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Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 3

By
Press Release
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Washington State mascot AKA Butch (Photo by Ben Ludeman).

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 3

OFFENSIVE: Gardner Minshew II, Gr., QB, Washington State (Brandon, Miss.)
• In WSU’s 59-24 win over Eastern Washington, Minshew completed 45-of-57 passes (78.9%) for 470 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and scattered passes to nine different receivers.
• The 470 passing yards is fifth-best among FBS quarterbacks this season.
• Minshew led WSU on seven scoring drives, including three of 80-plus yards (83, 98 and 99 yards).
• Minshew leads the nation in passing average (401.0 ypg), completions per game (39.0), 14th in passing touchdowns (8) and 15th in completion percentage (.709).

Also nominated: Khalil Tate, QB, ARIZ; Manny Wilkins, QB, ASU; Jordan Duncan, WR, CAL; Travon McMillian, WR, COLO; Justin Herbert, QB, ORE; Isaiah Hodgins, WR, OSU; JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, STAN; Myles Gaskin, RB, WASH

DEFENSIVE: Ben Burr-Kirven, Sr., LB, Washington (Menlo Park, Calif.))
• Led the Washington defense that held Utah to just seven points and 261 yards of total offense in a 21-7 Huskies win in Salt Lake City.
• For the third game out of three this season, he led all tacklers with 11 total. He currently ranks fourth in the Pac-12 in tackles with 33 (11.0 per game)
• Three times in the fourth quarter, the Huskies held the Utes out of the endzone despite Utah moving deep into UW territory. Early in the fourth, Utah started a drive at the UW 11, but turned the ball over on downs. Later in the fourth, Utah started at the Husky 28 and the UW 42, but came away scoreless on both occasions.

Also nominated: Evan Weaver, ILB, CAL; Justin Hollins, OLB, ORE; Alameen Murphy, DB, STAN; Cody Barton, LB, UTAH; Jalen Thompson, S, WSU

SPECIAL TEAMS: Travell Harris, RFr., WR/KR, Washington State (Tampa, Fla.)
• Harris totaled 125 yards and scored a touchdown on three kickoff returns and recorded a special teams tackle in Washington State’s 59-24 win over Eastern Washington.
• Accounted for the Cougars’ third touchdown when he returned a kick 100 yards. It marked the first kickoff return for a touchdown for WSU since 2016 and he is one of 12 players in the country to return at least one this season.
• Harris leads the Pac-12 in kick return average at 37.0 yards per game, which also ranks seventh nationally

Also nominated:J.J. Taylor, RB, ARIZ; Michael Sleep-Dalton, P, ASU; Ashtyn Davis, KR/S, CAL; Ugochukwu Amadi, S, ORE; Jet Toner, K, STAN; Britain Covey, WR/PR, UTAH

– www.pac-12.com –

UCLA collapses at home; Fresno State dominates in 38-14 win

By
Phil Sidavong
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September 15, 2018 Pasadena CA, UCLA could not slow down Fresno State at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
September 15, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Marcus McMaryion (6) handling off to Fresno State Bulldogs running back Jordan Mims (22) during the Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Pasadena, CA – A really good drive was brewing for Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

The Bruins true freshman quarterback had been looking to bounce back from the early game struggles against Fresno State (2-1).
A few good runs and some completions had the UCLA football team (0-3) looking to mount a comeback.
But the stout and dominant Bulldogs defense wouldn’t let him find his rhythm.
September 15, 2018 Pasadena CA,
UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (7) running during the Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Thompson-Robinson would finish 10-24 with 151 yards passing, a touchdown and two interceptions.

Back-to-back drives ending in tipped pass interceptions by Jeff Allison all but put the game away as the Bulldogs pounded the Bruins 38-14 on Saturday.
“We played a good team,” UCLA head coach Chip Kelly said. “We knew that coming in, they won 10 games last year. You can’t turn the ball over and have that many penalties and expect to be in the ball game.”
September 15, 2018 Pasadena CA,
UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Odua Isibor (97) being handle by Fresno State Bulldogs offensive lineman Syrus Tuitele (65)during the Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

While the defense was hurting itself, Fresno State’s Marcus McMaryion was having himself a day; he was 22-for-33 for 270 yards and a touchdown, while adding 16 yards on the ground and four rushing touchdowns.

He was a menace on the goal line for a Bruins defense that just couldn’t get off the field.
A few drives had looked promising and there were some flashes of great defense but the Bruins mustered an abysmal amount of penalties and turnovers.
September 15, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Fresno State linebacker Jeff Allison on interception return during the Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“We didn’t get any good rhythm in the offensive side of the ball and there’s a lot to it,” Kelly said. “It’s not just the running backs. It’s the offensive line and we had a couple drops.”

The offense hasn’t been clicking and as Kelly said, there are many reasons for that.
Wide receiver Theo Howard (4 receptions, 80 yards, one touchdown) feels that the team just hasn’t gelled yet.
September 15, 2018 Pasadena CA,
UCLA Bruins wide receiver Christian Pabico (17) catching a pass over the middle during the Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“Obviously it’s a new offense,” he said. “We have a lot of true freshmen. On the line, a wide receiver and a running back. Of course, Dorian too. It just hasn’t gotten there yet.”

Moving on the Bruins go on the road and take on a surging Colorado team that’s started its season 3-0.
With things the way they are, it’s just going to be about “the process” that Kelly continues to look through.
September 15, 2018 Pasadena CA,
UCLA Bruins linebacker Keisean Lucier-South (11) with the strip sack on Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Marcus McMaryion (6) during the Fresno State Bulldogs vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 15, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“(Dorian and I) usually have conversations when he comes to the sidelines, what he sees from the defense and all of that,” Kelly said. “We’re just going to have to talk to him and look at film. What did we do wrong and how to we improve upon that.”

Cal Moves to 3-0 With 45-23 Win at Home Over Idaho State

By
Aaron Nelson
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Cal quarterback Brandon McIlwain (5) rushes up the middle for a first down. The California Golden Bears defeat the Idaho State Vandals at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 15, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Cal receiver Jordan Duncan (2) secures the touchdown reception. The California Golden Bears defeat the Idaho State Vandals at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 15, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Berkeley, CA – The California Golden Bears (3-0) completed their 2018 non conference schedule on Saturday, Sept. 15, defeating the Idaho State Bengals (1-1) in a 45-23 victory at California Memorial Stadium.

Head coach Justin Wilcox has now opened each of his first two seasons leading Cal with three straight wins, moving to 6-0 against nonconference opponents.

Cal’s offense struggled to find any momentum early in this game.

Cal running back Marcel Dancy (29) extends the ball for the touchdown. The California Golden Bears defeat the Idaho State Vandals at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 15, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

As has been the case throughout the 2018 campaign so far, it was the defense that provided the spark the Golden Bears needed to cruise ahead.

Following a second-quarter interception from junior safety Ashytn Davis (27), Cal took possession at the Idaho State 40-yard line. From there, quarterback Chase Garbers (7) drove the offensive to the 5-yard line with a strike up the middle to tight end Ian Bunting (83) to set up a short dash and score for running back Marcel Darcy (29).

Defensively, the Bears looked as stout as they had all season, especially in the opening half.

Idaho State running back Ty Flanagan (24) hurdles a Cal defender. The California Golden Bears defeat the Idaho State Vandals at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 15, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

The Bengals were held to 121 total yards through the first two quarters with just four first downs. Cal has yet to surrender a first-half touchdown this year.

Garbers finished the game completing 20 of 25 through the air for 224 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. His favorite target on the day, junior receiver Jordan Duncan, took full advantage of his targets with four receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns.

Davis, a track-and-field athlete star known for his breakaway speed, would also make his presence felt with an 89-yard touchdown return following an Idaho State field goal—his first scoring play as a Golden Bear.

Despite the victory, Cal fell vulnerable to penalties and other mental mistakes which allowed the Bengals to find multiple scoring opportunities in the second half.

Cal outside linebacker Malik Psalms (23) rushes the backfield. The California Golden Bears defeat the Idaho State Vandals at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 15, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Wilcox focused on the need to correct and improve quickly with a difficult conference schedule looming after the game.

“Fifteen-yard penalties, pass interference, facemask on a third down, third-down pass interference, fourth-down pass interference that they end up scoring on, running into the punt returner. We scored a touchdown, and then the ball comes back. We can’t have that,” Wilcox said, “No one on our team overlooked the opponent today, we just have to play better. It’s technique, it’s focus, and it’s training. We have to be better across the board, starting with me.”

Cal will look to correct the mistakes shown today and tighten their play overall heading into their bye week, before opening PAC-12 Conference play at home against the Oregon Ducks on Saturday, September 29.

Cal safety Ashtyn Davis (27) secures an interception. The California Golden Bears defeat the Idaho State Vandals at California Memorial Stadium on Sept. 15, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Oregon Narrowly Escapes San Jose State After Being Favored By 41 Points

By
Bryce Viglione
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San Jose State vs Oregon at Autzen Stadium on September 15, 2018. (All Photos by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News)

Eugene, OR – After being favored by 41 points, the Oregon Ducks underwhelmingly defeated the San Jose Spartans 35-22 Saturday.

The Ducks started off hot, putting up a quick 14 points in the first quarter after a 3-yard TD run by Cyrus Habibi-Likio and a 66-yard TD reception from Jacob Breeland.

After closing out the first quarter 14-0 the game took a shift for Oregon, who’s offense struggled to move the ball the rest of the contest and was outscored in the rest of the game 22-21.

After the game, Oregon QB Justin Herbert (7) stated, “We weren’t clicking, we weren’t in it early on and it showed”.

Despite Justin Herbert (7) posting another impressive stat line throwing for 309 yards and three touchdowns, he described his offense’s play as “pretty sloppy”. Herbert threw two interceptions and continually found himself on a different page from his receivers, connecting on only 16 of 34 attempts.

Fortunately for Oregon, Jim Levitt’s defense looked stronger than ever allowing 1 yard per carry to the Spartan offense. The star at the front of the show was Redshirt Junior LB, Justin Hollins, who racked up 8 tackles, two of them being for losses, an interception, a forced fumble and a sack to cap it off.

Oregon would finally put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter after Justin Herbert connected with wide receiver Johnny Johnson III on fourth down 22-yard TD pass. Johnson’s touchdown would be the final score for Oregon.

The Ducks may be 3-0 as they close out their non conference schedule, but at what cost?They clearly have not been challenged yet this year and have not been prepared for the highly competitive Pac 12 opponents that are quickly coming. Oregon was never in any real danger of losing today’s game, rather they fell asleep a few times.

Oregon will be tested for the first time this season as the No 9 ranked team in the nation, Stanford, heads to Eugene next Saturday, September 22, 2018.

Colorado smashed pass New Hampshire to move to 3-0

By
Jevone Moore
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NCAA 2018: New Hampshire vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Tony Brown (18) on catch during the New Hampshire vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Boulder, CU – Sometimes home cooking helps the Colorado Buffaloes, who smashed New Hampshire 45-14 to move their record to 3-0.

Colorado running back Travon McMillian thrilled the fans with an electrifying  75 yd touchdown run to stretch the led to 35-0 in 3rd Quarter. He led a rusher today with 162 yards and two touchdowns verse the WildCats. The team rushed for 311 yards with four rushing touchdowns.

“They (Line) gave me a crease so once I hit it I got into the open field and wasn’t trying to get caught,” McMillian said.

Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Davion Taylor (5) with ball during New Hampshire vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

The Buffaloes had just too much upfront for New Hampshire to handle, and it showed more and more as game continued.

“We should have been up 35-0 at halftime — at least 31-0,” Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said.

Quarterback Steven Montez completed 14 pass for 166 yards and a touchdown. Colorado didn’t need a big day by the signal caller.

NCAA 2018: New Hampshire vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

New Hampshire did have a big highlight on a play action pass to Neil O’Connor for  71 yards  from Christian Lupoli. Lupoil was held to 13 completions for 160 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Colorado defense only gave up 270 yards total offense in the game to the Wildcats.

Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Evan Worthington (6) making a tackle during the New Hampshire vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

On the flip side Colorado finished the game with 491 total yards.

MacIntyre  and the Buffaloes will enjoy this win going into a bye week as they get ready to travel to play UCLA on Friday 28th in Pasadena.

Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Rick Gamboa (32) running during the New Hampshire vs Colorado in Boulder, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Indiana handles Ball State at home

By
Chris Tulley
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Ball State Cardinals vs Indiana Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Peyton Ramsey cut through the middle of the field to get the Hoosier in scoring distance during the Ball State Cardinals vs Indiana Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

BLOOMINGTON — The Hoosiers offense took down the clock and the Ball State Cardinals in its 38-10 home victory.

Sophomore quarterback Peyton Ramsey and Freshman running back Stevie Scott led the offense while Senior safety Jonathan Crawford and the rest of the Indiana defense kept them on the field. Ball State started the show with a 31 yard field goal on its first drive and Indiana wasn’t far behind. After the first two series, the game was 3-3 and fans of both teams were on the edge of their seats.

Ball State was unable to keep up as Crawford and fellow senior Reakwon Jones held Cardinal QB Riley Neal to short passes and runs. Neal was efficient at feeding the football to his rushers as well as looking downfield, but the Indiana secondary rarely allowed a play of more than 10 yards.

Ball State Cardinals vs Indiana Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

When Ramsey was on the field, he used Scott and true Freshman Ronnie Walker Jr. to keep the ball on the ground and wind the clock down. Scott earned his first touchdown in his second career start just five seconds into the second quarter by punching a one yard run through the Ball State D line. Kicker Logan Justus put the score at 10-3. Justus would go 5-5 for PATs.

The defense then forced a three and out, pushing the Cardinals into punting formation. J-Shun Harris II then caught the punt and beat the opposing special team for an 86 yard punt return.

By halftime in Bloomington, IU held a 24-3 lead as Ramsey got his own rushing score with 22 seconds in the half. When both teams returned for the third quarter, Ball State appeared defeated already. Walker, on his first carry as a Hoosier, scored an 18 yard touchdown for a 31-3 lead.

Ball State Cardinals vs Indiana Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

The final big plays for the day came from Scott with an 11 yard TD in the fourth quarter. Ball State’s lone touchdown came from a 27 yard rush by James Gilbert, also in the fourth quarter.

Ramsey would go 20-27 for 173 yards in the air with no interceptions, targeting Luke Timian, Matt Bjorson and several other receivers throughout the game. He also had 43 yards on the ground and the one TD. Scott fought for 114 rushing yards and two scores, bouncing off defenders and breaking tackles seemingly easily. “He just continues to impress me,” coach Tom Allen said of Scott.

On the other side of play, Jones and Crawford each had five tackles and one sack. The Cardinals were forced to punt eight times, with four in a row in the second half.

Riley Neal on the Qb draw during the Ball State Cardinals vs Indiana Hoosiers game at Memorial Stadium on September 15, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

The Hoosiers played 26 first downs to Ball State’s 18, were 6-13 on third down conversions and 1-2 for fourth down conversions. The difference in the two offenses were obvious, as IU combined for 457 yards, 202 passing and 255 rushing, while Ball State had 347 on the day.

The undefeated Hoosiers have not been 4-0 since 1991 and they face No. 25 ranked, and Big 10 foe, Michigan State.

“Huge to get the first three,” Allen stated after the game, “That’s what you’ve got to do.”

McSorley’s record breaking performance leads Penn State over Kent State

By
Courtney Garloff-Sullivan
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Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

University Park, PA – Penn State looked to continue their undefeated run after a commanding win at the University of Pittsburgh in week two. The Nittany Lions did just that with a 61 – 10 win at home over the Kent State Golden Flashes. Penn State finished their non conference schedule 3 – 0.

“We find a way to get a win against a good opponent here are home. That team was beating Illinois at half time on the road so I’m pleased with that,” said Penn State head coach, James Franklin.

Penn State struck first with a 75 yard drive that resulted in a 40 yard touchdown pass from McSorley to DeAndre Thompkins. Kent State answered with a 75 yard drive of their own culminating with a 47 yard pass from quarterback Woody Barrett to Mike Carrigan. After that Penn State bounced back and ran away with the score.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Senior quarterback, Trace McSorley led the charge with five touchdowns and 283 yards total. McSorley broke a school record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in their career with 23 rushing touchdowns. The record was previously held by Daryll Clark at 22.

The running committee of Johnathan Thomas, Ricky Slade, Miles Sanders, and Mark Allen provided support on the ground with a combined 233 yards rushing and three  touchdowns. McSorley led the team with three rushing touchdowns.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Multiple Penn State players reached career milestones during the commanding victory. McSorley surpassed 1,00 career rushing yards and Thompkins became the 31st Nittany Lion to surpass 1,000 career receiving yards.

Penalties plagued both teams with a total of 19 for 192 yards. Including three Nittany Lions  touchdowns that were recalled  due to penalties.

“There’s other times that we are hurting ourselves and the opponent had nothing to do with it,” said Franklin.

Safety Elvis Hines was a bright spot on defense for the Golden flashes with four tackles and one interception.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Kent State came into the matchup 1 – 1, previously losing close game with Penn State’s conference opponent Illinois.

On the other side of the ball, Kent State’s sophomore quarterback Woody Barrett finished with 176 passing yards and the team’s only touchdown.

Defensively Penn State held the Golden Eagles to a total of 221 yards for the day and sacked Barrett a total of three times.

Kent State vs Penn State game in University Park, PA on September 15, 2018. (Photo by Austin Sullivan / fi360 News)

Outside Linebacker, Cam Brown led the Nittany Lines with seven tackles.

Next Friday, September 21, 2018 the Penn State Nittany Lions will travel to Champaign Illinois to face the University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 2

By
Press Release
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ASU Kicker Brandon Ruiz kicking a field goal during the Michigan State vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 8, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

 

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

OFFENSIVE: Laviska Shenault Jr., So., WR, Colorado (DeSoto, Texas)
• In CU’s 33-28 win at Nebraska, Shenault caught 10 passes for 177 yards and the game winning touchdown, a 40-yard reception with 1:06 remaining.
• Rushed twice for 5 yards and a touchdown, but picked up key first downs on 4th-&-1 (his TD) and 4th-&-2.
• In two games, he now has 21 receptions (FBS-leading 10.5 receptions per game) for 388 yards, the latter the second-most receiving yards in back-to-back games in CU history.

Also nominated: Manny Wilkins, QB, ASU; Kanawai Noa, WR, CAL; Justin Herbert, QB, ORE; Jermar Jefferson, RB, OSU; Bryce Love, RB, STAN; Britain Covey, WR, UTAH; Gardner Minshew II, WSU

DEFENSIVE: Chase Hansen, Sr., LB, Utah (Highland, Utah)
• Finished the game with 12 tackles (2.0 sacks, 2.5 TFL), an interception return for a touchdown and a key fourth-quarter fumble recovery that stopped an NIU drive on first and 10. It was his third career game with 10-plus tackles.
• With Utah clinging to a 10-6 lead with under three minutes remaining, Hansen scored the final points of the game on a 40-yard return of an interception for a touchdown. It was his second career pick-six.
• One of Hansen’s two sacks came on NIU’s last offensive drive of the game, sending the Huskies back 15 yards on a first-and-10. He secured the victory with a 5-yard tackle for loss on fourth down for the Huskies.

Also nominated: Merlin Robertson, LB, ASU; Evan Weaver, LB, CAL; Nate Landman, LB, COLO; Jalen Jelks, DL, ORE; Bobby Okereke, LB, STAN; Jalen Thompson, S, WSU

ASU Kicker Brandon Ruiz kicking a field goal during the Michigan State vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 8, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

SPECIAL TEAMS: Brandon Ruiz, So., PK, Arizona State (Gilbert, Ariz.)
• Connected on all three of his field goal attempts (49, 24, 28), including the game-winning kick from 28 yards as time expired in ASU’s 16-13 upset of then-No. 15 Michigan State.
• Scored ASU’s first points of the game with a 49-yard field goal to cut MSU’s lead to 6-3 in the third quarter. Hit his second field goal (24 yards) early in the fourth quarter to get ASU within a touchdown, 13-6, of the Spartans.
• All four of his kickoffs in the game were touchbacks.

Also nominated: Jake Bailey, P, STAN; Kyle Sweet, PR, WSU

OffensiveDefensiveSpecial Teams
Sept. 4JJ Arcega-Whiteside, STANNate Landman, COLOChase McGrath, USC
Sept. 10 Laviska Shenault Jr., COLOChase Hansen, UTAHBrandon Ruiz, ASU
– www.pac-12.com –

Oregon State wins big at home over Southern Utah

By
Sandra Daibes
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Southern Utah vs Oregon State in Corvallis, OR on September 8, 2018 (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)
Jermar Jefferson breaking free during the Southern Utah vs Oregon State in Corvallis, OR on September 8, 2018 (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Corvallis, OR – After a tough previous year, The Oregon State Beavers are back on track with a 48 – 25 win over Southern Utah Thunderbirds for their first home game.

Smith led a winning team for his first home game at Oregon State University. The Beaver’s went hard in the first half with a lead of 41 – 7. With an impressive starting offense line-up, they had a strong duo including Jermar Jefferson as receiver and second string quarterback, Conor Blount. The Beavers started out strong in the first half racking up 454 yards and scoring 7 of their 8 possessions.

The fans were pleased with Jefferson’s performance as he took on 4 touchdowns and rushed 238 yards. The freshman gave much credit to his offensive line stating to the press, “They were opening up big holes for me so I could do good stuff in the open field,” said Jefferson.

Southern Utah vs Oregon State in Corvallis, OR on September 8, 2018 (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

While Jefferson did an outstanding job on the field, there were many assets to the team that rose to the occasion to ensure a win for the Beaver’s. Conor Blount completed 15 of 22 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown, Artavis Pierce had 11 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with a left arm injury, and in the second half, Jake Luton hands it off to B.J. Baylor for two plays, then throws complete to Andre Bodden for 25 yards resulting their end score to be 48.

The Beaver’s offense lost momentum as the second half started leaving it up to their defense to keep the game looking like a blow-out. Jefferson picked up the speed with a big run in the beginning of the fourth quarter and was immediately crushed with a fumble and another turnover by Beaver’s offense.

Southern Utah vs Oregon State in Corvallis, OR on September 8, 2018 (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Coach Smith concluded with, “I really liked our start, obviously. We just have to come out for half time and play better than that. I’m overall pleased but we’re definitely not a finished product.”

The Beaver’s play on Nevada’s turf next week at 4 PM.

Sun Devils spoil the Spartans trip to the dessert

By
Raven Boone
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Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Manny Wilkins (5) running during the Michigan State vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 8, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)
Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver N’Keal Harry (1) diving into endzone during the Michigan State vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 8, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

Tempe, AZ – After trailing the entire game, Arizona State (2-0) came back from a 13-3 deficit to upset No. 15 Michigan State 16-13 on Saturday night in Tempe. ASU sealed the deal with a 28-yard Brandon Ruiz field goal as the clock ran out, moving the Sun Devils to 10-0 all-time against Big 10 teams at Sun Devil Stadium.

“I actually didn’t feel that much pressure, honestly,” Ruiz said. “Eno came and said I love you no matter what. I usually get nervous sometimes and I can feel my legs shaking, but nothing this time.”

Both Arizona State and Michigan State struggled early offensively, remaining scoreless in the first quarter. The Spartans jumped on board first, taking a 3-0 lead with a 37- yard field goal at the beginning of the second quarter.

Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Herm Edwards and Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio
during the Michigan State vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 8, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

ASU started to connect offensively after senior quarterback Manny Wilkins completed a 23-yard pass to a wide open Brandon Aiyuk, who shakes two defenders before being brought down. But this still wasn’t enough as the Sun Devils remained scoreless and trailing by three going into the half.

“All the mistakes that we made, all the throws that I missed, the interception; at the end of the day we came in at halftime, we made the adjustments we needed to make and we won the game,” Wilkins said. “That’s all that matters at the end of the day, we are 2-0 now.”

The second half was a better start for both teams as Michigan State opened the third quarter with another Matt Coghlin field goal, which was soon followed by the Sun Devils first points of the game. Ruiz made a 49-yard field goal to make the score 6-3.

Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) pitching the ball during the Michigan State vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 8, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

With just under two minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Spartans score the first touchdown of the game giving them a 10-point lead over the Sun Devils. Ruiz cut the deficit to 13-6 after successfully completing a 24-yard field goal to start the fourth quarter.

The biggest drive for ASU, was a two-play, 65-yard drive in the fourth quarter. One of which Wilkins launched a 27-yard bullet down the field to his superstar receiver N’Keal Harry, who adjusts in mid-air, catching the perfect pass over the defenders shoulder, to tie the game 13-13.

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Felton Davis III (18)bring down a catch during the Michigan State vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 8, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

“That touchdown was really just me and Manny being on the same page,” Harry said. “He trusted me to come down with the ball and he put the ball in the perfect spot. He put it in a spot where the defender really didn’t have much chance to getting it.”

As time runs out in the final quarter, Arizona State was first and goal at the six yard line. Instead of going for a touchdown to win the game, the Sun Devils knelt three times to milk the clock to 00:03 remaining, setting up the perfect scenario for Ruiz to nail the winning field goal. Making the score 16-13 Sun Devils.

The Sun Devils will travel to San Diego next week to take on Aztecs

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