Mountain West Connection - 2013 Week 2 Mountain West football coverageAll you need to know about the Mountain West, and then somehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50409/mwc-fav.png2013-09-09T12:11:10-07:00http://www.mwcconnection.com/rss/stream/44555692013-09-09T12:11:10-07:002013-09-09T12:11:10-07:00PODCAST: Mountain West football Week 2 recap
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<figcaption>Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Jeremy and Chris discuss the latest of Mountain West football from week 2.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/football-5/2013/9/8/4708854/week-2-mountain-west-football">Week 2 of Mountain West football</a> was an improvement over Week 1, even if barely. In our latest <a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/podcast">podcast</a> we talk about who our favorite players in the Mountain West this week and give out our power rankings. We both are very much think that Utah State has a shot at the Mountain West title since they host Boise State, a much improved Wyoming team and miss Fresno State unless they get to the title game. The toughest game could be the road tilt against San Jose State, and that could be the difference.</p>
<p>We discuss if any Mountain West player has a shot at going to New York City as a Heisman finalist. We decide between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/137583/chuckie-keeton">Chuckie Keeton</a> and that should come as no shock as we both like him a lot, and the other is Derek Carr. We give the edge to Keeton due to a few more high profile games. A lot of people saw him play very well at Utah, they go to USC and host BYU. Fresno State doesn't have the type of big name games on the schedule. That is just a small part that goes into being a Heisman finalist, but at this point that is why Keeton gets our edge.</p>
<p>Wyoming gets some huge props for being able to destroy Idaho, and yes it is Idaho, but last year Wyoming could not even beat a FCS school. In our informal power rankings we both have Boise State, Utah State and Fresno State in some order or another between us, gotta listen to get the order there.</p>
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<h4>More from Mountain West Connection:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/7/4706188/gif-fresno-state-fat-guy-touchdown?utm_source=mwcconnection&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">GIF: Fresno State fat guy touchdown </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/9/4695050/boise-state-has-a-new-kid-on-the-block?utm_source=mwcconnection&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Boise State has new kid on the block</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/8/4707892/college-football-ap-top-25-poll-week-3-fresno-state-boise-state?utm_source=mwcconnection&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">College football AP Top 25 poll, Week 3: Fresno State, Boise State earning votes</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/football-5/2013/9/8/4708566/2013-bowl-projections-utah-state-hawaii-boise-state?utm_source=mwcconnection&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">2013 bowl projections: Wyoming going bowling, USU maybe to Las Vegas</a></li>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/podcast/2013/9/9/4711720/podcast-mountain-west-football-week-2-recapJeremy Mauss2013-09-08T17:23:59-07:002013-09-08T17:23:59-07:00Week 2 MWC rewind, things are a little better
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<figcaption>Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>A look back at the second week of Mountain West play.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/football-5/2013/9/3/4691528/mountain-west-football-ohio-state-san-diego-state-boise-state">The second week of Mountain West play</a> brought in a little bit more of optimism despite the league going 5-5 in non-league games. So, lets jump in and start with the first conference game.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/7/4705758/utah-state-vs-air-force-final-score/in/4455569" target="_blank">Utah State 52, Air Force 20</a>: The Utah State linebacking corp held the Air Force potent rushing attack to just 162 yards, and quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/137583/chuckie-keeton">Chuckie Keeton</a> ruled the day with 360 passing yards and 77 yards on the ground. Air Force played three different quarterbacks with not much success, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/180473/jaleel-awini">Jaleel Awini</a> is going to be the starter.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/7/4706096/boise-state-rolls-ut-martin-in-home-opener/in/4455569" target="_blank">Boise State 63, UT-Martin 14:</a> All there is to be said is that Boise State bounced back nicely with a very good offensive effort against an FCS team. Plus, the defense ramped up their productivity with six turnovers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/7/4705640/san-diego-state-ohio-state-final-score/in/4455569" target="_blank">Ohio State 42, San Diego State 7:</a> The Aztecs are a mess, they benched <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114484/adam-dingwell">Adam Dingwell</a> in favor of JUCO transfer <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/205791/quinn-kaehler">Quinn Kaehler</a> but that didn't matter. Starting running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114493/adam-muema">Adam Muema</a> reinjured his ankle with a low sprain.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/7/4705840/wyoming-idaho-final-score-2013/in/4455569" target="_blank">Wyoming 42, Idaho 10:</a> At this point the Cowboys can not take any wins for granted. The offense rolled in all aspects of the game. Running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162041/shaun-wick">Shaun Wick</a> is emerging as the go-to back, Brett Smith is back to his freshman days of being a threat in the passing and running game and the experienced receivers are the real deal. The big news is that the defense is fairly solid and their rushing woes improved this week.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/8/4706252/colorado-state-loses-on-field-goal/in/4455569" target="_blank">Tulsa 30, Colorado State 27:</a> Quarterback play is still an issue as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134975/garrett-grayson">Garrett Grayson</a> completed just 12 of 29 passes, two interceptions as well as two touchdowns. The offense and defense collapsed in the fourth quarter which allowed Tulsa to escape with a victory. A positive note is that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/205703/kapri-bibbs">Kapri Bibbs</a> and yes <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77130/chris-nwoke">Chris Nwoke</a> found their stride in the running game.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/football-5/2013/9/8/4706622/hawaii-vs-oregon-state-final-score/in/4455569" target="_blank">Oregon State 33, Hawaii 14:</a> Quarterback play is still an issue, but head coach Norm Chow is backing Taylor Graham as the <a href="http://warriorbeat.staradvertiserblogs.com/2013/09/08/a-good-bye-3/" target="_blank">starting quarterback</a>. The Hawaii offense was unable to get anything done and that needs to improve.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/8/4708420/new-mexico-utep-final-score/in/4455569" target="_blank">New Mexico 42, UTEP 35 (OT):</a> Running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77289/kasey-carrier">Kasey Carrier</a> is back with 291 yards and four touchdowns, plus the defense held their own when needed. Quarterback Clayton Mitchem was a decent backup for the injured <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162114/cole-gautsche">Cole Gautsche</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.rgj.com/article/20130908/SPORTS06/309080050" target="_blank">Nevada 36, UC Davis 7:</a> A nice recovery win over an FCS team. Running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/137290/kendall-brock">Kendall Brock</a> had a very nice running game with 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com/football/2013/9/7/4706354/arizona-vs-unlv-final-score-kadeem-carey-bj-denker/in/4454523" target="_blank">Arizona 58, UNLV 13:</a> This says it all, "Congratulations to Arizona for coming in and beating the hell out of us," <a href="http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/sep/08/no-positives-unlv-45-point-beatdown-against-arizon/" target="_blank">UNLV head coach Bobby Hauck said.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/8/4706624/spartans-fall-to-cardinals-34-13/in/4455569" target="_blank">Stanford 34, San Jose State 13:</a> Red zone woes killed the Spartans chances of pulling off the biggest upset in school history. Also the conservative play of San Jose State hurt their chances, and Stanford just wore down San Jose State to win comfortably.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/football-5/2013/9/8/4708854/week-2-mountain-west-footballJeremy Mauss2013-09-08T14:36:43-07:002013-09-08T14:36:43-07:00Kasey Carrier leads New Mexico past UTEP in OT
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<p>New Mexico defeated UTEP on the road behind Kasey Carrier's 291 yards and four touchdowns to win in overtime.</p> <p>In a back-and-forth game the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/new-mexico-lobos" class="sbn-auto-link">New Mexico Lobos</a> look like they were going to get the win in regulation over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/utep-miners" class="sbn-auto-link">UTEP Miners</a> when the defense made a three-and-out stop, and then proceeded to score consecutive touchdowns to take a 35-28 lead on a 17-yard run by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/205271/clayton-mitchem" class="sbn-auto-link">Clayton Mitchem</a> with 7:47 left in the contest.</p>
<p>UTEP's last drive of the game worked as they drove 70 yards to tie the game on an Aaron Jones rushing touchdown from 8 yards out to force overtime.</p>
<p>New Mexico received the ball first in overtime and scored on a 21-yard run by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77289/kasey-carrier" class="sbn-auto-link">Kasey Carrier</a> to go up by seven points, and in return the Lobos defense made another stand on fourth-and-1 on the 4-yard line to secure a 42-35 win.</p>
<p>This game belonged to Carrier who rushed the ball 41 times for 291 yards, scored four touchdowns and averaged 7.1 yards per carry. The Miners had no answer for the Lobos pistol and run-based option attack, and as a team New Mexico ended up with 395 rushing yards on the ground, plus six touchdowns.</p>
<p>Mitchem was playing quarterback for the injured <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162114/cole-gautsche" class="sbn-auto-link">Cole Gautsche</a> had a decent game with 51 rushing yards plus two touchdowns and he actually threw the ball reasonably well considering the type of offense by completing 4 of 7 passes for 88 yards, most of which came in the second half. The big pass play of the game was a 29-yard strike to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162139/reece-white" class="sbn-auto-link">Reece White</a> early in the fourth quarter, and that play set up a 2-yard Carrier touchdown run that tied the game at 28.</p>
<p>Mitchem is not the runner that Gautsche is but he does seem to be competent in the passing game. For New Mexico, a win is a win, so look for Mitchem to be the quarterback until Gautsche is cleared to play, but even when that happens Davie mentioned that the best quarterback to help them win will get the start.</p>
<p>There was a good amount of hype surrounding UTEP's new quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115423/jameill-showers" class="sbn-auto-link">Jameill Showers</a>, a Texas A&M transfer, and the Lobos defense did a decent job in not allowing Showers to have a big game. He did have a high completion percentage by converting 15 of 20 but that only added up to 119 yards; Showers also rushed for another 44.</p>
<p>Playing a close game down to the wire helped this team learn how to win a game, and is just the type of win to give New Mexico motivation going on the road to face Pitt next week.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/8/4708420/new-mexico-utep-final-scoreJeremy Mauss2013-09-08T14:15:52-07:002013-09-08T14:15:52-07:00Rams fall to Hurricanes on last second field goal
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>For the second week in a row, Colorado State held a lead going into the fourth quarter and let it slip through their fingers. </p> <p>How does the old adage go? Players win games and coaches lose them? Well that can certainly be attributed to this 30-27 loss to Tulsa. There were mistakes made by players, but just like last week, the coaches looked more intent on playing not to lose instead of playing to win.</p>
<p>After trading the lead back and forth for most the game, the Rams found themselves with the lead going into the fourth quarter. The Rams had four possession in the quarter; all they needed to do was move the ball, run clock, and put something on the board. Instead, the Rams had four consecutive three and outs, totaling under six minutes. Some of the blame can be attributed to poor play, but the coaches did them no favors with a unimaginative combination of inside runs and "dink-and-dunk" short passes the Rams have become synonymous with.</p>
<p>Yet the Rams still had a chance to take the game to overtime if they could just stop the Golden Hurricane offense. With the game tied at 27 a piece and just over a minute left on the clock, Tulsa wide receiver Keyarris Garret suffered a gruesome leg injury leading to an extended injury timeout. The first play after the timeout, running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/79659/trey-watts">Trey Watts</a> got the carry to the left side and made several Rams miss before he reversed field to the right running for 45 yards and pretty much clinching the game. Three plays, and four timeouts later, Tulsa kicker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/203889/carl-salazar">Carl Salazar</a> put it through the uprights as time expired to solidify a disappointing 0-2 start for the Rams.</p>
<h5>Offense</h5>
<p>The Rams struggled offensively on the ground and in the air for much of the game. Quarterback Garrett Grayson was inconsistent throughout the game, and when he did make accurate passes, it was about a 50/50 chance his target would catch it. Grayson finished the day with a pedestrian 12-29 for 108 yards and two touchdowns and interceptions against a mediocre, at best, Tulsa secondary.</p>
<p>The Rams wide receivers were just about nonexistent with leaders <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134973/charles-lovett">Charles Lovett</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161884/joe-hansley">Joe Hansley</a> out with injuries. Freshman Rashard Higgins had issues catching the football for the second week in a row and his stock is quickly falling. Jordon Vaden showed his ability with three receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113314/thomas-coffman">Thomas Coffman</a> was the only other receiver with a reception, catching three for sixteen yards.</p>
<p>Just like last week, the "talented" tight ends were nowhere to be found. The Colorado State media relations department does not keep statistics for receiver targets, but by my count the tight ends were only thrown to four, maybe five times. What did those targets result in? Four receptions for four yards and a touchdown. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113312/crockett-gillmore">Crockett Gillmore</a> could have a show in Vegas with the disappearing act he performs on gameday. After two games this season, Gillmore has yet to record a reception despite his size and speed advantage. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113313/kivon-cartwright">Kivon Cartwright</a> isn't doing much better with five receptions for only 24 yards. Coaches must do a better job of exploiting this supposed strength.</p>
<p>The run game continues to be a beaming light of hope for the offense. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/205703/kapri-bibbs">Kapri Bibbs</a> showed he is not a one-hit wonder with nine rushes for 83 yards, and showed great vision on a 42 yard run through Tulsa defenders. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77130/chris-nwoke">Chris Nwoke</a> proved he can still run like he did in his 1000-yard 2011 season; he had 97 yards and a touchdown. There are still too many negative rushing plays, but the Rams are developing a consistent threat on the ground.</p>
<h5>Defense</h5>
<p>The Rams defense played much better mentally than they did in the Colorado game. There were no blown coverages leading to wide open wide receivers, but they did struggle against a read option offense, which does not bode well for conference season. If they allowed Tulsa to run for 215 yards, what will Nevada, Air Force, Wyoming, Utah State, and New Mexico do to them?</p>
<p>Once again, they struggled to put pressure on the quarterback only recording one sack and one quarterback hit. Part of that was due to the running ability of Tulsa's quarterback Cody Green and their quick passing offense, but it is still disappointing to see the lack of pass rush from guys like <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161885/cory-james">Cory James</a> and Shaq Barrett.</p>
<p>The linebackers were disappointing after a good showing last week. Max Morgan led the team in tackles, but was in a position to prevent Tulsa's first touchdown but misplayed it. Aaron Davis had a big whiff on Trey Watts run to set up the game winning field goal, and they struggled stopping the run game as a whole. They failed to generate a pass rush and did not have a single tackle for loss.</p>
<p>The defensive backs were much improved since the Colorado game. They had fewer mental errors, and when they did, they were able to recover nicely and prevent to much damage from occurring. Cornerbacks DeAndre Elliot and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113294/bernard-blake">Bernard Blake</a> played exceptionally well. They plagued the Tulsa wide receivers all game and made several great plays in the end zone to prevent touchdown passes. Together they had a total of six pass breakups. The safeties were slow to provide help over top a couple times, but were mostly solid and did a good job supporting the run. Worth mentioning is freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/205707/jake-schlager">Jake Schlager</a> who made several great tackles on special teams coverage, one forcing a fumble.</p>
<h5>What needs to improve?</h5>
<p>Quarterback play has to improve. Whether that means a change at quarterback, or changing up the play calling to give Grayson different looks, something has to be done to make the offense more dynamic. So far this season, opposing defenses have put nine in the box consistently because the Rams offense cannot threaten them deep. Eventually this season a change will have to be made if Grayson cannot progress his game. Freshman Nick Stevens was already pushing Grayson for the starting job before his troubles in the past two weeks, and you have to think the internal dialogue will start to heat up this week. It may be time to start thinking about the future and give Stevens a chance to start against FCS foe Cal Poly and see what he can do.</p>
<p>But the Rams' problems do not surround just the quarterback. The lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks has left the defense vulnerable in the pass game. The secondary played well this week, but if they have to stay with receivers for five or six seconds every passing play, they are going to get worn down over the course of the season.</p>
<h5>What's Next:</h5>
<p>The Rams play FCS school Cal Poly on Saturday at 3:30 Eastern. Even though it is early in the season, this might be a must win for a team that desperately needs a confidence boost, especially with a date with #1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa coming in two weeks.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/8/4706252/colorado-state-loses-on-field-goalJacob Schildgen2013-09-08T01:42:49-07:002013-09-08T01:42:49-07:00Spartans Fall To Cardinal 34-13
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<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Red-zone woes sink San Jose.</p> <p>Maybe the betting line wasn't so crazy after-all... San Jose played another somewhat conservative game against a very dominant Stanford team and lost. It felt like San Jose was playing competitively against the ranked #5 team in the first half, only being down by 11 points. But Stanford ground down both the offense and the defense and kept the Spartans scoreless in the 4th quarter. All in all, a somewhat typical Stanford victory.</p>
<p>What is somewhat confusing to me is why San Jose played so conservatively. Fales only threw for 216 yards, completing 29 of 44. The Spartans were getting little to nothing on the ground, and yet they kept hammering away at that stellar front 7 of Stanford's. Lot's of slants routes and quick passes, and none of those 30 yard spirals down field.</p>
<p>There were 3 major missed opportunities to score touchdowns (two in the 1st half, 1 in the second) that resulted in only two field goals for the Spartans and one 4th and out. On those three drives there was a nice tempo going, marching down the length of the field until they hit the Stanford 20 yard line but then were stonewalled. I think the Spartans are feeling the lack of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37655/ryan-otten" class="sbn-auto-link">Ryan Otten</a> rather badly, as there is no tight end that is really able to open up the middle of the field and make catches over the heads of the secondary.</p>
<p>The defense missed some tackles. Some of it is due to Stanford's offensive line creating disruption, but the secondary missed a few too and Stanford's wide receivers made them pay for it. Stanford was able to convert 12 of 15 third downs mostly by just running up the gut. The Spartans also were not able to get to Kevin Hogan.</p>
<p>Penalties were also killer for the San Jose Spartans, they had 6 penalties for a total of 57 yards. They've gotta clean that up a bit.</p>
<p>Just in terms of first thoughts, I don't know if I can really feel too badly about this game. It was just sort of... vaguely disappointing. The Spartans were pushed around, but that was expected. They scored some points and they sure as heck put some fear into the Stanford crowd a few times.</p>
<p><b>Things I forgot at 1AM:</b><br>Oh Yeah, linebacker Christian Tago is back! He made his presence felt as much as it could against Stanford. In his first game of the season he recorded 4 solo tackles and 5 assists.<br><br>Oh Yeah, tight end Billy Freeman needs to develop a bit more as a receiver. He made 2 catches for 30 yards, but dropped a clutch pass on that 4th and out mentioned above (well, he had about 50 Stanford players draped over him, but still...).</p>
<p>Oh Yeah, 216 yards is David Fales' lowest passing yardage game EVER.</p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/8/4706624/spartans-fall-to-cardinals-34-13SpartanTombo2013-09-08T01:15:16-07:002013-09-08T01:15:16-07:00Hawaii falls to Oregon State
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<figcaption>Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Hawaii dropped their second loss of the season but did a lot better than most expected in Corvallis.</p> <p><span>The Rainbow Warriors went into this game a massive underdog but the final result speaks volumes for the effort that was put in. Hawaii were behind early on when <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113717/sean-mannion" class="sbn-auto-link">Sean Mannion</a> completed a 48 yard pass to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136055/storm-woods" class="sbn-auto-link">Storm Woods</a> that set up a simple 3 yard receivng touchdown for Kellen Clute. There was even worse news to come when on the kick off return <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136913/brenden-daley" class="sbn-auto-link">Brenden Daley</a> was injured and needed an ambulance and a strectcher. All seems to be okay after he was seen to acknowledge the crowd and his teammates before going on to the hospital. Later it was said that he had suffered a concussion. Anytime that Daley will miss will be significant, he was the defensive leader against USC with 10 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. </span></p>
<p><span>Things then went bad to worse when the beavers drove all the way from their own 31 yard line to go a total of 69 yards in 15 plays to set up a 19 yard pass touchdown to Richard Mullaney. The series took a lot out of the defense and lasted a little over eight minutes. However the Warriors defense wasn't going to lie down, and after the offense went another 3 and out they managed to hold OSU to a 3 and out of their own which included a sack for a loss of 10 yards by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204935/julian-gener" class="sbn-auto-link">Julian Gener</a>. </span></p>
<p><span>On the ensuing Warrior drive there was another 3 and out after Graham failed to complete a pass to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204985/vasquez-haynes" class="sbn-auto-link">Vasquez Haynes</a> at 3rd and 7. Mannion snapped the ball at his own 28 yard line after the punt and was duly picked off by Julian Gener who was responsible for the sack on the drive before. Gener returned the ball all the way for a touchdown and suddenly there was still life in the whole of the Hawaii team. </span></p>
<p><span>The defense played well for the rest of the first half, seemingly reacting the way Daley would've hoped to the injury early on in the first quarter. Siasau Matagiese was inspired on the next drive, tackling Storm Woods for a four yard loss, then on the very next play tackling <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113731/connor-hamlett" class="sbn-auto-link">Connor Hamlett</a> for another three yards loss after the completed pass from Mannion. OSU went 3 and out again and suddenly the offense took over at their own 20.</span></p>
<p><span>The best was yet to come when Taylor Graham and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162079/steven-lakalaka" class="sbn-auto-link">Steven Lakalaka</a> led a rushing attack all the way down to the OSU 42. Graham then completed a pass for 25 yards to Chris Gant. Another 15 yard completion to Clark Evans and suddenly the Warriors were level at 14-14. This would be how the teams went in to half time. </span></p>
<p><span>Unfortunately this was to be as good as it got for Hawaii. In the third quarter the Warriors managed just two drives which both went 3 and out either side of two scores for OSU. Not surprisingly it was <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136049/brandin-cooks" class="sbn-auto-link">Brandin Cooks</a> that done the damage with a pair of eight yard touchdowns from Mannion after great work on the ground from Storm Woods and Terron Ward. Any hope that Hawaii had at the half suddenly vanished and a 14-14 scoreline was now 28-14 to end the third. </span></p>
<p><span>Again in the fourth there was no way Hawaii could sustain anything after good work from Charles Clay and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/115006/john-hardy-tuliau" class="sbn-auto-link">John Hardy-Tuliau</a> to stop a 10 play Beaver drive. Later the defense managed to hold OSU to another field goal and then Steven Lakalaka was tackled for a one yard loss that resulted in a safety. The score was now 33-14 and all was over. There were a few nice completions in garbage time by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75490/sean-schroeder" class="sbn-auto-link">Sean Schroeder</a> but that was that.</span></p>
<p><span>Looking at the box score it is clear that whilst the defense gave up 508 total yards there is no way they can be expected to do much when the offense can barely get going. The offense had a mere 239 total yards with a 3rd down effiency rate of 1-11. There is no way that is good enough, and until those numbers improve then it will be a long season for Hawaii. With the defense being on the field for almost 40 minutes of the game there isn't a surprise that eventually it cracked in the second half. Holding OSU to just 57 yards on the ground is something they can take solace from. Until the offense improves there is going to be nothing the D can do. </span></p>
<p><b>Hawaii offensive player of the game:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136920/scott-harding" class="sbn-auto-link">Scott Harding</a>.</p>
<p><span>Harding had a team high five receptions for a gain of 42 yards and an average of 8.4. He also had 4 punts with a net average of 41.3 yards. </span></p>
<p><b>Hawaii defensive player of the game:</b> Julian Gener.</p>
<p><span>Gener is a junior who stepped up at linebacker when Daley was carted off. Gener picked off Mannion and returned it for a touchdown and also had a sack along with six solo tackles and 11 tackles in total. </span></p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/football-5/2013/9/8/4706622/hawaii-vs-oregon-state-final-scoreTransAtlanticChief2013-09-07T20:41:25-07:002013-09-07T20:41:25-07:00FAT GUY TD! FAT GUY TD!
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<figcaption>@bubbaprog</figcaption>
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<p>Fresno State is playing Cal Poly, but this most amazing thing happened with this touchdown.</p> <p>Fresno State is playing Cal Poly of the FCS ranks and they currently are having zero issues in this game as they lead 34-0 at the half. Quarterback Derek Carr is having a decent night by completing 17 of 14 for 147 yards and a pair of touchdowns.</p>
<p>However, this one touchdown is one for the ages as it combines a trick play AND a fat guy touchdown. Fresno State pulls out the good old hook-and-ladder but with a twist as left tackle <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/86040/austin-wentworth">Austin Wentworth</a> busts down field to be the recipient of the pitch to score his first collegiate touchdown. To get down field as an offensive lineman is pretty amazing.</p>
<p>This game is on ESPN3 only so thanks to the invaluable source that is <a target="_blank" href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/br-cdn/temp_images/2013/09/08/ULTIMATE-FAT-MAN-TOUCHDOWN.gif">@Bubbaprog</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/br-cdn/temp_images/2013/09/08/ULTIMATE-FAT-MAN-TOUCHDOWN.gif"><span></span></a><span></span> to<a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.mocksession.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ULTIMATE-FAT-MAN-TOUCHDOWN.gif"> provide us with an amazing GIF of this touchdown</a>. So, lean back back and enjoy watching this on an endless loop of a fat guy touchdown.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1794427/ULTIMATE-FAT-MAN-TOUCHDOWN.gif"><img alt="Ultimate-fat-man-touchdown_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1794427/ULTIMATE-FAT-MAN-TOUCHDOWN_medium.gif"></a></p>
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<p>Now we have video of this play:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4lUfzOhd4Ao" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/7/4706188/gif-fresno-state-fat-guy-touchdownJeremy Mauss2013-09-07T19:44:14-07:002013-09-07T19:44:14-07:00Boise State rolls UT-Martin in home opener
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<img alt="Boise State WR Shane Williams-Rhodes scores a TD against the UT-Martin Skyhawks." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-qSHE6R4u7bmLvTNKVcyU2e5zfo=/0x119:4000x2786/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19152339/20130907_jel_sn7_219.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Boise State WR Shane Williams-Rhodes scores a TD against the UT-Martin Skyhawks. | Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Boise State Broncos scored a huge win over the UT-Martin Skyhawks, 63-14.</p> <p>A home town crowd of 33,294 Boise State fans were on hand Saturday afternoon to see how well the Broncos recovered from the blowout last week in Seattle. They didn’t have long to wait to get their answer. The UT-Martin Skyhawks received the ball to start the first quarter and went three and out. Then the Broncos started a drive from midfield but QB Joe Southwick was sacked and then fumbled the ball that led to a second drive by the Skyhawks. Skyhawk QB Dylan Favre threw a pass that was intercepted by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134945/darian-thompson" class="sbn-auto-link">Darian Thompson</a> at the Boise State 16 and after that sloppy start the game got underway in earnest.</p>
<p>About 5 minutes into the game the Broncos scored first when <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134937/jay-ajayi" class="sbn-auto-link">Jay Ajayi</a> rushed up the middle for 11 yards for a TD. He ended up with a total of 15 carries for 80 yards and 2 TD’s. The Skyhawks answered back a few minutes later with a TD of their own but the first quarter ended with the Broncos up 14-7. After that it was all Boise State and UT-Martin never really threatened again. The Broncos went in at half-time up 49-14.</p>
<p>Boise State came out at the beginning of third quarter with Southwick leading the charge. He connected with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161817/shane-williams-rhodes" class="sbn-auto-link">Shane Williams-Rhodes</a> on a 30 yard pass for a TD before leaving the game. Southwick was 17 of 25 for 234 yards and 5 TD’s, but was also was sacked twice. Both backup QB Grant Hedrick and third string QB Nick Pattie got some valuable playing time in the second half, as did most of the Broncos backups. The Broncos had a total of 472 yards and was about evenly balanced with both passing and running.</p>
<p>Southwick tossed passes to just about every receiver on the team, including 5 to WR Matt Miller for 45 yards and a TD. But it was sophomore WR Shane Williams-Rhodes, 5-6, 158 lbs, who I thought was the star of the game. He caught 7 passes for 89 yards, averaging 12.7 yards a catch, and scored 2 TD’s.</p>
<p>The Skyhawks didn’t help themselves by all the penalties (10 for 102 yards) and turning the ball over 6 times (2 fumbles and 4 interceptions), but they still managed to put up 362 total yards. That could be a troubling to a Broncos defense that gave up 592 yards last week to Washington and was ranked as one of the best in the nation last year.</p>
<p>But on this day, Boise State is just going celebrate the win. Granted, UT-Martin is not the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/washington-huskies" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Huskies</a>, but it was a badly needed blowout against a very good team by a bruised Boise program in need a little mojo.</p>
<p>Next up for the Broncos, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/air-force-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Air Force Falcons</a> next Friday at 6 PM MT on The Blue.</p>
<h4>More from Mountain West Connection:</h4>
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https://www.mwcconnection.com/2013/9/7/4706096/boise-state-rolls-ut-martin-in-home-openerHank Corless