St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page D009

PAGE: D09PI2SP0923 College football I 2 SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2007 ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH STLTODAY.COM D9 Orange, a 36 1 2 -point underdog, prevail SYRACUSE 38, NO. 18. LOUISVILLE 35 BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOUISVILLE, KY. Syracuse wide receiver Taj Smith stood all alone at eld waving his arms Saturday, surprised by how wide open he was.

become a familiar feeling for Louisville opponents this season. Smith hauled in the pass from quarterback Andrew Robinson and raced 79 yards for a touchdown on the first play, and the Orange were on the way to a stunning 38-35 upset over the defenseless Cardinals. Syracuse came in as a 36 1 2 point underdog, was 0-3, had scored just 32 points this year and ranked near the bottom nationally in most major offensive statistical categories. This was no lucky last-minute stunner. The Orange led throughout behind Robinson, who threw for a career-high 423 yards and tied a school record with four TDs.

Syracuse led 3821 before Louisville scored two TDs in the final four minutes, but was unable to convert an onside kick after the second one with less than a minute to go. The defense allowed Syracuse to pile up 465 yards. is a powerhouse offense, but we felt like we could do it Smith said. just kept telling them it Smith later added a 60-yard touchdown reception, nishing with four catches for 173 yards as the Orange (1-3, 1-0 Big East) ended a 20-game home winning streak by Louisville (2-2, 0-1). Syracuse won its rst conference road game in three years and beat a ranked opponent for the first time since defeating Boston College in 2004.

The Cardinals turned the ball over four times, committed 12 penalties for 105 yards and lost successive games for the first time since 2003. The fell despite Brian Brohm completing 45 of 65 passes for 555 yards. hard to he said. just not playing great football right now MISSOURI 38, ILLINOIS STATE 17 Jeremy Maclin (9) escape the clutches of Illinois Jesse Caesar (left) early in the game Saturday. The Associated Press Tigers win despite errors, lack of focus By Graham Watson ST.

LOUIS POST-DISPATCH COLUMBIA, MO. 38-17 win over Illinois State on Saturday was a formality before the Tigers could start thinking and talking about the game that has been on their minds since fall camp started: Nebraska. It appeared that the Corn- huskers already might have been on the minds, considering the turnovers and lack of offensive ciency against the Illinois State defense, which entered the game allowing almost 400 yards per contest. Many thought No. 25 Missouri would have no trouble hanging 50 points on the Redbirds, and even though the Tigers had 581 yards of total offense, there were several mistakes Missouri must clean up prior to meeting Nebraska in the Big 12 opener Oct.

6. Three interceptions by quarterbacks Chase Daniel (2) and Chase Patton (1), and a missed eld goal by Jeff Wolfert, halted four drives, and the Tigers failed to score twice in the red zone. Daniel forced several throws that were either out of the reach of his receivers or over their heads, and his errant tosses turned receiver Will Franklin into a defender twice. obviously play said Daniel, whose team nonetheless improved to 4-0 for the second consecutive season. obviously good to get those picks out of my system, and I can guarantee you those are out.

Of course, you want four turnovers from just the quarterback position in two weeks. I played well at all these past two games and still putting up 40 points a game, so something to look forward Who could blame Daniel for the lack of focus? There were constant updates at Faurot Field about 41-40 win against Ball State over the PA system and on the scoreboard in the south end zone. Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said he happened to see the score while looking at the down and distance on the scoreboard. me, I looking for Pinkel said. Despite the interceptions, Daniel had a productive day.

He completed 21 of 34 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns. Eleven Missouri receivers had at least one catch. Missouri scored on its rst play from scrimmage, an inside screen pass to Franklin that he took 57 yards to the end zone. Redshirt freshman Jeremy Maclin dazzled with his second punt return for a touchdown. He had 238 all-purpose yards, including 53 receiving yards and a touchdown, and 22 yards rushing.

He also averaged 20.25 yards per punt return and 27.3 yards per kick return. Illinois State was mostly without the services of its two best weapons. Running back Rafael Rice had only four carries for 7 yards while nursing a sore knee, and top receiver Jason Horton sat out after straining a calf muscle during pre- game warmups. first-string defense allowed just 10 points through three quarters and a third of the fourth before they were switched for backups, who yielded the final touchdown. Although the Tigers allowed 397 yards of offense and eight of 17 third-down conversions, they made a key fourth- down play in the end zone and grabbed an interception in the fourth quarter.

314-340-8038 ILLINI NOTEBOOK Zook is making an impression By Stu Durando ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH BLOOMINGTON, IND. A wild thought came to Vontae Davis as he rushed through the end zone after his decisive interception late in the 27-14 win Saturday over Indiana. He could either take a knee or make a mad dash out of the end zone, and for a split second it appeared the sophomore cor- nerback had opted for the more dangerous latter choice. Then coach Ron voice told him that he was about to ruin an otherwise outstanding day with one moment of irrational thinking.

was looking for a seam and thought about running it he said. remembered in the spring I was about to run one out and Coach Zook got so mad and said, a So when I started running it out, Coach Zook was in the back of my head saying, a But I really wanted to come Instead, he preserved the shimmer of an impressive all-around performance. Davis added a blocked punt and nine tackles, including seven solos, and contained Indiana receiver James Hardy after a second-quarter touchdown. did a great Zook said. told him before the game, a guy (Hardy) going to play in the NFL.

If you think going to play in the NFL, you have to go get IGNORING THE CHART Illinois was leading 12-0 on two eld goals and a touchdown when Zook had to decide whether to attempt a 2-point conversion in the second quarter. Last year against Indiana, he did so twice and failed twice, and the Hoosiers won 34-32. This time Illinois never went for two despite three tempting opportunities. time we scored I thought about Zook said. I remembered back to last year, not that the reason I do it.

We were moving the ball, and even when the chart said to go for two, it was a feeling I had to get the (one) point and go from HOLDING ON TIGHT Tight end Michael Hoomanawa- nui scored his rst college touchdown in the second quarter on a play-action pass from quarterback Juice Williams, who found him wide open in the end zone. It marked the second successive week that an Illinois tight end has caught a TD pass. 314-340-8232 Illinois quarterback Juice Williams breaks out of a tackle by Indiana linebacker Matt Mayberry in the second quarter Saturday in Bloomington, Ind. The Associated Press getting fat and happy and thinking pretty good, it can be a very humbling Illinois (3-1) continued to add to its status as one of the Big best running teams by plowing through a defense that ranked among the 10 best nationally against the run. Mendenhall is now the main cog, having surpassed 100 yards in three consecutive games.

He added two touchdowns against the Hoosiers (3-1). He has rushed for 536 yards and scored eight touchdowns in his first season as the featured running back. know how anyone perceives Mendenhall said. always had confidence in myself. I feel my teammates have confidence that I can play with some of the best in the league.

always felt like that, and I think having a chance to show that, starting to become Although Indiana outgained Illinois, the Illini were successful in their bid to limit quarterback Kellen Lewis, who has developed into a dangerous double threat. The Hoosiers were the first opponent to top 100 rushing yards against the Illini, but Lewis was held to 35 yards and was sacked seven times. Illinois also forced four turnovers and won the turnover battle for only the second time in 27 games under Zook. Defensive end Will Davis was the catalyst, dropping Lewis four times. wanted to constrict him more and not get behind Davis said.

did a good job of bull rushing and got him down when we needed Indiana was left scrambling from behind after the Illini moved in front on two first- quarter Jason Reda eld goals. Quarterback Juice Williams had two touchdown passes in the rst half and led one of his best drives of the season late in the second quarter, completing six of seven passes, including a 15-yard TD to Mendenhall. The Illini also made big plays defensively to frustrate the Hoosiers. They forced a fumble by Marcus Thigpen after Indiana had moved to the Illinois 29-yard line on its rst possession, and recovered another fumble in the second quarter after a 16-yard run had moved the Hoosiers to the Illinois 17. Illinois will now face Penn State and Wisconsin the next two weeks in Champaign.

know when ever been so excited about being able to go back home to Zook said. 314-340-8232 big plays thwart Hoosiers Offense: Rashard Mendenhall accumulated 214 of the 288 rushing yards. The Illini averaged 5.2 yards per carry. The passing game was solid with Juice Williams throwing two touchdown passes, but he threw too many errant passes. Grade: A- Defense: Illinois gave up 397 yars, including 263 through the air, but much of that came late The Hoosiers did move the ball well at times, but Illinois forced critical turnovers.

And the Illini contained quarterback Kellen Lewis. Grade: Special teams: Kicker Jason Reda booted two eld goals, and punter Anthony Santella averaged 41 yards and dropped two kicks inside the 10. Vontae Davis blocked a punt, and Arrelious Benn showed up on kick returns. Grade: A Overall: Illinois controlled the game after taking an early lead, and unlike last season collapse when the Hoosiers challenged. The running game is a force, but the Illini must make it work against the Big top defensive units.

Grade: A- ILLINI 27, INDIANA 14 Illinois 6 14 0 7 27 Indiana 0 7 0 7 14 First quarter Illini: FG Reda 45, 10:20. Illini: FG Reda 38, 4:28. Second quarter Illini: Hoomanawanui 2 pass from J.Williams (Reda kick), 10:25. Ind: Hardy 7 pass from Lewis (Starr kick), 2:04. Illini: R.Mendenhall 15 pass from J.Williams (Reda kick), :44.

Fourth quarter Illini: R.Mendenhall 5 run (Reda kick), 12:45. Ind: Bailey 30 pass from Lewis (Starr kick), 7:58. 34,707. Team statistics Illini Ind. First downs 23 26 Rushes-yards 55-288 35-134 Passing 98 263 Comp-Att-Int 13-28-2 26-52-1 Return Yards 37 67 Punts-Avg.

Fumbles-Lost 1-1 4-3 Penalties-Yards 3-29 4-40 Time of Possession 31:48 28:12 Individual statistics Rushing Illini: R.Mendenhall 27-214, J.Williams 11-32, Pollard 6-30, Benn 4-22, Dufrene 3-(minus 2), Gamble 1-(minus 3), Team 3-(minus 5). Indiana: Payton 5-40, Lewis 17-35, Thigpen 8-20, Fisher 1-16, Sears 2-15, Means 1-5, McCray 1-3. Passing Illini: J.Williams 13-28-2-98. Indiana: Lewis 26-51-1-263, Team 0-1-0-0. Receiving Illini: Benn 5-50, R.Mendenhall 3-18, Judson 2-16, Pollard 1-10, Hoomanawanui 1-2, Hudson 1-2.

Indiana: Means 7-83, Hardy 6-42, Thigpen 3-20, Fisher 3-14, Bailey 2-39, Sears 2-32, Walker-Roby 2-29, Payton 1-4. REPORT CARD Interact STLtoday.com/illini Read more Illini updates and post responses in Eye on the Il- lini or sound off in Illini Talk Vote STLtoday.com/illini Grade performance in its 27-14 win over Indiana. ILLINI FROM D1 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Graham Harrell threw for 646 yards for Texas Tech, the fourth-best total in major college history, but Brandon Pettigrew caught a 55-yard touchdown pass with 1:37 remaining to give Oklahoma State a 49-45 victory at home over the Red Raiders on Saturday. Texas Tech (3-1, 0-1 Big 12) had a nal chance to win but Jeremy Crabtree, the leader in receptions and touchdown catches, let a 15-yard pass from Harrell bounce off his hands in the end zone on fourth down after Oklahoma State cornerback Ricky Price ashed in front of him with 11 seconds remaining. While Texas Tech amassed yards with the second- ranked passing offense, Oklahoma State (2-2, 1-0) did much of its damage on the ground with three rushers surpassing 100 yards for the rst time in school history.

Quarterback Zac Robinson ran for two scores and threw for another, while Dantrell Savage and Kendall Hunter each added touchdown runs. But the game was decided on a long passing play by the Cowboys. Harrell completed 46 of 67 passes with ve touchdowns, and he also guided Tech into position for Alex 20-yard eld goal that gave the Red Raiders a 45-42 edge with 4:49 to play. But after Tech stopped the Cowboys once, the Red Raiders run the final 2:44 off the clock throwing incompletions out of their spread set and Oklahoma State scored on its rst play from scrimmage after getting the ball back with 1:49 remaining. Danny Amendola caught 13 passes for a career- high 192 yards and a score, and Crabtree caught three touchdown passes.

But even 718 yards of total offense the most ever allowed by the Cowboys enough to secure a victory. Savage ran for 130 yards on 25 carries, Robinson picked up 116 on 13 rushes and Hunter ran 14 times for 113 yards. The Cowboys ended up with 366 yards on the ground. COLORADO 42, MIAMI (Ohio) 0 Cody Hawkins threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as the Colorado Buffaloes broke a two-game skid by romping at home. He nished 19 of 30 passing for 275 yards as the Buffaloes racked up 634 yards total offense.

Brian Lockridge finished with 90 yards rushing, including a 43-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, and Demetrius Sumler had 91 yards as the Buffaloes rediscovered their ground game. Colorado had 359 yards rushing. The week before against Florida State, Colorado (2-2) was held to minus-27 yards rushing on 25 carries. Miami is 1-3. KANSAS 55, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL 3 Brandon McAn- derson carried 13 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns as the Jayhawks romped at home.

BAYLOR 34, BUFFALO 21 Blake Szymanski passed for three touchdowns and ran for another to help the Bears (3-1) win on the road. The Bulls (1-3) have lost two straight. BIG 12 ROUNDUP Cowboys pull it out despite 646 passing yards THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SOUTH BEND, IND. Notre offense got into the end zone twice, in fact. But that nearly enough to end the misery for the Fighting Irish.

For the rst time in 119 seasons of Notre Dame football, the Irish are 0-4. Michigan State, which blew a big lead to Notre Dame a year ago in a loss that sent its season in a tailspin, got a measure of revenge against the oundering Fighting Irish with a 31-14 victory Saturday. Now Notre season is spinning out of control. The Irish have lost six in a row, the second- longest losing streak in school history, and allowed at least 30 points in each game. Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said he focusing on the worst start ever.

to me (are) not the critical he said. critically evaluate this game and get ready for The Irish played their best game of the season, but just keep up. They have scored 27 points through four games the third fewest in school history. The 1933 team managed just 12 points and the 1928 team coached by Knute Rockne scored 25. The Irish have only had 12 losing seasons in the history of the program, though three have been in the past nine years.

With Purdue, UCLA, Boston College and USC up next for the Irish, losing season No. 13 will be tough to avoid. keep going until a Weis said. against Brian Hoyer threw four touchdown passes two to Kellen Davis and one each to Devin Thomas and Mark Dell and Javon Ringer rushed for 144 yards in 26 carries and Jehuu Caulcrick ran for 83 yards on 20 carries for the Spartans. was an emotional win for Davis said.

this victory here was kind of like vindication or redemption for us, especially for those who started last Michigan State also became the rst opponent to win six in a row at Notre Dame Stadium. you throw four touchdown passes you have to be pretty Hoyer said. something remember for the rest of my The most memorable play was the nal touchdown. On fourth and 2 from the 30-yard line, Hoyer fumbled the snap on purpose picked it up and threw a TD pass to Davis. practiced that thing since the coach Mark Dantonio said.

Hoyer said he was worried doing it on fourth down, but said the Irish fell for it. guess it helped that I fumbled on the second play of the he said. Notre Dame finally found some offense, scoring two TDs and finishing in the black in yards rushing for the rst time this season, but the Irish defense was woeful. Notre Dame nally scored its rst offensive touchdown of the season, on a 1-yard run by Travis Thomas to cap a 9-yard drive in the rst quarter. The Irish ran for 117 yards; Michigan State gained 219 yards on the ground.

BIG 10 ROUNDUP Spartans dump Irish to 0-4 for rst time in their history 9 9 22:05:40 22:05:40.