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.
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
