MADISON, Wi — USC’s offense never found its rhythm, and the No. 16 Trojans suffered a 24-7 loss to Wisconsin on Saturday, struggling to generate points in a Big Ten road game at Camp Randall Stadium.
The loss dropped USC to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten play, ending the momentum the Trojans had built with a victory at Penn State before their bye week. USC managed just seven points, its lowest scoring output under coach Lincoln Riley.
“Really disappointing game. Just flat-out didn’t play good enough on all three sides of the football,” Riley said after the game. “Didn’t coach good enough either. Made critical errors on the road against a good football team that you can’t make.”
J. Maiava (14) Photo by Marja Baker / fi360 News
The Trojans struggled to protect the football and establish a running game. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions in the first half, and USC finished with minus-17 rushing yards on 25 carries.
USC’s defense kept the game close early, holding Wisconsin to a field goal in the first quarter. The Trojans took a brief 7-3 lead in the second when Maiava connected with tight end Taniela Tupou on a 4-yard touchdown pass, the first of Tupou’s career.
Wisconsin responded with a 5-yard touchdown run by Bryan Jackson, who transferred to the Badgers after spending the previous two seasons at USC. His score put Wisconsin ahead 10-7 just before halftime.
C. Joseph (1) Photo by Marja Baker / fi360 News
The Badgers extended their advantage in the third quarter when quarterback Colton Joseph found Chris Brooks Jr. for a 16-yard touchdown on fourth-and-2. Ryan Schwendeman added a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Maiava completed 21 of 37 passes for 190 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Wisconsin’s defense pressured him throughout the night, recording five sacks and blocking a 44-yard field-goal attempt late in the third quarter.
Maiava took responsibility for his performance as the Trojans turned their attention to the next challenge.
T. Baker (85) Photo by Marja Baker / fi360 News
“I think it was a lot of self-inflicting wounds. It’s just stuff we got to get better at,” Maiava said. “And me, flat out, didn’t play great individually but I just got to deliver better for my teammates.”
USC returns home Saturday, Oct. 31, to face No. 3 Ohio State. The Trojans will need to improve their ball security, rushing attack and execution to rebound from a disappointing road performance.
Pasadena, CA- No. 9 UCLA continues their winning streak, recording their 7th win of the season on Saturday returning to the Rose Bowl up against Michigan State after overcoming a couple of fumbles that could have been their undoing instead their undivided team played together to take a 28-10 victory.
The Bruins took the first hit after the Spartans scored an early touchdown to take a 7-0 advantage before coming with a 28-3 counter jab to win the one-sided fight against an injured filled roster. UCLA’s Bob Chesney
UCLA Bruins running back Anthony Woods (6) runs past diving Michigan State Spartans Michigan State Spartans cornerback Jeremiah Favorite (24) during the third quarter. (Jason Purisima / fi360news.com)
“Obviously, anytime you have a win … they’re not easy to come by, so to be able to end up with a win is a big deal. 7-0, obviously, is a big deal, “The Angelo M. Mazzone III UCLA Head Football Coach Bob Chesney said.
“That first half was not our type of football, not really how we want to play the game, with two fumbles, for them to have 100 and some yards of returns on those two.”
UCLA Bruins quarterback Ty Dieffenbach (14) and running back Anthony Woods (6) clash helmets celebrating the touchdown carry of Woods (6). (Jason Purisima | fi360news.com)
While the Bruins offense needed time to get it together, their defense took a third string quarterback whom was sacked over ten times in his previous game, through a masterclass of no remorse or pity as he went down and eventually subbed out with no pass completions.
On the other hand, Ty Dieffenbach got his second start of the season fell down for a brief moment right before end of the first half and then came back to help his team in second half.
“It was just a cleat on a weird spot where it’s pretty sensitive and felt nervy to him. But in the end, when he came in and moved it around, he’s like ‘I’m perfectly fine. ‘But that ball, I thought was really good to B. Rowe,” Coach Chesney said.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
Dieffenbach threw a perfect 63-yard touchdown pass to Brian Rowe Jr, giving UCLA 21-7 advantage. Followed by more defense dominance on quarterback Kayd Coffman causing the Spartans to go with fourth-team quarterback Leo Hannan in the fourth quarter.
“Yeah, I was going with Ty to bowling, and it’s just that we all want to be competitive in everything. Doesn’t matter if we are hanging out and playing basic games like a tick-tack-toe, we just want to win,” UCLA linebacker Jalen Woods said to FI360News “I feel like that carries onto the field and we are not going to let ourselves lose a game.”
While both teams have key injuries to their quarterback positions, it doesn’t seem to hinder UCLA’s chemistry or attention or concentration on their playoff dreams.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
If teamwork makes the dream work then you see it on the sidelines, from UCLA coaches to players swag surfin’ during their game. You see it in program’s post-game interactions with family and media. This Bruin team is different. And having a trio of running backs that carry for 246 yards also proves it.
“Yeah, I’ve been on teams where you don’t hang out with guys on defense. But with this team, in the offseason, I was going with the linebackers or defensive linemen, and we were always together,” UCLA quarterback Ty Dieffenbach said to fi360News. “I think that is one of the biggest differences on this team, and why we’re so close with each other. We aren’t just isolated within position groups, whether on the offensive or defensive side of the ball.”
UCLA Bruins running back Wayne Knight (3) rushes the ball. (Jason Purisima | fi360news.com)
Wayne Knight had a relatively off day as he continues to build upon his touchdown streak, finishing with 56 yards on 15 carries. As it was Anthony Woods’ night with 112 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries including a 4-yard touchdown after consecutive carries into the end zone.
“I think it’s a brotherhood in that room, and it’s not the easiest thing to do, but I think when you go through a physical game like we did the last two, and then again today, you find that you really need each other,” Coach Chesney said.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
UCLA (7-0, 5-0) upholds their conference win streak and Michigan State (2-6, 0-5) losing streak while breaking the Spartans 4 game win streak from their previous matches.
COMPTON, Ca – Two brothers, two sides of the football, and one common goal. At Compton High School, twin brothers Lamar and Lamont Freeman are helping build something that goes beyond winning football games. They’re developing young men who will eventually have to make decisions about life after high school.
Having covered Compton High football over the past two seasons, I’ve watched this program develop. From the players to the coaching staff, there’s been a noticeable change in what this team is accomplishing on the field.
Last season, Compton finished 4–6 in the Moore League. This season, the Tarbabes finished their regular season 9–1 overall and undefeated at 4–0 in the newly formed Hub City League.
Their final regular-season game came October 23 at Compton College, where Compton defeated crosstown rival Centennial High, 47–6, to secure the inaugural Hub City League championship.
But the final score only tells part of the story.
Two Brothers, Two Sides of the Football
Under head coach Calvin Bryant, offensive coordinator Lamar Freeman and his twin brother, defensive coordinator Lamont Freeman, have helped guide a team capable of putting up big offensive numbers while limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities.
For Lamar, touchdowns aren’t the only way to measure offensive success. He wants his players executing correctly, even when the scoreboard suggests everything is going well.
Photo by Mynt Jay
“Don’t accept anything in a win that you wouldn’t in a loss,” Lamar explained.
He believes the process matters just as much as the result. When something isn’t working, he examines defensive adjustments, player execution and quarterback decision-making.
Reflecting on Compton’s only regular-season loss, Lamar acknowledged missed throws, turnovers and problems with the running game. He also recognized decisions he could have made differently, including calling more outside-zone plays.
“Would love to have that game back,” he admitted.
On the defensive side, Lamont measures his unit’s performance through fundamentals.
“Alignment and assignment,” Lamont explained.
He believes understanding each player’s responsibility leads to better defensive execution, fewer points allowed and opportunities to create turnovers.
Film study and repeated practice with the scout team are also central to his preparation. Rather than having players guess what an opponent might do, he wants them recognizing situations and reacting confidently.
While the brothers coach different sides of the football, their philosophies share an important foundation: accountability.
“Yea we are big on accountability and looking in the mirror before pointing the finger at your brother!” Lamont shared.
Asked what he hopes players learn from watching him work alongside his twin brother, Lamont pointed to something beyond football.
“Brotherhood, teamwork.. I hope they see a dedicated team front when it comes to me and twin bro!”
The Players Behind the Success
Senior Edward Rivera, No. 5, has been one of Compton’s offensive standouts this season. His ability to contribute as both a running back and receiver has helped give the Tarbabes different ways to score.
During the Centennial game, Rivera added another touchdown to his senior season, but he didn’t reach the end zone alone.
Senior offensive lineman Alex Martinez, No. 71, helped create an opening for Rivera to score. It’s the kind of contribution that doesn’t always receive recognition when everyone is watching the player carrying the football.
Lamar understands that importance, emphasizing that “the strength of our team is in the trenches!”
And as Rivera and Martinez prepare to graduate, sophomore running back Jayden Amos, No. 21, is beginning to make his own mark.
Amos also scored against Centennial, showing that Compton has younger players capable of contributing offensively. He doesn’t have to become the next Rivera. He has an opportunity to develop his own identity within the program.
Preparing Young Men Beyond Friday Nights
One of the more meaningful parts of Lamar’s coaching philosophy involves what happens after these young men graduate.
This coming spring, he plans to introduce a workshop for senior athletes, bringing in guest speakers from different trades to expose students to career opportunities they may not have considered.
“Our relationship with our players will last a lifetime and we will forever be a branch of help for them,” Lamar shared.
According to Lamar, Rivera and Martinez have opportunities to continue playing football at the Division I level. But he also recognizes that not every student-athlete will have the same experience.
For him, coaching means using relationships, resources and professional connections to help young men find their way.
Lamont shares that responsibility through his emphasis on teamwork, preparation and taking responsibility for one’s actions, lessons he hopes players will carry into adulthood.
Compton’s move from the Moore League to the Hub City League brought a different competitive environment, but the program’s progress over these past two seasons is still worth recognizing.
From four wins to nine, the Tarbabes have given their community something to celebrate.
And after watching this program develop, what stands out isn’t simply how many games Compton has won. It’s the relationships being built, the lessons being taught and the opportunities these young men are being encouraged to pursue.
For the Freeman brothers, the scoreboard measures the game. What their players take with them after graduation may be the greater measure of success. These brothers aren’t done yet.
The UCLA Bruins Men’s basketball Azavier Robinson (23) scores on a layup against Cal Baptist Lancers Jordan Muller (11) in the first half of the exhibition game on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at Pauley Pavilion in Westwood, Calif. Bruins win against the Lancers 100-53. (Jason Purisima | fi360news.com)
LOS ANGELES — UCLA used a balanced offensive performance and a dominant presence on the boards to pull away from California Baptist, winning 100-53 in men’s basketball action Oct. 21.
Eric Dailey Jr. led the Bruins with 25 points, shooting 9 of 13 from the field and connecting on seven 3-pointers in nine attempts. UCLA had five players score in double figures, while its defense and rebounding helped the Bruins build a commanding advantage.
Joe Philon III added 13 points, and Jaylen Petty contributed 12. Nikola Kusturica, Azavi Robinson and Filip Jovic each finished with 10 points as UCLA reached the century mark.
The Cal Baptist University Lancers Men’s basketball Terry Coner Jr. (1) driving to the lane in the second half (Jason Purisima | fi360news.com)
The Bruins controlled the glass, outrebounding California Baptist 57-? The available UCLA box score listed 57 rebounds, including 21 offensive boards, underscoring UCLA’s ability to generate additional scoring opportunities.
UCLA also recorded 21 assists and committed just eight turnovers. The Bruins shot 44.7% from the field, made 12 of 37 attempts from 3-point range and converted 20 of 26 free throws.
Kusturica contributed across the stat sheet with 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Xavier Booker added eight points and nine rebounds, while Philon recorded seven rebounds to help UCLA maintain its advantage inside.
The UCLA Bruins Men’s basketball Jaylen Petty (4) pushing the ball down court in a fast break in the first half. (Jason Purisima | fi360news.com)
UCLA’s largest lead reached 50 points, according to the game statistics. The Bruins also put together a 13-0 run, further widening the gap as the game progressed.
California Baptist was unable to keep pace with UCLA’s scoring depth and rebounding production. The Bruins’ combination of perimeter shooting, second-chance opportunities and contributions from multiple players made the difference in the lopsided result.
“Get guys to get to the next advantage and not settle for bad shots,” Cronin said.
The UCLA Bruins Men’s basketball Nikola Kusturica (17) drives against Cal Baptist Lancers Steven Reynolds III (3) towards the goal in the second half. (Jason Purisima | fi360news.com)
Dailey Jr.’s shooting was the standout individual performance, but UCLA’s overall production highlighted the team effort behind the victory.
UCLA finished with 100 points, 57 rebounds and 21 assists in a convincing win over California Baptist.
SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego State found a way to finish when it mattered most, as Cooper DiLeva drilled a career-long 53-yard field goal with 57 seconds remaining to lift the Aztecs to a 26-23 victory over Fresno State on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium.
The win kept the Old Oil Can trophy in San Diego and gave the Aztecs a much-needed Pac-12 victory after a difficult loss the previous week. San Diego State improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play, overcoming a second-half rally by the Bulldogs and an injury to starting quarterback Jayden Denegal.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
“It’s a tremendous job. The adversity, the character of the club, the way that we responded to each and every single opportunity that presented itself tonight and throughout the course of the week, and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved in this.” said head coach Sean Lewis.
DiLeva’s fourth field goal of the night capped a late drive directed by backup quarterback Stone Saunders. The freshman entered after Denegal left with an ankle injury in the second quarter and helped move the Aztecs into range for the decisive kick.
San Diego State controlled the opening quarter, taking advantage of a Fresno State fumble to set up DiLeva’s 32-yard field goal. Denegal then connected with Jaylon Hawkins on a 52-yard touchdown pass, and another DiLeva field goal extended the lead to 13-0.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
Fresno State responded with 10 consecutive points, trimming the deficit to 13-10 before DiLeva added a 40-yard field goal on the final play of the first half to give SDSU a 16-10 advantage.
The Bulldogs seized momentum after halftime. Julius Gillick scored on a 7-yard run in the third quarter to put Fresno State ahead 17-16, its first lead of the game. San Diego State answered early in the fourth when Bert Emanuel Jr. connected with Jordan Napier for a 7-yard touchdown, restoring the Aztecs’ lead at 23-17.
Fresno State refused to go away. Gillick scored his second touchdown on a 2-yard run with just over five minutes remaining, but the Bulldogs missed the extra point, leaving the game tied at 23.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
That miss proved costly. Saunders guided San Diego State downfield, completing a critical 26-yard pass to Napier on third-and-10. Four plays later, DiLeva split the uprights from 53 yards to put the Aztecs ahead for good.
“The rivalry makes things different. It was exactly what we needed, exactly the right time to be able to refocus from a really bad moment,” said coach Lewis.
San Diego State’s defense then closed the door. The Bulldogs failed to gain a first down on their final possession, allowing the Aztecs to secure the rivalry win.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
Lucky Sutton made an immediate impact in his return from a two-game absence, rushing for 110 yards on 18 carries. His 67-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter helped set up Emanuel’s touchdown pass. Hawkins finished with six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.
The Aztecs outgained Fresno State 384-276 and held the Bulldogs to 141 passing yards. Fresno State fell to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in Pac-12 play.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
San Diego State travels to Colorado State next Saturday, looking to build on a victory that showed its ability to withstand adversity and finish a close game.
Pasadena, CA- UCLA football continues to have an unprecedented season ranked as No. 12 and winning their first six games after a 17-7 victory over Wisconsin at home in the Rose Bowl Stadium. UCLA improved to 4-0 in Big Ten play, remaining as the only undefeated team in their conference as well as out of the SEC.
Despite losing their starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava for the rest of the season including the second half of last week’s game versus Oregon Ducks, the Bruins bounced back to secure a battle-tested win again helmed by backup quarterback and today’s game starter, Ty Dieffenbach, whom completed 22 of 33 passes for 264 yards.
“Overall, it was just a battle,” UCLA head football coach Bob Chesney said. “These guys came to play. Obviously, from Wisconsin, hats off to them and their coaches…Ty, like what a job. Really, really good job. To stand in there and have the confidence that he did.”
Photo by Will Navarro / fi360 News
In Dieffenbach first FBS start, his team defense ease some of that pressure by holding Wisconsin’s starting quarterback to only 66 yards passing.
“That quarterback is tough to tackle, I think people all saw that and understood how good he is, but I love our defensive did today,” coach Chesney said. “We have opportunities to come up with an interception or two and came up a little short, but to hold them to just 66 yards passing is a pretty big deal.”
While the Badgers struggled in the air, Bruins bread n butter defense made cheese curd out of their team’s offense set by a statement defensive stop on UCLA’s 10-yard line to kickoff Dieffenbach’s Rose Bowl debut. From there, the Calabasas, Calif native and younger brother of UCLA alumni, orchestrated a 16-play, 84-yard drive, for a 24-yard Mateen Bhaghani’s field goal, 3-0 first quarter lead.
Photo by Will Navarro / fi360 News
“I sensed that, if it’s an indication that you play how you practice, yes I did [expected Ty to play well],” coach Chesney said. “We’re confident in him, and we felt like he could have this type of game. He sees the game well, he throws a nice football, he’s on time, he’s accurate. Really that one for Landon [Ellis] from his own end zone, that was the one that ultimately helped him put a 97-yard drive together. We needed it at that point in the clutch.”
Dieffenbach connected with multiple targets and Semaj Morgan benefited the most, receiving five passes for a career-high 84 yards. Showing UCLA’s depth on both sides, the offense shifted the heavy loading from their offensive backs, whom still sprinkled on their seasoning with two touchdowns from Wayne Knight and Anthony Woods, respectively. Knight ran for his 11th touchdown and became the only other Bruins besides Maurice Drew Jones to score a touchdown in all of their first six games.
“Obviously, we have had some good games thus far. But when we came, whether chose to stay here or to transfer here, our new coaching staff came in, no one sat down and say, ‘Hey, we want to go 6-0.’ So we said that we wanted to win a Big Ten championship,” UCLA sophomore linebacker Scott Taylor said to fi360 News. “Our journey does not stop here, and we want to be on the rise. There is obviously some stuff that we want to clean up today. We want to get better, knowing that we have a lot of football to play down the road.”
Photo by Will Navarro / fi360 News
As Bruins build off their momentum from causing the Badgers to fall 4-2 with season lows in points and total offense yards, Badgers will be back to the drawing board after senior quarterback Colton Joseph did more on the ground than expected from gallant passer, scrambling 18 times for 71 yards and one touchdown. He completed only six of 16 passes for 66 yards.
Wisconsin could not get over midfield until its last drive in the first half. Reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week Jalen Woods made a third down sack and game-high eight total tackles that shoved the Badgers out of their field-goal range as Gavin Lahm’s 46-yard attempt sailed wide right, giving UCLA 10-0 advantage at halftime.
UCLA went a little too fancy to open the second half and Wisconsin made them pay for their expensive taste with scoring early their first points of the game in the third quarter. Badgers’ Joseph ran for three yards in a quarterback keep after a combined sequence of a 11 rushing plays, 10-7 UCLA.
Opening the fourth quarter, Dieffenbach found UCLA senior wide receiver Landon Ellis for 28-yard gain to exit out of their end zone and ignite a four play sequence into the red zone. After Woods’ couple of carries resulted into a touchdown followed by a field goal, UCLA’s lead was back to 10, 17-7.
“I think we proved it to ourselves,” Ellis said. “I think people look at our schedule and say we haven’t played the greatest teams before last week. That was a big momentum win [at Oregon] for us. We still got a lot of work to do. We left a lot out there tonight, but we’re still going to keep going out there and going to work, proving it to ourselves.”
Photo by Will Navarro / fi360 News
UCLA’s defense upheld their lead and win streak while withholding Wisconsin to only 29 yards in the final minutes of action. Bruins benefitted from not only playing in front of their home crowd and having undeniable belief by their Head Coach that continues to show up in how his team sustains their composure along with competitiveness to pull out another tough win.
UCLA returns to Rose Bowl for its second game of its homestead on Saturday, Oct. 24 versus Big Ten opponent, Michigan State. Kickoff is around noon or 12:30 p.m. PT.
HOUSTON, TX — Conner Weigman delivered a career performance, throwing five touchdown passes to lead No. 20 Houston to a 35-32 victory over No. 18 Oklahoma State on Saturday night, giving the Cougars another statement win in front of a packed crowd at TDECU Stadium.
Weigman completed 24 of 33 passes for 343 yards and five touchdowns as Houston improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in Big 12 play. The Cougars won their fourth consecutive game and showed they could withstand a late surge from one of the conference’s ranked opponents.
“I just think he’s a really good quarterback,” Houston coach Willie Fritz said. “I’m glad we got him. We wouldn’t trade him for anybody. He’s a darn, darn good quarterback. He just keeps getting a little bit better every single week.”
Houston built a 14-3 halftime lead after the defense forced a key interception and the offense converted the opportunity into points. Weigman connected with tight end Patrick Overmyer for a 2-yard touchdown in the first quarter before finding Amare Thomas for a 7-yard score late in the second.
Oklahoma State moved within 14-10 early in the third quarter, but Houston answered with another scoring drive. Weigman found Trent Walker for a 2-yard touchdown to restore the Cougars’ 11-point advantage.
The Cowboys kept pushing, cutting the margin to 21-17 before Houston responded again. Facing fourth-and-3, Weigman connected with Thomas for a 21-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-17 late in the third quarter.
Oklahoma State threatened once more in the fourth after Caleb Hawkins hauled in a 66-yard touchdown pass to make it 28-25. Houston answered immediately as Weigman found Koby Young for a 48-yard touchdown, pushing the Cougars ahead 35-25 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
The Cowboys scored again to pull within three with 4:54 left, but Houston’s offense delivered when it mattered most. Weigman connected with Walker on a critical third-down completion and later ran for a first down to help the Cougars drain the clock.
“We had to stay aggressive,” Fritz said. “We knew we weren’t going to stop them three or four times in a row. They’re a very good offense. We had to keep going.”
Thomas finished with seven catches for 126 yards and two touchdowns, while Walker added seven receptions for 104 yards and a score. Houston totaled 505 yards of offense and held the ball for more than 35 minutes.
Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns, but the Cowboys fell to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
Houston now turns its attention to a road matchup against Utah as the Cougars continue their push in the Big 12 race.
PRAIRIE VIEW, Tx — Prairie View A&M outlasts Alcorn State in a Homecoming shootout! Coming off a tough stretch in conference play, Prairie View A&M looked to get back on track against a talented Alcorn State team on Saturday in front of its homecoming crowd.
Prairie View got off to a strong start after Malik Gucake returned a fumble 61 yards for a touchdown, giving the Panthers a quick 7-0 lead. The Panthers continued to build on that momentum with Tevin Carter connecting with Rodny Ojo for a 21-yard touchdown to make it a 14-0 lead. However, Alcorn responded with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jaylon Tolbert to Fredrick Robertson. Prairie View answered right back with Carter scoring on a 54 yard rushing touchdown, giving the Panthers a 21-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Photo by Ronen J May / fi360 News
Alcorn began to find its rhythm in the second quarter. Tolbert connected with Robertson for a 63-yard touchdown pass to cut Prairie View’s lead to 21-14. The Panthers responded when Carter found Ethan John for a 26-yard touchdown, extending their lead to 28-14. The Braves continued to fight back. Tolbert connected with Ernest Temple for a 12-yard touchdown before finding Damien Jones for another score, tying the game at 28-28. Prairie View managed to regain the lead before halftime after Ethan Eddins made a 31-yard field goal, putting the Panthers ahead 31-28.
Alcorn continued to put pressure on Prairie View. Tolbert connected with Robertson for a 16-yard touchdown pass, giving the Braves their first lead of the game at 35-31. With both teams trading scores throughout the game, Prairie View needed a response to keep Alcorn from pulling away.
Ojo explained that sticking to the team’s approach was important when facing Alcorn’s offense. “Stay true to our rules. Keeping things clear, concise, and making things easily understood,” Ojo said. The Panthers answered in the fourth quarter with a score from Carter on an 18-yard rushing touchdown, putting Prairie View back in front 38-35. Carter played an important role in the Panthers’ offense, finishing with 150 passing yards and 80 rushing yards while accounting for two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Jahbari Kuykendall also helped the Panthers on the ground, recording 89 rushing yards on 10 carries.
Photo by Ronen J May / fi360 News
Alcorn refused to go away, as Kenyon Bowyer connected on a 25-yard field goal to tie the game at 38-38 with just over seven minutes remaining.
When asked about the biggest challenge Alcorn presented, Ojo pointed to the Braves’ scoring ability and explained how Prairie View tried to respond.
“The biggest challenge Alcorn State presented was that they could score pretty well. How we adjusted to it was offensively holding the ball longer to give their offense fewer possessions with the football,” Ojo said.
Photo by Ronen J May / fi360 News
Prairie View’s defense came up with a key stop on Alcorn’s next possession, forcing the Braves to turn the ball over on downs and giving the Panthers another opportunity to take the lead.
With less than two minutes remaining, Prairie View moved into scoring position. Eddins connected on a 37-yard field goal with 1:56 left in the game, putting the Panthers ahead 4138. With 1:52 left in the game Alcorn had the chance to do what they did all game, but when needed Prairie View’s defense stood their ground to force a stop to secure the win.
Photo by Ronen J May / fi360 News
With the 41-38 win, Prairie View improved to 3-5 overall and 3-2 in SWAC play, while Alcorn State fell to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play. Even though Alcorn had 505 offensive yards, compared to Prairie View’s 397 offensive yards, the Panthers made key plays on both sides of the ball when they needed them most to come away with the win.
Air Force's Evan Medders (5) rushes for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against UNLV at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, CO on Saturday October 17, 2026. Air Force won 41 to 31. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
USAFA, CO — Air Force turned a tight Mountain West battle into a statement win Saturday, using a punishing ground attack and a 21-point fourth quarter to defeat UNLV 41-31 at Falcon Stadium.
The Falcons rushed for 430 yards and five touchdowns, extending their winning streak to four games. Quarterback Evan Medders led the charge with 152 yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns as Air Force improved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in Mountain West play.
Air Force’s persistence paid off after UNLV carried a 24-20 lead into the fourth quarter. Medders broke through for a 32-yard touchdown run on the opening play of the period, putting the Falcons ahead for good at 27-24.
UNLV’s Tre Fulton (10) wraps up Air Force’s Rocco Conti (44) in the first quarter at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, CO on Saturday October 17, 2026. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
The Falcons kept applying pressure. After Alexander Perez forced a fumble, Air Force capitalized on the turnover with Medders’ third rushing touchdown, a 1-yard score that stretched the lead to 34-24. Running back Owen Allen added a 2-yard touchdown run with 3:53 remaining, giving the Falcons enough breathing room to withstand UNLV’s late response.
“Anytime you’re able to rush for 400 yards, the offensive line is cooking,” Medders said. “They’ve been doing this week after week, and it’s exciting for the team. We want to keep the ball rolling.”
UNLV’s Troy Stellato (10) drops to make a second quarter reception against Air Force at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, CO. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
UNLV showed its offensive explosiveness in the first half. Jackson Arnold connected with Kayden McGee for a 60-yard touchdown to give the Rebels a 7-3 lead early in the second quarter. Arnold later helped set up Jai’Den Thomas’ 3-yard rushing score, and Ethan Schwartz drilled a 60-yard field goal as time expired to send UNLV into halftime ahead 17-13.
Air Force answered after the break with a methodical 13-play, 75-yard drive capped by Rocco Conti’s 6-yard touchdown run. UNLV briefly regained the lead when Arnold threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to McGee, making it 24-20 late in the third quarter.
But the Falcons’ ground game eventually wore down the Rebels. Air Force finished with 448 total yards, compared with 376 for UNLV, and controlled possession for more than 35 minutes. Conti rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown, while Allen added 96 yards and a score.
Air Force’s Rocco Conti (44) rushes for a first down in the fourth quarter against UNLV at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, CO. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
“Tremendous win,” Air Force coach Troy Calhoun said. “We played a really good football team.”
Arnold completed 21 of 33 passes for 246 yards and two touchdowns, while McGee finished with 99 receiving yards and two scores. UNLV fell to 4-3 overall and 2-1 in conference play, ending its three-game winning streak.
Air Force’s Even Medders (5) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown against UNLV. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Air Force will look to keep its momentum going Friday when it travels to Wyoming. The Falcons’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and finish drives will remain central to their push in the Mountain West race.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue’s defense delivered five takeaways, but the Boilermakers couldn’t turn those opportunities into enough points Friday night, falling 38-26 to Washington at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Huskies (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) snapped a three-game
losing streak behind quarterback Elijah Brown, who threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns in his first start. Purdue (3-4, 2-2 Big Ten) showed flashes of explosiveness but struggled to finish drives and control the line of scrimmage.
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Rocking their all-black uniforms for the blackout game, the Boilermakers opened with a bang. Defensive back Hudauri Hines intercepted Brown on Washington’s first play, and Smiley Bradford added another interception later in the first quarter. However, Purdue managed just three points from those early turnovers, finishing the opening quarter with only 51 yards of offense and going 0-for-3 on third downs.
Washington capitalized on its opportunities, using a 10-play drive capped by Brown’s touchdown pass to Decker DeGraaf to establish momentum. After Trey Cooley ripped off a 43-yard run in the second quarter, Purdue’s defense stood firm and forced a field goal, keeping the Huskies from extending their advantage further.
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Then Antonio Harris ignited Ross-Ade Stadium with a 60-yard run, Purdue’s longest rushing play of the season. Harris later punched in a touchdown to tie the game at 10-10. Washington responded with a touchdown pass to Brian Bonner, but Purdue answered when
Ryan Browne connected with Fame Ijeboi for a 10-yard touchdown, knotting the score at 17-17.
Washington delivered the final blow of the half when Bonner scored his second touchdown, giving the Huskies a 23-17 halftime lead after a costly Purdue roughing-the-passer penalty.
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The second half became a battle of missed opportunities. Purdue’s defense continued creating chances, with JoJo Hayden recording another interception, but the offense settled for a field goal to make it 24-20. Washington answered with a touchdown pass to
Dezman Roebuck early in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 31-20.
The Huskies’ defensive front proved decisive, limiting Purdue’s rushing attack to just 98 yards as a team. Ijeboi, coming off a monster performance the previous week, managed only 19 yards on 13 carries.
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“Their defensive line won on the line of scrimmage,” Purdue head coach Barry Odom said.
Brown finished 21-of-27 passing for 302 yards and three touchdowns despite throwing three interceptions. Purdue’s Browne completed 21 of 41 passes for 273 yards and threw two interceptions.
Purdue had the takeaways, explosive plays and crowd energy to make this a statement victory. What the Boilermakers lacked was the finishing punch.
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From the sideline : Five turnovers should create a winning formula, but Washington made the most of its opportunities while Purdue left too many points on the field. The Boilermakers must turn defensive stops into touchdowns and establish their running game if they want to make noise in the Big Ten.
