Own the group chat with The Weekender, highlighting the biggest stories in college sports, standout writing from Eleven Warriors, and a glance at what's next.
JAYDEN DANIELS WINS THE HEISMAN TROPHY
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was awarded the Heisman Trophy on Saturday, beating out finalists Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix for the honor.
Although LSU finished 9-3 and was not in the College Football Playoff hunt for much of the season, Daniels used video game-like statistics to earn the award. He threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns — all while completing 72.2 percent of his attempts — and added 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground this season.
Daniels is the third LSU player to earn the Heisman Trophy, joining Joe Burrow (2019) and Billy Cannon (1959).
ARMY HOLDS OFF NAVY TO WIN 17-11
Army and Navy met at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., to add another chapter to their historic rivalry on Saturday, and they did not disappoint.
Thanks to a goal-line stand in the final minute of the game, Army repelled Navy 17-11 to claim its second-consecutive win over its bitter rival. Despite being outgained 309-259, Army utilized a pair of takeaways — including a scoop-and-score from sophomore linebacker Kalib Fortner, which pushed the Black Knights’ lead to 17-3 with 4:49 remaining in regulation — to claim the victory.
Despite the loss, Navy still holds the all-time advantage over Army with a 62-55-7 record against the Black Knights.
DILLION GABRIEL TRANSFERS TO OREGON
With Nix out of remaining eligibility and off to the NFL Draft after Oregon’s Fiesta Bowl clash with Liberty on Jan. 1, 2024, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning looked to the transfer portal for his next gunslinger.
Oregon added former UCF and Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel on Saturday, maintaining a veteran presence at the position heading into next season. Gabriel completed 69.3 percent of his passes for 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Sooners this season.
Gabriel will lead Oregon during its first season in the Big Ten, as the Ducks will join the conference alongside USC, UCLA and Washington in 2024.
MARCUS APPROVED! #DIMETIME pic.twitter.com/GZUgZVS5rw
— Dillon Gabriel (@_dillongabriel_) December 9, 2023
ICYMI
The Eleven Warriors staff outline Ohio State’s 20 best players from the 2023 regular season, and Dan Hope analyzes the biggest movers on the list.
Unachieved Goals Weigh On Marvin Harrison Jr.’s Mind As He Wrestles With NFL Draft Decision
Dan Hope digs into Marvin Harrison Jr.’s impending decision to either return to Ohio State for another year or enter the 2024 NFL Draft — where he is likely to be a top-five pick.
With former Ohio State starting quarterback Kyle McCord in the transfer portal, Chase Brown evaluates portal options to fill the void at the position.
WHAT’S NEXT?
- 19 Days Until: Cotton Bowl vs. Missouri, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
- 265 Days Until: 2024 season-opener vs. Akron, TBD
- 356 Days Until: Michigan @ Ohio State, TBD
- Women’s Basketball: vs. No. 2 UCLA, Dec. 18
