Kraken flip late switch to beat Capitals with Matty Beniers’ overtime winner

By

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December 1, 2022

_E1A0628 — Seattle Kraken (Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News)

Seattle, WA – In much different fashion than their barn burner win on Tuesday that featured 17 combined goals, the Seattle Kraken grit out a low scoring affair against the Washington Capitals. After an ugly first 30 minutes that saw the Capitals score twice, Seattle managed to wake up thanks to a timely power play goal. The Kraken found momentum, and were able to ride that wave until overtime. Matty Beniers scored just seven seconds into the overtime period, and just like that Seattle had turned a frustrating contest into another victory.

The Kraken looked far worse offensively than they did in their nine-goal outing against the Kings on Tuesday throughout the first 30 minutes tonight. Seattle was failing to string passes together, properly clear the puck, and were consistently putting themselves in dangerous situations. The Capitals took advantage of the sloppy, unorganized plays as Washington scored twice. Both times, Capitals skaters were able to fire away with plenty of breathing room. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol discussed how the team had to be patient to withstand the early struggles.

“You need some patience, it’s not gonna be easy. The critical stretch in that game was halfway through the second period, being able to turn that period. There was a little frustration setting in, not a lot happening in the first ten minutes of that minute. We were able to take advantage of the great power play goal by Schwartzy. That pushed us through the end of the second period and set the table for the third period,” Hakstol reflected.

On the offensive end, Seattle had to find “greasy” goals to get them to overtime. The aforementioned Jaden Schwartz goal was scored right in front of Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper, as Schwartz punched home a puck that had slammed off the glass behind net. To tie things up late in the third period, Seattle forward Yanni Gourde was able to take advantage of a juicy rebound off of the leg pad of Kuemper, flipping the puck into the net with ease. Those two chaotic goals were topped off by Matty Beniers’ overtime winner, as the rookie won the initial faceoff and made a dash to the net. All it took was seven seconds of overtime for Beniers to extend the teams win streak to seven. Teammate Jaden Schwartz talked about just how quickly things happened in the extra period, thanks to the rookie.

“I don’t know if I’ve seen that before, it happened quick. I think someone lost their stick, it happened so fast, I think I was actually grabbing water. I looked up, and he was on a breakaway. They were hungry off the faceoff, we were ready, and I’m super happy for him, that was a good finish,” Schwartz stated.

The Kraken will have a day off before they return to action for the second of a three game homestand. Seattle will host a struggling Florida Panthers team at Climate Pledge Arena on Saturday, December 3rd with a puck drop of 7PM PST. The Panthers are looking to find their form this season, failing to regain their Presidents Trophy winning form from last season. On the flip side, Seattle aims to continue their franchise-long winning streak.

USC Beats Notre Dame 38-27

By

Christopher Floch

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November 27, 2022

LOS ANGELES– The NO. 6 USC Trojans are on the cusp of reaching the College Football Playoff after soundly knocking off NO.15 Notre Dame, 38-27 at the Coliseum on Saturday, November 26. 72,316 passionate fans witnessed USC improve to 11-1, and will meet the Utah Utes for the PAC-12 Championship on Friday, December 2 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

It was a wild rivalry Saturday, USC caught lucky breaks, such as NO. 3 Michigan Wolverines crushing the NO. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes 45-23. In addition, Clemson and LSU we’re both upset leaving the door wide open for USC to earn one of the four coveted spots in the College Football Playoff.

No superlatives or adjectives can truly describe USC’s quarterback Caleb Williams greatness. After last night’s dazzling performance in which the Sophomore baffled Notre Dame’s defense with four touchdowns, and showed why he will soon be playing on Sundays.

Like a savvy politician, Williams has been on the Heisman campaign trail the past month. The Oklahoma transfer has out lasted the other Heisman hopefuls, he even managed to strike a Heisman pose after a touchdown throw.

Williams is often compared to NFL superstar Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and for good reason. Williams like Mahomes- is extremely adept at improvising while evading intense pressure- keeping the play alive long enough to hurl it to an open receiver.

Senior running back Austin Jones had 154 yards, he has done a superb job of replacing injured RB Travis Dye against their two biggest foes. He surpassed 100 yards rushing for the second consecutive week in the victory. Even the Trojans defense, which has been the Achilles heel for the program, provided clutch plays and bottled up Notre Dame’s fierce rushing attack.

USC only had four wins last season, then Lincoln Riley comes to town and the USC Trojans are back on the national stage in one season. Riley ties the school record for wins by a head coach in his first year, matching USC legendary head coach John Robinson in 1976.

“It’s been a tremendous run, but there’s obviously a lot more left there for us,” said Riley. “So we’ve got to enjoy it but put it to bed here quickly.”

Notre Dame made a spirited second half comeback. Trailing 31-21 with only 6:03 left on the clock, USC defensive back Calen Bullock jumped in front of a pass and pulled down the interception. William sealed the victory with a 16-yd scramble to the end zone.

NO. 14 Utah also got outside help to reach this point. First, Oregon State beat the Oregon Ducks, 38-34, the Washington Huskies also defeated the Washington State Cougars.

Needing the probable and remarkable outcomes to set the stage for this classic Pac-12 title game, everything fell into place.. It will be a rematch of the epic 43-42 Utah win in Salt Lake City.

The Pac-12 Football Championship will kick off at 5:00 p.m. from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the game will air on Fox.

Air Force by a nose over SDSU

By

Jennifer Moore

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November 26, 2022

SAN DIEGO, CA – In a Mountain West Conference game at Snapdragon Stadium, the Air Force Falcons (9-3, 5-3) beat the San Diego State Aztecs (7-5, 5-3) 13-2. It was a cold night, and there were a lot of people there.

The Aztecs had a lot of chances to score, but their quarterback, Jalen Mayden, threw two picks and completed only 16 of 31 passes for 188 yards.

We’d like to get more points and yards on the ground “said Brady Hoke, the head coach of San Diego State. We’d like to go for the first drive they took. When you play a triple option team, the first drive is always a little bit of a problem because the speed you’ve tried to practice is never there. I thought our guys were up to the task. When they got off the field, we talked about it. They played until they were worn out. We are, of course, upset. We would love for every senior to win their last game, but that doesn’t always happen.”

In the first quarter, the Falcons got the ball first. On the second play of their offense, Brad Roberts broke free and ran 63 yards to the 6-yard line of San Diego State. Soon after, Roberts ran 3 yards for a touchdown, giving the Falcons a 7-0 lead.

The Aztecs’ first offensive drive stalled at the 28-yard line of the Falcons, and Jack Browning’s 45-yard field goal attempt was wide left.

On fourth-and-two at the 2-yard line of San Diego State, Air Force had a chance to score again, but they couldn’t get the first down. At the half, the Falcons had a 7-0 lead.

Roberts carried the ball 21 times for 127 yards and one touchdown for Air Force.

Matthew Dapore kicked a 30-yard field goal in the third quarter, giving Air Force a 10-0 lead. After Jordyn Byrd returned the kickoff 37 yards, the Aztecs got a big boost from their special teams.

Browning kicked a field goal from 26 yards out, making the score 10-3 with 9:12 left in the quarter.

The Aztecs stayed in the game because their defense stopped the Falcons on third down, forcing them to punt the ball.

At the end of the third quarter, the Falcons had a chance to go up 13-3, but Dapore missed a 44-yard field goal.

Dapore kicked a 30-yard field goal with 9:03 left in the game to give Air Force a 13-3 lead in the fourth quarter.

San Diego State had a chance to score at the 11-yard line of Air Force, but two false starts pushed their offense back, and on fourth down, Jalen Mayden threw a pass that Jayden Goodwin picked off in the end zone to stop the drive.

The Aztecs would get the ball back one more time on offense, but the Falcons would stop them again on defense when Trey Taylor picked off another pass by Mayden in the end zone for a touch-back, which would end the game.

Now that San Diego State is bowl eligible, and the coaching staff and players will have to wait to see what bowl game they will play in.

USC keeps its College Football Playoff hopes alive with a 38-27 win over Notre Dame

By

Eric Ramos

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November 26, 2022

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 26 Notre Dame at USC — LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 26: USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws the ball during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the USC Trojans on November 26, 2022, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)

USC quarterback Caleb Williams made a case for the Heisman trophy with one passing
touchdown and three rushing touchdowns in a 38-27 win over rival Notre Dame Saturday at the
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: USC Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches the ball for a gain during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the USC Trojans on November 26, 2022, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

The Trojans snapped a 4-game losing streak to Notre Dame and finished the season 11-1 with
a shot at the College Football Playoff. No. 5 USC will play Utah in the PAC-12 Championship on
Friday, Dec.2 in Las Vegas.

“Great win. It’s fun seeing the Coli like that,” USC head coach Lincoln Riley said. “Sitting up
there at the press conference almost close to 12 months ago just imagining that, and these guys
brought it to life.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs the ball for a touchdown during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the USC Trojans on November 26, 2022, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 News)

USC took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Caleb Williams hit Tahj Washington for an 11-yard
TD in the first quarter. After the Trojans forced a punt, Denis Lynch nailed a 31-yard field goal to
give USC a 10-0 lead with 3:29 left in the first quarter.

Notre Dame answered with a 22-yard touchdown from Drew Payne to Michael Mayer. USC
came right back with a Caleb Williams 5-yard run to give USC a 17-7 lead with 34 seconds left
in the first half.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: USC Trojans wide receiver Mario Williams (4) catches the ball for a gain during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the USC Trojans on November 26, 2022, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/ fi360 News)

USC opened the third quarter with a Raleek Brown 5-yard touchdown run but the Irish cut the
lead 24-14 with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Pyne to Deion Colzie. Williams scored on a 3-
yard run to extend the Trojans lead 31-14 in the fourth quarter.

The Irish would not go down easy as Logan Diggs scored from five yards out to cut the lead 31-21 Williams scored his third touchdown of the game when he faked the handoff and went up the middle for a 16-yard touchdown.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs the ball for a gain during a college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish against the USC Trojans on November 26, 2022, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360 news)

“I think we’re as good as any team,” Williams said. “The outside world is going to say what they
want to say, and we are 11-1 right now, so obviously it doesn’t matter.”

Austin Jones rushed for a career-high 154 yards on 25 carries. It was his third 100-yard rushing
game of the season.

Colorado can’t keep pace

By

Devon Martinez

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November 26, 2022

Colorado safety Anthony Lyle (41) tries to disrupt Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) from completing the touchdown reception in the second quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 26, 2022. Utah won by a score of 63 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Boulder, CU – Colorado on senior day looked to make Utah play all four quarters for a victory. The endzone floodgates opened right open with a 42-0 halftime lead.

Utah quarterback Cameron Rising completed 17-of-19 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Utes to a 42-0 halftime lead and sitting out the second half.

Colorado Guy Thomas (1) chases after Utah quarterback Cameron Rising (7) in the first quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 26, 2022. Utah won by a score of 63 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Ja’Quinden Jackson rushed 10 times for 117 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Maddox Kopp was able to throw one last touchdown on the season along with 123 yards. The Buffs were looking for offense all game, running back Anthony Hankerson rushed 46 yards and one touchdown.

Colorado tight end Brady Russell (38) runs the ball while being chased down by Utah Mohamoud Diabate (3) in the first quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 26, 2022. Utah won by a score of 63 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

“Just a really emotional locker room that I just left,” interim head coach Mike Sanford said.

The Buffs capped a miserable season with a 63-21 loss to No. 14 Utah. They closed the season at 1-11 and on a six-game losing streak.

Colorado tailback Deion Smith (20) carries the ball while Utah Safety Cole Bishop (8) closes in to make the tackle in the second quarter at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 26, 2022. Utah won by a score of 63 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

Receiver Montana Lemonious-Craig snagged 2 passes for 26 yards to try help carry the weight of a rough season. Brady Russell was able to catch 4 passes for 39 yards to led the Buffs.

Four different Utah receivers caught touchdowns for Rising. Dalton Kincaid led the Utes with 5 catches for 102 total yards.

Nikko Reed gave a spark to the Buffs by intercepting a pass in 3^rd quarter to give ball back to the offense.

Colorado linebacker Ben Finneseth hits Utah punt returner Money Parks (10) in the second quarter just as Parks drops the punt. Finneseth was ejected for targeting on this play at Folsom Field in Boulder, CO on Saturday November 26, 2022. Utah won by a score of 63 to 21. (Photo by Laura Domingue/fi360 News)

“I think it’s closure, in terms of knowing that you did fight the fight until the end, that you ran the race until the end,” Sanford said. “The feeling that I got in that locker room after tonight’s game is that there’s nobody who’s glad the season’s over and that’s a testament to everybody that was inside of these walls, working their tails off.”

Now with this victory the Utes will travel to Las Vegas for a rematch or revenge match with #6 USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Championship.

UCLA and Cal End Their Season In A Shootout

By

Troy Ewers

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November 25, 2022

Berkley, CA – Cal ended their season with another loss, but just like every game they played this season, it
was a fight that went all the way to the end. UCLA pulled out the 35-25 on the road. The game was a battle between the 2 quarterbacks. UCLA’s
Dorian Thompson-Robinson had an unbelievable day. 21-30, 189 passing yards, and 1 TD.

“It’s not something that’s just regularly done around here, getting nine wins.” said Thompson-Robinson, “We worked really hard. I’ve been here for a very long time and to see the growth and all the things that go into it is really special.”

On the ground DTR had 14 rushes for 88 yards and 2 TDs. Cal’s Jack Plummer had something to
say about that. After back to back drives going 3 and out with also being 0-4 passing, Plummer
then had an electrifying performance that kept Cal all the way in this game.

Plummer completed 12 straight passes with 173 passing yards and that was just the 1st half, where Cal led 21-17.

The second half wasn’t as exciting as the 1st, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t packed with
action. DTR and Zach Charbonnet (UCLA RB) each scored a rushing TD and the Bruins
defense had a crucial fumble recovery.

Even with Jack Plummer pulling out everything he could going 24-34 for 294 yards with 4 TDs, it wasn’t enough. UCLA would score one last time and get the 2 point conversion and after one more defense stand, DTR would kneel the clock out and the potential of an upset would be denied. UCLA wins 7 point victory and that’s the end of Cal’s season.

“It was a great way to win a football game,” said UCLA coach Chip Kelly.

This season for Cal wasn’t one where the team just lost and there was never hope. No, they
fought every game and even games when they were heavy underdogs, they fought until they
couldn’t anymore.

The young players on this team like Jaydn Ott, Jeremiah Earby, and J. Michael Sturdivant showed that this Cal Bears team might be something to look at next year.

The Pac 12 may never be the same with USC and UCLA leaving the conference, but no matter
what I have high expectations for this young and hungry Cal football team.

Kraken close out homestand with barn burner win over Sharks

By

Charles Hamaker

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November 23, 2022

_E1A8072 — Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – To end a six-game homestand that saw the team display playoff-potential, the Seattle Kraken tallied a franchise record eight goals in a win over the San Jose Sharks. The highest scoring contest in team history, the Kraken started the game off with a rocky first period where two San Jose goals off penalties hindered Seattle’s ability to start a flow. The Kraken weathered the storm, sounded the goal horn eight times, and will now head back out onto the road as a better team because of their ability to win games in different ways.

Following three straight overtime games that ended all ended in the same score, the Kraken returned to their high-octane offensive form. After failing to score more than three goals since November 8th, the first game of this homestand, the Kraken were able to open the flood gates in the second period. Seven different skaters were able to beat Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen, including four times in the final frame to truly send the Sharks back out to sea. Despite doubling San Jose in giveaways and nearly matching Seattle in every general statistic, the Kraken were elite tonight at finishing their opportunities.

That finishing came from a myriad of different skaters for Seattle, including defensemen Jamie Oleksiak scoring while coming off an injury and Vince Dunn tallying a goal in a 5 +/- night. Alternate captain Jaden Schwartz lit the lamp twice, extending the Kraken lead while using a Sharks player as a screen for the first and then tapping home an empty netter for the second. The boys from Boston, Ryan Donato and Matty Beniers both scored off great lead passes, putting them in easy position to capitalize. Offseason additions Andre Burakovsky and

Oliver Bjorkstrand both found the back of the net, as Bjorkstrand scored for the first time since the season opener. Seattle head coach Dave Hakstol discussed the atmosphere in a way like tonight’s.

“It was fun for the fans but stunk for the coaches, haha. Not really, but like I said, you have to find different ways to win. The atmosphere in this building is awesome. That’s a party happening for 18,000 people, it’s fun to be able to win in different ways. A lot of people look at it and say it’s exciting hockey, I prefer to win 3-2, 4-1, something like that,” Hakstol said.

On the defensive end of things, the Kraken certainly had some highs and lows, but obviously the five goals mean a solid number of lows. Sharks forward Timo Meier scored a hat trick, with all his goals coming on plays where he was left wide open. San Jose’s other two goals came off tip ins where Kraken defenders got caught napping, and Seattle is lucky that didn’t happen a few more times. Most will just enjoy the eight goals, but the Kraken defensive unit will need to tighten up some of the issues that appeared in this contest, especially as they head on the road to face more divisional opponents. Seattle forward Andre Burakovsky discussed what the team needs to do as they head on the road

“I think that we really need to shut down some areas and be better in them. We shouldn’t give up as many goals as we did, but overall, two points is two points… We can’t give up a two-goal lead, and that happened twice today. That shouldn’t happen, but I think it’s important that we stick throughout just like we did today,” Burakovsky remarked.

Following an impressive 4-1-1 homestand, the Kraken will now head on a three-game road trip. Seattle will face three divisional opponents, the first being the Las Vegas Golden Knights, a team that the Kraken

have never beaten before. The two newest teams in the NHL and top two teams in the Pacific Division will face off on Friday, November 25th with a puck drop at 5PM PST.

Pressure making diamonds for Kraken, winning second straight overtime thriller

By

Charles Hamaker

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November 19, 2022

NelsonAaron_Seattle_Arizona_2_9_2022-13 — Photo by Aaron Nelson / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – Just a few days after the second of two tight losses, the Seattle Kraken flipped the mental switch that held been holding them back. A few days of practicing their three-on-three game have paid off, as with the 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, the Kraken have won their last two contests in the overtime period. Tight, grinding divisional contests may be the standard for Seattle’s upcoming schedule, as they will continue a five-game streak of games against Pacific Division opponents after this win.

Since the opener of the current six-game homestand, the high-octane offense of the Kraken has taken a bit of a step back. Seattle’s opponents have made it difficult to get shots on net, and in cases like tonight, the Kraken have been downright unlucky as several pucks took a bad bounce or hit the pipes. In these gritty games, players need to step up and chip in wherever. Tonight, Jared McCann and Daniel Sprong answered that call. Both players snapped scoring droughts to give Seattle goals in the first and third periods, respectively. Daniel Sprong spoke postgame about how his goal took place.

“We had some really good looks, so we knew if we got more chances, we’d be able to score. I was able to bury one right after they scored a shorthanded goal… I always knew my offensive side was there, and I’ve been showing that this year… I work on the shot I made a lot in practice, the no look five hole,” Sprong reflected.

Prior to these past two wins, Seattle has been relatively poor historically when it comes to the overtime period. The Kraken are three games under .500 over 15 games in franchise history when they play free hockey, but the newer approach taught in practice over the past week has Seattle headed in the right direction. While that makes it sound elaborate and dynamic, the strategy that Seattle has in place is quite simple: play patient, and don’t take risks that put the team in a bad position. The Kraken displayed that in the win against the Rangers and this win against the Kings, making the timely play and staying patient until the right moment to strike. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol spoke on his time’s overtime performances, postgame.

“I guess all we had to figure out was getting 7 and 13 on the ice, that’s the formula, I don’t think it has anything to do with practice. But seriously, it was a different overtime tonight. We didn’t have the puck a whole lot, but we defended really well. We didn’t give up anything, nothing threatening, we were patient. On the play for the game winning goal, Schultz does a good job defending,” Hakstol stated.

Following this thrilling win, the Kraken will get some quality days off before finishing their six-game homestand. The San Jose Sharks will head to Climate Pledge Arena, battling the Kraken on November 23rd, 2022. The struggling Sharks will face off against Seattle with a 7PM PST puck drop as the teams collide for the first time this season.

A limited Bo Nix and the Oregon Ducks fight their way past Utah

By

Bryce Viglione

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November 19, 2022

_E1A7248 — Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

EUGENE, OR – After a tough loss at home last week to Washington, the Oregon Ducks (12) kept their Pac-12 Championship hopes alive with a gritty 20-17 victory against the Utah Utes (10).

Oregon’s offense looked different Saturday night as offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham found ways to keep a banged-up Bo Nix in the pocket, only asking him to run the ball once all night when the game was on the line. A first down away from victory, Nix rushed 2 yards for the first down allowing the Ducks to run the clock out.

Head Coach Dan Lanning said, “We asked Bo right before that play if we could run the play knowing that the two options were to hand it off or for him to keep it and he said ‘absolutely’. That guy’s got, heart”.

Nix finished with 287 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Oregon was fighting multiple injuries, but Lanning had his guys ready to compete. Bo Nix stated after the game that “It was a tough week. A lot of guys didn’t know if they were going to play this week. A lot of guys were hurt. A lot of guys were sick. One of our DNA traits is toughness”.

The Ducks had most of the momentum early, heading into halftime with a 14-3 lead, but things quickly unfolded at the start of the 3^rd quarter. Backup quarterback Ty Thompson started the second half off with a reverse to Don’t’e Thornton which was fumbled and recovered for an 11-yard touchdown by Utah linebacker Karene Reid, making it a one-score game at 17-10.

Utah would go on to tie the game at 17-17 with 7:00 left in the 4^th quarter with an 18-yard touchdown run by Jaylen Dixon.

The Ducks responded to Dixon’s touchdown with a 41-yard field goal from Camden Lewis, bringing the score to what would ultimately be the final at 20-17, but would give Utah three chances to score before securing the win.

Utah quarterback Cameron Rising struggled all night and was unable to take advantage of the three opportunities to take the lead late throwing an interception to Oregon safety Bennett Williams, his third interception of the night, and failing to convert two fourth down tries.

Oregon will make the short trip up Interstate 5 next Saturday to play in-state rival Oregon State (8-3), where a win would send them to Las Vegas to compete for the Pac-12 Championship and the chance at a Rose Bowl appearance.

Big Comeback For Cal In The Big Game

By

Troy Ewers

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November 19, 2022

DSC_0864-topaz-denoise-faceai — The 125 big game between Stanford at Cal in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (Photo by Jorge Birelas/ fi360 News

Berkeley, CA- It’s the 125th game between Cal and Stanford aka “The Big Game” and it was everything that was advertised. A sell out crowd, a competitive game, and an ending that may not have been as
crazy as the band being on the field, but crazy enough to have everyone in Cal Memorial
Stadium stunned after the 27-20 victory over Stanford.

Stanford was leading 3 quarters until a fumble recovered by Cal’s Jackson Sirmon he took all the way to the end zone changed the complexion of the entire game. Through 3 quarters we saw 2 teams having completely different days.

California Quarterback Jake Plummer throws a pass against Stanford during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (Photo by Jorge Birelas/ fi360 news)

On one hand Stanford was having a balanced offense of rushing and passing led by Tanner McKee, who in total had 271 passing yards. On the other hand Cal couldn’t catch a break, the 2 stars on offense

Plummer and Ott were slow to get off the ground, but that would all change by the 4th quarter.
Ott was the main focus on a 7 play, 47 yard touchdown drive that made the game 17-12
Stanford, but the very next drive for Stanford would be where the rivalry would reach its
cinematic climax.

California Quarterback Jake Plummer throws a pass under pressure against Stanford during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (Photo by Jorge Birelas/ fi360 news)

Stanford’s running back Ashton Daniels, who was productive all game got the ball and Cal’s Daniel Scott forced a fumble, the loose ball would be recovered by Jeremiah Earby, Ashton Daniels would then force Earby to fumble, but the ball was recovered by Cal’s defensive captain Jackson Sirmon for a textbook scoop and score. 20-17 Cal!

At that point everyone in the press box, everyone in the stands, and everyone in the game didn’t know where this game would go and Plummer throwing his second interception of the game that was also
intercepted in the end zone and an interception thrown by McKee late in the 4th, the game
would end with Cal winning and keeping the victory ax which is a trophy of the rivalry.

California Defense make a stop against Stanford during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (Photo by Jorge Birelas/ fi360 news)

Even though neither of these teams are bowl eligible or even close to it, this game was as big
as a bowl game for every person in the stadium and probably even matters more to the alumni.

Cal and Stanford is one of the most storied rivalries in college football and when you have
players like Marshawn Lynch, Aaron Rodgers, John Elway, Andrew Luck, and many more in the
picture you can see how this rivalry is not only always going to attract a crowd, but also make
memories that will be cherished for decades or in this game, a century.