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Oregon defeats Colorado, but loses key pieces to injury

By
Bryce Viglione
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Colorado Buffaloes vs Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)
Colorado Buffaloes vs Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

EUGENE, OR – The Oregon Ducks rolled the Colorado Buffaloes 45-3 at home Friday night, where scouts from 18 NFL teams were in attendance to watch Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.

 

Allowing at least 30 points per game this season, Colorado entered Friday’s game as major underdogs. Adding to their defensive concerns, Colorado would be without their best defensive player Mustafa Johnson, who was listed as 50/50 after suffering an ankle injury two weeks prior against Arizona State.

 

Oregon’s run game has been shaky at best this season, but the Ducks were able to establish a physical run game in large part due to the explosive blocking of offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Behind Sewell, who head coach Mario Cristobal described after the game as “the ultimate difference maker”, CJ Verdell rushed for 171 yards off of 14 carries and Cyrus Habibi-Likio was able to punch in 3 touchdown runs.

 

Colorado Buffaloes vs Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

Where the final score may tell a different story, Colorado competed most of the first half. The Buffaloes had a chance to cut Oregon’s lead to 7 points with 1:36 left in the 2nd quarter when they trailed only 17-3. After a 77-yard drive Colorado ended up with a favorable first and goal look on the Oregon 3-yard line, but quarterback Steven Montez was picked off in the end zone by Verone McKinley III. Oregon would end the half with a quick Jaylon Redd touchdown bringing the score to 23-3 at halftime.

 

The Oregon defense was spectacular again, holding Colorado to only 3 points, and recording 4 interceptions along with 2 sacks.

 

Colorado Buffaloes vs Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

While Oregon won by 42 points, they could be without two of their biggest playmakers moving forward after breakout tight end Jacob Breeland and safety Jevon Holland both exited with lower leg injuries. The Ducks hold their breath hoping for good news regarding tonight’s injuries, as this game was an example of how Oregon can perform when they play to their potential.

When comparing this Oregon team to the likes of peak Miami and Alabama, Cristobal stated “I’m honored to have been at several places and been a part of some really good teams. You know what, I think our guys though, we can be even better.”

Colorado Buffaloes vs Oregon Ducks on October 12, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

Oregon will travel to the University of Washington next weekend to face Huskies on October 19th, at 12:30 PM PST.

Oregon earns an ugly win defeating Cal

By
Bryce Viglione
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California Bears vs Oregon Ducks on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)
California Bears vs Oregon Ducks on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

EUGENE, OR –No. 13 Oregon narrowly defeated Cal 17-7in their first Pac-12 home game of the season.

 

After losing starting quarterback Chase Garbers to an upper body injury and getting knocked out of the top 25 by Arizona State last week, Cal headed to Eugene 21.5-point underdogs behind backup quarterback Devon Modster.

 

Oregon on the other hand was returning three crucial pieces of their offense in wide receivers Mycah Pittman, Brenden Schooler and Juwan Johnson. When asked what it meant to get more weapons on the field, quarterback Justin Herbert answered,“Those guys made some big plays, and looking forward we’re going to need them a lot.”

 

California Bears vs Oregon Ducks on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

The added depth at wide receiver may bring life to the struggling Oregon offense down the line, but it wasn’t the immediate relief Duck fans were waiting on for Arroyo’s offense. In the first quarter alone, the Ducks turned the ball over twice deep in Cal territory, and were held scoreless in the first half for the first time at home since 2004. The Ducks would eventually find their first points in the third quarter, when Camden Lewis knocked in a 28-yard field goal.

 

Head coach Mario Cristobal said “We gotta get out of our own way sometimes… There really is no excuse, we gotta do a better job.”

 

Luckily for Oregon, Andy Avalos’s defense kept them in the game again, but what appeared to be a significant injury to senior defensive end Gus Cumberlander will definitely create a void.

 

California Bears vs Oregon Ducks on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

The injury to Cumberlander potentially paves the way for freshman five-star recruit Kayvon Thibodeaux to step up and lead the Oregon defense moving forward. Thibodeaux recorded two impressive sacks, and a forced fumble Saturday night where he finally showcased his elite athleticism and potential.

 

Starting running back CJ Verdell also exited Saturday’s game with an ankle injury, but Cristobal brushed off major concerns after x-rays came back negative.

 

California Bears vs Oregon Ducks on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Megan Connelly)

Oregon will have a slightly shorter week of preparation this week while they get ready to host Colorado Friday, October 11th, in Eugene.

Oregon State Beavers Chew Through Bruins Defense Early

By
Darrel Wilson
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UCLA Bruins quarterback Austin Burton (12) in the pocket during the Oregon State vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA Bruins running back Joshua Kelley (27) gets hit by Oregon State Beavers linebacker Shemar Smith (41) during the Oregon State vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

PASADENA, Calif — The UCLA Bruins fell to the Oregon State Beavers 48-31 Saturday night at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Quarterback Jake Luton, who threw five touchdown passes — three of them to Pac-12 leading wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins, led the Beavers.

 

For the Bruins, it was sophomore quarterback Austin Burton’s first start after relieving Dorian Thompson-Robinson late in a loss to Arizona in the Bruins’ previous game. Already tough enough to win in his first start, it did not help that he trailed 21-0 with just six minutes ticked off the game clock.

 

“I mean, it was just the situation we were put in and didn’t get the outcome we wanted,” said a calm Burton after the game. “We made some plays, but it wasn’t enough. You could say it was an uphill battle, but we had enough opportunities to get the job done, and we didn’t do it.”

 

Oregon State Beavers went no huddle on the opening drive and sped down the field on the Bruins. Kolby Taylor caught a quick to the right and took it 45 yards down the sideline to the Bruins 3. Hodgins then caught a pass while falling out of bounds on the left side of the end zone and was able to get his feet down for the opening touchdown.

 

It appeared that keeping up with the Beavers early factored in UCLA Head Coach Chip Kelly’s play-calling decisions as he decided to try to convert a 4th down and one from his own 34-yard line just down by a touchdown. Running Back Joshua Kelley was stuffed on a run to the left side and gave the ball back to the Beavers.

 

UCLA Bruins quarterback Austin Burton (12) during the Oregon State vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

With a short field, the Beavers wasted no time and scored on a five-play drive that lasted less than two minutes. Running back Artavis Pierce, who finished with 119 rushing yards and one touchdown, punched it in from the four-yard line. On the ensuing kickoff, the Beavers attempted a pooch kick and recovered it off a high bounce as the Bruins special return appeared confused. The first play on offense saw QB Jake Luton fake a handoff, as the entire Bruin defense bit, TE Teagan Quitoriano streaked down the left seam unguarded and caught a 27-yard pass in the end zone.

 

“You can’t spot them a lead like that in the first quarter,” said Chip Kelly. “I thought that our guys battled. We made some uncharacteristic mistakes. With the onside kick, it’s something you practice but you don’t see that very often. That’s on us. You’ve got to just fair catch that. [Down 21 points] I thought that our guys battled back. They did a good job, but we put ourselves in too big of a hole to start the game.”

 

UCLA answered back as they worked a 13-play, 85-yard drive that culminated in a seven-yard touchdown pass from Burton to Kyle Phillips, who led the Bruins with seven receptions for 71 yards. The drive gave the Bruins’ defense some rest as it took seven minutes and 43 seconds off the game clock.

 

The rest did not seem to help as Luton and Beavers marched right back down the field. Pierce took a handoff up the middle from the Beaver 25 and weaved down the field for a 53-yard run to the Bruin 22 yard line. Six plays later, Hodgins caught a short pass and beat the Bruins to the pylon as he scored his second touchdown of the game. The Beavers led 27-10 at halftime.

 

Bruins took opening drive of the second half and went 65 yards for a score. Joshua Kelley, 111 yards and a touchdown on the night, carried the ball seven times on the drive for 29 yards. Kelly fumbled his last carry on the drive from the one-yard line and was stopped for no gain but official review determined that he fumbled the ball and recovered it on the goal line for a touchdown. The home team now trailed by 10 and was making a game out of it.

 

UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kyle Philips (2) makes a catch during the Oregon State vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The Bruins had a chance to trim the deficit to one score but were stopped short on another fourth down, this time at the Beavers’ 39-yard line, giving the explosive Beavers another go at it. Once again the Bruins defense bit on a play fake and left WR Tyjon Lindsey wide open deep down the field for a 53 yard touchdown to put the visitors up 34-17 and the game out of reach.

 

“I’m happy for our players, as they continue to work and believe, and they really responded in this game,” said Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith. “We had a big 21-0 lead in that first quarter, and then they continued to battle, getting to within 10 points. We answered some scores, and I couldn’t be more proud of them. I thought on defense, that offense can be explosive and dangerous. But we had some huge fourth down stops.”

 

UCLA Bruins wide receiver Chase Cota (23) gets tackled by Oregon State Beavers defensive back Alex Austin (18) during the Oregon State vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 05, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Bruins just could not make the stops needed after, again, pulling within ten late in the third quarter. Beavers chewed up 75 yards on a nine-play drive culminating in a 22-yard touchdown reception for Isaiah Hodgins, his third of the game. Hodgins also had a 24-yard reception on the drive.

 

The Bruins have a bye next week before travelling up north to play Stanford.

Close game at Colorado results in second straight loss at home

By
Devon Martinez
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Arizona Tony Fields II (1) tackles Colorado Dimitri Stanley (14) during the Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes game at Folsom Field on Saturday October 5, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Colorado Jaren Mangham (1) stopped by Arizona defenders in fourth quarter of the Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes game at Folsom Field on Saturday October 5, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Boulder, CU – Buffalo lost their second straight home game against Pac 12 conference team the Arizona Wildcats, in another close matchup.

 

The difference in the 35-30 Arizona win came from their senior quarterback Kahlil Tate throwing a career-high 404 passing yards, and three touchdown passes.

 

What ended up being an exciting match-up had a slow start with both teams scoring a total of 10 points until 2:37 left in the second quarter.

 

Arizona Khalil Tate (14) looks for an open receiver in second quarter during the Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes game at Folsom Field on Saturday October 5, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

It began with a Colorado field goal and an interception thrown by Tate to Michael Onu.

 

Onu has six forced turnovers this season.

 

Colorado’s offense took advantage of the turnover and scored a touchdown off a reverse pass from receiver K.D. Nixon to receiver Dimitri Stanley.

 

Arizona responded with a 75-yard touchdown pass on the first play of their next drive from Tate to receiver Cedric Peterson.

 

Colorado Steven Montez (12) moving out of pocket looking for open receiver in first quarter during the Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes game at Folsom Field on Saturday October 5, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Quarterback Steven Montez and the Colorado offense scored one more touchdown at halftime placing them at a 20-14 lead.

 

The rest of the game followed a similar rhythm, as Arizona scored again on their opening drive after half time.

 

Both defenses struggled to hold the opposing offenses at bay, but Arizona’s defense secured the win by allowing only a field goal in the fourth quarter.

 

Colorado Brady Russell (38) celebrating touchdown in second quarter during the Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes game at Folsom Field on Saturday October 5, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Tate’s dominating performance continued throughout the game and helped put the nail in the coffin on the Wildcats second to last drive. Which ended with a five-yard rushing touchdown by Nathan Tilford.

 

Colorado’s defense has allowed more than 30 points each game this season.

 

With several injured players out including defensive end Mustafa Johnson, receiver Laviska Shenault. Jr and cornerback Chris Miller.

 

Colorado Alex Fontenot (8) looks for running room in first quarter during the Arizona Wildcats vs Colorado Buffaloes game at Folsom Field on Saturday October 5, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Colorado chose to not blame the injury on their lost, and instead blamed themselves for missed opportunities, and penalties which cost them 85 yards.

 

“When you’re behind the sticks, those are drive killers,” said Buffalo Head Coach Mel Tucker in response to the penalties, “we all know that.”

 

Texas Longhorns take a victory from West Virginia

By
Edward Thompson
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The theme for this year’s game was noted to be a revengeful “Do not think it will be forgotten.” And from the score on the jumbotron at the end of the day Saturday night, Texas DID NOT forget last year loss.

 

Unfortunately for the Neer’s, the outcome was truly revengeful and not a good one as Texas (4-1, 2-0) beat the Mountaineers (3-2, 1-1) on the road for the second straight time. Last years WVU win down in Texas was nothing but a memory late Saturday night in Morgantown. Texan’s quarterback Sam Ehlinger threw two TD passes and ran for two more scores while #11 Texas converted three WVU turnovers into TDs in a 42-31 victory over West Virginia on Saturday in Morgantown. Ehlinger finished the game 18/33 for 211 yards in the air. He threw only his 2nd pick of the year that WVU could only turn into a third quarter field goal. That would set the tone for the 4th quarter when the Longhorn’s would ultimately pull ahead for good and get the W.

 

On the other side of the ball, the Longhorn defense showed zero sign of any decrease in their intensity despite multiple injuries to it. Texaspicked WVU quarterback Austin Kendall 4 times throughout the game;  two of which were by Longhorn CB D’Shawn Jamison. On the bright side of things for WVU, Kendall threw 3 touchdown passes, two of which were 4th quarter scores to bring the score close briefly with the game clock winding down. Kendall also ran one in from the one. He would finish 31/46 for a career high of 367 yards. He was rather impressive at times and had that Wil Grier look at times on the ground and in the air.  A few times Wil’s past endeavors popped into my mind after Kendall’s play.

 

In the end, Texas looked good and seemed to remain focused on their goals for the season. They have the “Red River Rivalry” matchup with No 6 Oklahoma next week. They should be in mid-season form heading into next week matchup. On the other side of the field, WVU in the midst of a really tough October schedule. They have Iowa State this coming weekend at home and the  current No 6 ranked Oklahoma and Baylor on the schedule later this month.With this win and another this coming weekend, the Longhorns cold crack the top 10. WVU welcome the Cyclones to Morgantown next Saturday hoping to pay them back after they embarrassed the Mountaineers 30-14 a year ago out in Iowa.

SMU Survives Tulsa in Entertaining OT Matchup

By
Ariawna Talton
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Tulsa vs SMU game in Dallas, TX on October 5, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)
Winning catch Tulsa vs SMU game in Dallas, TX on October 5, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)

Dallas, Tx – The officials needed a second look, but Shane Buechele did indeed pass for a game-winning 25-yard touchdown to James Proche in the third overtime Saturday night, as No. 24 SMU beat Tulsa 43-37.

 

For most of Saturday night’s matchup, SMU appeared to have underestimated a well-prepared Tulsa team. The Mustangs, however, did manage to erase a three-touchdown deficit in the fourth quarter.

 

The Tulsa defense managed to stop SMU at the one-yard line three times. Tulsa quarterback Zach Smith passed for 346 yards and four touchdowns. His three interceptions didn’t do much damage, as the Tulsa defense kept SMU under control for much of the game.

 

Tulsa was definitely in the driver’s seat as the two teams headed in for halftime – SMU still scrambling for an effective offensive scheme. Most of the first half and even early into the third quarter, SMU was out-matched, out-worked and repeatedly beaten deep in the secondary.

 

Tulsa vs SMU game in Dallas, TX on October 5, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)

A 23 to 9 score became 30 – 9 by the time the two teams entered the fourth quarter.

 

SMU’s fourth time at the goal line proved to be a game-changer. Interestingly enough, the game changer didn’t happen until the first play of the final quarter. Down three touchdowns, Ke’Mon Freeman ran the ball in.

 

The home fans had every reason to give up, but the SMU sideline never took on a defeated stance. The Mustangs would go on to score three

 

The fourth quarter began with SMU down 30 – 9 to Tulsa. After Freeman’s one-yard run and score, Buechele found Proche for a 30-yard touchdown reception on the next possession. A 4-yard run and score by Xavier Jones was up next. SMU tied the game at 30 all with just over four minutes remaining in the game.

 

Tulsa vs SMU game in Dallas, TX on October 5, 2019. (Photo by Ari Talton)

Tulsa scored first in overtime, but SMU and another spectacular catch by Proche sealed the deal for the Mustangs in the third overtime.

 

“For us to go down 21 and just for them to keep playing, hang in there and figure out a way to win the game, it’s a real credit to their character,” SMU coach Sonny Dykes said.

 

SMU improves to 6-0, which now makes the team bowl eligible.

 

In celebration of the team’s first ranking in 33 years and an unforgettable come-from-behind win – fans took to the field in excitement.

 

Tulsa will play at home against Navy next week. SMU has a bye week before facing Temple on October 19.

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 5

By
Press Release
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PAC-12 Football Media Day 2016. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 14, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
PAC-12 Media Day

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 5

Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley runs away from Stanford defender.  Photos by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News

OFFENSE: Tyler Huntley, Sr., QB, Utah (Dania, Fla.)
• Tyler Huntley was unstoppable in Utah’s 38-13 win over Washington State on Saturday night, finishing the game 21-of-30 passing (2 TD, 0 INT) for 334 passing yards.
• He added 31 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
• Huntley has 116 straight pass attempts without an interception.
• Huntley ranks seventh in the FBS and second in the Pac-12 in completion percentage (.746). He also ranks ninth in the FBS and first in the Pac-12 in yards per pass attempt (10.1) and is 12th in the country and second in the league in pass efficiency (179.3).
• Whether it was rushing or passing, Huntley accounted for 16 of Utah’s 29 first downs against the Cougars (55%).
• Huntley now has an 82-yard, 60-yard and 52-yard touchdown passes this year with his 52-yard pass to Samson Nacua against Washington State.
• Huntley moved into seventh all-time in Utah history with his fifth career 300-yard passing game. He has moved into ninth all-time in career passing touchdowns (34), sixth in career passing yards (5,405) and fifth in career wins (16).

Also nominated: Eno Benjamin, ASU; Isiah Hodgins, OSU; Salvon Ahmed, WASH; Davis Mills, STAN; Grant Gunnell, ARIZ.

DEFENSE: Francis Bernard, Sr., LB, Utah (Herriman, Utah)
• Senior Francis Bernard was a brick wall in Utah’s 38-13 win against Washington State, finishing with a game-high 12 tackles and an interception.
• Washington State entered the game leading the country in passing yards per game (499.5), was second in total offense (605.2) and fifth in scoring (52.8) with the Utes holding the Cougars to 252 passing yards, 313 total yards on offense and just 13 points. It was also the fifth straight game that the Utes have held an opponent to under 100 yards rushing.
• His 12 tackles were good for his second double-digit tackle game of the season and was the second time he has led the team in tackles this year. His interception return for 22 yards in the fourth quarter was his second pick of the season and sixth of his career (3 at Utah, 3 at BYU).
• Was an integral part in holding Washington State to just a field goal in the second quarter when he made a huge stop for no gain on a first-and-goal.
• His interception came with 5:36 remaining in the game after Utah was forced to punt for the first time, leading 24-13. Bernard picked off the WSU quarterback on the first play of their drive, returning it 22 yards to the WSU 35, eventually leading to Utah’s final touchdown of the game.

Also nominated: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., OSU; Aashari Crosswell, ASU; Colin Schooler, ARIZ, Thomas Booker, STAN.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Jet Toner, Sr., K, Stanford (Honolulu, Hawaii)
• Science, Tech. and Society Major Hit game-winning 39-yard field goal with one second left to hand Stanford a 31-28 victory at Oregon State.
• Made four extra points to move to 98-for-98 on extra points in his career.
• Delivered two kickoffs for touchbacks.
• Toner is currently on the 2019 Lou Groza Award preseason watch list.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Cohl Cabral, Sr., C, Arizona State (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.)
• Center Cohl Cabral Was anchor of offensive line that helped ASU run for 191 yards as team in the Sun Devils’ 24-17 upset of No. 15 and previously unbeaten Cal in Berkeley on Friday.
• RB Eno Benjamin rushed for 100 yards and three touchdowns while QB Jayden Daniels ran for a career-high 84 yards behind the blocking of Cabral and the Sun Devil offensive line.
• The blocking of Cabral and the line also helped ASU move 75 yards and convert a trio of third down on the fourth-quarter drive that produced the go-ahead touchdown.
• Cabral has been named to the 2019 Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy preseason watch lists.

Also nominated: Nick Harris, WASH; Gus Lavaka, OSU; Darrin Paulo, UTAH, Goster Sarell, STAN; Cody Creason, ARIZ.

DEFENSIVE LINE: George Lea, R-Sr., DL, Arizona State (New Orleans, La.)
• George Lea had four combined tackles and one sack in ASU’s 24-17 upset of No. 15 and previously unbeaten Cal in Berkeley on Friday
• Was part of defensive effort that helped limit Cal to only 245 yards in total offense (only 11 yards in the fourth quarter), more than 120 yards below average of 366.5 per game.
• Lea’s play helped hold Cal to only 2.8 yards per rush.
• Sacked Cal QB Devon Modster for loss of four yards late in the first half.

Also nominated: Thomas Booker, STAN; Elu Aydon, OSU.

FRESHMAN: Grant Gunnell, Fr., QB, Arizona (The Woodlands, Texas)
• Completed 29 of 44 passes for 352 yards and one touchdown in win over UCLA in first career start.
• Threw his second 75-yard touchdown pass of the season on his TD to Darrius Smith.
• Had a QB rating of 140.6 Completed passes to 9 different receivers.
• Became first Arizona true freshman QB to win his first start since Willie Tuitama in 2005.

Also nominated: Cameron Williams, WASH; Jayden Daniels, ASU; Jonathan McGill, STAN.

Arizona Wildcats hold on to beat UCLA

By
Eric Townsend
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UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats game in Tucson, AZ, on Saturday, September 28, 2019. (Eric Townsend / fi360 News)
UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats game in Tucson, AZ, on Saturday, September 28, 2019. (Eric Townsend / fi360 News)

TUCSON, AZ – It was a bit of an ugly one, but the Arizona Wildcats (3-1, 1-0) were still able to hold on in a nail-biter to beat the UCLA Bruins (1-4, 1-1).

No Khalil Tate or J.J. Taylor, no problem, as the Wildcats turned to the true freshman quarterback, Grant Gunnell en route to the 20-17 conference win!

Head coach Kevin Sumlin came away impressed, as the first thing he looked at from his freshman signal caller was poise. “How he handled the situation, I thought was very, very mature,” Sumlin said. “How he handled things, how he went about his business. Second thing that’s probably the biggest plus is zero turnovers”

However, despite the 352-yard one touchdown performance from Gunnell, it didn’t start so great, as the Wildcats were only able to put up 6 first-half points. Gunnell did look decent, but was a bit inconsistent, compiling 170 yards in the first half on 17-29 passing.

UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats game in Tucson, AZ, on Saturday, September 28, 2019. (Eric Townsend / fi360 News)

What was worth noting it the running game. Early on the Wildcats did struggles as the Bruins were able to stack the box, and put together a solid performance throughout the game. “They just loaded the box and dared us to throw,” Sumlin said. “We ran the perimeter and got around early, that was our plan to stretch it out a little bit.”

Heading into halftime trailing 7-6, Arizona would need a much better performance in the second half if they were to come away victorious.

Unfortunately, it was UCLA that came out striking first to open the second half, as the Bruins connected on a 37-yard field goal from JJ Molson to make it 10-6. The drive was brutal, taking 17 plays, and eating over six minutes off the clock.

On the ensuing drive, Arizona was able to make some big plays, where Gunnell was able to find Bam Smith on a wheel route that went 75-yards to the house to make it 13-10, Arizona.

UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats game in Tucson, AZ, on Saturday, September 28, 2019. (Eric Townsend / fi360 News)

Eventually UCLA responded, scoring on a nine-play 80 yard drive that was capped by a Joshua Kelly touchdown to put the Bruins back up at 17-13.

But the Wildcats wouldn’t go away. Trailing to start the fourth, Arizona would put together a heck of a drive of their own, going 75-yards on 10 plays to regain the lead at 20-17.

UCLA would have a chance down the stretch to tie this one, but after Sumlin called a timeout to ice the Bruins kicker, Molson then missed his second attempt, allowing Arizona to secure the win!

Without Taylor and Tate, to come away with a win is big for the Wildcats. “It’s a team effort,” said Sumlin. “We worry more about us than the opponent and we’ve learned a lot about each other, coaches and players and personnel.”

UCLA Bruins vs Arizona Wildcats game in Tucson, AZ, on Saturday, September 28, 2019. (Eric Townsend / fi360 News)

In a night where most fans assumed it would be an offensive shootout, it was the defenses that shined. “I loved the way we played tonight,” said linebacker Colin Schooler. “All phases of the game we had guys stepping up, switching positions and doing everything right and executing.”

As for the Wildcats, they will travel to Boulder next week to take on Colorado, with Tate and Taylor’s status still in doubt. “We’ll see what happens on Monday,” Sumlin said. “We don’t practice tomorrow, we’ll have guys come in tomorrow and get treatment… we’ll assess them as we go.”

As for the Bruins, UCLA will return home to take on Oregon State.

Air Force flex its power over San Jose

By
Devon Martinez
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San Jose Spartans vs Air Force Falcons football game on Friday September 27, 2019. ( Photo by Laura Domingue)
San Jose Spartans vs Air Force Falcons football game on Friday September 27, 2019. ( Photo by Laura Domingue)

Air Force Academy, CU – After losing last week in their first Mountain West matchup against Boise State, the Air Force Falcons soared ahead with a 41-24 win against the San Jose State Spartans.

 

Both teams began the game with touchdowns on their opening drives, and the first quarter ended with a 7-7 tie. San Jose’s offense turned the ball over on downs for the first of four times on their final drive in the first quarter.

 

“I think that was a big turning point in the game,” said Falcons free safety Jeremy Fejedelem, “The first time we got a fourth-down stop. And then to consistently get those fourth-down stops is huge for our defense.”

 

San Jose Spartans vs Air Force Falcons football game on Friday September 27, 2019. ( Photo by Laura Domingue)

The offense in the second quarter took advantage of the defense’s turnovers with a 64-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Donald Hammond III to receiver Geraud Sanders.

 

A one-yard touchdown run by Falcon fullback Taven Birdow turned the Falcons lead into a 14-point game until the Spartans ended the half with a field goal decreasing the lead to 21-10.

 

A total of nine Falcon players shared the load in their powerful running game which gained over 382 yards on the ground against the Spartans.

 

The Falcons have averaged 332 yards a game on the ground.

 

Three unanswered touchdowns by the Falcons put the nail in the coffin for a Spartan comeback.

 

San Jose Spartans vs Air Force Falcons football game on Friday September 27, 2019. ( Photo by Laura Domingue)

San Jose scored twice late in the fourth quarter, and despite their loss, the offense had 378 total yards.

 

“They execute exceptionally,” said Air Force Coach Troy Calhoun as he gave San Jose’s offense credit, “Just the way they throw and catch, and the precision and timing.”

 

This win places the Falcons at 3-1, and 1-1 in the Mountain West Conference. At this time last year, they were 1-3.

 

San Jose Spartans vs Air Force Falcons football game on Friday September 27, 2019. ( Photo by Laura Domingue)

Next week Air Force heads to Maryland to play against 2-1 Navy. While San Jose is home against New Mexico.

 

Sun Devils Hand Cal First Loss with 24-17 Upset On The Road

By
Aaron Nelson
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The California Golden Bears fall to the Arizona State Sun Devils 24-17 in their first loss of the season at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday, September 27, 2019. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
The California Golden Bears fall to the Arizona State Sun Devils 24-17 in their first loss of the season at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday, September 27, 2019. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

Berkeley, CA – The No.15 California Golden Bears (4-1) fell from the ranks of the unbeaten Friday night, losing at home to the Arizona State Sun Devils (4-1) 24-17 in a run-dominated game featuring two of the most surprising teams in the Pac-12 conference through the first third of the 2019 season.

 

The first quarter saw each team stall on their opening drives before finding the endzone in their second attempts.

 

Arizona State earned the first score on the night with junior running back Eno Benjamin (3) scampering for an 11-yard rushing touchdown to cap an 80-yard drive for the Sun Devils, followed by the extra point from Christian Zendejas (45) to make it 7-0.

 

The Golden Bears followed up on the very next drive with a score of their own when quarterback Chase Garbers (7), coming off career highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completions in Cal’s Week 4 victory at Ole Miss, found junior receiver Trevon Clark (80) for a 16-yard scoring pass leading to a successful point-after attempt from Greg Thomas (31) to even the game at 7-7.

 

The California Golden Bears fall to the Arizona State Sun Devils 24-17 in their first loss of the season at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday, September 27, 2019. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

Following unsuccessful drives from both teams, including a missed field goal attempt from Zendejas, momentum shifted drastically in favor of the Sun Devils when Garbers landed on his shoulder after scrambling toward the Arizona State sideline late in the second quarter. The redshirt sophomore quarterback was forced to leave the game with an apparent arm injury and was subsequently replaced by junior Devon Modster (6).

 

The Golden Bears’ offensive effectiveness fell almost immediately with the change as Modster threw an interception in the endzone to end the half.

 

Cal recaptured momentum to start the second half with a 63-yard, 12-play scoring drive achieved entirely on the ground with running back Christopher Brown Jr. (34) pounding in the 1-yard rushing touchdown to push the Golden Bears ahead 14-7.

 

The California Golden Bears fall to the Arizona State Sun Devils 24-17 in their first loss of the season at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday, September 27, 2019. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

But Arizona State would reciprocate with a rushing touchdown of their own on the next drive, coming for the second time from Benjamin to tie it at 14 a-piece.

 

In the fourth quarter, Greg Thomas (31) would deliver on a 47-yard field goal try to push Cal ahead once more, 17-14.

 

Ultimately, the Arizona State ground game would prove too much for the Bears and their backup quarterback-led offense to keep up with.

 

Eno Benjamin would deliver on his third and final rushing touchdown of the night before Zendejas, who missed a second field goal try earlier in the second half, would drive in the dagger with a 43-yarder to make it 24-17 for the visiting Sun Devils.

 

The California Golden Bears fall to the Arizona State Sun Devils 24-17 in their first loss of the season at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday, September 27, 2019. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

Arizona State finished with 365 yards of offense on the night, including 210 on the ground. Benjamin carried the majority of the load, ending the game with 105 yards and three scores on 29 carries, while freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels (5), the first true freshman to start the season at the position in school history, also proved a difference-maker with 93 yards on the ground on 12 attempts, including a long of 24 yards, to go along with 174 yards through the air on 14-of-24 passing attempts.

 

The Bears offense was truly a tale of two quarterbacks.

 

Garbers finished 9-of-12 with 117 yards and a touchdown in his nearly full half of play while Modster tallied 5 completions out of 14 attempts for just 23 yards and an interception.

 

Cal’s defense, a key to their success through the first four games of the season, showed glimpses of their ability to shut down opposing offenses, including a key strip-sack of Daniels to set-up the field goal from Thomas in the fourth quarter. However, they allowed too many long runs from the young Sun Devils quarterback, especially on third down, to give their struggling offense much of a chance.

 

The California Golden Bears fall to the Arizona State Sun Devils 24-17 in their first loss of the season at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif., on Friday, September 27, 2019. (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

The win in Berkeley is just the second since 1999 for Arizona State, who also pushed their FBS-leading active streak of games with more than 10 points scored to 124.

 

Head coach Herm Edwards was proud of the tenacity his team displayed in grinding out the win.

 

“Everyone elevated their game tonight,” he said after the game. “This is a resilient bunch. It doesn’t matter what it looks like, they continue to find ways to keep themselves in the football game. If you do that, you have a chance.”

 

Cal linebacker Evan Weaver (89), who earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors following victories over both Washington and Ole Miss, made his presence felt once again, finishing with 15 tackles to give him 12 straight games with 10 or more.

 

The Golden Bears will look to rebound against the No. 13 Oregon Ducks in Eugene on Saturday, Oct. 5th, while Arizona State heads into a much-needed bye week.

 

Should the arm injury keep Garbers out of Cal’s match-up with the Ducks, it will fall to Modster to prove that he can give his team a chance to compete.

 

“Honestly, I think I played terrible,” he said in describing his performance coming off the bench. “I will pick it up next week. It doesn’t hurt my confidence. I know what I am capable of. Just got to grind next week and prepare for Oregon.”

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