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Thirteen finalists named for 2021 Eddie Robinson Award

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Press Release
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Coach Whittingham on the sideline. Photo by Jevone Moore

DALLAS (FWAA) – The Football Writers Association of America, in conjunction with the Allstate Sugar Bowl, announced a record 13 finalists for the 2021 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award on Tuesday. Among the finalists are one former winner, three returning finalists from 2020, all four coaches competing in this season’s College Football Playoff, as well as four other coaches with teams playing in New Year’s Six Bowl games. Ten of the finalists led their teams to conference championships.

In alphabetical order the finalists are: Blake Anderson, Utah State; Dave Aranda, Baylor; Luke Fickell, Cincinnati; Thomas Hammock, NIU; Jim Harbaugh, Michigan; Billy Napier, Louisiana; Pat Narduzzi, Pitt; Nick Saban, Alabama; Kalani Sitake, BYU; Kirby Smart, Georgia; Jeff Traylor, UTSA; Mel Tucker, Michigan State; and Kyle Whittingham, Utah.

Saban is the dean of the 13 finalists as a two-time winner and now eight-time finalist. Fickell, who faces Saban in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in a College Football Playoff semifinal, and Sitake were finalists last season. Harbaugh faces Smart in the other national semifinal, at the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 31. Narduzzi takes on Tucker in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Hammock faces last year’s Eddie Robinson Award winner, Jamey Chadwell of Coastal Carolina, in the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl. Aranda will lead his Baylor team into New Orleans to face Ole Miss in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

“The Allstate Sugar Bowl is honored to remember a Louisiana legend by sponsoring the FWAA Coach of the Year Award named after Coach Robinson,” said Ralph Capitelli, Sugar Bowl Committee President. “In addition, we have the opportunity to give recognition to the best college coaches in the nation each year. We look forward to presenting the trophy to the winner in Indianapolis next month.”

The 13 finalists have been placed on a ballot which has been sent to the entire FWAA membership today. The 2021 recipient will be announced on Mon., Dec. 20. The official presentation will be at a reception Sat., Jan. 8, in Indianapolis prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

“We have a well-balanced group of finalists, geographically positioned across the country and coaches from all sizes of schools,” said FWAA Executive Director Steve Richardson. “Congratulations to all of the finalists for the great seasons they have had during the 2021 season.”

The FWAA has presented a coaching award since the 1957 season when Ohio State’s Woody Hayes was named the first recipient. The FWAA coaching award was named after the late Robinson, a coaching legend at Grambling State University for 55 seasons, in 1997.

A closer look at the 2021 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year finalists:

Blake Anderson, Utah State: Anderson, a first-time finalist, guided Utah State (10-3) to one of the best turnarounds in the nation in 2021 (plus-nine wins thus far) with the Mountain West Conference title in tow following a 1-5 record in 2020. Utah State faces Oregon State in the inaugural Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl presented by Stifel on Dec. 18. Picked to finish fifth in the Mountain Division in the preseason, the Aggies recorded 10 wins for just the fourth time in school history and became the first FBS team since 2013 to post a 7-0 road record. Anderson is the only first-year head coach out of 19 in the FBS to win 10 games. He is Utah State’s second all-time finalist and first since Gary Andersen in 2012.

Dave Aranda, Baylor: In Aranda’s second year the Bears (11-2) patiently pushed their way to the Big 12 title, tying for the country’s second-best turnaround with nine more wins following a 2-7 season in 2020 and will now face Ole Miss in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2022. Picked eighth by media in the preseason, Baylor relied on Aranda’s strength – defense – as the Bears held opponents 11.6 points below their averages. A year after being last in rushing, the Big 12 rushing leaders are one of six teams with three wins over ranked teams this season. Aranda is the second finalist in the last three seasons for Baylor (Matt Rhule, 2019). Grant Teaff is the school’s only previous winner from 1974.

Luke Fickell, Cincinnati: Fickell returns as a finalist from 2020 after leading the Bearcats (13-0) to an historic College Football Playoff bid, a first for a so-called Group of 5 school. The American Athletic Conference champions are the No. 4 playoff seed and one of two teams to rank in the top 10 nationally in both scoring offense (8th, 39.2 ppg) and scoring defense (t-4th, 16.1). Cincinnati, 22-1 the past two seasons, has set school records for points (510) and touchdowns (70) and faces Alabama in the CFP semifinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on Dec. 31. Cincinnati, which had Brian Kelly as a finalist in 2009, has never had an Eddie Robinson Award winner.

Thomas Hammock, Northern Illinois: Hammock and the Huskies (9-4) won the Mid-American Conference with a ‘worst-to-first’ season with another nine-game improvement following an 0-6 record in 2020. NIU won seven games by one score or less – four of them by two points or less – before easing past Kent State 41-23 last week for their fifth MAC title of the last 11 seasons. The nine wins are NIU’s most since 2014 as they head into the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl to face Coastal Carolina. Hammock is NIU’s second all-time finalist, joining Dave Doeren in 2012.

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan: Harbaugh guided the Wolverines (12-1) to their first Big Ten Championship Game with a resounding 42-27 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State, then earned Michigan its 43rd Big Ten title and a spot in the College Football Playoff with a runaway 42-3 win over Iowa in the title game. Michigan has the nation’s top turnaround thus far with 10 additional wins heading into the Capital One Orange Bowl CFP semifinal following a 2-4 record in 2020. The Wolverines returned to the top 10 in the national polls for the first time since late 2019 at midseason and have remained in the top 10 for 10 consecutive weeks. Harbaugh is Michigan’s first finalist since 2011. Bo Schembechler won Michigan’s only FWAA Coach of the Year award in 1969.

Billy Napier, Louisiana: Napier, a first-time finalist and the first in Louisiana’s history, guided the Ragin’ Cajuns (12-1) to a school-record 12th straight win and a Sun Belt Conference championship last week only days after accepting the head coaching position at Florida. Napier was named SBC Coach of the Year as Louisiana broke its 54-year-old win-streak record and won the SBC’s West Division for a fourth consecutive season behind a defense that gives up only 18.7 points per game (13th in FBS). Louisiana faces Marshall in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 18.

Pat Narduzzi, Pitt: Narduzzi led the Panthers (11-2) to their first 10-win season since 1981 and their first Atlantic Coast Conference title since joining the league in 2013 with a 45-21 win over Wake Forest in last week’s ACC title game. Narduzzi sparked one of the country’s top passing combos with All-America candidates Kenny Pickett (ACC and school-record 42 touchdown passes) throwing to Jordan Addison (national-best 17 touchdown receptions). Pitt faces Michigan State in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Dec. 30. Narduzzi is Pitt’s first finalist since the award began naming finalists in 2010. Johnny Majors won the FWAA Coach of the Year Award at Pitt in 1976 and 1973.

Nick Saban, Alabama: The achievements run long on Saban’s ledger with the Eddie Robinson Award as the top-seeded Crimson Tide (12-1) prepare to face Cincinnati in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in the CFP semifinals Dec. 31. Alabama won the SEC Championship Game last week, blowing past the nation’s top defense and formerly top-ranked team, 41-24 over Georgia. Saban is a two-time winner (at Alabama in 2008, at LSU in 2003) and is one of Alabama’s two previous winners along with Gene Stallings in 1992. He is now an eight-time finalist, earning the designation in five of the last eight seasons.

Kalani Sitake, BYU: Sitake is a repeat finalist from 2020 following a season in which the Cougars (10-2) posted five wins over Pac-12 schools, including a 26-17 win over Pac-12 champion Utah, as well as wins over Mountain West Conference champion Utah State and Virginia. BYU running back Tyler Allgeier is tied for the national lead with 20 rushing touchdowns and the Cougars’ offense is ranked in the top 30 in 12 different categories. Sitake, also a finalist for entry into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame this year, is a former player under Lavell Edwards, who is BYU’s only previous Eddie Robinson winner from 1984.

Kirby Smart, Georgia: The Bulldogs (12-1) owned the No. 1 spot in the polls and the College Football Playoff rankings for most of the season prior to the SEC Championship Game. Smart still guides the nation’s top scoring defense giving up only 9.5 points per game as the No. 3-seed Bulldogs head into the CFP semifinals to face Michigan in Miami Gardens, Fla. Georgia, averaging 39.4 points (seventh nationally), is 4-1 against ranked teams including a pair of top-10 wins, and is only the fourth team in school history to finish the regular season undefeated. Smart was also a finalist in 2017 and Georgia’s third overall. Vince Dooley won the FWAA Coach of the Year Award in 1980.

Jeff Traylor, UTSA: Traylor took the Roadrunners (12-1) to new heights – their first C-USA West Division title, a win in their first Conference USA Championship Game (49-41 over WKU). UTSA had an 11-game win streak to start the season and has its winningest season yet heading into its Tropical Smoothie Café Frisco Bowl berth to face San Diego State. The Roadrunners also made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff and both national polls, topping out at 15th in the AP poll. Running back Sincere McCormick is having another All-America caliber season, rushing for 1,479 yards with 15 touchdowns. Traylor is a first-time finalist and the first in UTSA’s history.

Mel Tucker, Michigan State: The Spartans (10-2) were darlings of the Big Ten heading into November, posting an 8-0 start (following 2-5 in 2020) and competing for the Big Ten East Division title. Tucker rode the legs of Kenneth Walker III, the Big Ten Running Back of the Year with 1,636 yards to date and MSU’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2014, into the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl to face Pitt on Dec. 30. Tucker is MSU’s first finalist since 2015. Duffy Daugherty won the Spartans’ only FWAA Coach of the Year Award in 1965.

Kyle Whittingham, Utah: Whittingham, a finalist from the 2008 season, became Utah’s (10-3) all-time wins leader (143) while earning the Utes’ first Pac-12 Championship since joining the league in 2011 with its runaway win over Oregon. After a 1-2 start, Utah has won 9 of 10 games going into its first Rose Bowl appearance where it will take on Ohio State. Utah’s defense ranks fourth in the FBS in tackles for loss per game (7.6) and is 12th in team sacks (3.17). Whittingham, Utah’s only previous finalist, is preceded by Urban Meyer, the Utes’ only previous winner, from 2004.

The Eddie Robinson Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org and @NCFAA on Twitter to learn more about the association.

The Allstate Sugar Bowl has established itself as one of the premier college football bowl games, having hosted 28 national champions, 99 Hall of Fame players, 51 Hall of Fame coaches and 19 Heisman Trophy winners in its 87-year history. The 88th Allstate Sugar Bowl Football Classic is scheduled to be played on Jan. 1, 2022 between Baylor and Ole Miss. In addition to football, the Sugar Bowl Committee annually invests over $1.6 million into the community through the hosting and sponsorship of sporting events, awards and clinics. Through these efforts, the organization supports and honors thousands of student-athletes each year, while injecting over $2.7 billion into the local economy in the last decade. For more information, visit AllstateSugarBowl.org.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.

2021 Eddie Robinson Award
• Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award | All-time winners and finalists

2021 Pac-12 Football Performance Awards, presented by Nextiva, and All-Conference honors announced

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Press Release
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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Oregon State Beavers against the USC Trojans on September 25, 2021, at United Airlines Field at The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/fi360news)

Offensive Player of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Drake London, USC Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year: Devin Lloyd, Utah Freshman Offensive Player of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Jayden de Laura, Washington State Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Junior Tafuna, Utah Coach of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Kyle Whittingham, Utah  

SAN FRANCISCO – The Pac-12 has announced the 2021 Football Performance Awards, presented by Nextiva, as well as its All-Conference honors and yearly recognitions as voted by the league’s 12 coaches.  First team honors were nearly even across the Pac-12 North (15) and Pac-12 South (14), as South Division Champion UTAH led the way with six honorees, followed by North Division Champion OREGON with five. In total, across both first and second team selections, Utah led the way with 10 honorees, followed by UCLA (nine), Oregon (seven), and ARIZONA STATE (six) with all 12 schools represented.  

Offensive Player of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Drake London, WR, USC   London, a pre-season All-American, finished tops in the conference in both receptions (88) and receiving yards (1,084) despite being limited to just eight games after suffering a broken ankle against Arizona.  He is the first Trojan to win this award since fellow WR Marqise Lee in 2012.  A 2021 Biletnikoff and Maxwell Award semifinalist, London was on pace for breaking Lee’s USC single-season records in both receptions (118) and receiving yards (1,721)

  • 88 receptions are tied for ninth on USC’s season catches list.  London had at least 10 receptions in five of the eight games this season and is the first Trojan to twice haul in at least 15 catches in a game.   Joins Texas Tech’s Michael Crabtree (2007) as the only Power 5 players to have 88 catches through 8 games.
  • Had six games this season with 100 or more receiving yards including five in a row.  The streak was ended by his injury, as the junior had already tallied 81 yards in the second quarter when he suffered the season-ending injury.  First Trojan with five straight games with 100 or more yards receiving since Lee in 2012.  Only Pac-12 player to reach 1,000 receiving yards this season and did it in the first seven games.
  • Ranks in the top 20 in Trojans history in receptions (160, 17th) and receiving yards (2,783, 11th).  
  • Named 2021 Midseason All-American first team by the Associated Press, ESPN.com, The Athletic, CBSSports.com, On3.com and the Sporting News.  London’s 135.5 receiving yards per game and 11.0 receptions per game would both rank tops in FBS.

Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year: Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah   Llloyd, a two-time Butkus Award Finalist, leads the Utes with a career-high 106 tackles during the regular season including 22.0 tackles for loss, which was second most in the country.  The junior becomes the first Utah player to win this award and just the third Ute to win a Pac-12 annual award after Zack Moss won 2019 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and Ty Jordan won 2020 Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year.

  • Named MVP of the 2021 Pac-12 Championship Game, leading the Utes to their first ever Pac-12 championship.  Had seven tackles and an interception he returned 34 yards for a touchdown to give the Utes a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.  It was Lloyd’s second Pick 6 of the season and third of his career.
  • Named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week, presented by Nextiva, three times this season, the most of any player this season and first to win it three times in a season since Arizona’s Scooby Wright in 2014.
  • Five games with multiple tackles for loss this season had at least 0.5 TFL in 11 of 13 games this season.  
  • Led Pac-12 linebackers with 8.0 sacks in the regular season after having 8.5 sacks in his first three seasons combined.  Career-high 3.0 sacks in win over Arizona State.
  • Second straight season named first team All-Pac-12, a semifinalist for the 2021 Bednarik Award and a finalist for the 2021 Lott IMPACT trophy

Offensive Freshman Player of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Jayden de Laura, QB, Washington State   de Laura becomes the first Cougar to win this award after finishing the regular season atop the conference in passing yards (2,757) and pass TD (23).

  • Led the Cougars to their first Apple Cup win since 2012, completing an Apple Cup record 84.3% (27-32) of his passes for the fourth-best completion percentage in WSU single-game history.  Had 245 yards passing and another 31 on the ground as de Laura was named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Week.
  • Multiple touchdown passes in eight games this season including a career-high four scores against Arizona.
  • Named Rose Bowl Game Pac-12 Player of the Week in win over Oregon State when he passed for career-high 399 yards with 3 passing touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Tanner McKee, QB, Stanford; Byron Cardwell, RB, Oregon; Sataoa Laumea, OL, Utah; Jaxson Dart, QB, USC; Brenden Rice, WR, Colorado  

Defensive Freshman Player of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Junior Tafuna, DT, Utah   Tafuna emerged as a force on at defensive tackle, starting the final 10 games of the season.  First Utah player to win this award.

  • Registered 4.5 sacks this season, second most among Pac-12 freshmen.
  • Named Pac-12 Defensive Line Player of the Week after Utah’s win over Oregon in Salt Lake City.  
  • Had career-high nine tackles at Arizona, the most by a Utes defensive lineman since 2018.

Honorable Mention: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Colorado; Cole Bishop, S, Utah; Jeffrey Bassa, S, Oregon; Lu-Magia Hearns III, DB, California; Calen Bullock, DB, USC;  

Coach of the Year, presented by Nextiva: Kyle Whittingham, Utah   Whittingham takes home his second Pac-12 Coach of the Year award in the last three years after leading Utah to its first ever Pac-12 Championship.  He also won the award in 2019 and has been Utah’s only head coach since the school joined the conference.

  • Became Utah’s all-time wins leader, passing Ike Armstrong, in their Nov. 20 win over then No. 3 Oregon.  144-69 in his tenure with Utes.
  • Named one of the 13 finalists for the Eddie Robinson Award as national coach of the year.
  • 10 or more wins in a season for the sixth time in his career and his third Pac-12 South title in the last 4 years.
  • One of four active Pac-12 coaches to have won this award multiple times (David Shaw, Chip Kelly, Karl Dorrell).
  • Has won 19 of his last 22 conference games.
  • 11-3 all-time in bowl games including 2-0 in New Year’s Six bowls (2005 Fiesta, 2009 Sugar).

2021 ALL-PAC-12 CONFERENCE FOOTBALL TEAM

 First Team Offense Second Team Offense
QBCameron Rising, So., UtahQBDorian Thompson-Robinson, Sr., UCLA
RBB.J. Baylor, R-Jr., Oregon StateRBZach Charbonnet, Jr., UCLA
RBTavion Thomas, So., UtahRBRachaad White, R-Sr., Arizona State
WRDrake London, Jr., USCWRCalvin Jackson Jr., Gr., Washington State
WRKyle Philips, R-Jr., UCLAWRTravell Harris, R-Sr., Washington State
TEGreg Dulcich, R-Jr., UCLATEBrant Kuithe, Jr., Utah
OLAbraham Lucas, R-Sr., Washington StateOLBamidele Olaseni, Sr., Utah
OLNick Ford, Jr., Utah*OLBraeden Daniels, So., Utah
OLSean Rhyan, Jr., UCLAOLKellen Diesch, Gr., Arizona State
OLNathan Eldridge, R-Sr., Oregon State*OLAlex Forsyth, Jr., Oregon
OLJaxson Kirkland, Jr., Washington*OLDohnovan West, Jr., Arizona State
OLT.J. Bass, Jr., Oregon  
 First Team Defense Second Team Defense
DLKayvon Thibodeaux, So., Oregon*DLKyon Barrs, So., Arizona
DLMika Tafua, Jr., UtahDLThomas Booker, Sr., Stanford
DLTuli Tuipulotu, So., USCDLMitchell Agude, Sr., UCLA
DLBrandon Dorlus, So., OregonDLD.J. Davidson, Gr., Arizona State
DLRon Stone Jr., R-Jr., Washington State  
DLTyler Johnson, Gr., Arizona State  
LBDevin Lloyd, Jr., Utah*LBDarien Butler, Sr., Arizona State
LBNoah Sewell, Fr., OregonLBDrake Jackson, Jr., USC
LBAvery Roberts, R-Jr., Oregon State*LBNate Landman, Sr., Colorado
DBTrent McDuffie, So., WashingtonDBClark Phillips, Fr., Utah
DBVerone McKinley III, So., OregonDBKyu Blu Kelly, Jr., Stanford
DBKyler Gordon, So., WashingtonDBQuentin Lake, Sr., UCLA
DBElijah Hicks, Sr., CaliforniaDBQwuantrezz Knight, R-Sr., UCLA
 First Team Specialists Second Team Specialists
PKDean Janikowski, R-So., Washington StatePKCamden Lewis, So., Oregon
  PKParker Lewis, So., USC
PKyle Ostendorp, So., ArizonaPRace Porter, Sr., Washington
RSBritain Covey, Jr., Utah**RSKyle Philips, R-Jr., UCLA
AP/STStanley Berryhill III, R-Jr., ArizonaAP/STJack Colletto, R-Jr., Oregon State

  RS = Return Specialist AP/ST = All-Purpose/Special Teams Player (not a kicker or returner) (*) Two-time first team selection, (**) Three-time first team selection   No Tiebreaker: There was a tie for the fifth offensive lineman for first team, so that team is represented with six offensive linemen. There was a tie for the fourth defensive lineman for first team, so that team is represented with six defensive linemen. There was a tie for the second team kicker, so that team is represented with two kickers.  

ALL-PAC-12 HONORABLE MENTION ARIZONA: WR Stanley Berryhill III, R-Jr.; K Lucas Havrisik, Sr.; DL Trevon Mason, Sr.; OL Josh McCauley, R-Sr.; LB Anthony Pandy, Sr.   ARIZONA STATE: OL LaDarius Henderson, Jr.; TE Curtis Hodges, Gr.; DB Jack Jones, Gr.; DB Chase Lucas, Gr.; WR RIcky Pearsall, Jr.; DB DeAndre Pierce, Gr.; LB Merlin Robertson, Sr.   CALIFORNIA: AP/ST Nick Alftin, R-Jr.; LB Marqez Bimage, Sr.; OL Matthew Cindric, R-Jr.; OL Ben Coleman, R-So.; QB Chase Garbers, R-Sr.; LB Cameron Goode, R-Sr.; DB Lu-Magia Hearns, III, Fr.; OL McKade Mettauer, Jr.; RS Nikko Remigio, Sr.; DL JH Tevis, R-Jr.   COLORADO: AP/ST Daniel Arias, Jr.; DB Mekhi Blackmon, Jr.; RB Jarek Broussard, So.; DB Christian Gonzalez, Fr.; OL Kary Kutsch, Sr.; DL Jalen Sami, So.; P Josh Watts, Jr.; LB Carson Wells, Jr.   OREGON: DL Popo Aumave, Jr.; QB Anthony Brown, Sr.; RB Travis Dye, Jr.; OL Ryan Walk, Jr.; DB Mykael Wright, So.     OREGON STATE: DB Alex Austin, R-Fr.; WR Trevon Bradford, R-Sr.; DB Jaydon Grant, R-Jr.; OL Joshua Gray, R-Fr.; K Everett Hayes, So.; OL Nous Keobounnam, R-Sr.; OL Brandon Kipper, R-Jr.; QB Chance Nolan, R-So.; DB Kitan Oladapo, R-So.; TE Teagan Quitoriano, Jr.; DL Keonte Schad, Sr.; LB Omar Speights, So.; DB Rejzohn Wright, Jr.   STANFORD: OL Branson Bragg, Jr.; QB Tanner McKee, So.; OL Drake Nugent, Jr.; TE Benjamin Yurosek, So.   UCLA: RB Brittain Brown, R-Sr.; OL Paul Grattan, Jr., R-Sr.   USC: P Ben Griffiths, R-Jr.; RB Keaontay Ingram, Sr.; LB Kana’i Mauga, Sr.; OL Brett Neilon, R-Sr.; DB Chris Steele, Jr.; OL Andrew Vorhees, R-Sr.   UTAH: S Cole Bishop, Fr.; DB Vonte Davis, Sr.; TE Dalton Kincaid, Sr.;  OL Sataoa Laumea, R-Fr.; LB Nephi Sewell, Jr.   WASHINGTON: WR Terrell Bynum, Jr.; DL Tuli Letuligasenoa, So.; RB Sean McGrew, Sr.; LB Jackson Sirmon, So.; OL Luke Wattenberg, Sr.   WASHINGTON STATE:  RB Max Borghi, Sr.; QB Jayden de Laura, So.; DB Daniel Isom, Gr.; DL Brennan Jackson, R-Jr.; DB Armani Marsh, R-Sr., WR De’Zhaun Stribling, Fr.; AP/ST Lincoln Victor, Jr.; DB Jaylen Watson, R-Sr.; LB Jahad Woods, Gr.

  – Pac-12.com –  

Alabama’s Anderson wins 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy

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Press Release
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FWAA) – Will Anderson Jr., a dynamic playmaking linebacker for top-ranked Alabama and a constant nemesis in every opponents’ backfield as the nation’s sack and tackles-for-loss leader, has been named as the recipient of the 2021 Bronko Nagurski Trophy by the Football Writers Association of America.

Anderson was selected from among two other finalists that also included Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis and Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux. Anderson is only the second player at Alabama to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, joining defensive end Jonathan Allen in 2016. The Crimson Tide (12-1) have had Bronko Nagurski finalists in nine of the last 11 seasons, most recently nose guard Quinnen Williams in 2018.

The FWAA All-America Committee made the selection of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as part of the 2021 FWAA All-America Team, which will be released on Friday. The official presentation of the trophy was made tonight at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet presented by LendingTree at the Charlotte Convention Center.

The 6-4, 243-pound sophomore from Hampton, Ga., is the primary cog in an Alabama defense that is fourth nationally in rushing defense, giving up 82.9 yards per game. Anderson is versatile in “affecting the quarterback,” a non-statistical term but a favorite of head coach Nick Saban when addressing the media. A force in the backfield, he leads the nation in sacks (15.5) and tackles for loss (32.5) and added a sack and two TFL’s in this past Saturday’s 41-24 win over previously top-ranked Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.

Anderson has had at least one sack in 10 of 13 games and his 92 tackles (53 solo) are second on the team and include and at least one TFL in 12 of 13 games. He has been credited by the Alabama coaching staff with a team-high 38 quarterback pressures this season.

To put his season in finer perspective, Anderson was the 2020 FWAA National Freshman Player of the Year following a stellar season a year ago. But this year’s totals have boosted him to be on pace to reach record territory. Only one player at Alabama – College Football Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas (1985-88) – has averaged more sacks and TFL numbers in his career. Thomas finished his Alabama career averaging 1.06 sacks per game (52 in 49 career games). Anderson, with 22.5 in 26 games, is currently at 0.87 sacks per game with at least one more to play in the College Football Playoff this season. But Anderson leads Thomas’ career TFL numbers currently averaging 1.65 per game (43 in 26 games) to Thomas’ 1.39 (or 68 in 49 games).

Anderson, with 3.5 more sacks, can tie Thomas for the No. 2 spot for single-season sacks (18) in the Alabama record book. His 32.5 TFL’s are already No. 2 behind Thomas’ 39 from the 1988 season.

Anderson was the Bronko Nagurski National Player of the Week on Oct. 16 following a four-sack game at Mississippi State, the most in a single game since Thomas did it in 1988. He earned the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Week honor five times in 12 weeks and was named one of the Crimson Tide’s permanent captains and one of two defensive players of the year at its team banquet Sunday.


Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. (Alabama Athletics)
Davis, the Georgia defensive tackle who was a fellow Bronko Nagurski finalist and a finalist for three other postseason awards including the FWAA’s Outland Trophy as the nation’s best interior lineman, gave Anderson high praise in an interview last week while preparing for the SEC Championship Game.

“He’s a game wrecker,” Davis said. “Watching his film and just seeing him, he’s explosive. He’s definitely one of those guys you have to make sure to keep contained. It’s great to see him play.”

Top-ranked Alabama claimed the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff on Sunday and faces No. 4 seed Cincinnati in the semifinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 31 in Arlington, Texas.

Anderson is the fifth player from the SEC to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, following Josh Allen (LB, Kentucky, 2018), Jonathan Allen (DE, Alabama, 2016), Glenn Dorsey (DT, LSU, 2007) and Champ Bailey (DB, Georgia, 1998).

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org and @NCFAA on Twitter to learn more about the association.

Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at 214-870-6516 or tiger@fwaa.com.

About the Charlotte Touchdown Club
The Charlotte Touchdown Club is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 for the purpose of promoting high school, collegiate, and professional football in the Charlotte, N.C., region. The club’s activities and services focus community attention on the outstanding citizenship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and leadership of area athletes and coaches. Since 1990, the club has raised and donated nearly $3 million to benefit area high school and collegiate athletics. For more information, contact John Rocco (704-347-2918 or jrocco@touchdownclub.com). The official website of the Charlotte Touchdown Club is touchdownclub.com.

About LendingTree, Inc.
LendingTree is the nation’s leading online marketplace that connects consumers with the choices they need to be confident in their financial decisions. LendingTree empowers consumers to shop for financial services the same way they would shop for airline tickets or hotel stays, by comparing multiple offers from a nationwide network of over 500 partners in one simple search and choosing the option that best fits their financial needs. Services include mortgage loans, mortgage refinances, auto loans, personal loans, business loans, student refinances, credit cards, insurance and more. Through the My LendingTree platform, consumers receive free credit scores, credit monitoring and recommendations to improve credit health. My LendingTree proactively compares consumers’ credit accounts against offers on their network and notifies consumers when there is an opportunity to save money. LendingTree’s purpose is to help simplify financial decisions for life’s meaningful moments through choice, education and support.

Pittsburgh Quarterback Wins the 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award

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Press Release
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Photo by Edward Thompson / fi360 News

Baltimore, MD – Kenny Pickett has won the 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, presented annually by the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and A. O. Smith Corporation to the nation’s top quarterback who best exemplifies character, scholastic and athletic achievement. Pickett is the first Pittsburgh Panther to win this prestigious award.

Through 13 games, Pickett has completed 67.2% of his passes (334 of 497) for 4,319 yards with 42 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, including his five rushing scores. The New Jersey native has totaled 47 touchdowns this season and his passing yardage, passing touchdowns, total TDs and completions are all Pitt records. He also set an ACC season record for touchdown passes, eclipsing the prior mark of 41. Pickett is piloting the country’s No.3 unit in scoring (43.0 points per game) and No. 5 in total offense (502.9 yards per game). The redshirt Senior stands as the Panthers’ all-time leader in passing yards (12,303), pass completions (1,045), total offense (13,112), touchdown responsibility (102) and passing touchdowns (81). Pickett has 20 career rushing touchdowns, a new standard for a Pitt quarterback. His 4,319 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns, 47 total TDs and 334 completions are Pitt single-season marks. Finally, he surpasses the school record for career touchdown passes since Dan Marino, who threw 79 during his iconic Pitt career from 1979-82, Pickett has 81 for his career.

U Mass vs Pitt on Saturday, September 4th, 2021. (Edward Thompson / fi360 News)
Pickett’s achievements will be honored on Friday, December 10th, in Baltimore, MD. The Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Educational Foundation, Inc. and A. O. Smith are happy to be hosting this year’s event at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. The first-ever winner of the Golden Arm Award, Don McPherson, will deliver the keynote remarks at the event. McPherson was an All-America quarterback at Syracuse University and is a veteran of the NFL and Canadian Football League. As captain of the undefeated 1987 Syracuse football team, McPherson set 22 school records, led the nation in passing and won more than 18 national “player of the year” awards, including the inaugural Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, the Maxwell Award as the nation’s best player and was second in the Heisman voting.
Photo by Edward Thompson / fi360 News

The namesake of the Golden Arm Award has a storied history. Johnny Unitas was an 18-year veteran of the NFL, who played his collegiate career at the University of Louisville before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1958. His career passing figures include 2,830 pass completions for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and throwing a touchdown pass in 47 consecutive games.

Sharing a tradition of innovation with Johnny Unitas, who invented football’s two-minute drill, A. O. Smith has been an innovator in its industry for more than a century. A. O. Smith offers its customers an additional advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes and supports the world’s broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single-source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by 80 years of research and innovation.

To watch our latest video announcing Kenny Pickett as the 2021 Golden Arm Award winner, please click here. For more information on the Golden Arm Award, please visit: Golden Arm Award. Additionally, follow the conversation throughout the college football season on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and use the hashtags #GoldenArmAward and #InnovationLeaders.

About A. O. Smith
A. O. Smith Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of residential and commercial water heaters. A. O. Smith offers its customers an additional advantage in that the company designs, builds, distributes, and supports the world’s broadest and deepest line of residential and commercial water heaters, as well as commercial boilers. This single source concept simplifies ordering, installation and service and is backed by 80 years of research and innovation. For the most up-to-date A. O. Smith news, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and visit http://www.hotwater.com/.

Kraken suffocated by Penguins at home in 6-1 loss

By
Charles Hamaker
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Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken were dominated from the get go in their December 6th loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, by a score of 6-1. Pittsburgh kept constant pressure on whoever had the puck for Seattle, and despite some pushes that showed promise, the Kraken had no answers outside of a Jordan Eberle goal with 3:43 left to play in the second period. Coming off of a great win against the Oilers, this was an ugly loss to Pittsburgh with little to no positives to take away.

The first period was a nightmare for the Kraken, with several turnovers behind their own blue line, pucks going off their own players that would ricochet into the net, and play reminiscent of the six-game losing streak just a few weeks ago. Philipp Grubauer would be taken off just five minutes into the game, but it is tough to blame all three of the first period goals on Grubauer.

Down by three goals, Seattle was able to get one back early into the second period on a delayed penalty thanks to Jordan Eberle. Joey Daccord, brought on after Grubauer was taken off, had a good game in goal until things started to fall apart late in the second period. Jake Guentzel would score late in the second period for the Penguins, followed by a Jeff Carter goal just 23 seconds later to extend the lead to 5-1.

Seattle looked like the team from the first few weeks, or from the 7-3 loss to the Avalanche on November 19th. Getting caught puck watching against a veteran team like Pittsburgh will more than likely result in a goal. Turnovers behind your own blue line and not being in the right position defensively were traits that were tied to this team earlier in the season, before the wins against Washington, Carolina, and Florida. Making those sloppy mistakes and going down early set Seattle up for failure, as Pittsburgh plays great defense and has the league’s best penalty kill.

Jordan Eberle, Jamie Oleksiak, and head coach Dave Hakstol would all speak on the factors that made this loss unacceptable.

“I’d like to say we need to learn from that, but that just can’t happen. It’s that simple… We get sloppy on a couple breakdowns, leave our goalie out to dry, and the games over,” said Eberle. Eberle would go on to talk about how this loss could simply be looked at as something that “can’t happen. Just can’t happen.”

Defenseman, and former Penguin, Jamie Oleksiak talked about how crucial it is to play your best game against Pittsburgh, saying “I think it comes down to a matter of details. I don’t think we were ready to go off the hop, the team we were playing against is going to get their chances, and they took advantage of that. I, personally, think I could have had a better start there.”

The game started out rough right from opening puck drop, and head coach Dave Hakstol dove into how that happened, saying “We gave up three on the first four shots. That’s indicative on the start of our team.” Hakstol was asked about Grubauer’s play, and had this to say “I’m not going to speak on any one individual performance… We weren’t sharp to start the hockey game. It is disappointing to come off of arguably our most complete performance a couple of nights ago, it’s disappointing to come out with that type of a start tonight.”

The Kraken will look to wipe this game from their memory and get back on the winning track against the Winnipeg Jets, who come into town on Thursday, November 9th with a 7PM PST puck drop.

HUTCHINSON, PICKETT, STROUD, AND YOUNG NAMED 2021 HEISMAN FINALISTS

By
Press Release
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NEW YORK (December 6, 2021) – Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett, Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and Alabama quarterback Bryce Young were named finalists for the 87th annual Heisman Memorial Trophy on Monday night (Dec. 6) live on ESPN, announced by 2011 Heisman winner Robert Griffin III.   The 2021 Heisman Trophy winner will be announced during the televised Heisman Trophy Ceremony Presented by Nissan that will air Saturday (Dec. 11) at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.   The Top 10 finishers will be featured on The Top 10 Heisman Trophy Finalists Show Presented by Nissan on Thursday (Dec. 9) at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.   This is the third year in a row there have been four Heisman finalists. The Heisman Trophy Trust announced recently it will now officially invite four finalists annually to New York City for the Heisman Trophy weekend. The Heisman Trophy Trust began officially inviting finalists to New York City in 1982.   Hutchinson is Michigan’s sixth finalist and the first since fellow Wolverine defensive standout Jabrill Peppers in 2016. He is the second Heisman finalist to play on the defensive side in three years, following Ohio State’s Chase Young in 2019.   Pickett is Pittsburgh’s third finalist and its first since Larry Fitzgerald in 2003. The other was Craig Heyward in 1987.   Stroud is Ohio State’s eighth Heisman finalist and its first since Justin Fields and Young were co-finalists in 2019. Including Dwayne Haskins in 2018, Stroud is the third consecutive Buckeye starting quarterback to become a Heisman finalist.   Young is Alabama’s 11th Heisman finalist (and the ninth since 2009), tying Oklahoma for the most of any school. Young’s former Crimson Tide teammates DeVonta Smith (the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner) and Mac Jones were finalists last year.   Hutchinson, a senior defensive end and two-time Michigan team captain, was named the 2021 Woodson-Nagurski Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year while earning consensus Big Ten first-team honors. He set Michigan’s single-season sack record with 14, including three against Ohio State in the regular-season finale, while also posting 15 quarterback hurries in that game (as measured by Pro Football Focus College), the most in a single game since the stat has been measured. His 14 sacks are third-most nationally and he has 15.5 tackles for loss.   Pickett, a redshirt senior and fourth-year starter, is the ACC’s Overall and Offensive Player of the Year and led the Panthers to the 2021 ACC Championship (its first in school history) and a berth in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. His 4,319 passing yards, 334 completions and 42 touchdown passes are school records while he threw just seven interceptions with a completion percentage of 67.2, leading Pitt to an 11-2 season. He also scored four touchdowns on the ground. Pickett passed for over 400 yards three times, including 419 yards in a win over Miami (Fla.). His 42 TD passes are third-most nationally, his 4,319 passing yards and 350.8 yards per game of total offense are fifth-best and his 333.2 yards per game passing are seventh-best. Pickett stands as the Panthers’ all-time leader in passing yards (12,303), pass completions (1,045), total offense (13,112 yards) and career touchdown passes (81). His 20 rushing TDs are the most of any Pitt quarterback.   Stroud, a redshirt freshman quarterback and first-year starter, completed 280 of 395 passes for 3,862 yards with 38 touchdowns and just five interceptions, leading the Buckeyes to a 10-2 record. His 182.2 quarterback rating is second-best nationally, his 351.1 passing yards per game are fourth-best, his 38 TDs are fifth-best and his 70.9 completion percentage is sixth-best. The Buckeye offense he directs was No. 1 nationally in total offense (551.4 yards per game) and scoring offense (45.5) and No. 5 in passing offense (364.9). His current quarterback rating (182.2), completion percentage (70.9) and passing yards per game (351.1) are first in Ohio State’s season rankings while his 3,862 passing yards rank second in school history and his 38 touchdown passes rank third.   Young, a sophomore and first-year starter, threw for 4,322 yards on 314-of-462 passing (68.0%) with 43 touchdowns and just four interceptions, leading Alabama to a 12-1 record, an 2021 SEC championship and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. His touchdowns are second-most nationally, his passing yards are fourth-most and his quarterback rating of 175.53 is fifth-best. His passing yards per game (332.5) and completions (314) are sixth-most. Young, who also ran for three touchdowns, threw for five TDs in a game three times, including against Arkansas when he also set the Alabama school record with 559 passing yards, breaking a mark that stood for 52 years. He also set SEC Championship records with 421 passing yards and 461 yards of total offense, earning game MVP honors.   If Hutchinson were to win the Heisman, he would be Michigan’s fourth winner following Charles Woodson (1997), Desmond Howard (1991) and Tom Harmon (1940).   Pickett would be Pittsburgh’s second winner following Tony Dorsett in 1976.   If Stroud were to win, he would be Ohio State’s eighth Heisman winner and its first since Troy Smith in 2006.   If Young were to win the award, he would give Alabama back-to-back Heisman winners following Smith in 2020. It would also mark the second time in five years a school produced back-to-back winners, following Oklahoma’s Baker Mayfield (2017) and Kyler Murray (2018).   There have now been 167 players invited to New York as Heisman finalists since the practice was first instituted in 1982 (including the four last year that appeared virtually).   The 2021 Heisman Trophy ballots went out to 928 electors, which includes 870 members of the media, our 57 living Heisman winners and one overall fan vote presented by Nissan, premier partner of the Heisman Trophy. All ballots were submitted electronically to the independent accountants at Deloitte.
A limited number of tickets to the 87th Annual Heisman Dinner Gala are available on www.Heisman.com.
  # # #
About The Heisman Trophy Trust: The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player in the United States. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award. The Trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletes and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country. Our goal through these charitable endeavors is for The Heisman Trophy to symbolize the fostering of a sense of community responsibility and service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or with special needs.

Utah Crushes Oregon to Earn First Pac-12 Championship Title

By
Brianne Ingram
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Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

Las Vegas, NV – The Utah Utes (11-2) came out firing against the Oregon Ducks (9-4) in a landslide victory 38-10 to earn their first Pac-12 Championship title on Friday evening.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

“I’m very proud of our guys for putting the punctuation on the last Pac-12 game of the year. It’s a history making football team for Utah. We’ve never won the Pac-12. In the convincing fashion that they did it, I couldn’t be more proud,” said Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.

In a sea of red Utah fans, the Utes were able to punch a ticket to the Rose Bowl with their fans behind them.

Utah quarterback Cameron Rising commented on the Utah fans showing up and showing their support.

“I was expecting it. I knew that the Utes were going to travel, and they were going to do a great job getting down here and making sure that they were there at the start. We were out there about two hours before and we already seen a bunch of red out there in the crowd and saw little speckles of green. We definitely had a sea of red out there so that definitely was in our favor.”

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

Rising threw for 170 yards and scored one touchdown.

Utah running back Tavion Thomas scored a 2-yard touchdown run at the 10:47 minute mark 7-0 on the opening drive.

Pac-12 Championship MVP linebacker Devin Lloyd patiently anticipated the ball and read the eyes of the Oregon quarterback to score a pick six from the 45-yard line to go up 14-0.

“Initially starting out, I think that he was feeling a little bit of pressure. And so, he just tried to squeeze it in there. But I was feeling the route in front of me the whole time and I just jumped it. It was just an incredible feeling just to be able to help my team and give them a boost of momentum,” said Lloyd.

Lloyd had five solo tackles, two assist tackles, and one interception for 34 yards.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

This was Lloyd’s third career touchdown for an interception, and he is the fourth defensive player to win a Pac-12 MVP.

With :27 seconds left in the second quarter, David Kincaid caught a wide open 11-yard pass from Cameron Rising in the endzone to extend Utah’s lead to 20-0.

Oregon’s defensive coverage showed huge gaps in communication as they struggled to stop Utah the entire game.

Utah shut out Oregon in the first half 23-0.

Oregon’s first touchdown came in the fourth quarter with 5:17 minutes remaining as Travis Dye scored a 2-yard run to trail 38-10.  

Time expired and out came the celebratory roses as the Utah crowd roared in excitement.

About two weeks ago, Utah beat Oregon 38-7 at home.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

“It’s very difficult to beat a team twice. Especially a team the caliber of Oregon. They’re a heck of a group. They’ve got a ton of talent. And for our guys to do that thirteen days ago and then turn it around and do it again that just let’s you know how tough those guys are, how determined, and the high character level these guys have. It’s been a pleasure to coach them all year long,” said Coach Whittingham.

Utah suffered two tragedies in the recent deaths of players Aaron Lowe and Ty Jordan.

“What we’ve been through this year has been the most difficult year of my coaching career in many respects. And those guys and their leadership, I could not have done it without those guys and the leaders and the seniors and the upperclassmen who did such a great job all season long of persevering. Our mantra after the tragedy was, ‘We’re not going to get over it, but we’ll get through it.’ And I think our guys really did that. Ty and Aaron we love those two young men. They were with us tonight. I’m positive of that, that they were here,” said Coach Whittingham.

The Utah Utes will play in the Rose Bowl on Saturday, January 1st, 2022 in Pasadena, California. 

Kraken hold on late to top Oilers 4-3, get first division win

By
Charles Hamaker
-
Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken were able to get their first pacific
division win on December 3rd, 2021 as they held off the Edmonton
Oilers by a score of 4-3. While the league’s leading scorer in Leon
Draisaitl and arguably the league’s best player Connor McDavid would
both score for the Oilers, Seattle would be able to hold Edmonton out
of goal when it mattered most.

Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News


The key word for Seattle in this game would be response. Unlike
earlier this season when the Kraken would concede a goal early and
then flop for the remainder of the game, the team answered every
Edmonton goal. The Kraken would get strike first, thanks to a Yanni
Gourde one-timer just 49 seconds into the game. Leon Draisaitl, the
NHL’s leading scorer, would be left wide open as Seattle would puck
watch bringing the game to a 1-1 tie just minutes later. The former
Oiler Adam Larsson would answer for Seattle with a slapshot goal four
minutes later, answering his former teammate’s goal.

The game would be equalized once again with 11:48 to go in the
second, when Evan Bouchard of the Oilers would fire a slapshot that
would ricochet off of Vince Dunn’s shin and rattle into the goal. Seattle
would again answer Edmonton, this time it would be Colin Blackwell
with some tricky stick work to beat Oiler’s goaltender Stuart Skinner
with slightly under seven minutes to go. The Kraken would extend
their narrow lead courtesy of Alex Wennberg, who’s shot would slip
under Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner. The goal would give Seattle a four
to two lead heading into the final period 2.

Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News



The Oilers would chip away at the Seattle lead when Connor McDavid
would redirect Evan Bouchard’s slapshot for the goal, sending it right
between the pads of Philipp Grubauer. Seattle’s starting goaltender
would be able to find some redemption with 7:07 left to go in the
period. Tyson Barrie of the Oilers would fire a slapshot from the blue
line that would clank off the goal and fall right in front of Jesse
Puljujarvi. Puljujarvi was a split second away from pushing the puck
into the net with his stick, but Philipp Grubauer would snag it with his
glove to preserve the Seattle lead. The Kraken would be able to hold
on for the remaining seven minutes, giving the team their first division
win.

Edmonton’s first two goals would come off of issues that Seattle has
been able to neutralize as of late, those being puck watching and
blocking their own goaltender. But as I mentioned earlier, Seattle
would respond each time and stand up to the Oilers, who sit at second
in the Pacific division currently. Being able to stay in the game and not
back down has been a big part as to why Seattle has wins over
Washington, Carolina, Florida, and now Edmonton in their last seven
contests.

Going back to that Washington game, the win over the Capitals had
the potential to be a building block for this team moving forward. I
believe that it is safe to say that’s the case, considering the teams that
Seattle has beat since the November 21st win over Washington, as
well as how the Kraken have won those games. Yanni Gourde and
Colin Blackwell spoke on how the team’s growth has shown as of late.

Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News



“We’re a much more mature group right now, we’re making much
better decisions, we know what to do, we’re confident in our group, 3
and we have to keep pushing,” Yanni Gourde answered when asked
about the teams more offensive approach in recent games.

Colin Blackwell spoke about the team’s improvement, stating “We had
some adversity but we were able to weather the storm. In the
beginning of the season, that might’ve happened and we lose the
game. We have the identity rolling right now, all four lines are playing
well, and the D is blocking shots. We’re getting a lot of good efforts
from everybody, and that’s what it takes to win in this league.”

Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News


The Kraken welcome the Pittsburgh Penguins to town on Monday,
December 6th with a 7PM PST puck drop for their next contest.

Utah Claims First Pac-12 Football Championship With Dominating Win Over Oregon

By
Michael Wilson, Jr.
-

LAS VEGAS, NV — Several weeks after Utah ended Oregon’s hopes of being selected for the College Football Playoffs, the Utes played the role of spoiler and bully, and soundly defeated the Ducks 38-10, to claim its first Pac-12 Football Championship in program history before a packed Allegiant Stadium crowd. In the process, the Utes also dashed any hopes of the Ducks getting revenge or winning consecutive Pac-12 Championships. Instead, it is the Utah Utes, led by Coach Kyle Whittingham that are going to their first Rose Bowl, to take on a representative from the Big Ten Conference.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

From the start, Utah was played like a team on a mission. Wanting to show that its victory over Oregon a few weeks ago was no fluke, Utah was aggressive on offense, going for it on 4th down and 1 on their opening drive. After a pass interference call, Utah RB Tavion Thomas ran it in from the 3-yard line, to open the scoring.

Oregon meanwhile still had no answers for Utah’s stifling defense. Despite having quarterback Anthony Brown and a stable of running backs, including Travis Dye, Anthony Brown and CJ Verdell, the Ducks could not get anything going on offense. Their first drive ended with a punt. On the Ducks’ second drive, Brown threw an errant pass; had his next pass tipped; and then had his third pass intercepted by linebacker Devin Lloyd, who ran it in for a 34-yard pick-six, to put Utah up 14-0, enroute to Lloyd earning MVP honors. On the Ducks’ third drive, an offensive pass interference call allowed the Utes to pin their ears back. On the next play, LB Jonah Eliss sacked Oregon quarterback Brown for a loss of 7 yards on 3rd down and 17, to force yet another punt from the Oregon 6-yard line, giving Utah great field position.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

Despite their early struggles, the Ducks had two opportunities in the first half to create some positive momentum. Early in the second quarter, Oregon linebacker Noah Sewell intercepted Utah quarterback Cameron Rising just outside of the red zone.  Unfortunately, Oregon could not take advantage of the turnover, as the Ducks’ drive ended with no points when kicker Camden Lewis missed a field goal from 44-yards out. Later on in the second quarter, the Ducks again created a red zone turnover when Oregon safety Verone McKinley III intercepted Rising’s pass. But Utah’s stout defense once again killed the momentum by forcing a 3-and-out. Following a punt by Oregon, Utah used its two-minute offense — aided by a pass interference call on cornerback DJ James — to go on a 74-yard, 12-play scoring drive. 2022 Projected NFL No. 1 overall draft pick linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux’s sack for a loss of 8 yards on that drive was little more than a temporary setback for Utah, and the only real time that Thibodeaux had any sort of impact on the game. Utah’s drive culminated in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Rising to tight end Dalton Kincaid (with a missed two-point conversion), to put the Utes up 20-0, with 27 seconds remaining in the half.

Oregon somehow made matters worse. Instead of letting the clock run out, Oregon quarterback Brown threw an ill-advised pass as he was being chased out of bounds with eight seconds to go.  Utah cornerback Malone Mataele secured an interception, and the Utes added another 3 points on K Jadon Redding’s 50-yard field goal, to make it 23-0 as the first half mercifully came to an end.

The Ducks finally got on board in the third quarter with a 42-yard field goal by kicker Camden Lewis, to make it 23-3.  Any momentum swings in favor or Oregon, however, were quickly dashed when Utah running back TJ Pledger scored on a 4-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Rising converted a 2-point play to put the Utes further ahead, 31-3. As the third quarter waned, camera angles showing a befuddled-looking Marcus Mariota (former Oregon Heisman-winning quarterback and back up on the Las Vegas Raiders) pretty much summed up the nightmarish evening for the Ducks. Neither Mariota nor those Oregon fans that made the trip down from Eugene could do anything to help the Ducks on this night.  

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

In the fourth quarter, the Utes sealed the deal. Utah running back Thomas scored his second touchdown of the game (for a school record 20th on the season) to make it 38-3. Oregon responded with its first touchdown of the game behind a 2-yard run by running back Travis Dye, to pull to 38-10. Utah, however, recovered the ensuing onside quick; converted on 4th down and 1; and then ran out the clock to secure its first Pac-12 Football Championship.

When asked by ESPN’s Holly Rowe after the game how Utah won in such dominating fashion, MVP Honoree LB Devin Lloyd (7 tackles, 1 INT) merely said “We believed.” When accepting the championship trophy, an emotional Coach Whittingham added that “It’s incredible” and dedicated the win to Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe – the two Utah players who lost their lives to gun violence in separate incidents over the past 12 months. The win served as a fitting tribute.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

UP NEXT:

Utah will play in its first Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 2022.

Oregon will wait for an invitation to a bowl game, and hope to end the season on a high note.

UCLA Holds Off Colorado in Pac-12 Opener

By
Brianne Ingram
-
Photo by Brianne Ingram / fi360 News

Westwood, CA – With UCLA alum Russell Westbrook in attendance, Tyger Campbell led his team, the UCLA Bruin’s (7-1), to a 73-61 victory over the Colorado Buffaloes (6-2) in the Pac-12 Conference season opener on Wednesday evening.

Campbell spoke on what Westbrook said to him during the game and what it meant to him.

Photo by Brianne Ingram / fi360 News

“He was just telling me to keep shooting and to keep being aggressive. It means a lot coming from him because he’s such a great player and obviously the legacy that he left here. All of the final fours. It means a lot for him to just even come back and watch us play. I’m just thankful for that.”

UCLA was out in front 39-23 at the halftime break, but Colorado cut it close in the second half.

The Buffaloes trimmed the lead to four points 48-44 with 9:34 minutes remaining.

Photo by Brianne Ingram / fi360 News

But Campbell and the crew continued to impose their will.

Campbell hit a three with 2:27 minutes remaining in the final period to lead 69-56.

That was the dagger.

Campbell dropped 21 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished five assists.

“When I’m out there, I’m just trying to take what the defense gives me,” said Campbell. “My teammates were finding me tonight and they were getting me open. I got some good looks and I just knocked them down. So it wasn’t anything about being super aggressive or thinking about me, I’m thinking about the team and whatever Coach needs me to do.”

Photo by Brianne Ingram / fi360 News

Despite the Colorado size advantage, UCLA was scoring at ease down low.

Center Myles Johnson took advantage and scored a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards.

“He had 12 points, 10 rebounds and 14 deflections, so he’s got a UCLA triple-double,” said UCLA head coach Mick Cronin. “What I told him was, ‘That’s what I want to see every game.’ So, for him, being included in the offense and having plays demanded of him, I think he’s been such a nice guy his whole career, people just kind of accepted who he used to be. My message to him coming here: ‘I don’t accept that from anybody.’ I came here to try to win a championship. I want every guy to become a better player, make the N.B.A., play in Europe, whatever. He’s getting pushed here like he never has before.”

Jaime Jaquez Jr. went down at the 12:18 mark in the first half. He was able to get back up and walk off the floor.

Coach Cronin spoke on Jaquez Jr.’s status after his hard fall.

Photo by Brianne Ingram / fi360 News

“Obviously Jaime took a hard fall. All our doctors did all the stuff. They actually cleared him, but I just wasn’t comfortable. I wanted to get [assistant coach] Mike Lewis out there to watch him warm up and I’m always erring on the side of safety when I coach my players. I just wasn’t comfortable about it. That’s your job when you’re the coach. Sometimes you’ve got to sit players for themselves. That kid would run through a wall. He says it’s fine. He passed the concussion tests and all of that stuff, but he fell pretty hard on his head.”

UCLA takes a trip to Seattle against the Washington Huskies on Sunday, December 5th at 12:00 p.m.

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