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Backup Washington State quarterback Tyler Hilinski was found dead Tuesday afternoon in his apartment and authorities are investigating his death as an apparent suicide, according to Pullman (Wash.) police.
Officers went to the apartment to do a welfare check after he missed practice. Hilinski, 21, was found deceased with a gunshot wound to his head — which investigators believe was self-inflicted — with a rifle and suicide note nearby, the police said in the statement released to USA TODAY Sports.
“Pullman Police detectives and the Whitman County Coroner’s Office are conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the suspected cause and manner of death,” the statement said.
Hilinski was a redshirt sophomore and a native of Claremont, Calif. He started the Holiday Bowl in place of Luke Falk, who was injured. It was his eighth appearance of the season and first start.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tyler’s passing," Washington State head football coach Mike Leach said in a statement. "He was an incredible young man and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him was better for it. The entire WSU community mourns as thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
#RIP3pic.twitter.com/fIrELLM0se
— WSU Cougars (@WSUCougars) January 17, 2018
Added WSU interim athletic director John Johnson: "The tragic news today surrounding Tyler Hilinksi is devastating to all. Tyler was a tremendous individual, great friend and teammate, and he will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."
Johnson said in the statement that the football team assembled Monday night where news of Hilinski's passing was shared. The school had counseling and psychological staff on hand at the meeting.
"The university will continue to coordinate and provide ongoing counseling care for all student-athletes as long as needed," Johnson said in the statement.
Former Washington State linebackers coach Roy Manning, who recently left for a position at UCLA, tweeted, "Words can't describe what I'm feeling right now. My heart is beyond saddened. Please pray for the family and all of us affected!"
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling right now. My heart is beyond saddened. Please pray for the family and all of us affected!
— Roy Manning (@CoachRoyM) January 17, 2018
Washington State's players took to social media in reaction to Hilinski's death.
"Ty you were a great teammate, friend, brother anything we needed you to be. You brought smiles to the people around you. I am sorry I could not be there for you when you needed a smile for yourself. Love you man," defensive back Skyler Thomas wrote on Twitter .
Ty you were a great teammate, friend, brother anything we needed you to be. You brought smiles to the people around you. I am sorry I could not be there for you when you needed a smile for yourself. Love you man. Rest In Peace🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/LmNC1ZLNZi
— Skyler Thomas (@Sky_Dolla_Sign) January 17, 2018
Fellow quarterback John Bledsoe, son of longtime NFL QB and former Wazzu star Drew Bledsoe, also wrote on Twitter, "God, let Tyler find peace. Everyone please pray for the Hilinski family tonight. Heaven received a very special person."
God, let Tyler find peace. Everyone please pray for the Hilinski family tonight. Heaven received a very special person. pic.twitter.com/mx4i1MoOhK
— John Bledsoe (@johnbledsoe11) January 17, 2018
Hilinski's most memorable outing came in the second week of the season when he led Washington State from a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Boise State 47-44 in triple overtime. Hilinski threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns coming off the bench, and was carried off the field after the victory.
Our prayers and condolences tonight to the @WSUCougars community and the Hilinski family.
— Stanford Football (@StanfordFball) January 17, 2018
Someone you know and love is struggling. Treat people with kindness. Spend extra time listening. Show them how much you care.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
Hilinski attended Upland High in Southern California.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hilinski family
— Upland Football (@Uplandfootball) January 17, 2018
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow A.J. Perez on Twitter @byajperez
Best of 2017-18 college football bowl season
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Alabama defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne, left, and quarterback Jalen Hurts hold the 2018 Sugar Bowl trophy after beating Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne catches a touchdown pass against Clemson during the third quarter of the 2018 Sugar Bowl.
Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
Alabama running back Damien Harris jumps over the pile for a touchdown against Clemson during the third quarter of the 2018 Sugar Bowl.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports
Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant tries to scramble away from Alabama defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick during the second quarter of the 2018 Sugar Bowl.
Greg M. Cooper, USA TODAY Sports
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney shakes hands with Alabama coach Nick Saban before the 2018 Sugar Bowl.
Chuck Cook, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia running back Sony Michel (1) and linebacker Roquan Smith (3) celebrate after the Bulldogs beat Oklahoma at the 2018 Rose Bowl.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia blocks a field goal attempted by Oklahoma place kicker Austin Seibert during double overtime of the 2018 Rose Bowl.
Kelvin Kuo, USA TODAY Sports
Dimitri Flowers catches a touchdown pass.
Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images
Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb churns out some yards.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sport
Notre Dame wide receiver Miles Boykin makes a one-handed catch in front of LSU defensive back Donte Jackson before scoring the game-winning touchdown in the 2018 Citrus Bowl.
John Raoux, AP
Oklahoma running back Rodney Anderson breaks free from Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith for a big gain in the first half of the 2018 Rose Bowl.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports
Central Florida defensive back Tre Neal returns a recovered fumble against the Auburn during the 2018 Peach Bowl.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports
Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham throws a pass against the Central Florida defense during the 2018 Peach Bowl.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Notre Dame's Jalen Elliott defend a pass intended for LSU receiver Tory Carter during the 2018 Citrus Bowl.
Joe Robbins, Getty Images
South Carolina coach Will Muschamp gets doused by his players after the Gamecocks beat Michigan 26-19 in the 2018 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) recovers by Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Dale Zanine, USA TODAY Sports
South Carolina defensive lineman Daniel Fennell grabs the facemask of Michigan quarterback Brandon Peters during the first half of the 2018 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium.
Kim Klement, USA TODAY Sports
LSU linebacker Devin White tackles Notre Dame running back Josh Adams on fourth down during the first half in the 2018 Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Matt Stamey, USA TODAY Sports
Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton drops back to pass during the first quarter of the 2018 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Brett Davis, USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst celebrates after winning the Orange Bowl.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook scrambles during the Orange Bowl against Miami.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin wide receiver A.J. Taylor catches a 20-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter as Miami defensive back Sheldrick Redwine (22) defends.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Miami wide receiver Lawrence Cager celebrates after a touchdown against Wisconsin Badgers in the Orange Bowl.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores a touchdown against Washington in the Fiesta Bowl.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (26) hurdles Washington defenders during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 30: The Mississippi State Bulldogs celebrate victory in the TaxSlayer Bowl.
Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 30: Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson looks for running room in the TaxSlayer Bowl, perhaps his final college game.
Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports
Mississippi State quarterback Keytaon Thompson is hit hard by Louisville safety Dee Smith (11) during the first half in the TaxSlayer Bowl at EverBank Field.
Melina Vastola, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 30: The Iowa State Cyclones with the Liberty Bowl trophy.
Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 30: Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Hakeem Butler leaps over a defender.
Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports
Iowa State running back David Montgomery (32) carries the ball against Memphis linebacker Shareef White (30) during the second half of the Liberty Bowl.
Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer holds up the Cotton Bowl trophy after the game against the USC Trojans in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
USC Trojans and Ohio State Buckeyes players are separated by officials during the fourth quarter in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against Southern California Trojans cornerback Iman Marshall (8) in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
Matthew Emmons, USA TODAY Sports
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive linemen Tyquan Lewis (59) and Nick Bosa (97) defend USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during the first quarter in the 2017 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports
New Mexico State Aggies running back Jason Huntley (1) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Utah State Aggies during the first half in the 2017 Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium.
Casey Sapio, USA TODAY Sports
New Mexico State Aggies wide receiver Johnathan Boone (13) catches the ball against Utah State Aggies cornerback Wesley Bailey (8) during the second half in the 2017 Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium.
Casey Sapio, USA TODAY Sports
New Mexico State Aggies wide receiver Johnathan Boone (13) loses his helmet as he is tackled by Utah State Aggies safety Gaje Ferguson (23) in the first quarter of the 2017 Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Utah State Aggies tight end Dax Raymond (87) and New Mexico State Aggies linebacker Leon McQuaker (41) battle for the ball in the 2017 Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium.
Casey Sapio, USA TODAY Sports
Northwestern Wildcats defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster (1) and safety Godwin Igwebuike (16) celebrate with the Music City Bowl trophy following a win against the Kentucky Wildcats at Nissan Stadium.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) shakes hands with a Kentucky player after being injured during the first half of the 2017 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium.
Jim Brown, USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky Wildcats running back Benny Snell Jr. (26) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Northwestern Wildcats in the 2017 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium.
Christopher Hanewinckel, USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina State Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren and his team celebrate with the trophy after defeating the Arizona State Sun Devils 52-31 in the 2017 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium.
Ivan Pierre Aguirre, USA TODAY Sports
North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Nyheim Hines (7) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 2017 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium.
Ivan Pierre Aguirre, USA TODAY Sports
Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Matt Colburn (22) runs the ball against Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Otaro Alaka (42) in the third quarter in the 2017 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports
Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback John Wolford (10) gets grabbed by the facemask by Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Jayden Peevy (93) in the first quarter in the 2017 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium.
Jeremy Brevard, USA TODAY Sports
The TCU Horned Frogs celebrate their 39-37 victory over the Stanford Cardinal in the 2017 Alamo Bowl.
Erich Schlegel, USA TODAY Sports
Stanford Cardinal wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (19) stretches into the end zone past TCU Horned Frogs cornerback Jeff Gladney (12) and safety Nick Orr (18) for a touchdown in the second quarter of the 2017 Alamo Bow.
Erich Schlegel, USA TODAY Sports
TCU Horned Frogs wide receiver John Diarse (9) attempts to catch a pass as Stanford Cardinal cornerback Quenton Meeks (24) defends in the 2017 Alamo Bowl.
Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans raise the Holiday Bowl trophy after defeating the Washington State Cougars at SDCCU Stadium.
Orlando Ramirez, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 28: Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) knocks the helmet of guard Tyler Higby (70) off as he leaps over the pile as Washington State Cougars linebacker Justus Rogers (37) defends during the second quarter in the 2017 Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium.
Jake Roth, USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma State Cowboys raise the trophy and celebrate winning the 2017 Camping World Bowl over the Virginia Tech Hokies at Camping World Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Dillon Stoner (17) catches a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half in the 2017 Camping World Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) attempts a pass while being hit by Virginia Tech Hokies defensive end Houshun Gaines (11) during the second half in the 2017 Camping World Bowl at Camping World Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 28: Navy Midshipmen hold the Military Bowl trophy after whipping Virginia.
Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports
Navy Midshipmen running back Josh Brown (28) jumps over a teammate as he runs during the first quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2017 Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports
Navy Midshipmen quarterback Malcolm Perry (10) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2017 Military Bowl at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Texas celebrates after beating Missouri to win the Texas Bowl in Houston.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Texas linebacker Anthony Wheeler (45) returns a fumble for a touchdown during the first half of the Texas Bowl against Missouri.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Texas defenders Gary Johnson (33) and Brandon Jones (19) bring down Missouri running back Ish Witter (21) during the first half.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Purdue celebrates after beating Arizona to win the Foster Farms Bowl in Santa Clara, Calif.
Neville E. Guard, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Purdue receiver Gregory Phillips (10) crosses the goal line to score past Arizona defender Lorenzo Burns (2) during the first half of the Foster Farms Bowl.
Neville E. Guard, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Arizona receiver Tyrell Johnson (2) hauls in a touchdown catch behind Purdue defender Jacob Thieneman (41) during the second half.
Neville E. Guard, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Florida State receiver Auden Tate (18) hauls in a touchdown catch over Southern Miss defender Cornell Armstrong (3) during the second half of the Independence Bowl.
Justin Ford, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Florida State running back Amir Rasul (22) dives for extra yardage during the first half.
Nelson Chenault, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Iowa celebrates after beating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Vincent Carchietta, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 27: Boston College defender Charlie Callinan (83) brings down Iowa receiver Matt VandeBerg (89) during the second half.
Vincent Carchietta, Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas State Wildcats head coach Bill Snyder is presented with the Cactus Bowl championship trophy after defeating the UCLA Bruins in the 2017 Cactus Bowl at Chase Field.
Casey Sapio, USA TODAY Sports
Kansas State Wildcats players celebrate after defeating the UCLA Bruins in the 2017 Cactus Bowl at Chase Field.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Dominique Heath (4) scores a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins in the third quarter of the 2017 Cactus Bowl at Chase Field.
Mark J. Rebilas, USA TODAY Sports
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Jordan Lasley (2) runs the ball under pressure from Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Denzel Goolsby (20) during the first half in the 2017 Cactus Bowl at Chase Field.
Casey Sapio, USA TODAY Sports
The Duke Blue Devils celebrate their victory over the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Duke Blue Devils running back Brittain Brown (22) scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the Northern Illinois Huskies in the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Northern Illinois Huskies wide receiver Jauan Wesley (9) makes a catch over Duke Blue Devils safety Michael Carter II (26) in the first half in the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field.
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Utah Utes head coach Kyle Whittingham gets doused following a 30-14 victory against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the 2017 Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) carries the ball for a 2-yard touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first half in the 2017 Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Fresno State Bulldogs offensive lineman Markus Boyer (51) holds up kicker Jimmy Camacho (36) after he made a field goal during the fourth quarter at the 2017 Hawaii Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Marco Garcia, USA TODAY Sports
Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Marcus McMaryion (6) dives for the end zone but does not score against the Houston Cougars during the second quarter in the 2017 Hawaii Bowl at Aloha Stadium.
Marco Garcia, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore celebrates a touchdown with teammates during the Dollar General Bowl against Toledo at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Appalachian State coach Scott Satterfield holds the Dollar General Bowl trophy after the Mountaineers beat Toledo at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Appalachian State wide receiver Malik Williams dives into the end zone to score a touchdown during the fourth quarter against Toledo in the Dollar General Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Appalachian State running back Jalin Moore carries the ball for a touchdown against Toledo during the Dollar General Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Robert McDuffie, USA TODAY Sports
Army celebrates after beating San Diego State 42-35 to win the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: Army running back Darnell Woolfolk (33) tries to break free of San Diego State defenders Ron Smith (17) and Tariq Thompson (14) during the second half of the Armed Forces Bowl.
Raymond Carlin III, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: South Florida celebrates after beating Texas Tech 38-34 to win the Birmingham Bowl at Legion Field.
Adam Hagy, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 23: South Florida receiver Tyre McCants (8) hauls in a fourth-quarter touchdown catch against Texas Tech at the Birmingham Bowl.
Adam Hagy, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22: Spuddy Buddy, the mascot for the Idaho Potato Commission, poses with the Famous Idaho Potato before the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl between Wyoming and Central Michigan at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
Brian Losness, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22: Wyoming coach Craig Bohl, middle, holds up the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl trophy while quarterback Josh Allen, left, looks on at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
Brian Losness, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 22: Wyoming cornerback Tyler Hall upends Central Michigan tight end Tyler Conklin, breaking up a pass during the first half of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho.
Darin Oswald, AP
The Temple Owls celebrate with the trophy after defeating the FIU Panthers in the 2017 Gasparilla Bowl at Tropicana Field.
Jasen Vinlove, USA TODAY Sports
Dec. 20: Louisiana Tech Bulldogs receivers Teddy Veal (9) and Javonte Woodard (84) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter against Southern Methodist in the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Louisiana Tech safety Secdrick Cooper returns an interception against Southern Methodist quarterback Ben Hicks, left, during the first quarter in the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
From left to right, Terry Bradshaw, Eric Dickerson, Craig James and Cole Beasley pose before the Frisco Bowl at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Louisiana Tech celebrates after winning the Frisco Bowl against Southern Methodist at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Tim Heitman, USA TODAY Sports
Florida Atlantic Owls head coach Lane Kiffin holds up the trophy after defeating the Akron Zips in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Florida Atlantic Owls tight end John Raine (30) is tackled by Akron Zips cornerback Kyron Brown (4) and defensive back Jordan George (7) in the 2017 Boca Raton Bowl at FAU Stadium.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders players hoist the trophy after defeating the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at the Cramton Bowl.
Marvin Gentry, USA TODAY Sports
Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders wide receiver Ruben Garnett (27) catches a touchdown pass ahead of Arkansas State Red Wolves offensive lineman B.J. Edmonds (3) during the second quarter in the 2017 Camellia Bowl at Cramton Bowl.
Bob Rosato, RVR Photos/USA TODAY Sports
Marshall Thundering Herd head coach Doc Holliday celebrates alongside players with the trophy after winning the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Marshall Thundering Herd wide receiver Tyre Brady (8) runs down the sideline for a touchdown after making a catch against the Colorado State Rams during the first half in the 2017 New Mexico Bowl at Dreamstyle Stadium.
Joe Camporeale, USA TODAY Sports
Boise Broncos head coach Bryan Harsin hoists the Las Vegas Bowl trophy after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) loses the football after being hit by Boise State Broncos safety Kekaula Kaniho (28) during the 2017 Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Stephen R. Sylvanie, USA TODAY Sports
Georgia State Panthers head coach Sean Elliott celebrates with his team after winning the 2017 Cure Bowl against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camping World Stadium.
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Devon Key (2) tackles Georgia State Panthers running back Glenn Smith (17) just shy of the goal line during the fourth quarter in the 2017 Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium
Reinhold Matay, USA TODAY Sports
Troy Trojans defensive tackle Trevon Sanders (90) and defensive end Seth Calloway (94) carry the New Orleans Bowl Trophy after defeating the North Texas Mean Green at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Albert Cesare, Montgomery Advertiser/USA TODAY Sports
Troy wide receiver John Johnson (2) scores a touchdown against North Texas during the 2017 New Orleans Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Albert Cesare, Montgomery Advertiser/USA TODAY Sports
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103 of 106![Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Devon Key]()
104 of 106![Troy Trojans defensive tackle Trevon Sanders (90) and]()
105 of 106![Troy wide receiver John Johnson (2) scores a touchdown]()
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