San Diego, CA- Javion Kinnard gave San Diego State the offensive spark it needed Saturday night, but the Aztecs spent too much of the game trying to recover from a difficult first half.
Kinnard rushed for a career-high 181 yards and a touchdown and added 70 receiving yards, but San Diego State fell 26-13 to unbeaten James Madison at Snapdragon Stadium.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
The loss dropped the Aztecs to 1-2 and snapped their seven-game home winning streak. Playing without three offensive starters, including running back Lucky Sutton, SDSU fell behind 19-0 at halftime after two interceptions and a James Madison offense that scored on its first three possessions.
James Madison quarterback Camden Coleman opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown run. Morgan Suarez followed with field goals of 46 and 32 yards before Coleman connected with Cole Keller for a 7-yard touchdown with 30 seconds remaining in the half.
San Diego State regrouped after halftime, and Kinnard became the centerpiece of the comeback attempt.
The sophomore capped an Aztecs drive with a 3-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 19-7. SDSU outgained James Madison 238-136 in the second half after being outgained 281-163 before halftime.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
Kinnard finished with 251 yards from scrimmage in his first start for San Diego State, providing a bright spot for an offense still searching for consistency.
The Aztecs’ momentum was slowed early in the fourth when Coleman found Keller for a 20-yard touchdown, extending James Madison’s advantage to 26-7.
Quarterback Jayden Denegal answered with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Acevedo, but SDSU could get no closer. Denegal finished with 209 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
“There’s no need to make the superhero play,” coach Sean Lewis said afterward while discussing one of Denegal’s early mistakes.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
Lewis said the responsibility for improving the offense goes beyond his quarterback.
“I think it’s everyone’s opportunity to rally around him, do something for him and be better around him,” Lewis said.
For San Diego State, Kinnard’s emergence and a stronger second half provided something to build on, but the Aztecs will need cleaner starts as they move forward.
Photo by Rashad Griffin / fi360 News
SDSU travels to Toledo on Saturday for its final nonconference game before beginning its first Pac-12 schedule.
EUGENE, Ore. — Oregon spent the week looking for a response. The Ducks delivered one almost immediately Friday night.
No. 21 Oregon scored four touchdowns in the opening quarter and never slowed down, overwhelming Portland State 84-0 at Autzen Stadium in its final nonconference game before beginning Big Ten play.
The Ducks improved to 2-1 and gave coach Dan Lanning his 50th victory at Oregon, rebounding emphatically from a 39-31 loss at Oklahoma State that dropped them from No. 6 to No. 21 in the AP Top 25.
Photo by Brandyn Baker / fi360 News
Oregon set a modern-era program scoring record and recorded the largest margin of victory in Autzen Stadium history. The Ducks piled up 726 yards of offense while holding Portland State to 103 and forcing four turnovers.
“No disrespect to Portland State, but that’s the way it should look when you execute the way we’re supposed to execute,” Lanning said.
Quarterback Dante Moore was sharp from the start, completing 19 of 23 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Jordon Davison added 81 rushing yards and two touchdowns as Oregon established control on the ground after being outrushed in each of its first two games.
Davison’s 3-yard touchdown capped Oregon’s opening possession. Moore then hit Dakorien Moore for a 45-yard score before Davison scored again from 5 yards out. Evan Stewart’s 39-yard touchdown reception gave the Ducks a 28-0 advantage before the first quarter was over.
Photo by Brandyn Baker / fi360 News
Oregon carried a 49-0 lead into halftime, allowing Lanning to turn to his depth throughout the second half.
Dylan Raiola completed all 11 of his passes for 124 yards and three touchdowns in relief. Freshmen and reserves also contributed as Kendre Harrison, Andrew Olesh, Brady Bidwell, Tradarian Ball and Brandon Smith recorded their first collegiate touchdowns.
The Ducks finished with 273 rushing yards while limiting Portland State to just 2 yards on the ground. The Vikings never reached the end zone and managed only five first downs.
Photo by Brandyn Baker / fi360 News
“I did like some of the creativity that I was able to see from scheme, and then the execution,” Lanning said. “What showed up in practice really showed up in the game tonight.”
The level of competition will increase considerably from here. Oregon opens Big Ten play next Saturday on the road against No. 12 USC.
After an uneven opening two weeks, the Ducks head into conference play having produced the type of complete performance they were searching for.
INGLEWOOD, Ca. — Inglewood defeated Long Beach Poly 36-10 Friday night at SoFi Stadium, but the final score told only part of the story.
For the young athletes representing both schools, the nonleague matchup provided an opportunity to compete inside an NFL stadium, experience a professional football environment and create a memory that could last long after their high school careers end.
The stadium was larger than their usual Friday night setting. The lights were brighter, the surroundings were unfamiliar and the moment carried a different weight. Inglewood walked away with the victory, but the opportunity belonged to every athlete who stepped onto the field.
The win improved Inglewood to 4-1, while Long Beach Poly fell to 1-4.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Photo by Mynt Jay
Before the game, Long Beach Poly associate head coach Keith Anderson spoke about what the experience meant to the Jackrabbits.
“It’s actually a great experience for the kids,” Anderson said. “They work hard each and every week, each and every day. So, to be able to play in a venue like this, for these kids, it’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Most high school athletes will not play professional football. Some may continue at the college level, while others will play their final organized game before graduating. That reality made Friday night about more than winning or losing.
“Not all these kids will be fortunate enough to play in the NFL on Sundays,” Anderson said. “For some of them, this really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Photo by Mynt Jay
Anderson said Poly prepared through its game plan and film study. Once the players arrived at SoFi, the message was to remain focused and make the most of the moment.
“We just asked them to come out here, give 100 percent and take advantage of being here,” Anderson said.
Poly Returns to SoFi
Friday’s game continued SoFi Stadium’s growing tradition of giving high school athletes a professional stage.
The stadium hosted its first high school football game in 2023, when Warren defeated Downey 28-21. For Long Beach Poly, Friday marked a return to SoFi for the second time. The Jackrabbits first played there in 2024, losing 49-14 to Mission Viejo.
SoFi also hosted St. John Bosco’s 27-17 victory over Servite and the East L.A. Classic between Garfield and Roosevelt that year. Additional Southern California programs played at the stadium in 2025.
Complimentary tickets for Friday’s game were distributed through the schools with support from the Hollywood Park Foundation, allowing students and families to share the experience. The field is also scheduled to host Super Bowl LXI in February 2027.
Inglewood Establishes Its Offense
Once the game began, Inglewood’s running attack became one of the clearest differences between the teams.
Senior running back Semaj Welch, who wears No. 4, entered the matchup averaging 102.5 rushing yards per game. The 5-foot-9, 202-pound back displayed his physical running style during the third quarter when he powered through Poly’s defense and into the end zone.
Senior running back Marlon Watson, No. 8, gave Inglewood another option out of the backfield. Watson entered the game averaging 95 rushing yards per contest. Together, the two backs gave Inglewood a combination of strength and speed that allowed the Sentinels to control the pace.
Inglewood also found success through the air. Senior receiver Brandon Crawford, No. 3, scored a touchdown, while junior receiver Andre Williams, No. 10, also reached the end zone. Their production showed that Poly could not focus solely on stopping the running game.
The Jackrabbits had a harder time establishing their own rushing attack. Without consistent yardage on the ground, Poly struggled to stay on schedule offensively and sustain momentum.
Inglewood also committed several penalties that helped Poly move the ball and extend possessions. Those mistakes gave the Jackrabbits additional opportunities, even when their offense was having difficulty creating yardage.
Poly Continues to Fight
Poly’s defense still produced moments of resistance.
Sophomore cornerback and wide receiver Logan Kirk, No. 21, delivered one of the biggest hits of the game against an Inglewood receiver. The collision briefly stunned the Sentinels’ offense and brought energy to Poly’s sideline.
It was a physical reminder that the Jackrabbits had not stopped competing, but the play was not enough to change the direction of the game.
Poly continued showing fight until the end. After entering the fourth quarter with only a field goal, the Jackrabbits scored a late touchdown to bring their total to 10 points.
The score did not alter the outcome, but it showed that Poly’s athletes remained engaged and continued competing through the final quarter. That effort reflected Anderson’s pregame message to give 100 percent and take full advantage of the opportunity.
Intensity From Inglewood’s Sideline
Coach Bats served as Inglewood’s acting head coach while also handling his responsibilities as defensive coordinator.
His intensity remained visible throughout the game. Even after Inglewood created separation, Bats continued instructing, correcting and encouraging his athletes. He did not coach as though the game had already been decided. Every possession still appeared to matter.
After the game, Bats said the Sentinels prepared for Poly through film study. He also described playing at SoFi Stadium as a special experience for the athletes and coaches because it allowed them to feel like professionals for a night.
Although the contest did not count toward the league standings, Bats viewed it as valuable preparation for league competition. His approach showed that Inglewood could appreciate the moment without losing sight of the work required to improve.
A Memory Beyond the Final Score
The scoreboard told the competitive story. Inglewood’s balanced offense controlled the game, while Poly struggled to produce the same consistency.
But the scoreboard could not measure what it felt like for the athletes to enter SoFi Stadium and compete on the same field used by professional players. It could not capture what the moment meant to their coaches, families and communities.
Years from now, the players may not remember every possession, penalty or missed opportunity. They will remember playing beneath SoFi Stadium’s bright lights.
Inglewood earned the victory. Both teams earned a memory the final score could not take away.
INGLEWOOD, CA — On Sunday, September 13th the Los Angeles Chargers suffered the worst upset of week 1 of the new NFL season falling to the Arizona Cardinals, 26-14 in front of a disappointed sellout crowd at Sofi Stadium.
Despite being a 9.5 underdog and coming off a 3-14 season, the Cardinals are for real. As for the Bolts, it was a sloppy game filled with turnovers and blunders.
During the preseason we heard what a dynamic offense the Chargers would possess hiring Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers execute Mike McDaniel’s new offensive scheme and struggle on defense in the season opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
Photo by Jevone Moore
From the first play of scrimmage the visiting Cardinals played like a team that wasn’t interested in moral victories. Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett to Tight End Trey McBride for a huge gain set the tone for the afternoon.
The Chargers seemed flat, while the upstart Cardinals proceeded to dismantle the Bolt. The score was not indicative of how lopsided the contest was.
The loss ended Jim Harbaugh’s unbeaten streak in NFL season openers and gave the Cardinals their first win since Week 9 of the 2025 season.
“Sloppy at times, too sloppy,” Harbaugh said. “That’s something we’ve got to get fixed.”
Herbert seemed to absorb fewer hits than he did in a typical game last season, but he didn’t have a lot of places to go with the football. He completed 17 of 27 passes for 209 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He was sacked three times.
This was a prime opportunity for the Chargers, as the Los Angeles spotlight was focused squarely on them after the Rams’ blowout loss to the 49ers, followed by the deflating news Sunday that Rams defensive end Myles Garrett, the most anticipated acquisition of the offseason will miss at least four weeks with a knee injury.
Photo by Jevone Moore
Brissett completed 27 of 37 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown. He had the type of ending every quarterback savors: three consecutive kneel downs to run out the clock.
“It’s on us to execute,” Herbert lamented. “We’ve run those plays since camp. We know them. And we just have to go out there and do what we’re capable of.”
Next week, the Las Vegas Raiders (1-0) visit SoFi Stadium on Sunday, September 20th, Chargers vs. Raiders at 1:05 p.m.
Los Angeles, Ca- USC quarterback Jayden Maiava threw five touchdowns and King Miller rushed for 128 yards to help the Trojans improve to 3-0 after a 49-30 win over Louisiana Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
True freshman tight end Mark Bowman finished with six receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow freshman Trent Mosley continued to impress with an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown and added another score with his fourth receiving touchdown as a Trojan.
Photo by Jensen Fluellen / fi360 News
“A little bit of an up and down win.” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “Had some really good contributions on all three sides, especially early in the game and the early part of the third quarter. We’re getting a lot of stops defensively. Obviously, the big punt return was a huge play in the game.”
After Louisiana got on the board first with a field goal, USC took a 7-3 lead when Maiava hit Bowman for his first career touchdown.
Bowman caught a 9-yard touchdown to give USC a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter. Louisiana answered with a 1-yard touchdown run from Steven Blanco to cut the lead 14-10.
USC came back with a 12-play, 102-yard drive that was capped by a Maiava 19-yard touchdown pass to Kayden Dixon-Wyatt.
Photo by Jensen Fluellen / fi360 News
Mosley ended the first half with an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown and opened the third quarter with a 21-yard touchdown reception to give USC a 35-10 lead.
“We’ve played a ton of young guys, some early in games, some later.” Riley said. “Generally, I feel very positive. If there’s another team having more young guys contribute in the country right now, I’d love to see it.”
Louisiana quarterback Lunch Winfield passed for 212 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 91 yards and two running touchdowns.
Photo by Jensen Fluellen / fi360 News
Zacharyus Williams scored his first career touchdown on a 44-yard pass from Maiava and Miller scored from 12 yards out to put the game away in the fourth quarter.
USC opens BIG 10 conference play when they hit the road for a matchup against Rutgers on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Pasadena, CA- UCLA unmatched in the fourth quarter of their first two games, on both sides of the field to earn wins, on the road and now at home, giving their new head coach, Bob Chesney, an impressive home debut for closing out games as they did against San Diego State at the Rose Bowl stadium after a scoreless first half.
“That is not the way we want to play football, especially in the first half,” Chesney said. “It wasn’t pretty but it was gritty. I was proud of our guys, and we found a way to win the game.”
Iamaleava (9) Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
The beauty of UCLA football is that they have two ugly wins after two pretty finishes with scoring 21 fourth quarter points, once at home and last week on the road.
Neither Aztecs or Bruins scored for 35:00 minutes of the game before transfer Wayne Knight finally put UCLA on the scoreboard first for an 8-yard rush touchdown as he slipped by the defense into the end zone.
“I think we all knew what he [Wayne Knight] was pretty capable of and I thought, again – you watch Wayne but let’s just talk a little bit about the offensive line in there as well you know from [the offensive line] pulling around on that one run it was violent at the point of attack like he was and then the receiver’s blocking on the outside,” Chesney said. “Wayne [Knight] doesn’t just score by himself, you know, he needs a whole lot of help and I think that those guys played a physical tough game up front which allowed him to have the success that he had and I think he’d be the first to say that.”
UCLA’s offense relied on their running backs heavily while missing key wide outs as Knight became the first and last Bruin to rush for touchdowns, matching his previous game total of three, to help offset their defense dominance in shutting down the Aztecs reputable rush game.
Chesney (HC) Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
“Sometimes there’s just a hot hand that shows up and Wayne’s made the most of his opportunity,” Chesney said to fi360 News during postgame presser. “…but we’re going to need everybody. I think this is important to just keep in mind… you need as many as you can possibly have cuz it’s a long season and we’re playing against some pretty you know heavy hitters from the D line to the linebackers to the safeties that you know wear and tear on them pretty good. So it’s all together one game to set up the pass game. Yes. And then also distributing the ball through all sometimes somebody gets a little hot.”
Knight might’ve had the hot hands, continuing to fly by defenders across the goal line un wavered by any tackle attempts but his quarterback, Senior returning starter, Nico Iamaleava seemed to play at times with cold feet.
Iamaleava completed 14 of 22 passes for 151 and an interception plus a couple of poor play decisions that cost his team points or extra downs. Iamaleava warmed up his legs in second half finishing with 57 yards behind Knight’s 97 yards.
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
“I think just overall as a team, I think coach Chesney has built something special,” Iamaleava said to FI360News during postgame presser. “It feels good to have that support cast, from the defense and then obviously our running game has been great for us. I got to play you know way better, but yeah, it feels great to have a supportive cast that even if I don’t play the best, we can still pull out a win.”
UCLA tallied 365 yards on offense, consisting of 228 running yards and now totaling 10 rush touchdowns exceeding last season’s six in just two games.
“There’s never no doubt, you know, in a tough game like this and we didn’t play our best,” Knight said to fi360 News. “The confidence is always high. You always believe brother next to you. And I think that’s just a big part of this whole culture that we got here at UCLA.”
Photo by Jevone Moore / fi360 News
UCLA hasn’t figured out yet in two games how to start better, particularly having a scoreless half against a lower conference team as San Diego State but it doesn’t seem to matter much when you finish games strong with fourth quarter statements of figuring out how to put away teams.
Next up for the Bruins are their first league opponent matchup versus Purdue as they return to Rose Bowl.
SEATTLE, WA — Washington’s offense never found the rhythm it wanted Saturday, but the Huskies’ defense made sure an uneven afternoon still ended with a victory.
No. 19 Washington forced three turnovers, including a game-clinching interception in the final seconds, to escape with a 16-14 victory over Utah State at Husky Stadium and improve to 2-0.
The Huskies led 16-7 after Takoda Robles kicked field goals of 26 and 43 yards in the fourth quarter, but Utah State refused to go away. Grady Brosterhous connected with Eli Wood for a 7-yard touchdown with 1:56 remaining, cutting Washington’s lead to two.
Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
Utah State got one final opportunity and drove into Washington territory, but the Huskies’ defense delivered again. Rashawn Clark intercepted Brosterhous at the Washington 4-yard line with three seconds remaining, sealing a victory that highlighted Washington’s defensive strength while exposing areas of concern offensively.
“We’re 2-0, which we’re happy about,” Washington coach Jedd Fisch said. “We need to do some things better. We need to find some points. We need to not pass up opportunities for touchdowns when they’re there.”
Washington finished with 356 yards of offense and controlled the ball for more than 35 minutes, but repeatedly settled for field goals. Robles made three of four attempts, including a 30-yarder that opened the scoring in the second quarter.
Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
The Huskies’ lone touchdown came on Ansu Sanoe’s 1-yard run with 6:44 remaining in the first half. Utah State answered almost immediately when Brosterhous found Javon Robinson for a 78-yard touchdown, sending Washington into halftime with a 10-7 advantage.
Demond Williams Jr. completed 26 of 41 passes for 249 yards without a touchdown or interception. He also led Washington with 56 rushing yards, but the Huskies struggled to establish consistent production from their running backs.
Williams credited the defense for carrying Washington through its offensive difficulties.
Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
“I would say not very good,” Williams said of the offense. “As an offense, we shot ourselves in the foot a lot. When you do stuff like that, you just got to understand that the game’s going to be close. I want to shout out to our defense for the way that they played. They closed out the game for us.”
Brosterhous threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns for Utah State, but his three interceptions proved costly. Washington held the Aggies to 271 total yards and did not commit a turnover.
Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
For the Huskies, the result was far from polished, but their defense provided enough timely plays to keep Washington unbeaten through two games.
Colorado's Joseph Williams (8) is chased in the open field by Weber State's Teni Worthen (23) and Trevian Tribble (3) in the first quarter on Saturday September 12, 2026 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. Colorado won by a score of 52 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
BOULDER, CO — Julian Lewis needed only one half to turn Colorado’s home opener into a showcase.
Lewis threw four first-half touchdown passes and ran for another Saturday as Colorado overwhelmed Weber State 52-21 at Folsom Field, moving the Buffaloes to 2-0 for the second time under coach Deion Sanders.
The redshirt freshman completed 17 of 23 passes for a career-high 366 yards before spending most of the second half on the sideline. Lewis threw for a school-record 212 yards in the first quarter and became the first Colorado quarterback to throw four touchdown passes in an opening half.
Colorado’s Julian Lewis (10) escapes the pressure by Weber State’s Bones Marks (5) in the first quarter on Saturday September 12, 2026 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. Colorado won by a score of 52 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Colorado wasted little time establishing control. On the Buffaloes’ first offensive snap, Lewis connected with DeAndre Moore Jr. for a 66-yard touchdown. Two plays into Colorado’s next possession, Lewis found Joseph Williams for a 63-yard score and a 14-0 advantage.
Lewis later added touchdown passes of 48 yards to Ernest Campbell and 32 yards to Williams before scoring on a 3-yard run late in the second quarter. Colorado carried a commanding 42-14 lead into halftime.
“That’s cool, having the first-half record,” Lewis said. “But we were just trying to win the game.”
Colorado’s DeAndre Moore (3) runs in the open field in the first quarter against Weber State on Saturday September 12, 2026 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. Colorado won by a score of 52 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
The Buffaloes showed balance beyond Lewis’ big afternoon. Micah Welch rushed for 106 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown, becoming Colorado’s first 100-yard rusher of the Sanders era. Williams finished with 123 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Moore added 107 receiving yards.
Colorado piled up 578 total yards, including 398 through the air, as the Buffaloes consistently created explosive plays against the Weber State defense.
Colorado’s Ben Finneseth (28) tackles Weber State’s Seth Rigtrup (32) in the first quarter on Saturday September 12, 2026 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. Colorado won by a score of 52 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Weber State managed several big plays of its own, but the Wildcats never seriously threatened after Colorado’s first-half surge. Nate Dahle threw for 244 yards and three touchdowns, while the Buffaloes’ defense forced two turnovers.
Despite the comfortable margin, Sanders made it clear afterward that Colorado’s standards extend beyond the scoreboard. The Buffaloes were penalized 13 times and had several mistakes after building their large advantage.
“I am ecstatic about the win, but my expectations far exceed our productivity of the day,” Sanders said.
Colorado’s Jason Stokes Jr. (13) tips the ball out of the hands of Weber State’s Jasean Mayberry (19) in the third quarter on Saturday September 12, 2026 at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO. Colorado won by a score of 52 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)
Colorado will take its unbeaten record back on the road Saturday against Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois, with the Buffaloes looking to build on an explosive offensive performance while cleaning up the mistakes that kept Sanders from being completely satisfied.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue had multiple chances to finish off Wake Forest on Saturday, but the Demon Deacons survived each one.
Wake Forest escaped Ross-Ade Stadium with a 38-36 double-overtime victory, converting a critical fourth-and-15 in the second overtime before quarterback Gio Lopez helped finish the comeback with a touchdown and decisive two-point conversion.
The loss dropped Purdue to 1-1 after the Boilermakers rallied from a 17-10 halftime deficit and forced overtime behind a strong second-half performance from quarterback Ryan Browne.
Purdue opened aggressively. Fame Ijeboi capped the Boilermakers’ first possession with a 14-yard touchdown run, bouncing outside and reaching the end zone to give Purdue an early advantage.
Wake Forest responded behind Lopez, who created problems with both his arm and legs. The Demon Deacons gradually took control and carried a seven-point lead into halftime as Purdue struggled to generate consistent pressure and establish its running game.
Ijeboi remained one of Purdue’s most productive weapons. He contributed as a runner and receiver, including two catches on a late first-half possession that helped move the Boilermakers inside the Wake Forest 5. Purdue was unable to finish the drive with a touchdown and settled for a field goal.
Wake Forest continued to find answers after halftime, scoring on four consecutive possessions without punting. But Purdue stayed within striking distance, and Ijeboi’s 25-yard run helped spark another scoring opportunity.
Browne found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, completing 8 of 10 passes for more than 80 yards as the Boilermakers erased the deficit and forced overtime.
The teams traded scores in the extra periods before the game reached its defining sequence. Purdue appeared close to ending Wake Forest’s second-overtime possession with the Demon Deacons facing fourth-and-15, but Wake Forest converted after a review allowed the drive to continue.
Lopez then helped capitalize on the second chance, putting Wake Forest in the end zone and adding the two-point conversion that ultimately separated the teams.
For Purdue, the narrow loss followed a 44-19 season-opening victory over Indiana State. The Boilermakers showed they could respond after falling behind, but missed opportunities and an inability to close out Wake Forest proved costly.
Wake Forest improved to 2-0 after opening its season with a 38-16 victory over Akron.
D. Wright Takeaway
Fame Ijeboi provided the spark, but Purdue couldn’t deliver the finish.
The Boilermakers showed enough offensive firepower to battle back and extend the game, but Wake Forest converted when its season was hanging on a fourth-and-15. In a game decided by a two-point conversion, Purdue’s missed opportunities ultimately made the difference.
SEATTLE, WA — Washington’s defense kept the Huskies in control long enough for Demond Williams Jr. and the offense to find their finishing touch.
Williams threw for 268 yards and a touchdown and rushed for another score as No. 17 Washington opened its season with a 24-10 victory over Washington State on Sept. 6 at Husky Stadium, keeping the Apple Cup in purple and gold for a second consecutive season.
Williams (1) Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
The Huskies held Washington State scoreless through three quarters, forced three turnovers and did not allow the Cougars to convert a third down. Washington State finished 0 for 11 in those situations as the UW defense repeatedly gave its offense opportunities.
“I want to start with congratulating our defense,” Washington coach Jedd Fisch said. “I thought they had an outstanding game. I think 0 for 11 on third down, which is pretty amazing.”
Washington struck first on Tyler Robles’ 48-yard field goal before the defense helped create the Huskies’ first touchdown. Jeron Jones intercepted Caden Pinnick in the second quarter and returned the ball to the Washington State 21. Williams eventually finished the short drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, sending UW into halftime ahead 10-0.
Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
Washington State finally broke through early in the fourth when Pinnick scored on an 11-yard run, cutting the Huskies’ lead to 10-7.
Instead of allowing the momentum to shift, Washington answered immediately.
Williams connected with Rashid Williams for a 44-yard gain on the ensuing possession before finding him again for a 1-yard touchdown that restored Washington’s 10-point advantage. After Washington State kicked a field goal, the Huskies responded again with a five-play, 68-yard drive capped by Jayden Limar’s 11-yard touchdown run with 2:18 remaining.
Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
“It felt really good,” Williams said of winning the rivalry game at home. “Especially the way we won, very gritty. Being able to hold the lead there at the end even when they were battling back and showing signs of life.”
Williams completed 24 of 35 passes without an interception and also led Washington with 61 rushing yards. The Huskies finished with 402 yards of offense while limiting Washington State to 242.
Alex McLaughlin’s interception late in the fourth put the finishing touch on a defensive performance that carried Washington until its offense broke through.
Photo by Alex Lopez / fi360 News
The Huskies weren’t flawless, but when Washington State made its fourth-quarter push, Washington answered with two touchdown drives and walked out of Husky Stadium with the Apple Cup still in hand.
