Beaver Fever: An Oregon State Dynasty

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Week 5[/size]

[size=+1]#12 USC (2-1) @ #5 Cal (3-0)[/size]

[size=-5](top) USC HB CJ Gable led all backs with 178 yards on the gound. (bottom left) USC CB TJ Bryant with the 1st of his two pick-sixes. (bottom right) Cal TE Anthony Miller with a 2nd TD reception.[/size]​

Berkeley, CA - It all went south for Cal really quickly when USC HB Joe McKnight was able to juke and jive his way through the Bear defense for an electrifying 47-yard TD run on the opening possession of the game. Then Cal QB Kevin Riley was intercepted by USC CB TJ Bryant who took it back to the house. Just like that, USC was already up 14-0 with just under two minutes played in the game. But Cal dusted themselves off and Riley was able to connect with TE Anthony Miller to put the Bears back in the game but still down 14-7. The often injured Joe McKnight again was forced to leave the game with a bruised elbow that sidelined him for the rest of the game. But USC would tack on a field goal to go up 17-7.

It was apparent that Cal had no answers to slow down the Trojans' potent ground game as on the next USC possession, HB CJ Gable ran through a nice hole and brushed off weak arm tackles for an easy 50-yard TD scamper to put the Men of Troy well ahead 24-7. While USC looked unstoppable on offense, Cal was getting shut down by USC's defense. The Trojans again just marched down the field where HB Marc Tyler found paydirt on a 3-yard TD scamper. Tyler became the third Trojan RB with a TD and USC was now making it a laugher as it was now 31-7. Unfortunately, it would get worse for Cal when Riley was intercepted again by USC CB TJ Bryant for another pick-six to increase the margin to 38-7. And the onslaught only got worse as Cal HB Wil Kapp was lit up by USC DE Nick Perry to force the ball loose for a Trojan recovery. USC QB Mitch Mustain took advantage of the turnover and lobbed an 11-yard TD pass to TE Blake Ayles. Strike up the band again as the Trojans were now up 45-7. Finally, Cal was able to to do something before the end of the half by tacking on a late 29-yard field goal to make it 45-10 at halftime. The Cal fans really let their team have it at the end of the half booing the Bears going into the locker rooms.

At this point, Cal really had very little chance to recover but wanted to at least make some plays for their confidence the rest of the season. But today was just not the Golden Bears' day as HB Shane Vereen fumbled the opening play of the half. Fortunately, a review reversed the call on the field as it was obvious his knee was down. Cal was able to slow things down and put a decent little drive together but missed on a 20-yard chipshot. And USC just marched right back down the field where Mustain connected with TE Rhett Ellison to to put USC up 52-10. Cal did respond with a scoring drive of their own late in the 3rd quarter when Riley hit TE Anthony Miller on a 29-yard TD pass. The crowd gave a sarcastic applause as Cal was still down 52-17 going into the 4th quarter. Late in the game, Mustain hurt his back and Aaron Corp came in and connected on a deep pass over the top to WR Brice Butler for a 58-yard TD. The bloodbath in Berkeley finally came to an end with a 59-24 victory for the Men of Troy.

#12 USC 59
QB Mitch Mustain: 16-22, 236 yds, 2 td
HB CJ Gable: 24 car, 178 yds, td
TE Rhett Ellison: 8 rec, 105 yds, td
CB TJ Bryant: 4 tkl, 2 int, 2 defl, 2 td

#5 Cal 24
QB Kevin Riley: 18-29, 218 yds, 2 td, 2 int
HB Shane Vereen: 30 car, 118 yds
TE Anthony Miller: 6 rec, 77 yds, 2 td
OLB Mychal Kendricks: 5 tkl, tfl, sk, defl

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

[color=red]#17 Clemson 9
Wake Forest 13[/color]

[u]#12 USC 59
#5 Cal 24[/u]

[color=red]#10 Maryland 20
Virginia 27[/color]

#18 Fresno State 19
#11 Ole Miss 20 (14-pt 4th qtr)

#25 Iowa 24
Kentucky 31

#1 Florida 34
#21 Alabama 21

[color=red]Kansas 13
#14 Nebraska 10[/color]

[color=red]#13 North Carolina 17
Florida State 20[/color]

[b][size=+2]Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Florida 5-0
2 Texas 5-0
3 Oklahoma 3-0
4 Oregon 4-0
[b]5 Oregon State 4-0[/b]
6 Virginia Tech 4-0
7 Penn State 3-1
8 Notre Dame 3-1
9 USC 3-1
11 Cal 3-1

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

HB Jeffrey Demps (Florida) ^ 97 car, 446 yds, 10 td, 15 rec, 231 yds, rec td
WR Terrence McCoy (Texas A&M) ^ 32 rec, 398 yds, 7 td
QB Kellen Moore (Boise State) v 27/37, 333 yds, 3 td, int
QB Sherrod Harris (Texas) ^ 100/182, 1312 yds, 10 td, 7 int, 169 rush yds, 2 rush td
QB Jordan Jefferson (LSU) ^ 82/133, 1054 yds, 12 td, int, 133 rush yds, 2 rush td

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Game of the Week[/size]

[size=+1]#2 Texas (5-0) vs #3 Oklahoma (3-0)[/size]

Chris: So it may have been premature to write off USC as they just dismantled Cal last week and Florida took care of business to prove that they are still the #1 team in the land. Welcome to the Cotton Bowl for the annual Red River Rivalry between Texas and Oklahoma. As usual when these two meet, there is a lot on the line. So far this is the game of the year and the winner will put themselves in position for a national title run. Gone are Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford but these rivals still have potent offenses but maybe even better defenses. We'll get back to this one later but there are some other intriguing matchups today also...

[size=+1]Saturday Selections[/size]

#15 Maryland (4-1) @ #24 Clemson (3-1)
Kirk: Clem Lee: UMD

#17 LSU (4-0) @ #12 Vanderbilt (3-0)
Kirk: LSU Lee: Vandy​

Chris: Wow! Vandy!? Alright. That takes us to this one here. *crowd warms up* Guys. Who are you picking today?

Kirk: This is going to be an excting game that is going to come down to a few plays. I expect to see a bunch of turnovers as both defenses are probably better than the offenses. I really think Landry Jones is going to struggle today against what I think is the best secondary in then nation for the Longhorns led by FS Earl Thomas (99). I think Texas will have their work cut to run against what is probably one of the top defensive lines in the country but with the big 255 pound HB Cody Johnson pounding the rock, they should be able to keep the chains moving on the ground. Where Texas QB Sherrod Harris can light up what I think is a weak secondary for OU. (camera zooms in on a "Harris for Heisman" sign. Texas wins a close, close game. Turnovers will be key.

Lee: Ahhh...Not so fast my friend. Oklahoma has a fantastic defensive line led by DT Gerald McCoy (99). Their line is the best in the nation and then you add OLB Travis Lewis (99). They probably one of the best front sevens. These guys really get after it and pressure Harris into making some bad decisions. I know that Cincinnati really had a field day moving the ball all over the field against them but they will be ready today sweetheart. Plus, OU QB Landry Jones is surrounded by a ton of talent on offense and we already saw how productive HB Mossis Madu can be. *Lee puts on the schooner hat and gets a loud mixed response from the crowd* GO Oklahoma! BOOMER SOONER!

 

[Fox1994]

THESE NUTS IN YA MOUTH!!! Good luck to Oklahoma with the minor upset in the Red River Rivalry. I always root for the underdog in rivalry games I don't give a half a shit about. (Even if it's only a subjective underdog. . . as in not a real underdog to most people.)

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Week 6[/size]

[size=+1]#2 Texas (5-0) vs #3 Oklahoma (3-0)[/size]

[size=-5](top) Oklahoma gets one of their six turnovers when Texas HB Cody Johnson fumbles in the 4th quarter. (bottom left) OU HB Mossis Madu is named the Big-12 Offensive Player of the Week with 187 yards and three TDs. (bottom right) Texas QB Sherrod Harris passed for over 400 yards and threw five TD passes, but had also had five turnovers.[/size]​

Dallas, TX - The Sooners took an early lead when HB Mossis Madu got the corner on the outside and housed it for a 54-yard TD run. Then on the ensuing possession, OU CB Jonathan Nelson picked off Texas QB Sherrod Harris. Though Nelson suffered broken ribs when he was brought down on his return. However, QB Landry Jones found an uncovered WR Cameron Kenney wide open for a 44-yard TD when Texas decided to bring an aggressive blitz. Just like that, the Sooners were ahead 14-0. Texas struggled to block the outstanding OU defensive line and failed to move the ball. While Oklahoma moved into position to get back in the end zone, but Texas OLB Emmanuel Acho picked off Landry Jones in the end zone.

Early in the 2nd quarter, the Longhorns finally got on the scoreboard with a 27-yard field goal to make it 14-3. Pressure continued to be a problem for Sherrod Harris and when Oklahoma brought a double CB blitz, Harris was hit in throwing motion. The ball fluttered into the air for an easy pick-six for OU CB Dominique Franks as the Sooners went up 21-3. Texas would finally find a successful running game with big Cody Johnson who was fighting hard for extra yards. And then Harris connected with Johnson on a well executed screen that went the distance for a 38-yard TD to make it 21-10. But an Oklahoma interception by MLB Austin Box would be returned to the 1-yard line where HB Mossis Madu scampered in for a TD to put the Sooners ahead 28-10. However, Texas would mount a last minute drive to end the half with a Harris to WR Philip Payne 9-yard TD to make it 28-17 OU at halftime.

To start the 3rd quarter, the Longhorns marched right down the field where Harris lobbed a pass to the corner of the end zone for a 7-yard TD to WR Malcolm Williams. Texas had come back to make it a game, down only 28-24. Oklahoma also marched against the Longhorns with a good looking drive until Texas OLB Keenan Robinson came into the backfield so quickly that he caught the toss from Jones to Madu for a turnover. Suddenly, Texas was now in position to take a lead. Unfortunately for Texas, the Sooners were able to apply major pressure on Harris as OU DT Gerald McCoy was able to get to Harris and force a fumble which Oklahoma recovered and returned for a touchdown to put the Sooners in front 35-24.

Early in the 4th quarter, the Longhorns were driving and were in scoring postion but the OU defensive front seven swaremed against Texas HB Cody Johnson in the backfield and forced the ball loose for another Sooner fumble recovery. The fumble was the sixth Texas turnover. The Sooners marched back down the field and HB Mossis Madu found the corner again for his 3rd TD of the game on a 29-yard run to put Oklahoma ahead 42-24. But Texas came out on the first play of the ensuing possession with Harris hitting a wide open WR Brandon Collins who housed an 80-yard TD reception. The Longhorns failed on the 2-point attempt so were down 42-30. Texas lined up for the onside kick and actually recovered. Then Harris suddenly looked like the Heisman candidate leading the Longhorns and finishing off an impressive drive with a high arching 29-yard TD pass to Collins again. Suddenly, Texas was only down 42-37 with still 3:10 remaining.

The Longhorns were finally able to make a stop with 1:30 left to go in the game. But on a 4th-and-one inside their own territory, pressure forced Harris to throw a screen pass before it was set up as the ball fell to the turf. The Sooners held on in a Red River barnburner.

#2 Texas 37
QB Sherrod Harris: 31-49, 413 yds, 5 td, 4 int, fl
HB Cody Johnson: 20 car, 91 yds, 5 rec, 76 yds, rec td, fl
WR Brandon Collins: 5 rec, 134 yds, 2 td
SS Blake Gideon: 5 tkl, 2 int

#3 Oklahoma 42
QB Landry Jones: 23-36, 258 yds, td, 3 int
HB Mossis Madu: 29 car, 187 yds, 3 td (Big-12 OPOW)
WR Cameron Kenney: 8 rec, 121 yds, td
DT Gerald McCoy: 7 tkl, 2 tfl, sk, ff

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

#15 Maryland 23
#24 Clemson 24

Georgia Tech 47
#18 North Carolina 17

Oklahoma State 38
#25 Kansas State 17

#19 Nebraska 22
Iowa State 28

Northwestern 20
#20 Ohio State 26 OT

#17 LSU 44
#12 Vanderbilt 13

UTEP 33
#13 Utah 11

[u]#2 Texas 37
#3 Oklahoma 42[/u]

[b][size=+2]Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Florida 5-0
2 Oklahoma 4-0 (#1 Media)
3 Oregon 5-0
[b]4 Oregon State 4-0[/b]
5 Virginia Tech 5-0
6 Penn State 4-1
7 Texas 5-1
8 Notre Dame 3-1
9 Texas A&M 6-0
10 USC 4-1
11 Cal 4-1

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

WR Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M) ^ 44 rec, 582 yds, 7 td
WR Terrance Toliver (LSU) ^ 33 rec, 438 yds, 9 td
HB Jeffrey Demps (Florida) v 97 car, 446 yds, 10 td, 15 rec, 231 yds, rec td
QB Sherrod Harris (Texas) - 131/231, 1725 yds, 15 td, 11 int, 2 rush td
QB Jordan Jefferson (LSU) - 113/181, 1406 yds, 15 td, 3 int, 148 rush, 3 rush td

 

[Fox1994]

HA-HA-HA-HAHA! That is all.

Also: YAY! Oklahoma got the shootout minor-upset. NO DEFENSE in the BIG 12.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Game of the Week[/size]

[size=+1]#11 LSU (5-0) @ #1 Florida (5-0)[/size]

Chris: Welcome to the home of the Swamp here in Gainesville for a huge SEC game between LSU and Florida. This could very well be a preview of what the SEC championship will look like. Last year, these teams met twice and the Gators dominated the game at Death Valley and then crushed LSU in the conference championship. Both come in undefeated with BCS implications on the line. However, this is not the only big game today. Out west, Cal will look to rebound after getting destroyed by USC when they take on Oregon at Autzen. So we have a lot to get to today...

[size=+1]Saturday Selections[/size]

#12 Ole Miss (3-1) @ #21 Alabama (4-1)
Kirk: Miss Lee: Miss

#13 Cal (4-1) @ #3 Oregon (5-0)
Kirk: Cal Lee: Cal​

Chris: Wow. You guys are both expecting Cal to bounce back after laying a giant goose egg against USC. Alright, before we get to our picks for the spotlight game, Erin Andrews has a an injury update. Erin...

Erin: Good news for the Gators. WR Deonte Thompson will likely start today as the soreness from his sprained ankle has subsided. So Florida should be with their top receiver. Chris, back to you...

Chris: Alright Erin. Well that is great news for the Gators. The headgear is here. Time for your selections guys. *crowd cheers*

Kirk: I think this is going to be a low-scoring affair between two good SEC defenses. I'm expecting a hard-fought close football game but I think LSU QB Jordan Jefferson is just playing lights out right now. I mean he's thrown 15 TDs and has only three interceptions. The Tigers are doing a great job of protecting the football. Jefferson also has a great receiver in WR Terrance Toliver who already has nine TDs. Despite the Gators' great secondary, I'm expecting that duo to give the Gators problems. LSU wins a close game that comes down to a late field goal. *crowd boos*

Lee: Man, Jordan Jefferson is playing terrific football right now and his top target Terrance Toliver doesn't do anything but catch touchdowns. But not so fast my friend! *crowd cheers* Florida is going to shut down what I think is an overrated LSU offense. This Gator defense is spectacular. And boy what an explosive offense Urban Meyer has built. I don't know where "the hat" Les Miles is going to do to slow down that Gator offense. Their receivers are as good as anybody. Their offensive line is probably the best in the nation. Brantley has all the time in the world. Then Demps is going to make some big plays. Gators win by at least two touchdowns! *crowd goes wild as Lee puts on the headgear* GO GATORS!

 

[packersfan4eva]

2 bye weeks in a row? r u playin this week?

 

[Emac78]

Cal lost to USC. No longer following. Good luck lifting the Beavers to a national title!

They sure did, but maybe they can beat the Ducks and get back into the Pac-10 race.

2 bye weeks in a row? r u playin this week?

Yep. I have two bye weeks in a row but now we're well rested for Arizona which I hopefully will have up soon.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+1]Arizona (3-1) @ #4 Oregon State (4-0)[/size]​

Corvallis, OR - The Beavers came in fresh after a two week break to host Arizona who had only lost one game thus far. Oregon State has very quietly snuck up to a #4 ranking and now has an eight-game winning streak. That is the second longest winning streak in the nation. Only trailing Texas A&M with nine wins in a row. The Wildcats at this point are considered one of the players in the Pac-10 and Arizona did beat Oregon State last year. That would lead most to believe that the Beavers would be ready but with a huge game with USC looming next week, could there be a let down? Mike Stoops and the Wildcats would have to battle the elements as it was a cold, rainy evening at Reser Stadium.

Oregon State looked well rested to start the game. Arizona went a quick three-and-out. The Beavers got their keys out and put together a great, methodical drive finished with HB Ryan McCants punching it in from one yard away. The time off seemed to have helped Oregon State as they looked well prepared taking a 7-0 lead.

The Wildcats again struggled against OSU's defense, going three-and-out again. And the Beavers again just marched right down the field . McCants got the ball on a toss to the left, received some excellent blocks, sped down the sideline where he stiff-armed Arizona FS Patrick Rawls to the ground en route to a 46-yard TD scamper, putting OSU up 14-0.

[size=-5]OSU HB Ryan McCants stiff-arms Arizona FS Patrick Rawls to the ground en route to a 46-yard TD scamper.[/size]​

The Wildcats continued their inept offensive performance as they went three-and-out again. As the 2nd quarter opened up, OSU QB Ryan Katz on a playaction hit WR James Rodgers open over the middle for already his 7th reception of the game, which went for a 19-yard TD to put OSU ahead 21-0. For the first time, the Beavers were really starting to look like a top five team.

[size=-5]OSU WR James Rodgers' 7th reception goes for a 19-yard TD.[/size]​

Just when it looked like Arizona was going to roll over and let the Beavers make it a laugher, Arizona HB Nic Grigsby finally found an opening to run through. Then the fast scatback showed he also has some power by trucking over all-american FS Suaesi Tuimaunei and taking it 70 yards to the house giving the Wildcats a glimmer of hope as they were still down 21-7.

[size=-5]Arizona HB Nic Grigsby trucks over OSU FS Suaesi Tuimaunei and takes it 70 yards to the house.[/size]​

The big run by Grigsby seemed to have changed the complexion of the game. Now Arizona's defense was playing with some confidence. The Beavers suddenly faced a 3rd-and-long deep inside their own terrtory. Katz dropped back and tried to thread the needle between a tiny hole in the Wildcat secondary to WR Darrell Catchings, but the ball was overthrown into the hands of CB Trevin Wade for an Arizona interception.

Suddenly, the Wildcats were in business with their best field position to start a possession. QB Nick Foles took advantage of the good field position, leading the Wildcats into the red zone where he found Grigsby in the flat for a 3-yard TD to make it a one-score game. 21-14.

[size=-5]Arizona QB Nick Foles finds HB Nick Grigsby for a 3-yard TD.[/size]​

With under a minute left in the half, the prospects of the Beavers scoring before halftime did not look good when Katz was sacked. But Katz threw a beautiful deep ball to Catchings for a 44 yard gain. The Beavers would get in the red zone, but Katz would be sacked again to set up a 36-yard field goal to end the half with the Beavers ahead 24-14.

The Wildcats had weathered the storm after it looked like the Beavers would blow them out early on. And to start the 3rd quarter, the Wildcat defense held OSU to a three-and-out to force the Beavers to punt for the first time in the game. But OSU's defense stepped up its game also with a SS Lance Mitchell interception. However the Beavers could not capitalize off the turnover when they went four-and-out as they went for it on 4th-and-long at the Wildcat 40-yard line. Then an OSU DE Kevin Frahm led to another Arizona three-and-out. Defense continued to dominate as the Beavers also went three-and-out. McCants had found early success but was not gaining anything on the ground now. The Wildcats were able to get into position to try a long, 54-yarder in the rain, which Zendejas booted through the uprights. (Leading Emac to consider dropping FG kick power sliders.) With the booming kick by Zendejas, Arizona was only down 24-17.

[size=-5]Arizona kicker Zendejas boots a 54-yard FG in the rain.[/size]​

It was now the Beavers who were stuggling on offense as they went three-and-out again. Arizona on the other hand was moving the ball. Though the Wildcat offense was stopped and Zendejas attempted a 43-yard field goal to start the 4th quarter. But this time Zendejas was wide right. Unfortunatey for Oregon State, the Beavers failed to get a single first down and were forced to punt after another three-and-out.

The Wildcats would face a 4th-and-five at their own 47-yard line and Mike Stoops decided to go for it. Where Foles connected over the middle for a 1st down. On the same drive, the Wildcats would convert again on a 4th down play with a short toss to Grigsby that gave him just enough to move the chains. Amazingly, Arizona faced another 4th down. This time at the OSU 28-yard line. With time getting low, a field goal was not really an option. Foles was able to hit Grigsby for another 1st down as the crowd groaned. With 1:37 left to go, Foles threw a lob up into the end zone where TE AJ Simmons was able to stretch out just enough to make the 2-yard TD reception and tied the game up 24-24.

[size=-5]Arizona TE AJ Simmons ties the game up with a 2-yard TD reception.[/size]​

It was up to Katz to lead the Beavers into scoring position with under two minutes in regulation. The redshirt sophomore started off the drive by hitting TE Brady Camp in the flat who ran for a 17 yard gain. Then Katz connected with WR James Rodgers down the sideline for a gain of 18 yards. Finally, with :29 left, Katz threw to McCants in the flat. With only one defender to beat, McCants easily juked past Wildcat CB Mike Turner as Reser Stadium roared, and sped in for the 40-yard TD reception to put OSU back on top 31-24.

[size=-5]OSU HB Ryan McCants easily jukes past Wildcat CB Mike Turner for a 40-yard TD reception.[/size]​

Arizona would have less that half-a-minute to score a touchdown. Foles was able to get the Wildcats in position to try a last hail mary but it ended with an OSU interception as the Beavers barely escaped the upset.

Arizona 24
QB Nick Foles: 23-35, 216 yds, 2 td, 2 int
HB Nic Grigsby: 16 car, 90 yds, td, 5 rec, 36 yds, rec td
WR David Roberts: 7 rec, 76 yds
DE Brooks Reed: 7 tkl, 2 tfl, sk

#4 Oregon State 31
QB Ryan Katz: 23-35, 317 yds, 2 td, int
HB Ryan McCants: 21 car, 98 yds, 2 td, 4 rec, 54 yds, rec td
WR James Rodgers: 9 rec, 105 yds, td
DE Kevin Frahm: 8 tkl, 2 tfl, sk

 

[Fox1994]

Good job with the close win, dude. Keep it up. USC for National Championship... OSU for Rose Bowl! ;P

 

[LC AAU]

Still no loss. Nice job dude.

 

[packersfan4eva]

Good job with the close win, dude. Keep it up. USC for National Championship... OSU for Rose Bowl! ;P

Bullshit. He's goin all the way

 

[Fox1994]

Prbly. SC faltered again in real life. Ain't this 'bout a bitch?

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Week 7[/size]

[size=+1]#11 LSU (5-0) @ #1 Florida (5-0)[/size]

[size=-5](top) Florida's defense allowed less than 250 yards of offense. (bottom left) Florida QB John Brantley with on of his four total TDs. (bottom right) Florida HB Jeffrey Demps rushed for 188 yards and a TD.[/size]​

Gainesville, FL - The two SEC behemouths came in with national and conference implications on the line as usual. One would expect it to be a great game. But LSU had lost two in a row last year to the Gators, one being the SEC championship and neither were very close. The Gators got out to an early 7-0 lead when QB John Brantley threw a beautiful pass to the corner pylon for a 25-yard TD to WR TJ Lawrence. But LSU was able to have CB Patrick Peterson make a terrific interception while covering WR Deonte Thompson and returned the ball into Gator territory. The Tigers took advantage of the turnover when LSU HB Richard Murphy broke two tackles and found the end zone on a 28-yard TD scamper to tie the game 7-7.

In the 2nd quarter, Heisman contender Gator HB Jeffrey Demps broke a big 44 yard run that set up a 20-yard field goal to put Florida up 10-7. The rest of the half was just what one would expect when two SEC teams go at it. Defense dominated as both teams made stops. Both would trade field goals as the Gators were ahead 13-10 at halftime.

An early LSU interception by SS Chad Jones set up the Tigers in Florida territory. However, the Gator defense shut the Tigers down. "The hat" Les Miles decided to try a fake punt that failed miserably, giving the Gators great field position. Then Demps got a huge gain on a speed option for a gain of 66 yards, only taken down at the 3-yard line. Where Brantley finished off the quick drive with a 2-yard TD as he walked in behind a tremendous goal line surge by the Gator offensive line to put Florida up 20-10. From that point, the tide of momentum turned against LSU. The superb LSU QB Jordan Jefferson overthrew a pass that was easily picked off by Gator SS Ahmad Black. Not long after, Brantley connected with TE Aaron Hernandez for a 27-yard TD to make it 27-10.

In the 4th quarter, the Gators marched right back down the field where Demps scored on a 4-yard TD run. It was now 34-10 and the rout was on. Florida would put a late drive together where Brantley inside the red zone was unable to find anybody open, and just took it in for himself for a 9-yard TD run as the Gators demolished LSU 41-10.

#11 LSU 10
QB Jordan Jefferson: 14-29, 157 yds, int
HB Richard Murphy: 25 car, 62 yds, td
WR Rueben Randle: 4 rec, 42 yds
SS Chad Jones: 12 tkl, 2 tfl, int, defl

#1 Florida 41
QB John Brantley: 24-33, 265 yds, 2 td, 2 int, 2 rush td
HB Jeffrey Demps: 12 car, 188 yds, td
TE Aaron Hernandez: 7 rec, 123 yds, td
MLB Brendan Beal: 9 tkl, 2 tfl

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/b][/size]

#15 Vanderbilt 0
Georgia 27

#25 Purdue 20
Michigan 13

#12 Ole Miss 10
#21 Alabama 24

#13 Cal 35
#3 Oregon 20

NC State 34
#18 Clemson 29

[b]Arizona 24
#4 Oregon State 31[/b]

[u]#11 LSU 10
#1 Florida 41[/u]

[b][size=+2]Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Florida 6-0
2 Oklahoma 5-0
[b]3 Oregon State 5-0[/b]
4 Virginia Tech 6-0
5 Texas A&M 7-0
6 Penn State 5-1
7 Texas 6-1
8 Notre Dame 4-1
9 Oregon 5-1
10 USC 5-1
11 Cal 5-1

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

WR Jeff Fuller (Texas A&M) - 50 rec, 759 yds, 8 td
HB Jeffrey Demps (Florida) ^ 109 car, 634 yds, 11 td, 19 rec, 245 yds, rec td
QB Sherrod Harris (Texas) ^ 155/268, 1994 yds, 19 td, 11 int, 2 rush td
QB Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M) ^ 140/264, 1913 yds, 21 td, 10 int, 248 rush yds, 2 rush td
WR Terrance Toliver (LSU) v 36 rec, 474 yds, 9 td

 

[Fox1994]

Damn! Louisiana State got dominated... Who do you play next?

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Game of the Week[/size]

[size=+1]#3 Oregon State (5-0) @ #10 USC (5-1)[/size]

Chris: Welcome to the Coliseum for a huge showdown in the Pac-10 between the surprising Beavers and the Trojans. *crowd cheers* It was just last year that Oregon State was finally able to get a win in this stadium for the first time since 1960. The Beavers are one of the hottest teams in college football and have snuck up on everybody to find themselves ranked 3rd in the nation. While the Trojans were embarrassed to start the season with an opening loss to Hawai'i, but just shellacked Cal. But then just last week did not look to impressive beating lowly Washington State. No disrespect to the Cougars as we have a lot of respect for Washington State and their passion as they have their flag waving in the background for every one of our shows just as they do today, but they should not be able to hang around with the Trojans. So which Men of Troy team will we see today? Today may very well decide who plays for the Rose Bowl or maybe even have BCS implications if the Beavs could win today. Up in Corvallis, they are talking about this maybe being the biggest game in Oregon State history if they could get a win today. So who are you guys picking today?

Kirk: Oregon State's defense is ranked 3rd in stopping the run while USC is ranked 4th in rush offense. Something has to give there and I'm going to side with the Trojans to have no problem running the ball today. I just don't think the Beavers are up to the challenge in a game of this magnitude. It's one thing for Oregon State to catch the Trojans off guard, but this is potentially for the conference. Pete Carroll is going to have his guys fired up. They know that the Beavs have beaten them three of the last four times. I just fail to see how Oregon State can win today. I don't think it will even be close. Trojans win huge today. The real test will come against Oregon. *crowd cheers*

Lee: You're right Kirk. Pete Carroll better have his guys fired up today because they won't have a tougher test than today all year. Mike Riley is without their top playmaker, Jacquizz Rodgers and this team has not missed a beat. Ryan McCants has stepped in for Quizz and been sensational. While redshirt sophomore QB Ryan Katz has played tremendous. They don't wow you with big blow out wins or impress you with the eye test. But this team is on a roll. And you can't discount Mike Riley who we have to really start considering one of the best coaches in the nation, who always seems to have the Trojans' number. *Lee puts on the Benny Beaver headgear as the crowd boos* GO BEAVS!

 

[Fox1994]

Fuck! GO USC! No offense...

 

[Emac78]

[size=+1]#3 Oregon State (5-0) @ #10 USC (5-1)[/size]​

Los Angeles, CA - Finally, this could be the year for Oregon State. Ranked 3rd in the nation and the only undefeated team in the Pac-10, with a national audience on ABC against USC in the Coliseum. It would not get much bigger than this for the Beavers. After snapping a drought of not winning in the Coliseum since 1960, the Beavs would look to make it back-to-back wins in Los Angeles and four-for-five against the Trojans, and shed the ghosts of the past. The Trojan faithful came out with full support as the Coliseum had a rowdy atmosphere. As important as this game was for the Beavers, it was equally important for the Trojans. With Cal handing Oregon its first defeat last week, the winner here would claim the top spot of the Pac-10 and control its own destiny to the Rose Bowl.

The Trojans looked sloppy at the outset when a holding penalty led to an ugly three-and-out. But when the Beavers took over possession, the Coliseum roared to life. OSU QB Ryan Katz, just a redshirt sophomore was clearly rattled, and it did not help when he was sacked on his first snap of the game by USC DE Nick Perry. On the very next play, more pressure forced Katz to get rid of the ball too early where it was thrown right into the hands of USC OLB Malcolm Smith.

[size=-5]USC OLB Malcolm Smith with an easy interception.[/size]​

It did not take long for the Trojans to capitalize on the turnover when QB Mitch Mustain threw to HB Joe McKnight, who brushed off a weak tackle attempt and was celebrating in the end zone. The crowd reached a frenzy as all the momentum was with the Men of Troy. However, all of that excitement faded when it was apparent that there was a flag on the play. Holding on the Trojans brought it back and prevented the TD reception. As a result, USC was forced to punt the ball back to the Beavers. This time Katz seemed to put his early nervousness to rest when he connected with WR James Rodgers for a 1st down and getting the Beavers to midfield. But the outstanding Trojan defense shut down OSU HB Ryan McCants and OSU was forced to punt from midfield. USC took over at their own 20-yard line where OSU DE Kevin Frahm was able to apply pressure from the outside, causing Mustain to throw into coverage. Where OSU SS Lance Mitchell made a tremendous one-handed interception.

[size=-5]OSU SS Lance Mitchell makes a tremendous one-handed interception.[/size]​

The Beavers were now in business and Katz out of playaction found HB Ryan McCants at the goal line. The bruising tailback was able to hurdle a defender into the end zone on the 15-yard TD as the Beavers scored first to take a 7-0 lead.

[size=-5]OSU HB Ryan McCants hurdles in for a 15-yard TD reception.[/size]​

After allowing a touchdown off the turnover, the Trojans put together a good looking drive with a sense of urgency. The Beavers helped them out when SS Lance Mitchell grabbed McKnight's facemask to bring USC into OSU territory. USC's offensive line was starting to dominate as the Trojans marched into the red zone. Where Mustain found FB Stanley Havili for a 4-yard TD to tie the game 7-7.

[size=-5]USC QB Mitch Mustain finds FB Stanley Havili for a 4-yard TD.[/size]​

Heading into the 2nd quarter, the Beavers would look for a response but the offensive line struggled to protect Katz. And when Katz went down again, he would leave the game with what later determined to be a PCL sprain. Nothing too serious but Peter Lalich would be forced into action for the remainder of the game. Despite the injury, the Beavers marched right into the red zone. But McCants on a run to the outside was stripped of the football by USC DE Nick Perry and the Trojans recovered.

[size=-5]OSU HB Ryan McCants fumbles the ball in the red zone.[/size]​

The Trojans had the ball with bad field position especially after another dreaded holding call made it 3rd-and-19. With his back to the end zone, Mustain was able to convert for a 1st down with a pass over the middle to WR Travon Patterson. Then USC went to ground game where HB Joe McKnight was starting to tear it up. The Trojans were able to get the ball all the way to the OSU 25-yard line but faced a 4th-and-one. The aggressive Pete Carroll as usual decided to go for it. McKnight got the handoff and was taken down in the backfield by OSU OLB Keith Pankey for a huge stop for the Beavers.

[size=-5]USC HB Joe McKnight taken down in the backfield on 4th down by OSU OLB Keith Pankey.[/size]​

However, the Beavers could not find an answer offensively as USC forced a quick three-and-out. USC would also be held to an apparent three-and-out, but a successful fake punt kept a Trojan drive alive, leading to a 33-yard field goal before the end of the half to make it 10-7 USC at halftime.

Neither offense found much success to start the 2nd half either. The Beavers went three-and-out. USC followed with a three-and-out of their own. And OSU responded with another three-and-out. If anybody was waiting for a time to go get a beer or go to the bathroom, this was the time to do it as USC also went three-and-out as they continued to shoot themselves in the foot with stupid penalties. Finally, after another OSU three-and-out, USC was able to march all the way into the red zone. But pressure by OSU DE Kevin Frahm forced Mustain to throw into coverage for an easy interception for OSU MLB David Pa'aluhi. That would bring an uneventful 3rd quarter to an end.

[size=-5]OSU MLB David Pa'alui makes the easy interception in the red zone.[/size]​

Lalich was finding little success in the air for the Beavers and McCants was finding even less success on the ground as OSU was forced to punt after another three-and-out. But the Beaver defense continued to play phenomenal. It felt like any moment that USC was going to bust the game open but it just never happened. The Trojans were forced to punt after yet another three-and-out. The crowd was getting anxious and had lost the energy from the first half because of the monotonous game. But the Beavers just could not make a play and again went three-and-out. USC finally got a 1st down and marched into OSU territory, but a sack by OSU DE Kyle Bell brought the Trojan drive to an end with another punt.

It was now OSU ball at their own 24-yard line with only 1:47 left to go in the game. On the first play of the possession, QB Peter Lalich threw over the middle to WR Darrell Catchings but USC MLB Chris Galippo was there for the easy interception.

[size=-5]USC MLB Chris Galippo with a huge 4th quarter interception.[/size]​

Oregon State was able to hold and use their remaining timeout to force the Trojans to attempt a 35-yard field goal which split the uprights to make it 13-7 USC. The Beavers would have one more chance but would have to go 80 yards in :52 for a TD without a timeout. Lalich was able to connect with James Rodgers and then with Darrell Catchings to get the Beavers to midfield. After a deep ball to Catchings was knocked down, the Beavers would have one more play. With only :01 left, all that Oregon State could do was hope for a miracle on the hail mary. Lalich took the snap out of the gun. Stepped into the pocket but could not find enough time as USC DE Nick Perry brought him down for a sack to end the game.

[size=-5]USC DE Nick Perry sacks OSU QB Peter Lalich on the last play of the game.[/size]​

#3 Oregon State 7 (131 yds total offense)
QB Ryan Katz: 5-8, 66 yds, td, int
QB Peter Lalich: 7-13, 86 yds, int
HB Ryan McCants: 14 car, 15 yds, rec td, fl
WR James Rodgers: 4 rec, 77 yds
DE Kevin Frahm: 10 tkl, 5 tfl, 3 sk, ff

#10 USC 13
QB Mitch Mustain: 21-39, 208 yds, td, 2 int
HB Joe McKnight: 26 car, 111 yds
TE Rhett Ellison: 6 rec, 60 yds
DE Nick Perry: 7 tkl, 3 tfl, 3 sk, 2 ff (NCAA DPOW)

 

[Emac78]

We sure did. That score could have easily been more like 35-7. We couldn't do anything on offense at all. That was the first game that not having Quizz was a factor. Though I'm not sure he would have made that much of a difference. Oh well. The dynasty becomes much more interesting for me with the loss. We are definitely not good enough to make a championship run just yet.

 

[Fox1994]

DAMN! SC FTW. Good job, tho. You just have one loss... If SC loses again (God forbid), you could end up in the Rose Bowl... With a little luck you could end up in the Championship. Good luck to y'all and my real favorite team.