Stunning San Diego hosts the Holiday Bowl, and this is the first rendition played in Petco Park, home of the Padres. Oregon’s Bo Nix and North Carolina’s Drake Maye brought their dynamic quarterback abilities to a bowl game known historically for its thrilling finishes.
A beautiful night in Southern California saw the Tarheel faithful greatly outnumbered by the yellow and green Duck fanatics. Proximity to California gave the folks from Oregon an advantage, but the game isn’t played in the stands. Led by Drake Maye’s three touchdowns, North Carolina had control for a majority of the game. But, Bo Nix would have the final word. The 28-27 Oregon victory was punctuated by his 4th down, 6-yard touchdown toss with 19 seconds left coupled with an extra point that boinked in off the goal post. Holiday Bowl magic.
The Tarheels skidded through the back half of their season losing four straight. The Ducks earned their tenth win with the Holiday Bowl championship. Both teams are set up to have an exciting 2023 season – one that may rise high above Holiday Bowl status.
