Deadspin | Bowl roundup: Minnesota nips New Mexico in OT

Sports news December 27, 2025

Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Gophers wide receiver Jalen Smith (8) celebrates with teammate Logan Loya (17) after catching the game winning touchdown pass against the New Mexico Lobos during overtime of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jalen Smith made two touchdown catches, including a diving grab in overtime to win the game, to lead Minnesota to a 20-17 victory over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday in Phoenix.

Smith finished with six catches for 64 yards and the two scores for Minnesota (8-5). Drake Lindsey completed 18 of 28 passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and Darius Taylor had 24 carries for 116 yards and a score.

Minnesota won its ninth consecutive bowl game and improved to 7-0 in bowl games under coach P.J. Fleck.

Jack Layne completed 14 of 25 passes for 88 yards and an interception for New Mexico (9-4). Damon Bankston had a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Northwestern 34, Central Michigan 7

Preston Stone completed 19 of 31 passes for 226 yards and three scores and the Wildcats turned four takeaways into touchdowns during a blowout of the Chippewas in the GameAbove Sports Bowl at Detroit.

Braden Turner grabbed an interception before returning a fumble for a touchdown, while Aidan Hubbard had three sacks and a forced fumble as Northwestern stymied Central Michigan’s offense for three-plus quarters.

Griffin Wilde hauled in 10 catches for 97 yards and a pair of TDs for Northwestern (7-6), which won its sixth consecutive bowl appearance. Joe Labas connected on 21 of 25 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown while fumbling twice for Central Michigan (7-6).

UTSA 57, Florida International 20

Owen McCown passed for 295 yards and three touchdowns, Will Henderson III scored three times, and the Roadrunners rallied from an early 14-point deficit to pound the Panthers in the First Responder Bowl at Dallas.

McCown, who finished the season with 2,995 passing yards, finished 18 of 28 for the Roadrunners (7-6), who tallied 38 unanswered points during one stretch and outscored the Panthers 57-6 over the final 54 minutes. Henderson totaled 59 yards on 14 carries with two rushing scores, and he caught a touchdown pass. Devin McCuin (six catches, 73 yards) and Patrick Overmyer added TD receptions as the Roadrunners won a bowl game for the third year in a row.

Joe Pesansky went 11-for-31 for 102 yards with two scores and an interception for the Panthers (7-6), who were playing in their first bowl game since the 2019 Camellia Bowl. Florida International’s Keyone Jenkins completed 7 of 14 passes for 49 yards and an interception.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson">

Deadspin | Florida State lands pledge from 4-star DB Za’Kari Johnson Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles helmet during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images With the season less than two months away, the Florida State football team got some good news Tuesday night when four-star recruit Za’Kari Johnson committed to the Seminoles over other finalists Miami, Auburn, Syracuse and Georgia Tech. Johnson, who plays for Miami (Fla.) Carol City High, recently reclassified from the 2028 recruiting class to 2027. He ranks as the No. 349 overall recruit, No. 21 athlete and No. 31 prospect from Florida in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. While there was some debate about Johnson’s position at the next level. He played both quarterback and defensive back last season for Plantation (Fla.) High School before transferring. Johnson told 247Sports that the Seminoles intend to use him in the secondary. Johnson is Florida State’s 14th commit in its 2027 class, the fourth of which is a four-star recruit. The Seminoles’ 2027 class ranks 53rd in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings. Since being left out of the College Football Playoff in 2023 with a 13-0 record, Florida State has gone 7-17 the last two years under Mike Norvell, creating a hot seat entering his seventh season leading the program in 2026. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson

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Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles helmet during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

With the season less than two months away, the Florida State football team got some good news Tuesday night when four-star recruit Za’Kari Johnson committed to the Seminoles over other finalists Miami, Auburn, Syracuse and Georgia Tech.

Johnson, who plays for Miami (Fla.) Carol City High, recently reclassified from the 2028 recruiting class to 2027. He ranks as the No. 349 overall recruit, No. 21 athlete and No. 31 prospect from Florida in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

While there was some debate about Johnson’s position at the next level. He played both quarterback and defensive back last season for Plantation (Fla.) High School before transferring. Johnson told 247Sports that the Seminoles intend to use him in the secondary.

Johnson is Florida State’s 14th commit in its 2027 class, the fourth of which is a four-star recruit. The Seminoles’ 2027 class ranks 53rd in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings.

Since being left out of the College Football Playoff in 2023 with a 13-0 record, Florida State has gone 7-17 the last two years under Mike Norvell, creating a hot seat entering his seventh season leading the program in 2026.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson">Deadspin | Florida State lands pledge from 4-star DB Za’Kari Johnson

Apr 20, 2024; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles helmet during the Spring Showcase at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

With the season less than two months away, the Florida State football team got some good news Tuesday night when four-star recruit Za’Kari Johnson committed to the Seminoles over other finalists Miami, Auburn, Syracuse and Georgia Tech.

Johnson, who plays for Miami (Fla.) Carol City High, recently reclassified from the 2028 recruiting class to 2027. He ranks as the No. 349 overall recruit, No. 21 athlete and No. 31 prospect from Florida in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings.

While there was some debate about Johnson’s position at the next level. He played both quarterback and defensive back last season for Plantation (Fla.) High School before transferring. Johnson told 247Sports that the Seminoles intend to use him in the secondary.

Johnson is Florida State’s 14th commit in its 2027 class, the fourth of which is a four-star recruit. The Seminoles’ 2027 class ranks 53rd in the 247Sports recruiting class rankings.

Since being left out of the College Football Playoff in 2023 with a 13-0 record, Florida State has gone 7-17 the last two years under Mike Norvell, creating a hot seat entering his seventh season leading the program in 2026.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Florida #State #lands #pledge #4star #ZaKari #Johnson

Scotland fans are returning to Boston for the best reason Scotland’s time in the 2026 World Cup may have been short-lived, but the fans’ effect on Boston will live on for a long, long time. Visitors took over the city, integrated themselves to their hosts, and had an absolute ball during the group stage of the tournament. Now some of them are back, for the best reason imaginable.

View this post on Instagram

A handful of Scotland fans have returned, with a traffic cone adorned in designs that honor Boston. It was created by a fan/artist who fell in love with scenes of Scottish fans in Boston, with the traffic cone becoming synonymous with the fanbase due to their penchant for playfully putting them on the heads of statues, most notably the Duke of Wellington’s statue in Glasgow.

This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup. #Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason

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Scotland’s time in the 2026 World Cup may have been short-lived, but the fans’ effect on Boston will live on for a long, long time. Visitors took over the city, integrated themselves to their hosts, and had an absolute ball during the group stage of the tournament. Now some of them are back, for the best reason imaginable.

View this post on Instagram

A handful of Scotland fans have returned, with a traffic cone adorned in designs that honor Boston. It was created by a fan/artist who fell in love with scenes of Scottish fans in Boston, with the traffic cone becoming synonymous with the fanbase due to their penchant for playfully putting them on the heads of statues, most notably the Duke of Wellington’s statue in Glasgow.

This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup.
#Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason">Scotland fans are returning to Boston for the best reason
Scotland’s time in the 2026 World Cup may have been short-lived, but the fans’ effect on Boston will live on for a long, long time. Visitors took over the city, integrated themselves to their hosts, and had an absolute ball during the group stage of the tournament. Now some of them are back, for the best reason imaginable.

View this post on Instagram

A handful of Scotland fans have returned, with a traffic cone adorned in designs that honor Boston. It was created by a fan/artist who fell in love with scenes of Scottish fans in Boston, with the traffic cone becoming synonymous with the fanbase due to their penchant for playfully putting them on the heads of statues, most notably the Duke of Wellington’s statue in Glasgow.

This new iteration of the cone is going to be touring the city to raise money and awareness for mental health charities. Seen as a symbol of friendship, it’s designed to foster friendship between the cities which will hopefully last long past the World Cup.
#Scotland #fans #returning #Boston #reason

5 World Cup Controversies That Made England vs Argentina Legendary Antonio Rattin’s red card (1966 World Cup quarterfinal)The rivalry’s first great flashpoint came at Wembley when Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off for “violence of the tongue”, despite no common language existing between him and German referee Rudolf Kreitlein. Rattin refused to leave for nearly eight minutes, sat on the royal carpet and had to be escorted off. England won 1-0, but the aftermath proved equally explosive as England manager Alf Ramsey prevented his players from exchanging shirts with Argentina, later branding the visitors “animals”.Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986 World Cup quarterfinal) Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
Six minutes into the second half in Mexico City, Diego Maradona leapt with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net with his left fist. The Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser and his assistants missed the infringement, allowing the goal to stand. Maradona later described it as being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. Argentina won 2-1, with Maradona also scoring the celebrated “Goal of the Century” minutes later.David Beckham’s red card (1998 World Cup Round of 16) David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone early in the second half of their 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone early in the second half of their 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
With the score at 2-2 in Saint-Etienne, England midfielder David Beckham was sent off early in the second half after kicking out at Diego Simeone following a foul. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen judged the retaliation worthy of a red card. Reduced to 10 men, England held on until penalties before losing the shootout. Beckham became a national villain overnight, while many England supporters accused Simeone of exaggerating the contact.Sol Campbell’s disallowed extra-time goal (1998 World Cup Round of 16) Sol Campbell of England celebrates scoring a goal, which is later disallowed due to Alan Shearer of England infringing Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

Sol Campbell of England celebrates scoring a goal, which is later disallowed due to Alan Shearer of England infringing Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
The same 1998 tie produced another controversy. In extra time, Sol Campbell headed England into what appeared to be a golden-goal winner. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen, however, ruled the goal out for a foul by Alan Shearer on Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa. The match remained level and Argentina eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout (4-3).Michael Owen’s controversial penalty against Mauricio Pochettino (2002 World Cup group stage) England’s Michael Owen is fouled by Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino which resulted in a penalty kick and England’s winning goal
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

England’s Michael Owen is fouled by Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino which resulted in a penalty kick and England’s winning goal
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images
England’s only goal in its 1-0 victory over Argentina came from a penalty that has remained fiercely debated. Just before half-time, Michael Owen burst into the penalty area and went down after contact from defender Mauricio Pochettino. Referee Pierluigi Collina pointed to the spot, and David Beckham converted. While England argued Pochettino had clipped Owen, Argentina insisted the striker had exaggerated the contact. Years later, Owen admitted he could have stayed on his feet, keeping alive one of the rivalry’s most disputed refereeing decisions.Published on Jul 15, 2026 #World #Cup #Controversies #England #Argentina #Legendary — Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

#World #Cup #Controversies #England #Argentina #Legendary">

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Antonio Rattin’s red card (1966 World Cup quarterfinal)
The rivalry’s first great flashpoint came at Wembley when Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off for “violence of the tongue”, despite no common language existing between him and German referee Rudolf Kreitlein. Rattin refused to leave for nearly eight minutes, sat on the royal carpet and had to be escorted off. England won 1-0, but the aftermath proved equally explosive as England manager Alf Ramsey prevented his players from exchanging shirts with Argentina, later branding the visitors “animals”.
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986 World Cup quarterfinal)
Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Six minutes into the second half in Mexico City, Diego Maradona leapt with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net with his left fist. The Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser and his assistants missed the infringement, allowing the goal to stand. Maradona later described it as being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. Argentina won 2-1, with Maradona also scoring the celebrated “Goal of the Century” minutes later.
David Beckham’s red card (1998 World Cup Round of 16)
David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone early in the second half of their 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone early in the second half of their 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
With the score at 2-2 in Saint-Etienne, England midfielder David Beckham was sent off early in the second half after kicking out at Diego Simeone following a foul. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen judged the retaliation worthy of a red card. Reduced to 10 men, England held on until penalties before losing the shootout. Beckham became a national villain overnight, while many England supporters accused Simeone of exaggerating the contact.
Sol Campbell’s disallowed extra-time goal (1998 World Cup Round of 16)
Sol Campbell of England celebrates scoring a goal, which is later disallowed due to Alan Shearer of England infringing Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Sol Campbell of England celebrates scoring a goal, which is later disallowed due to Alan Shearer of England infringing Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
The same 1998 tie produced another controversy. In extra time, Sol Campbell headed England into what appeared to be a golden-goal winner. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen, however, ruled the goal out for a foul by Alan Shearer on Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa. The match remained level and Argentina eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout (4-3).
Michael Owen’s controversial penalty against Mauricio Pochettino (2002 World Cup group stage)
England’s Michael Owen is fouled by Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino which resulted in a penalty kick and England’s winning goal | Photo Credit: Getty Images
England’s Michael Owen is fouled by Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino which resulted in a penalty kick and England’s winning goal | Photo Credit: Getty Images
England’s only goal in its 1-0 victory over Argentina came from a penalty that has remained fiercely debated. Just before half-time, Michael Owen burst into the penalty area and went down after contact from defender Mauricio Pochettino. Referee Pierluigi Collina pointed to the spot, and David Beckham converted. While England argued Pochettino had clipped Owen, Argentina insisted the striker had exaggerated the contact. Years later, Owen admitted he could have stayed on his feet, keeping alive one of the rivalry’s most disputed refereeing decisions.
Published on Jul 15, 2026

#World #Cup #Controversies #England #Argentina #Legendary">5 World Cup Controversies That Made England vs Argentina Legendary

Antonio Rattin’s red card (1966 World Cup quarterfinal)

The rivalry’s first great flashpoint came at Wembley when Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off for “violence of the tongue”, despite no common language existing between him and German referee Rudolf Kreitlein. Rattin refused to leave for nearly eight minutes, sat on the royal carpet and had to be escorted off. England won 1-0, but the aftermath proved equally explosive as England manager Alf Ramsey prevented his players from exchanging shirts with Argentina, later branding the visitors “animals”.

Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986 World Cup quarterfinal)

Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Diego Maradona punches home the infamous “Hand of God” goal past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton during the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal in Mexico City. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Six minutes into the second half in Mexico City, Diego Maradona leapt with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net with his left fist. The Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser and his assistants missed the infringement, allowing the goal to stand. Maradona later described it as being scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. Argentina won 2-1, with Maradona also scoring the celebrated “Goal of the Century” minutes later.

David Beckham’s red card (1998 World Cup Round of 16)

David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone early in the second half of their 1998 World Cup Round of 16 match. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

With the score at 2-2 in Saint-Etienne, England midfielder David Beckham was sent off early in the second half after kicking out at Diego Simeone following a foul. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen judged the retaliation worthy of a red card. Reduced to 10 men, England held on until penalties before losing the shootout. Beckham became a national villain overnight, while many England supporters accused Simeone of exaggerating the contact.

Sol Campbell’s disallowed extra-time goal (1998 World Cup Round of 16)

Sol Campbell of England celebrates scoring a goal, which is later disallowed due to Alan Shearer of England infringing Argentina goalkeeper Carlos Roa. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The same 1998 tie produced another controversy. In extra time, Sol Campbell headed England into what appeared to be a golden-goal winner. Referee Kim Milton Nielsen, however, ruled the goal out for a foul by Alan Shearer on Argentine goalkeeper Carlos Roa. The match remained level and Argentina eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout (4-3).

Michael Owen’s controversial penalty against Mauricio Pochettino (2002 World Cup group stage)

England’s Michael Owen is fouled by Argentina’s Mauricio Pochettino which resulted in a penalty kick and England’s winning goal | Photo Credit: Getty Images

England’s only goal in its 1-0 victory over Argentina came from a penalty that has remained fiercely debated. Just before half-time, Michael Owen burst into the penalty area and went down after contact from defender Mauricio Pochettino. Referee Pierluigi Collina pointed to the spot, and David Beckham converted. While England argued Pochettino had clipped Owen, Argentina insisted the striker had exaggerated the contact. Years later, Owen admitted he could have stayed on his feet, keeping alive one of the rivalry’s most disputed refereeing decisions.

Published on Jul 15, 2026

#World #Cup #Controversies #England #Argentina #Legendary

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