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The Trojans overcome slow start for the win

Los Angeles, CA September 1, 2018: USC Trojans quarterback Jt Daniels (18) hands off the ball to USC Trojans running back Vavae Malepeai (29) 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.
Los Angeles, CA September 1, 2018: UNLV Rebels quarterback Armani Rogers (1) looks to throw 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.

Los Angeles, CA – USC turned the offense over to true freshman J.T. Daniels who turned to a familiar face to overcome a slow start. The Trojans held a five-point lead when Daniels hit fellow true freshman Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 43-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Mater Dei connection helped No.15 USC to a 43-21 victory over UNLV in the season opener Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“Yeah, its goosebumps, running out there and seeing the stadium and all these fans,” Daniels said of his debut. “It’s hard to put into word, for my first time in the Coliseum. It was really magical.”

Daniels got off to a shaky start but once he got his timing down, the offense got on a roll, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Rebels.The former Monarch went 22-of-35 for 282 yards and a touchdown.

Los Angeles, CA September 1, 2018: USC Trojans wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (8) catches 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.

St. Brown, another former Mater Dei standout, caught three consecutive passes on one drive and finished with seven receptions for 98 yards.

“It was nice to get my first touchdown catch in the Coliseum in my first college game,” St. Brown said. “I think it would have been just as special if it was from Matt Fink, Jack Sears or JT Daniels, they are all great quarterbacks.”

The Trojans youth is on defense where several freshman saw playing time and it showed as USC gave up 308 yards on the ground. On a bright note, they held UNLV quarterback Armani Rogers to 97 yards passing and sacked him five times.

Los Angeles, CA September 1, 2018: JT Daniels runs for a gain 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.

“We did not know what we were going to get defensively,” USC head coach Clay Helton said. “We talked about making adjustments at halftime to really be able to put points on the board.”

Helton said he likes to see the eyes of young players and the eyes give it away, whether you’re ready for the moment. It was really neat to see a lot of young people ready for this moment, and guys that had been redshirted, ready for this moment and stepping up, Helton added.

UNLV running back Lexington Thomas took the handoff up the middle but was stripped by true freshman Isaiah Pola-Mao on the Rebels opening possession. Senior linebacker Porter Gustin recovered the fumble but USC could not capitalize on the turnover and went three-and-out.

After back-to-back field goals by USC, running back Lexington Thomas kept the handoff on a fake reverse and went 71 yards for the score and a 7-6 UNLV lead in the first quarter.

Los Angeles, CA September 1, 2018: USC Trojans running back Stephen Carr (7) runs for a gain 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.

Tyler Vaughns came down with a catch in the end zone but it was ruled out of bounds. USC settled for a 29-yard field goal to retake the lead, 9-7. Rogers connected with Kendal Keys for a 31-yard touchdown and a 14-9 lead. The Rebels used a fake punt to keep the drive alive.

USC running back Vavae Malepeai scored from two yards out to give the Trojans a 19-14 lead heading into halftime. Aca’Cedric Ware rushed for 100 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Kicker Chase McGrath tied a school record with five field goals. The Trojans will go on the road to take on No. 13 Stanford

“Good game, good win,” Helton said. “1-0 on the week, but we’ve got a lot to fix before we get to Stanford this week.”

Oregon State overmatched playing in Ohio Stadium

J.K. Dobbins with a mean stiff arm during the Oregon State Beavers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)
Mike Weber going down the sideline during the Oregon State Beavers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Columbus, OH – With all the media headlines for the OSU vs OSU game, the suspended coach Urban Meyer was still the main talking point. The Oregon State Beavers answered Ohio State first touchdown with a Trevon Bradford 49 yard pass from Conor Blount. After that Ohio State took over winning 77-31.

After being tied at 7-7, that was the closet the Beavers could be with the Buckeyes being coached by first year interim head coach Ryan Day. Once the whistle blew for halftime the Buckeyes had stretched its lead to 42-14.

Jermar Jefferson hitting the hole during the Oregon State Beavers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Oregon State took a big blow early when quarterback Jake Luton took a massive shot on the first pass play of the game and didn’t return for the next series. Backup Conor Blount stepped in with posie to throw two touchdowns in the game.

Mike Weber gave the Beavers all they could handle running down hill for 186 yards of the Buckeyes total 375. Weber scored three times finding a knack for the zone.

The Buckeyes racked up 721 yards for the game showing that they know how to score.

Dwayne Haskins making a pass during the Oregon State Beavers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

“Well, I thought that we played with tempo today. And we were aggressive,” said Ryan Day, “I thought we stretched the field horizontally and we stretched it vertically, which is the goal. But I thought the tempo was really good.”

The Beavers were able to amass 392 yards total offense at the Horseshoe in front of full house.

Conor Blount back to pass during the Oregon State Beavers vs Ohio State Buckeyes game at Ohio Stadium on September 1, 2018. (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 News)

Now that they game over all the headlines can go back to Meyer as he returns to practice field next week. The team didn’t look like they missed a beat without him.

“There was a quiet confidence about this team all along,” said Day.

The Beavers will look at the film and get ready for Southern Utah at home next week.

 

Colorado Buffaloes buck in-state rivals Colorado State Rams, 45-13

Colorado taking the field during the Colorado vs Colorado State football game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)
Running Back Travon Mcmillian in space during the Colorado vs Colorado State football game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Denver, CO – The University of Colorado and Colorado State University met for the 90th time in the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown in Denver, Colorado at Mile High Stadium. With the second highest attendance since 2003, over 70,000 gathered in gold, green and white to watch the Buffs take on the Rams. The Buffs start their season with a win versus their rivals with an all-time record of 701 games won, 501 lost and 36 tied. The Buffs defeated the Rams 45-13.

“We know it’s disappointing but don’t give up on us, we’re going to go to work, it’s not going to be easy, it’ll be a long road and… we’re going to be a great football team,” Colorado State head coach Mike Bobo expressed at the postgame conference.  

Receiver Laviska Shenault Jr with a catch during the Colorado vs Colorado State football game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

The Colorado Buffs now lead the series 66-22-2. CU joined the PAC-12 in 2011 and ended their 2017-2018 season with a 5-7 record under their head coach, Mike MacIntyre. With their first win of the season under their belt, the Buffs look forward to the coming season with anticipation. MacIntyre stressed, “[We will] keep playing hard, keep playing, keep pushing.”

The energy in Mile High Stadium was infectious and the Buffs caught the cold. QB Steven Montez ran for a 38-yard touchdown within the first two minutes and shortly after, Montez completed to WR-X K.D. Nixon for 46-yards for a TD.

“I got him with a little double move and was wide open. All I had to do was to be sure to catch it”, Nixon stated at halftime about his 46-yard TD reception.

CU’s offense refused to let up and Montez led the charge. Montez wrapped up the night with 338 passing yards, four touchdown completions and one interception.

Colorado State making a first down during the Colorado vs Colorado State football game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

The most impressive offensive play of the game for Colorado State was K Wyatt Bryan’s second field goal attempt after a late roughing the kicker penalty. The 51-yard field goal sent the teams into the locker room for half time with a score of 28-10. The kick followed Nixon’s fumble and CSU’s DE Arjay Jean recovered the ball.

While the Buffs suffered two turnovers, one interception thrown by Montez and a Nixon fumble, they remained relentless. Although McIntyre had some firm words, “the interceptions happen but fumbles don’t happen here…”, he stated. “Roughing the kicker, you know, that was a ten point swing. It could’ve made a big big difference and gave them a lot of energy going into halftime.”

Javier Edwards tackling Izzy Matthews during the Colorado vs Colorado State football game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

Colorado State responded late in the 1st quarter as QB K.J. Carta-Samuels passed to WR Olabisi Johnson for a 26-yard TD. Colorado State eventually got on the board with seven, 14-7.

Colorado defense was a force to be reckoned with holding the Rams to one touchdown. ILB Nate Landman had some outstanding words to say about his teammate Montez, “Montez is a great guy, barely knew him last year, he’s been working hard, doing extra work, extra film… he played a hell of a game tonight.” Montez is projected to start versus University of Nebraska next week.

Buffaloes standing tall during the Colorado vs Colorado State football game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CU on August 31, 2018. (Photo by Laura Domingue / fi360 News)

The Buffs face off at Nebraska on September 8th at 1:30 PM MST. The match off will be broadcasted on ABC and will be the first meeting between the Huskers since 2010.

2018 Preview UCLA & USC

UCLA Bruins vs USC Trojans on November 18, 2017 (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
UCLA Theo Howard and Josh Woods during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2018. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 25, 2018 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

PAC-12 Preview Part IV

UCLA

The UCLA Bruins football team is moving at whole new speed, ‘Kelly Fast’ behind their new coach Chip Kelly. After a few season in the NFL Kelly will look to dawn the New Look Bruins this season along with their new apparel sponsor Under Armour.

The bar is set but with little media coverage no one know what to expect from this UCLA team and the spread offense.

Michigan transfer Wilton Speight will be starting quarterback for the opening game with Theo Howard along with Christian Pabico as targets. Tight end Caleb Wilson looks to be back at 100% back from his injury to be a security blanket for the offense.

The depth chart has moved around little bit after Kelly suspended 6 players just before the season start for 1-3 games. Proposed starting running back Soso Jamabo and converted center Boss Tagaloa were among those suspend.

Adarius Pickett celebrates. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

The defense who returns six starters and most importantly their field general who came back for his senior season Adarius Pickett. The secondary being coached by veteran Paul Rhoads. Corner Darnay Holmes will be back after an impressive true freshman campaign, and looks to primed to contribute as kick return specialist again.

A noticeable change off the field should pay off well on the field, is the change in post game protein shakes and meal plans. Each player has a special drink for what there body type or goal. Then there’s chef who cooks meals for them to eat after practice and the ability to take a meal home.

Prediction 7-5

USC Trojans Team.(Photo by Ariawna Talton/ fi360 News)

USC

The USC Trojans are looking climb back to the top of college football ranks. Even though they have been on top of PAC-12 with Washington they have been able to compete with the elite.

Head coach Clay Helton has took notice that the Trojans need to build the interior line on both sides of the ball. This season the depth up front should allow for them to truly battle when the showcase games.

Reclassfield true Freshman JT Daniels will be only the second true freshman to start for the Trojans. Helton spoke to the healthy competition before naming the starter. Daniels separated himself during his highlighted scrimmages and big plays.

JT Daniels at ESPYs holding his Gatorade Player of Year Award. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The defense who returns seven starters in the secondary and backers. Cameron Smith at middle linebacker will control the team and look to top his 118 tackles last season.

The senior leadership on this team should payoff in big close games. Ajene Harris who plays nickelback has continued to grow ever year as get ready for the next level.

Due to alternating schedule the Trojans can only face Washington or Oregon in the PAC-12 champions this season.

With the signing of 18 new players this season the Trojans will call on a few to step up now. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown will look to find a way on the field among a talented group. His innate ability to know where Daniels will throw the ball will be a key.

Prediction 10-3 

 

 

 

2018 Preview Arizona & Arizona State

NCAA Football 2017 Battle during Arizona Wildcats vs Arizona State Sun Devils. (Photo by Eric D. Townsend / fi360 News)

PAC-12 Preview Part III

Arizona head coach Kevin Sumlin. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Arizona

The Arizona Wildcats will have a brand new look with new head coach Kevin Sumlin coming over from the SEC. The Wildcats are one of three teams in the PAC-12 who have 17 returning starters to hit the ground running.

Quarterback Khalil Tate has already broke onto the national scene having a breakout game rushing for 327 yards and threw for 154 yards with 5 touchdowns. His new coach who broke in ‘Johnny Football’ at A&M will be the right coach to showcase the Heisman hopefully tour in 2018.

Tate receiving core is back but they will need better production from them all not just Bryce Wolma the tight end.  Senior Shun Brown led them last season with only six touchdowns receiving.

The offensive line only returns center Nathan Eldridge to be their signal call for the defensive fronts.

This young defense had the opportunity to grow up on the field in 2017, so after this offseason training program who knows what the nine returners will take them. In most games the offense outscored their opponents to win.

The secondary all have experience now and being coach by hands on DB coach in Demetrice Martin aka ‘coach Meat’. Jace Whittaker a corner who loves to be physical and help in the run.

The state of Arizona is up for grabs this year.

Prediction 9-3

Arizona State head coach Herm Edwards. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Arizona State

The Arizona State Sun Devils will be mentored and coached by a walking legend in Herm Edwards. He has command of the room the moment he walks in the door, and they all know, ‘You play to win the game!’

Quarterback Manny Wilkins will be learning his fourth offense in his college career. One thing that will be spot on is his amazing chemistry with wide reciever N’Keal Harry who lead the team with 1,142 yards along with 8 touchdowns.

There’s not one side of the ball that stands out over the other, so Edwards will really need to inspire his team to greatness

They have four returners on defense that has the two cornerbacks as the cornerstone to defend the pass. Chase Lucas had two interceptions after being thrown into the fire as a true freshman last season.

Up front Renell Wren at nose has next level potential that will need to be displayed in his last campaign. There will be plenty of opportunity for new stars to emerge on the defense. Most say look out for the sophomore Shannon Forman to be deadly coming off the edge.

Prediction 6-6 

2018 Oregon & Oregon State

EUGENE, OR - November 25: #21 Oregon RB Royce Freeman is tackled by #32 Oregon State ILB Jonathan Willis and #49 Oregon State ILB Andrzej Hughes-Murray during a game between the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers in Eugene, OR. Oregon. Final Score Oregon 69 Oregon State 10. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).
EUGENE, OR – #10 Oregon QB Justin Herbert scores a rushing TD. (Photo by Ben Ludeman / fi360 news).

PAC-12 Preview Part II

Oregon Ducks

The Oregon Ducks have not lost their swag over the last few season despite trying to find their mojo. If I had a crystal ball I would say the Ducks can hit the ground running with first three opponents not being major powerhouses.

First year head coach Mario Cristobal has had the opportunity to go through spring ball and fall camp to have his team ready to play. Their conference schedule sets up well for them playing PAC-12 opener at home verse Stanford, and also hosting Washington, UCLA, & ASU at home.

Justin Herbert will return as the Ducks signal caller with his strong arm and ability to scramble when needed. The offense returns seven starters, the most important three will be the interior line to slow down pressure.

The defense will run the same scheme for the second year lined up in 3-4 to allow the team to keep up with the fast paced PAC-12 offensives. The outside linebackers La’Mar Winston and Justin Hollins are two of the key seven returning starters for this unit. Not to be forgotten in captain defensive MVP at inside backer Troy Dye to fill the A & B gaps.

At the eleventh hour Oregon picked up a late signee 6-5 185 WR/DB Bryan Addison from Serra High School after UCLA gave him full release. We will have to wait and see how big was this late addition. The other 23 incoming freshman will have an opportunity to compete. Jalen Hall was also big pick up that didn’t leave with the coaching change.

Prediction 7-5

CORVALLIS, OR – The Oregon State defense celebrates an INT.(Photo by Ben Ludeman).

Oregon State

The Oregon State Beavers bring home a proven winner to steer this program in the right direction. New head coach Jonathan Smith who knows how to win as player and coach. There is something special when a star comes home.

The Beavers seem to always find star power at the quarterback position, this season Jake Luton will run this pro style offense. With his 6’7 frame and strong arm returning from spine injury should be breeze.

The wide receivers will be the most experienced group out of the seven returning starters to assist Luton. Tightend Noah Togiai who caught 34 passes last year and played big at the point of attack.

The defense will need to step up this season with only five returning starters. Insiderback Jonathan Willis will be called upon to lead this team and help get the offense back on the field. As the last line of defense will be returning safeties Jalen Moore & David Morris who both were tied with 75 tackles a piece.

This year recruits 26 in all will be great additions to fill few holes Smith has to fill this opening season. Right out the gate the whole team will travel to Ohio State for the 2018 opening kickoff. This game will give the Beavers the opportunity to set the tone for the year and show that they are OSU.

Prediction 4-8

2018 Preview West Virginia University

BIG12 Preview

Receiver David Sills (#13) and Quarterback Will Grier (#7) walking off the field. (Photo by Ben Queen-)

West Virginia University

West Virginia University Mountaineers are anticipating big things in 2018. All American wide receiver David Sills will be a main target for returning quarterback Will Grier.

These two seniors will get to show off their skills in Charlotte opening up against Tennessee. The country will see Sills who led the nation with 18 touchdowns catches last season.

This offense returns seven starters this season and the unsung heroes up front all back except right guard Isaiah Hardy will move into the lineup. Grier last season threw for 3,490 yards with 34 touchdowns.

On the defense side of the ball with only four returning starters they will need a big push from the front 6. They have run 3-3-5 defense under head coach Dana Holgorsen entering this eighth year at the helm.

Safety Kenny Robinson who led the team with three interceptions last season will look to add the leadership this defense will need.

If this team can outscore it’s opponent big and earlier, this will help this young defense grow as the season gets tough on the back end.

Prediction 8-4

Long Beach Poly Safety Kejuan Markham shuts down air traffic

Dejuan Markham returning one of his three pick six’s in same game for Long Beach Poly. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Airport just minutes away hired a new air traffic controller Friday night for the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits name Kejuan Markham.

I have never seen this happen in a game in my 35 plus years watching football, a PICKSIX Hat trick. Markham intercepted Narbonne QB’s three times returning each one for a touchdown ending with 95 yard to end the game with a 26-3 victory. He finished with 154 return yards for 18 points.

“I knew I had to just make plays and win this game.” said Markham

The game was defensive battle both teams still trying to find their identity early in this 2018 football season. At the half Narbonne had the only points in game leading 3-0 in this grudge match.

LB Poly first year head coach Stephen Barbee was sure glad his defense showed up today to score all four touchdown on the night.

“Our defense answered the call,” said Barbee, “Good teams find ways to win.”

The team other touchdown came on a scoop and score by Bryson Parham in 3rd quarter to push the lead 13-3 and all the momentum.

Keon Markham pulling down a big catch over Narbonne. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Narbonne just could not get thing going on offense but their were some highlights from the defense. The was not a shortage of big hits and both team punters got some work in.

Poly now moves to 2-0 for the season, and Narbonne with a slow start 0-2 to start the season.

Venice wide receiver Chad Johnson (18) is knocked out of bounds during a non-conference football game at Venice High School on Friday, August 24, 2018 in Los Angeles. Venice won 35-30. (Michael Yanow / fi360 News)

Venice 35 – Harvard Westlake 30

In his first home game in over a year after sitting out of all last year, Venice Junior quarterback Luca Diamont, lead the Gondoliers down the field for a game winning touchdown against the Harvard-Westlake Wolverines defense.

Venice wide receiver Makai Cope (3) catches the ball for a touchdown on the first play of the game during a non-conference football game at Venice High School on Friday, August 24, 2018 in Los Angeles. Venice won 35-30. (Michael Yanow / fi360 News)

Diamont finished with four touchdown in the 35-30 victory with the game winning throw to to Chad Johnson Jr.

Harvard-Westlake quarterback Jameson Wang (8) dives towards the goalie but is marked at the two-yard line during a non-conference football game at Venice High School on Friday, August 24, 2018 in Los Angeles. Wang fumbled on the play and Venice recovered. Venice won 35-30. (Michael Yanow / fi360 News)
Venice quarterback Luca Diamont (7) celebrates during a non-conference football game at Venice High School on Friday, August 24, 2018 in Los Angeles. Venice won 35-30. (Michael Yanow / fi360 News)

 

2018 Preview TCU Horned Frogs & SMU Mustangs

BIG 12 Preview

TCU Horned Frogs

TCU is ready for someone to step up and make plays for the Horned Frogs. They have only nine returning starters from last year 11 win season. TCU is glad that they had a few extra bowl practices to get the team more reps for this coming season.

Coach Gary Patterson entering his 17th season at the helm knows how to get his teams ready for the ups and downs playing in high scoring BIG12.

This team is rebuilding it’s offensive line and if they gel as new unit fast, the young skill talent shine. Sophomore QB Shawn Robinson will be tasked to live up to four-star recruiting rating. Behind him Darius Anderson at running back will look to top his eight touchdown campaign last season.

The Defensive sticking with their 4-2-5 alignment and has Niko Small will be back at Free Safety after 23 starts. They will need a big year from his counterpart Innis Gaines at Strong Safety who counted on to step in the box for run support.

The incoming class of 22 recruits has 13 plays from the state of Texas. Picking up top talent from their backyard has been a key to Patterson consistent success. Offensive tackle Anthony Mckinney 6’8, 330 and Offensive lineman Kris Dike 6’6, 290 have great size as freshman. All coaches know you can’t coach size you either have it or you don’t, the Frogs have it.

Prediction 10-2 

American Preview

SMU Mustangs

The SMU Mustangs are getting the crowds fired up at Ford Stadium after a winning season last year and playing in Frisco Bowl.

Leading the way will be new head coach Sonny Dykes who is known for his offensive playbook. He will pouring into returning starting QB Ben Hicks to set up the running game with his arm.

The Mustangs return there whole defensive secondary that will boast well for their new 4-3-4 look. The secondary will have better schemes this year under new defensive coordinator Kevin Kane. Look for senior Jordan Wyatt to make big plays in his farewell season after leading the team with four interceptions last year.

From the new recruits wide receiver Treveon Johnson who chose to stay in Texas will be pushed to make an impact this year. The Mustangs signed 19 new players with five coming from the JUCO.

The American Conference better get ready for the Mustangs who will look to move up in the West.

Prediction 8-4   

2018 Preview San Diego State

Coach Rocky Long San Diego State Aztecs at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore
Quarterback Christian Chapman when they have to burn a timeout on December 17, 2016. (Credit: Jevone Moore)

Mountain West Preview

San Diego State Aztecs

The San Diego State Aztecs coming off 10 win season a year ago looks to be on the top of the Mountain West Conference.

Most are use to a dominate rushing attack for the Aztecs, but don’t sleep on senior quarterback Christian Chapman who will be three year starter. He has thrown for 35 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions.

Running Back Juwan Washington will have big shoes to fill from the last two years of stella backs that broke records and lead the nation in yards. As a reserve Washington was able to carve out 759 yards as a backup.

Head coach Rocky Long will have 12 starters back to add some leadership and experience for this 2018 campaign. Among the returners are four of five hogs up front on the offensive line.

They will open up at Stanford this season who they beat last year for one of their signature wins.

Kobe Smith Serra Cavs 2017  (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Long was able to pull in a good recruiting class during the signing period signing 24 players with 14 of them right here from the State of California. Among the 11 offensive signees is wide receiver Kobe Smith of Serra HS to stretch the defense or just Moss’d them up top.

From the defense expect a team that flies to ball with returning linebacker Ronley Lakalaka who lead the team last year with 82 tackles. If teams dare to go air it out safety Tariq Thompson will be ready coming off a freshman year where he lead the team with five interceptions.

Ronley Lakalaka #39 San Diego State Aztecs at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 17, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Prediction 9-3