Saying goodbye to the College Football Playoff National Championship was tougher than just leaving sunny and 65-degree Arizona for Indianapolis’ frigid 8-degree weather and having to scrape an inch and a half of snow and ice off my friend’s car at the airport. I had gotten into a groove, a routine of covering numerous events…. Read more »
Tag: College Football Playoff
Alabama’s Nick Saban downplays legacy, looks to future
By Zach Wagner | @zachwagner22 Sports Capital Journalism Program SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – In the crimson afterglow of a fourth national championship in seven seasons and the fifth in his career overall, Alabama coach Nick Saban thought of a far more humbling experience. He remembered a moment he shared with former Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne… Read more »
Clemson out to show it can be a perennial national championship contender
By Frank Gogola | @FrankGogola Sports Capital Journalism Program GLENDALE, Ariz. – Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson dodged cameras and confetti as he worked his way through the packed postgame field. He sought out Alabama’s Jake Coker, Bo Scarbrough and Da’Shawn Hand, among others. He heard a common refrain from the Crimson Tide players: We’ll see you… Read more »
Deshaun Watson’s big night not enough to win national championship
By Frank Gogola | @FrankGogola Sports Capital Journalism Program Glendale, Ariz. – Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson walked off the field, helmet in hand. He didn’t say anything as he turned right and entered the hallway to the Clemson locker room. His face was stoic, only looking forward. The sound of the celebration happening out on the… Read more »
College Football Playoff halftime update: Clemson, Alabama tied 14-14
By Frank Gogola & Zach Wagner | @FrankGogola & @zachwagner22 Sports Capital Journalism Program Frank Gogola on Clemson… Watson’s Hot Start: Will He Fade? After a punt on the first drive, Clemson scored on back-to-back drives as Deshaun Watson heated up. Watson completed seven of 11 pass attempts for 108 yards and two touchdowns, and… Read more »
College Football Playoff National Championship preview, predictions
By Frank Gogola & Zach Wagner | @FrankGogola & @zachwagner22 Sports Capital Journalism Program SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Sports Capital Journalism Program students Frank Gogola and Zach Wagner have spent the last several days covering the Clemson and Alabama beats, respectively. Now, the College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T is at hand and a champion — either… Read more »
1987 Fiesta Bowl: The Game That Would Change An Industry
Editor’s Note: Sports Capital Journalism Program director Malcolm Moran, who covered Penn State’s 1987 Fiesta Bowl victory over Miami for The New York Times, wrote this article for the College Football Playoff National Championship Official Program. It was New Year’s Day 1987, and it felt odd to be in a hotel room rather than a… Read more »
Quiz: How well do you know 1981?
[slickquiz id=1]
Quick Hits: Eight questions for Brad Wright
By Zach Wagner | @zachwagner22 Sports Capital Journalism Program SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.– Brad Wright, Board Co-Chairman of the Arizona Organizing Committee, discussed topics ranging from the preparation for the second College Football Playoff National Championship, the role the Phoenix area plays as a host for large-scale events, and the anticipated economic impact. The game between No…. Read more »
Clemson Tigers offensive line quietly keys quarterback Deshaun Watson’s success
By Frank Gogola | @FrankGogola Sports Capital Journalism Program PHOENIX – Ryan Norton, a fifth-year senior offensive lineman for the Clemson Tigers, has seen it more times than he can count. A pass play is called. The team lines up in shotgun. The ball is snapped. Norton and the other offensive linemen engage their blocks. They’re… Read more »