- Slug: Sports-Fiesta Chubba Purdy, 944 words.
- Photos available.
By Edwin Perez
Cronkite News
GLENDALE – The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of college football. Although limited fans were allowed to attend the Fiesta Bowl, it did not spoil the experience for a certain Florida State quarterback in the stands.
Seminoles freshman Chubba Purdy was at State Farm Stadium Saturday to watch his brother, Iowa State quarterback Brock, lead the Cyclones to a victory over Oregon.
“Watching Brock win the Fiesta Bowl and win MVP was such a surreal moment,” Chubba told Cronkite News. “I knew how much it meant for him so I was so happy for him for the whole time.”
Chubba, whose real name is Preston, started a game for Florida State in November before surgery to address a collarbone issue sidelined him for the rest of the season.
Like his brother, Chubba enjoyed a successful career at Gilbert Perry High School, throwing for over 6,800 yards and 69 touchdowns. Observing Brock, who was named Offensive Player of the Game, is always a teaching moment for Chubba.
“Watching my brother play the game of football helps me a lot,” Chubba said. “I learn from him in the way he plays and watch how calm he is during the game.”
Approximately 2,000 fans – socially distanced and sitting on opposite sides of the stadium – attended the Fiesta Bowl. Cardboard cutouts of PlayStation characters filled each end zone, a nod to the game’s sponsor.
Although it was not a full house, it did not take away from the experience for Brock Purdy, who had the opportunity to square off with longtime friend and training partner, Oregon quarterback Tyler Shough, who attended Chandler’s Hamilton High School.
“It was special, for sure being at home. It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before,” Purdy said and added later, “It means everything to be able to play in front of family and friends who’ve been there for me in my life in high school and everything, it means everything.”
For the Purdy family, it was a celebratory moment as Brock threw for 156 yards and a touchdown while adding another on the ground.
Shough’s experience was different.
He was not allowed to find a rhythm on Saturday as he was pulled from the game after three passes in favor of Anthony Brown. He did return during the second half but rotated with Brown.
He had no comment about being pulled but did say losing in his hometown did not sit right with him.
“You’re always going to be disappointed when you lose and especially when you come back home,” Shough said. “A lot of people came out to watch. I’m definitely sorry for them. But it is what it is when you lose a football game.”
What’s next at the position suggests uncertainty since the two Oregon Ducks rotated through the game. Additionally, more quarterbacks are coming to Eugene next year including Mesquite’s Ty Thompson.
“After a game like this, with all of the things going on with the seniors and the team and the things we have to attend to, we’ll sit down and evaluate everything,” Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said about the quarterback situation. “But Tyler came in this year as a starter, and he started this game as well. He did a lot of good things out there. We have tremendous confidence in him, and we’re excited about Anthony as well.”
Although the atmosphere was, as Chubba described it, “different and unique,” it was a special one for family members.
