65.5 F
Los Angeles, CA
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Home Blog Page 105

Matt Leinart Leads 2019 Rose Bowl Hall Of Fame Inductees

By
Christopher Floch
-
January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA, Rose Bowl stadium full for the NCAA College Football at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore

PASADENA, CA- The 2019 Rose Bowl Hall Of Fame Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, December 31st at the Lot K Tent  outside the Rose Bowl from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.The class of 2019 inductees are Harvard’s Eddie Casey, Ohio State Quarterback Cornelius Greene, Washington Huskies Running Back Jacque Robinson and legendary USC Trojan Quarterback Matt Leinart.

The family friendly event will have excited future gridiron stars; kids will be running around tossing the mini Rose Bowl footballs outside the iconic venue dreaming of one day playing in the “Granddaddy of Them All”. In-N-Out Burger will be serving their juicy, world famous burgers. This HOF bash has the feel of an upscale tailgate party, a wonderful precursor to the 106th Rose Bowl presented by Northwestern Mutualon January 1st. When the NO. 6 Oregon Ducks battle the NO. 8 Wisconsin Badgers.

Eddie Casey was a diminutive Tailback and Defensive Back from Harvard. After nobly serving in World War I, he returned to the Crimson in 1919, leading them to a 9-0-1 record. His bursting speed combined with his agility paved the way for a 7-6 victory over the University of Oregon. His 205 all purpose yards earned him MVP honors. More importantly, the win introduced the Tournament of Roses to the New England States.

Corneilius Greene is one of the lucky few to appear in four Rose Bowls. The OSU Quarterback played from 1973-1976, receiving MVP honors for his performance in the 1974 Rose Bowl. The Buckeye QB defeated the USC Trojans, 42-21. Greene threw for 129 yards, running for 45 yards and a touchdown.

Jacque Robinson was the freshman to hoist the MVP award for his outstanding performance in the 1982 Rose Bowl. Crushing the University of Iowa 28-0 behind Robinsons 142 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns. Robinson was just getting started-earning MVP honors in the 1985 Orange Bowl. Robinson became one of only four players to ever win MVP in both the Orange and Rose Bowls.

Finally, USC legendary Quarterback Matt Leinart will clearly get the most raucous reception when his name is called. The Heisman Trophy winner orchestrated one of the greatest dynasties in the history of college football. Appearing in two Rose Bowls, first in 2004, where the Trojans knocked off the Michigan Wolverines. Leinart was named MVP behind his three touchdowns through the air and one on the ground.

His next Rose Bowl was the 2006 BCS National Championship against the University of Texas, considered by many to be the greatest game in the history of college football period. Although Leinart completed 73 percent of his passes, fellow Rose Bowl HOF inductee Texas QB Vince Young ripped the heart out of die hard Trojans fans running into the end zone in the final minute EN route to a 41-38 victory and the National Championship. Leinart was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall Of Fame in 2007, as well as having his #11 Jersey retired.

The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to honor members of the Rose Bowl Game family who have contributed to the history and excitement of the Rose Bowl Game and those who embody the best of the passion, strength, tradition, and honor associated with The Granddaddy of Them All.

In its storied 31 year history, 133 luminaries have been inducted. The honorees will receive a blazer, a permanent plaque at the Court of Championship at the Rose Bowl, appear at the Rose Parade and are recognized on the field during the Rose Bowl.

Tickets are $40.00. For more information, visit:www.tournamentofroses.com

Oregon’s Sewell wins 2019 Outland Trophy

By
Press Release
-
Photo by Megan Connelly

Dec. 12, 2019
For Immediate Release
Contact: Steve Richardson
214-870-6516

OREGON’S SEWELL WINS 2019 OUTLAND TROPHY
NFID presents award to top college interior lineman    

ATLANTA (FWAA) – Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell was named the recipient of the 74th Outland Trophy on Thursday night during The Home Depot College Football Awards from the College Football Hall of Fame.

The 2019 Outland Trophy, presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), is awarded annually to the nation’s best college interior lineman on offense or defense. NFID is presenting the trophy to help increase awareness about the importance of influenza (flu) prevention. Getting vaccinated each year is your best first line of defense against flu.

Sewell is the first Outland Trophy winner from Oregon and the third consecutive sophomore to receive the prestigious award. Sewell is just the eighth winner from a Pac-12 school and the third since 2000. He was selected by the All-America Committee of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) from three finalists, including Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown and Wisconsin center Tyler Biadasz. The Ducks had two previous finalists in Jake Fisher (OT, 2014) and Haloti Ngata (DT, 2005).

The official presentation to the winner will be made at the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Outland Trophy Award Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises on Jan. 15, 2020 in Omaha, Neb.

The 6-6, 325-pound true sophomore originally from Malaeimi, American Samoa and then Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, showed his dominance at left tackle early in the season. He was the Outland Trophy Offensive Player of the Month for September as the Ducks became the Pac-12’s third-leading offense (26th nationally) behind quarterback Justin Herbert. In 466 pass-blocking snaps this season, Sewell allowed just seven quarterback pressures and no sacks. He had eight games without allowing a pressure, hit and hurry on the quarterback.

Photo by Megan Connelly



Sewell is the top-graded offensive lineman at any position by Pro Football Focus, which gave him a national-best 95.5 run-blocking grade and a 92.2 in pass-blocking, second nationally. The Pac-12 named him its Offensive Lineman of the Week award four times.

Oregon (11-2) is 16-3 over the last two seasons with Sewell in the starting lineup and heads to its fourth Rose Bowl appearance since 2010 and eighth overall on Jan. 1, 2020, where it will take on Wisconsin.

Former University of Pittsburgh tackle Mark May, the 1980 Outland Trophy winner, has served as the 2019 Outland Trophy #FightFlu ambassador on behalf of NFID. May is making media appearances on behalf of the NFID #FightFlu public awareness campaign to remind everyone age six months and older to get vaccinated annually against flu.

The Outland Trophy is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.

The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about our story.

About the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
Founded in 1973, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating the public and healthcare professionals about the burden, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases across the lifespan. Visit nfid.org for more information.

About the Football Writers Association of America
Founded in 1941, the non-profit Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) consists of more than 1,300 members, including journalists, broadcasters, publicists and key executives in all areas of college football. Led by current President Stefanie Loh of the Seattle Times, longtime Executive Director Steve Richardson, and a board of veteran journalists, the association continues to grow and work to help college football prosper at all levels. Visit footballwriters.com for more information about the FWAA and its award programs.

Doncic Passes Jordan, Mavs Fall Short to Kings

By
Ariawna Talton
-
Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavs NBA basketball game on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)

Dallas, TX – While Luka Doncic surpassed Michael Jordan in a unique category of NBA history, most of Sunday night’s matchup between Sacramento and Dallas involved Dallas playing catch-up. Sacramento survived a late-game surge by the Mavericks to win 110-106.

Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavs NBA basketball game on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)

Doncic totaled 27 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists Sunday night – his 19th consecutive game with at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Doncic now owns the record over both Jordan and then Russell Westbrook.

From the onset of the game, Sacramento was not afraid to shoot. Led in the first half by Buddy Hield’s consistent shooting, the Kings got off to a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Hield scored 26 points and was a consistent threat from the three-point line. Nemanja Bjelica was perhaps the biggest scoring factor Sunday night. He finished with 30 points in his 34 minutes on the court.

Much of the first half involved Sacramento recovering the loose balls, getting open on the perimeter and scoring in the paint. Former Dallas player Harrison Barnes spent the most time on the floor for Sacramento, scoring and facilitating the offense for his team. Barnes finished the night with 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.

Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavs NBA basketball game on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)

On the other side, Tim Hardaway Jr. was having a career day. He led the Mavericks with 29 points, connecting on nine of his 12 three-point attempts.

The fourth quarter got very interesting, as the Mavericks finally erased a 24-point deficit. Kristaps Porzingis connected on a smooth fade away to narrow the margin to two points. Dallas could never tie or take the lead. On a last attempt Doncic drove toward the basket, attempting a floater in the lane. He came up short and Sacramento recovered the ball, ultimately winning the game.

Sacramento Kings vs Dallas Mavs NBA basketball game on Sunday December 8, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)

After playing four games in six nights, Dallas is now 16 – 7. Sacramento improves to 9-13.

Oregon Heads to The Rose Bowl After Winning The 2019 Pac-12 Championship

By
Bryce Viglione
-
PAC-12 Championship game between Utah Utes vs Oregon Ducks at Levi's Stadium on Friday December 6, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly

SANTA CLARA, CA – No. 13 Oregon upset No. 5 Utah 37-15 in the Pac-12 Championship Friday Night, ending the Utes chances of slipping into the 2019 College Football Playoff, and securing their place in the 2020 Rose Bowl. The Ducks will bring a conference championship trophy back to Eugene for the first time since Marcus Mariota led the Ducks to a National Championship appearance in 2014.

PAC-12 Championship game between Utah Utes vs Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on Friday December 6, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly

The physical rebrand Mario Cristobal set out to create since taking over as head coach, which he’s often referred to “Oregon Football 2.0”, was in full effect tonight. When asked what the key was to running the ball so well against a strong Utah rush defense Cristobal stated “Quite frankly I think maybe these guys just all week long got a little bit tired of hearing that we weren’t the more physical team”.

CJ Verdell was named the Pac-12 Championship Game MVPafter a monstrous night on the ground, finishing the with 18 carries for 208 yards and 3 touchdowns. Justin Herbert, who hasn’t been involved in the run game much this season, ran 7 times himself for 20 yards. Cristobal stated after the game “We haven’t run him much this year, but there’s a reason he’s been upright all year… tonight, the way that they play… Justin was going to have to use his feet to make some plays. He was outstanding”.

Although he didn’t have the biggest night on the stat sheet, Justin Herbert delivered big plays when Oregon needed them. Herbert set the Ducks up for a field goal in the first quarter after he connected with wide receiver Juwan Johnson on a 50-yard pass to the Utah 1-yard line, and again after Johnny Johnson III reeled in a miraculous 33-yard reception down to the Utah 9. Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo was able to attack Utah deep after the Utes lost safety RJ Hubert and All-Pac 12 safety Julian Blackmon to “significant” injuries. Herbert’s only touchdown of the night came on a 45-yard touchdown reception by Johnson III in the 2nd quarter.

PAC-12 Championship game between Utah Utes vs Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on Friday December 6, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly

Andy Avalos’s defense was also outstanding, holding Utah to zero red zone scoring chances, and stopping them on all four of their 4th down attempts.

Utah eventually scored for the first time in the third quarter as Tyler Huntley hit Zack Moss for a 24-yard touchdown pass, and quickly made it a one score game at 23-15 after Huntley found Samson Nacua for both a 25-yard Touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion. CJ Verdell put an end to the potential comeback after breaking off a 70-yard TD run, the longest run in Pac 12 Championship history, and added one more with a 31-yard clip after senior linebacker Troy Dye picked off Tyler Huntley.

PAC-12 Championship game between Utah Utes vs Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on Friday December 6, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly

Laviska Shenault Jr. To Declare For 2020 NFL Draft

By
Press Release
-
USC vs Colorado football on Friday October 25, 2019 at Boulder, CU. (Photo by Laura Domingue)

BOULDER—University of Colorado junior wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. has announced that he will forego his final season of eligibility and declare for the 2020 National Football League Draft.

Laviska Shenault Jr. with the catch and run during the Arizona State vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on October 6, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Shenault announced his decision on his Twitter page at 1 p.m.  

A top NFL prospect after a breakout sophomore season in 2018, Shenault cemented those rankings as a junior, putting his superior speed and strength to the test despite being hampered with injuries and becoming the focal point for all defenses the Buffs faced in 2019. 

“Laviska Shenault represented our relentless culture and was one of the most dynamic, dominant and versatile players that I have ever coached,” CU coach Mel Tucker said. “He embodies the true ‘show me, don’t tell me’ competitive spirit.  I look forward to watching him develop and compete at the elite level and thank him for his contributions on and off the field.  Once a Buff, always a Buff.” 

One of the most dynamic players in the nation over the past two seasons, he lined up, caught passes and ran the ball from a multitude of positions including outside receiver, slot receiver, h-back, tailback, and tight end, as well as running the ball out of the wildcat position. 

Laviska Shenault with a catch during Colorado Buffaloes PAC-12 football game at Folsom Field on November 17, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

“First and foremost, I want to thank all of my friends, family and all those who helped me get where I am today,” Shenault said. ”I took in a lot of wisdom and knowledge from all of you and used it to make me a better man on and off the field.  I’m blessed to be in the position I am today and I know my dad would be proud of the foundation I left as I pursue my dream of playing at the next level and declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft.” 

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 14

By
Press Release
-
(Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 14


OFFENSE: Brant Kuithe, So., TE, Utah (Katy, Texas)
• Finished Utah’s game against Colorado with 122 all-purpose yards and three TDs, propelling them to their second straight Pac-12 South Title and Pac-12 Championship game appearance.
• Kuithe had three catches for 63 yards with 38-yard and 7-yard receiving TDs, adding two rushes for 59 yards that included a career-long 44-yard rush along with a 15-yard rushing TD. 
• Accounted for two first downs in Utah’s first scoring drive, converting on a 3-and-13 on an 18-yard reception to extend the drive, finishing it off with his 38-yard touchdown reception to tie the game 7-7 in the second quarter.
• On Utah’s next scoring drive, Kuithe accounted for 51 of the 84 yards in the drive, including a career-long 44-yard rush and his seven-yard rushing TD to give Utah a 14-7 lead late in the second quarter. 
• Kuithe finished the game with a 15-yard rushing TD in the fourth quarter for the last points of the game, giving the Utes their 45-15 win and the Pac-12 South Title.

Also nominated: Eno Benjamin, RB, ASU; Christopher Brown Jr., RB, CAL

Jack Jones defending at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday, September 27, 2019. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

DEFENSE: Jack Jones, R-Jr., CB, Arizona State (Long Beach, Calif.)
• Jones had six combined tackles (five solos) and two interceptions in ASU’s 24-14 Territorial Cup win over Arizona on Saturday.
• Jones became the first Sun Devil with multiple interceptions in a game since Gump Hayes picked off Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech) twice in 2016.
• Thwarted Arizona scoring threat in the second quarter, with an interception at the ASU 14 after the Wildcats had driven to the ASU 24. ASU would end up converting the turnover into a field goal just before the half to cut UA’s lead to 7-6.
• Also intercepted a pass on Arizona’s first possession of the second half.

Also nominated: Cameron Goode, OLB, CAL; Thomas Graham Jr., CB, ORE; Devin Lloyd, LB, UTAH; Elijah Molden, DB, WASH

SPECIAL TEAMS: Mykael Wright, Fr., KR/CB, Oregon (Antelope Valley, Calif.)
• Returned a kickoff 98 yards for a TD in the first quarter during Oregon’s 24-10 win over Oregon State in the 123rd Civil War.
• Return came with the game tied 3-3 and gave Oregon a lead it would keep for good. Finished with two kickoff returns for 121 yards.
• Just the third player in program history with two kickoff returns in a season, joining De’Anthony Thomas (2011) and Jonathan Stewart (2005)
• Also equaled a season high with five tackles and had a pass breakup.
• Finished as the fifth-highest graded corner in the Pac-12 for week 14 by Pro Football Focus with a 77.9 coverage grade over 41 snaps.

Also nominated: Cristian Zendejas, PK, ASU; Demari Simpkins, RS/WR, UTAH


OFFENSIVE LINE: Penei Sewell, So., OL, Oregon (Malaeimi, American Samoa)
• Didn’t allow a pressure, hurry or hit on the QB for the eighth time this season during Oregon’s 24-10 win over Oregon State in the 123rd Civil War 
• Finished with the conference’s third-best pass-blocking grade (88.1) in week 14 according to Pro Football Focus.
• Played all 67 snaps at left tackle, as Oregon improved to 15-3 with him in the starting lineup.
• Earned a 95 percent assignment grade from the Oregon coaches. Finished with two knockdowns to bring his season total to 54.
• Oregon rushed for 119 of its 191 yards behind the middle to left side of the offensive line as 32 of 33 carries by Oregon running backs went for positive yards.

Also nominated: Cohl Cabral, C, ASU; Jake Curhan, RT, CAL.

DEFENSIVE LINE: Joe Tryon, So., DL, Washington (Renton, Wash.)
• Led the UW defensive effort that limited Washington State to just one touchdown, 13 points and 339 yards of total offense in Washington’s 31-13 win over the Cougars in the Apple Cup. 
• Tryon finished the game with four total tackles, including two-and-a-half for loss and two sacks, good for 19 yards in losses. 
• Over the last four games of the season, Tryon has compiled 10 tackles for loss and six sacks.

Also nominated: Jermaine Lole, DL, ASU; Brett Johnson, NG, CAL; Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, ORE; Bradlee Anae, DE, UTAH

FRESHMAN: Trent McDuffie, Fr., DB, Washington (Westminster, Calif.)
• McDuffie, who started his 10th game as a true freshman DB in the Huskies’ 31-13 win over Washington State in the Apple Cup, had what may have been the key play in the game — if not two of them. 
• In the fourth quarter, with the UW up 28-13 and WSU all the way down to the Husky nine-yard line, McDuffie forced a fumble (recovered by UW) to end the threat. After the Huskies punted, the Cougars moved across midfield on the next drive as well, before McDuffie intercepted QB Anthony Gordon at the UW 31 and returned it 29 yards. The Huskies made a field goal on the ensuing drive to make it a three-score margin late in the fourth quarter. 
• For the game, McDuffie finished with two tackles, a forced fumble and an interception.

Also nominated: Jayden Daniels, QB, ASU; Makai Polk, CB, CAL; Mykael Wright, WR, ORE

Golden Bears Outshine Bruins to Close Season

By
Darrel Wilson
-
Cal Bears vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday November 30 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

PASADENA, Calif. — Christopher Brown Jr. showed UCLA that he could run it, as he carried the ball for 111 yards and two touchdowns for the California Golden Bears in a 28-18 victory over the UCLA Bruins Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

Cal Bears vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday November 30 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

If it was Chip Kelly’s last game as head coach at UCLA, he was going to call plays his way. Do not think for a second that he would really go out in an ordinary fashion. His Bruins would run tempo on offense and go for it on fourth downs.

At the end of the night, the result was the same as it has been for the majority of Kelly’s tenure in Westwood, which showed the Bruins with fewer points on the scoreboard than their opponents. The Bruins finish the season with a four wins to eight losses, which is actually an improvement Kelly’s Bruins’ three wins last season.

Cal Bears vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday November 30 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“I think this team is growing,” said Kelly.  “I’ve watched how these guys have responded to everything that they have faced during the season. We knew going in, the challenges that we had, we were a young team and guys were going to have to get experience on the run… There are some young guys here where we are really excited about what their future is.”

Rumors have been circulating about Kelly leaving the program in recent weeks.

“I don’t know where they came from and I have not had any discussions with anybody,” said Kelly. “My commitment level is the same since I’ve been here, it’s been 100 percent. We go to work every day and give everything we have to this program.”

Cal Bears vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday November 30 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The Bruins had a chance to end the season with a win but the defensive unit could not get stops when it needed to.  The Bears averaged 80 yards on their four scoring drives.

The 10-yard touchdown run by Brown on the first play of the final stanza for the Bears to put them up 28-18 for the final score and made it the twelfth consecutive fourth quarter in which the Bruins have given up a touchdown – every game this season. From an X’s and O’s standpoint it would seem that defense would be what the Bruins need to prioritize.

“You’ve got to look at everything that goes on,” said Kelly. “We’ll always assess everything after the season, scheme and personnel and everything. We will look at everything and we’re always trying to improve and try to make ourselves better.”

Cal Bears vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday November 30 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

An announced attendance of 38,102 in the Rose Bowl saw UCLA quarterback find tight end Devin Asiasi, who had game highs of 8 receptions and 99 yards, on first play of the game for 22 yards. That opening drive would stall but the Bruin’s defense would hold Cal to a three and out on its first possession.  

A 19-yard catch by Jaylen Erwin to close the Bruins next drive saw the home team on the scoreboard first with a 7-0 lead. It was Erwin’s second touchdown of the season. Things certainly looked promising in the beginning for the Bruins.

Another highlight for the Bruins was senior running back Joshua Kelley eclipsing the 1000-yard rushing mark back-to-back seasons. He is just the eighth Bruin all-time to accomplish that feat.

Cal Bears vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday November 30 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“It feels pretty cool because there have been so many incredible running backs here – Coach [Deshaun] Foster, Maurice Jones-Drew, just so many incredible backs here,” said Kelley. “I know I didn’t win as much as those guys, and that’s something I really wish I could do. I think it’s pretty cool that someday I’ll see my name listed with some of those guys.”

Kelley feels the Bruins have many playmakers and it is going to be special for the young players in the upcoming seasons. Only time will tell.

Cal Bears vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday November 30 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Arizona State capitalizes on Arizona mistakes to win the Territorial Cup

By
Eric Townsend
-
Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

TEMPE, AZ – One week after their big win over Oregon the week prior, the Arizona State Sun Devils (7-5, 4-5) run away with the 24-14 win over the Arizona Wildcats (4-8, 2-7).

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

It was a big day for the Sun Devils! On Senior night in front of an energized crowd of 54,074 people in Tempe, AZ, ASU responded with the resounding, 24-14 win to keep the cup in Tempe!

Running back Eno Benjamin was certainly the star of the show, as the junior ran the ball 34 times for 174 yards and two touchdowns to seal the win! Benjamin would certainly carry the load in the second half, totaling 143 yards rushing on 24 carries.

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

“I understand what this game is about… there’s a lot of guys, young guys, so I was trying to fuel that passion so that they understand what this rivalry mean” Benjamin said.

Chippy as this rivalry has always been, the Wildcats entered this one with a lot of emotions, perhaps the result of a season in which Arizona ended the year on a seven-game losing streak.

Things certainly started a bit heated as Arizona had a skirmish at midfield prior to the kick-off, which seemed to boil over to begin the game.

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

“These rivalry games take place, and a lot emotions come out” head coach Herm Edwards said. “And you see bad football, you really do, and it takes away from the game.”

Edwards wasn’t wrong, as both squads seemed a bit sloppy and slow to start this one, totaling just 156 yards which resulted in zero points in the first quarter.

Arizona would have a chance to take the lead early, but a missed field goal from Lucas Havrisik kept the Cats scoreless.

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

The second quarter wouldn’t be all that much better either, however, it was the Devils who were the ones to strike first, forcing the Wildcats to a turnover on downs to end the first quarter which would lead to points to begin the second quarter.

ASU would drive the ball 25 yards on six plays, converting on a 33-yard field goal from Christian Zendejas to make it 3-0 Devils with 13:07 to play in the second quarter.

Just a few series later, Arizona would respond, finding the end zone on a Khalil Tate pass to Jamarye Joiner that went for 48 yards and a score.

Leading 7-3, Arizona would be driving again, but it was ASU that would stand firm, forcing a Tate interception that would lead to another Zendejas field goal as time expired to make it 7-6 Wildcats at the half.

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

Deferring until the second half like he typically does, Edwards would rely on his running back in the second half to “get a drive going, and we leaned on him [Eno],” Edwards said. “We’re going to the run ball and that was the intention.”

That he did as ASU would begin the half driving 75 yards on 11 plays which led to a Sun Devils touchdown run from Benjamin from six-yards out. Surprisingly, ASU wouldn’t attempt a single pass on that drive!

After back-to-back interceptions by Tate, ASU would find the endzone again! This time on Benjamin’s second touchdown of the game, finding a hole and scoring form one-yard out.

Again, the Sun Devils wouldn’t attempt a single pass on the drive that lasted 2:45, spanning 49 yards on seven plays to make it 21-7 after the two-point conversion run from Jayden Daniels.

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

The biggest thing for ASU was rhythm and controlling the ball. ASU would end the game with over 34 minutes of possession, but the biggest thing for ASU and the Sun Devils was “making first downs, make them use their timeouts and we can bleed the clock” Edwards said.

Arizona would try and respond as Havrisik and the Wildcats would have a chance to find points again, but the junior kicker missed his second attempt of the day, giving the Devils the ball right back, which led to another ASU field goal, virtually putting this game out of reach for good!

Trailing 24-7, Tate and the Wildcats would find the endzone again, scoring on a two-yard pass to Joiner to make it 24-14, but it was too little too late, as ASU got the ball and ran out the clock to secure the victory.

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

With the third-straight Territorial Cup win, ASU improves to 7-5 (4-5) and awaits their bowl fate. As for senior corner Kobe Williams, this win meant a lot. “Never lost to them, 3-0,” Williams said. “This game means so much to the fans, I just wanted to come in and be 3-0 for my career, and that’s all I talked about to my teammates.”

As for Edwards, he and his team will have to be patient until their next game. “Now we’ll wait, we’ll find out where we’re going and hopefully be in a position to win another game.”

Arizona vs Arizona State football game in Tempe, AZ on November 30, 2019 (Photo by John Hays)

For Arizona and the Wildcats, the team falls to 4-8 and is bowl less for the second straight year under head coach Kevin Sumlin. 

Oregon Wins The ‘Civil War’, Ending Oregon State’s Bowl Game Hopes in The Process

By
Bryce Viglione
-
Oregon State Beavers vs Oregon Ducks battle in the Civil War football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

EUGENE, OR – The 14th ranked Oregon Ducks (10-2) defeated in-state rival Oregon State (5-7) 24-10 Saturday, their 11th victory out of the schools’ last 12 meetings.

Oregon State Beavers vs Oregon Ducks battle in the Civil War football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

With a win, Oregon State would have become bowl eligible for the first time since 2013 but had an uphill battle from the start after their starting quarterback Jake Luton was unexpectedly held out of the game due to a forearm injury.

Oregon’s offense continued to struggle, converting just 3/14 attempts on third down. In his first start for the Beavers, sophomore Nebraska transfer Tristan Gebbia outperformed Oregon senior quarterback Justin Herbert, completing 26/40 (65%) passes for 243 yards, to Herbert’s 18/30 (60%) for 174 yards.

Despite the struggles offensively, Oregon’s special teams and defense were enough to secure the victory, and Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal simply explained “[In] rivalry games… you find a way to win”. Mykael Wright provided support to the Oregon’s struggling offense with a 98-yardkick return in the first quarter, and Justin Herbert was able to find Johnny Johnson III for a 28-yard TD pass early in the second, but the Ducks would go another 40 minutes and 20 seconds before scoring again.

Oregon State Beavers vs Oregon Ducks battle in the Civil War football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

Oregon looked to extend their lead to two scores with 7:40 left in the 4th quarter, but Jaylon Redd fumbled while crossing the goal line on a 7-yard rush, which resulted in a touchback. The Beavers then found themselves down only one score at 10-17 and had two series where they looked to tie the game. The second of which was ended quickly after Oregon State running back Jermar Jefferson fumbled attempting to hurdle cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., which was ultimately recovered by Oregon safety Brady Breeze.

When Mario Cristobal joined the Oregon coaching staff in 2017, the Ducks were coming off their worst season since 1991, and Duck fans who had been spoiled with 2 National Championship appearances in the last decade quickly became fearful that the dark days of Oregon Football were returning quicker than they were ready for.Instead, Cristobal turned the program back in the right direction in only two years as head coach.

With College Football Playoff aspirations intact as recent as a week ago, it’s easy to view the 2019 season as a failure for the Ducks. In reality, this season has been one of the best in program history. After competing in his final game at Autzen Stadium, Justin Herbert stated “To go 4-8 our Freshman year, that’s something that we talked about, to be playing in the Pac-12 Championship. It’s been a great ride”.

Oregon State Beavers vs Oregon Ducks battle in the Civil War football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

The Ducks will travel to Santa Clara next week to compete in the Pac-12 Championship against the No. 6 Utah Utes, and with a victory would end up competing in the Rose Bowl for only the 7th time in program history.

Oregon State Beavers vs Oregon Ducks battle in the Civil War football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

Air Force strikes for it’s 10th victory this season

By
Jevone Moore
-
Wyoming vs Air Force football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Laura Domingue)

Academy, CU – Senior Day at Falcon Stadium was all smiles after the Air Force Academy defeated the Wyoming Cowboys 20-6 to close out the season.

Wyoming vs Air Force football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Laura Domingue)

Air Force never trailed in this Mountain West match up and moved to 10-2 record over all and finishing 7-1 on conference play. They know will be looking forward to going bowling somewhere this December.

This was the Falcons seventh victory in a row closing out the season strong.

“We knew coming in they were one of the most physical teams in the Mountain West,” said DJ Hammond, who directed an offense that put up 305 total yards despite slogging away at 2.9 yards per carry. “We knew we had to grind it out and nothing would come easy.”

Ben Waters catches 75 yard touchdown during the Wyoming vs Air Force football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Laura Domingue)

Air Force coach Troy Calhoun gameplan was run to set up the occasional pass today that allowed them to keep Wyoming guessing. The first quarter of play the Falcons held the ball 85% of the time with neither team scoring a point.

Hammond completed 5 of 6 pass for 121 yards with a touchdown to Ben Waters. Waters was the his main target catching 3 pass for 100 yards. But non sweeter than the 75 yard that sealed the deal for the victory.

“We both kind of came to the sideline begging for it to happen. We were able to execute. D.J. threw a perfect ball and blocking was outstanding.” said Waters.

Wyoming vs Air Force football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Laura Domingue)

In the second quarter the Falcons pushed Wyoming back on the goal line for Hammond to score on quarterback keeper for his 11 touchdown of the season. He lead his team with 15 rushes, the team ran the ball 56 times with the leading rusher being Kadin Remsberg with raked up 63 yards average 4.5 yards a carry.

Wyoming quarterback Levi Williams was sacked two time by the Falcons, and went 6/11 passing for a only 84 yards and he ran for another 88 yards on 15 carries. Accounting for over 50% of his team offense they never could punch it into the endzone.

Wyoming vs Air Force football game on November 30, 2019 (Photo by Laura Domingue)

Now both Wyoming and Air Force are bowl eligible and have to wait and see what’s next. The Falcons have will get chance to build on their first 10 win season.

1...104105106...203Page 105 of 203

Recent Stories

Full Image 360

Full Image 360

Follow us on Instagram @fullimage360/

fi360 News
Contact us: editor@fi360news.com

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© @fi360News powered by Full Image 360