Oklahoma stampedes a short-handed Florida during the 85th Cotton Bowl Classic

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December 30, 2020

Arlington Tx, – Ask any coach, high school, college, or professional. When you have seventeen of your players unavailable, it creates mismatches automatically and the task to take down a top ten team becomes insurmountable. That’s what the Florida Gators dealt with Wednesday evening during the 2020 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Out of the seventeen unavailable, four were the school’s top receivers, including AP All American tight end Kyle Pitts. Florida Gators’ coach Dan Mullen didn’t view Wednesday night’s game as a chore, but as a great learning experience for his younger players.

“Our young guys, I was really excited,” Mullen said after the game. “They wanted to go play in that game. They wanted to get the experience. They wanted to be on that stage.”

All of that said, the game wasn’t out of the realm of taking for Florida. After Oklahoma’s Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled, the Gators added a field goal and crawled within four halfway in the second quarter. However, the top-ranked Big 12 offense didn’t mess around after the turnover. The Sooners marched down the field in four plays capped off by a Theo Wease touchdown catch by Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler. The Oklahoma defense would string together seven straight scoreless drives, and after the Gators’ field goal, the Sooners outscored Florida 38-7. It was only the second time since 2012 that the Oklahoma Sooners allowed twenty or fewer points in a bowl game (2016 Sugar Bowl vs. Auburn).

The nation’s leading passer, Kyle Trask, entered Wednesday evening throwing only twelve interceptions in his college career at Florida. The first three drives for Florida each ended in a pick, including a pick six by Tre Norwood on Trask’s second throw of the game. Trask finished the night 16 for 28 with 158 yards and those three interceptions. It was the fewest passing yards for Trask since September 14, 2019, against Kentucky, where he only had eight completions on thirteen attempts for 126 yards (21 games in between). Emory Jones took over and completed 8 of 16 passes for 86 yards but didn’t turn the ball over.

“Yeah, obviously, it’s difficult because this isn’t the way you want to go out,” Trask said after the game. “But at the same time, you’ve got to look at the big picture,” Trask announced he would enter the upcoming NFL Draft in 2021.

On the Oklahoma offensive side, it was a fine day for Spencer Rattler. Rattler completed 14 of 23 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. The fourteen completions went to nine different targets. The real start for the Sooners was their running attack. Oklahoma averaged just under eleven yards a carry on the night and rushed for 435 total yards. It’s an Oklahoma rushing attack that only averages 179.7 yards a game and a Florida rush defense that allowed 1,611 total rushing yards all season, entering Wednesday’s game. “We ran through tackles,” Sooner head coach Lincoln Riley said after the game. “Those were some tackles that at different times this year, we were ending up on the ground. Our guys ran aggressively. I thought the line really made them confident.”

The Oklahoma Sooners end the 2020 college football season on an eight-game winning after starting the year 1-2 and 0-2 in the Big 12. Meanwhile, a positive for Florida is that the Gators got a glimpse of their future. “For the program, I’m excited. I think the future’s really bright.” Dan Mullen said.

JONES, LAWRENCE, SMITH AND TRASK NAMED 2020 HEISMAN FINALISTS

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Press Release

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December 26, 2020

Florida State vs Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in College Football Playoff - Coach Press Conferences — Florida State vs Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl in College Football Playoff - Heisman Trophy Winners

The 2020 Heisman Winner will be announced on Tuesday, January 5th.

NEW YORK, NY (December 24, 2020) – Heisman Trophy Winners Desmond Howard and Tim Tebow announced tonight that Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith and Florida quarterback Kyle Trask were named finalists for the 86th annual Heisman Memorial Trophy during ESPN’s 2020 Heisman Trophy Finalists Reveal Show Presented by Nissan.

ESPN will televise the 86th annual Heisman Trophy Ceremony Presented by Nissan on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m. ET.
Jones and Smith give Alabama 10 Heisman finalists since 1982. Trask is Florida’s eighth finalist (which includes two appearances by Danny Wuerffel and three by Tim Tebow) while Lawrence is Clemson’s third finalist selection (DeShaun Watson was named finalist twice). Oklahoma has the most with 11.

Jones, a redshirt junior in his first full season as Alabama’s starting quarterback, joined Smith in leading Alabama to an 11-0 record, an SEC title win against Florida and the top seed in the College Football Playoff. Jones, the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year in addition to being All-SEC first team, completed 250-of-327 passes for a nation-leading completion percentage of 76.5 while his passer rating of 202.3 is also first. He has thrown for 3,739 yards (second-most in the nation) and 32 touchdowns (tied for third most). He earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week four times this season for his performances against Texas A&M, Georgia, Tennessee and Auburn. Jones threw for over 400 yards four times (the most in a career in Alabama history), including three times in a row against Texas A&M (435), Mississippi (417) and Georgia (417) and tossed four or more TDs six times, including two games with five against Auburn and Florida in the SEC title game (to go with 418 passing yards). Jones completed over 80.0% of his passes three times and completed at least 74.1% of his passes in eight of 11 games.

Lawrence, a junior, was named the 2020 ACC Player of the Year and the ACC Offensive Player of the Year while leading Clemson to the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff, its third straight appearance under Lawrence that includes a national title as a 2018 true freshman. Lawrence also directed the Tigers to their sixth straight conference title while becoming the first starting quarterback ever to win three ACC Championship Games. Lawrence won all nine of his starts (he missed two games due to COVID protocols), completing 198-of-286 passes for 2,753 yards and a completion percentage of 69.2 with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. He finished the season with a passer rating of 172.7 and was seventh nationally in total yards per game (329.3) which included 211 yards on the ground to go with seven rushing TDs. His interception on his 12th pass attempt at Georgia Tech ended a streak of 366 consecutive passes without an interception, the second-longest streak in ACC history and 13 pass attempts shy of matching the ACC record. He was named MVP of ACC Championship Game vs. No. 2 Notre Dame after he completed 25-of-36 passes for 322 yards with two passing touchdowns and also rushed for a season-high 90 yards.

Smith, a senior, was named the 2020 SEC Offensive Player of the Year while joining Jones in leading Alabama to the SEC title and the top seed in the CFP. Smith, in 11 games, leads the country with 98 receptions and 1,511 receiving yards while his 17 TD catches and 137.4 receiving yards per game are both second-best and his 8.9 receptions per game are tied for second best. He posted four games with 11 or more receptions, including a career-best and SEC title-game record 15 against Florida, 13 at Mississippi and 11 each against Georgia and Mississippi State. He recorded seven games with over 100 yards receiving (all with at least 144 yards), including 231 yards on eight catches at LSU, 203 against the Bulldogs (which included a season-high four TDs) and 184 yards against the Gators. He had six games with at least two TD receptions, three coming at LSU and two in the SEC title game. Smith also returned a punt for a TD for the first time in his career, going 84 yards at Arkansas in the regular-season finale. He holds the SEC and Alabama career record for receiving touchdowns with 40 and has the most 200-plus yard receiving performances in Alabama history with four.

Trask, a redshirt senior in his second year as a starter, led Florida to the SEC title game during an 8-3 season. Trask boasts national-leading totals of 375.0 passing yards per game, 4,125 passing yards, 43 touchdowns passes, 46 overall touchdowns and 285 completions. His 186.65 passer rating is fifth-best nationally while his completion percentage of 69.7 is ninth best. Trask’s 43 touchdown passes are tied for the eighth-highest total through 11 games in FBS history while his 375.0 passing yards per game is currently third-best ever in SEC history. Trask threw four or more TD passes in each of his first six games this year, making him the first player in SEC history and the fourth FBS QB since 1996 to do so. That included six TD passes in the season-opener at Mississippi as well as against Arkansas. He also became the first player in SEC history and the only FBS quarterback in the last 15 seasons to throw at least three TD passes in nine consecutive games. His five 400-yard games this year are the most in the nation and included two performances of 474 yards against Georgia and LSU as well as 408 in the SEC title game. He also threw for 433 at Tennessee and 416 at Ole Miss.

This is the first time Alabama has multiple Heisman finalists and it is the second year in a row (and the third time in the last five years) there are two from the same school. Ohio State’s Justin Fields and Chase Young were both finalists in 2019.

If either Jones or Smith win, they would be Alabama’s third Heisman winner (RB Mark Ingram 2009, RB Derrick Henry 2015). Jones would be Alabama’s first quarterback winner while Smith would be the first wide receiver to win since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991 and the first non-QB/WR since Charles Woodson in 1997. Trask would be Florida’s fourth winner (QB Steve Spurrier 1966, QB Danny Wuerffel 1996, QB Tim Tebow 2007). Lawrence would be Clemson’s first winner.

Rounding out the top 10 finishers in the 2020 Heisman voting were:5. Najee Harris, Alabama6. Breece Hall, Iowa State7. Justin Fields, Ohio State8. Zach Wilson, BYU9. Ian Book, Notre Dame10. Kyle Pitts, Florida
The 2020 Heisman Trophy ballots went out to 927 electors, which includes 870 members of the media, our 56 living Heisman winners and one overall fan vote presented by Nissan, our premier partner. All ballots were submitted electronically to the independent accountants at Deloitte.

# # # About the Heisman Trophy Trust The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. 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 athletics 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.

Nevada dominates the Potato Bowl over Tulane

By

Jevone Moore

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December 22, 2020

Boise, ID – Nevada Wolf Pack finished a very different 2020 football season with huge Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory over the Tulane Green Waves 38-27 and 7-2 record.

Nevada Toa Taua (35) cuts into gap while Tulane Marvin Moody (28) looks to make the tackle in first quarter Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

Nevada on their opening drive set the tone for the game bullying Tulane with a punishing ground game. Even thou it didn’t produce points it was a wake-up call for the Green Waves.

The game first turnover was an interception that set up game first score giving the Wolfpack the ball 1^st and goal from the 11-yard line.

”We needed to score early to put pressure on them,” Nevada coach Jay Norvell said. ”And I’m really happy and satisfied with what our guys did. We talked about playing our best football game and a lot of ways we did that.”

Nevada’s Justin Lockhart (17) scores a touchdown while being defended by Tulane’s Ajani Kerr (21) in second quarter of Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

In the 2^nd quarter Nevada receiver Justin Lockhart #17 kicked off a 20-point quarter with a 23-yard touchdown. Lockhart touchdown was a fade route where he high balled the catch using every inch of his 6’2 frame.

The Wildcat formation was a great addition to the gameplan, Toa Taua on 4^th & 1 from midfield broke off a 50-yard run to stretch the lead to 26-7 with 6 mins left in the half.

Nevada finished the game with 480 total yards offense with 209 yards on the ground that delivered two 100-yard rusher. Toa Taua #35 rushed 20 times for 102 yards with a touchdown and Devonte Lee #2 finished with 105 yards on 18 carries.

Nevada’s Christian Swint (38) runs back after making an interception while Tulane’s Jha’quan Jackson (4) attempts to make the tackle in first quarter of Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

Carson Strong #12 threw 5 touchdowns with 271 yards for the Wolfpack to balance off their attack.

”Last game out still stings us little bit because we felt like we had a good enough team to win a championship,” said Strong, who garnered MVP honors with a Potato Bowl record-tying five touchdown passes. ”But at least you can go home with a smile on your face now.”

Tulane offensive performance started slow but did have 365 yards in total offense. The slow start and three interceptions were too much to overcome for a victory.

Tulane’s Michael Pratt (7) makes a throw while Nevada Kameron Toomer (7) rushes in first quarter of Nevada vs Tulane at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue fi360 news).

”Our margin for error is very slim,” Tulane coach Willie Fritz said. ”We’ve got to do the little things every game in order to win. We didn’t do that the whole ballgame and didn’t execute today.”

The Wolf Pack will have this game to thrust them into next season and poised to make a run for the Mountain West Title for 2021.

Nevada’s Jaden Dedman (15) tackles Tulane’s Cameron Carroll (20) in third quarter of Nevada vs. Tulane at Albertson’s Stadium in Boise Idaho on December 22, 2020 (Photo by Laura Domingue, fi360 News).

SAN JOSE STATE REMAINS PERFECT AND KING OF THE MOUNTAIN WEST

By

Terry Collins

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December 20, 2020

IM8A1619 — Boise State Broncos vs San Jose State Spartans in the Mountain West Football Championship 2020. (Photo by Jerry Kelly)

Las Vegas, NV – The San Jose Spartans (6-0) remain undefeated after defeating the Boise State Broncos (5-1) 34-20 in the Mountain West Football Championship.

Boise State Broncos vs San Jose State Spartans in the Mountain West Football Championship 2020. (Photo by Jerry Kelly)

The abbreviated 2020 season, due to COVID-19, was a breakout year for the Spartans who entered the contest on a 7 game winning streak. True to form, the Spartans’ prolific passing attack and tenacious Defensive Line allowed them to hoist its 1st Mountain West Trophy.

Boise has appeared in this game 4 times in recent years and is always considered a perennial power. Both teams are awaiting bowl announcements and should receive a bid relatively soon.

Spartan quarterback Nick Starkel put San Jose State on the board first. Boise’s defense got caught in a blitz and the cornerback missed the tackle in the flat. NFL-bound wide receiver Tre Walker took a short hitch route to the house for a 55-yard touchdown. Nick Starkel was awarded MVP after he finished the game 32-for-52 for 453 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Boise’s quarterback Hank Bachmeier was under a heavy dose of pressure from the stout Spartan defensive line. Hank’s athleticism and ability to escape pressure extended drives throughout the afternoon. However, Cade Hall, Spartan Defensive End and Mountain West Defensive Player Of The Year, set the tone with 2 sacks in the first quarter. Sophomore Standout Viliami Fehoko Defensive End was another unrelenting force that continued to collapse the pocket.

Boise Kicker Jonah Dalmas went 2 for 3 in the first half to put 6 points on the board for the Broncos. The first quarter was plagued by penalties that either extended or killed drives for both teams. San Jose State led 7-3 after the end of the 1st quarter.

Boise’s defense continued to pressure the middle of the pocket and hurry Starkel in the second quarter. Nose Tackle Divine Obichere created havoc throughout the contest. San Jose adjusted its offense and used screen passes and quick slants to offset the pass rush. Both teams played a relatively clean and disciplined 2nd quarter. The Boise defense stiffened in the Red Zone. The Spartans were forced to settle for 4 field goals from inside the 15-yard line. The Spartans took a 19-6 lead into halftime but had to feel like they left a lot of points on the board.

Boise’s special teams made it interesting in the 3rd quarter when Avery Williams returned a 69-yard punt for a touchdown. Boise closed the gap 19-13.

The Spartans responded like champions. Nick Starkel was able to steady the ship with timely completions to Tre Walker (7 catches for 137 yards) and Derrick Deese, Jr. Once Boise had to respect the passing game, the running lanes opened for running back Tyler Nevins. In the 4th quarter, Boise’s defense fought hard, but the Spartans added 2 more touchdowns to extend the lead 34-20.

San Jose state’s historical season was many firsts: Mountain West Champion, Top 25 National Ranking, and First victory over Boise State. Brennan stated that his most memorable part of the evening was the team and Athletic Director singing Lean on Me in the locker room.

This year was a huge success for the Spartans who outperformed all preseason metrics. Head Coach Brent Brennan inherited a young and depleted team and went 8-29 in the first 3 seasons. The culture is now that of winning expectations. Even on plays that did not result in penalties, you see Coach Brennan reinforcing discipline and scheme on the sidelines. In addition, much credit is due to Ben Thienes, Director of Football Operations and Alonzo Carter, Recruiting Coordinator and Running Back Coach Alonzo Carter. The Spartans are now set to be fierce rivals to all that enter Sparta.

Even With Loss, UCLA Looks Forward To Make-Or-Break 2021 Season

By

Manny Nunez

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December 19, 2020

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 19 Stanford at UCLA — Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Pasadena, CA – After UCLA trailed 20-3 against Stanford, UCLA managed 31 unanswered points. The Cardinal snagged back-to-back touchdowns to close out the fourth quarter, capitalizing on UCLA’s only turnover. It took two overtimes for Stanford to overcome UCLA 48-47 in a crazy final drives that put Stanford one point better.

Stanford Cardinal vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday December 19, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Win or lose, this was a game that UCLA really wanted, even with Dorian Thompson-Robinson sitting out the second half after suffering a leg injury late in the second quarter. Chase Griffin took the helm and truly shined in Thompson-Robinson’s absence. With Thomson-Robinson and the Bruin offense struggling, Griffin takes over and holds the fort with four passing touchdowns on just 11 attempts. With Demetric Felton also sitting out just minutes before kickoff, graduate transfer Brittain Brown managed over 200 yards rushing. Confidence was also boosted from Kyle Phillips, Greg Dulcich, and Chase Cotta, all snagging touchdowns with Dulcich bringing in two of them.

Of course, even with the 31 unanswered, Stanford let loose near the end with Simi Fehoko’s record setting day. His three touchdown catches all came in the last five minutes and overtime. Along with his sixteen total catches, also a career high, the Bruins did not have an answer for him near the end of the game.

Still, UCLA has a lot of promise going into next season. Each of their losses were by just one possession, and they hung tight against the Pac-12 finalists. Only Felton will be departing as he is a Senior, which means the Bruins gained a lot of experience heading into next season.

However, a season like this now starts the conversation of Chip Kelly being in the hot seat. Even with yet another season below .500, the Bruins have a lot of highs that they can look forward to for next season. It does seen as if the Chip Kelly project has taken three years, and it could be the fourth that could give Bruin fans all they should have been hoping for all along.

All Black PAC-12 Officiating Crew: R – Michael Mothershed, U – Michal Stephens, LJ – Harold Mitchell Jr., HL – Daryl Johnson, SJ – Gary Reed, FJ – Michael Hall, BJ -Antony Little,
CJ -Michael Marsh, ALT – Jay Edwards, Comm – Cleo Robinson, RO – Judson Howard
(Photo by Tony Crittendon)

If the schedule holds for next season, the Bruins will have all three of their non-conference games at home, which includes a date with LSU. In Kelly’s first two seasons, the Bruins fell in all three of their non-conference contests before starting Pac-12 play. Next season could be a no-excuse season, but with how 2020 ended up for UCLA, even ending the season with a tough loss, there is a lot to look forward to heading into August of 2021.

USC’s comeback bid falls short in loss to Oregon in Pac-12 title game

By

Eric Ramos

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December 19, 2020

USC vs.OREGON — The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

Los Angeles, CA- USC was on the road to another comeback. Another magical fourth quarter. Kedon Slovis drove his team down to Oregon’s 38-yard line with 2:47 left in the game.

It was second-and-eight when Slovis scrambled right and tried to throw a pass out of bounds but the ball sailed towards Jamal Hill, who tipped the pass to himself and was able to keep one foot in bounds to make the interception.

The Trojans run of comebacks fell short as Oregon was able to hold for a 31-24 win and become back-to-back Pac-12 champions on Friday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“We were fighting for one more possession and we actually got it with 4:30 left,” USC head coach Clay Helton said. “It was right where we’ve known to be. We were in position even with the mistakes we made, especially the turnovers. We can’t do that with a good football team. It’s only for the kids’ heart and toughness and willingness to fight back that we put ourselves in position to go tie the game at the end.”

The USC Trojans and the Oregon Ducks meet in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play in the 2020 PAC-12 Confrence Championship on Dec. 18, 2020. (John McGillen)

USC was not able to overcome three turnovers by Slovis and 98 yards in penalties. Slovis finished with 320 yards and two touchdowns but had three costly interceptions. Oregon’s defense put pressure on Slovis throughout the game. Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux was named the games MVP, finishing with five tackles and two sacks.

“We know Kayvon (Thibodeaux) and what he can do,” Helton said. “I thought he had tremendous jump off the ball tonight. They did some nice things, got three sacks tonight. They flushed Kedon (Slovis) out of the pocket and got him off his spot a bunch. I thought Kedon did a nice job keeping his eyes up and downfield and creating a lot after being flushed.”

Oregon got into the game after Washington dropped out due to Covid-19 cases on the team. The Ducks were coming off two consecutive losses to Cal and Oregon State.

On the opening drive, Slovis was intercepted by Deommodore Lenoir, who returned it 24 yards to the USC 9-yard line. Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown came in and completed a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Redd for an early 7-0 lead.

Slovis was off the mark early, throwing a second interception to Hill. Oregon capitalized on the turnover with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Shough to tight end Hunter Kampmoyer.

The Trojans defense forced a punt and Slovis got USC on the board with a 47-yard touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was wide open down the left sideline. Oregon came right back when Shough hit DJ Johnson for a 16-yard touchdown and a 21-7 lead.

USC answered with a 12-play, 80-yard drive which was capped with a 1-yard touchdown run by Markese Stepp. On the ensuing drive, Shough was intercepted by USC linebacker Kana’i Mauga but Parker Lewis missed a 41-yard field goal with two seconds left in the second quarter. Oregon took a 21-14 lead into halftime.

Oregon led 31-17 in the fourth quarter when Slovis hit Bru McCoy on fourth-and-goal for a 4-yard touchdown. USC was able to force a punt and get the ball back with 4:43 left in the game before Slovis threw the final interception.

“I haven’t thought one second past this game,” Helton said. “We’ve been in a mindset all season of trying to be 1-0 all week and don’t look back, don’t look forward. Right now I’ve got a bunch of kids that just gave their absolute heart and soul and are hurt and I’m going to focus on that and I’m not going to worry about what’s in the future right now.”

Utah ends Colorado’s undefeated season

By

Devon Martinez

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December 13, 2020

Boulder, CU – Utah scored 28 unanswered points in the second half, ending Colorado’s undefeated season at Folsom Field.

Colorado’s 38-21 loss took them out of the race for the Pac-12 South title. A win against Utah along with UCLA beating USC would have brought them to the Pac-12 title game for the first time since 2016. Unfortunately, neither result occurred since UCLA also lost.

“We had an opportunity to control destiny, and we didn’t do it,” said CU head coach Karl Dorrell.

Despite losing 38-21, Colorado had a four-point lead heading into the second half thanks to an 81-yard punt return by freshman receiver Brendan Rice, son of Hall of Famer and legend receiver Jerry Rice.

Rice became the first Colorado player in history to return a punt for a touchdown and receive a touchdown in the same game after senior quarterback Sam Noyer dumped it off to Rice in the third quarter, who took it in for a 61-yard touchdown. This was Colorado’s final touchdown for the game.

Utah took advantage of a costly interception by Noyer midway through the third quarter and scored a touchdown off a 20-yard pass from senior quarterback Jake Bentley to freshman receiver Britain Covey.

Utah’s defense continued to hold Colorado’s offense as their last four drives ended in punts and turnover on downs. While Utah ended their last three drives with a 43-yard field goal from field goal kicker Jadon Redding, a 66-yard rushing touchdown from freshman running back Ty Jordan, and finally a 38-yard field goal from Redding.

Running Back Jarek Broussard fell short of a hundred yards for the first time in a game this season. The sophomore running back finished with 14 carries for 80 yards. But despite the low rushing numbers compared to his previous performances, Broussard had the best start in the first five games for an FBS rusher since 2005 with a total of 813 yards and three touchdowns.

Colorado also suffered a couple of injuries including, senior linebacker Nate Landman and junior offensive lineman Will Sherman.

It was announced early Sunday that the 4-1 Colorado Buffaloes are set to play the Oregon Ducks next Saturday at USC for a kick-off time of 7:00 p.m.

Washington to face USC in 2020 Pac-12 Football Championship Game

By

Press Release

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December 12, 2020

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 12 USC at UCLA — USC Trojans vs UCLA Bruins football game on Saturday December 11, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

SAN FRANCISCO—The WASHINGTON Huskies will represent the Pac-12 North Division and meet the No. 15 USC Trojans, representing the Pac-12 South Division, in the 10th annual Pac-12 Football Championship Game, presented by 76, on Friday, December 18. The Conference title game will take place as a home-hosted model this season with USC earning the home game for United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The #Pac12FCG will be televised on FOX, with coverage beginning at 4 p.m. PT / 7 p.m. ET ahead of the 5 p.m. / 8 p.m. ET kickoff, and will be broadcast via ESPN Radio.

“In a football season that has thrown unprecedented challenges and adversity at our football teams and student-athletes, USC and Washington have performed at the highest levels and earned their places in the 2020 Pac-12 Football Championship Game as the Pac-12 South and North Champions,” said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott.

Washington (3-1, 1-1 vs. Pac-12 North) has now captured the Pac-12 North title for the third time in the last five seasons (also, 2016 & 2018), tied with OREGON for the second-most division titles in the Pac-12 era (Stanford has won four Pac-12 North titles). The Huskies have allowed 35 points-or-less in each of their last 75 games dating back to 2014, the longest such active streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The Huskies finished with the highest winning percentage (.750) in the Pac-12 North.

USC is ranked No. 15 in the latest CFP rankings (Dec. 8) and is currently wrapping up its regular season with a rivalry matchup against UCLA. The Trojans entered play this week having started 4-0 overall for the first time since 2017 and 4-0 in Pac-12 play for the first time since 2006. As the host for the 2020 title game, USC is making their third #Pac12FCG appearance and first since 2017. The Trojans entered Saturday’s game needing either a win over UCLA or a loss for No. 21 Colorado as the Buffaloes fell by a score of 38-21 to UTAH.

– Pac-12.com –

UCLA Loss pits Kelly In Potential Hot Seat

By

Manny Nunez

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December 12, 2020