BASTA: Oregon Beats Stanford At Their Own Game

((HT: BASTA/Ben Leonard))

Despite a dominant start by Oregon that left the Cardinal down 14-3 mid-way through the first quarter, Stanford charged back and pulled within striking distance. However, the Ducks and Heisman Trophy favorite Marcus Mariota made plays when the Cardinal could not, making the game an absolute laugher. Oregon gave Stanford a dose of their own medicine, dominating them on the ground behind a healthy (finally) offensive front. The Ducks outrushed Stanford 267-131, and were too much for a usually-dominant unit. The Ducks did not let up with the score out of hand until midway through the fourth, clearly releasing two years of pent-up frustration in a 46-16 blowout. Oregon was the first team to score more than thirty points against Stanford since Arizona in 2012.

The Ducks took the ball on the opening kickoff, and wasted no time in marching down the field, going seventy-five yards in just over four minutes. Mariota burned Stanford on the ground and through the air, totaling twenty-seven yards rushing and capping the drive with a six-yard touchdown pass. Stanford’s depleted front seven offered little resistance, letting the star quarterback have his way. Stanford felt the absences of nose tackle David Parry and end Aziz Shittu, key parts of the previously first-ranked defense nationwide. This drive was a microcosm of the rest of the game; Oregon’s speed and physicality brutalized the Cardinal.

Kevin Hogan quite possibly had the best half of his career in the first half, completing thirteen of his seventeen attempts for 162 yards and a touchdown, but he could not finish drives, including the first drive of the game. He was not plagued many of his customary miscues, and was very accurate and collected. He wasted great field position stemming from a Ty Montgomery return, forcing Jordan Williamson into attempting a forty-seven yard field goal, which he nailed. Autzen Stadium has been kind to the fifth-year senior, who hit the redemptive game-winning field goal in 2012. Oregon answered with an even quicker score, taking just over two minutes to go seventy-five yards for the touchdown, a twenty-two yard run in which Mariota escaped pressure and ran in untouched to take the 14-3 lead. Hogan played better on the next drive, but the end result was the same, another field goal to cut the lead to 14-6. The early deficit left Stanford on its heels, forced to play catch-up against the high-tempo Ducks, not a position the Cardinal are built to succeed in.

The Cardinal’s defense let Mariota have all day to throw, and they paid for it, falling behind 24-6 midway into the second quarter. With their backs to the wall, Stanford mustered an excellent seventy-five yard drive for a touchdown, capped by a one-yard touchdown from Patrick Skov to cut the lead to 24-13. Hogan completed eight passes for fifty-five yards on the drive, utilizing screens and sideline passes to his speedy, physical receivers, including Devon Cajuste. Cajuste had a field day against the undersized Oregon secondary, snagging five catches for 115 yards. Stanford went into the half with a chance to steal a win from the Ducks despite only scoring one touchdown in four trips inside the thirty-five yard line.

Stanford came out of the locker room energized, taking the ball all the way down to Oregon’s thirty-two yard line. Hogan ruined a seemingly promising drive with an ugly interception, throwing into double coverage on a pass intended for Devon Cajuste, handing the ball to the potential Heisman Trophy winner at his own one yard line. He had become overly reliant on Cajuste, and missed multiple open options shorter on the right side. Hogan’s blunder ultimately did not cost the Cardinal too much, as Alex Carter snagged an interception on the ensuing drive. Had Mariota thrown outside to his receiver, Carter would have had no play, but Mariota threw it right into Carter’s hands for an easy pick at Oregon’s forty yard-line.

Down 24-13, the ensuing drive could have been a defining moment for the embattled Hogan. Instead, it was just another typical Stanford drive, stalling in the red zone. A holding call against the undersized, overmatched center Graham Shuler contributed to this, leaving Stanford with a first and twenty at Oregon’s twenty-six yard line. Shaw also made a questionable decision on fourth and two at the eight, electing to take a field goal. Stanford needed a catalyst, and a first down would have been. A score would have cut the lead to four points, yet Shaw stayed with his conservative ways, destroying any potential momentum, despite cutting the lead to 24-16.

The end of the third and fourth quarters were another story for the Cardinal. After another Ducks’ touchdown, Kevin Hogan was stripped on an apparently promising drive, giving the Ducks the ball at the forty and the victory. Tony Washington stripped the ball from Hogan on a strong man’s play; ball security was not an issue for Hogan, but it killed any waning hope. Marcus Mariota took advantage of the field position, running in for two more touchdowns to make the game a rout. Mariota finished with 258 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and eighty-five yards and two scores on the ground.

Here's the highlights as proof...
((HT: Pac-12/FoxCFB))


Stanford’s ineptitude on both the offensive and defensive lines is concerning going forward. Oregon’s offensive line was a perceived weakness, yet there was no “Party in the Backfield,” as the Cardinal put almost no pressure on Mariota, and sacked him just once. With the loss, Stanford falls to 5-4 and loses all realistic hope for a Pac-12 North title (The Cardinal would have to win out and Oregon would have to lose out). The loss was their most lopsided since 2007, in which they went 1-11 and fell 41-3 to ASU. Oregon showed no weaknesses, and barring injuries, their path to the College Football Playoff should be relatively easy. They pushed the Cardinal around on both sides, imposing their will on a team that had previously established such an identity.

Connor Halliday's Arm May Have Fallen Off In Loss To Cal

((HT: Pac-12 Network))

Okay...

The HQ has long known that Mike Leach has a penchant for passing that very few of us can comprehend...

Law degrees from Pepperdine will do that for you...

But Connor Halliday may become the college football equivalent of former Florida State pitcher Richie Lewis if he keeps up like this...

Lewis, for those of you who don't remember, was put on the mound in Omaha for the clinching game in the College World Series on less-than-normal rest (2 days, the HQ thinks), throwing an ungodly amount of pitches in a loss, and was not the same pitcher when he was drafted by Montreal.

Tired arm and all that...

Halliday went for 734 yards- AND STILL LOST...
Here's the highlights, which presumably, could last til mid-week.
Kevin Calabro and Yogi Roth discuss


Cal's Jared Goff completed 47 of 53 passes for 527 yards and five touchdowns, also without an interception. Combined, Halliday and Goff set a new single-game FBS record for total passing yards with 1,261. And the all-NCAA mark is 736 yards set by D3's Sam Durley of Eureka-Illinois.

Maybe Oregon Should Stop Playing Arizona When They're Ranked (UPDATED W/Locker Room Reax)

((HT: Pac-12 Network))

You could see the signs early on...

Constant pressure in Marcus Mariota's face and keeping all the receiver activity in front of the secondary. In addition to that, the Arizona defense made sure that Mariota didn't get loose in his own and break off a big run.

Arizona traded punches with Oregon and won in Autzen Stadium- again...

Whaddya want to bet that folks ni Michigan are REALLY rueing the idea that Rich Rod ended up in Tucson and wasn't around in Ann Arbor for all this Brady Hoke mess...


Great strip and steal by Scooby Wright and:

WHAT IS UP WITH THOSE UNIFORMS???!!!

Yes, the HQ knows despite their hideousness, they will sell out and some of the proceeds will hopfully go to a great cause.

Here's the reaction in the Arizona locker room...
((HT: Arizona Wildcats their own selves))

Pac-12 Recap: Turned Into The Wild West For A Day

((HT: Pac-12 Network))

It seemed to be all about comebacks and close ones Saturday...

First, for those of us who play fantasy college football Wazzu's Connor Halliday is usually a solid selection. Last week was no different as Halliday threw for 4 TD's ana orchestrated a fourth quarter comeback as the Cougs beat Utah 28-27.

Here's Ted Robinson and Glenn Parker to discuss


And Cal and Colorado didn't seem to be able to stop each other for an entire afternoon. The game 14 TD passes by the two teams and it took six quarters to decide a game that had 115 total points.

Kevin Calabro and Yogi Roth discuss

Has Brady Hoke Reached Turbo-Fired Status Yet...???

((HT: Pac-12 Network))

So, just how fired is Brady Hoke right now...???

We ask because after a 26-10 loss to UTAH... yes, UTAH!!!

Rich Rodriguez is 4-0 and Michigan is not...

Here's the big story from the Big House


So, the HQ guesses you could say both the weather and Utah stopped the Wolverines.

BASTA: Army Cannot Keep Pace With High Flying Cardinal in 35-0 Romp

((HT: BASTA/Ben Leonard))

After a heart-wrenching loss to USC, Stanford needed a morale booster. The Army Black Knights certainly provided that. Despite weak play from the offense in the first half, the defense locked down the Black Knight’s triple option attack, holding them to 207 total yards, 198 of which were on the ground. Stanford punted on four of its first six possessions, a troubling sign for a team that should have physically overwhelmed Army.

Kevin Hogan struggled in the first half, missing several open receivers. The overall numbers in the first half, 12 of 19 passes for two touchdowns, doesn’t seem to be too troubling. However, missing targets against an Army secondary that surrendered 401 yards through the air to a weak Buffalo team is a cause for concern. Hogan tightened it up in the second half, making his final line 20 for 28, with 216 yards and four touchdowns.

Devon Cajuste man-handled the Army secondary, hauling in three touchdown passes from Kevin Hogan. His 23 yard-touchdown capped a 65-yard drive on the opening drive of the game, giving Stanford the early 7-0 lead. No one was in the vicinity of Cajuste, scoring easily on a fade pass from Hogan. Stanford’s offense scuffled after this first drive, crossing midfield only twice on their next four drives. After Alex Carter forced running back Larry Dixon to fumble, linebacker Kevin Anderson recovered it at the Army 15 yard line. Stanford now had a golden opportunity to score with a minute and a half left in the half. Hogan and the offense worked down to the two yard line. On third and goal from the two, Hogan threw a jump ball to Cajuste in the back right corner of the end zone, and Cajuste hauled it in to extend Stanford’s halftime lead to 14-0.

Stanford’s defense had no problems with Army’s unconventional triple option offense, only allowing them to cross midfield three times in nine drives before the starters gave way to the backups in the fourth. Holding Army to nine passing yards may seem impressive, but the Black Knight offense is built to run, and scarcely passes. Army only threw five passes, completing three and throwing one interception. A.J. Tarpley picked off backup quarterback A.J. Shurr early in the fourth quarter, ending an Army drive that had reached the Stanford 42 yard line. Stanford’s defense has now allowed fewer than 30 points in 26 straight games, dating back to a 54-48 overtime shootout win over Arizona in 2012.

Here's the recap from The Farm
((HT: Pac-12 Network))


Notes: Stanford will have a bye next Saturday, and take on Washington on September 27th at a time to be determined. The Cardinal moved to 8-0 under coach David Shaw following a loss, and hasn’t lost consecutive games since 2009, Andrew Luck’s first season starting for the Cardinal. Running back Remound Wright did not play Saturday because of an undisclosed reason, likely a disciplinary suspension.

BASTA: Cardinal Throws Away Game Versus Trojans

((HT: BASTA/Leonard))

Saturday was a game of what could have been for the Stanford Cardinal. Penalties, turnovers, missed field goals, and poor execution in the red zone led to a disastrous 13-10 loss to the USC Trojans, despite out-gaining USC 413 to 291. Andre Hedari hit a game winning field goal for the Trojans with two minutes and thirty seconds left in a moment of deja vu for the Cardinal, who lost last season on a last-second field goal by Hedari. All nine Stanford drives got inside the Trojan 25 yard-line, but they only scored twice. Stanford has scored three touchdowns in sixteen trips inside the thirty yard-line this season, a disturbing number.

The first play of the game was indicative of the atrocity that was to come for the Cardinal; a false start by Johnny Caspers. Another Caspers penalty, this time for tripping, stalled a Cardinal offense that was humming along, taking it all the way to the USC 21 yard-line. Stanford had gained 45 yards on the ground on the drive, but the second penalty killed the drive, setting up a third down and thirty-two. Jordan Williamson missed a 49-yard field goal, hooking it several yards wide left, reminiscent of his struggles in the Fiesta Bowl.

USC took over at their own thirty-two yard line, and marched down the field, tearing apart the Stanford defense. The drive was capped by a Justin Davis one-yard touchdown run. USC back Javorius Allen had three consecutive carries of 8+ yards on the drive, taking USC from the Stanford 40 yard line to the 15, keying the score.

On the next drive, Stanford drove down the field again, all the way to the thirteen yard line, but a horrible snap by Graham Shuler flew over the head of Ty Montgomery, who was running out of the wildcat. Stanford recovered the ball after losing 16 yards, going all the way back to the USC 29. David Shaw clearly had no faith in kicker Jordan Williamson at this point, as he then chose to punt from the 29 yard-line.

After a Trojan three and out, Stanford once again marched down the field, this time capitalizing on the opportunity, with Patrick Skov taking a two-yard run in for the score, tying the game at seven apiece. With three minutes left in the half, Stanford took the ball all the way to the USC 16 yard line on the back of Kevin Hogan. Hogan threw for 65 yards on the drive, setting up a chip shot 33 yard field goal for Williamson with eleven seconds left to go. Williamson’s field goal gave Stanford a 10-7 lead going into the half. Williamson missed a similar field goal in Stanford’s first drive of the second half, a 26 yarder that inexplicably went wide left. Stanfor was stopped on fourth down in their next drive at the Trojan three yard line. Andre Hedari added a 25-yard field goal with just under a minute left in the third, tying the game up at ten apiece.

Hedari hit a 53-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, giving the Trojans a 13-10 lead with 2:30 left for Stanford to make a comeback. Hogan completed five straight passes, taking Stanford all the way down to the USC 22. After a sack, Hogan was hit while he was attempting to throw by senior linebacker J.R. Tavai, forcing a fumble that USC recovered to seal the win. Hogan played well (22/30, 285 yards), but could not come up clutch in the redzone to give his team the victory. The loss ended the nation’s longest home winning streak for the Cardinal, a 17-game run dating back to 2011. Stanford will need to execute better if they want to succeed this season against a horribly difficult schedule.

Here's the highlights in depth of 13 versus 14
((HT: Pac-12 Network))

More Fun With USC: Anthony Brown Quits, Calls Sark "Racist"

((HT: ESPN))

Not that Southern Cal football needed any more fuel in the papers this week, but running back Anthony Brown has quit the program characterizing head coach Steve Sarkisian as "racist."

Brown Tweeted the opinion on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter before removing it:

"Sark treated me like a slave in his Office...Can't play for a racist MAN!!!!! #Fighton"

FOSG Chris Cotter explains with Brian Griese and Mark May what this all may or may not mean


Sark was less than pleased and gave very little credence to it in his press conference Thursday:

"As far as what [Brown] said on Twitter, I think it's ridiculous," Sarkisian told the Orange County Register. "Any of you guys that know me and if you ask anybody in our building, any of our players -- feel free to -- that's about the furthest thing from the truth. Quite honestly, I'm shocked."

"I had encouraged him to play. I thought he could play. I didn't want him to quit."

Not the kind of pee-ahr you need before your season opener... and a host of (now) former teammates disagreed with Brown's characterization of the nead coach.

Yep, Josh Shaw Made The Story Up...

((HT: KABC-TV/MyFoxLA))

Shaw has been suspended indefinitely from team activities...

"We are extremely disappointed in Josh," said USC head football coach Steve Sarkisian in a statement. "He let us all down. As I have said, nothing in his background led us to doubt him when he told us of his injuries, nor did anything after our initial vetting of his story.

"I appreciate that Josh has now admitted that he lied and has apologized. Although this type of behavior is out of character for Josh, it is unacceptable. Honesty and integrity must be at the center of our program. I believe Josh will learn from this. I hope that he will not be defined by this incident, and that the Trojan Family will accept his apology and support him."

It will be interesting to find out just how long "suspended indefinitely" means in the USC football-sense...

Remember when we had faith in humanity...???
Los Angeles News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

From Bryan D. Fischer, here's the statement from Shaw through his attorney Donald Etra:

“I injured myself in a fall. I made up a story about this fall that was untrue,” Shaw said. “I was wrong to not tell the truth. I apologize to USC for this action on my part.”

"My USC coaches, the USC Athletic Department, and especially coach Sarkisian have all been supportive of me during my college career and for that, I am very grateful."

USC has also apologized for posting the original story on their website. The story had been removed Wednesday from the link where it was originally posted on the USC website.

What Is The Latest With USC's Josh Shaw, Anyway...???

((HT: MyFoxLA))

The University of Southern California is now investigating the story that senior co-captain Josh Shaw stuck by on Sunday and Monday claiming that he got his high ankle sprains from springing out a window to rescue his nephew from a possible drowning.

The school started getting phone calls that conflicted with the story Shaw has been relaying to the media.

Instead of what Shaw initially said being the only version, police are telling an additional story about someone that could be Shaw and a sticky situation with a girlfriend:

From the LA Times article from Gary Klein...

Meantime, the Los Angeles Police Department said Shaw's name came up in a report filed by officers who responded to a call about a woman heard screaming at the Orsini Apartments at 505 N. Figueroa St. on Saturday night.

Lt. Andrew Neiman, a department spokesman, said officers forced entry into one apartment but found no one inside. They then interviewed witnesses at the apartments who reported seeing a man scampering across third-floor balconies and provided a general description of the individual. Later, as officers were talking to a woman, “She responded to a description with words to the effect, 'That sounds like my boyfriend, Josh Shaw,' ” Neiman said.

Another police source said the woman added that Shaw was out to dinner with friends.

Here's Gigi Graciette on campus with sound from head coach Steve Sarkisian
Los Angeles News | FOX 11 LA KTTV

Southern Cal is treating Shaw's story as solid at present, but they are investigating on their own.

BASTA Pac-12: Stanford Football Defensive Season Preview

((HT: BASTA their own selves/Ben Leonard))

The Stanford Cardinal come in to the 2014 season facing the daunting task of Pac-12 and Rose Bowl three-peat. It may be even harder this year, with many stalwarts on the defensive side of the ball from 2013 graduating. It will have to get past third-ranked Oregon in the Pac-12 North once again, although the Cardinal have prevailed in the last two contests. Kevin Hogan’s Stanford team has been kryptonite for Oregon and their high-octane offense. Will David Shaw and the Cardinal be able to overcome their daunting road schedule and reach the promised land, the sparkling new College Football Playoff?

DEFENSE

It all starts with the defense for this Stanford program that plays a brand of hard-nose football envied around the nation. Last season, this team allowed a measly 19.0 points per game, good for tenth best in the country and first in the Pac-12. Will they be able to continue their dominance in 2014?

FRONT SEVEN

The dominant front seven that Stanford employed last season completely shut down the running game, holding opponents to a miniscule 2.9 yards per carry. It should be a force again in 2014.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Stanford will lose defensive ends Josh Mauro and Ben Gardner, stalwarts on the edge. Gardner, one of the Cardinal’s senior leaders, totaled 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks despite playing in only eight games, due to a torn pectoral muscle that ended his final college season early. He fell to the seventh round because of the injury, despite exceptional tools. (39.5″ vertical) He will be a tough part to replace.

Aziz Shittu, a junior and former five-star recruit, will work in tandem with fifth-year senior Blake Lueders to fill in for Gardner. Shittu has fallen short of his lofty expectations so far, totaling only five tackles in all of 2013. He has been behind many great players, so the playing time has not been consistently there. He should have blossomed in this newfound opportunity, but failed to pass the scrappy Lueders on the depth chart. Lueders was the superior player last year, collecting 23 tackles, five for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Lueders was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, so he is not exactly a walk-on. He has the experience knowledge of the system under his belt that Shittu lacks, and will likely take most of the snaps at defensive end.

Henry Anderson will start at the other end position. Anderson, an emotional leader for the team and a fifth-year senior, missed the beginning of last year after suffering a knee injury versus Army. He returned in full force, making nineteen tackles in eight games, along with three sacks. He is an Athlon Sports Pre-Season First-Team Pac-12 Honoree, and is on the watch list for numerous awards.

David Parry, another fifth-year senior, will hold down the nose tackle position, a role he has thrived in since being installed as the starter in 2012. The line will not miss a beat in 2014, with boatloads of veteran leadership, as all three are fifth-year seniors. As daunting a task it may seem, the combination of Shittu and Lueders will prove to be competent to replace Gardner, a prominent figure in Stanford’s resurgence as a program.

LINEBACKERS

The Farm will certainly miss the presence of the menacing Shayne Skov, who graduated after his fifth-year senior season. His fire and ruthless play was invaluable for the success of this program, going to four BCS bowls under his leadership. Skov was sixth in Stanford history with 354 tackles in his career, despite only playing three games in 2011 after suffering a torn ACL. His instinct was unparalleled at the college level. One of the most memorable plays was his play to jump the snap against Taylor Kelly and ASU in the Pac-12 championship game.

SKOV’S RELENTLESS STYLE OF PLAY LEAD STANFORD TO DEFEAT OREGON 26-23

Although no one can replicate Skov’s leadership and passion, Blake Martinez will be considered successful if he can mean half of what Skov meant. This is by no means a cheap shot at Martinez, but a testament to the ability of Skov. Martinez has received very little playing time because of Skov’s presence. He has, however, taken advantage of his limited opportunities. He thrived in the Big Game versus Cal, forcing a fumble, picking off Jared Goff and totaling six tackles in a blowout. He has shown Coach Shaw that, when given a chance, will give it his all to help the team win. He also showed up on a big stage in the Pac-12 Championship game, making five tackles in Stanford’s beat down of the Sun Devils. He is an underrated piece in the offense that will surprise many by playing an integral role in the defense in 2014, despite being an unheralded recruit.

A.J. Tarpley, another fifth-year senior, will try to emulate Skov’s role, being the veteran leader at inside linebacker. He clearly feels comfortable filling in for Skov, as he put it, “Look at Coach Shaw. When everyone said, ‘Coach Harbaugh’s leaving, how are you going to replace his excitement, his determination for the game?’ He just said he’s David Shaw. He has his way of doing things,” Tarpley said. “To me, that’s worked out pretty well.”

He was quietly great last year, making 93 hard-fought tackles, good for second on the team. An All Pac-12 Honorable Mention in 2013, Tarpley will continue to improve and gain more recognition as an elite linebacker, as he will take over a team captain spot, and was also honored as an USA Today’s preseason second-team All American. Skov’s name brand may be gone, but Tarpley is fully capable of reproducing Shayne’s production.

At the outside linebacker position, Trent Murphy leaves huge shoes for Kevin Anderson to fill. A consensus All American, his pass rushing presence will be sorely missed. Although he lacked speed and explosion, his motor, instincts, and variety of moves certainly made up for it. He ranked second nationally with 1.07 sacks/game, and fourth in the nation with 1.7 tackles for loss/game.

Anderson, a senior, has proved he can excel under the brightest of lights. He had a 40-yard interception return for a touchdown against Michigan State in the Rose Bowl, and would have had a second for a touchdown had he not dropped it. Anderson, a Palo Alto High School graduate, when asked about replacing Murphy, explained: “I want to emulate him on the field. But at the same time, I can’t think to myself, ‘I have to lead the nation in sacks like Trent did.’”

Anderson finished fourth on the team in tackles for loss, and should continue to improve and mature as a run-stopping outside linebacker. He in no way will be able play up to the pass-rushing caliber of Murphy. Murphy and Anderson are very different styles of player, as Anderson is built to stop the run.

James Vaughters was quietly brilliant in 2013, and will return even stronger in 2014. At 6’2″ and 258 pounds, he is an intimidating force for Stanford’s front seven. He was a major contributor in the landmark win versus Oregon, forcing a fumble, sacking Marcus Mariota, and adding four tackles. As a former four-star recruit, he will continue to grow, especially with gaining more experience at the outside linebacker position. He played on the inside in high school, and also played there in 2012.

SECONDARY

The secondary simply could not measure up to the vaunted front seven in 2013, mostly because teams would run an Air-Raid offense to avoid running into Shayne Skov and Trent Murphy.

The pass defense ranked eighth in the Pac-12 in total passing defense, but was tenth (behind only Cal and WSU) in opponent’s completion percentage (62.1%)

Stanford returns four out of five starters out of the secondary from 2013, the exception being Ed Reynolds. Reynolds made the curious decision to leave for the NFL Draft despite having another year of eligibility and having a down year (in terms of interceptions) in 2013. He was projected to be a sixth or seventh round pick, yet still left, and was taken in the fifth round by Philadelphia. A year being one yard short of setting the NCAA single-season record for interception return yards with 301 and a school record three returns for touchdowns, he only had one interception in 2013. He did improve upon his tackling(86 vs. 47), but still struggled to make plays in the open field.

Kyle Olugbode will replace Reynolds at free safety. He played in all fourteen games last year, totaling thirteen tackles in limited time. He may go through some growing pains early, as he has simply just not had the experience that Reynolds had.

The cornerback tandem of Alex Carter and Wayne Lyons will continue to lock down opposing receivers. Carter missed spring practice with a hip injury, but will be ready to go for the opener Saturday against UC Davis. His absence at practice created more opportunities to groom backups Ra’Chard Pippens and Ronnie Harris to play in the future. Carter was a four-star recruit, was lauded by Coach David Shaw:

“Quick, fast, explosive, aggressive, tough, great ball skills, he’s grown every single week and he’s still growing,” Shaw said. “He’s kind of what you want out there as a corner…. He’s just got more size and weight than those other guys. When he comes up and hits you, he lets you feel it.”

Lyons, also a four-star recruit, came into his own in 2013. He was fifth on the team in tackles with 69, and had two clutch fourth quarter interceptions to seal the game versus Notre Dame. He comes into 2014 being pegged as a third team preseason All-Pac 12 corner by Phil Steele.

LYONS HAD A LOT TO CELEBRATE IN 2013

Jordan Richards will return as the unquestioned leader of the secondary at strong safety. As a consensus preseason All American, it will be upon his shoulders to make up for the loss of Reynolds. He is up to the task, as he was a second team All Pac-12 player in 2013, according to Phil Steele. He is tough against the run, yet also excels in pass coverage. He will be playing on Sundays too soon for Stanford’s taste.

OVERVIEW: David Shaw’s abundant wealth of talent and exceptional scheming should be enough to make up for the loss of many senior leaders. However, road games versus #3 Oregon, #25 Washington, #7 UCLA, #18 Arizona State, and #17 Notre Dame will provide ample opportunities for slip ups. The daunting schedule, the toughest in the country, will be tough to overcome, especially given the way this team has played on the road in recent years.

Here's head coach David Shaw addressing the team's challenges for the season...
((HT: GoStanford.com/Pac-12 Network))

The Power 5 Are Off And Running

((HT: ESPN))

The top five college athletics conferences are one step closer to having their own autonomous behavior when it comes to what it would take to run their athletic programs.

By a near-unanimous vote, the Board of Directors has approved the idea to allow themselves to decide on how much money they want to give above and beyond their scholarship dollars as "cost-of-attendance stipends," as well as increased insurance benefits for players, staff sizes for sports on campus, loosening recruiting rules and determining just how much hours can be spent on individual sports- considered practice time- which they're looking to expand and monitor internally.

Here's Joe Schad discussing with David Lloyd


The "no" vote would have to carry more than 75 schools, but the schools in the Power 5 could vote to secede from the NCAA on their own if a vote like that was to pass.

So, the haves will have more control over themselves and the have nots will be left to fight for themselves.

Again...

UCLA Will Replace Pauley Floor, Still Look To Play There In Fall

((HT: ABC 7/KABC-TV))

Almost 400 cars have been pulled from the parking structures in and around the UCLA athletics facilities, now that 48 hours have passed since the massive water main break on Sunset Boulevard that flooded Pauley Pavilion, the Drake track stadium, the intramural fields, twp below-ground parking decks, and two other buildings in the area.

The HQ thinks that's all of the buildings...

UCLA AD Dan Guerrero has now said publicly that the Pauley Pavilion floor will be replaced- the cost to have it installed during the nine-figure renovation two years ago was $500,000. He doesn't think that the university will be footing the bill.

Here's the look of the evacuation from campus


Helfand and Cook of the LA Times newspaper were front and center at the use of squeegies and vacuum cleaners at Pauley where the damage was quantified:

The water on the Pauley floor crested at about eight inches, campus officials estimated, but by Tuesday night only about an inch remained.

Guerrero said the damage was limited because of the quick response by workers.

Cal's Ted Agu Dies During Conditioning

((HT: NBC Bay Area))

Cal DL Ted Agu collapsed during what the team doctor described as a "routine conditioning workout" early on Friday. He was transferred by golf cart and then to hospital. Agu collapsed there, was given CPR, and could not be revived...

The medical examiner should take a few weeks before they have any answers, but there may be a big question that will come up...

CBSSports.com, citing an unnamed source, had reported that Agu had sickle-cell trait.

(At present, the HQ can't find the link to that story, but Jeff Faraudo from the San Jose Mercury News has a source telling CBSSports.com that Cal knew)

A Cal spokesman would not confirm Agu's sickle-cell trait condition...

Here's coverage from Berkeley


Here's the release from Cal Athletics:

"At this time, we are deeply saddened to inform you that Ted Agu, one of our student-athletes and a member of our football team, passed away tragically this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ted’s family and friends, our players and coaches, and our University family. Our student-athletes are our priority and we are providing counseling services for our players. Please bear with us as we work to inform personally those closest to Ted; we will provide more information as it becomes available.

“This is a very difficult time for our football family,” said Sonny Dykes, Head Football Coach. “Ted was a remarkable young man and a member of this family who was highly respected and loved by his teammates and coaching staff. He had an incredible passion for life and will be deeply missed.”

Athletics Director, Sandy Barbour, said, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ted’s family. This is a very painful time for the entire Cal family; in the days and weeks ahead, my focus will be on providing every member of our community the support and information they need to get through this time. I would ask that media please respect and understand how this tragedy is impacting Ted’s family, his teammates, friends and the members of our campus community. We will get through this together.”

Dave Pasch And Bill Walton Are Going To Enjoy Washington State

((HT: ESPN via The Big Lead))

Everyone made the joke about the states that were represented in the Roman Numeral Classic and their current (and most recent) election results...

The conversation below kinda sorta alludes to the past election and plays to everything we know about the color commentator


And... scene...

But it's still funny...

Stanford Knows How To Produce A Season-Ending Video

((HT: Stanford their own selves))

Here's how schools who know how to edit a season-ending video edit a season-ending video...

Evidence below...

DEVELOPING: Petersen Reportedly To U-Dub

((HT: KTVB-TV))

After years of turning down better gigs at the top of his momentum curve, Boise State University head coach Chris Petersen looks to be heading to the University of Washington...

Petersen had been linked to bigger schools in, mainly, western US programs. But it had been believed that Petersen has turned down jobs in the past because of the notion that the treatment of his special needs child kept him in Boise- a place where the treatment could be continuous.

From Joe Schad at ESPN through his Twitter:

Chris Petersen is ready for a new challenge and views the professional and family timing and UW destination as the perfect next step

Here's the reports out of Boise...

Petersen is expected to be one of the highest paid coaches in the Pac-12 Conference when he signs...

Pac-12 Review: Wazzu Goes Pass Happier Than Normal, Stanford Stays Up, ASU Blows Out Washington

((HT: Pac-12 Network/FS1))

The Ess-E-Cee didn't have all the fun as conferences go on Saturday...

First, let's go to the records... and it didn't have anything to do with Oregon...

The HQ will give the Ducks credit for the pink touches to their amalgam of uniform combinations and permutations Saturday. But after a bit of a scare, they put the pedal down and beat Washington State as they should. The big story was Wazzu QB Connor Halliday, who set a D1 record for pass attempts with 89, breaking a record held previously by Drew Brees. Halliday also tied a record for completions with 58, tying the mark set by Andy Schmitt.

Admittedly, it's hard to pin down a 63-28 game to 1:40 with all that went down. But, here you go...


And, so you know, Washington State only had two yards rushing...

Oregon DC Nick Aliotti was less than happy about the efforts of the Pirate late in the game...
((HT: Campus Insiders))


Elsewhere, the HQ was keeping a keen eye on Boulder early Saturday afternoon as Charleston Southern was only down 22-10 in the first half. That didn't finish so well for the Bucs in the 43-10 loss...

Who knew Todd Graham had what his Sun Devils had in their system as they blew the living hell outta Washington (who won't be ranked anymore) after losing 53-24...

Ted Robinson and Glenn Parker confine their talk to 2:00...


Stanford knocked off UCLA in what a lot of folks didn't even consider an upset, and USC fans will have to try and figure out Coach O and what he'll say about the team's loss to Notre Dame in South Bend...

Oh, Stanford... You, Too...

((HT: KSL-TV))

Utah held Stanford off at the end in Salt Lake City and beat a top-five team for the first time at Rice-Eccles Stadium in school history.

Stanford allowed a first quarter touchdown for the first time all year, and Ty Montgomery became the third Cardinal player to run for a 100-yard kickoff TD- the first since 1994...

Here's the first half highlights...


And a more complete version...
((HT: ESPN/Pac-12 Network))

Ronnie Lott's Chair Does Not Like Ronnie Lott

((HT: Pac-12 Network))

It's the perils of late night television...

UCLA beat Nevada 58-20 and the desk was talking about the Bruins big night...
Ronnie Lott's chair had other ideas...


No analysts were harmed in the making of this highlight...