Tag: NCAA

Cardinal overcome 29-point deficit, beat Buffs 46-43 in double OT

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Stanford Cardinal kicker Joshua Karty boots a second overtime field goal to give the Cardinal a three point win over the Colorado Buffaloes in Boulder Colo on Fri Oct 13, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Friday, October 13, 2023

After spotting Colorado a huge early first-half lead, Stanford’s offense caught fire in the second half, eventually using a Joshua Karty field goal in the second overtime to upend the Buffaloes 46-43 Friday night in Boulder, Colo. 

Karty’s 31-yard field goal ended the game after each team scored in the first extra period. Karty earlier booted a 46-yard field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter, sending the game into overtime. 

Colorado (4-4 overall, 1-4 Pac-12) broke the 36-36 deadlock on its first possession in overtime, when Shedeur Sanders threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to J Antonio. The Cardinal (2-4 overall, 1-3 Pac-12) responded with a 30-yard scoring strike from Ashton Daniels to Elic Ayomanor.

This was the final Pac-12 football meeting between the two schools, as Colorado is headed to the Big 12 and Stanford will join the ACC next season.

Daniels completed 27 of 45 passes for 396 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He was also the Cardinal’s top rusher, gaining 39 yards on 16 carries. Ayomanor caught 13 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns.

Shedeur Sanders, son of Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, completed 33 of 48 passes for 400 yards and five touchdowns, with one interception, and was sacked four times. He also led Colorado ballcarriers with 37 rushing yards on 13 attempts. Travis Hunter caught 13 passes for 140 yards and two scores.

The Buffaloes outgained Stanford in total offense 532 yards to 523.

Colorado opened the scoring at 10:25 of the first quarter, when S Sanders completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Weaver. The Buffaloes made it 14-0 nearly seven minutes later when Sanders found Hunter open for a 24-yard scoring strike.

With 8:42 left in the second quarter, Colorado made it 22-0 on Weaver’s second TD reception from Shedeur Sanders, a 39-yard scoring play followed by a 2-point conversion run by Caleb Fauria. 

The Buffs took a 29-0 lead into the locker room after Weaver’s 14-yard touchdown run on a reverse with just under 3 minutes to play in the second quarter, 

Stanford finally got on the board with 9:01 remaining in the third quarter, eventually scoring 26 unanswered points. Bryce Farrell ran in from 2 yards out, but a PAT pass was incomplete. The Cardinal cut their deficit to 29-12 less than three minutes later on a 97-yard pass from Daniels to Ayomanor. Again, Stanford missed the 2-point conversion with an incomplete pass.

The Cardinal completed their third-quarter rally with a 60-yard scoring pass from Daniels to Ayomanor at 4:45, pulling Stanford to within 29-19. The Cardinal continued to roll with a 1-yard touchdown by Justin Lamson as Colorado’s lead had shrunk to 29-26 with 12-29 to play.

Colorado interrupted the Cardinal rally on the ensuing possession, as S Sanders completed a 16-yard TD pass to Hunter, putting the Buffaloes up 36-26. The Cardinal responded with Daniels’ 3-yard touchdown pass to Ferrell with 5:06 left in regulation.

Next week, the Cardinal return to Stanford Stadium to host UCLA for Homecoming. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Oregon State Walks Out Of Berkeley Victorious After 52-40 win against Cal

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Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs before throwing the football against the Oregon Beavers in the second quarter at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Oct 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

Saturday, October 7th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

Berkeley, CA – On homecoming night at University of Cal, it’s the Cal Bears against the Oregon State University Beavers and the Bears are coming off a great win against Arizona State University, but the Beavers are coming off an equally great win against a ranked Utah squad. Cal walks into this game with a clear swagger and a win for either team would propel them up the ranks in the Pac-12.

Unfortunately Cal lost at home in a highly offensive game of scoring and fell short to Oregon State 52-40. Cal drops to .500 at 3-3.

Cal starts with the ball to open the game and the drive goes nowhere for the Bears and Oregon State takes over on possession and immediately starts pushing down field. In the red zone the Beavers score with ease as DJ Uiagalelei throws a dime to tight end Jack Velling and after an easy extra point, the Beavers take the early lead 7-0.

Cal’s attempt to even the score began as Cal utilized their lead running back Jaydn Ott, but was still forced to punt when even those attempts were foiled by OSU’s defense. The Beavers start out in their own red zone and being pinned there causes the Beavers to have to pass out of the jam, but to no success as they were forced to punt.

Cal’s next drive was more effective as they got down field with a variety of passes and rushes. The quarter ends with the ball still in Cal’s hands in the red zone with a chance to even out the game. 

On the fourth down the Bears decide to settle for the field goal and we start the second quarter 7-3. A major kickoff return for Oregon State goes 59 yards and they start this drive with amazing field position. Again in the red zone, Oregon State had the ball and on four plays Aiden Chiles hit Silas Bolden in the end zone and the Beavers put a gap in the score 14-0, but there was still a lot of ball game left and Cal started their next drive in the red zone after an onside recovery that they took back 26 yards.

Cal gets their first touchdown after Isaiah Ifanse got a nine yard pass from Fernando Mendoza and now it was a 14-10 ball game. On OSU’s drive, they made a big mistake when Cal forced a fumble and recovered it.

This is Cal’s seventh fumble recovery of the season and they are some of the best in the NCAA when it comes to forcing turnovers. Following that big recovery, the Bears offense pushed down the field using Ott and Ifanse and that strategy was effective when Ifanse walked in the end zone for an easy rushing touchdown and after an extra point, Cal had its first lead 17-14 with eight minutes left in the first half.

A trick play by OSU gets them downfield and back in the red zone, but while in the red zone, Cal was fighting in the trenches and forced a fourth and 1 for the Beavers, but a QB run for a yard kept the drive alive.

The Cal defense forced another fourth down attempt for the Beavers, but this time with 3 yards away from the end zone and they converted after Jack Velling caught his second touchdown catch, now the score being 21-17 Beavers up.

In the final minute of the game, Cal’s goal was to go in the locker room with some energy, but were forced to punt before the last eight seconds of the half and OSU took a knee which is how the first half closes. 

The second half started with a big return from the Beavers, 50 yards and a chance to take over early in the half. Cal has outscored their opponents this season in the second half, especially the third quarter, but that didn’t matter as Oregon State capitalized on the great field position when DJ Uiagalelei got a touchdown pass to Jesiah Irish and the Beavers made it 28-17.

Cal wasted no time on their following drive just moving the chains in such an efficient fashion that if you blinked you would’ve missed how far they traveled down field. This pursuit down the field was capitalized on as Ifanse powered through the Beavers O-Line and got another touchdown making it 28-24 and at this point Ifanse had all the touchdowns for the Bears.

The Beavers answered right back with a touchdown of their own with another TD catch from Velling making it 35-24 and the Bears had to respond. That response came after a big drive and the exclamation point was a 30 yard TD pass from Mendoza to Jack Endries and when the Bears converted on the two point attempt and the Cal fans went crazy! 35-32! The third quarter ended with OSU in the red zone on third down and the pendulum could swing any way at this moment. 

Oregon State got the TD to start the fourth as Damien Martinez powered his way into the endzone and they took the lead again 42-32. Cal started their drive with a force of energy, but fumbled the ball and the Beavers recovered the ball and now a chance to put this game away was in their hands.

The nail in the coffin for Oregon State was when Uiagalelei threw a pass to eligible receiver and DT Isaac Hodgins and now it was 49-32 Oregon State as Cal fans started to beat the traffic and head out the stadium.

The downfall wasn’t over for Cal as Mendoza attempted a throw, but was picked off by Jermod McCoy and at this point the game seemed over even though there were still ten minutes left on the clock. Oregon State even with a decisive lead was still pushing down the field just eating the clock down.

The Beavers walked away with a field goal and with two and a half minutes left, the Bears were fighting for pride as the clock ticked and ticked. Cal scored and executed on the two point conversion, but with a minute left, the game was in the bag. 

When the clock hit zero, the Bears fought, but the Beavers fought harder and the game ended with a 52-40 score and Oregon State walked away with a win. Cal shouldn’t be discouraged by this loss, because it showed them as a balanced team who can compete, just need some more elite players to match up against the big dogs.

Cal’s next game will be against Utah at Utah and the hopes for the Bears are a W.

After fast start, San Jose State falls 35-27 to Boise State

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Photo credit: @SanJoseStateFB

By Mary Anne

The San Jose State Spartans were unable to snap a two-game losing skid with a win over the Boise State Broncos on Saturday. The Spartans lost 35-27 to the Broncos at Albertsons Stadium. San Jose State fell to 1-5, while Boise State improved to 3-3.

The Spartans opened the scoring with Kairee Robinson’s 11-yard rushing touchdown — his 20th career rushing touchdown — and Kyle Halvorsen’s extra point for a 7-0 lead at 18:13 of the first quarter. Shortly after, Chevan Cordeiro’s 11-yard rushing touchdown — his third rushing touchdown of the season — and Halvorsen’s extra point doubled the lead to 14-0 at 7:02 of the first.

The Spartans led 14-0 at the end of the first.

The Spartans struck first to open the second quarter. Kyler Halvorsen’s 33-yard field goal extended the Spartans’ lead to 17-0 at 14:55 of the second.

The Broncos finally got on the board and made it a ten-point game midway through the second quarter. Eric McAlister’s 83-yard passing touchdown from Broncos backup quarterback Maddux Madsen and Jonah Dalmas’ extra point cut the Spartans’ lead to 17-7 at 13:33 of the second.

The Spartans poured in the points midway and late in the second quarter. Kyler Halvorsen’s 27-yard field goal made it a 20-7 game at 11:20 of the second. Quali Conley’s six-yard rushing touchdown and Halvorsen’s extra point expanded the Spartans’ lead to 27-7 with 4:56 left in the second.

The Broncos scored late in the second quarter. Broncos backup quarterback Maddux Madsen ran for an eight-yard rushing touchdown, and Jonah Dalmas kicked an extra point to cut the Spartans’ lead to 27-14 with 42 seconds left in the second.

The Spartans held a 27-14 halftime lead over the Broncos.

The Broncos opened the second half scoring. Taylen Green ran for a one-yard rushing touchdown, and Jonas Dalmas kicked an extra point to cut the Spartans’ lead to 27-21 with 5:34 left in the third quarter.

The Spartans held onto a 27-21 lead at the end of the third.

The Broncos’ offense exploded in the fourth quarter. Taylen Green ran for an 11-yard rushing touchdown and Jonah Dalmas kicked an extra point to help the Broncos take a 28-27 lead at 14:25 of the fourth. Riley Smith caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Broncos starting quarterback Taylen Green, and Dalmas kicked an extra point for a 35-27 lead with 3:30 left in the fourth.

Notes
Spartans freshman linebacker Jordan Pollard recorded his second career interception on Saturday, October 7.

Spartans sophomore tight end Joshua Scott celebrated his birthday on Thursday, October 5.

Up Next
The Spartans will take on the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday, October 14, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal face Deion and Buffaloes Saturday; Stanford looking to snap 4 game skid

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Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders (center) heads off the field following their game against the Oregon Ducks in Eugene OR on Sat Sep 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, the Stanford Cardinal (1-4) who are on a four game losing streak are looking to get back in the win column and the Colorado Buffaloes might be they’re best chance as the Buffaloes have lost their last two games USC and Oregon.

#2 The Cardinal lost their last game to the Oregon Ducks at Stanford 42-6 at Stanford Stadium on Saturday. The Stanford defense has to be a concern they allowed the flood gates to open as the Ducks 14 points in the second quarter and 21 in the third quarter.

#3 The story was all Bo Nix the Ducks quarterback as the Cardinal pass rush couldn’t lay a glove on him and Nix had time to throw against the Cardinal.

#4 Nix was 27-32 for 290 yards and four touchdowns. The Ducks rally was so upbeat rather than run up the score on Stanford in the fourth quarter the Ducks went to back up quarterback Ty Thompson who threw for one pass for eight yards.

#5 The Cardinals face the Buffaloes Fri Oct 13th in Colorado for a rare Friday night game. Both teams are coming in hungry as the Cardinal lost their last four and the Buffaloes their last two. Colorado have home field how do you see this match up Friday night?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal hope to snap 3 game skid against Neon Deion and Colorado Oct 14 on the Farm

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Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, top, tries to hurdle over Stanford cornerback Collin Wright (6) and safety Mitch Leigber during the first half at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sun Oct 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast:

#1. The Stanford Cardinal (1-4, 0-3 Pac-12) were invaded and overwhelmed 42-6 by the undefeated and angry #9 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) and dropped another conference game, inside Stanford Stadium.

#2 The Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix kept busy throwing 27-32, 290 yards, threw four touchdowns. Nix was just absolutely in command.

#3 “An Unbelievable team we just played; great in all three phases [Offense, Defense & Special Teams].” Said Stanford HC Troy Taylor.

#4 Ducks’ senior QB Bo Nix was absolutely motivated, as he put on an aerial display, tossing three TDs in the third 15-minute block. First he hit junior TE Terrance Ferguson for a 10 yard score. Less than two minutes later, he connected with junior wide receiver Troy Franklin for a 46 yard TD.

#5 The Cardinal have a bye next Sat Oct 7th and face the Colorado Buffaloes Sat Oct 14 in Colorado. The Buffaloes are 3-2 and lost their last game in a close one to the USC Trojans 48-41 in Buffalo on Saturday. The Cardinal now are on a three game losing streak at 1-3 how do you see these two teams matching up on Oct 14th.

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal podcast contributor for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal Allows Ducks to Soar Freely, Nest and Lay Eggs on the Farm, 42-6

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Oregon running back Jordan James, right, runs the ball on his way to a touchdown against Stanford during the first half at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Sep 30, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (1-4, 0-3 Pac-12) were invaded and overwhelmed 42-6 by the undefeated and angry #9 Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 Pac-12) and dropped another conference game, inside Stanford Stadium.

“An Unbelievable team we just played; great in all three phases [Offense, Defense & Special Teams].” Said Stanford HC Troy Taylor.

Stanford won the battle of clock management in the initial 30 minutes of play, but unfortunately not the score. The Cardinal had the ball in their possession 2/3 of the half (20:12), while the Ducks used their third ((9:48) more efficiently and effectively on the scoreboard.

Joshua Karty opened up the scoring a little over five minutes into the game, with a 37-yard kick through the uprights, and his Cardinal were up 3-0. Oregon wasn’t able to muster up any type of offense in the first quarter, unlike their blowout victory the previous game versus Colorado. The three point margin stood at the first whistle.

Karty opened the second quarter right away with a 53-yard boot for three. He is in the early stages of another consecutive FGs made streak. The Cardinal doubled their lead to 6-0.

Midway through the second period, Oregon finally got their offense on track. Sophomore running back Jordan James burst through the Cardinal defense for a 30-yard touchdown. The Ducks also took the lead (7-6) after the PAT by senior Camden Lewis.

Not wasting any of their limited time with the ball, Oregon struck again nearly six minutes later. Junior running back Bucky Irvin made it into the end zone on an elusive 17-yard scamper. Now the visiting birds were up by eight, 14-6.

Oregon put themselves in position to get three more points before recess, aided by a defensive penalty (5 yards) by Stanford. With that infraction, Lewis lined up for a 38-yard attempt, instead of 43. Turns out the penalty didn’t hurt the home team, as he missed the FG with one second left in the half. Midway through the game, The Ducks held their 8-point advantage at 14-6.

Apparently Oregon HC Dan Lanning gave another inspirational speech at halftime, because the Ducks came out in the second half with their heads and bills held high, ready to attack. After scoring 14 straight points to end the half, Oregon poured it on in the third quarter.

Ducks’ senior QB Bo Nix was absolutely motivated, as he put on an aerial display, tossing three TDs in the third 15-minute block. First he hit junior TE Terrance Ferguson for a 10 yard score. Less than two minutes later, he connected with junior wide receiver Troy Franklin for a 46 yard TD. He liked that combination so much, he found Franklin again in the endzone, this time for five yards. Stanford had no response, so after 45 minutes of play, Oregon opened up a 29-point lead, 35-6.

The final segment was no better, as Oregon reached paydirt again, early in the fourth. Nix threw his fourth and final TD (season high) to junior receiver Traeshon Holden, finalizing a 42 consecutive points run.

Nix eventually exited the game with his lofty stats, and the Ducks were able to end the contest taking a knee, or webbed feet. At the final horn, Oregon flew into Palo Alto/Stanford and increased their undefeated record by hammering the Cardinal 42-6 in front of 32,160 inhabitants, although a significant number were supporting the Ducks in their green Oregon paraphernalia.

Stanford has an upcoming Bye week, but will be back in action Friday, October 13th, as they travel to Boulder, CO to take on Coach Prime and the Uber popular Colorado Buffaloes (7 pm MST). Oregon heads back to the Great Northwest, but farther north to Seattle to battle fellow undefeated (At Press Time) conference foe, Washington Huskies, Saturday, October 14 (TBD).

NOTE: Cardinal’s senior kicker Joshua Karty made both of his FG attempts (37) & (53); with his last kick versus Arizona, he has made three in a row since his previous streak ended at 26.

Ducks’ senior QB Bo Nix’ 4 TD passes in one game is a season high thus far in 2023.

Cal Holds Off Arizona State In A 24-21 Victory

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Cal Bears running back Jaydn Ott (1) gets through for a touchdown as all ASU Sun Devils linebacker Caleb McCullough (22) can do is just watch at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Sep 30, 2023 (@CalFootball photo)

Saturday, September 30th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

Berkeley, CA – On a chilly, foggy day in Cal Memorial Stadium, the California Golden Bears against the Arizona State Sun Devils for Cal’s Pac 12 home opener. The Bears coming off a hard loss against Washington in their last game moved over the .500 mark (3-2) in the Pac 12 with a with a win over ASU 24-21 on Saturday. 

ASU started the game with the ball and after six plays the Devils were forced to punt and the Cal defense with one of the most underrated defenses in the Pac 12 showing early why they are so highly touted. The Bears’ first drive started with them immediately going to the air on five straight plays, but only connecting on two passes, forcing them to punt on their first drive.

The Bears are third in the conference in rushing yards, averaging 216.8 yards per game with their three backs having a combined 726 rushing yards through four games, so the idea of going run first to start this game seemed like an odd decision.

The Sun Devils offense for the second time couldn’t get out of the starting blocks as the Bears defense had them pinned three and out on their second drive. The first quarter looked like a defensive chess game, so whoever could get the offense going early seemingly would have the advantage. The second drive for Cal showed why they stick to their run game, especially with Jaydn Ott running the rock.

First two plays of the drive were back to back nine yard rushes for Ott, which then opened up the field for a pass to Jeremiah Hunter for 31 yards, then another 16 yard run for Cal. That slate of offense put them in the red zone where they would eventually score from a run by Isaiah Ifanse and an extra point, 7-0 Cal.

Seven plays going 68 yards and 2:58 of possession time, this was probably Cal’s most efficient offensive drive this season, led by Ott. The first big play for ASU was a pass from Trenton Bourguet to Melquan Stovall for 34 yards followed by a 12 yard pass to Gio Sanders that put the Devils within ten yards of the end zone.

The Devils were right at the line with 26 seconds left and a direct snap to Cam Skattegbo punched it in for a touchdown for ASU plus an extra point to tie this game at 7-7. The 13 play 75 yard drive for ASU was a great mix of offense, utilizing the pass and the run evenly to keep Cal’s defense on their toes.

The first quarter ended with the teams tied and their stats almost exactly the same. Biggest difference in the first quarter was time of possession where ASU held the ball for 10:20 and Cal held it for 4:40. 

The drive for Cal ended with them being forced to punt, but quarterback Sam Jackson V wasn’t stopping the drive without a fight almost literally, running the ball seven yards and taking a hit that flipped Jackson V and some words from the Devils defense and Jackson were exchanged. The Bears defense was relentless in their first drive of the second quarter, laying a brick wall on ASU and pinning them on their own five yard line and forcing a punt.

Back to back passes to the end zone by Jackson V were incomplete, but if you ask the Cal fan base both were clear pass interferences and they let the refs know it. When the drive went nowhere, Cal was forced to kick a field goal and Mateen Bhagani knocked it in the uprights to give the Bears the lead, 10-7.

ASU’s following drive was three plays, but stuffed a yard short and the Devils had to go for it on fourth down and with a little trickery, they ran a running back pass which was converted when Skattegbo completed it to Bourguet over the DB for a first down, but three downs later the drive would come to an end and Cal would get another chance at a score.

The Bears try a trick play themselves and it was the exact opposite for Cal as the play completely blew up in their face when attempting a flea flicker for a loss of 15 yards. Ott tried to make up some ground with a 21 yard run, but still had seven yards to go on fourth down with 1:37 to go in the half, so this forced them to punt.

The crowd was abrasively displeased as no intentional grounding was called and the Devils proceeded to march down the field from their own end zone with seconds left in the half. The first half would end with Devils QB Trenton Bourguet attempting to get one more pass off, but was blasted by Myles Jernigan that forced a fumble and it didn’t matter who recovered the half was over and Cal walked to the locker room with a 10-7 lead. 

The second half started with Cal having the ball and even though they had big plays, but penalties halted that progress and were forced to punt and that punt was beautiful and the punt team pinned the Devils on their own ten yard line.

Back against the wall, Arizona State utilizes the screen pass to get out of their own red zone and move the chains. The drive continued for ASU, but on fourth down on their 31 yard line and was stuffed by captain Jackson Sirmon and turnover on downs.

The following drive for Cal was Jackson V trying to make everything happen, on foot, in the air, it didn’t matter Jackson was trying to extend this lead and he did with a gorgeous pass to Hunter in the end zone and it was 17-7 Cal.

Arizona State’s next drive looked like it was going nowhere, but a desperation screen pass to Skattegbo goes 66 yards in the red zone and now the momentum gap has closed. In the red zone, Arizona State’s Bourguet and Skattegbo attempted three plays and were denied, then on fourth and goal a run by Elijah Badger effortlessly scored a touchdown for the Devils, but after further review the touchdown was called back for illegal substitution and ASU had to settle for a field goal making the score 17-10 Cal.

The next drive wasn’t much for Cal, so they were forced to punt and now the chance for Arizona State to tie it up was wide open. A 52 yard pass to Badger put the Devils back in the red zone, but they had to settle for another field goal after Cal locked them down again and even though ASU was winning the battle of yardage, the score was 17-13 Cal. When the clock hit zero in the third quarter, Cal had the lead and the ball and all of Cal Memorial Stadium on their feet. 

The final quarter was a chance to really silence the crowd for ASU, but they couldn’t capitalize and were forced to punt again. Four punts for ASU this game by this point, two field goals, one fumble, and one touchdown is the breakdown for them offensively, but Cal was still not taking them lightly.

The Cal defense jumped on Bourguet in ASU’s own red zone and Matthew Littlejohn picked him off. Bourguet was injured on the play and fortunately was able to walk off the field. Cal capitalized on the interception with a Ott rushing touchdown and now with 10:32 left in the fourth quarter, the game was being blown wide open, 24-13 Cal. ASU wasn’t done yet though, after a long kickoff return, and two straight long passes, the Devils were back in the red zone, looking to get their first touchdown since the first quarter and they did off a Bourguet run in the end zone.

Bourguet followed the touchdown up with a pass to Badger that converted the two point conversion and by this time it was 24-21 with 9:18 left in the fourth quarter. Cal utilized their running game to run the clock down.

Cal usually doesn’t get penalties that much, averaging five a game, but this game for Cal has them acquiring seven penalties. On the other hand for Cal they didn’t get many penalties called, but finally with three minutes left in the game a blatant pass interference call on the Devils gave the Bears red zone field position to potentially put the nail in the coffin.

Cal was stuffed in the red zone, giving ASU a major chance to go 100 yards for the comeback. In a last chance effort on fourth down, ASU gets denied and the game was over.

The next game for Cal will be in Berkeley against Oregon State on October 7th for another Pac 12 battle.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal prepare to face undefeated Oregon Saturday at the Farm

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Stanford running back Sedrick Irvin (26) runs for a touchdown against Arizona during the second half at Stanford Stadium on Sat Sep 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, how frustrating has it got to be that the Cardinal lost in a close one point game to the Arizona Wildcats last Saturday at Stanford Stadium.

#2 Stanford quarterback Aston Daniels threw for 14-26 for 198 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. Daniels tried to get some offense going but the Wildcats were able to cover that much better.

#3 Daniel needed more time to throw against the Wildcats defense but it was a struggle talk about how much pressure he got in the pocket.

#4 Stanford running back Sedrick Irvin had ten carries for 66 yard and a touchdown. Did Irvin get pushed back on some of his rushes last Saturday.

#5 The Oregon Ducks are no slouch their headed for Stanford for this Saturday the Cardinal have home field but the Ducks have been cleaning up winning four straight games and have a very pro active quarterback in Bo Nix who can throw all day.

Michael Roberson is a beat writer for Stanford Cardinal football at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Huskies Destroy California Bears 59-35

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Cal Bears wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Huskies in first half action at Huskies Stadium in Seattle on Sat Sep 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Eight Washington touchdowns handed the California Bears a 59-32 beat-down.

Saturday evening the California Bears (2-2) traveled up north to take on the Washington Huskies (4-0) and were handily defeated at Huskies Stadium in Seattle. The Bears tried to establish the run while Washington stopped the Cal run.

The #8 Huskies gave the Bears a run for their money. They had great offense and defense and Cal needed to pull out all the stops to have any chance against this power house.

In the blink of an eye the Huskies had taken a 14-0 lead. What is even crazier, the Huskies had not even made a single offensive play. The first touchdown came as a result of an interception. At 12:37 in the first quarter Edefuan Ulofoshio picked a Ben Finley pass taking it 45 yards for the first touchdown of the game and Washington led early 7-0.

Minutes later Washington’s Rome Odunze returned a punt for 83 yards and a second Huskie touchdown and a 14-0 lead. Cal saw some great play from the Huskies defense and special teams in the opening quarter but still had not seen the Washington offense.

When it had started to look like an empty first quarter for California, quarterback Ben Finley drove downfield connecting with Jeremiah Hunter for seven yards and Cal was on the scoreboard. Cal kicker Michael Luckhurst missed the extra point but the Bears had come away with a good drive.

Washington answered scoring another touchdown as Cal finally got to see their offense. Michael Penix Jr. found Ja’Lynn Polk for eight yards and their third touchdown taking a 21-6 lead. The Huskies had scored defensively, offensively and on special team in a well-rounded first quarter.

Washington finished off the quarter with a Grady Gross kick for 41 yards extending their lead 24-6. It had been a banner quarter for the Huskies and a play from behind quarter for Cal. The Huskies defense had given Cal all sorts of problem intercepting the ball twice in the first quarter.

In the second quarter Washington continued to run right through the Cal defense in the air and on the ground. In the early minutes of the quarter, Dillon Johnson rushed for three yards and another touchdown for the Huskies.

With a 31-6 lead Washington was running away with this game. Cal’s attempts to run the ball were denied by the Huskies forcing third down passing plays that came dangerously close to even more interceptions.

Bears quarterback Ben Finley continued to throw the ball and he put together another nice drive at 9:00 finding Taj Davis for 24 yards and Cal’s second touchdown of the game. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the Bears were looking at a 31-12 deficit. Too make things even more fun, the skies opened up and rain began to fall.

At 7:27 Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made a rare mistake throwing an interception and Cal had the ball in Husky territory on the 37 yard line. The great play that California had made was erased when Washington intercepted the ball on the very next play. This was their third pick of the game.

Washington finished off the first half with not one but two more touchdown. At 4:08 Penix Jr. connected with Ja’Lynn Polk for a second time in this game, a 24 yard pass. With 44 seconds left on the clock Penix Jr. again found an open Rome Odunze for 35 yards and his second touch down of the game. The Huskies took a 45-12 lead into the locker room. California had been competitive in this game but it was the turnovers that left them in the dust.

Despite an extensive injury history which includes ACL and shoulder issues, Michael Penix Jr. continues to excel every time he takes the field. Both the offense and defense of Washington were making life pretty miserable for the Bears.

Both teams would score a single touchdown in the third quarter. Penix Jr. would tack on another 16 yards finding Rome Odunze in the end zone. Despite the 52-12 Husky lead, the Bears continued to fight scoring a rushing touchdown with 1:49 left on the clock. Going into the final quarter the Huskies led 52-19.

Cal would score early in the fourth quarter via a 20 yard pass from Sam Jackson V to Trond Grizzell. The extra point failed and the Bears had some issues with their kicking game. Washington extended their 52-25 lead when Sam Adams II rushed for nine yards and the Huskies had scored their eighth touchdown of the game leading 59-25.

You have to give the Bears a lot of credit fighting to the end scoring the final touchdown of the game. Ashton Stredick rushed for three yards in that last score. The final was 59-32. It sure would have been a much closer game had it not been for those turnovers.

Next Saturday the Bears will take on Arizona State at California Memorial Stadium Berkeley. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Cardinal Suffers Wounds from Wildcats’ Attack; Lose Close Pac 12 Battle 21-20 on the Farm

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Arizona Wildcats tight end Tanner McLachlan (84) goes airborne over Stanford safety Alaka i Gilman at Stanford Stadium on Sat Sep 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (1-3, 0-2 Pac-12)  could not attain their first conference win and/or home victory with a 21-20 defeat at the paws of the Arizona Wildcats (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) on a nice evening in the Bay.

The Cardinal got themselves on the scoreboard first, (10:35) early in the initial quarter, on a 35-yard field goal by Josh Karty.  He kept his consecutive FG streak alive at 26, without a miss.  Stanford was up 3-0, with plenty of time left in the period.

Unfortunately for the Cardinal and Karty, as the whistle blew to end the first 15 minutes of play, his streak (26) ended on a 51-yard attempt wide right of the uprights.  After one, Stanford retained their three point lead, 3-0 SU.

Early in the second block of play, Arizona got themselves in the scoring column.  Junior quarterback Jayden de Laura tossed a 36-yard TD pass to redshirt senior TE Tanner McLachlan, giving the desert cats the temporary lead, 7-3.

Arizona held that advantage for more than eight minutes; however, Stanford eventually had an answer for their feline guests.  The Cardinal performed a jet sweep with WR Bryce Farrell taking the ball into the end zone for a two yard touchdown.  Stanford back on top, 10-7.

The Cardinal took that three point margin into the locker room at intermission.  It also seemed they had the momentum after the 30-minute Pacific 12 battle.  However, there would be at least 30 more minutes to contest.

The second half did not produce immediate action, but with nearly six minutes left in the third, the Wildcats scratched their mark.  Jayden de Laura scored an uncontested seven yard TD on a QB keeper misdirection play.

Stanford got in on the action with less than two minutes left in the 3/4 mark of the contest.  Freshman RB Sedrick Irvin maneuvered around the defensive line after nearly being stymied at the line of scrimmage, made his way into pay dirt for a one yard TD.  Cardinal back in the lead, 17-14.

That was the advantage they took into the last stanza.  The Cardinal managed to have the lead (3) after every quarter, thus far in the game.  Will that be the case after four?

The Final chapter started off inauspiciously for the Cardinal; as the previously consistent FG kicker missed another 51-yard attempt wide right.  Karty went from 26 in a row without a miss, to two consecutive misses from the same distance.  The off target attempt did not affect the score adversely for the home team.  They still led by three (17-14) with more than ten minutes left in regulation time.  They have to hope those two missed field goals (six points) don’t come back to haunt them after 60 minutes of conference action.

Unfortunately, four minutes later, the Wildcats clawed their way back into the lead when graduate senior running back DJ Williams rushed into the end zone for a two yard TD.  Now the frisky guests are back on top by four, 21-17 AZ.

Karty somewhat redeemed himself with a little more than three minutes left in the game.  He avoided the “Hat Trick” of missed field goals by successfully booting one from 46 yards away.  This feat by his foot, brought the Cardinal within one of the Wildcats, 21-20.  The attempt of an onside kick did not work, and Stanford had no other choice but to try and force a turnover.

That did not come to fruition, as Arizona converted a first down and kneeled keeping possession of the ball until the scoreboard clock hit zeros and the final whistle was sounded.  The Wildcats scaled the Tree and took a one point victory into their visiting locker room.  21-20, Arizona.

Stanford will stay on the Farm and face the high flying Oregon Ducks next Saturday, September 30 (3:30 pm PDT).  Arizona heads back to the desert (Tucson) to host the Washington Huskies on the same date (7 pm Local Time).

Note:  Joshua Karty’s impressive FG streak ended at the end of the first quarter; however, he was 2-4 on the night and brought them within one point of a tie.

Cardinal QB Ashton Daniels threw for 202 yards, with 0 TD’s.  RB Sedrick Irvin and WR Bryce Farrell each scored touchdowns.