Category: NCAA

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Can Gulbranson handle Pitt’s defensive front?

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) tries to get a pass away while under pressure from Miami Hurricanes defensive back Kelonte Scott (0) in the first half at Hard Stadium Miami on Sat Oct 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 With Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson now leading the offense, how will the Cardinal use his experience to challenge Pittsburgh’s defensive front?

#2 How important will running back Tuna Altahir be to Stanford’s game plan against the Panthers, and how can the Cardinal’s offensive line help him establish the ground game?

#3 On the defensive side, can Stanford linebacker Hunter Barth help limit big plays by Pittsburgh, especially in the passing game or on screen passes?

#4 Stanford wide receiver Jonanthony Hall is one of the younger playmakers for Stanford — how much of a factor could he be in upsetting Pittsburgh’s secondary?

#5 Finally, how is the Cardinal offensive line—anchored by senior tackle Jack Leyrer—expected to hold up against Pittsburgh’s blitzes and pass rushes?

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Second Half Spark: Spartans Turn it Around in Exhibition Scare 73-60

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San Jose State University Spartans forward Colby Garland (0) takes the ball up the floor against Cal State East Bay at Provident Union Event Sports Center in San Jose on Mon Oct 27, 2025 (San Jose State University photo)

By Ryan Hannagan

SAN JOSE–An exhibition game against Cal State East Bay Pioneers didn’t exactly start off as planned for the Spartans on Monday night. But in the end which where it really counts the Spartans came away with a 73-60 win.

Early foul trouble amongst starters and poor shooting in the first half led the Spartans to a rough start. After 20 minutes, the Spartans trailed 38-36 going into half. 

When asked about what was discussed at half time, head coach Tim Miles told Sports Radio Service, “We’re not going to lose this game because we don’t work at it, free throws are mental toughness. Free throws are discipline… When a team doesn’t make free throws, to me, they’re not ready to play. Mind right, game right.”

What was discussed at half time sparked the Spartans in the right direction. With consecutive three pointers from Javaughn Hannah, the second half began with a 7-0 run that reversed the momentum in the favor of the blue and yellow.

The Spartans turned a slim deficit into a lead they didn’t give up for the remainder of the game, all the while East Bay struggled with foul trouble and missed field goals.

Hannah finished with a game high 17 points, continuing to dominate in the closing minutes. With forward Jermaine Washington spending a lot of time on the bench due to foul trouble, Colby Garland contributed 12 points, all in the first half, to help SJSU stay within striking distance of the game.

Although the exhibition wasn’t easy, it provided the obstacles, chemistry, and opportunity that preseason games are meant to provide.

According to Miles, “that first half showed we weren’t sharing it, we weren’t trying to create for anybody else.” “We were prepared to play in the second half.”

SJSU ended a more difficult than expected opener by winning the last battles on the boards and at the free throw line. The Spartans depart with a reminder of the standard they wish to maintain and the pressing need to reach it as the regular season approaches.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Stanford can’t do anything with Miami get crushed 42-7

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) tries to get a pass away while under pressure from Miami Hurricanes defensive back Kelonte Scott (0) in the first half at Hard Stadium Miami on Sat Oct 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 Stanford Cardinal (3-5) in the first half of their game in Miami against the Miami Hurricanes (6-1) was under control and it looked as if this might turn out to be a tight ball game as it wound up as a 7-7 tie after the first half.

#2 Second half it was just a blow out the Cardinal defense couldn’t shut down the Miami offense in the third quarter the Hurricane scored 21 points and in the fourth quarter the Hurricane scored 14 to put frosting on the cake for the 42-7.

#3 The Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck had lots of time to throw in the second half and piled up points for the win. Beck went 21-28, 189 yards and one touchdown.

#4 Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson struggled all afternoon completing only nine passes out of 21 attempts for 50 yards and one touchdown. Gulbranson was running for his life in the second half and couldn’t move the ball to the other end.

#5 Next up for the Cardinal the Pittsburgh Panthers (6-2). Pitt is on a roll they crushed the NC State Wolfpack (4-4) 53-34 on Saturday. Pitt’s quarterback Mason Heintschel had his way going 28-48 for 423 yards, three touchdowns. Will Stanford have their hands full again with another quarterback who could have all day to throw?

Join Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

No. 9 Hurricanes rout Cardinal 42-7 at Miami FL

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Miami Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck Jr drops back on the Stanford Cardinal pass rush in the first half at Hard Rock Cafe Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sat Oct 25, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

No. 9 Miami (Fla.) used a big second half to pull away from Stanford 42-7 in Atlantic Coast Conference football Saturday in Miami.

The game was tied 7-7 at halftime before the Hurricanes (6-1 overall, 2-1 ACC) scored 21 points in the third quarter and 14 more in the fourth while shutting out Stanford for over three quarters.

Miami rolled up 404 yards in total offense to 144 for the Cardinal (3-5 overall, 2-3 ACC).

Mark Fletcher Jr. 106 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Miami attack. Quarterback Carson Beck completed 21 of 28 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown, and Jordan Lyle and Girard Pringle Jr. each ran for a touchdown.

“Mark Fletcher showed why he’s such a great player and why he’s so important to this football team.” Miami coach Mario Cristobal told AP.

The Hurricanes’ Malachi Toney contributed 138 all-purpose yards – 73 on two punt returns.

Cole Tabb was the Cardinal’s leading rusher with 64 yards in the first-ever football meeting between the schools. Ben Gulbranson threw a touchdown pass to Caden High in the first quarter. Gulbranson completed five of his first six passes or 31 yards, but as 4 for 15 for 19 yards with two interceptions after his successful start.

“I thought our defense did a pretty good job in the first half … and then they got after us real good in the second half,” Stanford head coach Frank Reich told AP.

Miami outscored the Cardinal 35-0 in the second half. After Stanford scored its early touchdown, it only had 25 total yards in its next eight possessions.

The Cardinal host Pittsburgh next Saturday with a 12:30 p.m. Pacific kickoff at Stanford Stadium.

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips: Can Cal take advantage of a struggling Hokies team Friday?

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Cal Bears running back Kendrick Raphael takes the ball over the goal line for a touchdown against the UNC Tar Heels on Fri Oct 17, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley (East Bay Times photo)

Cal Bears podcast Morris Phillips:

#1 How will Cal’s (5-2) offense — led by Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — fare against Virginia Tech’s (2-6) defense, especially given his freshman status and the expectation on him?

#2 Will Kendrick Raphael’s rushing attack be able to make a difference and relieve pressure from the passing game?

#3 How significant will the role of Jacob De Jesus, Mason Mini and Trond Grizzell be in Cal’s passing/receiving game plan?

#4 Can Cal’s defense hold up against Virginia Tech’s offense — especially in key situations like third downs or the red zone?

#5 What impact might turnovers or special teams play have on the outcome of the game (for example, Cal’s return game via De Jesus, or Cal’s ability to force/exploit turnovers)?

Morris Phillips does the Cal Bears podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal looking to get past Miami’s defense Saturday

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Stanford Cardinal safety Scotty Edwards (21) shares congratulations with teammate inside linebacker Jahsiah Galvan (0) against Florida State at Stanford Stadium on Sat Oct 18, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson and wide receivers CJ Williams and Bryce Farrell try to breakthrough Miami’s tough defense that’s one of the FBS’ best?

#2 Stanford running back Micah Ford is their best running back this season will Ford’s ability and the Cardinal ground will be able to keep up with Miami’s high-powered defense?

#3 Miami’s defense is holding their opponents to 15.3 points per game and has been able to defend the run—Can Stanford counter the Miami defense and find any weaknesses against them?

#4 Offensively the Cardinal are averaging 326.3 yards per game 115 in the FBS. The Hurricanes defense had given up an average of 291.5 yards per game 15th in the FBS. Can you see any changes that Stanford needs to make to stay competitive.

#5 The Cardinal have had troubles trying to convert third downs to first downs with a low 33.7% and Miami has been able to get red zone and third down defensive success will head coach Frank Reich be able to counter that?

Stanford Cardinal podcasts are heard with Michael Roberson weekly at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Next up Stanford takes on a very difficult Miami University can they pull it off?

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Florida State Seminoles quarterback Tommy Castellanos (1) leaps into the end zone for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal whose defense had been having success much of the game at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Oct 18, 2025 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum:

#1 What adjustments did Stanford (3-4) make defensively in the fourth quarter to stop Florida State’s (3-4) late surge and secure the goal‑line stand on the final untimed down in the Cardinal 20-13 win?

#2 How did Florida State rack up 444 total yards of offense yet still fail to convert that production into a win? What key plays or opportunities did they squander?

#3 Stanford’s offense produced just 293 yards — what factors enabled them to score 20 points and win despite being outgained?

#4 What role did turnovers, penalties, or special‑teams mistakes play in the outcome of the game? Which ones were particularly costly?

#5 Stanford plays the Miami Hurricanes (5-1) next Sat Oct 25 at the University of Miami a 4:00pm PT kick off. The Hurricanes have been playing well winning three of their last four games. They did lose against the Louisville Cardinals in a close one last Saturday 24-21 for their first loss of the season. The Hurricane are 5-1 this one is on the road do you see the Cardinal with their hands full for this one?

Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal topped Seminoles 20-13, on a cool evening on the Farm; remaining undefeated at home

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Stanford Cardinal head coach Frank Reich (center right) celebrates with Scotty Edwards (21) at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto after their win against the UNC Tar Heels on Sat Oct 17, 2025 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (3-4, 2-2 ACC) are perfect at their home stadium, after defeating conference foe Florida State Seminoles (3-4, 0-4 ACC) 20-13, Saturday Night in the Bay Area.

The Cardinal won the coin toss, but deferred their possession to receive the ball after the half.. That turned out to be a good choice, as the Noles could not advance the ball at all, and punted immediately. The Cardinal did take the gift graciously, and used it in their favor.

Midway through the first quarter, Stanford utilized their initial possession to their advantage, by putting points on the scoreboard. Senior Emmett Kenney converted a 32-yard field goal, to put the home team up by three, 3-0.

FSU tried to tie the game later in the period, but missed a 57-yard attempt. Later, Florida State intercepted a pass from redshirt-senior QB Ben Gulbranson. They were not able to parlay that turnover to points, so the quarter ended with the same scoring margin. Stanford 3-0, after 15 minutes of gameplay.

The second stanza definitely had more action. Within a minute of the second quarter, FSU evened the score, 3-3. Redshirt-freshman kicker booted a 39-yard FG through the uprights, evening the score at three. The Cardinal were on a mission to regain the lead.

Stanford had a botched field goal scenario, filling the Seminoles defense with a sense of pride. However, they were called for an offsides penalty, negating their efforts, while giving Stanford another chance to score. They did capitalize on another chance/opportunity.

The Cardinal actually seized the moment and scored a touchdown instead, They intended to go up by three, but the circumstances changed the scenario, they actually went up by seven, 10-3. The Noles still had still had a modicum of time before recess.

With :40 remaining in the first half, FSU senior QB Tommy Castellanos scrambled to paydirt, on an 8-yard keeper, putting the Floridians within three, 13-10 at the half. Although Stanford still was in the lead, and would be receiving the ball in the beginning of the third quarter.

The Cardinal did not do much with that prized possession, but they prevented FSU from doing anything either. With a little over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Stanford burst through the line of scrimmage and goal line, with a 1-yard rushing TD by redshirt-freshman RB Cole Tabb. That put them up by 10 points, 20-10, after 45 minutes of conference battling.

Five and a half minutes into the final quarter, the Seminoles scratched the scoring column again, by converting a 33-yard FG, making it a one score game, 20-13, Stanford.

Near the end of the quadrant, Stanford’s Mitch Leibor was penalized and ejected with a targeting call on FSU’s QB. This put the Seminoles in an advantageous position to tie the game, or even win with a 2-point conversion.

After several wacky plays, penalties, and conversion, it came down to one last untimed play. Florida State came up short of the goal line. Even that play had to be examined on the replay booth. After the officials emerged from the booth, their determination was that the original call stood, and Florida State would return to the Sunshine State with another L. The final score 20-13 was the total for the victorious Cardinal..

Coincidentally, the Cardinal will next be in action in the State of Florida, as they take on the Miami Hurricanes Saturday, October 25 at 4 PM PT and 7 PM ET. Florida State, on the other hand, will have a week off, before hosting Wake Forest in Tallahassee Saturday, November 1 at TBD.

Austin’s Game-Saving Strip Allows Cal To Outlast North Carolina in 21-18 Win

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–This was a football game where the Cal Bears could overcome a bunch of damaging mistakes with one, brilliant, timely play.  Brent Austin made that play, and Cal survived, beating North Carolina 21-18 on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

With less than 4 minutes remaining, and UNC’s Nathan Leacock steaming toward the end zone with the go-ahead touchdown, Austin stripped Leacock at the one-yard line, and recovered the ball in the end zone for a turnover. The Bears then drained the remaining clock of all but six seconds to secure the win.

That’s as good an individual play as we’ve had this season,” coach Justin Wilcox said. “It was an unbelievable play.”

Wilcox didn’t like as much as he did like from his team as they lead throughout but suffered from too many dropped passes, and not enough physicality to counter the Tar Heels’ run game. But the Bears (5-2, 2-1 in the ACC) pulled through to remain in the chase for the conference title with a trip to Virginia Tech up next.

“The execution has to be much, much better, but we found a way to win,” Wilcox admitted.

Outside of Austin’s heroics, Jacob De Jesus was the team’s star with 13 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown that gave Cal a 14-7, first quarter lead. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele threw for 209 yards and kept Cal from committing any turnovers. Kendrick Raphael provided substance in the run game with 81 yards rushing and Cal’s third and final touchdown of the game.

The key? Sagapolutele, afforded a lead, played patiently, and didn’t get frustrated as his receivers dropped many of his 18 incompletions

“I’m just grateful for our coaches and staff for believing in me and trusting me, and putting me in places to make a play,” said De Jesus, who also had to pick himself up after a couple of untimely drops.

“Jacob did an excellent job for us,” Wilcox said. “He’s always going to show up.”

The embattled Tar Heels did little to ease the magnifying glass on themselves and Coach Bill Belichick with two turnovers and an offense that whiffed on its first three possessions. Cal forced six UNC punts and played much of the second half with a two-score lead.

“You can’t turn the ball over and win,” Belichick said. “It’s just too hard. We’ve got to eliminate some of those kind of mistakes.”

Cal is one win from six wins and bowl eligibility. Also, they can avoid a losing conference record for the first time since 2009 with three more wins.

Cal handles Belichick and UNC with 21-18 victory; pick up fifth win

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The Cal Bears Jacob De Jesus dives into the end zone for a first quarter touchdown against the UNC Tar Heels at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Fri Oct 17, 2025 (Cal Bears photo by Nancy Paiva)

By Morris Phillips

BEREKELY–The Cal Bears picked up their fifth win of the season improving to 5-2 with a 21-18 win over the UNC Tar Heels (2-4) at Cal Berekley’s Memorial Stadium on Friday night.

The game got off to an ominous start for North Carolina. On the very first play from scrimmage, the Heels fumbled the ball after a short pass, and Cal capitalized quickly. Just four plays later, with only about six minutes gone, Cal freshman quarterback Jaron‑Keawe Sagapolutele scored on a short rushing touchdown to give the Bears a 7‑0 lead.

The Tar Heels answered back with running back Benjamin Hall who took a handoff for an 18‑yard touchdown knotting up the game at 7‑7, giving the struggling Tar Heels some hope. But Cal came right back before the half, as Sagapolutele tossed to wide receiver Jacob De Jesus for a touchdown, and the Bears took a 14‑10 lead.

Third quarter action, Cal got more offensive scoring. The Bears scored on a fourth‑and‑one, when running back Kendrick Raphael took a two yard carry for touchdown, getting Cal up 11 points ahead 21‑10. UNC’s offense tried as hard as they could, but just couldn’t get enough offense and Cal stopped the Tar Heels for much of the third quarter from advancing the ball.

Fourth quarter: North Carolina tried to make a comeback in the game. The Tar Heels cut the Bears lead to 21-18, giving UNC some hope to get within striking distance. UNC couldn’t convert, when receiver Nathan Leacock caught a pass near the goal line but couldn’t get over the line, the Bears defensive back Brent Austin broke it up by knocking the ball out of Leacock’s hands only for Cal’s defensive back to recover the ball in the end zone with just four minutes left in the contest as Cal came away with the win.

Cal came away with the win with four point victory , the game did have some positives for UNC. The Tar Heels improved on defense keeping the game close, and the offense got a good performance from wide receiver Kobe Paysour. UNC errors were costly however when they had an fumble and a goal line fumble earlier. Cal put for their effort put a stop on UNC’s drive showing a strong defense. The Tar Heels continue to have troubles to finish drives. Cal had a number of penalties with nine penalties for 80 yards.

Cal takes on Virginia Tech next Friday Oct 24th at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg VA kick off 4:30pm PT