Users Online Now: 13935  |  June 30, 2024
Operation Sports Logo Header
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP K - Day Eleven

North Carolina - 27 vs. Brigham Young - 35
Apogee Stadium - Denton, TX


Denton, TX - No quarterback with 6 interceptions can have a unbelievable performance.

No team down 20-points in the 3rd quarter can be considered to have dominated its opponent.

No game with 12 combined turnovers can be thrilling.

However, on Tuesday afternoon, all of those statements proved to be false.

With a dominating 28-point second half, Brigham Young (1-0-0/3PTs) erased a 20-point 3rd quarter deficit to knock off North Carolina (0-1-0/0PTs) by a final score of 35-27. Already, the game is considered one of the most thrilling in the history of college football.

Brigham Young's Marcus Horton opened the scoring with a 103-yard touchdown and ended with the last three scores of the game. All of his touchdown receptions in the fourth quarter came from the arm of quarterback Taysom Hill. The go-ahead touchdown for Brigham Young came from a 49-yard touchdown reception by Horton where he out-jumped North Carolina's Jabari Price and broke the tackle before waltzing into the endzone.

While Hill's stat-line of 11 completions for 202-yards and 4 touchdowns was impressive, it was Hill's career-worst 6 interceptions that shocked everyone. His first four throws were all intercepted and came inside North Carolina territory.

"That was bad, wasn't it?," said Hill jokingly. "I've never felt so down about myself in my entire career. I knew I couldn't let my team down, though. 20-points is absolutely nothing for our offense. Made some dumb throws early on, but really glad I could man up and get over those mistakes quickly."

Hill was helped by an incredible game from Marcus Horton that wowed the crowd in Denton, Texas. Each kickoff return for Horton was over 50-yards and ended up inside North Carolina territory. His kickoff return yards and receiving yards totaled for a combined 456-yards and came with 4 touchdowns.

The National Cup high for total yards decimated a North Carolina team that got trounced after taking a commanding 27-7 lead in the 3rd quarter. Despite intercepting Brigham Young 6 times and grabbing 1 fumble, the Tar Heels threw 5 interceptions of their own and had now answer for the Cougars on defense at the end of the game. North Carolina also lost their quarterback, Bryn Renner, to a concussion and had to switch to Marquiese Williams for the remainder of the game.

As the clock ticked down to zero, the North Carolina players and coaches stood on the sideline in a stunned silence.

"It was shocking and an absolute punch to the gut," said head coach Larry Fedora. "I don't think we lost focus or anything like that. Obviously our turnovers didn't help, but in the least it just evened out their mistakes. They just rose to the occasion and showed us, and the country, that they are the real deal."

While the Brigham Young offense will receive credit for the comeback, their lockdown defense in the second half stifled the Tar Heels and opened the door for the Cougars. The team was lead by linebacker Keith Tambe who racked up 4 sacks in the second half. Interceptions also seemed to fall into the arms of the Cougars, as all 5 of the forced turnovers came in the second half, as well. Overall, Brigham Young's defense may've been the most impressive part of the entire game.

"We aren't look for any credit, really. But we know what we did," said Tambe. "We had to step up to the occasion and just dominate them. I'm not sure they gained more than 50-yards after their last touchdown. Our offense was going to start scoring points and we had to give them a chance to win the game."

The complete team effort and adversity from Brigham Young has them sitting on top of Group K as they go into their game against former Mountain West foe Texas Christian. With another win in Denton, the Cougars can advance to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, North Carolina's shocking loss leaves them with zero points and a minus-8 point differential. The Tar Heels will take Army in Atlanta for their second Group K matchup.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Marcus Horton's 49-yard go-ahead touchdown



BONUS PLAY:

Marcus Horton's crazy back of the endzone touchdown catch



BONUS PLAY:

Marcus Horton's 103-yard kickoff return for a touchdown



BONUS PLAY:

Skye PoVey's acrobatic sideline interception



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE
Spoiler


GROUP K STANDINGS

GROUP K
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Brigham Young+81003
Texas Christian00000
Army00000
North Carolina-80000
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP J - Day Ten

Baylor - 35 vs. Massachusetts - 14
Husky Stadium - Seattle, WA


Seattle, WA - When the media asked Group J coaches about playing games in Seattle, Louisiana State head coach Les Miles said, "I love the view there. It's majestic [laughing]. Right on that lake, you really can't beat it.

The problem with Miles' comment? It is a Bay, Union Bay to be exact, and not a lake. However, there was a lake on Husky Stadium Friday night that goes by the name of Lache Seastrunk.

Baylor's (1-0-0/3PTs) oft-mispronounced running back ran all over Massachusetts (0-1-0/0PTs), as the Bears won the game 35-14. Seastrunk gained a total of 282 yards, with 3 rushing touchdowns and a 71-yard punt return touchdown.

The highlight of the night Baylor and Seastrunk came with his explosive 71-yard punt return touchdown in the second quarter. Inside the Massachusetts 10-yard line, Seastrunk shook Minutemen punter Colter Johnson and he collide with linebacker Leo Krizanovic (picture above) as Seastrunk waltzed into the endzone. The image is sure to be remembered throughout the entire College Football National Cup.

"I really was cruising tonight and I felt great after our walk through yesterday," said Seastrunk. "To be able to play in that cool weather is what really helped. Central Texas, where I grew up, is not joke with heat. Really great weather to play in."

Seastrunk wasn't the only Central Texas product to have success against the Minutemen, Glasco Martin, from Round Rock, Texas, was able to score once and pick up 31 yards inside of the redzone.

The game wasn't easy from start to finish for Baylor, early in the first half Massachusetts tied the game at 7-7 and was down 21-14, as well. Credit the Massachusetts offense for keeping them in the game, early at least, by not turning the ball over one time.

Their demise, though, was easily their rush defense. Baylor gained a total of 194 yards and scored 4 of their 5 touchdowns on the ground. Head coach Charley Molnar knew that giving Baylor even a little bit of space would spell disaster.

"Those guys are fast. Do I even have to tell you that?" said Molnar. "You were at the game, right? That Seastrunk kid is the fasted human I have ever seen. I am glad we don't have to see him ever game."

Baylor's quarterback, Bryce Petty, put on quite the show himself, albeit with only a few touches to show for it. Petty only threw the ball 3 times and completed all 3 for a total of 51-yards. After the game Petty, jokingly, said this was the crowning achievement of his life.

"I will be telling my kids about this one day [laughing]," said Petty. "They don't have to know the numbers. They just have to know I threw for 100%. The internet fad will be over by then, right? Just as long as they never know I threw the ball only 3 times."

Seastrunk will get to play in cooler weather again for their next game, as they take on a Boston College (0-1-0/0PTs) team that got their bell rung by Louisiana State (1-0-0/3PTs) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Tigers will ride into Seattle as they take on Massachusetts. Both Baylor and Louisiana State can clinch a spot in the knockout stage, and eliminate Massachusetts and Boston College, with wins.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Lache Seastrunk takes a 71-yard punt return back for a touchdown



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE
Spoiler


GROUP J STANDINGS

GROUP J
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Louisiana State+211003
Baylor+211003
Boston College-210010
Massachusetts-210010
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP J - Day Ten

Louisiana State - 42 vs. Boston College - 21
Ohio Stadium - Columbus, OH


Columbus, OH - Boston College (0-1-0/0PTs) was considered an underdog to look out for in the College Football National Cup. Louisiana State (1-0-0/3PTs), on the other hand, had been called the most overrated team in the tournament.

Like usual, Les Miles and the Tigers said "the heck with that" as they ran Boston College right out of Ohio Stadium with a 42-21 victory.

Louisiana State quarterback Zach Mettenberger even beat Boston College by himself. His five 5 total touchdowns, 2 on the ground and 3 through the air, and 283 all-purpose yards were good for 35 of the Tigers' 42 points. He tied an NCAA record for efficiency, as his 333.8 quarterback rating was fueled by a 12-for-12 passing performance.

"Just felt like I really had it clicking tonight," said Mettenberger. "You never want to have that attitude and get too comfortable, but it did feel great ... [laughing] [my teammates] were giving me some crap and saying I was selfish. Let me remind you, and them, that I did throw to three different people for touchdowns, as well."

The game appeared to be close at a few points in the first half, as Boston College tied the game at 7-7 and then found themselves down 21-14 with under 1-minute to go. Tim Schuch scored the first touchdown on a screen play and then wide receiver Kevin Kaye took and NCAA record 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Louisiana State answered right back at the end of the first half with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Mettenberger to Jarvis Landry to take a 28-14 lead going into the break. The half-ending touchdown set Boston College into a funk for the rest of the game.

"The kickoff return really sparked out sideline and I thought we could really hang with the," said Boston College's Kevin Kaye. "We just couldn't get anything going. It wasn't just the defense. We couldn't stay on the field longest to give them a rest. It was pretty bad."

Boston College linebacker Dennis Martin was in the news all week long for his constant trash talking of the Lousiana State offense. The freshman from Connecticut got into it with Louisiana State's Brooks Lachowsky at the end of the half.

"Just needed to give him a reminder," said the wide receiver Lachowsky. "If you're going to trash us all week long, then fine. But man you better back that up on the field. I just reminded him which team was superior."

The altercation with Lachowsky was only one of two unfortunate run-ins for the Boston College linebacker. Martin was blind sided over the middle, freeing up Lachowsky to catch a wide-open 5-yard touchdown pass to give Louisiana State a 42-14 lead in the 4th quarter.

Now Boston College needs to find a way to pick up the pieces and at-least pull out a tie with Baylor. If the Eagles are beat in Minneapolis, they may very well be eliminated from the possibility of moving into the knockout stage. On the other hand, Louisiana State can move on to the knockout round as they take on 35-point underdog Massachusetts on the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Kevin Kaye ties an NCAA-record with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown



BONUS PLAY:

Kevin Kaye scores his 2nd touchdown of the game with a wild one-handed grab



BONUS PLAY:

Zach Mettenberger breaks the ankles of the Boston College defense for 24-yard touchdown



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE
Spoiler


GROUP J STANDINGS

GROUP J
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Louisiana State+211003
Baylor00000
Massachusetts00000
Boston College-210010
Friday, August 2, 2013
College Football National Cup - Day 9/Game 2 - (NCAA 14)
Posted on August 2, 2013 at 02:59 AM.
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP I - Day Nine

California, L.A. - 35 vs. Temple - 21
Beaver Stadium - University Park, PA


University Park, PA - The last time Landon Dockery was on the campus of Penn State, he was just visiting a friend. This time around, Dockery was at Penn State wowing 107,000 people in Beaver Stadium.

The UCLA (1-0-0/3PTs) freshman running back Landon Dockery ran all over in-state Temple (0-1-0/0PTs) for a 35-21 victory in University Park, PA. His 152-all purpose yards and 3 touchdown overwhelmed a Temple team that got off to a hot start in the game.

After forcing a quick three-and-out, the Owls had a 3-minute scoring drive capped off by quarterback Greg Robinson's 2-yard touchdown run. The Bruins defense looked winded and shell shocked, but quarterback Brett Hundley and Dockery picked up his defense immediately.

UCLA's scores in the 2nd quarter both came with under 1-minute to go. The first was the end of a long drive, as Nick Falbo caught an 18-yard pass from Hundley to tie the game. Falbo was the key to the next drive, as well. With 18-seconds left, Landon Dockery took the handoff, passed it back to Hundley, who then connected with Falbo inside the 10-yard line for a successful flea-flicker. Hundley then found Darius Bell for a 9-yard touchdown and UCLA took a 14-7 lead into the half. From there on out, it was all Dockery for the Bruins.

"He was unstoppable and we just kept on giving it to him," said UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel. "He was a little frustrated early on, but he is that type of a work horse back. We had to settle him down a little bit and then he just plowed ahead the rest of the game."

Plowing ahead was an understatement as 70 of Dockery's 135-yards on the ground came after the initial contact of a defender. He scored all three of UCLA's second half touchdowns, including a 24-yarder that put the nail in the coffin with 1:04 to go in the game.

Dockery knew his return to the campus was something special.

"I love the area and was glad I got a chance to give the people here something to cheer for," said the UCLA running back. "I'll be honest, the weather was a little nicer this time. Not sure I would've enjoyed trudging around in 10-inches of snow like the last time I visited here [laughing]."

Was the deficit became 21-points, Temple played the rest of the game trying to make sure their run differential didn't get any worse.

"You could tell our guys were starting to get really down and losing focus," said Temple head coach Steve Addazio. "I was glad Dan [Smith] and [Kevin Gallagher] were able to step up and lead our guys back onto the field with some purpose. We had to stay focused and realize the position we are in. A loss doesn't put you out of it, but a loss with a giant point differential deficit can."

Wide receivers Gallagher and Smith did their part on the field, as well. The two combined for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns from Greg Robinson as they helped Temple walk out of Beaver Stadium with only a mins-14 point differential.

Temple will now go down to sunny Florida, as they take on an Oklahoma (0-0-1/1PTs) team that shocked by a last-second tie to Stanford. Temple is only 1-point out of a tie for second in Group I. The UCLA Bruins will look to clinch a spot in the knockout stage if they can knock off Stanford (0-0-1/1PTs) at Renstchler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Nick Falbo catches a flea-flicker for 60-yards with under 30-seconds to go in the first half



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE
Spoiler


GROUP I STANDINGS

GROUP I
TEAMGPWDLPTS
California, L.A.+141003
Oklahoma00101
Stanford00101
Temple-140010
College Football National Cup - Day 9/Game 1 - (NCAA 14)
Posted on August 2, 2013 at 02:58 AM.
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP I - Day Nine

Oklahoma - 14 vs. Stanford - 14
Renstchler Field - East Hartford, CT


East Hartford, CT - The stats in football don't always tell the tale of the game.

Ask the Oklahoma Sooner (0-0-1/1PTs) about that and they will agree more than anyone.

Despite gaining 202 more yards than Stanford (0-0-1/1PTs), the Sooners could only walk away with a 14-14 tie to open up play in Group I. Down 14-points entering the fourth quarter, the Cardinal tied the game with 40-seconds to go on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Keith Hogan to Ty Montgomery. Even though they only gained 1-point, Stanford was pleased to walk away with a positive feeling.

"I don't like ties. I also don't like losing," said Stanford head coach David Shaw. "The outcome could've been much worse than it was. We grinded and busted our [expletive] and we got what needed - a point. We just need to do that earlier next time."

Oklahoma quarterback Blake Bell thrashed the Stanford defense in the first first half. Bell threw for two touchdowns in the first and second quarter, giving Oklahoma 14-0 lead into the half. With that said, it was Bell's interception in the second half while in the redzone that proved to be the difference.

"Those type of plays hurt you. Not scoring in the redzone usually haunts you," said Bell. "It came back to bite us big time. Have to be rational from here on out and not put our team in a tight spot."

The Oklahoma defense, lead by right end Brian Platkiewicz, had its way with Stanford's offense for the first three quarters, but buckled in the 4th quarter under pressure.

Hogan drove the Cardinal 64-yards with 1:49 remaining in the game to set up the tying touchdown. He hit three different receivers on five consecutive throws for 5-yards, 21-yards, 19-yards, 7-yards and 12-yds, before throwing an incompletion on 1st down inside the redzone.

Even after Stanford's game-tying touchdown, Oklahoma had a last second hail mary pass. Jordan Williamson, who has had troubles with teams from Oklahoma in the past (see 2011 Fiesta Bowl), booted the kickoff out of bonds and gave the ball to the Sooners on their own 45-yard line. Blake Bell's pass was batted away as time expired, but the Stanford kicker knows he was close to being the one to take blame for a loss.

"I got scared. I'll admit. Not that I don't trust our defense, but how many times have you seen a team use a break in their advantage and end a teams game? I am lucky, but time to move on and make sure that doesn't happen again," said Williamson.

Stanford will stay on the east coast in East Hartford as they next take on their Pac-12 foe UCLA. Meanwhile, Oklahoma will travel down the east coast to Florida, as they take on the underdog of Group I, Temple, at Doak Campbell Stadium on the campus of Florida State in Tallahasse.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Keith Hogan hits Montgomery for a 17-yard game tying touchdown with under 1-minute to go



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE
Spoiler


GROUP I STANDINGS

GROUP I
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Oklahoma00101
Stanford00101
California, L.A.00000
Temple00000
College Football National Cup - Day 8/Game 2 - (NCAA 14)
Posted on August 2, 2013 at 02:58 AM.
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP H - Day Eight

South Carolina - 17 vs. Syracuse - 24
Notre Dame Stadium - South Bend, IN


South Bend, IN - South Carolina's (0-1-0/0PTs) opening drive had the appearance of what everybody expected out of the Gamecocks against Syracuse (1-0-0/3PTs). Quarterback Connor Shaw had completed all of his passes and South Carolina was at the Syracuse 14-yard line.

Then, everything started to unravel for the Gamecocks.

Syracuse cornerback Wayne Morgane intercepted Shaw for an 86-yard touchdown to give Syracuse an early 7-0 lead. From there on out the Orange dominated South Carolina and walked away with a stunning 24-17 upset victory.

Quarterback Drew Allen threw for 236 yards, 2 touchdowns and only 3 incompletions for Syracuse. Two of Allen's touchdown passes came from running back Mark Rubino who scored twice in the second quarter. Rubino gained a total of 119 yards on the evening and had South Carolina off balance from the first quarter on.

"The kid did a great job at making us feel uncomfortable," said South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier. "It really was all of them, though. Looking at the sheet here, I see six of their receivers caught passes and all of them had double digits in yards. That's just impressive."

South Carolina made the score 14-7 late in the second quarter off of a Mike Davis touchdown run, but Syracuse offense answered immediately to lead 21-7 at the half.

Jadeveon Clowney was bottled up in the contest, as he only registered 3 tackles and did not have a sack. On the flip side, Syracuse had its way with the Gamecocks for most of the game sacked David Connor Shaw a total of 5 times.

"We did a lot of great studying going into this game. They're a great team, we just had a great understanding of their snap count," said Syracuse defensive end John Raymon, who had 2 sacks in the game. "We didn't have a game that great all year, so the timing of it could not have been any better."

Syracuse will next take on former Big East foe West Virginia (0-1-0/0PTs) in a rematch of the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl. That game will take place in "the Big House" in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Meanwhile South Carolina will look to pick up the pieces as they take on Florida State (1-0-0/3PTs) at Folsom Field in Boulder, Colorado.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Mark Rubino dives into the endzone for a 22-yard touchdown



BONUS PLAY:

Mark Rubino catches a 16-yard touchdown pass for the eventual game winning score



BONUS PLAY:

Fake punt run sets up Syracuse's second touchdown



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE
Spoiler


GROUP H STANDINGS

GROUP H
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Syracuse+71003
Florida State+71003
West Virginia-70010
South Carolina-70010
Monday, July 29, 2013
[center]CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP H - Day Eight

Florida State - vs. West Virginia - 21
Michigan Stadium - Ann Arbor, MI


Ann Arbor, MI - Before he signed his LOI with Florida State (1-0-0/3PTs), defensive end Holmes Onwukaife had committed to become a Michigan Wolverine. A dream of playing in Michigan Stadium in front of 100,000 fans was one he had his entire life.

This was a dream stripped from Onwukaife when Michigan revealed that they offered him a scholarship they did not have. Having to go to another school meant he would not have a chance to dominate in Ann Arbor ... until Saturday afternoon.

Charged by Onwukaife's 5 sacks and 4 more tackles for a loss, the Seminoles knocked off West Virginia (0-1-0/0PTs) in Ann Arbor, Michigan by a final score of 28-21. The All-America defensive end finally had his moment to shine in the Michigan Stadium spotlight.

"It felt great. I have no ill feeling towards Michigan, but I have always been devastated that I never had a chance to actually sign," said Onwukaife. "To have a chance to come in here and put my mark on this stadium was a great feeling. Getting a huge win made it even better."

While the defensive end set the tone for the Florida State defense, it was cornerback LaMarcus Joyner said slammed the final nail in the coffin on West Virginia. His 33-yard interception return for a touchdown put Florida State up 28-14 with just over 2-minutes remaining in the game. The Mountaineers would score again to make it 28-21, but never got the ball back from the Florida State offense.

The Seminoles offense was solid on the day, despite 2-interceptions inside West Virginia territory by quarterback Jameis Winston. Even with the turnovers, Winston threw for 214 yards and 2 touchdowns. The freshman quarterback hit tight end Nick O'Leary for a 13-yard go-ahead touchdown pass with 2:44 remaining in the game. Wide receiver Tony Collins also had a huge affect on the game, as well, as he racked in 8 receptions for 133 yards and 1 touchdown.

Paul Millard and the West Virginia offense were efficient in the game, as the quarterback threw 3 touchdowns for 276 yards. With that said, it was the Mountaineers inability to rush the football - negative-5 yards gained - that ultimately cost them the game.

"You know, we did score points, but when you can't keep the team honest with balance, then you have no shot," said West Virginia head coach Dana Holgerson. "We have two games left and we need to effectively run the football. Football is a puzzle and you need the running piece in order for it to work."

Florida State opened the scoring with a quick 14-points in the first quarter. It was West Virginia, however, that answered next with 14-unanswered points in the second and third quarters. In the end, Florida State was able to respond and the Mountaineers just could not catch up a second time.

The defensive end matchup of the century will happen in Florida State and Holmes Onwukaife's next game, as they take on Jadaveon Clowney and South Carolina in Boulder, Colorado. Meanwhile, Syracuse will be West Virginia's next opponent back in Michigan Stadium. The old Big East opponents last faced off at Yankee Stadium in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

LaMarcus Joyner picks off a pass for a 33-yard touchdown



BONUS PLAY:

Holmes Onwukaife comes up with his fifth sack of the game



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE
Spoiler


GROUP H STANDINGS

GROUP H
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Florida State+71003
South Carolina00000
Syracuse00000
West Virginia-70010
Saturday, July 27, 2013
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP G - Day Seven
Arkansas - 28 vs. Old Dominion - 21
War Memorial Stadium - Laramine, WY


Laramine, WY - Arkansas (1-0-0/3PTs) head coach Bret Bilema said before his game against Old Dominion (0-1-0/0PTs) that his Razorbacks needed to avoid one thing.

"Don't pull a Nebraska," said Bilema on his old Big Ten foe. "They went out and acted too high and mighty. Georgia State punched them in the gut and boy did the Huskers get lucky."

Bilema's squad didn't come out flat, just like he asked for, but they sure did end flat...almost. Despite an early 14-0 lead and forcing 4 interceptions, Arkansas narrowly escaped a huge upset from Old Dominion with a final score of 28-21.

Arkansas running back Jonathan Williams scored a on a 48-yard tackle breaking run to give the Razorbacks the lead for good, with only 2:14 remaining in the 4th quarter. Williams gained 143-yards on 9 carries, but the Razorbacks offense was fairly mediocre in the entire second half. Failing to score in the third quarter with a 21-0 lead, they allowed a pesky Old Dominion team to crawl back into the game.

"I just told the guys to be patient. We had been moving the ball and we just needed to not make mistakes," said Old Dominion head coach Bobby Wilder. "They really allowed us back in the game. We played pretty well on defense, but we were able to take advantage of their sloppy play. It wasn't a win, but I think we can at least carry on with the confidence that we can compete."

Down 21-7 entering the third quarter, Monarchs cornerback Jevon Neal intercepted Brandon Allen for a National Cup long 88-yard interception return for a touchdown. Despite throw four interceptions, Taylor Reinicke drove Old Dominion down the field on their next possession and hooked up with Antonio Vaughn for a game tying 20-yard touchdown pass.

The entire Arkansas fan base in Laramine, Wyoming was in a state of shock. If not for Jonathan Williams touchdown and a last second interception in the endzone by William Hines, the fans may have left in that same state, as well.

In the end turnovers, four of them, and redzone failures, 25% success rate, did an Old Dominion team that fought from the start until the end of the game.

"I watched that Nebraska-Georgia State game and knew we could not let up against Old Dominion," said Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen. "I am not saying we did, but I do know that they really fought harder than any team I have ever seen. I don't care what anyone says, that team is a high caliber football team and not one to mess with. Virginia [Tech] and Arizona better look out."

The first team that will need to lookout is the Virginia Tech Hokies (0-0-1/1PTs), as they will face off against Old Dominion at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Despite the loss, Old Dominion is only separated by 1-group point and 6-points in run differential. The Monarchs are very much alive in Group G. Meanwhile, Arkansas will be looking to clinch a spot in the knockout stage as they take on Arizona (0-0-1/1PTs) in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Jonathan Williams scores on a 48-yard go-ahead 4th quarter touchdown




BONUS PLAY:

William Hines intercepts a last gas pass from Taylor Heinicke


CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP G STANDINGS

GROUP G
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Arkansas+71003
Virginia Tech00101
Arizona00101
Old Dominion-70010
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP G - Day Seven
Arkansas - 28 vs. Old Dominion - 21
War Memorial Stadium - Laramine, WY


Laramine, WY - Arkansas (1-0-0/3PTs) head coach Bret Bilema said before his game against Old Dominion (0-1-0/0PTs) that his Razorbacks needed to avoid one thing.

"Don't pull a Nebraska," said Bilema on his old Big Ten foe. "They went out and acted too high and mighty. Georgia State punched them in the gut and boy did the Huskers get lucky."

Bilema's squad didn't come out flat, just like he asked for, but they sure did end flat...almost. Despite an early 14-0 lead and forcing 4 interceptions, Arkansas narrowly escaped a huge upset from Old Dominion with a final score of 28-21.

Arkansas running back Jonathan Williams scored a on a 48-yard tackle breaking run to give the Razorbacks the lead for good, with only 2:14 remaining in the 4th quarter. Williams gained 143-yards on 9 carries, but the Razorbacks offense was fairly mediocre in the entire second half. Failing to score in the third quarter with a 21-0 lead, they allowed a pesky Old Dominion team to crawl back into the game.

"I just told the guys to be patient. We had been moving the ball and we just needed to not make mistakes," said Old Dominion head coach Bobby Wilder. "They really allowed us back in the game. We played pretty well on defense, but we were able to take advantage of their sloppy play. It wasn't a win, but I think we can at least carry on with the confidence that we can compete."

Down 21-7 entering the third quarter, Monarchs cornerback Jevon Neal intercepted Brandon Allen for a National Cup long 88-yard interception return for a touchdown. Despite throw four interceptions, Taylor Reinicke drove Old Dominion down the field on their next possession and hooked up with Antonio Vaughn for a game tying 20-yard touchdown pass.

The entire Arkansas fan base in Laramine, Wyoming was in a state of shock. If not for Jonathan Williams touchdown and a last second interception in the endzone by William Hines, the fans may have left in that same state, as well.

In the end turnovers, four of them, and redzone failures, 25% success rate, did an Old Dominion team that fought from the start until the end of the game.

"I watched that Nebraska-Georgia State game and knew we could not let up against Old Dominion," said Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen. "I am not saying we did, but I do know that they really fought harder than any team I have ever seen. I don't care what anyone says, that team is a high caliber football team and not one to mess with. Virginia [Tech] and Arizona better look out."

The first team that will need to lookout is the Virginia Tech Hokies (0-0-1/1PTs), as they will face off against Old Dominion at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Despite the loss, Old Dominion is only separated by 1-group point and 6-points in run differential. The Monarchs are very much alive in Group G. Meanwhile, Arkansas will be looking to clinch a spot in the knockout stage as they take on Arizona (0-0-1/1PTs) in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Jonathan Williams scores on a 48-yard go-ahead 4th quarter touchdown




BONUS PLAY:

William Hines intercepts a last gas pass from Taylor Heinicke


CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP G STANDINGS

GROUP G
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Arkansas+71003
Virginia Tech00101
Arizona00101
Old Dominion-70010
[center]CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP G - Day Seven
Virginia Tech - 31 vs. Arizona - 31
High Point Solution Stadium - Piscataway, NJ


Piscataway, NJ - Tie ball games were eliminated from NCAA Football in 1996. Ties were boring, they upset the order of college football and they didn't make much sense.

While the game was one of the most exciting so far in the National Cup, the result between Virginia Tech (0-0-1/1PTs) and Arizona (0-0-1/1PTs) was just the opposite: boring.

The Group G matchup in Piscataway, New Jersey ended with a 24-24 tie after the Hokies' Cody Journell kicked a game tying field goal in the final minute. The outcome was a huge disappointment for Arizona quarterback gained a National Cup high 393 all-purpose yards.

"I played well. The team played well. Hell everyone played well," said Scroggins. "It's just disappointing. It's better than a loss, we will happily take a point. With that said, playing such an amazing game and not winning is tough."

Virginia Tech players, namely wide receiver Joe Jurkiewicz, who scored 3 touchdown and gained 241 all-purpose yards, weren't too happy themselves with the tie.

"We put ourselves in position where we may have to win both games," said Jurkiewicz. "You want to win every game, but you'd also like the ability to have a comfortable last game. I am a huge soccer fan, I know how these tournaments work [laughing]."

What will be overlooked by the tie is the fact that Virginia Tech and Arizona played a wild game that saw seven lead changes. Each score was countered with the other team scoring, and Virginia Tech needed to edge Arizona out in the fourth quarter by 3-points to gain a tie.

While Scroggins will be the player that appears on the most headlines, Joe Jurkiewicz will be remembered for playing quarterback, running back and wide receiver. The freshman wide receiver came close to passing for a touchdown, which would've put him in an elite NCAA Football club, but his pass to J.C. Coleman was completed one yard short of a touchdown.

Besides the defenses of both teams, the one player kicking himself the most will most likely be Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas. Virginia Tech was inside the Arizona 30-yard line when Thomas threw both of his interceptions.

"I heard people talking about the defense, but I had my fair share of problems in this game," said Thomas. "No offense to Joe [Jurkiewicz] but when you're replaced by a wide receiver at quarterback you know you're playing poorly. No excuse for those interceptions.

Both teams will look to get 3-points in their next game, as they currently sit with only 1-point each. Virginia Tech will travel to Pittsburgh to take on in-state opponent Old Dominion. Meanwhile Arizona will be back in New Jersey as they take on Arkansas in Piscataway.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Joe Jurkiewicz spins free for a wild 73-yard touchdown reception



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP G STANDINGS

GROUP G
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Virginia Tech00101
Arizona00101
Arkansas00000
Old Dominion00000
Friday, July 26, 2013
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP F - Day Six
San Diego State - 17 vs. Alabama-Birmingham - 38
Bryant-Denny Stadium - Tuscaloosa, AL


Tuscaloosa, AL - There have been plenty of outstanding performances in Bryant-Denny Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama over the years. Joe Namath. Bart Starr. Johnny Manziel. Mark Ingram. Trent Richardson. Tim Tebow. Bo Jackson. Julio Jones. Q McLaurin.

You read that right - Alabama-Birmingham (1-0-0/3PTs) quarterback Q McLaurin can be added to that list, according to Alabama head coach Nick Saban.

"It was incredible. [Johnny] Manziel was pretty amazing in terms of speed and passing, but this Q [McLaurin] was on another level," said Saban, who was attending the game in Tuscaloosa. "Possibly the best performance I have ever seen in this stadium. Hats off to him and UAB for managing to swoop in and take this kid."

The performance was outstanding, as McLaurin threw 3 touchdown passes and rushed for 2 more in Alabama-Birmingham knocked off San Diego State (0-1-0/0PTs) by a final score of 38-17. McLaurin finished the day with 358 all-purpose yards, which puts him ahead of Kansas State quarterback Daniel Sams for most yards gained so far in the National Cup. The freshman quarterback attributed much of his success to his wide receivers.

"You saw the plays we ran. The read options require great receiver blocked, they really made my numbers happen today," said McLaurin. "They also caught the ball [laughing], especially [Joe Washington]. He caught two touchdowns and must've racked up 100-plus yards. That's damn impressive."

The impressive plays didn't come from Alabama-Birmingham to start the game, as San Diego State opened up with a long scoring drive to go up 7-0. From there on out it was all Blazers, though, as they pounded the Aztecs in the second quarter scoring 24-points.

"Great forced three and out. Great drive to score. Then after that, I just don't know what happened," said San Diego State head coach Rocky Long. "I get they played great defense, but our guys sat back and on the ropes and got punched the rest of the game. Very disappointing."

San Diego State did make the game appear to be close at one point, as they got the score to 24-17 early in the third quarter. After Alabama-Birmingham kicked a field goal with 1-second remaining, the team kicked the ball out of bounds and gave decent field position to the Aztecs. Kicker Seamus McMarrow kicked the third longest field goal in NCAA history, as it sailed 63-yards through the uprights. San Diego State running back Chase Price caught a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it a 7-point game, but the score was all smoke and mirrors.

Alabama-Birmingham's stiffed the San Diego State offense in the rest of the 3rd quarter and came out firing in the 4th quarter. A Q McLaurin and Joe Washington connection for a 67-yard touchdown, along with a McLaurin touchdown slammed the door on the Aztecs for good.

Alabama-Birmingham will now travel to Berkley, California to take on a Georgia (0-1-0/0PTs) team that endured a crushing loss to Connecticut (1-0-0/3PTs) in their first game. Meanwhile, San Diego State will stay in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as they take on Connecticut. If both Alabama-Birmingham and Connecticut win their games, they will clinch a spot in the knockout stage and eliminate Georgia and San Diego State. An elimination of #5 Georgia would surely be one of the most shocking events in NCAA Football in quite some time.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Joe Washington over the shoulder 51-yard touchdown catch from Q McLaurin




CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP F STANDINGS

GROUP F
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Alabama-Birmingham+211003
Connecticut+11003
Georgia-10010
San Diego State-210010
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP F - Day Six
Georgia - 14 vs. Connecticut - 15
Lane Stadium - Blacksburg, VA


Blacksburg, VA - Connecticut (1-0-0/3PTs) quarterback Jake Viner had one of the worst passing days in NCAA history heading into the fourth quarter against Georgia (0-1-0/0PTs). Down 14-0, Viner was 4-for-17 with 93 yards passing and 4 interceptions.

The only statistic that mattered in the end? The final score of 15-14, in favor of the Huskies.

Viner helped Connecticut roar back with an incredible 93-yards and 1 touchdown on only 4 completions in the final minutes of the game. His pass to Geremy Davis with 43-seconds left was capped off by a scamper to the corner of the endzone for a go-ahead 2-point conversion. Aaron Murray and Georgia had no response, as the Bulldog quarterback was sacked as time expired.

Somehow, someway, Viner had pulled off a magic-like comeback to shock number five ranked Georgia.

"It was incredible. To have such a bad game and to come back and make it up to my teammates was just awesome," said the freshman Viner. "I owe a lot to our defense for allowing to have a few chances to redeem myself in the end and I am glad I didn't let them down."

After Lyle McCombs pulled Connecticut within 7 with a 1-yard touchdown, the Huskies marched down the field in the blink of an eye with a strike from Jake Viner to wide receiver Brian Kaye for 49-yards into the redzone. After the touchdown on the next play, head coach Paul Paqualoni rolled the dice, successfully, with a 2-point conversion that put Blacksburg, Virginia in a state of pandemonium.

"You know, I knew things hadn't gone our way our day. I saw the opportunity and knew that we needed to take advantage of our momentum and a little string of luck," said Pasqualoni of the conversion attempt. "Jake [Viner] made a great play to scramble out immediately and the rest is history. The atmosphere in that stadium following his run was unbelievable. Best I have seen in years."

If Connecticut was a dud in the first 3 quarters, Georgia was a dud in the last quarter. Quarterback Aaron Murray couldn't charge his offense enough and the Bulldogs failed to put more pressure on the Huskies after a solid first half. Head coach Mark Richt knows that Georgia blew far too many opportunities on Wednesday.

"They did their best to hand us chance after chance to put them away," said Rich. "The problem was that as quickly as they did that, we just fired those chances right back at them. That team is too good to not put away early in the second half. They were rust in the first half and finally scorched us as the game ended."

Georgia also only scored one offensive touchdown on the day, as the other score game off of the National Cup's first ever blocked field goal return for a touchdown. John Jenkins returned the ball 53-yards for a Georgia touchdown after a mess of a field goal opportunity by the Huskies.

Georgia now has to get back on track, as they will take on Alabama-Birmingham all the way across the country in Berkley, California. Meanwhile, Connecticut will have to face, Nutmeg State native, quarterback Q McLaurin and Alabama-Birmingham in a matchup 1-hour away from the Blazer's campus. If Alabama-Birmingham defeats San Diego State and Connecticut defeats the Blazers in their matchup, the Huskies will advance to the knockout stage of the National Cup.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

John Jenkins takes a fumbled field goal for a 49-yard touchdown




BONUS PLAY:

Jake Viner finds Geremy Davis for an 18-yard touchdown with 43-seconds left




BONUS PLAY:

Jake Viner runs to the corner for the go-ahead 2-PT conversion



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP F STANDINGS

GROUP F
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Connecticut+11003
San Diego State00000
Alabama-Birmingham00000
Georgia-10010
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP E - Day Five
California - 24 vs. Air Force - 21
Jones AT&T Stadium - Lubbock Texas


Lubbock, TX - Sometimes calls don't your way. Sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way. Sometimes the reviews of plays don't go your way. It isn't often, however, that all three of those happen within the first 2-minutes of a game.

After a bad spot, fumbled snap on a field goal and a blown replay review, Air Force (0-1-0/0PTs) couldn't quite catch up to California (1-0-0/3PTs) in a down-to-the-wire 31-28 victory for the Golden Bears.

On a 3rd and 1 from the California 3-yard line in the first quarter, Air Force quarterback Kale Pearson had appeared to gain enough yards for a first down. The spot was well short and even pushed the Falcons back to a 4th and 2. As they settled for an opening field, the nap was low and Air Force didn't even get a kick off.

California would then march down the field until they found themselves with a 3rd and 8 from the Air Force 25 yard line. California quarterback Zach Kline threw a pass to the back right corner of the endzone which was ruled incomplete, despite looking as though Air Force cornerback Dexter Walker had intercepted the pass. With clear evidence, or so they thought, Air Force challenged the play, only to have the call on the field stand. California would go on to kick a 42 yard field goal, 3-points that would prove crucial to the outcome.

"Look, I don't like blaming the game on one play. Let's clear that up," said Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun. "With that said, the replay review was horrendous. Dex [Walker] clearly had one foot in-bounds. The momentum could've swung big time and the outcome might've been different. Oh, and before we move on, don't even ask me about the spot on our first drive. Ridiculous."

California countered Air Force's touchdowns all game long with scores of their own, but their hail mary to end the first half, following a failed Air Force onside kick, may've been the biggest play of the game. The touchdown put the Golden Bears up at the half by 10-points, their largest deficit of the game. While Air Force opened up the second half with a successful onside kick, followed by a touchdown, Calhoun says he regrets kicking the onside kick at the end of the first half.

"I am not saying I don't have confidence in our boys, but it was a little too aggressive," said Calhoun. "The idea of a hail mary didn't cross my mind. That's just flat out bad coaching, I credit them for sticking with California despite my error."

After a touchdown that made the score 31-28, with 0:36 remaining and 3-timeouts left, Air Force was able to get the ball back with 0:10 remaining, but all of their desperation heaves fell short.

The game was just as close as the score indicated, as well, so the idea of one or two plays tipping the final score is not too far off. Air Force gained 339 yards of total offense off of 73 rush yards and 266 passing yards, while California had a total of 334 yards with 72 on the ground and 262 through the air.

Opposing quarterbacks Zach Kline of California and Kale Pearson of Air Force combined for 528 yards passing, 8 touchdowns and a 71.4% completion percentage. Most surprising were Pearson's number, as Air Force is primarily a triple option team. California knew that shutting down the triple option was key, but head coach Sonny ****s says the team was too relaxed in the passing game.

"We were lucky so many things went our way. I'll be the first to admit it, too," said ****s. "Our defense was not very dominant. It is one thing to stop the option, which we did, but it is another thing to do so and still give up a boat load of passing yards. Makes the whole rush defense almost irrelevant."

A play that, in the end, didn't have much relevance to the game, may prove to be the defense play of the entire National Cup. Joey Nichol's close line hit on Dante Jefferson got all of the Lubbock crowd on their feet and will surely be talked about on all sports shows and internet sites for weeks.

"Holy s***. [laughing] That's all I thought," said Jefferson. "Completely clean hit, too, as it was right in my chest. My head hurts and he made sure I was okay. But wow, I really was hoping I would never get "Clowney-ed" and I sure did."

Jefferson will have to get right back up on his feet, as the Golden Bears will turnaround and face a battered Oklahoma State (0-1-0/0PTs) in Lubbock. The Cowboys are coming off of a smackdown at the hands of number one ranked Alabama (1-0-0/3PTs). It'll be the Crimson Tide as the next opponent for a snake-bitten Air Force squad. Even with the daunting task, the Falcons have one advantage: the game will be played close to home in Denver.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Joey Nichol lays a vicious close-line hit. Early contender for Play of the National Cup




BONUS PLAY:

Klein's half-ending hail-mary wows the Lubbock crowd




BONUS PLAY:

Pearson inches Air Force closer with a wild tackle-breaking touchdown pass



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP E STANDINGS

GROUP E
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Alabama+211003
California+31003
Air Force-30010
Oklahoma State-210010
Sunday, July 21, 2013
CHECK OUT THE ENTIRE WORLD CUP STYLE TOURNAMENT BY CLICKING THIS LINK


GROUP E - Day Five
Alabama - 31 vs. Oklahoma State - 10
Memorial Stadium - Bloomington, IN


Bloomington, IN - Alabama (1-0-0/3PTs) has won just about everything the last few years and in their history. So why not just add the newest NCAA Championship to that list?

The number one team in the country wasted no time in their chase for the College Football National Cup crown, as the Crimson Tide plowed right through Oklahoma State (0-1-0/0PTs) with a 31-10 victory. From the beginning of the game Alabama jumped on the Cowboys and did so with the power of their All-America running back.

"I knew our gameplan was going to be loaded with rush attempts for me," said Alabama running back T.J. Yeldon. "Without a solid start on the ground I knew they'd focus on AJ [McCarron], and their pass defense is too good to let them control the game. The statistics weren't great, but I [couldn't] care less about that compared to a 3-point victory."

Yeldon's yards per carry, 3.9, were not stellar, but with 134-all purpose yards and 4 touchdowns, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Guny said that the Crimson Tide running back may be selling himself short.

"[Laughing] Did he really say that?" said Gundy. "I guess when you're at Alabama you hold yourself to a higher standard. The kid played well. Hell, they all played well. They are the best team in the country for a reason."

Yeldon scored the first three Alabama touchdowns, two on the ground and one coming off a screen pass. With Oklahoma State's first score coming at the end of the 3rd quarter, already down 24-0, they never really come within even a slight reach of the Crimson Tide. The offense did move the ball, and quarterback Clint Chelf was an impressive 15-for-17 with 154-yards and 1 touchdown, but most of their drives stalled due to Alabama locking down and coming up with sacks and tackles for losses.

Like they always do, Alabama hid most of their weapons in order to not give away too much of what they can offer. AJ McCarron quietly went 9-for-13 with 210 yards and 1 touchdown, along with multiple three completions of 25-yards or further to setup T.J. Yeldon touchdown runs.

Head coach Nick Saban knows his Crimson Tide have a target on their backs and that not revealing their hand for the rest of the National Cup was key in this contest.

"I thought we were great. I don't say that often, but we were able to take a different approach and still play at a high level," said Saban. "We aren't going to play every game the same way. This whole tournament doesn't allow for you to make yourselves too predictable, because the competition is top notch each and every week."

The competition, while still no pushover, does get a little easier for Alabama in their second game, as they will travel to Denver, Colorado to take on the home-state United States Air Force Academy. Meanwhile, Oklahoma State will have to pick themselves up after a disappointing loss, as they take on a popular underdog pick California. The Cowboys will get to leave the midwest however and travel to a familiar site from the Big XII: Lubbock, Texas.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

T.J. Yeldon takes a screen pass 33-yards for a second half touchdown



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP E STANDINGS

GROUP E
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Alabama+211003
California00000
Air Force00000
Oklahoma State-210010
GROUP D - Day Four
Florida - 45 vs. Boise State - 14
Memorial Stadium - Clemson, SC


Clemson, SC - Going into Florida's (1-0-0/3PTs) game against Boise State (0-1-0/0PTs), Loucheiz Purifoy had a career total of 0 interceptions. After watching the junior defensive back on Monday Night, you would never even know it.

Purifoy had 4 of Florida's 6 interceptions of Boise State's Joe Southwick as the Gators whipped up on the Broncos 45-14. The contest at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina was never really close as Florida now joins Michigan atop the standings as Group D is shaping up to be rather lopsided.

While Purifoy stole the show on defense, it was Florida running back Matt Jones that did the same on the offensive side of the ball. Jones landed haymaker after haymaker, as he racked up 5 touchdowns on 239 yard rushing. He capped out the end of the first and second halves with 77-yard and 76-yard touchdowns, respectively. The race for the National Cup rushing title is shaping up to be the most compelling storyline so far.

"I know Danny [Sams], [Bishop] Sankey and Ameer [Abdullah] all went off in their games," said Jones. "I mean, I am more concerned about winning, but is nice to have a little friendly competition with those guys. You always want to be the best at your position, so if that's where I end up then I will be rather pleased.:

The Boise State defense had no chance at stopping Matt Jones from the get-go, but their offense has an equal amount of trouble even managing to gain any yards. In-fact, they lost yards on the official stat sheet, as they became the first team in the tournament to rush for negative yards with -9.

You would never know it by looking at the score, but Boise State managed to throw more passing yards than Florida, as they finished the game with 270. While 270 yards and 1 touchdown is not bad, it was Joe Southwick's 6 interceptions that knocked Florida back early and out of the game by the middle of the 3rd quarter.

"Just terrible. I can't even really fathom how I did that," said Southwick. "I never threw more than 1 interception in a game last season and I only threw 7 all year. To do what I did today is embarrassing and pathetic. I have a lot to do to make up for this. Plain and simple."

Out of the 6 interceptions, 4 of them came as drive killers inside of Florida territory. Boise State limped off the field at the end of almost every drive and the relentless Gators would not stop beating the Broncos into the ground. Even with the lead in hand, Florida did not let up, but Boise State head coach Chris Peterson sees no problem with running it up.

"Do you guys know what is on the standings with wins, losses and ties?" said Peterson. "Point differential. You think Will [Muschamp] wants to, if it gets to it, see his team eliminated because he feels bad for a team and lets up, and then loses out because of point differential? I don't blame him for running it up at all."

Florida may be in good position with a plus-31 point differential, but the story is much different for Boise State. The Broncos will now look to make up serious ground in that department, as they stay in Clemson to take on Illinois. The Fighting Illini (0-0-1/0PTs) have issues of their own, as they sport a minus-28 point differential. Florida will now match-up with Michigan (1-0-0/3PTs) in Iowa City for one of the premiere match-ups of the group stage. The winner will guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout stage.

Copyright by STATS CFNCA and The National Cup Media Bureau

TOP PLAYS:

PLAY OF THE DAY - Presented by Leinenkugel

Matt Jones ends the first half with an explosive 77-yard touchdown



CLICK SPOILER TO VIEW BOX SCORE

Spoiler


GROUP D STANDINGS

GROUP D
TEAMGPWDLPTS
Florida+311003
Michigan+281003
Illinois-280010
Boise State-310010

« Previous12Next »
BuckeyeBoy315
3
BuckeyeBoy315's Screenshots (0)

BuckeyeBoy315 does not have any albums to display.
BuckeyeBoy315's Friends
Recent Visitors
The last 10 visitor(s) to this Arena were:

BuckeyeBoy315's Arena has had 22,864 visits