Buffs Get Stomped 42-6 in Pac-12 Opener

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September 24, 2023

usa_today_21487484.0 — Photo Cred: addicted to quack

Amidst all the excitement surrounding Deion Sanders and his undefeated Buffaloes at 3-0, they faced their most significant challenge when they traveled to Eugene to take on the 10th-ranked Oregon Ducks in their first Pac-12 matchup. Unfortunately for the Buffaloes, the Ducks displayed what it takes to be a genuine top-10 team, thoroughly dominating them from the opening snap and securing a convincing 42-6 victory. After the game, Deion Sanders admitted, “That’s a classic case of being outplayed. No excuses. Their coaching staff prepared their team exceptionally well, while we clearly fell short.”

Photo Cred: Sporting News

Oregon demonstrated their prowess on both offense and defense throughout the game. Their running game was unstoppable, exploiting massive gaps created by their offensive line as their running backs powered through any Buffaloes defenders in their path. Quarterback Bo Nix, in the initial stages of his Heisman Trophy campaign, continued to impress with a remarkable performance, completing 28 of 33 passes for 276 yards and contributing four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing). Nix and star wide receiver Troy Franklin displayed incredible synergy, with Franklin accumulating eight receptions for 126 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, the Oregon pass rush wreaked havoc, relentlessly pressuring Shedeur Sanders and sacking him seven times. The Buffaloes’ struggle with pass protection persisted throughout the season, but the speed and strength of the Ducks’ front elevated the problem to new heights. When Sanders did manage to release the ball, the Oregon secondary effectively shut down CU’s receivers all day. Notably, Alabama transfer Khyree Jackson stood out for the Ducks, delivering multiple outstanding pass breakups in one-on-one coverage.

Photo Cred: College Football News

On the Buffaloes’ side, this game exposed a glaring weakness in their trenches. While they can hold their own in matchups against top teams in skill positions, their lack of size and strength on the interior was evident on Saturday. They surrendered 240 rushing yards at an average of over six yards per carry, a statistic that makes it incredibly challenging to compete against a top-tier team like Oregon. Sanders struggled to connect on explosive plays down the field, finishing the game with just 159 passing yards and one late touchdown pass to Michael Harrison.

The running game continued to be a struggle for the Buffaloes, who entered the game ranked 127th in the FBS in rushing offense. Their ground game woes persisted as they managed 40 yards against Oregon’s stout defense. The Buffaloes’ quarterback lamented, “We’re never satisfied when we can’t produce and open up the passing game. It comes down to understanding the reads and, personally, making better decisions.”

Photo Cred: CBS Sports

The absence of Travis Hunter, sidelined due to a lacerated liver sustained in the previous week’s game against Colorado State, was sorely felt by the Buffaloes. In his absence, Xavier Weaver put up a valiant effort with nine catches for 75 yards but left the game with an apparent ankle injury late in the fourth quarter. With more challenges ahead, the Buffaloes cannot afford further injuries. This weekend, they will host the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, and the 5th-ranked USC Trojans.

Missouri Outlasts Memphis to Conclude Non-Conference Play

By

Ethan Burke

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September 24, 2023

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USATSI_21491252 — Photo Cred: The Kansas City Star

Missouri scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to secure a 34-27 victory over American Athletic Conference opponent Memphis at the Dome in America’s Center in St. Louis. The Missouri Tigers are 4-0 for the first time since 2013.

MU Needed the Fourth Quarter to Hold On

Both teams put up 10 points in the fourth quarter. Every time Missouri started to pull away, Memphis came roaring back.

Missouri and Memphis exchanged field goals to begin the final quarter. MU kicker Harrison Mevis, who successfully converted two field goal attempts, made a 32-yarder to give Missouri a 27-17 lead. UofM redshirt junior Tanner Gillis, who filled in at the kicker position for the injured Seth Morgan and Tristian Vandenberg, also made both of his field goal attempts. One of them was for a 22-yarder with a little over five minutes remaining.

In the following possession, Kirby Moore’s offense responded. Running back Cody Schrader ran for eight yards to secure a first down into Memphis territory. On the very next play, the senior rushed for a 37-yard touchdown, extending the Missouri Tigers’ lead to 34-20 with 2:46 left in the game.

Photo Cred: ESPN

UofM didn’t back down, as quarterback Seth Henigan made a couple of quick, significant plays. The junior completed a 15-yard pass to wide receiver Roc Taylor, placing them in Mizzou territory. A few plays later, Henigan connected with WR Tauskie Dove, a former Missouri Tiger, for 12 yards. With just over a minute remaining, the QB found WR Koby Drake in the endzone to cut the Missouri Tigers’ lead to 34-27.

WR Luther Burden III, who led Missouri WRs with 177 yards on 10 receptions, recovered the onside kick with 1:20 left in the game. Schrader rushed for a first down, which sealed the game for MU as the clock began to wind down.

Multiple Impressive Performances for Missouri

QB Brady Cook recorded his second straight game with 300 or more passing yards. The junior finished with 341 yards and two touchdowns. Cook’s first touchdown came in Missouri’s first offensive possession of the game, with a 47-yard pass to WR Marquis Johnson. The QB also found WR Theo Wease Jr. in the endzone to give the Missouri Tigers a 24-10 lead in the third quarter.

MU’s ground attack also delivered a strong performance on Saturday. RBs Nathaniel Peat and Schrader each scored a touchdown. Peat led the way with 123 yards on 14 carries, while Schrader finished with 65 yards on 15 carries.

Photo Cred: Rock M Nation

The WR core for MU was effective during Saturday’s matchup. In addition to Burden, Mookie Cooper also had a solid performance. He finished with 53 yards, including a 24-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Wease played a key role in Missouri’s offensive success with 29 yards and a touchdown. Along with the touchdown, he caught a seven-yard pass from Cook in the second quarter to advance into Memphis territory.

Blake Baker’s defense came up big when necessary. MU had two interceptions from defensive backs Kris Abrams-Draine and Marcus Clarke. Abrams-Draine recorded his second interception of the season by picking off Henigan in the third quarter, while Clarke came up with a pick on fourth down in the red zone to start the fourth quarter. Missouri sacked Henigan three times in the game. Defensive linemen Johnny Walker Jr. and Darius Robinson, along with linebacker Chad Bailey, each contributed one sack. Abrams-Draine led Mizzou’s defense with seven total tackles, all of which were solo. LB Ty’Ron Hopper also put up seven tackles (three solo).

Memphis Kept Fighting

UofM gave Missouri all it could handle, battling throughout the entire game. Henigan finished with 316 yards and two touchdowns. The junior’s first touchdown came in the first quarter. A three-yard touchdown pass to WR Joseph Scates gave the Memphis Tigers a 10-7 lead.

Memphis’ WR corps was also potent during Saturday’s game. Taylor led UofM in receiving with 143 yards on seven receptions. The WR came up with multiple big plays, such as a 33-yard reception in the third quarter. RB Blake Watson was a strong contributor to UofM’s offense as a receiver. He amassed nine receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown with just over four minutes left in the third quarter, reducing the Memphis Tigers’ deficit to 24-17. WR Demeer Blankumsee also recorded 36 yards on seven receptions.

Photo Cred: YouTube- American Athletic Conference

Matt Barnes’ defense had some strong contributions throughout the contest. LB Geoffery Cantin-Arku forced Schrader to fumble at Missouri’s own 10-yard line, with DL William Whitlow Jr. recovering the ball. The fumble eventually led to UofM’s first touchdown of the game. Memphis’ defense sacked Cook twice, with LB Cincir Evans and DL Keveion’ta Spears each having one. DBs Greg Rubin and Cameron Smith played prominent roles for the Memphis Tigers’ defense on Saturday. Rubin tallied eight total tackles (five solo) and Smith had seven tackles (six solo).

Looking Ahead

Missouri will aim to continue its winning streak as it heads to Nashville, Tennessee next Saturday to take on Vanderbilt at 3 P.M. at FirstBank Stadium, with the broadcast on SEC Network.

TCU Keeps Iron Skillet as SMU Moves to ACC

By

Jesus Gomez

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September 23, 2023

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download (6) — Photo Cred: SMU Athletics

In the heart of the DFW metroplex, a storied rivalry continues to captivate football enthusiasts and ignite the passions of fans on both sides. The annual gridiron clash between Texas Christian University (TCU) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) reached another thrilling conclusion. The Horned Frogs were again victorious and retained the coveted Iron Skillet, a symbol of their regional dominance and a testament to their football prowess. The Iron Skillet, an iconic award born out of fan passion, holds a special place in the hearts of TCU and SMU supporters.

Photo Cred: Frogs O War

Bragging rights, territorial supremacy, and a tradition that transcends the passage of time were on the line. This year marked TCU’s second consecutive triumph with a 34-17 victory over their arch-rivals. Since Texas Christian’s departure from the Western Athletic Conference in 2000, the two universities have found a way to keep the tradition alive by facing off in non-conference games. This commitment to the “Battle for the Iron Skillet” has produced a rich tapestry of thrilling contests and memorable moments that have endeared themselves to fans and players alike.

The game was a testament to the fierce competitiveness that defines this rivalry. The first half was a closely fought battle. SMU trailed by just four points at halftime. However, the second half was a different story. Southern Methodist’s offense struggled with inefficiencies, including three-and-outs, a turnover on downs, and a crucial interception. A pivotal moment came when Mustangs quarterback Preston Stone attempted a pass into triple coverage, only to have it intercepted by TCU Cornerback Josh Newton. Newton’s significant return positioned the Horned Frogs inside the 10-yard line as the third quarter closed.

Photo Cred: Spectrum

While SMU’s defense managed to prevent TCU from extending their lead early in the fourth quarter, a mishandled fake punt by Texas Christian proved to be a lucky break for the Mustangs. Nevertheless, the Horned Frogs’ second interception early in the final quarter sealed their victory. It ensured that the Iron Skillet would remain in their possession, echoing their narrow win in Dallas the previous year, where they triumphed 34-32.

Beyond the excitement of this annual rivalry clash, significant changes are on the horizon for SMU. Holding a balanced 2-2 record, the Mustangs are preparing to make a leap to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) starting in the next season. This move represents a new chapter for Southern Methodist. Remarkably, donors rallied behind this transition, raising a staggering $100 million in just seven days to support the university’s bold move.

Photo Cred: Dallas Moring News

The shift to the ACC offers SMU an unprecedented opportunity to face off against renowned football programs and establish themselves as formidable contenders in a prestigious conference. With optimism as their guiding star, the Mustangs embark on this journey, aspiring to make a significant impact in their inaugural ACC season. As TCU savors another year with the Iron Skillet in its possession and Southern Methodist prepares for fresh challenges in the ACC, the anticipation for next year’s “Battle for the Iron Skillet” is already building.

Oklahoma Spoils the University of Cincinnati’s Big 12 Conference Debut

By

Stephen Patrick

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September 23, 2023

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ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg (3) — Photo Cred: USA Today

The University of Cincinnati Bearcats embarked on their inaugural Big 12 Conference campaign with an anticipated showdown against the Oklahoma Sooners. Oklahoma is going home with a 20-6 win. The Sooners stumbled out of the gate, recording a dismal -4-yard rushing performance on their opening drive. This early setback was a glimmer of hope for the Bearcats. Gentry Williams drew a pass interference call, positioning UC favorably on the field. Ryan Montgomery hit a 40-yard field goal to give Cincinnati an early 3-0 lead.

Photo Cred: WCPO

However, the Sooners quickly regrouped. Despite an earlier missed opportunity for a touchdown, they found their footing and began to move the ball effectively. Their momentum was halted by Bryon Threats when he forced a crucial quarterback fumble, denying OU a chance to score. The Bearcats faced a nerve-wracking moment when Xzavier Henderson made a breathtaking toe-tap catch. This remarkable play underwent review but ultimately stood, allowing UC to escape the shadows of its own endzone.

Oklahoma would swiftly strike back as Nic Anderson capitalized on a pass from Dillon Gabriel, giving the Sooners a 7-3 lead. This scoring drive comprised of six plays covering 66 yards, and consumed a mere one minute and 47 seconds. The second quarter opened with the Bearcats determined to claw their way back into contention. Yet, they faced staunch resistance from Oklahoma.

Photo Cred: Cincinnati Enquirer

A combination of a sack and a false start pushed OU deep into their territory, backing them up at their own 3-yard line. Still, a remarkable 20-yard run breathed life into the Sooners’ drive as they methodically moved down the field through the air, eventually settling for a 34-yard field goal. Emory Jones unleashed a deep pass to the right, connecting with Chamon Metayer for an impressive 40-yard gain.

However, the game took another dramatic turn when Jones attempted a deep pass to the left targeting Xzavier Henderson, only to be intercepted by Key Lawrence. Lawrence’s interception resulted in a touchback. With the first half winding down, Cincinnati missed a pivotal 26-yard field goal attempt, leaving the scoreboard reading 10-3 in favor of Oklahoma. The game had already showcased electrifying moments, hinting at a thrilling second half that would keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Photo Cred: SI

The third quarter was much of the same. The Sooners struggled to generate momentum on their first possession, punting the ball back to the Bearcats. Cincinnati embarked on a methodical 12-play drive that concluded with a 55-yard field goal following a Jonah Laulu sack. OU swiftly responded, scoring a touchdown with Gabriel’s keeper after a nine-play, 75-yard drive where they found some success on the ground.

UC were threatening on their first drive of the fourth quarter, but pressure led to an interception by Billy Bowman, the second for the Sooners in the game. Oklahoma’s defense then came up big on a pair of fourth-down stops, securing a 14-point win and pushing their season record to 4-0, including a 1-0 start in Big 12 play. While the final score favored OU, the game had thrilling plays, momentum swings, and moments of sheer brilliance on both sides of the field.

USC vs. Arizona State University Preview

By

Huston Dunston

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September 23, 2023

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The upcoming clash between Arizona State University and the University of Southern California may not live up to any excitement. Caleb Williams has been making waves in the college football world as a back-to-back Heisman hopeful. The USC quarterback is on a mission to etch his name in the annals of football history. With a combination of exceptional athleticism, a keen football IQ, and an arm that can launch missiles, he has the potential to dominate any opponent.

Photo Cred: Sun Devils Atlethics

Arizona State University finds itself in a challenge. Last week’s game against Fresno State saw ASU’s offense struggle mightily, resulting in a disheartening shutout on the scoreboard. For Sun Devil fans, this dismal performance raised concerns about the team’s ability to compete at a prominent level this season. Arizona State’s recent struggles are a stark contrast to USC’s soaring aspirations. The Trojans have their eyes set on greatness, and ASU is merely one of the steppingstones on their path to glory. With Caleb Williams at the helm, USC aims to make a statement.

The Trojans’ offensive prowess will be on full display during this game, and it’s likely to become a hot topic on major sports networks. With a dynamic quarterback like Williams, the team has the potential to light up the scoreboard. The combination of his passing accuracy and ability to extend plays with his legs can pose insurmountable challenges for ASU’s defense.

Photo Cred: Action Network

Given the circumstances, there’s little doubt about the outcome of this matchup. USC enters the game as the heavy favorite, and a win by a significant margin appears almost inevitable. While predicting the exact score can be precarious in college football, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Trojans emerge victorious by a margin of at least 20 points.

Photo Cred: LA Times

The upcoming clash between the two teams may not offer the nail-biting excitement often associated with college football showdowns. Caleb Williams and the Trojans appear poised to dominate the Sun Devils, capitalizing on ASU’s recent offensive struggles. As the game unfolds, fans can expect to witness the USC’s offensive firepower in action, solidifying their status as a formidable force. For Arizona State, it’s a daunting challenge, and they’ll need to dig deep to find a way to thwart the Trojan onslaught.

Joe Alt Wins Outland Trophy National Player of the Week Honor

College

By

Stephen Patrick

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September 22, 2023

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In a spectacular display of talent and teamwork, offensive tackle Joe Alt and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish continued their impressive winning streak with a commanding victory over Central Michigan. With a final score of 41-17, Notre Dame showcased their dominance on both sides of the ball, racking up an astounding 578 total yards. Among the standout performers of this game, Joe Alt played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive success.

Photo Cred: ND Insider

He helped pave the way for a remarkable 236-yard rushing effort. Alt also ensured that quarterback Sam Hartman had ample protection, enabling him to throw for 330 yards and three touchdowns. As a testament to his outstanding performance, he was awarded the prestigious Outland Trophy National Player of the Week honor for games during the weekend of September 16. Joe Alt’s role as an offensive tackle often goes unnoticed by casual fans, but his contributions on the field are crucial.

In the game against Central Michigan, his blocking prowess was on full display. His ability to create openings for running backs and provide quarterback protection was instrumental in Notre Dame’s offensive explosion. In addition to Alt’s contributions to the running game, he excelled in protecting quarterback Sam Hartman. Ensuring Hartman had a clean pocket to operate allowed him to have a stellar performance, throwing for 330 yards and three touchdowns. Alt’s ability to hold the defensive line at bay and thwart potential sacks was instrumental in Notre Dame’s offensive success through the air.

Photo Cred: On3

Joe Alt’s exceptional performance as an offensive tackle played a pivotal role in Notre Dame’s dominant victory over Central Michigan. His contributions in creating running lanes and protecting the quarterback were essential in Notre Dame’s offensive success. His recognition as the Outland Trophy National Player of the Week is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his outstanding abilities. As the Fighting Irish continue their impressive season, Alt’s contributions in the trenches will undoubtedly remain a key factor in their pursuit of success on the football field.

Week 2 NFL Check In

By

Troy Finnegan

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September 22, 2023

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The Bengals, Vikings, and Chargers entered the 2023-24 NFL season with lofty expectations. Each recently made playoff appearances and hoped to make significant strides in the current season. Cincinnati narrowly missed another Super Bowl appearance last season, while Minnesota and Los Angeles were eager to rebound from disappointing first-round playoff exits.

However, as of now, all three teams sit at 0-2, facing a challenging road ahead in week three. In fact, one of them could potentially fall to 0-3 if the Chargers and Vikings face off in a high-stakes match (or they might both move to 0-2-1 if they end up in a 45-45 tie, which would be fitting for these two teams). Let’s delve deeper into these presumed contenders and assess their panic levels on a scale of 1 to 10 based on their performance in the first few weeks.

Cincinnati Bengals

Panic Level: 5

Initially, the panic level for the Bengals was lower. However, concerns are growing due to the uncertainty surrounding Joe Burrow’s lingering calf injury. Burrow did not look like his usual self in the first two weeks, lacking his trademark escapability and out-of-structure playmaking ability that made him one of the league’s best quarterbacks. To make matters worse, Burrow re-aggravated his calf injury towards the end of last Sunday’s loss to Baltimore, and his availability for the Bengals’ week three clash with the Rams on Monday night remains uncertain.

Photo Cred: CBS Sports

Cincinnati has also lost its ability to make big plays in the passing game. It was a strength of their offense in recent seasons. The Bengals have only recorded two explosive gains (20+ yards) through the air in the first two weeks, tying them for the second lowest in the league. This is not what Bengals fans have come to expect, especially with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as wide receivers. Furthermore, the Bengals are among the bottom five in rushing yards, and their ground game has failed to alleviate the pressure on an ailing Burrow. Cincinnati found offensive success last season when they adopted a shotgun-heavy offense and improved their running game, but that success on the ground has disappeared.

Defensively, the Bengals have been average, giving up significant yardage on the ground, albeit against two of the league’s better rushing teams in Baltimore and Cleveland. If Burrow can return to health, there’s confidence that this Bengals team can find their rhythm. Burrow and company can generate explosive plays and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can potentially assemble an above-average defense. However, if Burrow’s injury persists, Cincinnati could face challenges in a competitive AFC North.

Los Angeles Chargers

Panic Level: 6

The situation with the Chargers is perplexing, as they were among the most anticipated teams entering the 2023-24 season. The 2023-24 Los Angeles Chargers are the first team in NFL history to start 0-2 despite scoring over 50 points and committing zero turnovers in their first two games. In his last four games, Justin Herbert has posted impressive numbers, throwing for 1,200 yards, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Surprisingly, the Chargers have lost all four of those games.

Photo Cred: NFL

While Herbert isn’t blameless, the Chargers’ struggles extend beyond him. Their third-down performance was abysmal in their overtime loss to Tennessee, converting just two out of 14 attempts, with Herbert sharing some responsibility for missed opportunities. Despite the defense’s talent and investment, it ranks last in total defense and passing defense, making it the weakest unit in the NFL. This is particularly concerning given the high-profile additions to the defense. They include Joey Bosa, Derwin James, JC Jackson, Khalil Mack, and Kenneth Murray Jr. Head coach Brandon Staley, touted as a defensive wizard, has not turned things around.

Despite these defensive woes, Herbert remains an elite quarterback, and the offense, under new coordinator Kellen Moore, is performing well for the most part. If the defense can reach an average level of performance, the Chargers should remain competitive in the highly competitive AFC. However, if not, the pressure on Coach Staley will intensify.

Minnesota Vikings

Panic Level: 7

Among these three teams, the Vikings are currently causing the most concern. Part of this is due to their evident flaws this season, but part of it is also a regression to the mean after an exceptional 2022-23 regular season in which they went 11-0 in one-score games. This year, they find themselves at 0-2 in such games. An issue for the Vikings has been their performance in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Their defensive line struggled notably in a recent game against Philadelphia, exacerbated by defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ decision to use a 3-3-5 personnel group for much of the match. The Eagles’ strong running game dominated the Minnesota defense, amassing 259 rushing yards on 48 attempts.

Photo Cred FOX News

Offensively, the Vikings have struggled to establish a running game and rank last in the NFL in rushing yards through the first two weeks. In their game against Philadelphia, they managed just 28 rushing yards, with running back Alexander Mattison fumbling twice. A strong running attack is crucial for the type of offense that Coach Kevin O’Connell wants to implement, like the systems of Shanahan and McVay. There is optimism, however, as Kirk Cousins continues to perform well under the radar, and Justin Jefferson leads the NFL in receiving yards with 309 yards through two games.

The run game should improve as the offensive line gets healthier, and they face less formidable defensive fronts than those of Tampa Bay and Philadelphia. Furthermore, the Vikings are only one game behind in a weak NFC North, where the Lions and Packers have their flaws, and the Bears are struggling. While the Vikings’ chances as NFC contenders may be in doubt, they could still compete for a division title and a playoff spot.

Missouri Prepares For Neutral-Site Battle Against Memphis

By

Ethan Burke

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September 22, 2023

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Missouri-vs-Memphis-at-The-Dome-at-Americas-Cetner-September-2023 — Photo Cred: Explore St. Louis

Missouri will shift its focus from last week’s nail-biting victory over Kansas State as it travels to St. Louis to take on American Athletic Conference opponent Memphis. Both teams are undefeated heading into this Saturday’s neutral-site matchup.

Series History

The two programs have faced each other a total of four times in the past, with the Missouri Tigers currently holding a 3-1 advantage. The most recent matchup came in 2018 when MU defeated UofM 65-33 in Columbia. Former Missouri quarterback Drew Lock threw for 350 yards and three touchdowns. Larry Rountree III, most recently a running back for the Los Angeles Chargers, rushed for 118 yards and three touchdowns to help lead the Missouri Tigers to victory.

Photo Cred: AllEvents.in

The only time MU lost to Memphis was in 1996, with a score of 19-16 in Faurot Field. Missouri also won the only matchup at UofM 27-17 in 1999. Former Missouri Tigers QB Kirk Farmer recorded two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to help MU pull away.

Missouri Looks to Keep Things Rolling

It’s tough to shift focus after an exhilarating win like Missouri had last week against Kansas State. Kicker Harrison Mevis broke the SEC record with a 61-yard field goal to win the game. Now, the Missouri Tigers are preparing for a talented Memphis Tigers team, and there is some uncertainty for MU heading into Saturday’s game.

Earlier this week, QB Brady Cook was ruled questionable for Saturday’s matchup due to a knee issue that occurred last weekend against the Wildcats. If Cook is unable to play, sophomore Sam Horn will be the starter for MU. Horn has only attempted five passes so far this season and played just one half in Missouri’s season-opener against South Dakota. There is a possibility that Miami transfer Jake Garcia could see some action this weekend. Garcia hasn’t taken any snaps this season but would likely serve as Horn’s backup if Cook can’t play.

Missouri’s wide receiving core has been excellent so far this season. WR Luther Burden III is coming off an impressive performance against Kansas State with 114 yards and two touchdowns. WR Theo Wease Jr. is also starting to find his groove in his first season in Columbia, with 107 yards and a touchdown in three games. WRs Mookie Cooper and Mehki Miller, along with tight end Brett Norfleet, have also been effective targets for Cook this season. However, Norfleet has been ruled out for Saturday’s matchup.

Photo Cred: The Kansas City Star

The RB duo of Cody Schrader and Nathaniel Peat will look to pose challenges for Memphis’ defense on Saturday. Schrader has rushed for 280 yards and a touchdown in three games, while Peat has 121 rushing yards and a receiving touchdown so far. The ground attack could play a key role for MU as it seeks to exploit the Memphis Tigers’ defense.

The defense has been the strength so far for Missouri this season. Defensive back Joseph Charleston has been leading the way for Blake Baker’s defense. He has 18 total tackles, including six solo tackles against KSU. Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper, defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr., and DB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. have also been big contributors to MU’s defensive success, each recording 14 total tackles. DB Kris Abrams-Draine has the only interception for the Missouri Tigers, picking off Wildcats’ QB Will Howard in the first quarter last weekend.

Memphis Will Give Missouri All It Can Handle

There is no doubt that UofM will be a formidable opponent for MU. Memphis is also undefeated with wins over Bethune-Cookman, Arkansas State, and Navy. The Memphis Tigers dominated both Bethune-Cookman and Arkansas State but faced a thriller at home last Thursday against the Midshipmen.

Missouri’s defense will have its hands full with UofM’s offense, which is currently averaging 40 points per game. QB Seth Hanigan leads Memphis’ offense with 791 yards and three touchdowns in the first three games of the season. The RB duo of Blake Watson and Sutton Smith has also been explosive for head coach Ryan Silverfield’s offense. Watson leads the team in rushing with 295 yards and four touchdowns, including a 69-yard run in the third quarter against Navy that secured the victory. Smith has 127 yards and two touchdowns to start the season for UofM.

Photo Cred: Memphis Athletics

Memphis is also dangerous at the WR position. Roc Taylor leads the team with 154 yards and a touchdown that came at the end of the first half to tie the game against the Midshipmen. WRs Demeer Blankumsee and Tauskie Dove have also played significant roles in UofM’s offensive success, each scoring a touchdown this season. Dove spent four seasons with the Missouri Tigers before ultimately transferring to Memphis for an additional year of eligibility.

Regardless of who plays at QB, Kirby Moore’s offense faces a challenging test against UofM’s defense. Matt Barnes’ defense is currently ranked seventh in the nation, according to NCAA.com. LB Chandler Martin has been the leader of UofM’s defense, tallying 20 total tackles (15 solo) in three games. LB Geoffery Cantin-Arku has 14 tackles (seven solo) so far for the Memphis Tigers. DLs Andres Fox and Derick Hunter Jr. lead Memphis in sacks with 1.5 each.

Gametime

Missouri will kick off against Memphis at 6:30 P.M. on Saturday at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, with the game broadcast on ESPNU.

UK vs. Akron

By

Andrew Bruner

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September 21, 2023

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maxresdefault1 — Photo Cred: YouTube- Daniel Hager

Final Score: UK 35, Akron 3

UK delivers a dominant performance against Akron, improving their record to 3-0.

Player of the Game: QB Devin Leary

Leary’s performance against Akron met the high expectations set when he joined the team over the summer. He was anticipated to be a more-than-capable replacement for Will Levis. Minus the one interception, Leary had an outstanding game, passing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. He effectively engaged all of Kentucky’s playmakers and ran a fluid offense. RB Ray Davis continued his impressive form from Week 1, as did WR Tayvion Robinson. Leary earns the player of the game honor this time, after trailing behind Davis and Robinson in Weeks 1 and 2.

Photo Cred: The Courier-Journal (#13 Leary)

Playmakers

As previously mentioned, the Wildcats showcased all their major playmakers, including Davis and Robinson. Despite being a running back, Davis demonstrated his receiving skills in this game. He outperformed his 72 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown with three receptions for 97 yards and a receiving TD. It was a massive day for the star RB, who appeared somewhat sluggish last week against EKU. Robinson had another big game, recording five receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. TE Jordan Dingle had his breakout game of the season, accumulating four receptions for 89 yards. Tight end Josh Kaftus was the final notable offensive playmaker for the Wildcats, with one of his two receptions going for Leary’s third touchdown of the game.

Photo Cred: WKRC (#1 Davis)

Defense

Saturday was another great day for the formidable Kentucky defense. Despite not getting any turnovers, they limited Akron to three points throughout the game. The defensive line was responsible for the bulk of the defense’s success in the game. The Wildcats had five total sacks that were distributed among four different players. LB Trevin Wallace was the only one who secured two sacks on the day against Akron’s QB. Kentucky’s defensive strength has been consistent, dating back to last year. Their performance will be a critical factor in determining their season’s outcome.

Photo Cred: Wildcat Blue Nation

Next Week

This week’s matchup against Akron concludes Kentucky’s non-conference games, at least until they face Louisville. On the 23rd, they begin their SEC slate of games, heading to Nashville for a showdown against Vanderbilt. It should be an exciting matchup!

Fresno State Beats Down Arizona State

By

Huston Dunston

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September 20, 2023

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httpscdn.dataskrive.comapiassetpI10nCE-2 — Photo Cred: Bleacher Nation

This past weekend, the Arizona State University (ASU) Sun Devils clashed with the Fresno State Bulldogs in a highly anticipated college football showdown. The game left fans from both sides with mixed feelings, as it either ended too quickly or felt agonizingly long, depending on their loyalties. Unfortunately for the Sun Devil faithful, the scoreboard displayed a resounding victory for the Fresno State Bulldogs. Fresno State shut out the Sun Devils 29-0.

Photo Cred: AP News

The Fresno State Bulldogs showcased an outstanding defensive performance during their encounter with the ASU Sun Devils. Their defense was relentless, forcing a total of seven turnovers throughout the game. The Sun Devil offense, on the other hand, struggled to find its footing and barely managed to move the ball past midfield. At halftime, the statistics were grim for ASU, with just five rushing yards and fewer than 50 passing yards to their name. The Fresno State defense’s relentless pursuit and ability to create turnovers were undeniably the driving force behind their team’s victory.

As the ASU Sun Devils reflect on their recent loss, they must quickly shift their focus to their upcoming challenge: a showdown with the USC Trojans, led by Heisman hopeful Caleb Williams. Unfortunately for ASU, they are faced with the daunting task of taking on USC without their starting quarterback, Jaden Rashada, who is sidelined for the time being due to injury. Rashada’s absence poses a significant setback for the Sun Devils, as his skill and leadership have been instrumental in their offensive game plan.

To have a fighting chance against USC and Caleb Williams, ASU desperately needs Rashada back on the field. His absence was keenly felt in the game against Fresno State, where the offense struggled to gain any momentum or make meaningful advances down the field. Rashada’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute precise passes has been a critical element of the Sun Devil’s offensive strategy. His return could potentially be the spark that ignites ASU’s offense and keeps their hopes alive in the upcoming matchups.

Photo Cred: AP News

While the team faces its own set of challenges, ASU fans are grappling with their own frustrations. Watching a game where your team struggles to make any headway can be disheartening, especially when it ends in a lopsided defeat. The resilience of Arizona State fans will be put to the test in the upcoming games, particularly if the team continues to struggle in Rashada’s absence. The hope of seeing their star quarterback return to action may be the silver lining that keeps fans engaged and hopeful as the season progresses.

The Arizona State Sun Devils’ recent defeat at the hands of Fresno State served as a wake-up call for the team. With a dominant Bulldogs defense and the absence of their star quarterback, the Sun Devils faced an uphill battle. As they prepare to take on USC and Caleb Williams, the return of Rashada becomes even more crucial. ASU fans, though disheartened by the recent loss, must remain hopeful and supportive as the team navigates through these challenging times. The upcoming games will undoubtedly test the resilience and determination of both the players and their devoted fan base.

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