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.
Robert Morris vs USC Basketball game on Tuesday November 6, 2018 at Galen Center. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News
Robert Morris vs USC Basketball game on Tuesday November 6, 2018 at Galen Center. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News
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.
Robert Morris vs USC Basketball game on Tuesday November 6, 2018 at Galen Center. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News
“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.”
Robert Morris vs USC Basketball game on Tuesday November 6, 2018 at Galen Center. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News
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.
Robert Morris vs USC Basketball game on Tuesday November 6, 2018 at Galen Center. Photo by Rick Guerra / fi360 News
“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.
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.
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).
UCLA Bruins vs Oregon Ducks on November 3, 2018 in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
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.
UCLA Bruins vs Oregon Ducks on November 3, 2018 in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
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.
UCLA Bruins vs Oregon Ducks on November 3, 2018 in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
“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.
UCLA Bruins vs Oregon Ducks on November 3, 2018 in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
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.
UCLA Bruins vs Oregon Ducks on November 3, 2018 in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
The Ducks will travel to the Utah next week, where they will face the 6-3 (4-3) Utes on Saturday, November 10th.
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.
USC Football (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)
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.
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)
Parris Campbell Jr walk into the end zone 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.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on November 3, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
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.
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 4th 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 3rd.
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 3rd 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.”
October 26, 2018 Pasadena CA, Utah Utes defensive back Javelin K. Guidry #28 and UCLA Bruins defensive back Elisha Guidry #30 meet up after the Utah Utes vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 26, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 9
OFFENSIVE: Jake Luton, Sr., QB, Oregon State (Marysville, Wash.) • Led Oregon State to a 28-point comeback win over Colorado, defeating the Buffaloes 41-34 in overtime as he completed 28 of 39 pass attempts for 310 yards and 3 TDs in the second half and overtime. • He did not see action in the first half and it was his first appearance in a game since Sept. 15 at Nevada. • The win tied for the biggest comeback in Oregon State history, and the third-biggest comeback in Pac-12 history. • Oregon State was a combined 9-for-15 on third down in the second half and overtime after going 2-for-9 on third down in the first half. • Luton now has two 300-yard passing games; the first came in his first career appearance at Oregon State, in the 2017 season opener at Colorado State.
Also Nominated: J.J. Taylor, RB, ARIZ; Eno Benjamin, RB, ASU; K.D. Nixon, WR, COLO; KJ Costello, QB, STAN; Jack Sears, QB, USC; Zack Moss, RB, UTAH; Gardner Minshew II, QB, WSU
Jake Luton QB Oregon State at Folsom Field, in Boulder, CU on Saturday October 27, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
DEFENSIVE: Evan Weaver, Jr., ILB, California (Spokane, Wash.) • Weaver keyed Cal’s 12-10 upset victory over No. 15 Washington by returning the first interception of his collegiate career 37 yards for a touchdown. The score was Cal’s only touchdown of the game as the Golden Bears won for the first time without scoring an offensive touchdown since Sept. 26, 1998. • He finished with a team-high 11 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss (-2 yards), the interception and one pass breakup. He was instrumental in Cal’s defense limiting Washington to 242 yards of total offense (91 rush, 151 pass). Washington entered the game averaging 430.5 yards total offense per game. • Weaver currently ranks fifth nationally with an average of 6.5 solo tackles per game while he is 17th in total tackles (10.8 per game).
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: N’Keal Harry Jr awaiting a pass 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)
SPECIAL: N’Keal Harry, Jr., WR, Arizona State (Chandler, Ariz.) • Harry returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter of ASU’s 38-35 win at USC on Saturday, ending the Trojans’ 19-game home winning streak. • Harry’s touchdown ended a run of 21 straight points by the Trojans and put ASU back in front 31-28. • Harry’s return was the third-longest in Sun Devil history and the longest since Morris Owens’ school record 95-yard return in 1972. • Added four receptions for 95 yards and one touchdown.
Also Nominated: Josh Pollack, PK, ARIZ; Steven Coutts, P, CAL; Jet Toner, K, STAN; Tyler Vaughns, WR, USC; Matt Gay, PK, UTAH; Blake Mazza, K, WSU
October 27, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Navy vs Norte Dame game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca. on October 27, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Ian Book #12 passing during the Navy vs Norte Dame game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca. on October 27, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
SAN DIEGO, CA — No. 3 Notre Dame (8-0) takes down unranked Navy (2-6) in Saturday’s matchup led by their dominant three playmakers racking up a total of 584 yards on offense in a 44-22 victory.
Notre Dame’s dominant force from start to finish stemmed from quarterback Ian Book, who threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns, running back Dexter Williams, who ran for 142 yards and had three touchdowns and wide receiver Miles Boykin who finished with two touchdowns.
Boykin is also leading the team in receiving touchdowns with six on the season.
Although, No. 3 Notre Dame started the game off a little shaky due to a fumble by Miles Boykin on the opening play of the game it didn’t affect the teams chemistry moving forward.
“There’s no point in thinking about what happened when you have the whole game ahead of you,” said quarterback Ian Book when asked about the opening play from scrimmage.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Asmar Bilal #22 pressuring quarterback Garret Lewis #7 during the Navy vs Norte Dame game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca. on October 27, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
With their superior size and talent the Fighting Irish took a 27-0 lead just before halftime. While the defense kept Navy’s triple option in check, Book was able to stay comfortable in the pocket and was poised under pressure. His control during the game put the Midshipmen off-balance and left flustered as they tried to climb out of a deep hole. Book completed 27 of 33 passes, to 10 different receivers, and although he threw an interception it didn’t stop his momentum.
The Fighting Irish was just as effective on the ground running the ball as they were in the air throwing the ball.
Coming into this game Notre Dame was the only team in FBS football with three rushing touchdowns in excess of 90 yards since 2015.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Dexter Williams #2 getting around the corner during the Navy vs Norte Dame game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca. on October 27, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Senior running back Dexter Williams has had a huge impact on the team since returning from a four game suspension at the start of the season.
He currently leads the team in all rushing categories for the season even with missing the first four games. Tonight his three touchdowns definitely helped his team come out on top.
“I don’t really try to chase stats,” said Williams when asked about his mindset for the season after coming back. “I try to go out and win each and every game with my brothers.”
Williams also stated that it does not matter whether or not he has a ton of yards on 10 or a ton of carries with little to no yards he just wants to “lay it all on the line…and just keep on winning.”
Notre Dame is now 8-0 for the first time since 2012, when it remained undefeated until being routed by Alabama in the BCS national title game.
“Glad to get out of here with a victory, with a lot of good things to build off of going into the last month,” said Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly when giving his opening statement in the post game press conference on Saturday. “What we learned today is getting off to a great start is one thing, but if you don’t play with the same physicality for four quarters, you’re going to be in trouble. So we learned a lot from today.”
Navy Midshipmen quarterback Garret Lewis #7 pitching the ball during the Navy vs Norte Dame game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Ca. on October 27, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
Starting off fast and physical was one important factor that helped Notre Dame win tonight’s battle and also helped their defense play the way they did to ensure the victory.
Notre Dame’s defense kept Navy to two of 12 on third down, getting off the field and putting the offense in good positions.
Both sides of the ball assisted each other to bring together all moving parts.
The Notre Dame defense had yielded a single touchdown from scrimmage during the second half in the past three games coming into this game, outscoring opponents a combined 58-17 over the final 30 minutes of games. Tonight they gave up two touchdowns in the second half.
Navy (2-6), which lost its fifth straight, finally broke through thanks to some big plays that led to Zach Abey scoring two 1-yard touchdowns in the third quarter. Book was intercepted early in the fourth quarter, setting up a 33-yard touchdown run by Mike Martin.
But again, it wasn’t enough to stop the momentum the Fighting Irish had gained throughout the course of the game.
“They are ranked No, 3 for a reason,” Navy Head coach Ken Niumatalolo said. “Just a really solid, focused group. We have played coach Kelly’s teams before and this is one of his better teams.”
The two teams have now met for the 92nd consecutive time as part of an annual series that has continued uninterrupted since the 1927 campaign. Notre Dame leads the all-time series, 77-13-1.
The game, which drew a crowd of 63,626 to SDCCU Stadium in San Diego was a sellout crowd and was promoted by the San Diego Bowl Game Association.
No. 3 Notre Dame remains undefeated and in the FBS playoff picture.
UP NEXT
Notre Dame visits Northwestern on Saturday.
Navy returns to American Athletic Conference play Saturday at Cincinnati.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: ASU upending USC 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)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: ASU Defense stopping the run 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)
USC scored 14 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 24-7 deficit but the comeback bid fell short after N’Keal Harry returned a punt 92 yards for the go-ahead score.
The Trojans had its 19-game home win streak snapped with a 38-35 loss to Arizona State Saturday afternoon at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
“Guys gave a great effort all the way a down to the end.” USC head coach Clay Helton said. “I was extremely proud of them. I told them there’d be better days ahead. I’m sad for the kids, to go out there and play that hard and not come away successful. I hurt for them.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: QB Jack Sears throwing a pass 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)
USC (4-4, 3-3) turned to redshirt freshman Jack Sears who made his first collegiate start after J.T. Daniels and Matt Fink suffered injuries against Utah last week.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in a game setting,” Sears said “We did our best in fall camp and my entire time here. I gotta go out and play better in the first half. I felt comfortable in the second half and guys never stopped believing in me. It was fun to rally with them and keep competing and we fought to the very end.”
The San Clemente product completed 20-of-28 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Sears hit Tyler Vaughns for a 52-yard touchdown with 35 seconds left in the game to make it a three-point game. USC failed to recover the onside kick and ran out of time.
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Eno Benjamin slipping away 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)
Michael Pittman Jr. caught his fifth touchdown pass this season on a 6-yard pass from Sears to close the second quarter and caught his team-best sixth touchdown pass on a 36-yard pass from Tyler Vaughns, off a lateral from Sears.
Not only did Vaughns throw a touchdown, he also caught a touchdown and returned a punt for a touchdown.
“We’ve been on the wrong side of a lot of these games,” ASU head coach Herm Edwards said. “It was fun to see them come in the locker room after beating a talented team. They had to beat a team that had won 19 in a row (at home). I told them at the end. They made it hard on me. I thought about maybe going back to television.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Arizona State Sun Devils vs USC Trojans on October 27, 2018 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly)
USC will try to bounce from two straight losses when they head to Corvallis for a matchup against Oregon State on Saturday.
