College Football Thursday: Gamecocks Escape Vandy, BYU Ruins Mike Leach's Return

'In Todd [Graham] We Trust'

Northern Arizona Vs. Arizona St.: Sun Devils Push Tempo In 63-6 Win

Arizona State football sure had the 'wow' factor going for it on Thursday night. The Sun Devils and new head coach Todd Graham promised fast, and ASU fans got that in a 63-6 pounding of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Sun Devil Stadium.

Marion Grice, a junior from Houston, scored three rushing touchdowns and rushed for 107 of ASU's 305 total rushing yards for the game. Starter Cameron Marshall added two TDS and freshman DJ Foster another one.

Taylor Kelly, a sophomore making his first career start, threw for 247 yards and a touchdown. The Sun Devils were heavy favorites, but were playing their first game in Graham's up-tempo offensive system.

Senior running back Covaughn Deboskie-Johnson rushed for 82 yards to lead the Lumberjacks, who were held to 237 yards of offense and committed three turnovers.

Arizona State was a 28-point favorite.

NAU is at UNLV on Sept. 8 and ASU hosts Illinois that same night in Tempe, Ariz.

For more on this game For more in-depth discussion and top notch analysis of the Arizona State Sun Devils, please make sure to check out House of Sparky. For more on college football in general, head over to SB Nation's dedicated college football hub.

Washington St. Vs. BYU Final Score: Riley Nelson And BYU Dominate WSU In Opener

The BYU Cougars opened up their 2012 season in dominating fashion, beating the Washington State Cougars 30-6 on Thursday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.

BYU opened the game's scoring on a Riley Nelson seven-yard pass to Skyler Ridley in the first quarter. BYU took control of the football after Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel was intercepted by Uona Kaveinga at BYU's 20-yard line. Nelson marched his team 80 yards down the field in 10 plays, concluding the drive with the touchdown pass to Ridley.

BYU later extended their lead to 14-0 in the second quarter in a surprising way. BYU freshman backup quarterback Taysom Hil entered the game on fourth down and threw his first collegiate pass for a touchdown, tossing a 18-yard strike to Kaneakua Friel. Nelson later connected with Friel for a 25-yard touchdown late in the second quarter.

Washington St. only managed a pair of field goals in the second quarter, failing to score a touchdown in head coach Mike Leach's debut as a Cougar.

Box Score Hero: Riley Nelson, 25-for-36, 285 yards, 2 touchdowns

Rankings Ramifications: BYU's convincing win could help them win some votes to move into the Top 25

But Did They Cover? BYU covered the 13.5 spread easily.

For More On This Game: For more on Wazzu football, visit Coug Center. For more on BYU football, visit blog Vanquish The Foe.

Next Week's Schedule: Washington St. vs. Eastern Washington on Saturday Sept. 8 (3:00 p.m. ET), BYU vs. Weber State on Saturday Sept. 8 (3:00 p.m. ET)

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Eastern Washington Vs. Idaho Final Score: Eagles Stage Thursday's Second FCS Uprising, 20-3

FCS power Eastern Washington struck a blow for the little guys with a 20-3 win over the Idaho Vandals in its season opener on Thursday night.

The Eagles outgained the Vandals by nearly 200 yards despite SMU transfer Kyle Padron completing just 13 of 33 passes. Padron made those completions count, throwing for 260 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

After taking a 3-0 lead in the first quarter, Idaho would fail to score again, and could not sustain any momentum on the night, going 2-for-15 on third downs and notching just 10 first downs in the game.

The Eagles went just 6-6 in 2011, but are two years removed from winning the FCS title. Idaho, meanwhile, starts its rebound from a 2-10 campaign in 2011 with another thud.

Box Score Hero: EWU's Brandon Kaufman had five catches for 143 yards.

Rankings Ramifications: Nope.

Next Week's Schedule: Idaho travels to Bowling Green, while the Eagles take on in-state foe Washington State.

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Yes, Paul Pasqualoni Is Always Making That Face

One of college football's secret treasures: Paul Pasqualoni's Google Image Search page. Here the same look is from the side:

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

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Max Hall Winningness Facts, Re-Learned

Max Hall is the winningest quarterback in BYU history. Not Ty Detmer, Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Steve Sarkisian, Robbie Bosco, Marc Wilson or Gary Scheide, all Sammy Baugh Trophy winners.

Did you realize that? If we already knew that, we re-learned it again tonight. That's what we're documenting here, I think. None of us remembering that fact about Max Hall, three-year BYU starter last spotted on the Arizona Cardinals, is the winningest quarterback in BYU history.

Thanks for listening.

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UCLA Vs. Rice Final Score: Johnathan Franklin, Bruins Offense Pour On Points In 49-24 Victory

The UCLA Bruins beat the Rice Owls 49-24 in the first game of the Jim L. Mora era. UCLA got off to a scorching start against Rice and gave some of it back due to defensive troubles and various special teams gaffes, but eventually the Bruins settled it down and imposed their will with a few fourth quarter touchdowns to win the first game of the season.

Johnathan Franklin had a spectacular start to his season, rushing for three touchdowns of 74, 78 and 22 yards. Franklin finished with 214 rushing yards on only 15 carries. Brett Hundley was excellent in his first start too, rushing for a 72 yard touchdown, completing 75% of his passes and throwing two touchdowns and an interception. But the most interesting stat was Rice linebacker Cameron Nwosu blocking three extra points in one half, a new college football record.

UCLA struggled on defense to stop the Rice offense for much of the first half after taking an early 19-0 lead thanks to Hundley and Franklin's long rushes, giving up 24 points and cutting the lead back to one score. But Damien Holmes recovered a fumble and returned it for a 44 yard touchdown just before halftime to put UCLA up by 11, and 4th quarter touchdowns by Hundley through the air and Franklin on the ground sealed the victory.

UCLA managed to cover the 15.5-point spread pretty easily. Next up for UCLA will be a home game in the Rose Bowl again Nebraska. Rice heads on the road to face Kansas.

For more on Bruins football, visit UCLA blog Bruins Nation, plus Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes and SB Nation Los Angeles.

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McNeese State Vs. Middle Tennessee Final Score: FCS Cowboys Shock Blue Raiders

McNeese State, an FCS squad playing FBS Middle Tennessee on college football's opening night, shocked the Blue Raiders at home, 27-21 as another FCS school proved its worth against college football's top subdivision.

The Cowboys combination of two quarterbacks accounted for two touchdown passes as McNeese State quarterback Cody Stroud passed for 139 yards and a touchdown on 10 completions, and Tyler Bolfing had a touchdown strike of his own. Wiltz rushed for 105 yards on 20 carries.

After falling six points down midway through the second quarter, the Cowboys reeled off 24 straight points to take a lead they would not relinquish. The Cowboys added a field goal in the fourth quarter to clinch the victory.

Middle Tennessee was led on the night by quarterback Logan Kilgore, who passed for 240 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-41 passing. Kilgore was picked off once by the McNeese State defense.

Box Score Hero: McNeese State running back Marcus Wiltz, 105 yards on 20 carries.

But Did They Cover?

McNeese State, a 7.5-point underdog headed into the game, covered and then some against Middle Tennessee.

Next Week's Schedule: Middle Tennessee vs. Florida Atlantic (Sept. 8); McNeese State vs. McMurray (Sept. 8)

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UMass Vs. UConn Final Score: Huskies Open Season With 37-0 Win

The Connecticut Huskies opened the 2012 season on Thursday night with a 37-0 drubbing of their neighbors to the north. The Massachusetts Minutemen are playing their first season in the NCAA's FBS, and the shutout at Rentschler Field was not the debut they had hoped for. The Huskies took advantage of a UMass turnover and blocked a punt on special teams to blow things open and put it away early in the second half.

With UConn already up 13-0, cornerback Dwayne Gratz picked off a Mike Wegzyn pass and returned it 37 yards for a late first-half touchdown. The Huskies already appeared well in control but the pick six in the final two minutes pushed the lead to 20-0. UConn would add another touchdown in the third quarter by bringing the house and blocking a UMass punt, falling on it in the end zone for another score.

UConn quarterback Chandler Whitmer finished the night 15-for-25 for 219 yards, but also threw two interceptions. Both Lyle McCombs and Scott McCummings punched in touchdowns on the ground.

Box Score Hero: UConn sophomore Geremy Davis hauled in five catches for 79 yards.

Rankings Ramifications: UConn's dominating performance will garner recognition, but should not move them into consideration for the polls.

But Did They Cover? The favored Huskies easily covered the 21-point spread.

For More On This Game: Visit The UConn Blog, plus Big East blog Big East Coast Bias.

Next Week's Schedule: UConn will host NC State at Rentschler Field while UMass will take on Indiana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

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Connor Shaw Injury Update: South Carolina QB Expected To Play Next Week

South Carolina Gamecocks starting quarterback Connor Shaw is expected to play next week against the East Carolina Pirates, as Heath Cline of 107.5 The Game reports. A staff member in the Gamecocks' athletic department expressed his optimism regarding Shaw's status after Thursday's season opener:

SC athletic department staffer told me they think right now Connor Shaw will be okay to go next week.

— Heath Cline (@heathradio) August 31, 2012

On Thursday, Shaw appeared to injure his shoulder in the team's opener against the Vanderbilt Commodores. The quarterback was forced to sit out temporarily while training staff treated the injury, eventually returning after Vanderbilt had taken the lead.

Even with the injured shoulder, Shaw managed to bring the Gamecocks back for a 17-13 victory, keeping the team's perfect season in tact through one week. The junior was noticeably uncomfortable with his shoulder even while leading the comeback, though, so the team will presumably be cautious.

For more on Cocks football, visit South Carolina blog Garnet And Black Attack, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills.

South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt Final Score: No. 9 Gamecocks Avoid Upset In Opener, 17-13

The ninth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks narrowly avoided an upset in their season opener, beating the Vanderbilt Commodores 17-13 on Thursday night. Considering South Carolina's status as a national title contender this year, a defeat against Vanderbilt would have been considered a major blow to those aspirations.

With starting quarterback Connor Shaw battling an apparent shoulder injury, the Gamecocks struggled to put away the Commodores on Thursday. After initially trailing 10-0 in the second quarter, Vanderbilt came back to take a 13-10 lead midway through the third quarter as Shaw was being treated by the training staff.

In a back-and-forth game, the tides turned once again after Shaw's return to the field, though. After a couple of stunted possessions, Shaw led the Gamecocks on a nine-play, 65-yard drive in the fourth quarter that allowed South Carolina to take the four-point lead that would eventually become the margin of victory.

Overall, Shaw completed 7-of-11 passes for 67 yards in addition to rushing for 92 yards on 14 carries. He did throw an interception, one of two early South Carolina turnovers, but he managed the game well at the end to finish things out. Marcus Lattimore also played well, rushing 23 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns on the night.

Vanderbilt managed to beat the spread despite the defeat, as South Carolina was either a 6.5- or 7-point favorite for this week. With the victory, the No. 9 Gamecocks improve to 1-0 on the season before they take on East Carolina next week. Vanderbilt is scheduled to play Northwestern in its next game.

For more on Cocks football, visit South Carolina blog Garnet And Black Attack, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills.

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Rice Player Blocks 3 UCLA Extra Points, Setting College Football Record

Jim Mora is not known for dealing well with special teams foibles, and, yep, it's safe to say UCLA's got some of that going on (the amazing part: Nwosu is listed as 5'10, 240 pounds -- hardly the prototypical kick-blocker):

Today in college football history: Rice LB Cameron Nwosu became the first player to block 3 extra points in one half tonight vs UCLA

— Football Foundation (@NFFNetwork) August 31, 2012

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South Carolina's Justice Cunningham Survives Headshot (And Hangs On)

The launching Vandy defensive back here is all, "JUSTICE SERVED," but Justice Cunningham popped back up with the ball anyway, shaking his dreads as if he'd like another one of those whenever you get a chance.

Via @bubbaprog:

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Connor Shaw's Injury Has Steve Spurrier's Team Looking So Unspurrier

Through three quarters, South Carolina is on pace to pass for 40 yards in an entire game. The Steve Spurrier we grew up on regularly administered multiple 40-yard passes per game. Yet here we are, watching injured quarterback Connor Shaw run tentative options stuff and checkdowns to Marcus Lattimore.

Lattimore doesn't quite seem 100 percent either -- there's got to be some explanation for the SEC's most renowned running back having only 14 carries so far, right?

Spurrier's had to adjust his style since re-entering the SEC, becoming pretty much a whimsical Nick Saban instead of a mad gunner. And Carolina's offense has certainly had its hideous games over the past few years, (including an 87-yard passing effort last year) and Lattimore's carried the entire show multiple times. But this ... this is something.

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Utah Mascot, A Bird, Enters Stadium Via Parachute

Why a hawk needs a parachute I'll never know:

Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

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VIDEO: Kent State Returns Own Punt 50 Yards In The Wrong Direction

Kent State linebacker Andre Parker, you have just entered college football infamy. Worry not: this is a great place to be. Roy "Wrong Way" Riegels and Jim Marshall will be remembered for all time for their feats of negative yardsmanship, and it takes quite the achievement to enter their ranks.

(The real good news: it didn't matter, as the ball was dead anyway.)

The best part, of course, is that Towson players elected to prevent Parker from running all the way back into the end zone. See what we mean, NFL fans, when we keep saying the best thing about our sport is everything going completely wrong all the time?

There may never, ever be a more MACtion play. Might as well disband the MAC now.

Via Black Sports Online

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Vanderbilt Vs. South Carolina, Halftime Score: Dores And Cocks Tied At 10

Vanderbilt is tied with South Carolina 10-10 at the half in Nashville despite finding a way to squander two colossal breaks on first quarter Gamecock turnovers. Carolina quarterback Connor Show left the game late in the second quarter with after a head-first slide with what's been officially called a shoulder contusion. Former Heisman dark horse Marcus Lattimore returned to his frightening form for a single play on a 29 yard touchdown run, but has been limited to 37 yards on his 11 other carries.

Despite the return of Lattimore from ACL surgery and Shaw's apparent game-ending injury, the story has been Vanderbilt's inability to capitalize early and their subsequent comeback. Following a failed fourth down conversion on the game's opening drive, Lattimore fumbled the ball on South Carolina's first play from scrimmage, setting up the Commodores on the South Carolina 44-yard-line. Vandy would punt, but regain control when Shaw's first pass of the night was picked off by free safety Kenny Ladler, who jumped the route as Shaw stared down receiver Bruce Ellington.

Commodores quarterback Jordan Rodgers would hand momentum right back, throwing a lob pass off his back foot that was intercepted by SC's Shaq Wilson at the Carolina 14-yard-line. Lattimore would score two plays later. Vanderbilt would cut a 10-0 lead when Rodgers would hit Jordan Matthews for a 78-yard touchdown.

Shaw was only 3-of-6 passing for 23 yards, but worked effectively on keepers and the speed option (59 yards rushing on nine carries). Rodgers is 8-of-13 for 164 yards, one TD and one INT at the half.

Stick with this StoryStream for injury updates, scores and more from the South Carolina's game against Vanderbilt. For all things South Carolina, head over to Garnet and Black Attack. For Vanderbilt's perspective, check out Anchor of Gold. And for complete coverage of all college football action from across the NCAA, head to SB Nation's college football hub.

Connor Shaw Injury: South Carolina QB Hurts Shoulder, Leaves Game

Connor Shaw left South Carolina's season-opening game with a shoulder contusion with less than two minutes remaining in the first half of Gamecocks' game against Vanderbilt. The injury initially appeared serious, and Dylan Thompson has entered the game at quarterback.

Shaw's arm was completely immobile as he headed to the locker room, and early reports indicated it was a shoulder contusion. Prior to the injury, Shaw was 2-for-3 for 19 yards, with one interception and no touchdowns. In the 2011 season he posted a 65.4 percent completion rating while racking up 1,448 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Stick with this StoryStream for injury updates, scores and more from the South Carolina's game against Vanderbilt. For all things South Carolina, head over to Garnet and Black Attack. For Vanderbilt's perspective, check out Anchor of Gold. And for complete coverage of all college football action from across the NCAA, head to SB Nation's college football hub.

VIDEO: UMass Interception Provides Season's First Hint Of MACtion

Shades of that ridiculous Oklahoma State interception from last year, yes? Disappointed to learn FBS newcomer UMass was not able to keep the ball afloat for an entire minute, thereby matching their nickname. Actually, wait, you guys are in the MAC -- what's with the defense?

ht Big East Coast Bias

Elsewhere in MACtion, Southeast Missouri State of the Ohio Valley Conference is presently beating Central Michigan, 24-10, in the second quarter. OVCtion.

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Brett Hundley Scampers For Six, Rick Neuheisel Tweets Wistfully

UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley got his collegiate career off to a fine start on Thursday night, scampering 72 yards for a touchdown against Rice on his first career carry. Former UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, your thoughts?

Touchdown for Brett Hundley on his first collegiate play! The recruiting was worth it.

— Rick Neuheisel (@CoachNeuheisel) August 30, 2012

Hundley was a four-star recruit in the 2011 UCLA class, and redshirted in 2011 ... so Neuheisel, who departed Westwood after last season, never got to see one of his prize recruits play for him.

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BEHOLD THE RICE OWLSMOBILE

HOOT HOOT:

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

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Jadeveon Clowney Even Scarier Than His Fake Twitter Implies

This is not Jadeveon Clowney's Twitter:

Since its Vanderbilt's QB's birthday if this gets 500 retweets I'll tell him happy birthday after I sack him.

— Jadeveon Clowny (@JadeveonClowny) August 30, 2012

You can tell because you survived reading that. Through eight minutes, he's lined up in at least three different spots, grabbed two tackles for loss, sacked Jordan Rodgers and appeared very close to the ball on every play.

Doesn't matter for much when Marcus Lattimore fumbles on his first carry since his season-ending injury and Connor Shaw throws a pick on his first heave, but still! Jadeveon Clowney is terrifying!

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College Football Kickoff Megachat With Spencer Hall, Bill Connelly, Bud Elliott And More!

Friends, college football is upon us. Let us lunch together, with SBNation.com's own Spencer Hall, Bill Connelly and Bud Elliott among the luminaries who'll be joining us right here at noon ET.

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2012 College Football Picks, Week 1: Alabama To Dominate Michigan

Will Alabama stick it to Michigan? Can Clemson overcome the loss of Sammy Watkins and take down Auburn in the dome? It's Week 1 college football picks time.

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100 Steps To Learning To Love College Football (All Over Again)

From Alex Carder, to Sheldon Richardson, to "Build Me Up, Buttercup," here are 100 reasons why college football can make you fall in love all over again.

Related: Bill C. previews every team in the entire country.

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Northern Colorado Vs. Utah Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Utah will begin their 2012 season Thursday by hosting Northern Colorado.

NAU Vs. Arizona State Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Arizona State will open its 2012 season Thursday against NAU.

UMass Vs. UConn Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Massachusetts enters FBS play when it takes on Connecticut on college football's opening night.

UCLA Vs. Rice Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Jim Mora and the UCLA Bruins start their season on Thursday's opening night when they take on the Rice Owls.

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Washington State Vs. BYU Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Mike Leach and WSU will travel to Provo to take on BYU to begin the 2012 season.

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South Carolina Vs. Vanderbilt Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The South Carolina Gamecocks face the Vanderbilt Commodores to open up the 2012 college football regular season.

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Watch 'Shutdown Fullback' Ready You For Week 1!

The world's only college football show has actual football to football about! Alabama vs. Michigan is your JAMON JAMON GAME OF THE WEEK, whether we actually explained what that means or not! Week 1 is here!

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