LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Internet hosting Georgia Tech for his or her first ACC matchup of the season, the Louisville soccer program was capable of overcome numerous miscues to safe a hard-fought victory, making performs in all three phases of the sport to assist in giving them a 31-19 win on Saturday at L&N Stadium.

Popping out of a bye week, the No. 19/20 Cardinals (3-0, 1-0 ACC) actually appears to be like removed from excellent towards the Yellow Jackets (3-2, 0-2 ACC). Louisville was out-gained 410-to-326 by way of complete yardage, dedicated seven penalties, and went 2-of-9 on third down.

Nonetheless, Louisville countered these errors by scoring touchdowns on each offense, protection and particular groups. Quarterback Tyler Shough went 13-of-19 for 269 yards, together with a pair of touchdowns to large receivers Ja’Corey Brooks and Chris Bell. Brooks completed with 4 catches for a career-high 125 yards, whereas Bell had two receptions for 82 yards.

Defensively, the Cardinals additionally obtained a landing when cornerback Quincy Riley pressured a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Ramon Puryear. Over on particular groups, Brock Travelstead drilled a 27-yards discipline objective, whereas cornerback Tayon Holloway blocked a Tech discipline objective try and recovered it for a rating.

It marked the primary time since Nov. 8, 2013 vs. UConn that Louisville scored touchdowns in all three phases. It additionally helped make up for some areas the place Louisville was missing.

The Cardinals could not get a lot occurring the bottom, dashing for simply 57 complete yards on 27 makes an attempt. Moreover, the protection struggled with containing Haynes King at instances. The Tech quarterback went 21-of-32 for 312 yards, whereas additionally dashing for 58 yards and a landing.

One factor have been the Louisville protection did excel was that Georgia Tech had bother operating the ball as properly. Their operating backs ran for simply 40 yards and the Cardinals as a complete collected seven tackles for loss.

For the day, security Tamarion Nicholson led the sport in tackles with 9, defensive finish Tramel Logan had a game-best two tackles for loss, and defensive finish Ashton Gillotte tallied a team-best three quarterback hurries.

Louisville had a little bit little bit of rust to knock off proper out of the gates. The Cardinals had simply 72 yards on their first two drives of the sport, which included a blocked 53-yard discipline objective. Defensively, they pressured Georgia Tech to go three-and-out on their first drive, however the Jackets cracked the scoreboard first on their subsequent drive out due to a 23-yard keeper by King.

Louisville them caught some momentum after the gradual begin. After a greta punt pinned Georgia Tech on the five-yard line, the Cardinals turned that right into a defensive rating with Riley getting a hand on a lateral and Puryear recovering the fumble in the long run zone. Then after the Yellow Jackets missed a 46-yard discipline objective of their very own, Louisville turned that right into a methodical drive that ended with a 37-yard landing catch for Bell to kick off the second quarter.

Louisville pressured one other three-and-out after that, and added a 27-yard discipline objective so as to add to their lead, however Georgia Tech wasn’t going to put down earlier than halftime. With 1:56 left till the break, the Jackets have been capable of march all the best way down the sector and punch it in from the objective line for a one-yard Haynes rating, giving Louisville only a 17-14 benefit on the half.

This slight momentum matriculated into the beginning of the second half. A number of penalties derailed Louisville’s first drive of the half, to which Georgia Tech then responded with a clock-chewing drive that resulted in a game-tying 26-yard discipline objective.

Momentum then began to swing the opposite course. Louisville was lastly capable of get an explosive offensive drive collectively, with Brooks withstanding cross interference to haul in a 57-yard rating. Tech was capable of get to the objective line on the following drive, however the Cardinals cobbled collectively a objective line stand to drive a turnover on downs on the one-yard line.

Then, potential catastrophe struck. On the primary play of the Cardinals’ drive, Shough obtained tripped over his personal ft in the long run zone to provide the Yellow Jackets a security plus the ball again.

However within the span of some performs, catastrophe was jubilation.

After holding Georgia Tech to an extended discipline objective strive with 7:05 left within the fourth quarter, Holloway blocked the try, then proceeded to take it 55 yards the opposite course for a landing. The Cardinals then pressured one other turnover on downs on the following Jackets possession, and have been subsequently capable of drain the clock and clinch the win.

Subsequent up, Louisville hits the street for the primary time this season, touring as much as South Bend for an enormous showdown with Notre Dame. Kickoff towards the Preventing Irisg is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28 at 3:30 p.m. EST.

(Photograph of Tyler Shough: Jamie Rhodes – Imagn Pictures)

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Arkansas and Auburn open SEC play on a sizzling and humid Saturday on the Plains.

First quarter-

1st and 10 Arkansas from its personal 25.

Delay of recreation.

1st and 15 from the 20, Jackson’s move is incomplete.

2nd and 15, first run of the sport for the Razorbacks and it will carry up third down for Arkansas.

third and 10, Jackson seems to be to throw, flushed out of the pocket and he picks up a primary down.

1st and 10 out to the 47, move is sort of intercepted.

2nd down and 10 for Arkansas, Taylen Inexperienced runs into an Auburn participant knocking Jared Thompson down and picks up the primary down. 16 yard achieve.

1st down, run by Inexperienced makes a person miss and picks up 11 yards.

2nd down for Auburn, Jackson will get the primary down for the Razorbacks.

2nd and 9 from the AU 17 yard line, Auburn brings the stress.

third and 9, Auburn comes up with a cease.

Arkansas’ 41 yard discipline aim try isn’t any good.

1st and 10 Auburn from the 24.

Hank Brown’s move is full to Cam Coleman for a achieve of 12 yards.

First down from the 36, Jarquez Hunter carries up the center for a achieve of six yards.

2nd down and 4, Brown flips it to Malcolm Simmons to the nook.

third and 1 for Auburn, a 9 yard run by Brown offers the Tigers a primary down

Brown’s move is full to KeAndre Lambert-Smith.

2nd down and 1, handoff to Hunter and he will get the primary down.

Brown’s move is tipped then intercepted on the 20 by Doneiko Slaughter.

Each groups moved the ball and each groups got here up empty on their first drive.

Play motion by Taylen Inexperienced, his throw is incomplete. Auburn’s Champ Anthony with a vicious hit to Andrew Armstrong.

Two performs later, Champ Anthony will get carted off the sphere with a left decrease leg damage. An air forged was positioned on it.

Private foul – roughing the passer by Austin Keys offers the Razorbacks a primary down.

Run by Jackson will get 8 yards on the play for Arkansas.

4th and three, Arkansas will get the primary down.

Achieve of 8 on the play.

Handoff to Jackson and the Razorbacks have the primary down.

Deep in Auburn territory and a primary down for the Razorbacks.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Arkansas 0 Auburn 0

Second quarter-

third and aim contained in the Auburn 1 for the Razorbacks.

Ja’Quinden Jackson punches it in on the primary play of the 2nd quarter for an Arkansas landing.

Arkansas leads 7-0 with 14:47 left in 2Q.

1st and 10 Auburn from the 6.

Hunter on the carry, brings up a 2nd down.

Brown’s move is full to KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Picks up 16 yards.

1st down for Auburn from the 24, handoff to Hunter.

Hunter on the carry, bounces to the surface for twenty-four yards.

1st down for AU on the Ark 46, Hunter will get a yard.

2nd and 9, Brown steps and throws, ball is incomplete to Cam Coleman.

Brown’s move meant to Robert Lewis is out and in of his fingers, brings up a fourth down.

Tigers punt it away.

1st down Arkansas at its personal 10, no achieve on the play.

2nd down Arkansas, move incomplete to Tyrone Broden.

third and 10, move full to Andrew Armstrong for a Hogs first down.

1st and 10 out to the 22 .. move full to Broden.

2nd and 4 for the Razorbacks, dangerous snap, ball goes down they usually lose yardage.

third down and 10, Inexperienced flushed out of the pocket, throws it out of bounds. Good protection by Auburn on the play.

Auburn ball on the 26.

Damari Alston on the carry. 2nd down and 9.

Hank Brown fingers it inside to Malcolm Simmons who goes out to the 30 yard line.

third and 6 for Auburn, Auburn loses it again to the 25 yard line. Tigers go three-and-out and punt it away.

1st and 10 Arkansas from the 25, Inexperienced’s move is full to Isaiah Sategna for a primary down.

Cross loses two yards, second down and 12 for Arkansas.

Inexperienced on the carry and he picks up a primary down.

Arkansas features 2 yards on the carry.

Rodney Hill on the carry, will get into Auburn territory.

third down and 4 for Arkansas, Inexperienced’s throw is full to Armstrong.

Jalen McLeod comes up with the sac giving Auburn the ball at nice discipline place on the 49 yard line.

1st and 10 Auburn, Hunter off the suitable facet, hit on the line of scrimmage.

2nd and eight for Auburn, Brown play motion, in bother and he runs it to the 45 yard line earlier than he’s despatched down on the play.

Brown’s move full to Rivaldo Fairweather right down to the 36. First down Tigers from the 36.

Damari Alston fumbles the ball ultimately zone and Arkansas recovers it.

Arkansas rapidly goes three-and-out.

Auburn will get the ball again with beneath a minute to go within the second quarter of play.

Brown, rolls and his move is incomplete.

2nd and 10 for Auburn.

Brown’s move is intercepted with :46 to go within the first half.

Auburn intercepts the ball.

Auburn will get the ball proper again.

Cross full to Rivaldo Fairweather for 25 yards.

Hank Brown’s move is intercepted. His third interception of the primary half.

Play is beneath overview. Ruling on the sphere stands. That is 4 turnovers for Auburn within the first half, 3 interceptions for Hank Brown and it is solely 7-0.

HALFTIME: ARKANSAS 7 AUBURN 0

Third quarter-

Payton Thorne in at quarterback. 1st down from the 25, Thorne rolls to Fairweather and Auburn loses 3 yards on the play.

2nd and 13 for the Tigers, Thorne play motion, rolls, throws, and it is incomplete.

Thorne’s move full to Robert Lewis for a primary down.

1st down from the 36. Flag thrown. False begin.

Thorne on the carry, brings up 2nd down and 14.

Thorne’s move incomplete to Lambert-Smith.

Third and lengthy for Auburn, offsides Arkansas.

third and 9, Thorne throws it and it is incomplete to Lambert-Smith on the Arkansas 40.

4th down and 9 for Auburn. Tigers faux the punt however are shy of the primary down.

Arkansas takes over on downs.

Handoff up the center will get a pair yards on the play.

Play following loses a number of yards.

Kayin Lee intercepts Inexperienced for Auburn’s second interception of the day.

Auburn 1st and 10 from the 27, Thorne’s move meant for Malcolm Simmons is incomplete.

Hunter on the handoff and struggles to get two yards on the play.

Cross meant for Fairweather is incomplete. Tigers punt.

Razorbacks ball on the 22.

Auburn’s protection does it once more and is ready to maintain Arkansas offense.

Auburn first and 10 on the 23, Thorne’s move meant to Lambert-Smith on a slant route is incomplete.

Thorne 2 of 8 for 11 yards up to now within the second half.

Hunter goes throughout the 30, two yards shy of the primary down

Hunter carries for the Auburn first down.

Thorne’s move is full to Lambert-Smith, 54 yards right down to the ten.

No achieve on the handoff to Hunter.

2nd down and aim for Auburn, Thorne’s move full to Lambert-Smith ultimately zone. Landing Auburn.

Arkansas 7 Auburn 7 with 5:44 left in 3Q.

1st down on the 20 for Arkansas.

Inexperienced retains it and will get two yards.

2nd down and seven Arkansas, handoff to Ja’Quinden Jackson. Holding name on Arkansas’ offense.

2nd and 17, Inexperienced flushed, rolls, and runs it out of bounds on the 20 yard line. Good protection by Auburn’s protection on that play.

third and 13, Inexperienced’s move to Armstrong is full for an Arkansas first down.

Inexperienced throws it away.

Auburn’s protection brings the stress on third down.

third and 10 for Arkansas at its personal 40, Inexperienced drops, rolls to his proper and he will get the primary down. An 11 yard achieve.

Inexperienced, handoff to Jackson, flips it again to Inexperienced who throws it out of bounds. Intentional grounding name on Arkansas.

third and lengthy for Arkansas, Inexperienced chucks it out to the top zone to a large open Isaiah Sategna for a Razorbacks landing.

Arkansas 14 Auburn 7 2:03 left in 3Q.

Auburn first and 10 from its personal 27.

Thorne, reverse, Malcolm Simmons turns the nook and is pushed out of bounds after a pair yards on the play.

2nd and 5 for Auburn, Thorne up the center, Hunter roots ahead and will get out to the 35 yard line.

Third down and an extended 2 for Auburn, Thorne on the carry, will get the primary down.

Thorne, within the pocket, and it is intercepted by TJ Metcalf who goes out of bounds on the Auburn 45.

Auburn’s fourth decide of the day and turnover quantity 5.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: Arkansas 14 Auburn 7

2nd and eight for Arkansas, Austin Keys comes up with an enormous hit.

third and eight from the Auburn 43, handoff proper up the center. Rodney Hill’s a yard shy of the the primary down.

Razorbacks get the primary down on the next play.

1st down from the AU 34, handoff to Hill, he is taken down on the play.

Inexperienced removes the throw.

third and eight for the Razorbacks with 12:55 to go within the fourth, Inexperienced to Hill, will get again to the road of scrimmage.

Arkansas’ 43 yard discipline aim is nice.

ARKANSAS 17 AUBURN 7 with 12:04 to go within the 4Q.

Rutgers soccer acquired off to a fantastic begin. The Scarlet Knights constructed a seemingly comfy 16-point lead over Virginia Tech.

Then the Hokies climbed again with consecutive scoring drives within the fourth quarter, making each Scarlet Knights fan sweat and ponder whether Rutgers was about to blow a recreation that when appeared headed for a cushty Scarlet Knights win.

However Jai Patel kicked a 24-yard area aim with two minutes remaining and Robert Longerbeam secured an enormous interception with simply greater than a minute left to lock up a 26-23 victory for the Scarlet Knights at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia on Saturday.

Patel’s area aim got here after Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis hit Ian Robust with a display screen cross to the precise on the primary play of the drive and Robust went 63 yards to get all the way down to the Hokies’ 12.

Momentum swung from sideline to sideline.

Rutgers saved it when it mattered most.

“To have the ability to do what we did,” coach Greg Schiano instructed reporters after the sport, “is vital transferring ahead.”

With the win, Rutgers improved to 3-0 to arrange what must be an electrical and raucous setting for its residence recreation towards Washington on Friday.

Listed here are some fast takeaways from the Scarlet Knights’ win over Virginia Tech:

Strong recreation from Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, offense

Kaliakmanis completed 16-of-25 passing for 269 yards.

In his third recreation with Rutgers, the Minnesota switch once more appeared comfy and poised operating Kirk Ciarrocca’s offense.

Total Kaliakmanis was correct. He made sensible performs.

It was what Rutgers wanted in a recreation that was removed from good.

The Scarlet Knights completed with 422 complete yards off offense to Virginia Tech’s 320.

Kyle Monangai ran for 84 yards on 26 carries with one landing, which got here within the first quarter after Rutgers punted and Nasir Montgomery compelled a fumble on the return that the Scarlet Knights recovered on the Hokies’ 31.

Sam Brown completed 60 yards on 14 carries with two scores to type a robust 1-2 punch with Monangai.

Rutgers additionally held the ball (39:20) as Virginia Tech (20:40).

Missed alternatives

Rutgers had a number of probabilities to actually put this recreation away and bury Virginia Tech. However too typically the Scarlet Knights couldn’t capitalize.

With Rutgers main 14-7 within the second quarter, Jai Patel missed a 36-yard area aim.

Then on the Scarlet Knights’ subsequent possession, Kenny Fletcher, who general had a pleasant recreation regardless of this miscue, fumbled the ball away on the Virginia Tech 3-yard line and the Hokies recovered.

Rutgers’ protection responded by forcing a security – defensive finish Wesley Bailey rushed into the top zone on third-and-8 from the Hokies 6, pushing an offensive lineman into Hokies QB Kyron Drones – however the Scarlet Knights nonetheless left factors on the board.

Within the third quarter Rutgers was up 23-7 and dealing with fourth-and-goal from the 1 and went for it. However the Scarlet Knights couldn’t get into the top zone as Kaliakmanis was flushed out of the pocket and threw the ball into the bottom.

Rutgers later tried a 53-yard area aim as an alternative of punting within the third quarter, however Patel couldn’t make it.

Good recreation from Kenny Fletcher

Fumble apart, this was a strong efficiency for Fletcher, the Delran product who moved from defensive finish to tight finish forward of the Pinstripe Bowl final season.

Fletcher on Saturday completed with seven catches for 61 yards. He had 5 catches by Rutgers’ first two video games.

It’s been some time for the reason that Scarlet Knights have had a dependable tight finish that may be a weapon for the offense. Fletcher, a receiver in highschool, appears to be like like he can fulfill that function.

Welcome again, Tyreem Powell

The star linebacker made his long-awaited return after tearing his Achilles within the winter whereas he was already recovering from a season-ending wrist damage he suffered final season towards Indiana.

Powell, who was initially dedicated to Virginia Tech earlier than flipping to Rutgers, missed the primary two video games after which the bye week allowed him one other week to get more healthy.

However the Vineland native was again on the sector Saturday to provide a significant increase to the Scarlet Knights protection.

And he made an enormous impression early, registering a sort out for loss on the primary play from scrimmage.

Powell is a difference-maker for Rutgers protection. Dariel Djabome and Moses Walker stepped up this season to assist take in the loss – and don’t overlook the Scarlet Knights are additionally with out Mohamed Toure for the season due to a torn ACL – however having Powell again is large for Rutgers.

AMES, Iowa – Matt Campbell now shares the highest spot on Iowa State’s all-time victory listing.

Campbell earned his 56^th victory with the 20^th-ranked Cyclones of their 52-7 romp previous Arkansas State at MidAmerican Vitality Discipline at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturday, tying him with Dan McCarney for probably the most wins amongst ISU soccer coaches.

Three video games into his ninth season with Iowa State, Campbell is 56-48, a .538 successful share that’s the faculty’s finest within the trendy period.

The Cyclones, 3-0 for the fourth time since 2010, made certain their coach did not need to sweat this one out, even within the 88-degree warmth. They jumped to a 31-0 halftime lead behind Rocco Becht’s big-play passing and a revived working recreation that included Carson Hansen’s profession day and cruised via the second half.

Iowa State gained for the 11^th straight time when scoring no less than 30 factors and completed with season highs of 490 whole yards and 237 speeding yards. It was the Cyclones’ greatest scoring outburst since a 59-7 rout of Kansas on Oct. 2, 2021.

The protection additionally did its half towards a crew coming off a 28-18 loss to Michigan on the Large Home, blanking the Purple Wolves (2-2) till lower than 5 minutes remained.  The Cyclones held ASU to 64 yards speeding and 182 whole yards, spicing that effort with interceptions by Jeremiah Cooper and Malik Verdon, Darien Porter’s fourth punt block of his profession and 4 sacks.

Becht averaged practically 20 yards per completion, hitting on 11 of 18 passes for 204 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. He additionally scored on a 1-yard sneak  earlier than turning issues over to freshman Connor Moberly after one collection within the third quarter.

Hansen usually is the crew’s short-yardage again however grew to become a main ball provider on Saturday. The 220-pound sophomore achieved profession highs of 9 carries and 58 yards and scored the primary two touchdowns of his profession – a 1-yard plunge for the Cyclones’ first rating and a 3-yard burst up the center to make it 38-0 within the third quarter.

Porter acquired hand on an Arkansas State punt lower than 3 minutes into the sport and was credited with a block, setting the Cyclones up at their very own 40. Becht’s 28-yard go to Benjamin Brahmer on a candy play-action and Hansen’s 23-yard scamper set ISU up within the crimson zone and Hansen completed off the six-play drive together with his first collegiate TD.

Becht overthrew Jayden Higgins on what appeared to be a certain landing later within the opening quarter, then hit him on a deep route for 26 yards to the Arkansas State 28. Becht wedged his manner into the top zone 5 performs later to make it 14-0.

Kyle Konrardy’s 31-yard subject aim made it 17-0 within the second quarter and Becht hit Brahmer on one other massive play the following time the Cyclones acquired the ball. He faked a quarterback sneak after which hit his tight finish for twenty-four yards down the center, Brahmer laying out to make the catch on the ASU 23.

Becht completed that drive with a 10-yard flip to tight finish Tyler Moore and the Cyclones nonetheless weren’t via within the half. Verdon’s interception and 38-yard weaving return put the ball on the ASU 16 and Becht struck instantly, hitting Higgins on a crossing route for the landing and a 31-0 lead.

It was the fifth straight recreation by which Higgins caught a TD go, tying the college document held by Todd Blythe and Ty Watley. Higgins completed with 4 catches for 65 yards, whereas Brahmer caught three balls for 73 yards.

Completions of 21 yards to Brahmer and 18 yards to Higgins arrange Hansen’s second landing and freshman Dylan Lee bolted untouched up the center from 1 yard out for a 45-0 lead. One other freshman, Aiden Flora, circled left finish on an 8-yard run to shut out the scoring within the last minute.

Senior switch Jaylen Jackson added to the speeding whole together with his best day as a Cyclone, working 10 instances for 53 yards. In all, seven gamers carried the ball throughout the recreation and 9 caught a go.

Moberly, who quarterbacked Southeast Polk to a pair of state championships, seemed sharp in his first in depth motion, finishing 5 of seven  passes for 49 yards and working 4 instances for 36 yards, together with a 17-yard dash to arrange Flora’s landing.

Iowa State goes again on the highway subsequent weekend, enjoying at Houston on Saturday, recreation time to be introduced later.

Vinícius Júnior got here off the bench to attain as soon as and arrange one other purpose to steer champions Actual Madrid to a 4-1 fightback victory over Espanyol in LaLiga on Saturday.

Actual Madrid dominated proceedings however fell behind within the 54th minute because of a uncommon blunder by their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who unintentionally deflected a low cross from Jofre into his personal internet.

Nonetheless, Madrid discovered the equaliser 4 minutes later with a close-range strike by Dani Carvajal.

Vinicius then labored his magic inside three busy minutes, first lifting a superb cross with the surface of his foot to Rodrygo, who netted a first-touch effort from the center of the field within the seventy fifth minute, after which scoring himself with a tidy end from a counter-attack within the 78th.

Kylian Mbappé completed off the win from the penalty spot after substitute Endrick was fouled contained in the field within the ninetieth minute.

Madrid remained second on 14 factors, one behind leaders Barcelona who’ve a recreation in hand and go to fourth-placed Villarreal on Sunday.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia rallied from 11 factors down with 5:30 left within the fourth quarter to stun Kansas 32-28 right here at Milan Puskar Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
 
Issues did not look good for the Mountaineers late within the fourth quarter following a two-hour climate delay, the second right here this season, however quarterback Garrett Greene engineered two late landing drives that resulted in 15 factors after the Jayhawks took a 28-17 lead.
 
The deciding tally got here with 26 seconds left when Greene hit Rodney Gallagher III in the suitable flat for a 15-yard landing. 
 
“Lengthy day and I am exhausted, however enormous win,” West Virginia coach Neal Brown stated afterward. “Most issues even out, and we got here again and flipped the script as we speak.”
 
Final week in Pittsburgh, West Virginia was unable to shut the deal after main by 10 with rather less than 5 minutes to go within the Yard Brawl.
 
At this time, WVU made the performs at crunch time.
 
On its successful landing march, WVU took possession of the soccer by itself 33 with 2:22 on the clock, one timeout and the two-minute warning in its pocket. Greene started the drive with an 11-yard cross to Hudson Clement, Gallagher added 6 on a large receiver run after which Greene scrambled for 12 to offer WVU a primary down on the Jayhawk 29.
 
Kansas referred to as its first timeout with 37 seconds left after Greene’s 4-yard run to the 25. A cross interference penalty on security Marvin Grant throughout Greene’s cross to Clement ultimately zone put the ball on the 10. A false begin penalty moved the ball again 5 yards earlier than Gallagher received open to the close to facet of the sector, the place Greene hit him in stride, and he outraced the protection to the pylon.
 
On the following drive, Kansas (1-3, 0-1) received to West Virginia’s facet of the sector when Jalon Daniels accomplished a 36-yard cross to Lawrence Arnold to the WVU 40, however on the subsequent play, Tyrin Bradley got here free from the bottom for a strip-sack fumble that he recovered on the Mountaineer 48.
 
Greene took a knee to finish the sport.
 
For the day, Greene accomplished 15 of his 30 cross makes an attempt for 295 yards and two touchdowns and ran 17 instances for 87 yards and one other rating.
 
“We’re higher when he runs,” Brown stated. “He is particular within the two-minute drill, I will say that.”
 
Clement was Greene’s large goal as we speak within the passing sport with seven catches for 150 yards, whereas Traylon Ray added two catches for 70 yards.
 
The sport become a frenetic affair within the second half after the 2 groups performed a good defensive battle within the opening two stanzas.
 
The Jayhawks marched the size of the sector on their first drive of the second half to tie the sport at 14, utilizing protected passes from Daniels and a 7-yard run from Devin Neal on fourth-and-2 on the WVU 43 in the course of the drive.
 
Kansas finally received into the top zone when Daniels flipped a 7-yard cross to a wide-open Luke Grimm within the again nook of the top zone, capping a 10-play, 75-yard drive the consumed 5:52 of the clock.
 
On the subsequent possession, a Greene 52-yard put up cross to Ray took the ball to Kansas’ 23, however two unsuccessful C.J. Donaldson Jr. runs and Greene’s incomplete cross to Gallagher ultimately zone required Michael Hayes to kick a 40-yard discipline aim, his fifth in 5 makes an attempt this season. That gave West Virginia a 17-14 lead with 7:03 left within the third quarter.
 
However that benefit was brief lived.
 
It took Kansas simply 4 performs to return to the top zone, getting all however 7 of it on the bottom. A 21-yard Daniels keeper took the ball to midfield after which a Daniel Hishaw Jr. 32-yard run down the far facet of the sector received it to the WVU 15.
 
Two performs later, Hishaw scooted untouched 11 yards into the top zone to offer Kansas a 21-17 lead following Tabor Allen’s conversion kick 
 
The Mountaineers dodged a bullet after Mello Dotson picked off Greene’s underthrown cross by forcing a punt, however the offense was stifled by a false begin penalty, two brief Greene runs and a brief cross out within the flat to Jahiem White.
 
Lighting strikes within the space got here quickly after, requiring a virtually two-hour delay earlier than play resumed at 4:44 ET with 10:23 displaying on the sport clock and Kansas dealing with a fourth and seven on the KU 48.
 
The Mountaineers regained possession of the ball at their very own 9, however instantly punted the ball again to Kansas, which received the ball at its personal 46 after Oliver Straw’s brief, line-drive punt.
 
Kansas prolonged its lead one play after Hishaw’s 11-yard, fourth-down run to WVU’s 32. Grimm took a reverse from Daniels and adopted a wall of blockers down the close to sideline for a landing. 
 
Allen’s conversion kick put the Jayhawks forward 28-17 with 5:39 left.
 
Greene passes to Clement and Gallagher received the ball to the KU 33, and a private foul on Marvin Grant throughout Greene’s scramble put the ball on the 11. Two performs later, Greene flipped a cross out within the left flat to a wide-open Kole Taylor for an 8-yard landing. Taylor additionally caught the two-point conversion on Ray’s reverse cross pulling WVU to inside a discipline aim with all three timeouts remaining and the two-minute warning.
 
On the outset, West Virginia used its RPO sport to get on the scoreboard first on its second possession of the afternoon. Greene accomplished fast slants of 38 and 39 yards to Clement on consecutive performs to maneuver the ball to the KU 1. White used a convoy of blockers to finish the drive on the subsequent play for his third speeding landing of the season.
 
The Mountaineers appeared poised to take a two-score lead the subsequent time that they had the ball, however Cobee Bryant picked off Greene’s cross that was meant for Ray on the KU 12, and he returned it 5 yards to the 17.
 
The Jayhawks stored the ball on the bottom in between the tackles with Neal and Hishaw, the duo combining to achieve 55 yards, 11 of these coming from Nea,l to conclude the drive in WVU’s finish zone.
 
An enormous play was Daniels’ third-and-13 cross to Quentin Skinner alongside the far sideline that was initially dominated incomplete, however replay officers stated Skinner received a foot in earlier than going out of bounds. Daniels additionally accomplished a 17-yard cross to Grimm in the course of the 13-play, 83-yard scoring march.
 
West Virginia received the higher of an change of possessions when Gallagher returned Damon Greaves’ line-drive punt 16 yards to the KU 34.
 
Greene accomplished a third-and-4 cross for 9 yards to Clement earlier than calling his quantity for a 19-yard landing. Nevertheless, heart Brandon Yates was referred to as for holding to wipe off the landing.
 
Two performs later, Greene threw a bullet to Ray for 18 yards to the KU 5, after which took it in himself after bouncing off security O.J. Burroughs on the 2 to get into the top zone.
 
Neal led all rushers with 110 yards on 27 makes an attempt and the Jayhawks completed the afternoon with 247 yards on the bottom.
 
Daniels accomplished 15 of his 25 passes for 184 yards and a landing in opposition to a WVU cross protection that was giving up greater than 280 yards per sport by way of the air. The Mountaineers made some personnel adjustments within the secondary and likewise simplified issues with their coverages.
 
“We needed to maintain the ball in entrance of us,” Brown stated.

A crowd of 52,428 watched as we speak’s sport.
 
West Virginia (2-2, 1-0) will hit the pause button subsequent weekend and can resume Huge 12 play on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 14^th-ranked Oklahoma State in Stillwater.
 
“We want a break,” Brown admitted. “We’re beat up and it has been a troublesome stretch bodily and emotionally.”
 
Kansas performs at TCU subsequent weekend.
 

No. 3 Ohio State 49, Marshall 14
Sept. 21, 2024 – Ohio Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
Attendance: 103,871

Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach
On his strategy to as we speak’s sport…
“We needed to play quick as we speak. We felt like that was the best strategy and while you try this, you are creating explosive performs that flip the ball over fast too.”
 
On kicker Austin Snyder changing Jayden Fielding for the second half…
“We put Austin in there and thought he did a pleasant job. We’ll consider them, however both means we will not have that. You get to the purpose the place you need to let any person play by it, however at one other level, we’ve got to make a change.”
 
On the group’s general efficiency…
“The issues we did nicely, we are going to proceed to reinforce and the issues we did not do nicely, we’ve got to develop from. They do some good issues, and we aren’t going to take any win as a right; there’s loads of work that will get put into them. The blokes are enjoying exhausting and we’ve got to maintain constructing on that.”
 
On his penalty…
“There was 21 seconds on the clock after we subbed in, and so they have been actually sluggish getting in. If you make a sub round 21 seconds, it is best to be capable to nonetheless run a play. We needed to name outing and I went to the numbers; I did not curse, however I used to be elevating my voice saying that in some unspecified time in the future that must be delay of sport on protection. I suppose I yelled too loud.”
 
On the Buckeyes’ working sport…
“I feel what you might be seeing is an identification that is slowly getting molded right here the place we’re explosive on the perimeter. There’s some issues that we will do higher there, and coach higher, however we try to stretch the sector vertically. If you suppose again to after we had Justin Fields and J.T. Barrett, it was only a totally different working sport, and I’ve began to see that come again a bit of bit.”
 
On the working backs…
“All three of them, I’ve to provide credit score. All of them have particular talents; they play nicely off one another. They’re unselfish, which is the most important factor you’ll be able to say, a bunch of men that do not care who will get the credit score.”
 
On coming into Large Ten play…
“We go towards good gamers every single day in follow, so it isn’t like we do not know what we seem like towards good gamers.”
 
On quarterback Will Howard’s efficiency…
“Will did some actually good issues, just like the landing play to Jeremiah. It was a sight adjustment, the place he needed to see it, and so the execution on that was very excessive. The lengthy cross to Carnell [Tate] was nicely performed; he noticed the adjustment that was made there and located the subsequent learn. I feel he is rising and getting extra snug with the offense.”
 
On working again Quinshon Judkins…
“I admire how exhausting he performs; his pad degree, he runs, he is received vulnerability which you’ll see he will get behind his pads and runs bodily. He is received an awesome angle. You’ll be able to coach Quinshon exhausting, and he appears at you within the eye and virtually appreciates the truth that you coach exhausting. It says rather a lot about him as an individual and he is working exhausting. I feel he enjoys being a part of this program and he is been nothing however an awesome teammate to date.”

Jordan Hancock, Ohio State cornerback
On the group’s means to make fast changes…
“We have not been hit with an excessive amount of adversity within the season, however them going on the market and scoring, we simply needed to take a chip on our shoulder that second drive and the drives after that. That is what we did, we simply needed to go on the market and make changes as a result of we’ve got some actually good coaches, and so they’re making an attempt to place us in one of the best place for us to win.”
 
On defending air raid offense and getting it on movie…
“It is an enormous optimistic proper now in our protection, our scheme, and perhaps our methods on the skin. We all know after we go to East Lansing, they are going to be passing the ball rather a lot, so I am completely satisfied we noticed this group earlier than we go up there.”
 
On how ready the group is for Michigan State…
“We’re actually ready. Coming off that bye week, we did not look over Marshall, however they [Michigan State] type of run the identical factor that Marshall does, air raid. Seeing this group proper right here will make us higher for subsequent week.”
 
On maintaining the depth in Large Ten play…
“It begins with the offseason, with Coach Mick [Mariotti], he all the time says ‘second half mentality, fourth quarter mentality.’ That is what we introduced into the season proper right here, and we have proven that these first three video games, that we’re prepared for that in Large Ten video games.”
 
Lathan Ransom, Ohio State security
On the offense’s explosive begin…
“The offense performed nice and so they received established early. TreVeyon [Henderson] ran the ball very exhausting. You all the time like to see it. It will get everybody going and brings loads of power and it additionally opens up loads of performs within the passing sport.”
 
On being prepared for the upcoming Large Ten video games…
“I am tremendous excited. I can not wait to play among the Large Ten groups. These video games are all the time thrilling, particularly our first away sport.”
 
On the youthful gamers stepping up…
“I feel the younger guys stepped up rather well; that is what is particular about our group. We all the time have dudes which can be able to play and a backup that is simply as prepared.”
 
On adjusting to Marshall’s run sport…
“Once they get a lightweight field and so they test to the run, everybody’s suits should be appropriate. We fastened what we would have liked and stopped it within the second half.”
 
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State huge receiver
On the explosive offense…
“It is actually exhausting to cease our working sport and exhausting to cease our passing assault. We now have Quinshon Judkins and TreyVeon Henderson, in all probability one of the best duo that I’ve ever seen in faculty soccer. And we’ve got the athletes that we do, on the skin. So, there’s threats in every single place. It is exhausting to sport plan for us.”
 
On emphasizing receiver/perimeter blocking…
“It was a extremely massive emphasis that we had going into this yr as a result of blocking downfield is the place you actually discover the explosive performs. In case you watch in years previous, performs that would’ve been touchdowns, are tackles which can be made by safeties and cornerbacks. You already know, it is by no means going to be a defensive lineman chasing them 30 yards downfield for probably the most half. So that basically falls on the accountability of the huge receivers to get these jobs performed.”
 
On the mentality of blocking as a receiver…
“I feel it is extra of a mentality factor. Blocking is rarely actually scheme. It may be partially method on the skin, however for probably the most half, you need to need to block. It’s a must to come off the ball each run play prefer it’s a cross play, to maintain that risk of cross and run there always. It is positively a mentality factor. It is one thing that we have been making an attempt to carry and simply have that going about us each single sport.”
 
On having over 100 yards receiving…
“Clearly, it is enjoyable to have the ability to carry out at a really excessive degree, however I by no means actually tried to hold my hat on statistics. If I had zero catches, however I nonetheless ran all the best routes and did all the best issues, it would not make me any much less of a participant. I might have gone for 300 yards as we speak, however that is simply because the ball got here my means. I attempt to do what I can with the alternatives that I introduced.”
 
On catching his first landing of the yr…
“I am simply going to do my job to one of the best of my means. If the ball comes my means, it does, however on the finish of the day, there is a accountability deeper than simply statistics. We’re making an attempt to make a legendary run this yr.”

Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State working again
On his 86-yard landing run…
“It positively felt fairly good. I rotated to see if I had a flag on the play, however after that I used to be tremendous enthusiastic about it.”
 
On the tradition at Ohio State…
“I feel it is the brotherhood; all people has put blood, sweat and tears into this program.  All people has woken up at 5 within the morning to get within the constructing and educated. It is since you need it for the particular person beside you; simply figuring out that I can belief that man, he is received me, and he’ll go on the market and make a play.” 
 
On what he feels when he will get the ball in his fingers…
“I feel the mindset of me and my teammates as an entire is to play with dangerous intentions. I feel that is my mindset after I get the ball, I will do my job and attempt to rating.”
 
On getting a win…
“I get pleasure from each single win. Like what Coach Day says, it is exhausting to get a win in any soccer sport, so we benefit from the win, come again tomorrow and see how we will enhance within the subsequent sport.”
 
Will Howard, Ohio State quarterback
On how attitudes can shift when the run sport is doing efficient…
“You noticed the offensive line rocking off the ball; they have been getting as much as that second degree very quick with the way in which that their entrance was arrange. I feel our guards received good motion and people guys have been getting as much as the second degree nicely. Our working backs have been doing an unbelievable job of studying issues. When the run sport is clicking, it makes my job straightforward.”
 
On Coach Chip Kelly’s play calling now three video games into the season…
“I feel we’re clicking. We’re on the identical web page on loads of issues and the way in which that we see coverages and the way in which that we see simply the images, we’re on the identical web page on loads of stuff. I actually suppose we’re beginning to click on.”
 
On the range of Kelly’s play calling…
“You by no means know what you’re going to get with Coach Kelly, he’ll do absolutely anything, and I feel that is the cool half about it. It retains defenses on their toes.”
 
On having quite a lot of totally different standouts on offense …
“I feel it is big. I imply, individuals respecting every little thing, and never simply the receivers, tight ends too, these guys make the performs too, it is the run sport, me getting my legs going, all these various things current challenges for defenses. The extra methods we will assault them, and the extra individuals we will become involved, the more durable it should be.”
 
On what it’s wish to have versatile receivers…
“That is the mentality of that room. These dudes are dudes, and it isn’t nearly getting catches, it isn’t nearly scoring touchdowns; it is about executing each single play. I feel Coach Hartline does a extremely good job of teaching these guys up and getting them proper. I’ve by no means seen a extra selfless group of receivers, and a extra selfless, proficient group of receivers. All of them are unbelievably proficient. All of them need to genuinely see one another succeed.”
 
On how he would describe how Quinshon Judkins runs…
“He is totally different. Man, he is totally different. He is constructed in a different way. He is a distinct beast – he is bodily, he is quick. I imply, you noticed it on that breakaway run. There’s not a lot that that man cannot do. And on prime of that, he is one in all my favourite individuals on the group and I really like that dude. I’d do something for him. The place that he is making it, it is a compound of all of the work he is put in since he is been right here and I am excited for him as a result of he is solely scratching the floor of what he is able to, and he is already doing a little fairly rattling good issues.”
 
On his relationship with heart Seth McLaughlin and the way he makes his job simpler…
“Me and Seth are tremendous tight, he is one in all my finest pals on the group, and we spend loads of time collectively. He’s a man I totally belief in something. If he makes a name, I am like ‘Oh yeah, he in all probability sees one thing I do not see.’ We will bounce concepts off one another. We now have that relationship the place we each belief one another and we all know that we’re each making an attempt to get on the identical web page, and we’re on the identical web page more often than not. He is been actually good for me to have coming into all of this being a first-year man within the system. Having a man like him, I feel each of us can type of lean again on our experiences – we’ve got each have performed a ton of soccer up up to now. I feel that is helped us. We bonded over that, and it is also helped us out within the area.”
 
Charles Huff, Marshall head coach
On missed tackles by Marshall…
“We talked about all of it week. You miss tackles with these guys, it is a landing, so we’ve got to proceed to scrub that up.”
 
On Ohio State’s means to interrupt tackles…
“You’ll be able to’t miss tackles, you already know. A few of these have been damaged tackles, and that is one of many good issues that good gamers do.”You’ll be able to include excellent fundamentals and excellent type, and in the event that they break a sort out as a result of they’re stronger, nicely, that occurred as we speak.”
 
On Ohio State residing as much as its potential…
“Offensively, completely. Defensively, they smother you, and so they type of simply lean on you and weigh you down a bit, and that is what occurred to us as we speak. They type of simply laid on us lengthy sufficient to put on us down. Offensively, I imply 2019 LSU, 2021 Alabama – they’re in all probability in that realm. I imply they’re actually good, like actually good.”
 
On his biscuit feedback within the week…
“Hopefully it did not take anybody again by my feedback. I do not suppose anybody’s leaving for biscuits… one of many gamers stated on the way in which off, ‘You bought any biscuits?'”
 
On enjoying at Ohio State …
“Hats off to the Ohio State administration. They did an outstanding job. [We] felt welcome and so they did a extremely good job, [were] very skilled, very well mannered, and every little thing.”
 

Vanderbilt soccer performed shut with Missouri the entire recreation.

The Commodores (2-1) performed bend however do not break with the Tigers (3-0) the entire recreation on protection. Missouri missed three area objectives as the sport remained tied late within the fourth quarter.

Brock Taylor missed a possible go-ahead 50-yard area objective within the fourth quarter, however Vanderbilt acquired a cease and acquired the ball again, finally opting to ship the sport to extra time pinned deep in its personal territory.

The Commodores and Tigers each scored touchdowns on their first possessions of extra time to ship it to double extra time.

Missouri made a area objective to start out off double extra time and Taylor missed his area objective in Vanderbilt’s half of double extra time to provide the Tigers a 30-27 win.

Missouri (3-0) is one in all 4 opponents ranked within the high 10 of the US LBM Coaches Ballot that Vanderbilt will face this season. The Tigers are the one opponent that may come on the highway, nevertheless, with Alabama, Texas and Tennessee all being residence video games.

The Commodores have misplaced 27 straight video games towards AP top-10 opponents with its final win coming towards then-No. 6 ranked South Carolina in 2007 getting into Saturday.

Watch Vanderbilt soccer vs Missouri dwell on Fubo (free trial)

Vanderbilt vs Missouri rating updates

Extra time

Missouri 30, Vanderbilt 27: Blake Craig 37-yard area objective

Going first in double extra time, Missouri’s drive stalled however the Tigers took the lead with a area objective by Craig, snapping a streak of two straight misses.

Vanderbilt 27, Missouri 27: Luther Burden 25-yard landing catch

Missouri scored a landing in a single play on its possession, sending the sport to double extra time.

Vanderbilt 27, Missouri 20: Gabe Fisher 2-yard landing catch

Stroll-on fullback Gabe Fisher, who has by no means recorded a stat in his faculty profession, scored the landing on a throw from Pavia to start out off extra time.

Fourth quarter

Vanderbilt 20, Missouri 20: Brock Taylor missed 50-yard area objective

After two missed Missouri area objectives within the fourth quarter, Vanderbilt had a drive of its personal stall, then Taylor missed from 50.

Vanderbilt 20, Missouri 20: Blake Craig missed 46-yard area objective

Craig missed his third area objective of the sport, a 46-yarder, after Vanderbilt made one other purple zone stand.

Vanderbilt 20, Missouri 20: Blake Craig missed 40-yard area objective

Missouri acquired inside Vanderbilt’s 25 but once more, however Randon Fontenette and Langston Patterson mixed for the third-down cease and Craig missed his second area objective of the day from 40 yards out.

Third quarter

Vanderbilt 20, Missouri 20: AJ Newberry 4-yard landing rush

Vanderbilt tied issues up within the late third quarter with an AJ Newberry landing run that stood upon overview.

Missouri 20, Vanderbilt 13: Marcus Carroll 3-yard landing run

Vanderbilt went three-and-out on its first possession of the second half after which on the following possession gave up the Tigers’ longest play of the season, a 64-yard rush by Nate Noel. Carroll scored one play later.

Vanderbilt 13, Missouri 13: Blake Craig 54-yard area objective

After Vanderbilt made an extended area objective to finish the primary half, Missouri responded with a 54-yarder of its personal on the opening drive of the second half.

Second quarter

Vanderbilt 13, Missouri 10: Brock Taylor 57-yard area objective

Khordae Sydnor sacked Missouri quarterback Brady Prepare dinner on fourth down with eight seconds left within the second quarter. One fast completion later, Vanderbilt set Taylor up for the 57-yard area objective to take the lead into halftime.

Vanderbilt 10, Missouri 10: Blake Craig 23-yard area objective

After beginning the drive in Vanderbilt territory, Missouri as soon as once more stalled within the purple zone as Vanderbilt pressured the sphere objective to tie it.

Vanderbilt 10, Missouri 7: Blake Craig missed 24-yard area objective

After Randon Fontenette acquired a deal with for loss on third down within the purple zone, Missouri doinked a area objective off the upright for an empty red-zone possession.

Vanderbilt 10, Missouri 7: Brock Taylor 27-yard area objective

Vanderbilt drove down the sphere however the drive stalled on the 10-yard line after a Pavia sack, main the Commodores to accept the sphere objective.

First quarter

Vanderbilt 7, Missouri 7: Brady Prepare dinner 20-yard landing go

After a drive through which Missouri had no hassle transferring the ball, Prepare dinner discovered high receiver Luther Burden for the 20-yard landing go.

Vanderbilt 7, Missouri 0: Diego Pavia 65-yard landing go

Diego Pavia escaped stress and took a uncommon deep shot, discovering an open Joseph McVay streaking for the top zone. It was the primary collegiate catch for the true freshman McVay, who had but to play in a recreation earlier than Saturday.

Vanderbilt vs Missouri time at this time

• Date: Sept. 21
• Time: 3:15 p.m. CT
• Location: Faurot Discipline

What channel is Vanderbilt vs Missouri recreation on at this time?

• Streaming: SEC Community (Stream on Fubo with a free trial)
• Radio: 102.5 The Game and the Vanderbilt Athletics app

Vanderbilt vs. Missouri will be broadcast on SEC Network. The announcers will be Taylor Zarzour and Matt Stinchcomb.

Vanderbilt vs Missouri history

Vanderbilt is 4-12-1 against Missouri all time.

• Last Vanderbilt win: 2019, 21-14
• Last Missouri win: 2023, 38-21

Vanderbilt vs Missouri predictions

Missouri 37, Vanderbilt 21: Missouri’s elite playmaking at receiver and an experienced quarterback are a nightmare for a very banged-up Vanderbilt defense.

Vanderbilt vs Missouri betting odds

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of Saturday:

• Spread: Missouri -18.5
• Over/under: 52.5
• Moneyline: Vanderbilt +700

Vanderbilt vs Missouri injury updates

Vanderbilt will be without CB Mark Davis (Achilles) and OT CJ Williams (ankle fracture), who are both out for the season. DE Zaylin Wood is also out after suffering an injury during the Georgia State game. DE Khordae Sydnor, TEs Brycen Coleman, Eli Stowers and Cole Spence and LB/S Maurice Hampton (hamstring) are questionable.

Vanderbilt vs Missouri weather update

Forecast high in Columbia for Saturday is 83 degrees. While there is a chance of rain in the morning, it is expected to clear up by kickoff time.

Vanderbilt football 2024 schedule

Aug. 31: Virginia Tech, 34-27 win (OT)

Sept. 7: Alcorn State, 55-0 win

Sept. 14: at Georgia State, 36-32 loss

Sept. 21: at Missouri

Sept. 28: Open

Oct. 5: Alabama

Oct. 12: at Kentucky

Oct. 19: Ball State

Oct. 26: Texas

Nov. 2: at Auburn

Nov. 9: South Carolina

Nov. 16: Open

Nov. 23: at LSU

Nov. 30: Tennessee

Buy Vanderbilt football tickets this season with StubHub

Missouri football 2024 schedule

Aug. 29: Murray State, 59-0 win

Sept. 7: Buffalo, 38-0 win

Sept. 14: Boston College, 27-21 win

Sept. 21: Vanderbilt

Oct. 5: at Texas A&M

Oct. 12: at UMass

Oct. 19: Auburn

Oct. 26: at Alabama

Nov. 9: Oklahoma

Nov. 16: at South Carolina

Nov. 23: at Mississippi State

Nov. 30: Arkansas

Vanderbilt football news

• Safety CJ Taylor will miss the first half of the game with a suspension after being ejected for targeting against Georgia State.
• Vanderbilt will wear all-white uniforms with gold numbers and gold helmets.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter, @aria_gerson.

Picture Credit score: Logan Bowles, UAA

The Florida Gators took benefit of a expertise disparity and overmatched opponent whereas choosing up a 45-28 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday. It marked Florida’s first victory over an FBS program in 343 days and the Gators’ highest-scoring recreation towards FBS opposition throughout your entire tenure of head coach Billy Napier.

Whereas Florida’s offense hummed all day behind each quarterbacks, redshirt senior Graham Mertz and freshman DJ Lagway, the protection was a complete sieve towards one of many worst dashing assaults within the nation. That when once more leaves the Gators with loads to work via — regardless of the victory — getting into their first of two off weeks this season.

Mertz accomplished 19 of 21 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns, including one other dashing rating together with 24 yards on the bottom. Lagway linked on all seven of his passes for 76 yards whereas main two landing drives — every over 90 yards.

“Thought we performed nicely across the quarterbacks, and I believed the quarterbacks did a extremely good job sort of being the purpose guard of the offense and distributing the ball,” Napier mentioned. “We had some steadiness. … We did plenty of good.”

Florida held a 28-7 lead late within the second quarter posting its most factors in a half towards an FBS opponent beneath Napier. This as Napier caught to a predetermined quarterback rotation that noticed Lagway play the third, sixth and ninth possessions of the sport. Seven totally different go catchers caught at the very least two balls, and the Gators confirmed extra offensive selection than it had at any prior level this season.

Let’s check out every little thing that went down in UF’s second victory of the season.

In case you have two quarterbacks …

… you possibly can nonetheless run high quality offense towards an overmatched protection. That was the secret Saturday for a Gators group that badly wanted a get-right recreation for an offense that has struggled to seek out rhythm this season.

Napier in the course of the week claimed Mertz would begin every half with Lagway getting a possession early on both sides of the break. As an alternative, as ESPN reported moments earlier than kickoff, Napier determined that Lagway would man the offense on the third, sixth and ninth drives. That appeared to be a problematic predetermination, and but, it truly labored for Florida. Whether or not that was as a result of planning or happenstance is hard to say.

“We evaluated how the week went simply by way of Graham being again wholesome. Actually was spectacular this week in follow,” mentioned Napier relating to what decided the drive cut up. “… We simply sort of went with our intestine there, what we felt was finest for our group. We’re nonetheless dedicated to enjoying DJ. As we speak, he confirmed that he’ll get just a little higher with the extra expertise he will get. We’re getting the very best of each worlds there. Each guys make our group higher.”

Lagway’s first effort led to a misplaced fumble from redshirt senior operating again Montrell Johnson Jr. (15 carries, 68 yards). His final two each began contained in the UF 10-yard line; every led to touchdowns after 10 performs (91 yards, 93 yards). Throughout all three, he was wonderful changing third downs.

“This stuff work finest whenever you outline the plan and stick with the plan,” defined Napier when requested why he determined to twice put Lagway in that place. “You bought to play the lengthy recreation just a little bit. … We practiced these scenario. He is aware of the right way to handle the sport, and he did a fantastic job. He did what he was coached to do.”

And but, Mertz was the star of the sport with an almost flawless efficiency together with two key dashing performs that prolonged drives. The Gators might not have the luxurious of sticking with this predetermined sample towards extra proficient defenses, and given Mertz’s excessive stage of play that reminded of his 2023 effectivity, it stays to be seen what Napier will determine popping out of the off week.

Protection stays a significant downside

In addition to Florida performed offensive is how poorly it carried out defensively. Mississippi State entered having been outscored 55-6 throughout its final two first halves whereas totaling 90 mixed yards dashing in its final two video games towards Arizona State and Toledo. UF allowed it to attain 14 factors within the first half and rush for 239 yards within the contest.

The center of the protection was an absolute catastrophe. Sure, the Gators are lacking three vital defensive linemen, together with two starters. They nonetheless have a significant expertise edge and ought to, theoretically, have a training benefit as nicely given there are two coordinators employed, every of whom is paid over $1 million to steer the unit.

“We acquired to get it fastened,” Napier mentioned. “If you wish to play actually good protection, you bought to be sturdy up the center. It’s discouraging as a result of it’s on the core of what you do.”

Past the run-game points, there have been continued missed assignments on the second and third ranges. (The secondary was additionally lacking three key gamers, together with two starters.) Florida struggled to get lined up correctly towards tempo and missed tackles so incessantly that one would consider it was taught in follow. What precisely did the Gators work on all week whereas making ready for the Bulldogs?

Florida has now allowed 28+ factors to eight of its final 9 FBS opponents; the lone outlier was Florida State, which performed its backup quarterback to finish the 2023 season.

“There’s three or 4 or 5 possessions there the place we disappear,” Napier mentioned. “… We had been just a little extra constant throughout the board right now, however we all know that there’s going to be extra consistency required. The push and the protection started working collectively. General, the push protection has acquired to get shored up, and we have now to remove a few of these penalties that we had.”

What went proper

• Particular groups continued to be a surprising brilliant spot for the Gators. Past the 47-yard game-clinching discipline purpose by junior kicker Trey Smack, Florida was immensely sturdy throughout the board on punts and returns. It did enable one future to MSU, however particular person errors occur.
• Operating backs redshirt junior Ja’Kobi Jackson, sophomore Treyaun Webb and freshman Jadan Baugh all stood out. Jackson compiled 45 mixed yards and a landing on 5 touches. Baugh rumbled for 53 yards on 4 carries. Webb picked up 41 yards on eight hauls. In actual fact, Johnson was the one Florida runner (together with quarterbacks) who didn’t common at the very least 5.0 yards per carry.
• Redshirt freshman broad receiver Aidan Mizell had his finest recreation in orange & blue catching 5 passes. He solely totaled 35 yards within the field rating however flashed immense athleticism and agility on two touchdowns known as again as a result of penalties, one an unimaginable 65-yard effort. It had been confounding that Mizell didn’t get extra run till this level; now, there ought to be no excuse. He’s explosive with the ball in his arms and deserves to be a daily a part of the offense. “I instructed Aidan pregame I believed it was going to be a fantastic recreation for him,” Napier mentioned. “Look, he nonetheless made that play. He did plenty of good issues run-after-catch right now. His pace exhibits up. He’s one other younger participant that’s gaining confidence.”
• Redshirt sophomore tight ends Hayden Hansen and Arlis Boardingham every scored; the latter in his first recreation again from damage. Sophomore Tony Livingston additionally caught three balls for 18 yards.
• Extensive receivers senior Chimere Dike (43 yards), senior Elijhah Badger (45 yards) and redshirt junior Marcus Burke (45 yards) all flashed within the passing recreation filling in for 3 injured gamers. Burke hauled in a phenomenal TD from Mertz, too.
• It was a combined bag for sophomore defensive again Sharif Denson, who was throughout the ball with seven tackles (5 solo, 2.5 for loss), a sack, a compelled fumble and a go breakup; nevertheless he additionally dedicated two go interference penalties. Nonetheless, his vitality and skill to swarm to the ball was a plus.
• Redshirt junior offensive lineman Austin Barber fell on a Lagway fumble into the tip zone for Florida’s ultimate landing of the afternoon.

What went fallacious

• Napier as soon as once more struggled teaching contained in the “center eight.” The Gators had an opportunity to take a 21-point lead into halftime with possession popping out the opposite facet. That will have been a possibility to go up 28 factors and successfully put the sport away minutes into the second half. As an alternative, Florida allowed a 54-second (!) landing drive — chopping its result in 14 — and failed to attain to open the second half, permitting Mississippi State to go down the sector and minimize its deficit to 7 factors. That’s straight up shedding soccer.
• It wound up not mattering, however exterior of Florida’s lackluster protection, the officiating was once more probably the most evident challenge on this recreation. Mizell’s 65-yard landing was known as again as a result of a blindside block on Johnson that was clearly something however. There have been at the very least two events the place flags had been picked up with no calls. The Gators had been additionally the sufferer of three go interference penalties; one in every of which was official with two undoubtedly questionable as bang-bang performs.
• The Gators offensive line finally discovered a groove, nevertheless it was tough within the early going, particularly in go safety. Probably the most notable error got here from redshirt senior Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, a switch from San Diego State who was purported to make a significant affect this season. Crenshaw-Dickson didn’t get the beginning nod in Week 1 and continues to make errors, together with two blatant blocks within the again on a single play that worn out Mizell’s first landing.
• The protection was really horrible. On one possession, Florida was unable to seize two free balls on compelled fumbles. It additionally — on the identical possession – gave up a third-and-10 conversion and finally allowed a third-and-16 to get transformed in two performs through runs up the center.

Odds & ends

Florida improved to 35-19-2 all-time towards Mississippi State with three straight wins in Starkville (6-7) … the Gators snapped a seven-game shedding streak to FBS opponents … UF beneath Napier is now 12-2 when main after the third quarter, 11-3 when main at halftime and 11-4 when dashing for at the very least 150 yards … it additionally improved to 3-7 on the highway, 5-16 when permitting 21+ factors and 3-11 when being outrushed beneath Napier … the Gators are 39-13 towards unranked opponents since 2018 … Florida has scored in 452 consecutive video games, an NCAA document

What it means / what’s subsequent?

The primary of two bye weeks is forward for Florida, and coming off as lackluster a begin as this system may have anticipated via 4 video games, it’s most definitely wanted. Nonetheless, regardless of the additional preparation time, there ought to be no expectation that Napier is fired at this juncture. He nonetheless provides the Gators their finest likelihood to win on per week to week foundation — largely as a result of neither of the three coordinators nor anybody else on the workers could be a notable improve holding the whistle on the sideline.

Florida hosts UCF in two weeks on Saturday, Oct. 5 earlier than enjoying at Tennessee and internet hosting Kentucky for homecoming. That precedes the second off week forward of the hardest stretch of the schedule. It might be much more possible for a transfer to be made earlier than the Georgia recreation, however UF may additionally be at a degree the place — barring one thing really unforgivable — it sticks with Napier as a result of there are merely no higher choices till the tip of the season.

The Gators confirmed extra struggle Saturday than they’ve at some other level this season. They had been sturdy offensively, overcame adversity created by poor defensive play and by no means allowed doubt to creep in regardless of that robust stretch crossing halftime. Florida ought to get some reinforcements again for the UCF recreation, and if it does, maybe there could be some additional enchancment over the second “phase” of the season.

“We’re able to higher: We will play higher, we will coach higher,” Napier mentioned. “We’ve an open date right here, and we have to take an excellent look within the mirror — on either side of the spectrum, gamers and coaches. Perhaps we have to modify who performs and who doesn’t play. We nonetheless have to deal with the tempo higher; we all know we’re going to play groups that try this sooner or later, and we have to prepare for it. It’s good to win a recreation like that [going] into the open date.”

He added later: “We’ve extra work to do. We gained right now, however we’re very a lot a piece in progress. This group can get so a lot better. We had so many particular person gamers, place group and items on our group that we’re not even near being who we could be — they usually know that. We noticed flashes of it right now, however we have now to turn into a extra constant group. That’s going to be the emphasis right here within the open date. I simply need to see just a little extra scrap, just a little extra struggle — specifically on protection.”