Week 4

Hey All,

It's time once again for a recap of the week that was in college football from a left coast perspective with Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard. We still miss you, Tom Kelly.

Summaries

USC 30- Utah 23: The circus came to town last Friday night at the Coliseum. Fox's Big Noon Kickoff Show made their first out of studio appearance at the newly remodeled home of the Trojans.  Among the five members of the broadcast crew, SC legends Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush were there. For Bush, it was his first visit to the old yard in many years after SC was forced to disassociate itself  from him after being placed on probation.  That was a huge story, however a bigger story was the presence of Urabn Meyer on the set. The man who a great deal of Trojan fans have their hearts set on as being named the new Trojan HC. Fans speculated just when "Fire Helton" or "Urban Meyer" chants would come from the crowd. The major storyline about the actual game was that after losing to BYU, how could the Trojans avoid being whipped by this Utah team that had worked over BYU to start the year.  However, a funny thing happened on the way to Pac 12 supremacy for the Utes. Third string USC QB Matt Fink, all-world WR Michael Pittman, Jr and the USC defense made just enough plays to carry the night with a true spirit of Fight On.  36 seconds into the game, Utah DL Leki Fotu nailed Trojan starting QB Kedon Slovis and drove him to the turf. Slovis tried to get up, but fell back to the ground.  His night was done with a concussion. Trojans fans who weren't feeling great about this game to begin with figured it was pretty much over. Then stepped in Matt Fink.  All Fink did was complete 21 of 30 passes for 351 yards, three TDs and an interception. His main target was WR Michael Pittman, Jr. who caught 11 passes for 232 yards and a TD. The USC defense while being unable to produce a single 3-and-out against Utah made some big plays.  They knocked out the Utes star RB Zach Moss form the game after just six carries, blocked a field goal attempt, forced a fumble on their own two-yard line to snuff out a drive and recorded a safety that kept the Trojans in much needed control of the game.  The safety came when SC needed it most. The Trojans were nursing a 21-20 lead and Utah had just forced SC to punt.  The punt was a good one from Ben Griffiths and it pinned the Utes back at their own six-yard line. On second down, Utah QB Tyler Huntley dropped back to pass and the Trojan D-line was on him in a heartbeat with DT Caleb Tremblay sacking Huntley as he threw wildly. Huntley was called for intentional grounding in the end zone for a safety. After getting the ball back on the free kick, USC drove down the field and scored when RB Markese Stepp ran over a Utah defender for a four-yard TD run that ended with Stepp giving some love to Reggie Bush and SC a 30-20 lead with 6:58 to play. Utah would then get a field goal to cut the deficit to seven points, but wouldn't get the ball back.  USC, who had been held to negative rushing yards for most of the night, ran for two first downs to end any chance of a Utah comeback.

(Note: This here is my only mention of the 27 accepted penalties called in this game because both sides seemed to be equally hosed by the flag happy Pac 12 refs. SMH)

Telling Stat: Tough when it counted; The USC defense blocked a Utah FG attempt, Forced a fumble in the shadow of their own goal and created a safety despite giving up a ton of yards to stay in the game.  That's a pretty good way to Fight On.

California 28 - Mississippi 20:  Oxford, MS- The Golden Bears hit the road to Oxford, took on the challenge of a 9 AM PDT start time and pulled put out a nice win over the Rebels. The big takeaways form this game are that Cal QB Chase Garbers finally had a breakout game, the Bears defense is strong and that the Pac 12 refs can create controversy anywhere. Garbers had a great game completing 23 of 35 throws for 357 yards, four TDs and an interception.  Garbers had only thrown three TD passes total this season coming into the contest.  Cal's defense stayed strong enough to win. They were outgained and showed signs of fatigue late in the Oxford heat, but held on.  The Pac 12 refs left their mark in SEC territory on the game's final sequence.  Rebels QB John Rhys Plumlee seemed to hit WR Elijah Moore for a TD to cut Cal's lead to 28-26 with about 10 seconds left.  However, the ball was spotted just outside the goal line.  The clock ran and Ole Miss was forced to attempt a hasty QB sneak on fourth down. They were stopped by Cal and time ran out. The ill-fated sneak went on as Rebels HC Matt Luke's pleas for a replay of the previous play fell on deaf ears.  No call for replay was issued by the Pac 12 replay official.  The game was over and Cal had the win. Mississippi AD Keith Carter was not happy with the failure to review. Here's his statement. He Ain't Happy The Pac 12 responded with a statement of their own confirming the refs call.  Here's the crux of the statement and reaction to it in the Clarion Ledger of Jackson, MS. Not Satisified
Telling Stat: Facepalm; The Failure of a review has tarnished what is a very good win by Cal.  Thanks, Larry Scott.

Washington 45- BYU 19: Provo, UT- The Cougar faithful were looking to go 2-1 against the Pac 12 this year with the Huskies coming to town.  With Washington's top RB Salvon Ahmed left back in Seattle with a "lower leg injury", the Cougars thought they would get another upset.  UW would have none of that.  The Dawgs went on drives of 68 and 75 yards to run out to an early 14-3 lead. BYU looked to get back into the game, but QB Zach Wilson was leveled by the Husky pass rush. Wilson fumbled and it was picked up by ILB Brandon Wellington who rumbled 69 yards to paydirt and a 21-3 lead. BYU scrambled to get back in the game, trailing 24-12 at the half.  Washington came out in the third quarter and put the game away with a 21-point barrage that left the Cougars wondering just what hit them. After that, the game turned into a glorified scrimmage with BYU getting a final cosmetic touchdown. UW QB Jacob Eason had a very efficient day completing 24 of 28 passes for 290 yards, three TDs and an interception. Sean McGrew got the start at RB in place of Ahmed and rushed for 110 yards on 18 carries.  As for BYU, Wilson completed 26 of 42 passes for 277 yards, a TD, an interception and a fumble in the painful loss.
Telling Stat: Blackjack; Washington scored 21 points in the first 9:38 of the third quarter to send Provo crowd to the bars ice cream parlors early in this blowout.  

Oregon 21- Stanford 6: Palo Alto, CA- Oregon didn't blow the doors off Stanford offensively in this contest, but their defense physically dominated the Cardinal on The Farm. The Ducks defense strangled the already stagnant Stanford offense allowing just 234 total yards. The Cardinal's opening drive stalled on the Oregon 14-yard line where they drew first blood with a 32-yard field goal from PK Jet Toner. Stanford would never enter the red zone again. In fact, only two of Stanford's final 10 drives of the game crossed the 50-yard line. The Quacks defense and fine punting game set the Ducks up with the short fields they needed to grind out a win.  UO's 21 points came off of three TD passes by QB Justin Herbert. The first one covered 36 yards and was hauled in by WR Jaylon Redd. The other two were caught by TE Jacob Breeland and they covered 16 and 24 yards respectively.  Herbert completed 19 of 24 passes for 259 yards and those three TDs.  For Stanford, QB KJ Costello competed 16 of 30 passes for 120 yards and an interception.
Telling Stat; Pinned down and out; Thanks to the Oregon special teams, Stanford's average starting field position in this game was their own 21-yard line.  

Colorado 34 - Arizona State 31: Tempe, AZ- Last week, Colorado stumbled in a loss to Air Force after grabbing a big comeback win over Nebraska. This week was ASU's turn to stumble after their big, but controversial win at Michigan State last week. The Sun Devils found themselves down in an early 14-0 hole to start the second quarter, but bounced back with a 21 point second quarter to go into halftime down by three,  24-21. Many wondered if the Buffaloes could hold it as they lost numerous players to injury.  The biggest injury was to their all-everything WR Laviska Shenault, Jr. who left the game on the second series and wouldn't return.  WR Tony Brown stepped up in his place and hauled in nine passes for 150 yards and three TDs.  The frenetic pace of the first half, died down in the second half as both offenses left plenty of points on the field by missing on big plays.  That along with both defenses rising up made for a tense final two quarters. ASU would tie the game at 24-24 near the ned of third quarter on a 23-yard field goal by PK Christian Zendejas. Colorado answered right away and swept down the field to extend their lead to 31-24 on Brown's third TD catch. The lead didn't last long as ASU tied the game about three minutes later on a 39-yard TD pass from QB Jayden Daniels to WR Frank Darby. Neither team did much for the next four possessions.  CU found their offensive rhythm again and went on an 11-play, 57-yard rive that ended with a 44-yard field goal from PK Games Stefanou for that proved to be the game-winner. The Buffs snuffed out ASU's last real chance to comeback holding for downs to secure the win. This win was a huge for Colorado as it was their first road win over a ranked opponent since 2002. CU QB Steven Montez, one of the seemingly few Buffs that didn't get injured, completed 23 of 30 passes for 337 yards and three TDs.  For ASU, Daniels threw for 345 yards and a pair of scores while RB Eno Benjamin, toted the rock 20 times for 83 yards and two TDs.
Telling Stat: Slow Start; ASU's lackluster first quarter put the Sun Devils in a 14-0 hole that cost them the game. 

UCLA 67- Washington State 63: Pullman, WA- Most folks anywhere east of the Pacific Time Zone turned this game off and went to bed thinking Wazzu had easily pummeled the bRuins into submission.  After all, the Cougars held a 49-17 lead with 6:52 left in the third quarter. Then, something crazy happened in the Palouse.  UCLA crawled back into the game. A 75-yard TD drive was capped off by a 1-yard run by QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson. That was followed by a Cougar fumble which UCLA cashed in for another TD on a 37-yard pass form Thompson-Robinson to WR Chase Cota. Wazzu then punted on their next possession, pinning the bRuins on their own six-yard line. On first down, Thompson-Robinson hit WR Demetric Felton on a slant route. Felton then took it the rest of the way for a 94-yard score. In just 3:35, Wazzu's lead was cut to 49-38. Then following another WSU turnover, UCLA scored again on a seven-yard pass from Thompson-Robinson to TE Devon Asiasi. The two point conversion cut WSU's lead to 49-46 with 14:28 left to play in the fourth quarter. The two teams kept trading scores with Wazzu clinging to a 63-60 lead on the eighth and ninth TD passes of the game from QB Anthony Gordon and UCLA scoring on a punt return and a TD run from Thompson-Robinson.  UCLA was then held for downs at the WSU 17-yard line and it looked like Wazzu had dodged a major bullet and would get the win.  Wazzu then Coug'd it. On first down, WR Easop Winston, Jr. fumbled the ball right back to UCLA.  Three plays later the bRuins held their first lead of the game at 67-63 on Thompson-Robinson's 15-yard TD pass to Felton. WSU got the ball back with :59 left and fumbled yet again to UCLA to end the game. The final stats were amazing in this insane game.  Thompson-Robinson had a huge night, Completing 25 of 38 passes for 507 yards and five TDs. He also ran for 57 yards and two TDs.  Felton caught seven passes for 150 yards and two score and also returned a kickoff 100 yards for a score.  For Wazzu, Gordon completed 41 of 61 passes for 570 yards and nine, yes nine TDs. Winston, Jr. caught 10 balls for 114 yards and four TDs. The teams combined for 130 points, 1,377 yards of offense, and ran 157 plays.
Telling Stat: Can't leave the ball on the ground;  Lost in all  the numbers of UCLA's epic comeback win over Wazzu is that UCLA forced six Wazzu turnovers and scored 28 points off those turnovers. 

Observations

...He might just be a little concerned however; According to the AP recap of the game,  Stanford HC David Shaw said this after his Cardinal were worked over by Oregon last Saturday.  "I'm not going to hit the panic button. I don't have a panic button. There's no panic button." Yeah, sure Dave.

...Over quickly; Hopefully, Pitt's upset of UCF ends the speculation that the Knights deserve a playoff chance.

...It's a big man's party, who could ask for more?;  Had to paraphrase Oingo Boingo for this one. I can't wait for 10/12 when Wisconsin hosts Michigan State.  I just want to see the Badgers O-line take on the Spartans front seven.

...A bitter harvest;  Stanford is 1-3 for the first time since 2007, which was former Cardinal HC Jim Harbaugh's first year at the helm in Palo Alto.

...Nittany thoughts; Nobody is talking about Penn State at all. Is it because their 3-0 record is against mostly weak competition or that some people think Maryland will upset them this week. Hmmmmmmm

...This just in; Tennessee still stinks.  The Volunteers had more turnovers (4) than points (3) against Florida last Saturday.

...UC coming out parties;  Cal QB Chase Garbers and UCLA QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson both look like they had that game where everything slowed down for them.  They looked confident with a good grasp of their respective offenses. Will they carry that good play on to their next game? We shall see.

...Head over heels for six;  In case you missed it, here's a look at the coolest TD run you will ever see thanks to Del Oro High School RB Kainoa Alcia. two-point landing

...Scary thought;  Who besides me thinks that Wisconsin could have hung 70 on Michigan if they wanted to?

...Quietly making noise; Wake Forest is 4-0.

...An unintended consequence;  Here's a twist on the new redshirt rule, University of Houston QB D'eriq King and WR Keith Corbin have decided to redshirt after the first four games this year.  Both were established starters and King had some Heisman buzz around him before the start of season. SMH. They'll sit this one out

...This also just in; The Pac 12 refs still really really stink. Last weekend saw the the stripes hand out an average of 15 penalties for 129 yards per game.  SMH.

...That's a short stack of pancakes;  Watch LSU LG Adrian Magee flatten not one but two Vandy defenders with time to celebrate in-between. Flattened

...A voice missed; Man, I miss hearing Pat Summerall's voice on Sundays.

...Maybe an injury; Check out how an ND player threw his own player to the ground for an injury while another ND player looks like he was supposed to hit the turf to slow down the Georgia offense.  Takedown

...Memo to Utah; USC QB Matt Fink likes to throw deep.

...Faint praise;  Notre Dame is getting all kinds of praise for losing by just six points at Georgia. Moral victories are for losers. Ask Charlie Weis.

...Somewhat bold prediction; Utah State will be the Mountain West Conference Champion.

...Well, it was a quiet bye week;  Arizona HC Kevin Sumlin has caught some major flak in the Twitterverse from Texas A&M fans after posting a rather ambiguous tweet.  Googly-eyes

...Just a rumor;  There is no truth to the rumor that Oregon State was a 10 point underdog to their Bye Week.

...Anger in Ann Arbor; The Wolverine faithful have let their frustrations be known.

...4-0 never felt so good;  SMU is 4-0 for the first time since 1984 after they beat TCU, 31-28 this past weekend. 

...Fun Trojans Stat; USC scored 30 points on Utah. The Utes had only given up 29 points total coming into their game with SC.

...Not into feeling the heat; 1-2 Northwestern HC Pat Fitzgerald isn't interested in your negativity and he went off about it. He Don't care

...On a Bur-Rowll;  LSU HC Ed Oregon's LSU tigers are on quite the roll.  His QB Joe Burrow has, in four games, thrown for more TD passes this year that LSU threw for all of last year.

...Feeling Boulder;  I get the feeling that CU HC Mel Tucker may end up being everything that ASU HC Herm Edwards wants you to think he is.

...Not a good pick;  College Gameday is heading to Lincoln, NE for the Ohio State- Nebraska game this week.  What makes anyone think this is a game worthy of hosting Gameday?

...The 1,000 yard stare; Wazzu  HC Mike Leach's blank stare into the abyss as his team was collapsing around him looked worse than USC HC Clay Helton's usual slacked-jawed stare from the sideline. Whoa.

...So long to another two-way player;  College football Hall of Famer E.J. Holub passed away at age 81 last week.  Holub was one of the last two way players.  He starred at Center and Linebacker at Texas Tech and made the 1960 ALL-America team alongside Mike Ditka and Bob Lilly. He then preformed at both positions in the AFL.  Holub started at linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I, then started at center for the Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. R.I.P, E.J.

Ugly Uniform of the Week

Not so much an ugly uniform more than just a poor choice wins this week.  The Tulane Green Wave wins for their choosing a uniform that highlights their sky blue secondary color.  When your team is called the Green Wave, an all-blue uniform is really not an option.

Pac 12 Overreactions

Cal has finally found a QB.
UCLA may now have the confidence to keep winning.
USC will go 8-4.
Oregon State will play a game this week.
Colorado HC Mel Tucker's force of will alone will get the Buffs to a bowl game.
Utah still has one more bad Pac 12 loss in them.
Arizona will play a game this week.
Washington can't win consistently with Jacob Eason alone.
Stanford is a 4-8 team at best.
Oregon might be more physical than Utah.
Arizona State could go 6-6 or 10-2.
Wazzu's epic choke job will cost them two more games.

Debunking 1916

Much was made in the media this week of how Utah hasn't beaten USC in Los Angeles since 1916, several years before the LA Coliseum was built.  Yes, that's a good stat, but it was used poorly when looking  at the series between the two schools.  The teams have met just 18 times total with nine of those times occurring since Utah joined the Pac 12 in 2011.  The first six times they met was from 1915-25 with single games sprinkled in the years 1948, 1993, and 2001. I love the stat and want USC to keep Utah winless in LA.  However, the length of the series doesn't make that stat something to be mentioned over and over again by the media.

Baseball and the Generations

Last week, the grandson of Red Sox Hall of Fame outfielder Carl Yastrzemski, Mike played Carl's old  position of left field at Fenway Park for the visiting San Francisco Giants.  Mike homered in his first game there and the nation was carried away with the story. My favorite take away from the younger Yaz's trip to Fenway was a bit of true Americana that just broke me right up. There were reports of Carl, now 80, standing in Fenway's famous left field giving his grandson tips on how to play balls hit off the Green Monster. To me this is the essence of baseball. Fathers and grandfathers hand this game down to their kids. We hand it down on fields big and small and in our own backyards. It's almost a scared rite of passage. For me to see that handing down of the game from Carl to Mike in Carl's old backyard was pretty special.  I just wish my backyard was as cool as Carl's.

Departments

Low Score Game of the Week: Wichita Falls, TX- This week's game comes from the Lone Star Conference in Division II where the Midwestern State Mustangs held off the University of Texas Permian Basin Falcons, 14-8.  A TD pass from QB Zach Purcell to WR Juwan Johnson in the first quarter and 9-yard TD run by RB Lazarus Fisher in the third quarter would be all the scoring that Midwestern State would need.  After giving up a field goal and safety in the third quarter, the Mustangs shutout the Falcons in the final period to gain the victory. The Falcons are obviously not as successful in football as their feeder high school, Odessa "Friday Night Lights" Permian High.

Blowout Game of the Week: Granville, OH- The Alma Mater of Woody Hayes, Denison University, Steamrolled the Hiram Collage Terriers, 66-7. The Big Red rushed for 329 yards on the Terriers with RB Alex Minton rushing for 90 yards on 15 carries and three TDs. QB Drew Dawkins completed seven of 11 passes for 152 yards and two TDs to compliment the Denison ground attack.

C.W. Post Press: Brookville, NY- In their Northeast Conference opener, the Sharks continued their initiation of pain to the FCS level with a 34-10 loss to the Sacred Heart Pioneers. Post did hold a 7-6 lead after one period of play thanks to a 20-yard TD gallop by QB Clay Beathard.  However, Sacred Heart QB Logan Marchi threw three second quarter TD passes give the Pioneers a 27-7 half-time lead. After a third period field goal by Post, SHU put the game away in the final stanza on a 44-yard TD run from RB Julius Chestnut. Up next for Post is a trip to Staten Island and a game with Wagner College.

Razorback Report: Things have seemed to hit rock bottom again with the Hogs as they dropped a home game to perennial Mountain West Conference bottom feeder, San Jose State, 31-24. The Spartans stunned the Hogs, racing out to a 24-7 halftime advantage behind two TD passes from QB Josh Love, a 15-yard TD run from RB Nick Nash and a 47-yard field goal from PK Matt Mercurio.  Arkansas mounted a comeback, eventually tying the game on eight-yard TD pass from QB Nick Starkel to WR Trey Knox. However, with just 1:13 to play, SJSU tallied the game winner when RB DeJon Packer gashed the Hogs defense for a 19-yard TD run. Arkansas has to be considering some  major changes after this loss especially at QB where Nick Starkel threw five interceptions. Up next for Arkansas is a trip to Jerryworld to face an angry Texas A&M squad.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

I'd like to wish everyone a happy first week of Fall even thought the Santa Ana's this week will send the temps into the 90s around here.

The Totchos at Bosscat Kitchen are awesome.

Lionel trains are still really cool.

Until next time folks, remember that heart, hope and confidence can be worth a couple of wins a year.

-The Commissioner

Week 3 2019

Hey All,

It's Tuesday and that means another edition of Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard.  We still miss you, Mel Durslag.

Summaries

BYU 30- USC 27 OT : The Trojans took their 2-0 record on the road to Provo where they reverted to their 2018 selves.  SC started the game well, sweeping right down the field and scoring on a TD pass from QB Kedon Slovis to WR Michael Pittman, Jr. Then BYU adjusted their defense and Slovis showed his youth, throwing two interceptions to end the Trojans next two drives. That was enough to shake up SC HC Clay Helton and the USC offense went into a Helton-led timid, conservative mode for the rest of the contest.  Meanwhile BYU came out lively, inspired and more ready to play than SC has looked in years. USC did manage to tie the game at 27-27 with just under two minutes to play thanks to a clutch 52-yard field goal from PK Chase McGrath. However, USC's last shot to win the game in regulation was thwarted by an absolutely poor offensive PI call.  Then came overtime where the Trojan defense who had been pushed around all day by BYU forced a field goal.  Down three, USC had the advantage, but wasted it on two ill-advised runs then took any chance away for a win or possible second overtime period when Slovis threw his third interception of the game into triple coverage.  BYU had the upset win and USC had another embarrassing defeat in the Clay Helton era. The USC offense rushed for just 171 yards and 3.8 yards per carry on a Cougar defense that had given up well over 200 yards per game and almost six yards per carry on the ground.  The Trojan defense once again failed to tackle well and couldn't control a mobile quarterback.
Telling Stat: -3=L; USC lost the turnover battle and the game. QB Kedon Slovis threw three interceptions. The first two gave BYU's defense the confidence they needed to take it to the USC offense and his final one literally killed the Trojans' last chance to win.

Washington State 31- Houston 24: Houston TX- This "neutral site" game was played just 8.4 miles away from the University of Houston campus. Also, all of us who watched were told ad nauseam about how Houston HC Dana Holgorsen and Wazzu HC Mike Leach both sprang forth from former football coach Hal Mumme's rib at Iowa Weslyan many years ago where the commandments of the Air Raid offense were handed down to Mumme in an inspired vision. Then, the two teams that shared  the explosive offense played a rather boring first half that sent Wazzu into the break down 14-7.  WSU then woke up in the third quarter and outscored Houston 24-10 the rest of the way to go 3-0 on the season.  Wazzu QB Anthony Gordon did put up great numbers again, completing 36 of 48 passes for 440 yards and three scores with an interception. Enough credit can't be given to WR Brandon Arconado who took several huge hits form the Houston defense while hauling in nine balls for 115 yards and a touchdown. Wazzu held on to win this one as UH made a late rally behind the arm and legs of QB D'eriq King. He ran for a TD with 2:21 to play to cut Wazzu's lead to just seven points. However, WSU WR Dalton Witherspoon recovered Houston's onside kick on the next play to snuff out Houston's last real chance at victory. King finished the game with 128 yards passing, 94 yards rushing and accounted for all three of UH's touchdowns in defeat.
Telling Stat: 2=10=L; Houston turned the ball over twice in the second half. Those turnovers were turned into 10 points by Wazzu and that was the difference in the game.

Arizona State 10- Michigan State 7: East Lansing, MI- After last week's moribund performance by the Sun Devils in their win over Sacramento State, almost nobody thought that Herm Edwards' team would come away with a win over Spartans.  That's why they play the games and ASU did play to win the game. (Sorry, had to go there.)  It sure didn't look like the Sun Devils would win the game with their anemic offense.  However, their anemia was matched by MSU in this game that saw the Sun Devils take a 3-0 lead int the final period thanks to a 41-yard field goal PK Christian Zendejas. The Spartans has already missed two field goal tries of their own, but seemed to have put this game away when they went on a 10-play, 70-yard rive that ended with a nine-yard TD jaunt by RB Elijah Collins. After all, ASU had managed to gain only 53 yards on 16 plays in the second half. So when the Sun Devils got the ball on their own 25-yard line with 3:34 to play, things looked pretty good for the Green And White. ASU freshman QB Jayden Daniels then came up with the drive of his young life. With 1:23 left and faced with a fourth and 13 from the MSU 28-yard line, Daniels scrambled for 15 yards and a first down. Four plays later RB Eno Benjamin just nudged the ball over the goal line to give ASU the lead. With :50 left, Michigan State drove down into field goal range.  PK Matt Coghlin's 42-yard kick split the uprights, but it was negated when the Spartans were called for having 12-men on the field.  Coghlin's next attempt from five yards further back was shanked and ASU had the win. Also, ASU wasn't flagged for hurdling the line from a running start which is illegal in college football. ASU escaped with the 10-7 win.
Telling Stat: Three misses= L;  Michigan State went just one of four on field goal attempts and that cost them the game. The misses were form 47, 31 and 47 yards.

Utah 31- Idaho State 0: Salt Lake City, UT- The Utes came out with a simplified game plan, jumped out to an early lead, then turned the final three quarters of this game into a glorified scrimmage. In a little over two quarters worth of work, QB Tyler Huntley completed 15 of 19 passes for 282 yards and three TDs. WR Bryan Thompson caught two of those passes for 105 yards and two TDs. RB Zack Moss led all rushers with 106 yards on just 10 carries with a TD to cap off Utah's offensive effort in this snooze fest at Rice- Eccles Stadium.
Telling Stat: 0= well-rested; Utah pitched an easy shutout which gave their starters a lot of rest heading into their Friday game at USC.   

Air Force 30- Colorado-23 OT: Boulder, CO- After their great comeback win over Nebraska last week, the big question for Colorado fans was could the Buffaloes avoid a let down against Air Force and their pesky option offense. The answer was a painful no for CU.  The Buffs jumped put to a 10-0 first quarter lead thanks to a 42-yard TD pass from QB Steven Montez to all-everything WR Laviska Shenault, Jr. and a 36- yard field goal by PK James Stefanou.  Then Air Force almost ran the Buffs off the range. The Falcons scored the next 23 points on a pair of TD passes sandwiched around a TD run along with a field goal the gave the Zoomies a 23-10 lead with 10:23 left in the final period. Colorado mounted a comeback like last week and would have won this game in regulation had one of their PAT's not been blocked down the stretch. The two teams headed to overtime and Air Force went ahead to stay on a 1-play drive that consisted of a 25-yard TD run by FB Kadin Remsberg. CU's last time with the ball ended in failure when Montez's fourth down pass fell incomplete.  Air Force gashed CU for 289 yards rushing on 52 carries with Remsburg gaining 146 of those yards on 23 carries and notching the game-wining score. Montez connected on 26 of 43 tosses for 220 yards, two TDs and an interception.
Telling Stat: -2 but still got the W; Air Force finished -2 in the turnovers, but won this game on other stats. They outgained, had more first downs, converted a higher percentage of third downs and held the ball for nine more minutes than Colorado. 

California 23- North Texas 17: Berkley, CA-  Early on, this looked like this game would be blowout for the Golden Bears. Cal scored the first four times they had the ball and held a 20-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.  The Cal offense then all but disappeared over the final three periods, while their defense barely held on for the win.  Cal QB Chase Garbers had a rather pedestrian day, completing just nine of 22 passes for 129 yards and a TD, but he did run for 70 yards on 18 carries to help move the chains late in the game.  North Texas QB Mason Fine completed 21 of 40 passes for 210 yards, 2 TDs and an interception in the losing effort.
Telling Stat: Four downs to escape; Cal's defense forced four straight incompletions on North Texas' final drive to secure a much tighter than expected win.  

UCF 45- Stanford 27: Orlando FL- Back when Stanford scheduled this home and home series years ago, the Cardinal figured this would be a fun trip and easy breather after facing USC. To quote John Wayne, "Not Hardly."  UCF blew the doors off the Cardinal from the opening kickoff. A 28-7 first quarter lead turned into a 38-7 UCF halftime advantage and this game was over for all intents and purposes.  The Golden Knights rendered the Stanford offense inert for the first three quarters. The Cardinal only managed to cross the 50-yard line twice in the first half and one of those two times, the drive stalled at the UCF 49-yard line.  Meanwhile, UCF scored on six of their first eight possessions to put the Stanford's offense in a hole that they couldn't dig out of.  The return of K.J. Costello for Stanford didn't help much either. Most of his 199 yards passing camp in the final period when the game was already decided. UCF QB Dillon Gabriel had a great day completing 22 of 30 passes for 347 yards and four TDs to four different receivers.
Telling Stat: 245/28/4:39= Blowout; In the first quarter UCF gained 245 yards, scored 28 points in just 4:39 of T.O.P. to humiliate Stanford.

Oregon State 45- Cal Poly SLO 7: Corvallis, OR- The Beavers exploded for 38 first half points en route to picking up their first win of the 2019 campaign. OSU star RB Jermar Jefferson missed the game due to a foot injury, but QB Jake Luton got the Beavers passing game rolling to cover his absence.  Luton connected on 17 of 22 passes for 255 yards and four TDs. Two of those went to the smallest kid on the field. WR Champ Flemings stands just 5'5" and weighs a slight 141 lbs, but he looked 10 feet tall grabbing five passes for 142 yards and a pair of scores. One of this TDs covered 75 yards.  RB B.J. Baylor led OSU's rushing attack with 110 yards on seven carries and a TD.  For Cal Poly, RB Duy Tran-Sampson ran for 137 yard on 29 carries to lead all rushers.
Telling Stat: 6 for 6=W; Oregon State scored on all six of their first half possessions to end this one early and pick ups their first win since October 27, 2018.  

Washington 52- Hawaii 20: Seattle, WA- No matter where he has been the HC, UW's Chris Petersen has been good at getting his teams to crush substantially weaker teams.  Yesterday, his Huskies did not disappoint, racing out to a 38-7 half time lead over the Warriors. UW Then took the third quarter off before tacking on two more TDs to complete the rout. . Husky QB Jacob Eason shook off last week's bad game v. Cal by completing 18 of 25 passes for  262 yards and three TDs.  WR Hunter Bryant caught five of Eason's passes for 115 yards and a TD to lead all receivers.  The Husky defense did there own damage to Hawaii by taking advantage of their erratic QB Cole McDonald.  McDonald did his best Jeff George imitation by getting picked off three times to go with 218 yards passing and a TD.  UW turned those three picks into 17 points.
Telling Stat: Blackjack!; Washington scored 21 points in the first 8:58 of the first quarter to put Hawaii in a hole they could never dig out of in this laugher in Seattle. 

Oklahoma 48- UCLA 14: Pasadena, CA- A crowd somewhat larger than last week partially filled the Rose Bowl. The visiting Sooner fan base bolstered by UCLA's free ticket giveaway along with the actual attendance by the solid tin sound of the bRuin marching band watched OU easily whip the hapless bRuins.  UCLA simply had no answer for OU QB Jalen Hurts. Hurts completed 15 of 20 passes for 289 yards and three TDs while rushing for 150 yards and another score on 14 carries. Meanwhile, the bRuin offense got beaten down by the OU defense.  The Sooners defense recorded four sacks, forced a pair of turnovers and kept the UCLA off balance for most of the evening. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson Threw for 201 yards, two TDs and a pair of interceptions to lead the bRuin offense.
Telling Stat: Worse than it was;  193 of UCLA's 311 total yards and final touchdown came after Oklahoma had the game well in hand with a 34-7 lead.

Arizona 28- Texas Tech 14: Tucson, AZ- With the recent history between these two schools, and an over/under of 90, this final score looks like it was pretty boring game at Memorial Stadium. It actually was pretty exciting with UofA showing some defense for once, while the offense discovered some power running to go with the talents of QB Khalil Tate. Don't get me wrong here, Tate still accounted for the bulk of the Wildcats offense.  However, when the Wildcats needed to put this game away they turned to RBs Gary Brightwell and Darius Smith. Up 20-14 with 11:08 to play, UofA was pinned down on their own one-yard line after a great punt by Texas Tech's Austin McNamara. Arizona then ran the ball 13 straight times,  gaining 83 yards and scoring the game-clinching touchdown. Brightwell and Smith got 12 of the carries on the drive. Brightwell got the TD when he found paydirt from a yard out. The drive also shaved 7:10 off the clock. That left the Red Raiders down 14 with just 3:58 to play.  The UofA defense held for downs on the ensuing drive and Brightwell ran the ball four more times to run out the clock and put this game in the win column for Arizona.  Tate, Brghtwell, and Smith combined to rush the ball 47 times for 276 yards and three TDs for Arizona.  For Texas Tech, QB Alan Bowman hit on 30 of 55 aerials for 307 yards, a TD and two interceptions in the loss.
Telling Stat: Some D in a world of O; In a game expected to blow out a few bulbs on the scoreboard, the Arizona defense held Texas Tech to 14 points despite giving up 411 yards and 22 first downs. 

Oregon 35- Montana 3: Eugene, OR- The Grizzlies of Montana walked into Autzen Stadium at 2-0 and ranked #20 in the FCS.  They just didn't have enough to keep up with the Ducks and got steam rolled. Justin Herbert had a fine night completing 30 of 42 passes for 316 yards and all five of Oregon's TDs. The Ducks ran the ball well too with RB Travis Dye toting the rock 17 times for 101 yards.  Oregon as team rushed for 247 yards on the Grizzlies. The Quacks defense allowed only one Montana scoring drive.  That drive ended in a field goal late in the third quarter which let the Grizzlies avoid their first shutout in 31 years.
Telling Stat: 6.5 > 8; Oregon rushed for 6.5 yards per carry on Montana while holding Montana to just eight yards rushing total in this snoozer at Phil's house. 

Observations

...No deception; Anyone remember the last time USC ran a reverse, a fly sweep, or even just simple counter play?  I don't.

...Faceplam; Just follow this link and nod your head in approval. No Words

...Child labor;  Nothing like using your kid for a publicity stunt. This Seminole booster has had enough of Willie Taggart. Sour Lemons

...400k and a W;  The Citadel picked up a nice 400,000 dollar check in addition to beating Georgia Tech last week.  Last time I remember the Citadel picking up a fat check to upset a team, the coach quit.  So Long, Jack Crowe

...A reprise for a legend;  Michigan State legendary coach Duffy Daugherty still sits with Mark D'Antonio atop the Michigan State all-time wins list after the Spartans failed to beat ASU.

...Just ask him anything; Heading into Pac 12 play this week, WSU HC Mike Leach was asked a hypothetical question about a battle royal between all the Pac 12 mascots.  Here's his take, enjoy. The Pirate Speaks

...Big legs; The longest field goal made this season is 57 yards. PKs Cameron Dicker of Texas, James McCourt of Illinois and Jordan Stout of Penn State all have made one from that distance. Whoa.

...Flying in Starkville;  Check out this insane helicopter spin. Nat Moore would be proud. Flying

...An RB in Stillwater; Okie State RB Chuba Hubbard is leading the nation with 521 yards rushing in three games this year.

...Obviously not going well; This pic from the Rose Bowl sums up most bRuin fans reaction to UCLA's second straight 0-3 start.

...Aztec uprising; San Diego State may be the best team in California. Ouch.

...Da Bears Story;  In case you ever wanted to know how "Da Bears" got started here's the backstory. Of course this link is to the Chicago Tribune. Da Bearsss!

...The results are in; After another informal poll of Oregon fans, they still don't miss Willie Taggart and don't feel sorry for Florida State either.

...Between the hedges for the Dome;  I am looking forward to Notre Dame's trip to Georgia this week.

...Ummmm Awkward; So, Fox's Big Noon Kickoff Show is headed to the Coliseum for the Utah-USC game on Friday.  Like it won't totally be weird having Urban Meyer at a game with Clay Helton. SMH. Oh, and funny how Meyer's presence has overshadowed the return of Reggie Bush to the venerable old yard.

...That time of year; It must be football season, if my browser history includes the Lawrence Journal-World, Charlotte Observer, Oregonian and the Chicago Tribune.

...1 out of 2 is really bad; The Pac 12 crew did catch the 12 men on Michigan State's first field goal attempt at the end off their game with ASU, but they missed ASU's leaping foul on the second. Thanks, Larry Scott. They blew it

...Memo to USC special teams coach John Baxter; It's ok to take a touchback every once in a while too. SMH.

...A tip of the Mad Hatter;  Hats off and three cheers to man in the hat with the bad dye job, Les Miles.  Nobody thought he'd have Kansas at 2-1. Their 48-24 road thrashing of Boston College was KU's first road win over a Power 5 opponent in nearly 11 years. Their 48-game road losing streak is over. Funny how Mr. Schematic Advantage himself, Charlie Weis couldn't win a road game when he was at KU.  Hmmmmm.

...A W for the managers; Not one, but two weather delays prolonged the Iowa-Iowa State game into a 5:53 minute affair.  During the second delay, Iowa's team managers with the aid of a police escort, rounded up sandwiches for the team. Everyone needs to eat

...2 out of 2 is really really bad;  The ACC made not one but two officiating errors that may have changed game outcomes. The first came on the final play of last Friday's UNC-Wake Forest game. The second came at the end of the FSU-Virginia game where after an FSU first down at the Virginia four-yard line trailing by seven with what was supposed to be seven seconds left. Seconds to burn

...12 worse than 10; When it comes to special teams personnel, having 12 men on the field is far worse than just 10.  Michigan State will tell you that having 12 gets you penalized while having 10 is just a running joke involving USC special teams coach John Baxter.

...Three the hard way; Pitt has scored only three points total in the second half of games this season. Whoa.

...More anticipation; I'm also looking forward to Wisconsin-Michigan this week too.

...They needed a chaperone;  When folks were asked to leave Jack Trice Stadium during a weather delay at the Iowa-Iowa State game. everyone left the stadium except for the students.  They took the field and had fun in the hail storm.

...Three cheers for the Jones boys; ESPN released a list of the 150 greatest college football teams of all-time with one pair of brothers making the list.  USC's immortal HC Howard Jones made the list at #82 with his 1932 Thundering Herd squad. Then checking in at #134 is the 1923 Yale team coached by T.A.D. "Tad" Jones, Howard's younger brother.  The brothers only met twice in their head coaching careers.  When Howard Jones was the Iowa HC, he brought his Hawkeyes squad to Yale and beat Tad's Bulldogs, 6-0. The other time was in the 1932 Olympics where American Football was a demonstration sport. Howard's West team beat Tad's East team 6-0. (Note the late kickoff time on ticket stub pictured below.)

Pac 12 Overreactions 

Arizona may go to a bowl.
ASU has enough heart to overcome their youth at QB.
Cal's lack of offense will cost them four games.
Stanford will lose to Cal.
Oregon will win the Pac 12.
Oregon State will go 2-10.
UCLA will go 1-11.
USC will finish 6-6.
Washington State will lose two bad weather games.
Washington will eventually play a road game.
Colorado will make a bowl.
Utah will drop two games that they shouldn't.

The Want of Urban

With most folks feeling that Clay Helton's days at USC are numbered, the speculation has grown and grown and grown as to who should replace Helton.  A good portion of the fan base is looking to Urban Meyer to take the job.  This Urban Meyer fever throughout the fan base reminds me of all the speculation back 2012 when then Los Angeles Lakers HC Mike Brown was going to get axed.  Cries near and far for Phil Jackson's return echoed throughout Lakerland. However when Brown was shown the door, Mike D'Antoni, not Phil Jackson got the job.  The fans were greatly disappointed and showed their anger at D'Antoni because they didn't get Phil.  The USC fan base may be headed down the same path of disappointment and anger if Urban doesn't succeed Clay.

Ugly Uniform of the Week

So good to have you back, Oregon!  The Ducks and their often awful uniforms are the inspiration for this section of the column. What would fall be without your stomach churning Hi-Liter Yellow ensemble?

Departments

Low Score Game of the Week: Worcester, MA- This week's game comes from D-III where the Worcester Polytechnic Institute PK Bryce Wade kicked a pair of field goals to lift the WPI Goats to a 6-3 win over the Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute Engineers.  The Goats were able to reclaim the Transit Trophy with the win.  Go Goats!

Blowout Game of the Week: Holland, MI- We have another D-III winner here. The Flying Dutchmen of Hope College easily swatted away the Defiance College Yellow Jackets, 80-6. Everyone played for Hope in this laugher as 18 different Flying Dutchemen handled the ball.  QB Mason Opple completed 10 of 13 passes for 263 yards and five TDs.  Hope's defense forced seven turnovers and held the Yellow Jackets to just 18 yards rushing.

C.W. Post Press: The Sharks had a bye this week and will host Sacred Heart next week in one of their few home games this year.

Razorback Report: Fayetteville, AR- It was quite the back and forth affair between the Razorbacks and Colorado State.  The score stood tied at 34-34 at the start of the fourth quarter. Arkansas then did what they hadn't done in a long time. They finished strong and buried an opponent in the final period. Following a missed field goal by the Rams, Arkansas went on touchdown drives 68 and 74 yards to push out to a 48-34 lead. The Hogs then clinched the game on a 25-yard fumble return for a TD by CB LaDarius Bishop with 3:31 to play. QB Nick Starkel completed 20 of 35 passes for 305 yards and three TDs to lead the Hogs offensive attack.  Next up for the Razorbacks is a visit from another Mountain West Conference team, the San Jose State Spartans.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

Simple recipes are usually the best.

The last week of summer is to be cherished.

Every time my street gets repaved, the lane configuration gets changed. Why?

Until next time folks, remember talking about getting better doesn't make you better.

-The Commissioner

Week 2 2019

Hey All,

It's time once again to rehash the weekend that was in the Pac 12 in another edition of Notes on Pac 12 Scorecard. We still miss you, Jim Murray.

Summaries

USC 45- Stanford 20: Analysts and fans alike had dubbed this game the Backup Bowl after both USC and Stanford lost their starting QBs in the prior week's action.  Stanford had the early upper hand in this one, slashing through the Trojan defense like a hot knife through butter. They built a 17-3 lead thanks to a 15-yard TD pass from QB Davis Mills to WR Connor Wedington, a three yard burst by RB Cameron Scarlett and a 32-yard field goal by PK Jet Toner. At this point the Coliseum was filled with angst and dread.  Most thought this was just gonna be an embarrassing Stanford blowout. Then, USC did something they hadn't done since the 2017 Rose Bowl.  They mounted a serious comeback. The Trojans went on a 42-3 run for the rest of the game to chop down the Fighting Trees of Palo Alto.  SC's backup QB turned starter Kedon Slovis simply tore apart the Stanford secondary.  With the help of a great group of wide receivers and running backs, he completed 28 of 33 passes for 377 yards and three TDs.  The most amazing of which was the 39-yarder he threw to WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Kid's Three TDs  The SC defense had a good night too. After their dismal start they did give up more yards, but no more points as they allowed only two more Stanford scoring threats that ended in a missed a field goal and a partially blocked field goal by OT Austin Jackson. When it was over USC had claimed a much needed win that left the everyone feeling good about SC football for the first time in a long time.
Telling Stat: 35-0 in 38:00;  From the 8:00 mark of the second quarter on, USC outscored Stanford 35-0 over the last 38 minutes the game to blow the Cardinal out of the Coliseum and back to the The Farm.

Arizona State 19- Sacramento State 7: Tempe, AZ- The Sun Devils, stumbled, bumbled, and fumbled their way to a very unimpressive win over the Hornets. The Sac State defensive line did their impression of the '85 Bears and seemed to be almost unblcokable by ASU's OL. ASU relied on the leg of Christian Zendejas, (Yes, there is yet another Zendejas that kicks.), to grab a 3-0 lead just before the half.  Three more FGs stretched the lead to 12-0 midway through the fourth quarter. The ASU faithful were frustrated but, confident their Sun Devils would survive against the Hornets.  That comfort left them when Sac State QB Kevin Thomson hooked up with WR Tao McClinton for a nine-yard TD pass. Suddenly Sac State had cut ASU's lead to just 12-7 with 6:20 to play.  On the ensuing possession ASU QB Jayden Daniels hit RB Eno Benjamin with a short pass that the RB then turned into a 72-yard TD to ice the game with 4:42 to play.  Daniels did finish the game hitting 17 of 27 passes for 304 yard and a TD despite looking bad for a good portion of the contest. Thomson completed 32 of 50 tosses for 263 yards, a TD and an interception in the narrow defeat.
Telling Stat: O-line woes; ASU won this game despite rushing for just 91 yards on the Hornets. 

Utah 35- Northern Illinois 17: Salt Lake City, UT- Utah struggled with the Huskies for a good portion of the first half.  NIU tool an early 7-0 lead on a drive that covered 88 yards in 12 plays. That drive was capped off with a nine-yard TD run by QB Ross Bowers.  Utah's offense found their way in the second quarter when RB Demari Simpkins and Zack Moss and QB Tyler Huntley all scored on TD runs of 13, 16, and 16 yards to give the Utes a 21-17 half-time edge.  Then in the second half, Utah's defense pitched a shutout while the offense found the end zone two more times on a other Zack Moss scamper of 5 yards and a 14-yard TD pass from Huntley to WR Jaylen Dixon.  The score was higher this time around, but this game felt similar to the first time these two teams squared off last year at NIU. Utah had some struggles but wore down the Huskies to grab the win.
Telling Stat; A triple for the trio;  Utah's offense trio of Simpkins, Moss and Huntley all come form Hallandale Hugh School in Florida. They each scored a rushing TD in the second period Saturday to give the Utes a lead they wouldn't surrender over NIU. 

Colorado 34- Nebraska 31 OT: Boulder, CO- Things were looking pretty bleak for the Buffaloes as they headed to their locker room at halftime. The Buffs were down 17-0, had gained zero yards rushing and the home Folsom Field crowd looked like a sea of visiting Husker Red. The Buffaloes then got off the deck and and went on a comeback stampede in the second half that sent the Big Red down to a devastating defeat. CU crawled back into the game late in the third period when RB Jaren Mangham crossed the double stripe from 11 yards out. Then, pinned down on their own four-yard line to start the fourth quarter, Colorado ran a Flea Flicker that completely surprised everyone including the Nebraska defense. 96 yards later CU WR K.D. Nixon was in the end zone.  That led to a wild finish that saw the Buffs outscore the Huskers 24-14 to force overtime.  CU had the ball first in overtime. They drove down to the NU 17, but had to settle for a 34-yard FG by PK James Stefanou.  It was then Nebraska's turn with the ball. After two plays gained just one yard, Cornhusker QB Adrian Martinez dropped back and was sacked for a seven yard loss.  On the next play NU PK Isaac Armstrong missed a 48-yard FG attempt and the Buffs had the comeback win.  Colorado QB Steven Montez finished the game with 375 yards passing and a pair of scores, while Nixon finished with 148 yards receiving and one TD.  In the loss, Adrian Martinez threw for 290 yards, a pair of TDs and an Interception for Nebraska.
Telling Stat: 34/360;  Colorado scored all 34 of their points and gained 360 of their 464 total yards in the second half to beat Nebraska.

SDSU 23- UCLA 14- Pasadena, CA- In front of hundreds of fans at the Rose Bowl, San Diego State controlled the clock and the game to pick up their first ever win over the bRuins. UCLA took their only lead of the game when they capitalized on a 30-yard punt return by PR Kyle Phillips. QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson then drove UCLA 41 yards in four plays. RB Joshua Kelley capped off the drive on a 5-yard run to make the score 7-0 Westwood.  That would be the only lead the bRuins would have all day.  The Aztecs methodically took control of the clock and the game after that score. SDSU went on a 14-play, 75-yard drive to tie the game when RB Chase Jasmin crossed the double stripe from two yards out.  Then the Aztecs took the lead for good when PK Matt Araiza connected from 43 yards for a 10-7 lead.  UCLA then fumbled on their opening drive of the second half and two plays later QB Ryan Agnew found WR Kobe Smith for a 34-yard TD pass and the Aztecs held a 17-7 lead.  UCLA did answer with a TD of their own to cut the Aztecs lead to 17-14, but that would be as close as they would get to victory.  SDSU kicked two more field goals to put the bRuins away.  Aztec QB Ryan Agnew led the SDSU offense with 293 yards passing and a TD.
Telling Stat: Pasadena freeze out; Over the last 21:53 of the game, SDSU held UCLA to just 47 yards on their final 22 plays to secure the Aztecs first ever win over the bRuins.

Washington State 59 Northern Colorado 17:  Pullman, WA- Another Week, another weak opponent for the Cougars. They easily trounced the Golden Bears of the FCS. Wazzu QB Anthony Gordon completed 31 of 39 passes for 464 yard and four TDs.  Up 24-10 at the break, the Cougars came out and hung 28 straight points on UNC to start the second half which sent everyone to the bars early.
Telling Stat: 59/594/23:59; Wazzu easily crushed UNC, putting 59 points and 594 yards on the board in 23:59 T.O.P

Oregon 77 -Nevada 6: Eugene, OR- The Ducks came out and took a boat load of frustrations out on the Wolfpack. After a slow start that saw Nevada draw to within a point at 7-6, the Webfoots went on a 70-0 run the rest of the way to notch their first win of the season. QB Justin Herbert completed 19 of 26 passes for 310 yards and five TDs in a little over a two quarters work.  Each of Herbert's TD tosses went to a different receiver. Backup Tyler Shough picked up where Herbert left off further torching the Nevada defense by connecting on eight of nine passes for 92 yards and two TDs.  The Quacks ran the ball well too. Six different Ducks carried the ball a total of 39 times for 221 yards and three TDs.
Telling Stat: 28/7;  After giving up the field goal that cut their lead over Nevada to 7-6, Oregon' s defense held the Wolfpack to just seven yards of offense the rest of the second quarter while the offense put 28 points on the board to end this one early. 

California 20 - Washington 19: Seattle, WA- It was cold and rainy in Seattle. So what, that's not  a story.  The story is that the weather featured lighting and lots of it which triggered a two-hour, thirty-eight minute rain delay that had most folks wondering if the game would be postponed or cancelled. Unfortunately for the Huskies the game was restarted.  Cal then scrapped and clawed and outmuscled the Huskies to get a victory that stunned what was left of the Husky Stadium crowd and those of us who were still awake to watch the finish at home. However, it shouldn't have stunned folks because Cal did the same thing to UW a year ago at Memorial Stadium. This was as even a game as the score looks, with the Cal defense holding ballyhooed transfer QB Jacob Eason in cheek for the night.  Eason completed only 18 of 30 throws for 162 yards and an interception. The Golden Bears ability to stop Eason forced several UW drives to stall and only get field goals instead of TDs.  In fact, UW thought they had pulled this game out when PK Peyton Henry nailed a 50-yarder with just over 2:00 to play.  Then Cal actually put together their only real drive of the night. QB Chase Garbers, who only completed 11 passes all night, completed three in a row on this final drive.  Those completions and a PI call on the Huskies set up Cal with a first and goal at the UW three-yard line with :35 left on the clock.  On fourth down, Cal PK Greg Thomas made good on a 17- field goal attempt and the Golden Bears had the win. Husky RB Salvon Ahmed rushed for 119 yards on 21 carries and a TD in the painful loss.
Telling Stat: 3s aren't 7s; Cal outscored Washington 17-9 in the second half thanks to their defense which bent, but didn't break. They forced three UW field goals, keeping the Dawgs out of the end zone for the final thirty minutes.

Here's the weather front that cause the delay in Seattle

Arizona 65- Northern Arizona 41: Tucson, AZ- The Wildcats blew the doors off the Lumberjacks   early. The Wildcats put up 21 first quarter points then 30 more in the second stanza to take a 51-13 lead into intermission.  UofA came out flat for the second half and NAU threw up to 28 second half points to make this game look a lot closer than it really was. The Wildcats piled up 720 yards of offense with 431 yard coming one the ground.  RB Gary Brightwell carried the ball only five times, but gained 141 yards with a TD.  His backfield mate J.J. Taylor, gained 102 yards on 10 carries with a score of his own. QB Khalil Tate completed 14 of 17 passes for 138 yards and two TDs before giving way to backup Greg Gunnell who cut up the Lumberjacks for 151 yards and three TDs. For NAU, QB Case Cookus completed 28 of 48 passes for 373 yards and two TDs.
Telling Stat: 30 minutes equals an ugly blowout; UofA came out and played a nearly perfect first half, then backed it up with a penalty filled, mistake ridden second half to make this game look like the shootout it never really was.  

Hawaii 31- Oregon State 28: The Hawaii defense, yes the Hawaii defense paved the way for the Warriors to claim a comeback win over the hapless Beavers. The Warriors often erratic QB Cole McDonald threw a 29-yard TD pass to tie the game at 28-28 midway through the third quarter. Then he guided UH to the game wining field goal after the Beavers misfired on a fourth and six on their own 34-yard line. PK Ryan Haskell's 28-yard field goal gave Hawaii a 31-28 lead.  Oregon State had one more real shot to tie the game when they drove to the UH 34-yard line.  PK Jordan Choukiar's 52-yard FG attempt missed and Hawaii had the win. McDonald was the Hawaii offense completing 30 of 52 aerials for 421 yards, four TDs and only one interception.  OSU RB Jermar Jefferson paced the Beavers with 183 yards rushing on 31 carries and a TD.
Telling Stat: 0 for 30; The Hawaii defense shutout Oregon State in the second half, only allowing the Beavers no further than the Hawaii 34-yard line.

Observations

...Surprise like;  I am on record as not being a fan of all the turnover chains and other such garbage handed to defensive players on the sidelines for just doing their job, so it came as a surprise to me that I actually like what USC is doing this year.  This turnover sword just looks bold.

...The Traveling Post;  C.W Post had made the jump to the FCS this season and is being punished for it.  Post only has two home games this year and eight on the road. Ouch.

...To quote Dire Straits, "Oh yeah, the boy can play";  USC true frosh QB Kedon Slovis has some serious skills.

...Something I thought I'd never write;  The Hawaii defense carried the Warriors to victory last Saturday.

...Wildcat resurgence;  In two games under new HC Chris Klieman, Kansas State is 2-0 with two blowout victories. Klieman came to KSU from FCS power North Dakota State.  With folks starting to rave about Maryland, keep the Wildcats on your radar.

...NFL mean stat of the week; Tennessee walloped Cleveland, 42-13 Sunday.  That dropped the Browns to 1-19-1 in their last 21 openers.

...Quick fade;  Suddenly, Miami is 0-2 and 0-1 in the ACC. Hmmmmmmm.

...He wrote it; San Jose Mercury News Pac 12 reporter Jon Wilner said this about USC, "...The Trojans are absolutely loaded at tailback and receiver. As long as (Kedon) Slovis doesn't get in the way- and the same could be said of (Clay) Helton- the Trojans should contend for the division and conference titles."

...Tough task;  Hawaii has two Pac 12 wins, witch is something UCLA or Oregon State may have a hard time achieving this year.

...Made Al Michaels laugh;  Credit Al Michales for pulling to together after this came across an open mic during the Bears-Packers game last week.  It's NSFW folks, here's the link.  Open Mic Night

...Saying it now;  Wisconsin is going to whip Michigan in two weeks.

...Big Red Zero;  Not only has Nebraska lost their last five games that have gone to overtime, the Cornhuskers have failed to score a single point in any of those overtime periods. Wow.

...Cardinal pain;  Things just may just get far worse for Stanford as they travel to UCF this week.

...Carolina good;  If anybody tells you that they thought North Carolina would be 2-0 to start the season they are lying.

...More than fashionably late; The Ivy League doesn't begin play until September 21st. The yachting season isn't over in Newport yet.

...Still a dumpster fire;  Rutgers was shut out 30-0 by Iowa and was held to only five first downs in the process. SMH.

...He said it; CU HC Mel Tucker rallied his troops with some pretty straight forward words at halftime v. Nebraska.  He told his charges, "We've taken their best shot, let's go give 'em ours." The Buffs sure did.

...Note to Jim Harbaugh;  Please start winning games by a large margin. I don't think old Dan Dierfdorf can take the lackluster efforts from the Wolverines much longer.  Listening to him lose it on the UM radio broadcast last week has me concerned.

...A requiem denied; Due to the "serious medical incident" that New Mexico HC Bob Davie suffered two weeks ago on the sideline, he won't travel to Notre Dame with the team for the Lobos game with the Fighting Irish this week.  That's kind of sad.

...Two picks, two losses; In an eerily similar play to the interception he threw last week to snuff out the Bulldogs chances v. USC, Fresno State QB Jorge Reyna was picked off by Minnesota to let the Golden Gophers escape the Central Valley with a 38-35 OT win.  2 The Hard Way

...The Turtle rises; Maryland's 63-20 beatdown of Syracuse was brutal. Maryland whipped the Orange for a full 60 minutes.  Oh, and the win cost Syracuse a shot to host College Gameday for the first time.  If Syracuse had won, Lee Corso and the whole crew would have been there for their matchup with Clemson.

...That missing feeling; Even the wins have felt like losses at USC over the last two seasons.  The feeling of a good win returned with the Trojans come-from-behind whipping of The Farm. Most Trojan fans forgot what that was like.

...Illi-Jans;  Don't look now, but Illinois is 2-0 and HC Lovie Smith has to thank the former USC players that came to Illinois through the transfer portal.

...Simple advice; Winless and looking like this guy is no way to go through life.

...Let me repeat,  Winless and looking like this guy is no way to go through life.

...Geaux O;  Who didn't enjoy LSU beating Texas?

...Blame it on the quarter system;  For their home opener v. SDSU, UCLA didn't bother to bring their band to their own home game at the Rose Bowl.  Now that's some apathy for you.

...Still smiling; Oregon fans are still thrilled that Willie Taggart left UO for the Florida State job.

...High availability;  What makes me think there will be plenty of tickets available for Oklahoma's visit to the Rose Bowl this week to take on UCLA?

...It's cool to be 1-0;  I am 1-0 in my fantasy football league. I am celebrating now because last year I started off 1-0 and finished in ninth place.


Special Section- Swann Song

At about noon on 9/9/2019, the greater USC community received an e-mail from new USC President Carol Folt stating that Athletic Director Lynn Swann had retired.  Which is really "retired" in the sense that he would be fired if he didn't step down as asked. This triggered great expressions of joy from USC fans everywhere. Swann was a bad hire as was Pat Haden before him and Mike Garrett before him. Swann was particularly unqualified to be an AD. He also took arrogant and aloof to another level which is hard to do at SC.  Let's just hope USC hires a person from outside the Trojan Family who has real experience running a major college athletic department. Good bye, Lynn see you on the golf course...jackass.

Pac 12 Overreactions

Cal's defense might score more than their offense this year.
Oregon State might go 0-12.
UCLA may go 1-11.
USC may have found their new Sam Darnold.
Washington is not nearly as good as last year.
ASU will lose six games.
Arizona will lose seven games.
Stanford can't win without KJ Costello.
Colorado is going to a bowl.
Utah will go 10-2 at best.
Washington State will start 7-0.
Oregon might wear another not-so-ugly uniform.

Ugly Uniform of the Week

Gotta go to East Lansing for this week's winner. Michigan State wore these neon green nightmares v. Western Michigan. Facepalm.

Departments

Low Score Game of the Week: Oberlin, OH- PK Greg Kearns kicked a 23-yard field goal with 14:05 left in the fourth quarter to lift the Kalamazoo College Hornets to a 3-0 win over the Oberlin College Yeomen. The Kalamzaoo defense did just enough to hold on for a win, keeping Oberlin scoreless on four trips to the red zone.

Blowout Game of the Week: Hunstville, TX- After dropping a tough one to FBS foe New Mexico last week, the FCS powerhouse Sam Houston State Bearkats walloped Oklahoma Panhandle State, 77-0. The Aggies of the NAIA had no answer for the SHSU rushing attack.  The Bearkats ran for 411 yards and eight TDs on the afternoon. RB Tonell Carter had a short but fine day, rushing for 106 yards on 10 carries with three TDs.  The Bearkats defense stuffed the Aggies offense allowing only five first downs and 107 total yards.

C.W. Post Press: Brookings, SD- The Pioneers are now known as the Sharks, but they must feel like bait after getting thumped, 38-3 by South Dakota State in their first game at the FCS level. QB Clay Beathard completed only nine of 20 passes for 71 yards and an interception for Post.  Meanwhile SDSU QB Kanin Nelson only has to throw eight passes all day, completing six for 138 yards and a TD. The Jackrabbits just methodically ran the clock and the Sharks out of the building.  They rushed the ball 42 times for 186 yards and three TDs.  SDSU Highlights

Razorback Report: Oxford, MS- It was another bad night for the Hogs as they dropped their SEC opener, 31-17 to the Rebels of Ole Miss. Rebel QB Matt Corral hit on 16 of 24 aerials with two TDs and 46-yards rushing on 10 carries to lead the offense.  The Hogs had no answer to the Rebels rushing game either with Scottie Phillips rushing for 143 yards and two TDs on 26 carries.  The Arkansas defense did manage to keep their team in the game with DB Kamren Curl scooping up a fumble to cut the Rebels lead to just 17-10 early in the fourth quarter.  However, the Arkansas offense never got untracked, scoring their only TD long after the game had been decided. Up next for the Hogs is a much needed bye week.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

The last couple of weeks of summer are always the most fun.

The one thing I really need quickly from Amazon will always be delayed.

La Española Meats in Harbor City is a really great place. 

Until next time folks, remember one good game doesn't make a season, but man it feels great.

-The Commissioner

Week 0/1 2019

Hey All,

I am pleased to write that it's time again for the column that makes you just love Tuesdays, Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard.  We still miss you, Alan Malamud

Summaries

USC 31- Fresno State 23: When this game kicked off it marked the end of a very, very, very long offseason that included the head scratching move to retain HC Clay Helton after last year's 5-7 debacle of a season that many of us who read this blog have discussed ad nauseam. USC started the game with the promise of change and a whole new offense, a version of the Air Raid.  What Trojan fans got was an eerie replay of last year's games just wrapped in new packaging. Despite getting a penalty for having two guys wearing the same jersey number on the opening kickoff, USC managed to race out to a 14-0 lead on the Bulldogs thanks to slick passing form QB J.T. Daniels and a pair of TDs form RB Stephen Carr. Most USC fans hoped that this would be a blowout and a return to dominating Trojan football. Uhhhhhh, no.  USC reverted to 2018 form the rest of the game, barely hanging on to beat the kids from Fresno. Oh, and the O-line managed to get Daniels injured and lost for the rest of the season. Deep into the second quarter, the OL failed to pick up a Fresno blitz and Daniels went down awkwardly, tearing his ACL and meniscus in the process. In Daniels' place came in true freshman backup Kedon Slovis.  Slovis played like a true freshman thrown into the fire for the rest of the game and that placed USC in survival mode. The Trojans did survive thanks to a 100-yard kickoff return for a TD by Velus Jones and a late interception in the end zone by FS Isaiah Pola-Mao. In the loss, FSU QB Jorge Reyna threw for 256 yards, two TDs, and that huge interception. Daniels did complete 25 of 34 passes for 215 yards and a score before he was lost for the year.
Telling Stat: 100 +1= Shaky W; Without the Velus Jones kickoff return and Isaiah Pola-Mao's pickoff USC goes down to an absolutely embarrassing loss in the Coliseum. 

Hawaii 45- Arizona 38: Back on August 24th Arizona went out and promptly embarrassed the Pac 12 in a painful loss that served up a variety of thrills to those who stayed up and watched this late night affair. It became clear early on that the only team that could stop Hawaii in this game was Hawaii.  Hawaii built up a 14-0 early lead and held a 28-21 halftime advantage behind the erratic arm of QB Cole McDonald. McDonald threw four TD passes and three interceptions in the first half.  Hawaii built-up a 35-21 lead to start the third quarter when RB Dayton Furuta ran through the Arizona defense from three yards out.  Hawaii then proceeded to stop themselves with three consecutive turnovers.  The third one was McDonald's fourth interception of the contest and led to a 21-yard TD pass form UofA QB Khalil Tate to WR Stanley Berryhill that tied the game at 35-35. Warriors HC Nick Rolovich had had enough and benched McDonald.  In stepped Chevan Coedeiro who guided Hawaii to a field goal on his first drive, then threw a 30-yard TD pass to WR Cedric Byrd III on his second drive to stake the Warriors to a 45-35 lead with 5:02 to play.  The Wildcats then stumbled and bumbled their way to a field goal to cut the Hawaii lead to 45-38.  Hawaii then managed two run off a little over four minutes off the clock before the Wildcats got the ball back with no timeouts and :51 seconds left.  Tate drove his team down to the Hawaii 31 with :10 seconds left. He then dropped back, got flushed from the pocket and took off for the end zone. Tate was tackled at the one-yard line and Hawaii claimed the victory.  Tate pretty much was the UofA offense completing 22 of 39 passes for 361 yards, 3 TDs and two picks.  He also ran for 108 yards on 13 carries.  For Hawaii, Cole McDonald, in a little over two quarters work, completed 29 of 41 passes for 378 yards, four TDs  and four big interceptions while his replacement Cordeiro completed five of seven tosses for 58 yards and a TD.
Telling Stat: 3 for 15 +1= L;  With 3:58 left in the fourth quarter, UofA committed three straight false starts on a field goal attempt that led to a timeout being called to get their act together. The Wildcats sorely needed the time out as Hawaii burned most of the clock on their next possession. 

Utah 30- BYU 12: Ain't nothing like a rivalry game in week one.  This one had all the elements of a rivalry game.  It had hard hits, acrimony between both sides, big plays, and even a weather delay. The first half was a defensive struggle with BYU managing to put two filed goals on the board while Utah kicked one field goal and then took a 9-6 lead into the half when LB Francis Bernard snagged an ill-advised passes form BYU QB Zach Wilson and rumbled 58-yards to paydirt. The PAT was missed. The Utes came out for the third quarter and just shutdown the Cougars.  A pair of TD runs by RBs Jayden Dixon and Zack Moss along with another pick six by Utah DB Julian Blackmon gave the Utes a 30-6 lead that they wouldn't give up. With 9:19 to go the Cougars got a TD run from RB Ty'Son Williams. Then the rains and the lightning and the thunder came. With the weather came a 54 minute delay. After then teams returned to the field, Utah ran off a 14-play, 68 yard drive to kill the clock. The Utes final three plays were kneel downs inside the BYU five-yard line. Moss amassed 187 yards rushing on 29 carries and a TD to lead the Utah offense, while BYU QB Zach Wilson threw for 208 yards with two pick sixes in the loss.
Telling Stat: 23:01 to the win; Utah held the ball for 23:01 T.O.P in the second half v. the Cougars. That offensive domination  plus a second pick six form the defense made this one a laugher for the boys from Salt Lake. It was their ninth straight win over BYU.

Arizona State 30- Kent State 7: The Sun Devils came out and smacked around the bottom feeders of the MAC as they were expected to do in Tempe. The game time temp of 102 degrees did not stop True frosh QB Jayden Daniels from having a fine debut against the Golden Flashes. He hit on 15 of 24 tosses for 284 yards and a pair of scores. He also ran for a TD.  RB Eno Benjamin aided the Sun Devils cause with 102 yards on 22 carries.  The ASU defense had an easy time of it with the Kent State offense, holding the Golden Flashes to 200 total yards with just 80 of those yards coming through the air.  87 of KSU's total yards and their only score came with 12:29 left in the fourth period after ASU had built up a 27-0 lead.
Telling Stat: Buying the kid time;  The ASU defense gave QB Jayden Daniels a safe environment to ease into his first college game by shutting out Kent State for the first three quarters.

Cincinnati 24- UCLA 14: The bRuins came out looking good on their first drive until QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson fumbled without being touched in the red zone. Cincy recovered the ball and then drove 83 yards for a 7-0 lead and never trailed the rest of the way. Down 10-0, UCLA got back into the game when Thompson-Robinson hit RB Demetric Felton up the seam with solid pass and he took it the rest of the way for a 75-yard TD.  That TD toss was the apex of Thompson-Robinson's night. He finished the game completing just 8 of 26 passes for 156 yards with 2 TDs and 2 interceptions. He also fumbled twice to account for all four of UCLA's turnovers. The bRuins didn't run the ball well either with their OL getting very little push on the Bearcats defense for a total of 62 yards on 36 carries. Meanwhile, the Bearcats controlled the clock and the game with an almost 17 minute T.O.P. advantage. This game looked closer than it was thanks to some misfires by the UC offense in bRuin territory. QB Desmond Ridder led the UC attack hitting on 18 of 26 aerials for 242 yards with 2 TDs and an interception. He also ran for 34 yards.
Telling Stat:  Big D for UC; Cincinnati gave up a 75-yard TD pass on one drive, but held UCLA to a total of 143 yards on their other 12 drives of the game to pick up a big win.

Colorado 52- Colorado State 31: It was Mel Tucker's debut as the new Colorado HC and he promised  a new brand of hard hitting defensive football. What he got was a full four quarters of offense from his squad while the defense arrived in the second half.  CU showed up with an offense that's supposed to be based on the arm of QB Steven Montez and the hands of WR Laviska Shenault.  Colorado State found out CU had a running game too. RB Alex Fontenot gained 125 yards on 19 carries with three TDs to lead the Buffs.  Montez threw for 232 yards and a pair of scores with Shenault only catching three passes for 48 yards and a score. Colorado's defense did get torched a little by the Rams. CSU QB Collin Hill completed 31 of 47 passes for 374 yards and three TDs, but he also was picked off twice. CU also forced two fumbles and returned one for the final score of the night to seal the rivalry win.
Telling Stat: They adjusted; The CU defense did give up 10 second half points, but they also forced three turnovers, a punt and held for downs once to secure the first win for new HC Mel Tucker.

Auburn 27- Oregon 21:  A Bo Nix TD pass with :09 left gave the Tigers a hard fought victory over the Ducks and further eroded the standing of the Pac 12 in national perception. Auburn trailed 21-6 late in the third quarter before mounting a gutsy comeback for the win. Oregon looked like they were gonna just grind down Auburn and walk out of Jerryworld with a huge victory. Then, Auburn woke up.  Down 21-6, the Tigers swept down the field in four plays to cut the score to 21-13 on a 11-yard TD pass from Nix to WR Eli Stove. Following an exchange of punts, Auburn marched down the field again, this time travelling 69 yards in eight plays to cut the deficit to just 21-20 on a 1-yard TD vault by backup QB Joey Gatewood.  Auburn's game-winning drive started with 2:05 left in regulation. Nix, who only completed 13 of 31 passes in the game, completed four passes including the game winner, a 26-yarder to WR Seth Williams. UO QB Justin Herbert completed 28 of 37 passes for 242 yards and a TD in the bitter defeat.
Telling Stat: Auburn shutdown;  After falling behind 21-6, the Auburn defense held Oregon scoreless, allowing just 75 yard on 25 plays over the final 20:37 to give their offense a chance at victory. 

Washington 47- Eastern Washington 14: QB controversy followed the Huskies all the way through fall camp with many pundits being critical of HC Chris Petersen. They proclaimed he didn't know what he was doing and were wary of a  possible upset by FCS power Eastern Washington. All those concerns flowed away from Husky Stadium like the Seattle rain when Georgia transfer QB Jacob Eason staked the Dawgs to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter last Saturday. Eason calmly competed 27 of 36 passes for 349 yards, four TDs and zero interceptions in this laugher on Montlake.  RBs Richard Newton and Salvon Ahmed combined for 135 yards on 27 carries with a pair of scores to add to the Dawgs domination of the Eagles.  The UW defense had a good day too. They limited EWU to 274 total yards and a pair of scores when the game was already out of reach.
Telling Stat: Buried in 155 yards;  Washington took advantage of poor punting and a ill-advised fourth down attempt to build an insurmountable 21-0 first quarter lead over Eastern Washington on drives that covered just 55, 50, and 50 yards.  

Stanford 17- Northwestern 7: Stingy defenses whose hits, both legal and illegal, turned their opposing offenses into sputtering messes ruled the day in Palo Alto. This one stood scoreless midway through the second period when Stanford started to get untracked on offense.  QB K.J. Costello led the Cardinal on a 15-play 90 yard drive that ended with Costello hitting WR Michael Wilson for a two-yard TD toss and a 7-0 lead.  Then after Northwestern turned the ball over on downs at the SU 34-yard line.  Costello would return for what would be his final drive of the day. With :10 left Costello was forced to scramble and the he did, he felt the pressure and chose to slide at Wildcats 49-yard line. He was slammed with a forearm to the jaw by Wildcats DE Earnest Brown IV. The hit took Costello's helmet off and sent him out of the game with a concussion.  A personal foul was called for the hit, but how it was not deemed a targeting call escapes me. When play resumed, PK Jet Toner nailed a 51-yard field goal, the longest of his career, to give the Cardinal a 10-0 lead at intermission.  Northwestern started the third quarter with an impressive drive that ended in disaster.  NU had 2nd and goal at the SU 5-yard line when QB TJ Green was over whelmed by the Cardinal defense who sacked Green and forced a fumble which they recovered back a the 9-yard line.  Green was also injured on the play and lost for the game and possibly the rest of the season with a foot injury.  Stanford's offense did nothing in the second half with backup Davis Mills under center. He fumbled the ball away twice in six drives as the Cardinal were held scoreless.  Northwestern backup Hunter Johnson fared little better than Mills as he led the Wildcats to their only TD of the day on a drive midway through the fourth quarter.  NU would have one final last chance with the ball. On 1st and 10 from their own 22-yard line, Johnson was chased back to his own end zone, where he was hit and fumbled. Stanford DT Jordan Fox fell on the ball for the game clinching score.
Telling Stat: 4+1+7 = Cardinal W;  Stanford's defense forced four turnovers, held for downs once and produced the game-clinching score to lift the the Cardinal to victory.

Washington State 58- New Mexico State 7: Eastern Washington transfer Chase Gubrud didn't win the starting QB job for the Cougars. That was big news in the Palouse as Cougar fans were hoping for another year of a Gardner Minshew type talent to command the Air Raid offense.  Anthony Gordon won the job and he showed he's pretty good as he led Wazzu to a big rout of the Aggies.  Gordon had a typical Wazzu QB performance completing 29 of 35 passes for 420 yards and five TDs.  The Cougars did run the ball well too with RB Max Borghi gaining 128 yards on only 10 carries with a TD.  NMSU QB Josh Adkins threw for 221 yards with two interceptions in the losing effort.
Telling Stat: 2 1/2 quarters; That's how long it took Wazzu QB Anthony Gordon to amass 420 yards and five TDs against NMSU.  Now thats how you run an air raid offense.

California 27- UC Davis 13: The Golden Bears did settle on a QB for their opener going with Chase Garbers.  however, the Cal passing game still lagged in a ragged first half.  Cal fell behind the Aggies, 10-0 before cranking up their rushing attack to hide the deficiencies of Garber. RB Christopher Brown, Jr. had himself a pretty good debut as a starting running back by lugging the leather 36 times for 197 yards and a TD.  Brown's rushing allowed Garbers to find a rhythm. He completed 16 of 28 tosses for 238 yards and two TDs with one interception. Throw in two field goals form PK Greg Thomas and that was enough to hold off the Aggies.
Telling Stat: Not really that close;  UC Davis' lone TD came on a 21-yard drive after Cal fumbled the opening kickoff  on their own 21-yard line. Only four of the Aggies 14 other drives crosed the 50-yard line and only one got as far as the Cal Red Zone. 

Oklahoma State 52- Oregon State 36: It was an all orange and black affair in Corvallis that saw the Beavers get caught on the wrong end of a Big XII style shootout.  Okie State is known for their prolific passing game over the years, but it was their rushing attack that did in the Beavers.  RB Chuba Hubbard was just about unstoppable as he toted the rock 26 times for 221 yards and three TDs. QB Spencer Sanders got into the offensive act also for the Pokes. He completed 19 of 24 passes for 203 yards and three scores of his own while also rushing for 109 yards on 13 carries.  Oregon State did their best to keep up with the Cowboys, but they just didn't have enough talent to do so.  Highly touted RB Jermar Jefferson only racked up 87 yards on 16 carries while QB Jake Luton threw for 251 yards and three TDs in the loss.
Telling Stat: 2nd quarter blues for the Beavers; Okie State grabbed a lead they wouldn't surrender in the second quarter where they outscored Oregon State, 24-6 and outgained Oregon State 222 yards to 86.

Observations

...A long party; The 150th season of college football season will be the longest history, lasting 143 days.

...Washington 2- California 0; after week one it clear that the state of Washington has two fine Pac 12 QBs while either due two injury or ineffectiveness, California has none.

...1 out of 2 ain't good;  UCLA had Chip Kelly on the sidelines, but really needed Josh Kelley in the backfield last Thursday.

...Doesn't sound good; Current New Mexico and former Notre Dame HC Bob Davie was whisked away by ambulance after the Lobos 39-31 win over Sam Houston State due to "a serious medical incident." Whisked Away

...No in/out privileges;  When you're one of the guys that paints his chest for a football game, you don't get to leave your seat during the game or this kind of stuff happens...

...Toss up question; Which coach has the hotter seat?  Is it Florida State HC Willie Taggart who watched his squad blew a 31-13 lead to lose to Boise State or is it USC HC Clay Helton who watched this Trojans hang for dear life in a win over Fresno State?

...Orange seeing red;  Volunteer nation is plenty angry and disappointed after being smacked around by Georgia State at home 38-30 last Saturday.  Oh, did I mention that Georgia State went 2-10 last year in the Sun Belt Conference? Facepalm.

...Just can't see it that way; USC HC Clay Helton is reported to have said he thought the USC O-line did a good job v. Fresno State.  The line looked like a sieve for long stretches and oh yeah, got starting QB J.T. Daniels knocked out of the lineup for the year with a torn ACL.  I guess Clay sets a low bar for good play.

...Everybody wants to get into the act;  Watch this mascot for Jackson State get a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct call.  Just stay off the field!

...Captain Obvious sighting; "Analyst" Pat McAfee on the ESPN broadcast crew for the UCLA-UC game dropped this gem of common wisdom when he said, "Fumbles count like interceptions."

...Just a hunch;  I think Scott Frost at Nebraska may turnout to be everything that Minnesota's PJ Fleck wants to be.

...Ragtime Cowboy Joe rides high; big kudos to Wyoming for overcoming  a 14-0 deficit to upset Missouri, 37-31.

...Only in Corvallis; The Oklahoma State-Oregon State game was delayed about 10 minutes in the third quarter because the Cowboys coaching staff was stuck between floors in the elevator at Reser Stadium.

...Army Strong; Yes, The Black Knights needed a fourth quarter drive to beat Rice, but it was a great one that covered 96 yards in 18 plays and took 8:20 off the clock.

...Still tough; Utah RB Zack Moss runs with a toughness I haven't seen since... last year. The kid is still nails.

...Not Strong enough;  I wonder if Charlie Strong remembers when he was a good coach.  He's got future Alabama analyst written all over him.

...Mediocrity transfers;  The only bad spot for Utah in their beatdown of BYU was PK Andrew Strauch who went one for two on FGAs and missed a PAT.  He's a transfer from UCLA.

...Grace under stupidity;  High praise goes to UofA PK Lucas Havrisik who calmly nailed a 53-yard field goal after the rest of the field goal unit committed three straight false starts to make his original 38-yard attempt into a 53-yarder.

...Lots to celebrate;  Not only is the 150th season of college football, it's also the 100th anniversary of the NFL, the 60th anniversary of the AFL and the 50th year on this planet for this intrepid reporter.

...Tangential to the Pirate;  Big thanks to our field agent in the desert, Scott Wilson for uncovering this unknown tidbit about my life.  It seems I played against current Wazzu HC Mike Leach coached players in junior college. 31 years ago I played a season at Harbor College. We had a scrimmage with College of the Desert.  Mike Leach was their LB coach that year.  I have no real recollection of the scrimmage. I know we didn't do well and that was a harbinger of things to come as my team went on to post an abysmal 1-10 record. It was truly one of the most forgettable season in football history.

...Mediocrity is genetic; C-USA member Western Kentucky got upset 35-28 by FCS power Central Arkansas, 35-28 last Thursday night. So, who is WKU's HC? None other than former USC staffer Tyson Helton, Clay's brother. Ouch.

Special Section: The Pain In My Backside

Just about everybody who didn't have seats in the  Scholarship Tower at the newly renovated L.A Coliseum had a pretty uncomfortable evening.  I'm not talking about the poor product on the field, I'm talking about the seats themselves.  USC installed some of they cheapest, poorly made seats in history.  These lousy seats felt like they'd break the moment you touched them, much less sat in them.  Oh, and each seat only had one armrest!  SMH. Also, officials in charge boasted that the seats were wider and the aisles were wider with more leg room.  Technically this is true, but the way they achieved that "extra space" is by shrinking the actual depth of the seating portion of the seat. When just about everyone in your section experiences an comfortable evening with some form of back pain from the new seats, there is a problem. My family actually sits in a "donor" section too.  The non donor sections had seats placed closer together for a more uncomfortable experience.  Epic fail USC, epic Fail.

Ugly Uniform Of the Week

This was from a couple of weeks ago, but the "Players Weekend" uniforms that MLB trotted out for the occasion were just plain awful.  Met's analyst Keith Hernandez said it best when he said it looked they were form the old MAD Magazine  Spy v. Spy cartoon.  Indians skipper Terry Francona joked that he wasn't going to make any pitching changes because he didn't want to be seen in public. White on White on White on White and  Black on Black on Black on Black is the stupidest idea in Major League Baseball in years.

Departments

Low Score Game of the Week(s): San Diego, CA- PK Matt Araiza connected on field goal attempts of 34 yards and 29 yards to lift San Diego Sate to a 6-0 win over Weber State of the Big Sky Conference in the FCS. While the SDSU offense was missing for most of the contest, the Aztec defense held the Wildcats to just 154 total yards and five first downs to help stave off the potential embarrassment from an upset.

Blowout Game of the Last Week(s): Sacramento, CA- The Hornets of Sacramento State wiped out the Southern Oregon Raiders 77-19.  Sac State a proud member of the Big Sky Conference in the FCS easily crushed their NAIA opponent. the Hornets ran up almost 700 yards offense with QB Kevin Thomson completing 14 of 20 passes for 303 yards and four TDs.

C.W. Post Press: Well, where do we begin here?  First, LIU- C.W. Post is combining its' Brooklyn and Long Island campuses for athletics.  Second, C.W. Post's colors are changing from Green and Gold to Blue and Gold and their Pioneer mascot is no more.  They are now known as the Sharks. Oh, and the football team is moving up to the FCS level and will be playing in the Northeast Conference.  Whew.  That's a lot of changes.  The Sharks first game on the FCS level is a road trip to South Dakota State on 9/21. The same South Dakota State that almost upset Minnesota last week.

Razorback Report: Fayetteville, AR- The painful process of converting Arkansas into a high energy, up tempo team continued with a lackluster 20-13 win over the Portland State Vikings.  The Hogs offense featured a full boat of 11 new starters and it looked like it. The Razorbacks took a quick 10-3 lead, then the offense fizzled the rest of the way.  RB Rakeem Boyd saved the moribund Hogs passing  attack by rushing for 114 yards and a TD.  Up next for Arkansas is their first road trip of the year to Ole Miss.

This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...

Making the time for family and friends is just about always worth the effort.

Having foggy mornings in August is weird.

I like living where I only need my air conditioning a few days a year. 


Until next time folks, remember that instead of real changes some teams just rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic.

-The Commissioner