North Texas Green Machine vs SMU Mustangs game on September 7, 2019. (photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
North Texas Green Machine vs SMU Mustangs game on September 7, 2019. (photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
Dallas, TX – In front of a loud and rowdy crowd of both Eagle and Mustang fans, North Texas and Southern Methodist engaged in back and forth battle for four full quarters. SMU would go on to finish with an impressive 49-27 victory Saturday night.
Quarterback Shane Buechele and the SMU offense proved to be too much for the UNT defense minutes into the first quarter, scoring on their first possession. Buechele completed 21 of 31 passes for 292 yards and had three touchdowns. He led the Mustangs in a 9-play, 75-yard opening touchdown drive, completing all five of his pass attempts.
North Texas Green Machine vs SMU Mustangs game on September 7, 2019. (photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
The SMU defense appeared poised to maintain the energy of Ford Stadium. A quick three and out would send the North Texas offense to the sideline on their first possession, resulting in a quick 83-yard, nine play drive and touchdown run by Xavier Jones.
The first quarter concluded with SMU in the driver’s seat with a score of 21-0.
If North Texas was rattled, the team masked it well. Quarterback Mason Fine and the Eagles’ offense returned to the field in the second quarter and scored two touchdowns. They were led by their only real threat to SMU – star running back Tre Siggers, who rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
North Texas Green Machine vs SMU Mustangs game on September 7, 2019. (photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
At the half, SMU led North Texas 28-14.
Still the North Texas defense could not contain the SMU offense. Jones rushed 16 times for 127 yards and three touchdowns. James Proche was on the receiving end of seven Buechele passes, totaling 115 yards. He caught one of Buechele’s three touchdown passes. Wide receiver Reggie Roberson Jr., caught six passes for 94 yards and was the recipient of Buechele’s other two scoring passes.
Ford Stadium was split fairly evenly with both SMU and North Texas fans. The Mustang fans, however, stayed the entire game and appeared to enjoy the thriving SMU team – definitely a welcomed sight for Coach Sonny Dykes.
North Texas Green Machine vs SMU Mustangs game on September 7, 2019. (photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)
“We’re in Dallas, and it’s important to get everyone involved in SMU football,” Dykes said.
SMU begins the season 2-0 and is set to face Texas State University at home next Saturday. UNT falls to 1-1 after the loss and will play at California next week.
NCAA Football 2019 UCLA Bruins wide receiver Demetric Felton #10 taken down 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)
NCAA Football 2019 Aztecs quarterback Ryan Agnew breaks the pocket San Diego State Aztecs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 7, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image360)
Pasadena, CA – It was tight at halftime with San Diego State University’s football team (2-0) leading the UCLA Bruins (0-2) 10-7.
The Bruins had deferred to open the game and were poised to receive the ball in the third quarter and right the ship.
Just when the energy was high, the protection broke down and Bruins’ quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (24-35 for 199 and a TD) was sacked, resulting in a fumble and recovery by the Aztec defense.
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)
“We had some people open,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said. “We just gotta protect him better, he took too many hits today.”
San Diego State’s Ryan Agnew (23-31 for 293 and a TD) would cash in on the turnover with a 34-yard TD strike to Kobe Smith to take a 17-7 lead.
Agnew and the Aztecs would stave off the ensuing comeback hopes of the Bruins and finish the game 23-14 for their first-ever win at the Rose Bowl.
NCAA Football 2019 San Diego State Aztecs running back Juwan Washington #29 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)
“Obviously I still need to improve on some things,” Thompson-Robinson said. “Like the fumbles, we can’t have that. We have to execute better.”
The Aztecs remain undefeated for the season, but the Bruins fall to 0-2 and the voices of complaint and boos from the fans in attendance were heard loud and clear.
On the bright side, the Bruins were able to get their running game going in the right direction with the return of Joshua Kelley (15 carries for 53 yards and a TD).
NCAA Football 2019 San Diego State Aztecs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 7, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image360)
Kelley now has a touchdown run in all nine games he has played in for UCLA.
Kelly isn’t concerned with his team righting the ship and he’s not too worried about the boos, but he is focused on getting ready for a tough Oklahoma team next Saturday and has “confidence” that his team will fix the problems.
NCAA Football 2019 San Diego State Aztecs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 7, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image360)
“There are plays to be made that I don’t think we made,” Kelly said. “We have to make the proper corrections when we look at the film.”
ASU QB Jayden Daniels (5) slides to avoid the contact on September 6, 2019 at Sun Devils Stadium in Tempe, AZ. (Photo by Eric Townsend)
Sacramento State receiver (84) is surrounded by ASU’s defense on September 6, 2019 at Sun Devils Stadium in Tempe, AZ. (Photo by Eric Townsend)
TEMPE, AZ – It was a sluggish game by the Arizona State Sun Devils (2-0), but sometimes how you do it doesn’t really matter, as they ultimately still came away victorious in a 19-7 win over Sacramento State.
It probably wasn’t how ASU coach Herm Edwards drew it up this week, but nonetheless it was “a win, and we’ll look at it that way, but we got a lot of work to do,” he said following his teams’ narrow victory over Sacramento State.
Were they overlooking the Hornets? Perhaps, but Edwards certainly seemed to drive that message this week. “There’s always that message,” he said. “Just understanding who your opponent is.”
ASU safety Aashari Crosswell (16) watches the big screen after a penalty on September 6, 2019 at Sun Devils Stadium in Tempe, AZ. (Photo by Eric Townsend)
Nonetheless, from the start things looked a bit off, as the Sun Devils couldn’t really find a rhythm offensively. It was ultimately the offensive line that struggled in helping the Sun Devils find the end zone, however, if you ask freshman quarterback Jayden Daniels, he felt he shoulders a lot of the responsibility in the offenses ineptitude.
“We had some missed assignments, but it’s not solely their fault,” he said, “I got to get the ball out faster, I missed a couple easy throws… I just got to be better, and I got to be better on third down.”
ASU lines up for a kick to make it 6-0 in the third quarter on September 6, 2019 at Sun Devils Stadium in Tempe, AZ. (Photo by Eric Townsend)
In a game where the Sun Devils scored just 19 points, the team converted on just five of 17 third-down attempts, but the more important stat was four-for-four, as in four converted field goals from kicker Christian Zendejas.
As noted, the game started out slow as the Hornets and the Sun Devils were tied 0-0 after the first quarter, as well as much of the first half!
We didn’t get our first score in the game until 1:57 left in the half, when ASU finally converted on a 36-yard field goal from Zendejas to make it 3–0.
Looking to hopefully regroup and gain some momentum, unfortunately the offensive woes continued in the second half, especially in the red zone for the Sun Devil’s.
ASU’s Eno Benjamin makes a move in the open field on September 6, 2019 at Sun Devils Stadium in Tempe, AZ. (Photo by Eric Townsend)
ASU would have two, drives stall in the Sacramento State territory in the third quarter, instead settling for field goals both times. Luckily, the Sun Devils would be able to convert both times, but not to the satisfaction of the fans in attendance however, as the team began to garner some boos.
For coach Edwards, it wasn’t surprising. “I get it,” he said. “That’s why fans come, they cheer and they boo. You’re not playing well, they boo. That’s not unusual… fans are passionate, they’re emotional, they wanna see offense. But at the end they were all clapping.”
ASU would extend their lead again early in the fourth quarter, making yet another field goal, going up 12-0. However, Sacramento State wouldn’t go away, marching down the field on an impressive, seven-play, 72-yard drive rage ended in a touchdown to make it 12-7 with 6:20 to play.
The very next series for ASU would put this thing away for good, when the Sun Devils would finally find the end zone on a three-play 75-yard drive that was punctuated by a 72-yard touchdown reception from running back, Eno Benjamin. Benjamin would find a nice seem in the defense, and scamper down the field, finding the end zone to eventually make it 19-7.
With the win, ASU improves 2-0 on the season, with Michigan State looming. As for Edwards, he’s just happy to get the win, and more importantly that his freshman quarterback is 2-0.
As for Sacramento State (1-1), they will return home to battle Northern Colorado.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike #13 during the Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray #12 going to the basket during the Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA – Minutes before tipoff in Los Angeles, the Atlanta Dream, who own the worst record in the WNBA, did the unthinkable: they defeated Las Vegas, who is fighting for a number three seed along with Los Angeles. One would wonder if the Sparks did a little scoreboard watching right before they were set to battle against Seattle. A win would all but secure the number three seed, and very well likely avoid playing Washington until the Finals if they get that far. That seemed to be more than enough juice for yet another dominant performance in a 102-68 win guarantees them the three seed for the playoffs.
“We knew the final score once we stepped on the court,” Sydney Weise said. “But we knew that nothing would matter if we didn’t get the job done tonight. Once we stepped on the court we knew that it was back to business with everything on the back of our minds.”
Los Angeles Sparks guard Riquna Williams #2 with the finger role during the Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Seattle also needed a win to stick around for a five or six seed that would guarantee them a home game for the first round. However, it seemed like they couldn’t keep up with a full Sparks lineup that had Nneka Ogwumike back. Leading by six after the first, it was one score after another from just about everyone. Starting with Maria Vadeeva who drilled back to back buckets, her shots ignited a number of fast break opportunities that put the Sparks up by double digits by halftime. The onslaught continued in the second half as the lead got bigger as the minutes ticked down.
Even with Candace Parker leading the way in scoring with 20 points, nobody noticed since five players reached double figures. Combined with 55 percent shooting and 26 assists, the Sparks are more and more proving that they are a very dangerous team when playing at home now with a 14-2 record with one more home game to go.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 splits the defense during the Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“We are a dangerous team when we are all together,” Wiese said. “Tonight goes to show the adversity we showed on the court when we are a complete team, and this is what we need to show when we are in the playoffs.”
Minnesota comes to town Sunday to close out the season, but it now becomes a matter of how to strategize for next week. With Nneka sidelined Tuesday due to fatigue, rest could be on the minds of the Sparks as they prepare for the postseason. Either way, a win in the second round could very well mean a pick-your poison, facing either Connecticut or Washington with a combined 27-4 home record. The Sun have a far worse road record at 8-8, but with the Sparks finishing below .500 away from Staples Center, they seem to be OK with having their first playoff game where they play best.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike #13 pulls up in the paint during the Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
“The playoffs are a different feel no doubt,” Parker said. “Individually we have done a lot of things that have certainly got us here. It is unfortunate that we aren’t the top two seeds, but none of that matters if we don’t fix things that put us in the loss column knowing that one game could be it for us, or for anyone.”
OFFENSE: Anthony Gordon, R-Sr., QB, Washington State (Pacifica, Calif.) • In his first career start, redshirt-senior Anthony Gordon completed 29-of-35 passes (82.8%) for 420 yards, five touchdowns and a QB rating of 230.8. • Gordon completed touchdown passes to four different receivers, and eight receivers in all caught a Gordon pass. • Gordon started the game with 15-straight completions and finished the first half completing 22-of-23 attempts (the only incompletion was a drop) for 330 yards and four touchdowns. • Gordon led WSU to touchdown drives on each of his first six drives followed by field goals on each of the next two drives and a final touchdown on his final drive. In all, he led WSU to scores on all nine of the drives he started (7 touchdowns, 2 field goals). • The 330 yards were the seventh-most in a half in school history. • Candidate for the Davey O’Brien Award, the honor presented annually to the nation’s best quarterback.
Also nominated: Zack Moss, UTAH; Alex Fontenot, COLO; Christopher Brown, Jr., CAL; Isaiah Hodgins, OSU; Brandon Aiyuk, ASU; Aaron Fuller, WASH; Michael Wilson, STAN; Vavae Malepeai, USC.
DEFENSE: Francis Bernard, Sr., LB, Utah (Herriman, Utah) • Taking on his former team in BYU, Francis Bernard shined for the Utes in his third career start, recording four tackles, including 1.5 tackles for a loss of three yards, and a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown. • His pick-six was the first of his career and his 58-yard return was the second-longest in the Pac-12 in week one. It was his second interception at Utah and fifth of his career (three at BYU). • Forced a third-and-long after tackling BYU’s running back for a loss of two yards on BYU’s first offensive drive of the game. • On the next play, Bernard made a big third down stop, tackling the BYU wide receiver four yards short of a first down, forcing the Cougars to attempt a failed fourth down conversion. • Intercepted Zach Wilson’s pass on second down with 11:03 left to go in the second quarter, taking it 58 yards to the end zone, breaking the 3-3 tie to give Utah a 9-3 lead. • Assisted on a tackle for loss of two yards on a first-and-10 at the BYU 24, forcing a second-and-long.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Michael Turk, R-So., P, Arizona State (Dallas, Texas) • ASU punter Michael Turk set a NCAA, Pac-12 and ASU record for highest average yards per punt in a game with a minimum of five attempts (63.0 yards per punt) in ASU’s 30-7 win over Kent State. • Turk punted five times for 315 yards with boots of 64, 62, 65, 49 and 75 yards in his Sun Devil debut. Turk broke the NCAA record previously held by Braden Mann of Texas A&M (60.8 yards per punt average vs. Alabama on Sept. 22, 2018). • Turk’s 75-yard punt in the fourth quarter tied for the sixth-longest punt in school history. • For the night, Turk placed three of his five punts inside the 20. • Turk was named to the Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List. The honor is presented annually to the nation’s best punter.
Also nominated: Velus Jones, USC; Blake Mazza, WSU; Dario Longhetto, CAL; Jet Toner, STAN; Alex Kinney, COLO; Jevon Holland, ORE
Washington State offensive lineman Liam Ryan during the PAC-12 Media Day at the Ray Dolby Ballroom located within Hollywood & Highlands (Photo by Jevone Moore)
OFFENSIVE LINE: Liam Ryan, R-Jr., OL, Washington State (Chino Hills, Calif.) • Did not allow a QB pressure on any of his snaps played. • Graded out 90 percent for the game. • Blocked for 100-yard rusher while quarterbacks threw for 507 yards.
Also nominated: Walker Little, STAN; Kary Kutsch, COLO; Michael Saffell, CAL; Jaxson Kirkland, WASH.
DEFENSIVE LINE: Benning Potoa’e, Sr., DL, Washington (DuPont, Wash.) • Potoa’e led the Husky defense in Washington’s 47-14 win over Eastern Washington. • The senior, who moved inside from OLB/DE to DT this season, posted four tackles, three of them for a loss, with two sacks. • His first sack was a big one as he knocked the EWU QB for a 15-yard loss on a 3rd-and-3 play. • His second sack, a four-yard loss, also came on a third-down attempt later in the game. • Washington’s defense held EWU to 63 yards of rushing, sacked the QB four times and had nine tackles for loss.
Also nominated: Mika Tafua, UTAH; Mustafa Johnson, COLO; Luc Bequette, CAL; Drake Jackson, USC; Will Rodgers III, WSU; Jovan Swann, STAN; Jermayne Lole, ASU.
ASU QB Jayden Daniels during the Kent State vs Arizona State game in Tempe, AZ on August 29, 2019. Photo by John Hays / fi360 News
FRESHMAN: Jayden Daniels, Fr., QB, ASU (San Bernardino, Calif.) • Jayden Daniels, the first true freshman quarterback to start a season opener for ASU, threw for 284 yards and accounted for three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in ASU’s 30-7 win over Kent State. • Broke the previous ASU record for passing yards in first career game (160 by Jeff Krohn in 2000). • After first half that included his first career touchdown pass (eight yards to RB Eno Benjamin), Daniels led ASU to scores on its first three possessions of the third quarter to put the game out of reach. • Capped opening drive of second half with a one-yard scoring run and later in the third quarter found WR Brandon Aiyuk for a 77-yard scoring strike to extend ASU’s lead to 27-0. • Candidate for the Davey O’Brien Award, the honor presented annually to the nation’s best quarterback.
Also nominated: Rodrick Fisher, WSU; Dario Longhetto, CAL; Ben Lennon, UTAH; Spencer Webb, ORE; Drake Jackson, USC.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike #13 making a move in the paint during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center Tuesday September 3, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Riquna Williams #2 dribbling off a screen during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center Tuesday September 3, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA – DJ MaL-Ski was missing in the start of the final three game Sparks home stand before the playoffs. Also not suited was Nneka Ogwumike with load management issues. This would be the last thing the Sparks needed down the home stretch, where fighting for the fourth seed has become as tight as ever with the Chicago Sky sitting just a half game behind. With the two missing, the Sparks were seeking energy from other sources on and off the court. It took about a quarter or so as the Sparks needed to find their defensive poise and take control. After the Dream scored 24 points in the first, they only managed 36 more in the final three quarters as the Sparks edged out a 70-60 win that kept them a game ahead of the Sky for the fourth seed and a first round bye in the playoffs.
“A game like this tonight goes to show how deep we are,” Chiney Ogwumike said. “This was only really the fourth game where we practically had everyone here. Atlanta is a tough opponent since they are coming in free since they are out of a playoff hunt. We needed everything and then some to get the win.”
Atlanta Dream guard Alex Bentley #20 during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center Tuesday September 3, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
The absence of Nneka was noticeable all throughout the first half when the Sparks couldn’t find any way to score. Atlanta came through to grab a lead by as many as nine in the first half. Los Angeles turned up the tempo in the second quarter defensively only allowing 11 points. However, after grabbing the first lead of the game late in the frame, the Dream managed to hang around and take a one point lead heading into halftime.
A sloppy third quarter plagued both teams, but the Sparks finally settled in. All they needed was to find their footing offensively opening the floor with a handful of points in the paint that eventually saw their lead get into double digits. Atlanta in the final minute had Renee Montgomery and Elizabeth Williams score seven straight points that saw a 13 points Sparks lead somehow cut to six.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray #12 goes up for a shot during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center Tuesday September 3, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
After the Sparks lead dwindled to just five, Chelsea Gray knocked a three from the top of the key that put the lead up to eight, and eventually put the game out of reach as the Dream offense couldn’t keep up towards the end.
Candace Parker scored a team high 21 points. Chiney and Gray combined for 32 total points.
Los Angeles Sparks head coach Derek Fisher talking to the referee Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center Tuesday September 3, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles can mathematically still grab the number three seed. It all depends if the Sky can beat the Las Vegas Aces on Friday, who currently hold that spot. However, right now for the Sparks is to just win and let fate take its course as they mentally need to prepare for next week as they have two games to go.
“People come in to LA with a lot of pride saying they beat LA and that means a lot,” Chiney said. “With two games to go we still have a lot at stake so it’s still very hard to let our guard down.”
Atlanta Dream guard Renee Montgomery #21 pushing off to create space during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center Tuesday September 3, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Los Angeles, CA August 31, 2019: USC Trojans quarterback JT Daniels (18) leaves the game at halftime NCAA football game between Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.
Los Angeles, CA August 31, 2019: USC Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) runs the ball for a gain during a NCAA football game between Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.
Los Angeles, CA – All the talk leading up to the season was the air-raid offense new offensive coordinator Graham Harrell was implementing at USC but it was the running game that helped the Trojans hold on to 31-23 win over Fresno State in the season opener Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Junior running back Vavae Malepeal rushed for a career-high 134 yards with a touchdown on 23 carries. Stephen Carr added a touchdown reception and rushed for another score.
“I said it all night, this is fun,” Malepeal said. “You know, coming on the ball and keeping it uptempo. I told coach Helton that many times and it’s the best feeling in the world when you have a head coach that’s always going to bet on you no matter what.”
Los Angeles, CA August 31, 2019: USC Trojans running back Vavae Malepeai (29) runs the ball for a gain during a NCAA football game between Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.
The Trojans got a spark in the third quarter when Velus Jones Jr.returned a kickoff 101 yards for a touchdown. Velus Jr. found a crease and was off to the races with only the kicker to beat.
“Everytime I touch it, I expect to take one back,” Jones Jr. said. “When you get a chance to hit a homerun, hit a home run. I couldn’t have done it without my brothers blocking for me. That’s where it all started.”
USC scored on its opening possession with a 13-play, 81-yard drive. J.T Daniels hit Carr out of the backfield for an 8-yard touchdown. Carr side stepped a defender to get into the end zone.
Los Angeles, CA August 31, 2019: USC Trojans defensive lineman Brandon Pili (91) sacks Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jorge Reyna (11) during a NCAA football game between Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.
After Marlon Tuipulotu forced a fumble that Hunter Echols recovered, Carr scored on a 14-yard run to give USC a 14-0 lead with 7:45 left in the first quarter.
Towards the end of the second quarter, USC starting quarterback JT Daniels went down with a right leg injury. Fresno State came with a blitz on third down and sacked Daniels. As he went down, Daniels reached for his right knee and had to be helped off the field.
USC coach Clay Helton said Daniels had an x-ray and it was negative but they will wait on the results of the MRI.
Los Angeles, CA August 31, 2019: Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jorge Reyna (11) runs the ball out of the pocket during a NCAA football game between Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.
“It’s gut wrenching,” Helton said. “You see a kid that’s poured so much into the game and into this team. I said a prayer as soon as I saw it and I’m hoping we get the best results tomorrow.”
True freshman quarterback Kedon Slovis replaced Daniels and finished 6-of-8 for 57 yards with one interception. Slovis showed off his arm on a deep pass to Tyler Vaughns who hauled in the 41-yard reception.
The Trojans had an 18-point lead heading into the fourth quarter but a field goal and Chris Coleman’s 8-yard touchdown reception cut the lead to eight with 6:39 remaining. The Bulldogs had one final chance to tie the game but Isaiah Pola-Mao intercepted Jorge Reyna in the end zone to seal the victory.
Los Angeles, CA August 31, 2019: USC Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) runs for a touchdown during a NCAA football game between Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.
The defense played well in spots, forcing three turnovers but gave up 462 total yards. Reyna led the Bulldogs with 256 yards passing and two touchdowns while rushing for 88 yards.
“A lot to clean up for us,” Helton said. “I thought we left some opportunities out there. Thank goodness for a stout defense at the end and a big play by Isaiah Pola-Mao. We’ve got a lot to fix before the next game.”
USC will open Pac-12 play when they host Stanford next Saturday.
Oregon vs Auburn football game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday August 31, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)
Oregon vs Auburn football game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday August 31, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)
ARLINGTON, TX – The No 11 ranked Oregon Ducks started their 2019 season with a loss, falling to the No 16 ranked Auburn Tigers 21-27 at AT&T Stadium. Oregon moves to 0-3 all time at AT&T Stadium, with their previous trips to Arlington including losses to LSU in the 2011 AdvoCare Classic, and to Ohio State in the inaugural College Football Playoff in 2014.
In his time as head coach, Mario Cristobal has attempted to redefine Oregon’s identity with “Oregon Football 2.0”, a physical team that can run between the trenches, and compete with the country’s biggest powerhouses. With a win, Oregon would have proved that vision was coming to fruition, immediately jumped into National Championship contention, and returning senior quarterback Justin Herbert would be at the top of the 2019 Heisman candidates.
Instead, Auburn’s true freshman quarterback Bo Nix marched the Tigers down to take their first lead of the game with 9 seconds left in the 4th quarter, capping off a 2:05 drive with a 26-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide-receiver Seth Williams.
Oregon vs Auburn football game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday August 31, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)
The Ducks now find themselves in a deflating uphill battle the rest of the season. To this point, no team has rebounded from a week 1 loss to enter the College Football Playoff, and they’ll likely need to escape the rest of this season without another loss to even enter the conversation about sneaking back in. A season that includes road trips to Stanford, Washington, and USC, along with a home game against Washington State.
While a tough road lies ahead, Oregon has the leadership and foundation needed to recover. Cristobal stated “I think our guys all recognize our goals are still in front of us… we have a really good group of leaders, and our program is built from the inside out… We build it on the right stuff, so when situations like this hit, that you’re prepared to bounce back and move forward”.
Oregon vs Auburn football game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday August 31, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)
Oregon showed moments of their potential Saturday, and despite walking away with a loss, they didn’t fail the SEC test.
Leading into the game, one of Oregon’s largest question marks came at the wide-receiver position. Oregon lost their biggest playmaker in Dillon Mitchell last season and filled the void most notably with Penn State transfer Juwan Johnson. Johnson was surprising held out of Saturday’s contest, after Cristobal told media he was “100 percent” earlier in the week. In addition to Johnson, senior receiver Brenden Schooler and junior tight end Cam McCormick were also inactive due to injury.
Oregon’s depth was tested at the position, and redshirt freshman Spencer Webb stepped up to the challenge by reeling in a 20-yard touchdown from Herbert on his first career reception. In total, 8 different players stepped up to fill the void at receiver by getting involved in the passing game, totaling 242 yards and a touchdown.
In his debut as Oregon’s defensive coordinator, Andy Avalos’s defense was brilliant. Holding Auburn to only 3 points on 3 red-zone appearances. At the center of Avalos’s defense was senior linebacker Troy Dye, who recorded a career high 15 tackles (10 solo). A feat that hasn’t been achieved by an Oregon player since Joe Walker in 2015 and become a new AdvoCare Classic record.
Oregon vs Auburn football game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday August 31, 2019. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)
Much like last season, the biggest issue for Oregon is consistency. After their explosive start in the first half, Oregon’s offense was held scoreless for the final 21:23 of game time. Speaking about his offense’s stagnant second half, Herbert simply stated “We just didn’t execute. I think the first quarter we came our fired up, and excited, and moved the ball really well. Unfortunately, we didn’t play as well in the last three quarters”.
Oregon will look to start the rebound next Saturday, September 7th in Eugene, where they will face Nevada (1-0) in their home opener.
Philadelphia, PA—Jim Curtain showed his tactical acumen, particularly with second-half substitution Sergio Santos, who recorded a goal and an assist to lead the Philadelphia Union to a 3-1 victory over Atlanta United and into 1st place in the Eastern Conference.
Cheered by rowdy home supporters, the Union showed their mettle against the other top team in the East. Atlanta United entered this game having won the U.S. Open Cup midweek, followed by a now Instagram-famous locker-room celebration after.
Four nights later, the Union and their fans celebrated this time. Said Curtain, “it’s appropriate as the fireworks are going off. Thank you to all the fans tonight…I thought they really pushed us on.” Emblematic of the jovial mood, Union fans were seen in Hammer pants dancing under the stands as they exited.
To start the night, temperatures in the 70s and the sun setting over the river just beyond the southeast corner of Talen Energy Stadium provided an apt climate for soccer. In front of a sellout crowd of 28,510, the top two teams in MLS’s Eastern Conference showed how closely they compare.
The first half stayed close, with Atlanta dominating possession at nearly 65% but Philadelphia throwing dangerous waves of counterattacks. Philadelphia took over the game in the second half, however, and the feeling in the stadium was of how long Atlanta could hold off the Union attack. Ultimately, Atlanta’s defense capitulated in the 86th minute.
Sergio Santos penetrated to the goal line and played a cross back toward the penalty spot to Kacper Przybylko (pronounced ‘CAS-per shi-BIL-ko’). Przybylko placed a perfect one-touch right-footed shot into the top left corner, beating Brad Guzan at his near post. Two minutes later, Philadelphia caught Atlanta in transition, and this time Santos scored himself to seal the Union win at 3-1.
Atlanta United’s goal came in the second minute of first-half stoppage time and against the run of play. As Philadelphia dominated much of the possession approaching the end of the half, Darlington Nagbe ran through the midfield and passed to Josef Martinez, who played a one-two with Pity Martinez that led Josef open on goal. Josef slid to his left past Andre Blake and rolled the ball coolly into the net.
The score was Josef’s 23rd goal of the season and extended his MLS consecutive game scoring record to 13. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Atlanta.
In the 61st minute, Philadelphia scored the equalizer. Haris Medunjanin tackled the ball off Atlanta United in midfield, then turned and chipped it behind Atlanta’s back line. Brenden Aaronson received the pass at the right side of the goal box and shot past Brad Guzan’s right side to even the score at 1-1.
Ultimately Curtain summed up the performance by saying “I think we made a pretty big statement about what the Philadelphia Union is all about tonight.”
The teams now enter the international break; both will have several players out for national team duties. Lorenzo González-Pirez received a yellow card in the third minute of second-half stoppage time and will miss Atlanta’s next game for yellow-card accumulation.
For Atlanta, Josef Martinez required medical attention late into the second half for an apparent left knee injury after a collision with Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake. He will not report for national team duties, and his knee will benefit from the rest.
Atlanta United next hosts Columbus Crew on Saturday September 14th at 7:00pm. Philadelphia Union also play next on September 14th when they host MLS-leading LAFC at 7:30pm.
Colorado State vs Colorado football Rocky Mountain Showdown on Friday August 30, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Colorado State vs Colorado football Rocky Mountain Showdown on Friday August 30, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Denver, CU – The Last Rocky Mountain Showdown at Mile High ended up being the highest-scoring game ever in the series with a combined total of 83 points.
Both teams managed to gain over 1,112 yards total: 421 yards came from the ground.
In the Colorado Buffaloes opening win 52-31, sophomore tailback Alex Fontenot rose to the occasion scoring three touchdowns and rushing for over 125 yards.
This was Fontenot’s first game starting at tailback in College football, he described his running style as being, “elusive and not afraid to put my shoulder pads down.”
Colorado State vs Colorado football Rocky Mountain Showdown on Friday August 30, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Colorado managed to run a balanced offense with 243 rushing yards, and 232 passing yards from quarterback Steven Montez.
Four turnovers plagued the Colorado State Rams in a game that at times was close. The Buffaloes only had a three-point lead going into half time.
A fumble recovery and run in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter with four minutes left destroyed any chance for a comeback.
“It’s hard to beat anyone when you turn the ball over four times,” said CSU coach Mike Bobo.
Colorado State vs Colorado football Rocky Mountain Showdown on Friday August 30, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Free Safety Mikial Onu was on the receiving for the two interceptions thrown by CSU quarterback Colin Hill.
Overall, Hill lit up the Colorado defense, throwing for three touchdowns and gaining 374 yards through the air.
Coach Mel Tucker was happy with the win for his first game as head coach, “I have a really good idea right now of where we are on offense, defense, and special teams.” Adding, “This is just the starting point this is not the end though this is just the beginning.”
Colorado State vs Colorado football Rocky Mountain Showdown on Friday August 30, 2019. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
According to Tucker, significant improvements will occur going into next week’s game. He knows the team’s weaknesses as they head into a tougher schedule.
Colorado fresh of their win is facing off against Nebraska next Saturday home at Folsom Field. CSU will play Western Illinois.
