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Oregon State can’t finish off the Cougars

October 06, 2018 Washington State vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Cody Jurgens / fi360 News)
October 06, 2018
Jermar Jefferson making a defender miss during the Washington State vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Cody Jurgens / fi360 News)

Corvallis, OR – An exciting first half leads to a disappointing end. Washington state Cougars lead the scoreboard against the Oregon State Beavers, 56-37.

 

Washington state takes over by scoring two touchdowns within minutes of the first quarter making the score 14-0. Shortly after, Jermar Jefferson scores a 6-yard touchdown, putting the Beavers back on the board, 14-7. After this play happened, the momentum of the Beavers shifted, pushing them to keep a strong pace.

 

Jefferson broke a long touchdown run that was unfortunately called for a hold, resulting the Beavers having to punt the ball. The Cougars lost this opportunity and the Beavers ended up recovering the ball. Jefferson scores a touchdown shortly after, tying the game 14-14. The fans instantly became enthusiastic and rowdy as the first quarter was neck-and-neck.

 

October 06, 2018
Dezmon Patton makes a grab during the Washington State vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Cody Jurgens / fi360 News)

While the Cougars responded quickly to these plays, the beavers were not letting down. Travon Bradford reversed the ball in the second quarter and raced down the sideline 56 yards setting up Jefferson to score his third touchdown of the game. With 34 seconds left of the first half, the cougars responded with a fourth touchdown, leading them 28-24.

 

The fourth quarter lead Connor Blount to throw a beautiful pass to Timmy Hernandez, running 46 yards. Shortly after, Jefferson scores his fourth touchdown and BJ Baylor ends the game as their final touchdown with 35 seconds left on the clock.

The Beavers started to fade throughout the second half. Blount left the game mid-fourth quarter disappointed after a shoulder injury. This injury put Jack Colletto on the field. Colletto instantly hands off to Artavis Pierce, who picks up 32 yard push but was incomplete after the refs called a holding penalty. This pushed the Beavers back, facing a third-and-54. The Cougars instantly take over, leading the scoreboard 49-30.

October 06, 2018
Washington State vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Cody Jurgens / fi360 News)

“Well, sounds pretty similar from the last few weeks. It’s tough to get over the hump. We continue to battle but it’s a reoccurring thing.” Smith says. “We didn’t have any huge runs that I can remember other than the end there, so there’s some steps. And I think there’s individual improvement.”

Oregon State has an upcoming bye-week but will take on California on their home turf, October 20th.

October 06, 2018
Washington State vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Cody Jurgens / fi360 News)

Comeback bid falls short for UCLA Football in loss to No. 10 Washington

Washington Huskies running back Myles Gaskin (9) runs the ball during a college football game between the Washington Huskies and the UCLA BRUINS on October 06, 2018 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 06: UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (7) during a college football game between the Washington Huskies and the UCLA BRUINS on October 06, 2018 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Pasadena, Ca – Game on the line, down by two scores and the only thing in Dorian Thompson-Robinson mind is getting into the endzone and giving his team another shot to tie the game.

The true freshman quarterback had to scramble to put the ball on the 2-yard-line, but on the very next play he put it in the hands of another freshman, Joshua Kelley, for a two-yard touchdown score go cut the Bruins deficit to 24-31 with 1:38 left to play against the No. 10 Washington Huskies.
Unfortunately for UCLA football team, the ensuing onside kick would go to the Huskies as they improved to 5-1 on the season, while the Bruins continue their freefall to 0-5, on Saturday.
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 06: Washington Huskies wide receiver Aaron Fuller (2) during a college football game between the Washington Huskies and the UCLA BRUINS on October 06, 2018 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

“To me it doesn’t mean much, if we don’t get the win,” Joshua Kelley said of his back-to-back 100 yard games. “I mean, shoutout to the line, the tight ends… they really go out and block and do it for me.”

Kelley who finished with 20 carries for 126 yards and a rushing touchdown has been a nice piece of consistency over the last two weeks for the Bruins.
“Josh had some good runs in training up to the Colorado game and it showed there and then tonight,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said. “He didn’t get much work against Fresno State, but he put his head down and went to work.”
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 06: Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning (3) runs the ball during a college football game between the Washington Huskies and the UCLA BRUINS on October 06, 2018 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

Junior linebacker Krys Barnes had high-praise for the freshman running back and added that Kelley is the type of go who goes at it 110 percent, all the time, with a smile on his face.

Despite the close scoreline against one of the top defenses in the nation, it doesn’t matter if they don’t win.
“We’re not here for moral victories,” Kelly said. “We’re not in the locker room high-fiving saying, ‘We were close.” Close is not good, close is bad.”
While the team may be struggling to find rhythm early in games, the consistent improvement in the second half has been a bright side for the Bruins and as Thompson-Robinson turned in a stellar performance, despite one interception he finished the game 27-for-38 with 271 yards and two touchdowns, there are lots of things to look forward to.
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 06: UCLA Bruins defensive back Adarius Pickett (6) intercepts the ball and gets tackled by Washington Huskies tight end Drew Sample (88) during a college football game between the Washington Huskies and the UCLA BRUINS on October 06, 2018 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

“Dorian continues to improve every day,” Kelly said. “He never makes the same mistake twice.”

UCLA will head to Cal (3-1) next week on Saturday to take on a quietly good Golden Bears team.
“We’re slowly coming together,” Barnes said. “Offense is getting there, defense and even the special teams is coming together too. I think once it all clicks, we’ll be good.”

The Utah Utes Upset No. 14 Stanford in Palo Alto

Utah Utes receiver Britain Covey (18) makes the catch and heads upfield. The Utah Utes defeat the Stanford Cardinal 40-21 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Stanford Cardinal quarterback K.J. Costello (3) is pressured by Utah Utes pass rushers. The Utah Utes defeat the Stanford Cardinal 40-21 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Palo Alto, CA – The Utah Utes (3-2, 1-2) brought down the No. 14 Stanford Cardinal (4-2, 2-1), 40-21, on Saturday, Oct. 6, ending their two-game losing streak and pushing the Utes’ record at Stanford Stadium to 4-0.

The Utes capitalized on their opportunities in this one with 17 points coming off four forced turnovers on the night, including a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by sophomore corner Jaylon Johnson (1).

Despite a slow start in the first quarter, Utah showed excellent balance offensively throughout the game and made enough big plays defensively to survive and snap a three-year, six-game skid against Top 25 opponents.

Stanford Cardinal running back Cameron Scarlett (22) dives into the end zone. The Utah Utes defeat the Stanford Cardinal 40-21 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Junior quarterback Tyler Huntley (1) finished with 199 yards and a touchdown on 17-of-21 passing, along with 23 yards on the ground.

Leading the way on the ground, however, was Zack Moss (2), who totaled 160 yards and two scores on 20 attempts, giving him three 100-yard games so far this season.

Despite the costly mistakes and lacking star senior Bryce Love (20), the Cardinal pushed for a comeback in the second half.

Utah Utes corner Jaylon Johnson (1) intercepts the ball on the goalline before taking it back 100 yards for the score. The Utah Utes defeat the Stanford Cardinal 40-21 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello (3) would end with over 380 yards passing and a touchdown, brought in by true freshman Michael Wilson (4) to make it 27-21 with less than two minutes remaining in the third.

But with the help of placekicker Matt Gay (97), who went 4-4 on field goal tries with 16 total points, the Utes pulled away to hand the Cardinal their second consecutive loss and snap their 11-game home winning streak.

Utah receiving core also played a big role in the game with Britain Covey (18) and Samson Nacua (45) each eclipsing 70 yards, and Nacua bringing in his second career touchdown catch and first of the season.  

Utah Utes receiver Samson Nacua (45) breaks away from a defender on his way to his first touchdown of 2018. The Utah Utes defeat the Stanford Cardinal 40-21 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

The Cardinal move into their bye week next before heading down to Tempe to take on the Arizona State Sun Devils (3-3, 1-2) for a Thursday night match-up on October 18.

The Utes return home this week to take on the Arizona Wildcats (3-3, 2-1) Friday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Colorado Buffaloes remain undefeated and lead the PAC-12 in a victory versus Arizona State

Laviska Shenault Jr. with the catch and run during the Arizona State vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on October 6, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
QB Steven Montez looking down the field during the Arizona State vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on October 6, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Boulder, CO — The Colorado Buffaloes prove their worth to remain in the Top 25 with a win over the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday, 28-21.

Laviska Shenault Jr., receiver for the Buffaloes (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) made an impact racking up four total TD’s, two running and two receiving. The Colorado offense was on fire as the offensive line remained strong allowing quarterback Steven Montez to throw for a total of 328 yards.

The game may have gone to OT if the Arizona State defense could’ve held back the Colorado offense with under two minutes left in the fourth quarter. The line remained strong and during one of the last and most important drives of the game, Shenault Jr. ran into the end zone for one yard, forcing the score to 28-21.

Laviska Shenault Jr. with the catch and run during the Arizona State vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on October 6, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

“I think that opportunities presented themselves and [Colorado] capitalized on the opportunities when they presented themselves and we didn’t. That is what the game boils down to…”, stated Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards.

Arizona State (3-3, 1-2 Pac-12) began the game with explosive energy as running back Eno Benjamin put the Sun Devils on the board with a one yard rushing TD. Benjamin scored two of the three touchdowns. The Colorado defense had one job: stop Eno Benjamin.

“First of all, Arizona State is really good football team… the running back Benjamin, I was a little nervous, in the first half we had a hard time tackling him. In the second half, our guys adjusted. I thought the D-line and the front seven play in the second half was pretty amazing,” stated Colorado head coach Mike MacIntrye.

Eno Benjamin rushing during the Arizona State vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on October 6, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Last week, Benjamin had a whopping 312 rushing yards on the Oregon State Beavers but the Buffaloes had a job to do. Benjamin fell short of his memorable performance with a total 130 rushing yards on the night.

Arizona State receiver Frank Darby put his team on the board for the last time in the third quarter with a 40-yard reception from quarterback Manny Wilkins. Darby received for 131 yards, breaking his record for most receiving yards in a game this season.

Montez, a consistent leader for the Buffaloes, broke 1,000 passing yards for the year and is sitting pretty on a 75% completion percentage. Montez passed to Shenault Jr. for a 30-yard completion in the third quarter to tie up the game, 21-21.

“He knows where he wants to go with the ball. That saying we have of, ‘knowledge plus confidence equals playing fast’, that helps,” said MacIntrye about his quarterback, “…he’s just continued maturing and he’s gotten a little bit better in every area, and that’s making a huge difference.”

Travon McMillian rushing during the Arizona State vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on October 6, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Colorado acquired close to a total 500 yards on the night and according to Montez, all the thanks should go the offensive line, “there would be no skill guys if it wasn’t for this group right here. There would be no such thing as skill guys. These guys probably have the most skill on our offense as far as I’m concerned.”

No. 21 Colorado Buffaloes leads the Pac-12 South and goes on to face their first Pac-12 game on the road against the USC Trojans (3-2, 2-1 Pac-12) on Oct. 13, airing on FS1.

Eno Benjamin reaching for the endzone during the Arizona State vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on October 6, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Indiana can’t keep in stride with Ohio State

Johnnie Dixon III for a 39 yds td catch during the Indiana Hosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Peyton Ramsey and the Indiana offense fought to stay in stride with Ohio State, the number three program in the nation, but the Buckeye secondary kept him in check in the 49-26 loss.

“Proud of that but obviously not good enough so we’ll get better,” Indiana head coach Tom Allan said, after the loss.

Allan was happy with his team’s performance on such a big stage. “Every team is a new team. We’ve had some key players out on offense and had other guys stepping up,” Allan stated. “I thought we were able to take advantage of some things and that’s going to help us in the future and grow in confidence to get more guys involved.”

In this Hoosier loss there were: four total sacks, one for Indiana and three from Ohio State. Indiana played 70 snaps for 402 yards compared to Ohio’s 92 for 609. Ramsey completed 26 of 49 passes for 322 yards in the air while Ohio State went 33-44 for 455 yards. Indiana earned 84 rushing yards to Ohio State’s 154.

Parris Campbell Jr running pass Indiana defender for a 71 yd TD during the Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Ohio State played a sloppy game with nine penalties for 82 yards but its offense led by freshman Dwayne Haskins outplayed the Hoosiers in every level. Indiana struck first with with a 37 yard field goal by Logan Justus in the first series of the afternoon Big 10 match up. Ohio State was not far behind. After losing a fumble to the Hoosiers, Urban Meyer’s team forced Ramsey to turn the ball over on downs and Haskins put the ball in J.K. Dobbins’ grip for a one yard touchdown late in the first quarter.

Indiana failed to capitalize on their following drive and put Hayden Whitehead in to kick the first punt of the game. Haskins retaliated with his first of six touchdowns of the night, a 39 yard TD pass to Johnnie Dixon and the game was 14-3 early in the second quarter. Not wanting to be outdone, Ramsey and the Hoosier offense took 91 seconds to put tight end Peyton Hendershot in the end zone with a 32 yard completion.

Three minutes later, Ramsey found success again. This time with a 19 yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook. The 17-14 lead would be IU’s final time on top.

Mike Weber Jr breaking a tackle of a Indiana defender during the Indiana Hosiers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

From this point on, Ohio State played like Ohio State does. Indiana trailed 20-28 at halftime after two more scoring passes from Haskins and only a field goal from Justus.

In the first series of the second half, Haskins hit Parris Campbell Jr. for a 72 yard touchdown reception. Trailing 35-20, Indiana attempted to fight back. Ramsey marched his team 58 yards for the final Indiana addition to the scoreboard with a three yard pass to Donovan Hale. Indiana then tried and failed a 2-point conversion to cap their score at 26.

The Buckeyes weren’t appeased with this lead in the fourth quarter so Haskins added two more touchdown passes, a 17 yard pass to Terry McLaurin and a 30 yard toss up to Binjimen Victor.

After their second loss this year, the Hoosiers are now 4-2. “But there’s no shame in our guys and what they were trying to do, and I just feel like, once again, it’s just a matter of being able to continue to be put in those positions, and we are finding ourselves in those spots and we had to fight like crazy to get there.”

Stevie Scott with a mean stiff arm of Ohio State defender during the Indiana Hoosiers vs Ohio State
Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 6, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

West Virginia pulls away to win Homecoming

Leddie Brown on way to down the field during the Kansas vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)
Receiver David Sills V with a catch during the Kansas vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

Morgantown, WV – It wasn’t the most pretty game today, but at the end of the day West Virginia University is secure at 5-0. The Mountaineer’s pulled off the victory today at Puskar Stadium.

The Mountaineers are now 5-0 on the season with the win today at 2018 Homecoming.

West Virginia turned the ball over four times today at very inopportune times, but the Mountaineers finally pulled away for a 38-22 win over the Jayhawks from Kansas today.

The Mountaineers (5-0, 3-0) came into today’s game sporting one of the top passing attacks in the NCAA. Grier did throw for 332 yards today and at times he did look like a possible Heisman candidate.

Will Grier about to slide during the Kansas vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

However, at times he looked like a young QB that was a still learning what his WR’s could do on the field. When he was in synch with them, they moved the ball well and with purpose. Unfortunately, all three of Will’s picks today came while he was throwing for the endzone. Things like this are what seems to contribute to WVU’s “Red Zone” troubles and shortcomings.

One of the highlights today was running back Leddie Brown carrying the ball 11 times for 107 yards which included a TD. The first score of the day was Brown connecting with QB Will Grier. Will Grier had a horrible game behind an offensive line that was rattled and tore up throughout the game. Grier was sacked 6 times and hurried several more times. With all the sacks, Grier ended up with negative nine yards rushing all day.

The team obviously has room for improvement after today’s game. Even though they are 5-0 and sitting pretty, the team needs to reflect on today’s mistakes and build on them for next week key matchup. They truly don’t have time to tear everything down and build them back up.  There’s literally no time at the midpoint of the season.

T.J. Simmons after a catch during the Kansas vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

All the miscues which included three INT’s and many hurried plays are simple fixes as long as the line recognizes and fixes their trouble that they had today. It was obvious that the line was either confused and possibly just not in sync.

The defense came to play today. However, making up for the miscues of the offense at times was too much for them thus allowing a decent number of scores which in turn kept them in the game.

Mountaineers celebrate during the Kansas vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

Come on Back Dez

Dez Bryant (Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360)

Dear Jerry Jones, Dez Bryant is sorry and he wants to be back with America’s Team.

Do the right thing. Bring back Dez.

At this point in the NFL season, even the most loyal Dallas fan will struggle to name the Cowboys receivers beyond a hurt Cole Beasley and one Terrence Williams that most are willing to part with on any given day. Bring back Dez.

Sure, Bryant throws tantrums and sometimes he annoys our souls, but Dakota could definitely use another target. Bring back Dez.

We’re still not sure how you let both Bryant and Jason Witten leave in the same offseason, but Cowboys fans will let that blunder slide if Bryant returns to throw up the X for the remainder of this NFL season. Bring back Dez.

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

When asked Tuesday afternoon what team he plans to sign with, Bryant tweeted:

I’ll rather it be the Dallas Cowboys if not I’ll be ready to play somewhere else…     

If that’s not the most humble tweet we’ve seen from an athlete wanting to work, I don’t know what is.

What are the chances he returns to the Cowboys sideline acting a fool? What are the chances Bryant doesn’t complete his routes? What are the chances Bryant isn’t the perfect teammate this time around?

More importantly, what do the Cowboys have to lose?

While there may be a risk, there is even more reward for a Dallas team struggling to solidify an aerial attack. Bryant’s personality is an acquired taste, but no one has ever questioned his passion for the game or his desire to win.

Bring back Dez.

Patrick Mahomes Lights Up Stat Charts

Patrick Mahomes 2018 season kind of feels like Dak Prescott’s 2016 season, except Mahomes has a better arm than Prescott and a much better coach in Andy Reid.

Notice how Mahomes and Reid communicate with one another on the sideline. During Monday night’s comeback victory against the Denver Broncos, Mahomes could’ve very well been mistaken for a calm Tom Brady or a cool Drew Brees leading his team back.

Are you a believer yet? Are you paying attention to what’s happening in Kansas City? The Chiefs have a new hero, with funky hair and a raspy voice. His name is Patrick Mahomes.

While the NFL season is still young, 23-year-old Mahomes already appears to be the league’s “feel good” story of the year.

So what’s so special about the former Texas Tech quarterback?

Can he scramble? Absolutely. Are his receivers working to get open for their quarterback? Most definitely, which is a good sign that the Chiefs wideouts are fans of the young quarterback. Is he allowed time in the pocket to analyze the field? Well, he’s only been sacked five times. This tells us his offensive line is working hard to protect their quarterback.

Does he give a good interview? Mahomes certainly does exude a less-than arrogant degree of confidence. Despite the raspy voice, he speaks like a veteran set out to win games as opposed to just filling up the stat charts.

But Mahomes is filling up the stat charts, and rather impressively. In just four games, he has thrown for 1,200 yards and an NFL leading 14 touchdowns. Mahomes has completed 65 percent of his passes and boasts a 126.5 quarterback rating. Only the Rams’ Jared Goff has a better quarterback rating.

Rams QB Jared Goff (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Last year Mahomes sat and waited patiently for his chance behind veteran Alex Smith. With Smith now in Washington, the young quarterback is capitalizing on the opportunity to shine as Kansas City’s star quarterback.

Of course the naysayers won’t be convinced that Mahomes is the “guy” in KC until he gets his team to the playoffs and advances. At this point – considering his accuracy, his legendary coach and his confidence – we have no reason to believe that Mahomes can’t keep the Chiefs atop the AFC.

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 5

(Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 5

POW101.jpg

Photo by John Hays / fi360 News

OFFENSIVE: Eno Benjamin, So., RB, Arizona State (Wylie, Texas)
• Benjamin scored four touchdowns, three rushing and one receiving, in ASU’s 52-24 win over Oregon State on Saturday.
• The sophomore set school records for most rushing yards in a single game with 312 yards, which ranks eighth all-time in the Pac-12, and the most in a half with 185 yards (1st half). He is one of three Pac-12 running backs to rush for at least 250 yards this year.
• Benjamin’s 312-yard performance shattered the previous ASU record of 250 yards set by Ben Malone 45 years ago and is the most in the NCAA Division I FBS this season.
• Added 27 receiving yards for the second-most all-purpose yards (339) in program history, falling just short of J.R. Redmond’s 350 all-purpose yards from 1998.
• His rushing touchdowns went for 44, 47 and 10 yards and also scored on an eight-yard reception. Accumulated a double-digit total on 10 of his 30 carries against the Beavers (11, 44TD, 20, 21, 47TD, 15, 22, 23, 10TD, 19).

Also nominated: Steven Montez, QB, COLO; Justin Herbert, QB, ORE; Jermar Jefferson, RB, OSU; Aca’Cedric Ware, RB, USC; Zack Moss, RB, UTAH; Jake Browning, QB, WASH; Gardner Minshew II, QB, WSU

Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News

DEFENSIVE: Ugochukwu Amadi, Sr., S, Oregon (Nashville, Tenn.)
•Amadi hauled in two interceptions, including a pick-6 in the fourth quarter, and recorded seven solo tackles in Oregon’s 42-24 road win at No. 24 California for its first win in a Pac-12 road opener since 2015.
• His interception return for a touchdown was his second of the season and his third-career touchdown, while seven tackles tied his career high for the most by a Duck this season.
• Amadi is one of seven FBS players with seven or more tackles and two interceptions in a single game this season and is also one of only three players with two interceptions returned for touchdowns in 2018.
• First Oregon player with two interceptions, including a pick-6, in a Pac-12 game since Ifo Ekpre-Olomu in 2012 against Arizona.
• Tied for second nationally with three interceptions on the season.

Also nominated: Malik Lawal, LB, ASU; Drew Lewis, OLB, COLO; Alijah Holder, DB, STAN; Corrion Ballard, S, UTAH; Peyton Pelluer, LB, WSU.

Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News

SPECIAL TEAMS: Marvell Tell III, Sr., S, USC (Pasadena, Calif)
• Tell blocked a 38-yard field goal attempt at the end of the first half, points that could have been crucial in USC’s 24-20 victory over Arizona.
• As the starting free safety, Tell also had four tackles, including one for a loss, and grabbed USC’s first interception of 2018.

Also nominated: Brandon Ruiz, PK, ASU; Jake Bailey, P, STAN; JJ Molson, K, UCLA; Mitch Wishnowsky, P, UTAH

The No. 19 Oregon Ducks Handle No. 24 Cal on the Road

Oregon Ducks tight end Kano Dillon (85) takes a long reception into the end zone. The Oregon Ducks defeat the Cal Golden Bears 42-24 at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) scrambles away from pressure. The Oregon Ducks defeat the Cal Golden Bears 42-24 at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Berkeley, CA – The No. 19 Oregon Ducks (4-1, 1-1) showed no loss in swagger in first-year head coach Mario Cristobal’s first road test,defeating the No. 24 Cal Golden Bears (3-1, 0-1) 42-24 under the lights at California Memorial Stadium.

Following their dramatic loss to Stanford at home last week, Oregon played a well-rounded game led by quarterback Justin Herbert and its defense, which ultimately secure five turnovers on the night.

Herbert caught praise from Cristobal as well as Cal head coach Justin Wilcox following another prolific performance displaying the type of play that has NFL scouts on watch.

Cal Golden Bears receiver Vic Wharton III (17) stiff arms Oregon Ducks corner Thomas Graham Jr. (4). The Oregon Ducks defeat the Cal Golden Bears 42-24 at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

“You’re going to hear me say it every single week, he continues to elevate his game,” Cristobal said. “He was on point 99 percent of the time today.”

Herbert finished with 225 yards and two touchdowns on 16-of-22 passing.

Wilcox after the game called him an “elite talent.”

Oregon Ducks safety Jevon Holland (8) takes off after securing his second interception of the game to seal it late. The Oregon Ducks defeat the Cal Golden Bears 42-24 at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

After a short round of back-and-forth scoring, the Ducks broke away with a 21-point second quarter, capped by a fumble return touchdown from outside linebacker La’Mar Winston (32) to go up 28-10 at the half.

In the second half, Oregon would stretch the lead to 35-10 before the Golden Bears threatened a comeback with two touchdown drives, finished off first by senior running back Patrick Laird (28), followed by a toss from quarterback Brandon McIlwain (5) to Jordan Duncan (2), to make it 35-24.

But Ugochukwu Amadi (7) would cut all of Cal’s momentum with a pick-six, before freshman and fellow safety Jevon Holland (8) would seal the game with his second interception.

McIlwain and Garbers combined for 172 yards through the air on 15-of-30 attempts with just one touchdown and four interceptions.

Oregon Ducks running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio (33) tries to run through Cal Golden Bear defenders. The Oregon Ducks defeat the Cal Golden Bears 42-24 at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

The Golden Bears offense was dominated by its run game. McIlwain picked up 123 yards on fifteen attempts to go along with his rushing touchdown, and Laird would add 92 yards the ground with his score.

Wilcox said he was encouraged by his team’s fight in the game, ready to move on and learn from the loss.

“Nobody quit. We don’t have quitters. We’ve just got to play cleaner and we’ve got to take advantage of opportunities,” he said. “The tape will show it but our guys play hard, they compete, they play for each other and we can do some good things. We’ll use this experience to learn from and they’ll bounce back on Monday.”

Cal Golden Bears quarterback Chase Garbers (7) attempts a pass amid pressure from the Oregon defensive line. The Oregon Ducks defeat the Cal Golden Bears 42-24 at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

The Cal Golden Bears will travel to Tucson to take on the Arizona Wildcats in another night matchup at 7 p.m. PST, while the Oregon Ducks will look to ride their confidence following the win through their bye week and into their rivalry match-up with the Washing Huskies in Eugene on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018.