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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
NCAA Football 2019 UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #1 breaks free during the San Diego State Aztecs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 7, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image360)
OFFENSE: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, So., QB, UCLA (Las Vegas, Nev.) • Dorian Thompson-Robinson set a school record with 564 yards of total offense while leading UCLA back from a 32-point second half deficit to victory at Washington State in the highest scoring game in conference history. • Thompson-Robinson threw for a career-high 507 yards and five touchdowns in the contest, including 322 in the second half alone as UCLA rallied past WSU which owned a 49-17 third quarter advantage. • He averaged 23 yards per completion in the second half (14 completions for 322 yards). • Thompson-Robinson added two scoring runs, the first of his career, in his total of 57 rush yards. • He is only the third player to reach the 500-yard total offense mark for a game in school annals and his 507 passing yards ranks third on the all-time school list. • His previous career high for passing yards was 272 vs. Washington in 2018 and he surged past that figure in the second half alone. • On the evening, DTR completed 25 of 38 passing attempts (.658) to surpass the .600 completion percentage mark for the seventh time in his career. • Earned Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week and Rose Bowl Game Player of the Week honors for his Week 4 performance.
Also nominated: Anthony Gordon, WSU; Matt Fink, USC; Chase Garbers, CAL; Brandon Aiyuk, ASU; Tony Brown, COLO; Justin Herbert, ORE; Jacob Eason, WASH; Tyler Huntley, UTAH.
DEFENSE: Evan Weaver, Sr., ILB, California (Spokane, Wash.) • Weaver recorded a career-high 22 tackles that equaled the most in recorded history at Cal to lead the Golden Bears to a 28-20 win at Ole Miss that was the first road win by a Pac-12 team at an SEC school since 2010 and the first by the Golden Bears since 1977. • Weaver’s final tackle came on the final play of the game when he stopped a quarterback sneak by Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee on Cal’s one-yard line. • Weaver leads the nation in both overall and per game total tackles (63, 15.8) and solo tackles (40, 10.0). • Cal improved to 4-0 with the victory and jumped eight spots in the AP poll after the win to No. 15 in the nation for its highest national ranking since the Golden Bears were No. 6 in Week 4 of the 2009 AP Top 25 and Coaches Poll.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Demetric Felton, R-Jr., RB, UCLA (Temecula, Calif.) • Running back Demetric Felton played a huge role in UCLA’s comeback win at Washington State, helping key the victory with a 100-yard kickoff return. • He added a 94-yard scoring catch as one of his seven receptions for a career-best 150 receiving yards on the game and finished with a total of 263 all-purpose yards. • He also was on the receiving end of a 15-yard pass with 1:07 to play which registered the winning points for UCLA in the highest scoring game in conference history. • The 100-yard kickoff return was the fifth in school history of at least 100 yards and ties him for second-longest on the all-time list. • The 94-yard reception was the second-longest play from scrimmage in UCLA history.
Also nominated: James Stefanou, COLO; Aaron Fuller, WASH; Blake Maimone, ORE; Ryan Sanborn, STAN.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Penei Sewell, So., OL, Oregon (St. George, Utah) • Highest graded offensive lineman in the Pac-12 for the second consecutive week by Pro Football Focus (PFF) with a grade of 84.0 over 56 snaps played at left tackle. • Didn’t allow a pressure, hurry or hit on QB Justin Herbert for the third consecutive game in the team’s Pac-12 road win at Stanford. • Earned a spot on the PFF National Team of the Week for the second straight game. • Was the third-highest graded offensive lineman in the nation in week 4 by PFF. • Tied for the team lead with five knockdowns against Stanford. • Fourth time in 11 career games he’s been the top graded tackle in the Pac-12 by PFF.
Also nominated: Luke Wattenberg, WASH; Will Sherman, COLO.
DEFENSIVE LINE: Gus Cumberlander, Sr., DE, Oregon (Ellenwood, Ga.) • Recorded 1.5 sacks and three tackles during Oregon’s 21-6 win at Stanford. • Second multi-sack (1.5 or more) of his career. • Oregon held its third consecutive opponent without a TD for the first time since 1935 and hasn’t allowed a TD over its opponents’ last 38 drives. • Oregon is one of three FBS teams that hasn’t allowed a TD in the first half this season. • Part of an Oregon pass rush that had five sacks and helped limit Stanford to just 120 passing yards.
Also nominated: Terrence Lang, COLO, Luc Bequette, CAL.
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kyle Philips #2 celebrate a touchdown during the Oklahoma vs UCLA game on September 14, 2019 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
FRESHMAN: Kyle Philips, R-Fr., WR, UCLA (San Marcos, Calif.) • Kyle Philips returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown to put UCLA in the lead for the first time since the early going in their comeback win at Washington State. • Philips sliced his way through the Cougar coverage unit with 7:31 left in the fourth quarter to move the Bruins into the lead at 60-56. • It marked the first UCLA punt return for a score since 2005 when Maurice Jones-Drew scampered 81 yards against Cal for a touchdown. • Philips also hauled in three passes for 53 yards, including a career-long 32-yard catch on a second-and-20 play for a first down.
Also nominated: Jayden Daniels, ASU; Ryan Sanborn, STAN.
2019 Game 3 WNBA Playoffs Sun vs Sparks on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Stephanie Lovell)
2019 Game 3 WNBA Playoffs Sun vs Sparks on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Stephanie Lovell)
Long Beach, CA – The story of the WNBA has been if you’re not playing at home, chances are wins will be very hard to come by. With the Los Angeles Sparks unable to pick up a win on the road in their first two playoff games against Connecticut, they were certainly thrilled to return back to the West Coast and show off their dominance where they have been 15-2 throughout the regular season.
There was just one problem. With the Emmy Awards across the street at the Microsoft Theatre, that bled into holding events inside Staples Center. But because of already a set schedule from the WNBA and ESPN, the Sparks were forced to find a new home for Sunday’s contest. They have played at the Pyramid before and took care of business, winning their last three playoff games there. This time around was a much different feeling, having the sense that it eventually became a road game based on the court itself and not the fans. The first quarter became the tell all as the Sparks shot just 25 percent from the field. They managed to take a small lead in the second, but the Sun became used to the flow of the game as they punched a ticket to the WNBA Finals, sweeping the Sparks in three games, winning the final contest 78-56.
2019 Game 3 WNBA Playoffs Sun vs Sparks on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Stephanie Lovell)
“You have to give Connecticut a lot of credit,” Sparks head coach Derek Fisher said. “There were moments in each game where we competed, but they ended up being the much better team in each of the 40 minutes throughout the series.”
While the Sparks eventually picked things up on the offensive end, the Sun found ways to trade baskets and spurt small runs to keep the lead within double digits for most of the second half. There was no answer for both Jasmine Thomas and Courtney Williams, who combined had 46 points, with Thomas having the hot hand going 11-for-14 from the field.
Three point shooting was also the Sparks’ kryptonite. At Staples Center, all but three of their games had them finish 30 percent or above. They managed against the Sun in the contest shooting 2-for-21, a mere 10 percent.
2019 Game 3 WNBA Playoffs Sun vs Sparks on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Stephanie Lovell)
Nneka Ogwumike was the only Sparks player in double figures with 17 points. Candace Parker only played 11 minutes on the court and tallied just 4 points.
“We were trying to do as much as we could to help the team,” Fisher said. “We were trying to find energy and spark. It became a searching battle throughout the entire series, so it all became trying to find fresh bodies. We tried not to single anyone out, but it was tough to try to adjust with the way they were playing.”
Many arguments can be made about the contest on Sunday night, which can include the fact that the Sun have been built to be one of the teams to beat in the WNBA. However, losing in the final game at home that isn’t their home has been the chirps over the last few days.
“I hope that people aren’t ignoring what’s best for the players and what’s best for the growth of the league,” Fisher told the LA Times on Saturday. “Whether that’s a team earning home court and not being able to play at home or a fan buying season tickets to see the Sparks at Staples Center and having to drive to Long Beach to see their team play a home playoff game. That’s unfair, not to just to the team but for the fans. After this season hopefully we won’t have to worry about this again.”
2019 Game 3 WNBA Playoffs Sun vs Sparks on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Stephanie Lovell)
With the season over, this could be a prime example of much needed change. With the collective bargaining agreement ending this season, having a game end like this will be the forefront of discussion when it comes to taking care of the players first and foremost.
“When you are on the road, you are limited to your resources,” Fisher said. “A week long road trip ends up only being two games and very limited practice because your trainers aren’t there and your strength and conditioning coaches aren’t there. It is tough to play away from home. We hope to have some changes next season as we adjust to play away from home.”
2019 Game 3 WNBA Playoffs Sun vs Sparks on Sunday September 22, 2019. (Photo by Stephanie Lovell)
The No. 16 Oregon Ducks (3-1) defeat the Stanford Cardinal 21-6 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2019 (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
The No. 16 Oregon Ducks (3-1) defeat the Stanford Cardinal 21-6 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2019 (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
Palo Alto, CA –The No. 16 Oregon Ducks (3-1) opened their Pac-12 season in the win column, taking down the Stanford Cardinal (1-3) 21-6 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, September 21st, 2019, giving Oregon its first win in a conference opener since 2014.
The Ducks, led by senior quarterback Justin Herbert (10), were effective and efficient through the air offensively, but it was the stout play of the defense that allowed the Ducks to remain in complete control of the game past the opening drive, in which the Cardinal gained their only lead of the day with one of two successful field goals on the day to go up 3-0.
Coming into the game, the Ducks defense was one of just seven units in the FBS that had not given up a first-half touchdown in 2019. The Ducks held Stanford without a touchdown all day in this one, having now held their last three opponents out of the endzone and prevented touchdowns on their last 38 consecutive drives.
The No. 16 Oregon Ducks (3-1) defeat the Stanford Cardinal 21-6 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2019 (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
Oregon sliced through the Cardinal defensive through the air in the first half with Herbert completing 10-of-12 for 155 yards and two touchdowns, finding receiver Jaylon Redd (30) and tight end Jacob Breeland (27) to put the Ducks up 14-3 heading into the half.
Despite being held out of the endzone, the Cardinal still managed to gain yardage with a balanced offensive attack, totaling 120 yards through the air and 114 on the ground.
Running back Cameron Scarlett (22) carried the load for Stanford with 19 rushing attempts for a total of 97 yards and a long of 23.
The No. 16 Oregon Ducks (3-1) defeat the Stanford Cardinal 21-6 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2019 (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello (3) completed 16-of-30 passing attempts but was also sacked five times for -23 yards on the night.
The Ducks capped the win with a third passing touchdown in the second half with Herbert finding Breeland on a wide-open streak.
Herbert tallied 19-of-24 attempts for 259 yards on the day and eclipsed 8,000 yards passing over his collegiate career in the process.
The future first-round pick also maintained each of his impressive active streaks, having now finished 32 consecutive games with a touchdown pass and completed 174 pass attempts without an interception.
Defensively, Oregon has now secured an interception in 11 of their last 13 games dating back to last season.
For head coach David Shaw and Stanford, the losing streak continues, having dropped each of their last three games after defeating Northwestern at home in the season opener.
The No. 16 Oregon Ducks (3-1) defeat the Stanford Cardinal 21-6 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2019 (Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
“Three weeks in a row, we were evenly matched, but we make a few errors against really good football teams that lead to points,” coach Shaw said after the game. “It starts with me, finding a way to get us to play better.”
The Cardinal are now 5-1 in games coming off back-to-back losses during the Shaw era.
Oregon, on the other hand, is still unbeaten since they dropped their season opener in Arlington, Texas, to the Auburn Tigers.
Head coach Mario Cristobal said he was proud of the physicality his team displayed in their first game away from Eugene since that opening-week loss and believes his team is on its way to executing at the high level they expect.
“We felt that we could be a really good road team and took a step in that direction today,” he said. “We have the pieces. We have the makeup. We have the DNA. We’ve got to put it together and let actions speak louder than words.”
Both teams head into bye weeks before continuing Pac-12 play on Saturday, October 5th.
The Oregon Ducks will play host to the California Golden Bears, who are fresh off a road win at Ole Miss, in a match-up of two of the conference’s top-performing defenses. The Cardinal will look to right the ship at home against the Washington Huskies.
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: USC Trojans quarterback Matt Fink (19) during a college football game between the Utah Utes and The USC Trojans on September 20, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: USC Trojans wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (8) catches a touchdown pass during a college football game between the Utah Utes and The USC Trojans on September 20, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360)
Los Angeles, CA – USC held a four-point lead in the third quarter when Michael Pittman Jr. snatched the pass out of the air, stiff-armed a defender and raced into the end zone for a 77-yard touchdown.
The six-foot-four senior wide receiver finished with 10 receptions for a career-high 232 and USC upset previously unbeaten No. 10 Utah, 30-23, Friday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
“Glory to God and a bunch of great teammates that are the definition of Fight On and who don’t know how to quit,” USC head coach Clay Helton said. “I’m so proud of this team. I thought it was a team effort all the way around. Some guys made big plays, and some guys garnered some opportunities, and we needed every play to beat a good Utah team.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: USC Trojans running back Markese Stepp (30) runs for a touchdown during a college football game between the Utah Utes and The USC Trojans on September 20, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360)
USC starting quarterback Kedon Slovis, who was starting in place of the injured JT Daniels, got hurt on the Trojans opening drive. On the second play of the game, Utah defensive lineman Leki Fotu hit Slovis as he released the pass and landed on top of him. Slovis tried to get up but fell back down to the turf.
Slovis was helped off the field and taken to the locker room for an examination. He was being evaluated for a head injury according to the FS1 broadcast. In the post-game press conference, Helton said Slovis was not medically cleared to come back and was dinged according to the medical staff.
Third-string quarterback Matt Fink, who moved up to the back up role after Daniels’ injury, almost left USC in April after entering the transfer portal but decided to stay. Fink said he had some unofficial visits and an official visit with Illinois. He met some great coaches and great players and built some good relationships.
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: Utah Utes running back Devonta’e Henry-Cole (7) runs the ball for a gain during a college football game between the Utah Utes and The USC Trojans on September 20, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360)
“Like Coach Clay said, I did some research, I went to some schools,” Fink said. “But this team is stacked. You have the best players in the nation here. I’m saying that SC is on the rise. We have guys that are going to push us to the top here.”
The redshirt junior replaced Slovis and led the Trojans on an impressive drive, completing 4-of-5 for 64 yards and a 29-yard touchdown to Taylor Vaughns for a 7-0 lead. Utah came right back to tie it with a 5-play, 75-yard drive that ended with a 17-yard touchdown run by backup running back Devonta’e Henry-Cole.
USC responded with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Fink to Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 14-7 lead. Utah’s linebacker came free on a blitz up the middle but Fink evaded the sack and hit St. Brown on the run for the score. St. Brown made a touch catch between two defenders.
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: USC Trojans running back Markese Stepp (30) runs for a touchdown and gives former USC running back Reggie Bush the ball during a college football game between the Utah Utes and The USC Trojans on September 20, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360)
Utah added a field goal in the second quarter but USC held a 14-10 lead heading into halftime. The Trojans extended the lead in the third quarter on Fink’s 77-yard touchdown pass to Pittman Jr. Utah cut the USC lead to three points on a 2-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Huntley to tight end Cole Fotheringham.
The Utes opened the fourth quarter with a 10-play, 62-yard drive but were held to a field goal after Isaiah Pola Mao sacked Huntley on third-and-goal at the 1-yard line. After USC was forced to punt, Drake Jackson hit Huntley as he got rid of the ball to avoid the sack in the end zone. Huntley was called for intentional grounding, giving USC a safety and a 23-20 lead in the fourth quarter.
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: USC Trojans wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (6) catches a pass during a college football game between the Utah Utes and The USC Trojans on September 20, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360)
Pittman Jr. hauled in a 42-yard catch which set up Markese Stepp’s 4-yard touchdown run with 6:58 remaining in the game. Fink finished with 351 yards and three touchdowns.
“I don’t think that this moment was too big for me,” Fink said. “I’ve been in the era of Sam Darnold and I’ve seen things that were much crazier. But I think getting in today and showing what I can do was what I really wanted to do by staying here.”
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.
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.
