

Virginia Tech fullback Sam Rogers (45) reaches for a touchdown in the second half against Arkansas.

Virginia Tech linebacker Anthony Shegog (24) knocks Arkansas wide receiver Deon Stewart (13) out of bounds before the goal line in the first quarter.

Dec 29, 2016; Birmingham, AL, USA; won 46-39 in overtime.

South Florida Bulls wide receiver Rodney Adams (87) works around the defense of South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Rashad Fenton (16) during the first quarter in the 2016 Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field.

Indiana running back Devine Redding is tackled by Utah defensive back Marcus Williams and linebacker Sunia Tauteoli. (Foster Farms Bowl, Dec. 28)

Utah place kicker Andy Phillips kicks a field goal against Indiana. (Foster Farms Bowl, Dec. 28)

Kansas State defensive back Kendall Adams intercepts a pass intended for Texas A&M wide receiver Christian Kirk.(Texas Bowl, Dec. 28)

Texas A&M wide receiver Josh Reynolds makes a touchdown reception as Kansas State defensive back Duke Shelley defends. (Texas Bowl, Dec. 28)

Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya runs the ball against West Virginia. (Russell Athletic Bowl, Dec. 27)

Miami defensive back Corn Elder brings down West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard. (Russell Athletic Bowl, Dec. 27)

Northwestern Wildcats running back Justin Jackson (21) celebrates his touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Avonte Maddox (14) celebrates with teammates after his interception against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.

Baylor interim head coach Jim Grobe is doused with gatorade in the closing seconds of the Bears' win over Boise State. (Cactus Bowl, Dec. 27)

Boise State running back Jeremy McNichols is upended by Baylor linebacker Taylor Young. (Cactus Bowl, Dec. 27)

Minnesota running back Shannon Brooks jumps out of the grasp of Washington State cornerback Marcellus Pippins. (Holiday Bowl, Dec. 26)

Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner is tackled by Washington State linebacker Frankie Luvu, left, and safety Jalen Thompson. (Holiday Bowl, Dec. 26)

Minnesota receiver Drew Wolitarsky attempts to catch a pass as Washington State cornerback Marcellus Pippins defends. (Holiday Bowl, Dec. 26)

Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Demetrius Kemp (34) reacts after a teammates recovers Temple Owls defensive back Sean Chandler (3) fumble during the second quarter at Navy-Marine Corps. Stadium.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Cade Carney (36) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in front of Temple Owls linebacker Jarred Alwan (41) during the second quarter at Navy-Marine Corps.

Army Black Knights linebacker Jeremy Timpf (39) and linebacker Andrew King (11) hold the Zaxby's Heart of Dallas Bowl Trophy after beating the North Texas Mean Green in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium.

North Texas Mean Green wide receiver Rico Bussey Jr. (8) catches a touchdown pass against Army Black Knights defensive back Mike Reynolds (29) in the first half in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Army Black Knights running back Christian Drake (8) and Black Knights running back Donovan Franklin lead the Army Black Knights onto the field against North Texas Mean Green in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium.

North Texas cheerleaders pose on an Army tank before the Mean Green faced the Army Black Knights in the Heart of Dallas Bowl.

North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb (9) and head coach Dave Doeren celebrate after beating Vanderbilt.

North Carolina State tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) scores a touchdown during the first half against Vanderbilt.

North Carolina State tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) reaches out for a touchdown against Vanderbilt.

North Carolina State tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) carries the ball as Vanderbilt cornerback Tre Herndon (31) attempts the tackle during the first half.

North Carolina State defensive end Kentavius Street (35) and safety Josh Jones (11) tackle Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb (7) during the first half.

Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) spins around North Carolina State Wolfpack cornerback Nick McCloud (21) during the first half at Independence Stadium.

Boston College Eagles tight end Tommy Sweeney (89) receives congratulations from offensive lineman Elijah Johnson (76) and tight end Michael Giacone (88) after scoring in the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Ford Field.

Maryland Terrapins quarterback Perry Hills (11) passes under pressure in the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Ford Field.

Boston College Eagles tight end Tommy Sweeney (89) dives for more yardage in the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Ford Field.

Mississippi State Bulldogs teammates celebrate after defeating the Miami Redhawks 17-16 at Tropicana Field.

Miami Redhawks wide receiver James Gardner (81) celebrates his touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Tropicana Field.

Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen reacts in the game against the Miami Redhawks during the first half at Tropicana Field.

Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Ashton Shumpert (32) gets tackled by the Miami Redhawks defense during the first half at Tropicana Field.

Miami Redhawks running back Kenny Young (3) makes a catch in front of Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Lashard Durr (25) during the first half at Tropicana Field.

Hawaii players celebrate after beating Middle Tennessee to win the Hawaii Bowl.

Hawaii running back Diocemy Saint Juste (22) runs through the Middle Tennessee defense during the third quarter.

Middle Tennessee wide receiver Dennis Andrews (20) holds the ball in the air after scoring a touchdown against Hawaii.

Hawaii wide receiver Marcus Kemp (14) celebrates after pulling in a touchdown against Middle Tennessee.

Hawaii running back Freddie Holly III (21) gets tackled by Middle Tennessee cornerback Michael Minter (6) during the second quarter.

Hawaii linebacker Jahlani Tavai (31) and defensive back Jalen Rogers (19) can't stop Middle Tennessee running back I'Tavius Mathers (4) from scoring a first-quarter touchdown.

Middle Tennessee wide receiver Ty Lee (24) leaps over Hawaii defensive back Damien Packer (21) for a touchdown during the second quarter.

Hawaii defensive back Damien Packer (21) pulls down Middle Tennessee wide receiver Ty Lee (24) during the second quarter.

Troy cornerback Kamryn Melton breaks up a pass intended for Ohio wide receiver Sebastian Smith as Troy safety Cedarius Rookard moves to intercept the ball. (Dollar General Bowl, Dec. 23)

Ohio wide receiver Jordan Reid catches a pass for a touchdown against Troy. (Dollar General Bowl, Dec. 23)

Troy quarterback Brandon Silvers drops back to pass against Ohio. (Dollar General Bowl, Dec. 23)

Ohio running back Papi White catches a pass for a touchdown against Troy. (Dollar General Bowl, Dec. 23)

Louisiana Tech players hold up the championship trophy after defeating Navy. (Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 23)

Navy running back Tre Walker runs the ball against against Louisiana Tech. (Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 23)

Louisiana Tech wide receiver Trent Taylor runs with the ball while chased by Navy linebacker Justin Norton. (Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 23)

Louisiana Tech wide receiver Carlos Henderson runs with the ball after a catch against Navy cornerback Tyris Wooten. (Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 23)

Colorado State Rams defensive back Tyree Simmons (5) attempts to tackle Idaho Vandals wide receiver Alfonso Onunwor (1) during first half action at the Idaho Potato Bowl held at Albersons Stadium.

Idaho Vandals running back Isaiah Saunders (21) salutes Vandal fans in the end zone during the first half against the Colorado State Rams in the Idaho Potato Bowl at Albersons Stadium.

Dec 22, 2016; Boise, ID, USA; Idaho Vandals running back Isaiah Saunders (21) breaks away from the Colorado State Rams defense during the first half at the Idaho Potato Bowl at Albersons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

Idaho Vandals tight end Deon Watson (3) reaches back for a pass as Colorado State Rams defensive back Jordon Vaden (11) defends during the first half at the Idaho Potato Bowl at Albersons Stadium.

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Tanner Balderree (89) catches a 5-yard touchdown pass that was deflected by wide receiver Nick Kurtz (5) in the third quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys during the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.

Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Dayan Lake (5) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys tight end Josh Harshman (33) during the 2016 Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium.

Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Andrew Eide (79) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the Wyoming Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium.

Brigham Young Cougars running back Jamaal Williams (21) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Wyoming Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium.

Wyoming Cowboys fullback Drew Van Maanen (36) looks on during the first quarter against the Brigham Young Cougars at Qualcomm Stadium.

Western Kentucky teammates celebrate with the trophy after defeating Memphis at FAU Stadium. (Boca Raton Bowl, Dec. 20)

Western Kentucky linebacker Drew Davis pressures Memphis quarterback Jason Stewart at FAU Stadium. (Boca Raton Bowl, Dec. 20)

Memphis defensive back Chris Morley brings down Western Kentucky running back Anthony Wales. (Boca Raton Bowl, Dec. 20)

Western Kentucky linebacker Keith Brown brings down Memphis wide receiver Tony Pollard. (Boca Raton Bowl, Dec. 20)

Memphis wide receiver Tony Pollard scores a touchdown against Western Kentucky. (Boca Raton Bowl, Dec. 20)

Western Kentucky mascot Big Red performs during the Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane pose for a group photo after defeating Central Michigan Chippewas 55-10 at Marlins Park (Miami Beach Bowl, Dec. 17).

Tulsa Golden Hurricane wide receiver Keevan Lucas can't haul in this pass

Tulsa Golden Hurricane quarterback Dane Evans threw for five touchdowns (Miami Beach Bowl, Dec. 19).

Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson accepts the championship trophy after the New Orleans Bowl.

Southern Miss defensive back Tarvarius Moore (18) intercepts the pass of Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Anthony Jennings (11) in the end zone.

Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Keenan Barnes (21) has a pass broken up by Southern Miss defenders.

Louisiana-Lafayette defensive back Christian Goodlett (10) defends Southern Miss wide receiver D.J. Thompson (5) during the second quarter.

Southern Miss running back Ito Smith (25) scores a touchdown during the first quarter of the New Orleans Bowl.

Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Al Riles (2) is tackled in the open field by Southern Miss defensive back Cornell Armstrong (3) during the first quarter.

Arkansas State head coach Blake Anderson (left) and wide receiver Kendall Sanders (4) (right) celebrate after defeating UCF to win the Cure Bowl.

Arkansas State defensive back Nehemiah Wagner (2) tackles UCF running back Adrian Killins (9) in the second half.

Arkansas State defensive lineman Dee Liner (25) celebrates with teammates after a play against UCF.

Arkansas State Red Wolves linebacker Kyle Wilson makes a play in the first half (Cure Bowl, Dec. 17).

UCF Knights running back Adrian Killins looks for room to run (Cure Bowl, Dec. 17).

A little pageantry (Cure Bowl, Dec. 17).

San Diego State head coach Rocky Long hoists the championship trophy after the Aztecs defeated Houston 34-10 (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 17).

San Diego State Aztecs running back Donnel Pumphrey looks for for room to run (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 17).

Houston Cougars quarterback Greg Ward Jr. looks for a receiver (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 17).

Pregame festivities at Sam Boyd Stadium (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 17).

New Mexico head coach Bob Davie is carried off by his players after the Lobos defeated the UTSA Roadrunners 23-20.

New Mexico Lobos running back Teriyon Gipson steps up with a TD.