Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Highlights

 
Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [600mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/2000

These are just photos from my daily coverage of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl held at the Georgia World Congress Center and the Georgia Dome.

It starts early in the morning, covering the FanZone before the game. FanZone is where fans can have fun at different exhibits.

Nikon D4, 14-24mm, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/250

The fans also see their teams and coach up close during the team walks.

Nikon D4, 14-24mm, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/100

Bowls are not just about the game. Bowls are where fans travel a long way, and the cities that host these significant events do everything they can to welcome them and make them feel like this was a remarkable experience.

It is not just to show something happened; it is essential to show how fans emotionally connect with the city and each other.

 
Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [600mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/800

One of the most challenging things to cover for a sports photographer is a blowout, or maybe even just a low-scoring game comes close.

Why is this so hard? First, the offense looks like they are the only ones on the field. The defense isn’t up on the offense, giving pressure, which shows competition and creates excitement with the photos.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [600mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1000

I shot ten excellent photos before the defense caught up with the offense in this play. TCU’s wide receiver #7, Kolby Listenbee, was wide open and had a lot of room between him and Ole Miss before they finally stopped him.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [600mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1600

After editing some 2000+ images from the day, I can tell that TCU’s defense was always moving toward the ball, as you can see in their pursuit of Ole Miss’ quarterback here. Compare this to the Ole Miss player watching the play in the photo below.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [600mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1600

I took the time to move around to the press box to get the different angles of the game and halftime.

Nikon D4, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 4000, ƒ/2.8, 1/2000

Capturing the branding of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl helped to quickly distinguish this photo from a typical game and other games.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [550mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/1250

The one thing I like about the game is the logo is on the uniforms, so even when you shoot a tight photo, you capture the Bowl Game distinction.

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [360mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/500

On paper, I thought this would be one of the better and closer games that the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl has held. Last year’s matchup between Duke and Texas A&M, to me, on paper, was going to be the blowout. That game was the 4th best-rated game for the entire season.

Ole Miss Rebels’ defense was ranked first in the nation, with its average of only 13.8 points allowed. The TCU Horned Frogs fielded the nation’s most improved offense in total yards and scoring this season and set new school records for points, passing yards, and total offense. How could this not be a great game?

Nikon D4, Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S [600mm], Sigma 2X, ISO 12800, ƒ/5.6, 1/800

The Horned Frogs delivered one of the most telling statements of the 2014 bowl season by demolishing No. 9 Ole Miss 42-3 in the Georgia Dome. They did it against one of the most formidable defenses in the country, and they silenced critics who questioned TCU’s spot among college football’s premier programs.

Technical

I have been using the Sigma 1.4X and 2X converters.

I do know that not using this will render even sharper photos. Sigma has new converters, but they have yet to make it to the camera distributors. I hope to upgrade my converter and possibly get better results.

The new version only works on a couple of lenses and is specifically designed for the Sigma 120-300mm ƒ/2.8 DG OS HSM S. Stay tuned for when I finally have one and can test this.