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UCLA comes back to slay USC on the court

By
Jevone Moore
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February 3, 2018 Westwood, CA UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) being guarded by USC Trojans guard Shaqquan Aaron (0) during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
February 3, 2018 Westwood, CA
UCLA Bruins center Thomas Welsh (40) hyping up the crowd on his 22nd birthday during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Westwood, CA – The UCLA Bruins basketball team finds a way to be inspired and win third game in row verses their rivals 82-79 over the USC Trojans at Pauley Pavilion.

The Bruins trailed most of this game even at the half by one 41-40 at home in front of a few UCLA folklore. In the crowd was Reggie Miller, Earl Watson, Cameron Bailey, Charles O’Bannon, and few others working the game Tracy Murray alongside Bill Walton.

February 3, 2018 Westwood, CA
UCLA Bruins guard Aaron Holiday (3) going up and in during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

UCLA was able to get a big game out of two of their seniors Aaron Holiday who dropped 23 points, 5 threes, and 9 assists.

On his 22nd birthday Thomas Welsh steeped up with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and three 3 pointers.

“That’s special when you can hit from three, go into the paint and be able to hit free throws,(Welsh)” said UCLA Steve Alford.

February 3, 2018 Westwood, CA
UCLA Bruins head coach Steve Alford during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The Trojans have never really had an answer for Welsh since he was a freshman and even now as a senior still holds true. Being a 7 footer has it’s advantages when you have multiple skills sets.

Alford Bruins were able to hunt today with the team trailing most of the game, waiting for Pauley to erupt every time they got close.

“We have to shut the water off to get the stops,” said Alford, ” The four minute game of efficiency is a big key.”

February 3, 2018 Westwood, CA
USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) making a pass in the paint during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The Trojans were lead the hype man Elijah Stewart tonight with 20 points in 28 minutes on the floor.

They also had 4 players score in double digits Shaqquan Aaron (14), Nick Rakocevic (14) and Chimezie Metu (11).

“Making the freshman understand this is huge rivalry,” said Welsh, “You got punch first and keep punching.”

February 3, 2018 Westwood, CA
UCLA Bruins guard Jaylen Hands (4) turning the corner on USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) during the USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins at Pauley Pavilion on February 3 , 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Even when the Bruins were down as much as nine points they still kept fighting and made the runs necessary to get the victory.

Next up for the Bruins will be a tough trip to the Arizona schools next week.

Tiger Woods is back, Finau is Farmers Open leader

By
Jevone Moore
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January 25, 2018 San Diego, CA. Tiger Woods on 7th hole during opening round on South Course of the Farmers Open at the Torrey Pines golf course in San Diego, Ca on January 25, 2018. Jevone Moore
January 25, 2018 San Diego, CA.
Tony Finau all smiles after birdie on 18 to take (-7 under) for clubhouse during opening round on North Course of the Farmers Open at the Torrey Pines golf course in San Diego, Ca on January 25, 2018. Jevone Moore

San Diego, CA – The west coast swing in full effect with local Tony Finau your clubhouse leader on day one with a 7-under 65 on the North Course at Torrey Pines.

The Farmers Open 2018 has brought out some big name to start the season, with crowd favorite Tiger Woods who played even par for his opening round on the South course.

San Diego hero Phil Mickelson teed off on the back nine of the North course finished with a 2-under 70 that was good enough to be tied for 35th.

The South course played .307 shots tougher then the North on opening day but the leader board shows different story. The Leader opened on North Finau, but next 5 players all played the South Course.

January 25, 2018 San Diego, CA.
Tiger Woods on 7th hole during opening round on South Course of the Farmers Open at the Torrey Pines golf course in San Diego, Ca on January 25, 2018. Jevone Moore

Finau hit the course running birdying the first two holes, and five birds on the front nine. Before he left the course he added four more but had two bogies as well.

“I got off to a great start and was able to ride that momentum,” said Finau, “We kind of did our thing on the North.”

He length off the tee is always too his advantage at course like Torrey Pines, hence why he has played well here last few starts.

“I knew it was going to play tough,” said Finau, “a good round, 7 under I think is a pretty solid  round on the North course now.”

January 25, 2018 San Diego, CA.
during opening round on South Course of the Farmers Open at the Torrey Pines golf course in San Diego, Ca on January 25, 2018. Jevone Moore

Last year was the last time folks saw Woods play, and it was in this tournament where he shot the same score an opening round 72. The galley following him on a Thursday was a good and noisy.

“I just didn’t hit my irons very well today,” said Woods, “So tomorrow hopefully I can drive it a little bit better, hit my irons obviously a lot closer.”

The weather forecast looks good so we should have more good scores Friday from the field at the 2018 Farmers Open.

January 25, 2018 San Diego, CA.
J.J. Spaun on 8th tee box during opening round on North Course 2-under at the Farmers Open at the Torrey Pines golf course in San Diego, Ca on January 25, 2018. Jevone Moore

LEADERBOARD

1) Tony Finau         NC  -7  32-33-65

2)Ted Plotter Jr.      SC  -6  31-35-66

Ryan Palmer       SC  -6  33-33-66

4) Hunter Mahan    SC  -4  34-34-68

35)Phil Mickelson   NC  -2 35-35-70

84)Tiger Woods       SC   E 37-35-72

USC blows double-digit lead but holds on in its rematch against Stanford

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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January 24, 2018 Los Angeles, CA USC Trojans (11) guard Jordan McLaughlin scoring against the Stanford Trees vs USC Trojans mens basketball game at the Galen Center on January 24, 2018 . (Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)
January 24, 2018 Los Angeles, CA USC Trojans (2) guard Jonah Mathews getting position to score during the Stanford  Cardinals vs USC Trojans men’s basketball game at the Galen Center on January 24, 2018 . (Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA – It was a dejavú for USC.

Stanford had one last chance to potentially sweep the season series against the Trojans but were  unable to pull off another miracles come back and fell 69-64.

“It was a very challenging PAC-12 basketball game tonight. Our league is excellent from top to bottom this year,” said USC head coach, Andy Endfield. “We are fortunate to beat a very good Stanford team tonight.”

The Trojans, who were up by as many as 15 and double digit-points majority of the contest, found themselves in a position too negatively familiar.

In the end, a 3 point attempt by the Cardinals was unsuccessful and USC escaped with its 5th straight win.

It was a team effort victory for USC, who’s leading scorer, Jonah Matthews, came off the bench with 18 points. Jordan McLaughlin had a couple of opportunities to give USC a cushion in the final minutes but he couldn’t convert on critical free-throws down the stretch. McLaughlin finished with 8 points on 3 of 11 shooting and 9 assists.

January 24, 2018 Los Angeles, CA USC Trojans student body seating during the Stanford Cardinals vs USC Trojans men’s basketball game at the Galen Center on January 24, 2018 . (Photo By: Daniel Bowyer / fi360 News)

The Trojans were able to pull away in the first half, much like the first game in Palo Alto. Dunks by Metu, McLaughlin and a 3-pointer by Matthews helped USC gain its first double-digit lead of the game.

In the teams first meeting of the season, USC was denied of a road victory after Stanford converted on half court buzzer beater with 1.7 seconds remaining.

All signs pointed to another  Hollywood-fairy tail ending in Los Ángeles.

USC lead the entire game. The cardinals cut its 15 point deficit to just 2 points with 32-seconds left on a Daejon Davis free-throw.

USC went 5-20 (25%) from the 3-point line and were only able to get to the free-throw line 8 times.

This is USC’s 7th victory its last 8 games. They will have a chance for a 6th straight victory on Sunday when they host Cal.

USC too much for Utah to handle

By
Eric Ramos
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January 14, 2018 Los Angeles, CA USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) driving during the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 14, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
January 14, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) on his way to the rim during the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 14, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA – USC started the game scorching hot from beyond the arc, draining eight-of-12 three-pointers in the first 10 minutes.

The Trojans made a season-high 14 3-pointers en route to a dominating 84-67 win over Utah on Sunday at the Galen Center. The victory snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Utes.

“That was a good win against a good Utah team,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “To force turnovers and get 84 points is a good thing.”

USC completely dominated the Utes from start to finish. The Trojans played loose and always seemed to find the open man as they took a 32-13 lead on a Jonah Matthews 3-pointer midway through the first half.

January 14, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans guard Derryck Thornton (5) driving during the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 14, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Matthews led USC with 17 points and finished 3-for-5 from 3-points range.

“I felt good tonight,” Matthews said. “I hit my first one and my teammates kept finding me.”

Defensively, the Trojans held Utah to 32 percent shooting from the field and forced 11 turnovers to take a commanding 46-22 lead at halftime. USC made most of their opportunities, scoring 15 points off turnovers in the first half while draining nine three-pointers and shooting 60 percent.

In the last five games, USC has registered 45 steals and forced 89 turnovers.

January 14, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
Utah Utes forward David Collette (13) rocking Kuzmania shirts during the Utah Utes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 14, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“It (not having De’Anthony Melton) hurt our defense in the beginning of the year,” Enfield said. “Now we’re playing very good team defense, but we still have room for improvement.”

USC announced Melton would be held out for the 2017-18 season after the school determined that a close friend received an extra benefit.

“We made a statement tonight, for De’Anthony and for Utah,” Matthews said. “They were talking trash to us. We tried to keep our composure and let the scoreboard talk for us.”

USC will hit the road to visit Oregon on Thursday, Jan. 18. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

University of Arizona hires Kevin Sumlin as head football coach

By
Press Release
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Kevin Sumlin coach of Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, TX on September 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Former Coach Sumlin of Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, TX on September 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Tucson AZ- Former Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has reached an agreement to become the next head coach at Arizona, according to multiple reports.

Sumlin was fired by the Aggies in November after six seasons at the helm. The 53-year-old, who also spent four seasons as the coach at Houston, has amassed a career record of 86-43 as a head coach.

Sirius XM first reported Sumlin’s hiring Sunday afternoon. Sports Illustrated also reported the news.

Sumlin will replace Rich Rodriguez, who was fired earlier this month. USA TODAY Sports reported that the Wildcats grew uncomfortable with the direction of the football program amid allegations of workplace misconduct. Rodriguez said in a statement released through his attorney that the university had investigated claims of harassment by a former administrative assistant, who threatened a $7.5 million lawsuit.

Arizona was believed to be targeting Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo for its vacancy, but The Arizona Daily Star confirmed Sunday that Niumatalolo would stay at Navy.

Sumlin will inherit a Wildcats team led by rising junior quarterback Khalil Tate, who threw for 1,591 yards and ran for 1,411 more as a sophomore in 2017.

USC back on track with win over Colorado

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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January 10, 2018 Los Angeles, CA USC Trojans guard Shaqquan Aaron (0) on a layup during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 10, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)
January 10, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) on fall away during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 10, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles, CA- On a night where USC star players Beanie Boatwright and Chimezie Metu struggled offensively, the Trojans had enough firepower to rout Colorado 70-58 at the Galen Center Wednesday night.

Guard Jordan McLaughlin went a perfect 4-4 from 3-point range and finished with 20 points to lead the Trojans in scoring.

“Jordan knows he needs to do both,” said USC head coach, Andy Enfield “He is an opportunistic guy. Everyone has an off night but is nice to be able to win a game when your two leading scorers are 4 of 22.”

January 10, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 10, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

After Sunday’s defeat at the hands of Stanford on a half-court buzzer beater, the Trojans were eager to get back on the floor to correct their errors.

“We have to just move on after every game, win or lose. Learn from your mistakes and move on. It was good to get out here and get a win,” said McLaughlin.

Metu shot 3 of 12 from the floor but still managed to pitch in 14 points. He was the only other player in double figured in scoring for USC.

January 10, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans guard Jonah Mathews (2) and USC Trojans guard Jordan McLaughlin (11) during a free throw for the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 10, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore / Cal Sport Media)

The Trojans shot 9-17 from the 3-point line. Jonah Matthews finished the game with 9 points for USC with all three of his shots coming from behind the 3-point line.

USC held a lead for a majority of the first half but what once was a 9 point lead turned into a 32-30 deficit with 3:25 left in the half. A couple of baskets by McLauglin and Boatwright’s only made shot of the game gave USC a 38-34 halftime lead.

The Trojans were able to pull away in the second half after a couple of Matthews and McLauglin 3-pointers.

Colorado had 22 turnovers, which lead to 25 point for the Trojans.

January 10, 2018 Los Angeles, CA
USC Trojans guard Jonah Mathews (2) going up for a shot during the Colorado Buffaloes vs USC Trojans at Galen Center on January 10, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“We got our hands on a lot of basketballs. I thought our man was good, our zone was excellent and the guys really played hard tonight with a sense of purpose,” said Enfield

George King led Colorado in scoring with 21 points.

USC will welcome Utah on Sunday.

In second overtime Georgia outlast Oklahoma to advance

By
Jevone Moore
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January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA, Pregame before the NCAA College Football Playoffs 2018 between Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore / Cal Sport Media
January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) going in for winning touchdown in 2 OT at the NCAA College Football Playoffs 2018 between Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore

Pasadena, CA – In second overtime  tied 48-48 from the Georgia 27 yard line, Austin Seibert Oklahoma placekicker had his attempt blocked by Carter Lorenzo.

Then two plays later from the same spot 27 yard line running back Sony Michel raced around the left side to eventually walk in end zone for the 54-48 victory in the College Football Semifinal game on New Year’s Day.

“I believed in you (Michel)….,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart after the game on the field as they two embraced for a victory hug.

January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) being slowed down in the NCAA College Football Playoffs 2018 between Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore

This CFP game lived up to all the hype that was built up in No. 2 vs No.3 match up that included Heisman trophy winning quarterback Baker Mayfield that left it all out on the field for his last college game.

“Oh, I can’t believe it’s over, said Mayfield, “It’s been a wild ride.”

Georgia game plan was to stop the run in the second half. At the half they were down 31-17 after kicking a late field goal to cut the lead down to 14 points.

“Absolutely. We can stop the run first; try to make them one dimensional.” said coach Kirby Smart

January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Georgia Bulldogs tight end Charlie Woerner (89) making a catch at the NCAA College Football Playoffs 2018 between Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore

Smart knew that Mayfield would have to be the one to beat his Bulldogs, and he didn’t only throwing for 87 yards in second half to finish the day with 287 yards with 2 touchdowns.

Pretty interesting that Smart dared Oklahoma to test his Db’s but they couldn’t capitalizes on the extra time of possession.

In overtime, the crowd and Georgia’s defensive coordinator had to be surprised that coach Lincoln Riley didn’t put the game in Mayfield hands.

In the end Georgia freshman Jake Fromm was the victor throwing for 210 yards with 2 touchdowns.

January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) on way to a 75 yard touchdown in the first half of the NCAA College Football Playoffs 2018 between Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore

The real hero was part of a double headed running duo lead by offensive MVP Michel who ran for 181 yards with 3 touchdowns.

“I mean, when I scored a touchdown, I knew it was over.” said Michel, “We finally get a chance to play for something big.”

So after this Georgia victory, they will now play in the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday January 8, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia verse Alabama.

January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Rose Bowl stadium full for the NCAA College Football Playoffs 2018 between Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore
January 1, 2018 Pasadena CA,
Georgia Bulldogs UGA the 10th at the NCAA College Football Playoffs 2018 between Georgia Bulldogs vs Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Ca. on January 1, 2018. Jevone Moore

Penn State defeats Washington in PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

By
Carlos Gonzalez
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Myles Gaskin (9) of the Washington Huskies surrounded during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.(Photo by Leon Bennett/fi360 News)
Saquon Barkley (26) of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.(Photo by Leon Bennett/fi360 News)

Glendale, AZ – Although the score may not be indicative of the final outcome, Penn State took charge early defeating University of Washington 35-28 in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.

“We were fortunate to get out of here with a win,” said Penn State head coach, James Franklin. “I’ve been doing this long enough, I know if you turn the ball over you are going to have a hard time winning.”

Trace McSorley and the Nittany Lions came out motivated to move the ball threw the air and challenge Washington’s secondary.

Trace McSorley (9) of the Penn State Nittany Lions running during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.(Photo by Leon Bennett/fi360 News)

Penn State took a quick 7-0 lead on a 48 yard touchdown pass from McSorley to Daesean Hamilton.

After not being able to cash in on a McSorley interception, Penn State would extend its lead to 14 on a 2-yard run by Saquon Barkley.

Washington was able to chip away at Penn State’s lead to begin the 2nd quarter. A trick play set the Huskies on the  1-yard line and on the next play, RB Myles Gaskin capitalized for the touchdown .

DaeSean Hamilton (5) of the Penn State Nittany Lions scoring during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.(Photo by Leon Bennett/fi360 News)

Washington’s defense was unable to slow down the Nittany Lions offense, who were getting anything they wanted on the ground and through the air. Barkely tacked on to Penn State’s lead with the longest run in Fiesta Bowl history. Barkely put the Nittany Lions up 28-7 on a 92-yard run.

Penn State ended the first half with 367 yards on offense to Washington’s 136. McSorley also threw 24 times completing 18 for 219 yards.

The Huskies came out for the second half with more Rhythm on the offense of end. Washington pulled within one touchdown.

Jake Browning found Aaron Fuller from 28-yards to give the Huskies a fighting chance 28-21.

Washington’s defense on the other hand still had no answers for McSorley and the Nittany Lions offense. The Huskies 7 point deficit didn’t last long. McSorley started Penn State’s first possession of the second half with 24-yard scramble. Then, McSorley connected with Daesean Hamilton for a 24-yards and Hamilton’s second touchdown.

head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona.(Photo by Leon Bennett/fi360 News)

The Huskies made the game interesting with a shot to tie the game after a Penn State missed field goal with 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter. An interception by Pettis on a lateral pass ended any chance of a Washington comeback.

Penn State converted on 13 of 17 third down plays.

“That was something that the last couple years we really wanted to improve on and emphasize in the off-season,” said Franklin. “We were fantastic on third down on offense today.”

Penn State made life difficult for Browning who seemed to pressured every time he steeped back to pass. He was sacked 4 times.

McSorley finished the game 32 of 41 for 342 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Barkley finished with 18 carries for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Penn State boost its record to 7-0 all time in the Fiesta Bowl.

Washington can’t overcome slow start in loss to Penn State

By
Eric Ramos
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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Trace McSorley (9) of the Penn State Nittany Lions in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Jake Browning (3) of the Washington Huskies being hit by Shane Simmons (34) of the Penn State Nittany Lions in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News

Glendale, AZ – Once the first quarter was over, the blowout seemed evident.

Washington, plagued by a slow start, trailed 28-7 by the second quarter. The Huskies defense allowed 367 total yards to Penn State in the first half while the offense only managed to get 136.

On the ground, Huskies running back Myles Gaskin was held to 17 yards and a touchdown while quarterback Jake Browning was limited to 7-of-11 for 67 yards.

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley (26) of the Penn State Nittany Lions in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

However, Washington never gave up. They still had a chance to tie it with just under a minute left but three straight incomplete passes and a catch which was lateraled and  intercepted sealed the 35-28 loss to No. 9 Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl on Saturday.

Washington coach Chris Peterson has led the program to successful back-to-back season. They were in the College Football Playoff a season ago and a New Year’s Six bowl this season. Both bowl games ended in losses but the Huskies are heading in the right direction.

Peterson said it’s not just about executing on the football field, it’s about what the culture is like on a day-to-day basis.

“These guys understand what it’s going to take,” Peterson said. “It’s hard to win 10 games and make it to the playoffs but they’ve had a taste enough that they understand that.”

Penn State took an early 7-0 lead on Trace McSorley’s 48-yard touchdown pass to DaeSean Hamilton. After Saquan Barkley’s 2-yard touchdown run, Washington got on the board with a 1-yard keeper by Browning.

DeAndre Thompkins’ 34-yard catch set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Miles Sanders, giving the Nittany Lions a 21-7 lead in the second quarter.

After a Washington punt, Barkley scored on a 92-yard touchdown run to give Penn State a commanding 28-7 lead. Barkley’s touchdown run is the longest in Fiesta Bowl history.

The Huskies defense led the nation in run defense during the regular season, allowing 92 yards a game but Barkley rushed 145 yards and two touchdowns.

“They just made plays,’ Washington linebacker Keishawn Bierria said. “Third downs are money downs, we have to get off the field. They got the better of us tonight.”

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30:Jake Browning (3) of the Washington Huskies throwing in the game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)

Washington caught a break when Penn State muffed the punt and the Huskies were able to recover the fumble. With the ball at the Nittany Lions’ 33, the Huskies capitalized on the good field position as Gaskin scored on a 13-yard run to cut the lead, 28-14, heading into the half.

The 11-seeded Huskies opened the third quarter with a 13-play, 80-yard drive, capped by a Browning 28-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Fuller.

Although the Huskies were being outgained on offense, they got within seven points twice in the game but could not overcome costly turnovers.

December 30, 2017 Glendale, AZ,
NCAA Football 2017 Fiesta Bowl: Keishawn Bierria (7) of the Washington Huskies at line of scrimmage during the Washington Huskies vs Penn State Nittany Lions at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ on December 30, 2017. Jevone Moore / fi360 News

“This team is going to be way better next year,” Bierria said. “I could do nothing but be proud (of the younger guys).”

USC lacks big plays in the Cotton Bowl Classic

By
Ariawna Talton
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Ohio State Buckeyes players celebrate in the endzone during the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC Trojans vs Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX on December 29, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Kelly / fi360 News)

Dallas, TX – Perhaps a college bowl game with no playoff ramifications has never been quite so compelling on paper.

The Buckeyes were the victors and proudly touted the Scovell Trophy. The final score of 24-7 left an audience of 67,510 with much to be desired from the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

USC, winners of the Pac-12 Conference this season entered the Cotton Bowl Classic slotted No. 8.

Ohio State won the Big 10 Conference and entered the bowl game as No. 5.

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback JT Barrett running during the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC Trojans vs Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX on December 29, 2017. (Photo by Jerry Kelly/ fi360 News)

The first half was completely dominated by Ohio State, although USC boasted better total yard statistics. While Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett completed five of his nine pass attempts in the first half for a total of only 75 yards, he added 67 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Despite two turnovers, Ohio State limited the Trojans to just one scoring run.

Both USC and Ohio State entered Friday tonight’s competition with convincing records of 11-2. Neither team impressed the College Football Playoff selection committee enough to make the playoff.

Still, a USC and Ohio State battle promised to be an interesting matchup of two storied college teams. Surprisingly, this game lacked a great deal of big play flair. Fans for both teams packed AT&T Stadium in anticipation of a high scoring affair and several deep route completions, especially with Ohio State All-American cornerback Denzel Ward electing to skip the bowl game. Ward will forgo his final season and enter the NFL Draft.

The score at halftime was 24 – 7. The score with minutes remaining in the final quarter was still 24 – 7.

USC Trojans ready for battle before the 82nd Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic between USC Trojans vs Ohio State Buckeyes at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, TX on December 29, 2017. (Photo by Ariawna Talton/ fi360 News)

USC quarterback Sam Darnold’s first half numbers were completely deceptive. Darnold passed for 170 yards, but was under pressure much of the first half. The Trojan offensive line didn’t do its best job protecting the quarterback, resulting in three first half sacks.

The most consistent dynamic was the Ohio State run defense and their pressure on the quarterback.

“We’ve got the best D-Line coach in America and he had them ready to rock and roll,” said Ohio State Coach Urban Meyer, “You saw what I saw – if you don’t let him (the quarterback) set his feet you have a chance.”

Barrett’s second half statistics didn’t vary much from the first half; however, he did break a total offensive yardage record previously held by Drew Brees. At the midpoint of the final quarter, Barrett had 12,701 total offensive yards for his career.

In dissecting the statistics of this game, the outcome doesn’t add up. Barrett passed for only 114 yards and his team won. Darnold passed for 356 yards and his team only scored a single rushing touchdown.

Someone had to want it more for the entirety of the ballgame. USC struggled to play catch-up from the initial quarter. Even some of their most advantageous passes and spectacular receptions resulted in non-scoring drives. There was just no making up for the turnovers.

“Whenever you turn the ball over that much – it’s hard to win games,” said Darnold.

Before tonight’s game, the Trojans were 5–3 in bowl matchups against the Buckeyes. There were indeed several opportunities for USC to make a comeback, but turnovers and the inability to convert on key third downs made the game fairly easy for Ohio State.

 

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