USC Suspends Desman Stephens One Game After Targeting Ejection And Celebration
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BCSNN — USC suspended linebacker Desman Stephens II for one game Sunday, a day after his late hit on Oregon quarterback Dante Moore drew a targeting ejection and widespread criticism during the Trojans’ 41–27 loss. The decision comes amid heightened concern for Moore’s health and scrutiny over Stephens’ conduct following the play.
Add a commentTexas Tech Settles In After Shaky Start, Rolls Past Sam Houston In A Blowout, 49–14
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BCSNN — Texas Tech needed a steadying performance after an uneven first month, and the Red Raiders finally found one Saturday. Linebacker Austin Romaine delivered a historic pair of pick‑sixes on consecutive throws, running back Cameron Dickey scored twice, and No. 11 Texas Tech pulled away in the second half for a 49–14 win over Sam Houston at Galaxy Stadium.
Romaine’s two interception returns - both in the opening minute of the second quarter and against different quarterbacks - marked the first time an FBS player has done so on consecutive passes in 13 years. The Kansas State transfer had clear lanes to the end zone both times, becoming the first Red Raider with two pick‑sixes in a game since 2000.
“I was in disbelief that I did it twice in a row,” Romaine said. “It was crazy.”
Despite entering as a heavy favorite, Texas Tech (4–0) led only 21–14 at halftime, hampered by three interceptions from quarterback Will Hammond in the final 5½ minutes of the second quarter. Sam Houston (1–3) managed just seven points off those turnovers, but the miscues kept the game far closer than expected.
Head coach Joey McGuire didn’t hide his frustration. “We’ve got way too many self‑inflicted wounds in the first half,” he said. “That’s why we’re playing close games. That’s what we’re allowing people to be in the game.”
Texas Tech finally settled in after the break. Dickey’s second touchdown - a 13‑yard run - and Hammond’s 21‑yard strike to Coy Eakin came within the first five minutes of the third quarter, stretching the lead to 35–14. Hammond finished 17‑of‑29 for 224 yards and added a 23‑yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Sam Houston quarterback Landyn Locke, who entered as one of only three FBS passers with 300‑plus yards in each of his first three games, was held to 195 yards on 23‑of‑37 passing. He threw two touchdowns but also two interceptions, including Romaine’s second return.
Texas Tech’s defense added another bright spot with freshman edge rusher LaDamion Guyton, who recorded the first two sacks of his career. Guyton reclassified from the high school class of 2027 to 2026 and enrolled early, making his performance a promising sign for the Red Raiders’ depth.
In the end, Texas Tech secured the comfortable win it needed heading into Big 12 play, extending its home winning streak to 11 games, the program’s longest since 2007–09. But McGuire made clear that the Red Raiders must clean up their early‑game issues after a month filled with close calls.
Texas Tech travels to Colorado on Oct. 3 for its first Big 12 road game. Sam Houston has a bye before visiting Liberty on Oct. 8.
Add a commentClemson Stifles Cal As The Tigers Continue To Find A Winning Rhythm On The Road
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(BCSNN.com) — Clemson’s first regular‑season win in the state of California proved historic on multiple fronts, as the Tigers shut down Cal’s offense and controlled a late‑night Friday matchup to even the all‑time series at 1-1. The 10:35 p.m. ET kickoff marked Clemson’s latest start in its home time zone since a 1982 game played in Tokyo, but the Tigers handled the unusual circumstances with ease in a 21-10 victory.
Add a commentLiberty Flames Torch Chanticleers At Coastal Carolina With 24‑Unanswered Points To Win
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BCSNN.com — Liberty turned a tense Thursday night matchup into a statement victory, scoring 24 unanswered points in the second half to defeat Coastal Carolina 34–17 in front of 22,116 fans at Brooks Stadium.
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