College Football 25 MTSU vs. Western Kentucky

[Music] welcome to Murphy sporo Tennessee and Johnny red Floyd Stadium home of the Middle Tennessee blue Raiders Raider fans have been clamoring to get this one started all week this match up today part of the life blood of the sport a rivalry game where the results will be remembered for a lifetime as we'll see a squad from Conference USA the Western Kentucky Hill Toppers squaring off with another team from Conference USA the Middle Tennessee blue Raiders for EA Sports college football I'm ree Davis joined here in the booth by David poock and Jesse Palmer and guys let's get this thing [Music] started the hill Toppers will get us started with the opening kickoff here's the return from inside is 10 nice job executing all of the assignments as they put a stop to that return at the 22 so middle Tennessee's offense will get the first possession of the game and the adrenaline is pumping on overdrive in games like this guys and it's crucial to get your emotions under control no doubt in rivalry games you've got to limit the mental errors and you've got to limit the penalties cuz those will kill you B and you got to come out under control it means so much you know that the fans are all talking about it but it's just Football let's see if they go back to the air on second down dropping back it's battiato what a snag by the defense what a nice play and even with the short return they're in scoring position at the 18 it's a defense that Prides themsel on taking the football away they believed 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 hill Toppers offense will have its first possession of the game here are our impact players for this game and it goes beyond executing an assignment to make an impact in the game yeah obviously we were talking to both coaching staffs this week and we asked them who needs to step up and play well they immediately pointed to these guys right here they are the key for their respective teams yeah and they don't always show up in the Box SC but these are the guys of the leaders these are the guys getting everybody organized and have to play deep shot for the end zone and swatted down by the defense to stop the scoring opportunity we anticipate this one being much tighter than the last time these two met when it was a blowout David and here's the thing you got an opportunity right now you got the football early in this game to show you this is going to be more of the same pmer well we talked to both coaching staffs and players and they're all very aware of what happened the last time these two teams played so expect everybody's aame today at least you're right we expect this one to be a lot tighter they've decided to try to go for the field goal here oh and he missed it no good after the Miss no change in the score well the upright playing the 12th man on defense knocking that ball down it looked like it had a chance to be good the give to the running back from the shotgun picks up a useful 5yd chunk out from the 30 yd line halfway there on first down it's second and [Applause] five going to run it it's Wilkins still running at the 40 ripping off a pretty good chunk of yardage they've got it out to the 41 with a first down first here's this offense with a fresh set of downs and the physical play there forces the incompletion on first down and there's so much for a quarterback to think about out in the belly do I pull it now when I pull it oh I got to get my feet set make an accurate throw to the right guy so a lot of things going on and I think that you saw that led to a little bit of inaccuracy caught over the middle it's Sherman they make the stop but not before they do their work up top and pick up a first down and these wide receivers work the middle so much of this is field understanding where the holes are in the zone or understanding how to get leverage on a man and these wide receivers are dangerous nowadays because they do it so fast and see that so quick and make those plays open I know you want to prepare for every game the same way but there's just something different about rivalry games Jesse it's because ree I think players are aware that games like this Define your legacy as a player your record in rivalry games is something that people are going to talk about for years and years down the road you have got to show up and play your best football in games like this back to pass it's vattiato unloads to the wide out got him downfield he's there to make the stop but the damage has been done as they pick up the first down on the throwing catch and now a fresh set of downs for this offense from the gun running back gets to give oh man there's some big hitting going on the trenches right now this defense they take a lot of pride in stopping the Run let's keep our eye on them throughout the course of the game and see if they can contain this running attack the play action fake pocket starts to collapse swings it out to his running back and just a short safe pass play they pick up a few I want to get my running backs the ball in space as much as possible and sometimes it doesn't work in the running game but I can throw it to him I can try to create some space out wide dumping the football let him make some catches and see if I can't get some big plays out of it a shot toward the end zone fires into traffic it's it's picked off and the offense makes the tackle in frustration after the interception Drive comes up empty and it's a turnover they're backed up first and 10 from inside their own five let's see if they can create some space quick hand off not much working there it'll be second and nine and you want to run the football that's okay you'll take some of these but if they start to add up down the road obviously you might want to think about airing it out in game going to run it it's Hampton running with power finds a crevice and picks up five out to the eight this defense has got to get better at tackle in the open field of game tackling because if you need three or four guys to bring a guy down have fun with that from the gun on third down throws to the wide out and the incomplete pass will bring up fourth down defense did a great job third and short on the opponent side of the field they're expecting quick throw everybody to dug their heel on the ground they're able to break on the ball Force the [Applause] incompletion and they'll bring him down to get the offense started on the next drive and now the offense will come onto the field again boy they had that last Drive moving a little bit David but then the mistake just crushed them and those mistakes are going to happen you 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 that made me successful I agree David just turn the page if you're a quarterback right nothing but green ahead The Tackle is made but he's got it first and goal from the six I know it's early in the game but defensively after that play you know you have to tackle the catch when this guy gets the ball in his hands he is so dangerous after the fact so it's okay for him to make catches just got to get him to the ground quickly he works his way all the way down to the three and the defense is reing hiess coming out on the goal line quarterback flips INE quickly to the receiver some hard running there but just too many Defenders as he stopped for a loss that brings us to Third and goal from the six after they went backwards on the last one to the air it's vattiato got it and he will score touchdown Middle Tennessee they can use this first score to sort of set the tone guys in this rivalry matchup man doesn't this feel good to come out score early get the crowd involved get the nerves out of the way Palmer when you're playing in a big rivalry game yeah and I feel like momentum is always a big thing in any game but in rivalry games it's that much more important because everybody is going to feed off that first score about to kick it off after punching it in for the touchdown he'll bring it back looking for help stopped at the 17 and he's probably second guessing that return the hill topper offense comes on the field again boy three and out last time David they'd like to be more productive this time around yeah in the last Drive nothing really clicked no rhythm got off the field really really quickly they need to put something together here yeah David bad execution on that last drive so they got to take a collective breath and start playing like a unit on this one and that is a Nifty bit of navigation to get through that traffic and get the first down and this offense I think will do a good job in this game divvying up the football and distributing it to different guys in the passing game it won't just be receivers it's not going to be tight ends this running back he's a weapon too after he catches it you saw it right there hand off to the lone back not a lot of day I you gets one to the 32 I like feeding my guy I like getting my running back touches feeding the ball so he can break some of those big runs but I'm also okay with these little ones set the tone stay balanced on the ground it's young not much he could do there does pick up two to the 34 third down conversions are a huge stat and this one would be a doozy if they can pull it off from the gun wants to pass complete to the right gets it to the 46 yd line line first down for this offense hard work pays off Guys these offenses work so hard week in week out working on those critical down and distances third down so having that conversion this early in the game that's got to feel good for this offense they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one how about the defender being a heat seeking missile he was on radar lock he found the football and flew down with some bad in V on second down just keeps firing got it in the middle it's Johnson he's brought down solid pick up but a little bit short of a first down as they get set to snap it just about to reach the end of the quarter they'll throw on Third and short grab behind the line it's young they make the Stop and that'll bring the first quarter to a close at the end of the quarter guys it's Middle Tennessee on top period in the books and let's take a look at the stats they've swapped into of the field and we're ready to go in the [Music] second back at it to open the quarter with this first down play power football with the Run they worked that running game down to the 34 let's give him three on the carry and a lot of times you want those big plays you want those Splash plays but sometimes you're going to take some losses you're not going to run the football overly well but if you continue to run it you can at least create some balance you at least have the threat of it otherwise you're just going to abandon it and now it's just going to be a passing game from the gun the running back looking for room open Runway ahead and he waltes in for the score touchdown Hill topper saw a crease nothing but Green Grass and opportunity and he flashed through it for six and when you can get 30 plus yards out of your running back and he can make big plays like this man it's hard to call a lot of passes I'm just going to feed this guy The Rock we check in with Kevin Connors what's going on Kevin boys if it's happening in college football we've got eyes on check this out Florida Atlantic has the lead right now but if this team has taught us anything over the years it's that no lead is safe there in boa rone they're up by a field goal over FIU any big developments in this one we've got you covered with the best studio team in the business gentlemen thanks for the update on that one Kevin let us know when it goes final how about that play to get a hand in there and force the incompletion defense is doing a great job watching the quarterback's eyes and breaking on the ball they already have two picks in the game and they SWAT that one away they are doing an awesome job in coverage to the air it's battiato and heat gets there and they get it down at the 14 yd line and those outside linebackers nowadays they're so fast they got to cover ground you can Blitz them off the edge and they can get after quarterbacks LOF one high and deep snatches it on the right and they'll do more than move the chain they'll move that thing more than 30 yd down the field before he's finally stopped that big play is just what they needed now they have it first and 10 just outside the [Applause] 40 and it's incomplete if you're going to take a hit like that you might as well hang on to the ball after the misfire now on second down they'll give it to the back he's not e e e e e field he'll lose a couple you know if you want to run the ball at the middle you're going to have to block that guy I mean nobody even touched him and he slanted right into the back field made the tackle for loss on Third and long he has to throw for it and the incomplete pass will bring up fourth down and here comes the punt team that's why it's so important for this defense to win first and second down you set up third and Longs like that you can show your exotic looks you can get the pass rush going everybody in the back end expecting throw and that's how you force incompletions and Force fourth Downs uh nice job little hang time getting it up in the air it's coming inside the 10 that thing goes inside the 5 yd line that is exactly how you draw it up they're backed up first and 10 from inside their own five and they'll try to get this drive started the hand to the running back and maybe they want to try somewhere else because there is nothing nothing doing in the middle of this defense got stuffed on first down it's second and 10 the offense showing motion from the tight end trying to get a read on the D looking for room it's young and a really nice run and pick up there before the defense avoided disaster and stopped the really big play that has got to be demoralizing if you're on defense because they just ran the ball right up the middle down your throat and they gashed you here's the hand off find some space enough to get five to the 22 I know the passing game sells the passive game is exciting but it's not exciting to get five or six yards a pop on the ground but it will be very successful halfway there on first down it's second and five running back searching for a hole gets it out to the 25 yd line a gain of three and the running back didn't get much there nice job by the defense you can tell they're focused in on this running back on this run game being physical getting knock backs and limiting his carries so they're facing third and short from the 25 to the ground to try to pick up the first they thought they could just run it on Third and short but this defense was there to make the Stop and the hill toppers will putt it away on fourth down this will be the second time they've had to kick it away he's got great speed and the returner is stopped the Middle Tennessee offense will go back to work that last Drive fizzled out Jesse they had to pun it yeah they did and David they're just going to have to do a better job this time around erasing the mental mistakes and just trying to solve the defensive riddle understanding what they're trying to do to you and attack them they'll go back to work after the incompletion here's second and 10 from the 36 looking to throw it's battiato this time he's got it and they're getting it rolling with that play to the 42 yd line and a big key on that throw to the slot receiver guys is putting the ball out in front the location of the throw is what helped that guy get extra yards after the catch they finally get him on the ground but the big running play moves to change for the first down first down you know you always want to establish the running game how about this offense nothing fancy run the football be physical get a big [Applause] game quarterback reacting to what the D is showing used the play fake now to throw a shot toward the end zone and how about that DB getting a hand in there and forcing the incomplete pass yeah and I like the shot the aggressive play down the field and we like throwing those jump balls up to my receiver cuz usually receiver makes the play and makes the defender look bad nice job by the defender getting a hand on it tipping that ball away from the rers able to pick up a couple down to the 27 ball spotted at the 27 they're facing a third and long to try to keep their hopes of a touchdown alive from the gun wants to pass and this is going to be incomplete on third down now on fourth down they'll settle for a field goal try and he'll need to curl this one in from 44 yds out on the right hatch and it's right down the Boulevard and with that field goal they now have the lead after putting up a three spot the kickoff unit set to go on the run from inside his own five and the coverage team able to wrestle him down here comes the Western Kentucky offense back onto the field first down here with time for maybe one more play until the two-minute warning they hope to be able to cash in on this drive David after having to punt it last time yeah and I think this offense needs to start it with the first play you need to be successful and productive on that first play and it gets you in less predictable situations no doubt too and don't you just feel like there's a little bit more sense of urgency on this drive it just feels like they've got to be able to put some points up on the board here fires to the wide out and this sophomore is going to learn you can't force that type of pass very lucky to get it back great coverage great break on the ball had a chance to really make a big play and maybe even take that thing back to the house but you got to secure the catch we like to hit people more than we like to catch BS and he's able to shed one tackle and gets a pretty good pick up timeout called here by the defense it's their first of the half the hill Toppers line up to punt it away slips through the line little pressure on the coverage team there and they'll stop him at the 47 yd line let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going they've got the lead here last time they set him for a field goal but David got to find that balance between being aggressive and careful man I think they'll take that I got the lead Palmer I got the football I got to take K and that is interception number three on the day didn't get a ton on the return but the most important thing he got the ball and they've got it at the 48 well obviously it's raining here in this game and ball slippery I don't know if that slipped out of the QB's hands a little bit but it certainly wasn't an accurate throw and as a result it ends up in an interception setting up the screen and he'll step across the sidelines after making a good gain on that one well a nice Gainer on that running back screen and how about the offensive line getting down field and getting blocks to really help out the back find some space to go to work got his and they explode on that one and they've got it down to the 22 well this offense knew coming into this game they wanted to try to attack the middle of the field in the passing game and they're able to execute the end route there offense getting set for first down he's going to pass unloads to the wide out and his throw is incomplete after the quarterback and receiver failed to hook up they'll try it again on second down he's looking to throw fires to the wide out it's caught downfield there was tight coverage but a perfect throw and catch and they've got it at the nine first and goal listen QBs and wide receivers got to be on the same page and you got to know when to throw that curl route it's got to be on time right when the wide receiver breaks to the DB can't catch up nice job QB and wide receiver being on the same page getting some positive yards they will score touchdown Toppers 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 I tell you what heat that passing game up you can keep this lead keep the momentum and keep putting up numbers and the kick is good but there's a penalty flag and I think it's going to be roughing the kicker personal foul roughing the kicker defense the officials offer the deal and the coach accepts it they will take the penalty they got the late touchdown on the board now about to kick it away and hoping the defense can keep them from answering first down for this [Music] [Applause] offense looking downfield It's vattiato Quickly complete after the pick up of nine it's second and one a timeout is called as this offense tries to find a way to get more points on the board before the half the completion short of the stins it's second [Applause] down he's looking to throw fires one high and deep right on the money to the outside he dragged the toe and how about the ball placement only the receiver could get they'll snap it from the 39 first and 10 looking to move it through the air and he got smacked just as he released the pass it's incomplete well this defense felt coming into the game that if he was going to try to throw from the pocket they could get to him and affect his accuracy and they did on that last play pressure coming that pass is incomplete and they might be fortunate it wasn't knock threee for a fumble it'll be third down they line up with some serious ious work to do if they want to convert this one on third down he'll try to pick it up through the air he got a hand in there knocked it away incomplete tell you what I don't know if the offense was expecting man coverage that time third and long in field goal range you're expecting it to be Zone instead they lock them up manto man everybody on an island everybody one they get the incompletion Now setting up fourth so they're going to send out the field goal unit to try a long one he said he's got a big leg he's going to have to show it from 56 yds out oh and the attempt is no good and it is still a four-point deficit listen he's a guy that makes 60 yarders in practice so they give him that opportunity with his big leg he misses it the opponent didn't set up the return so they're going to get the football back now pretty good field position there's still a few ticks left on the clock they've got a chance to steal some points here late in we've got a timeout in the waning seconds of the half maybe a chance to get off a couple more plays just enough time for one final play in this half looking to go up top on first down unleashes one deep it's incomplete and they tried to get one on the board before the break and couldn't quite make the connection looks as if we're set to crank it up here in the second half he'll start the return inside is five nice job by the kickoff team everybody stayed in their lanes and they'll stop him at the 16 Hill topper offense comes onto the field again a lot of work to do as this drive will start from the 16 yd line they'll start in the third quarter with the run and he's all bottled up and now it's worse the ball's loose oh and he's able to get it back good thing for him great job by the defense forcing the fumble but a bad unfortunate balance the offense pounces back didn't get much done on that first play of the drive it's second and 11 he's looking to throw makes his connection and good coverage by the defense just a short game I really like the slot receiver and I understand he's not the biggest guy in the world but he just runs really good routes and's always under control he can run option rounds he can run double moves he does a great job cutting and he's dangerous after the catch nice weapon to have work in the middle of the field just a little off incomplete I know this offense came out here in the second half hoping to build on their one possession lead but after that incompletion I think the smart thing is to just kick it away here let your defense play and try to get it back to you without giving up any points fair catch called for but there is a flag on the play we'll have to sort it out the kicker defense so the decision has been made and the coach will take the penalty so the offense keeps his Drive alive thanks to the roughing the punter penalty the give to the left good pick up on the ground and they'll Mark him down at the 39 I know it's sexy to throw the football but you can pound it away and get these kind of gains they will just add up wear the defense down get first downs and ultimately get some points from the gun the G looking for room nowhere to run on that one he loses four on the Carr that linebacker saw the express lane right to the ball carry and a great job by the defensive line getting some push making them use their resources on him linebacker comes free making the back field for a tackle for a loss [Applause] didn't have much of a choice just had to throw that one away it'll be fourth down and the hill Toppers decide to punt it away he's getting a lot of work fourth time he's punted tonight no return coming here fair catch is signal for and made just shy of the 30 the Middle Tennessee offense will go back to work we talk about settling for points but sometimes s when you have to settle for nothing David it can be demoralizing yeah it can definitely be frustrating and I think it leads you to say maybe I go for it more but Jesse I think this offense just needs to put another drive together and just finish Stronger Yeah and and be a little bit less predictable too especially as they get closer and closer down to the end zone and he's brought down at the 40 yd line and that'll be a first down I just love the play call you're getting a fast player out of the open field and it's enough to get you a first down offense lines up at the 40 they've got a first down they go to the [Applause] ground he got a bunch and look close to getting a lot more but he's got the first down first down physicality wins football gam being able to run the football and create balance and and right here just chews up another first down gives you another chance to maybe continue to run the football and I feel like this guy too is just an explosive play waiting to happen his vision his quickness and he's got a burst if you give this guy just a crease he's going to hit it right now he's doing some damage on this defense right on target with that last pass now it's second and [Music] medium scanning the field it's battiato got his man downfield and this defense is a half a beat behind they just can't quite keep up they've got it down to the 21 QBs when you see Zone covers man can you defense when you have a good pocket and you've got time to throw you had a little bit of time to throw you can move guys with your eyes that drag comes wide open good throw good catch first down nowhere to run on that when he loses four on the Carry Man Down on the play as the officials take a break to let him be checked out put themselves in a bit of a bind with that last one is second and [Applause] 14 now the play fake another interception this guy just can't find his own players and they'll drag him down after a good return on the interception well we know these are slick conditions today in this game wide receiver just didn't seem to really get a good grasp on the ball when it hit his hands didn't stick right away there's a a bit of a bobble and because of it the defense able to come away with the fck great to have perfect blocking but you can also make your own and that's exactly what he does getting it up to the 36 and that RPO play was run to Perfection the Run fake forced and sucked the defense up and a nice job on the route by the receiver not telegraphing that he was breaking to the inside on the slant give to the running back dances away from one they'll get the first down it's spotted on the 49 and this running back right now is sending a very clear message he doesn't want to just be known as a guy that can run around you or run away from you he wants you to know he can lower the shoulder and get those tough yards if need be right back to the way now and they try to run inside and there is nowhere to go those are the kind of plays in the second half you have to make this back has had plenty of success he's gotten a lot of touches now defensively we got to show him things are about to be different they got nothing on the last play it's second and 10 motion from the offense they'll go to the ground they make the stop but this running game moves to change as they get the first down and there's really no secret to it David when this guy running well this offense is so hard to stop it opens up everything and he's having a great day showing you a little bit of everything and this offense has got it rolling on the ground got him looking run he wants to throw oh he's going to take a shot at the DB and he slipped through the crowd and he'll house it touch down Western Kentucky quarterback's abilities to read the field is huge and also the anticipation the timeing to be able to throw the football Jesse and hit a guy in stride so he can get run after the catch and get in the end zone that was a nice job by the quarterback yeah it's critical David listen a lot of times touchdown passes aren't thrown into the end zone youve got to read the coverage hit the open guy and let him do the rest couldn't find a way to create that broken field as he stopped at the 25 let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going that last Drive was promising for a while but you just can't mess it up at the end with the pick Jesse no you got to be able to finish drives especially in this game if you're going to win and David they've got to be able to eliminate the mdal mistake yeah and I don't think you get conservative play it safe you can trust your guy I think you put the ball right back in his hands and let him do his thing right on target this time he's brought down quickly minimal game there still a bit short of the first down third down in this offense is already in a world of trouble they could really use the conversion not to mention multiple scores that pass not close as he got drilled trying to deliver it and it'll bring up fourth down the punt team makes its way onto the field this will be the second time they've had to kick it away and the punt team able to smack him to the ground here comes the Western Kentucky offense back onto the field that last Drive really productive David wound up with a touchdown they'll try to do it again yeah so I don't expect this offense to change too much Reese they had a great Drive they got the touchdown everything working I would expect them to keep pushing this ball downhill and just imagine if they could put another touchdown on the board right here they could capture so much momentum in this game with backto back [Applause] TDS looking to throw on second down makes the grab on the left and they'll stop it just short of the first down just inches away from moving the stti that last completion still leaving them with a third down they'll try to pick it up on the ground on the nasty move and now he's got room now he's got it all the way down to the 21 yd line and they are threatening on first down and that's a great sign for this offense because this year we know there's been a little bit of inconsistency and I think the biggest problem has been third down right there nice job executing running the ball picking up the first and keeping this drive Al wide receiver shows motion quick pass on the Fly motion he is going nowhere stop at the line of scrimmage and great recognition by the corner that touch pass after he throws at the quarterback it's a pass he can't throw it Forward again nice job understanding that flying up coming and making the big tackle in the open field now on second down he's looking to throw grabbed in the middle it's Smith that throw and catch gets him down to the six and the defense is running out of answers well it's a great job by the receiver fighting back across the DB there to get to the inside locate the ball and catch the slam Pi it up you're embarrassing the hill Toppers have it in scoring position on first and goal DB's right up on the receivers they'll keep it on the ground for first and goal touchdown WKU and they add six more to the board with that trip to the house number no step back in week three they have been sharp as they extend the lead another rushing touchdown that's now two on the game this offense thought they could come into this one running the ball being the more physical team and they look like it right now [Applause] and the extra point sails through for a 2810 lead so that scoring Drive took only six plays and he got into the house from the six to finish it almost ready to kick it away after scoring the [Applause] touchdown on the move from inside is five nice job executing all of the assignments as they put a stop to that return at the 22 the Middle Tennessee offense will go back to work last time David it was 1 two three kick yeah last drive that three and out sometimes that puts your defense in a bad spot and you got to get a drive together here so you don't wear the defense out I just think David too predictable that last Drive they got to do something here to get this defense on their heels they think there's room to run to the right here he's knocked down in the back field he'll lose a couple brings up third [Applause] down that's the end of the quarter Western Kentucky is on top they built a comfortable lead after 3 qu of play Let's Take a look at how we got here one more period to go and we'll see just how much fight they've got left in them back on the field after the break and we'll start the quarter here on third down looking to throw it's battiato gets it out quickly and he'll have enough for the first down at the 42 well look that wasn't a touchdown that was a massive play for this offense they needed some momentum they needed to find a rhythm in what better way than converting on third down awesome job by the quarterback get he got loose almost house and finally dragged down at the 32 this is an offense that has skill they've got speed and because of that this defense they can't L themselves to sleep they've got a big lead here late but they've now given up backto back big plays they got to put the clamps down zingit complete to the right just got the feeling defense is going to make it hard on them right they've got the lead it's late they're going to try to tackle everybody in bounds offense is going to have to really work for this and be smart you got to attack the sideline and that is his fifth interception if he comes out to try for six he'll be lucky trying to take it back he's at the 10 touchdown Hill topper how about that D coming up with a play like that they push the lead out here in the fourth quarter and oppos to getting back on track and going two and one and that just might do it man offense needed points needed points badly defense comes up with the big interception takes it all the way back just to pad their lead a little bit and make this game almost almost Out Of Reach let's see what the blue Raider offense can get going that last pick six after a drive like that David can swing the momentum of a game the defense is still celebrating I mean such a big play I mean they they gave up some yards but did what they're supposed to do now Jesse this offense has to put a tra again yeah they have to recapture some momentum here what they can't do is go three and out and give the ball right back getting some heat going to try to pop one on the screen and he'll run across the sidelines after the good game love the execution there in the screen the running back shows pass protect pass protect last second turns around so he's able to get the ball the D Lin have already run past him now he can turn up field for a big Gainer got like that big reliable security play and that's what tight ends are a lot of the times they're just usually big huge guys that if I throw it anywhere near him he's going to pluck it and they got him for the sack it's pretty obvious this defense came into this one knowing they were going to have to play a complete game until there were zeros on the clock especially against this quarterback you cannot take your foot off the gas and that's exactly what they're doing here late in the fourth quarter they're still bringing it and they get another sa oh what a big play for this offense as they get it to the 33 yd line and with that pass right there over 300 yd that's a good day at the offense being able to execute doing a good job seeing what's coming anticipating taking some shots today but his H really strong put up some good numbers a little pre- snap eye candy for the defense he's got him in the flat a seven yd pickup it'll be second and three going to work in the Red Zone they can't pick up the first down without getting it into the end zone to throw it's Fato they're trying to get to it and they get to the quarterback and knock him down back at the 16 this quarterback has been under duress all game long he's one of the best in the country and he's used to having his way he's the one who's used to dictating to opposing defenses but that has not been the case in this game here we are late he's still under pressure taking a sack there and the pressure is coming in and they get him again and when I got a stud quarterback like like they do I'm going to protect him I'm going to make sure that I keep him upright cuz he can do some serious damage but this defense applying pressure and applying the hammer in this football game they're bringing Heat and the incomplete pass turns to over on Downs listen with the aggressiveness of offenses and Taking Chances a lot of times it's going to put your defense in a hole and this defense is going to have to come through in the clutch right here because you're trailing they can't get more scores they got to get a stop on this possession and the offense is going to have to do better than they just did they bring him down and he's going to lose a yard on that one it's going to be tough sledding for the offense here they're trying to ice this game by running the football and bleeding the clock they've got a pretty good lead here late in the game but the defense knows the run's coming right so they're going to be loading the line of scrimmage getting stops like what they just did be interesting to see what the offense does on this next one he's stuffed after picking up one to the 23 we reached the two-minute warning and this offense will be quite content just to drain the rest of the time away a third and long coming up here from the gun wants to pass fires left he's got an open man and he almost ran away from everybody on that one a huge pick up on that play timeout called there by the defense desperate to get the ball back and save as much time as possible and the hill Toppers have it with a first and [Applause] 10 they'll run it to keep this clock grinding strikes the blow After Burner coming and and they're going to put another one into the end zone as they just keep piling points on the scoreboard and this always is the debate of where you fall it's your job to stop me or I should get conserved because this offense obviously has had themselves a day and apparently their day is not over they're going to continue to keep scoring and the defense better do something about it [Applause] now they'll line up for what they hope is automatic the kick is up and good and put one more on the lead let's go to the studio now and check in with Kevin Connor Kevin what do you got all right guys a little update on what else is happening in college football this weekend Texas state is currently trailing in this one but it feels like the tide may be turning this program has picked itself up before and it's capable of it again today they're trailing by 11 to Arizona State we'll Circle back if anything big happens you should know about it and how about that one Kevin will be keeping an eye on everything going on elsewhere let's see what they've got on second down back to throw it's battiato he wants a big play here late and it's another interception as his assault on the record book continues and he's wrapped up after a solid return on the pick the number one objective for a defense is to make the offense onedimensional well when they're trailing by this much late in the game they're one Di ition they have to pass the football we can bring more speed on the field you see it we know you're throwing the football nice break on the football nice interception this one's almost over the hill topper offense comes onto the field again they're in command of this game now let's see if they tried to rub a little salt in the wound or happy with getting the W yeah and listen this this makes the postgame handshake fun sometimes if you do choose to rub a little salt in and keep chucking and keep scoring I'm here for it Jesse like your job is to score points it's my job to stop it keep the foot to the accelerator keep trying to play ball I agree a th% that's like Steve sprayer back in the day when I was playing for the Gators you go and play for him because you want the opportunity to throw the ball so when you get in the game late you're not handing it off we were beating Central Michigan by 80s something points he was still letting us throw the football it's the defense's job to stop you they line up and it is a long way to the sticks from here and off from the shotgun crosses the 30 got away he will step out of bounds but not before the big pick up and a first down for this offense so with the late lead they're ready to just drain the clock in Victory formation the defense still has a couple of timeouts at its disposal but down a couple of possessions the offense will take a knee there is nothing greater than a rivalry game unless you lose it and in that case there is nothing more miserable I agree Reese and that's why rivalry games are so great because you take the stats and you take the rankings and you take the records and you throw it all out the window there's always tremendous effort and passion when we see these rival games we certainly saw it today and David for this losing team this one's going to sting for a while it does but it's so strange because I I always feel the same way I'm like there's no chance that they have a chance to upset them but then you go it's a rivalry the the the the vitory all the hate it's already there and so it means so much in sports who's motivated for these games so you do get up it does become a good game even when it's not a good game on paper so that's going to do it for us for Jesse Palmer David poock I'm re Davis saying so long this has been another presentation of EA Sports college football [Music] [Music]