Bleacher Report - Articles by Pac10Rivalry.com

Oregon-Stanford: Cardinal Beats No. 8 Ducks 51-42, Becomes Bowl Eligible

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:31:56 -0500

Surely the Oregon Ducks were on the high wave of emotion after beating USC last weekend. They controlled their own destiny in their march to the Rose Bowl.

Then they traveled to Palo Alto and faced a Stanford Cardinal team that punched them right in the gut. Stanford flat-out bullied Oregon up and down the field on their way to winning 51-42.

Toby Gerhart set a Stanford single-game rushing record with 223 yards. He also pounded out three touchdowns.

Andrew Luck was lights out, throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns on a 12-of-20 day. Luck picked apart the Ducks’ secondary, threading many passes in tight coverage.

For much of the season it has been Oregon’s special teams and defense that put them in control of many games. Against Stanford it was just the opposite—the Ducks defense just could not find an answer for stopping Luck, Gerhart, and company.

The Ducks offense looked out of sync for much of the game but really started to put it all together late. That was almost bad news for the Cardinal, as the Ducks pulled to within 13 points with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter—plenty of time for Jeremiah Masoli to orchestrate the high-powered offensive attack.

After the Cardinal bled off some clock and missed a late field goal, the Ducks wasted no time flying downfield. D.J. Davis caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Masoli, and the extra point pulled Oregon to within six points.

Two minutes and 38 seconds left. Do you kick the ball away for the kickoff or try the onside kick? Chip Kelly went for option two—and it wasn’t pretty. The ball didn’t even travel the required 10 yards, and Stanford recovered at the Oregon 38-yard line.

Three Gerhart rushes later, and it looked as though Oregon’s defense might have given their offense a shot for the win.

But instead of safely punting away with 15 seconds left, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh pulled a dagger out of its sheath. With a Nate Whitaker 48-yard field goal, he stuck that dagger right into the heart of every Ducks coach, player, and fan.

For Oregon, Masoli completed 21 of 37 for 335 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 55 yards. LaMichael James added 125 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown run.

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The Pac-10 Is Getting Defensive

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:58:32 -0400

Note: Story originally published 10/16/2009 at Pac10Rivalry.com

It wasn’t long ago when the nation said the Pac-10 is soft because they didn’t play defense well. Many said the conference was an offensive oriented one—and on most accounts they were right. But things appear to be changing.

To start week seven of the college football season the Pac-10 has five teams ranked 21 or higher in total defense. Let’s take a glance at those five teams (defense rank in parenthesis):

Arizona State (No. 3) – The Sun Devils are killing it in the run defense department as they’re currently ranked second in the nation. They’re also fifth in tackles for loss and tied for 12th in sacks. They get after it up front, no doubt.

Watch for this group to get better next season as studs like Lawrence Guy and Brandon Magee are only sophomores.

Both Mike Nixon and Jarrell Holman are tied for 10th in the nation in interceptions.

Southern Cal (No. 6) – As is the norm with USC this team is pretty consistent all around. The Trojan defense currently leads the nation in sacks thanks in part to red shirt freshman Nick Perry (tied fifth), junior Everson Griffen (tied 27th) and junior Michael Morgan (tied 58th). They are also second in tackles for a loss. Their scoring defense ranks fourth while there rushing defense ranks fifth.

The scary part of it all…this team is just starting to get healthy all the way around.

The aforementioned Nick Perry leads the Pac-10 with six sacks even though he went down in the Trojans’ fourth game. He’s expected to return this week against Notre Dame.

Several other defensive starter have been banged up over the first six weeks, but they keeping plugging in top shelf talent where needed. One of those has been banged up is Taylor Mays. But he’s getting healthy—and at the right time.

Oregon (No. 16) – The high flying Ducks are usually thought of for the offense first. For many years fans were calling for defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti’s head. They said his defenses allowed too many points. Kept the high scoring Ducks’ games close. Had that bend-but-don’t-break attitude rather than a killer instinct.

This year is completely different.

Several of the Ducks’ wins can be directly attributed to their defense and special teams. The talk of the town has not been the offense, rather, it’s been the defense. Overall the defense has been consistent, which it netting them a No. 16 rank in total defense. They’re tied for 12th in sacks, 9th in Pass Efficiency Defense and 28th in tackles for loss.

Despite being banged up quite a bit in the secondary, this Ducks defense still gets the job done. Free safety T.J. Ward went down in the first game and hasn’t been back since. Stud corner back Walter Thurmond III went down with a knee injury in the fourth game of the season and will miss the remainder of the season. Corner back Willie Glasper will also miss the remainder of the season after going down during practice while preparing for UCLA.

Arizona (No. 17) – This Wild Cats unit doesn’t do any one thing great, but they’re doing a lot of the little things really good. They’re good at stopping the run and are forcing teams to pass. Doing so has helped sophomore Trevin Wade swallow for pass for interceptions–tied for third in the nation.

As this team gets in to stiffer competition (Stanford, Oregon, USC all remain), it will be interesting to see how the defense stands up.

UCLA (No. 21) – Despite losing talented corner back Aaron Hester with a fractured fibula (he may return for the Oct. 24 game), the Bruins’ secondary still remains lethal. Free Safety Rahim Moore leads the nation with five interceptions. He did suffer a concussion in their game against Stanford, but as he shakes out more cob webs each week I expect him to get back to form.

UCLA’s defense has been keeping their team in most games, but the offense just didn’t up their end of the bargain in both Pac-10 losses so far.

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Arizona-Louisville: The Wildcats Have a Real Shot

Pac10Rivalry.com — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:15:15 -0400

Arizona entered the NCAA Tournament as one of the last teams selected. So far, they’re making the best of it as they face No. 1 seeded Louisville in the Sweet 16 on Friday.

The Wildcats have made it to the dance 25 straight years—two short of the record. They’ve never been seeded lower than they are this year and they’ve probably never had as many doubters as they did entering game one.

Seeded at No. 12, Arizona faced No. 5 seed Utah. The doubters (including myself) figured this to be a walk in the park for Utah, but Arizona’s big three, Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill, and Nic Wise had it figured differently. They scored 20, 17, and 29 points respectively, and led their team to a 84-71 win.

Next up was No. 13 Cleveland State who just shocked Wake Forest and knocked the Demon Deacons out of the tournament. Again, Budinger, Hill, and Wise carried their team with 15, 16, and 21 points respectively and the Wildcats won 71-57.

So what’s next for Arizona after having not been given much of a chance after slipping in to the dance? How about No. 1 seed Louisville. Once again, the doubters are starting to write an end to Arizona’s dance. Not me. Not this time. I believe they have a chance.

During the first two games, Arizona shot 48 percent from the field while Louisville shot just over 50 percent. Both teams held their opponents under 40 percent from the field—Arizona’s opponents shot 34 percent and Louisville’s shot 38 percent.

The Cardinals love to press and get up and down the court—as does Arizona. But, with the exception of the second half versus Morehead State, Louisville’s press hasn’t seemed to work. If they cannot get their press working early, they may be in for a close game.

Nic Wise has been hot during the tournament thus far. He may just be the
X-factor for an Arizona win. Wise needs another great game, keep his turnovers down, and help Budinger and Hill get good shot selections.

A second X-factor? The Arizona bench. While the big three for Arizona have played well, the team will have to get more production from its bench if they expect to have a chance at beating Louisville.

So, while I figured Arizona to be one of the first gone of the six Pac-10 teams to make the tournament, I’m now giving them a real shot at knocking off top seed Louisville.

Not because they are the only Pac-10 team left, but because they are playing good ball and I think they match up well with the Cardinals.

Oregon Ducks' Offense Comes Alive, Beats No. 15 Fresno State 7-1

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:54:04 -0500

What a difference a day can make. The Oregon Ducks' offense really shined today as they defeated the 15th-ranked Fresno State Bulldogs 7-1 in the second game of the three-game weekend series.

The Ducks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back. Caleb Tommasini, Mitch Karraker, and Dylan Gavin each had two hits, and four more Ducks collected one.

On the mound today for the Ducks were Erik Stavert, Ryan Fleckenstein, and Madison Boer, respectively. Fresno State managed eight hits on the day, but the Oregon's defense held the Bulldogs to only one run.

With the victory, the Ducks have won the weekend series. The final game is scheduled for tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. PDT.

Oregon Ducks Win Home Opener 1-0, Beat Defending National Champs

Pac10Rivalry.com — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:16:00 -0500

It took all of the nine innings, but the Oregon Ducks won their first home opener in 28 years defeating the 15th-ranked Fresno State Bull Dogs 1-0.

Fresno State, the defending national champions, came to a sold-out PK Park in Eugene, Oregon, not knowing what to expect from a school that was without baseball for the past 28 years.

They now know the Ducks, lead by coach George Horton, are a team on a mission.

Freshman Tyler Anderson got the start, as he did in Oregon’s season opener at Saint Mary’s last Friday, and immediately took command.

His placement and pitch selection were outstanding. Anderson pitched into the ninth inning and faced 30 batters. He gave up only six hits, walked two, struck out five and allowed no runs.

Junior left-hander Ryan Fleckenstein entered the ninth inning with the game stalled at 0-0. He only faced three batters and put all three away.

In the bottom of the ninth the Ducks worked themselves into a two-out hole—but then the rally was on.

Junior Eddy Rodriguez started it off with a single to right center. Next was Jett Hart who also knocked a single to right center, which advanced Rodriguez to third base.

With runners on first and third Andrew Schmidt came in to pinch hit. The count worked to full and with runners moving on the pitch, he belted a line drive single into right field and scored Eddy Rodriguez from third.

The Ducks win! The Ducks win!

Overall the Ducks' bats weren’t hot, but they knocked ‘em around when it really mattered most. Jett Hart led the Ducks hitting going 2-4, the second, of course, being the game winner.

28 years later there will be "Ducks on the Pond!"

Pac10Rivalry.com — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:27:41 -0500

On Friday, February 20th at 2:00 p.m. the Oregon Ducks will field their first baseball team in 28 years. Oregon fans would love nothing more than to see several ‘ducks on the pond‘.

On Thursday the team left for Moraga, CA where they will face Saint Mary’s in a four-game series. The first game starts at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, a double-header starts at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, and the finale is on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

Coach George Horton’s probable lineup is as follows:

Pos. - Player (hometown/previous school)
lf - Caleb Tommasini (Tenmile, OR/Oregon State)
cf - Curtis Raulinaitis (Sacramento, CA/Sacramento CC)
ss - KC Serna (Ventura, CA/St. Bonaventure HS)
dh/1b - Mitch Karraker (Clovis, CA/Fresno CC)
c - Eddy Rodriguez (Warden, WA/Wenatchee Valley CC)
rf - Jett Hart (Puyallup, WA/Lower Columbia College)
dh/1b - Andrew Schmidt (Roswell, GA/Tallahassee CC) or Darrel Hunter (Springfield, OR/Thurston HS)
3b - Dylan Gavin (Santa Cruz, CA/Santa Cruz HS)
2b - Danny Pulfer (Cypress, CA/Cypress HS)

The starting pitcher is scheduled to be freshman Tyler Anderson. Anderson is a lefty who stands at 6′3″ and weighs 195 lbs. He comes from Spring Valley HS in Las Vegas, NV. In HS he played four years of baseball and was selected in the 50th round (1,491 overall selection) by the Minnesota Twins in the 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

The Ducks' first home opener in 28 years will take place on February 27th against defending national champions Fresno State.

Oregon will be fielding a rather young team as 19 of their 35-man roster are freshman; there are only two seniors on this team.

It will probably take one of the young guys to step up and really take hold of the leadership role.

To bikini, or not to bikini: that is the question.

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:16:04 -0500

An NCAA committee voted this month to add sand volleyball to a list of women’s sports being considered for intercollegiate competition. If accepted, the sport could start within the next couple of years.

So I happen to be reading ESPN’s Page 2 on my BlackBerry today and came across this:

“Can you have beach volleyball without the bikinis?”

Just from reading the title, my first thought was, “what’s the point?” But then I began to began to think about it from the sporting point-of-view.

Of course you can have beach volleyball without the bikinis. Once the (male) student body gets passed their initial letdown of not seeing hot college women in bikinis, the action of the sport will begin to consume them.

Anyhow, there are several good arguments for and against wearing bikinis for beach volleyball at the NCAA level, but this passage from the article really stuck out to me:

How much fun would it be as a college kid to wake up — no matter how hungover — on a Saturday afternoon and stumble across the quad to the sand pit to cheer on your women’s beach volleyball team? Come on. That’s the best thing that could happen to this sport.

I have to agree. If beach volleyball does become a sport at the college level, it could use a real good boost of initial publicity. And bikinis just might be that boost.

USC’s next QB - Who will it be? A look at who’s left.

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:11:49 -0500

USC’s Mark Sanchez has declared for the NFL draft, foregoing his senior season. Head coach Pete Carroll was clearly not very happy with Sanchez’s decision.

I suspect this is in part due to the fact that suddenly the Trojan’s are lacking in the experienced QB department. Let’s take a brief look at who is left at QB for the USC Trojans.

Garrett Green (6′2″/200 lbs.)—Green is entering his senior season with the Trojans. I don’t really consider him a QB candidate (and I’m guessing neither do the USC coaches) although that was his natural position in high school.

Green has been used mostly as a utility-type of player, having played some WR, special teams, and safety. He will more than likely be used in these areas again for the 2009 season. Again, not a viable candidate to take over the starting QB role, but can be used at that position in emergency situations.

Mitch Mustain (6′3″/210 lbs.)—Mustain attended Arkansas in 2006, where he started and won eight consecutive games for the Razorbacks. During the 2006 season he played in 12 games overall completing 52.3 percent of his passes, accumulating 894 yards, 10 TDs, and nine INTs. He transferred to USC in 2007 and sat out that season due to the NCAA transfer rules.

During the 2008 season Mustain, who will be a redshirt junior, started at third on the depth chart, but that was short-lived as he eventually grabbed the back-up role from Aaron Corp. Late in the season, however, Mustain relinquished that role back to Corp.

Aaron Corp (6′4″/195 lbs.)—The soon-to-be redshirt sophomore, Aaron Corp is a promising young quarterback. He started off the 2008 season as the back-up to Mark Sanchez, but eventually lost the job to Mustain. He was making too many mental errors and simply needed time to get his game together. He’s a very athletic QB and moves very well.

Matt Barkley (6′3″/225 lbs.)—Barkley is an incoming freshman to USC. He is a drop back passer with a great arm and is very smart. I don’t think he moves quite as well as Corp, but overall may eventually be a better QB. Barkley is the No. 1 rated high school quarterback, and would have been considered the No. 1 overall high school player if not for Bryce Brown.

So the QB race really seems to include three players: Mustain, Corp, and Barkley. I suspect Corp will eventually win the job, but it will definitely be a race between him and Mustain. Barkley would probably have redshirted had Sanchez not entered the NFL draft, but now, look for him to also be in competition for the back-up and, possibly the starting role.

Is Slick Rick Neuheisel at it again?

Pac10Rivalry.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:50:08 -0500

The UCLA/USC rivalry is always a good one—and it just got a little more interesting.

USC Trojans’ assistant coach Ken Norton Jr. accused UCLA for using his name for recruiting purposes. Norton is saying the Bruins are telling recruits that he will be joining their staff if current Bruins defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker leaves for a head coaching job. Walker is considered a top candidate for the New Mexico State head coaching vacancy.

In a statement released today, UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel denies the accusation saying, “I have not told any recruits that if DeWayne left, Kenny would be the defensive coordinator at UCLA and neither have my assistant coaches.”

Neuheisel is not new to recruiting violations nor he is new to other NCAA violations.

In 2002 the Colorado Buffaloes were placed on two years probation due to 53 NCAA violations. 51 of them were occurred while Neuheisel was their head coach (1995-1998) and many of them were recruiting violations.

In 1999, while head coach at Washington, Neuheisel was investigated for improper recruiting tactics, improper contact with his former Colorado players (trying to talk them into transfer to Washington), and engaging a Washington recruit in a basketball shooting contest, which the NCAA deemed an improper tryout. The Pac-10 accepts self-imposed penalties by Washington for two of the violations.

In 2003 Neuheisel was fired as Washington head coach after the NCAA investigates his involvement with NCAA basketball betting. He confirms he bet on the NCAA tournament by entering a tournament pool the past two years with friends.

With this latest accusation by Ken Norton, you can be sure it has perked the NCAA’s interest and they’ll be keeping an eye on the situation.

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Pac-10 Rivalry

Cal Edges Miami for Emerald Bowl Win

Pac10Rivalry.com — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:41:06 -0500

With 3:28 left in the game, Zack Follett forced a fumble by Miami quarterback Jacory Harris.

Moments later, Anthony Miller found himself on the receiving end of his first ever reception—and the freshman tight end made it count.

Miller, playing only his third snap of the ball game, caught the game-winning touchdown and sealed a Cal victory in the 2008 Emerald Bowl.

Cal running back Jahvid Best turned in a bowl-record performance rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns. His 229 all-purpose yards moved him past J.J. Arrington for a new Cal record with 2,247 all-purpose yards.

Quarterback Nate Longshore was average at best, but the game-winning touchdown to Miller superseded his average play.

Game Recap

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Pac-10 Rivalry

Arizona-BYU: Wildcats Score One for Pac-10 against Mountain West

Pac10Rivalry.com — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:48:44 -0500

Arizona head coach Mike Stoops and senior quarterback Willie Tuitama have finally led the Wildcats to a bowl game—against BYU from the Mountain West Conference.

Many had left Arizona for dead. After all, this is the same Mountain West Conference that won six of the seven regular season games that they played against the Pac-10. This is the same BYU team that can claim two of those wins, the same team that was 10-2 overall on the season and was ranked No. 17 going into the Las Vegas Bowl.

“We had a goal before the season started and tonight we finally reached it,” Tuitama said. “I’ll never forget to finally be in a bowl game with this group of seniors, on this team.”

Tuitama wasn’t just in a bowl game with his fellow seniors; he led the team to a 31-21 victory when no one gave them a chance. He led the team to their first bowl victory and winning season since 1998.

Willie Tuitama, the game’s MVP, finished 24-for-35 for 325 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a six-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

The Wildcats' defense forced BYU quarterback Max Hall to scramble much of the game, lose two fumbles, and throw an interception.

It was a win on many levels for the Arizona Wildcats, who finished the season 8-5. But many still wonder if the Las Vegas Bowl did enough to keep Mike Stoops as the Wildcats’ head coach?

Pac-10 Rivalry

H.S. Junior Ethan Grant Receives Scholarship Offer From Oregon

Pac10Rivalry.com — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:40:54 -0500

The Oregon Ducks have certainly been looking ahead to their future.

In the middle of recruiting for the class of 2009, Oregon took time to look ahead to the class of 2010.

The Sporting News is reporting Ethan Grant has been offered a scholarship by Oregon.

Recently, the Ducks made an offer to North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek, FL.) junior running back Ethan Grant. The 5'10", 175-pound running threat was offered a scholarship by Oregon.

“It was a shocker, to be honest,” Grant told Sporting News Today. “There’s a guy who runs a recruiting website, and he kept telling me Oregon likes me. He made a highlight tape of me and sent it to Oregon, and Oregon fell in love with it. So that’s how it went down.”

The Ducks are the only school to make an offer so far, but they probably won’t be the only school to do so. It seems several schools have contacted Grant, including Georgia Tech, West Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, UCLA, and Boston College.

North Broward Prep ended the 2008 season with a record of 10-2 and a loss to Gulliver Prep in the Regional Semifinals.

Jahvid Best or Jacquizz Rodgers: Which Running Back Was Better?

Pac10Rivalry.com — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:15:17 -0500

Jacquizz Rodgers walked away with the Pac-10’s Offensive Player of the Year award, but was he the best candidate?

Before I delve into this story I want to state that I am not taking away what Jacquizz Rodgers has accomplished this season, nor am I against his winning of any awards. He had a tremendous season and deserves his hardware.

Now, on to the debate!

While many are quick to say “Quizz” was head-and-shoulders above any other Pac-10 running back this season, I say, “Not so fast, my friend.”

Let’s start by taking at look at basic stats, shall we?

Sophomore Jahvid Best rushed for 1,394 yards this season, while freshman Jacquizz Rodgers rushed for 1,253. Both players missed time due to injury, and, according to my research, their playing time was actually fairly equal.

These next few stats were very telling for me (Best’s numbers listed first, with Rodgers’ listed second):

Total Carries: 174 / 259

Yards Per Carry: 8.01 / 4.84

Yards Per Game: 126.73 / 113.91

Touchdowns: 13 / 11

National Rank: Fifth / 13th

It has taken Rodgers 85 more carries to produce less than Best—85 more carries. That’s three to four games the carries for an average running back.

Many will tell you Jahvid Best is nothing more than an “explosive” runner, meaning he only produces yards in large chunks and cannot be relied upon as a grind-it-out type of back.

Therefore, Jacquizz Rodgers is better suited for most every team out there. I mean, who doesn’t want a running back they can rely on for three or four yards per carry, right?

Well, ponder this: After researching each player’s rushing plays of 10 yards or more, the numbers surprised me. Best had 44 total carries for plays that went 10 yards or more, while Rodgers had 41. Not a big discrepancy if you ask me. I think it’s safe to throw out the explosive-only argument against Best.

Both Jahvid Best and Jacquizz Rodgers had very similar receiving stats. Best had 27 catches for 246 yards, while Rodgers had 29 catches for 247 yards.

One last stat I came across leads to me say Best only got stronger as the game went on, whereas Rodgers got ever-so-slightly weaker.

First Half Stats

Attempts: 108 / 129

Yards Gained: 793 / 667

Average: 7.34 / 5.17

Touchdowns: 8 / 5

Second Half Stats

Attempts: 66 / 130

Yards Gained: 601 / 586

Average: 9.11 / 4.51

Touchdowns: 5 / 6

Best carried the ball quite a bit less in the second half of his games, yet his production increased. Rodgers, the first freshman to garner the hardware, carried about the same amount of times from the first half to second, but his production decreased slightly.

Two things helped Rodgers win the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year award. One is that the Beavers had a better record (8-4, 7-2 conf.) than the Bears (8-4, 6-3 conf.).

Another, the coaches, who vote on the award, had to submit their ballots before last weekend. In other words, voting was completed before Jahvid Best turned in his 311-yard performance in just over two quarters against Washington.

Oregon State Beats Arizona 19-17 to Keep Rose Bowl Hopes Alive

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:28:39 -0500

Justin Kahut didn’t want to be the reason Oregon State’s Rose Bowl dream died. He didn’t have to be.

With time expiring, Kahut drilled a 24-yard field goal right through the uprights, giving the Beavers the 19-17 victory.

“I didn’t see the game ending like that,” Kahut said. “I didn’t want to not go to the Rose Bowl because of me. I wanted a second chance, and I got it. I felt good. This is the way it was supposed to happen.”

Just minutes before, Kahut missed the potential game-tying extra point try, and it seemed as though Arizona might squash the Rose Bowl dreams of the Beavers.

After the missed extra-point try, it didn’t look as though Oregon State would get another chance to redeem themselves. Arizona needed to run out a little more than three minutes and the game was theirs.

It was the Beavers' defense that stepped up and stopped Wildcats RB Keola Antolin two yards short, forcing fourth down.

After the Wildcats punt, Oregon State took over on their own 20-yard line with 1:19 to go.

Could the Beavers once again overcome adversity? Would their Rose Bowl dreams stay alive?

Justin Kahut held the answer on the tip of his foot. He walked on the field, waited for the snap, and then calmly split the same uprights he had just missed a few minutes earlier.

“The whole team believed in me,” Kahut said. “That’s hard to do.”

Pac 10 rushing leader Jacquizz Rodgers was knocked out of the game in the first quarter. But the Beavers made due without him.

Backup QB Sean Canfield took the starting role and helped lead the Beavers to their comeback win. He passed for 224 yards and one touchdown.

Oregon State still has one test left as they face in-state rival Oregon in the Civil War on Nov. 29.

The Ducks will be looking for some major payback as the Beavers have taken the last two Civil War meetings.

Add to that the fact it was Oregon State who crushed Oregon’s Rose Bowl dreams by beating the then-9-1 Ducks in 2000. Oregon would love to return the favor to this year’s Beavers team.

Rotten Apples Produce Exciting Finish in Apple Cup

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:23:21 -0500

The Pac-10’s two worst teams played to an exciting 16-13 double overtime finish in what many expected to be an ugly affair.

Washington coach Tyrone Willingham seemed to have positioned his team, and himself, for its first victory of a very disappointing, and thus far winless, season.

With just over one minute remaining in the game, the Huskies punted the ball away—the game was now in the hands of their defense.

During Washington State’s final drive, QB Kevin Lopina marched his team downfield 69 yards in seven plays, leaving just enough time for the Cougars to send the game into overtime on Nico Grasu’s 28-yard field goal.

Each team exchanged field goals once again, sending the game to a second overtime. After Huskies kicker Ryan Perkins missed a 37-yard attempt, the game was once again in the hands—or on the foot, rather—of Grasu as he booted the game-winning 37 yarder.

This is Washington State’s fourth Apple Cup victory in the last five years.

Pac-10 Injury Report Final: Beavers QB Lyle Moevao Questionable

Pac10Rivalry.com — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:40:13 -0500

Below are the latest injuries reported since Nov. 16, 2008.

Beavers QB Lyle Moevao is questionable for the game down at Arizona. It might not make any difference as Sean Canfield has been playing well. If the Beavers can win their next two games the will head to the Rose Bowl.

Arizona

11/20	1:07pm	Sterling Lewis	LB	Probable	Ankle
11/16	8:17pm	Terrell Reese	WR	Questionable	Suspension
11/16	8:17pm	Kaniela Tuipulotu	DT	Questionable	Ankle

Arizona State

11/16

8:12pm

David Smith

Questionable

Stinger

Cal

11/20	1:04pm	Brett Johnson	SS	Doubtful	Shoulder
11/20	1:00pm	Zack Follett	LB	Probable	Neck
11/20	12:46pm	Noris Malele	OL	Questionable	Ankle
11/16	8:32pm	Mike Tepper	OL	Doubtful	Pectoral
11/16	8:31pm	Cody Jones	DL	Questionable	Ankle
11/16	8:30pm	David Seawright	K	Questionable	Groin
11/16	8:30pm	Matt Laird	OL	Questionable	Shoulder

Oregon

11/16

8:19pm

Terrell Turner

Questionable

Knee

Oregon State

11/21

11:18am

Lyle Moevao

Questionable

Shoulder

Stanford

11/17	10:41am	Pat Maynor	LB	Questionable	Knee
11/16	7:24pm	Nick Macaluso	LB	Questionable	Undisclosed

UCLA

11/16	7:39pm	Sonny Tevaga	OL	Questionable	Personal
11/16	7:36pm	Joshua Edwards	LB	Questionable	Foot
11/16	7:32pm	Kyle Bosworth	LB	Out	Knee
11/16	7:31pm	Logan Paulsen	TE	Questionable	Foot

USC

11/16

7:28pm

Kevin Ellison

Out

Knee

Washington

11/21	9:50am	Ben Ossai	OL	Probable	Concussion
11/20	12:08pm	Senio Kelemete	DT	Probable	Knee
11/18	4:03pm	Matt Mosley	CB/KR	Doubtful	Knee
11/17	10:27am	Michael Gottlieb	TE	Questionable	Knee
11/17	10:22am	Cody Bruns	WR	Questionable	Hamstring
11/16	8:00pm	Jordan Polk	WR/KR	Questionable	Concussion
11/16	7:59pm	David Freeman	RB	Questionable	Ankle
11/16	7:58pm	Victor Aiyewa	DB	Questionable	Groin
11/16	7:56pm	Kalani Aldrich	DE	Questionable	Back
11/16	7:54pm	Jake Locker	QB	Out	Thumb

Washington State

11/20	12:11pm	Chris Ivory	RB	Doubtful	Hamstring
11/20	12:11pm	Chantz Staden	RB	Out For Year	Knee
11/19	10:37am	Kevin Lopina	QB	Probable	Concussion
11/17	11:31am	Tyrone Justin	CB	Probable	Ankle
11/16	8:09pm	Tony Thompson	TE	Questionable	Concussion
11/16	8:08pm	Andy Mattingly	DL	Questionable	Ankle
11/16	8:06pm	Aaron Gehring	TE	Questionable	Shoulder
11/16	8:04pm	Alfonso Jackson	DB	Questionable	Stinger
11/16	8:03pm	Myron Beck	LB	Questionable	Stinger

Pac-10 Game Recaps (Nov. 15)

Pac10Rivalry.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:28:19 -0500

Cal 21, OSU 34 - Oregon State won their fifth consecutive game of the season—their longest consecutive win streak since the 2000 season—and keep those Rose Bowl hopes alive. Many felt the Cal game was the toughest of the Beavers remaining three games, but the Beavers took control late in the game and walked away with the win.

Arizona 45, Oregon 55 - Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli showed he can pass as well as run, as he threw for a career-high 298 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions against Arizona. He added another 66 yards and three touchdowns rushing. The Ducks have an off week and prepare to face Oregon State in the Civil War on Nov. 29.

UCLA 27, Washington 7 - Rick Neuheisel’s return to Husky Stadium was a victorious one as the Bruins beat the winless Huskies. As Neuheisel made his return after five years, it was Tyrone Willingham’s last game in Husky Staduim as coach of Washington.

Washington State 0, Arizona State 31 - Arizona St. kept their bowl hopes alive when they shut out (their first since 1996) Washington State last Saturday. Senior QB Rudy Carpenter now stands at 80 touchdown passes, which puts him third in Pac-10 history.

USC 45, Stanford 23 - With a 17 -17 halftime score it looked as though USC may be in for another loss to Stanford, which would have ended the Trojans' BCS hopes. But, USC scored 28 unanswered second half points to lay the Cardinal to rest once and for all.

Pac-10 Final Injury Report: Beaver's Shane Morales Expected to Play

Pac10Rivalry.com — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:58:23 -0500

Below are the latest injuries reported since Nov. 9.

Oregon wide receiver Drew Davis, who started last week for Jaison Williams, is out for the remained of the season with a knee injury. Davis, who has contributed minimally, was expected to help a struggling receiving corp for the Ducks.

The Beavers expect productive receiver Shane Morales to play Saturday against Cal. Morales injured himself last week while attempting to dunk the ball over the goal post.

Arizona

11/11	3:17pm	Kaniela Tuipulotu	DT	Probable	Ankle
11/09	7:51pm	Terrell Reese	WR	Questionable	Suspension

Arizona St.

11/12	10:05am	Zach Schlink	OL	Out For Year	Knee
11/10	11:33am	Thomas Altieri	C	Questionable	Stinger
11/10	11:31am	David Smith	DT	Questionable	Stinger
11/10	11:30am	Lawrence Guy	DT	Probable	Shoulder
11/09	8:11pm	Ryan Bass	RB	Probable	Hamstring
11/09	8:10pm	Jarrell Woods	RB	Questionable	Ankle

Cal

11/14	9:12am	Noris Malele	OL	Questionable	Ankle
11/12	8:50am	Kevin Riley	QB	Named Starter	Concussion
11/09	8:25pm	Mike Tepper	OL	Doubtful	Pectoral
11/09	8:25pm	Sean Cattouse	S	Questionable	Concussion
11/09	8:20pm	Cody Jones	DL	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	8:20pm	David Seawright	K	Questionable	Groin
11/09	8:19pm	Bernard Hicks	DB	Questionable	Thigh
11/09	8:16pm	Matt Laird	OL	Questionable	Shoulder

Oregon

11/11	3:22pm	Drew Davis	WR	Out For Year	Knee
11/09	9:26pm	Terrell Turner	LB	Questionable	Knee
11/09	9:25pm	Dominic Glover	DE	Out	Back

Oregon St.

11/10	3:20pm	Shane Morales	WR	Questionable	Hip
11/10	3:00pm	Tim Clark	CB	Questionable	Toe
11/10	2:58pm	Stephen Paea	DL	Questionable	Calf
11/10	2:53pm	Lyle Moevao	QB	Probable	Shoulder

Stanford

11/12	10:00am	Taylor Skaufel	S	Out For Year	Foot
11/10	11:19am	Toby Gerhart	RB	Probable	Hamstring
11/09	9:47pm	Nick Macaluso	LB	Questionable	Undisclosed
11/09	9:46pm	Jeremy Stewart	RB	Questionable	Sick
11/09	9:45pm	Owen Marecic	FB	Questionable	Ankle

UCLA

11/13	9:42am	Nelson Rosario	WR	Probable	Ankle
11/10	3:22pm	Micah Reed	OL	Probable	Suspension
11/10	3:21pm	Scott Glicksberg	OL	Probable	Suspension
11/10	3:21pm	Jess Ward	DT	Probable	Suspension
11/09	8:54pm	Reginald Stokes	DE	Probable	Knee
11/09	8:48pm	Joshua Edwards	LB	Questionable	Foot

USC

11/14	9:26am	Blake Ayles	TE	Doubtful	Knee
11/13	9:54am	Fili Moala	DT	Questionable	Groin
11/13	9:48am	Averell Spicer	DT	Probable	Ankle
11/10	11:15am	Broderick Green	RB	Out For Year	Transferring
11/09	8:28pm	Kevin Ellison	S	Questionable	Knee

Washington

11/09	8:08pm	Vonzell McDowell	DB	Questionable	Arm
11/09	8:06pm	Jordan Polk	WR/KR	Questionable	Concussion
11/09	8:05pm	David Freeman	RB	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	8:02pm	Victor Aiyewa	DB	Questionable	Groin
11/09	8:01pm	Mesphin Forrester	CB	Questionable	Knee
11/09	8:00pm	Kalani Aldrich	DE	Questionable	Undisclosed
11/09	7:59pm	Chris Izbicki	TE	Questionable	Disciplinary

Washington State

11/14	9:13am	Chris Ivory	RB	Probable	Hamstring
11/11	3:43pm	Tony Thompson	TE	Questionable	Concussion
11/11	3:41pm	Andy Mattingly	DL	Doubtful	Ankle
11/11	3:41pm	Aaron Gehring	TE	Questionable	Shoulder
11/11	3:39pm	Tyrone Justin	CB	Doubtful	Ankle
11/10	4:04pm	Alfonso Jackson	DB	Questionable	Stinger
11/09	7:54pm	Myron Beck	LB	Questionable	Stinger

Pac-10 Football Monday Morning Injury Update (Nov. 10)

Pac10Rivalry.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:34:07 -0500

The good news for the Pac-10 is there don’t seem to be any significant injuries to reports this week. Several stingers here and there, but overall the report looks good.

Oregon State has yet to report injuries, and there may be more updates trickling in over the week.

One injury to keep an eye on (that has yet to be officially reported) is that of Oregon’s Drew Davis. Davis suffered a torn ACL in his first career start against Stanford. Davis replaced former starter Jaison Williams and did a nice job. Expect Williams to regain his starting job.

Arizona

11/10	10:47am	Kaniela Tuipulotu	DT	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	7:51pm	Terrell Reese	WR	Questionable	Suspension

Arizona State

11/09	8:11pm	Ryan Bass	RB	Probable	Hamstring
11/09	8:10pm	Jarrell Woods	RB	Questionable	Ankle

Cal

11/09	8:25pm	Mike Tepper	OL	Doubtful	Pectoral
11/09	8:25pm	Sean Cattouse	S	Questionable	Concussion
11/09	8:20pm	Cody Jones	DL	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	8:20pm	David Seawright	K	Questionable	Groin
11/09	8:19pm	Bernard Hicks	DB	Questionable	Thigh
11/09	8:16pm	Matt Laird	OL	Questionable	Shoulder

Oregon

11/09	9:26pm	Terrell Turner	LB	Questionable	Knee
11/09	9:25pm	Dominic Glover	DE	Out	Back

Oregon State

No injuries updated at this time.

Stanford

11/10	11:20am	Taylor Skaufel	S	Doubtful	Foot
11/10	11:19am	Toby Gerhart	RB	Probable	Hamstring
11/09	9:47pm	Nick Macaluso	LB	Questionable	Undisclosed
11/09	9:46pm	Jeremy Stewart	RB	Questionable	Sick
11/09	9:45pm	Owen Marecic	FB	Questionable	Ankle

UCLA

11/09	8:54pm	Reginald Stokes	DE	Probable	Knee
11/09	8:48pm	Joshua Edwards	LB	Questionable	Foot
11/09	8:47pm	Nelson Rosario	WR	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	8:46pm	Scott Glicksberg	OL	Questionable	Suspension
11/09	8:46pm	Micah Reed	OL	Questionable	Suspension
11/09	8:45pm	Jess Ward	DT	Questionable	Suspension

USC

11/10	11:15am	Broderick Green	RB	Out For Year	Transferring
11/09	8:39pm	Blake Ayles	TE	Questionable	Knee
11/09	8:38pm	Averell Spicer	DT	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	8:28pm	Kevin Ellison	S	Questionable	Knee

Washington

11/09	8:08pm	Vonzell McDowell	DB	Questionable	Arm
11/09	8:06pm	Jordan Polk	WR/KR	Questionable	Concussion
11/09	8:05pm	David Freeman	RB	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	8:02pm	Victor Aiyewa	DB	Questionable	Groin
11/09	8:01pm	Mesphin Forrester	CB	Questionable	Knee
11/09	8:00pm	Kalani Aldrich	DE	Questionable	Undisclosed
11/09	7:59pm	Chris Izbicki	TE	Questionable	Disciplinary

Washington State

11/10	11:25am	Andy Mattingly	DL	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	7:57pm	Tyrone Justin	CB	Questionable	Ankle
11/09	7:55pm	Chris Ivory	RB	Questionable	Hamstring
11/09	7:54pm	Myron Beck	LB	Questionable	Stinger

Jeremiah Johnson, LeGarrette Blount, Ducks Don’t Fly, They Run

Pac10Rivalry.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:39:37 -0500

The Oregon Ducks set a new team high single season rushing touchdown record Saturday. They did so against a Stanford defense that was allowing only 106 yards per game. Last year’s record of 32 rushing touchdowns was surpassed Saturday; the new record now stands at 35.

Oregon has two games remaining and the new record may just climb more.

For the sixth time this season, the Ducks surpassed the 300 yard rushing mark, making them the Pac-10’s most prolific rushing team—they rank No. 5 nationally.

By season’s end, the Ducks could have two 1,000 yards rushers in Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount. Johnson currently has 868 rushing yards and Blount has 768. Blount, with 14 touchdowns to date, is likely to surpass the single season touchdown mark of 15 set by Saladin McCullough in 1996.

Pac-10 Game Recaps for Nov. 8

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:36:39 -0500

Stanford 28, Oregon 35

The Oregon Ducks won their seventh game of the season—yet their fans don’t appear to be very happy about it. Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrette Blount carried the load for Oregon as the Ducks once again rushed for over 300 yards.

OSU 34, UCLA 6

The Beavers have done it! They’ve cracked the top 25 and deservedly so. After starting slow in the first half, the Beavs played well in the second half. They traveled to UCLA and beat the Bruins to keep their Rose Bowl hopes alive. Oregon State will need wins against Cal, Arizona, and Oregon for a return trip to Pasadena.

UA 59, WSU 28

While Washington State showed it has a little fight left, it was not nearly enough, as Arizona never let up and scored at will. The win clinched the Wildcats their first bowl appearance in a decade.

Cal 3, USC 17

USC’s defense shines once again, as the Trojans held Cal to only 165 yards of total offense and three points. The Trojans' offense, however, managed only 17 points and is still looking somewhat average. The Trojans did manage to gain a little in the polls.

ASU 39, UW 19

The Washington Huskies looked as though they might find a way to win a game this season. Unfortunately, they allowed 16 fourth quarter points to a Sun Devils team that is struggling themselves. With the win against the Huskies, Arizona State ended a six-game skid.

Injury Report: USC’s Mark Sanchez Listed as Probable for Cal Bears Game

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:24:17 -0500

USC QB Mark Sanchez’s ankle looks to be doing well enough for the QB to start today against Cal, as the only two ranked Pac-10 teams square off.

Arizona

11/08	8:16am	Nate Ness	S	Probable	Leg
11/08	8:14am	Jowyn Ward	DL	Questionable	Foot
11/07	12:11pm	Terrell Reese	WR	Out	Suspension
11/04	4:59pm	Adam Grant	OL	Questionable	Hand
11/03	10:31am	Keola Antoin	RB	Questionable	Shoulder
11/03	10:31am	Ricky Elmore	DE	Questionable	Leg
11/03	10:29am	Devin Ross	CB	Probable	Groin

Arizona State

11/07	12:03pm	James Brooks	DE	Probable	Foot
11/06	1:07pm	Kyle Williams	WR	Probable	Concussion
11/04	4:54pm	Ryan Bass	RB	Probable	Hamstring
11/02	4:50pm	Jarrell Woods	RB	Questionable	Ankle

Cal

11/07	12:15pm	Sean Cattouse	S	Questionable	Concussion
11/06	1:32pm	Rulon Davis	DE	Probable	Foot
11/06	1:30pm	Chet Teofilo	OL	Out For Year	Ankle
11/06	1:28pm	Cody Jones	DL	Doubtful	Ankle
11/05	11:25am	Noris Malele	OL	Probable	Ankle
11/02	9:58pm	Kevin Riley	QB	Questionable	Concussion
11/02	5:06pm	David Seawright	K	Questionable	Groin
11/02	5:04pm	Bernard Hicks	DB	Questionable	Thigh
11/02	5:03pm	Matt Laird	OL	Questionable	Shoulder
11/02	5:00pm	Mike Tepper	OL	Doubtful	Pectoral

Oregon

11/06	1:05pm	LeGarrette Blount	RB	Probable	Wrist
11/05	11:10am	Terrance Pritchett	LB	Out For Year	Suspension
11/04	4:51pm	Jeremiah Masoli	QB	Probable	Foot
11/02	4:56pm	Terrell Turner	LB	Questionable	Knee
11/02	4:55pm	Dominic Glover	DE	Doubtful	Back

Oregon State

11/06	1:23pm	Sean Canfield	QB	Probable	None
11/03	4:03pm	Keenan Lewis	CB	Probable	Ankle
11/03	4:01pm	Alex Linnenkohl	C	Probable	Ankle
11/02	9:55pm	Lyle Moevao	QB	Questionable	Shoulder
11/02	4:52pm	Gabe Miller	TE	Questionable	Groin

Stanford

11/08	6:34am	Austin Yancy	S	Doubtful	Hamstring
11/06	1:04pm	Chris Marinelli	OL	Probable	Shoulder
11/03	3:51pm	Nick Macaluso	LB	Questionable	Undisclosed
11/03	3:47pm	Jeremy Stewart	RB	Questionable	Sick
11/03	10:09am	Owen Marecic	FB	Questionable	Ankle
11/02	4:37pm	Levirt Griffin	DL	Out	Multiple
11/02	4:36pm	Gustav Rydstedt	OL	Out	Concussion
11/02	4:35pm	Corey Gatewood	CB	Out	Ankle

UCLA

11/08	8:29am	Reginald Stokes	DE	Out	Knee
11/08	8:28am	Jerzy Siewierski	DT	Questionable	Back
11/08	8:27am	Joshua Edwards	LB	Out	Foot
11/08	8:26am	Raymond Carter	RB	Questionable	Groin
11/07	12:08pm	Jeff Baca	OL	Probable	Hamstring
11/06	1:27pm	Nelson Rosario	WR	Doubtful	Ankle
11/06	1:27pm	Chase Moline	DT	Probable	Back
11/05	11:24am	Scott Glicksberg	OL	Out	Suspension
11/05	11:22am	Micah Reed	OL	Out	Suspension
11/05	11:19am	Jess Ward	DT	Out	Suspension

USC

11/07	12:19pm	Mark Sanchez	QB	Probable	Ankle
11/06	1:34pm	Blake Ayles	TE	Doubtful	Knee
11/06	1:33pm	Averell Spicer	DT	Doubtful	Ankle
11/04	5:06pm	Stanley Havili	FB	Questionable	Illness
11/04	5:01pm	Joe McKnight	RB	Probable	Toe
11/03	10:43am	Michael Morgan	LB	Questionable	Foot
11/02	4:22pm	Kevin Ellison	S	Out	Knee
11/02	4:21pm	Gerald Washington	DE	Questionable	Ankle

Washington

11/08	6:35am	Cody Bruns	WR	Probable	Head
11/08	6:35am	David Freeman	RB	Doubtful	Ankle
11/07	12:06pm	Victor Aiyewa	DB	Doubtful	Groin
11/06	1:10pm	Cameron Elisara	DT	Probable	Shoulder
11/06	1:09pm	Mesphin Forrester	CB	Doubtful	Knee
11/06	1:07pm	Donald Butler	LB	Probable	Neck
11/02	4:14pm	Kalani Aldrich	DE	Questionable	Undisclosed
11/02	4:13pm	Chris Izbicki	TE	Questionable	Disciplinary

Washington State

11/07	12:12pm	Tyrone Justin	CB	Doubtful	Ankle
11/07	12:11pm	Kevin Kooyman	DE	Probable	Neck
11/05	11:25am	Chris Ivory	RB	Doubtful	Hamstring
11/03	4:07pm	Myron Beck	LB	Questionable	Stinger
11/03	10:34am	BJ Guerra	OL	Questionable	Neck
11/02	4:43pm	Devin Frischknecht	TE	Questionable	Ankle

Stanford Women’s Basketball Ranked No. 2

Pac10Rivalry.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:56:16 -0500

The Stanford women’s basketball team has been ranked No. 2 in both the AP poll and Coaches poll. Last season Stanford defeated UConn in the Final Four and then lost to Tennessee in the championship game.

The Cardinal will be led by first-team All-Pac-10 pick Jayne Appel as well as the league’s reigning Freshman of the Year in Kayla Pedersen.

Jayne Appel has been named to the John R. Wooden Award preseason top 30. She posted 12 double-doubles on the year and set a new school single-season record with 84 blocked shots in 2007-08.

Oregon Ducks Ranked No. 23—But Why?

Pac10Rivalry.com — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:57:20 -0400

The Oregon Ducks football team jumped back into the national rankings, landing at No. 23 on the AP Poll.

This has many asking, “Why?”

Are the Ducks overrated? Are they are on the verge of running the table and winning their remaining four games? These games include Cal, Stanford, Arizona, and Oregon State—none of which are gimmes in the Pac-10.

The Ducks had a highly touted secondary before the season started—yet their pass defense currently ranks 108th nationally.

They have had several injuries at the QB position, and those who have played have been sporadic at best. I will say it does look as if Jeremiah Masoli is coming into his own and just may be the leader this team needs.

Oregon can and will run over you—oh, how they can run over you. They are ranked fifth in rushing offense. However, any defense who stacks seven and eight men up front and stops the run has a pretty good chance at stopping the 79th-ranked passing offense.

Now, the meat of the “why” is this: Oregon’s wins have come against teams with a combined record of 9-36. Their losses have come against teams with a combined record of 12-1.

Plainly put, Oregon has not proven themselves against worthy opponents.

If Oregon can travel to Cal and beat the Bears in Memorial Stadium, I’d say the Ducks make a more compelling case for cracking the Top 25. Until then, I still have to ask, “Why are the Ducks ranked No. 23?”

Pac-10 Rivalry

Injury Report: Washington State Loses More On Offense, McKnight Returns For USC

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 05:53:38 -0400

Week after week I keep thinking it cannot get any worse for Washington State, but they lose more from their offense this week. Three starters, RB Dwight Tardy, TE Devin Frischknecht and OT Devin Frischknecht, are out along with backup RB Chris Ivory.

USC gets RB Joe McKnight back and it looks as though WR Damian Williams’ shoulder is good to go—he’ll be ready to play Saturday.

Oregon QB Justin Roper is healthy, but whether or not he starts, or plays at all, is still up in the air. Coach Mike Bellotti tends to keep these things close to his vest.

Arizona

10/21	2:59pm	Delashaun Dean	WR	Probable	Shoulder
10/21	2:57pm	Kaniela Tuipulotu	DT	Probable	Ankle
10/21	2:55pm	Mike Thomas	WR	Probable	Ankle
10/19	1:22pm	Jowyn Ward	DL	Questionable	Foot
09/24	9:59am	Blake Kerley	C	Out For Year	Knee
09/14	6:44pm	Lolomana Mikaele	DT	Out	Suspension
09/09	6:02pm	Mike Turner	DB	Out For Year	Suspension
08/30	10:50am	Phil Garcia	OL	Out For Year	Knee
08/16	5:32pm	Johnathan Turner	DE	Out	Suspended

Arizona State

10/20	7:02pm	David Smith	DT	Questionable	Undisclosed
10/20	7:02pm	Clint Floyd	S	Out	Kidney
10/20	6:59pm	Rudy Carpenter	QB	Probable	Ankle
10/12	5:29pm	Brandon Magee	LB	Questionable	Pectoral
10/12	5:25pm	Angelo Fobbs-Valentino	S	Questionable	Knee
10/12	5:21pm	Garth Gerhart	C	Questionable	Ankle
10/12	5:20pm	Jarrell Woods	RB	Questionable	Ankle
10/12	5:19pm	Matt Hustad	OL	Questionable	Knee
10/08	9:21am	Max Tabach	S	Out For Year	Knee
10/01	9:23am	Jonathan Clark	CB	Out	Knee
10/01	9:18am	Gerald Munns	LB	Out For Year	Personal
09/18	8:53am	James Morrison	RB	Out	Ankle
09/12	10:15am	Chad Lindsey	LB	Out For Year	Personal

Cal

10/21	3:53pm	Jahvid Best	RB	Probable	Elbow
10/20	7:11pm	Bernard Hicks	DB	Questionable	Thigh
10/19	1:26pm	David Seawright	K	Questionable	Groin
10/17	9:34am	Michael Calvin	WR	Out For Year	Knee
10/15	10:39am	Mike Tepper	OL	Out	Pectoral
10/15	10:38am	Rulon Davis	DE	Out	Foot
09/29	10:05am	Chris Guarnero	OL	Out For Year	Toe
09/11	8:12am	Kendrick Payne	DL	Out For Year	Knee

Oregon

10/23	8:32am	CE Kaiser	OL	Probable	Undisclosed
10/22	9:05am	Remene Alston	RB	Out For Year	Foot
10/22	9:01am	Terrance Pritchett	LB	Out	Suspension
10/21	3:48pm	Walter Thurmond III	DB	Probable	Pelvis
10/20	6:55pm	Fenuki Tupou	OL	Questionable	Knee
10/12	10:17pm	Dominic Glover	DE	Questionable	Back
10/12	10:15pm	Justin Roper	QB	Questionable	Knee
10/05	6:44pm	Terrell Turner	LB	Out	Knee
08/28	10:33am	Nate Costa	QB	Out For Year	Knee
08/26	8:30am	Kevin Garrett	LB	Out For Year	Suspended

Oregon State

10/19	1:31pm	Gabe Miller	TE	Questionable	Groin
10/18	7:21am	Jeremy Perry	OL	Out	Knee
10/13	11:19am	James Dockery	CB	Out	Knee
09/25	8:23am	Brent McNeil	OL	Out	Ankle/Toe
09/08	8:22am	Simi Kuli	DE	Out	Academics
08/15	12:38pm	Michael Cole	OL	Out For Year	Personal
08/15	12:23pm	Tavita Thompson	OL	Out	Academics

Stanford

10/19	2:01pm	Austin Yancy	S	Questionable	Hamstring
10/19	2:01pm	Gustav Rydstedt	OL	Questionable	Concussion
10/19	2:00pm	Corey Gatewood	CB	Questionable	Ankle
10/19	1:59pm	Chase Beeler	OL	Questionable	Ankle
10/12	8:37pm	Richard Sherman	WR	Out	Knee
09/03	4:43pm	Allen Smith	OL	Out	Knee
08/26	5:53pm	Marcus Rance	WR	Out	Knee

UCLA

10/24	8:30am	Tom Blake	DE	Out	Hernia
10/24	8:29am	Micah Kia	OL	Probable	Back
10/23	8:34am	Jeff Baca	OL	Doubtful	Hamstring
10/22	9:07am	Reginald Stokes	DE	Out	Knee
10/21	3:51pm	Chase Moline	DT	Doubtful	Back
10/20	7:06pm	Steve Sloan	LB	Questionable	Knee
10/20	9:11am	Rahim Moore	S	Questionable	Leg
10/19	1:58pm	Kyle Bosworth	LB	Questionable	Knee
10/19	1:55pm	Raymond Carter	RB	Questionable	Groin
10/19	1:54pm	Mike Harris	OL	Questionable	Ankle
10/18	7:40am	Joshua Edwards	LB	Questionable	Foot
10/06	10:42am	Ben Olson	QB	Out	Foot
09/26	8:32am	Trevor Theriot	FB	Out For Year	Knee
09/08	9:11am	Logan Paulsen	TE	Out	Foot
08/20	9:17pm	Patrick Cowan	QB	Out For Year	Knee
08/17	4:12pm	Jamil Turner	WR	Out For Year	Personal
08/17	4:09pm	Christian Ramirez	RB	Out For Year	Academics

USC

10/24	8:21am	Zack Heberer	OL	Probable	Toe
10/24	8:20am	Butch Lewis	OL	Probable	Illness
10/24	8:17am	Vidal Hazelton	WR	Probable	Ankle
10/24	8:17am	Damian Williams	WR	Probable	Shoulder
10/24	8:14am	Fili Moala	DT	Probable	Ankle
10/22	10:36am	Marc Tyler	RB	Doubtful	Hip
10/22	10:35am	Joe McKnight	RB	Probable	Toe
10/22	10:33am	Stanley Havili	FB	Questionable	Ankle
10/21	2:52pm	Cary Harris	CB	Questionable	Hamstring
10/21	2:48pm	Gerald Washington	DE	Questionable	Ankle
10/19	1:46pm	Everson Griffen	DE	Questionable	Illness
10/19	1:44pm	Jimmy Miller	TE	Questionable	Illness
10/17	9:24am	Luther Brown	LB	Out	Shoulder
10/17	9:16am	Allen Bradford	RB	Out For Year	Hip
09/23	12:24pm	Shareece Wright	CB	Out	Neck
08/30	8:04am	Michael Reardon	C	Out	Hip

Washington

10/19	1:36pm	David Freeman	RB	Doubtful	Ankle
10/19	1:34pm	Mark Armelin	OL	Doubtful	Foot
10/19	1:34pm	Johri Fogerson	S	Questionable	Ankle
10/19	1:33pm	Chris Izbicki	TE	Questionable	Disciplinary
10/18	7:43am	Chancellor Young	WR	Out	Knee
10/14	12:17pm	Jake Locker	QB	Out	Thumb
10/14	12:16pm	Brandon Yakaboski	RB	Out	Knee
10/14	12:12pm	Casey Bulyca	OL	Out For Year	Knee
10/01	9:57am	Byron Davenport	CB	Out For Year	Ankle
10/01	9:56am	Darin Harris	S	Out	Concussion
09/26	9:39am	Curtis Shaw	WR	Out	Personal
09/14	6:10pm	Jason Wells

Never Too Old: For Washington's Tripper Johnson, Football Dreams Do Come True

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:41:44 -0400

UWs Tripper Johnson (No. 34)
photo via GoHuskies.com

Tripper Johnson is not your typical freshman football player. Oh sure, he has practice, studies film of opposing teams, and attends classes. But at 26 years of age, Tripper is the oldest player on the University of Washington football team.

Johnson, who originally signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the UW in 2000, ended up being selected 32nd overall in the 2000 Major League Baseball draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He had high hopes for his baseball career; so did the Orioles. They offered Johnson a reported $1.05 million signing bonus.

So what happened? He spent the better part of eight years in the minors, but never rose above the AA level. At 25, Tripper started to feel the toll of minor league ball. It was decision time—keep forging ahead in hopes of making the majors one day, or take another path in life.

“In the back of my head I always wanted to play college football,” said Johnson. “I’ve always wanted to do it and I’m fortunate enough to get the chance now.”

Tripper Johnson

It was more than a chance. Due to injuries to the UW secondary, Tripper has been called upon to play a bigger role for the team. He’s played in all five of UW’s games this season, has 14 tackles (eight solo, six assists) and two fumble recoveries.

He may only have two years of eligibility rather than four (the NCAA is looking into his eligibility due to University of Phoenix online courses Tripper had taken), but, even if only those two years, Tripper is on the football field living the life of a kid again.

Injury Report: USC’s Joe McKnight Out, Cal Bears Get Javhid Best Back

Pac10Rivalry.com — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:45:29 -0400

USC running back Joe McKnight is listed as out for Saturday’s contents with Washington State.

Good news for Cal as they will see their running back, Javhid Best, in the lineup just in time to face Arizona.

Finally, some good news for Washington State. With all of the injuries the Cougars have had this season, it’s nice to see QB Kevin Lopina back in action. Reports are that, minus some initial rust, Lopina looked good and ready to take snaps this coming Saturday.

Cal

10/17	9:34am	Michael Calvin	WR	Out For Year	Knee
10/15	10:40am	Bernard Hicks	S	Questionable	Thigh
10/15	10:39am	Mike Tepper	OL	Out	Pectoral
10/15	10:39am	Marvin Jones	WR	Out	Knee
10/15	10:38am	Rulon Davis	DE	Out	Foot
10/14	12:22pm	Jahvid Best	RB	Probable	Elbow
10/14	12:20pm	Nate Longshore	QB	Probable	Back

Oregon State

10/14	12:18pm	Brandon Hughes	CB	Probable	Hamstring
10/14	12:08pm	Al Afalava	S	Probable	Groin

Stanford

10/17	9:29am	Roberto Wallace	WR	Probable	Hamstring
10/17	7:56am	Ryan Lindley	QB	Probable	Shoulder
10/15	10:32am	Ernie Lawson	NT	Probable	Mono

UCLA

10/17	9:42am	Marcus Everett	WR	Probable	Toe
10/17	9:41am	Micah Reed	OL	Probable	Knee
10/17	9:40am	Terrence Austin	WR	Questionable	Head/Neck
10/17	7:58am	Scott Glicksberg	OL	Probable	Shoulder
10/15	9:33am	Chase Moline	DL	Questionable	Back
10/14	2:54pm	Tom Blake	DE	Questionable	Abdominal

USC

10/17	9:24am	Luther Brown	LB	Out	Shoulder
10/17	9:23am	Vidal Hazelton	WR	Questionable	Ankle
10/17	9:19am	Blake Ayles	TE	Probable	Abdominal
10/17	9:19am	Marc Tyler	RB	Questionable	Hip
10/17	9:17am	Joe McKnight	RB	Out	Toe
10/17	9:16am	Allen Bradford	RB	Out For Year	Hip
10/17	9:14am	Butch Lewis	OL	Out	Illness
10/17	9:13am	Everson Griffen	DE	Out	Illness
10/16	8:00am	Kaluka Maiava	LB	Probable	Ankle
10/16	7:59am	Brian Cushing	LB	Probable	Shoulder
10/16	7:56am	Jeff Byers	OL	Probable	Knee
10/15	8:43am	Jimmy Miller	TE	Questionable	Illness
10/14	1:32pm	Zack Heberer	OL	Questionable	Toe

Washington

10/16	8:01am	Brandon Johnson	RB	Probable	Ribs
10/14	12:17pm	Jake Locker	QB	Out	Thumb
10/14	12:16pm	Brandon Yakaboski	RB	Out	Knee
10/14	12:14pm	David Freeman	RB	Doubtful	Ankle
10/14	12:13pm	Johri Fogerson	S	Probable	Ankle
10/14	12:12pm	Casey Bulyca	OL	Out For Year	Knee

Washington State

10/17	9:28am	Daniel Blackledge	WR	Doubtful	Shoulder
10/15	8:45am	Dwight Tardy	RB	Doubtful	Leg
10/14	1:35pm	Marshall Lobbestael	QB	Out For Year	Knee
10/14	12:05pm	Kevin Lopina	QB	Probable	Shoulder

Pac-10 Rivalry

Around the ‘Net: Pac-10 News and Notes (Oct. 14)

Pac10Rivalry.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:12:50 -0400

42 points—That is the current spread for the USC-Washington State game. Seems a little low to me, as I can only picture the Trojans using this game to gain more confidence and to “impress” pollsters with a high scoring affair. What—you think it doesn’t happen?

This week (Oct. 19) we get to witness No. 5 Cal at No. 4 Stanford—in women’s volleyball. I’ve mentioned before how the Pac-10 is dominating much of the Top 25. This match not only pits the two top ranked Pac-10 teams, but both teams put their 11-match win streaks on the line.

It seems as though Oregon has finally been able to solve one of their QB issues with Chris Harper: They simply moved him to WR. Looks like he’ll remain at that position for the remainder of the season.

Having the 114th-ranked rushing offense won’t win you many games. Just ask UCLA.

AP Top 25 (Oct. 13): USC Climbs Two Spots, Cal Sneaks in

Pac10Rivalry.com — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:09:03 -0400

USC was able to climb two more spots to No. 6.

As I mentioned last week, I didn’t think Cal would jump into the Top 25 since they were idle. However, they managed to get in at No. 25.

Arizona's loss to Stanford dropped them out of the ORV section.

AP Top 25

1. Texas (39) 6-0 1,599
2. Alabama (26) 6-0 1,582
3. Penn State 7-0 1,492
4. Oklahoma 5-1 1,306
5. Florida 5-1 1,284
6. USC 4-1 1,247
7. Texas Tech 6-0 1,210
8. Oklahoma State 6-0 1,184
9. Brigham Young 6-0 1,131
10. Georgia 5-1 1,081
11. Missouri 5-1 984
12. Ohio State 6-1 908
13. LSU 4-1 893
14. Utah 7-0 834
15. Boise State 5-0 714
16. Kansas 5-1 620
17. Virginia Tech 5-1 540
18. North Carolina 5-1 416
19. South Florida 5-1 397
20. Michigan State 6-1 371
21. Wake Forest 4-1 330
22. Vanderbilt 5-1 258
23. Pittsburgh 4-1 182
24. Ball State 7-0 166
25. California 4-1 115

Others Receiving Votes

Tulsa 84, TCU 61, Minnesota 48, Florida State 38, Georgia Tech 25, South Carolina 9, Kentucky 7, Oregon 4, Northwestern 3, Notre Dame 1, Cincinnati 1

Dropped from Rankings

Auburn 20

Pac-10 Injury Report (Oct. 10)

Pac10Rivalry.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:47:35 -0400

Arizona

10/07	3:09pm	Matt Scott	QB	Questionable	Head
10/07	3:08pm	Jowyn Ward	DL	Questionable	Foot
10/07	3:06pm	Adam Grant	OL	Probable	Finger
10/07	3:04pm	Devin Ross	DB	Probable	Groin
09/24	9:59am	Blake Kerley	C	Out For Year	Knee
09/14	6:44pm	Lolomana Mikaele	DT	Out	Suspension
09/09	6:02pm	Mike Turner	DB	Out For Year	Suspension
08/30	10:50am	Phil Garcia	OL	Out For Year	Knee
08/16	5:32pm	Johnathan Turner	DE	Out	Suspension

Arizona State

10/10	9:47am	David Smith	DT	Doubtful	Undisclosed
10/09	8:59am	Rudy Carpenter	QB	Doubtful	Ankle
10/09	8:52am	Danny Sullivan	QB	Named Starter	None
10/08	9:21am	Max Tabach	S	Out For Year	Knee
10/08	9:15am	Brandon Magee	LB	Out	Pectoral
10/06	10:32am	Garth Gerhart	CB	Questionable	Ankle
10/05	10:37pm	Jarrell Woods	RB	Questionable	Ankle
10/05	3:33pm	Matt Hustad	OL	Questionable	Knee
10/05	3:30pm	Angelo Fobbs-Valentino	S	Doubtful	Knee
10/01	9:23am	Jonathan Clark	CB	Out	Knee
10/01	9:18am	Gerald Munns	LB	Out For Year	Personal
09/18	8:53am	James Morrison	RB	Out	Ankle
09/12	10:15am	Chad Lindsey	LB	Out For Year	Personal

California

10/05	3:39pm	Mike Tepper	OL	Doubtful	Pectoral
10/05	3:37pm	Rulon Davis	DE	Doubtful	Foot
10/05	3:36pm	Jahvid Best	RB	Questionable	Elbow
10/05	3:35pm	Bernard Hicks	S	Questionable	Thigh
09/29	10:05am	Chris Guarnero	OL	Out For Year	Toe
09/23	1:26pm	Marvin Jones	WR	Out	Knee
09/11	8:12am	Kendrick Payne	DL	Out For Year	Knee

Oregon

10/10	9:57am	LeGarrette Blount	RB	Probable	Hip
10/08	9:56am	Jamere Holland	WR	Probable	Head
10/08	8:08am	Spencer Paysinger	LB	Probable	Hamstring
10/08	8:06am	Justin Roper	QB	Probable	Knee
10/06	10:46am	Fenuki Tupou	OL	Probable	Knee
10/05	6:44pm	Terrell Turner	LB	Out	Knee
10/05	6:40pm	Dominic Glover	DE	Questionable	Back
08/28	10:33am	Nate Costa	QB	Out For Year	Knee
08/26	8:30am	Kevin Garrett	LB	Out For Year	Suspended

Oregon State

10/10	10:18am	Sammie Stroughter	WR	Probable	Hip
10/10	10:13am	Brandon Hughes	CB	Probable	Hamstring
10/06	11:52am	Victor Butler	DE	Probable	Ankle
10/06	11:45am	Jeremy Perry	OL	Questionable	Knee
10/01	8:03am	Gabe Miller	TE	Questionable	Groin
09/25	8:23am	Brent McNeil	OL	Out	Ankle/Toe
09/25	8:21am	James Dockery	CB	Out	Knee
09/08	8:22am	Simi Kuli	DE	Out	Academics
08/15	12:38pm	Michael Cole	OL	Out For Year	Personal
08/15	12:23pm	Tavita Thompson	OL	Out	Academics

Stanford

10/10	8:45am	Pannel Egboh	DE	Probable	Ankle
10/10	8:43am	Chase Beeler	OL	Questionable	Ankle
10/05	3:02pm	Richard Sherman	WR	Questionable	Knee
10/05	3:00pm	Austin Yancy	S	Questionable	Hamstring
10/05	2:59pm	Gustav Rydstedt	OL	Doubtful	Concussion
10/05	2:59pm	Corey Gatewood	CB	Doubtful	Ankle
09/03	4:43pm	Allen Smith	OL	Out	Knee
08/26	5:53pm	Marcus Rance	WR	Out	Knee
08/24	1:05pm	Chris Owusu	WR	Out	Knee

UCLA

10/10	9:54am	Tom Blake	DE	Questionable	Abdominal
10/10	9:50am	Raymond Carter	RB	Doubtful	Groin
10/09	9:14am	Marcus Everett	WR	Questionable	Toe
10/08	9:55am	Micah Reed	OL	Doubtful	Knee
10/08	9:54am	Kyle Bosworth	LB	Doubtful	Knee
10/07	2:37pm	Joshua Edwards	LB	Questionable	Foot
10/07	1:12pm	Brigham Harwell	DL	Probable	Finger
10/06	10:42am	Ben Olson	QB	Out	Foot
10/06	10:40am	Kahlil Bell	RB	Probable	Ankle
10/05	7:51pm	Mike Harris	OL	Questionable	Ankle
09/26	8:32am	Trevor Theriot	FB	Out For Year	Knee
09/08	9:11am	Logan Paulsen	TE	Out	Foot
08/20	9:17pm	Patrick Cowan	QB	Out For Year	Knee
08/17	4:12pm	Jamil Turner	WR	Out For Year	Personal
08/17	4:09pm	Christian Ramirez	RB	Out For Year	Academics

USC

10/10	9:49am	Zack Heberer	OL	Questionable	Toe
10/10	7:52am	Joe McKnight	RB/WR	Probable	Knee
10/09	9:10am	Jeff Byers	OL	Probable	Knee
10/09	9:08am	Michael Morgan	LB	Questionable	Concussion
10/09	9:05am	Mark Sanchez	QB	Probable	Knee
10/09	9:02am	Marc Tyler	RB	Questionable	Hip
10/08	10:28pm	Rey Maualuga	LB	Probable	Knee
10/08	9:52am	Vidal Hazelton	WR	Probable	Ankle
10/08	9:50am	Stanley Havili	FB	Probable	Neck
10/08	9:24am	Allen Bradford	RB	Out	Hip
09/23	12:24pm	Shareece Wright	CB	Out	Neck
08/30	8:04am	Michael Reardon	C	Out	Hip

Washington

10/05	6:33pm	Johri Fogerson	S	Questionable	Ankle
10/05	6:30pm	David Freeman	RB	Questionable	Ankle
10/05	6:29pm	Mark Armelin	OL	Questionable	Foot
10/05	6:28pm	Chancellor Young	WR	Questionable	Knee
10/02	8:51am	Brandon Yakaboski	RB	Out	Knee
10/01	9:57am	Byron Davenport	CB	Out For Year	Ankle
10/01	9:56am	Darin Harris	S	Out	Concussion
09/30	11:48am	Jake Locker	QB	Out	Thumb
09/26	9:39am	Curtis Shaw	WR	Out	Personal
09/14	6:10pm	Jason Wells	S	Out	Knee
09/11	9:57am	Chris Polk	RB	Out For Year	Shoulder
09/10	9:20am	E.J. Savannah	LB	Out For Year	Academics

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