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

By
Eileen Heilman
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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

By
Chris Tulley
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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

By
Edward Thompson
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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

By
Ariawna Talton
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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

By
Ariawna Talton
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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

By
Press Release
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(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

By
Aaron Nelson
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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.

Arizona State ran all over Oregon State with Eno Benjamin

By
Raven Boone
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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 127th 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.

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

“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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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 3rd 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.”

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

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 8th 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.

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

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 2nd 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.

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

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 3rd 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 4th quarterback Croft made a quick 1-yard toss to Fullback Andrew Knox, which resulted in the team taking the lead back 27-24.

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

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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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.

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