Best, worst from Friday's bowls: Fourth-quarter comebacks, record-breakers and backups highlight crazy day

With Friday's bowl games in the rearview, here's a look at the best and worst of the action: 

Best 

Phil Mafah, Clemson running back: In a wild, high-scoring affair, Mafah put the Clemson offense on his back, leading a come-from-behind victory over No. 22 Clemson, 38-35. The junior rushed for 71 yards and scored a Gator Bowl-record four rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner from three yards out with 17 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Mafah still hasn't decided whether he'll return for his senior season or declare for the NFL Draft. Though, if this is it for his collegiate career, he's leaving Clemson on a serious high note. 

Barion Brown, Kentucky wide receiver: The sophomore wideout had the game of a lifetime, albeit in a loss. Brown finished with 226 all-purpose yards, rushing and receiving scores and a Gator Bowl record 100-yard kick return for a touchdown for Kentucky. The speedy playmaker showed why he's arguably one of the most explosive players in college football while making an intriguing case as a potential transfer portal candidate. 

Steve Angeli, Notre Dame quarterback: Making his first career start in place of Sam Hartman, Angeli took full advantage, helping lead the Irish to a 40-8 win over No. 19 Oregon State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. The sophomore completed 15-of-19 pass attempts for 232 yards (12.2 YPC) with three touchdowns and zero interceptions. It's a small sample size but thrust into the fire, Angeli proved he's a strong candidate to start in 2024. 

Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame running backs: With starting RB Audric Estime joining Hartman on the opt-out list for the Sun Bowl, Price and Love shined when given more opportunity. After recording no more than seven touches in a game this season, Price rushed 13 times against Oregon State, finishing with 106 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Love recorded 39 rushing yards (15 carries) and a 13-yard TD reception. Their performances might only be an appetizer, as both will likely have a more significant role in the Notre Dame backfield next season. 

Seth Henigan, Memphis quarterback: The junior QB put on a show in the Liberty Bowl, earning MVP honors while leading Memphis to a 35-26 win over Iowa State. Henigan finished 23-of-34 for 364 yards with four passing touchdowns and a rushing score to go along with 27 yards on the ground (six attempts). Meanwhile, his big afternoon helped him become the program's all-time leading passer (10,764), overtaking the previous record holder, Brady White (2020, 10,690). 

Missouri offense: In a largely lifeless game offensively, the Tigers offense came alive late en route to a 14-3 win over No. 7 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. After being shut out over the first three quarters, the unit put together consecutive touchdown drives of 90-plus yards against the nation's No. 1 defense to pull away late. While the win wasn't pretty, it was the program's first bowl game victory over an AP top-10 team since the 1961 Orange Bowl against Navy. 

Worst 

Mark Stoops, Kentucky head coach: The Wildcats had Clemson where they wanted them, leading 21-10 heading into the fourth quarter. However, the defensive guru made several curious calls down the stretch, opening the door for the comeback. With UK nursing a five-point lead late, 35-30, Stoops decided to hang onto his timeouts while his defense succumbed to Clemson's uptempo attack. Ultimately, the Tigers drove 68 yards in two minutes and 22 seconds, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with 17 ticks left. 

Oregon State: Roughly a month after losing head coach Jonathan Smith to Michigan State, Oregon State entered the Sun Bowl extremely short-handed on both sides of the ball. Playing with an interim HC and defensive coordinator, the team was also missing several starters and virtually its entire offense, including transfers like QBs DJ Uiagalelei and Aidan Chiles and tight end Jack Velling, who led the team with eight receiving touchdowns this season. While the Beavers' loss wasn't pretty, it says more about college football's ever-changing landscape and the future of games like the Sun Bowl.

Iowa State rushing attack: The Cyclones were truly a one-dimensional team in the Liberty Bowl. While QB Rocco Becht threw for 446 yards (22-of-38) and three touchdowns through the air, Iowa State could get nothing going on the ground against the Memphis defense. To make matters worse, they didn't even try to establish the run. Becht and running back Abu Sama III combined for 20 carries, finishing with a total of zero rushing yards. 

Ohio State offense: With losing QB Kyle McCord to the transfer portal and star wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. opting out of the Cotton Bowl, the Buckeyes' offense was essentially punchless, and it showed against No. 9 Missouri. The wheels fell off after an injury to backup QB Devin Brown forced OSU to use third-stringer Lincoln Kienholz. The offense finished only 2-of-15 on third down, while the Tigers held them to only three points and 203 yards of total offense in what amounted to a snooze fest for viewers. The unit won't look the same in 2024, but there has to be at least a little concern about the future of the QB position.