Hey All,
Back after a triumphant road trip to Palo Alto, your favorite football pundit is here with another edition of the column that makes your Tuesdays feel like Saturdays, Notes on a Pac 12 Scorecard. We still miss you, Tom Kelly.
USC 41- Stanford 28: Palo Alto, CA- HC David Shaw and his Cardinal squad pulled out all the stops in an effort to upset the new-look Trojans in their first Pac 12 road game under new HC Lincoln Riley. Those stops included springing a new slow-mesh offense on the SC defense on a sloppy field meant to negate USC's speed advantage. While the Trojan defense gave up chunks of yards, they forced three first half turnovers. The offense took advantage of those turnovers, scoring TDs on their first five drives of the game en route to a 35-14 halftime lead. The Trojans did not come out as strong in the second half, adding just two more FGs while doing their best to keep the Cardinal at bay as the clock ticked down. When that clock hit triple zeroes, The Trojans picked up their first win up on The Farm since 2014. QB Caleb Williams completed 20 of 27 passes for 341 yards and four TDs. WR Jordan Addison was his favorite target with seven catches for 172 yards and two TDs. RB Travis Dye led all rushers with 105 yards on 14 carriers and a TD. His TD came on a run where the hole was large enough to drive a semi-truck through. For the Cardinal, QB Tanner McKee completed 20 of 35 passes for 220 yards a TD and two huge interceptions. RB E.J Smith gained 88 yards on 19 carries with a TD to lead the Stanford's rushing attack. However, he did fumble twice.
Telling Stat: +4 = W; Yeah, they gave up a lot of yards, but the Trojan defense forced four turnovers with three of them in the red zone and that was the difference in this game.
Utah 73- Southern Utah 7: Salt Lake City, UT- There were two cathartic butt-kickings administered in the Pac 12 this week, Utah claimed the first one when they took out all their frustrations from last week's loss at Florida on the poor ol' Southern Utah Thunderbirds. After a 7-7 first quarter, the Utes went on a rampage putting up 38 second quarter points to end the competitive portion of the game. Its was an everyone gets their letter game for the Utes as most of the starters sat the second half out. QB Cam Rising completed 17 of 23 passes for 254 yards and three TDs. SUU QB Grady Robinson scored the Thunderbirds only points on a 28-yard run in the first quarter.
Telling Stat: 4 >2 = No Chance; Utah allowed only two more first downs (4) than turnovers forced (2) in this non-contest in the Beehive State.
Washington State 17- Wisconsin 14: Madison, WI- The Cougars came into this game a 17 point underdog with a simple game plan. They gambled that Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz could not beat them by himself. They were right. He couldn't do it. Did Wisconsin come in to this game overconfident? Yes. However, you can't take away the fact that the Cougars speed on defense frustrated the Badgers all day. The Cougars lined up eight and sometimes nine men in the box and dared Wisconsin to throw. The WSU defense's speed and total selling out to stop the run constantly put the Badgers behind the chains. WSU's defensive ends ran circles around the Badgers plodding offensive line. On the other side off the ball, despite their offensive line being a total sieve, the Cougars offense managed to make just enough positive plays to win. Oh, and two other things happened that never happen at Wisconsin. The Badgers were sloppy with the ball and they actually got called for holding several times. Fast forward to the 5:12 mark of the third quarter. WSU RB Nakia Watson, a Wisconsin transfer, rumbled 31 yards to paydirt to give the Cougs the lead for good at 17-14. It started to sink in to the Badgers and their fans that they were in a real game, not some tuneup against some MAC team. Then as the clock ticked away and the Cougars made stop after stop, the Badgers choked. The Cougars hadn't really moved the ball well all day, but they ran off the final 5:14 off the clock to take the game and register a major upset. QB Cameron Ward completed 17 of 28 passes for 200 yards, a TD an two interceptions in the win for the Cougars while RB Braelon Allen of Wisconsin led all rushers with 100 yards on 21 carries.
Telling Stat: 0 for 30:16; For the final 30+ minutes of the game, the WSU defense pitched a shutout. They got pushed around, but never broke while making Badger QB Graham Mertz look like Fred Mertz.
Air Force 41- Colorado 10: Colorado Springs, CO- It was the first meeting of these two instate rivals at Air Force since 1974. The Buffs may never come back again after the Falcons ran roughshod over the Buffaloes. Air Force ran the ball 70 times for 435 yards on HC Karl Dorrell's hapless squad. USAFA RB Brad Roberts gashed the CU defense with 174 yards on 24 carries and three TDs. Roberts outgained the entire Colorado offense which mustered only 162 total yards. RB Deion Smith led what passed for Colorado's offense with 59 yards on 11 carries and a touchdown.
Telling Stat: They didn't need the one; Air Force never really took to the air, completing only one pass for eight yards in their rout of the Buffs.
California 20 UNLV 14: Berkeley, CA- The skinny on Cal this year is that the Golden Bears have a fine defense, but their offense is lacking. It looked early on like Cal's offense had shown up and was going to score at will on the Rebels. They jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead on two TDs from RB Jadyn Ott. The first one was a two yard plunge and the second came on a 12-yard pass from QB Jack Plummer. However, that would be it for the Golden Bears finding the end zone. PK Dario Longhetto accounted for the rest of Cal's points on a pair of FGs that covered 21 and 30 yards. The Cal defense would have to stand strong to put this game in the win column and they did. Cal held for downs on their own eight-yard line with 2:46 to play then snuffed out the Rebels final chance for the upset when CB Isiah Young picked off QB Doug Brumfield deep in Cal territory on the game's final play. Plummer completed 28 of 39 passes for 278 yards, a TD and and interception to lead Cal's offense while Brumfield completed 18 of 33 passes for 206 yards, a TD and an interception in the loss for the Rebels.
Telling Stat 15 and 60 gets a W; The Cal offense played a good first quarter gaining 215 of their 370 total yards and scoring both of their TDs while their defense played a full four quarters. They held UNLV to 2 of 16 combined on third and fourth down conversions on the day.
UCLA 45- Alabama State 7: Pasadena, CA- The bRuins continued to their series of glorified scrimmages to start the season at the Rose Bowl last Saturday. The only thing really interesting about the game was that it was played as the remnants of Hurricane Kay hit the greater Los Angeles area. Oh, and the fact that UCLA star QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson left the game early in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Thompson-Robinson's backup, Ethan Garbers easily guided the bRuins offense against the overmatched Hornets. He completed 14 of 18 passes for 164 yards and ran for a pair of TDs to help UCLA build up a 31-7 half-time lead. UCLA emptied the benches in the second half and went to tack on 14 more points to finish the rout.
Telling Stat: Like a scrimmage; Both teams emptied their benches in this light workout. About 150 players saw action last Saturday.
Oregon State 35- Fresno State 32: Fresno, CA- Oh, it was a barnburner of a night game in the soul sucking heat and humidity of Fresno. It was a game where both teams traded blows all night long with Oregon State HC Jonathan Smith taking a huge gamble and watching it pay off for the Beavers first win at Fresno State in seven tries. With 1:05 to go in the game, the Bulldogs scored what they thought was the game-winning TD when WR Erik Brooks hauled in a four-yard pass from QB Jake Haener. The scoring drive covered 75 yards in just 45 seconds. OSU got the ball back on their own 27-yard after the kickoff and proceeded to march down the field against a gassed Fresno defense. With :03 left, OSU had a first and goal at the Bulldogs two-yard line. Smith could be seen debating what to do next. First, he sent out the FG unit to tie the game and go to overtime. Then, after Bulldogs HC Jeff Tedford called a time out to ice the kicker, Smith reconsidered the FG attempt and sent his offense back out to win the game in regulation. OSU's jack of all trades, LB/RB/QB Jack Colletto took the game's final snap from the Wildcat formation. He ran off right tackle almost untouched into the end zone for the win, leaving Valley Children's Stadium a stunned and silent place. Colletto had a great stat line to end the game. Three carries for six yards and two TDs. Haener led the Bulldogs attack completing 29 of 45 passes for 360 yards and a TD in the bitter defeat.
Telling Stat: 3's instead of 7's = an L; Fresno State ended six drives with field goal attempts. They made four of those, but if just one of those drives had ended up in the end zone, the Bulldogs would have won the game.
Oklahoma State 34- Arizona State: 17: Stillwater, OK- The Sun Devils owned the first and third quarters while the Cowboys took the second and fourth quarters and the victory on a chippy night at Boone Pickens Stadium. Chippy, meaning both squads handed out cheap shots like door prizes. Okie State trailed 3-0 to start the second quarter but put up 17 straight points on a three-yard run from RB Dominic Richardson, a six-yard jog to the end zone from QB Spencer Sanders and a 43-yard FG from PK Tanner Brown. The Sons of Sparky took control out of the break. They sandwiched a one-yard run TD run from RB Xazavian Valladay and a 21-yard TD pass from QB Emory Jones to WR Elijhah Badger around another Okie State field goal to cut their deficit to just 20-17 with 14:25 to play. The Cowboys took over from there and put the game away with two more TD passes from Sanders that covered 31 and 14 yards. Sanders and Richardson were a great one-two punch for the Pokes. Sanders completed 21 of 38 passes for 268 yards, two TDs and an interception. He also ran for 54 yards on 14 carries and another score. Richardson toted the rock 27 times for 131 yards and a TD of his own. ASU's one-two offensive punch was not as strong enough as Jones completed 12 of 23 passes for 223 yards and a TD while Valladay gained 118 yards on 21 carries and a score of his own.
Telling Stat: -2 for the W; The Oklahoma State defense held ASU to -2 yards over the final 14:25 of the game to ensure a victory for the Pokes.
Oregon 70- Eastern Washington 14: Eugene, OR- The second frustration release rout in the Pac 12 this week belongs to the Quacks. After last week when Georgia did everything to the UO but cancel their charter flight home, the Men of Oregon tore the wings off the Eastern Washington Eagles of the big Sky Conference. Oregon did something they hadn't done yet this year. They found the end zone. QB Bo Nix torched EWU completing 28 of 33 passes for 277 yards and five TDs. Nix took most of the second half off as did most of the Ducks starters. Six different UO RBs and 14 different receivers handled the ball in this laugher at Uncle Phil's house.
Telling Stat: They ran it up; Oregon racked up 40 first downs, 604 yards of offense and 10 TDs on the Eagles for the easy win.
Washington 52- Portland State 6: Seattle, WA- The Huskies thrashed the Vikings to compete the Pac 12's 3-0 day against the Big Sky Conference. The Dawgs bit early and often scouring five of their first six drives to eliminate any upset hopes the Sons of Neil Lomax had. The Purple Gang left their starters in until the final period piling up the points and yardage. OB Michael Penix, Jr. cooly completed 20 of 27 aerials for 337 yards, a pair of TDs and an interception. UW also piled up rushing yards with RBs Wayne Taulapapa and Cameron Davis combining for 164 yards on 22 carries and three TDs. PSU had no real offense to speak of.
Telling Stat: 131, 2 of 13= Easy W; The Washington defense held Portland State to 131 total yards and just 2 of 13 on third down conversions to set the stage for this mismatch on Montlake.
Mississippi State 39- Arizona 17: Tucson, AZ- The remains of hurricane Kay hit the southwest this week as Mike Leach, the pirate himself, came in from the east to play probably the latest starting game any SEC team has ever played. Coincidence, I think not. The Pirate's squad jumped out early on the Wildcats, held onto that lead and then dominated the fourth quarter to get the win. UofA opened the scoring on the opening drive of the game, moving the ball 75 yards in eight plays for a touchdown when RB Michael Wiley scampered 34 yards to paydirt. MSU answered right back finding the end zone twice in a three minute span on a two nine-yard TD plays. RB Jo'quavious Marks ran for the first TD and a QB Will Rogers pass to WR Caleb Ducking, (Yes, I did mean to type Ducking). However, the Bulldogs failed on both PATs and led just 12-7. The teams traded scores over the next two periods until MSU put the game away with two TDs in the final period. Rogers completed 39 of 49 passes for 313 yards with four TDs and an interception in the win. UofA QB Jayden de Laura completed 23 of 45 passes for 220 yards, a TD and three huge interceptions for the Wildcats.
Telling Stat: The Pirate had a defense; Over the final two periods, HC Mike Leach saw his Bulldogs defense pick off two passes and hold for downs three other times to secure a road win.
Observations
...It did not age well; This intrepid reporter stated last week that Alabama would blow the doors off Texas. I, as well as Nick Saban, still can't believe it was a one-point game.
...Fear the Crimson W; Wazzu HC Jake Dickert's legend is growing by the day in the Palouse. I hear that nobody really misses Nick Rolovich up there one bit.
...Big Ten way after dark; It was a late start already, but when a weather delay pushed kickoff back an hour, the Hawaii-Michigan game didn't start until 9PM at the Big House.
...Ping Pong = togetherness; Mississippi State HC Mike Leach on the bond between his QB Will Rogers and WR Austin Williams, "Oh they're all buddy-buddy, they play ping pong and all the rest. Who knows who wins? I'm sure they both lie about the results," Classic, coach. Just classic.
...Just what they needed; HC Sam Pittman is the best thing to happen to Arkansas football in at least 30 years.
...The wannabe Harley man returns; Arkansas hosts Missouri State this week. That brings amateur motorcycle enthusiast Bob Petrino back to Fayetteville. Hmmmm, I wonder if Hogs fans will give him a 21-Harley Salute or just the old fashioned digital kind.
...Looking good in purple; Nebraska transfer Adrian Martinez didn't look bad in leading the Wildcats to a 40-12 pasting of Missouri.
...A mean streak; It's great to see the USC offensive line block with bad intentions again. The amount Pancakes, Decleaters and Dead Roaches inflicted by this OL over the last two weeks warms this old man's heart.
...Arms decline; ND QB Tyler Buchner is out for the year after getting injured v. Marshall. Pitt won't disclose QB Kedon Slovis' status after getting hurt v. Tennessee and Texas QB Quinn Ewers will miss 4-6 weeks after getting hurt v. Alabama. Wow.
...Punchless Hawkeyes; In two games this year, Iowa has gained 316 total yards and scored 14 points. USC gained 391 yards and scored 35 points in the first half v. Stanford last week.
...Oh, did they Thunder; The Marshall Thundering Herd controlled the entire game en route to their 26-15 upset of Notre Dame in South Bend.
...Almost halfway to a grand; Illinois RB Chase Brown has rushed for 496 yards in three games to lead the nation in rushing.
...A long road ahead; Navy is 0-2 and it looks like the ship is sinking for HC Ken Niumatalolo in Annapolis.
...Head scratcher; How is Penn State a three point favorite at Auburn this week?
...What a homecoming; As a kid growing up near Madison, WSU HC Jake Dickert used to sneak into Camp Randall Stadium to play on the field. Last Saturday he walked out proud with a Badger pelt in hand. About 200 or so family and friends were on hand to see his Cougs take down Wisconsin.
...Quietly making noise; Washington is 2-0 and pounded the weak opponents on their early slate like they should. Michigan State may get a very rude reception at Husky Stadium this week.
...Nice prize; So what does App State get for taking down Texas A&M at Kyle Field? They get to host College Gameday next week. Gameday's coming to town may be the biggest thing to happen to Boone, North Carolina since electricity.
...214-1; Before losing to Georgia Southern, Nebraska had been 214-0 when scoring 35+ points at Memorial Stadium.
...Over before it began; After Florida beat Utah, Gator QB Anthony Richardson was spoken of as a Heisman candidate. Kentucky ended Richardson's Heisman campaign a week later when they skinned the Gators in the swamp.
...0-3; Marcus Freeman has started out at 0-3. That's the worst start for a HC in Notre Dame history. Even worse than Mr. Schematic Advantage himself, Charlie Weis.
...The Helton effect; Clay Helton has now left two major programs in disarray in two different ways. He took the long route to bring USC to historical lows. Then in four short quarters his Georgia Southern Eagles beat Nebraska leaving the Cornhuskers in abyss of pain and emptiness and HC Scott Frost unemployed.
...13 the hard way; Kansas moved to 1-0 in Big 12 play with a 55-42 overtime win at West Virginia. Winning a game by 13 points in overtime has happened only three times since 1996 when overtime began in FBS football.
...A little over four million; That's what Texas A&M, Nebraska and Notre Dame all paid to their opponents to be embarrassed bye them at home last Saturday.
...Surprised; I had Colorado HC Karl Dorell getting canned before now former Nebraska HC Scott Frost. I just didn't think NU would swallow that buyout.
...Just a rumor; There is no truth to the rumor that Iowa fans have asked the Iowa City Police Department to conduct a manhunt to find Iowa's missing offense. The fact is they believe that it never existed anyway.
...Now that's how to leave a job; The one and only Coach Ed Orgeron handled his firing form LSU in a pretty special way. Happy Trail$
Pac 12 Overreactions
Wazzu will never be on Wisconsin's schedule ever again.
USC doesn't have a strong enough defense to be ranked #7.
Washington hopes nobody starts noticing how much better they are than last year.
Arizona is a 6-6 team.
Oregon State is the best team in the Pac 12 north of Los Angeles
UCLA will eventually play a game where there are more fans in the stands than players on the field.
Stanford never wanted Clay Helton to ever leave SC.
Colorado will find a way to lose 13 games on a 12 game schedule.
Cal is a 7-5 team.
Utah will win 10 games on spite alone.
ASU is a 4-8 team.
Oregon scored 70 points and nobody cares.
Ugly Uniform of the Week
We go to the NFL for this week's award as the Seattle Seahawks looked at Oregon's ugliness last week and said, "Hold my beer." These nuclear waste puke green togs should just be thrown into an incinerator.
Departments
Low Score Game of the Week: Throggs Neck, NY- This week's game comes form the D-III level. Since SUNY- Maritime became an NCAA football school in 2009 they have built up quite little rivalry with Massachusetts Maritime. Their rivalry game is known as the Chowder Bowl. With 3:15 left in the final period SUNY-Maritime QB Steven Stassi connected with WR Ian Derda for a 21-yard TD pass. That pass brought the Privateers back from a 14-3 defiict to beat the the Massachusetts Maritime Buccaneers, 17-14. The Privateers now own the Chowder Bowl Trophy and one year's worth of bragging rights over their sea faring brethren.
Best Game Almost Nobody Saw Last Week: Dudley, MA- We stay on the D-III level where 1,135 folks saw the Nichols College Bison score the final 14 points to beat the Dean Bulldogs, 71-55. The two teams combined for over 1,000 yards of offense and 18 touchdowns last Friday night. QB Xavier Powell completed 12 of 23 passes for 198 yards and two TDs through the air and ran for 55 yards and three more scores for the victorious Bison. QB Nathan Cisco threw for 346 yards and six TDs in defeat for Dean.
Razorback Report: Fayetteville, AR- The Hogs are 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the SEC after beating South Carolina, 44-30. A 23 point fourth quarter sealed the game for HC Sam Pittman's boys. The Hogs ran all over the Gamecocks, racking up 295 rushing yards. RB Raheim Sanders led all rushers with 156 yards and two TDs on 24 carries. Up next for Arkansas is a home date with FCS foe Missouri State.
This Week's Three Notes About Nothing...
The overwhelming scent of garlic in Gilroy, California is something you just have to experience to believe.
A good acupressure mat is worth its' weight in gold.
I really need to stop at a roadside farmstand next road trip.
Until Next Time, remember that if you don't play hard for a full four quarters, losses will happen.
-The Commissioner
