Oregon's win against Michigan State makes a national statement

Oregon might be ready to step into the spotlight.

After a disappointing 2013, the No. 3 Ducks came into Saturday’s marquee matchup against No. 7 Michigan State looking for redemption and found it in the form of a 46-27 come-from-behind win.

The win was Oregon’s first home victory against a top 10 team since beating No. 9 Stanford on Oct. 2, 2010.

While the victory doesn’t guarantee Oregon a spot in the College Football Playoff, it does give the Ducks an inside track and makes them the team to watch, especially with an easier schedule than some of the other favorites for playoff spots.

Oregon trailed Michigan State 27-18 early in the third quarter and was clearly on its heels after allowing the Spartans to score 24 unanswered points. But after a couple defensive stops, the Ducks found their rhythm on offense and scored 21 consecutive points in a blur of about five minutes and left Michigan State wondering what happened.

Meanwhile, the Oregon defense, which had been abused by the Michigan State offense in the first half, clamped down and gave the Spartans nothing with which to work; it shut them out for most of the half.

Michigan State’s defeat marks the second disappointing loss in a marquee game for the Big Ten Conference in as many weeks. Wisconsin had a 17-7 halftime lead against LSU and lost 28-24 during the opening weekend.

The Spartans don’t have a lot of strong games remaining on its schedule and the Big Ten has struggled as a conference in the first couple weeks of the season. It’s going to be tough, now, for the Spartans to make a case for a spot in the four-team playoff.

As for Oregon, the Pac-12 looks strong, and the Ducks can draw on the way they won this game if they get into any binds. They’re fortunate they don’t play USC or Arizona State, which look like two of the best teams in the South Division, and the game against Stanford looks a little less daunting after the Cardinal lost to USC earlier in the day.

For more Oregon news, visit DuckSportsAuthority.com.

For more Michigan State news, visit SpartanMag.com.

More college football on Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oregon's win against Michigan State makes a national statement

Oregon turns it up in second half, rolls Mich. St.

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) Marcus Mariota threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns, including a pair to speedy redshirt freshman Devon Allen, and the No. 3 Oregon Ducks' blur offense prevailed over No. 7 Michigan State's stout defense 46-27 on Saturday night. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Oregon turns it up in second half, rolls Mich. St.

Georgia Southern racks up 83 points in win

Georgia Southern racks up 83 points in win From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Georgia Southern racks up 83 points in win

Watch

Watch From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Watch

Oregon turns it on in 2nd half to blow by MSU

Marcus Mariota threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns, including a pair to speedy redshirt freshman Devon Allen, and the No. 3 Oregon Ducks' blur offense prevailed over No. 7 Michigan State's stout defense 46-27 on Saturday night. From ESPN.com - College Football - Oregon turns it on in 2nd half to blow by MSU

BYU QB Taysom Hill hurdled a Texas defender on a sweet TD run (Video)

After a tumultuous week full of injuries, suspensions and a dismissal, Texas is struggling at home against BYU.

BYU took a 6-0 on two Trevor Samson field goals in the first half. When it received the opening kickoff in half two, Cougars quarterback Taysom Hill decided his team was not going to be kept out of the end zone any longer.

Hill completed two passes and had two solid runs to bring his team into Texas territory. Then on a 2nd-and-8 from the Texas 30-yard line, Hill took a snap and felt pressure from the Texas defense surrounding him. He took off running and accelerated toward the end zone. With one man to beat, Hill executed an epic hurdle over a Texas defender just past the 10-yard line and coasted in for a score.

Take a look:

Taysom Hill's hurdle on TD run. (H/t @sportsmediaLM) http://t.co/qVn7yw7Ht0

— Orangebloods.com (@OBWire) September 7, 2014

The impressive 30-yard touchdown run put the Cougars up 13-0 and the Cougars have since added two more touchdowns on the ground. Late in the third, BYU leads 27-0 and appear to be well on their way to a win.

For more BYU news, visit CougarNation.com.

For more Texas news, visit OrangeBloods.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - BYU QB Taysom Hill hurdled a Texas defender on a sweet TD run (Video)

No. 18 Wisconsin pulls away from Western Ill.

No. 18 Wisconsin pulls away from Western Ill. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - No. 18 Wisconsin pulls away from Western Ill.

Fingertip TD Catch

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. From ESPN.com - College Football - Fingertip TD Catch

LSU RB Leonard Fournette scores first TD, does Heisman pose (GIF)

Apparently LSU’s Leonard Fournette doesn’t want to temper the expectations surrounding him as much as his head coach does.

Fournette, a five-star freshman running back from New Orleans, is making his Tiger Stadium debut Saturday night against Sam Houston State and he entered the game midway through the first quarter. After gaining just two yards on his first three carries, Fournette busted off a 40-yard run to set up a first-and-goal.

One play later, Fournette scored his first career touchdown from four yards out and struck a familiar pose.

Yep, that’s Fournette striking the Heisman pose three days after Les Miles said he wanted people to lower their expectations for the 6-foot-1, 230-pound Fournette.

The freshman only gained 18 yards in his debut against Wisconsin and the Miles said people were being “unrealistic” about how much Fournette would contribute early on.

While I’m sure that will be the first of many touchdown runs for Fournette, scoring against FCS Sam Houston State shouldn't be on the top of his list of accomplishments. I’m usually for any and all celebrations because, you know, football is a game. It’s supposed to be fun. But I would rather see Fournette do any other celebration than the Heisman pose.

This is only going to rile people up. People can overly upset can be fun sometimes, too, but everyone is going to remember this if he struggles later on in the season.

For more LSU news, visit TigerBait.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - LSU RB Leonard Fournette scores first TD, does Heisman pose (GIF)

Stoudt, Clemson too much for South Carolina St.

Stoudt, Clemson too much for South Carolina St. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Stoudt, Clemson too much for South Carolina St.

Insane TD Run After The Catch

Visit ESPN.com for the complete story. From ESPN.com - College Football - Insane TD Run After The Catch

No. 15 Mississippi routs Vanderbilt 41-3

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Bo Wallace threw for 320 yards and a touchdown, and 15th-ranked Mississippi routed Vanderbilt 41-3 on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference opener for both teams. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - No. 15 Mississippi routs Vanderbilt 41-3

Oklahoma State beats Missouri State 40-23

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Daxx Garman went 16 of 26 for 244 yards and two touchdowns to help lead Oklahoma State to a 40-23 victory over Missouri State Saturday. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Oklahoma State beats Missouri State 40-23

Ole Miss opens SEC slate with rout of Vandy

Bo Wallace threw for 320 yards and a touchdown, and the 15th-ranked Mississippi Rebels opened their Southeastern Conference schedule by routing Vanderbilt 41-3 on Saturday in the league opener for both teams. From ESPN.com - College Football - Ole Miss opens SEC slate with rout of Vandy

Hurricanes pay homage to Kelly's cancer fight

The Miami Hurricanes are paying homage to Jim Kelly's fight against cancer. From ESPN.com - College Football - Hurricanes pay homage to Kelly's cancer fight

USC edges Stanford in yet another close game in this series

There was little doubt the USC-Stanford game was going to come down to the final play — almost all of the games between these two teams in the past fove seasons have.

So when USC linebacker J.R. Tavai came shooting around the line and hit quarterback Kevin Hogan from behind, forcing a fumble USC would recover with just seconds remaining, it was the perfect ending to defensively tight game.

Tavai’s hit ended what could have been a game-tying or even game-winning drive by the Cardinal and gave USC a 13-10 win.

USC kicker Andre Hedari hit a career-long 53-yard field goal with 2:30 remaining to put the Trojans ahead and give them their second consecutive win in this series. Oddly enough, it was a late field goal by Hedari that won the game last season.

While the game will be touted as a defensive battle, Stanford had multiple opportunities to take the lead early. The Cardinal had nine trips inside the USC 28-yard line and came away with just 10 points. They missed two field goals, which caused coach David Shaw to steer away from the kicking game and try his luck with his offense. In the second half, Stanford failed to convert a fourth down on the USC 3-yard line. Hogan fumbled at the USC 32. It punted from the USC 32-yard line in the fourth quarter with the game tied instead of trying for a field goal.

Stanford actually outgained USC 413 to 291, but its offensive ineptitude inside the Trojans 30-yard line as well as eight penalties for 68 yards, caught up to the Cardinals in the end.

USC couldn’t have asked for a better possible start to the Pac-12 season. Stanford is one of four currently ranked teams on the Trojans schedule and getting over this obstacle will be a huge boost as they go back into nonconference play against Boston College.

Stanford has a game against Army next week before facing a brutal Pac-12 gauntlet. Stanford has to do something about its kicking game and red zone offense in the coming weeks, or this is going to be a long season.

For more USC news, visit TrojanSports.com.

For more Stanford news, visit CardinalSportsReport.com.

- - - - - - -

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - USC edges Stanford in yet another close game in this series

USC AD and playoff committee member Pat Haden argues with officials on field

USC athletic director Pat Haden came down from his perch in the press box at Stanford to have a word with the officials during the second half of Saturday's game.

His coach, Steve Sarkisian, had received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty a few minutes prior and a key USC player, Hayes Pullard, had just been ejected for targeting.

When ESPN cameras caught Haden talking with officials, the reaction was instant and damning. Haden is a member of the College Football Playoff selection committee. He shouldn't be doing that. Because he's a member of the inaugural panel, he has standards to uphold after all, right?

OK, so what are those standards? The inaugural CFP committee is made up of people closely-affiliated with college football. Nine people, including Haden, have recusal policies, meaning that if their team is part of the discussion for one of the four coveted playoff spots, those members must leave the room when their team is being debated.

Haden is not the only athletic director on the panel. Arkansas' Jeff Long, Clemson's Dan Radakovich, West Virginia's Oliver Luck and Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez are on the panel. Former Nebraska coach and athletic director Tom Osborne is on it as well.

The recusal policy makes it abundantly clear. The committee knows that its members have inherent biases.

Besides, Haden is the athletic director at USC first and foremost before he's a member of the committee. He said in an interview with ESPN after his discussion with the officials that he had gotten a text that said Sarkisian had wanted him on the sidelines because of the penalty he received.

If his public word is true, he didn't appear unprompted to give the officials a piece of his mind. And based off the video shown by ESPN, Haden didn't lose his temper or need to be physically restrained in the slightest. He was defending an employee.

You can question why Sarkisian would summon him to the sideline in the first place, and Haden's demeanor to officials once he got there. However, there have been no public declarations of mandated objectivity from the College Football Playoff and director Bill Hancock toward the members on the panel. With the playoff two weeks into its first season, there is no precedent for how an athletic director should act. (Hancock told USA Today he hadn't seen Haden's outburst and had no comment.)

Without any guidelines for how committee members should act, Haden doesn't deserve any scorn. We've all defended a friend or co-worker because of our affiliations, even if we knew it was a losing cause. It's what Haden was doing Saturday and from the evidence provided, he did so in a manner that was not unbecoming to an athletic director. It should ultimately have no effect on his standing on a committee that can very well be considered extracurricular.



For more USC news, visit TrojanSports.com.

More college football on Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

(H/T The Big Lead for video)

Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @NickBromberg

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - USC AD and playoff committee member Pat Haden argues with officials on field

No. 14 USC boots No. 13 Stanford with late FG

Andre Heidari kicked a career-long 53-yard field goal with 2:30 remaining, J.R. Tavai forced a fumble to end Stanford's comeback bid and No. 14 Southern California held off the No. 13 Cardinal 13-10 Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - No. 14 USC boots No. 13 Stanford with late FG

USC's Haden confronts refs after Sarkisian flag

USC AD Pat Haden, who is also a member of the College Football Playoff selection committee, left the press box in the third quarter to voice his frustration with the officials about an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Steve Sarkisian. From ESPN.com - College Football - USC's Haden confronts refs after Sarkisian flag

Southern Cal scrapes out victory at Stanford

Southern Cal scrapes out victory at Stanford From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Southern Cal scrapes out victory at Stanford

Petty (back) late scratch for No. 10 Baylor

Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty has been ruled out for the Bears' game Saturday against Northwestern State, the school announced. From ESPN.com - College Football - Petty (back) late scratch for No. 10 Baylor

Cal wideout Kenny Lawler hauled in a crazy one-handed touchdown catch (GIF)

Cal poured on 45 points in the first half in its home opener against Sacramento State, but of the six touchdowns the Golden Bears registered, none was more impressive than the 19-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Kenny Lawler.

Lawler had already made an impressive touchdown catch early in the first quarter on a back-shoulder throw from quarterback Jared Goff, but his second was even better. The play started with Goff taking a shotgun snap and faking to the running back. He then immediately looked Lawler’s way and fired toward the end zone.

Lawler leaped and hauled the pass in with one hand while falling to the ground to extend the lead to 28-0.

Making a great catch like this shows that Lawler, a redshirt sophomore, is locked in in his third year on campus.

The former four-star recruit caught five passes for 38 yards and one score in the team’s opening win at Northwestern last weekend. As a redshirt freshman, Lawler made 37 catches for 347 yards and five touchdowns in 2013.

For more Cal news, visit GoldenBearReport.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Cal wideout Kenny Lawler hauled in a crazy one-handed touchdown catch (GIF)

Gators TE McGee carted off with injured leg

Florida tight end Jake McGee was carted off the field Saturday with a lower leg injury. From ESPN.com - College Football - Gators TE McGee carted off with injured leg

Strong dismisses 8th player from Longhorns

Texas coach Charlie Strong has dismissed another player off of his roster in his inaugural season. From ESPN.com - College Football - Strong dismisses 8th player from Longhorns

OK State QB Walsh leaves, returns on crutches

OK State QB Walsh leaves, returns on crutches From College Football News : CBSSports.com - OK State QB Walsh leaves, returns on crutches

Jake Waters leads Kansas State to comeback road win over Iowa State

Jake Waters was not going to let his team lose.

Waters, a senior quarterback, combined for 377 total yards (239 through the air, 138 on the ground) from scrimmage and two touchdowns in No. 20 Kansas State’s come-from-behind 32-28 road win over Iowa State. Facing a third down inside the Cyclones’ 10-yard line, Waters scored the game-winning touchdown on an 8-yard run with 1:31 to go.

The run capped off a 7-play, 80-yard drive that featured 51 rushing yards from Waters and gave the Wildcats their first lead since early in the second quarter. A loss to the Cyclones would have been a huge blow to the Wildcats’ Big 12 championship aspirations, but Waters kept his team’s dreams alive and now it has two weeks to prepare for a September 18 home matchup with Auburn.

Though it took a comeback effort to eventually come away with a win, the Wildcats jumped out to an early 13-0 lead in the first quarter on a Charles Jones (13 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TDs) touchdown run and two Jack Cantele field goals.

Iowa State, coming off a loss to FCS North Dakota State, fought back. Junior quarterback Sam Richardson (21-of-32, 186 yards) hit Jarvis West for a 17-yard score late in the first. Following a K-State three-and-out, the Cyclones took a 14-13 lead when West returned a Mitch Lochbihler punt 82 yards for a touchdown.

After another Kansas State three-and-out and a 2-yard plunge by ISU’s DeVondrick Nealy, West accounted for his third touchdown of the half – but this time it was with his arm. Offensive coordinator Mark Mangino dialed up the reverse pass as West took a pitch from Richardson and fired a strike to Allen Lazard in the end zone for another score.

It would be the last time the Cyclones scored on the afternoon.

Kansas State closed the half with a perfectly-executed two-minute drill, scoring on a 10-play, 84-yard drive that took just 1:04 to go into the half down 28-20.

The defenses were the show for most of the second half. Neither side scored in the third quarter, and the Cyclones stuffed Waters on a 4th-and-1 from the ISU 31. The Wildcats finally broke through after Richardson was picked off by Randall Evans with 9:15 to go. Four plays later, Jones broke through from four yards out, but Waters was stuffed on the 2-point conversion attempt.

Iowa State’s lead was down to two, 28-26 – but it would not last long. Waters’ game-winning touchdown came six minutes later and Iowa State’s last-ditch effort failed when Richardson was sacked on a 4th-and-5 from the KSU 39.

The loss was a crushing turn of events for the 0-2 Cyclones. Paul Rhoads fell to 0-6 against Bill Snyder's Wildcats and finds himself firmly on the hot seat early in his sixth season with the program. Things won’t get easier for the Cyclones, either. A road contest against Iowa is next on the schedule.

For more Kansas State news, visit GoPowerCat.com.

For more Iowa State news, visit CycloneReport.com.

More college football on Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Jake Waters leads Kansas State to comeback road win over Iowa State

This 90s Fraternity Recruitment Video Is Everything

Scott Benton, producer and director, is a wonderful creative genius because this video will live on in Internet fame. You. Guys. I'm not joking. This is the funniest thing I've seen in a while. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - This 90s Fraternity Recruitment Video Is Everything

Abdullah's TD helps Nebraska avoid upset bid

Ameer Abdullah's jaw-dropping 58-yard touchdown on a pass from Tommy Armstrong Jr. broke a tie with 20 seconds left and allowed No. 19 Nebraska to beat second-tier McNeese State 31-24 on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Abdullah's TD helps Nebraska avoid upset bid

Clemson's offense racks up 73 points in win

Cole Stoudt completed 22 of his 31 passes for 302 yards and No. 23 Clemson scored its highest point total in 33 years in a 73-7 win over South Carolina State on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Clemson's offense racks up 73 points in win

Waters rallies No. 20 K-State past Iowa St.

Jake Waters ran for an 8-yard touchdown with 1:30 left and 20th-ranked Kansas State rallied past host Iowa State 32-28 on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Waters rallies No. 20 K-State past Iowa St.

From Classroom to Catwalk: The Steele Maiden’s Jessica Steele

Photos Courtesy of Jessica Steele I’m one of those weirdos who wears black all the time. I’ve heard it all before – a statement necklace makes your outfit pop, animal print accessories make leopard work-appropriate, yada yada yada – but it’s impossible not to feel badass in black. Jessica Steele (of The Steele Maiden) is […] From College Fashion - From Classroom to Catwalk: The Steele Maiden’s Jessica Steele

Oklahoma awards walk-on LB Caleb Gastelum a scholarship after career-best game

Oklahoma senior walk-on linebacker Caleb Gastelum had a career day in the Sooners’ 52-7 win against Tulsa, and after the game, he received the ultimate reward for his efforts — a scholarship.

Gastelum, a senior, had a career-high eight tackles, which led all Sooners, a sack, a tackle for loss and an interception in the win. After the game, coach Bob Stoops awarded Gastelum the game ball and made the scholarship announcement in front of the rest of the team.

. @OU_CoachStoops just informed @gsooner45 he's been awarded a game ball & a Scholarship! #Sooners

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 6, 2014

Stoops indicates @gsooner45 will get scholarship immediately for fall semester

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 6, 2014

Coming into the game, Gastelum had tied a previous career high in tackles with three against Louisiana Tech. He also notched his first career tackle for loss in that game. The sack and the interception against Tulsa also were career firsts.

What a cool moment for a young man that was probably already on a high after having such a terrific game.

For more Oklahoma news, visit SoonerScoop.com.

- - - - - - -

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Oklahoma awards walk-on LB Caleb Gastelum a scholarship after career-best game

No. 20 Kansas State rallies to overcome Iowa St.

No. 20 Kansas State rallies to overcome Iowa St. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - No. 20 Kansas State rallies to overcome Iowa St.

Stoudt, Clemson too much for South Carolina St.

Stoudt, Clemson too much for South Carolina St. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Stoudt, Clemson too much for South Carolina St.

Amanda Fuller Turns Into Brittany Murphy Tonight On Lifetime [PICS]

If you haven’t heard of Amanda Fuller before, it’s probably because you don’t watch the Tim Allen series Last Man Standing. Nevertheless, this lovely and... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Amanda Fuller Turns Into Brittany Murphy Tonight On Lifetime [PICS]

Shepard's career day sparks Sooners' rout

Sterling Shepard had a career-high 177 yards receiving to help No. 4 Oklahoma defeat Tulsa 52-7 on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Shepard's career day sparks Sooners' rout

Mauk's 5 TD tosses lead Missouri past Toledo

Maty Mauk threw for 325 yards and five touchdowns, and No. 24 Missouri gave coach Gary Pinkel a win against his former program, Toledo, 49-24 on Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - Mauk's 5 TD tosses lead Missouri past Toledo

Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah breaks multiple tackles to score game-winning TD (GIF)

Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah saved the Huskers from the possibility of an embarrassing loss.

Tied at 24-24 with FCS-division McNeese State on Saturday, Nebraska had one final chance to score a game-winner in regulation. But on third-and-six from the Nebraska 42 with just over 36 seconds left, the chances were dwindling of a regulation win.

Enter Abdullah. He caught a simple out route from the slot from QB Tommy Armstrong and avoided three tacklers to get the first down.

Then things got really crazy. Abdullah bounced off a tackler, spun around and darted to the inside. He slipped another tackle, got a key block from Jamal Turner and was off towards the end zone. Nebraska had escaped.

Well, unofficially, anyway. The game wasn't truly over until Corey Cooper intercepted Tyler Bolfing. Game over. 31-24 Nebraska.

McNeese State was in prime position to take the lead from Nebraska earlier in the fourth quarter, but the Nebraska defense held McNeese State to a field goal. After a facemask penalty gave MSU a first down at the Nebraska four, Nebraska stuffed two runs and forced an incomplete pass to lead to a McNeese field goal and a 24-24 tie.

Given the way that the Nebraska defense had played in the second half, it was, quite frankly, an improbable stop. The field goal drive was a 14-play, 88-yard creation that took over six minutes off the clock. The Cowboys last scoring drive, a touchdown that closed the deficit to three at the beginning of the fourth quarter, was a five-minute drive that took 12 plays to cover 83 yards.

Until the soul-crushing touchdown, McNeese State had done a good job bottling up Abdullah, who will certainly enter the Heisman discussion for some because of the catch-and-run. He had 17 carries for 54 yards and had two catches.

Nebraska's leading rusher was QB Tommy Armstrong Jr., who ran for almost 12 yards a carry on his way to 131 yards. But Armstrong wasn't nearly as effective as a passer and had a critical mistake in the first half that led to a potential 14-point swing. With Nebraska at the McNeese State nine, Armstrong floated a pass straight to Aaron Sam, who returned the interception 98 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.

Adding in Abdullah's incredible reception, Armstrong finished 16-31 passing for 242 yards. Without it, it's a much less imposing 15-30 day with 184 yards.

It's a familiar refrain for Nebraska fans. If Armstrong can give the Huskers a potent passing attack to go with a top-notch running back, Nebraska will be very dangerous in the Big Ten. If not, there will be more dangerous games like this in the future.

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah breaks multiple tackles to score game-winning TD (GIF)

Sims, Coker lead No. 2 Alabama to rout of FAU

Sims, Coker lead No. 2 Alabama to rout of FAU From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Sims, Coker lead No. 2 Alabama to rout of FAU

Nebraska escapes McNeese State with late TD

Nebraska escapes McNeese State with late TD From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Nebraska escapes McNeese State with late TD

No. 18 Wisconsin pulls away from Western Ill.

No. 18 Wisconsin pulls away from Western Ill. From College Football News : CBSSports.com - No. 18 Wisconsin pulls away from Western Ill.

Knight sharp as No. 4 Oklahoma rolls at Tulsa

Knight sharp as No. 4 Oklahoma rolls at Tulsa From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Knight sharp as No. 4 Oklahoma rolls at Tulsa

Mauk throws five TD passes in Mizzou triumph

Mauk throws five TD passes in Mizzou triumph From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Mauk throws five TD passes in Mizzou triumph

McEvoy, Wisconsin pull away in home opener

Tanner McEvoy overcame a slow start to throw for three touchdowns and run for another, and No. 18 Wisconsin pulled away from second-tier Western Illinois to win its home opener 37-3 Saturday. From ESPN.com - College Football - McEvoy, Wisconsin pull away in home opener

Alabama cruises in lightning-shortened win

Blake Sims had 214 passing yards and Jake Coker threw for 202 to lead No. 2 Alabama to a 41-0 win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday in a game halted by lightning. From ESPN.com - College Football - Alabama cruises in lightning-shortened win

Iowa State's Jarvis West has receiving TD, punt return TD and passing TD in first half (GIF)

Iowa State receiver Jarvis West is having a career day against Kansas State and the game is only at halftime.

West, a senior who entered the season as a lightly-used receiver, had three scoring plays to help the Cyclones take a 28-20 lead into the half.

Late in the first quarter, he caught a 17-yard pass from quarterback Sam B. Richardson, his first receiving touchdown of the season.

Early in the second quarter, he took a 40-yard punt back 82 yards for a score.

Late in the half, offensive coordinator Mark Mangino opened up the playbook as West took a reverse handoff from Richardson and then threw it 29 yards to Allen Lazard.

West’s 128 total yards in the first half was more than he had all of last season and his three touchdowns is two fewer than his career total.

So far, West has made Iowa State forget about star receiver Quenton Bundrage, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against North Dakota State in the season opener.

For more Iowa State news, visit CycloneReport.com.

- - - - - - -

Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

And don’t forget to keep up with all of Graham’s thoughts, witty comments and college football discussions on Facebook

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Iowa State's Jarvis West has receiving TD, punt return TD and passing TD in first half (GIF)

How To Deal With A Terrible Haircut

I have always had medium to long hair. Always. And although I've never been afraid to do something crazy with my locks, my hair length is the one constant that I must have to remain sane. So when I left the salon yesterday with super short hair, I had a full on panic attack. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - How To Deal With A Terrible Haircut

25 Years Ago Today, Andrew Dice Clay Got Banned From MTV “For Life” [VIDEO]

On September 6, 1989, MTV aired its 6th annual Video Music Awards–and while it was a relatively unmemorable event, history was made that night. The... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - 25 Years Ago Today, Andrew Dice Clay Got Banned From MTV “For Life” [VIDEO]

Cal honors former player Ted Agu, who passed away in February (Photo)

Cal defensive end Ted Agu tragically died when he collapsed after a conditioning drill in February, and based on this photo from JB Long of Pac-12 Networks, the program will honor him at Memorial Stadium at its home-opener against Sacramento State on Saturday.

First thing you see arriving for @CalFootball home opener today. http://ift.tt/1qpmedi

— JB Long (@JB_Long) September 6, 2014

Agu, just 21 at the time of his passing, was a backup defensive end who saw action in seven games and registered six tackles for the Golden Bears in 2013. He started his career as a walk-on, but eventually earned a scholarship.

On August 5, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the university’s Regents in response to Agu’s death, which occurred February 7. According to a statement from the family, Cal trainers noticed that Agu was having trouble breathing at around 6 a.m. He was placed on a cart, where he was said to be alert. He was then taken back to Cal’s stadium where he collapsed. He was given CPR and a defibrillator was used, but Agu, who had a sickle cell trait, later died at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley.

“During the course of the conditioning drill, Agu experienced dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of balance, and other signs of extreme fatigue that were clearly symptomatic of the sickling process,” the release said. “Despite the symptoms which clearly could and should have been observed, UCB coaches and trainers failed to immediately come to Agu’s assistance.”

The Alameda County coroner’s office said that Agu died of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), or excessive thickening of the heart muscle. HCM is an inherited disease, but schools are not required to test athletes for it like they are with sickle cell trait. Cal was aware that Agu had sickle cell.

In response, Cal’s athletic department said it could not discuss a student’s medical history, but it did say that its medical staff “reacted promptly,” but because of Agu’s hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, “there was little anyone could have done to save him.”

Agu would have been a fifth-year senior this season.

(H/T College Spun )

For more Cal news, visit GoldenBearReport.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Cal honors former player Ted Agu, who passed away in February (Photo)

Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads not happy Kansas State had 12 men on field (GIF)

You can judge a coach's anger by the removal of his hat. Saturday, Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads ripped the hat off his head with a vengeance. He was mad.

Kansas State had the ball near its own 30 in the second quarter and was at the line of scrimmage for a considerable amount of time. After some confusion, Kansas State called a timeout, and Rhoads went ballistic.

Iowa State players were calling for a pre-snap penalty before the timeout. There was no motion, but look closely at the play formation. There are 12 players lined up. Three wideouts, three players in the backfield and six players on the line. Rhoads was rightfully ticked. It should have been a penalty.

However, KSU didn't convert the third down and punted. After the Wildcats took an early lead the Cyclones have stormed back to take a 28-13 lead.

More NCAAF coverage:

- - - - - - -

Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @NickBromberg

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Iowa State coach Paul Rhoads not happy Kansas State had 12 men on field (GIF)

Temple and Navy are debuting new looks (Photos)

Coming off a dominating opening night win over Vanderbilt, Temple wants to look good in its first home game of the year against Navy.

The Owls are going with a new black and cherry look. The all-cherry solid uniforms are sharp, especially when combined with the white pants with the horizontal stripes.

A closer look at #TUFB's uniforms / helmets. #BlackAndCherry #WeTheT http://ift.tt/1pYe1gH

— Temple Football (@Temple_FB) September 6, 2014

To top it off, the team’s new helmet fades from cherry to black and instead of the usual “T” logo, the school’s name is written out. We dig it.

Check it out. A closer look at #TUFB's new helmet. Pretty sharp! #WeTheT http://ift.tt/1pYe2kN

— Temple Football (@Temple_FB) September 6, 2014

Temple’s opponent, 0-1 Navy, is also debuting its new road uniforms today.

Almost time to suit up in the new @UnderArmour away uniforms. #TheBrotherhood plays Temple at 1 PM tomorrow on ESPN 3 http://ift.tt/1pYe1gL

— Navy Football (@NavyFB) September 5, 2014

The stripes you see on the sleeve are said to represent the “six U.S. Naval fleets.” It's a nice touch.

The game is set to kickoff at 1 p.m. ET and both teams will be looking good.

For more Temple news, visit OwlScoop.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Temple and Navy are debuting new looks (Photos)

DIY Tutorial: Ear Cuff

I’ve always loved ear cuffs, and I love them even more ever since I cut my hair right above my ears and discovered I was born to have short hair/a pixie cut. And since my ears are actually exposed for once, I’ve been making a statement with ear cuffs more than any other sort of […] From College Fashion - DIY Tutorial: Ear Cuff

Would You Wear A Vibrator Around Your Neck?

Most people probably wouldn't rock a vibrator around their neck. The assumption would be the obvious: it looks like a vibrator. Well, most vibrators look like a vibrator. The brilliant people over at Crave created a vibrator that doubles as a necklace for a discreet little stick of fun you can carry with you all day. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - Would You Wear A Vibrator Around Your Neck?

Attorneys dispute objection to concussion deal

Attorneys dispute objection to concussion deal From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Attorneys dispute objection to concussion deal

President Samuel L. Jackson Falls Down A Mountain in “Big Game” [VIDEO]

We’re in the midst of the Toronto Film Festival, and it’s always fun to see what kind of weirdness shows up as part of their... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - President Samuel L. Jackson Falls Down A Mountain in “Big Game” [VIDEO]

Woman Who Won The Week: Janel Parrish Gets Dead, Goes “Dancing” [PICS]

Hawaiian-born beauty Janel Parrish was the talk of the town this week–which is really saying something considering how many A-list actresses were in the headlines.... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - Woman Who Won The Week: Janel Parrish Gets Dead, Goes “Dancing” [PICS]

University of Buffalo Wants to Make the World’s Most Potent Coffee

Science has given us so many great things: beer cans with chilling technology, hot dogs with cheese in the middle, the Hot Pocket. Now it’s... From College Life, Hot Girls, Funny Pics, Sexy Cheerleaders: COED - University of Buffalo Wants to Make the World’s Most Potent Coffee

We Tried It: Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

The Full Exposure kit is chock full of neutral shadows, containing both matte and shimmery shades. Does it stack up to the other palettes we've been discussing as of late? Let's take a look. From Gossip, Fast Fashion, Female Lifestyle, Sex & Love: CollegeCandy - We Tried It: Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

Strong defensive effort helps Nevada outlast Washington State 24-13

A game that was billed as an offensive shootout ended up being a battle between two defenses.

Ultimately, it was Nevada’s defense that managed to bend but not break as it withheld the high-powered Washington State air raid offense in a 24-13 win.

The Cougars put up 428 yards of total offense, but often sputtered when it mattered most. Whether it was turning the ball over, missing field goals, or committing costly penalties (10 for 72 yards) deep in Nevada territory, Mike Leach’s team could not seem to get out of its own way for much of the second half.

Make no mistake, the Nevada defense had a lot to do with Washington State’s struggles. The Wolfpack D, led by defensive end Brock Hekking and his magnificent blonde mullet, limited to the Cougars to just 5-of-15 on third down conversions and 0-for-2 on fourth down attempts. WSU gunslinger Connor Halliday was mostly kept in check. Sure, he threw for 390 yards, but he did so on 57 attempts and 6.8 yard average while throwing two interceptions.

Offensively, the Wolfpack established its ground game early and often. Senior quarterback Cody Fajardo threw for just 110 yards, but he also racked up 100 yards on the ground while running backs Don Jackson (69 yards rushing) and James Butler (55 yards rushing) reached the end zone a combined three times.

In front a rowdy Nevada crowd, things got off to a slow start for both sides. The first score of the game didn’t come until late in the first quarter when Jackson scored from one yard out following a Halliday interception.

Nevada scored again on its next drive – a 10-play, 91-yard drive that took just 3:49. A 55-yard third down run by Fajardo set up the eventual score by Butler from a yard out that gave the Wolfpack a 14-0 lead.

Despite the deficit, the Cougars did not back down. Halliday hit Vince Mayle on a 13-yard touchdown pass later in the quarter and Erik Powell converted a 25-yard field goal to make it 14-10 at halftime.

Halliday drove the Cougars deep into Nevada territory twice in the third quarter, but the left-footed Powell, kicking from the right hash mark, hooked and missed both kicks badly to keep the score at 14-10. The Wolfpack capitalized on the second miss, eating up 5:34 of clock on the ensuing drive and extending its lead to 21-10 on another short Jackson TD run.

The Nevada defense continued to stymie the Cougars and gave up just a field goal the rest of the way as the Wolfpack clinched its first home win against a Pac-12 opponent since 2010.

The loss is a tough one for Washington State, a team that is now 0-2 following last week’s loss to Rutgers. For a team that was coming off its first bowl game appearance since 2003, the Cougars’ Pac-12 schedule does not make a repeat bowl appearance seem all that likely. After next week’s game with FCS Portland State, the Cougars will face No. 3 Oregon on the road.

Nevada, now 2-0, will face Arizona on the road next Saturday.

For more Washington State news, visit WazzouWatch.com.

- - - - - - -

Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @SamDCooper

From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Strong defensive effort helps Nevada outlast Washington State 24-13

Nevada leads wire-to-wire to defeat Wazzu

Nevada leads wire-to-wire to defeat Wazzu From College Football News : CBSSports.com - Nevada leads wire-to-wire to defeat Wazzu