The Big Ten fined Michigan $10,000 and publicly reprimanded coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday for his critical comments about the officiating in Saturday's 30-27 overtime loss at Ohio State.
"Two penalties called all day [on Ohio State]," Harbaugh said. "Multiple holding penalties let go, multiple false starts. The official on my side, who is supposed to be watching that, is concerned about whether our coaches are in the [coaches' box] or not. Their coaches were on the field, practically in the huddle at times."
The Big Ten said in a statement released Monday afternoon that Harbaugh's comments violated a league rule that states the conference "expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials."
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Monday, November 28, 2016
Wisconsin QB Alex Hornibrook listed as questionable vs. Penn State
Wisconsin QB Alex Hornibrook is listed as questionable with a head injury for the Big Ten championship game vs. Penn State on Saturday.
Bart Houston would likely be the starter if Hornibrook can not play.
Hornibrook left Saturday's Wisconsin win over Minnesota that clinched the Big Ten West title with a concussion, and his status for this weekend remains unclear.
"He was just in the office probably about 15 minutes ago [on Sunday], and says he's feeling good and feeling a lot better than he did yesterday," Head coach Paul Chryst told reporters. "Take it day by day, and see where he's at. I know he got on the bike today and did some things, said he felt good after that, but we'll probably just take it day by day here."
Matthew Owens' Bowl Predictions
After a phenomenal Rivalry Weekend that lived up to all the hype it had, we’ve got more chaos and more wildness. So how does that affect the Playoff? The New Year’s Six? All the Bowl Games? Well here’s my updated Bowl Projections.
New Mexico: Old Dominion vs. Hawaii
Las Vegas: Southern Mississippi vs. Wyoming
Cure: Arkansas State vs. Central Florida
Camellia: Louisiana-Lafayette vs. Eastern Michigan
New Orleans: North Texas vs. Troy
Miami Beach: Tulsa vs. Texas-San Antonio
Boca Raton: Western Kentucky vs. Central Michigan
Poinsettia: BYU vs. San Diego State
Famous Idaho Potato: Colorado State vs. Miami (OH)
Bahamas: South Florida vs. Toledo
Armed Forces: Navy vs. South Carolina
Dollar General: Appalachian State vs. Ohio
Hawaii: Middle Tennessee vs. New Mexico
St. Petersburg: Memphis vs. Army
Quick Lane: Maryland vs. Boston College
Independence: Wake Forest vs. Mississippi State
Heart of Dallas: Louisiana Tech vs. South Alabama
Military: North Carolina State vs. Houston
Holiday: Northwestern vs. Stanford
Cactus: Kansas State vs. Boise State
Pinstripe: Minnesota vs. Pittsburgh
Russell Athletic: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
Foster Farms: Washington State vs. Indiana
Texas: Texas A&M vs. Baylor
Birmingham: Vanderbilt vs. Temple
Belk: Kentucky vs. Georgia Tech
Alamo: Oklahoma State vs. Colorado
Liberty: TCU vs. Georgia
Sun: North Carolina vs. Utah
Music City: Iowa vs. Arkansas
Gator: Miami (FL) vs. Tennessee
Outback: Nebraska vs. Florida
Citrus: Auburn vs. Florida State
Arizona: Idaho vs. Air Force
Rose*: Ohio State vs. USC
Sugar*: Oklahoma vs. LSU
Orange*: Louisville vs. Michigan
Cotton*: Penn State vs. Western Michigan
Peach**: Alabama vs. Wiscobsin
Fiesta**: Clemson vs. Washington
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Hurts, No. 1 Alabama race past No. 16 Auburn 30-12
By John Zenor
Associated Press
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama's defense still seems to have a wall erected at the goal line, and Jalen Hurts remains unflappable enough to shrug off mistakes.
The combination has been good enough every time so far.
Hurts rebounded from two early interceptions to pass for 286 yards and the top-ranked Crimson Tide's defense did the rest in a 30-12 victory Saturday over No. 16 Auburn to finish an undefeated regular season.
"We have bigger goals in mind," tight end O.J. Howard said.
The Tide (12-0, 8-0 Southeastern Conference, No. 1 CFP) led just 13-9 at halftime, dominating the stat sheet but only taking over the scoreboard in the second half. The defense pushed its string of quarters without allowing a touchdown to 14-plus and shut down the league's top running game.
Auburn (8-4, 5-3, No. 15) failed to muster much offense for the second straight SEC game. This time the Tigers were playing without injured quarterback Sean White and unable to reach the end zone despite starting several drives in Alabama territory.
"We had some really, really challenging field position situations in this game, and our players responded really well to it," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.
Hurts displayed the same poise in overcoming two first-half interceptions that has helped him lead the Tide into the SEC championship game. He completed 27-of-36 mostly short and mid-range passes and threw for two touchdowns. Alabama has won three straight Iron Bowls for the first time since 1990-92.
"At halftime, I guess everybody thought I was going to throw a fit, but I told them, 'Look guys, all we've got to do is go out there and play with some poise and confidence,'" Saban said.
Hurts also ran for 37 yards and a touchdown, leading two straight touchdown drives in the third quarter to all but put the game away after a mistake-filled first half.
He ran for a 4-yard score on a drive sparked by four Bo Scarbrough runs. On a fourth-and-4 play, he hit ArDarius Stewart, who spun away from a defender and made another move downfield en route to a 38-yard touchdown and a 27-9 lead.
Stewart gained 127 yards on 10 catches and completed a 12-yard pass. Scarbrough ran for 90 yards, including 83 after the half.
Auburn's Jeremy Johnson, who started the second straight game in White's place, completed 4 of 13 passes for 34 yards. John Franklin III connected on two downfield passes in the second half that totaled 85 yards. The Tide dominated in total yards, 501-182.
Daniel Carlson connected on four field goals for Auburn.
"Offensively, we just didn't get first downs, we just didn't get it done," Tigers coach Gus Malzahn said. "Two of 12 on third downs, I really think that caused the problem. Third downs, didn't hit explosive plays, defense was on the field too long was really the story of the day.
"Obviously we've got players in there that are hurting, coaches that are hurting, this is a tough one."
THE TAKEAWAY
Auburn didn't get a first down until nearly 25 minutes into the game and continues to have no passing game without a healthy White. Leading rusher Kamryn Pettway ran 12 times for just 17 yards after missing the past two games with a leg injury. The Tigers managed 66 rushing yards after coming in averaging a league best 298.
Alabama still has to get more offense in the downfield passing game but remains dominant on defense.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Alabama seems unlikely to drop from No. 1 in AP pollor playoff rankings, but No. 2 Ohio State could at least close ground after a double-overtime win over No. 3 Michigan. Auburn could fall from the top 20 after a second straight punchless offensive performance in SEC games.
TARGETING
Defensive back Tony Brown was ejected for targeting for a block thrown on a punt return. He'll be available against Florida.
FAREWELLS
Alabama's senior class finished its final home game with a 49-5 record so far.
UP NEXT
Auburn awaits its bowl destination.
Alabama faces No. 13 Florida in the SEC championship game for the second straight year.
With playoff spots at stake, Ohio St. beats Michigan in 2OT
Editor's Note: This game was covered by Matthew Owens on RabbleTV yesterday. You can listen to the broadcast here.
By Ralph D. Russo
AP
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The play was 29 Lead, and it will go down in history as how Ohio State beat Michigan in one of the greatest games ever played by the Big Ten's most storied rivals.
That's pretty much all Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer wanted to talk about. Everything else about the second-ranked Buckeyes' 30-27 victory over the third-ranked Wolverines on Saturday was almost too overwhelming for Meyer to sort out so soon after what he called an instant classic.
Curtis Samuel swept in for a 15-yard touchdown on 29 Lead left after Ohio State barely converted a fourth-and-1 in the second overtime. The biggest crowd ever to watch a game in the Horseshoe then began spilling onto the field in a scarlet-covered celebration that included a stirring sing-a-long to "Sweet Caroline."
"I remember that Neil Diamond song," Meyer said about the crazy scene, but he couldn't recall much else. "Weird life, man."
Very much so because it was not quite clear what else Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten, No. 2 CFP) has won.
It won't be the Big Ten. No. 8 Penn State beat Michigan State 45-12 in State College, Pennsylvania, to clinch the East Division and a spot in the conference title game next week against No. 5 Wisconsin. Still, the Buckeyes added to a resume that already impressed the College Football Playoff selection committee.
Of course, beating "That team up North," as Michigan is called around here, is enough reason to party — and can be hard to put into perspective.
"I didn't do a lot of thinking, honestly," Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett said after the Buckeyes beat Michigan for a fifth straight time. "I just looked around and, man, that just happened."
The 113th meeting of Ohio State and Michigan became the first to go to overtime. It was filled with drama, thrills and controversy. Michigan went away feeling dejected and cheated.
Facing fourth-and-1 from the 16 in the second overtime and trailing by three, Meyer decided not to try a potential game-tying field goal with Tyler Durbin, who had already missed two short ones in regulation.
Barrett kept it on fourth down and slammed into the back of his blocker, A.J. Alexander, right at the line to gain. The first-down call stood on video review.
"That was not a first down," said Michigan's Jim Harbaugh. And then, as if channeling his former coach, Bo Schembechler, Harbaugh added: "I'm bitterly disappointed with the officiating today."
On the next play, Samuel, who had made a swerving, change-of-direction run to set up the fourth-and-1, raced through a lane and skipped into the end zone for the win.
"Been a part of some crazy football games here," Barrett said. "That one was No. 1."
Harbaugh drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty earlier in the game after an offside on Michigan (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten, No. 3 CFP). He also was angry about a pass interference on Michigan during Ohio State's tying drive late and a non-call on a would-be pass interference against the Buckeyes in OT.
The loss likely eliminated Michigan from the playoff race. The Wolverines could end up in the Rose Bowl, but the biggest prizes are still eluding them in their second year under Harbaugh, who dropped to 0-2 against Meyer and the Buckeyes. Michigan has not won the Big Ten since 2004.
A crowd of 110,045 watched what might just be the second act of a new Ten Year War between Michigan and Ohio State, with Meyer and Harbaugh playing the roles of Woody Hayes and Schembechler . If that's the case, there is much to look forward to for college football fans.
THE TAKEAWAY
Michigan: Quarterback Wilton Speight returned after missing last week's game with a left shoulder injury. In many ways, he was Michigan's best offensive player, going 23 for 35 for 219 yards and two touchdown passes. He also made three critical turnovers, one interception Malik Hooker returned for a touchdown in the first half and another pick by Jerome Baker that set up Ohio State's second touchdown to make it 17-14 with 1:06 left in the third quarter.
"It's a bummer, you know, knowing I let the defense down," Speight said.
Ohio State: Barrett will not go down as Ohio State's greatest player, but no one will ever doubt his ability to come up big when the Buckeyes needed him most. He struggled throwing until the fourth quarter and finished 15 for 32 for 132 yards. He was sacked eight times. He also ran for 125 desperately needed yards against a Michigan defense that took almost everything else away.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Michigan: A slight drop for the Wolverines, but still a critical one in the playoff rankings.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes looked locked in to No. 2.
UP NEXT
Michigan: The Wolverines will likely go to a New Year's Six bowl. The question is whether it's Rose or Orange. Maybe Cotton?
Ohio State: Maybe a playoff game on New Year's Eve? Maybe in the Rose Bowl if the Buckeyes get squeezed out of the playoff? Stay tuned.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
University of Texas and Charlie Strong part ways
"Decisions like this are tough to make. The responsibility is not taken lightly," said a statement from Perrin "I became friends with Charlie Strong before becoming Athletics Director. I have the utmost personal respect for him. His impact on college athletics and student-athletes should be celebrated. Coach Strong represented The University of Texas with class and dignity, and he demanded our student-athletes do the same by adhering to his system of core values. However, after thorough evaluation, the body of work over three seasons has not shown the improvement we were hoping for. This was an important year for our program to take the next step, and the results simply aren't there, so we've decided to make a change. We appreciate Coach Strong so much, are grateful for all he has done with our program and wish him the best in the future."
Strong said after the loss on Friday that he'd likely meet with Texas President Greg Fences and Perrin on Saturday and plead his case for more time. He had two years left on a guaranteed contract that paid him more than $5 million per year.
"It's a very difficult day for me, my family and all of the people affected by this decision," Strong said in a statement. "I'm most disappointed for these kids and our staff who have poured so much of their lives into this program for the last three years. I do understand that it comes down to wins and losses, and we have not done our job in that area yet. I accept full responsibility for that, but know in my heart that we accomplished our primary goal, which is the development of young men. We have had a positive impact on our campus and the community, and I'm proud of how our team is focused on earning their degrees. We were developing something really special. This program has a championship foundation built on great young men with tremendous character. There are very bright days ahead, and I'll be pulling for these kids no matter where I am. I want to thank everyone who supported me and this program for the last three years. I don't regret coming to Texas. I learned a great deal and grew as a person in my time here. I'll miss the opportunity to lead this program going forward, but I'm ready to accept my next challenge."
Charlie Strong and Texas soundly beaten by TCU, 31-9
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Charlie Strong went to the corner of the stadium to sing "The Eyes of Texas" with his team for what was most likely the final time.
Texas running back D'Onta Foreman knelt in the end zone, tears streaming down his face. His brother, Armanti, sprinted off the field rather than rather than get caught in a public show of emotion.
All of it signaled the likely end of Strong's coaching tenure at Texas, a three-year rut of losing capped by a dismal 31-9 loss to TCU on Friday night.
The Longhorns took the field amid swirling reports Strong would be fired at the end of the week. Strong and school administrators had said he'd been promised an evaluation after the final game, but a 16-21 overall record for the only Texas coach in program history with three consecutive losings seasons may be all anyone needs to know. Texas will miss a bowl game for the second straight season.
Strong said he'll likely meet with Texas President Greg Fenves and athletic director Mike Perrin on Saturday and he'll plead his case for more time. He has two years left on a guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year.
"I said the third year we'll make progress, the fourth year will be our year," Strong said. "I was told when I came in three years ago to build a program. The wins and losses don't add up, but it's more than that ... (It's) taking the program in the right direction."
Fenves' office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday night.
Texas' somber finish was a long fall from the season-opening win over Notre Dame when Strong's players tossed him in the air in celebration.
"We've been blessed to have him," freshman quarterback Shane Buechele said. "No one wants him to leave. Everybody wants him to stay."
But Strong's program has moved backward in the Big 12, and Friday's loss was the third in a row to TCU. Horned Frogs quarterback Kenny Hill did the damage this time, running for two touchdowns before TCU put the game away with two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Hill scored with a 4-yard run that capped the Horned Frogs' first drive. He scored again in the third quarter on a 41-yard scamper that saw him break away from a pass rush and dart along the right sideline to the end zone for a 17-9 lead.
Even after Hill left the game with an injury, TCU (6-5, 4-4 Big 12) blew it open in the fourth quarter when Trevorris Johnson capped a 97-yard touchdown drive with a 5-yard TD and Darius Anderson ran 70-yards for a score.
TCU coach Gary Patterson said he ignored the emotions that were bubbling on the Texas sideline.
"I didn't worry about Texas. I had enough problems ... We're just glad to win," Patterson said. "We got bowl eligible and not anything really good has happened for these guys this year."
D'Onta Foreman rushed for 165 yards for Texas (5-7, 3-6) and passed 2,000 yards on the season.
"I cried because it's emotional to put everything on the line. I gave my all every game, every practice. To come up short in a game like this is very emotional," Foreman said.
THE TAKEAWAY
TCU: The Horned Frogs became bowl eligible behind a defensive effort that gave up big yards to Foreman but didn't break when it mattered. By keeping him out of the end zone and forcing early field goals, TCU never let the Longhorns grab a lead. TCU also dialed up steady pressure on Buechele with four sacks.
Texas: Longhorns players had rallied behind their coach this week , with several giving tearful pleas for him to return next season. And the defense played arguably its best game of the year. Strong had hoped a win and a bowl trip would earn him another year, then had to watch as the game turned into a blowout.
"Every year, it turned into being all about me. It never should have been all about me. The players should have been given a chance to enjoy it," Strong said.
D'ONTA'S RUN
Foreman is a junior and said he has to decide if he will turn pro after this season. His 2,028 yards this season rank second only to Ricky Williams' 2,124 at Texas in 1998, the year Williams won the Heisman Trophy. Foreman also has a school record 13 consecutive 100-yard games dating to last season.
UP NEXT
TCU: The Horned Frogs host Kansas State to end the regular season
Texas: The Longhorns season is over.
No. 14 WMU still unbeaten after 55-35 rout of Toledo
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — After another glorious moment in Western Michigan's remarkable turnaround, P.J. Fleck was happy to look back on his first season with the Broncos, when he managed only one win in 2013 as a rookie coach.
"I'm so thankful for 1-11," he said. "It'll probably be the most memorable year ever in my mind, because failing is growth and we failed more than anybody in the country, but our perspective of failing was way different, and we wouldn't let each other be down."
The 14th-ranked Broncos have come a long way since then, and on Friday night they capped an undefeated regular season in style, routing Toledo 55-35 to secure a berth next week in the Mid-American Conference championship game. Corey Davis became the career FBS leader in yards receiving, and WMU never trailed, advancing to the league title game for the first time since 2000.
It was a milestone moment for Fleck, who turns 36 on Tuesday. His "row the boat" mantra has caught on in a big way at WMU, with fans chanting it and players savoring the chance to play for high stakes as the postseason approaches.
"Those who would stay, we promise you, you would be a champion," Fleck said, appropriating Bo Schembechler's old saying at Michigan. "We're not a full MAC champion yet, but we're a MAC West champion. Those who stay, the 1-11 guys, they all get to leave here a champion."
The Broncos (12-0, 8-0, No. 21 CFP) scored a defensive touchdown on the first play from scrimmage and eventually broke it open in the third quarter. WMU will face Ohio in the MAC title game in Detroit next Friday night, and it's looking more and more like the Broncos will be playing for a spot in a major bowl.
Kareem Hunt ran for 200 yards and a touchdown for Toledo, but there was only so much he could do after the Rockets (9-3, 6-2) fell way behind in the second half.
Zach Terrell went 19 of 25 for 196 yards and three touchdowns for WMU, and Davis caught eight passes for 81 yards and a TD. Davis broke the career mark of 5,005 yards receiving set by Trevor Insley of Nevada from 1996-99.
Jamauri Bogan also had a big day for WMU, rushing for 198 yards and a TD.
Toledo received the opening kickoff, but Logan Woodside's pass on the first play from scrimmage was intercepted by Asantay Brown, whose 21-yard return gave the Broncos a 7-0 lead.
WMU led 24-14 at halftime, then outscored the Rockets 21-0 in the third quarter.
"It's really hard to run the table in college football and go undefeated as you know," Toledo coach Jason Candle said. "Hats off to their staff and their players for getting that accomplished."
WMU fans rushed the field after the game in celebration.
"We've come so far, and we've struggled so much," Davis said. "Just to see the smiles on these guys' faces and the fans light up, it's just a blessing."
THE TAKEAWAY
Toledo: The Rockets have been one of the MAC's most consistently solid teams in recent years, but they haven't made the league title game since 2004. Northern Illinois represented the West Division the past six years, and this season WMU has been dominant, leaving Toledo again on the outside looking in.
WMU: If there was any pressure on the Broncos because of their undefeated record, it didn't show Friday. Against a tough opponent, WMU was simply terrific, winning by the kind of one-sided score that could certainly catch the attention of the playoff committee. The Broncos could go to a New Year's Six bowl if they end up as the top league champion from the Group of Five conferences.
WMU and Alabama are the only FBS teams that are undefeated, and Boise State's loss to Air Force on Friday derailed one major competitor in the race for that top Group of Five spot.
"People can label us, put a number on us. We won't. We're going to define ourselves by how we play," Fleck said. "Everybody else can talk about our program, say what's missing, say all those things, what conference we're in. We're proud to be in the Mid-American Conference, and I would not have it any other way. This is an elite program, elite school, 12-0. There's only two that are undefeated right now, and it's pretty hard to go undefeated."
POLL IMPLICATIONS
WMU: The Broncos' No. 14 AP ranking is the highest for a MAC team since Ball State was No. 12 in 2008 following a 12-0 start. WMU now has a chance to move up. No. 13 Florida and No. 9 Colorado have tough games this weekend.
INJURY
It wasn't a great fourth quarter for WMU. Linebacker Caleb Bailey was ejected for targeting, and safety Justin Ferguson was taken off on a stretcher with what Fleck described as a gruesome ankle injury. Ferguson, a senior, drew a nice ovation as he was taken off the field in the final home game of the year.
UP NEXT
Toledo: The Rockets will certainly have a chance to go to a bowl. Hunt is now 24 yards shy of the school's career rushing record. Chester Taylor holds the mark of 4,849 yards.
WMU: Somebody is going to win the MAC for the first time in quite a while. The Broncos haven't done it since 1988, and Ohio's last conference title was back in 1968.
Iowa tops No. 17 Nebraska 40-10, Wisconsin wins Big-Ten West
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — With a possible trip to the Big Ten championship game at stake, Nebraska fell flat.
C.J. Beathard threw three touchdown passes and the Hawkeyes pummeled No. 17 Nebraska 40-10 on Friday, knocking the Cornhuskers out of Big Ten title contention and sending Wisconsin to the championship game.
Tommy Armstrong started for Nebraska (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) despite a balky hamstring and was just 13 of 35 passing for 125 yards. Backup Ryker Fyfe, who broke his non-throwing wrist last week, didn't take a snap until the game had long been decided.
"Tommy wasn't 100 percent," Huskers coach Mike Riley said. "I don't know if he was the healthiest...I don't know how much it would have made a difference (to play Fyfe)."
Nebraska's defense was just as bad as its offense.
LeShun Daniels Jr. ran for 158 yards and two scores and George Kittle caught two TD passes for the Hawkeyes (8-4, 6-3). They closed the regular season with three straight wins — two of them over ranked opponents — and scored their most points since a win over Purdue on Oct. 15.
Iowa broke open what was expected to be a tight game with a 75-yard TD run by Akrum Wadley and a 77-yard touchdown throw from Beathard to Riley McCarron in the first quarter.
"We played as good as we've played all year," Beathard said. "It just shows the fight and the resilience of this team."
The Badgers are big favorites to beat Minnesota on Saturday anyway. But the Cornhuskers, who entered November as a legitimate playoff contender, hardly looked like one after being outscored 102-13 in their last two road games.
"We gave up big plays. I think we were horrible on third down," Riley said. "I'm really disappointed all the way around in all of us."
THE TAKEAWAY
Nebraska: With so much to play for, it's hard to believe that the Cornhuskers played so, so poorly. Nebraska gave up three plays of over 50 yards, and Armstrong was all over the place. The Huskers have lost three of their last four to Iowa, a fate sealed when they ran into Iowa kicker Keith Duncan on a field goal try in the fourth quarter — allowing the Hawkeyes to go up 23 a few plays later.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes didn't make it to the Big Ten title game either. But they did go 6-3 in the league, an impressive feat for a team that lost to North Dakota State of the FCS in its final nonconference game. Iowa also made its case for a high-profile bowl, which looked iffy to say the least after losing by 27 points at Penn State to start this month. "You learn a lot about yourself in November," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said.
B1G TITLE GAME UPDATE
Wisconsin gets the West's spot in Indianapolis next week because it beat Nebraska 23-17 (OT) in late October. In the East, Penn State might have the easiest path. The favored Nittany Lions need to beat Michigan State at home and hope favored Ohio State beats Michigan on Saturday. Ohio State needs a win and a Penn State loss — and even if the Nittany Lions take the East the Buckeyes should be in good shape for the playoff at 11-1. Michigan needs to upset the hated Buckeyes.
EXTRA POINTS
Daniels became the first Iowa rusher with over 1,000 yards since 2011. ...Armstrong's 13-yard TD pass to Stanley Morgan snapped a streak of over 136 minutes without allowing a touchdown for Iowa. The Hawkeyes shut out Illinois 28-0 last week. ... Wadley had 105 yards rushing on just 11 carries. ... Armstrong made his 44th career start, setting a team record for a quarterback. Taylor Martinez, his predecessor, made 43 career starts.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Nebraska likely stays in the Top 25. But the Huskers could find themselves drop a few spots after their second straight poor showing on the road. Iowa, which reached as high as 13th earlier this year, could sneak back after beating the Huskers and Michigan in November.
UP NEXT
Nebraska will head to a decent bowl game just a year after sneaking into a bid with just five wins.
Iowa will find out which bowl game it will play in next Sunday.
No. 6 Washington tops No. 23 Washington St. 45-17
PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Budda Baker was walking to the sideline in the fourth quarter when he was jostled from behind by someone in crimson, who then proceeded to chirp at Washington's standout safety.
Baker heard what was said, turned, and pointed at the closed end of Martin Stadium.
"All I had to do was look at the scoreboard," Baker said.
It told the story of a day of dominance by No. 6 Washington in a 45-17 rout of No. 23 Washington State that put the Huskies into the Pac-12 championship game and on the cusp of a spot in the College Football Playoff.
Washington (11-1, 8-1 Pac-12, No. 5 CFP) rolled from the outset, using a 28-point first quarter behind three touchdown passes from quarterback Jake Browning to claim the Pac-12 North title and keep the Apple Cup in Seattle for a fourth straight year
A win in the Pac-12 title game next Friday against Colorado or Southern California would likely land the Huskies in the college football version of the final four.
"It doesn't matter. I'm just glad the (Huskies) are there and hopefully we'll show up and play our best game of the year," Washington coach Chris Petersen said.
Browning threw for 292 yards but it was the first quarter that set the stage. Browning tossed all three touchdown passes in the first 15 minutes, hitting Dante Pettis on plays of 18 and 61 yards and John Ross on a 6-yarder. Browning had 243 yards passing by halftime, the Huskies had 386 total yards at the break and even Washington State's third-quarter rally didn't make Washington sweat.
Washington tied a school record with the 28-point first quarter and the four straight over the Cougars (8-4, 7-2, No. 23 CFP) is the longest streak since the Huskies won six straight between 1998-2003.
"It's what we expected. We expected to be off to a fast start," Washington defensive lineman Elijah Qualls said. "That's what we worked on all week. We knew we could do it."
Browning completed 21 of 29 passes, becoming the third quarterback in Pac-12 history with at least 40 TD passes in a season. Ross had eight catches for 80 yards and his 16th TD catch of the season.
Washington State quarterback Luke Falk was 33 of 50 passing for 269 yards and a 9-yard TD pass to Gabe Marks in the third quarter, but was intercepted three times. More damaging, the Cougars were unable to score on three drives inside the Washington 10.
"I thought we were too quick to press. I thought we made more out of it than it was," Washington State coach Mike Leach said.
Eight years after this matchup was mocked because of how bad the two teams were, the Apple Cup was back on a stage of national relevance as the North title game and regarded by many fans as the most important matchup of the 109 meetings.
It became a purple party for the Huskies that made the trip over the Cascade Mountains to the Palouse.
Lavon Coleman added 82 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. His 15-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter capped a 98-yard drive and sent many clad in crimson back to the tailgating lots.
Washington rolled up 386 yards in the first half, 252 coming in the first quarter and capitalized on three mistakes by Washington State.
Jamal Morrow fumbled on Washington State's opening possession and eight plays later, Pettis caught an 18-yard touchdown and Washington had a 14-0 lead. Later in the half, Gerard Wicks was stopped at the 1 on fourth-and-goal on a great play by Benning Potoa'e. And on the final drive of the first half, Falk was intercepted by Beavers in the end zone.
Down 35-17, Washington State had a chance to pull within 11 late in the third quarter, but Wicks was again stuffed on fourth-and-goal.
"On offense, we weren't trying to do enough," Marks said. "We were soft."
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Washington picked up another win over a ranked opponent that should impress voters and give the 1-loss Huskies a chance to leap Wisconsin and possibly the Ohio State-Michigan loser in both the AP Top 25 and the CFP rankings. Washington State is likely to fall out of the Top 25 after being ranked the past four weeks.
BROKEN APPLE
The apple on top of the trophy given to the winner of the Apple Cup was missing after it broke off on Thursday night. Petersen wouldn't implicate the culprit but said it was barely touched and snapped. This doesn't appear to be the first time the apple has broken off.
THE TAKEAWAY
Washington: The big play was a key in Washington's big first half. The Huskies had eight plays of 15 yards or more. That included the 61-yard touchdown to Pettis, the 22-yard touchdown run by Coleman and a mixture of other long plays like Darrell Daniels' 50-yard catch on a double pass from Pettis and Ross' 31-yard run.
Washington State: The Cougars' defense was exposed for the second straight week. After holding California and Arizona to a combined 28 points, the Cougars gave up more than 500 total yards for the second straight week.
UP NEXT
Washington: The Huskies will face Colorado or Southern California in the Pac-12 championship game next Friday.
Washington State: The Cougars will await a second straight bowl bid.
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