There weren't any NFL games being played on New Year's Day Monday, but there were plenty of college stars in action who will be drafted by NFL teams later this year.
In the first College Football Playoff semifinal, a double-overtime shootout between Oklahoma and Georgia allowed top-50 NFL prospects Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Orlando Brown, Roquan Smith to run up their stats in a 54-48 Georgia win in the Rose Bowl.
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The Heisman Trophy winner, Mayfield made key plays down the stretch as the Sooners battled back after blowing a 14-point halftime lead but threw a bad interception into double coverage and was unimpressive in overtime, passing for just 13 yards. Mayfield is expected to be drafted in the first round in April's draft but precision and decision-making could be an issue at the next level.
Oklahoma's offensive line dominated Georgia's defensive front in Monday's Rose Bowl thanks to All-American tackle Orlando Brown, a first-round prospect. On Rodney Anderson's second touchdown of the night, he ran 41 yards through a giant hole on the left created by Brown, whose dad played in the NFL. Brown was a busy man Monday as the Sooners piled up 242 rushing yards in what was thought to be an even matchup with Georgia's 3-4 defense.
Georgia's defense may have gotten torn up for 531 total yards but linebacker Roquan Smith impressed many with his closing speed on tackles in the flats and strength to push back offensive lineman. The 6-1, 225-pound Smith, a Butkus Award winner, led the Bulldogs with 11 tackles Monday. He's a likely top-10 pick.
If Georgia is to win the national title, it will need another performance like it saw from running backs Chubb and Sony Michel. The duo set a new record for most combined rush yards in a single game with 326 and combined for five touchdowns. Chubb is projected to be a higher draft pick and Michel didn't help his cause with a fumble which was returned for a Oklahoma touchdown. April's draft will be crowded with running backs but Chubb should lead the way with a Day-2 selection.
Here are some of Monday's top NFL Draft-eligible players
Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan — A consensus All-American, the 6-2, 282-pound tackle helped Michigan hold South Carolina to just 2.3 yards per carry in the Outback Bowl. The Gamecocks often ran away from Hurst, who recorded just one tackle, one pass breakup and one QB hit. Rated as the No. 1 interior defender against the run, according to Pro Football Focus, Hurst made his presence felt in other ways, often pushing South Carolina linemen backwards, clogging up would-be holes. Hurst will be a mid-to-late first-rounder in April's NFL Draft.
Shaquem Griffen, LB, UCF — More than a feel-good story after being born with one fully developed arm and hand, Griffen has been the Knight's defensive leader the past two seasons and it showed in an upset Peach Bowl with over Auburn. Griffen played sideline to sideline Monday and finished with 12 tackles, including 3 1/2 for loss an 1 1/2 sacks. The 6-2, 230 pound senior has defied the odds and will take that attitude to the next level as a middle-to-late round selection.
Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame — The Irish struggled all season with their passing game and were without three receivers in the Citrus Bowl. It was no secret Notre Dame was going to run the ball inside behind Nelson, who is a likely top-five pick in the draft. Despite a 6-5, 330-pound frame, Nelson was explosive and quick when pulling on outside runs as Notre Dame piled up 154 rushing yards (4.7 yards per carry) in a 21-17 win over LSU.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama — Fitzpatrick joined Charles Woodson and Patrick Peterson as the only players in college football history to win the Bednarik and Thorpe Awards in the same season as it's easy to see why. The 6-1, 200-pound versatile secondary player is drawing comparisons to the Jaguars' Jalen Ramsey and could also be taken in the top five like Ramsey. Fitzpatrick recorded three tackles (one for loss) and a pass breakup as he helped hold Clemson's Hunter Renfrow catch-less until the game was secured in the fourth quarter of the Tide's 24-6 win in the Sugar Bowl.