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By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports activities
It was an awesome week for 3 of the 4 groups from the West within the Pac-12 and ACC—and the fourth put up an awesome battle.
Oregon State made the most effective of its contemporary begin below interim coach Robb Akey, blasting Lafayette 45-13.
Cal outlasted North Carolina in Berkeley, and Stanford defeated Florida State on a dramatic final-play goal-line stand.
Washington State had nice probability to upset No. 18 Virginia, however couldn’t fairly get it performed after giving up a late security.
Right here’s my tackle all 4 groups heading into Week 9.
The Bears stay within the ACC title chase with Virginia Tech up subsequent
It wasn’t fairly, however California obtained a clutch victory towards North Carolina final week. The win retains them within the ACC race as they enter the ultimate 5 video games of the common season.
If both Duke or Georgia Tech loses a contest, the Golden Bears management their very own future to the convention title.
Cal’s season has confirmed predictably unpredictable, however they need to have the ability to deal with Virginia Tech. The Hokies have appeared higher because the firing of Brent Pry, posting a 2-2 document.
These are the kind of matchups the Bears must win in the event that they need to be respected.
VT is favored by 4 and a half factors. One space the place Cal needs to be about to benefit from Virginia Tech is on protection.
Exterior of quarterback Kyron Drones, the Hokies don’t have a lot firepower on offense.
In addition they have a formidable duo at halfback in Marcellous Hawkins and Terion Stewart. They’re 98th nationally, scoring 23 factors per recreation.
VT ranks a hundred and fifth in factors allowed per recreation on protection.
Berkeley doesn’t settle for mediocre college students, they usually shouldn’t settle for mediocre soccer.
It’s time for Justin Wilcox to maintain profitable.
Notes
- Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has thrown for 1,696 yards, ten touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.
- Kendrick Raphael leads the group with 495 speeding yards and 5 speeding touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
- Jacob De Jesus leads the group with 47 receptions and 406 receiving yards; he’s additionally tied for the group lead with three landing receptions.
- Luke Ferrelli has 54 tackles, 3.5 TFL’s, and one interception at linebacker. He’s additionally added a sack.
The Cardinal hopes to shock the world with a sweep of the Florida colleges
Stanford’s victory over Florida State was fairly surprising, however not surprising. It’s a pivotal win ushering within the Andrew Luck period of Cardinal soccer.
Though the Seminoles are 0-4 within the ACC, they’re nonetheless a nationally acknowledged model. The win was vital contemplating the Tree’s schedule the rest of the season.
The Cardinal nonetheless face two Prime 15 groups in Miami and Notre Dame, and host Pittsburgh within the center.
Stanford’s been everywhere this yr, however one notable from their victory towards FSU was their protection. Florida State averages 39 factors per recreation, tenth nationally, however the Tree held them to 13.
If they’ll carry out at the same clip towards the Hurricanes, it’ll give them an opportunity to compete. UM’s offense isn’t fairly nearly as good because the Noles, however they function the Thirteenth-ranked scoring protection.
If the Cardinal need to pull the upset, they’ll want Ben Gulbranson to play higher. He’s confirmed inconsistent of their final two outings.
If Stanford may steal one matchup towards a more durable opponent, and knock off Cal and North Carolina, they may discover themselves in a bowl recreation.
Notes
- Ben Gulbranson has thrown for 1,535 yards, seven touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.
- Cole Tabb is the group’s second chief rusher with 312 yards; he’s additionally added two touchdowns.
- CJ Williams is the group’s main receiver in receptions and receiving yards, with 39 and 465, respectively. He additionally has two touchdowns receptions.
- Jaivion Inexperienced has 28 tackles, one TFL, and 5 move deflections at cornerback. He additionally has one fumble restoration.
The Cougs have a good schedule after their heartbreaking loss to Virginia
As an alumni of Washington State, I can say it: We Coug’d it towards Virginia. We Coug’d it unhealthy.
The Cougars outplayed the Cavaliers for the primary three quarters, earlier than turning right into a highschool group the ultimate 15.
A number of WSU followers are most likely upset proper now, nevertheless it’s vital to recollect what occurred final season.
The Cougs have been 8-1 earlier than shedding their ultimate 4 contests. This yr may go the alternative approach. Washington State has a simple schedule the rest of the yr.
Toledo needs to be a check this week, however WSU’s barely favored. The important thing to defeating the Rockets is controlling the sport on offense.
UT’s traditionally good at scoring factors, however Jason Candle has constructed them into a decent protection since 2020.
They’ve the seventh-ranked scoring protection nationally this season. If the Cougars can management the sport on the bottom, it may disrupt their stream.
The Cougs rank a hundred and thirtieth in rush yards per recreation, however this quantity’s deceiving. They’re dedicated to it.
This model of Washington State may nonetheless win extra video games than final yr, nevertheless it all begins with the Rockets.
Notes
- Zevi Eckhaus has thrown for 941 yards, seven touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. He’s additionally added three touchdowns on the bottom.
- Angel Johnson and Leo Pulalasi have mixed for 248 speeding yards.
- Josh Meredith leads the group with 391 receiving yards. He’s tied for the group lead in receptions and landing catches with 31, and two, respectively.
- Caleb Francl has 43 tackles, 4 TFL’s, and one sack at linebacker. He additionally has one fumble restoration.
The Beavers have a bye week to construct on their first win of the season
Oregon State lastly obtained a win, and regardless that it was towards Lafayette, it was a lot wanted.
The victory ensures that the Beavers gained’t be remembered as a zero-win group, which isn’t an excellent place to be.
OSU began off sluggish, however dominated within the second half, outscoring the Leopards 35-0. Whereas this win doesn’t do a lot for status, it’s the precise factor Beavs wanted earlier than the bye week.
The principle agenda through the off-week for OSU is starting the seek for their subsequent head coach. On Monday, the members of the search committee began the method of discovering the longer term chief of Oregon State soccer.
There have been all kinds of names talked about as potential candidates, however we’re all actually simply guessing at this level.
Interim Head Coach Robb Akey probably gained’t be the candidate because of his struggles as the top man at Idaho.
Akey, nevertheless, does have a heck of an opportunity to make an argument for himself.
The Beavers ultimate 4 contests are all winnable. They host Sam Houston State, journey to Tulsa, and have a house and away with Washington State.
Even with the tough begin, the Beavs may nonetheless end 5-7.
Notes
- Maalik Murphy has thrown for 1,722 yards, 9 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
- Anthony Hankerson leads the group with 671 yards speeding and 6 speeding touchdowns.
- Trent Walker leads the group with 48 receptions and 609 receiving yards.
- Dexter Foster has 52 tackles and three TFL’s at linebacker.
Writes about soccer and basketball as a Senior Author and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Present” for SuperWest Sports activities.
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