2016 TaxSlayer Bowl (January)

August 2023 TaxSlayer Bowl 71st Gator Bowl 2016 Taxslayer Bowl.jpg January 2 2016 2015 EverBank Field Jacksonville, Florida Pennsylvania State University Penn State Nittany Lions 7–5 Big Ten James Franklin 0 3 0 14 University of Georgia Georgia Bulldogs 9–3 SEC NR 25 NR Bryan McClendon(interim) 3 14 7 0 Georgia by 6½Odds, Los Angeles Times, December 10, 2015 Terry Godwin (WR, Georgia) & Trace McSorley (QB, Penn State)https://www.taxslayerbowl.com/2015-2/ 2015 www.taxslayerbowl.com 21 April 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20171231155415/https://www.taxslayerbowl.com/2015-2/ 31 December 2017 dead dmy-all Mike Mothershed (Pac-12) 58,212 2,750,000 ESPN/ESPN Radio Allen Bestwick, Dan Hawkins, & Tiffany Greene (ESPN)Eamon McAnaney, John Congemi, & Ian Fitzsimmons (ESPN Radio) 2016 (Dec) The 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl was a post-season American college football bowl game played on January 2, 2016, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida. The 71st edition of the Gator Bowl featured the Penn State Nittany Lions of the Big Ten Conference against the Georgia Bulldogs of the Southeastern Conference. It began at noon EST and aired on ESPN. It was one of the 2015–16 bowl games that concluded the 2015 FBS football season. The game's naming rights sponsor was tax preparation software company TaxSlayer.com,https://www.taxslayerbowl.com/ TaxSlayer Bowl December 27, 2015 and for sponsorship reasons was officially known as the TaxSlayer Bowl. Teams The game featured the Penn State Nittany Lions against the Georgia Bulldogs; Georgia was the favorite with the opening line with a seven-point spread. Penn State Nittany Lions 2015 Penn State Nittany Lions football team After finishing their season 7–5, the Nittany Lions accepted their invitation to play in the game.http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120615aaa.html Penn State to Face Georgia in the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl Pennsylvania State University GoPSUSports.com December 6, 2015 December 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208131100/http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120615aaa.html December 8, 2015 dead This was the fifth appearance for the Nittany Lions in the TaxSlayer Bowl and first since 1976. Prior to the game, they were 1–2–1 all-time in the bowl game. Georgia Bulldogs 2015 Georgia Bulldogs football team After finishing their season 9–3, the Bulldogs accepted their invitation to play in the game.http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120615aah.html Georgia To Face Penn State In TaxSlayer Bowl University of Georgia GeorgiaDogs.com December 6, 2015 December 6, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208202923/http://www.georgiadogs.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120615aah.html December 8, 2015 dead This was the fifth appearance of the Bulldogs in the TaxSlayer Bowl, who last appeared in 2014. Prior to the game, they were 2–1–1 all-time. Pre-game buildup Penn State The biggest storyline entering the bowl game for Penn State was whether it would mark junior quarterback Christian Hackenberg's final game with Penn State, given his option to declare for the 2016 NFL draft. Opinions were mixed on whether he should enter the draft, and two weeks before the bowl game, he sought counsel from the NFL Draft Advisory Board; he did not make a decision before the game.Wogenrich Mark Should Christian Hackenberg declare for the NFL Draft or return to Penn State? http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-penn-state-christian-hackenberg-nfl-draft-20151229-story.html January 2, 2016 The Morning Call Allentown, Pennsylvania December 29, 2015 January 2, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160102071009/http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-penn-state-christian-hackenberg-nfl-draft-20151229-story.html dead Penn State offense After Penn State lost its final game of the season to Michigan State, James Franklin fired offensive coordinator John Donovan, who engineered an offense that ranked 108th in total yardage, and mustered less than 15 points per game in its five losses.Barnett Zach Penn State fires offensive coordinator John Donovan http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/11/29/penn-state-fires-offensive-coordinator-john-donovan/ CollegeFootballTalk NBC Sports January 2, 2016 November 29, 2015 The Lions eventually hired former Fordham head coach Joe Moorhead to replace Donovan in 2016, but in the interim, appointed quarterbacks coach Ricky Rahne to coordinate the offense for the bowl game, which would be his first experience calling plays.Juliano Joe Penn State hires Fordham head coach as new offensive coordinator http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/sports/colleges&id=361680911 January 2, 2016 The Philadelphia Inquirer December 13, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143207/http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=%2Fphilly%2Fsports%2Fcolleges&id=361680911 March 22, 2018 dead Rahne planned to add a touch of "flair" to the offense, but generally stick to the gameplan used during the season.Rodrigue Jourdan Ricky Rahne adding own 'flair' to offense http://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article52508345.html January 2, 2016 Centre Daily Times December 31, 2015 Entering the bowl game, Penn State's offense was in the bottom quintile among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools in yards per game, averaging 344.2015 FBS (I-A) College Football Team Statistics Leaders for Total https://www.espn.com/college-football/stats/team ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures January 2, 2016 live https://web.archive.org/web/20160102160709/http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/team/_/stat/total/sort/yardsPerGame January 2, 2016 Plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness particularly on the offensive line, both Rahne and senior offensive tackle Andrew Nelson expressed optimism about the continuity the team had achieved during bowl practices.Snyder Audrey Interim offensive coordinator wants to play with swagger https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2016/01/01/Penn-State-football-notebook-Interim-offensive-coordinator-wants-to-play-with-swagger/stories/201601010075 January 2, 2016 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette January 1, 2016 Freshman tailback Saquon Barkley, named the Big Ten's freshman of the year and a member of the freshman All-American team, was called "something special", and looked to build on his record-breaking regular season campaign during which he rushed for over 1,000 yards.Wogenrich Mark Penn State's Saquon Barkley 'just scratching the surface' http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-saquon-barkley-penn-state-year-end-20151230-story.html January 2, 2016 The Morning Call December 30, 2015 Allentown, PA March 5, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014009/http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-saquon-barkley-penn-state-year-end-20151230-story.html deadPolak Nick Penn State's Saquon Barkley named to ESPN's true freshman All-America team https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2015/12/17/10424842/penn-state-saquon-barkley-espn-true-freshman-all-america-sporting-news-running-back Black Shoe Diaries - SBNation.com Vox Media January 2, 2016 December 17, 2015 At wide receiver, Chris Godwin looked to continue his postseason success (he had a breakout game in the 2014 Pinstripe Bowl) and reach 1,000 receiving yards on the season.Gross Tim TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State's Chris Godwin looks to capitalize on confidence http://lancasteronline.com/sports/football/pennstate/taxslayer-bowl-penn-state-s-chris-godwin-looks-to-capitalize/article_c1f68f82-b007-11e5-bfc6-d7b2bb8e9d70.html January 2, 2016 LNP January 1, 2016 Lancaster, PA Penn State defense Penn State's defense surrendered 55 points in the final game of the regular season, but entered the bowl game with a restored confidence that it was healthy and prepared, particularly along the defensive line, where former walk-on end Carl Nassib – the Big Ten Conference defensive player of the year, a first-team All-American, the team's most valuable player, and winner of the Lombardi Award – and tackle Austin Johnson would return at full strength.Juliano Joe Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib wins fourth major post-season award http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/blogs/sports/college&id=361750011 January 2, 2016 The Philadelphia Inquirer December 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071300/http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=%2Fphilly%2Fblogs%2Fsports%2Fcollege&id=361750011 March 4, 2016 deadMoyer Josh Lombardi, Bednarik awards: Why Penn State's Carl Nassib should win https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/128321/lombardi-bednarik-awards-why-penn-states-carl-nassib-should-win Big Ten Blog - ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures January 2, 2016 December 9, 2015Wogenrich Mark Penn State names Carl Nassib 2015 MVP http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-penn-state-football-carl-nassib-mvp-story.html January 2, 2016 The Morning Call Allentown, PA December 14, 2015 December 18, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151218051618/http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-penn-state-football-carl-nassib-mvp-story.html dead Defensive tackle Anthony Zettel commented, I'm biased, but I feel like we have the best front seven in the country, and we're healthy. We're going to go after it tomorrow.Pickel Greg Penn State's healthy front seven "the best in the country," Anthony Zettel says https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/01/penn_state_james_franklin_chri_1.html January 2, 2016 The Patriot News January 1, 2016 Harrisburg, PA That core contributed to a pass rush that helped Penn State hold opponents to 174.5 passing yards per game, tenth-best in the country, and combined for 42.5 tackles for loss. Coordinated by Bob Shoop, whom other teams sought to hire despite his lack of interest, Penn State was the 14th-best defense in the country in terms of yards allowed.2015 FBS (I-A) College Football Team Statistics Leaders for Total https://www.espn.com/college-football/stats/team ESPN https://web.archive.org/web/20160102161858/http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/team/_/stat/total/position/defense/sort/passingYardsPerGame January 2, 2016 ESPN Internet Ventures live January 2, 2016Jones David Bob Shoop declines Gus Malzahn offer to discuss well-paid Auburn defensive coordinator job https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2015/12/penn_state_football_bob_shoop_2.html January 2, 2016 The Patriot News December 24, 2015 Harrisburg, PA Sophomore linebacker Jason Cabinda emerged as the vocal leader of the defense after Nyeem Wartman-White was injured during the season opener, and compiled a team-leading 92 tackles during the season.McCarthy Erin At Penn State, Jason Cabinda has emerged as a leader http://articles.philly.com/2015-12-25/sports/69302574_1_coach-james-franklin-bowl-game-mike-hull January 2, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160102155912/http://articles.philly.com/2015-12-25/sports/69302574_1_coach-james-franklin-bowl-game-mike-hull January 2, 2016 The Philadelphia Inquirer December 25, 2015 Cabinda's conversion from outside linebacker to inside linebacker pressed redshirt freshman Troy Reeder into action as well, and he finished fourth on the team with 67 tackles.Owen Tim Cabinda and Reeder stepping up for PSU https://bwi.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1819833 Rivals.com Yahoo! January 2, 2016 October 30, 2015Athletic Department Pre-Game Release http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release.pdf GoPSUSports.com Penn State Athletic Department January 2, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160102155112/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release.pdf January 2, 2016 December 201578 In the defensive backfield, safety Marcus Allen was the leader with 75 tackles, while Grant Haley led the team with six pass breakups.78 Georgia Mark Richt, who had coached Georgia for 14 seasons, departed the program after the final regular season game of the season.Hutchins Andy Mark Richt fired, and Georgia's top target is Alabama DC Kirby Smart https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/11/29/7471265/mark-richt-georgia-coach-stepping-down SBNation.com Vox Media January 2, 2016 November 29, 2015 Although initially the school announced he would coach the bowl game, ultimately he was hired at the University of Miami, and did not coach the bowl. Georgia quickly hired University of Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart to replace Richt, but he stayed with Alabama through the College Football Playoff.Scarborough Alex Alabama DC Kirby Smart's difficult double life isn't over yet https://www.espn.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/112717/kirby-smarts-difficult-double-life-isnt-over-yet SEC Blog - ESPN ESPN Internet Ventures January 2, 2016 January 1, 2016 Consequently, the Bulldogs had to appoint an interim coach, and went with passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach Bryan McClendon, who became the first black head coach in program history; McClendon's bowl game staff was also a patchwork group, including two new coordinators: tight ends coach John Lilly on offense, and outside linebackers coach Kevin Sherrer on defense.Towers Chip Interim or not, McClendon 'setting history' as UGA's head coach https://www.dawgnation.com/football/team-news/interim-or-not-mcclendon-setting-history-as-ugas-head-coach DawgNation.com Cox Media Group January 2, 2016 December 31, 2015Butt Jason Georgia interim head coach Bryan McClendon reveals coaching staff for TaxSlayer Bowl http://www.macon.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-georgia/bulldogs-beat/article50045445.html January 2, 2016 The Telegraph December 16, 2015 Macon, Georgia March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304115626/http://www.macon.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-georgia/bulldogs-beat/article50045445.html dead Georgia offense UGA’s offense was in a state of chaos leading to the Tax Slayer Bowl. Brian Schottenheimer, offensive coordinator, lead the unit and was blamed for much of the team’s lack of success and partially for the downfall of Mark Richt himself. Schottenheimer was much maligned as a play-caller this season after Georgia's offense sputtered and failed to move at a consistent pace. Georgia ranks 75th in the nation in total offense at 381.4 yards per game. The Bulldogs also rank 84th in the nation in scoring at 26.5 points per game. Quarterback Greyson Lambert was efficient most of the year but was replaced as a starter for the UF game in Jacksonville, FL. Faton Bauta started vs the Gators and after that experiment failed Lambert resumed quarterback duties. Star running back Nick Chubb was injured for the season following a catastrophic knee injury at Neyland Stadium earlier that season. Sony Michel lead the Bulldogs the rest of the season and was an effective runner. Georgia defense Like Penn State, Georgia had a strong defense, particularly in terms of pass defense, where the Bulldogs relinquished only 146 yards per game, the best in the country. The squad also averaged just 16.9 points allowed per game, and 151.9 rushing yards per game, both of which were also in the top quintile of FBS schools. Without coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who took a similar position with Alabama, the Bulldogs defense sought to achieve continuity despite coaching changes.Cooper Sam Can Penn State throw on Georgia's No. 1 ranked pass defense? https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/can-penn-state-throw-on-georgia-s-strong-secondary-031335904.html Dr. Saturday Yahoo! Sports January 2, 2016 January 2, 2016 Game summary First quarter Penn State received the opening kickoff, converted an early third-and-long, and advanced to the periphery of field goal range before a screen pass was intercepted. Marshall Morgan was set to attempt a 49-yard field goal, but an offside penalty on Penn State shortened it to a 44-yard attempt, which Morgan made by bouncing the kick off the goalpost and through for a 3–0 Georgia lead. Penn State went three-and-out on its next possession. After exchanging punts, UGA took over inside their own five yard-line. Scoring summary PSU UGA 1 7:02 UGA 7 26 2:53 FG 44 Marshall Morgan 0 3 2 8:08 PSU 8 72 3:44 FG 34 Tyler Davis 3 3 2 6:46 UGA 3 72 1:22 RecTD Malcolm Mitchell Terry Godwin 44 good Marshall Morgan 3 10 2 0:24 UGA 7 58 1:50 RecTD Godwin Greyson Lambert 17 good Patrick Beless 3 17 3 4:15 UGA 7 56 2:52 RushTD Sony Michel 21 good Patrick Beless 3 24 4 14:53 PSU 9 75 4:22 RecTD Geno Lewis Trace McSorley 17 good Tyler Davis 10 24 4 6:14 PSU 7 58 3:04 RecTD DaeSean Hamilton Trace McSorley 20 good Tyler Davis 17 24 17 24 Source:http://stats.statbroadcast.com/statmonitr/?id=112022&a=1 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl: Penn State vs. Georgia Stats Stat Broadcast 2016-01-02 Statistics Statistics PSU UGA First downs 16 17 Total offense, plays – yards 74–401 64–327Rushes-yards (net) 120 166 Passing yards (net) 281 161Passes, Comp–Att–Int 22–42–1 12–23–0 Time of Possession 31:22 28:38 Post-game effect In the immediate aftermath of the game, Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg thanked his teammates, offensive coordinators, and former head coach Bill O'Brien before announcing he would forgo his final year of NCAA eligibility and enter the NFL Draft, and in doing so, he ended his three-year tenure with the Nittany Lions during which, in the words of LNP sports columnist Mike Gross, "he did everything he could" to help a program in transition.Gross Mike Hackenberg Era draws to strange, unsatisfying end http://lancasteronline.com/sports/football/pennstate/hackenberg-era-draws-to-strange-unsatisfying-end/article_e12ea43a-b1a5-11e5-8c59-fbcf9fe025af.html January 3, 2016 LNP January 2, 2016 Lancaster, PA This game for many UGA followers was an awkward gap between the Richt era and the Smart era. Few of the past staff had stayed. Richt went immediately to Miami, Pruitt left for Alabama and began preparing for their post season. Schottenheimer was not hired immediately as others, but the atmosphere was considered to be acrimonious and he elected not to coach the game. Kirby Smart paradoxically stayed at Alabama through their post season and did not officially begin his duties at UGA until after those commenced. Bryan McClendon called the offense for UGA and was viewed by many as doing a more than serviceable job. He was summarily hired by Will Muschamp at South Carolina. The win finalized the 2015 season with a 5 game win streak (including 2 vs rivals Auburn and Georgia Tech) and a 10 win season. While the season was still generally considered to be chaotic, disappointing, and below expectations it did end the past era of 15 years on a high note. References 30em TaxSlayer Bowl (January) Category:Gator Bowl Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football bowl games Category:Georgia Bulldogs football bowl games TaxSlayer Bowl (January) TaxSlayer Bowl (January)