OFFENSIVE: #34 CJ Verdell, Fr., RB, Oregon (Chula Vista, Calif.) • Rushed for 111 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns in Oregon’s 30-27 overtime win over No. 7 Washington. • Scored the game-winning TD on a six-yard run on third down in overtime. • Became the first Duck to run for 100 yards in each of the first three Pac-12 games of the season since Byron Marshall in 2013. • Became the first Oregon freshman ever to rush for 100 yards in the first three Pac-12 games of the season and the first Oregon freshman to rush for 100 yards in four of his first six career games.
DEFENSIVE: #11 Keisean Lucier-South, Jr., LB, UCLA (Santa Ana, Calif.) • Posted a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, tied his career-high with a sack which forced a fumble, picked off his first career interception, and recovered a fumble which he returned 38 yards for a touchdown. • After UCLA had taken a 20-7 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Bruin defense forced Cal turnovers on four straight possessions and Lucier-South was involved in three of the four takeaways – interception, fumble recovery and return for touchdown, forced fumble on a sack. • The redshirt junior was credited with six total tackles in helping UCLA to its first win of the season.
SPECIAL TEAMS: #33 Mitch Wishnowsky, Sr., P, Utah (Perth, Australia) • Had four punts for a season-high average of 48.2 yards per punt against Arizona. Arizona had zero yards on one punt return. • Wishnowsky, who had two punts of 50 or more yards (long of 55), landed three of his four punts inside the 20-yard-line and two inside the 10. His final punt was a 55-yarder downed on the Arizona 2-yard line with 2:33 remaining in the game. • He also faked a punt for a 28-yard rush (the longest of his career) to set up Utah’s final touchdown of the game. • Wishnowsky ranks second in the Pac-12 and 19th in the nation in punting (44.6).
Also nominated: Davis Price, P/PK, COLO; JJ Molson, PK, UCLA
Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 13, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 13, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
USC senior cornerback Ajene Harris put the game away in the third quarter when he intercepted a tipped pass and returned it six yards for the score. The Crenshaw High School product was part of a Trojans defense that finished with 16 tackles for loss.
“I kind of saw it was thrown behind him and he bobbled it,” Harris said. “I tried to secure as fast as I can and get into the end zone. I do my job, being and athlete, and making a play.”
The Trojans scored 21 points in the second quarter en route to 31-20 victory over previously undefeated No. 19 Colorado on Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Michael Pittman Jr. hauld in five receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns to help the Trojans win its third straight game after suffering back-to-back losses. USC (4-2, 3-1) jumped to the top of the Pac-12 South division and remained unbeaten at home under head coach Clay Helton.
Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 13, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
“It was a really good win for our team,” Helton said. “It’s a win that allows us to control our destiny the rest of the way, it gives us first place and we have the opportunity now to move on to Utah and prepare for that game.”
On defense, USC was flying to the football and making plays all over the field, holding Colorado to 265 total yards. The Buffaloes had only 164 yards through the first three quarters.
“I was very proud of them,” Helton said of his defense. “I thought we were playing in their backfield the entire night. Whether it was run game, pass game. Their quarterback had a night where he was having to get off his spot consistently and just interrupt his timing.”
Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 13, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Freshman linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, who started in place of injured Cam Smith, led the defense with nine tackles.
“We did a lot of extra meetings around Thursday and Friday with coach Clancy and Cam,” Gaoteote said. “They got me straightened out with calls and alignments so coming into the game I was really confident.”
Helton said it was a tremendous plan by Clancy (Pendergast) and the defensive staff. He credits Johnny Nansen and Kenechi Udeze for a great job with what they’re doing with that D-line.
Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 13, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
After a scoreless first quarter, Colorado’s Laviska Shenault takes a direct snap and races 49 yards for the score. USC answered with a J.T. Daniels to Tyler Vaughns touchdown on the ensuing drive.
USC took a 14-7 lead on a 65-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Michael Pittman Jr. in the second quarter. The duo connected again, this time for a 9-yard touchdown with 1:10 left in the first half. The Trojans went into halftime leading, 21-7.
USC hits the road to take on Utah next Saturday in a Pac-12 south showdown.
Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans PAC-12 football game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday October 13, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
No 7 Washington Huskies vs No 17 Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
No 7 Washington Huskies vs No 17 Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
Eugene, OR – In their first game at home since the devastating overtime loss to Stanford, Oregon found themselves in overtime with the 7th ranked team in the nation, again. This time, the Ducks held Washington to a field goal, and capitalized on offense with a 6-yard touchdown run by CJ Verdell putting the Ducks ahead for a 30-27 upset victory.
CJ Verdell, the same running back who fumbled while attempting to convert the game winning first down against Stanford in week 4, led the Ducks with 111 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
Despite Verdell’s impressive turnaround with ball security, fumbles continued to plague the Ducks. After Washington tied the game at 3, Tony Brooks-James fumbled the Oregon kick return leading to a quick Washington touchdown off a 25-yard end around by Salvon Ahmed.
No 7 Washington Huskies vs No 17 Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
The Ducks tied the game at 17 after Justin Herbert connected with Jaylon Redd on a toe touch 7-yard touchdown pass, so close Redd himself stated “I didn’t even know if I was in or out”.
Two signature traits of a winning football program, and traits Mario Cristobal is trying to instill in “Oregon Football 2.0” are “trust” and “physicality”. Cristobal said after the game “If you build a good relationship with your players, and you build trust with each other, you can get through the dark moments”.
By putting the ball in CJ Verdell’s hands when the game mattered most, Cristobal proved both of these traits to his team. Verdell stated “I was glad that my coaches put the trust in me to run the ball in a 3rd and 6… I had to put the Stanford fumble behind me and go back to work”.
No 7 Washington Huskies vs No 17 Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
Apart from bringing the team together as a close-knit group, the most impressive thing Cristobal has been able to build in his short time as head coach is the physicality of the line, something that even in its peak Oregon Football hasn’t been familiar with.
Cristobal’s decision to run an inside zone for the win on third down was a statement that the long talked about “Oregon Football 2.0” is here, and this program is headed in a direction we’ve never seen before. Cristobal stated after Saturday’s win “We’re just getting started”.
No 7 Washington Huskies vs No 17 Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
Next week Oregon will travel to Pullman, WA to face a 5-1 Washington State team, a team which has beat the Ducks for three consecutive years.
No 7 Washington Huskies vs No 17 Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
UCLA Bruins running back Joshua Kelley (27) finds a hole in the middle of the defense. The UCLA Bruins defeat the Cal Golden Bears 37-7 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
UCLA Bruins tight end Caleb Wilson (81) drags Golden Bears defenders on a deep reception. The UCLA Bruins defeat the Cal Golden Bears 37-7 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Berkeley, CA – The UCLA Bruins (1-5, 1-2) capitalized on the momentum they built in a tight loss to the Washington Huskies last week, bringing down the Cal Golden Bears (3-3, 0-3) in a 37-7 drumming during Cal’s homecoming weekend and annual Joe Roth game to earn their first win of the year and get first-year head coach Chip Kelly into the win column for the first time since leaving Oregon for the NFL in 2012.
UCLA entered the game entered the game 0-5 on the year, it’s worst start since the 1943 season, and sat among just four FBS teams without a win. But its five previous opponents entered the week with a combined record of 25-3, and with its surprising, single-digit loss to then Top 10-ranked Washington last week, the Bruins appeared confident coming into the day.
UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (7) throws a screen pass. The UCLA Bruins defeat the Cal Golden Bears 37-7 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
The UCLA defensive was both stdout and opportunistic throughout.
The Bruins forced six total turnovers on the night, including two fumbles and two interceptions from Golden Bears quarterback Brandon McIlwain (5).
On the offensive side of the ball, the Bruins dominated the trenches, finishing with 348 yards with 207 coming on the ground.
UCLA Bruins running back Joshua Kelley (27) carries the ball into the end zone. The UCLA Bruins defeat the Cal Golden Bears 37-7 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
UCLA running back Joshua Kelley (27) has been a bright stop for the struggling team throughout the year and put his skills on display again in this one.
Having posted a career-high 125 yards rushing against Washington, Kelley eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the third consecutive time in this one and topped his own best with 157 yards on 30 attempts to go along with three touchdown carries.
Freshman quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (7) also shined against the Golden Bears, completing 13-of-15 attempts for 141 yards through the air, plus 49 yards rushing on 9 carries.
Speaking to his young quarterback’s improved play from the start of the season, Kelly said, “Each week he’s gotten better the more experience he gets.”
Despite the turnover issues, McIlwain completed 22-of-40 passes for 168 yards, but the UCLA defense held strong in eliminating one the keys to his success so far this year—his ability to run.
Golden Bears linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk (59) ranked first in the PAC-12 in solo tackles entering the day and made his presence felt repeatedly once again, finishing with 22 total tackles, 14 unassisted.
Cal Golden Bears kicker Greg Thomas (39) reacts after missing a field goal in the first half. The UCLA Bruins defeat the Cal Golden Bears 37-7 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Senior Golden Bears running back Patrick Laird (28) finished with 95 yards rushing and a touchdown and eclipsed the 1,500-yard milestone on the ground, as well as the 2,000-yard mark in all-purpose yards.
The win today ends a 12-straight losing streak on the road, as well as an eight-game streak of losses in Berkeley for the Bruins.
“Total team loss,” Golden Bears head coach Justin Wilcox said in post-game. “We didn’t do anything well enough to win the game and we need everybody. We need everybody to perform better, the entire program.”
UCLA Bruins receiver Demetric Felton (10) leaps over a Cal Golden Bears defender after bringing in a catch. The UCLA Bruins defeat the Cal Golden Bears 37-7 at California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 13, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Coach Kelly, on the other hand, was pleased to get out of California Memorial Stadium with the victory.
“It feels amazing. This is why you play football. This is why you grind during training camp, winter, spring and fall,” he said.
The Bruins return home this weekend to take on the Arizona Wildcats (3-4, 2-2) on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m., while the Golden Bears will hope to get their first PAC-12 conference win when they travel to Corvallis to take on the Oregon State Beavers (1-5, 0-3).
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State
Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 13, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Mike Weber Jr breaking the tackle of Carter Coughlin golden gopher defender during the Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 13, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
COLUMBUS — Ohio State surprises absolutely no one by playing like Ohio State. The 7-0 Buckeyes defeated Big 10 foe Minnesota (3-3) 30-14 in the 11 a.m. matchup.
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins continued to stack his Heisman resume with a highlight reel worthy pass to receiver K.J. Hill in the second quarter. Haskins took 44 shots downfield, completing 33 of them for 412 yards and three touchdowns. Hill pulled down two of those TDs and racked up 187 yards. Terry McLaurin was on the receiving end of a touchdown pass with only three targets.
This was Haskins’ second consecutive game throwing for over 400 yards.
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 13, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Ohio State’s downside, if you can call it that, lies in the O-line and the running game. The longest rushing play for the Buckeyes came from Mike Weber for only 12 yards. Ohio State ran for 92 yards, compared to the 178 rushing yards from the Gophers. While Haskins and his nine receivers were clearly efficient, establishing a stronger running game will go a long way as the season continues.
Urban Meyer is aware that his passer stands well above the rest of the team. “We’re going to have to get some things fixed,” OSU’s coach stated.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 13, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
The scarlet defense contained Minnesota and its freshman QB Zack Annexstad, forcing two interceptions, but struggled against standout running back Mohamed Ibrahim. The Golden Gopher punched in both touchdowns for his team and 157 yards. Jordan Fuller and Pete Werner recorded 12 and 10 tackles respectively for Ohio State.
The Buckeyes will travel to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers while Minnesota will go to Nebraska to take on Scott Frost’s team.
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on October 13, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
October 12, 2018
University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)
Seth Boomer slipping tackles during the University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)
Tulsa, OK – After a slow start the University of South Florida Bulls out ran the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricanes to a last second field goal victory of 25-24.
Jordan Cronkrite led the way rushing for 151, which was his fourth consecutive game of 100 or more yards. Cronkrite has become USF’s go to running back after coming off an outstanding 302 yards in their come from behind 58-42 victory over Umass the previous week.
When asked what he saw on the 66 yard touchdown run that kick started the USF offense in the beginning of the second half, Cronkrite answered, “Great Call. Great blocking. I had to beat one guy and I was able to do that and capitalize on the play.”
In the fourth quarter, USF pulled to within two with a pair of broken play touchdown runs by quarterback #11 Blake Barnett. The first with a PAT kick blocked, setting up the second touchdown’s failed two point conversion to make it 24-22.
Blake Barnett using his legs during the University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)
After a Tulsa punt USF took the ball from the USF’s 43 to the five yard line with the passing of Barnett. Setting up a short 22 yard field goal for kicker Coby Weiss to win.
Both teams were off to slow start to start the game. Not achieving a first down until USF’s second possession. Tulsa scored first with a 10 play, 80 yard drive capped by a 14 yard TD pass from #12 Seth Boomer to #4 Jarion Anderson. After multiple runs, USF and Tulsa, were only able to add a field goal each. The #23rd ranked Bulls found themselves down 3-10. By the end of the first half USF had 67 rushing yards to Tulsa 83.
University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)
The second half saw the action heat up from the start. It took only three plays into the 3rd quarter for the Bulls to score with 66 yard touchdown run by Cronkrite to tie up the game at 10-10. His fourth 60 plus yard run of the season. Tulsa answer back with two 10 yard touchdown runs by #3 Shamari Brooks to put Tulsa ahead 24-10.
“He takes what the defense gives him,” said head coach Charlie Strong of Cronkite’s performance.
Along with the scrambling feet of quarterback Blake Barnett, who said he was, “Doing what I got to do to help this team win,”.
SHAMARI BROOKS diving for a touchdown during the University of South Florida vs Tulsa football game in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 12. (Photo by Shane Cossey / fi360 News)
USF duo of Barnett and Cronkite helped prevent an upset to a Tulsa team that was hungry for a win after losing 4 straight.
January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA, Rose Bowl stadium full for the NCAA College Football at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore
Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 6
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)
OFFENSIVE: Laviska Shenault Jr., So., WR, Colorado (DeSoto, Texas) • In Colorado’s 28-21 win over Arizona State, Shenault caught 13 passes for 127 yards and 2 TDs, while rushing 5 times for 13 yards and two more scores. • This was his fourth 100-yard receiving game of the year; the only other two players in CU history to have four 100-yard games in the first five games in a season were Michael Westbrook in 1992 and Nelson Spruce in 2014. • He has caught at least one TD pass in all five games this season; that ties the second-longest streak of consecutive games with a TD reception in school history. • He is the first player in Colorado history to score multiple touchdowns rushing and receiving in the same game (the 15th four-plus TD game at CU); it was his first multiple receiving TD game of his career, and he is now the third player to have four or more of each in the same season. • He now has 51 receptions for 708 yards (five games); he has one receiving TD in all four games. • Shenault is the fifth receiver to earn the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week honor twice in the same season.
Also nominated: Eno Benjamin, RB, ASU; Jermar Jefferson, RB, OSU; KJ Costello, QB, STAN; Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA; Zack Moss, RB, UTAH; Gardner Minshew II, QB, WSU
Utah Utes corner Jaylon Johnson (1) intercepts the ball on the goalline before taking it back 100 yards for the score on Saturday, October 6, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
DEFENSIVE: Jaylon Johnson, So., DB, Utah (Fresno, Calif.) • Johnson tallied seven tackles and one interception return for a touchdown in the 40-21 win at No. 14 Stanford. • He became just the third Ute in history, and the first since 1994, to return an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. His interception return for the touchdown came in the second quarter with Stanford on the Utah 9-yard line and the Utes clinging to a 7-0 lead. • Johnson’s 100-yard interception return is the longest in the nation this year.
Also nominated: Scottie Young Jr., S, ARIZ; Mustafa Johnson, DE, COLO; Bobby Okereke, LB, STAN; Adarius Pickett, S, UCLA; Ben Burr-Kirven, LB, WASH; Peyton Pelluer, LB, WSU
Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News
SPECIAL TEAMS: Matt Gay, Sr., K, Utah (Orem, Utah) • Gay was integral in Utah’s 40-21 win at No. 14 Stanford, making 4-of-4 field goals, including back-to-back kicks of 48 and 49 yards to end the first half and the start the second half. His 49-yard field goal was a season-long. • Gay’s other field goals were from 34 and 37 yards putting him at 4-of-4 made field goals inside the 40-yard line this season and 25-of-26 in his career. • Gay also made 4-of-4 PATs giving him 16 points on the night. • Gay ranks first in the Pac-12 in field goals per game (1.60) and is tied for first in the league in kick-scoring points per game (7.8).
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)
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.”
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.
