FIVE TURNOVERS, ONE TOUGH NIGHT! WASHINGTON SURVIVES PURDUE 38-26

October 16, 2026

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue’s defense delivered five takeaways, but the Boilermakers couldn’t turn those opportunities into enough points Friday night, falling 38-26 to Washington at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Huskies (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten) snapped a three-game

losing streak behind quarterback Elijah Brown, who threw for 302 yards and three touchdowns in his first start. Purdue (3-4, 2-2 Big Ten) showed flashes of explosiveness but struggled to finish drives and control the line of scrimmage.

Rocking their all-black uniforms for the blackout game, the Boilermakers opened with a bang. Defensive back Hudauri Hines intercepted Brown on Washington’s first play, and Smiley Bradford added another interception later in the first quarter. However, Purdue managed just three points from those early turnovers, finishing the opening quarter with only 51 yards of offense and going 0-for-3 on third downs.

Washington capitalized on its opportunities, using a 10-play drive capped by Brown’s touchdown pass to Decker DeGraaf to establish momentum. After Trey Cooley ripped off a 43-yard run in the second quarter, Purdue’s defense stood firm and forced a field goal, keeping the Huskies from extending their advantage further.

Then Antonio Harris ignited Ross-Ade Stadium with a 60-yard run, Purdue’s longest rushing play of the season. Harris later punched in a touchdown to tie the game at 10-10. Washington responded with a touchdown pass to Brian Bonner, but Purdue answered when

Ryan Browne connected with Fame Ijeboi for a 10-yard touchdown, knotting the score at 17-17.

Washington delivered the final blow of the half when Bonner scored his second touchdown, giving the Huskies a 23-17 halftime lead after a costly Purdue roughing-the-passer penalty.

The second half became a battle of missed opportunities. Purdue’s defense continued creating chances, with JoJo Hayden recording another interception, but the offense settled for a field goal to make it 24-20. Washington answered with a touchdown pass to

Dezman Roebuck early in the fourth quarter, pushing the lead to 31-20.

The Huskies’ defensive front proved decisive, limiting Purdue’s rushing attack to just 98 yards as a team. Ijeboi, coming off a monster performance the previous week, managed only 19 yards on 13 carries.

“Their defensive line won on the line of scrimmage,” Purdue head coach Barry Odom said.

Brown finished 21-of-27 passing for 302 yards and three touchdowns despite throwing three interceptions. Purdue’s Browne completed 21 of 41 passes for 273 yards and threw two interceptions.

Purdue had the takeaways, explosive plays and crowd energy to make this a statement victory. What the Boilermakers lacked was the finishing punch.

From the sideline : Five turnovers should create a winning formula, but Washington made the most of its opportunities while Purdue left too many points on the field. The Boilermakers must turn defensive stops into touchdowns and establish their running game if they want to make noise in the Big Ten.

Never Underestimate the Underdog: Roosevelt Finds Its First Win Against South East

Felicia Enriquez

October 16, 2026

SOUTH GATE, CA — Never underestimate the underdog. That was the lesson Friday night as the Roosevelt Rough Riders entered their matchup against the South East Jaguars with a 0–7 record and walked away with their first victory of the season, defeating the Jaguars 50–22.

Coming into the game, Roosevelt had every reason to be discouraged. Seven games without a win can take a toll on any team, especially young athletes still learning how to handle adversity.

But Roosevelt came ready to compete.

Before kickoff, coach Ernesto Ceja’s spoke about keeping players motivated despite their record.

“Just keep fighting,” coach said. “Every week is different.”

He also shared something he consistently reminds his players: difficult situations are part of life, and learning how to work through them is just as important as winning football games.

Friday night, those words carried onto the field.

Coaching Beyond the Scoreboard

For South East, the loss raised questions about an offense that has shown it can move the football.

One noticeable concern was the lack of involvement from receiver Adonis Washington. Washington’s limited opportunities were surprising, particularly with South East trying to keep pace with Roosevelt.

South East head coach Anthony Jackson Jr., in his first season leading the program, spoke before the game about building discipline and developing players beyond football.

“Just teaching them to be disciplined, that’s our main key,” Jackson said.

With more than 18 years of coaching experience, Jackson believes football teaches responsibility, respect and character.

He recalled meeting a former player who thanked him for providing guidance during a time when he didn’t have a father at home.

For Jackson, moments like that represent what coaching is really about.

A Lesson in Resilience

Roosevelt’s victory was more than a number added to the win column. It was an opportunity for young players to experience what happens when they continue competing despite disappointment.

For South East, now facing four consecutive losses, the challenge will be finding a way to regroup and finish the season with the same discipline its coach continues to emphasize.

High school football is where players learn more than formations, penalties and execution. They learn how to respond when things don’t go their way.

Friday night, Roosevelt showed why a team’s record doesn’t always tell its story.

Bills Knocks Out Rams In OT Classic

Christopher Floch

October 12, 2026

INGLEWOOD, CA– It was simply a thrilling edition of “Monday Night Football”, a spectacular matchup at quarterback-the Bills’ Josh Allen going toe-to-toe against Rams gun slinger Matthew Stafford. In this wild, seesaw battle, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Overtime, 37-34, at SoFi Stadium on Monday, October 12th.

It had the pace of the heavyweight boxing title. Both teams feeling each other out before going into hyperdrive, in the second half. No wonder fans, and frankly the NFL, are dying to see these teams meet in Super Bowl LXI at SoFi.

In OT, the Rams forced a turnover as Rams Linebacker Nate Landman punched the ball out from James Cook as Aaron Donald dove on the ball. Stafford and Rams Wide Receiver Puka led the Rams down the field. Unfortunately, Rams Kicker Harrison Mevis missed a potential game-winning 48-yard field goal as Biĺspass rusher Greg Rousseau got a hand in the football.

We went into overtime after a frantic fourth quarter in which these two teams combined for 35 points. That came after a rather sluggish opening two quarters, but the game jumped into overdrive after that, with Buffalo narrowly edging out the win to move to (4-1) on the season. Meanwhile, this loss brings L.A. back under .500 on the year at (2-3).

There were thousands of Bills fans in the crowd, which was an annoying subplot.

Special Teams errors from the Rams were a catalyst for this devastating loss. Earlier, Mevis, who missed a 50-yard Field goal attempt. He is 5 for 9 on field goals this season.

Coming into this game, Josh Allen was 0-7 in his career (including playoffs) in overtime, so he’s finally gotten into the win column in this regard. On top of some clutch play by the special teams to block Mevis’ attempt, the Bills quarterback was once again the straw that stirred the drink of the offense.

It is unfair to put all of the blame on Mevis. Why did the Rams offense become so complacent and conservative upon reaching the Bills 35-yard line?

The Rams offense continued to roll down the field for a touchdown, than just stalled.

McVay played it a bit too conservatively with a short pass to Kyren Williams, inching them up just five yards before Mevis went out for the 48-yard attempt.

In that spot, McVay should’ve kept his foot on the gas, especially knowing that Mevis isn’t a lock to make the kick from where they were at. For his career, Mevis is just 42.8% on kicks from 43 yards out and longer, but is 100% from 42 and in. Had they played for a few extra yards, maybe this game would have had a different result.

Let’s pontificate on Pukas briĺiance. It was a busy night for Nacua, who was targeted 24 times by Matthew Stafford. He caught 17 of those targets for 138 yards and a touchdown.

Of course, those targets are a new career high for Nacua, surpassing the 20 targets he saw in Week 2 of the 2023 season. His 17 receptions were also a career high and were the most receptions in a single game in “Monday Night Football” history.

Next week, the Los Angeles Rams will host division foe, the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi. Kickoff is slated for Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 1:05 PM.

REMEMBER THE NAME FAME! IJEBOI GOES OFF FOR 195 YARDS, THREE TOUCHDOWNS AS PURDUE STEAMROLLS MINNESOTA 41-13

Davyn Wright

October 10, 2026

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN. — Purdue came to Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday night looking to build momentum after its 24-17 victory over Illinois. The Boilermakers left no doubt about who owned the field, unleashing a punishing ground attack, suffocating defense and relentless offensive pressure in a statement-making 41-13 beatdown of Minnesota. Leading the charge was running back Fame Ijeboi, who bulldozed his way to 195 rushing yards and three touchdowns, putting the Golden Gophers on notice and giving Purdue fans a performance worth remembering.

Purdue (3-3, 2-1 Big Ten) controlled the game from the opening whistle, turning a competitive conference matchup into a showcase of physical football. Minnesota (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten), which entered the contest with a 4-1 record and an undefeated conference mark, had no answer for the Boilermakers’ combination of power running, timely quarterback play and a defense that made every yard feel like a fight.

The message was clear: Purdue was ready to make noise in the Big Ten.

The Boilermakers struck first, opening the scoring with a field goal before quarterback Ryan Browne connected with George Burhenn on a 15-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 10-0. From there, Ijeboi took over, slicing through Minnesota’s defense and turning the first half into a ground-and-pound clinic.

By halftime, Ijeboi had already surpassed the 100-yard mark, piling up 126 yards on 17 carries. Purdue’s offensive line created running lanes, and Ijeboi made Minnesota pay for every missed tackle. A 33-yard scramble by Browne helped set up Ijeboi’s three-yard touchdown run, adding another punch to an offense that refused to let up.

The first-half numbers told the story of total domination. Purdue piled up 310 yards of offense, including 198 on the ground and 112 through the air. The Boilermakers controlled possession for 19 minutes and 37 seconds, keeping Minnesota’s offense on the sideline while wearing down the Gophers’ defense. De’Nylon Morrissette led Purdue’s receiving corps at the break with 51 yards.

Defensively, the Boilermakers were just as ruthless. Purdue held Minnesota to only 131 total yards in the first half, including a mere 16 rushing yards. Defensive back JoJo Hayden delivered a timely interception to close the half, putting an exclamation point on a dominant opening 30 minutes.

Minnesota attempted to find its footing after halftime, but Ijeboi immediately slammed the door on any comeback hopes. He ripped off a 30-yard run on Purdue’s first possession of the second half, drawing a facemask penalty that moved the Boilermakers even closer to the end zone. Ijeboi finished the drive himself, punching in another touchdown and extending Purdue’s commanding advantage.

The Gophers eventually managed their best offensive drive of the night, capitalizing on a defensive pass-interference penalty before quarterback Drake Lindsey connected with Jalen Smith for a 40-yard strike. Minnesota finally found the end zone and trimmed the deficit to 27-13, briefly giving the visitors a spark.

But Purdue wasn’t about to let the momentum shift.

Browne delivered one of the night’s signature moments when he froze a Minnesota defender with a pump fake, spun away from the pursuit and raced 11 yards into the end zone. Ross-Ade erupted as Browne showcased the athleticism and creativity that made him a constant problem for the Gophers. The touchdown pushed Purdue’s lead to 34-13 and effectively buried Minnesota’s hopes.

Then came another opportunity for the Boilermakers to flex their muscles. After Minnesota muffed a punt, Purdue regained possession near the 10-yard line and went right back to work. Ijeboi capped the opportunity with his third touchdown of the night, delivering the final blow in a performance defined by toughness, discipline and relentless execution.

Purdue head coach Barry Odom praised Ijeboi’s preparation, competitive spirit and commitment to his teammates.

“He’s got the heart of a champion,” Odom said. “He works every day as hard as he can to win. He cares about his teammates. He finishes runs going forward.”

Ijeboi was quick to share the credit with the players creating the opportunities up front.

“I couldn’t have done it without them,” he said, acknowledging the offensive line that helped pave the way for his career-defining night.

Browne finished 14-of-24 passing for 159 yards and a touchdown, while adding a rushing score of his own. Purdue’s offense found the end zone in every quarter, displaying the consistency and balance that had been missing during stretches of the previous season.

The victory also carried significance beyond Saturday night’s scoreboard. Purdue matched its win total from last season while improving its conference record, giving the Boilermakers another opportunity to build on their progress under Odom.

Earlier in the week, Odom showed respect for Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck and the program’s approach.

“P.J. has had a lot of success,” Odom said. “He’s got a formula. He’s got a style that works for him, and for Minnesota, and much respect for what he does.”

That respect didn’t stop Purdue from delivering a statement when the lights came on.

Next up, the Boilermakers return home for another late-night showdown against Washington, looking to carry their newfound momentum into another Big Ten battle. Minnesota gets a bye week before facing Iowa, giving the Gophers time to regroup after a humbling trip to West Lafayette.

For Purdue, Saturday night belonged to the Boilermakers, their defense and an offensive line that opened the door for a star to shine.

USC Silences Penn State White Out With 31-23 Road Victory

Jennifer Moore

October 10, 2026

FI360_VALENT-24 — Photo by Jim Valent / fi360 News

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — USC walked into one of college football’s most intimidating environments Saturday night and walked out with a statement win, defeating Penn State 31-23 in front of a record crowd during the Nittany Lions’ annual White Out at Beaver Stadium.

The No. 19 Trojans relied on quarterback Jayden Maiava’s three touchdown passes, a timely defensive takeaway and a powerful fourth-quarter finish to earn a critical Big Ten victory. USC improved to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play, showing it could deliver under pressure on the road against a Penn State team desperate to turn its season around.

“Yeah, one of my favorite wins as a head coach, no question,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “Nobody in the world gave us a chance to come in and win this game, and we did it.”

The announced crowd of 114,419 set an attendance record at Beaver Stadium, with the vast majority dressed in white for Penn State’s signature home atmosphere. But the Trojans matched the intensity, producing 430 yards of offense and averaging nearly 8 yards per play through the first three quarters.

Maiava completed 21 of 33 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with Trent Mosley, Tanook Hines and Kayden Dixon-Wyatt. Mosley, returning after missing three games, led USC with nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. Running back King Miller added 102 yards on 19 carries and a decisive fourth-quarter score.

The teams traded touchdowns throughout the first half, entering the break tied 17-17. Penn State briefly took its only lead after recovering an onside kick to open the second half and converting the short field into a 35-yard Ryan Barker field goal.

USC answered with a 10-play drive capped by Miller’s 13-yard touchdown run, reclaiming the lead at 24-20. Caden Chittenden added a field goal in the fourth quarter to extend the advantage, putting the Trojans in position to close out the game.

Penn State continued to threaten, but USC’s defense delivered the play that changed the atmosphere. With 3:59 remaining, Christian Pierce punched the ball away from Brett Eskildsen, and the Trojans recovered the fumble. USC’s offense then controlled the clock and denied the Nittany Lions another possession.

“We came in here against the odds,” Riley said. “Everybody in the country counted us out and said we weren’t going to win a tough road game.”

Penn State quarterback Rocco Becht threw for 289 yards and a touchdown, but the Nittany Lions managed only 68 rushing yards and fell to 3-3 overall and 0-3 in Big Ten play. It was their third consecutive loss.

USC’s ability to finish drives and protect its late lead offered an important response to questions about its road performance. The Trojans now turn their attention to Wisconsin on Oct. 24 after a bye week, carrying momentum from a win that quieted one of the sport’s loudest crowds.

Oregon’s Turnover Troubles Prove Costly in Upset Loss to UCLA

Margo Craig

October 10, 2026

20261010_Purisima_NCAAFB_UCLAvUO13276 — EUGENE, Ore. - UCLA running back Anthony Woods (6) carries the ball as Oregon's Dutch Horisk (41) pursues during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Woods rushed for 39 yards on nine carries. UCLA won 17-15. (Jason Purisima/fi360news)

EUGENE, Or — Oregon’s margin for error disappeared Saturday, and No. 13 Oregon paid the price. The Ducks committed seven turnovers in a stunning 17-15 loss to No. 21 UCLA at Autzen Stadium, handing the Bruins their first victory in Eugene since 2004.

Oregon had opportunities to take control but repeatedly gave the ball away, allowing an unbeaten UCLA team to stay in the game and deliver the decisive blows. The loss dropped the Ducks to 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play, raising questions about their consistency as the season moves forward.

Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart (7) runs with the ball as UCLA defensive back Derrick Barksdale (32) falls to the turf, missing the tackle during the second half. (Jason Purisima/fi360news)

The Ducks entered the matchup without starting quarterback Dante Moore, who remained sidelined while recovering from a concussion suffered against USC. Brock Thomas took over under center but struggled to find an offensive rhythm against a UCLA defense that consistently pressured the quarterback and capitalized on mistakes.

Oregon’s defense initially gave the Ducks a chance. Jordon Davison scored on a 1-yard run in the first quarter after an early UCLA interception, putting Oregon ahead 6-3. But the offense could not sustain its momentum, and the Bruins took a 10-6 lead into halftime when Wayne Knight broke free for a 35-yard touchdown run.

UCLA running back Wayne Knight (3) carries the ball to a touchdown during the first half. (Jason Purisima/fi360news)

Knight struck again in the fourth quarter, catching a 9-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach to extend UCLA’s lead to 17-6. Dieffenbach had entered after starting quarterback Nico Iamaleava left with an injury, yet the Bruins found enough offense to make Oregon pay for its mistakes.

The Ducks mounted a late push. Gage Hurych connected on a 26-yard field goal before Thomas found Evan Stewart for a 44-yard touchdown with 2:16 remaining. Oregon trailed 17-15 and had a chance to tie the game with a two-point conversion, but UCLA’s defense stopped the attempt.

Oregon’s final opportunity ended without the breakthrough it needed, as UCLA broke up a last-gasp lateral play to secure the upset.

EUGENE, Ore. – UCLA linebacker Jalen Woods (9) squares up against Oregon offensive lineman Ziyare Addison (58). (Jason Purisima/fi360news)

“We’ve got to take care of the football,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning said. “You can’t turn the ball over like that and expect to win football games.”

The seven turnovers overshadowed a defense that kept Oregon within reach. The Ducks surrendered just 17 points, but their offense could not overcome the repeated short fields and lost possessions.

Knight finished with 103 rushing yards on 22 carries and accounted for both UCLA touchdowns. Thomas threw for 156 yards and a touchdown, while Stewart’s late score nearly completed an improbable Oregon comeback.

UCLA’s Aiden Gobaira (97), Donavyn Pellot (0) and Jalen Woods (9) celebrate during the second half against Oregon, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Or. (Jason Purisima/fi360news.com)

The defeat leaves Oregon with little room for error in its pursuit of a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff position. The Ducks must clean up their ball security and regain offensive consistency before their next conference test.

Huskies’ Second-Half Fight Falls Short in 41-24 Loss to Iowa

Jennifer Moore

October 9, 2026

SEATTLE, WA — Washington showed resilience after losing starting quarterback Demond Williams Jr. to an injury, but the Huskies could not overcome a disastrous first half against No. 20 Iowa, falling 41-24 on Friday night at Husky Stadium.

Trailing 27-3 at halftime, Washington found life behind backup quarterback Elijah Brown, who threw three touchdown passes and helped the Huskies pull within two scores in the third quarter. The comeback effort, however, could not make up for Iowa’s early dominance on both sides of the ball.

Williams left the game late in the first half with a left shoulder injury and did not return. He completed six of 11 passes for 69 yards before his departure, leaving Brown to take over in a difficult situation.

Iowa wasted little time taking control. The Hawkeyes opened with two Caden Buhr field goals before Kamari Moulton broke loose for a 56-yard touchdown run, giving Iowa a 13-0 first-quarter lead. Quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski, making his first collegiate start, added two touchdown passes to tight end DJ Vonnahme in the second quarter as the visitors built a commanding advantage.

Washington managed just a 30-yard field goal by Tyler Robles before the break, struggling to establish its offense against Iowa’s physical defense.

Brown gave the Huskies a much-needed spark to open the second half, directing a 75-yard drive that ended with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chris Lawson. After Iowa answered with another touchdown, Brown led Washington on another extended scoring drive, connecting with Dezmen Roebuck for a 2-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to make it 34-18.

The response showed Washington’s ability to adjust, but the Huskies still had too much ground to make up. Moulton scored again on a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter, restoring Iowa’s 23-point cushion.

Brown continued to compete, finishing 28 of 39 for 251 yards and three touchdowns. Lawson caught eight passes for 86 yards and a score, while Roebuck’s touchdown helped fuel Washington’s strongest stretch of the night.

“We did not erase a 27-3 halftime deficit,” Washington coach Jedd Fisch said, reflecting the challenge the Huskies faced after their slow start.

Iowa finished with 465 total yards, including 263 on the ground. Moulton rushed for a career-high 208 yards on 26 carries, repeatedly finding room against a Washington defense that struggled to contain the run. The Huskies finished with minus-3 rushing yards.

Washington added a late touchdown pass from Brown to Mason James, but the rally came too late to change the outcome.

The loss dropped Washington to 3-3 overall and 0-3 in Big Ten play, while Iowa improved to 5-1 and 2-1 in conference action. The Huskies will look to regroup next week when they travel to Purdue.

Sierra Canyon’s Win Over Serra Was A Lesson In Development

Felicia Enriquez

October 9, 2026

GARDENA, Ca. — Serra gave Sierra Canyon something to think about on the first play of the game, forcing a fumble on the Trailblazers’ opening possession. But Sierra Canyon answered over the next four quarters.

On Serra’s final drive, the Cavaliers reached fourth-and-goal, and Sierra Canyon’s defense still would not let them in. It felt like the game came full circle. Serra took the ball away early, but Sierra Canyon protected the shutout late.

Sierra Canyon left Serra High School with a 58-0 win Friday night, but the final score does not tell the whole story. The Trailblazers scored seven points in the first quarter, broke the game open with 37 points in the second, added 14 more in the third and held Serra scoreless through all four quarters.

Serra may have found a late defensive answer by keeping Sierra Canyon off the board in the fourth quarter, but Sierra Canyon’s defense had already made the louder statement. The Trailblazers protected the shutout all night, including on Serra’s final fourth-and-goal chance.

On paper, the matchup already showed the gap between the programs. Sierra Canyon entered as one of the top teams in the country, listed by MaxPreps as No. 6 nationally, No. 2 in California and No. 2 in the Southern Section. Serra came in ranked No. 36 in California and No. 23 in the Southern Section. After the game, Sierra Canyon moved to 7-0, while Serra fell to 3-4.

The matchup also carried championship history on both sidelines. Serra’s football tradition includes state-title seasons in 2009, 2012 and 2021, while Sierra Canyon’s rise has been more recent, with six CIF-Southern Section football titles and two state championships since 2011. That history matters because Friday night was not simply a ranked team beating an unranked one. It was a meeting between a traditional championship program and a modern powerhouse still building its place among California’s elite.

But the better story was what was still happening after the scoreboard got away from Serra.

Coaches were still coaching. Players were still being corrected. Technique still mattered. Body language still mattered. And even in a lopsided game, both sidelines showed why high school football remains one of the most important development stages in the sport.

These programs are led by two established head coaches: Scott Altenberg at Serra and Jon Ellinghouse at Sierra Canyon. Before the game, I caught up with members of both staffs to get a feel for the expectations and mindset going into the matchup.

Serra defensive coordinator Brandon Burton talked about clean technique, leverage, hands inside and controlling emotions. His message was not about playing Sierra Canyon’s name. It was about Serra playing to its own standard.

Across the field, Sierra Canyon associate head coach Aldo Rocha described an undefeated team trying to stay locked in. He said the message from the program is to “be where your feet are.” In a game like this, that phrase mattered. Sierra Canyon was not just playing the scoreboard. The Trailblazers were preparing for league play, the playoffs and the expectations that come with being a program other teams measure themselves against.

The talent was easy to see. Sierra Canyon had college-bound players attached to the game, including #5 Myles Baker, a UCLA commit, and #99 Marcus Fakatou, an Ohio State commit on the defensive line. Serra had its own recruiting names, including #10 Pole Moala, a UCLA commit who contributed one catch for five yards in the first half, #28 AJ McBean, a Stanford commit, and #2 Wesley Ace, a San Jose State commit. The Cavaliers also have #3 Derrick Coleman Jr., a young defensive back in the 2028 class who is already drawing recruiting attention.

Those names matter, but they were not the whole story. The game also showed how development continues around those players, even during a difficult loss.

If you are wondering how a high school player who has not graduated yet can already be committed to a college, you are not alone. According to the NCAA Eligibility Center’s recruiting information, https://www.ncaa.org/eligibility-center/recruiting/, a verbal commitment is different from signing official athletic aid paperwork. A player can publicly commit to a school before the process becomes official, but that commitment is not binding until the proper signing period and paperwork.

That matters because these players are still growing. A commitment tells fans where a player plans to go, but it does not make him a finished product.

Sierra Canyon showed why it is considered one of California’s top programs. Serra showed that even in a hard loss, development does not stop.

High school football is not only about stars, rankings or final scores. It is about the teaching between plays, the corrections after mistakes and the players learning how to carry themselves before the college lights ever find them.

Cunningham’s Two Forced Fumbles Fuel Utah State’s 17-16 Victory Over Washington State

Laura Strother

October 9, 2026

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State’s defense delivered when the Aggies needed it most, turning two second-half fumbles into touchdowns to erase a 13-point deficit and defeat Washington State 17-16 on Friday night at Maverik Stadium.

The Aggies shut out the Cougars after halftime, overcoming a sluggish offensive performance to earn their first Pac-12 victory of the season. Utah State improved to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while Washington State fell to 1-5 and 0-2.

Junior linebacker Asher Cunningham led the defensive effort, recording 17 tackles, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Both of his forced fumbles helped set up Utah State touchdowns.

“I think momentum swung 15 or 20 times in that game,” Utah State coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “Our second-half performance was much cleaner, much better, much more precise with critical plays at critical times, which is what you need to do to win football games.”

Washington State capitalized on an opening-kickoff fumble to establish an early advantage. Jack Stevens converted field goals from 40, 43 and 50 yards, while Leo Pulalasi broke loose for a 54-yard touchdown run late in the first half to give the Cougars a 16-3 lead at the break.

Utah State struggled to sustain drives early, but Cunningham’s defense changed the game in the third quarter. He forced a fumble that linebacker Bronson Olevao Jr. recovered at the Washington State 39-yard line.

Graduate quarterback Grady Brosterhous took advantage of the short field, connecting with Eli Wood for a 27-yard touchdown. The score trimmed Washington State’s lead to 16-10 with 7:08 remaining in the third quarter.

The Aggies continued applying pressure, forcing punts and limiting the Cougars’ opportunities. Cunningham delivered again in the fourth quarter, forcing and recovering another fumble at the Washington State 19.

Brosterhous connected with Javon Robinson for a 17-yard gain to the 2-yard line before running back Javen Jacobs scored on the next play. Kian Afrookhteh’s extra point put Utah State ahead 17-16 with 6:22 remaining.

“We just kept making plays, we just kept fighting every quarter,” Cunningham said.

Washington State managed no points after halftime as Utah State recorded five second-half punts and forced three-and-outs on the Cougars’ final two possessions. A late sack by Jordan Pendleton helped disrupt Washington State’s final drive, and Jacobs gained 12 yards to secure the closing possession.

Brosterhous finished with 150 passing yards and a touchdown, while Wood led Utah State with 84 receiving yards. The Aggies now head into their bye week before visiting Texas State on Oct. 24.

USC finds a way get a stop on defense and stall Washington

Eric Ramos

October 5, 2026

Purisima_Jason_NCAA_FB_UWvsUSC03403 — Southern California wide receiver Tanook Hines (16) catches a pass in front of Washington defensive back Rylon Dillard-Allen (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Jason Purisima | fi360news)

LOS ANGELES, CA — USC didn’t play its cleanest football Saturday night, but when the Trojans needed somebody to make a play, their defense finally delivered.

No. 18 USC erased an 11-point second-half deficit and held off Washington 25-21 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, using a defensive touchdown and a final stand inside the red zone to bounce back from last week’s loss to Oregon.

The Trojans improved to 5-1 overall despite trailing 14-10 at halftime and falling behind 21-10 less than two minutes into the third quarter.

Southern California running back Zacharyus Williams (0) runs the ball as Washington defensive back Rylan Dillard-Allen (4) chases. (Jason Purisima / fi360news)

“We just couldn’t get out of our own way in the first half,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said. “I’m proud the guys never wavered, the coaches never wavered, we made the adjustments that were needed.”

Those adjustments showed up quickly.

Jayden Maiava connected with Tanook Hines for a 10-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter, cutting Washington’s lead to 21-16. The USC defense followed with the biggest play of the night.

Eric Newby got to Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr., forcing a fumble that Jahkeem Stewart recovered and returned 48 yards for a touchdown. Suddenly, USC had its first lead since the second quarter at 22-21.

Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) scrambles with the ball as Southern California No.18 pursues. (Jason Purisima / fi360news)

For the first time this season, defensive coordinator Gary Patterson called the game from the coaches’ booth instead of the sideline, giving him a different view of Washington’s offense and allowing him to get defensive calls in quicker. The move paid dividends as USC held Washington scoreless over the final 26 minutes.

USC added some breathing room when Charlie Chittenden connected on a 39-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter, but Washington had one final opportunity.

Williams drove the Huskies deep into USC territory in the final minutes before the Trojans stiffened. On the final sequence, Kameryn Crawford sacked Williams before a fourth-down pass intended for Dezmen Roebuck fell incomplete with 45 seconds remaining.

“We knew at the end of the day it was going to come down to us,” Stewart said. “We just had to make a play.”

Southern California running back Waymond Jordan (2) is tackled by Washington linebacker Jacob Manu (9) and Xe’ree Alexander (10). (Jason Purisima / fi360news)

Maiava finished with 245 yards passing and a touchdown, while King Miller led USC with 81 rushing yards. Hines caught five passes for 51 yards and a score.

Washington finished with 319 yards but converted just 1 of 12 third downs. USC held the Huskies to 98 yards after Washington’s opening touchdown drive of the second half.