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CFB Conference Notes: Sun Belt Conference

NCAAFB Editor
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CFB Conference Notes: Sun Belt Conference

WEEK 3 SCHEDULE

Thursday, Sept. 16
Ohio at Louisiana 7:00 p.m. ESPN

Saturday, Sept. 18
No. 16/18 Coastal Carolina at Buffalo 11:00 a.m. ESPN2
Elon at App State 2:30 p.m. ESPN+
Georgia Southern at No. 20/24 Arkansas 3:00 p.m. SEC Network
Arkansas State at Washington 3:15 p.m. Pac-12 Network
Charlotte at Georgia State 6:00 p.m. ESPN+
Incarnate Word at Texas State 6:00 p.m. ESPN3
Troy at Southern Miss 6:00 p.m. ESPN+
Jackson State at ULM 7:00 p.m. ESPN3
Alcorn State at South Alabama 7:00 p.m. ESPN3

All Times CT

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

PRIMETIME MATCHUP
Following a 27-24 victory over Nicholls in its home opener on Sept. 11, Louisiana will host Ohio at 7 p.m. \Thursday on ESPN. The Ragin’ Cajuns defeated the Bobcats in their most recent meeting, a 45-25 rout in Athens, Ohio, that halted a program-record 10-game home winning streak for Ohio. A victory would move Louisiana to 5-0 in non-conference home games under head coach Billy Napier.

SHUFFLE OFF TO BUFFALO
No. 16/18 Coastal Carolina will face its first road test of the 2021 season when it visits Buffalo at 11 a.m. \Saturday on ESPN2. The first-ever matchup between the two programs will pit two Chanticleer streaks against one another. Coastal Carolina owns a five-game winning streak in true road contests, but is 0-6 all-time against teams from the state of New York and 0-2 in games played in The Empire State. Ironically, the Chanticleers are coming off a 49-22 victory over former Bulls head coach Lance Leipold, who is now the head coach at Kansas. Leipold left Buffalo to take over the Kansas program in April 2021 after six years at the helm for the Bulls, including a 24-10 mark and three bowl appearances in his final three seasons.

THE NATURAL STATE
Georgia Southern will look for its first-ever victory in the state of Arkansas when it visits No. 20/24 Arkansas at 3 p.m. Saturday on SEC Network. The Razorbacks are coming off a 40-21 win over No. 15/15 Texas, while the Eagles will attempt to rebound from a 38-6 loss to Florida Atlantic. Georgia Southern is 0-2 all-time in The Natural State, with both losses coming to conference foe Arkansas State (2016, 2019). Despite their infamous 26-20 victory over Florida on Nov. 23, 2013, the Eagles are still looking for their first victory over an SEC opponent since joining the Sun Belt Conference in 2014.

PACK NOT PAC
Arkansas State will visit Washington at 3:15 p.m. Saturday on Pac-12 Network. The first-ever meeting between the two programs will be the Red Wolves third all-time matchup against a member of the Pac12. The Red Wolves are 0-2 in those prior matchups, which have each come on the road against a Top 10-ranked team—a 57-34 loss at No. 5 Oregon in 2012 and a 55-6 loss at No. 8 USC in 2015. A victory would mark the second-straight season that the Red Wolves have defeated a Power Five opponent, following a 35-31 win at Kansas State in 2020.

IRON MAN
Super senior left guard Shamarious Gilmore will establish a new program record when he plays in and starts his 50th game in a Georgia State uniform Saturday, when the Panthers host Charlotte at 6 p.m. on ESPN+. Gilmore is the first four-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection in Georgia State history— Honorable Mention (2017, 2018), Third Team (2019) and First Team (2020)—and was a Preseason All-Sun \Belt Conference First Team pick in 2021.

New York Giants @ Washington Football Team

NFL Editor
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New York Giants @ Washington Football Team

THURSDAY, SEPT. 16, 2021 // 8:20 PM ET // FEDEXFIELD // REFEREE: SCOTT NOVAK

 

ON THE AIRWAVES
TV: NFLN (8:20 PM ET): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, Kristina Pink (field reporters)
NATIONAL RADIO: Westwood One: Ian Eagle, Tony Boselli
SIRIUS: 81 (NYG), 83 (Was.) | XM: 226 (NYG), 225 (Was.) | SXM App: 823 (NYG), 831 (Was.)

 

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES HISTORY

LEADER: Giants lead all-time series, 104-68-4
STREAKS: Giants have won past 5
LAST GAME: 11/8/20: Giants 23 at Washington 20
LAST GAME AT SITE: 11/8/20

 

NEW YORK GIANTS LEADERS WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM

L 27-13 vs. Denver LAST WEEK L 20-16 vs. L.A. Chargers
Joe Judge: 2-0 COACH VS. OPP. Ron Rivera: 3-3
13.0/27.0 PTS. FOR/AGAINST 16.0/20.0
314.0 OFFENSE 259.0
Daniel Jones: 22-37-267-1-0-90.7 PASSING Taylor Heinicke: 11-15-122-1-0-119.3
Daniel Jones (QB): 6-27-4.5-1 RUSHING Antonio Gibson: 20-90-4.5-0
Sterling Shepard: 7-113-16.1-1 RECEIVING Terry McLaurin: 4-62-15.5-0
420.0 DEFENSE 424.0
Austin Johnson, Azeez Ojulari (R): 1 SACKS Jonathan Allen, Montez Sweat: 1
– INTs William Jackson: 1
0 (1/1) TAKE/GIVE +1 (2/1)
Riley Dixon: 54.0 (39.3) PUNTING (NET) Tress Way: 46.0 (45.0)
Graham Gano: 1 (1/1 PAT; 0/0 FG) KICKING Dustin Hopkins: 10 (1/1 PAT; 3/4 FG)

 

GIANTS NOTES

• QB DANIEL JONES passed for 267 yards & had 2 TDs (1 pass, 1 \rush) in Week 1. Has 8 TDs vs. 3 INTs for 100 rating in 4 career starts vs. Was. Aims for his 3rd in row at Was. with TD pass vs. 0 INTs & 90+ rating.
• RB SAQUON BARKLEY had career-high 279 scrimmage yards (carer-high 189 rush, 90 rec.) & 2 TDs (1 rush, 1 rec.) in his last game vs. Was. (12/22/19). Has 587 scrimmage yards (195.7 per game) in 3 career games vs. Was. & aims for his 3rd in row at Was. with 195+ scrimmage yards & TD. Had 229 scrimmage yards (130 rush, 99 rec.) & rush TD in only career game on TNF (10/11/18 vs. Phi.).
• WR STERLING SHEPARD led team with 7 receptions for 113 yards & TD catch last week, his 10th-career 100-yard game. Has rec. TD in 2 of his past 3 at Was. Has rec. TD in 2 of his 3 career games on TNF. WR KENNY GOLLADAY had 64 rec. yards in Week 1. Aims for his 3rd in row on Thursday with 90+ rec. yards. TE EVAN ENRGAM had TD catch in last meeting.
• DB LOGAN RYAN led team with 10 tackles, his 5th-career 10+ tackle game, & had FF & FR in Week 1. Has 5 PD, 2 INTs, FF & sack in 3 career games vs. Was. Aims for his 3rd in row on TNF with PD. LB BLAKE MARTINEZ had 9 tackles last week. Had 10 tackles & INT in last meeting. Aims for his 5th in row vs. Was. with 9+ tackles. CB JAMES BRADBERRY had PD in Week 1. DL LEONARD WILLIAMS aims for his 3rd in row vs. Was. with sack. Rookie LB AZEEZ OJULARI had 1st-career sack in Week 1.

 

WASHINGTON NOTES

• QB TAYLOR HEINICKE completed 11 of 15 attempts (73.3 pct.) for 122 yards & TD vs. 0 INTs for 119.3 rating in Week 1. Incl. postseason, aims for his 3rd game in row with TD pass.
• RB ANTONIO GIBSON totaled 108 scrimmage yards (90 rush, 18 rec.) in Week 1. Had rush TD in last meeting. Had 115 rush yards & 3 rush TDs in only career game on Thursday (11/26/20 at Dal.). RB J.D. MCKISSIC aims for his 3rd in row vs. NYG with 5+ catches & 80+ scrimmage yards.
• WR TERRY MCLAURIN had team-high 62 rec. yards last week. Had 7 catches for 115 yards & TD in last meeting. Aims for his 4th in row vs. NYG with 7+ catches & 70+ rec. yards. TE LOGAN THOMAS had rec. TD in Week 1. Has 6 rec. TDs in his past 7 vs. NFC East.
• DE CHASE YOUNG had sack in last meeting. Had sack in only career game on Thursday (11/26/20 at Dal.). Has 4.5 sacks & 5 TFL in 6 career games vs. NFC East & aims for his 4th in row vs. division with sack. DE MONTEZ SWEAT had sack & FF last week. Has 3 sacks & FF in his past 3 at home vs. NFC East. Aims for his 3rd in row at home with sack. DT JONATHAN ALLEN had sack in Week 1. Has sack in 2 of his 3 career games on Thursday. LB COLE HOLCOMB led team with 11 tackles last week, his 5thcareer game with 10+ tackles. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. NYG with TFL. CB WILLIAM JACKSON had 2 PD & his 4th-career INT in Week 1. CB BOBBY MCCAIN had career-high 10 tackles last week.

CFB Conference Notes: American Athletic Conference

NCAAFB Editor
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CFB Conference Notes: American Athletic Conference

THIS WEEK

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
UCF at Louisville
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Series: Tied, 1-1
Last Meeting: Oct. 18, 2013 (UCF, 38-35)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Cincinnati at Indiana
Time: Noon
Series: Indiana leads, 9-3-2
Last Meeting: Sept. 23, 2000 (Indiana, 42-6)

Boston College at Temple
Time: Noon
Series: Boston College leads, 29-7-2
Last Meeting: Sept. 29, 2018 (Boston College, 45-35)

SMU at Louisiana Tech
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Series: Louisiana Tech leads, 4-1
Last Meeting: Dec. 20, 2017 (Louisiana Tech, 51-10)

Tulsa at Ohio State
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Series: Ohio State leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: Sept. 10, 2016 (Ohio State, 48-3)

Mississippi State at Memphis
Time: 4 p.m.
Series: Mississippi State leads, 33-11
Last Meeting: Sept. 1, 2011 (Mississippi State, 59-14)

East Carolina at Marshall
Time: 6 p.m.
Series: East Carolina leads, 10-5
Last Meeting: Nov. 29, 2013 (Marshall, 59-28)

Grambling State at Houston
Time: 7 p.m.
Series: Houston leads, 2-0
Last Meeting: Sept. 6, 2014 (Houston, 47-0)

Florida A&M at South Florida
Time: 7 p.m.
Series: South Florida leads, 3-0
Last Meeting: Sept. 5, 2015 (South Florida, 51-3)

Tulane at Ole Miss
Time: 8 p.m.
Series: Ole Miss leads, 41-28
Last Meeting: Sept. 22, 2012 (Ole Miss, 39-0)

Open Week
Navy
Next Game: Sept. 25 at Houston

All times Eastern

Rank And File
Cincinnati finished the 2020 season ranked No. 8 nationally, marking the fourth time in the American Athletic Conference’s eight seasons that the league finished with a top-10 team.

Top-10 Finishes by American Athletic Conference Teams
2013 UCF (No. 10 AP)
2015 Houston (No. 8 AP, No. 8 USA Today)
2017 UCF (No. 6 AP, No. 7 USA Today)
2020 Cincinnati (No. 8 AP, No. 8 USA Today)

Bowling Lane
Cincinnati’s appearance in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl marked the fifth time in seven seasons of the current College Football Playoff format that the American Athletic Conference was represented in the New Year’s Six.

Big Time
American Athletic Conference teams have gone 3-3 in New Year’s Six/BCS bowls since the formation of the conference in 2013.
2013 UCF 52, Baylor 42 (Fiesta Bowl)
2015 Houston 38, Florida State 24 (Peach Bowl)
2017 UCF 34, Auburn 27 (Peach Bowl)
2018 LSU 40, UCF 32 (Fiesta Bowl)
2019 Penn State 53, Memphis 39 (Cotton Bowl)
2020 Georgia 24, Cincinnati 21 (Peach Bowl)

Defend This House
Cincinnati extended its homefield winning streak to 22 games with its Week 2 victory against Murray State. Memphis has a 16-game winning streak at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

Active Home Winning Streaks
29 Clemson
25 Notre Dame
22 Cincinnati
16 Memphis

On A Roll
Cincinnati is 33-6 since the start of the 2018 season.
UCF is 43-8 since the beginning of the 2017 season.
Memphis is 22-5 and SMU is 19-6 since the start of the
2019 campaign.

Bullies
Cincinnati has won 29 consecutive games against unranked teams.

Consistency
Cincinnati has been ranked in 29 consecutive national polls, dating to the rankings of Oct. 6, 2019. The Bearcats would have to be ranked in the next four polls of the 2021 season to tie UCF’s American Athletic Conference record of 33 straight national rankings.

Variety Show
Nine of the 11 American Athletic Conference schools have been ranked in the top 25 since the start of the 2018 season.

Welcome Aboard
The American’s top two rushing leaders in 2020 were freshmen. SMU UB Ulysses Bentley led the league with 91.3 rushing yards per game, while East Carolina RB Rahji
Harris was second at 78.0 ypg.

Veterans Day
Tulsa lost only eight letter-winners from last year’s team. The Golden Hurricane has 14 ‘super seniors’ who elected to return for 2021 with an extra year of eligibility.

Trailblazer
SMU QB Tanner Mordecai tied an American Athletic Conference record with seven touchdown passes against Abilene Christian in Week 1 and had four TD passes against North Texas last Saturday. The 11 touchdown pass are the most by an SMU player through two games in program history.

Believe The Hype
The following American Athletic Conference players have been named to preseason All-America teams by college football’s leading presenters.

Athlon Sports
Ahmad Gardner, DB, Cincinnati – First Team
Marcus Jones, PR, Houston – First Team
Myjai Sanders, DL, Houston – Second Team

Sporting News
Ahmad Gardner, DB, Cincinnati – First Team
Walter Camp Football Foundation
Ahmad Gardner, DB, Cincinnati – First Team
Marcus Jones, KR, Houston – First Team
Myjai Sanders, DL, Houston – Second Team

247 Sports
Ahmad Gardner, DB, Cincinnati – First Team
Marcus Jones, PR, Houston – First Team
Myjai Sanders, DL, Houston – Second Team

Phil Steele
Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati – First Team
Marcus Jones, PR, Houston – First Team
Myjai Sanders, DL, Houston – Third Team
Diego Fagot, LB, Navy – Third Team
Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis – Fourth Team
Tyler Snead, AP, East Carolina – Fourth Team
Adam Higuera, LS, Tulsa – Fourth Team
College Football News
Dillon Gabriel, QB, UCF – Honorable Mention
Matthew Lee, C, UCF – Honorable Mention
Cole Schneider, OG, UCF – Honorable Mention
Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati – Honorable Mention
Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati – Honorable Mention
Myjai Sanders, Edge, Cincinnati – Honorable Mention
Ulysses Bentley IV, RB, SMU – Honorable Mention

Top Of The Charts
Memphis RB Brandon Thomas leads the NCAA in rushing through two games (169.0 ypg).

Leaderboard
SMU QB Tanner Mordecai’s 11 touchdown passes are the most of any FBS player in 2021.

Top This
Memphis WR Calvin Austin III had 239 receiving yards against Arkansas State last Saturday, the most by an NCAA FBS player in a game this season.

Active Claims
UCF QB Dillon Gabriel is the NCAA active career leader in passing yards per game. Gabriel has averaged 314.1 yards per game.

Familiar Faces
The American Athletic Conference returns 10 of its 11 head coaches from last season. The only new head coach in The American in 2021 will be UCF’s Gus Malzahn.

Great Eight
Cincinnati is the first American Athletic Conference team with a preseason top-10 ranking since Louisville was ranked No. 9 to start the 2013 season. The Bearcats’ No. 8 preseason rank is the highest for an American Athletic Conference team in the league’s history.

Draft Class
The American Athletic Conference saw 19 players selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the most in conference history. Former Tulsa LB Zaven Collins (16th to Arizona) and
former Houston DE Payton Turner (28th to New Orleans) were both first-round selections.

TALKING POINTS

UCF
2-0, 0-0 American
@UCF_Football
Last: Beat Bethune-Cookman, 63-14
Next: Sept. 17 at Louisville (ESPN)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………. 622.0 …………………. 2nd
Total Defense………………………….292.5 …………………..3rd
Scoring Offense ……………………….49.5 …………………. 2nd
Scoring Defense ……………………….22.5 …………………..3rd
• RB Isaiah Bowser rushed for four touchdowns and 59 yards on 12 carries in the win against Bethune-Cookman.
• QB Dillon Gabriel threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns and added a 44-yard rushing TD against the Wildcats.
• UCF has scored a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in 51 consecutive games, the longest streak in the nation.
• The Knights are 43-8 in their last 51 games.
• WR Ryan O’Keefe had eight receptions for 110 yards against the Wildcats, turning in his second career 100-yard game.
• The Knights gained 671 yards of offense against Bethune-Cookman and have totaled 1,244 yards through their first two games.

CINCINNATI
2-0, 0-0 American
@BearcatsFB
Last: Beat Murray State, 42-7
Next: Sept. 18 at Indiana (ESPN)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….466.5 …………………..5th
Total Defense…………………………260.0 …………………. 2nd
Scoring Offense ………………………. 45.5 …………………..4th
Scoring Defense ……………………….10.5 ……………………1st
• RB Jerome Ford rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns as the Bearcats pulled away from a 7-7 halftime tie to beat Murray State.
• Cincinnati is 33-5 since the start of the 2018 season. The Bearcats are 15-1 all-time as a top-10 team.
• Cincinnati extended its homefield winning streak to 22 games with the victory against Murray State.
• QB Desmond Ridder was 14-of-22 for 243 yards and two touchdowns against the Racers.
• Cincinnati forced five turnovers against Murray State (three interceptions, two fumble recoveries).
• The Bearcats’ next two games are on the road, beginning with Saturday’s contest at Indiana.

EAST CAROLINA
0-2, 0-0 American
@ECUPiratesFB
Last: Lost to South Carolina, 20-17
Next: Sept. 18 at Marshall (CBSSN on Facebook)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………. 322.0 …………………..8th
Total Defense…………………………405.0 …………………..8th
Scoring Offense ………………………..18.0 …………………..9th
Scoring Defense ……………………… 26.5 …………………..6th
• East Carolina did not trail against South Carolina until the final gun as the Gamecocks got the game-winning field goal as time expired.
• The Pirates scored a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, but only found the end zone once the rest of the way.
• WR Jsi Hatfield had a team-high 90 receiving yards on only two receptions against the Gamecocks. Hatfield scored on a 75-yard touchdown catch on the first play of the game.
• QB Holton Ahlers was 11-of-24 for 77 yards, was intercepted twice and was sacked five times against South Carolina. Ahlers did have a rushing touchdown, the 14th of his career.
• The Pirates have forced at least one turnover in 10 consecutive games. East Carolina has six defensive interceptions in its last three contests.

HOUSTON
1-1, 0-0 American
@UHCougarFB
Last: Won at Rice, 44-7
Next: Sept. 18 vs. Grambling State (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………. 326.5 …………………..8th
Total Defense…………………………294.0 …………………..3rd
Scoring Offense ………………………. 32.5 …………………..6th
Scoring Defense ……………………….22.5 …………………..3rd
• The Cougars scored the first 17 points of the game against Rice a week after they scored the first 14 points against Texas Tech.
• QB Clayton Tune passed for 236 yards and two touchdows and was the Cougars’ leading rusher against Rice with 49 yards on nine carries.
• K Dalton Witherspoon has not missed a PAT in his collegeiate career (140-of-140). Witherspoon ranks third on The American’s career chart for consecutive made PATs and needs 14 to tie former UCF kicker Matthew Wright for second place.
• RB Alton McCaskill scored three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) against Rice, becoming the first Houston true freshman with three TDs in a game since Bryce Beall in the 2008 season.

MEMPHIS
2-0, 0-0 American
@TigersAthletics
Last: Won at Arkansas State, 55-50
Next: Sept. 18 vs. Mississippi State (ESPN2)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….633.5 ……………………1st
Total Defense…………………………489.5 …………………10th
Scoring Offense ……………………….48.5 …………………..3rd
Scoring Defense ………………………33.5 …………………..8th
• QB Seth Henigan was 22-of-33 for 417 yards and five touchdowns in his second career start to lead Memphis past Arkansas State.
• The teams combined for 105 points and 1,361 yards of offense.
• WR Calvin Austin II had six catches for careerhighs of 239 yards and three touchdowns against Arkansas State.
• Memphis scored six touchdowns of at least 40 yards in the win against Arkansas State.
• RB Brandon Thomas rushed for 191 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries against the Red Wolves.
• Memphis is off to a 2-0 start for the fifth time in seven years.

NAVY
0-2, 0-0 American
@NavyAthletics
Last: Lost to Air Force, 23-3
Next: Sept. 25 at Houston (ESPNU)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………. 233.0 ………………….11th
Total Defense………………………… 344.5 …………………..5th
Scoring Offense ………………………….5.0 ………………….11th
Scoring Defense ………………………36.0 …………………..9th
• Navy was limited to 36 rushing yards and 68 total yards in the loss to Air Force in the first game of the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy series.
• The Midshipmen gained only six first downs against Air Force and had moved the chains only once through the first three quarters.
• Navy’s defense limited Air Force to 225 yards.
• The loss to the Falcons ended an eight-game winning streak by the home team in the series between Navy and Air Force.
• LB Diego Fagot had 13 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss against the Falcons.
• The Midshipmen are idle in Week 3 and begin conference play Sept. 25 at Houston.

SOUTH FLORIDA
0-2, 0-0 American
@USFFootball
Last: Lost to Florida, 42-20
Next: Sept. 18 vs. Florida A&M (ESPN+)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….284.0 …………………..9th
Total Defense………………………… 595.5 ………………….11th
Scoring Offense ………………………..10.0 …………………10th
Scoring Defense ……………………… 43.5 ………………….11th
• South Florida outscored No. 9 Florida 17-7 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Gators’ 35-point first half.
• RB Jaren Mangham scored two rushing touchdowns against the Gators.
• WR Xavier Weaver had two receptions for 68 yards, finishing as the Bulls’ leader in receiving yards for the second consecutive week.
• QB Cade Fortin was 12-of-18 for 91 yards and an interceptions against the Gators in his second start with South Florida.
• The Bulls look to snap a 10-game slide with Saturday’s home date against Florida A&M

SMU
2-0, 0-0 American
@SMU_Football
Last: Beat North Texas, 35-12
Next: Sept. 18 at Louisiana Tech (CBSSN)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..497.5 …………………..3rd
Total Defense………………………… 420.5 …………………..9th
Scoring Offense ………………………. 45.5 …………………..4th
Scoring Defense ……………………….10.5 ……………………1st
• QB Tanner Mordecai threw for 312 yards and four touchdowns as the Mustangs pulled away from North Texas.
• Mordecai has 11 touchdown passes, the most by an SMU player in consecutive games in program history.
• RB Ulysses Bentley IV rushed for 141 yards and a TD on 10 carries against the Mean Green.
• The Mustangs are 11-1 in their last 12 games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
• SMU had 537 yards of offense against North Texas, giving the Mustangs at least 500 yards in 18 of their last 24 games.

TEMPLE
1-1, 0-0 American
@Temple_FB
Last: Won at Akron, 45-24
Next: Sept. 18 vs. Boston College (ESPNU)
American Ranks
Total Offense…………………………..341.5 ………………….. 7th
Total Defense………………………… 363.5 ………………….. 7th
Scoring Offense ………………………. 29.5 …………………..6th
Scoring Defense ……………………… 42.5 …………………10th
• Temple erased an early 14-0 deficit to roll past Akron as QB Justin Lynch and WR Randle Jones connected on a pair of touchdown passes.
• Lynch, making his first career start, completed 19 of 23 passes for 245 yards and added a rushing touchdown two his two passing TDs.
• Jones had seven receptions for 170 yards and the two touchdowns.
• The Owls scored two defensive touchdowns against Akron. DE William Kwenkeu found the end zone on a 38-yard fumble return, and S Amir Tyler scored on a 3-yard interception return.
• Temple snapped a six-game losing streak with the win against Akron.

TULANE
1-1, 0-0 American
@GreenWaveFB
Last: Beat Morgan State, 69-20
Next: Sept. 18 at Ole Miss (ESPN2)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….490.0 …………………..4th
Total Defense………………………… 339.5 …………………..4th
Scoring Offense ………………………. 52.0 ……………………1st
Scoring Defense ………………………30.0 ………………….. 7th
• The Green Wave raced to a 45-0 halftime lead on its way to the easy win against Morgan State.
• Tulane scored 35 points in the second quarter against Morgan State, becoming only the second American Athletic Conference team in league history to register a 35-point quarter (Memphis vs. Bowling Green, 9/24/16).
• QB Michael Pratt threw for 124 yards and two touchdowns, while QB Justin Ibieta threw for 166 yards and two TDs against the Bears.
• Nine Tulane players scored touchdowns against Morgan State. No player had more than one TD.
• Tulane has scored at least 60 points four times under Willie Fritz, who has been head coach since 2016. The Green Wave had not broken 60 points since 1998 before Fritz arrived.

TULSA
0-2, 0-0 American
@TulsaFootball
Last: Lost at Oklahoma State, 28-23
Next: Sept. 18 at Ohio State (FS1)
American Ranks
Total Offense………………………….403.0 …………………..6th
Total Defense…………………………354.0 …………………..6th
Scoring Offense ……………………….20.0 …………………..8th
Scoring Defense ……………………… 23.5 …………………..5th
• Tulsa held a 17-14 fourth-quarter lead, but saw Oklahoma State scored two backbreaking touchdowns in the Bank of Oklahoma Turnpike Classic.
• QB Davis Brin was 19-of 27 for 224 yards and was the Golden Hurricane’s leading rusher with 37 yards on eight carries.
• LB Justin Wright scored on a 55-yard interception return against Oklahoma State.
• Tulsa limited Oklahoma State to seven points through the first three quarters, but allowed 21 points in the fourth period.
• Tulsa finished with a 347-272 advantage in total offense against Oklahoma State.

This Week in the CFL – Week 7

CFL Editor
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This Week in the CFL – Week 7

Calgary at Hamilton will be on TSN, RDS, ESPN+, BT Sport 3 and Yare.
Toronto at Saskatchewan will be on TSN, ESPNEWS, BT Sport 3 and Yare.
BC at Montreal will be on TSN, RDS, ESPN+, BT Sport 3 and Yare.
Winnipeg at Edmonton will be on TSN, ESPN+, BT Sport 3 and Yare.

TRENDS

  • In Week 6, Winnipeg scored a touchdown against Saskatchewan after allowing a sack – the first team to do so this year. After the sack, Winnipeg converted on a 2nd and 15 en route to a 10-play, 87-yard drive capped by one of Sean McGuire’s three touchdowns in the game. McGuire now leads the league with five touchdowns.
  • B.C. scored their season-high of 45 points against Ottawa on Saturday night. Remarkably, the Lions matched Saskatchewan’s feat of scoring on its first three possessions of the game.
  • All four teams last week led by as many as 12 points during the game.
  • Only one team has overcome a double-digit deficit to win this season: Calgary trailed by 11 points on Aug. 20, before winning 28-22 against Montreal.
  • Over the last two weeks, the average margin of victory has been 17 points.
  • In the last three weeks, the 11 winning teams made 41 big plays (long gainers); losing teams only made 16.

WINNIPEG SURGING

  • This week, the Bombers head to Edmonton looking to improve to 6-1 on the season – a feat they have not achieved since 2011 when they started the season 7-1 and reached the Grey Cup. Prior to that, they reached the mark in 1984 when they won the Grey Cup.
  • This season, Winnipeg has scored the most points (136) and allowed the fewest points (76) for a +60-point differential.
  • Winnipeg leads the league in several key categories so far this season:
    • Points allowed (12.7 per game)
    • Touchdowns scored (16)
    • Touchdowns allowed (6)
    • Turnover ratio (+12)
    • 2-and-outs forced (32)
    • Turnovers forced (17)
    • 30+ yard completions (12)
    • Lowest passing efficiently (73.7)
  • 12.7 points allowed per game is the fewest since 1966 (Ottawa with 12.6). Winnipeg’s team record was set in 1958 (11.4) during a season in which they finished 13-3.
  • In the fourth quarter this year, the Bombers have allowed a total of three points.
  • Bombers receiver Kenny Lawler leads the league with 15-second down-conversion receptions, accounting for 47 per cent of his catches.
  • Zach Collaros is tied for the league-lead with nine touchdown passes.
  • Mike Miller has had multiple special teams tackles in each game this year and stands at a total of 15 to lead the league.
  • Jackson Jeffcoat is tied for the league lead with five sacks and leads the league with four forced fumbles.

FEELIN’ LUCKY

  • B.C. Lions receiver and returner Lucky Whitehead has had a great start on his new team. He is currently third in receiving yards with 421 yards on 24 receptions and leads the league in average yards per catch (17.5) and yards after catch (178). His yards after catch amounts to 42 per cent of his receiving yards.
  • Whitehead’s 119-yard missed-field goal return for a touchdown against Ottawa was the longest major of its kind since Toronto’s Martese Jackson’s 125-yard return in 2017.
  • Through five games this year, Whitehead is 101-yards shy of his rookie total, which he accumulated in 15 games with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
  • Whitehead is on pace for 67 receptions and 1,179 receiving yards for the 14-game season.

QUICK SLANTS

  • In the last two games, Kamar Jorden has recorded 21 receptions for 282 yards and a touchdown. His 159 yards last week established a new season-high and his 12 receptions were a career-high. He now has seven career 100+ yard games.
  • Jorden has been targeted 11 times downfield (20+ yards) and has made nine catches.
  • Montreal is coming off a Week 6 bye. They are currently 1-0 off a bye with a win in Week 2. In the past two seasons, they were 1-5 following a bye week. Teams off a bye this year are 3-2.
  • Saskatchewan’s Cody Fajardo has the highest rushing average amongst quarterbacks with 6.8 yards per rush.
  • This week, Edmonton and Montreal will be looking for their first home victories on the season.
  • Hamilton and Montreal own the highest red zone touchdown percentage this season (66.7 per cent).
  • Calgary’s Darnell Sankey leads the league with 41 defensive plays. Rounding out the Top-3 are Adam Bighill (40) and Jordan Williams (38).
  • Saskatchewan has been the most penalized team so far this season with 68 penalties accounting for 600 yards.
  • Each of Calgary’s games this year has been decided in the final three minutes. Each of Toronto’s victories has been decided in the final three minutes.
  • The league average on kicking converts is 92.4 per cent (73 of 79).
  • In 13 career games against Montreal, Michael Reilly has 10 victories.
  • Reilly threw four touchdown passes last week against Ottawa, matching a career-high. He has passed for 300+ yards in three of his last four games.
  • Bo Levi Mitchell made his 100th career start last week in Calgary’s win over Edmonton. His record stands at 78-20-2 (.790).
  • If the Ticats give David Watford the nod this week, it will be his first career start in the CFL. He has appeared in 32 games and has 50 career passing attempts.
  • Brandon Dozier and Mike Miller are the only players in the CFL with at least one special teams tackle in each game this year.

Houston Dash MF Christine Nairn announces retirement

NWSL Editor
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Houston Dash MF Christine Nairn announces retirement

NEED TO KNOW:

 

Midfielder will retire following special tribute at Dash vs. Tigres Femenil match on Sept. 19

 

Nairn appeared in 167 NWSL matches in all competitions from 2013-21

 

Dash to honor Nairn prior to kickoff of Sunday’s match with Tigres

 

Nairn will join Houston Fire Department Academy following her retirement

 

HOUSTON – Houston Dash midfielder Christine Nairn announced her intention to retire from professional soccer following this Sunday’s Dash friendly match against Tigres UANL this afternoon. The midfielder made the announcement on her personal Instagram page.

 

“26 years. 26 years of playing a sport that has allowed a girl from Bowie, Maryland to fulfill her dreams of playing professionally, traveling the world, and make memories with teammates, friends, and family that will last a lifetime. With a heavy heart, I’m announcing my retirement from professional soccer on September 19th,” Nairn said in her Instagram post.

 

Prior to kickoff of Sunday’s Dash vs. Tigres match, the Dash will celebrate Nairn’s and honor one of the most widely respected and admired players in NWSL history with a special pre-match ceremony. Kickoff for that match is set for 6 p.m. CDT. Tickets are available at HoustonDash.com/Tickets and the match will be streamed live at HoustonDynamoFC.com/Live.

 

“Christine is the epitome of what it means to be a professional in our sport, and it has been an honor to coach her over the last three years,” said Houston Dash head coach James Clarkson. “She is one of the best players to have played in the NWSL and has played a massive role in helping build this league into what it is today. On behalf of everyone at our club, I wish her all the best in her retirement.”

 

Following her retirement, Nairn announced that she plans to remain in Houston and has accepted an opportunity to join the Houston Fire Department Academy to become a firefighter.

 

Nairn, 30, is an original member of the National Women’s Soccer League, starting her professional career as the seventh overall pick in the inaugural NWSL College Draft in 2013. She has played in 167 NWSL matches across all competitions over the last eight seasons, including 155 regular-season contests for Seattle Reign FC (now OL Reign), the Washington Spirit, the Orlando Pride and the Houston Dash. Her 155 appearances rank fourth in league history.

 

Nairn became the first player in NWSL history to reach 150 appearances on Oct. 12, 2109 against Utah Royals FC. She retires as one of just seven players in league history to record at least 20 goals and 20 assists.

 

The Maryland native joined the Dash in a trade with Orlando on February 26, 2019 and has made 35 appearances in all competitions and 27 in league play for the team, scoring one goal. In 2020 she helped the Dash capture the first league championship in team history when they won the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.

 

Nairn made two international appearances for the United States Women’s National Team and scored the game-winning goal in a friendly against Canada on July 22, 2009. Prior to these appearances she played for the US U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-20 national teams. She also was a part of the 2010 CONCACAF U-20 team that defeated Mexico by 1-0 in the final, winning the tournament for the US.

 

Prior to her professional career, Nairn starred at Penn State from 2009-12. She earned unanimous first-team All-Big Ten honors and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and national Rookie of the Year by TopDrawerSoccer.com in her debut campaign. She followed that up with three more All-Big Ten seasons and earned second-team All-American honors as a junior and first-team recognition as a senior. In her final season, she led Penn State to the NCAA College Cup Final and was a finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, given annually to the nation’s best collegiate soccer player.

MATCH RECAP: Ruan, Robin Jansson Score First MLS Goals as Lions Fall to Montréal

MLS Editor
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MATCH RECAP: Ruan, Robin Jansson Score First MLS Goals as Lions Fall to Montréal

City begins three-game road trip in Philadelphia on Sunday

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC (10-6-8, 38 points) dropped a 4-2 decision on Wednesday night to CF Montréal (9-8-7, 34 points) at Exploria Stadium. The match saw defender Robin Jansson score his first MLS goal, while teammate Ruan netted his first across all competitions as a Lion.

The Lions were reduced to nine men in the match, with Nani being shown a second yellow card in the 35th minute of play followed by a red card for Andrés Perea late in the match. The side returns to action in Philadelphia on Sunday, set to take on the Union at Subaru Park in what will serve as the first of three-consecutive road matches for the side.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:

“First, I want to apologize for our performance to our fans. Not just because the game became messy with all the incidents and things, but because we are much more than that. At the end, you have a coach and a leader who takes the responsibilities on the way we lineup, the way we choose to play the game and our strategies and all those things and today it didn’t work, especially in the first half. After the red cards happened, I thought the boys brought their hearts and put such a spirit there to get back into the game and they did it. That’s something that I value a lot from them, but other than that we will put our heads down and review. We’re firm, we will keep going, we know what we’re representing and tonight was one of those nights that we don’t want to remember.”

Scoring Recap:

18’ Mathieu Choinière (Romell Quioto) – MTL 1, ORL 0

The visitors got on the board first with Samuel Piette finding Romell Quioto on the left edge of the area. Quioto lofted in a ball for Mathieu Choinière, who hit it on the volley for the first-time finish out of the air.

37’ Romell Quioto (Djordje Mihailovic) – MTL 2, ORL 0

CF Montréal doubled its advantage shortly after the Lions were reduced to 10 men with Djordje Mihailovic threading a ball in behind the City defense for Romell Quioto, who was able to slot his shot off the far post and into the back of the net.

40’ Robin Jansson – MTL 2, ORL 1

City halved the deficit quickly thereafter off a set piece play, with Mauricio Pereyra sending a dangerous free kick into the area, bouncing off a Montréal defender before falling to the feet of Robin Jansson. The Swede was able to body off his defender just enough to send his shot into the right side of the net with the outside of his foot.

63’ Ruan (Emmanuel Mas) – ORL 2, MTL 2

City leveled in the second half, with Mauricio Pereyra lofting a ball in behind the Montréal defense for a running Benji Michel. The Lions’ Homegrown was able to move off his defender before playing a ball to a running Emmanuel Mas into the area. Mas’ effort was blocked only to find the feet of Ruan, who played the ball straight into the back of the net.

73’ Lassi Lappalainen (Romell Quioto) – MTL 3, ORL 2

The visitors regained the lead off a cross from Romell Quioto from the right flank that found the foot of Lassi Lappalainen for the first-time finish.

80’ Sunusi Ibrahim (Djordje Mihailovic) – MTL 4, ORL 2

CF Montréal added another off a low driven corner from the left side with Djordje Mihailovic’s cross finding the foot of Sunusi Ibrahim to double the advantage for the visitors.

Match Notes:

Ruan scored his first goal across all competitions as a Lion with his finish in the 63rd minute.

Robin Jansson scored his first goal in MLS play in the match and his second across all competitions for the Lions, his first of which came in 2019 U.S. Open Cup play against Memphis 901 FC. The goal came in what served as his 80th appearance as a Lion.

Emmanuel Mas tallied his first goal contribution as a Lion with the assist on Ruan’s 63rd minute finish.

The Lions were reduced to 10 men for the first time this season when Nani was shown his second yellow card of the match in the 35th minute. They were later reduced to nine men with Andrés Perea being shown a red card in the 83rd.

Wednesday’s loss ended a three-game win streak for the Lions over Montréal dating back to the 2019 MLS campaign.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja made four changes to his starting lineup on Wednesday night, with Pedro Gallese, Emmanuel Mas, Silvester van der Water and Júnior Urso all reentering the fold. The start served as the first for Gallese since his return from international duty with the Peruvian National Team.

Daryl Dike reached his 30th appearance as a Lion in the match, while teammate Silvester van der Water tallied his 20th.

Next Match: The Lions embark on a three-game road trip, first set to travel to Philadelphia to take on the Union on Sunday, Sept. 19 at Subaru Park in a 4 p.m. ET kickoff.

Scoring Summary:

MTL – Mathieu Choinière (Romell Quioto) 18’

MTL – Romell Quioto (Djordje Mihailovic) 37’

ORL – Robin Jansson 40’

ORL – Ruan (Emmanuel Mas) 63’

MTL –  Lassi Lappalainen (Romell Quioto) 73’

MTL – Sunusi Ibrahim (Djordje Mihailovic) 80’

Misconduct Summary:

ORL – Nani (Yellow Card) 28’

ORL – Nani (Second Yellow Card) 35’

ORL – Nani (Red Card) 35’

MTL – Victor Wanyama (Yellow Card) 39’

MTL – Joel Waterman (Yellow Card) 72’

ORL – Andrés Perea (Red Card) 83’

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City SC – GK Pedro Gallese; D Emmanuel Mas (Alexander Alvarado 79’), Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, Ruan; M Silvester van der Water (Chris Mueller 41’ (Benji Michel 46’)), Andrés Perea, Júnior Urso, Mauricio Pereyra; F Nani ©, Daryl Dike (Tesho Akindele 71’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Adam Grinwis; D Rodrigo Schlegel, Kyle Smith; M Raul Aguilera, Joey DeZart

CF Montréal – GK James Pantemis; D Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman, Rudy Camacho; M Mathieu Choinière (Emanuel Maciel 86’), Victor Wanyama (Ahmed Hamdi 69’), Samuel Piette ©, Zachary Brault-Guillard; F Djordje Mihailovic (Zorhan Bassong 86’), Romell Quioto (Sunusi Ibrahim 78’), Joaquin Torres (Lassi Lappalainen 69’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Sebastian Breza; D Mustafa Kizza; M Clément Bayiha; F Bjørn Johnsen

Details of the Game:

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Weather: Clear

Date: Sept. 15, 2021

Attendance: 14,133

Stats:

Possession:

ORL – 40.3%

MTL – 59.7%

Shots:

ORL – 7

MTL – 15

Saves:

ORL – 3

MTL – 1

Fouls:

ORL – 10

MTL – 9

Corners:

ORL – 0

MTL – 9

Heineken Man of the Match: Robin Jansson

LAFC adds MLS Pool Goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh ahead of Austin match

MLS Editor
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LAFC adds MLS Pool Goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh ahead of Austin match

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced today that it has added Major League Soccer pool goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh to the roster. Ranjitsingh is available for tonight’s match against Austin FC.

LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega underwent successful surgery this week to repair a nasal fracture and is out for tonight’s match.

In 2020 Ranjitsingh made three starts and appearances for Minnesota United and made two appearances for Orlando City in 2019. A native of Ontario, Canada, Ranjitsingh  made 46 starts and appearances for Louisville City of the United Soccer League (USL) from 2015-2018.

LAFC takes on Austin FC at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on Bally Sports SoCal and Estrella TV (SPA), and on radio on 1110 AM ESPN, the ESPN App, and 980 AM La Mera Mera.

Transaction: LAFC adds MLS pool goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh.

Alouettes Injury report – Wednesday

CFL Editor
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Alouettes Injury report – Wednesday

Montreal, – The following is the Montreal Alouettes injury report for Wednesday, September 15, 2021:

 

Cameron Artis-Payne, (RB), healthy scratch, full participation

 

Quan Bray, (WR), healthy scratch, full participation

 

Ty Cranston (DB), knee, full participation

 

Najee Murray, (DB), knee, full participation

 

Antonio Simmons, (DL), elbow, full participation

 

Ahmad Thomas, (LB), knee, full participation

 

Michael Wakefield (DL), personal reasons, did not participate

 

Tony Washington (OL), knee, full participation

Head Coach Khari Jones tests positive for COVID-19

CFL Editor
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Head Coach Khari Jones tests positive for COVID-19

Montreal, – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that Head Coach Khari Jones has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be in isolation from the rest of the team for a minimum of ten days, after which his situation will be re-evaluated.

 

Since receiving this diagnostic, Jones has remained in preventive isolation at home and is feeling well. He is asymptomatic and remains in constant contact with the team doctors.

 

Jones received the diagnosis late on Sunday, following the tests that the entire team passed on Saturday. He has followed social distancing guidelines and has received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in the past months.

 

During his absence, Assistant Head Coach and Running Back Coach André Bolduc will coach the team on Saturday, September 18, against the BC Lions. Jones will work virtually with Bolduc and the other members of the Alouettes’ coaching staff.

 

Following this news, players and team personnel were all tested once more on Monday and no other positive tests were detected.

 

Since the beginning of training camp, players along with team personnel are tested on a regular basis and must follow a league protocol, which was approuved by public health. These measures are monitored closely by the CFL.

 

The Alouettes will share further updates in the upcoming days.

Alouettes’ Tuesday Transactions

CFL Editor
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Alouettes’ Tuesday Transactions

Montreal, – The Montreal Alouettes announced the following transactions on Tuesday.

 

Players added to the practice roster:

 

Paul Kozachuk (N), LB, Toronto

 

Jermaine Ponder (A), DB, St. Francis

 

Dondre Wright (N), DB, Henderson State

 

Player suspended:

 

Dominique Termansen (N), DB, UBC

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