SMU Mustangs Dominate Prairie View A&M in Offensive Showcase

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September 17, 2023

The SMU Mustangs delivered a commanding offensive performance on Friday night, dominating the Prairie View A&M Panthers in a lopsided contest in a 69-0 shutout. The Mustangs displayed their quarterback depth, with two signal-callers collectively contributing seven touchdown passes while distributing the ball to seven receivers. It was SMU’s first shutout since 2012.

Offensive Prowess

SMU commenced the game with an explosive offensive display in the initial quarter. Starting quarterback Stone threw two early touchdowns, setting the tone for the night. Prairie View missed a pivotal opportunity to score in the first quarter, setting the stage for a relentless SMU offensive onslaught. The pinnacle of the evening materialized when Stone connected with Rodrick Daniels Jr., a native of Duncanville and Dallas, for a remarkable 91-yard touchdown pass to inaugurate the second quarter. Stone’s offensive prowess extended beyond passing as he added another touchdown on a zone read, propelling SMU to an imposing 28-0 lead by halftime. In the first half, Stone impressively contributed five touchdowns, four through the air and one on the ground. The SMU offense accumulated a staggering 566 yards, demonstrating their dominance in the passing and rushing aspects of the game.

Photo Cred: Dallas Morning News

Prairie View’s Night of Challenges

The Panthers were plagued by penalties and struggled on third-down conversions, managing a dismal 4-15 rate. Additionally, they incurred nine penalties for a total of 95 yards, all within the initial half of the game.

Defensive Excellence

SMU’s defense mirrored the team’s offensive brilliance, limiting Prairie View to 156 total yards. This victory marked the Mustangs’ first shutout since their triumph over Stephen F. Austin on September 18, 2012. The defensive line consistently applied pressure, resulting in three sacks.

Photo Cred: D210Sports

Display of Quarterback Depth

Backup quarterback Kevin Jennings, a Dallas native hailing from Oak Cliff, entered the game during the second half, with SMU enjoying a commanding 49-0 lead. Jennings promptly threw a touchdown pass to Keyshawn Smith, extending the Mustangs’ lead. Jennings secured two touchdowns, underscoring the depth of talent within SMU’s quarterback ranks. Head Coach Rhett Lashlee afforded playing time to all his quarterbacks following Jennings’ second touchdown, providing opportunities for Alex Padilla and Keldric Luster. Padilla, a transfer from Iowa, had seen action in two games in 2022, amassing 21 completions for 173 yards and a touchdown.

Photo Cred: Dallas Morning News

Looking Ahead

With this dominant performance, the Mustangs have set an impressive tone for the season. This victory underscores their offensive prowess and highlights their defensive capabilities, marking their first shutout in 11 years. As they prepare for the remainder of the season, trailing only one game behind undefeated Memphis in the conference, the team aims to capitalize on this momentum.

SRA’s Super 16

College

By

Joshua Vargo

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September 17, 2023

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USC Trojans Claim Top Spot in Rankings After Dominant Start to Season

In the ever-evolving landscape of college football, the USC Trojans have ascended to the pinnacle of the rankings, claiming the number one spot. Their journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Trojans blazing through their competition, boasting a flawless 3-0 record.

What sets USC apart from the rest of the pack this year is their apparent lack of struggle. While other teams have faced adversity and bumps in the road, the Trojans have cruised through their matchups with remarkable ease. Scoring an astonishing 66 points in one game and notching 56 in each of their other two outings, it’s clear that the Trojans’ offense is firing on all cylinders.

Photo Cred: NFL.com

At the helm of this offensive juggernaut is quarterback Caleb Williams, who has been nothing short of exceptional. Averaging an impressive 292 passing yards per game, Williams displays remarkable accuracy, with an average of only five incompletions per outing. With Williams leading the charge, the Trojans have found the formula for success, making their case as the team to beat this season.

Georgia Bulldogs Slip to Second Place Amidst South Carolina Struggles

Formerly perched at the top of the rankings, the Georgia Bulldogs find themselves in the number two spot after a hard-fought battle against South Carolina. The Bulldogs’ showdown between the hedges proved to be a challenging one, with Georgia prevailing but showing some vulnerabilities along the way.

Photo Cred: WNCT

Georgia’s offense, however, demonstrated its potency, amassing an impressive 458 yards, with a sizable chunk of those yards attributed to their ground game, where they racked up 189 yards rushing. As the Bulldogs prepare to face UAB in their next matchup, they will be looking to iron out any wrinkles in their performance before diving back into the rigorous SEC competition on the road against Auburn.

Michigan Wolverines Secure Third Position After Dominant Victory

Claiming the third spot in this week’s rankings are the Michigan Wolverines, who made a resounding statement with a commanding victory over Bowling Green. The Wolverines dispatched their inferior opponents with ease, finishing the contest with a convincing 31-6 score line.

Photo Cred: USA Today

Michigan’s offense, although not as explosive as some others in the rankings, displayed efficiency, accumulating a total of 312 yards, with 143 of them coming through the air. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was inefficient in his passing attempts, completing 8 of 13 for 143 yards. McCarthy also threw three interceptions, which might be a point of concern moving forward. Next on the Wolverines’ agenda is a clash with Rutgers, an undefeated conference rival, promising a thrilling matchup that fans will not want to miss.

The Ohio State Buckeyes Resurge to Fourth Place

The Ohio State Buckeyes have roared back into contention, claiming the fourth spot in the rankings after an impressive display of offensive prowess. In their latest outing, the Buckeyes exhibited an explosive offense, amassing a staggering 562 total yards on their way to a dominant 63-10 victory. Quarterback McCord displayed his precision, completing 19 of 23 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns, reaffirming his status as a key offensive weapon for the Buckeyes.

Photo Cred:

Additionally, the ground game was firing on all cylinders, with TreVeyon Henderson leading the charge, rushing for 204 yards, showing no signs of the injuries that plagued him earlier in the season. The Buckeyes appear to have regained their stride, clicking on both offense and defense, setting the stage for an exciting week ahead as they aim to topple Notre Dame and climb even higher in the rankings.

Florida State Survives a Close Call Against Boston College

In a thrilling and contested matchup, the Florida State Seminoles narrowly escaped with a 31-29 victory over Boston College. Despite winning, Boston College outgained the Seminoles by a wide margin, amassing 457 total yards to Florida State’s 340. One of the most astonishing aspects of the game was Boston College’s 18 penalties, which proved to be a lifeline for the Seminoles, potentially preventing a major upset. Florida State will need to address their performance issues promptly as they gear up for a daunting challenge ahead, heading to Death Valley next weekend to take on the formidable Clemson Tigers.

Photo Cred: ESPN

Rankings 6-16

The teams ranked 6 to 16 demonstrated their resilience and determination as they took care of business in their respective matchups. However, the Tennessee Volunteers faced a tough challenge when they ventured into the swamp and succumbed to the Florida Gators, falling short with a score of 29-16. Quarterback Joe Milton Jr. had a challenging day with a QBR of only 52.6, highlighting the need for improvement in the weeks ahead. The Vols now have their sights set on a rebound performance as they prepare to face the formidable UTSA team in their next outing. With the Volunteers slipping out of the rankings, this shift welcomes Ole Miss back onto the Super 16 ballot thanks to their impressive third win of the season. It is also clear that things are not good in Tuscaloosa, as they were only able to knock off a very inferior South Florida team by a score of 17-3. The Tide have some soul-searching and some quarterback-searching to do to save their season. 

The college football season continues to deliver thrilling matchups and surprising twists, and as teams jockey for position in the rankings, fans can expect the unexpected as the season unfolds. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of college football.

Missouri Outlasts Kansas State on Last-Second Field Goal

By

Ethan Burke

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September 16, 2023

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USP-NCAA-Football_-Kansas-State-at-Missouri — Photo Cred: USA Today’s FTW

The crowd stormed the field on Saturday as Missouri upset No. 14 Kansas State with a last-second 61-yard field goal from Harrison Mevis. The field goal set an SEC record and secured MU’s victory at Faurot Field.

Explosive Offense

Before Mevis’ game-winner, Tigers quarterback Brady Cook completed consecutive passes to Theo Wease Jr., advancing to the Wildcats’ 39-yard line. In the final play before the field goal attempt, MU incurred a delay of game penalty, pushing them back five yards.

“We knew we were going to kick it,” Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz said. “Before the possession, we told ourselves that if we got to the 40, then we felt like he (Mevis) could kick it. That delay of game was a stupid mistake on my part, but luckily my players bailed me out.”

Photo Cred: AP News (#92 Mevis)

Cook connected with wide receiver Luther Burden III for two touchdowns. The redshirt junior threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to Burden in the first quarter. Later in the game, they connected on a screen pass in the fourth quarter. This resulted in a touchdown that gave the Tigers a 27-24 lead with just over eight minutes remaining.

The St. Louis native threw for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Drinkwitz praised his QB for his resilience and contribution to MU’s victory.

Photo Cred: The Kansas City Star (#3 Burden)

“The way he fought through adversity was very impressive,” Drinkwitz said. “He made a lot of big plays down the field which put us in the best situation to win the game.”

The redshirt junior also scored a rushing touchdown. Cook completed a 27-yard pass to tight end Brett Norfleet, advancing to the KSU 7-yard line. A few plays later, the QB powered his way into the endzone, giving Missouri a 17-14 lead in the second quarter.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports (#12 Cook)

The Tigers offense also received significant contributions from WRs Theo Wease Jr. and Mookie Cooper. Wease finished the game with 72 yards and had a 26-yard reception late in the third quarter to get into Wildcats territory. Cooper had 79 yards on four receptions.

Running back Cody Schrader was a key component of the Tigers’ offensive success on Saturday. The senior rushed for 58 yards on 10 carries and had an explosive 36-yard play up the middle in the fourth quarter. That run caused a facemask penalty on Kansas State’s defense as well, netting MU an additional 15 yards.

Photo Cred: Columbia Missourian (Norfleet)

Key Defensive Plays

With the game tied, the Wildcats began their drive on their own 39-yard line with 3:56 left in the game. On second down, KSU was called for a false start violation, moving the ball back five yards. On third-and-15, defensive back Joseph Charleston tackled RB Treshaun Ward, forcing a punt.

MU’s defense also made significant plays in the previous drive. Ward’s touchdown was nullified due to a delay of game penalty when it was third-and-goal on Missouri’s three-yard line. On the very next play, QB Will Howard’s pass was incomplete, leading to a field goal that tied the game at 27.

Photo Cred: The Wichita Eagle

Some key plays from the Tigers’ defense came in the first half as well, and they turned out to have a long-term impact on the game. Defensive back Daylan Carnall sacked Howard for a loss of six yards. The Kansas State QB subsequently threw an incomplete pass, resulting in a fourth down. KSU kicker Chris Tennant missed a 55-yard field goal, giving possession to the Tigers.

The first significant play by Blake Baker’s defense came in the first quarter. DB Kris Abrams-Draine intercepted Howard’s pass when the game was tied at 7.

“I don’t think we started out the best in applying pressure,” defensive lineman Johnny Walker Jr. said. “We increased our pressure later in the game and we started to find success with that.”

Photo Cred: WFXG

The junior DL had a stellar performance on Saturday with three solo tackles and a sack. Charleston led the way for Missouri’s defense with nine total tackles (six solo).

Linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper had eight total tackles (six solo). DBs Jaylon Carlies and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. each had seven solo tackles.

Photo Cred: KPVI

Kansas State Kept Battling

KSU kept going back and forth with MU throughout the entire game. Every time the Tigers had the momentum, the Wildcats responded right away.

Howard and TE Ben Sinnott connected on two three-yard touchdowns during the game. The first occurred in the second quarter, when the QB found Sinnott in the endzone to give Kansas State a 14-10 lead. Their next touchdown connection came with over a minute to go in the third quarter. Howard would find WR Phillip Brooks for a reception of 19 yards. KSU took a 24-17 lead after the touchdown.

Photo Cred: The Kansas State Collegian

The senior QB concluded the contest with 270 yards and three touchdowns. Howard’s first touchdown came during the Wildcats’ first offensive possession. He connected with Brooks to get KSU on the board early.

Sinnott and Ward were the leading receivers for Kansas State. Sinnott finished with 78 yards and two touchdowns, while Ward recorded 61 yards on five receptions.

Defensively, the Wildcats had notable achievements. Joe Klanderman’s defense sacked Cook twice. Defensive end Jevon Banks and LB Daniel Green each had one sack. Green also led KSU in total tackles with nine. Safeties Kobe Savage and Marques Sigle each had eight total tackles.

Photo Cred: Bring On The Cats

Looking Ahead

Missouri will travel to St. Louis next Saturday to face Memphis in a neutral site game. You can catch the game on ESPNU at 6:30 P.M. at The Dome At America’s Center!

Photo Cred: Explore St. Louis

Missouri Looking For Redemption Against Kansas State

By

Ethan Burke

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September 15, 2023

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maxresdefault (1)1 — Photo Cred: YouTube- ROC Boys Football

After narrowly escaping Middle Tennessee State’s upset bid last weekend, Missouri (MU) is gearing up to host No. 15 Kansas State (KSU) from the Big 12. The Tigers got dismantled by the Wildcats on the road last season 40-12 and will seek revenge this Saturday in front of their home crowd. KSU represents MU’s first ranked opponent of the season.

Series History

This upcoming Saturday marks the 99th meeting between these former Big 12 rivals, with Missouri holding a 59-34-5 advantage. Prior to last season’s clash, the Tigers had secured five consecutive victories against the Wildcats. However, they did ultimately fall 24-17 in Manhattan, Kansas in their final season before joining the SEC.

Photo Cred: YouTube- Purple Kansas Photo Cred: YouTube

MU’s most recent triumph over Kansas State dates back to 2010, when they emerged victorious with a final score of 38-28. Former Tigers quarterback Blaine Gabbert recorded 208 yards and three touchdowns to lead them to a win in Faurot Field. The two programs have locked horns every year until 2011, with the first meeting being in 1909. Missouri took the victory then too, winning 3-0.

Missouri Aims to Improve From Last Week

The Tigers secured a victory last Saturday but need to up their game if they intend to defeat the Wildcats this weekend. Missouri escaped with a 23-19 win over Middle Tennessee State (MTSU) and watched its lead dwindle throughout the fourth quarter. The Blue Raiders scored a touchdown on fourth-and-goal and Tigers QB Brady Cook fumbled in the endzone. This resulted in a safety shortly after that Blue Raiders’ touchdown. Despite holding on for the win, MU still has a need for improvement.

Photo Cred: The Kansas City Star

Cook is coming off a two-touchdown performance with 204 yards. The redshirt junior ran for a one-yard touchdown and connected with senior running back Nathaniel Peat for a TD to begin the fourth quarter. The RB duo of Peat and Cody Schrader combined for 155 yards against MTSU. Head Coach Eliah Drinkwitz’s team must enhance their ground attack against Kansas State.

Photo Cred: ESPN

MU will also need strong contributions from its wide receivers on Saturday. Sophomore WR Luther Burden III is the leading receiver for the Tigers so far, as he has 213 yards and a touchdown through two games. Freshman Mehki Miller has made an impressive start to his college career as well. After the first two games of the year so far, he has 59 yards and a touchdown that came at the beginning of the Tigers’ season-opening win over South Dakota. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore will aim to get Theo Wease Jr., Mookie Cooper, and freshman tight end Brett Norfleet more involved against a talented KSU defense on Saturday.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

The Tigers’ defense has been their strength so far. Blake Baker’s defense is ranked No. 16 in total defense in the nation, according to NCAA.com. Defensive backs Daylan Carnell, Joseph Charleston, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., and Kris Abrams-Draine have played pivotal roles in Missouri’s success. On the defensive line, Darius Robinson, Nyles Gaddy, and Marvin Burks Jr. have been highly effective and aim to continue their dominance against an explosive Kansas State offense. DBs Tre’Vez Johnson and Jaylon Carlies have also made significant contributions as well.

Photo Cred: Rock M Nation

Kansas State Is a Tough Opponent

There is no question that the Wildcats will be a tough task for the Tigers. Kansas State boasts a 2-0 record with decisive victories over Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) and Troy. Chris Klieman’s team is coming off a 42-13 win over the Troy Trojans, with senior QB Will Howard throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Senior RB Treshaun Ward is also in good form, having rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown through the first two games of the season.

Photo Cred: The Wichita Eagle Photo Cred: Bring On The Cats

The WR duo of RJ Garcia II and Phillip Brooks demands close attention from MU’s defense. Garcia leads the Wildcats with 150 yards and a touchdown against SEMO, while Brooks has contributed 134 yards and a touchdown as well. Senior Jadon Jackson is another talented receiver that the Tigers’ defense must be wary of.

Photo Cred: On3.com Photo Cred: K-State Athletics (#2 Savage)

Missouri’s offense faces a formidable challenge from KSU’s defense. NCAA.com ranks Joe Klanderman’s defense 21st in both total defense and fourth-down defense nationally. A standout player for the Wildcats’ defense is senior safety Kobe Savage, a preseason Paycom Jim Thorpe Award finalist. Cornerback Will Lee III and linebacker Austin Moore are also key contributors, with Lee tallying nine solo tackles and Moore accumulating eight tackles in the season so far.

Gametime

Missouri will kick off against Kansas State at 11 A.M. on Saturday at Faurot Field, with the game broadcast on SEC Network.

Photo Cred: ClutchPoints

Game Review: UK vs. EKU

By

Andrew Bruner

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September 14, 2023

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70812036007-u-kvs-eku-34 — Photo Cred: The Courier-Journal

Final Score: Kentucky 28, Eastern Kentucky 17

UK steers the ship after a rocky first half.

Photo Cred: kyinsider.com

Play of the Game:

QB Devin Leary throws an absolute dime to WR Tayvion Robinson to tie the game before halftime. This pivotal play shifted momentum in favor of the Wildcats, leading to a strong second half.

Photo Cred: The Interior Journal

Honorable Mention:

Free safety Maxwell Hairston made a remarkable deep interception that denied Eastern Kentucky a touchdown opportunity and granted Kentucky’s offense another chance.

Photo Cred: ESPN

Player of the Game: WR Tayvion Robinson

Robinson led the Wildcats in receiving this week, hauling in six receptions for 136 yards and two TDs. He was the offensive spark the team needed this week, with RB Re’Mahn Davis held in check throughout most of the game. He made the play of the game and had another beautiful touchdown reception in the second half, helping UK move on to 2-0.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

Honorable Mention: QB Devin Leary

Photo Cred: WUKY

The Tale of Two Halves

Kentucky struggled in the first half against their lesser opponent. It wasn’t until Leary’s touchdown pass to Robinson at the end of the second quarter that the Wildcats scored their first points and tied the game. While EKU looked formidable, much of this had to do with UK shooting themselves in the foot. The Wildcats had multiple careless penalties and turnovers. It was a very undisciplined first half with some egregious holding, offsides, or false starts.

Photo Cred: AP News Photo Cred: LEX18

Eastern Kentucky was able to capitalize on these mistakes, but Kentucky’s defense kept them in the game even when the offense was struggling. EKU’s decision to head straight to halftime following Robinson’s touchdown was questionable. With three timeouts and a strong offensive showing, they missed an opportunity to attempt a field goal before the break. This could’ve potentially given them an edge in the second half, but they seemed content enough to go into the locker room with a tied game. Those three points could’ve helped the team come back in the game later on.

Everything fell into place for the Wildcats after halftime, with the team outscoring EKU 21-3 in the final two quarters. It’s definitely good news after they were held scoreless for most of the first half. Leary showed flashes as the guy many KY fans hoped he would be, finishing the game with four touchdowns and just one interception. Three of those TDs came in the second half.

Photo Cred: San Diego Union-Tribune Photo Cred: Wildcat Blue Nation

His lone interception was more a testament to the defense, resulting from a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage. UK has established itself as a second-half team, which is effective against the likes of Ball State and EKU. However, it could be potentially challenging against SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama later in the season. While this week’s game may not have been the prettiest, a win is a win.

This Week

The Wildcats will again enjoy the support of their home crowd this Saturday as they host Akron at 7:30 P.M. This game against Akron holds importance as the final one before they face other SEC teams. It will be crucial for Kentucky to start strong and perform well in the first half. Until then!

Photo Cred: Commonwealth Causes

Rutgers Takes Down Temple

By

Arnav Sarkar

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September 14, 2023

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download (5) — Photo Cred: Rutgers Athletics

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights (RU) defeated the Temple Owls (TU) 36-7 to improve to a 2-0 record on Saturday night. Despite the final score, Rutgers struggled to hold off Temple. The Owls would cut the Scarlet Knights’ lead to 13-7 with a touchdown in the beginning of the fourth quarter. However, Rutgers quickly responded with a touchdown drive of their own, and two interceptions by the Knights’ defense led to more scores. This secured a comfortable victory for RU.

Photo Cred: 247 Sports (Ja’Shon Benjamin)

The game’s first three quarters were characterized by offensive struggles for both teams. Both defenses stepped up, preventing each offense from gaining much ground. On the game’s first drive, RU drove deep into Temple territory. However, the Owls forced a fumble, resulting in an empty possession for the Scarlet Knights. However, TU failed to capitalize on the ensuing possession, turning the game into a battle for field position. Rutgers managed to advance the football, thanks in large part to a running game led by Kyle Monangai and a few passing plays by quarterback Gavin Wimsatt.

Photo Cred: Rutgers Wire (#5 Kyle Monangai)

Meanwhile, Temple was having a hard time getting first downs due to the outstanding Scarlet Knights defense. Consequently, Rutgers often regained possession near their 40-yard line, while TU consistently started deep in their territory around the 10-yard line. RU punter Flynn Appleby played a key role in pinning the Owls back. Towards the end of the first quarter, the Scarlet Knights finally got on the scoreboard. Wimsatt connected with freshman running back Ja’Shon Benjamin on a screen pass, resulting in a 33-yard touchdown. Sophomore placekicker Jai Patel added the extra point to give Rutgers a 7-0 lead.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports (Jai Patel)

In the second quarter, Patel kicked an impressive 51-yard field goal, extending RU’s lead to 10-0. On the next Rutgers possession, Wimsatt threw a career-high 61-yard pass to JaQuae Jackson. Jackson made the catch in stride around midfield and got tackled near the Temple 30-yard line. The drive did stall in Owls territory, but Patel hit another field goal from 43 yards. This gave the Scarlet Knights a 13-0 lead, one they took into the third quarter. TU quarterback E.J. Warner made some tough throws to spark the Owls’ offense late in the second quarter. Rutgers defensive back Desmond Igbinosun sacked Warner on a corner blitz near midfield, forcing the Owls to punt and lose the yards they had gained on the drive.

Photo Cred: Philadelphia Inquirer (E.J. Warner)

In the third quarter, Temple benefitted from some questionable calls that propelled them toward the Rutgers end zone. RU safety Flip Dixon made two crucial plays to prevent the Owls from scoring. He thwarted a run on third-and-goal and later broke up a pass on fourth-and-goal. Both offenses stalled for the rest of the quarter until Temple made another push toward the Knights’ end zone right at the end of the third quarter.

Photo Cred: NY Post

Early in the fourth quarter, TU capitalized on another red zone trip, with Warner finding Dante Wright in the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Temple got on the scoreboard, making it a one-possession game and trailing the Scarlet Knights 13-7. The RU offense went to work quickly, with Monangai carrying the football six straight times. This included a one-yard rushing touchdown that extended Rutgers’ lead at 19-7 about three minutes into the third quarter. On the Owls’ next offensive possession, Warner took a deep shot but it was intercepted. RU DB Shaquan Loyal returned it to the Temple 10-yard line.

Photo Cred: YouTube- American Athletic Conference

Patel added a 29-yard field goal to extend the Rutgers lead to 22-7 with under ten minutes left to play. The Knights’ defense, known as the “Dark Side”, forced the Owls’ offense off the field. Four-star running back Samuel Brown V scored on the Scarlet Knights’ next possession, increasing the lead to 29-7. RU defensive lineman Jordan Thompson had the team’s second interception of the day. Al-Shadee Salaam ran in a touchdown of his own, his sixth carry of the drive. What was once a 13-7 game finished as a dominant 36-7 win for Rutgers, although most of the scoring did occur the fourth quarter.

Photo Cred: The Scarlet Faithful

Both the RU offense and defense performed well in this contest. On offense, Wimsatt went 10/21 and had 198 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. Monangai had a career-best day on the ground, rushing for 165 yards and a touchdown. There was a specific drive where he carried the team with 57 rushing yards and the score. Salaam and Brown had rushing touchdowns of their own, while Benjamin had 36 rushing yards to go with his 33-yard receiving TD.

Photo Cred: Deadspin (#26 Al-Shadee Salaam)

In the passing game, Jackson had four receptions for 95 yards, including the 61-yard pass from Wimsatt. Defense is where the Scarlet Knights truly excelled, and the “Dark Side” certainly showed up in this game! They had 13 pass break-ups, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles, only allowing 7 points for the second straight week. Loyal and Thompson both had pivotal picks that led to Rutgers touchdowns, and the defensive line batted many of Warner’s passes down at the line of scrimmage.

Photo Cred: thescarletfaithful.com

They kept the Temple offense off the field and allowed for some early stumbles by the Scarlet Knights offense. This provided Wimsatt and the running game some time to get things going for themselves. On special teams, Patel was perfect on the night, making all three of his extra points and field goals. He had taken over the starting placekicker job from current kickoff specialist Jude McAtamney. Patel connected on 51, 43, and 23-yard field goals. Appleby had three punts, averaging 42.3 yards per punt, and pinned the Owls deep in their own territory. All in all, RU overcame a shaky offensive start to comfortably dispatch the Temple Owls and improve to 2-0.

Photo Cred: Rutgers Wire – USA Today

Looking ahead to this weekend, the Scarlet Knights face a tougher opponent in the Virginia Tech Hokies (VT) this Saturday at 3:30 PM. The game will take place at SHI Stadium, and Rutgers is currently a three-point favorite. VT enters the game with a 1-1 record, taking down Old Dominion 36-17 before losing to Purdue 24-17. That last game was delayed for hours due to thunderstorms on the East Coast in the afternoon. The hope is that Rutgers improves to 3-0, as they have in recent seasons. They need to continue this win streak in order to qualify for a bowl game in December. A tough test at Michigan is followed by a much easier opponent in FCS team Wagner. RU will then return to the road to take on Wisconsin. From there, they have two pivotal divisional games, hosting Michigan State and traveling to Indiana.

Photo Cred: Rutgers Athletics

The Scarlet Knights should aim for a 6-2 record and a secured bowl bid locked up by then. The November schedule doesn’t do them any favors… Rutgers will battle Ohio State, Iowa, Penn State, and Maryland to conclude the 2023 season. Each of those opponents has finished with a winning record in recent years and has been stronger than the Scarlet Knights. With the way RU has played in the first two games, they may be able to steal one or two of those games. However, a projection of at least six wins is looking more likely after two dominant victories over Northwestern and Temple. Let’s hope the Scarlet Knights keep chopping and improve to 3-0 next weekend!

Photo Cred: Rutgers Athletics

Arizona State vs. Oklahoma State Review

By

Huston Dunston

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September 13, 2023

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70815953007-uscp-7-rw-7-yzvcrrb-3-nlp-2-c-6-o-original — Photo Cred: USA Today

In a thrilling showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Arizona State University clashed with the Oklahoma State University Cowboys on Saturday. The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts that ultimately saw OSU emerge victorious with a final score of 27-15.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

From the opening kickoff, ASU seemed firmly in control. The Sun Devils executed the game plan, effectively moving the ball and making stops on defense. On the other hand, Oklahoma State struggled to gain momentum, particularly in the rushing department, where they failed to amass a single yard during the first half. Despite OSU’s offensive struggles, they managed to stay the course and through intermittent flashes of brilliance in their passing game. Their inability to maintain consistency in their aerial attack left them trailing 15-10 at halftime.

The script was flipped in the second half. Oklahoma State offense suddenly found their motion. They moved the ball up and down the field, putting pressure on the Sun Devils defense. Although ASU’s defense managed to secure some stops, their offense was unable to repeat the success of the opening half.

Photo Cred: AOL

The Sun Devil offense became stagnant. Their execution faded, and the Cowboys seized the opportunity. OSU made a remarkable comeback, scoring 17 unanswered points to secure the victory with a final score of 27-15.In the end, the contest proved to be a tale of two halves. ASU dominated the early stages of the game but faltered as OSU rallied in the second half. The Cowboys resilience and ability to adapt paved the way for their win over the Sun Devils.

NFL Week 1 Takeaways

By

Troy Finnegan

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September 13, 2023

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NFL: Pro Bowl — Photo Cred: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Week one of the 2023-24 NFL season has concluded, offering valuable insights. There were intriguing matchups, unexpected outcomes, and exceptional games across the league. As we transition to week two, let’s examine five significant observations from the opening week.

1. The 2023-24 Season May Prove Challenging for the Jets

Photo Cred: Fox 59

The New York Jets’ highly anticipated football season took a disheartening turn within the first minute. Aaron Rodgers injury marred a dramatic Monday night victory over Buffalo. Early Tuesday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Rodgers had suffered a complete Achilles tear, sidelining him for the entire season. Despite achieving a 1-0 record on Monday night, thanks to their formidable defense and a spectacular touchdown catch from Garrett Wilson, the Jets’ Super Bowl aspirations now seem uncertain with Zach Wilson back at the helm.

2. The Browns Defense Deserves Recognition

Photo Cred: NBC Sports

While it’s only the first week, the Cleveland Browns defense was the most impressive team. Facing a talented Cincinnati Bengals offense, the Browns front seven effectively halted the run and pressured Joe Burrow. The secondary consistently locked down the Bengals’ elite receiving corps, resulting in a dominant 24-3 win. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz displayed a variety of pressure tactics, while Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, and Grant Delpit delivered stellar performances, limiting the Bengals’ key receivers.

3. The Lions Emerge as NFC North Favorites Dan Campbell’s

Photo Cred: MLive.com

Detroit Lions delivered one of the most remarkable performances in week one. They secured a 21-20 victory against the reigning Super Bowl Champion Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Lions sent a clear message of intent, including a successful fake punt early in the game. Their fearless style, reminiscent of the previous season, has positioned them as favorites in the NFC North for 2023. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson displayed creative play designs, and Jared Goff played error-free football, contributing to their impressive win.

4. The Dolphins Offense Evolves under Mike McDaniel

Photo Cred: NFL.com

The most exhilarating game of the weekend featured the Miami Dolphins’ 36-34 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Tua Tagovailoa delivered one of his career-best performances, amassing 466 yards and three touchdowns on 28-for-45 passing. Tagovailoa heavily targeted Tyreek Hill, who recorded 11 receptions for 215 yards and two scores. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s innovative use of Hill’s pre-snap motion disrupted the Chargers’ defense, allowing for a dynamic offensive performance. The Tagovailoa-Hill duo joined a select group in NFL history with their impressive statistics.

5. The Cowboys Defense Is a Dominant Force

Photo Cred: Sporting News

In Sunday’s night game, the Dallas Cowboys destroyed the New York Giants 40-0. The Cowboys’ defense played a pivotal role, setting the tone with a blocked field goal return for a touchdown and an interception returned for a touchdown by DaRon Bland in the first quarter. Overall, the Dallas defense forced three turnovers and sacked Daniel Jones seven times while allowing just 2.6 yards per play. This performance highlighted the potential of the Cowboys’ defense, establishing them as one of the league’s premier units in the 2023 season.

Mel Tucker Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

By

Stephen Patrick

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September 12, 2023

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230910162603-mel-tucker-michigan-state-090923 — Photo Cred: CNN

Mel Tucker’s journey to becoming one of college football’s top coaches has been marked by success, challenges, and now, controversy. After successfully rebuilding a program in Colorado, Tucker took on the prestigious role of head football coach at Michigan State University in February 2020, injecting fresh hope and enthusiasm into the Spartan community. Two years ago, a partnership was formed with the noble aim of combatting the culture of sexual abuse in sports.

Photo Cred: SI

Unfortunately, what began as a promising initiative has now turned into a scandal, with Mel Tucker, one of the highest-paid college football coaches, at the center of it. Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor who has dedicated her life to educating athletes about sexual violence, is the accuser in this unfolding drama. Tucker had extended three invitations to Tracy to visit the Michigan State campus. Twice, she addressed his players and staff, delivering her impactful message against sexual violence. This partnership was initially seen as a positive step towards addressing the pervasive issues of sexual misconduct in college football.

However, things took a disturbing turn during a phone call in 2022, leading Tracy to file an official complaint with the university’s Title IX office. As a result, an investigation is underway, leaving both the institution and its head coach in a state of uncertainty. Tucker is currently suspended without pay. Tracy’s complaint details an unsettling account in which she allegedly endured explicit sexual comments and indecent behavior from Mel Tucker during that phone call.

Photo Cred: USA Today

However, it’s been reported that the relationship took a turn during a phone call in 2022. Tracy submitted an official complaint filed with the university’s Title IX office. The case is under investigation, leaving uncertainty hanging over the institution and its head coach. Tucker is suspended without pay.

In the complaint, Tracy details that she sat in stunned silence for several minutes as Mel Tucker allegedly made explicit sexual comments about her and engaged in indecent behavior. The alleged violation shattered the trust developed between her and the program. According to her, it reopened wounds from her rape by four men, including two Oregon State University football players, a junior college player, and a high school recruit 25 years ago.

Photo Cred: Yahoo Sports

As the investigation into these allegations continues, the sports community and Michigan State University find themselves at a crossroads, grappling with how to respond to this unfortunate incident. It serves as a stark reminder of the unwavering commitment required to address sexual violence, ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard and that individuals are held accountable for their actions, regardless of their standing within the sports world.

Joe Burrow Agrees to the Largest Contract in NFL History

By

Serenity Martin

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September 12, 2023

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This past Thursday, Joe Burrow agreed to a new contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. They came to an agreement on a five-year, $275 million deal. Only $219 million is guaranteed for the star quarterback, however. This new extension makes Burrow the highest-paid player in NFL history.

Joe Burrow contract details released: Cincinnati Bengals News - Cincy Jungle Photo Cred: Cincy Jungle

The contract extension solidifies Burrow’s role as the face of the Bengals franchise for years to come. Many speculate that the team will revolve around him, thanks to his increased salary. His teammates, fans, and coaches all share the belief that Burrow’s future with the Bengals is now secure.

Future of the Franchise

Bengals’ owner and President Mike Brown offered his insights on the franchise quarterback.

“My father always said that in the NFL, the quarterback is like the key to your car. You can have a great car, but you need a key to get the car going and to operate it at a high level. We feel that we have a good one in Joe,” Brown said in a statement.

Photo Cred: Daily Mail

“Our franchise has been fortunate to have many good quarterbacks over the years, starting with Greg Cook and now running through Joe,” Brown says. “Half a dozen Pro Bowl quarterbacks have graced our corridors, and Joe is an intelligent player who loves the game of football. The franchise is pleased to be in good hands.”

Just a Kid with Big Dreams

For those who have followed Joe Burrow’s remarkable journey, it has been nothing short of inspiring. He first attended Ohio State and was their third-string quarterback. With aspirations of becoming a starter, he transferred to LSU as a graduate transfer, and the rest was history.

Photo Cred: Land-Grant Holy Land Photo Cred: LSU Athletics

His final season at LSU left an indelible mark in the record books. Burrow led the Tigers to the national championship while remaining 15-0! Adding to his accolades, he was awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2019. The following year, he became the first overall pick for the Cincinnati Bengals. From his humble beginnings as a third-string quarterback, Joe Burrow’s current journey is a testament to his determination and talent. He’s definitely come a long way.

Photo Cred: The Guardian Photo Cred: Bengals Wire – USA Today

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1. The 2023-24 Season May Prove Challenging for the Jets

2. The Browns Defense Deserves Recognition

3. The Lions Emerge as NFC North Favorites Dan Campbell’s

4. The Dolphins Offense Evolves under Mike McDaniel

5. The Cowboys Defense Is a Dominant Force

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