College Football 25 - Gonzaga Dynasty - S4:Ep50 - #3 Gonzaga (5-1) @ UAB (4-2)

e e welcome to the Magic City the football capital of the South Birmingham Alabama home to the UAB Blazers and the fans here have been eagerly anticipating this Clash what a game and what potential drama we have in store you've seen this script before top 10 team goes into a cauldron of emotion on the road and just hopes to be able to get out and tell about it as we'll see a squad from the AAC a crew looking to make a statement and the Blazers will kick it away first from back of the end he'll bring it out he's brought down at the 16 would have been much better off to take the touch back okay so here comes the offense for the first time today and there he is when you build a tight end you'd build one just like this especially with those reliable Ms Jesse Yeah ree he makes big plays in big games watch for him on third down in the Red Zone he has a chance to leave an impact in this game well it's so nice to have such a big body that when he's covered he's open right like it doesn't matter cuz he's got great hands and that big frame he can really utilize really important for a ranked team going into a hostile environment like this one not to give the underdog reason to believe yes reason to believe and don't give the fans reason to get jacked and he intercepts it trying to take it back and they'll close in on him after a good return on the interception it's a defense that Prides themsel on taking the football away they believe they could impact this game with turnovers and they get an interception on the opening drive wasn't a big return but that doesn't matter they stole a possession and that is huge for their confidence the offense starts with a short field they'll give it to the back not a lot of daylight there let's give him one to the 14 operating in the Red Zone here on second down [Applause] they'll go right back to the Run they get him down but not before he picks up six to the seven yd line tight quarters deep in the Red Zone but they can pick up a first down without scoring third down looking to throw for it it's incomplete he was shooting for the end zone right there third and short in college football today you see so much more pass than you used to the offense stays aggressive and I think they stay aggressive because they know they're in field goal range they got that three in their back pocket the Blazers will come to the line to convert on fourth down he'll try to throw and pick up the first down he makes a catch in the end zone touchdown UAV when you're handed a break with unbelievable field position like that you better finish the deal and they did you saw the quarterback jog on the field I think he gave a high five to every one of those players coming off that just put them in position to go score that touchdown that QB knew this was a golden opportunity and boy he took advantage of it good job by the coverage unit to put a stop to that return looking for a productive play on first down he's going to pass unloads to the right wide open downfield gets it to the 46 yd line first down for this offense yeah and the quarterback knew exactly where he wanted to go the football had time spins the ball deep nice job by this offense understanding what the defense has giving him and Crea an explosive play and he's brought down after a nice game well at first you don't succeed try try again right it's been really hard for this offense in this game to run the football but they finally break off a big run there that could be the play they need to really generate momentum and get this run game going and playing defense now in college football you have to be ready for motions and wide receivers are becoming more and more part of the game plan of getting them the football letting them be running backs you see it even in the NFL some too great job by the defense they were ready for it they were aware now the offense maybe use that as a decoy in the future and this offense is clicking everything's moving and the guy carrying the football I mean he is carrying the Rock like this is a guy that's he's setting his tone for this game creating some balance on this offense this offense is going to be a handful yeah he fires back across the field and it's intercepted and he's wrapped up after a solid return on the pick this is obviously not a great start for this quarterback here two interceptions already in this game he's got to do a much better job with his decision maker they run the reverse that one did not go well tackled in the back field for a loss of six they'll try to put it in drive this time on second down from the 22 they go to the draw they make the stop but not before he takes a chunk out of what they need to move the sticks and the Blazers want to move quickly to the air it's Crosby got his man and he was loose and not stopped until he gets to the 47 yd line and listen the defense knew coming into this one they were going to Target him early and often he is a weapon and there's no mystery where the quarterback's going to be looking on critical down and distances let's see how they're able to cover him throughout the rest of this game and he's able to bounce off one tackle but still not a whole lot of Running Room the defense calls a timeout they second of the day as they try to get their act together offense working from the [Applause] pistol they'll try the run and he has a solid gain before the defense bottles him up will they keep it on the ground again here on third down they'll try to run for it shakes off the defender they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one the Blazers will call on their punt team first punt of the day and he love to lock them up close to their goal line and that is how a punter helps out his defense pinning them deep in their own territory so we'll see this offense make its way out to start the drive boy they had that last Drive moving a little bit David but then the mistake just crushed it yeah and those mistakes are going to happen you're going to throw the football you're going to throw interceptions but I think I stay aggressive with this offense I get back to what I did in the first part of that drive what made me he's loose and they are pushing the ball down the field a big pickup on that one and the tackle is finally made here's this offense with a fresh set of downs from the gun running back on on the move he breaks a tackle and he's able to pick up a few yards as we reach the end of the first quarter the quarter comes to a close and UAB is on top one period in the books and let's take a look at the stats and they've swapped into the field and we'll get it going in the second we'll get this quarter going with a second down play looking for a man it's Carter fires to the middle he's got an open man and he was loose and in the open field and on his way a tremendous pick up on that one if you're going to complete passes throwing four verticals your quarterback better have some arm Talent you could see the arm strength on display right there he had to fit that football into a small window he did exactly that they go to the ground smashes through dropped after a pickup of four down to the 16 solid pick up of four on first down it's second and six he's looking to throw fires to the wide out and that's going to be incomplete a lot of contact on the play but no Flags it'll be third down trying to pick up a first down on Third and long he's going to have to throw for it and the incomplete pass will bring up fourth down yeah and third and short that choose not to run throw the football and I think a lot of that has to do with they know they're in field goal range they can take the three points on the board never a doubt let's go to the studio now and check in with Kevin Connors Kevin what do you got all right guys want to update you on a game that went final moments ago ruter is going to walk off the field there and PCAT away with a much needed Victory they had this one circled on the calendars for some time and regardless the score that W has to feel good 60 Minutes of football and a convincing outcome and certainly a game with implications far beyond just the standings fellas Kevin thanks a lot for that one sounds as if they had a good one there now the play fake fires to the tight end really nice job there by both guys to throw and the catch to work that defense and get the first down and the Blazers are in the hurry up and that's why play action is going to be big in this game you saw how it just freezed the second level of that defense just for a second and allowed the tight end to work himself vertically down the field but how about this guy after the catch right so hard to bring down what a weapon back to pass it's Crosby looking down the middle it's caught downfield and he's knocked down but not before moving the chain the Blazers are rolling down the field all right defense it ain't working right they're stringing together several first downs here we're going to need to change this up find something we can disrupt the quarterback and and mess up this offense a little bit and maybe they want to try somewhere else because there is nothing doing in the middle of this defense we reached the two-minute warning and we'll see if the offense can build on this lead before the break [Applause] got stuffed on first down it's second and [Applause] 10 he's looking to throw outside the pocket lets it go how about that play to get a hand in there and force the incompletion if they can convert here that type of play can really give you a shot of momentum on third down going up top they're bringing and the ball comes out what a disastrous play oh look what I found the offense keeps it that ball carrier is very lucky that easily could have ended up in the hands of the defense you have got to do a better job of Ball secur fourth down and the punt team sends it the other way no return coming he'll call for the fair catch so guys will get another look at this offense they've been pretty much St on offense so far David only able to muster three points in their previous three drives and you got to find a way to open this up and create some just keeps moving and an explosive play has him on the move and he gets it all the way to the 48 yd line finally this offense starting to show a little juice they've got a first and 10 used the play fake now to throw unloads to the wide out almost intercepted it'll fall inom complet the defense almost came up with a turnover second and 10 after the previous play looking downfield it's Carter throws to the wide out got him downfield they make the stop but there is a flag on the field we'll see what that's all [Applause] about and the defender just way too handsy on that last play you could see all the contact as the ball was in the air you simply can't do it and the referee's caught it right down the middle all kinds of room to throw that one in there takes it into the end zone for a touchdown and I just love the execution by this offense late in the half man you want to take the lead you want to get that momentum on your side and they do it they finish it with the passing game and tell you what keep that passing game up you can keep this lead keep the momentum and keep putting up numbers UAB has the ball back ready to send the offense out to go to work this late in the half you're behind you'd love to create something before the break to build momentum Jesse you've also had some miscues on offense a big part of why you're losing the game right now I'd take it into halftime make my adjustments and come out ready in the second half yeah I'm going to take it in halftime too B but I'm trying to put some points up right here be aggressive set the tone be like Hey listen this is what you're going to get in the second half so find something really quickly you can go to on second down he'll let it fly quickly complete there's a timeout called as this offense tries to find a way to draw a little closer now from the 40 it's first and 10 looking to move it through the air and the defense gets to the quarterback how nice is it as a defense when you can drop seven guys in a coverage only Rush four and still get home that makes you feel good if you're the D coordinator looking to throw on second down nowhere to go and the ball is loose defense falls on the ball going to be a turnover first half in the books time now to join Kevin Connor in our halftime update gentlemen what a pleasure it's been to watch these two teams thus far there in Birmingham and it's been said football is a game of inches and guess what based on the comparison between third down conversion rate today and the average yard per play how can you argue that I mean the low-lying fruit is to look at some of the explosive plays we've seen in panic but really this game is going to come down to which team is more efficient when they have the ball and how they play when it matters most just about set for the second half kickoff and they thought about a return Then thought better of it they'll bring it out to the 25 UAB regains possession of the Blazer offense back onto the field after the lack of production in the first half plenty to talk about let's see what they can dial up here in the third quarter yeah I I think you stay calm I think you make adjustments Jesse I think you realize what they're doing to us and how can I attack that but you also tell the guys low in game still very much in this we can still be who we are it's a good point I think on offense this is not the time to reinvent the wheel I think you stay true to who you are and what your identity is and you've got to show confidence in your guys to go out and just execute better here in the second half now facing a third and long looking to throw and he needs a chunk play and they get to the quarterback and knock him down back at the 16 and the Blazers will punt this this one away three and out and not much choice but to get rid of the ball makes a move not able to pop the big return but they've got the ball back and ready to go with a fresh possession and the offense takes over to dip into its Bag of ball plays and in a lowc scoring game like this one David every possession is magnified and I think more than anything it just gets frustrating and you got to put that behind you you got to see what this defense has been doing to be so successful Paul now use it against him yeah David I think for a play caller this is tough right it's like you have to have the perfect play on just to get a first down in these types of games I think you're just trying to get guys out in space see if a dude can break a tackle maybe that generates an explosive play and it breaks this trend dropping back it's Carter looking to scramble slings it down field he's got an open man and he gets it down to the four yd line before he's finally stopped a terrific run after the catch this dude is putting up numbers he just cracked the 150 Mark in receiving yards man he's a weapon Rees he runs routes he's fast he's great with the football in his hands and he can line up in a lot of different spots and run the entire route tree I mean what can't this guy do can the defense stop him again on second and goal they'll run it to the left looking for the touchdown here they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one well you got to give the defense credit they knew a big key in this one was slowing this dude down especially after how well he played the last time out they have been swarming him they have been gang tackling him and getting a it's snagged In The End Zone touchdown really nice job working the route and getting himself open he's able to locate the football snag it out of the air and this guy now has five receiving touchdowns on the year and he tacked on the extra point about to kick it off after punching it in for the touchdown from inside his own 10 he'll try to help out their field position and he'll be brought down after a solid effort on that return UAB has the ball back ready to send the offense out to go to work the deficit here is just 10 points David So a chance to answer here plenty of time left in this football game no need to panic this offense just has to put a couple Drives together and listen the defense will get this back and get some stop F and get you the football back and I think I think here too David you have an opportunity to keep the pressure on the opponent yeah they just went down and scored but you score here and this game still tight to keep their feet to the fire so an opportunity here to keep applying that pressure the Blazers in the hurry [Applause] up and off from the shotgun you'll take four yards on first down every time second and six offense in the hurry up he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple and this offense just has to find a way to convert this third down or else they are really in trouble looking to pass it's Crosby gets it out quickly at the 35 he's got room and they'll do more than move the chains they'll move that thing more than 30 yd down the field before he's finally stopped from the Red Zone looking for a space got his man quickly headed to the end zone that's down Blazers a great catch and run for six great example of how a second half can really change everything for a team no doubt first half looked bad it looked like it was Bleak it looked like it was ugly but now you're starting to get it turned around that more drives like this is what's needed lining up to cover the kick after that touchdown Drive he'll bring it out stopped at the 17 and he's probably second guessing that return offense set on first down Ed the play fake now to throw fires to the middle got his Man Down field he's run out of bounds but a big play on that one and it'll be a first down I'll tell you man I love quarterbacks that have arm talent but that can throw it accurately at the same time and you saw all of it on that in R from the gun they'll try the middle and they'll finally get him down after a terrific pickup [Applause] one quarter to go and might we have the makings of a classic fourth quarter finish back at it to open the quarter with this first down play smart move to keep it on the ground really nice stop there from this senior leader at this point of the game the offense has the lead the offensive orator knows they want to keep running the football so he's going back he's looking at his playlist and he's saying which runs work the best for me in this game what can I lean on right here to make sure we win this one reacted well to the tip but just couldn't squeeze the football instead of the turnover it'll be third down they line up and it is a long way to the sticks from here fires to the wide out another incompletion on third down it's so nice with you know it's third and long you know a pass is coming you worked on it all week get your feet set at the sticks understand that quarterback's got to be rushed get him off of his spot nice execution by this defense on fourth down looking for the completion fires to the middle makes the grab well past the sticks and they finally get him to the ground an easy conversion for this offense defense not exactly the perfect fourth down call there that was such a risky call with the lead late in the game to go for it on fourth down that could have been disaster if they don't get it but with the conversion now the question is that enough to ice this thing and win the game they'll throw it from the Red Zone unloads to the wide out oh what a spectacular layout in catch this is so interesting right now watching this offense stay aggressive aggressive they've got the lead in the fourth quarter and you're thinking at home we got to just run the ball and try to bleed the clock they found something on defense they're taking advantage of two straight completions I won't be surprised if they throw it again and he's dragged down no reason to rush here you want to be efficient you want to finish the deal but you might as well milk that clock he's in for the score touchdown and you love giving it to the big boys right near the goal line plowing ahead you know he's going to put two hands on the football lower his shoulder second and goal you don't need third and goal thanks to the big fell and the extra point extends the lead to double figures at 10 almost ready to kick it away after scoring the [Applause] touchdown he thought about bringing that out for a half second but he'll take a knee and they'll bring it to the 25 UAB regains possession of the Blazer offense back onto the field after standing on the side line and watching that long touchdown Drive they really need to put something together to give their Def and that ball is picked off going the other way and he's got room and a big return after the int sets up the offense for this possessions it doesn't get any better for your defense you know exactly the situation in the fourth quart order everything in your favor don't let him make big plays how about you make a big play nice job getting the interception it's not icing on the cake yet but it's getting pretty close going to work in the Red Zone they can pick up the first down without getting it into the end zone right back to the air on second and 10 got it makes the easy catch and weaves his way into the end zone for a touchdown with that score it looks as if this bunch is about to go six and one that's his third touchdown pass of the day the defense has no clue how to respond right now no and the defense has had absolutely no answer he's been on the money he's been on fire making the right decisions and just carving this Defense Zone and it'll be a Touchback the ball will come out to the 25 yd line UAB has the ball back ready to send the offense out to go to work well let's see if this drive goes better than the last one they were in and out quickly after the quick pick David yeah first play big mistake man now let's get this offense in a little bit of a rhythm maybe before you open it up again Palmer or can you trust him right away uh he seems to me like the guy maybe that just needs to kind of get into the flow of the game so maybe you get the running game going here and just give him some easy looks to let him get lathered [Applause] up linebacker shuffling around trying to keep the quarterback from getting a read and the physical play there forces the incompletion on first down couldn't make the connection last time let's see if they' throw it again easy looking to throw it's Crosby throws to the wide out Mak it connection the offense gets a quick timeout at this point every second is precious they're running the curl route against Zone coverage the quarterback knows that's going to be a tight window he's got to rifle that ball into his wide receiver he does just that and as a result they pick up the first down and the defense is all over the quarterback and down he goes they'll hurry to the line with the clock still [Applause] running on second down he'll let it fly finds a t spot in the middle and they swarm him under and the Blazers want to crank the tempo they're going to try to throw for it on third down and the incomplete pass will bring up fourth down this defense has just been all over this guy all game long Under Pressure they're finding a way to get to him and affect his rhythm of course they have an interception in this game that's why they've got a big lead here in the fourth quarter this guy has never gotten into a rhythm a bold decision to go for it on fourth down and one that did not pay off on first down here comes this offense used the play fake now to throw catch in the middle it's Bell he got loose almost housed it finally drag down at the 32 and another big play by this offense and if they are playing not thinking about the scoreboard at all there's evidence of it right there hey if there's time on the clock as a defense stop us because we're not stopping ourselves we're going to continue being aggressive we're going to continue trying to score points that's the aggressive of this football team line is set on third down not only the scoreboard but the clock on the side of the offense as they take knee though the D can stop at a couple more times after the stumble earlier this year a lot of people wrote this team off people might be searching for spots on the bandwagon again now yeah give this coaching staff a lot of credit too Reese because they made a few tweaks adjustment schematically to their personnel as well and they've really now seemed to find a nice Rhythm and it's hard to find that early in the season but the good teams figure out who they are what they do well and you could tell they're starting to get in a Groove figure out who does what well and maximize that and accentuate that that's going to do it for us from here for Jesse Palmer David Pollock I'm ree Davis and this is been another presentation of EA Sports college football [Applause] for for for