2019 FRANKLIN AMERICAN Mortgage MUSIC CITY BOWL

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Scott Ramsey is the president of Mike Hastings the Nashville Sports Council, the Publisher organization that administrates a [email protected] number of local sporting events cul- minating every year with the Frank- Editorial Staff lin American Mortgage Music City Bowl in Nissan Stadium. Stetson Marlin In it’s 22-year history the Bowl Contributing Writer averages 57,000 in attendance, five Parker Bell million TV viewers, and has gener- Contributing Writer ated over $335 million for the local Craig Flagg economy. Contributing Writer Ramsey talked about the Bowl‘s Craig Ladd relationship with the ACC confer- Contributing Writer ence, “It’s been a very positive re- Chip Cirillo lationship for us, when you look at Contributing Writer the last 14 years we’ve been part- George Wong ners, 10 of their institutions have Scott Ramsey has been at the helm of the Franklin American Mortgage Contributing Writer Music City Bowl since the beginning. been represented here so we’ve Courtesy Photo brought a lot of different fan bases Photography By: here,” he said. affinity for Nashville as a destina- nounced the 2022 U S figure skat- Carl Edmondson “The ACC/SEC is a natural rival- tion has really been a positive.” ing championships which is the www.cejrphotography.com ry and I think we’ve really benefit- When asked about what had Olympic qualifier for Beijing. Gold Andrew Atkins ed from that,” Ramsey said. He also changed the most about the bowl medalist Scott Hamilton and the Contributing Photographer reflected on the long-standing rela- over the years Ramsey said, “The Predators have partnered on that. Sarah Galloway tionship with the SEC. level of fan activation, what you see Every year we try to build our Contributing Photographer “The SEC has had a unique rela- down on Broadway on the 29th and calendar around the SEC cham- John Wilkinson tionship with Nashville, we just an- the 30th with the big stage and three pionship in March, the Saint Jude www.jfw3.com nounced the basketball tournament blocks blocked off with the battle of Rock and Roll Marathon in April, Katie Bashaw extending through 2035 which is the bands and the cooking, it’s go- the Franklin American Mortgage Contributing Photographer the longest agreement in the coun- ing to be a great fan experience!” Music City Bowl in December, Jennifer Spradlin try. We’ve certainly had them as our Ramsey went on to talk about and now with the US figure skating Contributing Photographer anchor conference since 1998 when future events the Nashville Sports championships coming in 2022 we Jan Johnson they first took a chance on us. Their Council has planned. “We just an- are starting to fill that calendar up.” www.imagine--this.com Greg & Jess Photo www.gregandjess.com �ase�all � �o��all Instruc�on Art Director: Renee Phillips �a�ng cages • Pitching mounds 10,000 square feet • Indoor ﬁeld Advertising Sales: Colby Rager [email protected]

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www.NashvilleSports.net Facebook/NashvilleSports15 Twitter: @15Nashville (1.5 miles oﬀ the I-65/Harding Place exit) The Sports Weekly is published by Nashville Sports Publicastions LLC, 142 Belle Forest Circle, Nash- ville TN 37221. All rights reserved. 6 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019 Co-Chairmen Lampley and Pinson Excited About Direction of Game By Chip Cirillo has completely done a 180 on the NSP Contributor culture. The kids have bought in and the fans have responded.” Brad Lampley and Richard Pin- Coach Scott Satterfield is off to a son have been working with the great start in his first season at Lou- Franklin American Mortgage Mu- isville after going 51-24 at Appa- sic City Bowl for 17 years. lachian State from 2013-2018. He They’ve been co-chairmen the was the quarterback coach when past three years in addition to being Appalachian State stunned fifth- long-time board members. ranked Michigan in the 2007 season “RP … my brother,” kidded Lam- opener, one of the biggest upsets in pley, a Nashville attorney. college football history. Lampley and Pinson have seen “He’s a winner and I think his a lot of growth in the bowl game attitude is infectious,” Pinson said. during the past two decades. “He’s a solid x’s and o’s guy and “The last five years, we’ve just I think the Cardinal Nation knows exploded,” Lampley said. “Really, that.” the last six years with the Big Ten/ Pinson said the Music City Bowl ACC sharing arrangement. We’re has made a $335 million economic about to bring in a new title spon- impact on Nashville during its 22- sor, we think.” year history. Mississippi State will face Lou- “Normally, between Christmas isville in the Franklin American and New Year’s there’s not typical- Mortgage Music City Bowl for a ly a lot going on in any city other matchup between teams from the than maybe the largest of cities, so Southeastern Conference and the we’ve been fortunate,” said Pinson, Atlantic Coast Conference at Nis- whose software company is the san Stadium on Monday, Dec. 30. same age as the Franklin American “We’re about to go into an ar- Franklin American Mortgage CEO Dan Crockett (center) celebrates after Mortgage Music City Bowl. the 20th anniversary game with co-chairmen Brad Lampley (left) and Rich- ard Pinson (right). Courtesy Photo

because people love this city that my son, so I’ve got some relation- much,” Lampley said. “If we do ships there, too.” ever get that, then automatically His son, Jackson, is a freshman you’re in the rotation for the Final center-guard at Tennessee and a Four, Super Bowl and college foot- former Montgomery Bell Academy ball playoff-national champion- standout. ship-type events.” “We’ve still got the state-record Pinson, the Advanced Network winning streak: 50 and my son Solutions CEO, kidded the he and wears 50 at Tennessee partially as Brad Lampley Lampley have been with the bowl a nod to that, so it’s pretty neat,” Richard Pinson so long that they’ve become “the Lampley said of the Trinity streak. gray hair in the corner.” “Tennessee is going to the Gator rangement with the Big Ten ex- “From the very beginning, we Bowl.” clusively where they elevate our Both schools are close to Nash- were in the simplest form trying The elder Lampley played at Ten- position, which is really going to ville. Louisville is 155 miles north- to pay our bills as any start-up and nessee during the Peyton Manning help get an even better team on the east and Starkville, Miss., is 286 now we are able to contribute, $13, era. SEC side,” Lampley said. “If you miles southwest. $14, $15 million a year to the city,” Louisville (7-5) is headed to look at what we would have if this “Let’s face it, too, everybody Pinson said. “We’ve probably seen a bowl one year after suffering were next year already, you might loves Nashville,” Lampley said. several-thousand % growth (in the through a 2-10 season. Mississippi be looking at a Michigan or a Penn “It’s the easiest city in the world to last 17 years) if you’re doing the State (6-6) earned a trip to Nashville State or Iowa.” sell. To be able to show it off to oth- metrics because start-ups are not after a 21-20 win over Ole Miss in Lampley said the SEC never er places that really want to be here, always the easiest. The growth has its regular-season finale. wants to lose a game, so it would that’s really fantastic.” been exponential.” “Louisville has had this remark- send a stronger opponent to play the There are 40 bowl games this sea- Lampley, a former Louisville able turnaround and then Missis- Big Ten representative. son, way too many some say. Trinity tackle, likes this year’s sippi State wins a game that every- He hopes Nissan Stadium will get “My response to that always is matchup. body in America watched against a dome someday, so it can host big- tell that to the kids that are playing “I’m from Louisville, so that was its archrival, so they both come to ger events. in these things because it’s a big kind of the hometown team when us kind of on a high point,” Lamp- “If we had a dome here like cit- deal and if you don’t make a bowl I was growing up,” Lampley said. ley said. “Louisville went through a ies like Indy or Atlanta, we’d basi- it’s a problem and it’s a long, cold “I’ve got some friends on the Mis- really rough patch in their program cally be a playoff game right now offseason,” Lampley said. sissippi State staff. They recruited and they’ve got a new coach who December 18, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 7 Title Sponsor It Was A Great 10 Years for Franklin American Mortgage Franklin American Mortgage Company

For the last 10 years, the Nash- ville Sports Council has considered it a privilege to work with Franklin American Mortgage Company as the Music City Bowl’s title sponsor. Of course, this relationship goes back farther than just the last 10 years. After serving as the title sponsor of the LPGA’s Franklin Ameri- can Mortgage Championship from 2004-2006, Franklin American Mortgage was looking for another sponsorship opportunity close to their corporate headquarters. Former President/CEO Dan Crockett had already forged personal relationships with numerous members of the Nashville Sports Council so it was a natural fit for the company to assume corporate sponsorship of the Franklin Ameri- can Mortgage Charity Cup in 2008. This annual golf tournament was Former Franklin American Mortgage CEO Dan Crockett (left) and Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl the Music City Bowl’s charitable CEO Scott Ramsey (right) hand the championship trophy to University of Tennessee head coach Butch Jones fundraising initiative and featured after the Vols beat Nebraska in the 2016 game. Courtesy Photo administrators, influential -do nors,and celebrity alumni from the supportive of our mission and in- SEC and ACC. continued to grow in both promi- lege football bowl game in history. volved in our key strategic discus- When the Music City Bowl was nence and prestige. Perhaps even more important than sions. We’ve developed a real trust looking for a new title sponsor for During the time Franklin Amer- the games themselves are the op- that has transcended beyond a bowl the 2010 game, Franklin American ican Mortgage has been our title portunities this partnership has pre- sponsorship relationship.” Mortgage was the perfect fit as they sponsor, we’ve been honored to sented to shine a national spotlight These sentiments are shared by were looking for a platform to gain host such historic programs as Ten- on our city and help the citizens of Scott Tansil, Executive Vice Pres- even more national prominence. nessee, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ole Nashville and surrounding areas. ident at Franklin American Mort- Following a successful initial run, Miss, Auburn, and LSU. It has been a true honor to partner gage. “Our title sponsorship of the we were able to extend our contract The first game in our partnership with Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl has helped our in 2013, solidifying our partner- in 2010 set a Music City Bowl at- to support Make-A-Wish, the Sec- company reach a national prom- ships with ESPN, and the South- tendance record of 69,143, and last ond Harvest Food Bank, and the inence that wouldn’t have been eastern, Big10, and Atlantic Coast year’s matchup saw Auburn score Charity Cup. possible otherwise. It has given our conferences. From there, the bowl the most points in a half of any col- Through our Tradition of Service award, Franklin American Mort- colleagues an event to be proud of gage has given thousands of dollars and presented an excellent platform in scholarships to deserving student to allow us to give back to the com- athletes over the last decade, and our munities that made our success pos- Youth Football Program has helped sible. We’ve been honored to be a hundreds of children become active part of it for the past decade.” in youth football organizations. In conclusion, everyone at the “What started as a sponsorship Nashville Sports Council would grew into a terrific partnership for like to extend our most sincere grat- both of us. We’ve been extremely itude to Dan Crockett, Scott Tansil, fortunate that the entire leadership Eric Schuppenhauer, and all of the team at Franklin American Mort- tremendous colleagues at Franklin gage Company has been a partner American Mortgage Company for with the Music City Bowl and not all your support over the last de- just a sponsor. And there’s a signif- cade. icant difference there,” said Scott The Music City Bowl wouldn’t be North Carolina won the first Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl Ramsey President & CEO of the where it is today without your en- in 2010 after a controversial play at the end of the game let them kick a field goal to tie and eventually went on to beat Tennessee 30-27. Nashville Sports Council and Mu- thusiasm and commitment to mak- sic City Bowl. “They have been ing our game the best it could be. Courtesy Photo 8 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019 Louisville Recap Cardinals Turn Things Around Under Coach Satterfield By Chip Cirillo time deficit against Virginia’s then NSP Contributor No. 8-ranked defense. Creque suf- fered a season-ending ACL injury. After going 2-10 last season, Lou- Miami 52, Louisville 27 isville didn’t look like a team that Miami’s Jarren Williams broke a was headed for a bowl game any- school record with six TD passes time soon. and threw for 253 yards on Nov. 9 But that’s just where the Cardi- in Miami Gardens, Fla. nals are going. Cunningham passed for two TDs Louisville (7-5) made an impres- and ran for another before leaving sive turnaround this season, earn- in the second half with an injury. ing a bid to the Franklin American Hawkins rushed for 105 yards, but Mortgage Music City Bowl at Nis- Miami scored TDs on its first four san Stadium. possessions. Louisville left tackle Scott Satterfield was named- At Mekhi Becton injured his left ankle. lantic Coast Conference coach of Louisville 34, N.C. State 20 the year in his first season with the Louisville head coach Scott Satterfield leads his team onto the field this Cunningham threw four TD pass- Cardinals after they improved from year. The Cardinals improved from 0-8 in the ACC last year to 5-3 this es against North Carolina State, 0-8 in the ACC last year to 5-3 this year under Satterfield. Courtesy Photo which was missing its top five cor- season. nerbacks due to injuries, on Nov. 16 The five-game improvement was the last 22 years. Louisville 41, Boston College 39 in Raleigh, N.C. the best among Power 5 programs Notre Dame 35, Louisville 17 Blanton Creque’s 41-yard field Placekicker Ryan Chalifoux also in 2019. Louisville finished second Notre Dame spoiled Satterfield’s goal with 1:02 left gave the Cardi- threw a TD pass on a fake field goal behind unbeaten Clemson. coaching debut at Louisville in the nals their first ACC win in 686 days with 9:42 left. The Cardinals will face Missis- season opener on Sept. 2. on Oct. 5 in Louisville. “That was something you’re go- sippi State (6-6) at 3 p.m. Monday, Hawkins was a bright spot in de- Seth Dawkins had eight reception ing to remember the rest of your Dec. 30. feat, rushing for 122 yards in front for 170 yards for the Cardinals, who life,” Chalifoux told the AP. “Being Louisville’s only previous ap- of a record home crowd of 58,187. ended their nine-game ACC losing able to be those guys celebrating a pearance in the Music City Bowl Louisville took a 14-7 lead on streak. win, celebrating Louisville coming was a memorable one when quar- Jawon Pass’ second TD run with The schools combined for 1,227 through, bouncing back this year, terback Lamar Jackson set a bowl 4:08 left in the first quarter, but No- yards, including a career-high 172 being able to become bowl-eligi- record with 226 rushing yards in a tre Dame outscored the Cardinals rushing yards and a TD by Haw- ble. … Being a part of something 2015 win over Texas A&M. 28-3 the rest of the way. kins. special, that’s a once-in-a-lifetime Jackson is now the MVP front- Louisville 42, E. Kentucky 0 Louisville 62, Wake Forest 59 thing.” runner for the Baltimore Ravens. Louisville ended a 10-game los- Louisville upset then No. 19 Wake Louisville 56, Syracuse 34 For only the third time in school ing streak and gave Satterfield his Forest in the second-highest scoring Cunningham passed for a ca- history, the Cardinals had a 1,000- first win with the Cardinals on Sept. game in ACC history on Oct. 12in reer-best five TDs and ran for one yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver 7. “We just want to make it normal Winston-Salem, N.C. more in Louisville on Nov. 23. in the same season. to win and get back to being how The teams combined for 1,188 to- Hawkins rushed for a fresh- Running back Javian Hawkins set we know we can be,” Pass told The tal yards as Louisville spoiled Wake man-record 233 yards on 23 carries a Louisville single-season freshman Associated Press after the Cardi- Forest’s first national ranking in 11 as the Cardinals outgained the Or- rushing record with 1,420 yards, nals’ first win in 358 days. years. ange 608-510 and went 8 for 11 on which is also the fourth-best mark The Cardinals erupted for 542 Louisville led 52-31 with less third down. in school history. yards in total offense against their than 6:30 remaining and held off a “Those guys are like cheetahs,” Wide receiver Tutu Atwell tied Football Championship Series op- Demon Deacons rally. Syracuse coach Dino Babers said the school record with 12 touch- ponent. Clemson 45, Louisville 10 of Louisville. “You can pull them down receptions and became the Louisville 38, W. Kentucky 21 Trevor Lawrence threw three TD down with one hand, and you’re first 1,000-yard receiver since 2007. Atwell made four receptions for passes and Travis Etienne rushed sure you could. But if you don’t get Atwell, who has scored a touch- 141 yards and three TDs at Nissan for 192 yards to lead No. 3 Clemson that one hand on them, then they down in five straight games, has six Stadium on Sept 14. to its 22nd consecutive win on Oct. take off.” 100-yard receiving games this year. Pass missed the game with a foot 19 in Louisville. Kentucky 45, Louisville 13 The Cardinals ranked third in the injury and Micale Cunningham left Clemson sacked Louisville quar- Kentucky’s Lynn Bowden rushed ACC in rushing (214.2), fifth in in the third quarter after a hit to his terbacks six times and rambled for for 284 yards, a Southeastern Con- total offense (442.1) and fourth in head. 551 yards in total offense. ference single-game record for scoring offense (32.7). Florida State 35, Louisville 24 Hawkins rushed for 129 yards, quarterbacks, and a career-high four Hassan Hall is one of the nation’s Florida State rolled for a sea- but the Cardinals were held to 107 TDs on Nov. 30 in Lexington, Ky. top kick returners, averaging 31.7 son-high 522 yards in total offense passing yards. The Wildcats rushed for a yards per return and has a 100-yard and Cam Akers scored three TDs on Louisville 28, Virginia 21 school-record 517 yards and out- return for a TD this season. Sept. 21 in Louisville’s ACC open- Hawkins, who ran for 136 yards, scored Louisville 28-0 in the sec- Louisville lost to Mississippi er in Tallahassee, Fla. and Cunningham accounted for two ond half, turning a close game into State 31-27 in the 2017 TaxSlayer Cunningham passed for two TDs TDs on a rainy night in Louisville a rout. Bowl. The Cardinals will be mak- and ran for another as Louisville on Oct. 26. Hawkins rushed for 142 yards, ing their 18th bowl appearance in rallied with 24 consecutive points. Cardinals rallied from a 14-7 half- but the Wildcats recorded six sacks. December 18, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 9 MSU Recap Bulldogs Are Riding Momentum Into Music City Bowl By Chip Cirillo it, but it’s going to help get you beat NSP Contributor against a team like this.” Texas A&M 49, MSU 30 Mississippi State broke a school Texas A&M’s Kellen Mond ac- record with its 10th consecutive counted for five TDs, handing MSU bowl bid when the Bulldogs accept- its fourth straight loss on Oct. 26 in ed an invitation to play Louisville College Station, Texas. in the Franklin American Mortgage Hill got back on track, rushing for Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadi- 150 yards and a TD. um. MSU 54, Arkansas 24 “The Music City Bowl is the per- Hill rushed for a career-high 234 fect destination for our Bulldog fans yards and MSU ended a four-game and team,” MSU Director of Athlet- losing streak after a winless Octo- ics John Cohen told the school web- ber on Nov. 2 in Fayetteville, Ark. site. “Nashville has a strong Missis- Arkansas quarterback Ben Hicks sippi State alumni contingent and is didn’t complete his first pass until a great city to enjoy. I am thrilled the second quarter. Mississippi State has played a tough schedule this year, including this for our football program on earning game against Number 1 ranked LSU. The Razorbacks narrowed the a bowl berth every season this de- Courtesy Photo deficit to 17-7 in the second quar- cade. We look forward to seeing a ter, but the Bulldogs scored the next large amount of Maroon and White fensive coordinator, completed 20 for a TD on the game’s first posses- four TDs. in Nashville and sending out our of 30 passes for 236 yards in the sion before being ejected after his Alabama 38, MSU 7 senior class with a positive experi- Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New second unsportsmanlike conduct Alabama quarterback Tua Tagov- ence.” Orleans. penalty later in the game. ailoa injured his hip late in the first Mississippi State (6-6) faces Lou- Kylin Hill rushed for 197 yards “I love Willie,” Moorhead told half while being tackled by Bull- isville (7-5), the team it beat 31- and one TD on 27 carries. Never The Associated Press after the dogs linebacker Leo Lewis on Nov. 27 in the 2017 TaxSlayer (Gator) trailing, MSU was aided by five game. “I think Willie is one of top 16 in Starkville. Bowl. turnovers. linebackers in country. He’s big, Tagovailoa, the Heisman Trophy The Bulldogs won three of their MSU 38, Southern Miss 15 he’s fast, he’s strong and he’s pas- runner-up last season, passed for last four games, including a 21-20 Hill rushed for 123 yards and one sionate. Sometimes that passion is 256 yards and two TDs before get- victory over Ole Miss in the Egg TD despite suffering an ankle inju- a little misguided, maybe, but he’s ting hurt. Bowl on Thanksgiving night. ry late in the second quarter in the a guy who loves Mississippi State, The Bulldogs were held to 82 “This is a great opportunity for Bulldogs’ home opener on Sept. 7. loves this team and this defense. I passing yards. our football program against a very Hill retuned in the second half for wish we had a hundred Willies.” MSU 45, Abilene Christian 7 quality and well-coached Louisville the Bulldogs, who were helped by Auburn 56, MSU 23 Stevens passed for two TDs and team,” MSU coach Joe Moorhead three turnovers. MSU allowed three TDs on the ran for another on homecoming in told the website. “I am very excit- Kansas State 31, MSU 24 Tigers’ first eight plays from scrim- Starkville on Nov. 23. ed for our team to accept this bid to Skylar Thompson’s 15-yard TD mage and Hill was held to 45 rush- Hill rushed for 153 yards as the the Music City Bowl. We have built pass to a wide-open Dalton Schoen ing yards on 17 carries on Sept. 28 Bulldogs rambled for 577 yards in a lot of momentum over the past with 5:37 left gave the Bull- at Auburn. total offense. month, and we want to ensure our dogs their first loss on Sept. 14 in “To come out and spot them 21 MSU 21, Ole Miss 20 senior class goes out the right way. Starkville, Miss. before the band even gets in their Rebels kicker Luke Logan missed We can’t wait to see our Bulldog Kansas State’s Malik Knowles seats, you don’t give yourself a a extra point kick with four seconds fans in Nashville to close the year.” tied the game at 24 with a 100-yard chance,” Moorhead told the AP af- left in the Egg Bowl on Thanksgiv- Moorhead became the second kickoff return for a TD early in the terward. ing night in Starkville. MSU coach to earn bowl bids in fourth quarter. Tennessee 20, MSU 10 Elijah Moore pulled Ole Miss to his first two seasons, joining Jackie MSU turned the ball over on Stevens and Shrader combined to within one moments earlier when Sherrill (1991-92). downs at the Wildcats’ 20-yard line, throw three interceptions and got he caught a 2-yard TD pass from The Bulldogs have a 13-9 bowl just one yard short of a first down sacked seven times on Oct . 12 in Matt Corral, but the receiver was record, including a 31-23 victory late in the game. Hill rushed for 111 Knoxville. penalized for unsportsmanlike con- over Wake Forest in the 2011 Mu- yards. Hill was held to 13 yards on 11 duct for simulating a dog urinating sic City Bowl. MSU 28, Kentucky 13 carries. while celebrating the score. MSU finished fifth in the South- Hill broke the 100-yard mark o LSU 36, MSU 13 That moved the Rebels back to eastern Conference’s West Divi- the fourth straight game, rushing LSU quarterback Joe Burrow the 18yard line for the extra point sion. for 120 yards and three TDs in the passed for 327 yards and four TDs attempt and the kick went wide MSU 38, Louisiana-Lafayette 28 Bulldogs’ SEC opener in Starkville in Starkville on Oct. 19. right. Tommy Stevens, a former Penn on Sept. 21. “When the margin for error is in- Ole Miss had driven 82 yards in State backup, passed for two touch- Freshman quarterback Garrett visible, you can’t turn the ball over 12 plays for the TD. The Rebels downs and ran for another in his Shrader passed for 180 and rushed three times against a team this good converted a fourth-and-24 on a 57- first collegiate start in the Bulldogs’ for 125, filling in for the injured and expect to win,” Moorhead told yard pass from Corral to Braylon season opener on Aug. 31. Stevens. the AP. “And certainly those 13 Sanders. Stevens, who played for Moor- MSU linebacker Willie Gay Jr. penalties, some of that pre-snap Moore apologized for his actions head when he was Penn State’s of- made a 53-yard interception return stuff, it may not be on the front of through a team spokesperson. 10 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019 Huge Decision Louisville’s All-American Becton Weighs Turning Pro By David Blizzard NSP Contributor

Heavily recruited since high school, football has been a driving force in Mekhi Becton’s life ever since he can remember. The 6’7” 369 lb. Louisville junior is one of the best offensive linemen in the country and was named first team all ACC and All-American earlier this year. Mekhi has become famous in football circles for blocking defensive linemen right off their feet and has a highlight reel on YouTube that has NFL coaches and general man- agers taking notice. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has reportedly been following Becton since his sophomore year of high school. When asked about it Tomlin said, “He’s 6’7” he’s not sneaking under any- Louisville’s huge offensive lineman Mekhi Becton was named All-ACC and All-American this year and will have one’s radar.” to decide if he will return to the university next year or go pro. While Mekhi and his family de- Courtesy Photo cide if he should come back to school or declare for the draft his man I am today.” to the league I’ll be able to honor good on that promise. He has only stock is rising with most experts Mekhi’s outlook on life was for- her there too,” he said. “Everything allowed four sacks in almost three ranking him as a top 50 prospect in ever changed when lost his grand- I do is for her. If she was here she years at Louisville. When asked the 2020 NFL Draft. A good show- mother and best friend Crystal Mi- would tell me to keep going and not what makes him different he said, ing at the Music City Bowl can only nor to breast cancer in 2009. He get complacent, she would tell me “It’s how I finish, how I can phys- enhance that status. was asked what he does on the field to pretend I don’t have the things I ically move a person against their Mekhi has been deeply inspired to honor her memory. have and stay hungry,” he added. will.” by his family, he was asked what “I always wear the pink gloves Mekhi promised his grandmother It will be interesting to see if he has helped him the most he said, and cleats during breast cancer he would make to to the NFL before can add to his highlight reel on De- “My father helped me build into the awareness month and if I make it she passed and so far he is making cember 30 in Nashville. December 18, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 11 Hill Finale Old Friends Clash in MSU Star’s Final College Game By Chip Cirillo NSP Contributor

Kylin Hill gave a hint about what kind of season he would have in the season opener. The junior running back rushed for 197 yards and one touchdown in Mississippi State’s 38-28 win over Louisiana-Lafayette. “I think he’s one of the premier backs in the conference and the country,” Bulldogs coach Joe Moor- head told the Associated Press after the game. “He showed that today.” Moorhead was right. Hill leads the Southeastern Conference in rushing with 1,347 yards. He’ll be Mississippi State’s feature back when it faces Louisville in the Franklin American Mortgage Mississippi State running back Kylin Hill has become one of the premiere backs in the country, leading the SEC in rushing with 1,347 yards. Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium Courtesy Photo on Monday, Dec. 30. It will be his final game with the Avery said. “He’s a great back. He’s nal choices to Louisville and MSU. carries were the most since Dixon’s Bulldogs because he’s decided to a person that can go around you, go “I think what gave Louisville the 257 in 2009. enter the NFL Draft. over you or even through you, so edge is I just wanted to get away “He was a grown man out there,” “After much prayer and discus- you’ve just got to bring you’re ‘A’ from Mississippi and see some Kentucky coach Mark Stoops told sion with my family, I have decided game and be ready to play good.” things that were new as well as the AP after Hill rushed for 120 yards it is time for the next chapter in my Hill won the Conerly Trophy, defensive scheme,” Avery said. and three TDs in a win over the life and football career,” Hill wrote awarded annually to the best col- Avery has helped Louisville make Wildcats. “You can see a great play- in a letter posted on the MSU web- lege football player in Mississippi. one of the nation’s biggest turner there, with a great desire to make site. “I will be forgoing my final He ranks 10th in career rush- arounds, going from 2-10 last year some tough runs. That’s a very good season of eligibility and entering ing yards at Mississippi State with to 7-5 this season. football player.” my name in the 2020 NFL Draft. I 2,474. “He’s a guy that has it all,” “As soon as coach (Scott) Sat- Hill broke the 100-yard mark in look forward to continuing to chase said Avery, Louisville’s leading terfield and the staff came in, they each of his first four games of the my lifelong dream of playing on tackler with 84. “He’s just a com- preached doing the little things right season against Louisiana-Lafayette, Sundays.” plete back. I’ve known him since and just give it attitude and effort,” Southern Miss, Kansas State and Hill, who hasn’t lost a fumble high school, so I’ve seen him play Avery said. Kentucky. since his sophomore season in high since he was young.” Hill has rushed for 10 touchdowns Defenses began to focus on him school, departs with good memories Both players went to high school on 235 carries in a workhorse role more and he was held to less than of his three years with the Bulldogs. in Mississippi. Avery went to Gre- for the Bulldogs this season. He 50 yards in losses to Auburn, Ten- “My time here has been an in- nada and Hill played for Columbus. also caught 17 passes for 174 yards nessee and LSU. credible experience, and I will nev- Hill wears No. 8 at MSU and Avery and one TD. He rebounded by breaking the er forget where I came from,” Hill is 9 at Louisville. “We’ve faced some really good 100-yard mark in four of his last wrote. “Mississippi State is a spe- “I know (Kylin) pretty well,” Av- backs this year,” Avery said. “(Flor- five games, including a career-high cial place and has been since I first ery said. “We follow each other on ida State’s) Cam Akers as well as 234 and three TDs in a win at Ar- stepped foot on campus. I am truly social media and in high school we (Clemson’s) Travis Etienne and we kansas. blessed and will always hold my were part of some of the top play- look forward to playing against an- “I’ve changed my running style Bulldog Family close to my heart.” ers in Mississippi, so we got to be other great one.” and you have to change it up when Hill is 45 yards short of break- around each other a little bit.” Avery moved from safety to line- they stack the box,” Hill told the ing Anthony Dixon’s single season Grenada and Columbus are 93 backer after his freshman season at AP after rushing for 153 yards in a rushing school record. miles apart by car. Grenada is 70 Louisville. win over Abilene Christian. “I can’t He was named to the All-SEC first miles northwest of Starkville, home “It was kind of a need on our make too many moves and I have to team by the AP and second team by of the Mississippi State campus. team,” said Avery, a 5-foot-11, be decisive.” the conference coaches. “That was my first offer and 221-pound junior. “I just gained Hill hopes to put an exclamation Containing Hill will be difficult they were on me all the way until I weight in the weight room and my point on his career in Nashville. for Louisville’s defense, which signed with Louisville,” Avery said body type is more of a linebacker, “I can’t wait to wear the Ma- ranks 115th out of 130 FBS teams of MSU. “Yea, they were really big so I was looking forward to chang- roon and White one last time with against the run (210.8 yards per on me.” ing positions anyway.” my brothers and play in the Music game). Avery chose Louisville over Mis- Hill was a steady presence with City Bowl,” Hill wrote. “I love you, “It’s a pretty large task at hand, sissippi State, Auburn, California, quarterbacks Tommy Stevens and Mississippi State. We will always but we’re looking forward to play- Alabama, Mississippi, Notre Dame Garrett Shrader bouncing in and be FAMILY. See you in Nashville. ing him,” Cardinals linebacker C.J. and Tennessee. He narrowed his fi- out of the starting lineup. His 235 Hail State forever.” 12 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019 Why Louisville Will Win The Cardinals’ Momentum Will Propel Them to Victory By Vince Troia NSP Contributor

The Louisville Cardinals will win this year’s Franklin American Mort- gage Music City Bowl precisely because on paper they’re supposed to lose it. This is a team, last in the ACC in team defense, coming off a drub- bing at the hands of Kentucky and coming to Nashville to face another Southeastern Conference foe, Mis- sissippi State, that’s armed with a winning bowl record and the conference’s top rusher in Kylin Hill. Louisville also is a team that a year ago did not win a conference game, finished 2-10 overall, and The 2019 Louisville Cardinals take the field during a home game this year. The team has turned things around went out and got a new coach. this season under Coach Satterfield and are ready for victory in the FranklinAmerican Mortgage Music City Bowl Yet oddsmakers established Lou- isville as early 3.5-point favorites. for Satterfield and the Cards. The with only five interceptions. He can the time. Perhaps they see what I see about team scored 59 points to knock off use his feet when needed, having While the spotlight shines on Hill, the Cardinals football program -- then 19th-ranked and undefeated rushed for nearly 600 yards and six Louisville’s leading rusher Javian momentum and cohesiveness -- or Wake Forest. And took down #24 TDs this season. Hawkins has eclipsed him, rushing something else entirely. Anyway, Virginia early in the season. MSU’s Hill, whose 1,347 rush- for 1,420 yards and eight touch- here’s why Louisville will be victo- The team’s three ACC losses were ing yards tops the SEC, has been downs. With Cunningham’s arm rious on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium: to bowl-eligibles Miami and Florida the most consistent player on of- and Hawkins’ legs, Satterfield has They have the better coach State on the road, and to undefeated fense for the Bulldogs. He needs 45 been able to put together a balanced Louisville is riding an impressive and College Football Playoff-bound rushing yards at Nissan Stadium to attack that keeps opposing defenses turnaround season, and first-year Clemson. break the school’s single-season re- guessing. coach Scott Satterfield is the - big Mississippi State doesn’t have cord for most rushing yards. With receivers Tutu Atwell, who gest reason for it. Satterfield knows much to boast about this season However, he created a distraction leads the ACC in receiving yards, winning, and after going 7-5 in his other than an Egg Bowl win that last week when he announced to and Dez Fitzpatrick, who averages first season at Appalachian State was aided by a late penalty against ESPN that he will forgo his senior almost 19 yards a catch, the inju- University he won 40 games over its rival. season and enter the NFL draft. Hill ry-riddled Mississippi State sec- the next four seasons before being Half of its wins came at the ex- did say he plans to play on Dec. 30 ondary will have its hands full. hired away by Louisville. pense of Abilene Christian, Louisi- in Nashville. Satterfield, who won the 2018 ana-Lafayette, and Southern Miss, An ACC swan song Sun Belt Conference coach of the but in SEC games against top op- Cardinals will circle the wagons Louisville last won a bowl game year honors, repeated the feat this ponents, the Bulldogs got bit. Mis- Speaking of Hill, MSU fans in 2015, and that was in Nashville. year when the ACC named him sissippi State lost by more than 30 must be excited about the running The ACC is cutting ties with Mu- its top coach for Louisville’s one- points to Auburn and Alabama, back closing out his college career sic City Bowl organizers after this year transformation. Know too that by 23 to LSU, and by 19 to Texas against one of the worst defenses year and I think the conference will Satterfield is undefeated in bowl A&M. against the run in the country -- one claim its swan song. games. A 7-5 record may not seem that allowed 406 points this season The ACC has won seven of its Coach of the Year worthy, but earn- Fewer distractions (so far), tops in the ACC and 110th 13 previous appearances, including ing it in his first year, with a deject- As mentioned earlier, Moorhead nationally. Louisville is 107th in to- wins over SEC powers Alabama ed roster following a 2-10 season, is had plenty of distractions this sea- tal defense. (1998), Georgia (2001), Tennessee significant. son and even shuffled his lineup However, if the Bulldogs offense (2010), and Texas A&M (2015). In Bulldogs’ head coach Joe Moor- and changed quarterbacks just an is a one-trick pony, which I think 2017, Louisville lost to Mississip- head seemed to spend more time hour before kickoff against Ole it is, then Satterfield will circle the pi State in the TaxSlayer Bowl, so this season with disciplinary issues, Miss. Tommy Stevens, the senior wagons and force MSU to find al- avenging that loss may motivate the myriad injuries, and an unstable Penn State transfer, and freshman ternate weapons, and they are few Cards. quarterback situation, rather than Garrett Shrader rode the see-saw all and far between. Louisville has struggled to win putting together game plans each season. It remains unclear who will No receiver on the team has more road games, but a neutral site is not week. start the Music City Bowl. than 400 yards receiving, and the the same as playing in a hostile sta- On the Louisville sideline, red- quarterbacks have been pedestrian dium, and the short ride down Inter- More quality wins shirt sophomore Micale Cunning- at best. Despite Louisville’s defen- state 65 should bring their fans to It’s easy to focus on Louisville’s ham has been a steady leader and sive numbers, they can stop drives. town. With the Bulldogs’ cowbells dismal performance against Ken- performer for Satterfield and the Ranked 54th in the nation, the de- being banned from Nissan Stadi- tucky to end the regular season, but Cards. Cunningham has thrown fense allows opponents to convert um, Cardinal fans just may be heard there were some impressive wins for 1,786 yards and 20 touchdowns on third downs just 38 percent of loud and clear. December 18, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 13 Why MSU Will Win Bulldogs’ Tough Schedule Prepared Them for Bowl Win By Stetson Marlin NSP Contributor

Mississippi State heads into the Franklin American Mortgage Mu- sic City Bowl with a 6-6 record. De- spite the .500 record, the Bulldogs have a ton of momentum heading into this game. Mississippi State started the year out 3-1 with wins over Louisiana, Southern Miss, and Kentucky. All of those wins came in convincing fashion. They lost to Kansas State at home in a heartbreaker. The Bulldogs hit a very tough patch during the middle of the season, playing through one of the toughest stretches in the country. After their win against Kentucky, The 2019 Mississippi State Bulldogs take the field during a home game this year. The team has battled some they had to play Auburn, Tennessee, very good SEC teams this year and that has prepared them for victory in the Franklin American Mortgage Music LSU, and Texas A&M. They lost all City Bowl this year. four games, allowing 35+ points in three of those four games. Sitting sissippi State Bulldogs will win. a game. They have allowed over halftime, building themselves into at 3-5 through 2/3rds of the season, The Bulldogs have the best run- 200+ rushing yards six times on a hole they weren’t ever able to get a bowl game looked hard to reach. ning back in the SEC the season. Despite allowing that out of, ultimately losing 52-27. They managed to blow out Arkan- The Bulldogs statistically have mark six times, they are 3-3 in those Lastly, during their loss against sas, 54-24, before getting beat to the best running backs in the SEC games. Kentucky, they fell into an early Alabama 38-7, in a game where Tua in Kylin Hill. Hill lead the SEC in In probably one of the worst de- deficit after not being able to stop Tagovailoa was lost for the year due rushing this season, finishing with fensive performances in recent their rushing attack. to a hip injury. 1,347 rushing yards on the season. history, the Cardinals allowed 517 While the Mississippi State of- With two weeks left on the sched- While he had the most carries in the rushing yards to Kentucky. Granted fense has struggled at times this ule and a 4-6 record, a bowl game league at 235 carries, he rarely ever the Wildcats ran the ball 40 times, season, they could establish them- was obtainable, but they had to reel split carries. allowing 517 rushing yards in a col- selves on the ground, take an early off wins against Abilene Christian Hill was held in check against Au- lege football game is very bad. If lead and never look back. and Ole Miss. They managed to burn (45 rushing yards), Tennessee Kentucky, a team that the Bulldogs Force Turnovers beat Abilene Christian in convinc- (13 rushing yards), LSU (34 rush- were able to beat, was able to put Mississippi State has been a team ing fashion, 45-7, before hosting ing yards), and Alabama (35 rush- up that many rushing yards against that has forced a lot of turnovers this Ole Miss for the annual Egg Bowl. ing yards), but had over 100 rushing Louisville, surely Hill will be able season. They’ve forced multiple The Bulldogs and Rebels had a yards in every other game. He start- to get over the 100-yard mark for turnovers in eight games through- back and forth game, but the Bull- ed the season off very hot, rushing the 9th time this season. If Hill is out the season. They forced 10 turn- dogs managed to pull out a one- for 197 yards on 27 carries and a able to put those numbers up, the overs in their first three games of the point win, thanks to a excessive cel- touchdown against ULL. After that Bulldogs should win this game. year, which included seven forced ebration penalty and a missed XP game, he put three more consecu- Get them in a hole early fumbles. During their 3-1 streak to with just a few seconds left on the tive weeks of 100+ rushing yards. The Cardinals have scored a good end the year, they forced multiple clock. Against Texas A&M, he finished bit of points this season, scoring turnovers, including turnovers that After what seemed like a season with 150 rushing yards as well. His 30+ points in six games. In all of helped sealed the game. Overall, that was lost, the Bulldogs were best performance of the year came their losses though, they’ve strug- they forced 23 turnovers through- able to work their way back to yet the next week against Arkansas, gled to get things going early on. out the season, including 13 forced another bowl game. With the win, where he finished with 234 yards on All five of their losses have come in fumbles and 10 interceptions. Mississippi State made it to a 10th just 21 rushes. He also tied a sea- blowout fashion, so if the Bulldogs During the Cardinals losses on straight bowl game, a record for the son-high three rushing touchdowns are able to get some early points on the season, they’ve had a problem school. that game. To finish the year off, he the board with Hill and their rush- holding onto the ball. During ev- With their 6-6 record, the Bull- finished with 153 and 132 rushing ing offense, this game could easily ery single one of their losses on the dogs were awarded an appearance yards. go in their favor. season, they’ve committed multiple in the Franklin American Mortgage Another positive thing for Hill, During the Florida State game turnovers. They haven’t been a team Music City Bowl. Their last ap- as well as the rest of the Bulldogs early in the year, Louisville saw an that has turned the ball over too pearance in the bowl came in 2011, rushing attack, is that the Cardinals early 21-0 deficit in the first quar- much on the season, but when they where they edged out Wake Forest, have one of the worst rushing at- ter. They also saw an early deficit in do, they typically find themselves in 23-17. Their opponent, the Louis- tacks in the country. their game against Clemson, trail- a hole and end up with a loss. If the ville Cardinals, come in with 7-5 The Cardinals have the 115th ing 17-3 at halftime. Bulldogs are able to force turnovers, record. ranked rushing defense in the coun- The Miami game was even worse, either on the ground or through the Here’s why I think that the Mis- try, allowing over 210 rushing yards as they trailed 35-14 going into air, they will win this ball game. 14 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019

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Now offering DeltaVision® in partnership with VSP®. Protect your eyes and smile with Delta Dental®. DeltaDentalTN.com December 18, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 17 Healthy Smiles Delta Dental Supports Programs Like Sports Buddies By Marc Lyon “innovative” efforts. NSP Contributor “We are adapting our programs in a way that accommodates how we Delta Dental of Tennessee is com- will live today,” said Hudson-Gant. mitted to giving back to the local “We believe Sports Buddies offers community in a big way as shown both our mentors and kids an easier by its long-term sponsorship of the approach to form and foster rela- Franklin American Mortgage Music tionships.” City Bowl. The bowl is just one of Hudson-Gant said the organiza- several community efforts support- tion’s hopes are that Sports Buddies ed by the state’s largest independent will help address some critical chal- dental insurance provider. lenges in terms of recruiting men- Delta Dental of Tennessee is in its tors, particularly men. eleventh year as a corporate spon- “Sports Buddies helps us ad- sor of the Music City Bowl. dress our greatest challenge to re- Dr. Phil Wenk, President and cruit enough male mentors to meet CEO of Delta Dental of Tennes- Melissa Hudson-Gant, CEO Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Pat- our demand. Over 80 percent of see, sits on the Franklin American rick Scully, Manager Corporate Sponsorships for Tennessee Titans, Dr. Phil Wenk, the kids on our wait list are await- president & CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee and Marshall Molar, Delta Dental of Mortagage Music City Bowl Board Tennessee’s Ambassador of Smiles pose for the cameras at the Titans game. ing assignment to a male mentor. of Directors. He previously served Sports Buddies will involve more Courtesy Photo as co-chair of the MCB board. pre-scheduled and planned group “We are committed to improv- of directors. On Sunday, during the of children. Hudson-Gant said events and activities centered on lo- ing oral health and ultimately the Titans-Texans football game, Delta the non-profit’s annual operating cal sports.” overall health of the communities Dental presented a $5,000 donation budget exceeds $3 million which BBBS announced last month that we serve by supporting like-mind- toward Sports Buddies, a new men- continues to rise to meet growing they have formed partnerships with ed organizations and charities,” said toring program officially launched demands for mentoring in the com- local college athletic departments Wenk. “Our mission is to ‘ensure by BBBS last month. munity. representing Belmont, Lipscomb, healthy smiles’ and the Franklin “Our relationship with BBBS has We serve more than 1,000 children Tennessee State and Vanderbilt. American Mortgage Music City grown since our first donation to the annually in eight Middle Tennessee Hudson-Gant said the mentor and Bowl provides an ideal forum for organization in 2010,” said Acosta. counties,” said Hudson-Gant. “This their little brother or sister will us to help protect the smiles of bud- ”We serve as a sponsor of the Frank- year marks our 50th year anniver- participate in events free of charge ding athletes throughout Middle lin Wine Festival which benefits sary of serving the needs of girls due in large part to donations and Tennessee. We’ve been a partner BBBS. We have also hosted spon- and boys. Over the past 50 years other support given by individuals, with the Bowl for over a decade. sor tables at their annual fundrais- we have impacted the lives of more the colleges and corporate partners The game and surrounding activi- ing breakfast. We have developed than 25,000 children through our such as Delta Dental. ties has become a model for bowl many links with the organization.” mentoring programs.” Delta Dental of Tennessee is the organizations across the country. Melissa Hudson-Gant, CEO of Hudson-Gant said BBBS is con- largest independent dental insur- Delta Dental also supports the BBBS said Delta Dental’s initial in- stantly reviewing current programs ance provider in the state, with over work of other non-profits includ- vestment in the organization’s new- and services it provides to the com- 2,000 employer groups representing Second Harvest Food Bank, ly launched Sports Buddies mentor- munity. The organization contin- ing over 1.2 million Tennesseans. the American Red Cross and Big ing program is crucial. Last month ually seeks enhancements and im- Delta Dental also has the state’s Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). the organization celebrated 50 years provements that allows it to better largest network of practicing, li- Missy Acosta, Delta Dental’s vice of creating and supporting mentor- serve all of its constituents. Sports censed dentists with more than 88% president of brand strategy, serves on ing relationships with thousands Buddies represents one of those participating in the insurer’s Pre- the Big Brothers Big Sisters board mier network.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating its 50th year of serving the needs Big Brothers Big Sisters new program Sports Buddies will help address of girls and boys. More than 25,000 children have been impacted. some critical challenges in terms of recruiting mentors, particularly men. 18 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019

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WWW.MUSICCITYBOWL.COM December 18, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 19 Titan Ambassador Wesley Woodyard Gives Back Through Youth Football By Aldo Amato Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl

For Tennessee Titans linebacker and team captain Wesley Woody- ard, giving back to a community that helped mold him has brought him full circle on his football jour- ney. Woodyard cherished yet another moment of giving as the Official Ambassador of this year’s Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl Youth Football Program. In October, Woodyard hung out with the Bordeaux Eagles and Smyrna Bulldogs youth football teams and said it brought back memories from not that long ago. “I had a lot of dreams that took place right here on the youth football field, just a like a lot of these kids have today,” Woodyard said. “I Tennessee Titans’ linebacker and team captain Wesley Woodyard is giving back to the community that helped had dreams of playing professional- mold him as the official ambassador of this year’s Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl Youth Football ly, dreams of going to college and Program. Courtesy Photos dreams of helping your family out. “Playing this game taught me a Mortgage Music City Bowl cham- to be the best they can be through the leagues’ championship-winning lot of things and helping out with pion, seeing where it all began be- education, physical activity and teams and a mouth guard provided youth football definitely brings it ing back here in Nashville, it’s just a mentorship. by longtime supporter Delta Dental back full circle,” he added. dream come true,” Woodyard said. Through the bowl’s Youth Foot- of Tennessee. Woodyard has a unique con- Woodyard is the second YFP Am- ball Program, local youth leagues The league champions will be nection to the Franklin American bassador from the Titans, joining received thousands of dollars in recognized at Nissan Stadium in Morgtage Music City Bowl. He former safety Jonathan Cyprien. donations to help buy/repair equip- front of tens of thousands of foot- won the bowl twice as a standout This year, the bowl partnered with ment, uniforms, maintain facili- ball fans during the Celebration of at Kentucky in 2006 and 2007 and Woodyard’s 16 Ways Foundation. ties, and pay for game officials and Champions Ceremony during the earned Defensive MVP honors in Under the stewardship of Woody- implement new league programs 2019 Franklin American Mortgage his first appearance. ard and Derrick Kelley, President of throughout the year. Music City Bowl. “Anytime I pull up to Nissan 16 Ways Foundation, communities In addition to monetary dona- For more information on the Stadium, I’m like ‘this is where I across multiple states have been tions, the leagues also received an Youth Football Program, visit www. played my last collegiate game’ and positively impacted by their mis- official bowl helmet sticker, a free musiccitybowl.com/youth-foot- to be a two-time Franklin American sion of encouraging young people ticket for each coach and player of ball-program.

Woodyard made appearances and area youth football programs practices Woodyard took the time to offer instruction and encouragement to the and brought along a special attraction - the Franklin American Mortgage players during practice. Woodyard said the experience brought back Music City Bowl trophy. memories from his own experience with youth football. 20 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019 ACC Has Been a Big Part of Music City Bowl By David Blizzard Texas A&M Aggies with a signa- NSP Contributor ture performance. The then freshman quarterback passed for 227 This year marks the end of a yards and two touchdowns while 14 year relationship between the also running for a bowl record 226 Franklin American Mortgage Mu- yards and two scores. The Louis- sic City Bowl and the ACC so it ville signal caller would walk away seems appropriate to take a moment with the Franklin American Mort- to reflect on over a decade of great gage Music City Bowl MVP trophy games. and a 27-21 shoot out victory. The first participant was the Uni- While the players deserve a lot of versity of Virginia in 2005 who credit for the games success there was actually a fill in that year for have many people working behind the SEC because they didn’t have the scenes to insure a great experi- enough bowl eligible teams. The ence every year for the fans. Cavaliers would go on to make the Scott Ramsey is the president of most of their opportunity defeating the Nashville Sports Council, has Minnesota 34-31. run the Music City Bowl since it’s After the official agreement - be inception in 1998. Mr. Ramsey was gan in 2006 the ACC started a run Current NFL MVP candidate Lamar Jackson was a freshman quarterback asked about the Music City Bowl‘s of playing in the game eight out of when he led Louisville to a 27-21 victory over Texas A & M in the 2015 relationship with the ACC. the next 10 years featuring many Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. Courtesy Photo “It’s been a very positive relation- memorable games. ship for us, when you look at the In 2008 the hometown Vander- down the field by the Golden Eagles modores control field position in a last 14 years we’ve been partners, bilt Commodores ended a 53-year most of the game. The outcome was low scoring game. This was also the 10 of their institutions have been winless streak in bowl games when determined by three Boston Col- signature win for fan favorite coach represented here so we’ve brought they beat Boston College 16-14 lege turnovers and a 30-yard pen- Bobby Johnson. a lot of different fan bases here. The completing their first winning sea- alty on Vanderbilt’s final drive. The In 2015 current NFL MVP can- ACC/SEC is a natural rivalry and I son since 1982. Vanderbilt was able MVP of the game was Vandy punter didate Lamar Jackson led the Lou- think we’ve really benefited from to win despite getting beat up and Brett Upson who helped the Com- isville Cardinals to a win over the that,” Ramsey said.

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Jim Dyes edwardjones.com Financial Advisor Member SIPC 7516 Highway 70 S Ste 150 Nashville, TN 37221 615-662-8037 IRT-1948H-A December 18, 2019 Nashville Sports Publications 21 Gary LeVox to Headline Postgame Concert Gary LeVox, frontman for the multi-platinum group Rascal Flatts, will host and headline the “Black Tie Country Concert Series” presented by Black Tie Moving at this year’s Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. LeVox and several other record- ing artists will be featured during the postgame concert at the Black Tie Main Stage on lower Broadway as part of the Bowl’s Fan Zone on Monday, Dec. 30. “We’re excited to play such a big role in the Franklin American Mort- gage Music City Bowl this year,” Dustin Black, founder and CEO of Black Tie Moving said. “Nashville is an amazing place and I’m really looking forward to showcasing our Rascal Flatts frontman gary LeVox will headline the Black Tie Country Concert Series at this year’s Franklin city and all it has to offer. American Mortgage Music City Bowl. “Gary (a partner in Black Tie Courtesy Photo Moving) and I have put together a for?” ing the game and offer a glimpse with Rascal Flatts and we’re thank- lineup of over 15 incredible coun- The concert will be a part of a at why Nashville is one of the top ful to have our friends at Black Tie try artists to entertain bowl-goers at larger two-day downtown cele- destinations in the world. Moving for helping add yet another the Black Tie Main Stage on lower bration along Nashville’s famous “We’re certainly thankful to have exciting element to Bowl Week.” Broadway over two days. This will Broadway. Fan Zone will feature Gary involved in this year’s bowl,” For more information on the con- be a great time for the entire family. several opportunities for fans to ex- Ramsey said. “He’s been a main- cert, ticket options and more, visit Great football, music and food...I perience the excitement surround- stay in the Nashville music scene www.musiccitybowl.com. mean what more could you ask

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Organizers found a new way to put the “music” into the Music City Bowl when it sponsored local auditions to find singers for the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” performances at the Dec. 30 game. Launched in October with hundreds of approximately one-minute acapella recordings sent to Frank- lin American Mortgage Music City Bowl staff, 10 finalists were cho- sen, and live auditions were held in November, sponsored by Synovus Bank. The inaugural Synovus Voice of Paul and Jamie Martin and their four children comprise Rockland Road, a popular local area band. The group the Bowl Contest lets Synovus tap won a competition sponsored by Synovus Bank and will sing the National Anthem at the Franklin American Mort- into “the unrivaled music talent gage Music City Bowl. Courtesy Photo pool in Nashville,” said Rob Mc- Neilly, the bank’s Tennessee Divi- Middle School. Floyd Stadium, and several NBA fun way to connect with the com- sion CEO. Hurst’s strong voice won over arenas. munity,” said Aldo Amato, market- judges and she will sing “God Bless However, none were as large as ing and communications manager America” at halftime. She has been the anticipated 60,000-plus crowd for the Music City Bowl. “Although singing since she was a toddler. at Nissan Stadium. this is the first year that we’ve done Paul and Jamie Martin and their “I can’t think of a more appro- this, we hope it will become an an- four children comprise Rockland priate way to demonstrate Syno- nual contest.” Road, which many area music fans vus’ commitment to Nashville than The eight additional finalists -in remember under the group’s previ- by partnering with the Music City cluded Tamica Harris, Morgan Myl- ous name, the Martin Family Cir- Bowl and recognizing the musical es, Keesha Rainey, Katie Spurling cus. The group will kick off game talent here,” McNeilly said in a (for the national anthem), and Julia day with the “Star Spangled Ban- press release. Cole, Spencer Ezell, Luisa Reyes, ner.” There is no shortage of musical and Emily Rogers (for “God Bless “We are so honored and grateful talent in Nashville, but the Music America”). to be participating,” Jaime Martin City Bowl always has worked to “We are fortunate to provide this Ava Nicole Hurst posted on the group’s Facebook make this game hyper-local, from opportunity, in true Music City page. its organizers to its sponsors, and fashion, to celebrate local singers Emerging from that pool, and get- Both winners have done sports now to its judges and performers. with the performances of these pa- ting ready to grab microphones in- venues before -- Hurst recently sang Since its inception, the bowl has triotic songs this year,” said Scott side Nissan Stadium, are Rockland at the SEC basketball tournament, produced over $310 million in di- Ramsey, president/CEO of the Road, a popular Nashville family and in Vanderbilt University’s Me- rect economic impact for the city, Franklin American Mortgage Mu- ensemble, and Ava Nicole Hurst, morial Gym; Rockland Road at according to its website. sic City Bowl, said in announcing an eighth grader from White House Vandy’s Hawkins Field, MTSU’s “This singing competition was a the competition in October. It’ll Be a Rocking New Year’s Eve in Nashville The Franklin American Mortgage Nashville’s run to the finals capti- nal non-conference game at 2 p.m. Other New Year’s Eve parties in- Music City Bowl won’t be the only vated the city that season. Sunday at Memorial Gym. clude: entertainment event in Nashville Vanderbilt’s men’s basketball Nashville has a Topgolf facility *CrazyTown New Year’s Eve during the New Year’s Eve week- team will host Davidson at Memo- across the Cumberland River from *New Year’s Eve: Adele’s Garage end. rial Gym at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. Nissan Stadium at 500 Cowan St. Afterparty The Nashville Predators will host 30. The Big Night Nashville New *Jason Aldean’s New Year’s Eve the Pittsburgh Penguins at Bridge- The tipoff will be four hours af- Year’ Eve Gala will be held at Gay- Party stone Arena at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. ter the Music City Bowl kickoff. lord Opryland Resort from 9 p.m.- *FGL House New Year’s Eve 27. Former NBA star Jerry Stackhouse 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. *A Rockin’ New Year’s Eve at Pittsburgh beat Nashville in six is in his first season coaching the Over 3,000 people are expected to Noelle games in the 2017 Stanley Cup Fi- Commodores. attend the party. *Luke Bryan’s New Year’s Eve nals in the Predators’ first appear- Vanderbilt’s women will host Ray Stevens’ CabaRay will start Party ance in the championship series. Columbia in the Commodores’ fi- ringing in the new year at 5 p.m. *Acme New Year’s Eve 26 Nashville Sports Publications December 18, 2019

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