SMU Mustangs Outlast Surprisingly Good ECU Team

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November 9, 2019

Dallas, Tx – To say that SMU was disappointed to end their winning streak last week against Memphis would be an understatement. Saturday, the team took the field at Ford Stadium with redemption on the agenda. After a full four quarters of competition, the Mustangs defeated the Pirates of Eastern Carolina 59 -51.

The powerful SMU offense arrived early and stayed late, however, Eastern Carolina brought with them a very powerful offense as well. For every SMU score, ECU followed up with a score. The back and forth battle was both entertaining and exhausting for the home crowd, which clearly didn’t expect such a high-powered ECU (3-7, 0-6 AAC) offense.

SMU quarterback Shane Buechele passed for 414 yards. ECU quarterback Holton Ahlers passed for 498 yards, connecting with feature receiver Tyler Snead for 240 of those yards. The incredibly offensive-heavy first half was so smooth that not a single flag was thrown to interrupt play.

The Mustangs started the scoring just minutes into the first quarter when Buechele connected with Kylen Granson in the back of the end zone. ECU would come right back with a 68-yard touchdown pass and then the back and forth ensued.

The second half played out like a scripted evening of NCAA on PS4. The first four possessions for Eastern Carolina resulted in three touchdowns and a field goal. And then SMU scored three touchdowns and a field goal.

At times both defensives appeared nonexistent. The onslaught of scoring was only interrupted by one particular error on special teams. ECU returner Jsi Hatfield dropped a kickoff that he was simply unable to fall on. Tyler Levine recovered the ball for SMU. The Mustangs would score a few minutes later and No. 25 SMU (9-1, 5-1 AAC) finally gained control and secured the difficult win.

Records were broken on Saturday. Several players had career days. While SMU was projected to defeat ECU by more than 20 points, it is important to note that of the 110 total points scored, SMU never trailed in this game.

“We were able to figure out a way to win the game,” Dykes said. “It’s hard to win every Saturday, it’s hard to win on Saturday. Hard to win nine games.”

Freshmen Tandem Lead USC over Portland

By

Darrel Wilson

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November 8, 2019

LOS ANGELES — Freshman phenom Onyeka “Big O” Okongwu booked a double-double and classmate Ethan Anderson dished out ten dimes as the USC Trojans pulled away late to defeat the Portland Pilots 76-65, Friday night at the Galen Center.

There was much discussion entering the season about the Trojans’ recruiting class that featured Big O and Isaiah Mobley. However, on this night, the unheralded Anderson put this team in a position to succeed.

“He had a really controlled game,” said USC head coach Andy Enfield about Anderson. “I thought he made the right reads… Anytime you get 10 assists in a game, it’s impressive, especially for a freshman. He’s developing as a player. He has great court vision. He’s a tough kid.”

USC opened the game by scoring the first seven points to put the visiting Pilots on their heels. The highly touted Big O made the first basket of the game off a put back, which was a sign of things to come.

“He does a lot on his own, if you see the five offensive rebounds,” said Enfield. “He’s constantly within the offense. He’s ball screening, rolling to the rim, posting up, going for the offensive glass, he runs the floor… He plays an important position in our system… He’s very impressive.”

The Pilots got onto the scoreboard with buckets by junior guard Jo Jo Walker and Isaiah White. White led all players in scoring with 22 points. The teams traded baskets for a while in the first half before Big O had to go to the bench with his second foul.

Graduate transfer Quinton Adlesh came off the bench, midway in the first half, and provided a spark by draining two three pointers to give the Trojans a 30-18 lead. The upperclassman’s presence had a positive impact on his team.

“They come into the game and already know what the deal is,” said USC senior guard Jonah Mathews about Nelson and Daniel Utomi, another graduate transfer. “Just having that experience on the court just helps me a lot.”

That huge first half lead would slowly begin to evaporate as the Trojans went through a spell of sloppy play, which included turnovers and missed assignments on defense and saw the Pilots trim the 12-point deficit down to one at 33-32.

“We let them come back in it,” said Enfield. “We made some defensive mistakes. We just didn’t defend.”

A dunk by Nick Rakocevic and a three by Mathews gave the Trojans cushion as they went into the locker room with a 41-35 lead. They finished with 11 and 12 points, respectively.

Two minutes out of the break, Big O picked up his third foul and had to exit the game. The Pilots fought tooth and nail, giving the Trojans a run for their money, as White got hot from deep. Although they were able to tie the game at 48, the visitors never held a lead.

The Trojan lead was two when Big O entered the game at the 13-minute mark. He scored eight points during a 13-4 USC run that put the game out of reach and shut the door on the Pilots’ hopes of getting a big road win.

Big O finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds, 14 and 8 coming in the final 13 minutes of the game. Sophomore Elijah Weaver chipped in 12 points, including stoking three of four from long range.

The Trojans have the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on deck, November 12 at the Galen Center.

Follow me on Twitter @spitsgame

Raiders Beat Chargers on Final Drive,26-24

By

Christopher Floch

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November 8, 2019

Oct. 25, 2015: Oakland Raiders Fans taking over San Diego in a game played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo By Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

OAKLAND-Heartfelt and sweet are words one never uses describing the Black hole or Raider fans: yet those emotions bubbled to the surface on Thursday night, as David Carr led the Silver and Black on a game winning drive over the fierce AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers,26-24.

Oakland Raiders at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland Ca. file photo (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

“I love this place,” Gruden exclaimed just before leaving the decidedly non-plush home locker room following his team’s 26-24 crucial victory.. “I’ve got a lot of love for the fans here, for this city. It’s why I came back .”

In what was probably the final night game the Oakland Raiders will ever play in the city, before moving to Las Vegas. 51,194 die hard fans witnessed a hard fought battle between two foes fighting for a playoff spot. With 3:57 remaining in the game, Raiders quarterback David Carr engineered his 18th fourth quarter comeback behind a staunch, aggressive offensive line.
On 3rd and 1 from the Chargers 18-yard line, Raiders rookie phenom RB Brandon Jacobs took the hand off, darting to the end zone for the games final touchdown. Reminiscent of a Marcus Allen and Bo Jackson touchdown, Jacobs has already surpassed every Raiders rookie record at running back thus far.

The term must win is used far too often, however, for these classic AFC West teams, it was the cold hard truth. It was a major setback for the Chargers, coming off a dominant performance this past Sunday, pummeling Aaron Rodgers and the visiting Green Bay Packers, 26-11 at the StubHub Center in Carson. The heartbreaking loss erases their two game winning streak, with the Chargers falling to (4-6).

As for the Raiders, the last minute win puts them at (5-4), only one game behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Furthermore, next week the inferior, winless Cincinnati Bengals visit, meaning the Raiders have a realistic shot at reaching the AFC playoffs, a first since the 2016 season.

Philip Rivers under center for Los Angeles Chargers at Stubhub Center in Carson, Ca File Photo 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore Full Image 360)

Despite Rivers struggles, he still put the Bolts up 24-20 with 4:02 remaining, throwing a six yard touchdown pass to Running Back Austin Ekeler.
Living up to his nickname, the Carr Insurance Co. led the Raiders, going 21 of 31 for a touchdown with no interceptions. Marching down the field for the decisive touchdown, unfortunately a missed PAT left the score at 26-24. This left the window cracked for the Chargers to steal the game with a last second field goal.

The night belonged to the Raiders defense. Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers threw three costly interceptions, including two to Safety Erik Harris. His second pick was returned to the house for a Raiders touchdown. I call the play a, “SIX-erception”(patent pending)!

On the final drive, the Chargers had nothing left in the tank. Rivers facing unrelenting pressure, hoisted up wobbling duck on fourth down which resulted in a Raiders interception. GAME OVER!

“It’s unbelievable,” Carr said of the Coliseum in his postgame press conference. “I love this place. It’s special … The smells, the atmosphere, the noises, the things you can hear, those are memories you keep forever.”

Cowboys Remain Giant Killers

By

Christopher Floch

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November 4, 2019

NFL Football 2016: Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams AUG 16 — Dallas Receiver Dez Bryant (88) catching a touchdown. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Not even a slow start, or a black cat running on the field of MetLife Stadium could prevent the Dallas Cowboys from earning their sixth straight victory over their NFC East foe New York Giants, 37-18 on Monday night. Despite the lopsided score, the game was actually close going into the 4th quarter, before a Dak Prescott 45-TD pass to Amari Cooper put the game out of reach.

America’s Team improves to (5-3) on the season, retaining a half game lead over the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. A lingering problem for Big D is their tortoise like starts, Monday night was no exception. On the night’s first play, Prescott threw an interception inside the Cowboys 10 yard line, however the Giants red zone offense was terrible.

New York had five trips in the red zone, yet managed only a single TD while settling for four field goals. The Cowboys defense was nasty, forcing three turnovers, sacking Giants QB Daniel Jones five times.

The turning point of the night occurred during the warning minutes of the first half. Trailing 12-3, Prescott escaped a swarming G-man pass rush, extending the play with his mobility he threw a short pass to tight end Blake Jarwin. Jarwin blazed down the field for a crucial touchdown.

Prescott threw for 257 yards with three touchdowns and an interception, while Running Back Ezekiel Elliot dashed through gaping holes en route to 139 yards. Cowboys counterparts Giants Daniel Jones completed 26 of his 41 passes for 210 yards, a touchdown and a pick on the night. Giants Running Back Saquan Barkley had 95 yards from scrimmage, most of those yards coming on a screen pass, Barkley displayed his lightning quick speed in the open field for 65 yards on the play.

The play of the night was on a crucial third down. From the Giants 31 yard line, Prescott threw a pass to Wide Receiver Michael Gallup, who ran down the sidelines, jumping over the Giants defender landing on one foot, bunny hopping over the pylon, for a TD. Making it 23-15 in favor of the Cowboys. Dallas has won 44 games in a row when leading by seven or more points entering the 4th quarter.

The next few weeks will tell us more about the Cowboys. Continuing their primetime run, the Minnesota Vikings visit next Sunday night, followed by a matchup against the Detroit Lions, the shockingly good Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots.

USC miscues leads to blowout loss against Oregon

By

Eric Ramos

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November 3, 2019

Oregon_vs_USC_1122019fi360-4792 — LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 02: Oregon Ducks quarterback Cale Millen (17) catches the ball for a a gain during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and The USC Trojans on November 02, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 02: Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) drops back in the pocket during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and The USC Trojans on November 02, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)

USC got off to a fast start against No. 7 Oregon, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter and holding the Ducks scoreless. The Trojans snapped a streak of 14 consecutive quarters in which Oregon scored at least seven points.

That was the only bright spot for the Trojans as the Ducks would go on to score 28 points in the second quarter in route to a dominating 56-24 win on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“Credit to Oregon, they are a good football team,” USC coach Clay Helton said. “We made enough mistakes tonight against a top-10 team that you can’t win a ballgame. You can’t turn it over four times and have the penalties we had and play that not-clean a football game and expect to beat that team. Not our night. As I told the group in there we’ll come back on Monday and get ready for Arizona State.”

USC quarterback Kedon Slovis threw for 264 yards and three touchdowns but had three costly interceptions and lost a fumble. All four turnovers led to 28 Oregon points.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 02: USC Trojans quarterback Kedon Slovis (9) drops back in the pocket during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and The USC Trojans on November 02, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)

“I don’t think it necessarily affected my decision-making process throughout the game or my reads,” Slovis said. “You can’t commit turnovers like that, but sometimes it happens. You just have to move on and play the next play.”

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert scored on a 10-yard run and wide receiver Jaylon Redd punched it in from two yards out to give Oregon a 14-10 lead. On the next drive, Oregon safety Brady Breeze intercepted Slovis and returned it 32 yards for the score.

Slovis led the Trojans down the field on a 9-play, 74-yard drive which he capped with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Michael Pittman Jr. with 20 seconds left before halftime. Mykael Wright returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown and a 28-17 lead.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 02: Oregon Ducks running back Travis Dye (26) runs the ball for a gain during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and The USC Trojans on November 02, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)

“If you watch Mykael’s (Wright) high school tape, that wouldn’t surprise you,” Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said. “That’s what he has done. Brady’s (Breeze) touchdown was a huge momentum swing and then for them to come down and score, for us to come right back with the kickoff return, that was huge.”

Herbert shook off a rocky start and threw three second-half touchdowns to put the game out of reach. Pittman Jr.’s younger brother, Micah, caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter for Oregon. The Ducks scored 28 unanswered points in the second half before USC true freshman Kyle Ford would score his first career touchdown.

“You go on to the next game just like we’ve done,” Helton said. “We’ve got to play an Arizona State team that’s had a week off and they’re in preparation for us. So we’ve got to get back to work tomorrow, immediately. They’re at home with a talented offense and we’ve gotta go back and clean up the things that we did today and be ready to win the next one”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 02: Oregon Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a college football game between the Oregon Ducks and The USC Trojans on November 02, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)

UCLA Destiny Continues In Win Over Colorado

By

Manny Nunez

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November 2, 2019

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 02 Colorado at UCLA — UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 during the Colorado Buffaloes vs UCLA Bruins PAC-12 football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on Saturday November 2, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

UCLA Bruins running back Joshua Kelley #27 during the Colorado Buffaloes vs UCLA Bruins PAC-12 football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on Saturday November 2, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

If you are a UCLA fan, it is so hard not to look ahead. It is extremely difficult to ponder the possibilities if the road remains aligned after each minute. That’s what it kind of seemed like as the Bruins opened up rather quickly against a Colorado team that hasn’t won a game in four straight.They managed to pick up the slack after losing their footing on special teams, giving the Bruins a 31-14 win, their third in a row.

“As a group our guys are collectively playing with great effort,” head coach Chip Kelly said. “I was very concerned with the passing attack tonight, but overall our group effort took command tonight.”

UCLA exploded in the first half on their first three drives. After their first two scores going up 10-0, Dorian Thompson Robinson launched a perfect pass to Ethan Ferna to the right corner. On just one play, UCLA had their hands on a 17-0 lead. Ferna was mobbed by his teammates after the score, and after that play the Bruins had a much different feeling compared to falling at its lowest point taking a loss to Oregon State at home.

UCLA Bruins running back Demetric Felton #10 during the Colorado Buffaloes vs UCLA Bruins PAC-12 football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on Saturday November 2, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

But then the game had turned on the offense. In their next five drives, they only managed a total of 55 yards and couldn’t get any deeper into Colorado territory. Colorado found the endzone once on a successful drive of their own to cut the lead to 10. But then special teams gave the Bruins a lot of love forcing missed field goals on two occasions with the defense forcing some big stops. The second missed field goal that was tipped and hit off the post eventually woke back up the Bruin offense, managing to move down the field, getting Joshua Kelly into the endzone on the ground.

Thompson-Robinson finished with 228 yards passing and two touchdowns. Joshua Kelley had his 10^th 100 plus yard rushing game of his career with 126 yards. Eight different receivers found the stat sheet, with really nobody showing off other than Ferna’s fade catch in the corner of the endzone.

“Dorian grows every week,” Kelly said. “The neat thing about Dorian is that he keeps putting a better performance on top of a performance he did the week before. I am very happy about the decisions he made.”

“You can feel everything all around us,” Thompson Robinson said. “Things are becoming more fun overall, more fun at practice and more fun at games. Tonight was a good example.”

The Bruins are finding things fun to win football games compared to how things were a few weeks ago. Starting the season 1-5 and having the program in question from nearly everyone have at the very least quieted that crowd winning three straight and are now in prime position to steal the top spot of the Pac-12 South. Their schedule cannot be any more favorable: a week off, then dates with Utah and USC on the road. As both teams own the top two spots in the Pac-12 South, wins over these programs can slingshot them to the top with a final game against the Cal Bears. Any loss most likely means their season would come to an end fighting for a low end bowl game. While their chance at a college football playoff came to an end weeks ago, their very own playoff continues.

UCLA Bruins defensive back Elisha Guidry #20 during the Colorado Buffaloes vs UCLA Bruins PAC-12 football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA on Saturday November 2, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“We want to be 1-0 every week. To be 1-0 every week we have to win Monday. Every day we always put our better training each day. Every week in college football is a season. You are not concerned about September and vice versa. You are concerned about what is ahead of you.”

Purdue razzle dazzle gets by Nebraska

By

Jamie Bright

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November 2, 2019

CFB: Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Purdue Boilermakers NOV 2 — During the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, November 2, 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

David Bell took a reverse for 9 yards that turned out to be the game winning touchdown for Purdue. The drive starting on their 18 yard line with 4 minutes left in the game it would be backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s turn to lead Purdue. He would do just that, leading a Purdue’s game winning drive going 82 yards down the field. This drive would eat up 3:13 and gave them the lead 31-27 with 1 minute remaining in the game.

Although Purdue lead at halftime it was an uphill battle to get there as Nebraska offense controlled the ball until that huge final drive by Plummer and the Boilermaker offense. Just as Purdue offense started making plays so did its defense to change the momentum and score of this game.

Purdue started on Nebraska’s 4 yard line with 4 minutes left in the first half. They went on a 96 yards 12 plays drive to close out the half making it 14-10 Purdue’s lead. This game changing drive was done with a mixture of long and short passes by quarterback Jake Plummer. Plummer looked poised and comfortable leading the Boilermakers down the field, ending with a 16 yard touchdown pass to tight end Payne Durham.

Jake Plummer would leave the game early for Purdue after having a monster impact on the game going 25/34 for 242 yards, 2 TD passes, 12 carries for 71 yards, and a rushing touchdown. O’Connell went 6/7 for 62 yards, Doerue had 15 carries for 71 yards and the game winning touchdown. While tight end Brycen Hopkins had 8 receptions for 97 yards and Milton Wright had 4 catches for 69 yards for the Boilermaker offense.

Head Coach Jeff Brohm appreciated the hard work and determination of his team and is proud of the come from behind win stating “In practice we try to coach them up but in games we have to let them play.” Coach Brohm also stated “the defense kept us in the ball game early on, holding them in the redzone several times.”

Later in the first quarter the Cornhuskers came up with an interception by their big defensive lineman D. Daniels at Purdue’s 20 yard line, the big man rumbled for 18 yards down to the 2 yard line. The Boilermakers held Nebraska to a field goal, making the score 10-0 Nebraska’s lead with 2 minutes left in the first quarter. Nebraska offense was rolling until a huge interception by Cory Trice as Purdue’s defense came up with the much needed red zone stop.

Nebraska’s punt team did their job by jamming the Boilermakers on their own 4 yard line. That’s when Purdue went on a masterful drive taking the lead going into halftime 14-10. Plummer tallied almost 200 total yards in the first half with 58 on the ground and 133 through the air and 2 passing touchdowns.

#21 Lamar Jackson with a one hand interception grab over #3 David Bell During the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on, November 2, 2019. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Nebraska threatened Purdue while going on a 72 yard drive which consisted of 11 plays and one 4^th down conversion but was held to only 3 points chipping into Purdue’s lead making it 14-13. You hate to give up points but have to be proud of the defense for standing strong in the red zone.

The defense would have its share of game changers as well with LB Ben Holt totaling 10 tackles, Jalen Graham rounding up 8 tackle, and Cory Trice making a game changing interception that changed the momentum and outcome of the game.

The Boilermakers would start their first drive of the 4^th quarter trailing by 3, on their own 20 yard line. Jake Plummer would open up the drive throwing the ball making a 15 yard completion to David Bell giving them another 1^st down. Plummer would face another 3^rd and 5 after a holding penalty called back a 1^st down run, but they converted again on a 17 yard pass to Hopkins for the first down. Doerue would go on to make another huge run of 17 yard, followed by another 14 yard scramble bye Plummer that would leave him injured on the play.

It would be up to backup quarterback O’Connell to end this drive and the game for the Boilermakers after the injury. He would start the drive on Nebraska’s 11 yard line with 8 minutes left in the game. It would be King Doerue who would make the go ahead touchdown run, right up the gut for 7 yards taking the lead back once again 24-20.

Martinez and the Cornhuskers would march down the field after a 42 yard pass completion putting them deep in Purdue territory. Nebraska’s 4 yard touchdown run by Martinez gave them the lead 27-24 with 4:21 left in the game.

The Boilermaker defense would seal the game on 4^th and 3, when defensive end Derrick Barnes broke up a pass and gave Purdue the ball and game with 26 seconds left. This would end up being a complete team win as the Boilermakers offense and defense rolled over the Cornhuskers 31-27.

Mavs Lose Overtime Thriller to Lakers

By

Ariawna Talton

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November 1, 2019

Dallas, TX – Both Luka Doncic and LeBron James put on a show in the American Airlines Center Friday night, each earning an impressive triple-double. James and the Lakers proved to outlast the Mavericks 119-110 in an overtime thriller.

For most of the game the Mavericks controlled both the score and the clock, claiming several double-digit leads. As has been the case in the young season, the Mavericks were clicking on all cylinders. The rebounding was stellar, the team took good shots, they hustled and the celebrated duo of Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis continued to impress.

With less than 10 seconds in regulation Dallas had a two-point lead and the ball when Dwight Powell was fouled.

Powell would only make one of two free throws resulting in a 103-100 Dallas lead. Los Angeles had six seconds to make a play, when James found Danny Green in the corner. A controversial no-call on Los Angles’ Dwight Howard should have ended the game. Green, however, would rise for a three pointer right in front of the Mavericks bench, drain it and send the game into overtime.

The extra period was all about James and Anthony Davis, as the two helped the Lakers outscore the Mavericks 16 – 7.

The Lakers undoubtedly struggled early in the game, trailing by double digits midway into the first quarter. In the end, one of the NBA’s most-watched teams pulled out the victory on Dallas’ court.

“This is one of the best offensive teams in the league and we knew that,” said James of Dallas. “We’re also one of the best defensive teams over the first five games.”

Even in a heartbreaking loss, the Mavericks and their fans learned a lot about the team. Dallas has a deep bench and some key role players. While Powell did miss a much needed free throw at the end of regulation, he is a key asset to the Mavericks’ agenda. His 14 points and key rebounding proved essential down the stretch. Tim Hardaway Jr. is also proving to be a consistent threat from the perimeter.

The chemistry between Doncic and Porzingis, along with the development of Delon Wright and the reliability of Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber will all combine to keep Dallas in the competitive Western Conference conversation.

Doncic was only four years old when his idol LeBron James began his NBA career. Sharing the court with James was special for Doncic. The two shared a special embrace following the game.

Dallas is now 3 – 2. Los Angeles improves to 4 – 1.

Oregon Stays Alive, Narrowly Defeating Washington State

By

Bryce Viglione

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October 26, 2019

EE1A0217 — PAC-12 Football: Washington State vs Oregon on Saturday October 26, 2019 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR. (Photo by Megan Connelly)

EUGENE, OR – After falling to Washington State in each of their last four meetings, the No. 11 Oregon Ducks found a way to beat the Cougars 37-35 Saturday night thanks to a walk off kick from freshman kicker Camden Lewis and a monstrous night from running back CJ Verdell.

Despite having 3 losses, the unranked Washington State Cougars would prove to be Oregon’s biggest defensive challenge yet this season. Headed into the game, the Cougars led the nation in passing yards at 440.7 yards per game and were 4^th in total offensive yards.

Adding to the Oregon’s challenges, the Ducks would also be without senior linebacker Troy Dye, who suffered a broken thumb last week against the Washington Huskies. Dye’s absence was definitely felt, as Oregon struggled to get pressure on Washington State’s senior quarterback Anthony Gordon all night. Gordon completed 32/50 attempts for 406 yards, 3 touchdowns, but Andy Avalon’s relentless defense still found a way to record 2 interceptions and 1 sack.

With less than 2 minutes left in the 2^nd quarter, Oregon safety Jevon Holland intercepted and returned Gordon’s pass 19 yards for a touchdown. Chasing points due to a missed extra-point in the first quarter, the Ducks converted a 2-point attempt in which Justin Herbert found Johnny Johnson III in the back of the end zone, extending their led to 7 points.

Washington State responded with a quick scoring drive, moving 59 yards on only three plays. The drive was capped off with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Gordon to Renard Bell, tying the game 17-17.

Oregon’s offensive line dominated Washington State up front, allowing CJ Verdell to rush 23 times for a career-high 257 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Verdell’s longest run of the night came late in the first quarter, where he broke an 89-yard touchdown. At the heart of their offensive line was sophomore tackle Penei Sewell, who fellow lineman Jake Hanson stated is “a guy that comes along in a program once every decade or couple decades honestly. He’s that good.”

In the end, Oregon’s defense had a chance to win the game but failed to stop Washington State as they faced 4^th and 3 on the Oregon 5-yard line. With only 1:08 left, Anthony Gordon found Brandon Arconado for a 5-yard touchdown pass, giving the Cougars a 35-34 lead.

Only having a minute to work with, Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo simply let Justin Herbert go to work. Herbert struggled most of the night but showed his leadership and ability in the final seconds as he calmly spread the ball across the field, quickly moving the Ducks into field goal range.

With 2 timeouts, and 18 seconds left in the game, Mario Cristobal decided against taking a shot at the end zone. Instead, he called freshman kicker Camden Lewis’s name, the same kicker who missed an extra-point in the first quarter. Lewis stepped up and knocked in a 26-yard field goal giving the Ducks a 37-35 lead as time expired in Autzen Stadium.

Cristobal had full trust in Lewis, who he stated has “great ability”, and prepared for this exact moment in practice where he went “5 for 5… Including the two-minute drill where it was a kick to win the game. It played out just like we practiced it. So, it was great to see it happen and become reality.”

Oregon will travel south next week to take on the USC Trojans in Los Angeles before heading into a bye week.

Down Goes UCLA’s Star QB, But Not The Game

By

Manny Nunez

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October 26, 2019

NCAA Football 2019: Arizona State vs UCLA Bruins OCT26 — Arizona State vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 26, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Pasadena, CA – UCLA came home to a brand new storyline. Sitting at 2-2 in the Pac-12 South, they can be in the drivers seat if they are able to win out with USC and Utah still in the schedule. Their first step however was to face an Arizona State team that suddenly was going on a downhill spiral after starting the season 3-0.

Everything was going right for UCLA. Joshua Kelly had a monster first half, carrying the ball for the bulk of the first 24 minutes and managed four touchdowns in the process. UCLA controlled the clock and the tempo with back-to-back 16 play touchdown drives that kept Arizona State’s offense erratic to find anything that could work on such short time. Dorian Thompson Robinson executed flawlessly in the second half moving the ball with his arm and his feet. When he looked up running with the football with a 42-10 lead, all eyes were on what was a brand new UCLA football team. Suddenly, spinning to the floor and landing awkwardly on his left leg, the same leg he hurt against the Wildcats a little over a month ago, Bruin fans wondered why something so good can be taken away in an instant. While the Bruins dominated for the first home win in a 45-35 win that wasn’t close, all the attention is back to Thompson-Robinson just as when UCLA’s season turned for the better.

Arizona State vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 26, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“I am not entirely pleased with the final result, but I am thrilled to see our team get better and better,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said. “Give a lot of credit to how our offense had played and how we have taken momentum throughout the game and put it out all on the field. Your guess is as good as mine with our quarterback’s injury. But I am proud of our team and executing our game plan.”

Thompson-Robinson ran for 12 yards on a quarterback keeper to the far side until he was spun, falling hard on his left leg. He did lose the football in the process, but all the concern was on their quarterback as he was helped off the field.

Either way, the Bruins nearly had a complete game without the setback in the final minutes. The Bruins managed 42 points in the first three quarters and had the game within control until their quarterback went down.

Joshua Kelly’s stat line was rather impressive, running for 164 yards and four total touchdowns on 34 carries. Stats however only tell half of the story as Chip Kelly utilized him for nearly the entire first half, running on nearly every down taking away precious time and all the momentum the Sun Devils were trying to find. Back to back 16 play scoring drives, all fueled by Joshua Kelly’s ball carrying, practically summed up everything the Bruins needed to dominate.

“Joshua is a workhorse,” Chip said. “When Josh plays well we have a shot. And Josh certainly played lights out tonight.”

Once Arizona State had the ball, it gave the Bruins a chance at predicting what the Sun Devils would do. Adjusting to a pass-heavy offense the rest of the way, UCLA put Jayden Daniels under a lot of pressure and forced him out of the pocket nearly the entire contest. His stat line bumped up in the final minutes throwing 20-for-29 with three touchdowns, all of which came in the fourth quarter.

UCLA hosts Colorado with now a different attitude. Consecutive wins was the first on Chip Kelly’s checklist on one of the better performances the Bruins have had since he has taken over. Of course, the rest of their schedule has UCLA in the drivers seat if they can win out. A team that started 0-4 and a bad loss to Oregon State suddenly has turned for the better. Does Chip think that?