Arizona State ran all over Oregon State with Eno Benjamin

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September 29, 2018

ASU vs OSU 214 u — NCAA 2018: Oregon State vs Arizona State game on Saturday September 29th, 2018. Photo by John Hays / fi360 News

NCAA 2018: Eno Benjamin getting loose during the Oregon State vs Arizona State game on Saturday September 29th, 2018. Photo by John Hays / fi360 News

TEMPE, AZ – Oregon State entered tonight’s game ranked 127^th in run defense and it showed as they were exploited by the Sun Devil offense. Arizona State executed on five of its six first half drives, making their first conference win look easy as they defeated the Beavers 52-24 on Saturday.

“I told our offense in the beginning of the week that we need to score on almost every possession, and we almost did,” Edwards said. “Eno obviously broke all kinds of records, his ability to break tackles and to just stay with it.”

Oregon State had no answer for ASU running back Eno Benjamin, who finished the game with 312 rushing yards on 30 carries, becoming the first player in Sun Devil history to have 300 yards in a game. Benjamin had three rushing touchdowns, two of which were for 40 plus rushing yards and he also collected a receiving score.

NCAA 2018: Oregon State vs Arizona State game on Saturday September 29th, 2018. Photo by John Hays / fi360 News

It didn’t take long for Benjamin’s incredible night to begin, he set the ASU record for rushing yards in a half with 179 yards on 13 carries, which was formerly 171 yards by Woody Green against Wyoming in 1973.

“We knew we’d be able to run the ball on them, and we executed,” said Benjamin. “I had a blueprint from my senior year of high school when I sat down with coach (John) Simon and we had goals, and I knew what I had to do to reach those goals.”

“To have a back run for 300 yards any time…I mean, it just doesn’t happen often,” Wilkins said. “I’m really proud of him because I know how hard he works in practice, I know the beating his body takes, it’s not easy to get 30 carries a game. Not a lot of people can do that, so I got a ton of respect for him.”

OSU trailed 10-0 to start the second quarter and that lead was increased by seven more points after another Benjamin touchdown. Just seven seconds into the second quarter, ASU senior quarterback Manny Wilkins completed a 8-yard touchdown pass to Benjamin, giving the Sun Devils a 17-0 lead.

NCAA 2018: Jermar Jefferson trying to turn corner on Aashari Crosswell during the Oregon State vs Arizona State game on Saturday September 29th, 2018. Photo by John Hays / fi360 News

Oregon State responded quickly with a 36-yard field goal. OSU started to gain momentum as freshman running back Jermar Jefferson scored two touchdowns at the end of the second quarter. Jefferson finished the game with 254 rushing yards on 31 carries. But ASU put an end to Oregon State’s growing momentum as Wilkins completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Williams with 14 seconds remaining in the half giving the Sun Devils a 31-17 lead.

In the second quarter, OSU improved offensively, rushing for over 150 yards in the half. But defensively they just couldn’t stop Arizona State. ASU junior wide receiver N’Keal Harry, started the second half run with a 6-yard rushing touchdown making the score 38-17. With just 3:28 remaining in the game Wilkins completed a 41-yard bomb to Harry, sealing the deal on the Arizona State 52-24 victory.

Next up for the Sun Devils are the undefeated Colorado Buffaloes on Oct. 6.

Arizona State is seeking its first away win of the season.

“We haven’t been very good on the road, along with Pac-12 wins we’ve only averaged four in the last three years,” said Edwards. “I used to love going on the road, there’s nothing like winning on the road and fans leaving in the fourth quarter quiet.”

Vanderbilt seals the deal over Tennessee State

By

Anthony Sherman

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September 29, 2018

NCAA 2018: Tennessee State vs Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturday September 29th, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

NCAA 2018: Receiver Jared Punkney with a catch during the Tennessee State vs Vanderbilt at Vanderbilt Stadium on Saturday September 29th, 2018. Photo by Austyn McFadden / fi360 News

Nashville, TN – Vanderbilt quarterback #14 Kyle Schurmur and the offense returned to the field with time running out and work to be done. On the 3^rd play of the drive, Schurmur would find receiver #16 Kalija Lipscomb again, and again Lipscomb would leave his feet to make a play for the ball resulting in a 68 yard reception for a touchdown.

This put the Commodores up 31-27, which would be the final score as TSU was not able score during the remaining 6:20 playtime left.

When asked about the slow start and the misplays by Schurmur, Coach Mason said he didn’t think the start was slow and that the “defense did what we wanted them to do.” As for the interceptions, “sometimes guys have to play through tough games,’ he noted while adding that Schurmur, “showed resilience.”

Schurmur remarked that his play improved because, “the team needed me to be QB and play better.” He also attributed the two major completions to his “trust in Kalija (Lipscomb).”

Despite two early interceptions, Vanderbilt was able to win at home and improve their record to 3-2. This is also their fourth consecutive win over Tennessee State, and the 8^th straight victory over another team from the state of Tennessee. The Tigers had just a short ride home with their first loss of the season.

The defense handled the majority of the work in the first quarter. In the middle of the quarter, TSU middle linebacker #18 Terry Slaughter was able to intercept a pass thrown by Schurmur, and run it back for 13 yards. They were unable to capitalize on the turnover when the field goal attempt by #2 Antonio Zita fell short.

The Commodores were 2-2 on the season coming into the game today, facing a TSU squad who were undefeated at 2-0 so far this year.

Schurmur threw his second interception of the game near the end of the first quarter, this time the ball was picked off by #10 Dajour Nesbeth, who was able to make a 65 yard run to Vanderbilt’s 35 yard line.

Very early in the 2^nd quarter, TSU quarterback #7 Demry Croft took advantage of the Commodores turn over and connected a 5 yard pass to #1 Steven Newbold for a touchdown.

Vanderbilt would respond quickly, however, as a 35 yard blast by running back #23 Khari Blasingame would set up great field positioning for Schurmer to make a 4 yard connection to #80 Jared Pinkney to put the home team on the board.

TSU would not wait long to answer, as a 75 yard drive by the Tigers would end with a 31 yard touchdown pass as Croft finds receiver #5 Treon Harris. Kicker Zita missed the point after attempt, but his team had a 13-7 lead.

Vanderbilt received the kickoff to open the second half, and took that opportunity to make a 7 play, 76 yard drive to the end zone, which culminated in an incredible diving catch by receiver Lipscomb.

With an 11 point deficit, TSU fought back. At 6:35 in the 3^rd Quarter, Fullback #27 DeMarco Corbin made a two yard push into the end zone to bring the deficit down to 4 points, after Zita completed the point after attempt. The Tigers were not done. Nearly halfway through 4^th quarterback Croft made a quick 1-yard toss to Fullback Andrew Knox, which resulted in the team taking the lead back 27-24.

The Commodores were 2-2 on the season coming into the game today, facing a TSU squad who were undefeated at 2-0 till today’s loss that allowed them to be over .500 ball.

Now the Commodores will travel to No 2 Georgia next Saturday and try to pull off an upset.

SMU Dominates Houston Baptist

By

Ariawna Talton

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September 29, 2018

Dallas, TX – After an impressive win against Navy last week, the SMU Mustangs were posed to play a Houston Baptist University team Saturday evening.

The Mustangs, led by true freshman quarterback William Brown’s impressive passing night dominated Houston Baptist in a 63-27 victory.

The Mustangs (2-3) had two receivers collect more than 100 yards Saturday. Reggie Roberson Jr. amassed 104 yards on four catches and Tyler Page totaled 102 yards and a touchdown on only three receptions. Much to the delight of the home crowd, Page caught a long 92-yard touchdown pass early in the first quarter.

While the Mustangs made it practice to rotate between Brown and junior quarterback Ben Hicks earlier this season, Brown was the clear choice against Houston Baptist. By halftime, he completed 8 of 13 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

Coach Sonny Dykes was willing to take risks on fourth down against Houston Baptist. The Mustangs would fake a punt on a long fourth down and scored on a fake field goal right before the half.

“Sometimes, it takes awhile for the new faces to get on the same page,” Dykes said beforehand. “We didn’t play well early when we were trying to get everyone to the right direction

Clearly outmatched, Houston Baptist still tried to make things interesting. A 95-yard kick return closed the gap to 28-10, but SMU quickly scored and owned a halftime lead of 35-10.

The second half was all about maintaining balance and control for the Mustangs. The combination of an air attack and a run game kept Houston Baptist on its toes. SMU simply dominated and entertained the crowd. The Mustangs 653 total yards more than doubled the 301 yards of Houston Baptist (1-3).

Now next week SMU will travel to Florida to play UCF at 6pm CST.

Colorado Buffaloes send the Bruins to 0-4 for the first time since ’71

By

Eileen Heilman

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September 28, 2018

NCAA 2018: UCLA Bruins vs Colorado Buffaloes SEP28 — Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez (12) breaking away from the pack during the UCLA Bruins vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on September 28, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Boulder, CU – Colorado advances to 4-0 for the first time in history since 1998. The Buffaloes key playmakers quarterback Steven Montez who went 22 of 26 with 237 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.

Receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. caught for a career-best 12 passes, one receiving and one rushing touchdown. He made the first touchdown of the night for Colorado with a 57-yard reception thrown by Montez to make the score 7-7 early in the first.

“There were a couple times that we had him down but he is just such a big strong kid that he shook us off… when you have a physical quarterback like that it is difficult and we didn’t do a good enough job tackling him today,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly on Montez’s strength and UCLA defensive line.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Steven Montez (12) passing during the UCLA Bruins vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on September 28, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Montez kept the ball for 81 rushing yards and ran for ten yards into the end zone for his first touchdown of the regular season. Buffaloes take the lead for the first time all night, 14-10.

UCLA receiver Michael Ezeike caught the first touchdown of the night from quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson on a 4^th down conversion, 7-0 UCLA.

At half time, Buffaloes lead the Bruins, 14-13. Montez remained key for the Buffaloes success who ended the half with 13/15 completions, 131 yards and 1 TD.

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jay MacIntyre (14) running after the catch during the UCLA Bruins vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on September 28, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

With 9:17 left in the 3^rd, Montez drops back and laterals to receiver Jay MacIntrye, a flea flicker, and throws for a 31-yard reception to receiver Shenault Jr. for the first down to take the lead over the UCLA Bruins on the following play, 21-16.

“He can really do it all,” Montez on his teammate Shenault. “They’ve got him playing the tight end position… He is a very special player for us. He makes a lot of great plays. He even plays a little quarterback back there in the wildcat. He can do it all. He’s a great player. He’s my dog.”

Colorado refused to let up the tempo with two minutes left in third as Montez dodges and spins around seven defenders for a third down conversion. Montez’s run allowed tailback Travon McMillian to run for 6 yards into the end zone on the following play.

UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (7)losing his footing during the UCLA Bruins vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on September 28, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Early in the 4^th quarter, Colorado continued to stop all UCLA efforts to score since the first half. Colorado kicker James Stefanou bumps the Buffaloes up to a 31-16 lead.

Montez fakes to Evans and runs for 35-yards into the end zone to rack up another seven for the Colorado in the fourth quarter, 38-16.

“It’s in the details, it’s in the little things…,” expressed UCLA head coach Chip Kelly on the loss, “we have to continue to improve, we got knocked down but we aren’t going to stay down, we are going to get back up and get ready for our next opponent.”

UCLA Bruins vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on September 28, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Chip Kelly and the UCLA Bruins face off at home against no. 11 Washington State on Oct. 6^th. The Colorado Buffaloes host the Arizona State Sun Devil’s on Oct. 6^th at 2 PM MST.

Colorado Laviska Shenault, Jr. is added to the Watch List of the Biletnikoff Award

By

Press Release

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September 25, 2018

NCAA 2018: Colorado vs Colorado State AUG31 — Colorado Receiver Laviska Shenault Jr at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Tallahassee, FL – The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the Biletnikoff Award, released the 2018 Biletnikoff Award Pre-Season Watch List on July 19. Today, the Foundation announces additions to the watch list. The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the outstanding FBS receiver in college football. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot back, and running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver. The award recipient is selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted.

Player	School
Cedric Byrd	Hawaii
Jonathan Duhart	Old Dominion
Jerry Jeudy	Alabama
Olabisi Johnson	Colorado State
D.K. Metcalf	Ole Miss
Rondale Moore	Purdue
Laviska Shenault, Jr.	Colorado
Marquez Stevenson	Houston
Tylan Wallace	Oklahoma State
Antoine Wesley	Texas Tech
Preston Williams	Colorado State

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 4

By

Press Release

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September 24, 2018

48-EE1A9521-2 — September 22, 2018 Arizona J.J. Taylor at top speed during the Arizona vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 4

OFFENSIVE: J.J. Taylor, RSo., RB, Arizona (Corona, Calif.)
• Taylor sparked Arizona’s offense for a 35-14 win over Oregon State with a career day, rushing for 284 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries (each figure a career-best tally). The 284 yards are an FBS single-game best this season and the fourth-best single-game total in UA history.
• Taylor is the 15th player in program history to rush for 200+ yards in a game and his 62-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was the longest rushing play of the season for the Wildcats.
• Taylor also returned one kickoff for 21 yards, giving him 305 all-purpose yards in the contest for the most by a Pac-12 player this season.

Also nominated: Dillon Mitchell, WR, ORE; KJ Costello, QB, STAN; JT Daniels, QB, USC.

DEFENSIVE: Ben Burr-Kirven, Sr., LB, Washington (Menlo Park, Calif.)
• Burr-Kirven posted a career-high 20 tackles for the highest total by a Husky in 22 years (John Fiala, 22 vs. ASU in 1996) in Washington’s 27-20 victory against Arizona State. Burr-Kirven has amassed 53 total tackles this season, 30 more than any other Husky.
• He recorded 14 solo tackles and six assists to help UW’s defense hold ASU to 268 total yards. He also forced two fumbles, recovering one of them.
• Burr-Kirven is the first player to win back-to-back Defensive Player of the Week honors since ASU LB Antonio Longino in 2015 (Nov. 16, 23) and the first Husky to earn back-to-back honors since CB Derrick Johnson in 2002 (Nov. 9, 17).

Also nominated: Colin Schooler, LB, ARIZ; Paulson Adebo, DB, STAN; Cameron Smith, ILB, USC.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Jay Tufele, RFr., DL, USC (Salt Lake City, Utah)
• Secured USC’s 39-36 win over Washington State with a clutch blocked field goal. The Cougars drove into field goal range with only 1:50 left in the game, but Tufele burst through a hole and got a hand on PK Blake Mazza’s 38-yard attempt that would have tied the game.
• Tufele also recorded three tackles while starting on the defensive line.

Also nominated: Brandon Ruiz, PK, ASU; Jet Toner, PK, STAN.

– www.pac-12.com –

Oregon Wings Clipped Under National Spotlight

By

Bryce Viglione

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September 22, 2018

EI7C5578 — September 22, 2018 Stanford vs Oregon football game at Austen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Eugene, OR –After looking destined to upset Stanford in the first half,Oregon came crashing down in the second,eventually falling to the Cardinal in overtime 38-31.

With Stanford only having one time out, Oregon had a chance to run the clock down as they found their way inside Stanford territory with only 51 seconds left. Instead of taking a knee Cristobal decided to run on 2nd down, resulting in another costly fumble by redshirt freshman CJ Verdell. Stanford recovered and quickly moved into field goal range where they would force the game into overtime.

Heading into their first conference matchup of the season, the 20^th ranked Oregon Ducks and the 7^th ranked Stanford Cardinal both had a lot to prove. Despite being ranked in the top 20 and being undefeated, neither team had been tested this season.

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert did not waste any time in the spotlight, quickly reminding everyone watching why he should be considered a legit contender for the Heisman Trophy this season, displaying not only his arm strength but also impressing on the ground.

September 22, 2018
Dillon Mitchell goes up high to catch the pass during the Stanford vs Oregon football game at Austen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Herbert led the Ducks on scoring drives every time they had the ball in the first half, completing 12/13 passes and closing out the half with a comfortable 24-7 lead.

At the front of Herbert’s success was Junior wide receiver Dillon Mitchell, who hauled in 14 receptions for 239 yards, the second most in Oregon history. Mitchell stated that Herbert played “[like] the first player in the NFL draft.”

Early in second half Oregon appeared to extend their lead to 31-7 as Jaylon Redd scored on a 17-yard reverse however, he was controversially ruled out at the one as he stepped on the pylon prior to entering the end zone.

September 22, 2018
Johnny Johnson III running after the catch during the Stanford vs Oregon football game at Austen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Immediately after the ruling Oregon started to shoot themselves in the foot, fumbling twice in three plays. The first was recovered by Justin Herbert for a loss of 9 but, the second was taken back 80 yards by Stanford for a score, bringing the game within 10 at 24-14.

After taking all of the momentum away from Oregon, Stanford forced the Ducks to punt on their next drive, and a relatively quiet Bryce Love finally broke free with a 22-yard TD run bringing the game within 3.

By the time overtime started, the energy had been sucked out of Autzen Stadium as it seemed everyone knew they were about to witness an all too familiar scene. On the second play of overtime, TE Colby Parkinson caught a 23-yard touchdown pass that would go on to be the winning touchdown.

September 22, 2018
JJ Arcega-Whiteside pushing off the tackle during the Stanford vs Oregon football game at Austen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Although it didn’t translate to a victory on the field, Oregon truly passed their first test under Mario Cristobal with flying colors.

Cristobal has thrown around the name “Oregon Football 2.0” this season, alluding to the new era of a national prominence Oregon dynasty under his staff. Although they may not be there yet, this loss proves to relatively young team that they can compete at a high level. In time they’ll learn how to close these games out.

Jordon Scott stated after the game, “the rebound is not going to be easy.”, but the rebound is what’s going to define their season. With an early loss and the conference schedule in front of them, Oregon very well could make a run for the Pac 12 Championship but, it will take strong leadership and maturation from their young leaders.

September 22, 2018
Bryce Love running back Stanford vs Oregon football game at Austen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Arizona Wildcats takeover Reser Stadium

By

Sandra Daibes

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September 22, 2018

3-EE1A9058 — September 22, 2018 Arizona vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

CORVALLIS, OR – The Arizona Wildcats takeover Reser Stadium by beating the Oregon State Beavers 35-14 to open Pac-12 play.

The Wildcats started the game with the first touchdown on their first offensive possession. Arizona dominated the Beavers outgained Oregon State 594-238 in yardage. J.J. Taylor was unstoppable running 27 times for 284 yards giving Arizona momentum.

There were high hopes in the first quarter after Connor Blount threw a 8-yard pass to Trevon Bradford tying their opponents 7-7 but the Beavers lost drive as the game went on. Six of the Beavers’ 10 drives produced less than 12 yards. Freshman, Jermar Jefferson, ran 19 times for 82 yards. Blount hit 17 of 24 passes for only 137 yards while Arizona’s defense racked up 11 tackles for loss.

September 22, 2018
Quarterback Connor Blount running for a first down during the Arizona vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

“Super frustrating. … sucks,” OSU quarterback Blount said. “Seven points, three points at least. You get those points, and get the crowd back in it, it’s 21-14, 21-10. It’s a killer.”

The Beaver’s defense kept it tight making it difficult for the Wildcats to score in the first half with only one touchdown each quarter. As the game went on, the Beaver’s unraveled letting the Wildcats score another three more times in the second half.

While the Beavers offense was having trouble gaining yards, there were a couple of highlights that popped up on the defensive side. Safety, Jalen Moore, had a career-high 14 tackles and linebacker, Hamilcar Rashed Jr., had 11/2 sacks, most by a Beaver this season.

September 22, 2018
Quarterback Khalil Tate in shotgun formation during the Arizona vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Coach Smith has high hopes with his team and is not afraid to show faults in their games. “We never found some rhythm,” Smith said, followed by “It feels like we lost the game, and yeah, there was big scores, but the game was not out of balance until late so we have to keep on swinging and keep on improving.”

Oregon State heads to the desert next Saturday to play Arizona state to attempt to break a 21-game road losing streak.

September 22, 2018
Arizona vs Oregon State football game at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Mustangs Survive Thriller for First Win of Season

By

Ariawna Talton

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September 22, 2018

Dallas, TX – After a rough start to the season, SMU is finally in the win column and Sonny Dykes has his first victory as the Mustangs’ head coach.

While the Midshipmen of Navy are not known to be a great passing team, they’re known to outduel their opponents. They would only total 25 passing yards Saturday, compared to 166 for SMU. Their 349 rushing yards, however, exhausted SMU’s defense.

The Mustangs had a balanced attack offensively, with quarterback William Brown completing 21 or his 29 pass attempts for 150 yards. He would throw two touchdowns and no interceptions. Running back Braeden West carried for 145 yards in 26 carries.

Going for two in overtime is never an easy feat, but the call proved to be a defining moment for the young team desperate for a win. Hunter Thedford caught a 2-point conversion pass in the first overtime against a tough Navy team, leading to a 31 – 30 victory for SMU.

After a long nine-play scoring drive that put Navy in the lead to start overtime, SMU replaced quarterback William Brown with a more experienced Ben Hicks for their overtime possession. Soon after the quarterback transition, Hicks threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to James Proche. Dykes decided to go for the win with a special play.

“We had to make some strange decisions,” Dykes said. “When you play Navy, you have to do some things differently.

The Mustangs chose to put an offensive lineman in motion from the tight end spot on the left, moving to the right slot. Hicks’ throw to Theford, who would leap over a Navy linebacker in the end zone won the game.

“Well there were a number of things,” Dykes said when asked about why he went for two. “Number one, I felt like we had a good play. The second thing was we were running out of bodies defensively. We were beat up. We were getting ready to go with a couple true freshmen at linebacker.

The block sealed the Trojans 39-36 conference victory over Washington State

By

Eric Ramos

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September 21, 2018

0 Washington state vs USC fi360-3482 — LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: USC Trojansin a before a game between Washington State Cougars vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: USC Trojans running back Vavae Malepeai (29) runs for a gain in a game between Washington State Cougars vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.

Los Angeles, CA – USC led by three points with just under two minutes left in the game when Washington State lined up for a 38-yard field goal. Jay Tufele was left unblocked and easily batted down the attempt at a tying field goal by the Cougars.

The block sealed the Trojans 39-36 conference victory over Washington State and gave USC its 18th consecutive home win on Friday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

USC head coach Clay Helton said this was a big Pac-12 win, a much-needed win and it was great to be home in the Coliseum.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Washington State Cougars quarterback Gardner Minshew (16) throws the ball in a game between Washington State Cougars vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.

“I’ve always thought that adversity defines who you are, and being down two scores defined who they are as men,” Helton said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of them. It was a great football game between two good football teams. We each took blows at each other and at the end of the day we made one more play.”

The Trojans erased a 13-point deficit in the second half and freshman quarterback J.T. Daniels passed for 241 yards and three touchdowns to lead the come back over the Cougars.

“It comes down to more practice time and getting used to each other more and more,” Daniels said about the chemistry with his receivers. “Knowing where they want me to put the ball and that they’re going to go up and get it every time it’s there.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: USC Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) runs for a gain in a game between Washington State Cougars vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.

With 8:03 left in the fourth quarter, USC running back Vavae Malepeai scored the go-ahead touchdown and Daniels fired a laser to Tyler Vaughns for the two-point conversion. Malepeai rushed for 80 yards on 13 carries and two touchdowns.

Malepeai opened the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run and Vaughns caught a 9-yard touchdown to give USC a 14-10 lead in the second quarter. WSU quarterback Gardner Minshew threw two touchdowns to lead the Cougars into halftime with a 24-17 lead.

“They had done a very nice job,” Helton said. “Credit to Coach Leach. I thought they did a tremendous job on third and fourth down tonight. They were running the ball four yards and five yards. Not a ton of shots downfield, just moving the chain.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: USC Trojans quarterback JT Daniels (18) in a game between Washington State Cougars vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.

WSU opened the third quarter with an 11-play, 75 yard drive, capped by a Max Borghi 13-yard touchdown run which gave the Cougars a 30-17 lead. On the ensuing drive, Michael Pittman took a five-yard pass, stiff armed a defender and raced 50 yards for the score.

USC took a 31-30 lead on freshman wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 30-yard touchdown reception. Daniels put the ball exactly where it needed to be on the fade route. WSU responded with Easop Winston’s 4-yard touchdown reception and a 36-31 lead.

“To be able to get a win at home over a team that’s going to be a good team this year up North, it was critical for us,” Helton said. “For our confidence and our psyche. To be able to fight back and finish a game in the fourth quarter, it can only build confidence.”