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USC Drops Opener to No 1 Alabama

By
Jevone Moore
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Advocare Classic USC vs Alabama on Sept 3rd, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)
Advocare Classic USC vs Alabama on Sept 3rd, 2016 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

Arlington, TX- Alabama’s miscues couldn’t stop the Crimson Tide after they started going downhill. The No 1 team in the nation Rolled past the USC Trojans 52-6. The Tide were lead by True Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts who came off the bench to make the offense click.

This highly anticipated contest had some many story lines and ways it could go from fired USC coach Lane Kiffin now Alabama offensive coordinator, to who will start at quarterback for Alabama, are they really No 1 team in the nation, can USC 10 returning starters on offensive outscore Alabama?

After the first quarter of play the Trojans hopeful were feeling ok with 3-0 lead and three quarters left to play. By then Alabama coach Nick Saban made his best decision of the night entering in Hurts to replace  Blake Barnett. He fumbled first snap from center but then exploded for 2 touchdown pass & 2 rushing touchdowns for total of 150 yards.

USC offense couldn’t find its rhythm against the big front seven of Alabama who held them to 194 total yards. The running game was nonexistent which allowed the Tide to remain in their base defense and not adjust with eight men in the box. So their game plan worked,  shut down JuJu Smith-Schuster with coverage underneath and over the top. Then still had seven in the box to stop the running game.

Saban was still not satisfied with his team big win, ” “We scored a lot of points, made a lot of big plays, but still our consistency in execution needs to be much improved…”

USC big play came from senior wide receiver Darreus Rogers who showed his vertical jump to bring down a critical catch and finish with team high 45 yards. Smith-Schuster was held to one catch for 9 yards. Their offense will have to find away to get their playmakers evolved earlier and frequently to make an impact.

USC will host Utah State back at the Coliseum next Saturday September 10th at 11am pst. This will give the Trojans the opportunity to get this bad taste out of their mouth.

Knight’s Touchdown Run Seals 31-24 Win Over UCLA

By
Michael Wilson, Jr.
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UCLA Bruins vs Texas A&M Aggies first half at Kyle Field in College Station, TX on September 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Trevor Knight’s gutsy 4th and goal touchdown run in overtime seals 31-24 win for Texas A&M over No. 16 UCLA.


COLLEGE STATION, TX- After being shut out in the 4th quarter then facing 4th & goal on its first possession in overtime, Texas A&M new offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone refused to play it safe and kick a field goal. Instead he kept the offense on the field with a majority of the 100,443 fans in attendance assuming that Mazzone would call a power run play. Instead, quarterback Trevor Knight decided to take matters into his own hands. Faking a handoff to the running back, Knight scored from 1 yard out, in what proved to be the game winning touchdown.

This is exactly the sort of win that Kevin Sumlin needed and envisioned when he poached Mazzone from UCLA after last season.

While the final stat line shows that UCLA outgained Texas A&M 468 yards to 442 yards of total offense under new OC Kennedy Polamalu. Josh Rosen and UCLA’s offense failed to get into any kind of rhythm. The Bruins led 3-0 after the first quarter, but only managed a total of three JJ Molsen field goals. They trailed Texas A&M 10-9 at the half and 24-9 after three quarters.

UCLA managed to score 15 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to force overtime, but the Bruins failed to convert on 4th and 5 to force a second overtime period. Quarterback Josh Rosen’s pass intended for wide receiver Austin Roberts fell incomplete. After the game Josh Rosen admitted that, “If I connected on some of those balls, we would be on the positive side of the score board.”

Indeed, UCLA’s inability to get into a rhythm and find the end zone early proved costly. Rosen went 26-43 for 343 yards, but threw 3 interceptions. Sophomore running back Soso Jamabo – taking over for Paul Perkins who is now in the NFL with the New York Giants – carried 23 times for 91 yards and freshman wide receiver Kenneth Walker hauled in 6 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. The Bruins offense, however, only managed to go 5-18 on crucial third downs and 1-2 on fourth down.

Texas A&M’s defense also looks to be the real deal. Led by Nick Harvey, the Aggies defense registered 5 sacks on the day, broke up several passes and generally kept UCLA’s offense out of end zone when it mattered most. Junior Defensive End Myles Garrett summed it up best, saying, “We were forcing throws and that was our game plan.” “We did our job” and the defense was “pretty stout” against the run. The Aggies will certainly hope to use today’s upset win as a blueprint going forward once it begins SEC play later on this month.

UCLA on the other hand will attempt to rebound next week, when it hosts UNLV at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

Rams Extend WR Tavon Austin through 2021

By
Press Release
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NFL Preseason Dallas Cowboys vs Los Angeles Rams 2nf Half action at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca on August 13 , 2016. (Photographer Jevone Moore)

Rams Extend WR Tavon Austin through 2021

 

The Los Angeles Rams have extended WR Tavon Austin to a four-year deal that will run through the 2021 season, the team announced. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

 

“Tavon has been an integral part of our offense and special teams since we drafted him in 2013,” Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. “It is important to our organization to retain players we’ve drafted and invested in, and Tavon is an example of that. We’re excited for him to continue his career with the Rams.”

 

Last season, Austin tied RB Todd Gurley for the most touchdowns among Rams with 10, which gave the club two players in double digits in the category for the first time since 2006 (S. Jackson & T. Holt).

 

Now entering his fourth NFL season, Austin has 19 career touchdowns: nine receiving, seven rushing and three punt returns. That total is tied for third most among all players in his draft class and tied for the most among wide receivers in the 2013 class.

 

–RAMS–

City Council to declare Wednesday ‘Kobe Bryant Day’ in LA

By
Press Release
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NBA Basketball game action between the Boston Celtics vs the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on April 3, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Kobe Bryant during last game vs Boston at Staples Center, in Los Angeles, Ca on April 3rd, 2016. (All Photos by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360 / fi360 News)

LOS ANGELES  — Los Angeles isn’t done saying goodbye to Kobe Bryant just yet.

The recently retired Lakers superstar will be honored by the City Council, which has declared Wednesday “Kobe Bryant Day.”

Councilmen Herb Wesson, Curren Price and Jose Huizar who sponsored the resolution say they chose Aug. 24, or 8/24, because it represents the two numbers Bryant wore during his 20-year Laker career, 8 and 24.

Bryant will be honored during Wednesday’s meeting in the council chambers for his storied Laker career and for his local philanthropy in youth sports and homelessness.

Bryant had a season-long farewell tour before scoring 60 points for the Lakers in his last game at Staples Center in April.

New Hollywood Park Casino Set To Open Fall 2016

By
Press Release
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Media Tour of the new Cary Grant Pavilion Hollywood Park Casino on August 9th, 2016 on site in Inglewood, Ca. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

INGLEWOOD, Calif., July 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Hollywood Park Casino Company announced today that the new Cary Grant Pavilion at Hollywood Park Casino (HPC) will open this Fall. The grand opening of HPC will usher in the city’s aura of glamour and luxury as the first of numerous businesses included as part of the developing retail district in the Inglewood Community.

Sitting on nearly 11 acres in a newly emerging renaissance district and directly facing the expanded Century Boulevard, the new HPC location will be just steps from the former location. As part of an updated art and social community minutes from Downtown Los Angeles and three miles away from Los Angeles International Airport, HPC sets the latest standard for Westside gambling.

“While the complex undergoes a physical overhaul, the staff at Hollywood Park is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible,” said Hollywood Park Casino General Manager Deven Kumar. “HPC is situated both to serve its current player base and draw in a new generation of gamers. The new casino will still have our favorite player perks, like Blackjack and Baccarat, as well as our daily no-limit Texas Hold’em tournaments, but the new property is going to be bigger and better than ever.”

Designed by San Diego-based JCJ Architecture, the new casino will span 110,000 square feet and include the best amenities in gaming and technology. HPC will set a winning stage with 125 card game tables, simulcast wagering, a sports bar and restaurant (Century Bar & Grill), intimate lounge, gourmet café, and a 20 percent increase in high limit play while including traditionally historic elements of HPC.

“This new casino was also designed with luxury and convenience in mind,” said Kumar. “The new property will engage the art and social communities featuring global artists’ work throughout. Signature to Southern California, palm trees iconography will line the drive as guests pull into valet park while a new parking structure are some of the included and updated amenities for incoming guests. Visitors will feel very safe, while enjoying themselves in beautiful surroundings.”

The new HPC property broke ground in July 2015 and is set to host grand opening events beginning Fall 2016.

“This is the first step in our revitalization plan,” said Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts. “HPC and our other projects will breathe new life into our great city. Along with the future home of the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams, HPC and the many new businesses coming to Inglewood will bring with them new jobs, increased revenue and beautiful new properties for residents and visitors to enjoy, while not using any tax dollars or public funding for any of the construction.”

With innovative and forward-thinking initiatives, Hollywood Park Casino is poised to become a leader in the California gaming industry; being adjacent to the City of Champions Revitalization project is simply an added bonus.

HPC has retained a roster of top agencies to support the new casino: Bloom Ads, media buying agency of record (AOR); BRANDed Management, PR AOR; SixteenFifty Creative Intelligence, creative AOR.

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD PARK CASINO:
Hollywood Park Casino is set to open in fall, 2016 adjacent to the City of Champions Revitalization Project. The casino will be an expansive 110,000 ft., on 10.6 acres, with three beautiful bars, 125 card game tables and multiple dining options. For more information, please visit www.playhpc.com, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter using @playHPC.

LA KISS Fall Short

By
Jevone Moore
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Cleveland Gladiators vs LA KISS AFL Playoff game August 7th, 2016 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Cleveland Gladiators vs LA KISS AFL Playoff game August 7th, 2016 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

San Diego – The Cleveland Gladiators started off the game fast and hard behind the strong arm of Arvell Nelson. They say it’s always hard to beat a team three times in a season. Unfortunately that was the fate of the LA KISS who lost 56-52 in first round of the playoffs. The KISS never gave up but few key mistakes determined their fate.
Just think if they don’t allow ball to go off net into fair territory that was recovered by Cleveland for late score and lead 49-46 with 30 second remaining in game. KISS scored on last time in a valiant attempt to come back.

Cleveland held a 20-6 lead after the first quarter of play. The second quarter Cleveland allow the KISS to come back and make this game up for grabs in the second half. Nelson went 13/26 for 202 yards, 3 passing and 1 rushing touchdown and the win. Collin Taylor was his main target on the night with 8 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.

LA KISS fullback Rory Nixon scampered in for 9 yard touchdown in 3rd quarter and the LA KISS first lead of the game 32-27. Then the KISS defense responded with interception by defensive back Josh Victorian at 6:04 in 3rd quarter. The emotion in build was swelling for the home team. Three plays later quarterback Nathan Stanley hit wide receiver Donovan Morgan for his third touchdown of the game. Stanley threw a nice 27 yard deep fade pass that allowed Morgan to run right underneath it for the catch 39-27. Just think if the game could have ended after 3 quarters of play.

LA KISS head coach Omarr Smith will still hold his head up high after getting his team in playoffs in his first season as coach. He led his team to (7-9) record and the franchise first playoff berth. Even though Cleveland held the same record the LA KISS had defeated them two times already in regular season.
The LA KISS balance attack with wide receiver Donovan Morgan leading his team with 9 catches 132 yards with 3 touchdowns. Always a top performer for his team and someone every team game plans against but can’t shut down. Nixon was the other big play player for LA KISS scoring 3 touchdowns on the ground himself.
Now the LA KISS will have to watch the Arena Bowl at home but they gained some playoff experience for next year run.

PAC-12 UCLA Bruins Football Outlook 2016

By
Jevone Moore
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NCAA 2016 UCLA Football Spring Practice on April 13th on campus in Westwood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

Head Coach Jim Mora now entering his fifth season at helm for the Bruins. The offense will look a different look and feel behind new offensive Coordinator Kennedy Polamalu. Coach Mora was pleased with new install, “Every day they got a little bit better.”

The Bruins return 12 starters from last year 4 offense, 8 defense (1 IR). At first glance on the Bruins defense starters look strong but handful of these guys we pushed into starting roles due to early injuries. If the offseason weight program holds true to form this group will compete every week in PAC-12. Defensive Tackle Eddie Vanderdoes will be anchor in their front seven to help athletic Linebackers fly around. Their opening game verse Texas A&M will let them see if they are ready to be physical. Jaleel Wadood at Safety will look to lead they “No Fly Zone” when teams resort to the pass trying to catch up to the Bruins.

Now going into his second season under center Josh Rosen will have a better grasp of the speed of the game and his personal confidence in the pocket. His blindside has the two returners on offensive line which is always a plus. The Bruins still need to keep the injury bug away from their lineman so Rosen can have the breakout year all of Bruin fans are waiting for. The running game will bring a great balance to the offense with power of Nate Starks and Soso Jamabo will glide through defense. One big move in spring ball was converted DB Ishmael Adams now at receiver. This move will allow for more probability of explosive plays by Adams who showed off moves previous years on special teams as a returner.

 

UCLA will hold its own fate this year like last year, if Bruins want the PAC-12 South title they must take it! They face Stanford, Washington State, and USC all at home what more could ask for? Maybe not having Oregon or Washington on the schedule, wait they don’t play either team this year until PAC-12 Championship game.

Prediction: 1st PAC-12 South, Holiday Bowl

LOS ANGELES RAMS INAUGURAL FAMILY DAY

By
Press Release
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LOS ANGELES RAMS ANNOUNCE DETAILS FOR INAUGURAL FAMILY DAY

Open Practice at LA Memorial Coliseum Saturday, Aug. 6 at 3 PM

Free Tickets Available TODAY – Aug. 2 at 10 AM on Ticketmaster

The Los Angeles Rams announced today details for their inaugural Family Day to be held on Saturday, August 6 at 3:00 PM PT at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Rams Family Day is a free event but fans must register for a ticket in order to attend starting today, August 2 at 10:00 AM PT on Ticketmaster.

Rams Family Day gives fans an opportunity to see the team for the first time in the Coliseum, a week before they take the field against the Dallas Cowboys for the first NFL game in Los Angeles in 22 years. Guests will watch the team practice and will have access to activities around the stadium.

Gates for Family Day open at 1:00 PM on August 6.  Parking will be available starting at 10:00 AM in lots around the Coliseum on a first-come, first-served basis and will cost $20.00 (cash only).  USC Gameday Traffic Flow will be in effect for guests driving to the Coliseum (see the attached maps).  Due to limited parking, fans are encouraged to “Go Metro on Game Day,” including to access Family Day.  More information can be found at https://www.metro.net/riding/gameday/.

CBS 2 LA, the English Preseason home of the Rams, will have a presence outside the Peristyle Entrance and CBS talent including Jill Arrington, Rick Garcia, Jim Hill, Garth Kemp, Stephanie Simmons and Sharon Tay will be available to fans from 1-3 PM.  ESPN LA, the English Flagship Radio partner of the Rams, will broadcast on the field live from 4-6 PM.  The Cedars-Sinai Kids’ Zone will feature Rams inflatables and other activities for young fans.  Official Rams’ merchandise will be available for sale and concession stands will be open across the venue.

The Clear Bag Policy will be in effect for all games at the LA Memorial Coliseum this year as well as at Family Day. The Rams strongly encourage fans to not bring any type of bags, but outlined below is what is permissible. Fans will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of fans awaiting entry into the stadium:

  • Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12” x 6” x 12.” (Official clear plastic tote bags are available at ramsfanshop.com or at your local Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions), or
  • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
  • Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
  • An exception will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at a gate designated for this purpose.

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, seat cushions, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.

PAC-12 USC Trojans Football Outlook 2016

By
Jevone Moore
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USC Head Coach Clay Helton during the 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)
USC Head Coach Clay Helton during the 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)

Head Coach Clay Helton will enter his first fall camp with the Trojans after taking over the helm mid season. University of Southern California also hired Lynn Swann as the new Athletic Director to take all teams to next level. So what can we really expect from this new era, QB, Coaches and more.

This Trojans team returns 13 from last year 9 offense, 4 defense. Players to watch this season will be Tailback Ronald Jones II who will fit in Helton plan to be a more physical and tuff. Could Tailback U be back, would be safe play with Max Brown now under center. Brown will have some great weapons from JuJu Smith-Schuster who lead team last year with 1,454 yards and 10 touchdowns. Once the double team comes expect Senior WR Darreus Rogers to show up big last year he averaged 10.3 yards per catch. Up front senior Zach Banner will be leader, they have all five positions returning starters. It’s not the sexiest positions but offense line having all returners will be huge if they stay healthy.

Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster breaking away for Touchdown. Photo by Jordon Kelly
USC Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster breaking away for Touchdown at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca. ( Photo by Jordon Kelly / fi360 News)

On the defense for front seven linebacker Cameron Smith is one of only two back for the Trojans. Smith had a breakout game versus Utah with three interceptions and a touchdown to show off his versatility to stop run and the pass. Coming off the highs of competing at the Olympic Trials cornerback Adoree’ Jackson will focus on defense but you know can’t keep his explosiveness off field. On opposite side will be fellow future NFL player Iman Marshall, both corners can lock up man to man. A nice surprise will be Freshman Jack Jones who should play a lot in 2-4-5 defensive set up.

USC will be a force in PAC-12 South with all the talent they have but their schedule will either set them up for greatness or just an average year. The Trojans open up on the road against the National Champions Alabama. Who could ask for better measure stick then that, can they shake up college football on September 3rd?

Prediction: 2nd PAC-12 South, Holiday Bowl

PAC-12 Oregon Ducks Football Outlook 2016

By
Jason Casey
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Oregon Coach Mark Helfrich during the 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)

The Oregon Ducks finished off their 9-4 season in disappointing fashion losing to TCU . They lost a 31 point lead in the second half after Vernon Adams and a host of players went down with injuries. The Ducks have been predicted as the third-place finisher in the Pac-12 North by the media.

Oregon returns a loaded wide receiver unit, one of the best running backs in college football, and they bring in a new defensive coordinator who has a track record of turning around defenses (as a head coach). Brady Hoke might be the difference for the Oregon defense this year he brings in a aggressive 4-3 style. The defense is going to be on the field a long time because of the high flying offense. Their numbers might not look amazing but if they turn mistakes into turnovers. Oregon’s offense should return to form next year.

Darren Carrington, Dillion Mitchell, and Pharaoh Brown should lead the receiving group. Carrington and Mitchell should be one of the most dynamic receiving duos in college football. Pharaoh Brown might be one of the best stories in college football. His leg injury was so bad that amputation was a possibility at one point. The depth that Oregon brings in at wide receiver rivals any year in the past 10. Charles Nelson, Dwayne Stanford, and the Olympian Devon Allen round out the loaded group. The real problem is going to be getting all these guys touches in games so they don’t lose interest in games.

Royce Freeman is a beast. If healthy he is going to be unstoppable. The Ducks are going to go as far as his broad shoulders will take them. If he has a season like last year a trip to New York will be in his future and the Ducks might be playing on New Year’s Day once again.

Dakota Prukop and Travis Jonsen are battling it out right now for the starting quarterback position. They both showed signs they could lead the team during the spring game. Neither is a finished product but with the offensive weapons around them the offense should once again be close to scoring 50 points a game and leading the Pac-12 in scoring.

The real question though is on defense. Will Hoke and his 4-3 defense be able to turn around what has been historically one of the weaker units in the Pac-12 on defense? They turn out NFL players but as a unit normally the numbers don’t show up. The defense is young on the defensive line, but Henry Mondeaux is expected to be the next big time player by a lot of people in the media. One of the positives about the secondary is it can’t be worse than last year. Oregon gave up 306.5 yards per game. Hard to stop any team when you give up 300 plus yards a game.

The Ducks should be improved on offense and defense this season. Look for Oregon to surprise the experts on the East coast and get into a New Year’s Day Bowl.

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