Tulsa heartbreaks continues, unable to prevent a Tulane comeback

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October 27, 2018

Tulsa, Okla. – With a 39 yard keeper, Tulane (3-5,2-2 ACC) quarterback Justin McMillan’s touchdown capped a 24-17 comeback victory that removed Tulsa from bowl eligibility.

Tulsa was unable to answer in next possession. The Green Wave sack of quarterback Seth Boomer set up a failed fourth-and-18 attempt, giving Tulane possession with only 1:23 remaining.

Coming off their first shutout in 9 years to Arkansas the previous week, the Golden Hurricane lead for the majority of the game. Leading early by 10-0, that lead was shorten to three by a one yard Darius Bradwell touchdown run to finish the first half.

Tulsa regained a 10 point lead with a 14 yard touchdown run by Keylon Stokes to make in 17-7.

With a series of costly penalties Tulsa started losing moment in the third quarter. Tulsa head coach Philip Montgomery saying, “Some of those things you got to be more disciplined about. Our penalties just came at bad times and you just can’t have that. We can’t hurt ourselves.”

With the help of an explosive 51 yard run by Corey Dauphine, Tulane tied it up with a McMillan touchdown and 20 yard field to make it 17 all early in the fourth.

Commenting on their second half troubles Montgomery said, “We gave up a couple of explosive plays today that we have not been giving up. Our guys are battling, they are fighting, we just have to get over the hump.”

Tulsa now falls to 1-7, 0-4 ACC and will be hosting UConn Huskies (1-7,1-3) this upcoming Saturday.

Moving forward, sophomore WR Keylon Stokes says, “We just keep in our minds that we have to go out there every day and give it our all and give it our best… we still have something to fight for and that’s to finish the season with a better record.”

Mustangs Lose Heartbreaker in Overtime

By

Ariawna Talton

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October 27, 2018

SMUvsCincy6 — University of Cincinnati vs SMU football game in Dallas, TX on October 27. (Photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)

University of Cincinnati vs SMU football game in Dallas, TX on October 27. (Photo by Ari Talton / fi360 News)

Dallas, TX – SMU Mustang fans had every reason to believe that their team was in route to a victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats Saturday afternoon.

With a three point lead, the ball and only minutes remaining – the Mustangs didn’t convert third down. They had to punt the ball away to a Cincinnati team prepared to take advantage. They drove down the field with seconds to spare. Field goal kicker Cole Smith was tested three times on a 41-yard field goal, as SMU called two timeouts. He made the first two attempts and wouldn’t be denied on the third try.

“Cincinnati did a good job on that last drive,” SMU coach Sonny Dykes said. “The field goal kicker made that kick three times.”

Smith’s kick tied the game at 20 all as the clock expired.

Cincinnati chose to begin overtime on defense. Their offense would not have to take the field again. With his team in position to score, SMU quarterback Ben Hicks was picked off by Cincinnati sophomore safety James Wiggins.

Wiggins jumped the route and would return the interception 86 yards for a touchdown, leaving both SMU’s sideline and the fans stunned. The final score read 26-20, giving Cincinnati a record of 7 – 1.

“We just made a bad play in overtime,” said Dykes.

Hicks has thrown four interceptions all season – all four have been returned for touchdowns. While Saturday’s game came down to a final play, SMU had plenty of opportunities to create more separation. The three main backs – Braeden West, Ke’Mon Freeman and Xavier Jones – combined for only 36 yards on 18 carries.

The 3-5 Mustangs will host Houston at home next Saturday.

Oregon State use OT to upset Colorado

By

Eileen Heilman

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October 27, 2018

Boulder, CU – Oregon State scored 25 unanswered answered points behind quarterback Jake Luton coming off the bench to spark the Beavers. They trailed Colorado 31-3 in the third quarter before forcing overtime.

The Buffaloes had its Homecoming spoiled by Oregon State losing in overtime 41-34 Saturday at Folsom Field.

Luton came in off the bench to give Beavers a big spark finishing with 310 yards passing, 28/39 completions with 3 touchdowns.

“I just hoped I’d provide a spark for the team,” Luton said. “The guys never got down,”

Running Back Jermar Jefferson making a hard cut during the Oregon State vs Colorado football game at Folsom Field, in Boulder, CU on Saturday October 27, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Both teams had a last attempt to end the game in regulation with a victory. The Beavers could have ended the game early if they made the last extra point. Then leaving 29 seconds on the clock, the Buffaloes set themselves up for 53-yard field goal that had no chance of going through the uprights as time expired.

“I guess you’d call this a gut-wrencher,” Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said.

Colorado (5-3, 2-3) started off the game fast building a 24-3 lead at the half keeping the student section up on their feet. Steven Montez had a steady game completing 24/39 passes for 319 yards with 2 touchdowns.

Colorado Steven Montez breaking the pocket during the Oregon State vs Colorado football game at Folsom Field, in Boulder, CU on Saturday October 27, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

This now is Colorado third loss in a row after starting off the season 5-0 looking to have a winning season. Today’s performance was a classic case of taking your foot off gas.

“I think we might have (coasted) a little bit,” Buffs QB Steven Montez said.

Oregon State (2-6, 1-4) coach Jonathan Smith made a key decision when he swapped backup Jake Luton for starting quarterback Jack Costello. Everybody roots for the back up and Luton didn’t disappoint the fans or his teammates.

Quarterback Jake Luton during the Oregon State vs Colorado football game at Folsom Field, in Boulder, CU on Saturday October 27, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Now Colorado will use these game as a teachable moment as the travel to face the Arizona Wildcats who will have Khalil Tate back at quarterback.

Oregon State will return home riding this wave to face a wounded USC team in Corvallis.

No. 23 Utah football plows through UCLA

By

Phil Sidavong

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October 26, 2018

NCAA Football 2018: Utah Utes vs UCLA Bruins OCT26 — October 26, 2018 Pasadena CA, Utah Utes defensive back Marquise Blair #13 zeroing in on wide receiver Dymond Lee #9 during the Utah Utes vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 26, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

A good defensive stop by UCLA on Utah opening drive was all but erased after a muffed punt by Adarius Pickett.

The Bruins (2-6) were in for a long night as several missed opportunities cost them momentum all throughout the night; despite a goal-line stop after the muffed punt to force a field goal.

“I misjudged the ball, Pickett said. I shouldn’t have even gone for that. That was on me”

No. 23 Utah football (6-2) would go on to throttle the Bruins 41-10 on Friday night.

UCLA Bruins running back Joshua Kelley #27 being wrapped up by Utah during the Utah Utes vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 26, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“It’s a fundamental game, we have to catch a ball on offense and make a tackle on defense, UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said. “you’re not going to win a game tackling like that.”

The Utes running back Zack Moss had a field day gashing the Bruins defense to the tune of 211 yards and 3 TDs on 26 carries.

“They were well-schemed, it was my job all night to slide in and stop him,” Pickett said. “Lots of drop offs and missed tackles.”

UCLA Bruins quarterback Wilton Speight #3 on the run during the Utah Utes vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 26, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Despite the Bruins finding hints of success with Wilton Speight under center, they found themselves playing from behind all game, which forced him to run (eight rush, 30 yards) and throw more than normal (20-for-40 for 162 yards and 2 INTs).

After a touchdown run on their second drive, the Bruins were outscored 38-3 in the final three quarters of the game.

Caleb Wilson (5 rec, 62 yds) and Theo Howard (6 rec, 51 yds) had respectable nights on the receiving end; while Joshua Kelley (16 rushes, 90 yds and a TD) had another good night until it was hampered by the Bruins inability to get a stop.

Even the small bright spots were wiped away after penalties and mistakes in key moments gave up field position, including a false start which led to JJ Molson missing a field goal to end the first half.

“We didn’t play well tonight,” Pickett said.

The Bruins will head to Eugene, OR to take on No. 19 Oregon on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Guidry Brothers 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)

“It was a short week, we only had one day in pads,” Kelly said. “Next week we’ll get the full two days in pads and get back to the fundamentals.”

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 8

By

Press Release

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October 22, 2018

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 8

OFFENSIVE: Tyler Huntley, Jr., QB, Utah (Dania, Fla.)
• Huntley completed 22 of 29 pass attempts (.759) for a career-high-tying 341 yards and four touchdowns in Utah’s 41-28 win over USC.
• Also rushed for 33 rushing yards and a touchdown in amassing 374 yards of total offense.
• Huntley’s 46-yard touchdown pass to Britain Covey on third down and five in the first quarter sparked a run of 34 unanswered points by Utah.
• Huntley’s scoring drives averaged 82 yards per drive.
• He has thrown for 200-plus yards in back-to-back games with his 300-plus yards against USC the fourth 300-yard game of his career.

Also nominated: Patrick Laird, RB, CAL; Cameron Scarlett, RB, STAN; Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA; Gardner Minshew II, WSU

DEFENSIVE: Chase Hansen, Sr., LB, Utah (Highland, Utah)
• Hansen led Utah with 11 tackles (3.0 TFL) and his second interception of the season in Utah’s 41-28 win over USC.
• Hansen was integral in holding USC to just 3-of-14 on third down conversions, including 0-10 through the first three quarters.
• His interception came in the first quarter on the USC 20, eventually setting up the field goal that closed USC’s lead to four (14-10).
• 10 of his 11 tackles stopped USC from a first down.
• With his 3.0 tackles for loss against USC, he has 14.0 on the season, ranking second in the Pac-12 and fourth in the nation.

Also nominated: Jordan Kunaszyk, LB, CAL; Kaulana Apelu, LB, ORE; Bobby Okereke, LB, STAN; Darnay Holmes, DB, UCLA; Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, WASH; Jalen Thompson, S, WSU.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Matt Gay, Sr., PK, Utah (Orem, Utah)
• Gay was 2-for-2 on field goals and 5-for-5 on PATs against USC. He had seven kickoffs for 459 yards (65.6 average) with five touchbacks.
• His 33-yard field goal to open the second quarter cut USC’s lead to 14-10, then added a 30-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter, giving Utah a 20-14 lead.
• He leads the Pac-12 in scoring by a kicker per game (8.0) and field goals per game (1.43).
• He is a perfect 6-for-6 in the 30-39-yard range this season.

Also nominated: Jake Bailey, P, STAN; Stefan Flintoft, P, UCLA.

– www.pac-12.com –

UCLA joins PAC-12 South race with win over Arizona

By

Eric Ramos

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October 20, 2018

NCAA Football 2018: Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins OCT 20 — October 20, 2018 Pasadena CA, Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 20, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

UCLA quarterback Wilton Speight came off the bench and threw for 204 yards with two touchdowns to help the Bruins to a 31-30 win over Arizona Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

“The team, that locker room, is filled with winners, led by a coaching staff full of winners,” Speight said. “And we’re going to keep winning each day and winning each meeting and winning each practice, and stack little wins until the outcome is what we want every Saturday.”

After starting the season 0-5, UCLA has won two straight games and join the hunt in the Pac-12 South after Colorado and USC suffered losses on Saturday. UCLA is one of four teams with two losses.

“Part of being a good football team is you have to finish and tonight, we were fortunate enough to finish,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said. “I think we overcame some of the things that we did to ourselves from a penalty standpoint but in the end, we had just enough to beat them so we’ll take it.”

Speight, who transferred from Michigan, entered the game in the second quarter after starter Dorian Thompson-Robinson was injured on a sack.

UCLA scored on its opening drive for the first time this season as Thompson-Robinson connected with Kazmeir Allen for a 16-yard touchdown. Thomas-Robinson led the Bruins to a 10-0 lead, throwing 103 yards and a touchdown.

Darnay Holmes forced a fumble at the UCLA 3 and recovered it in the end zone to preserve a 17-7 lead heading into halftime.

October 20, 2018 Pasadena CA,
UCLA Bruins defensive back Darnay Holmes #1 punches the ball out during the Arizona Wildcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on October 20, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“When you are in these one-score games we have to close them out,” Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin said. “Tonight was a situation where UCLA did it.”

Arizona opened the third quarter with three straight scoring drives. Two field goals by Josh Pollack and an 11-yard touchdown catch by Shawn Poindexter gave the Wildcats a 20-17.

Speight hit Demetric Felton on a 25-yard touchdown to regain the lead, 24-20, with 3:08 left in the third quarter. Arizona came right back with a 1-yard touchdown run by J.J. Taylor at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

Cal takes out their frustrations on the Beavers

By

Jevone Moore

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October 20, 2018

_BL_4248 — October 20, 2018 Cal Bears vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Corvallis, OR- California Golden Bears took out their frustrations on Oregon State Beavers only allowing on scoring drive for the game.

Cal senior running back Patrick Laird led a scoring barrage with three touchdowns defeating the Beavers 49-7 for their first road win in PAC-12 in three seasons.

“It was emotional,” Laird said. “I think that team meeting is going to be an important part of the season.”

October 20, 2018
Cal Bears vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

The Beavers had to rely on backup quarterback Jack Colletto after Conner Blount went down late in the first half.

There was no stopping the Cal who amassed 539 total yards offensively with a balance attack.

Chase Garbers returned back as the starting quarterback just in time to throw for 234 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions connecting on 17/26 attempts.

“No (PAC-12) road wins in three years, that’s a long time,” Garbers said. “Checking off that box says a lot about this team.”

Garbers and Laired almost look like they were playing against air, as they dominated the Beavers.

“That was painful,” Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith said. “I don’t really know any other way to describe it.”

Artavis Pierce try to help his team get the running game established buy was only able to gain 44 yards on 13 attempts. While Laird on the ground rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Cal team on both side of the ball just look fresher and faster all game long, sealing the deal with a pick six for 54 yards by Josh Drayden.

Cal defense also stepped up hold the PAC-12 No 1 rushing team to only 95 yards and one touchdown which was a quarterback sneak.

“We knew there would be a challenge there,” Wilcox said. “I thought our guys really showed up and responded.”

The Beavers will travel to Folsom Field to face the Colorado Buffaloes who are looking to bounce back in the win column.

Trace McSorley pushes Nittany Lions past Indiana

By

Chris Tulley

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October 20, 2018

CFB 2018:Penn State vs Indiana OCT 20 — during the Penn State Nittany Lions vs Indiana Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Ronnie Walker Jr running past Penn State defenders for a 30 yd TD during the Penn State Nittany Lions vs Indiana
Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana continued to battle at home with Big 10 heavyweight Penn State. The No. 18 Nittany Lions beat the Hoosiers 33-28.

Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey was able to complete 26 of 36 for 236 yards but the Hoosiers relied on their rushers for all but one of their touchdowns. Stevie Scott ran for 138 yards and two touchdowns, with his first being a five yard rush to tie the game 7-7 just fine minutes into the game.

Both teams exchanged blows and points as Penn State led 17-14 going into the half. Ronnie Walker Jr. scored the second Hoosier touchdown.

Indiana led the game twice, once before the half and then again after Scott took a handoff to go up 20-21 after two Penn State field goals.

Allen Stallings IV with a sack on Trace McSorely during the Penn State Nittany Lions vs Indiana
Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

From this point on, Lions’ qb Trace McSorley controlled the game. Though he threw an interception and no touchdowns, he was the lead rusher with 107 yards and his teams’ final two scores to cement the win.

Penn State fumbled four times to Indiana three. Neither team scored from forced turnovers.

Penn State Nittany Lions vs Indiana
Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on October 20, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Indiana will travel to Minnesota next week after handing Nebraska it’s first win.

Penn State will host No. 19 Iowa.

Colorado missing a few Buffaloes in Washington Defeat

By

Jordan Blaine

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October 20, 2018

Seattle, WA – Colorado being out manned due to injury at key positions at Husky Stadium was too much to overcome. The No 15 Washington Huskies handed them their second loss of the season 27-13 behind a balance attack.

After a slow first quarter when Colorado held their only lead before Washington picked up steam and back into the win column.

“We’re not going to make excuses about who is there or not there,” head coach Mike MacIntyre said. “We have to find a way to win. We have enough talent and I know our quarterback is good enough for us to get more points on the board. We’ll find a way to do that.”

Jake Browning had decent outing completing 15/25 for 150 yards with a touchdown. He had one miscue throwing an interception and making the tackle to avoid a pick six.

The running game was working so they didn’t need to rely on a big game from Browning’s arm.

“We kind of take pride in, when we beat teams we want to beat them twice — we play so physical that they lose the next week,” Browning said. “We refused to let that happen to us. I know for me personally, I only have so many games here (left). ”

Colorado was only able to have 254 total yards in the game. Quarterback Steven Montez had similar stat line with 144 yards passing on 17/28 with one touchdown, one interception.

“It goes without saying, Laviska Shenault is just so special after the catch and what he can do with the ball in his hands,” quarterback Steven Montez said. “Not having him obviously didn’t help us at all, but I think we definitely have receivers outside of Laviska that are very capable and that can play, as well.”

Washington got some help from their cross town rival Washington State who upset Oregon.

“Who knows what can happen? This league is crazy,” Browning said.

Now Colorado will be hosting Oregon State Saturday at noon on the PAC-12 Network.

Arizona State falls short in the desert

By

Raven Boone

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October 18, 2018

ASU vs Stan 126 u — Stanford vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on October 18, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

Tempe, AZ — Arizona State (3-4, 1-3) had a chance to tie it at the end and send it to overtime, but came up short as time ran out during the final drive. ASU falls 20-13 to Stanford (5-2, 3-1) at Sun Devil Stadium on Thursday.

In ASU’s final attempt to tie things up, the Sun Devils received the ball at its own 15-yard line with 2:20 to play, lacking a timeout. Senior quarterback Manny Wilkins was sacked on the first down of the finally drive for a loss of two, but quickly responded with an 11-yard completion to junior wide receiver Kyle Williams.

But time just wasn’t on the Sun Devils side.

On 2^nd-and-10 with seven seconds remaining, Wilkins completed a short pass to running back Eno Benjamin who was tackled inbounds at the 13 as time expired for another Sun Devils loss.

“In my head I knew not to take a sack,” Wilkins said.“I should’ve thrown it at Eno’s feet, instead I threw it at his chest and he caught it. Just poor clock management and special awareness on my part.”

ASU entered tonight’s game with only two offensive turnovers for the season, but against the Cardinal defense they racked up three crucial turnovers that dramatically shifted the momentum of the game.

Wilkins committed two of those turnovers.

On a second and down play, Wilkins ran a designed QB draw, but Cardinal linebacker Bobby Okereke forced a fumble. Stanford capitalized on the Sun Devil turnover with a 21-yard field goal by Jet Toner to tie the game.

Wilkins also had an interception, along with junior wide receiver N’Keal Harry.

“I pride myself on taking care of the football. Two turnovers on my part is completely inexcusable. I feel like I let the team down, got to be smart,” Wilkins said. Stanford controlled the ball for majority of the game, never allowing the Sun Devils the opportunity to make a comeback after taking a 6-3 lead heading into the half. The Cardinals increased that lead to 20-6 in the third with back-to-back touchdowns.

K.J. Costello connected with senior wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside for a 28-yard touchdown with 7:55 remaining in the third. On a first-and-goal, Cardinal running back Cameron Scarlett bullied his way into the end zone from a yard out to give the Cardinals its second touchdown of the game and a 20-6 lead with 2:45 left in the third quarter.

In the fourth, the Sun Devils chipped away at the Cardinals lead after Wilkins rushed for a much needed 10-yard touchdown, ASU’s first of the game. But it just wasn’t enough.

“Well, if I had the formula, I’d feed it to them, but I don’t have it right now,” Edwards said. “I like their effort, I know that. They play hard, they do.”

The Sun Devils have lost four of its last five games, but hopes to turn things around next Saturday in Los Angeles against USC.