–KLIFF KINGSBURY NAMED USC OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND QUARTERBACKS COACH

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December 5, 2018

0 Washington state vs USC fi360-3482 — LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: USC Trojansin a before a game between Washington State Cougars vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.

–KLIFF KINGSBURY NAMED USC OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR AND QUARTERBACKS COACH

LOS ANGELES–Kliff Kingsbury, one of college football’s top offensive minds who has produced explosive offenses and developed prolific quarterbacks, has been named the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at USC, Trojan head coach Clay Helton announced today (Dec. 5).

“We are very excited to welcome Kliff to the Trojan Family,” said Helton. “He is a brilliant offensive mind and is on the cutting edge of the game today. His offenses have consistently been at the top of the college football statistical rankings. With the talent on our team, along with his leadership and coaching, I truly believe that we can take our offense to new heights.”

Kingsbury, 39, has tutored such future NFL quarterbacks as first rounders Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield and Johnny Manziel, along with Case Keenum, Davis Webb and Nic Shimonek.

Kingsbury spent the past 6 seasons (2013-18) as the head coach at his alma mater Texas Tech, where he also called the plays for the Red Raiders’ high-powered offense that each season ranked in the national Top 10 in passing yards and in the Top 20 in total offense. Each season during his tenure, his teams averaged at least 30 points per game (including twice over 40 points), 470 total yards (4 times over 500 yards) and 330 passing yards (twice over 460 yards). In 4 of those seasons, his teams also rushed for at least 140 yards per game.

Texas Tech went 8-5 in his initial 2013 season, including a win in the Holiday Bowl. Using a pair of true freshman quarterbacks in Webb and future Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL pick Mayfield, the Red Raiders were second nationally in passing offense (392.8) and eighth in total offense (510.7) while averaging 35.8 points per game.

With a team plagued by injuries in 2014, running back DeAndre Washington became the first Red Raider to rush for 1,000 yards since 1998 (1,103). Texas Tech was fifth nationally in passing offense (351.1) and 10^th in total offense (504.1) while scoring 30.5 points en route to a 4-8 record.

In 2015, Texas Tech was second in the country in total offense (579.5), passing offense (388.2) and scoring offense (a school-record 45.1). The Red Raiders were one of just two schools to score at least 25 points in every game that year. Mahomes, just a sophomore, threw for 4,653 yards with 36 touchdowns and became the youngest quarterback in NCAA history to amass 5,000 yards of total offense as he led the nation in that category (393.0). He also ran for 10 TDs. Wide receiver Jakeem Grant set the school career receiving yardage record (3,164), while Washington ran for 1,000 yards again (1,492), becoming the first Red Raider with consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons since 1995 and 1996. It was the first season ever that Tech had a 4,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and 1,000-yard receiver. The Red Raiders went 7-6, including their first win at Texas since 1997, and played in the Texas Bowl.

Texas Tech led the nation in total offense (566.6) and passing offense (463.0) in 2016 and was fifth in scoring offense (43.7). Mahomes won the Sammy Baugh Trophy as he led the nation in passing (421.0), throwing for 5,052 yards (he was just the third quarterback ever to have back-to-back years with 5,000-plus yards of total offense) and 41 touchdowns while adding 12 rushing TDs. Tech went 5-7 in 2016.

The 2017 Red Raiders advanced to the Birmingham Bowl and finished with a 6-7 record. Behind Shimonek, Tech was ninth nationally in passing offense (333.7) and 16^th in total offense (474.6).

In 2018, the Red Raiders ranked fourth nationally in passing offense (352.6), 12^th in total offense (485.2) and 16^th in scoring offense (37.3). Texas Tech had a 5-7 mark, giving Kingsbury a 6-year overall head coaching record of 35-40.

Kingsbury began his coaching career at Houston for 4 seasons, first as the offensive quality control coach for 2 years (2008-09), then as the Cougars’ quarterback coach in 2010 and adding co-offensive coordinator duties in 2011. Houston led the nation in total offense (599.1), passing offense (450.1) and scoring (49.3) in 2011, while Keenum completed his record-setting career as the most prolific passer in NCAA FBS history (he was seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy). Kingsbury was named FootballScoop.com Offensive Coordinator of the Year. In 2010, freshman quarterback David Piland replaced an injured Keenum early in the season and was third nationally in passing yards (330.1), earning Freshman All-American honors. Houston played in the 2008 and 2009 Armed Forces Bowl and beat Penn State in the 2012 TicketCity Bowl.

Kingsbury spent 2012 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Texas A&M, helping Manziel become the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. The Aggies were third nationally in total offense (558.5), sporting a balanced attack that was 13th nationally in rushing offense (242.1) and 14th in passing offense (316.5). Texas A&M beat No. 1 Alabama on the road and No. 11 Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl. For the second consecutive season, Kingsbury was the FootballScoop.com Offensive Coordinator of the Year.

Kingsbury had a record-setting career as a quarterback at Texas Tech from 1999 to 2002, the last 3 seasons playing under head coach Mike Leach. In his career, he had more than 12,000 passing yards and total yards, with 1,000-plus completions, making him only the third player in NCAA history to accomplish all 3 feats. He set 39 school records, 16 Big 12 marks and 17 NCAA records. As a 2002 senior, he won the Sammy Baugh Trophy and was the Associated Press Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.

He received his bachelor’s degree in management from Texas Tech in 2001. He was a National Football Foundation Post-Graduate Scholarship winner and was the CoSIDA Academic All-America Player of the Year in 2002.

He was the New England Patriots’ sixth round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent 2003 on injured reserve with the Patriots, then was on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad in 2004. He played for the New York Jets in 2005, appearing in 1 game, then attended the Buffalo Bills’ training camp in 2006. He played for the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe in 2006, then signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League in 2007 before spending that season with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

He played football for his father, Tim, at New Braunfels (Tex.) High, and also was on the baseball, basketball and track teams. He threw for 3,009 yards and 34 touchdowns as a senior. He was a 2018 inductee into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame.

Born on Aug. 9, 1979, he is single.

(All hirings are contingent upon completion of USC employment policies and procedures.)

OFFENSIVE RANKINGS UNDER KINGSBURY

SCHOOL (YEAR) TOTAL OFF SCORE OFF PASS OFF RUSH OFF

Houston (2010) 11th (480.5) 13th (37.7) 5th (327.3) 61st (153.3)

Houston (2011) 1st (599.1) 1st (49.3) 1st (450.1) 68th (149.0)

Texas A&M (2012) 3rd (558.5) 4th (44.5) 14th (316.5) 11th (242.1)

Texas Tech (2013) 8th (510.7) 23rd (35.8) 2nd (392.8) 111th (117.9)

Texas Tech (2014) 10th (504.1) 52nd (30.5) 5th (351.1) 80th (153.0)

Texas Tech (2015) 2nd (579.5) 2nd (45.1) 2nd (388.2) 40th (191.3)

Texas Tech (2016) 1st (566.6) 5th (43.7) 1st (463.0) 123rd (103.6)

Texas Tech (2017) 16th (474.6) 23rd (34.3) 9th (333.7) 93rd (140.9)

Texas Tech (2018) 12th (485.2) 16th (37.3) 4th (352.6) 109th (132.6)

QUARTERBACKS UNDER KINGSBURY

YEAR PLAYER COMP ATT PCT. YDS TD INT RATE HEISMAN

2008 Case Keenum (Hou.) 397 589 67.4 5,020 44 11 159.9 N/A

2009 Case Keenum (Hou.) 492* 700* 70.3 5,671* 44* 15 154.8 N/A

2010 David Piland (Hou.)+ 201 345 58.3 2,641 24 14 137.4 N/A

2011 Case Keenum (Hou.) 428* 603* 71.0 5,631* 48* 5 174.0 7th

2012 Johnny Manziel (AM)^ 295 434 68.0 3,706 26 9 155.3 1st

2013 Davis Webb (TT) 226 361 62.6 2,718 20 9 139.1 N/A

2013 Baker Mayfield (TT) 218 340 64.1 2,315 12 9 127.7 N/A

2014 Davis Webb (TT) 211 345 61.2 2,539 24 13 138.4 N/A

2014 Patrick Mahomes (TT) 105 185 56.8 1,547 16 4 151.2 N/A

2015 Patrick Mahomes (TT) 336 517 56.0 4,283 32 14 149.6 N/A

2016 Patrick Mahomes (TT) 388 591 65.7 5,052* 41 10 156.9 N/A

2017 Nic Shimonek (TT) 328 493 66.5 3,963 33 10 152.1 N/A

2018 Alan Bowman (TT) 227 327 69.4 2,638 17 7 150.1 N/A

+ — David Piland was the backup to Case Keenum, whose 2010 season was cut short by injury.

^ — Johnny Manziel also rushed for 1,410 yards and 21 TDs.

* — Indicates player led the nation in that category

Nevada leaves Galen Center with a victory over USC

By

Eric Ramos

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December 1, 2018

Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans MBK DEC 02 — MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

MBK 2018: Nevada Wolfpack vs USC Trojans basketball game at Galen Center on Saturday December 01, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)

Los Angeles, CA – USC started the game fast and aggressive against No. 5 Nevada, shooting 50 percent from the field in the first half and leading by as many as seven points.

The second half was a different story as the Wolfpack took the lead and never looked back en route to a 73-61 win over USC Saturday at the Galen Center.

“It was a tough game in the second half.,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “Nevada played exceptional basketball in that opening stretch. We played hard, but went through a dry spell and they put the game away.

Enfield said the defense played well enough to win but even at the end, they missed shots. That’s the way the second half went.

USC led by six points with a minute left in the first half but Tre’Shawn Thurman hit a three-pointer and a jumper to cut the lead heading into halftime, 35-34.

Nevada began the second half on a 9-0 run to open a 43-35 lead at 17:22. USC shot 35.7 percent in the second half while Nevada made 48.1 percent of its shots.

“When they go on a run, you have to go with them, and we didn’t do that. “We took a lot of tough shots. We took some good ones and missed, and we too some contested shots.”

USC junior forward Nick Rakocevic scored a season-high 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for his fifth double-double of the season and 10th of his career.

“The first half is a good sign we can be a top team,” Rakocevic said. “We have to come out better in the second half. When the shots aren’t falling, you have to stay composed and do it on the defensive end.”

USC’s next game will be against TCU in the Hall of Fame Classic at the Staples Center on Friday, December 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Cal Comes Up Short in 121st Big Game, Fall to Stanford 23-13

By

Aaron Nelson

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December 1, 2018

NelsonAaron_fi360News_Cal_Stanford_12_1_2018_GamePhotos-11 — Stanford head coach David Shaw reviewing his play sheet on the sideline. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Stanford wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (19) catches a deep pass near the sideline. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Berkeley, CA – The Stanford Cardinal (8-4,6-3) took down the Cal Golden Bears (7-5,5-4) in California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, pulling out the win in the 121st Big Game rivalry match-up between the two Bay Area schools.

Cal entered the game coming off two consecutive victories over USC and Colorado in which they relied heavily on their defense to make-up for sputtering offensive play.

The Bears’ offensive struggles showed themselves again early in this one, allowing the Cardinal to jump out to a 10-0 lead in the opening quarter following the first of three made field goals from kicker Jet Toner (26), and a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback K.J. Costello (3) to running back Cameron Scarlett (22).

Cal fullback Malik McMorris (99) fights for extra yards after catching a pass out of the backfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

In all, the Bears failed to eclipse 50 yards from scrimmage in the first, to Stanford’s 164 yards in the quarter.

The Cal defense found their footing in the second, forcing three Stanford punts in the quarter and holding the Cardinal out of the end zone. The defense’s stout play allowed the Bears offense opportunities to get in more of a rhythm, leading to two made field goals from kicker Greg Thomas (39) to bring the score to 13-6 for Stanford heading into the half.

Though both offenses moved the ball more efficiently in the third quarter, neither could capitalize for points.

Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello (3) throws downfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Fourth-quarter mistakes would prove to be the difference in this one, with Stanford capitalizing on the momentum generated by a costly roughing the passer penalty, extending the Cardinal’s penultimate drive, as well as two interceptions, the latter of which was returned 30 yards by corner Paulson Adebo (11) to give Stanford the ball inside the Cal five-yard line.

On the next play, Scarlett would provide the dagger for Stanford with his second score on the day, this one a three-yard rush that put the Cardinal up ten points with less than four minutes remaining.

Costello and the Stanford passing game were highly efficient, tallying nearly 240 yards and a score on 18-of-29 attempts. Wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (19) lead both teams in receiving with 109 yards on five catches.

Cal quarterback Chase Garbers (7) takes off upfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

For Cal, quarterback Chase Garbers finished with 197 yards through the air on 22-of-39 tries with two interceptions and one touchdown, along with 44 net rushing yards on 12 carries.

The Bears’ senior running back Patrick Laird (28) lead the way rushing the ball with 116 yards on 19 carries, while Stanford’s standout back Bryce Love (20) lead the Cardinal with 77 yards rushing on 22 carries before being forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter with a lower-body injury.

Stanford pushes their Big Game win-streak to nine straight with the victory, dating back to Cal’s last victory over the Cardinal in 2009.

Stanford Cardinal running back Cameron Scarlett (22) cuts upfield. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Both teams will await tomorrow’s Bowl Schedule release, before beginning preparation for their respective postseason match-ups.

Cal head coach Justin Wilcox alluded to the fact that his team might need some time to get their heads straight after the loss but said they looked forward to the next opportunity to play and improve.

“It hurts really bad, and it hurts because we had chances. They know we had opportunities and that stings,” he said after the game. “But not all is lost. We get to play again.”

Stanford Cardinal cornerback Paulson Adebo (11) intercepts a tipped pass. The Stanford Cardinal defeat the Cal Golden Bears 23-13 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Washington headed to the Rose Bowl as PAC-12 Champs

By

Michael Wilson, Jr.

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November 30, 2018

NCAA Football 2018: Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 — Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin #9 being slowed down during the Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Utah Utes wide receiver Britain Covey #18 being taken down during Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

SANTA CLARA, CA – Washington Huskies win the Pac-12 Football Championship behind a strong defensive performance at Levi’s Stadium.

Washington won a Rose Bowl berth with tonight’s 10-3 victory over the Utah Utes.

After a season-opening loss to Auburn, the Huskies quietly rebounded during the country’s fascination with Gardner Minshew and the rival Washington State Cougars. Today, however, the Huskies reclaimed the spotlight with an impressive defensive performance. CB Byron Murphy was named the game’s MVP after recording two interceptions, the first of which he returned 66 yards for what proved to be the game-winning touchdown.

Utah Utes running back Armand Shyne #6 rushing during Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Despite the league’s penchant for showcasing offensive powerhouses, the Pac-12 Championship featured defense. The game began with a scoreless first quarter and ended with no offensive touchdowns.

Utah’s defense held Washington’s offensive stars, seniors RB Myles Gaskin and QB Jake Browning, largely in check. The Utes also secured the game’s first turnover when DB Javelin Guidry intercepted a Browning pass.

After the game, Washington head coach Chris Petersen said, “those guys were good the first time we played them, and they were better the second time.”

Battle in the trenches during Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Not to be outdone, Washington’s defense held Utah to no points in the first half, making the 3-0 halftime score the lowest scoring half in Pac-12 Football Championship Game history. Washington’s defense would go on to force three second half turnovers – enroute to holding Utah to only 188 yards of total offense. It was ultimately Washington’s defense that scored the game’s only touchdown and broke up a 4th down pass to crush any hopes of a Utah comeback.

Despite the defenses taking center stage, Washington’s offense managed to rack up 308 yards. Gaskin rushed for 71 yards on 23 carries and Browning went 21 of 23 for 187 yards, with 1 interception, to lead a balanced attack. Yet, the Huskies’ offense only managed to get 3 points behind a PK Payton Henryfield goal just before halftime.

Utah finally scored in the third quarter with a Matt Gay 53-yard field goal, but that was it. Head Coach Kyle Whittingham acknowledged that his team had to “handle adversity and just keep fighting,” despite entering the game without their starting quarterback and running back.

Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin #9 finds a crease during the Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Behind backup quarterback Jason Shelly, the Utes did not have any sustained success moving the ball. After Murphy first career pick-6, Utah’s most promising drive ended with another Shelly interception at the Washington 6-yard line.

In the end, turnovers ended the Ute’s first appearance in the Pac-12 Championship Game. Utah, however, can take solace that it hung tough with Washington, and can hopefully use that momentum for its upcoming bowl game. Meanwhile, Washington will wait for the results of Saturday’s other league championship games to learn who it will likely face in the Rose Bowl.

Washington Huskies head coach Chris Petersen after the win with confetti in the background after the Washington vs Utah Utes NOV 30 at the Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Ca. on November 30, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Brian Agler Resigns as Head Coach of Los Angeles Sparks

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Press Release

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November 30, 2018

WNBA: Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks July 2, 2017 — Coach Brian Agler

Brian Agler Resigns as Head Coach of Los Angeles Sparks

WNBA 2017: Los Angeles Sparks Media Day for WNBA Champions coach Brian Agler general manager Penny Toler at Los Angeles Athletic Club in Los Angeles, Ca on May 16, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA (Nov. 30, 2018) –The Los Angeles Sparks announced today that Brian Agler has resigned as head coach of the team.

“We’d like to thank Brian for his contributions to the Sparks organization over the last four seasons, including helping the team win the 2016 title,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Penny Toler said. “We wish Brian nothing but the best moving forward.”

A comprehensive search to identify the next Sparks head coach will start immediately.

WNBA 2016: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Long Beach State in Long Beach, Ca on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360) — Nenka Ogwumike, Brian Agler and Jantel Lavender before the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game after being awarded their trophies on September 28, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES SPARKS

Founded in 1996, the Los Angeles Sparks play in the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The Los Angeles Sparks have won three WNBA Championships (2001, 2002, 2016), and remain the only active team in the league to have won back-to-back titles and have qualified for the playoffs in 18 of their 22 seasons. Led by an ownership group led by five-time NBA Champion Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Mark Walter, the Los Angeles Sparks are dedicated to ensuring each home game at Staples Center has a championship level entertainment experience, while showcasing the best female athletes from around the world on the court. The team plays their regular season annually from May through September. To purchase tickets, visit http://sparks.wnba.com/tickets/.

USC takes down Long Beach State

By

Eric Ramos

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November 29, 2018

NCAA Basketball Long Beach State vs USC at Galen Center on November 28, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – USC junior center Nick Rakocevic recorded his fourth double-double of the season to lead the Trojans to a 75-65 win over Long Beach State Wednesday night at the Galen Center.

“That was a tough game,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “Long Beach played very hard. We played well enough to win. We struggled at times offensively, missed shots and didn’t pass well.”

Rakocevic finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and has averaged 11.7 rebounds per game this season, sixth nationally and tops in the Pac-12.

“My teammates were making all the right plays,” Rakocevic said. “I was just cutting. I missed some easy ones I usually don’t miss. Overall, we got the win and that’s what counts.”

The Trojans took a 47-33 lead early in the second half but the 49ers went on a 10-0 run to keep the game close.

USC missed a lot of wide open shots from close range and from beyond the arc. The Trojans were held to 40 percent shooting from the floor.

“Our defense was okay,” Enfield said. “Long Beach came with a lot of intensity. But give our players credit for figuring out how to win.”

Derryck Thornton hit a 3-pointer to give USC a five-point lead with 1:48 left in the first half. Ron Freeman responded with a three of his own.

Jonah Matthews and Shaquan Aaron nailed back-to-back 3-pointers with a minute left to put USC up, 36-28, at halftime.

USC’s next game will be against No. 5 Nevada on Saturday at the Galen Center at 1:30 p.m. Nevada is 7-0 after defeating Loyola Chicago, 79-65, on Nov. 27.

“Nevada is the oldest team in the country, experience and age-wise,” Enfield said. “They are physical, long and play well together.”

Luke Fickell American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year

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Press Release

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November 28, 2018

American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year 2018

Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell on November 23, 2018 Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

Bearcats head coach Luke Fickell was named as Coach of the Year. Fickell was chosen by his peers as The American’s Coach of the Year after he orchestrated a six-win improvement in his second year on the Cincinnati sideline. After going 4-8 in his first year, Fickell has led the Bearcats to a 10-2 overall record, a 4-0 in mark in non-conference games and a 6-2 conference mark in 2018. The Bearcats returned to the national polls for the first time since 2013, ranking as high as No. 19 in the Nov. 11 Associated Press poll.

American Athletic Conference Coaches of the Year

2013 George O’Leary, UCF

2014 Justin Fuente, Memphis

2015 Tom Herman, Houston

Ken Niumatalolo, Navy

2016 Ken Niumatalolo, Navy

2017 Scott Frost, UCF

2018 Luke Fickell, Cincinnati

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 13

By

Press Release

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November 27, 2018

NelsonAaron_fi360News_Cal_UCLA_10_13_2018-6 — UCLA Bruins tight end Caleb Wilson (81) at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 13

Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

OFFENSIVE: Myles Gaskin, Sr., TB, Washington (Lynnwood, Wash.)
• Gaskin led the No. 16 Huskies to a 28-15 win over No. 7 Washington State Friday in Pullman, rushing for 170 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries.
• Gaskin, who finished his career with four wins and 10 touchdowns in four games vs. WSU, scored on two runs of five yards and another of 80, which proved the turning point of the game.
• During Friday’s win, Gaskin also passed 1,000 yards for the season, making him the first Pac-12 player ever to rush for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons. He also moved past the 5,000 career yards milestone (5,131) and into third on the Pac-12’s career TDs list. Lastly, Gaskin also took over the third spot on the Pac-12 career rushing TDs list with 55.

Also nominated: Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State; CJ Verdell, RB, Oregon; JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford; Wilton Speight, QB, UCLA; Jason Shelley, QB, Utah.

Ashtyn Davis #27 scores a touchdown at California Memorial Stadium on Nov 24, 2018(Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

DEFENSIVE: Ashtyn Davis, Jr., S, California (Santa Cruz, Calif)
• Davis had two interceptions for the first time in his career including one that he ran back 35 yards for a score on Colorado’s second drive of the game to key a 33-21 Cal victory. Davis returned his second interception in the second quarter 24 yards with the interception ending a Colorado drive at the Cal 21-yard line.
• The pick-six was the first of his career and one of two interceptions the Golden Bears returned for touchdowns on each of Colorado’s first two drives to jump out to a 14-0 lead less than two minutes into the game.
• Davis added three tackles, one pass break up, and also returned four kickoffs for 82 yards and finished with a game-high 141 all-purpose yards.
• Davis now has four interceptions on the season and leads the Pac-12 while ranking tied for 14th nationally with an average of 0.36 interceptions per game.

Also nominated: Aashari Crosswell, DB, Arizona State; Thomas Graham Jr., CB, Oregon; Sean Barton, LB, Stanford; Chase Hansen, LB, Utah

SPECIAL TEAMS: Steven Coutts, Sr., P, California (Brisbane, Australia)
• Coutts pinned Colorado inside its own 20-yard line five times without a touchback on eight punts for 371 yards with all the numbers either setting or equaling his career highs at Cal.
• Coutts also had two punts of 50-plus yards for the first time in his Cal career and finished with a 46.4 yard average and a net of 47.1. Cal recovered a pair of fumbles on his punts, while Colorado had another fumble for a no gain return and a negative return on another while totaling minus-six yards in punt returns.
• Coutts also drew a key roughing the kicker penalty to extend a fourth-quarter drive that helped Cal hold on to its 33-21 lead that became the final score.
• On the season, Coutts has pinned his opponents inside the 20-yard line on 30 of his 58 punts.

Also nominated: Brandon Ruiz, PK, Arizona State; Jake Bailey, P, Stanford; Darnay Holmes, DB/KR, UCLA; Mitch Wishnowsky, P, Utah

USC comes back to defeat CSU Bakersfield with short roster

By

Eric Ramos

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November 25, 2018

Los Angeles, CA – Jordan Usher scored 22 points and Bennie Boatwright added 19 points to help USC defeat CSU Bakersfield, 90-75, Sunday at the Galen Center.

USC erased a seven-point deficit and went on a 26-5 run in the second half to take control of the game.

“Our players played well enough offensively and we got some key stops in the last eight minutes to really turn the game,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “It was a good overall team win with a short handed roster.”

The Trojans were missing three key rotating players. Freshman Kevin Porter Jr. was out with a thigh injury. Sophomore guard Charles O’Bannon had surgery to repair a broken left pinky finger on Nov. 15. He’s expected to miss a month of action.

Freshman Elijah Weaver made his first career start at point guard in place of injured starter Derryck Thornton and finished with seven points and five assists.

USC went on a 9-0 run and hit 6 of their last 7 to take a 22-15 lead over the Roadrunners in the first half. CSU Bakersfield stormed back, shooting over 50 percent from the field to take a 46-44 lead at the half.

The Trojans outscored CSU Bakersfield 32-10 in the last 11:35. Usher scored nine while Boatwright and Nick Rakocevic scored seven during the run.

“I waited my turn and took the advantage of the opportunity,” Usher said. “We have guys that can score up and down the roster. Tonight was just my night.”

USC will host Long Beach State on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

“It was a challenging game for us tonight,” Enfield said. “I give Bakersfield credit. They really came out strong and shot the ball at a terrific rate.”

Stout Defense, Forced Turnovers Push Cal Past Colorado

By

Aaron Nelson

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November 24, 2018

NelsonAaron_fi360News_Cal_Colorado_StockImages-15 — The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

The Cal Golden Bears defeat the Colorado Buffaloes at California Memorial Stadium on Nov. 24, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

Berkeley, CA – The Cal Golden Bears (7-4, 4-4) kept their late-season momentum alive on Saturday, taking down the Colorado Buffaloes 33-21 (5-7, 2-7) with another strong defensive outing.

The Golden Bears took full control in the opening minutes with back-to-back pick sixes, taking a 14-0 lead before ever controlling the ball offensively.

First, Elijah Hicks (3) returned an interception 34 yards on the Buffaloes’ opening drive, before Ashtyn Davis (27) created a score of his own on a strikingly similar 35-yard interception return.

“Two huge plays that were the difference in the game,” Cal head coach Justin Wilcox said after the game. “The takeaways in general, the turnover margin was the difference in the game.”

The Buffaloes lead the game in rushing, passing, and total yards, as well as first downs, third-down efficiency, and penalties-against. But Cal’s five forced turnovers in the opening half would prove too much to overcome, especially with Colorado failing to force one of their own just as they had in their previous two contests.

Quarterbacks Steven Montez (12) of Colorado and Chase Garbers (7) each finished with two touchdowns through the air. Montez tallied 16-of-33 attempts for 170 yards with two interceptions while Garbers would complete 14-of-26 for 116 yards with no turnovers.

“I feel like we kind of turned it around a little bit in the second half, started making better decisions, but it was just too late,” Montez said.

Colorado’s strongest offensive weapons also displayed the kind of consistent play they’ve demonstrated throughout the season.

Buffaloes wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (2) hauled in seven catches for 65 yards to eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark on the year, while running back Travon McMillian (34) finished with 58 yards on 21 attempts on the ground, pushing him past the 1,000-yard rushing mark.

Colorado had never had a 1,000-yard receiver and a 1,000-yard rusher in the same season previously.

The loss eliminates Colorado from bowl contention this year and pushes their season-ending losing streak to seven games.

Colorado interim coach Kurt Roper, who replaced head coach Mike MacIntyre less than a week ago, praised his team for their sustained effort throughout the game.

“They’re a tough team, they’re a really close team. Putting on the Colorado uniform is important to them and they’re going to fight for 60,” he said.