The expansion of the College Football Playoff has resulted in changes to how The Associated Press assembles its all-bowl team. To address the discrepancy in the number of games played by players in the playoffs versus non-playoff bowl games, two separate postseason all-star teams are now being created. One team is for non-playoff bowl game participants, which is presented below, while the other team for playoff participants will be announced after the Jan. 20 title game.
For this non-CFP AP All-Bowl team, the offense features two running backs, three wide receivers, and an all-purpose player. On defense, there is room for four defensive linemen and four linebackers, considering the diverse defensive schemes used by teams. Five offensive linemen are included without specifying tackle, guard, or center positions, and the secondary consists of four general defensive backs rather than two cornerbacks and two safeties.
Non-CFP AP All-Bowl team:
– QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse: McCord threw for five touchdown passes and 453 yards in a Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State.
– RB Dylan Edwards, Kansas State: Edwards rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns in a comeback win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.
– RB Rahjai Harris, East Carolina: Harris rushed for 220 yards, including an 86-yard touchdown, in East Carolina’s Military Bowl triumph.
– WR Ja’Kobi Lane, Southern California: Lane caught three touchdowns in a Las Vegas Bowl win over Texas A&M.
– WR Junior Vandeross, Toledo: Vandeross had a standout performance in a six-overtime GameAbove Sports Bowl thriller against Pitt.
– WR Jeremiah Webb, South Alabama: Webb scored two touchdowns in a Salute to Veterans Bowl victory over Western Michigan.
– TE Harold Fannin, Bowling Green: Despite a loss in the 68 Ventures Bowl, Fannin set records for a tight end in a Bowl Subdivision bowl game.
Offensive linemen:
– OL Quinn Carroll, Minnesota: Carroll played left tackle for the first time and helped Minnesota win the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
– OL J.C. Davis, Illinois: Davis had a flawless performance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against South Carolina.
– OL Cory Godinet [Incomplete – Please provide the missing text to continue rewriting the text.]
UTSA’s Godinet protected his quarterback well, allowing no sacks or hits while the team gained 513 yards – 257 rushing and 256 passing – in a dominant 44-15 victory over Coastal Carolina in the Myrtle Beach Bowl.
Florida’s Lovett received the highest Pro Football Focus game rating among the starting offensive linemen for his outstanding performance in the 33-8 Gasparilla Bowl win over Tulane. The Gators amassed 529 total yards and controlled possession for nearly 39 minutes.
James Madison’s McMurtrie concluded a sack-free season by aiding his team in a 27-17 triumph over Western Kentucky in the Boca Raton Bowl. James Madison’s offensive line didn’t allow any sacks throughout the game.
Miami (Ohio)’s all-purpose player, Kevin Davis, shined with two rushing touchdowns, including a 97-yard score, and an 81-yard kickoff return in a 43-17 victory over Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl.
UNLV’s Camac was a force on the defensive line, registering three sacks, six tackles (four for loss), a forced fumble, and a pass breakup in a 24-13 win against Cal in the LA Bowl.
Navy’s Reed made a critical tackle on an Oklahoma two-point conversion attempt in the closing seconds to secure a 21-20 victory in the Armed Forces Bowl. Reed finished with four tackles and a sack.
Nebraska’s Robinson played a key role in limiting Boston College to just 47 rushing yards in a 20-15 Pinstripe Bowl win, contributing four tackles (1.5 for loss), a sack, and a pass breakup.
UConn’s Yates played a pivotal role in a 27-14 Fenway Bowl win, recording six tackles (three for loss) and a sack in a standout defensive performance against North Carolina.
Memphis’ Martin tied a school record with 17 tackles in a bowl game as the Tigers defeated West Virginia 42-37 in the Frisco Bowl.
Buffalo’s Murdock made impactful plays with a 31-yard interception return for a touchdown, two forced fumbles, and 13 tackles (2.5 for loss) in a 26-7 Bahamas Bowl victory over Liberty.
Vanderbilt’s Rinaldi contributed 10 tackles and two sacks in a 35-27 Birmingham Bowl win against Georgia Tech.
Arkansas State’s Willekes made 11 tackles (one for loss) and a pass breakup in a strong defensive effort that limited Bowling Green to 46 rushing yards in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
Illinois’ Bailey showcased versatility, making 13 tackles in various positions in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl victory over South Carolina.
Michigan’s Hall impressed with nine tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup in a 19-13 triumph over No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
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Sam Houston’s Kaleb Blake had a standout performance in the New Orleans Bowl, catching a pass for a 29-yard touchdown and recording 10 tackles in his team’s 31-26 victory over Georgia Southern. His impressive display on both offense and defense earned him the title of the bowl’s most valuable player, marking the first time a defensive player received this honor since 2004.
Meanwhile, Kicker Blake Craig from Missouri played a crucial role in his team’s Music City Bowl win against Iowa. Craig nailed a 51-yard field goal to tie the game with 10:10 left on the clock, and then followed it up with a game-winning 56-yarder with just 4:36 remaining. His clutch kicks secured a narrow 27-24 victory for No. 23 Missouri, edging out Virginia Tech’s John Love, who also impressed with a 60-yard field goal in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Punter Andrew Stokes of South Florida showcased his skills in the Hawaii Bowl, averaging an impressive 50.5 yards on six punts. His performance was instrumental in USF’s thrilling 41-39 victory over San Jose State, a game that extended to five overtimes. Stokes’ exceptional showing included a 72-yard punt that tied a school record, placing him among the best in the program’s history.
LSU’s Zavion Thomas made a significant impact in the Texas Bowl, returning a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in his team’s 44-31 win over Baylor. Thomas amassed a total of 155 yards on four kickoff returns, demonstrating his explosiveness in the return game. Additionally, he added a 17-yard punt return to his impressive performance, further solidifying his contribution to LSU’s victory.
Parker Kingston of BYU made his mark in the Alamo Bowl with a spectacular 64-yard punt return for a touchdown. His electrifying play helped propel No. 17 BYU to a convincing 36-14 victory over No. 20 Colorado, showcasing his ability to change the course of the game with his special teams prowess. Kingston totaled 105 yards on four punt returns, underscoring his importance to BYU’s success in the bowl game.
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