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Stanford Defense Shines in 17-3 PAC-12 Season Opening Win Over USC

By
Aaron Nelson
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Stanford Cardinal safety Malik Antoine (3) intercepts a pass in the end zone. The Stanford Cardinal open PAC-12 conference play against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).
Stanford Cardinal running back Bryce Love (20) races toward the sideline past the USC defense. The Stanford Cardinal open PAC-12 conference play against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Palo Alto, CA – The No.10 Stanford Cardinal (2-0, 1-0) opened the 2018 PAC-12 conference season on Saturday, Sept. 8, defeating the No. 17 USC Trojans (1-1, 0-1) 17-3 at Stanford Stadium.

Senior running back and Heisman hopeful Bryce Love (20) showed signs of the field vision and breakaway speed that helped him eclipse over 2,000 yards on the ground in 2017.

Love finished the game with 136 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per touch.

However, with a 59-yard burst in the second half and a 28-yard rush in the opening quarter to set up his lone score on the night, Love’s final stats don’t tell the full story when it comes to this offense’s ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Stanford head coach David Shaw was quick to point out what stands out to him about his star rusher.

Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello (3) throws deep. The Stanford Cardinal open PAC-12 conference play against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

“His patience, his toughness, breaking tackles, getting two yards when there was two yards there, getting two yards sometimes when two yards weren’t there and then the big runs happen,” Shaw said.

With Love having finished with just 29 yards on 18 attempts during the Cardinal’s Week One matchup with San Diego State, the positive signs he and his offensive line showed tonight were encouraging, but they will need far more consistency moving forward.

On the other side of the ball, the Stanford defense rose to the occasion holding the Trojans without a touchdown and putting significant pressure on freshman quarterback J.T. Daniels (18).

Though the Trojans finished with 332 yards of offense thanks to a consistent running and a few explosive pass plays, the Cardinal showed top form during any moments of doubt, forcing third down attempts 17 times and interceptions on both of Daniels’ final pass attempts.

USC quarterback J.T. Daniels (18) avoids a sack. The Stanford Cardinal open PAC-12 conference play against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Both of those turnovers came from converted cornerback Malik Antoine (3) with under two and a half minutes remaining.

Shaw praised his defense’s performance after the game despite the yardage allowed.

“I commend our defensive staff for the pressure. Our guys played fast,” Shaw said, “For a team like that, to keep them out of the end zone and force two field goals and only get one made, that’s a great defense.”

Stanford Cardinal running back Bryce Love (20) attempts to push away a USC defender. The Stanford Cardinal open PAC-12 conference play against the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on Sept. 8, 2018. (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News).

Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello (3) finished 16-of-27 for 183 yards through the air, including a 9-yard touchdown to tight end Colby Parkinson (84) to close the first half.

The Cardinal will continue their home streak with the third consecutive contest at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 15, against the UC Davis Aggies.

West Virginia University throws a party in the Endzone

By
Jevone Moore
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Receiver David Sills V with a catch during the Youngstown State vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)
Gary Jennings Jr going into the End Zone party during the Youngstown State vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

Morgantown, WV – To kick off the 2018 season the West Virginia Mountaineers through a huge party in the endzone defeating the visiting Youngstown State Penguins 52-17.

The crowd at Milan Puskar Stadium saw quarterback Will Grier slice the Penguins for four touchdowns and didn’t even hit FBS leader last year David Sills.

Grier threw for 332 yards completing 21 of 26 pass with one of his favorite target today being senior Gary Jennings Jr who caught three of the touchdowns.

“We gave him so much crap last year for only having one touchdown,” said WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen, “It was good to see him get in the end zone.”

Alec Skinfield going into endzone during the Youngstown State vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

The Mountaineers kept the defense guessing all game if they were going to run or pass. They used a committee of back to carry the ball into the endzone three times amasking 289 yards.

Freshman Leddie Brown was the lead rusher with 115 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown. Fellow freshman Alec Sinkfield was also invited to the end zone party for his first in his career.

“Glad this week is over,” said WVU head coach Dana Holgorsen, “Coming off that big win last week [Tennessee], we talked about respecting our opponent, which I think we did. Just glad to be 2-0.”

Connor Barwis ready to eat during the Youngstown State vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

Youngstown State lead by Montgomery VanGorder was only able to gain 293 total yards compared to West Virginia 625 total yards. VanGorder threw for 157 yards and one touchdown to Tevin McCaster.

On defense, Chrispin Lee registered a career-high 15 tackles while Will Latham had eight tackles and one interception.

This team loaded with weapons will have a season to look forward to who going to have the hot hand from week to week.

Receiver David Sills V with a catch during the Youngstown State vs West Virginia game in Morgantown, WV on September 8, 2018. (Photo by Ed Thompson / fi360 News)

West Virginia University will next play at North Carolina State, 2-0, on Saturday.

 

 

Oregon gets everyone involved in 62-14 rout over Portland State

By
Bryce Viglione
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Portland St vs Oregon in Eugene, OR on September 8, 2018 (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Eugene, OR – The Portland State Vikings made the short trip down Interstate 5 to the University of Oregon Saturday morning where they were simply outmatched by the Ducks, falling victim to an ugly 62-14 blowout.

After a dreadful 0-11 season last year, the Portland State coaching staff had hopes of turning things around in 2018 with the return of All-American tight end Charlie Taumoepeau and their newly added transfers including Senior RB Darian Green from Ball State and Isaiah Woods from Washington leading the offense.

Coming off a 19-71 loss against Nevada in week 1, Portland State continued to underwhelm against Oregon, despite the Viking coaching staff’s optimism.

Portland St vs Oregon in Eugene, OR on September 8, 2018 (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Portland State would finish the day earning only 224 total yards to Oregon’s 562, and converting only 10 first downs while Oregon was able to convert 32.

One bright spot for the Vikings came from the play of team captain Charlie Taumoepeau, who was single handedly responsible for 125 of their 158 receiving yards and hauled in their only two touchdowns of the day. The longest of which was the result of a tough 3rd and long situation, where QB Jalani Eason scrambled right extending a broken play eventually linking up with Taumoepeau for a 71-yard touchdown.

Oregon’s Justin Herbert also delivered another strong performance, throwing for 250 yards and 4 touchdowns. More importantly, from a team that has relied heavily on Herbert for success in the past, Oregon was able to establish a run game.

Portland St vs Oregon in Eugene, OR on September 8, 2018 (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Head Coach Mario Cristobal stated after the game, “We wanted to be really sharp in what we did in the passing game… and as the second quarter went on we wanted to establish ourselves as a team that could play with some power, get behind our offensive lineman and run the football.”

Oregon running backs Tony Brooks-James and CJ Verdell certainly proved that to Cristobal, both of which rushed for over 100 yards. The performance by the running backs was also noticed by Herbert, who expressed that he was “really pleased with their effort today”.

The Oregon Ducks will host the San Jose State Spartans next Saturday, September 15, 2018 in their last non-conference game of the season.

Newport Harbor handles University, while Compton taking Hub City Crown

By
Jevone Moore
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2018 High School Football: University Wildcats vs Newport Harbor Sailors at Newport Harbor High School on September 7, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
2018 High School Football: University Wildcats vs Newport Harbor Sailors at Newport Harbor High School on September 7, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

University High Wildcats jogged on to the field 23 players strong to face off against a stacked Newport Harbor Sailors Friday night in Newport Beach. Even will all the grit and heart University fell short 35-13 to Newport Harbor once clocked ticked zero.

By the 3rd quarter the Sailors held a 28-0 lead by grinding down the field and even scoring of a eight yard reverse by Mason Walker #20 with 6:48 on the clock.

Their quarterback Rory McCrory #17 faced al little bit pressure throughout the game. The Wildcats defense were little off balance on the heels and trying to get wind back in second half.

Newport called a good balance of run to pass ratio and few misdirection plays that paid off.

The Wildcats were able to put seven points on the scoreboard Alex Atmadjian #12 threw a seam pass to Jayson Taylor #15 for a 12 yard touchdown at 28-7 just before end of 3rd Quarter.

Once the fourth quarter hit the Sailors coach Peter Lofthouse started to get the bench some experience for the season ahead.

The Sailors now moved to record of 2-1 and will travel to play Santa Monica. The Wildcats 0-4 will face of with Rancho Dominguez.

Compton Running back finding yards on right side. (Photo by Jaye Johnson / fi360 News)

Hub City Bowl II Battle 

Compton took Compton Dominguez best shot and was unfazed in the Hub City Battle. The Compton Tarbabes won 42-26 over Dominguez Dons.

Now Compton can take city bragging rights after already defeating Compton Centennial in the first game of the season 41-0. At least for this season Compton is the HUB CITY Champions.

Next Compton Tarbabes (3-0)  will host the Gardena Panthers (1-3) who just beat Beverly Hills 36-6.

Centennial wide receiver Aaron Smith (88) catches the ball in front of Narbonne cornerback Paul Edwards (88) during a non-conference football game at Narbonne High School on Friday, September 7, 2018 in Los Angeles. Centennial won 42-23. (Michael Yanow / fi360 News)

Centennial 42 Narbonne 23 

Narbonne played a tough visiting Centennial team that broke down Narbonne. Even with Narbonne strength being the defense it was enough to slow down fast pace Centennial.

Narbonne running back Marceese Yetts (5) carries the ball in front of Centennial defensive lineman Nick Smith (34) during a non-conference football game at Narbonne High School on Friday, September 7, 2018 in Los Angeles. Centennial won 42-23. (Michael Yanow / fi360 News)

There next game will be Narbonne last game without their new weapons who were forced to miss the first five games. So look out Marine league when they get extra boost to offense and the team.

Centennial wide receiver Reggie Retzlaff (14) catches the ball during a non-conference football game at Narbonne High School on Friday, September 7, 2018 in Los Angeles. Centennial won 42-23. (Michael Yanow / fi360 News)

 

Pittsburgh is ready for the AFC

By
Jevone Moore
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Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shaking hands with the fans. (All Photos by Ed Thompson)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are always in the playoff hunt with an eye on the Super Bowl as the prize. This 2018 campaign is no different, after a 3-1 performance during the preseason.

Head coach Mike Tomlin entering his 11th season at the helm knows how to have his team ready for the black and blue AFC North division.

The big story still lurking is when will Le’Veon Bell be back on the practice field ready to play after being slapped with the franchise tag. So James Conner the local favorite who has been taking most of the 1st team reps will have first crack at the Cleveland Browns defense.

All it takes is an opportunity for the next superstar to be born, “James,” said Tomlin when asked about his running back situation.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger now has two big play receivers to count on after JuJu Smith-Schuster emerged as great rookie pick up alongside veteran Antonio Brown.

This duo will give offensive coordinators fits all season long starting with the Browns.

Last season Brown signed a four-year contract extension worth $68 million making Brown the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL then. He topped it of with 101 catches for 1,533 yards.

Smith-Schuster rookie year he caught 58 passes for 917 yards with longest being a 97 yard touchdown on Sunday night football versus the Lions. But the the second biggest highlight of his rookie season was a knockout blow on Monday Night Football versus the Bengals. The NFL bully went down with one hit, linebacker Vontaze Burfict didn’t see the crackback blocking coming from Smith-Schuster.  All the football puralist went nuts, you always gotta keep your head on a swivel.

The offense will be in good hands with a healthy Big Ben to direct the troops.

Next up Sunday 9, 2018 the Cleveland Browns host the Steelers to kickoff the 2018 season.

 

 

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 1

By
Press Release
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PAC-12 Football Media Day 2016. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 14, 2016 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
PAC-12 Media Day

Pac-12 Football Players of the Week – Week 1

October 26: #19 Stanford WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside turns upfield during a game between the Oregon State Beavers and Stanford Cardinal (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

OFFENSE: JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Sr., WR, Stanford (Inman, S.C.)
• In Stanford’s 31-10 win over San Diego State, Arcega-Whiteside’s 226 receiving yards were the third-most in a game in Stanford history, and the most since 1999.
• He caught three touchdowns and a two-point conversion, and in all, finished with six receptions and 37.67 yards per catch. His touchdown catches went for 38, 19 and a career-long 80 yards.
• His first touchdown gave Stanford the lead just before halftime and his last touchdown came on 3rd-and-15 from the Stanford 20-yard line with the Cardinal leading by just six in the third quarter.
• Arcega-Whiteside is the first Stanford receiver to earn Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week since Mark Bradford on Oct. 6, 2007 and is the first league receiver to take home the accolade since Washington’s John Ross III on Nov. 7, 2016.

Also nominated: N’Keal Harry, ASU; Laviska Shenault, COLO; Justin Herbert, ORE; Artavis Pierce, OSU; JT Daniels, USC; Zack Moss, UTAH; Gardner Minshew II, WSU.

DEFENSE: Nate Landman, So., ILB, Colorado (Danville, Calif.)
• In Colorado’s 45-13 win over Colorado State, Landman recorded 16 tackles (6 solo, 10 assisted), two tackles for loss and one interception, all in his first career start.
• Landman’s 16-tackle performance in Week 1 ties for the second-most tackles per game in the country and among Pac-12 players.
• The Buffs held Colorado State to 284 total yards, a week after the Rams put up 653 total yards of offense against Hawai’i.

Also nominated: Chase Lucas, ASU; Cameron Goode, CAL; Ugochukwu Amadi, ORE; Joey Alfieri, STAN; Adarius Pickett, UCLA; Isaiah Polo-Mao, USC; Marcus Strong, WSU.

Los Angeles, CA September 1, 2018: USC Trojans place kicker Chase McGrath (40) kicks the ball during a NCAA football game between UNLV Rebels vs USC Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Chase McGrath, So., PK, USC (Newport Beach, Calif.)
• McGrath tied the USC record for most field goals in a game when he kicked five field goals in USC’s 43-21 win over UNLV.
• His three-pointers were 46, 38, 29, 47 and 36 yards, with no misses. He also hit all three of his PATs and scored USC’s first 12 points of the game.
• He tied a 14-year-old school record, first set in 2004 by Ryan Killen, who had five field goals versus UCLA.
• McGrath’s last PAT, following a touchdown with 1:38 to play, was snapped by blind long snapper Jake Olson.

Also nominated: Michael Sleep-Dalton, ASU; Ronnie Blackmon, COLO; Jake Bailey, STAN; Blake Mazza, WSU.

– www.pac-12.com –

The Ducks fly past the Falcons to start the season 1-0

By
Bryce Viglione
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September 1: The Ducks during a game between the Bowling Green vs Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).
September 1: Receiver Johnny Johnson III gets past the defend during a game between the Bowling Green vs Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

Eugene, OR – In Mario Cristobal’s first game as the University of Oregon head coach, the Ducks extended their home opening win streak to 14 after defeating the Bowling Green Falcons 58-24.

Despite what the final score might lead some to believe, Bowling Green controlled the game early and threatened Oregon at many times throughout the contest. Oregon struggled to find any rhythm offensively, and Bowling Green’s sophomore quarterback Jarret Doege did not hesitate to take advantage of their first game jitters, leading the Falcons to a 10-0 lead in under ten minutes of play.

September 1: Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert (10) making moves during a game between the Bowling Green vs Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

It did not take long however, for Oregon’s Heisman hopeful quarterback, Justin Herbert,to get things back on track. Herbert quickly posted 186 yards and 4 touchdowns, putting the Ducks on top 37-17 to end the first half.

Herbert continued to impress throughout the remainder of the game, finishing his day with 322 all-purpose yards and 6 touchdowns, setting a school record for most touchdowns in a season opener by a Duck quarterback.

The biggest concerns for Oregon this year really are no different than last. Defensive Coordinator Jim Levitt’s 3-5 defense continues to underwhelm, allowing big plays from small opponents, and their offense struggles to move the ball without Justin Herbert.

September 1: Bowling Green Running Back (1) Andrew Clair looking for a hole during a game between the Bowling Green vs Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

In an attempt to rest Herbert, who missed five games in 2017 with a broken collar bone, Cristobal gave the reigns to backup quarterback Braxton Burmeister halfway through the third quarter. Head Coach Mario Cristobal stated, “we thought that it was a good idea to get Braxton in when the game still was a game, when playing time mattered”.

Despite Cristobal and staff’s efforts to get someone other than Herbert to produce, Burmeister failed to earn even a first down. After a quick score for the Falcons Herbert was sent right back onto the field where he threw one more touchdown.

When asked about the short leash on Burmeister, Cristobal stated “When we didn’t move the ball and they scored… it just triggered a hey we need to get back on track…[we] did not want the game to go the other way”.

September 1: Oregon safety Ugochkwo Amadi (7) lays the boom on Scott Miller (21) during a game between the Bowling Green vs Oregon Ducks in Eugene, OR (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 News).

Oregon will need to find new ways to score if they want to compete for a Pac-12 Championship this year, as Justin Herbert can’t bear the weight of their in-conference schedule on his own.

The Ducks continue their non-conference play next Saturday, September 8th, at home against Portland State University.

 

Arizona State with Herm Edwards is a hit

By
Raven Boone
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ASU Aashari Crosswell making a big hit during the UTSA vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 1, 2018 (Photo by John Hayes / fi360 News)
ASU N’Keal Harry breaking away during the UTSA vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 1, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

Tempe, AZ— The Herm Edwards Era is in full effect and it started with a dominate win Saturday night. The Arizona State Sun Devils earned their 20th straight home opener victory with ease as they destroyed the UTSA Roadrunners by a final score of 49-7.

Just 1:16 into the game, the Sun Devils started their rally. Redshirt senior quarterback Manny Wilkins connected with junior wide receiver N’Keal Harry, who juked to break a few tackles and took it to the endzone for a 58-yard touchdown.

The Roadrunner defense didn’t know how to stop Harry once the ball was in his possession. Harry lead the Sun Devils in receiving yards, completing six passes for 140 yards and scoring two touchdowns. His second trip to the endzone had the home crowd on the edge of their seats. After catching a screen pass from Wilkins on one side of the field he switched directions and ran all the way across to the other side before reaching the endzone untouched for a 31-yard touchdown.

“I don’t know how many guys he made miss tackles,” Edwards said. “It was about a 100-yard play because he runs from one sideline to the other. After he was going to the other one, I was going “really?” and he just kept going until he scored a touchdown, so it was pretty good.”

“I was trying to make a play,” Harry explained. “That’s something that really comes natural to me when I’m out there. I feel like it’s just natural God given ability, so it was just natural to me.”

ASU Jalen Bates delivering the boom during the UTSA vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 1, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

The Sun Devil assault wasn’t just offensively, they also dominated UTSA on the defensive end. The Roadrunners first drive lasted all of two plays, before ASU sophomore defensive end Shannon Forman intercepted UTSA quarterback Cordale Grundy’s pass and rushed for a 25-yard return, giving the Sun Devils a brisk 14-0 lead.

“I was very impressed with them (defense),” Wilkins expressed. “They got after the quarterback a lot and I think that early on getting after the quarterback, affects him later on in the game.”

ASU Koron Crump going after the quarterback during the UTSA vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 1, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

The Sun Devils started to get a little choppy during the second quarter, redshirt senior Jalen Harvey was ejected from the game for targeting. After the decision, the momentum switched to the Roadrunners side as they worked their way towards the endzone, but after a Grundy fumble, ASU regained control of the game and scored two more touchdowns, giving them a 28-0 lead at the half.

The Sun Devils score two more touchdowns in the third quarter and one to start the fourth.Despite this, the Roadrunners were able to avoid a shutout, with just over six minutes remaining, the Roadrunners finally get on the board as sophomore running back B.J. Daniels rushed for a 4-yard touchdown.

“I wish those guys could have gotten a shutout to be quite honest. It would have been nice,” Edwards said. “It’s hard to get shutouts but giving up seven points. We’ll live with that.”

ASU Manny Wilkins avoids the rush during the UTSA vs Arizona State in Tempe, AZ on September 1, 2018 (Photo by John Hays / fi360 News)

Next up for the Sun Devils are the 11th ranked Michigan State Spartans.

“We’ve got to do a lot of work still,” Edwards added. “ We’ve got a really good football coming into our stadium in Michigan State, so we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

UCLA Kelly-era begins with loss to Cincinnati football

By
Phil Sidavong
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September 1, 2018 Pasadena CA, UCLA Bruins defensive back Adarius Pickett #6 hitting Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Desmond Ridder #9 during the Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)
UCLA Bruins quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson #7 breaking a tackle during the Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Pasadena, CA – Early in the second quarter, starting quarterback Wilton Speight went down and the true freshman quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, had to step in.

Things were winding down in a very back-and-forth, and quite frankly uneventful second half until Thompson-Robinson attempted to elude a sack only to have the ball knocked out of his hands.

The ball was recovered in his own end zone resulting in a safety for the visiting Cincinnati Bearcats (1-0) and a 19-17 lead.

UCLA Bruins linebacker Lokeni Toailoa #52 trying to bring down Cincinnati Bearcats running back Michael Warren II #3 during the Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The miscues and bad throws from the offense would be the undoing of UCLA football (0-1) as Cincinnati would walk away with a 26-17 season-opening win on Saturday.

“I tried to make a play out of nothing,” Thompson-Robinson, who finished 15-for-25 with 117 yards, said. “It just didn’t work out for me.”

Seemed that a lot hadn’t been going well for him on the night as he said he wasn’t fully prepared for jumping in to lead the offense.

Corner Darnay Holmes on a return during the Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

”Coach told us that Wilt was starting and I was second-string,” he added. “I think I could have been more prepared.”

But it wasn’t just Thompson-Robinson making errant throws, there were missed tackles and bad penalties from the defense, coaching miscues and just a “lot of mistakes” that were made.

”That’s on the coaching staff,” head coach Chip Kelly said. “I knew there were 12 men on the field, but I couldn’t call a timeout, we didn’t have anymore.”

UCLA Bruins running back Bolu Olorunfunmi #4 scoring a touchdown during the Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Despite the disappointing night for the Bruins, there were flashes of greatness from the players.

Rick Wade’s strip sack forced fumble and Kesean Lucier-South’s recovery led to an eventual touchdown run Bolu Olorunfunmi in the first quarter.

But what really took off for the Bruins was the speed of true freshman Kazmeir Allen, who finished with five carries for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Kazmeir broke off for a 74-yard touchdown run in the third to give his team a spark and tie the game.

”I (saw) no one,” Allen said. “The blocking was there and I was free.”

UCLA Bruins running back Kazmeir Allen #19 on a carry during the Cincinnati Bearcats vs UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The unranked Bruins are on the road next week against No. 7 Oklahoma, who dominated Florida Atlantic 63-14, and will be looking to take tonight’s loss as a lesson.

”We’re going to move forward like we always have done.” Kelly said.

Cal Golden Bears Show Staunch Defense in 24-17 Opening Win Over North Carolina

By
Aaron Nelson
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Cameron Goode #19 picking up some yards during the California Golden Bears defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)
Who wants jump ball during the California Golden Bears defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

Berkeley, CA – Led by their defensive-focused, second-year head coach Justin Wilcox, the California Golden Bears (1-0) defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels (0-1) at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018, by a score of 24-17 to open their 2018 campaign.

Despite allowing 14 points in the fourth quarter to bring the game within a single score with less than a minute left to play, the Cal defense proved to be the deciding factor in the contest, especially in the opening 30 minutes.

Throughout the day, UNC struggled to find any momentum offensively due to the constant pressure created in the backfield by the Cal defensive rush.

UNC quarterback Nathan Elliott in the pocket during the California Golden Bears defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

In all, the Golden Bear defense came away with four turnovers on the night, all through the air, while holding the Tar Heels without a first down in the opening quarter and under 40 total yards at the half.

“The turnovers were huge,” Wilcox said after the game. “Turnover ratio is the No. 1 indicator of winning and losing so when you win the turnover battle 4-0, you’re going to give yourself a chance to win the game.”

Entering the fourth quarter up by three touchdowns, Cal began to show signs of last season’s 5-7 team which failed to finish late on multiple occasions in 2017 late in this game.

Cal Kanawai Noa picking up yards during California Golden Bears defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

The Tar Heels found the end zone for the first time following a 19-play drive with 6:31 to play, before Nathan Elliot (11) found Anthony Ratliff-Williams (17) for a 14-yard touchdown pass with 1:13 remaining.

A review would overturn the Tar Heels’ secured onside-kick attempt following the point-after attempt, and the Golden Bears were ready for the second attempt.

“We were able to find a way to finish the game,” Wilcox said. “We probably didn’t finish it as well as we would’ve liked in every phase, but we found a way to win the game and guys battled.”

Jaylinn Hawkins (6) secured the first interception of the day in the opening quarter, finishing with two on the day. The turnover gave the Golden Bears possession at the UNC 23-yard line and their first scoring chance of the season.

With help from a pass interference penalty thrown in the corner of the end zone, they punched it in four plays later with the first rushing touchdown of 2018 for team captain, running back Patrick Laird (28).

In the second quarter, Golden Bear defensive end Cameron Goode (19) stretched the Cal lead to 14 when he snagged the team’s second interception and returned it for a 38-yard touchdown in the second quarter.

Cal running back Patrick Laird rushing during the California Golden Bears defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels at California Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 (Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News)

The Cal offense saw action from three different quarterbacks on the day with starter Ross Bowers (3) combining with backups Brandon McIlwain (5) and Chase Garbers (7) to finish 16-of-32 with 119 yards passing and one touchdown.

Laird finished as the day’s leading rusher with 95 yards and a touchdown on 29 attempts.

The Golden Bears move to 2-0 against the Tar Heels in as many years with the win and will look to face off at BYU on September 8th at 7:30 p.m. PST.

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