Cal snaps a 15 game streak to USC

By

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November 10, 2018

NOVEMBER 10: California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans — LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 10: California Golden Bears quarterback Chase Garbers (7) runs for a touchdown during a college football game between the California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans on November 10, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: USC Trojans wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (8) cathedral the ball for a gain during a college football game between the California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans on November 10, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

It has been 15 long years.

The last time Cal beat USC, Aaron Rodgers and Matt Leinert were the starting quarterbacks in 2003 and the Trojans hadn’t lost to the Bears at the Coliseum since 2000.

The Golden Bears scored 15 unanswered points en route to a 15-14 victory over USC and ending a 14-game losing streak to the Trojans Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Cal head coach Justin Wilcox, former USC defensive coordinator, said the streak and all that, they don’t really talk about it.

“I didn’t even know about it until somebody brought it up this week,” Wilcox said. “We’re not playing the streak. These guys are competing and playing for each other.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: USC Trojans wide receiver Tyler Vaughns (21) runs for a gain during a college football game between the California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans on November 10, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

Despite leading Cal in a majority of statistical categories, USC was shut out in the second half and relinquished a 14-point lead.

USC (5-5, 4-4) suffered its third loss in four games and were eliminated from the Pac-12 South race. The Trojans need a win in their final two games to be bowl eligible.

“I’m sorry for the 5-5 season right now,” USC coach Clay Helton said. “I’ve seen programs across the country have a Rose Bowl, a Pac-12 championship, and then have an off season, and then come right back. Matter of fact, we’re going to compete against one of them [Notre Dame] in about two weeks. Sometimes you have a season that it just doesn’t go your way, but I believe in this coaching staff, I believe in the leadership, I believe in our players most of all.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: California Golden Bears quarterback Chase Garbers (7) during a college football game between the California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans on November 10, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

In the battle of freshman quarterbacks, J.T. Daniels outperformed his counterpart but Chase Garbers made the plays that mattered for Cal.

Daniels threw a pair of touchdowns to Tyler Vaughns in the first half but was held to just 33 yards in the second half and threw a costly interception.

A bad shotgun snap by center Toa Lobendahn flew over Daniels head before he could recover it in the end zone, giving Cal a safety early in the third quarter.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: USC Trojans wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (1) catches the ball during a college football game between the California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans on November 10, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

“A center is going to have a bad snap every now and then,” Daniels said. “Toa would give his life for me. He’s my best friend, he’s a captain and I trust him with my life too. It’s one bad snap.”

On the ensuing drive after the safety, Garbers hit Vic Wharton III for a 29-yard touchdown. Garbers ran for another score with 6:13 left in the third quarter to take a 15-14 lead.

“I’m not going to get over emotional and say the ship is sinking,” Helton said. “For us right now, we’re making too many mistakes across the board. Obviously a tough loss for our team overall. Like I told them it wasn’t one person who lost the game; it was a collective effort. We win together, we lose together.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: California Golden Bears running back Patrick Laird (28) runs for a gain during a college football game between the California Golden Bears vs USC Trojans on November 10, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

Next up for USC is the crosstown showdown at the Rose Bowl with rival UCLA on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

“There’s not going to be falloff from me at this stage,” USC linebacker Cam Smith said. “Two games to look forward to and that’s the last for a lot of us. Every game is important and we’re just going out there and we gotta have a great week of practice and look forward for UCLA.”

Colorado still not back on track facing Washington State

By

Eileen Heilman

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November 10, 2018

Washington State vs Colorado football game at Folsom Field, in Boulder, CU on Saturday November 11, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Boulder, CU – Colorado has been stuck in quicksand for the last few games looking to unleash their weapons that shined so bright to start the season. The Buffs did strike first on the scoreboard before giving up 31 unanswered points to Washington State.

Washington State (7-1, 5-1 Pac-12) for the second year in a row handled Colorado (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12) easily with today final score 31-7 and sitting first place in PAC-12 North.

“It felt real good, because these last three weeks have been super close,” WSU running back James Williams said. “I’m too young to have heart attacks like I’ve been having.”

Washington State Cougars quarterback Gardner Minshew threw for two touchdowns 35/58, 335 passing yards and ran one in as well against the Buffaloes.

“The second half was (typical of Minshew),” WSU coach Mike Leach said. “ … I don’t know what his completion percentage came out, but I know a whole bunch of people would like to have a completion percentage like that one time in their career. This was pretty good.”

Not to be overlooked by the offensive display of the Cougars, is their defense that was flying all over the field. This Washington State’s defense forced three turnovers that kept Colorado from trying to get back into the game.

Colorado quarterback Steven Montez threw for 199 yards, 20/30 passes with no touchdowns. His lack of production was totally due to the Cougars game plan to stop run and make them pass.

“We just do our jobs and stop the run,” Cougar defensive lineman Logan Tago said. “Then when they pass, we’ve got guys on the edge who can affect the quarterback.”

Colorado did take its only lead on the game after Travon McMillian’s big run up the middle netted the Buffs 64 yards in first quarter.

You know that this Washington State team has bought into the culture of coach Leach when the win having fun and during the post game tv interview Minshew put the Mustache on him.

West Virginia flys over TCU in an air raid

By

Edward Thompson

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November 10, 2018

_HX19089 — TCU vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on November 10, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

Morgantown, WV – West Virginia University faced off against TCU today continuing its dominance through the Big 12 scheduled it drew this year. While TCU was hoping to keep its post season bowl berth alive. In the end a 47-10 victory that displayed an incredible offensive performance by the Mountaineers of WVU.

Heisman hopeful Will Grier threw for three TD’s and the #7 ranked WVU Mountaineer’s solidified their purpose in the top 10 and possibly even the top 5 for the upcoming week. Behind Grier’s performance however, there was plenty of team members in the supporting role.

“I thought TCU was pretty good on defense, and I still do,” WVU coach Dana Holgorsen said. “I thought they got worn down a little bit, obviously.”

TCU vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on November 10, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

The #7 Mountaineers started off slow as did the Horned Frogs of TCU. Both teams seemed to be trying to figure out each other’s game plan. Holding each other to a 3-3 tie for a little bit. However, once WVU found it’s groove and enforced it’s game plan on the TCU Horned Frogs, it was pretty much a performance that could have placed a few plays in SportsCenter Top 10 Saturday night.

WVU’s Grier rode that grove and threw for three TD’s of 38, 8 and finally 4 yards. This would be the 8^th time this season that he had 3 scores in the air for the game. For the game today Grier finished 25 of 39 for 343 yards on what was a very windy day. Gusts of over 25-30 mph made the game on the air interesting at times.

“I have a lot of respect for (TCU coach) Gary Patterson and that team. Controlling the tempo is huge,” Grier said, adding offensive coordinator Jake Spavital “did a great job of mixing it up and just us being on the same page.”

WVY (8-1, 6-1) accumulated 535 yards of total offense v. the Horned Frogs (4-6, 2-5) who are continuing to be stricken by the injury bug. With only two games left, the Mountaineers are pursuing the possible berth in the conference championship.

The next two games with Oklahoma State (AWAY) and finally Oklahoma (HOME) will determine the teams place in the final standings and if it will play for the conference championship. The next two weeks will be a very exciting time in this team history.

The Horned Frogs of TCU (4-6, 2-5) only saw 222 total offense which appears to be a season-low. This will make a 3^rdtime in the last four games it’s gained fewer than 300. TCU’s in the risk of missing a bowl for just the third time under head coach Gary Patterson who took over the team on 2000. Patterson’s record after today’s loss remains 164-63.

Dez Bryant Has a New Home

By

Ariawna Talton

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November 8, 2018

NFL Football 2016: Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams AUG 16 — Dez Bryant (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

All indications are that former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant will soon sign with the New Orleans Saints.

What does this mean exactly?

1). The Saints, an already impressive team move into the conversation of Super Bowl contenders. Record-breaking quarterback Drew Brees will have Michael Thomas on one side and Dez Bryant on the other. With a pull-the-gun and pass coach like Sean Payton, the Saints will have an aerial attack that other teams will envy.

2). The Cowboys lose AGAIN. Letting Dez Bryant go was a huge mistake. Not bringing Bryant back, even after his humble Twitter acknowledgement that he would like to return was another mistake. On November 29, the Cowboys will face Bryant and the Saints. The Cowboys will lose that game.

Dallas Receiver Dez Bryant (88) catching a touchdown. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

One of the most consistent criticisms of Bryant has been his emotion. He’s proven to be a bit belligerent on the sidelines when things are going right.

The scary thing about Bryant being away from football for the first two months of the season – he’s had time to digest all of the talk about his antics. I do believe it has all humbled him, and he will be out to prove that he is still both a productive athlete and a good teammate.

The Saints win in this tale. The Cowboys lose again.

USC second-half run fuels win over Robert Morris in season opener

By

Eric Ramos

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November 6, 2018

Los Angeles, CA – USC senior guard Shaqquan Aaron was ready to step into a bigger role this season and he showed it against Robert Morris.

The Trojans trailed by four with 12:18 remaining when USC went on an 18-4 run, including a pair of one-handed dunks by Aaron and 11 points during the run.

USC opened the season with an 83-62 win over Robert Morris Tuesday night at the Galen Center.

“We were down and I just felt it was time to give my team a boost,” Aaron said. “We all bought in together and locked in on defense. My dunk ignited the run. A dunk is very disrespectful to the opponent and brings the crowd into the game and gives us energy.”

Aaron scored 20 points and Nick Rakocevic finished with 18 points and 16 rebounds as USC has won nine of their last 10 home openers.

“Shaqquan played great, with energy and the right way,” USC head coach Andy Enfield said. “He knows what it takes to win. It’s an opportunity for him. He got off to a great start tonight.”

Freshman five-star recruit Kevin Porter Jr. had an impressive debut, scoring 15 points with five rebounds in 25 minutes. Porter was 6-of-7 from the field.

“Porter is poised,” Aaron said. “He played great tonight. He’s a great player.”

USC led 37-35 at halftime but the Trojans were plagued with sloppy play, including 11 turnovers in the first half. In the second half, USC played better defense and shared the ball while only turning the ball over four times in the final 20 minutes.

“We figured out how to play as a team,” Enfield said. “In the first half, we really struggled. We were nervous. Some players didn’t play well. Then we came together and shared the basketball.”

Rakocevic said his teammates gave him the ball in the second half and gave him easy looks.

“They believed in me and told me to play my game,” Rakocevic said. “I definitely want to keep expanding my game and be aggressive on the boards.”

USC will host Vanderbilt on Sunday at 6 p.m. as part of the Pac-12/SEC Showdown. The game will air on the Pac-12 Network.

“We need to come out Sunday and play a more consistent 40 minutes,” Enfield said.

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 10

By

Press Release

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November 5, 2018

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 27 Arizona State at USC — LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: during a college football game between the Arizona State Sun Devils vs USC Trojans on October 27, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 10

OFFENSIVE: N’Keal Harry, Jr., WR, Arizona State (Chandler, Ariz.)
• Harry caught nine passes for 161 yards and a career-high three touchdowns in ASU’s 38-20 upset of No. 16 Utah
• Harry had touchdown receptions of 3, 23, and 61 yards. Seven of his nine receptions were good for a first down and/or touchdown.
• His three-yard TD reception in the first quarter put ASU up 14-0. Hauled in a 23-yard TD reception with 1:01 left in the first half that put ASU up 21-17 after Utah had reeled of 17 straight points. Had 61-yard TD reception on the opening play of the fourth quarter that extended ASU’s lead to 28-20.

Also nominated: Khalil Tate, QB, ARIZ; Dillon Mitchell, WR, ORE; Kaden Smith, TE, STAN; Aca’Cedric Ware, RB, USC; Zack Moss, RB, UTAH; Gardner Minshew II, QB, WSU.

Utah vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on November 3, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

DEFENSIVE: Merlin Robertson, Fr., LB, Arizona State (Gardena, Calif.)
• Led ASU with nine tackles, including one TFL, and recorded his first career interception in ASU’s 38-20 upset of No. 16 Utah.|
• Led a Sun Devil defensive effort that held the Utes, who came in averaging 41 points in their past four games, to only 325 yards for the game and only three points in the second half.
• After the Utes scored on three straight possessions, Robertson picked up his first career interception on Utah’s first possession of the second half.

Also nominated: Colin Schooler, LB, ARIZ; Bobby Okereke, LB, STAN; Christian Rector, LB, USC: Corrion Ballard, DB, UTAH; Skyler Thomas, S, WSU.

Stanford vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on October 18, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

SPECIAL TEAMS: Ugochukwu Amadi, Sr., S, Oregon (Nashville, Tenn.)
• Gave Oregon a 7-0 lead against UCLA with a 56-yard punt return for a touchdown in the first quarter, which marked Oregon’s first punt return for a TD since 2015 at Michigan State.
• Averaging 24.1 yards per punt return this season (8 returns). Four of Amadi’s eight punt returns on the season have gone for over 20 yards while he is tied for the national lead with two returns of 50-plus yards.
• Amadi is the only FBS player in the nation with a punt return TD and a pick-6.
• Also added three tackles, including one for loss, in the win over UCLA.

Also nominated: Lucas Havrisik, PK, ARIZ; Tyler Fancis, PK, COLO; Matt Gay, PK, UTAH.

Oregon Ducks on November 3, 2018 in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

Oregon gets back on track with win over ex-coach Chip Kelly’s Bruins

By

Bryce Viglione

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November 3, 2018

_E7O8682 — UCLA Bruins vs Oregon Ducks on November 3, 2018 in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

Eugene, OR –The Oregon Ducks got back on track Saturday with a 42-21 win over the Chip Kelly led Bruins.

Coming off two consecutive road losses, Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal met with every player on the team Sunday to figure out exactly what was going on inside. “Overall, our guys wanted to hold our special teams unit to a higher standard, and make them more accountable.” Cristobal stated.

The special teams unit stepped up to the challenge and responded convincingly. Ugo Amadi got the Ducks on the board in the first quarter with a56-yard punt return, and later in the quarter CJ Verdell extended their lead to 14 with a 1-yard touchdown run which was set up by a 28-yard fake field goal pass to Jacob Breeland from punter Blake Maimone.

Offensively, Oregon stayed committed to the run game again, which they’re starting to live and die by in Cristobal’s quest to rebrand into a traditional physical team that can compete with powerhouse programs in the postseason.

“Enough is enough. We are going to put our foot in the ground and we are going to recommit ourselves to being the physical team that we started the season as” exclaimed Cristobal.

The Ducks did exactly that as they opened the game with 6 straight rushes on first down and ended the night with 200 total rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.

The issue with Oregon’s run first offense comes down to consistency. Although Oregon scored more points than their previous two games combined as a result of the commitment to the run game, the production came against the second-worst rush defense in the entire Pac-12.

Justin Herbert and Dillion Mitchell were again the only bright spot of the passing game. After both players were questionable throughout the week with concussions, the pair connected for 156 of Herbert’s 264 passing yards and the only two receiving touchdowns on the day.

Cristobal acknowledged the lack of weapons at wide receiver, and the importance of executing the run stating “It all starts with the run game. The way that we’re built, the personnel we have, the lack of depth that we have at certain skill positions, we’re built to do a certain thing a certain way and when we don’t do it… we’re in scramble mode”.

With the win, Oregon became bowl eligible Saturday, but it’s hard to feel confident about the team’s identity this season. It’s becoming clear that Mario Cristobal is riding out some growing pains in the short term, understanding the run game will cause offensive collapses when they struggle, to hopefully change the course of the program in the long run.

The Ducks will travel to the Utah next week, where they will face the 6-3 (4-3) Utes on Saturday, November 10^th.

Oregon State gives USC a run for their money

By

Sandra Daibes

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November 3, 2018

Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

CORVALLIS, OR – The USC Trojans continue their winning streak by defeating the Oregon State Beavers, 38-21.

Most of us predicted a potential blow out at Reser Stadium when the Trojans came to town. Well, we thought wrong – the Beavers showed us some excitement on the field and rose to the occasion by filling in a 21-point deficit in the second and third quarter. After coming from a huge comeback from playing Colorado last Saturday, we come to wonder, will this become a trend for the Beavers?

The Trojans had a handle on Oregon State’s running game for most of the night and by the fourth quarter, the Beavers lost momentum, allowing the Trojans to add another 10 points on the scoreboard to keep themselves alive for the Pac-12 South Title.

USC Football (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Quarterback, Jake Luton, made his first start since the season opener and wowed us by completing 31 of 45 passes for 301 yards and a touchdown. Luton is the first quarterback at OSU to throw more than 300 yards in consecutive games since 2014.

Luton got the offense moving by helping them run 31 yards against USC and scoring drives late in the second quarter. Jack Colletto runs a long drive, scoring on a 6-yard run. The Beavers’ drive goes 81 yards in 11 plays, and Oregon State cuts the USC lead to 14 points with a little bit over 4 minutes to play in the first half making the score 21-7.

Isaiah Hodgins during warm up for Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

In the final minute of the second quarter, Luton hits Isaiah Hodgins for a catch and run of 43 yards, down to the USC 31. Luton then hits up Jermar Jefferson for a 5-yard gain. With 25 seconds left on the clock, Luton throws the ball to Trevon Bradford for a first down. After an incomplete pass to the end zone, Luton finds Noah Togiai on the left side of the end zone for a touchdown. The Beavers caught up with a 21-14 with only 4 seconds left before halftime.

The fans are riled up coming back from halftime, excited to see what happens next. After taking a sack, Luton throws a screen to Pierce on third and 21. He picks up just 10 yards, but USC is called for a late hit, which bails out OSU with the first down. Jack Colletto comes in as quarterback and hands off to Artavis Pierce, adding another touchdown for the Beavers.

“Our emphasis has always been start fast,” says receiver, Trevon Bradford. “It’s something we need to work on and continue to get better.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Beavers drove to the USC 19 where they lined up for a field goal. The Trojans sniffed out a fake-out and shut the play down. However, the Beavers were back in business when Matthew Tago forced a fumble that Jalen Moore recovered. A call was made to replay if running back, Vavae Malepeai, was down before the fumble, but the replay overturned the call, leaving a bitter taste for the Beavers. “That would be one way to do it… the mistake is, the call on the field was incorrect and they overturned it,” say coach Smith.

Throughout the fourth quarter, seemed like Oregon State wasn’t able to catch a break. The Trojans continued with an aggressive push which lead them to score the last 10 points to finish off the game, leaving them with a win.

“That’s a good football team,” Coach Smith says. “We just didn’t quite have enough tonight.”

Oregon State Beavers (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

We see a few trademarks coming from the Beavers but one is for sure and that is they don’t quit. Watch Oregon State take on Stanford next Saturday at 6 PM, PST.

Lax Ohio State defense stumbles over Nebraska 36-31

By

Chris Tulley

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November 3, 2018

CFB 2018: Nebraska vs Ohio State NOV03 — Mike Weber Jr running through tackles during the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thanks to a standout performance from J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State came out on top of Nebraska 36-31.

“I’m very upset with the turnovers,” coach Urban Meyer said of his team’s performance. “That would have been a different game.” OSU trailed 21-16 going into halftime after Nebraska capitalized on a fumble by the Bucks. There were six total fumbles for the home team, as well as six penalties.

Dobbins accounted for 163 of Ohio State 229 rushing yards. Nebraska threw for 266 yards, barely shadowing Ohio State 252.

Brendon White with a big tackle on Adrian Martinez for a lost during the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

The Nebraska offense started their attack with 75 yard drive for a touchdown on their first possession. Devine Ozigbo ended the drive with a one yard TD, which was followed by a successful PAT from Barrett Pickering. Nebraska led 7-0 with 9:56 left in the first quarter.

A short kickoff and an offensive penalty put the Buckeyes on Nebraska’s 31 yard line for their first drive. Dobbins got the first touch for the Buckeyes but was unable to move the chains on a 4-2 attempt. Ohio State turned over the ball.

The defensive OSU squad brought new energy on their second time on the field. Nebraska was forced to punt from their 22 yard line and Keandre Jones blocked the ball for a Buckeye safety Nebraska got the ball back, leading 7-2.

Mike Weber Jr running through tackles during the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Dwayne Haskins, who averages nearly 400 yards through the air a week, connected with Johnnie Dixon III for a 42 yard pass to the endzone. The OSU offense began to look a little more like itself after struggling last week at Purdue.

The Bucks returned to the endzone a second time in the first quarter. Dobbins broke through the Corn Husker line for 10 yards, his first trip of three for the running back. The first quarter ended 16-7, OSU.

Nebraska’s QB Adrian Martinez was the highlight Husker in the game. Martinez was responsible for three Nebraska touchdowns, two on the ground and one in the air. He finished a 64 yard drive with a 10 yard TD with 4:52 remaining in the half.

Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

K.J. Hill Jr. fumbled a pass from Haskins on the following drive in Nebraska territory. Martinez took to the field and ended this possession with another rushing score. Trailing 21-16, OSU needed to find composure on offense going into the second half.

In his post game interview, Meyers admitted that his team was not where he wanted it to be. He then took that comment back, saying “I think we’re close … I liked the effort today.”

The Buckeyes offense was able to cover more ground in the second half than their Big 10 foe. Dobbins scored a rushing TD and Parris Campbell Jr. pulled in a nine yard pass from Haskins, the only two scores in the third quarter. Ohio State led 30-21 to start the final quarter.

Pickering landed an 18 yard field goal to creep closer to the Buckeyes with 7:46 left in the game, but the Huskers would not come back.

Finishing off his day, Dobbins went 42 yards with a handoff for six more points. Haskins failed a two-point conversion and OSU led 36-24.

Martinez was able to complete a 17 yard pass to JD Spielman, which was followed by a successful PAT. With 2:57 left, Nebraska was the last to change the scoreboard.

The game ended 36-31, OSU.

Middle Tennessee State Defeats Conference USA Rival Western Kentucky

By

Anthony Sherman

-

November 2, 2018

DSC_0497-web — Quarterback Brent Stockstill passing during the Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee game. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

Ty Lee (8) of Middle Tennessee runs in the ball for the first touchdown of the Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee game. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

Murfreesboro, TN- In the middle of the second quarter, after 13 plays and 78 yards, Middle Tennessee State quarterback Brent Stockstill connected a quick pass to Zack Dobson whose quickness got him to the goal line and a flying leap propelled the Blue Raiders to a 17-3 lead over Western Kentucky.

“Something told me that I had to get in the end zone, so I took flight,” said Stockstill.

The victory got the monkey off the back of Middle Tennessee’s seniors who had suffered through Western Kentucky losses throughout their college careers, until tonight’s 29-10 victory.

Quarterback Stockstill, who is a senior himself, stated that “to get our first win is really special.”

Chaton Mobley (44) breaking tackles during the Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee game. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

Dobson is not the biggest player out there, at 5 foot 8 and 170 pounds, but his speed is impressive. On just 3 rushing plays, the young offensive player averaged 16.3 yards a carry and scored his first touchdown of his career.

The rivalry between these two teams cannot be understated. WKU had won the last 3 games against MTSU, and they were certainly looking for a 4^th as they traveled down to Floyd Field in Murfreesboro. MTSU, on the other hand, were determined to stop the streak, which they easily did as the game ended with the home team winning.

On the opening drive of the game, MTSU scored a touchdown after Stockstill went deep to Wide Receiver Ty Lee and the 43 yard connection putting the pressure on early. WKU was not able to get much going with their offense tonight. While they did put 3 points up with a field goal from Kicker Alex Rinella in the middle of the first quarter, those were the only points they would have until late in the 3^rd.

A big drop during the Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee game. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

Western Kentucky quarterbacks did not fare so well this evening, Drew Eckels completed 12 /32 passes. With 1:34 left in the 3^rd quarter, the Hilltoppers put in quarterback Steven Duncan, who threw a 46 yard touchdown pass to Lucky Jackson on his very first play. However, Duncan was not able to find the end zone again and ended the night with just 3 completions on 14 attempts and 1 interception.

Middle Tennessee offense was steady and effective. Stockstill finished the game throwing for 228 yards, 2 touchdowns, and ran the ball for 16 yards.

Running Back Chaton Mobley had a monster night carrying the ball for 198 yards on 25 carries. After a few good runs in the beginning he said that he,

“Knew they were going to keep feeding me the ball,” said Mobley, “I took the reins.”

Safety Reed Blankenship during the Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee game. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

Special Teams was also a big help to the home team win tonight. Kicker Crews Holt tied the school record with 5 field goals in a single game. The 15 points he was able to secure solidified the victory.

This win gives MTSU their first ever 5-1 start in Conference USA, as well as currently making them bowl eligible. In the end though, it was the defeat of their rival that enthused the victors tonight.

Quarterback Brent Stockstill passing during the Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee game. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

“Mental intensity was good. Focus was good,” said Coach Rick Stockstill, “I really proud and happy for our seniors, the last time they played Western they whooped ‘em.”

fi360 News

Cal snaps a 15 game streak to USC

Colorado still not back on track facing Washington State

West Virginia flys over TCU in an air raid

Dez Bryant Has a New Home

USC second-half run fuels win over Robert Morris in season opener

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 10

Oregon gets back on track with win over ex-coach Chip Kelly’s Bruins

Oregon State gives USC a run for their money

Lax Ohio State defense stumbles over Nebraska 36-31

Middle Tennessee State Defeats Conference USA Rival Western Kentucky

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