WATCH: Oregon LB Mase Funa named Holiday Bowl defensive MVP
After North Carolina scored 21 points in the first half of the Holiday Bowl Wednesday night, the Oregon defense clamped down to keep the Tar Heels out of the end zone in the second half. Linebacker Mase Funa was a big part of that success, and he was rewarded for his efforts.
Funa earned defensive MVP honors after an impressive performance. He had seven tackles, including two tackles for loss, and a sack as Oregon came back to pull off the 28-27 victory over North Carolina.
As he accepted the award, he made sure to note it was a team effort and shared what the “brotherhood” Oregon talks about so much means to him.
“There’s nothing like teammates,” Funa told Joel Klatt. “They’re brothers. They’re family forever. … In life, further down the road, they’re brothers.”
After the game, Funa announced his plan to return to the program next season, meaning Oregon will get some experience back at the linebacker position. He finished the year with 31 tackles and two sacks.
Bucky Irving named Holiday Bowl offensive MVP
Bucky Irving had a night to remember in the Holiday Bowl Wednesday night. The Oregon running back ran for 149 yards and two touchdowns to help the Ducks come back to win 28-27 over North Carolina.
His efforts resulted in offensive MVP honors, and he made sure to credit one specific group for paving the way for his monster performance.
“I want to shout out my offensive line,” Irving told Joel Klatt as he received the award. “Love these guys. They’ve done a great job all year.”
Bo Nix finds Chase Cota for game-winning touchdown in Holiday Bowl, Oregon gets crazy bounce on PAT
Bo Nix had his moment. It was fourth down and 2 at the North Carolina six-yard line with 24 seconds to play in the Holiday Bowl, and he needed to get the ball to the end zone if Oregon wanted a chance at victory.
That’s when he found Chase Cota, who managed to get the ball across the plane to tie things up 27-27. And when the PAT somehow went off the the left upright and still made its way across the crossbar, it capped a thrilling game-winning drive for Nix.
He led Oregon to the win — the first bowl victory of the Dan Lanning era.