USC lose their fifth consecutive game as they lose Round one of the Battle of LA to UCLA

January 27, 2024

JG6A7732 — (Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News)

Los Angeles, CA- For the first time in five years, The USC Trojans(8-12) have fallen on their home court to their crosstown rivals the UCLA Bruins(9-11) 65-50.

USC now has dropped their last five straight games and their last four since their starting guard Isaiah Collier was declared out for four to six weeks with a hand injury.

Head Coach Andy Enfield spoke about the current state of the team postgame. “I think you always feel pressure when you lose,” Enfield said. “No one likes to lose, our players don’t like it, the coaches don’t like it, the fans don’t like it. So yeah, there’s pressure to win every game you play and certainly when you have some adversity, it makes it a little harder and you gotta fight through that.”

(Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News)

The Trojans’ fifth-year senior leader Boogie Ellis, who scored 31 points in last year’s home win against UCLA returned from a hamstring injury that held him out of their last three contest.

Ellis made his presence felt early in the game, demonstrating his scoring ability with two quick 3-pointers and a midrange jumper that sparked an early 10-0 run for USC. The Trojans were in control with a seven-point lead midway through the first half.

Following a challenging four-game losing streak of their own, UCLA managed to show some resilience and secure victories in three of their last four games. The Bruins showed some of that same resiliency as they responded to USC’s 10-0 run with a 22-4 run to take a 37-26 lead into halftime.

USC struggled to find looks outside of Boogie Ellis, the Trojans shot 42% from the field in the first half going 9-21.

Dylan Andrews led all scorers with 20 points and scored 12 of his aforementioned 20 in the first half.

UCLA went 14-35 from the field and shot 40% in the first half but outrebound USC 22-12 which gave the Bruins an 11-0 advantage in second-chance points.

In the second half, the Bruins’ dominance inside the paint continued. Adem Bona recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds and was a physical presence inside for UCLA.

USC’s defense presented problems for the Bruins as they alternated between man and zone resulting in the Bruins shooting 6-21 for 28% in the second half.

The Trojans were again outrebounded 21-17 in the second half resulting in a 17-4 advantage and got them to the free-throw line where they made 14-18 attempts.

USC shot a disappointing 29% in the second half after going 8-27 from the field. The Trojans ended the game shooting 17-48 from the floor finishing at 35%.

Oziyah Sellers led USC in scoring and was the only Trojan in double figures with 10 points on 3-3 shooting from the field.

Boogie Ellis spoke on how disappointing the loss to their rivals was “I feel like sometimes we gotta have some more pride, at the end of the day, we had a lot guys on last year’s team that really knew how much it meant to us,” said Ellis postgame. The Trojans now sit dead last in the Pac-12 standings with a record of 2-7 and an overall record of 8-12. They must now prepare to host the University of Oregon on Thursday in a revenge game after the Ducks defeated them 82-74 on December 28th.

Rookie Pavon Takes the Farmers Open

Jevone Moore

January 27, 2024

2024 Farmers Insurance Open - Final Round — JANUARY 27: General views of the Final Round of the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open on January 27, 2024 at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. (Donald Miralle for Century Club/FIO)

La Jolla, CA- They say the cream rises to the top and rookie Matthieu Pavon did just that on 72 hole with a birdie to secure the victory. Playing in the final group just one shot back to start the day 1 shot behind the 54^th leader looking to match Stephan Jaeger shot for shot.

But it was third golfer Nicolai Højgaard who tried to take the victory away with his own birdie on 18^th hole as well finishing one shot behind with (-12) 276.

The fans saw a battle all round from the last paring group who tee off together at 11:10 on the South Course of Torrey Pines. Pavon final round of 69 for total of 275 (-13) finish at the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open.

” I still can’t believe it. As I said, it feels like there is another round to play tomorrow because we’re only Saturday,” said Pavon “I can’t thank the PGA TOUR enough to give us the opportunity to come from Europe and compete here in America against the best players in the world. That’s always been the dream for me. I got finally a shot and I took it. I mean, it’s a dream come true and it’s a little bit hard to believe.”

Nicolai Højgaard (Photo by Jevone Moore)

After giving the field a bleak gleam of light dropping on shot on the 17^th hole and having to forget that hole and take the 18^th tee with everything to gain and everything to lose.

“That was the right time to prove I have the guts to finish that tournament and I did it so I’m so happy about that last hole,” said Pavon.

The rookie showed his confidence by betting on himself and playing it safe for the playoff. Now being a champion requires major decisions and better on your golf swing.

Højgaard battled and grind to keep the group close waiting to see who would succeed last year winner Max Homa who was in the field but didn’t challenge the leaders.

And obviously you’ve got to enjoy this as well. You’ve got to take your losses with a smile sometimes because it makes you stronger. I definitely, I’ll definitely do my best to get a couple shots better,” said Højgaard.

Now the West Coast swing moves on with Pebble Beach and the Genesis coming for these golfers next opportunity to work on there game to move up the rankings.

USC snaps two-game skid as they defeat WSU 70-62

DeAngelo Scruggs

January 26, 2024

Los Angeles, CA- After suffering two back-to-back losses on the road, the No.11 USC Trojans (14-3) bounced back as they returned to Galen Center and defeated the Washington State Cougars (14-6) 70-62.

USC received stellar performances from their freshman Juju Watkins, and graduate transfer, Mckenzie Forbes, who combined for 51 in their victory against last year’s Pac-12 tournament champions. Watkins scored 29 points with seven rebounds, three blocks, and three steals. Forbes contributed 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists.

The Trojans held off the Cougars as they rallied late cut into the 21-point deficit, and closed to within 10 points with about 2 minutes remaining.

“So much respect for this league,” Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb said. “This league is so darn good; everyone is good”.

The Pac-12 has six teams in the AP top 25 rankings and it’s just a testament to the praise Coach Gottlieb has been preaching about the toughness of the conference all season. USC previously suffered losses at the hands of No. 16 Utah and No. 3 Colorado.

Gottlieb spoke about the lessons she and the team learned over the course of those losses. “The lesson is Colorado, who is a projected No. 1 seed and really, really good, and we’re right there.” So decide, decide if we want to be normal, decide if we want to be ordinary and be ‘almost there’ or decide if we want to take another step. But in this league, you can’t take any steps unless you take care of the next game in front of you, especially when you’re at home.”

The Trojans jumped out to an early 10-0 lead to begin the game. In the first half, Watkins scored 21 of her 29 points and Forbes added 13 of her 22 points as USC took a 43-25 lead into halftime.

The Women of Troy shot 45% from the field on 15-33 attempts and made 5-10 threes for 50% in the first half.

The Cougars struggled from the floor in the first half shooting 33% on 9-27 attempts and shot 28% from deep making 4-14.

In the second half, the crowd soared after Juju sent her defender to the floor with a killer crossover and made the three-pointer late in the fourth quarter. That was one of the lone bright spots for the Trojans who were outscored 37-27 in the half.

Tara Wallack led the Cougars in scoring with 21 points and Eleonora Villa added 12 points.

The Cougars shot 57% in the second half making 16-28 field goal attempts.

The Trojans struggled to make baskets in the second half as they went 10-36 on 27% shooting in the second half. USC now improves to 10-0 at home, as they prepare to play the Washington Huskies(12-5) Sunday, who are coming off of a loss to the UCLA Bruins last night.

Chargers Hire Jim Harbaugh

Christopher Floch

January 26, 2024

B19W8197 — Coach Jim (Photo by Jevone Moore)

LOS ANGELES, CA– After leading the Michigan Wolverines to a National Championship, the Los Angeles Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh to become the new Head Coach on Wednesday, January 24. Harbaugh has flat out won, rebuilding chaotic dysfunction- transforming Chumps into Champions.

A former quarterback for the Chargers during the 1999 and 2000 seasons, Harbaugh spent the past nine years at his alma mater as head football coach for the University of Michigan. Harbaugh rejoins the Chargers after having led Michigan to three consecutive Big Ten Championships, three straight appearances in the College Football Playoff and a perfect 15-0 record this past season that saw the Wolverines crowned 2023 National Champions.

Harbaugh brings with him a winning culture, posting a 144-52 record as a collegiate head coach and a 49-22-1 record as an NFL head coach. In four years, he led the San Francisco 49ers to three-straight NFC Championship Games, including an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII.

“You don’t build a resume like Jim’s by accident, and you don’t do it by yourself,” said President of Football Operations John Spanos. “You need a team. And nobody has built a team more successfully, and repeatedly, in recent history than Jim Harbaugh. His former players swear by him, and his opponents swear at him. Jim is one of one, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him back in the Chargers organization as our head coach.”

“The only job you start at the top is digging a hole, so we know we’ve got to earn our way. Be better today than yesterday. Be better tomorrow than today. My priorities are faith, family and football, and we are going to attack each with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. This organization is putting in the work — investing capital, building infrastructure and doing everything within its power to win. Great effort equals great results, and we’re just getting started,” said Harbaugh.

Purdue Boilermakers vs Michigan Wolverine at The Big House on, November 04,2023. (Photo by Andre Hollis )

Harbaugh brings his expert knowledge of defense starring a core of stars including: Nick Bosa, Khalil Mack and Derwin James. In addition, his coaching and mentorship will take Justin Herbert to the next level as an NFL quarterback.

Harbaugh was named 2011 NFL Coach of the Year by The Associated Press after his first season with San Francisco when he led the 49ers to an NFC West division crown with a 13-3 record.

That season, the defense led the NFL with 38 takeaways and ranked No. 1 in rushing defense, allowing just 77.3 yards per game on the ground. The team made a deep playoff run to its first of three-straight NFC Championship Game appearances, including an appearance in Super Bowl XLVII in 2012.

Quarterback Justin Herbert (10) – (Photo by Jevone Moore)

In Harbaugh’s four years with San Francisco, the 49ers led the NFL in rushing defense (92.0 yards per game), while ranking No. 2 in scoring defense (17.4 points per game), third in total defense (310.2) and fourth with 122 takeaways.

Congratulations to the Chargers signing Jim Harbaugh. Perhaps Sean McVay and Harbaugh will have a rivalry in the City of Angels.

Jaeger Eagle soars to 36 hole lead

Jevone Moore

January 25, 2024

1RT14071 — Max Homa gets up and down out of the bunker. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

La Jolla, CA- After an exciting chilly day on the course a late from the North Course at Torrey Pines came tournament new leader Stephan Jager (-12) after two rounds in the books. He teed off on the back 9 today at (-5) three shots behind day leader Kevin Yu (Chun An Yu) who posted (-8) under after 18 holes.

Kevin Yu on the tee. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“Yeah, I’ve been driving a fair bit of fairways. When I do miss it, I feel like I’ve done a good job with missing in the right spots,” said Jager, “I’m ready for the weekend.”

Jager had a steady second round with brides on his first, second, six, seven, eighth hole on first 9 holes for 5 brides. On last hole of the day he dropped a eagle on Par5 9^th hole to jump into a one strong lead.

Nicolai Hojgaard had the lead of the tournament from the 13^th hole unit paring his last three holes finishing steady but wasn’t able to pull away from the field at (-11). HOjgaard recorded 6 brides but was just short of being the club house leader.

HOjgaard hits out of the bunker. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

‘Yeah, I feel like it’s been two solid two days. Played some really good golf, scrambled pretty well when I’ve been out of position and finished off with a nice par on nine today, or 18, said Hojgaard.

The South course did have some guys move up the leader board both tied for third place at (-10). Matthieu Pavon who moved up 6 stokes from day one.

Then Thomas Detry also at (-10) who only moved up three stokes from day 1 but just means he played two solid days of golf.

Detry watches his shot as he hold his form on 10th fairway. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

The projected cut lines looks to be set at (-3) after 36 holes to stay around for the weekend to make some money.

Fan favorite Tony Finau is tied for fifth and will be able to make a move on Friday from his spot at (-9) just three shots off the leader.

Finau hits out the bunker. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

So the Open will kickoff the weekend on Friday with a Saturday finish…. Who will be our leader after 54 holes?

Brock and Roll

Christopher Floch

January 20, 2024

SANTA CLARA– The San Francisco 49ers had one final drive to earn a spot in the NFC Championship in the 4th quarter if they could get past those pesky Packers, trailing fierce rival the Green Bay Packers, 21-17 it all rested on the shoulders of Quarterback Brock Purdy to drive the length of the field to complete a thrilling come from behind victory 24-21.

Overcoming the elements including a deluge of rain, Christian McCaffrey scored his second touchdown on a 6-yard run with 1:07 to play, and the San Francisco 49ers mounted their first second-half comeback of the season to beat the Green Bay Packers in a divisional-round playoff game on Saturday, January 20 at rocking Levi’s Stadium.

It was an instant classic; everything an NFL fan could want in a playoff game, a seesaw battle between two historic franchises constant lead changes and a fantastic conclusion. A monsoon win means San Francisco will be hosting the NFC Championship next Sunday.

After spending all regular season as front-runners, the Niners (13-5) needed to come from behind for a change, and Brock Purdy and McCaffrey did just enough on the last drive to send San Francisco to its third straight NFC championship game. The Niners will host the winner of Sunday’s game between Tampa Bay and Detroit next weekend for a spot in the Super Bowl.

Purdy went 6 for 7 for 47 yards on the decisive drive, converting a third down with a 10-yard pass to Brandon Aiyuk and throwing a 17-yarder to Chris Conley.

“Obviously it’s four quarters for a reason, you know? So the way I started, it’s like, ‘Man, I’ve got to be better, got to play efficient football,’” Purdy said. “But when it comes down to it, with the season on the line, you’ve got to make it happen for your boys around you.”

San Francisco is now 1-30 under Kyle Shanahan when trailing by 5+ points in the 4th quarter. They did it without Deebo Samuel, whose first-quarter departure cast a pall over the game, a gloom matched only by the murky downpour that stifled the Niners at every turn. They did it without a single sack from their vaunted defensive line, freshly reinforced by interior stalwart Arik Armstead. They did it needing to stop the hottest quarterback on the planet after their own turned in his ugliest day since Christmas.

Packers QB Jordan Love threw an interception against his body to end the game and in the process, the 49ers will be appearing in their third straight NFC Title.

On days like this, it doesn’t really matter how ugly you win. Just that you do

Ice Cube Receives Inaugural Naismith Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award

Press Release

January 16, 2024

B19W3824 — ICe Cube - Photo by Jevone Moore

On January 15, 2024, The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame introduced the inaugural Naismith Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award, an honor celebrating Ice Cube’s remarkable contributions to professional basketball and his dedication to community service.

This groundbreaking award, symbolizes the acknowledgment of individuals who, like Ice Cube, leverage the basketball to create positive change in their communities. More than just a sports honor, this award recognizes those who score points not only in games but in making a lasting impact beyond the court.

As an annual accolade, the Naismith Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award aims to spotlight individuals within the basketball community who have not only excelled in the sport but have also left an indelible mark on the neighborhoods they serve. Ice Cube himself will chair the selection committee for future award nominations, ensuring that the recipients embody the spirit of the award.

*(Ice Cube Holding the Naismith Hall of Fame Ice Cube Impact Award)*

The celebration included the unveiling of the Ice Cube Impact Award Exhibit, a visual journey through Ice Cube’s life—starting from his days shooting hoops in the neighborhood to iconic moments with NWA and Kobe Bryant. A reflective video featuring Ice Cube discussing his journey and the award’s significance added depth to the exhibit, offering a genuine and personal touch to the recognition.

Expressing his gratitude, Ice Cube stated, “Had a remarkable time at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame today. So honored to see the trophy and exhibit for The Ice Cube Impact Award. Can’t wait to reward people in the future who positively impact us through the game of basketball.”

John Doleva, the President/CEO of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, welcomed Ice Cube into the Hall of Fame family, highlighting the excitement of using Ice Cube’s platform to uncover and celebrate those who are using basketball to uplift challenged communities and guide young minds toward positive life skills. As a part of the celebration, Ice Cube and BIG3 Coach Nancy Lieberman inspired the next generation of hoop players in an exciting basketball clinic for local children. Ice Cube also awarded the MVP of the 2024 Spalding Hoop Hall Classic game to Liam McNeeley of Monteverde Academy as a part of the festivities.

Eric Henderson Named Co-Defensive Coordinator / Run Game Coordinator / Defensive Line Coach

Press Release

January 15, 2024

LOS ANGELES—Eric Henderson, a Super Bowl Champion and award-winning coach, has been named USC’s co-defensive coordinator/run game coordinator/defensive line coach, head coach Lincoln Riley announced today (Jan. 15).

“I’m excited to welcome the final member of our defensive staff, Eric Henderson,” said Riley. “A Super Bowl Champion coach who has been recognized nationally for being the top in his field, Eric will bring immeasurable knowledge and experience to our program. We have put together a defensive staff that is second to none. We’re ready to get to work.”

Henderson most recently served as the defensive line coach/run game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

In the 2023 season, the Rams finished the season ranked No. 8 in run defense with a 70.2 grade per PFF. The Rams finished the regular season with 41.0 sacks with 4 players recording 6.0+ sacks. This was the first time since 1985 that the Rams have had 4 players with 6.0+ sacks on the season. DT Aaron Donald was named a Pro Bowler and earned First Team All-Pro. This marks his 10^th Pro Bowl appearance and eighth First Team All-Pro recognition. In 2023, Donald tallied 56 tackles, including 8 sacks, and 3 PBUs. Henderson tutored DT Kobie Turner, who was arguably the best rookie pass rusher in the NFL in 2023 and is a strong candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He led the Rams with 9 sacks. Turner recorded 58 tackles, including 9.5 sacks on the season. That sack total tied Donald’s mark for the franchise’s rookie record. Turner won NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for January. He recorded 5 sacks, 15 tackles and 4 TFLsin the final 6 games of the year, helping elevate the performance of the entire defense.

In 2022, the Rams rush defense ranked among the best in the NFL. Henderson’s defensive line helped the Rams finish third in fewest missed tackles on rush plays (51), eighth in percentage of opponent rushes that resulted in first downs (23.3%), ninth in defensive total rush EPA (42.97), ninth in opponent rushes for touchdowns (37.92), tied for 10th in total rushing touchdowns allowed (12) and finished 12th in total rushing first downs allowed (106). According to PFF, the Rams defense concluded the season with the highest grade against the rush (87.0) and only allowed two players to eclipse the 100-yard rushing mark on the season. The Rams were 1 of 4 teams to enter Week 17 without allowing a 100- yard rusher due to strong performances on the defensive line. The Rams defense also finished 13^th in total rush yards allowed (1,956), opponent rush yards per game (115.1), and successful play rate on defensive rushes (61.5%).

In 2021, the Rams defense ranked third in sacks (50.0) and fifth in tackles for loss (85) during the regular season. Henderson also helped the Rams’ defense finish fifth in yards per rush (3.96) and sixth in opponent rushing yards per game (103.2). The Rams’ defense held opponents to a 51.8% red zone efficiency rate, which ranked eighth-best in the NFL. In the playoffs, the Rams tied a Super Bowl record with seven sacks in their 23-20 win over the Bengals at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 13 and had 12 overall during that postseason run.Henderson’s leadership allowed perennial All-Pro DT Aaron Donald to continue stacking career accolades while also helping players such as Greg Gaines, A’Shawn Robinson and Marquise Copeland emerge as steady contributors. Gaines had a career season in 2021 with 13 starts and 55 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits and 34 pressures (including postseason). Henderson also elevated the play of A’Shawn Robinson, who had a stellar performance in Super Bowl LVI with six tackles (five solo), 1.0 sack, one tackle for loss, three pressures and one quarterback hit. Robinson finished the 2021 regular season with 89 tackles (45 solo), 3.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and 17 pressures.

After the season, Henderson was nationally recognized by winning the 2021 John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year award, as voted by his peers. The award is given out annually at the NFL Combine and is named after John Teerlinck who is widely regarded as one of the top defensive line coaches in NFL history.

In his second season in 2020, the Rams finished second in the league in sacks (53.0). The defensive front helped the No. 1 ranked defense finish third in the NFL in rush defense, while giving up the fewest points per game (18.5), passing yards per game (190.7) and total yards per game (281.9).

Under Henderson’s tutelage, the Rams ranked top 5 in sacks back-to-back years (2019 and 2020). DT Aaron Donald became the third player in league history to win Defensive Player of the Year three times. He was also named the PFWA Defensive Player of the Year award for the second time. Donald finished the season with a team-high 13.5 sacks, his fourth-straight season with at least 11.0 sacks.

In Henderson’s debut season in 2019, the Rams rushing defense allowed only 3.74 yards per rush, the sixth-best average in the league. This improvement marked a more than 1.0 yard per rush improvement from the 4.86 yards per rush allowed during the 2018 season, prior to Henderson’s arrival. The defensive front tallied 50.0 sacks, the fourth-highest in the league. The unit also featured Donald, who recorded double-digit sacks (12.5) for the third-consecutive season and earned Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors.

Prior to coaching with the Rams, Henderson served as an assistant defensive line coach for the Chargers for 2 seasons (2017-2018). In 2018, the defense finished with 38.0 total sacks and DE Melvin Ingram led the team with (7.0). Ingram was selected to the 2019 Pro Bowl marking his second consecutive appearance.

During Henderson’s first season with the Chargers in 2017, the defense finished fifth in the NFL in total sacks with 43.0. DE Joey Bosa ended the season with a career-high 12.5 sacks, which ranked seventh in the league.

Henderson spent the 2016 season at the University of Texas – San Antonio as the defensive line coach. The Roadrunners went on to play in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl against New Mexico. Henderson coached junior DE Marcus Davenport, who recorded a team-high 6.5 sacks and a program-record 8 QBHs during the 2016 season. Davenport went on to be the 2017 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year and was selected No. 14 overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft, the highest Roadrunner ever drafted and just the second draft selection ever from UTSA.

Prior to joining the Roadrunners, Henderson spent three seasons at Oklahoma State from 2013-15. He spent his first two years in Stillwater working as a graduate assistant before transitioning to a defensive quality control coach in 2015. He was regarded as one of the Cowboys’ top recruiters during his tenure. During his three years at Oklahoma State, the Cowboys posted a combined 27-12 record and made three bowl appearances. Henderson helped tutor DE Emmanuel Ogbah, who earned All-American accolades, was named 2015 Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was drafted in the second round (32^nd overall) by the Cleveland Browns.

Henderson made his coaching debut in 2012 as a defensive assistant at Georgia Military College, where he coached the linebackers and secondary. The Bulldogs finished with a 7-4 record and made an appearance in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl.

Henderson played three years in the National Football League with the Cincinnati Bengals from 2006-08 after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He also spent three years (2009-11) with the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League, helping the team win a pair of league championships.

Henderson was a three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference defensive end at Georgia Tech from 2003-05. He set the school’s career record for tackles for loss with 59.5 and finished with 175 tackles, 25 sacks (No. 4 in program history), 8 PBUs and 7 forced fumbles.

Henderson, a native of New Orleans, La., earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Georgia Tech and is working toward a master’s degree in educational psychology. He and his wife, Shanea, were married in 2021.

With the addition of Coach Henderson, USC’s coaching staff is now complete. He joins the defensive staff comprised of Defensive Coordinator D’Anton Lynn, who will be calling the defense, Assistant Head Coach for Defense / Linebackers Coach Matt Entz, Secondary Coach Doug Belk and Defensive Ends Coach Shaun Nua.

Henderson’s hiring is contingent upon completion of a successful University background screening.

Goff Gets Revenge Against The Rams

Christopher Floch

January 14, 2024

DETROIT, MI– It was a Playoff game straight out of a Hollywood script, an abundance of storylines between the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions at Ford field on Sunday night. A battle of quarterbacks, It lived up to expectations as Jared Goff outdueled Matthew Stafford in a 24-23 victory in Super Wild Card Weekend on January 14.

The streak is over: The Detroit Lions have won a playoff game for the first time since January 5 1992. Lions quarterback Jared Goff got sweet revenge over Rams head coach Sean McVay, who unloaded him three years ago in an historic trade in NFL history.

Thanks to a strong offensive first half and a stout defensive second half. The Lions survived a Rams comeback to earn their first playoff win in over thirty years.

The Lions will host either the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Philadelphia Eagles next week in the divisional round.

Detroit started with the ball and started fast. The Lions went 75 yards in 10 plays, with David Montgomery scoring a 1-yard touchdown to give the Lions a 7-0 lead.

Matthew Stafford and the Rams responded when the quarterback found rookie Wide Receivers Puka Nacua for a 50-yard touchdown down the left sideline, cutting a high-scoring affair to 14-10.

Goff was methodical, spreading the ball to five receivers in the first quarter alone, and making checks at the line. Goff finished 22 for 27 for 277 yards, one touchdown and a 121.8 passer rating.

What cost the Rams was their inability to score touchdowns in the Red Zone. 0 for 3, incluiding a controversial decision with 8:10 remaining in the 4th quarter. Trailing 24-20 on the 13-yard line, McVay opted to kick yet another field goal to bring them within a point at 24-23. Alas, the Rams would never score again.

Stafford and rookie sensation Puka Nacua were brilliant in defeat. The former Lion, Stafford returned to the confines in which he spent the first 12 seasons of his career.

Nacua caught 9 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown in his Playoff debut. While Stafford was magnificent in his Homecoming- 25 of 36 for 367 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

He is the Lions all-time leader in touchdowns and passing yards, it was an emotional moment for himself, wife Kelly and theirfour daughters on the sidelines.

The Lions drafted him No. 1 overall in 2009. The Lions traded Stafford for Goff and a bevy of draft selections in January 2020.

Both running backs, David Montgomery and 2023 first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs found the end zone. The Lions running attack is a key reason the Motor City is moving on to play and live another week.

The Rams will be left to stomach elimination all off-season following a loss to their former quarterback.

USC wins round 2 in the Battle of LA

DeAngelo Scruggs

January 14, 2024

JG6A5037 — Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News

Los Angeles, CA – The No. 9 USC Trojans (13-1) defeated their crosstown rival No. 2 UCLA Bruins (14-1) 73-65, handing them their first loss of the season in front of a sold-out record-breaking attendance of 10,657 at the Galen Center.

The women of Troy avenged their lone loss of the season and broke a 9-game losing streak to the Bruins. Freshman sensation Juju Watkins led all scorers with a 32-point performance to go along with 10 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.

Juju shooting over a Bruin defender. (Photo by DeAngelo Scruggs / fi360 News)

Head Coach Lindsay Gotlieb spoke about what this win means to the program “ It took a while for us to get this win since I’ve been here but it’s really meaningful for our program. It’s not the last good thing that will happen but we are going to appreciate this day for what it means for women’s basketball in Southern California and for the USC Trojans.’

In the first half, USC shot 36% from the field, making 12 of 33 attempts from the field. The Trojans’ defense was more of the story in the first half, they applied pressure to the UCLA guards and scored 16 points off of the 15 UCLA turnovers.

Mckenzie Forbes, the Harvard transfer, fueled the Trojans’ 11-0 first-quarter surge with back-to-back 3-pointers.

Juju Watkins scored 10 of her aforementioned 32 points in the second quarter to help spark a 15-0 run and allow USC to reach their largest lead of the game at 16 points.

The Bruins shot 30% from the field in the first half, struggling only making 7 of 23 attempts. UCLA starters Jones, Osborne, and Dugalic were held scoreless throughout the first half.

The Trojans led 34-19 at halftime.

In the second half, Charisma Osborne put her squad on her back scoring 25 second-half points for the Bruins. UCLA made 15 of 32 shots from the field for 46% and outscored the Trojans 46-39.

Mckenzie Forbes was the second-leading scorer for the Trojans with 18 points. “We showed so much what we’re capable of, not just to fans but to ourselves,” Forbes said.

The Trojans shot 50% from the field in the second half connecting on 10-20 attempts.

The Bruins cut a 13-point USC lead down to 4 points after manufacturing a 9-0 run but a jumper from Juju Watkins with 2:22 to go put the Trojans back in control before they finished the game at the charity strike.

Juju continues to leave her mark on the program and her mark on the game of women’s basketball. “She cares so much about the team, about the program, about winning,” Gottlieb said.