Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Week 5, 2014

Hey All,

Here's the column that helps Tuesdays be just a little bit better, Notes On a Pac 12 Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud.

Summaries

USC 35- Oregon State 10: There were 27 penalties called in this sloppy, flag filled affair, but USC did dominate the Beavers for the last two and a half quarters to come away with a win that wasn't as impressive as it looked.  While the Trojan offense sputtered along, the defense did the heavy lifting.  OSU's only TD came on a kickoff return, which meant the USC defense held OSU to just three points.  The Trojan defense held Beaver QB Sean Mannion to just 15 of 32 passing for 123 yards and forced two interceptions. They were also impressive in the run game, holding OSU to 58 yards rushing for the night.  USC's offense was led by QB Cody Kessler who threw for 261 yards and two TDs, while RB Buck Allen topped the century mark again with 115 yards and a TD on 20 totes of the rock.
Telling Stat: Taking the air out of the ball; With a comfortable 28-10 lead with 12:42 to play, USC ran the ball on 18 of their final 19 plays to kill the clock and the Beavers. 

Stanford 20- Washington 13: Stanford had seen this before.  A couple of weeks ago the Cardinal had statistically dominated a USC team that took advantage of their mistakes and beat them on The Farm.  The same scenario was unfolding in Seattle on Saturday.  The Cardinal had numerous drives inside the Husky 30-yard line only to watch them end on turnovers or a missed field goal.  Then, Stanford was handed the break of the game by the Huskies. The score stood 13-13 with 7:37 left in the fourth quarter.  Washington faced 4th and 9 from their own 47.  The Dawgs tried a fake punt.  Stanford stuffed the fake punt and 3:08 later, QB Kevin Hogan ran in from five yards out to put the Cardinal ahead for good. Hogan was pretty much the whole Stanford offense throwing for 178 yards and a TD to go with 53 yards rushing and another TD.  For Washington, it was the defense that kept them in this game with LB Shaq Thompson scoring on a 32-yard fumble return.
Telling Stat: 1 became 7;  Stanford took one great special teams play and turned that into the only scoring drive of the second half to claim victory over Washington.

California 59- Colorado 56 2OT:  It was a crazy game that blew some light bulbs out on the scorecard at Cal's Memorial Stadium.  Cal QB Jeff Goff and CU QB Sefo Liufau each threw seven TD passes.  yes folks, seven TDs each.  This was a game of big plays with each team trading punches down the stretch like a great boxing match.  However, it was Cal who got the last two punches in.  First they stuffed the Buffs on 4th and goal from the two-yard line to start the second overtime period.  Then second, PK James Langford nailed a 34-yard field goal four plays later to claim victory for the Golden Bears.  The win snapped Cal's 15-game Pac 12 losing streak. The final totals on the two QBs are as follows, Goff completed 24 of 42 throws for 458 yards and seven TDs while Liufau completed 46 of 67 passes for 455 yards and seven TDs.
Telling Stat: When they needed it; After giving up a ton of yards and points, the California defense nailed CU QB Sefu Liufau for a three yard loss on 4th and goal in the second OT to hand a chance for victory to their offense.

UCLA 62- Arizona State 27: It was a blackout game at ASU, The Sun Devils came out in all-black uniforms and under backup QB Mike Bercovici  built an early 17-6 lead on the bRuins last Thursday night.  Then UCLA woke up and promptly crushed the Sun Devils.  Brett Hundley torched the ASU secondary for 355 yards and four TDs while the bRuin defense forced four ASU turnovers and even scored a TD of their own.  As for the Sun Devils, Bertovici completed 42 of 68 aerials for 488 yards, three TDs and two big interceptions.
Telling Stat: A 20 minute explosion;  In a span of just over 20 minutes of game time spanning the second and third quarters, UCLA outscored ASU, 42-3 to end this one early in the desert.

Washington State 28- Utah 27: A big second half rally by the Cougars led to a big upset of the Utes in the steady rain in Salt Lake City. Wazzu QB threw for 267 of his 417 yards and three of his four TDs in that second half.  The game winner came when Halliday on his own 19-yard line hit WR Vince Mayle and he raced 81 yards for the score. The Utes looked very sloppy all game as if they still were thinking about their win at Michigan thee week before.  Especially bad for the Utes was QB Travis Wilson who completed only 18 of 38 passes for 165 yards and no TDs.
Telling Stat: A pair of Fantastic Fours; Two of Washington State's four TDs came on fourth and long.

Notre Dame 31- Syracuse 15: ND QB Everett Golson had a hand in four of his squad's five turnovers, but he also completed 25 passes in a row to lead the Fighting Irish to a harder than expected win over Syracuse.  Syracuse was kept in the game by ND's mistakes, but the Irish defense rendered the 'Cuse offense inert for most of the game.  SU QB Terrel Hunt threw for 294 yards in the loss, while Golson threw for 362 yards and four TDs to lead the Irish attack.
Telling Stat: Too little too late;  Syracuse gained almost half their yardage for the game after the Irish had already put this one firmly in the win column.

Observations

...Bulldog, Bulldog, Bow-Wow-Wow; A big salute to the Fighting Elis of Yale after their 49-43 overtime win over Army.  It marked the first time an Ivy League team had beaten an FBS foe since 1986 and first time Yale had accomplished the feat since 1982.  It was probably the biggest upset pulled in a rivalry that goes back 121 years.  Somewhere, Walter Camp is smiling and hoisting a drink to the boys from New Haven.

...Great quote from the mother of the very nice family that sits in front of me at the Coliseum regarding USC's offense, "This is the slowest fast offense I've ever seen."

...Down = Up;  Cal QB Jeff Goff has suddenly stopped throwing interceptions and Cal's scoring is way up.  Now if they only had a defense, hmmmmm

...From For Sale signs to page updates; Irate fans used to put For Sale signs on the lawns of failing head coaches, now they just hack their Wikipedia pages and announce them as being fired after a particularly bad loss.  Irate fans got to Michigan HC Brady Hoke's page and announced that "he was fired on September 20, 2014."  That was a few hours after his squad lost to Utah.

...A rarity in Minneapoils;  After slapping Michigan around Saturday, the Little Brown Jug rivalry trophy made a return to the Minnesota campus for only the fourth time in the last 46 seasons.

...From the great football name department;  There is a safety for the Air Force Academy named Weston Steelhammer.

...Purple skies ahead; Get ready folks, Washington will ruin someone's season.

...Bad front wall; At best the young USC offensive line is a sieve, at worst it's an open flood gate.

...Need one from The Farm;  Easily the most important game in the Pac 12 this week is Stanford @ Notre Dame.  A Cardinal win would really do the league some good.

...PR nightmare;  South Carolina lost to a Missouri team that lost the week before to Indiana.  Explain that one SEC publicity machine.

...Still doesn't click;  You know you don't grasp the current makeup of the Big Ten when still you look at the Big XII section of ESPN expecting to see the Nebraska score.

...Looking for Ban Ki-moon; There were 27 penalties called in the USC-Oregon State game.  I've seen less flags at a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly.

...28 sent, only six received; An era that produced a myriad of jokes for this column has ended.  Yes folks, I'm sad to say that Charlie Weis was fired as HC of Kansas Sunday morning after the Jayhawks dropped a 23-0 decision to Texas.  Weis finishes with a 6-22 record at KU.  Half of those six wins came at the expense of FCS schools. I will now, as a public service to us all, send Charlie a memo of my own...

To: Charlie Weis
From: The Commissioner

Subject: Your legacy


Dear Charlie,


Your greatest accomplishment as a head coach was almost beating USC once.


Sincerely,


The Commissioner


Ugly Uniform of the Week: Syracuse was in the running for this week's award with their grey prison togs, but Nebraska wins for this heinous all-big-red package.  I didn't think even in this era that a team could actually remind of me of the 1975 Cleveland Indians. The Erie Warriors all-red gear made them look like running blood clots.  These just looked like a Hemorrhage on the field.



Departments

Blowout of the Week: Loretto, PA- The Saint Francis Flash slayed the Lynchburg Dragons, 80-0.  The Flash blocked several kicks in the game, with RB Khari Dickinson leading the offense with 157 yards rushing on 10 carries and three TDs. The Saint Francis defense held Lynchbirg to 98 total yards and just seven first downs.

Not Played Game of the Week: Watertown, WI- The Maranatha Baptist Sabrecats forfeited their game with the Concordia College Cougars. According to their press release, Maranatha forfeited the game with Concordia due to "an unusual amount of injuries." For the record folks, the final score of forfeited college football game is 1-0.

TCU Horned Frog Headlines: The boys in purple kept the Iron Skillet in their possession with a 56-0 rout of the hapless SMU Mustangs.  TCU QB Trevonne Boykin Connected on 23 of 36 passes for 280 yards and four TDs on the afternoon. Meanwhile the TCU defense kept SMU's run-and-shoot offense misfiring all game, allowing only 245 total yards with 72 of those yard coming after the benches had been emptied.  Up next for TCU is a stiffer test.  They will host #4 Oklahoma.

Tulane Times: It was another tough day for the Green Wave as they were dashed on the Jersey shore in a 31-6 loss at Rutgers. Scarlet Knight QB Gary Nova only threw 21 passes, but complete 14 of those tosses for 291 yards and all four of his squad's TDs.  Meanwhile, a trio of QBs for Tulane couldn't produce enough score a TD, much less get a win. Up next for the Green Wave is a much needed bye.

Razorback Report: It was a late collapse and heartbreak for the Hogs in a 35-28 overtime loss to Texas A&M at the Death Star in Arlington.  Al looked good for the Hogs with a 28-14 lead to start the final period, but TAMU would score the final 21 points of the game to claim victory.  RB Alex Collins was great for Arkansas, rushing for 131 yards on 21 carries and a TD.  The Aggies were led by QB Kenny Hill who threw for 386 yards and four TDs.  Up next for Arkansas is a bye week.

C.W. Post Press: Worcester, MA-  The Pioneers overcame a 27-14 deficit in the fourth quarter to eek out a 28-27 comeback win over the Assumption College Greyhounds. Post QB Steve Laurino ran for Post's first two score, then threw for the last two to lead his team to victory.  The key play in this game was when the Pioneer defense blocked Assumption's PAT attempt with 14:42 left in the game. That one point made the difference in this one.  Up next for for C.W. Post is a trip to Pleasantville, NY to take on the Pace College Setters.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing

Fall is here in Southern California.  Which means that the temperature will have 30 degree swings for the next couple of weeks to make sure everyone gets sick.

Pumpkin spice Krispy Kreme donuts are very very dangerous thing.

There's not a crisper feeling than a good offshore wind in autumn.

Until next week folks, remember that the ability to run the ball is still what decides most games.

-The Commissioner

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Week 4, 2014

Hey All,

Here's your Tuesday football fix, Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud.

Summaries

Oregon State 28- San Diego State 7: The Aztecs came out on their first possession of the game and swept right down field on the Beavers. It was a drive that covered 75 yards in just eight plays, and was capped off RB Donnel Pumphrey's two yard trip to the end zone.  That was the end of the highlights for SDSU.  The OSU offense sputtered at times, but managed to put this game away with a pair of nearly identical 11 play, 75 yards drives to open the third quarter. OSU RBs Storm Woods and Teron Ward provided the scoring punch for the Beavers with a pair of rushing TDs each.
Telling Stat: Dammed Aztecs;  After scoring a touchdown on a 75 yard drive to open the game, SDSU was held by the OSU defense to zero points and just 130 total yards on their final 10 drives.

Colorado 21- Hawaii 12: Hawaii had their chances to beat CU, but just couldn't find the end zone in this tight game in Boulder. The Buffs ground out the win via the arm of QB Sefo Liufau.  Liufau completed 29 of 45 passes for 287 yards and two TDs. Liufau's favorite target was WR Nelson Spruce who hauled in 13 passes for 172 yards and a TD.   Meanwhile, the UH offense had its' problems as they shuffled through three QBs on the day, but did find a bright spot in RB Steven Lakalaka.  He gained 123 yards on 19 carries filling in injured RB Joey Iosefa.  PK Tyler Hadden accounted for the all UH scoring connecting on all four of his field goal attempts.
Telling Stat: Stymied on the doorstep;  The Colorado defense forced field goals on all four Hawaii scoring drives, which included holding the Warriors out of the end zone after and interception handed UH a first-and-goal at the Buffalo seven-yard line.

Arizona 49- California 45: The Golden Bears went to Tuscon and whipped the Wildcats around for a full three quarters.  Cal's Bear Raid passing offense had arrived and the Golden Bear defense had a bite to it for the first time in years.  Then, it all came crashing down in the final stanza.  The Wildcats had a fourth quarter for the ages that was capped off with a 47-yard Hail Mary from QB Anu Solomon to WR Austin Hill.  In that fourth quarter, the Wildcats outscored Cal 36-12, with Solomon throwing four TD passes. Solomon's night ended up being a big one,  completing 47 of 73 passes for 520 yards and five TDs. Solomon's two prime targets were WRs Cayleb Jones and Austin Hill who hauled in a total of 21 passes for 313 yards and five TDs.  In the Staggering loss, Cal had two offensive stars.  QB Jared goff threw for 380 yards and three TDs, while RB Daniel Lasco gained on 123 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown.
Telling Stat: A glorious fourth;  In the fourth quarter, Arizona ran 29 plays, gained 261 yards and scored 36 points. 

Utah 26- Michigan 10: A big foot, a punt return, a good defense, and flood waters at the Big House all factored into this big road victory for Utah.  The big foot was Ute PK Andy Phillips who connected on field goals of 35, 38, 48 and 50 yards. The punt return was from WR/PR Kaelin Clay who stunned the Wolverine crowd with a 66-yard jaunt down the sideline that put the Utes up 10-3 early in the second quarter.  The good defense was the Utah defense that forced four Michigan turnovers and kept the Wolverines offense out of the end zone all game.  The flood waters were from a storm that caused a nearly three hour weather delay due to heavy rain and lightning. With UM behind, most of the 105,000  at the game did not wait out the delay.  The Utah fans did stay and they were the only fans to be heard as they helped their team finish off the Wolverines when the final seven plus minutes were played.
Telling Stat: Not as close as it seemed; Michigan's only TD came off an interception return.  Utah controlled this game from the opening kickoff to it's prolonged finish.

Washington 45- Georgia State 14: The Huskies hosted FBS newcomer Georgia State and the Panthers had the Husky Stadium crowd shocked as they took a 14-0 lead into halftime.  The shocked Huskies of the first half returned for the second half as fired up Huskies and blew out the Panthers. The Dawgs put up 45 unanswered points to claim a harder than expected victory.  QB Cyler Miles completed 19 of 27 passes for 154 yards and three TDs to lead the Husky attack. As for the Panthers, QB Nick Arbuckle threw for 194 yards and two TDs in loss.
Telling Stat: 2nd half shutdown at Montlake;  While the Washington offense was busy lighting up the scoreboard in the final two quarters, the Husky defense didn't allow Georgia State to cross the 50-yard line, holding them to 37 total yards in the process.

Oregon 38- Washington State 31: A great effort by the Cougars to pull an upset of the Ducks fell short due to UO QB Marcus Mariota and an official swallowing his flag on a key third down.  Despite being sacked seven times and having no running game to speak of, Mariota still managed to complete 21 of 25 passes for for 329 yards and all five of Oregon's TDs. Meanwhile, Wazzu QB Connor Halliday completed 43 of 63 passes for 436 yards and all four of Wazzu's scores.  However, we never got to find out if Halliday had another TD pass in him that night. With 3:47 left to play, Wazzu faced a 3rd and 14 at the Oregon 38-yard line.  Halliday took the shotgun snap and found WR Isiah Myers open on the near sideline.  He fired the pass to Myers who was interfered with by Duck CB Dior Mathis.  It was such an obvious pass interference that announcers said it was clearly PI.  No flags were thrown. Instead of a penalty and first down deep in Duck territory, Wazzu was faced with a 4th and 14 situation.  Halliday was sacked and Oregon took over on downs.  The Ducks ran out the clock and the game was over.
Telling stat: One; One missed call cost Washington State a shot at overtime and a possible upset over Oregon.

Observations

...A Throwin' Buffalo; CU QB Sefo Liufau has quarterbacking in his blood.  His uncle is former Wazzu QB great Jack Thompson.  Always love a chance to reference the old "Throwin' Samoan."

...They are consistent;  Never underestimate the ability of Clemson blow a game.  To paraphrase the great Joe Pesci, "They could screw up a cup of coffee."

...An Aussie in paradise;  Hawaii punter Scott Harding comes from an Aussie Rules background.  The 28-year old Harding played for both the Brisbane Lions and the Port Adelaide Magpies of the Australian Football League.  He punts with either foot and also plays some wideout for the Rainbow Warriors.  It's fun to watch him play the American game.

...A perfect grand; Washington State and Oregon combined for exactly 1,000 yards of offense in their game.  Oregon gained 501 yards, while Wazzu gained 499.

...A passing league; Only two Pac 12 teams rank in the top 30 in the FBS for rushing offense, while seven teams are ranked in the top 30 for passing offense.

...Nice work; One of the best signs I've seen so far this season reads, "The Big Ten: Bad Math and Bad Football"

...Ann Arbor blues; All the weather delay did in Michigan was make many Wolverine fans wish the flood waters carried away HC Brady Hoke.

...A real head shaker;  Why was FSU QB Jameis Winston allowed to watch his team from the sidelines Saturday?  A suspension is a suspension.  To this intrepid reporter, it means that you aren't even allowed in the building. It was a joke.

...This just in;  Pac 12 referees suck. The non-call of pass interference at the end of the Wazzu-Oregon game may have not only altered the finish of the game, but the course of the  Pac 12 North this season.

...Columbus in their rear view mirror;  Wasn't VaTech supposed to be incredible this year after upsetting Ohio State?  Evidently, everyone forgot that big win was against a Big Ten team.

...Longhorns slaughter;  Longhorn HC Charlie Strong has just kicked his ninth player off the Texas team this season.  Wow.

Ugly Uniform of the Week: The California Golden Bears take this week's award. I know losing on a Hail Mary hurts a lot, but losing in this very ugly, all-gold ensemble makes it worse.



Departments

Blowout of the Week: Sioux City, IA- This game comes from the NAIA ranks where the Dordt College Defenders really didn't defend anything as they were crushed by the Morningside College Mustangs, 72-2.   The Mustangs ran up 684 yards of offense in the rout.  Mustang RB Brandon Wegher toted the rock 24 times for 216 yards and two TDs on the day.  As for the Mustang defense they held Dordt to five first downs and 47 total yards of offense.

Close Game of the Week: Northfield, VT- With :05 left in the fourth quarter, PK Wesley Medeiros kicked a 22-yard field goal to lift the Norwich Cadets to a 10-7 win over the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Goats.  Yes folks, the Goats.

Tulane Times: The Blue Devils were the team letting the good times roll in a 47-13 rout of the Tulane Green Wave. The Blue Devils whipped the Green Wave with defense.  The Duke front seven spent a good portion of the day in the Tulane backfield where they forced five turnovers along the way.  The last two of those turnovers were pick-6s.  Tulane QB Tanner Lee threw for 160 yards with three interceptions on the day. Up next for Tulane is home date with Rutgers.

TCU Horned Frog Headlines: The Horned Frogs had a bye this past weekend and will travel to SMU to battle for the Iron Skillet this coming Saturday.

C.W. Post Press: North Andover, MA- The Pioneers dropped a 19-17 decision to the Merrimack College Warriors to fall 1-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. After a late Merrimack TD pass from QB Joe Capobianco to WR Armond McRae, Post had one last shot to pull out a victory.  However, Pioneeer QB Steve Laurino misfired on four straight passes and the game belonged Merrimack.  Laurino finished with 229 yards passing and one TD in the loss.  Next up for C.W. Post is road trip to Assumption College.

Razorback Report: The Hogs were rude hosts to MAC power Northern Illinois, whipping the Huskies, 45-14. The Razorbacks played a balanced game rushing for 212 yards and throwing 215 yards v. NIU.  Arkansas QB Brandon Allen competed 15 of 22 passes for 199 yards and two TDs to lead his team to victory.  For NIU, QB Drew Hare threw for 179 yards and two TDs in the losing effort.

This Weeks' Three Notes About Nothing

Hawaiian Punch Slurpees are really good.

There's is a special pleasure drawn from re-reading a great book.

Pumpkins on sale at the market mean's the best time of the year is at hand.

Until next week folks, remember your team can't get into a position where the refs can determine the outcome.

-The Commissioner

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Week 3, 2014

Hey All,

Here's that last look back at the last weekend's games, Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud.

Summaries

Boston College 37- USC 31: When a talented team doesn't come mentally prepared to play, a less talented but prepared and driven squad can beat them almost every time. USC was not prepared and Boston College was.  The Eagles also had drive and heart which equated to not just an upset, but a physical beatdown of USC.  The Eagles owned the line of scrimmage in this game, running through the Trojan defense at will. QB Tyler Murphy ran for 191 yards on just 13 carries and a TD to lead the BC attack.  As a team, BC rushed for 452 yards on 54 carries and 5 TDs on the night.  As for USC, QB Cody Kessler did throw for 317 yards and 4 TDs in the loss.  However, much of those yards came late when the Trojans were in desperately trying to get back into the game.
Telling Stat: One if by land; Well, more like 452 by land as Boston College controlled the line of scrimmage and the game. 

Oregon 48- Wyoming 14: WR Tanner Gentry hauled in an 18-yard TD pass from QB Colby Kirkegaard to give Wyoming and a 7-0 lead after one quarter of play.  Was this an upset in the making? Could we have a shocker in Eugene?  Uh, no. The Ducks scored the next 41 points to send everyone to the bars early.  Duck QB Marcus Mariota threw for two TDs and ran for two more against the overmatched Cowboys defense. Meanwhile the Webfoot defense corralled the Cowboys offense forcing three turnovers along the way.
Teling Stat:  7 out of 10;  OU had 10 possessions in the game.  They scored seven TDs, were held for downs once, punted once and their final drive finished with a two yard run for a first down as time ran out in the fourth quarter.

Washington 44- Illinois 19: The return of QB Cyler Miles was the big thing that sparked the Huskies last week in their win over Eastern Washigton.  This week it was LB Shaq Thompson coming up with a big return for UW.  Did I say return, make that returns as Thompson returned both an interception and a fumble for a TD as part of a first half 35-5 run by the Dawgs that ended this one early in Seattle. The returns covered 36 and 52 yards respectively.  As for the Husky offense, Miles threw for 191 yard, a TD and ran for 55 more yards to help the cause.  For Illinois, WR Geronimo Allison snagged six passes for 160 yards and both Illini TDs in the loss.
Telling Stat: He was better than They were; By the 10:49 mark of the second quarter, UW LB Shaq Thompson had outscored Illinois 12-3 and outgained the Illini offense by 10 yards.

Arizona 35- Nevada 28: The Wolfpack gave the Wildcats all they could handle and ended up falling just short of beating their second Pac 12 team of the season. QB Cody Fajardo was Nevada's offense. He connected on 29 of 39 tosses for 321 yards and three TDs.  However, his heroics just couldn't keep up with the 1-2 punch of UofA QB Anu Solomon and RB Nick Wilson.  Solomon completed 22 of 26 passes for 278 yards and three TDs while Wilson gained 171 yards on the ground on 29 carries and a pair of scores.  The Wolfpack did have one last chance to send the game to overtime, but Fajardo's 4th down pass to WR Jericho Richardson fell to turf at midfiled, a little out of Richardson's grasp.
Telling Stat: 3 is not 7; In their first two drives of the night, Nevada held the ball for 15:41, ran 32 plays and gained 141 yards. However, both drives ended in field goals not touchdowns and that was the difference in the game.

 Stanford 35- Army 0: In their typical methodical way, the Cardinal easily whipped the Cadets up on The Farm.  Stanford QB Kevin Hogan completed 20 of 28 passes on the day for 216 yards and 4 TDs. Hogan's prime TD target was TE Devon Cajuste who hauled in three of Hogan's TD tosses. Meanwhile the Cardinal defense held Army in check. The Cadets only two long drives of the game came late in the fourth quarter with the game was already well in hand.
Telling Stat: The Army is a ground force;  Stanford had an easy time containing a Cadet offense that threw the ball only five times all game.

UCLA 20- Texas 17: A Jerry came through for the win at Jerryworld in Dallas.  UCLA QB Jerry Neuheisel, yes Rick's kid, came off the bench for injured QB Brett Hundley and threw two TD passes that let the bRuins escape with a win over the Longhorns. Neuheisel completed 23 of 30 passes on the night for 178 yards and two TDs without an interception.  For the Longhorns, QB Tyrone Swoopes, filling in for injured QB David Ash, threw for 196 yards and two TDs in the loss.
Telling Stat: 1; One play gave him a shot to go from backup to hero. UCLA QB Jerry Neuheisel showed just how anybody on a football team can be a play away from being in the spotlight.  

Washington State 59- Portland State 21: The Cougars broke their maiden for 2014 with a rout of the Vikings up in Pullman. Wazzu QB Connor Halliday overcame two more interceptions to complete 41 of 62 passes for 544 yards and six TDs. Behind his arm, the Cougs built up a 28-0 halftime lead and cruised the rest of the way. PSU QB Kieran McDonagh threw for 269 yards and a TD in the loss.  Oh, and folks, there was a rarity in this game.  Wazzu scored a rushing TD.  RB Gerard Wicks rumbled over the double stripe to start the scoring for the day.
Telling Stat: A donut on the board;  While the Wazzu offense was scoring 28 first half points, the Cougar defense forced five punts and two turnovers to keep PSU off the board in the first half.

Arizona State 38- Colorado 24: All looked good for the Sun Devils, up 38-17 near the end of the third quarter. ASU QB Taylor Kelly was having a good night, He had completed 13 of 21 passes for 195 yards and three TDs.  He had also ran for 70 yards and a score.  Then, disaster struck the Sun Devils. Kelly injured his right foot on ASU's last offensive play of the third quarter and he now looks to be out for at least a couple of weeks.  Meanwhile, Colorado made a game of it, with QB Sefo Liufau throwing for 278 yards and three TDs.  However, three huge turnovers cost the Buffaloes any chance of upsetting ASU in Boulder.
Telling Stat: No Kelly, No O;  After QB Taylor Kelly's injury, ASU'S offense sputtered, gaining just 31 yards and making just two first downs in the final quarter.

Notre Dame 30- Purdue 14: The Irish didn't look great, but they didn't have to be to beat an outclassed Boilermaker squad.  ND took a slim 17-14 lead into the half, but the Irish defense shutdown the Boilermakers for the final thirty minutes while their offense scored just enough to put this one out of reach. ND QB Everett Golson threw for 259 yards and two TDs and ran for 56 yards and another score to lead the Irish attack. As for the boys from West Lafayette, QB Dany Etling, threw for 234 yards and both Purdue touchdowns in the loss.
Telling Stat: 0 for 30;In their second half shutout of Purdue, the ND defense forced three punts, two turnovers and held for downs once. 

Observations

...Two plays he'll remember; Not only did Iowa State PK Cole Netten kick the game winning 42-yard field goal to beat Iowa, he recovered the fumble by the Hawkeyes on the ensuing kickoff to end the game.

...This just in; The Big Ten sucks. Thank goodness for the MAC or their out of conference winning percentage would be under the Mendoza line.

...No joy in Raisinville; Hey Fresno! You're 0-3 and have been outscored 166-59.  How's that "Anybody, Anywhere" scheduling mantra working for ya?

...Just a rumor; There is no truth to the rumor that USC was delayed getting home from Boston because HC Steve Sarkisian was afraid to travel by air.

...They didn't get the memo; Duke destroyed Kansas 41-3, handing the Jayhawks their 25th straight road loss.  The team with the schematic advantage only crossed the 50 four times, never getting closer to the end zone than the Duke 17.

...From overlooked to glaringly obvious; One of the basic tenets of the spread option offense is having a QB that can run. No running QB= No true spread option running game. Cody Kessler can't run.

...Explanation please;  Why didn't USC HC Steve Sarkisian retain Clancy Pendergast as USC's DC?

...Miles of improvement;  Funny how much better the Washington offense became when QB Cyler Miles returned to the lineup.

...Coin toss epic fail; How low has the Texas program sunk?  They even blew the coin toss v. UCLA. UCLA won the toss and deferred their choice to the second half.  The Texas captain then told the referee they's like to play defense first. Huh?  The meant Texas kicked off to start both halves and handed UCLA and extra possession in the game.

...Everyone has been accounted for; The Ivy League begins play this week.  I wonder if Princeton will run their three QB offense again this year? Fight, fight for dear old Nassau!

...It's the moral victory tour and it's coming to take you away;  The Commissioner has heard a lot of Texas fans talking about how great it was that their team hung in with UCLA for four full quarters.  Go ahead, start settling for moral victories Longhorn fans.  That's how 4-8 become commonplace.

...It won't disappear like the sanctions;  Although many in Happy Valley feel that they are now without sin after the NCAA ended their sanctions early, the stigma is still there.  That fact was clear by the many "Beat Ped State" shirts worn by Rutgers fans the other night.

Ugly Uniform of The Week: Notre Dame takes this award hands down.  Well, is that really Notre Dame or this just a traveling company of Knute Rockne: All American warming up before curtain time?  Those gold shoes are an epic football fail, but a Broadway smash.



Departments

Crazy Game of the Week: Terra Haute, IN- The Fightin' Engineeers of Rose-Hulman College held on to beat the Illinois College Blueboys, 74-68 in triple overtime. Yes, 74-68.  The teams combined to run 231 plays, score 142 points, gain 1,569 yards of total offense and rack up 77 first downs. The teams set numerous national and D-III records. As for individual stats, Rose-Hulman QB Austin Swanson completed 37 of 59 for 603 yards and 7 TDs, while his counterpart, from IC, Michael Bates completed 42 of 73 passes for 535 and 6 TDs.  The game finally ended in the third OT when after forcing a missed field goal by the Blueboys, RHC RB Greg Lee knifed into the end zone from three yards out.

Close Game Of The Week: Wilkes-Barre, PA- With just nine seconds left in the second quarter, RB Dylan Cumming plunged into the end zone from one-yard out to give the Steveson University Mustangs a 7-0 lead over King's College. That score would stand to give the Mustangs a 7-0 win.  The shutout was the first in school history.  The Mustang program is only four years old.

Razorback Report: In a clash of old Southwest Conference foes the Hogs ran over, around, and through the Texas Tech Raiders en route to a 49-21 win.  The RB tandem of Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams did most of the damage for Arkansas.  Collins ran for 212 yards on 27 carries with two TDs, while Williams toted the rock 22 times for 145 yards and four TDs.  All that rushing translated into a 20 minute advantage in T.O.P and total control of the game. Up next for the Hogs is a home date with MAC power Northern Illinois.

Horned Frog Headlines: The Horned Frogs steamrolled past an overmatched Minnesota squad, 30-7 at Amon G. Carter Stadum.  TCU QB Trevone Boykin threw for 258 yards and a pair scores to go with one rushing TD by RB B.J. Catalon and three file goals by PK Jaden Oberkrom to whip the Golden Gophers. Next for TCU is a bye this week to get ready for their trip to SMU to battle for the Iron Skillet on September 27th.

C.W. Post Press: Brookville, NY- Post QB Steve Laurino nudged across the double stripe on a one-yard run with just 13 seconds left and the Pioneers came away with a 38-33 win over the University of New Haven. That score happened to be Laurino's third rushing TD in the game and topped off a day where he also connected on 32 of 50 passes for 26 yards and two TDs through the air to lead his squad to victory. The Pioneers take the road next week for the first time in the 2014 campaign to take on the Warriors of Merrimack College.

Tulane Times: The Green Wave got their first win of the season over SE Louisiana from the FCS. QB Tanner Lee completed 14 of 30 passes for 238 yards and three TDs in the 35-20 victory.  The Green Wave built up a 28-3 halftime advantage then held on as the Lions mounted a furious comeback attempt.   Up next for the Green Wave is a trip to Duke to take on the Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Special Request: Away Game Tips

I have thought about this subject for quite awhile.  Many of us have made road trips to watch our Trojans play.  I, The Commissioner, would like to put together a blog page with all our combined knowledge from those road trips.  It would include everything from where to buy gas to where to stay to where to eat and pitfalls to avoid.  It would be our own Pac 12 road trip guide.  So folks, send me your ideas.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing

The Southern California dates for summer should just be listed as lasting from the last week in August through first week in October.

Friday night high school football is still a very cool thing.

Watched my five-year old niece's first soccer game. Keeping everyone running in the right direction is the key to victory. lol.

Until next week folks, remember that talent alone doesn't win games.  Drive and determination matter too.

-The Commissioner

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Week 2, 2014

Hey All,

It's time for that column you all love, Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud.

Summaries

USC 13- Stanford 10: Well, Trojan fans was that enough suspense and drama for you?  Let's see, a tight conference game on the road that featured hard hits, big plays, bad penalties, an AD running down to the field to dispute those calls, an ejection, and a 53-yard game-winning field goal.  Just another Ho-Hum day up on The Farm.  It was a game that boiled down to Stanford's sputtering offense in the red zone, an opportunistic USC defense and just enough offense by the Trojans to come away with a win.  Stanford errors and some great plays by the USC defense held the Cardinal to just 10 points on six trips within the USC 25-yard line. That was the difference in the game along PK Andre Heidari's foot.  His 53-yard field goal was a thing of beauty.  Well, it was after all USC fans held their breath for the first 52 1/2 yards of it.
Telling Stat: A thumb, a kick, and a strip;  USC got three huge plays to win this game.  DL Delvon Simmons' thumb deflection of a Stanford field goal attempt, PK Andre Heidari's 53-yard field goal, and DE J.R. Tavai's strip of Stanford QB Kevin Hogan in the final seconds spelled Conquest for USC.

Arizona 26- Texas- San Antonio 23: Since starting from scratch as a program in 2011, the UTSA program led by HC Larry Coker, (remember him?), has, as the old Virginia Slims ad said, come a long way baby.  The Roadrunners upset Houston in week one and just narrowly missed pulling an upset over the Wildcats this week.  The Wildcats escaped with a win as QB Anu Solomon led the charge for the  'Cats hitting on 17 of 32 passes for 231 yards and a TD. UofA RB Nick Wilson also helped the cause by slicing throughout the UTSA defense for 174 yards rushing and a TD of his own on 30 carries.  However, despite the effort from those two, UofA's offense did sputter in the red zone.  UofA PK Casey Skowron bailed out the offense by connecting on all three of his field goal attempts on the night.  UTSA was led by QB Tucker Carter who threw for 228 yards and a TD in the loss.
Telling Stat: They won the turnover battle;  It was the only turnover forced all night, but Arizona safety Jared Tevis' interception with  1:20 left let the Wildcats ride out of San Anotonio with a victory.

Oregon State 38- Hawaii 30: The Beavers came out and slapped around Hawaii for nearly three quarters, building up a 38- 7 lead behind the strong play of a pair of Beavers. QB Sean Mannion's 300 yards passing and three TDs went with RB Terron Wards' 124 yards rushing and a pair of scores to build that big lead. Then, in the final 18 minutes, the Beavers lost their edge.  Next thing you know, the Warriors had scored 23 straight points and were attempting an onside kick with 1:33 to play. Luckily for OSU, they recovered the onside kick, ran out the clock and ducked out of Hawaii with a win. UH RB Joey Iosefa continued to play well this season, crossing the double stripe three times in the loss.
Telling Stat: They had an early check out time; The Beavers disappeared in the final 18 minutes of the game, getting outscored 23-0 and outgained 219-24 which almost turned a rout into a loss.

UCLA 42- Memphis 35: The bRuins offense seemed to solve the problems they had at Virginia, while the defense had problems in this unexpected shootout at the Rose Bowl.  bRuin QB Brett Hundley looked stellar in this one, completing 33 of 44 passes for 396 yards and three TDs. As for Memphis, QB Paxton Lynch threw for 305 yards and one TD in the loss.
Telling Stat: Tough when it counted; UCLA's defense sealed a win by shutting out Memphis in the fourth quarter.

Oregon 46- Michigan State 27:
This game was a tale of two halves.  The first half was a see-saw affair that was carried by Michigan State.  The Spartans held a 24-18 lead as they came back from the break. Oregon then took over.  Behind some amazing plays from Heisman Hopeful QB Marcus Mariota and a fired up UO defense, the Ducks outscored Sparty 28-3 to turn this game into a laugher and possibly the Big Ten's death rattle for the 2014 season. Mariota completed 17 of 28 passes for 318 yards and three TDs to lead the UO attack.  RB Royce Freeman chipped in 89 yards rushing and a pair of scores of his own to aid the cause. MSU QB Connor Cook threw for 343 yards and two TDs in the losing effort.
Telling Stat: 0 for 19:05;  While the UO offense exploded in the second half, the UO defense shutout Michigan State for the final 19:05 to ensure the win.

Nevada 24- Washington State 13:
The Wolfpack jumped on Wazzu early and never trailed in their upset of the Cougars. Once again, QB Connor Halliday threw for a bunch of yards and a TD, but the two interceptions he threw once again derailed the Cougars efforts.  For Nevada, QB Cody Fajardo didn't turn the ball over, throwing for 110 yards and rushing for 100 more.  He and the rest of the  Nevada rushing game chewed up Wazzu like a bunch of termites.  Nevada only rushed for 3.8 yards per carry, but did rack up 214 yards rushing on 56 carries.  That just chewed up clock and kept the sluggish Wazzu offense off the field. PK Brent Zuzo's 40-yard field goal with just 5:07 left took what left of the wind out of the Cougs sails as they never threatened to score again.
Telling Stat: Hidden turnovers killed them; In addition to those two Connor Halliday interceptions, The Cougars also missed two field goals and turned the ball over on downs twice in the loss.

Arizona State 58- New Mexico 23: In a matchup of old Border Conference foes, the Sun Devils played three out of four quarters and ran away from the Lobos.  The Sun Devils did run away, over and around the Lobo defense to the tune of 423 yards rushing.  216 of those yards on just 19 carries belonged to RB DJ Foster who also ran for a TD.  In fact, five different ASU backs scored on the ground for ASU.  The Sun Devils took an early 22-0 lead in the first quarter, took the second quarter off allowing UNM to cut the score to 32-21 by halftime. Then ASU flipped the switch back on and outscored the Lobos 26-2 in the second half to claim the win.
Telling Stat: Second half shutdown; The Arizona State defense tranquilized the Lobo offense in the second half holding to UNM to 83 yards, forcing 4 punts, a fumble and holding for downs once in the process.

Colorado 41- Massachusetts 38: The Buffaloes needed a win and they traveled three time zones to get it as they came from behind to beat the Minutemen.  UMass has been absolutely awful since joining the FBS ranks, but they gave CU all they could handle with QB Blake Frohnapfel (Don't ask me to pronounce that) lit up the Buffs secondary by completing 20 of 38 tosses for 267 yards and 3 TDs. Frohnapfel's day was a good one, but not as good as CU QB Sefo Liufau who had a day they'd hoped he have when they recruited him to Boulder. He completed 26 of 42 passes for 318 yards and 3 TDs, including what would be the game winner with 11:16 left in the fourth quarter.  The loss drops Umass to 2-24 overall since joining the FBS back in 2012.
Telling Stat: -17 yards to victory; Colorado lost 17 yards while trying to run out the clock to end the game. The ball ended up on their own 8-yard line s tine expired.

Washington 59- Eastern Washington 52: FCS powerhouse Eastern Washington just narrowly missed spoiling the return of UW QB Cyler Miles from suspension.  Miles did lead his team to the win in this shootout, by rushing for three TDs and throwing for another.  However, it was the performance of Eagle QB Vernon Adams, Jr. that left the crowd amazed.  All Adams did was complete 31 of 46 passes for 475 yards and seven TDs.  Yes folks, seven TDs.  He was the EWU offense.  Oh, and he also attempted the EWU's onside kick late in the game too.  As for the Dawgs offense, most of their yards came on the ground as RB Lavon Coleman led a bevy of Husky backs with 118 yards on 17 carries and a TD.  UW as a team toted the rock 57 times for 356 yards and seven TDs. Despite all this offense form the Huskies, the team and their fans couldn't breathe easy in this one until Adams' onside kick fell into UW's hands with just 3:14 to play.
Telling Stat: 2=14=W; Washington's cashed in both of Eastern Washington's turnovers into touchdowns which was the difference win the game.

California 55- Sacramento State: 14 The Golden Bears easily crushed their foes from the Big Sky Conference and easily moved to 2-0 on the young season.  Cal QB Jared Goff threw for four TDs and completed 17 of 22 passes for 229 yards ind one half's worth of work.  The Bears rolled up a 45-7 halftme lead and turned the second half into glorified scrimmage when they emptied the benches.  Sac State QB Garret Safron threw for 149 yards and a TD while running for 60 yards and another score in the loss.
Tellng Stat: They all got a touch;  16 different players handled the ball to help run up the 549 yards of offense and 55 points that the Golden Bears amassed against boys from the capitol city.

Utah 59- Fresno State 27: Fresno State picked up where we all left them last week; getting pounded by a Pac 12 school. As with their game with USC, the Bulldogs found themselves down 24-0 before they could blink.  Ute QB Travis Wilson completed only 11 of 20 passes on the day for 181 yards, but five of those completions went for TDs. Most of Utah's yardage came via their running game where a committee of seven RBs lugged the leather 54 times for 258 yards and a pair of scores.  As for the Bulldogs, their QB tandem of Brian Burrell and Brandon Connette combined to complete 24 of 40 passes for 283 yards and three TDs.
Telling Stat: They never let 'em get started; Utah forced five three-and-outs on Fresno State's first five possessions, allowing just 2 yards of offense in the process.  That allowed the Utah offense the time to bury the Bulldogs early.

Notre Dame 31- Michigan 0: The last scheduled game in this rivalry could not have ended any better for the Fighting Irish.  The ND defense forced four Michigan turnovers and harassed Wolverine QB Devin Gardner all night.  ND didn't put up a lot of numbers offensively in this one, but they were efficient with the ball and capitalized on the short fields they had after the turnovers.  ND QB Everett Golson completed 23 of 34 passes for 226 yards and three TDs.  His favorite target seemed to be former Trojan RB and now Irish WR Amir Carlisle who caught seven balls for 61 yards and two TDs. This game marked the first time Michigan had been shutout since a 26-0 loss to Iowa, in 1984.
Telling Stat: A pair of zeroes; 0 points in this game for the Wolverines and 0 chances to avenge this loss for the foreseeable future.

Special Section: Officiating at Stanford

The Pac 12 is known for having some pretty poor officiating. That legendarily poor officiating was on display last Saturday at Stanford.  I'm not here to dispute the Sarkisian sideline infraction or the Hayes Pullard targeting call.  Those were both legitimate calls that could be made by the letter of the rules. However, I did notice a couple of things during that same kickoff return in which the Pullard targeting call occurred. Just look at these screenshots of the last couple of seconds leading up to the hit by Pullard.

Picture One :47 Mark, Third Quarter


Please look at the Sideline. That's USC PK Andre Heidari getting blocked in the back by #24, Stanford's Patrick Skov.

Picture Two :46 Mark, Third Quarter




Please look in the center of the picture. That's USC's Hayes Pullard being blocked in the back by #44, Stanford's John Flacco.  I find it odd that the referees missed both illegal blocks in the back while catching the targeting penalty.  Hmmmmmm.  

Observations

...Worst winning drive ever;  Colorado's drive in which they ran out the clock to preserve the win over Umass was amazingly poor and nearly disastrous. After Umass kicked off following their TD that cut CU's lead to three points with 2:55 to play, the Buffs did manage to make a first down at their own 36-yard line after forcing the Minutemen to burn their timeouts.  Then, while burning clock, the Buffs proceeded to lose 26 yards on the next three plays. The game ended with the ball resting on CU's own 8-yard line as time ran out. Whew.

...Just a rumor ;  There is no truth to the rumor that new bowl season calendars were issued to all members of the Big Ten Conference in which the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl and National Championship Games were deleted from the bowl schedule.

...SMH and cursing at my TV screen;  That's what I did when I learned that Penn State's actions due to the Jerry Sandusky scandal were ended two seasons early by the NCAA.  The NCAA is a joke of an organization.


...A little late;  South Carolina HC Steve Spurrier's 200th coaching win came a week late for all Gamecock fans.

...The thousand yard stare;  Near the end of the Wazzu-Nevada game, many a Cougar player had that vacant look in their eyes.  They had checked out of this game long before the clock hit 0:00.

...Channeling Donahue; UCLA does look sputtering and inept at times, however they have eerily similar feel to Terry Donahue's bRuin squads.  Those teams would play to the level of their competition, look bad and end up with double digit wins.

...42 = 0; 42 is the number of games in a row that Stanford had won in a row when giving up 13 points or less. Now it's 0.

...Just Run and Shoot me;  Sad to see June Jones resign from SMU.  His teams were always fun to watch, especially those Hawaii squads with QB Timmy Chang in the shotgun.

...Memo to Texas; Quit scheduling BYU, and if you have already, envoke the buyout clause...NOW!

...A fleeting thought; After seeing the end of the SDSU-North Carolina game and hoping that the Aztecs would have pulled the upset, I saw old Buffet Bob Toledo.  I forgot he's the OC for the Aztecs.  I now hope SDSU goes 1-11.

...Looking back; Do ya think Notre Dame remembered that Michigan blasted the chicken dance after beating the Irish last year on the day after ND pulled out of the series? I do.

...No need to throw; Georgia Tech only attempted eight passes last week in their 38-21 win over Tulane. The kicker is that they only completed three of those passes for 15 yards while rushing 57 times for 344 yards.

...Ancient Eight Alert; No need to search for the Ivy League. They don't begin playing games until September 19th.

Ugly Uniform of the Week: This goes to the Fighting Hi-Liters of Oregon. No other words are necessary...


Departments

Blowout of the Week: Greenville, TN- The Tusculum Pioneers smashed the College of Faith Warriors, 71-0.  Normally, I would talk about the offensive stars of this kind of game.  This time I will talk about the defense.  The Pioneer defense held the Warriors to -124 yards rushing and -100 total yards of offense total for the game.  Those totals are NCAA records for all divisions according to several sources.  Oh, and Tusculum recorded three safeties in the game as well for good measure.

Close Game of the Week: Saint Joseph, MO- The Griffons of Missouri Western University pulled out a 10-9 win over the Central Missouri State Mules thanks to NT Arbanas Elliot. With the Griffons down 9-3 and a little over two minutes to play, Elliot came up with a lineman's dream.  He intercepted QB Hayden Hawk's pass at the Mules 12-yard line and rumbled seven yards to give his squad a first and goal at the CMoSt. five-yard line.  Three plays later RB Raphael Spencer hit paydirt from three yards out to tie the game. Then, PK Will Mondragon's PAT kick split the uprights to give Missouri Western their margin of victory.

Razorback Report: The Hogs took out their frustration over losing to Auburn last week on FCS foe Nicholls State, 73-7. Arkansas ran up a 35-0 lead after one quarter of play and never looked back. The Razorbacks rushed the ball 40 times for 495 yards and six TDs.  That's a nifty 12.4 YPC if you're doing the math at home. RB Alex Collins ran for three TDs and 131 yards on 13 carries in this laugher. Up next for the Razorbacks is a trip to Texas Tech.

Tulane Times: It was not a good home opener for the Green Wave as they were stung by Georgia Tech, 38-21.  Tulane was in this game, down only 24-21 at the half, but the Yellow Jackets came out and shutout the Green Wave, 14-0 in the second half.  Tulane QB Tanner Lee threw for 172 yards and a pair of scores, but also had three big interceptions in the loss. Up next for Tulane is another home game v. Southeastern Louisiana.

Horned Frog Headlines: TCU had a bye last Saturday.  The Horned frogs will host Minnesota this week.

C.W. Post Press: Brookville, NY- The Pioneers of C.W. Post went out and dropped their opening game of the season 43-35 to East Stroudsburg. Pioneer QB Steve Laurino had a good day in defeat, completing 28 of 43 aerials for 351 yards and a pair of TDs, but ESU QB Matt Soltes had a better one in victory.  Stoles hit on 19 of 34 passes for 384 yards and 4 TDs.  The game was a see-saw affair with ESU scoring 13 points in the last eight minutes to claim the win.  Up next for Post is a visit from the University of New Haven.

UCA Bear Facts: Conway, AR- The Bears opened up their home slate and pulled off a fourth quarter comeback to beat Tennessee-Martin, 26-24. The winning score came when QB Ryan Howard connected with WR Courtney Whitehead from 14 yards out.  Following a missed PAT by PK Jace Denker, Bear DB Bobby Watkins picked off UTM QB Jarod Neal on their own 30-yard line to snuff out the Skyhawks final drive. UCA is now 1-1 on the season and will travel to Bozeman, Montana to take on the Montana State Bobcats.

From Our field office in Palo Alto...

"Timmmberrrr!" - A USC band tweet.

And Now This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

The tri-tip sandwich at Harris Ranch rocks.

The beach at Carmel in the early morning is a beautiful thing.

Ready Player One is a great book for any of us kids who grew up on the Atari 2600.

Until next time folks, remember that the right blitz called at the right time can win you a game.

-The Commissioner

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Week 1, 2014

Hey All,

It is back!  Yes, it's the Column that makes Tuesdays better, Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud.

Summaries

USC 52- Fresno State 13: New Trojan HC Steve Sarkisian promised an up-tempo, exciting offense and he delivered on that promise in week one as USC trounced the boys form Fresno. Trojan QB Cody Kessler competed 25 of 37 passes for 394 yards and 4 TDs and ran for another to the delight of the Coliseum crowd.  As for USC's rushing game, RB Buck Allen rambled for 133 yards on 22 carries and a TD to lead all rushers. Meanwhile, USC's talented freshman class shined as well.  WR JuJu Smith snagged four passes for 123 yards and WR/CB Adoree Jackson saw action on both sides of the ball by catching a TD pass and then helping to stymie the FSU passing game on defense.  On the defensive side of things, the Trojans harassed FSU QBs all afternoon forcing four interceptions. FSU's lone bright spot was RB Marteze Waller who ran for 97 yards on 16 carries and scored both Bulldog TDs.
Telling Stat: 37/701/105; The Trojans racked up 37 first downs, 701 total yards and set a new Pac 12 record by running 105 plays in this rout of Fresno State.

Oregon 62, South Dakota 13: The Ducks opened up the 2014 campaign by slapping around FCS also ran South Dakota.  UO QB and Heisman hopeful Marcus Mariota threw for 267 yards and 3 TDs  to lead the Ducks to a 41-13 halftime advantage.  Mariota and the rest of the Duck starters took the second half off in this laugher.  Everybody in green and gold got their letter and broke a sweat against the outmanned Jackrabbits.
Telling Stat: Third downs need not apply; The Duck offense faced only nine third downs in the game, converting on seven of them.

Washington 17- Hawaii 16: The Huskies held on by their fingernails for a win against a Warrior squad that outplayed the Dawgs in every way except the scoreboard. UH came out fast building up a 10-0 lead early thanks to a 1-yard TD plunge by RB Joey Iosefa and a 28-yard FG by PK Tyler Hadden. The Dawgs then clawed back at the end of the first quarter to cut the deficit to 10-7 with a 20-yard TD run by WR John Ross.  The Huskies took the lead for good in the second quarter thanks to one big stop and one big pass.  The big stop was when the Warriors went for it on 4th and 2 from the Huskies nine yard line and came up short when WR Marcus Kemp's pass attempt off a reverse fell like a wounded duck to the turf.  The Dawgs took over on downs and QB Jeff Lindquist promptly called John Ross' number again and hit him in stride between the safeties and he took it the rest of the way for a 91-yard TD.  After that, it was a field goal battle with the Huskies snuffing out Hawaii's last chance for an upset with RB Lavon Coleman rushing the ball six straight times for 45 yards to kill the clock and hand HC Chris Petersen his first win at Washington.
Telling Stat: No bite in the Huskies O; Aside from the 91-yard TD strike, Washington ran only 47 other plays for a total of 245 yards.

Utah 56- Idaho State 14: The Utes went out and promptly scalped their FCS foes from the Big Sky Conference.  Ute QB Travis Wilson, the pride of San Clement High, completed 13 of 18 passes for 265 yards and a TD in one half of work.  RB Devonte Booker led the Utah rushing attack with 78 yards rushing and 2 TDs. Throw in both a punt and kickoff return for a TD by WR Kaelin Clay and the rout as they say, was on.  Utah emptied the bench in the second half while running up 589 yards of offense on the night.
Teling Stat: Long Marches; Five of Utah's six TD drives covered 74 yards or longer.

UCLA 28- Virginia 20: While the bRuin offense sputtered, the defense shined, thereby allowing UCLA to walk out of Charlottesville with a win.  In fact, the defense was the offense for UCLA. They had three TD returns off turnovers that allowed the bRuins to go in at the half up 21-10.  In the second half, QB Brett Hundley capped off a nine play, 66 yard drive by scampering to paydirt from six yards out. Hundley's run would be UCLA's only offensive score of the day.  The Cavaliers made things tight down the stretch, but were stopped on downs at UCLA's 17-yard line with 3:20 to play. UVa's QB tandem of Matt Johns and Greyson Lambert combined to complete 29 of 45 passes for 266 yards and 2 TDs in the losing effort.
Telling Stat: 21>7 and 20 The UCLA defense outscored both their own offense and Virginia's in this strange game. 

Oregon State 29- Portland State 14: In another matchup between the Pac 12 and Big Sky, the Beavers looked sloppy while grinding out a win.  The OSU defense shutout the Vikings in the second half while the offense put up 3s instead of 7s to make this game look a lot closer than it was.  QB Sean Mannion led the way for OSU completing 26 of 45 tosses for 328 yards and a TD.  He also accounted for his squad's other TD with a 6-yard scamper in the second quarter.  Defense and kicking won this one. While the Beaver defense stifled the PSU offense, PK Garrett Owens connected on five of seven field goals to provide the margin of victory. For PSU, RB Paris Penn racked up 112 yards and 2 TDs on just nine carries in the losing effort.
Telling Stat:  A second half Beaver dam; Oregon State held Portland State to three first downs, 36 total yards, and forced three turnovers on nine second half possessions which sealed the win for the Beavers.

California 31- Northwestern 24: Many of the Pac 12 pundits are wondering if Cal QB Jared Goff can make better decisions this season, eliminate interceptions and lead his team to victory.  Well, Goff  did just that against the Wildcats. Goff completed 21 of 34 aerials for 281 yards and three TDs to lead his team to victory.  The Golden Bears did build up a 31-7 lead before holding off a furious comeback attempt to claim the win. Northwestern QB Trevor Siemian threw for 229 yards, a TD and two huge interceptions in the loss.
Telling Stat: A sack, a pick and a win;  Cal LB Jalen Jefferson sacked Wildcat QB Trevor Siemian on second down, then intercepted him on third down with under two minutes to play with the ball in Cal territory to end Northwestern's comeback bid.

Arizona 58- UNLV 13: The Rebels were routed by one of their own, in Tuscon.  UofA true freshman QB Anu Solomon,who hails from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, completed 25 of 45 passes for four TDs to lead the Wildcat attack.  He also ran for 80 yards too.  As a team, UofA ran up 787 yards of offense on UNLV in this rout.  RB Terris Jones-Grigsby had a good first game in trying to fill the shoes of the departed Ka'Deem Carey by rushing for 124 yards on 13 carries and a TD. As for UNLV, QB Blake Decker was their one bright spot, throwing 252 yards and a TD in the loss.
Telling Stat: Big plays Wildcats;  four of Arizona's TDs came on plays covering 39, 63, 92, and 85 yards.

Rutgers 41- Washington State 38: Tell me if you've heard this one before, Wazzu QB Connor Halliday throws for ton of yards and TDs, but the Cougs still lose.  Well, it happened again last Thursday in Seattle. Halliday picked apart the Rutgers defense, completing 40 of 56 tosses for 532 yards and 5 TDs, but it wasn't enough to win.  The Rutgers offense got 281 yards passing from QB Gary Nova and 173 yards and three TDs on the ground from RB Paul James to carry the day. The win was Rutgers first as a member of the Big Ten conference.
Telling Stat: You win in the fourth quarter; The Rutgers offense outscored Wazzu, 17-7 while the defense forced a punt, a turnover and held for downs once to ensure victory.

Stanford 45- UC Davis 0: In another one of the contests that featured a Pac 12 and an FBS team, the Cardinal throttled the Aggies up on the Farm.  Stanford cruised to a 38-0 halftime lead behind three TD passes from QB Kevin Hogan and a sensational punt return for a TD by WR Ty Montgomery. The second half then became a glorified scrimmage as Stanford emptied the benches in this yawner.
Telling Stat: Never a threat; The Stanford defense held UC Davis to 115 total yards and just 6 first downs on the afternoon.

Colorado State 31- Colorado 17: Year two of the Mike MacIntyre era at CU looked like it had gotten off to a great start.  With 9:47 left in the third quarter, the Buffaloes held a 17-7 lead against their instate rivals from Fort Collins and all was good.  Then, the roof caved in.  The Rams then scored 24 unanswered points to walk away with the win.  New CSU RB and Alabama transfer Dee Hart slashed through the CU defense for 139 yards and a pair of TDs on 22 carries to lead the CSU attack. As for the Buffs, QB Sefo Liufau completed 24 of 39 passes for 241 yards and 2 TDs, but it wasn't enough to prevent CU's second loss in three seasons to the Rams.
Telling Stat; RAMping up their game;  From the 9:47 mark of third quarter on, CSU outgained the Buffs 252 yards to 95 yards with 49 of those 95 yards allowed coming on a late drive when the game was well in hand.

Arizona State 45- Weber State 14: The Sun Devils hosted the Wildcats from the Big Sky conference and turned in a workmanlike rout of the boys from Ogden.  RB D.J. Foster had a strong first game as the featured back in the Sun Devil offense, toting the rock 15 times for 147 yards and three TDs.  ASU QB Taylor Kelly seemed to pick up where he left off from last season by completing 18 of 27 passes for 238 yards and a score.  The lone highlight for the Wldcats was when RB Zach Smith broke off a 60-yard TD late in the game that bumped his rushing total to 128 yards on 16 carries on the night.
Telling Stat: Keeping them in check;  The ASU defense made sure there was no threat of upset in this one as they forced five punts, and a turnover on downs on Weber State's six first half possessions.

Notre Dame 48- Rice 17: QB Everett Golson threw for 2TDs and ran for 3 more as he returned from a year long suspension to lead the Irish past the Fighting White Owls of Rice. ND was in control of this one form the start, building up a 28-10 lead at the half, then cruising the rest of the way in this one.  The ND defense gave up some yards, but never was really threatened by the subpar Rice offense.
Telling Stat: One drive to redemption;  After leading the offense on a seven play, 47 yard TD drive in the first period, ND QB Everett Golson's sins were washed away by a wave of cheers from the Irish faithful.

Observations

...Third quarter/Third game; USC scored 52 points in three quarters v. Fresno State.  USC hadn't scored 52 total points until their third game last season.

...Helmet fail;  Note to Louisville: If I can't tell what is on the side of your helmet, then it is an epic failure of a design.  That is all.

...Already checked off the list;  By getting smacked by Georgia in week one, the annual wait for Clemson to take themselves out of title game contention was a short one this year.

...Stingy Gators;  Many of you may have heard that Florida has informed Idaho that they will not pay the Vandals their $975,000 split of the gate receipts for last Saturday's game that was postponed after a three hour rain delay turned The Swamp into well, uh um... a swamp.  Now, the Gators have taken their cheapness to the next level by informing their fans that they won't get their ticket money refunded for the suspended game either. Wow.

...Speed all around;  Auburn's ball boys have more speed than most Big Ten teams.

...Just a rumor;  There is no truth to the rumor that the UCLA coaching staff issued an APB for their offensive line after the unit went missing right after kickoff last Saturday at Virginia.

...Always a head scratcher; Baylor got a delay of game penalty on a kickoff against SMU.

...A familiar love; When each new season begins, there is no greater feeling than coming through old Tunnel 19 at the Coliseum and getting that first look at the field.  The greatness that passed before on that hallowed ground and the promise of the greatness that will come always resonates to my core.

...They did it right; Baylor's new stadium is a thing of beauty. It makes me want to sailgate and cross the Brazos at Waco.

...They just made the FBS no-schedule list; FCS power North Dakota State won their fifth straight game versus an FBS foe by embarrassing Iowa State, 34-14. The Bison fell behind early, 14-0 then scored 34 straight points to walk away with an easy win.

...Been awhile; Cal's 31-24 win over Northwestern was the Golden Bears' first win over an FBS foe since 2012.

...THUD;  That thud was the sound of South Carolina's national title hopes crashing to the ground after they were manhandled by Texas A&M last Thursday.  The Aggies did everything to the Gamecocks except take the Gamecocks' post game meal.

...A frosh set of contributors;  USC's future is very bright with the way the Trojans' incoming freshmen helped dominate Fresno State last Saturday.

...The memo has been sent;  Sources close to The Commissioner have been told that the SE Missouri State Redhawks have been sent the memo by Kansas HC Charlie Weis that his Jayhawks have the schematic advantage over them in KU's opening game coming up this week.

Ugly Uniform of the Week: North Carolina Gets the prize.



Carolina Blue is okay for a basketball uniform, but that much pastel color on a football uniform is just plain wrong.


Departments

Blowout of the Week: Columbia, SC- The South Carolina State Bulldogs ran over, around and through the Benedict College Tigers en route to a 63-0 win.  The Bulldogs accumulated 541 yards of offense with 381 of those coming on the ground.  RB's Jalen Simmons and Dondre Lewis-Freeman crossed the double stripe twice to lead the SCSU rushing attack.  Meanwhile, the Bulldog defense held the Tigers to 228 total yards and to just 3 of 17 on third down conversions.

Close Game of the Week: Orono, ME- It was a defensive slugfest up in the far northeast where the Black Bears of Maine held on for a 10-6 win over the Norfolk State Spartans.  The Maine defense held the Spartans to 100 total yards offense, shutting them out for the final 49:57 of the contest.  Leading the defensive charge was LB Christophe Mulumba Tshimanga with 14 tackles.  The Black Bears points came from a 33-yard TD pass from QB Daniel Collins to WR Damarr Aultman and a 27-yard field goal from PK Sean Decidoux.

Razorback Report: The Hogs dug themselves an early hole in the SEC West race by getting smacked at home 45-21 by Auburn.  Arkansas QB Brandon Allen threw for 175 yards and 2 TDs in the loss.  Auburn's defense shutdown the Hogs in the second half allowing their offense to put up 24 unanswered points and claim the victory.  Next up for the Hogs is a date with Nicholls State.

C.W. Post Press: Brookville, NY- The Post Pioneers start their season on September 6th where they will host East Stroudsburg University.

UCA Bear Facts: Lubbock, TX- The Bears gave it all they had, but came up just short in their bid to upset Texas Tech, falling by a count of 42-35 to the Red Raiders. In the end they had no answer for Tech QB Davis Webb who completed 39 of 52 passes for 452 yards and 4 TDs.  For UCA, a three-headed RB monster of Willie Mathews, Blake Veasley and Taylor Reed combined for 166 yards and three TDs rushing.  Next up for UCA is a date with Tennessee-Martin.

Tulane Times: In their first game as members of the American Athletic Conferene, the Green Wave promptly went 0-1 in conference play by dropping a 38-31 decision on the road to fellow new AAC member Tulsa.  Tulane QB Tanner Lee threw for 262 yards and three TDs but it wasn't enough as Tulsa QB Dane Evans threw for 438 yards and four scores.  Up next for Tulane is their home opener v. Georgia Tech.

Horned Fog Headlines: TCU opened the season up at home with a 48-14 romp over FCS foe Samford. QB Trevonne Boykin completed 29 of 41 throws for 329 yards and two TDs in the win.  The game also marked Diana Schwene's first appearance on field as a member of the TCU Rangers.

From Our Field Office in Hawaii...

A quote symbolizing Steve Sarkisian's use of the talent on the USC roster, "It looks like Sark's been given the keys to the Ferrari."


This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

The sentence, "Let me check with my wife." has creeped into my lexicon.

There is still nothing better at times than that cool ocean breeze in the afternoon in San Pedro.

I still don't know why hot dogs and hot dog buns can't come in the same number per package.

Until next week folks, opening wins are great, winning the next game is better.

-The Commissioner