NCAA College Football

ATLANTA, Ga. — Boston College delivered a dominant rushing performance Saturday, October 24, defeating Georgia Tech 49-27 at Bobby Dodd Stadium behind five combined rushing touchdowns from quarterback Mason McKenzie and running back Bo MacCormack III. McKenzie rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns, while MacCormack added 155 yards and three scores on 20 carries. Together, they accounted for 325 of Boston College's 399 rushing yards. The Eagles improved to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, earning their second consecutive conference victory and first road win of the season. Georgia Tech dropped to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the ACC after surrendering 37 second-half points. Mason McKenzie and Bo MacCormack Dominate Georgia Tech Boston College relied on a powerful ground attack to overcome an early deficit. McKenzie repeatedly exploited openings in Georgia Tech's defense, finishing with 170 rushing yards while completing 9 of 17 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown. MacCormack delivered the most productive rushing performance of his Boston College career, scoring three touchdowns and averaging 7.8 yards per carry. The sophomore stepped into a larger role following a season-ending knee injury to starting running back Evan Dickens. Boston College finished with 500 total offensive yards, including 399 on the ground. The Eagles' offensive line also provided strong protection, allowing just one sack throughout the afternoon. Georgia Tech Builds Early 10-0 Lead Georgia Tech opened the game with an impressive eight-play, 79-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Alberto Mendoza connected with tight end Kevin Roche Jr. for a four-yard touchdown, giving the Yellow Jackets a 7-0 advantage. Georgia Tech extended its lead to 10-0 with a field goal on its second possession. Boston College struggled initially, missing a 47-yard field goal attempt before finding its offensive rhythm in the second quarter. McKenzie connected with Nedrick Boldin Jr. for a 25-yard touchdown pass, cutting Georgia Tech's lead to 10-6 after a missed extra point. The reception marked Boldin's first collegiate touchdown. MacCormack then scored on a seven-yard rushing touchdown, giving Boston College a 12-10 advantage. However, another missed extra point prevented the Eagles from extending their lead. Georgia Tech kicker Aidan Birr converted a 20-yard field goal with 11 seconds remaining, sending the Yellow Jackets into halftime ahead 13-12. Boston College Takes Control in Third Quarter The Eagles completely changed the game's momentum after halftime. McKenzie opened the third quarter with a spectacular 40-yard run, setting up MacCormack's two-yard touchdown. The score gave Boston College an 18-13 advantage. Georgia Tech's next possession ended with a costly turnover. Defensive back Charlie Comella intercepted Mendoza and returned the football 23 yards, giving Boston College favorable field position. McKenzie capitalized with a six-yard rushing touchdown, extending the Eagles' lead to 25-13. Kicker Luca Lombardo later converted a 23-yard field goal, pushing Boston College ahead 28-13. Georgia Tech briefly responded when Justice Haynes scored on a 15-yard rushing touchdown, reducing the deficit to 28-20. However, Boston College's rushing attack continued overwhelming the Yellow Jackets. McKenzie scored his second rushing touchdown on a 15-yard run, restoring a 35-20 advantage. Charlie Comella Records Two Interceptions and Defensive Touchdown Boston College's defense delivered another decisive moment when Comella intercepted Mendoza for the second time. The defensive back returned the interception 47 yards for a touchdown, extending Boston College's lead to 42-20. Comella finished with five tackles and two interceptions, producing one of the Eagles' strongest individual defensive performances of the season. His first interception helped create a short scoring opportunity, while his second directly resulted in seven points. Linebacker Anthony Palano led Boston College with nine tackles and one sack. London Upton contributed six tackles, while KP Price and Caleb Davis recorded five each. The Eagles also limited Georgia Tech to just 101 rushing yards, preventing the Yellow Jackets from establishing a consistent ground attack. Comella's performance earned him ACC Defensive Back of the Week recognition. Bo MacCormack Completes Three-Touchdown Performance Georgia Tech continued competing after falling behind by 22 points. Backup quarterback Grady Adamson connected with Dalen Penson for a 30-yard touchdown pass, reducing Boston College's advantage to 42-27. However, the Eagles responded with another rushing touchdown. MacCormack scored from 19 yards, completing his three-touchdown performance and establishing the final 49-27 margin. His 155 rushing yards exceeded his combined production across his previous 13 games with Boston College. The performance demonstrated the Eagles' offensive depth following Dickens' injury. MacCormack was subsequently named ACC Running Back of the Week. Offensive lineman Veguer Jean-Jumeau also received ACC weekly recognition after helping Boston College produce its dominant rushing performance. Georgia Tech Struggles Despite Alberto Mendoza's Effort Mendoza completed 17 of 24 passes for 186 yards before being replaced late in the game. Adamson provided a late offensive spark, completing seven of nine passes for 73 yards and one touchdown. However, Georgia Tech struggled to protect the football and contain Boston College's rushing attack. The Yellow Jackets entered halftime leading by one point but could not maintain their defensive effectiveness. Head coach Brent Key acknowledged the team's broader struggles following another disappointing result. Georgia Tech has now lost nine of its previous 12 games after beginning the 2025 season with eight consecutive victories. Boston College Builds Momentum in ACC Competition Saturday's victory represented another important step forward for Boston College. The Eagles have already doubled their two-win total from the 2025 season. They also secured their second consecutive ACC victory after defeating Pittsburgh 27-21 the previous week. Both wins required Boston College to overcome early double-digit deficits. At 4-3, the Eagles need two additional victories to reach the six-win benchmark typically required for bowl eligibility. Their improving rushing attack and timely defensive turnovers could prove important during the final stretch of conference play. What's Next for Boston College and Georgia Tech? Boston College travels to face Duke on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for noon ET on The CW. Georgia Tech visits Pittsburgh on October 31, looking to end its recent struggles. For Boston College, McKenzie's 170 rushing yards, MacCormack's three touchdowns and Comella's two interceptions combined to produce a convincing ACC road victory. The Eagles' 399 rushing yards and explosive second-half performance demonstrated their growing offensive confidence as the 2026 season continues.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — No. 1 Miami continued its undefeated 2026 college football season Saturday, October 24, defeating Pittsburgh 52-23 at Hard Rock Stadium behind a record-breaking performance from wide receiver Malachi Toney and four touchdown passes from quarterback Darian Mensah. Toney set a Miami single-game record with 16 receptions for 194 yards and three touchdowns, while Mensah completed 31 of 37 passes for 387 yards. The Hurricanes improved to 7-0 overall and 5-0 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, strengthening their position atop the national rankings. Pittsburgh dropped to 5-3 and 2-3 in the ACC after suffering its third consecutive defeat. Miami's victory carried additional significance as the Hurricanes played their first game ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press poll since the 2002 season. Malachi Toney Breaks Miami's Single-Game Reception Record Toney delivered one of the most productive receiving performances in Hurricanes history. The sophomore caught 16 passes, surpassing the previous school record of 13 receptions, which he had matched against Pittsburgh during the 2025 season. His 194 receiving yards included three touchdown catches, making him the centerpiece of Miami's explosive passing attack. Toney accumulated 159 receiving yards before halftime, matching Pittsburgh's entire first-half offensive yardage. The performance also pushed him beyond 2,000 career receiving yards. His connection with Mensah repeatedly created mismatches against Pittsburgh's secondary, allowing Miami to move the football efficiently. Toney's production helped the Hurricanes establish an early advantage that Pittsburgh could never overcome. Darian Mensah Throws Four Touchdowns Against Pittsburgh Mensah continued his impressive season with another accurate passing performance. The Miami quarterback completed 31 of 37 attempts, finishing with 387 passing yards and four touchdowns. His ability to distribute the football and convert critical downs helped the Hurricanes maintain offensive momentum. Miami converted 10 of its first 12 third-down opportunities, preventing Pittsburgh from consistently forcing punts. The Hurricanes also scored on seven of their first eight possessions, recording six touchdowns and one field goal. Mensah's performance demonstrated why Miami entered the matchup with one of the nation's most productive offenses. His partnership with Toney remained particularly effective, accounting for three touchdowns against the Panthers. Miami Builds Commanding 31-7 Halftime Lead Miami wasted little time establishing control. After forcing Pittsburgh into an opening three-and-out, the Hurricanes scored first on Jake Weinberg's 40-yard field goal. Mensah later connected with Toney for a 19-yard touchdown, extending Miami's advantage to 10-0. Freshman running back Javian Mallory added a 16-yard rushing touchdown early in the second quarter, pushing the lead to 17-0. Pittsburgh responded when Damon Ferguson Jr. scored on a five-yard touchdown run, reducing the deficit to 17-7. However, Miami quickly regained momentum. Toney turned a short reception into a 53-yard touchdown, demonstrating his ability to create explosive plays after the catch. Mensah then connected with freshman Gavin Mueller for another touchdown, giving Miami a commanding 31-7 advantage. The Hurricanes' offensive efficiency left Pittsburgh struggling to keep pace throughout the opening half. Javian Mallory and Mark Fletcher Jr. Strengthen Miami's Rushing Attack Miami's rushing attack complemented its explosive passing performance. Mallory scored two rushing touchdowns, including his 16-yard run during the second quarter. Mark Fletcher Jr. also reached an important career milestone. Fletcher scored on a two-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter, recording his 33rd career rushing touchdown. The score moved him into second place on Miami's all-time rushing touchdown list. Fletcher finished with 41 rushing yards and moved within three touchdowns of surpassing Stephen McGuire's program record. Miami's ability to produce touchdowns through both the running and passing games created significant challenges for Pittsburgh's defense. Miami Defense Limits Pittsburgh to 69 Rushing Yards While Miami's offense dominated the scoreboard, its defense also delivered an effective performance. The Hurricanes held Pittsburgh to just 69 rushing yards, forcing the Panthers to rely heavily on their passing attack. Freshman defender JJ Dunnigan recorded five tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Defensive lineman Justin Scott recovered Dunnigan's forced fumble, creating another scoring opportunity for Miami. Linebacker Mohamed Toure added five tackles, while safety Bryce Fitzgerald contributed four tackles and a sack. Miami's defensive pressure disrupted Pittsburgh's offensive rhythm and helped the Hurricanes maintain control. The Panthers struggled to establish consistent rushing production, limiting their ability to sustain balanced offensive drives. Blue Hicks Leads Pittsburgh Despite Defeat Pittsburgh received a productive performance from Miami native Blue Hicks. The receiver finished with five catches for 149 yards and one touchdown, providing the Panthers with their most explosive offensive plays. Quarterback Holden Geriner completed 18 of 32 passes for 268 yards and one touchdown. One of Pittsburgh's most notable opportunities came immediately before halftime. Geriner connected with Hicks for a 53-yard completion on a desperation pass. However, Hicks was tackled at Miami's one-yard line as time expired, preventing Pittsburgh from adding points before the break. The Panthers continued competing in the second half but could not overcome Miami's substantial advantage. Miami Honors 2001 National Championship Team Saturday's victory also served as a celebration of Miami's football history. The Hurricanes honored the 25th anniversary of their 2001 national championship season, wearing throwback uniforms inspired by that championship team. Former Miami stars, including Ed Reed, Clinton Portis, Jeremy Shockey and Andre Johnson, attended the celebration. The occasion connected one of the program's most successful eras with its current undefeated team. Miami improved to 43-6 all-time when ranked No. 1, while Pittsburgh fell to 0-14-1 against top-ranked opponents. For head coach Mario Cristobal, the victory represented another important step in Miami's pursuit of an ACC championship and national title contention. What's Next for Miami and Pittsburgh? Miami travels to face North Carolina on Saturday, October 31, looking to extend its undefeated start and maintain its position atop the national rankings. Pittsburgh returns home to host Georgia Tech on October 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage scheduled on ESPN2. The Hurricanes' combination of Toney's record-setting receiving performance, Mensah's four touchdown passes and an effective defensive effort delivered another convincing victory. With a 7-0 record and five conference wins, Miami continues building momentum as the 2026 college football season approaches its decisive final stretch.

DALLAS, Texas — No. 23 SMU delivered an explosive second-half performance Saturday, October 24, defeating California 59-20 at Gerald J. Ford Stadium behind quarterback Kevin Jennings' record-breaking three touchdown passes and a dominant rushing attack. Jennings completed 16 of 23 passes for 223 yards, becoming SMU's all-time leader in career touchdown passes with 74. The junior quarterback surpassed Tanner Mordecai's previous program record of 72 during the Mustangs' commanding Atlantic Coast Conference victory. Running back Kendrick Raphael rushed for 104 yards and accounted for three touchdowns against his former team, while freshman Christian Rhodes added two rushing scores. SMU improved to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in ACC play, while California dropped to 3-5 and 2-3. The Mustangs overcame a 20-17 halftime deficit by scoring 42 unanswered points, producing one of their most impressive offensive performances of the season. Kevin Jennings Breaks SMU's Career Touchdown Passing Record Jennings entered Saturday's matchup needing two touchdown passes to become SMU's career leader. He tied Mordecai's record with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Raphael on fourth down during the first quarter. The historic moment arrived in the third quarter when Jennings connected with Derek McFall for a 21-yard touchdown, recording his 73rd career touchdown pass. Jennings later added a 17-yard scoring pass to Jalen Hale in the fourth quarter, increasing his career total to 74. The quarterback already held SMU's career records for passing yards and completions, extending those totals to 9,766 yards and 781 completions. Jennings also improved his record as SMU's starting quarterback to 25-8. His performance helped the Mustangs maintain their position among the leading teams in the ACC standings. California Takes 20-17 Halftime Lead California opened the game aggressively behind quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a concussion. The Golden Bears scored on their opening possession when Sagapolutele connected with Chase Hendricks for a 10-yard touchdown. SMU responded with a field goal before Jennings found Raphael for a 22-yard touchdown, giving the Mustangs a 10-7 advantage. California regained the lead during the second quarter. Tight end Mason Mini scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown following a successful fake field goal that extended the Golden Bears' drive. Kicker Towns McGough later converted a career-long 41-yard field goal, extending California's lead to 17-10. Raphael answered with a one-yard touchdown run on fourth down, tying the game at 17-17 with 1:57 remaining before halftime. However, California produced another scoring drive before the break. Sagapolutele completed a crucial 16-yard pass to Ian Strong, setting up McGough's 37-yard field goal as time expired. The successful kick gave California a 20-17 halftime advantage. SMU Scores 42 Unanswered Points in Second Half SMU completely transformed the game after halftime. The Mustangs scored touchdowns on their first six possessions of the second half, overwhelming California with an explosive offensive performance. Rhodes opened the third-quarter scoring with a five-yard touchdown run, putting SMU ahead 24-20. Jennings then connected with McFall for his record-breaking touchdown pass, extending the advantage to 31-20. Rhodes added another rushing touchdown from three yards, pushing SMU's lead to 38-20 entering the fourth quarter. The Mustangs continued their offensive surge in the final period. Raphael scored another rushing touchdown before Jennings connected with Hale for a 17-yard score. Running back E.J. Kelly completed the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run. SMU's 42 consecutive second-half points turned a three-point halftime deficit into a 39-point victory. The Mustangs finished with 492 total yards, including 306 after halftime. Kendrick Raphael Shines Against Former Team Raphael delivered an outstanding performance against the program he represented during the 2025 season. The running back finished with 104 rushing yards and three total touchdowns, including two rushing scores and one receiving touchdown. His first touchdown came on Jennings' 22-yard fourth-down pass during the opening quarter. Raphael later scored on a one-yard fourth-down run to tie the game before halftime. His second rushing touchdown arrived during SMU's dominant fourth-quarter performance. The matchup carried additional significance because Raphael scored California's game-winning touchdown against SMU during the teams' 2025 meeting. That late score helped the Golden Bears defeat the Mustangs 38-35, preventing SMU from reaching the ACC Championship Game. This time, Raphael played a leading role in delivering victory for the Mustangs. SMU Defense Shuts Out California After Halftime While SMU's offense dominated the second half, its defense played an equally important role. California opened the third quarter with three consecutive three-and-out possessions, allowing the Mustangs to establish complete control. After surrendering 20 first-half points, SMU prevented the Golden Bears from scoring during the final two quarters. The defensive turnaround gave Jennings and the offense repeated opportunities to extend their advantage. California struggled to establish its rushing attack, finishing with just 40 yards on the ground. Sagapolutele completed 27 of 37 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown in his return as the starting quarterback. Hendricks led California with seven receptions for 83 yards, while Strong added five catches for 71 yards. Despite their productive passing performances, the Golden Bears could not overcome SMU's defensive adjustments. SMU Extends Impressive ACC and Home Winning Records Saturday's victory strengthened SMU's position in ACC competition. The Mustangs improved to 18-3 in conference games since joining the ACC in 2024. They also extended their home winning streak to 11 games and improved to 24-2 across their previous 26 home contests. SMU has averaged 44 points per game during that 26-game home stretch. The victory represented an important offensive breakthrough after the Mustangs scored a combined 48 points during their previous two games. For California, the defeat marked its fourth loss in five games. The Golden Bears will need greater consistency across both halves as they continue their conference schedule. What's Next for SMU and California? SMU travels to face Syracuse on Saturday, October 31, looking to maintain its momentum in the ACC championship race. California continues its road schedule against NC State on October 31. For SMU, Jennings' record-breaking passing performance, Raphael's three touchdowns and a dominant second-half defensive effort combined to produce a convincing victory. The Mustangs' ability to score 42 unanswered points demonstrated their offensive potential as they continue pursuing a strong finish to the 2026 season.

CLEMSON, S.C. — Virginia Tech delivered a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback Saturday night, October 24, defeating Clemson 20-16 at Memorial Stadium behind two touchdown passes from quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to tight end Luke Reynolds. Trailing by three points late in the fourth quarter, Grunkemeyer engineered an 11-play, 69-yard touchdown drive, connecting with Reynolds on a five-yard, fourth-down scoring pass with 1:44 remaining. The Hokies improved to 6-2 overall and 3-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, securing bowl eligibility and their first victory over Clemson since 2007. Clemson dropped to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the ACC despite holding Virginia Tech to 234 total offensive yards. Ethan Grunkemeyer and Luke Reynolds Deliver Game-Winning Touchdown With Virginia Tech trailing 16-13 in the fourth quarter, Grunkemeyer faced the challenge of leading the Hokies against a Clemson defense that had controlled much of the second half. The quarterback directed a methodical 69-yard possession, moving Virginia Tech into scoring position. The drive benefited from three Clemson penalties, but the Hokies still needed to execute in a critical situation. Facing fourth-and-one near the goal line, Grunkemeyer delivered a five-yard touchdown pass to Reynolds in the back of the end zone. The completion gave Virginia Tech a 20-16 lead with 1:44 remaining. Grunkemeyer finished with 156 passing yards and two touchdowns, both to Reynolds. The late connection ultimately decided the game and completed one of Virginia Tech's most important comeback victories of the season. Virginia Tech Takes 10-3 Halftime Lead Both teams struggled to establish offensive consistency during the opening quarter. Clemson's defense forced consecutive three-and-out possessions before Virginia Tech finally moved into scoring position. John Love converted a 37-yard field goal with 1:20 remaining in the first quarter, giving the Hokies a 3-0 advantage. Clemson responded early in the second quarter when Nolan Hauser connected on a 34-yard field goal to tie the game. Virginia Tech later produced its longest possession of the evening. Grunkemeyer led a 17-play, 87-yard touchdown drive, finishing with a six-yard pass to Reynolds with 1:24 remaining before halftime. Love converted the extra point, sending Virginia Tech into the locker room with a 10-3 lead. The lengthy scoring possession demonstrated the Hokies' ability to sustain drives despite Clemson's defensive pressure. Clemson Scores 13 Unanswered Points in Third Quarter Clemson emerged from halftime with renewed offensive momentum. Hauser opened the second-half scoring with a 49-yard field goal, reducing Virginia Tech's lead to 10-6. Freshman quarterback Tait Reynolds then directed a six-play, 65-yard touchdown drive. Reynolds completed the possession with a 16-yard rushing touchdown, giving Clemson its first lead of the evening at 13-10. The Tigers continued applying pressure as Virginia Tech struggled to move the football. Hauser converted another field goal from 36 yards with three seconds remaining in the third quarter. The kick extended Clemson's advantage to 16-10. Clemson outgained Virginia Tech 146-13 during the third quarter, appearing positioned to secure the victory. However, the Hokies responded when the game entered its decisive final period. John Love Keeps Virginia Tech Within Reach Love played an important role in Virginia Tech's comeback. After converting his opening-quarter field goal, the Hokies kicker delivered another crucial score early in the fourth quarter. Love connected from 47 yards with 11:52 remaining, reducing Clemson's advantage to 16-13. The successful kick ensured Virginia Tech needed only one touchdown to reclaim the lead. Love finished with eight points, moving into third place on Virginia Tech's all-time scoring list with 340 career points. His consistency helped keep the Hokies competitive despite their offensive struggles. Mylachi Williams Seals Victory With Fourth-Down Sack Clemson still had an opportunity to respond after Virginia Tech's late touchdown. The Tigers moved the football during their final possession, appearing to complete a significant third-down pass to Bryant Wesco Jr. near the Hokies' 25-yard line. However, officials overturned the completion following replay review. Facing fourth down, Clemson needed another conversion to extend its drive. Virginia Tech defensive lineman Mylachi Williams pressured Tait Reynolds and brought him down for a sack. The play forced a turnover on downs, ending Clemson's comeback attempt. Virginia Tech finished with 13 tackles for loss and four sacks, demonstrating its defensive ability to create negative plays. Eric Mensah recorded his first career sack, while Jaquez White and Jason Abbey also contributed to the Hokies' pass rush. Clemson Defense Records Six Sacks Despite Defeat Although Clemson surrendered the late touchdown, its defense delivered an impressive performance. The Tigers limited Virginia Tech to 234 total yards, including just 70 rushing yards on 37 attempts. Clemson also recorded six sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Defensive end Will Heldt led the pass rush with two sacks and two tackles for loss. Safety Corey Myrick contributed nine tackles, including six solo stops and 1.5 tackles for loss. Offensively, Tait Reynolds completed 20 of 26 passes for 153 yards while adding 63 rushing yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Tyler Brown led Clemson with eight receptions for 62 yards. Despite those contributions, the Tigers could not protect their six-point fourth-quarter advantage. Virginia Tech Earns First Victory Over Clemson Since 2007 Saturday's result represented an important milestone for Virginia Tech under head coach James Franklin. The Hokies ended a lengthy losing streak against Clemson, earning their first victory in the series since 2007 and their first win at Memorial Stadium. Virginia Tech also reached six victories, securing bowl eligibility with four regular-season games remaining. The comeback highlighted the team's ability to overcome a difficult third quarter and execute under pressure. For Clemson, the defeat represented another setback in a season marked by inconsistent offensive performances. The Tigers held the lead entering the fourth quarter but could not prevent Virginia Tech's decisive touchdown drive. What's Next for Virginia Tech and Clemson? Virginia Tech enters a bye week before traveling to face SMU on Friday, November 6, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Clemson continues ACC competition on the road against Florida State on Saturday, October 31. For Virginia Tech, Grunkemeyer's late touchdown pass, Reynolds' two scoring receptions and Williams' game-sealing sack combined to deliver a memorable 20-16 victory. The Hokies leave Death Valley with bowl eligibility secured and their first win over Clemson in nearly two decades.

HUNTSVILLE, Texas — New Mexico State earned its first road victory of the 2026 college football season Wednesday night, defeating Sam Houston 30-24 behind a dominant rushing performance from James Jones and a defense that limited the Bearkats to just 11 rushing yards. Jones rushed for 178 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries, delivering a crucial fourth-down conversion in the final minute to secure the Conference USA victory. Quarterback Adam Damante added 160 passing yards and two touchdowns as the Aggies improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Sam Houston dropped to 1-6 and 0-3 in Conference USA despite a 235-yard passing performance from quarterback Landyn Locke. The Aggies overcame an early deficit, scored 16 unanswered third-quarter points and survived a late comeback attempt to claim a much-needed road victory. James Jones Powers New Mexico State's Rushing Attack Jones delivered his strongest rushing performance of the season, averaging 6.6 yards per carry against the Bearkats. His 178 rushing yards represented the highest single-game total by a New Mexico State running back since Jason Huntley rushed for 191 yards against UTEP in November 2019. The performance also pushed Jones beyond 2,000 career rushing yards across his collegiate career. His contributions became especially important during New Mexico State's final possession. With the Aggies protecting a six-point lead, Jones broke free for a 30-yard gain before converting a fourth-and-two near Sam Houston's 33-yard line. The conversion allowed New Mexico State to exhaust the remaining clock without giving the Bearkats another offensive opportunity. The Aggies finished with 203 rushing yards and improved to 3-0 this season when reaching the 200-yard rushing mark. Sam Houston Takes Early Lead on Blocked Punt New Mexico State experienced a difficult opening when its first possession ended with a blocked punt. Sam Houston's Terrence Guillory II broke through to block the kick, and Sam Adams recovered the football in the end zone. The special teams touchdown gave the Bearkats a 7-0 advantage. However, New Mexico State's defense quickly helped reverse the momentum. Defensive back Josiah Charles intercepted Locke and returned the football deep into Sam Houston territory. Jones scored on a one-yard touchdown run on the following play, tying the game 7-7 with 10:07 remaining in the second quarter. Sam Houston regained the lead when Samuel Carpenter converted a 38-yard field goal. The Aggies responded with an explosive possession just before halftime. Damante connected with AJ Williams III for a 27-yard touchdown pass with 24 seconds remaining. The two-play, 43-yard drive gave New Mexico State a 14-10 halftime lead. Tim Burns Jr. Gives Sam Houston Third-Quarter Advantage Sam Houston opened the second half with its most explosive offensive play of the night. On the first play of the third quarter, Locke connected with Tim Burns Jr. over the middle for an 81-yard touchdown. The score gave the Bearkats a 17-14 lead just 20 seconds into the period. New Mexico State responded immediately behind Jones. The running back broke free for a 31-yard gain during a 60-yard scoring drive, surpassing 100 rushing yards for the evening. Damante completed the possession with a five-yard touchdown pass to Williams. The reception was Williams' second touchdown of the game and restored New Mexico State's lead at 21-17. The Aggies continued building momentum through their running game and improved defensive execution. New Mexico State Scores 16 Unanswered Points After reclaiming the lead, New Mexico State extended its advantage with another productive possession. Kicker Kyah Francone converted a 25-yard field goal, pushing the Aggies ahead 24-17. The defense then created another important opportunity. Defensive tackle Kaian Roberts-Day recovered a Sam Houston fumble, giving New Mexico State possession in Bearkats territory. The Aggies used a double-pass play to help move the football into scoring position. Damante connected with Williams for a 20-yard completion, setting up first-and-goal. Running back TJ Washington Jr. finished the drive with a seven-yard touchdown run. Although the extra-point attempt failed, New Mexico State extended its lead to 30-17 with 33 seconds remaining in the third quarter. The Aggies had scored 16 consecutive points after falling behind early in the second half. New Mexico State Defense Limits Sam Houston to 11 Rushing Yards While Jones and Damante provided offensive production, New Mexico State's defense played an equally important role. The Aggies held Sam Houston to just 11 rushing yards on 20 attempts. That performance represented the program's best single-game rushing defense since holding Alcorn State to minus-13 yards in October 2008. New Mexico State also recorded two sacks and forced two turnovers. The Aggies have now generated at least one defensive takeaway in 22 of their previous 23 games. Sam Houston struggled to establish offensive balance, relying heavily on Locke's passing attack. Locke finished with 235 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. Despite several explosive plays through the air, the Bearkats could not consistently sustain drives against New Mexico State's defensive front. The Aggies finished with 363 total offensive yards compared with Sam Houston's 246. James Jones Seals Victory After Sam Houston's Late Touchdown Sam Houston remained competitive despite trailing by 13 points entering the fourth quarter. The Bearkats capitalized on a Damante interception midway through the period, using the favorable field position to create another scoring opportunity. MJ Dowdy eventually scored on a one-yard touchdown run with approximately four minutes remaining. The touchdown reduced New Mexico State's lead to 30-24, giving Sam Houston an opportunity to complete a late comeback. However, the Aggies responded with disciplined offensive execution. Rather than attempting to protect the lead through conservative passing, New Mexico State relied on its rushing attack. The Aggies ran the football on six consecutive plays, with Jones providing the decisive gains. His 30-yard run moved New Mexico State into favorable field position. Facing fourth-and-two with approximately 30 seconds remaining, Jones gained enough yardage to secure a first down. The conversion ended Sam Houston's comeback hopes and preserved the six-point victory. New Mexico State Earns Important Conference USA Road Victory  The victory carried several important milestones for the Aggies. New Mexico State earned its first road win of the season and its first victory in Huntsville against Sam Houston. The Aggies also improved their all-time series record against the Bearkats to 3-1. Additionally, the result marked New Mexico State's first road victory in a midweek Conference USA game since 2023. Damante completed 19 of 29 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns, both to Williams. Jones' rushing performance provided the offensive foundation, while the defense's ability to limit Sam Houston on the ground helped preserve the advantage. The result demonstrated New Mexico State's ability to overcome early mistakes and finish a competitive conference matchup. What's Next for New Mexico State and Sam Houston? New Mexico State returns home to face Jacksonville State on Wednesday, October 28, in another Conference USA matchup. The Aggies will look to build on their improved conference record and extend their winning momentum. Sam Houston will travel to face Missouri State on Tuesday, October 27, seeking its first conference victory of the season. For New Mexico State, Jones' 178 rushing yards, Williams' two touchdown receptions and a dominant defensive performance combined to produce a hard-fought 30-24 victory.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall secured its first Sun Belt Conference victory of the 2026 college football season Tuesday night, defeating South Alabama 20-13 at Joan C. Edwards Stadium behind a late touchdown from running back Judah Price and a decisive defensive stand. Price scored the winning touchdown with 1:49 remaining, completing an eight-play, 75-yard drive after South Alabama had tied the game late in the fourth quarter. The Thundering Herd improved to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in Sun Belt play, while the Jaguars dropped to 4-3 and 2-1 in conference competition. Marshall's defense delivered one of its strongest performances of the season, limiting South Alabama to 326 total yards and one touchdown. The victory came before 21,904 fans as Marshall honored West Virginia's coal mining heritage. Judah Price Delivers Game-Winning Touchdown Marshall faced a critical situation after South Alabama tied the game at 13-13 with 4:38 remaining. The Thundering Herd responded with a powerful rushing attack that carried them downfield. Quarterback Zion Turner initially broke free for what appeared to be a 75-yard touchdown run, but a holding penalty erased the score. Turner was temporarily sidelined following the play, forcing backup quarterback Khalil Wilkins into action. Wilkins immediately made an impact, producing rushing gains of 19, 22 and 14 yards to move Marshall into scoring position. Price finished the possession with a short touchdown run, giving Marshall a 20-13 advantage with 1:49 remaining. The drive demonstrated the Herd's ability to overcome adversity while relying on its offensive line and rushing attack. Price, a native of Coal City, West Virginia, delivered the winning score on a night dedicated to the state's coal mining community. Marshall and South Alabama Battle to 6-6 Halftime Tie Both teams struggled to establish consistent offensive momentum during the opening half. South Alabama struck first when kicker Davis Little converted a 29-yard field goal late in the first quarter. The Jaguars' defense prevented Marshall from scoring during the opening period, marking the second time this season South Alabama had held an opponent scoreless in the first quarter. Marshall responded in the second quarter behind kicker Jorge Diaz Nicolas. Diaz Nicolas converted field goals from 47 and 48 yards, giving the Thundering Herd a 6-3 advantage. South Alabama answered before halftime. With two seconds remaining, Little connected on a career-long 42-yard field goal as time expired. The successful kick tied the game 6-6 at halftime, setting up a defensive battle in the second half. Cole Funderburk's Interception Sparks Marshall Marshall's defense created the first major turning point during the third quarter. Defensive end Cole Funderburk secured an interception after Charles McCartherens broke up a South Alabama pass. The turnover gave Marshall an opportunity to capitalize on favorable field position. Turner directed a six-play, 55-yard touchdown drive, finishing with a three-yard rushing score. The touchdown gave Marshall a 13-6 lead with 3:25 remaining in the third quarter. Turner finished the game completing 21 of 33 passes for 181 yards while adding 45 rushing yards and one touchdown. Wilkins led Marshall's rushing attack with 69 yards and also contributed a 35-yard kickoff return. The combined efforts of both quarterbacks proved important as Marshall overcame South Alabama's defensive resistance. PJ Martin Leads South Alabama's Fourth-Quarter Comeback South Alabama refused to surrender after falling behind by seven points. Following a missed Marshall field goal, the Jaguars began an 80-yard touchdown drive that lasted approximately six minutes. The possession featured two successful fourth-down conversions. One of the most important plays came when Rod Gibbs gained 26 yards on a fake punt during fourth-and-nine. The aggressive decision extended the drive and kept South Alabama's comeback hopes alive. Running back PJ Martin eventually scored on a 19-yard touchdown run, tying the game at 13-13 with 4:38 remaining. Martin finished with 47 rushing yards on 14 carries and extended his touchdown streak to seven consecutive games. He now leads South Alabama with seven rushing touchdowns this season. Keenan Phillips contributed 70 rushing yards on 16 carries, finishing with 100 all-purpose yards. Despite the productive possession, South Alabama could not prevent Marshall's immediate response. Marshall Defense Seals Victory With Final Fourth-Down Stop After Price restored Marshall's lead, South Alabama had one final opportunity to force overtime. The Jaguars gained an initial first down but struggled to advance against Marshall's defense. Facing third-and-one, cornerback Brayden Hall delivered a crucial open-field tackle on a short pass, producing a four-yard loss. The play forced South Alabama into a difficult fourth-down situation. Marshall's defensive pressure then forced quarterback Jared Hollins into an incomplete pass, ending the Jaguars' final possession. Hollins finished with 148 passing yards and one interception. Marshall linebacker Daytione Smith led the Thundering Herd with nine tackles. Freshman Tristan Lester added seven tackles and a pass breakup in his first collegiate start. Kelvon McBride contributed four tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack-fumble. The defensive performance represented a significant improvement for Marshall. Marshall Limits South Alabama's Explosive Offense Entering Tuesday's matchup, Marshall had allowed an average of 447.3 yards per game. South Alabama had also averaged 54 points per game in Sun Belt competition. However, the Thundering Herd held the Jaguars to just 13 points and 326 total yards. South Alabama rushed for 178 yards but struggled through the air. The Jaguars converted five of six fourth-down attempts, demonstrating their willingness to take risks, but Marshall's final defensive stop proved decisive. Brendan Jenkins led South Alabama's receiving attack with four catches for 75 yards. Defensively, Damyrion Darby recorded seven tackles, while Will Felton, Dallas Young and Seidrion Langston contributed six apiece. Felton and Xavious Anderson Jr. each recorded a sack. Despite those individual contributions, South Alabama could not overcome Marshall's defensive execution during the final two minutes. Marshall Earns First Sun Belt Victory of 2026 The victory provided an important boost for Marshall after a difficult start to conference play. Head coach Tony Gibson's defense responded to recent struggles by limiting explosive plays and producing timely stops. The Thundering Herd also protected the football offensively while forcing the game's only turnover. For South Alabama, the defeat ended its unbeaten start to Sun Belt competition. The Jaguars showed resilience through their fourth-quarter touchdown drive but could not sustain that momentum defensively. Marshall's ability to control the final possession and respond immediately after surrendering the tying touchdown ultimately determined the outcome. What's Next for Marshall and South Alabama? Marshall will have a break before traveling to face Old Dominion on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. South Alabama will return home to Hancock Whitney Stadium to host Louisiana Tech on October 31 at 2 p.m. Both teams will look to strengthen their conference standings as the season continues. For Marshall, Price's late touchdown, Wilkins' decisive rushing contributions and a strong defensive performance combined to deliver a hard-fought 20-13 victory.

NEWARK, Del. — Delaware quarterback Nick Minicucci delivered a spectacular return from injury Tuesday night, throwing five touchdown passes and rushing for another as the Blue Hens defeated Missouri State 61-38 at Delaware Stadium on October 20, 2026. Minicucci completed 20 of 29 passes for 225 yards, tying Delaware's single-game record for passing touchdowns while matching his career high with six total scores. His performance helped the Blue Hens snap a three-game losing streak and earn their first Conference USA victory of the season. Delaware improved to 3-4 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while Missouri State fell to 2-5 and 1-2. The Blue Hens trailed 28-24 at halftime before producing a dominant second-half performance, including 30 unanswered points that transformed a competitive matchup into a convincing victory. Nick Minicucci Makes Record-Tying Return From Injury After missing Delaware's previous two games with a knee injury, Minicucci returned with one of the strongest performances of his collegiate career. His five passing touchdowns tied the program's single-game record, while his rushing score brought his total to six touchdowns. Minicucci also reached significant career milestones. His 225 passing yards increased his career total to 6,045, moving him past former NFL MVP Rich Gannon into sixth place on Delaware's all-time passing yards list. He also climbed to third in program history with 48 career touchdown passes. The quarterback benefited from improved offensive balance, particularly a running game that produced a season-high 232 yards. Running back Jo Silver contributed 101 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries while adding another score through the air. Missouri State Takes 28-24 Halftime Lead Delaware opened the scoring when Kaderris Roberts broke free for a 31-yard touchdown run. Missouri State responded with a 15-yard rushing touchdown from Connor Lair before defensive back J.J. O'Neal returned an interception 47 yards for a score. The defensive touchdown gave the Bears a 14-7 advantage entering the second quarter. Minicucci quickly responded, connecting with Bryson Graves for a six-yard touchdown pass to tie the game. He then found tight end Scott Moore for a 26-yard score, restoring Delaware's lead at 21-14. Missouri State quarterback Henry Belin IV answered with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Myers. Delaware kicker Tucker Smack converted a 33-yard field goal to make it 24-21, but Missouri State delivered another scoring drive before halftime. Belin connected with Myers for a six-yard touchdown with 17 seconds remaining, giving the Bears a 28-24 halftime lead. Delaware Takes Control With Explosive Third Quarter Delaware immediately regained momentum after halftime. Graves returned the opening kickoff 42 yards, providing favorable field position. Minicucci capitalized with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Silver, putting the Blue Hens ahead 31-28. Missouri State answered with another Lair rushing touchdown, reclaiming a 35-31 advantage. However, Delaware responded through special teams and efficient offensive execution. Graves produced another long kickoff return, helping set up a four-yard touchdown pass from Minicucci to Elijah Sessoms. The score gave Delaware a 38-35 lead with 7:50 remaining in the third quarter. It proved to be the final lead change of the evening. From that point, Delaware's defense began creating the opportunities that ultimately decided the game. Jawarren Corbin Sparks Delaware's Defensive Turnaround Linebacker Jawarren Corbin delivered one of the game's most important defensive performances. With Missouri State threatening to respond, Corbin forced a fumble on a sack of Belin. Defensive end Brandon Gorham recovered the football and returned it 59 yards to the Missouri State four-yard line. Minicucci completed the short possession with a rushing touchdown, extending Delaware's lead to 45-35. Corbin later intercepted Belin, recording his first career interception. Safety George Mullins also contributed an interception, his third of the season, giving him the Conference USA lead. Corbin finished with six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and an interception. Delaware forced three turnovers and converted those opportunities into 20 points. The defensive effort helped the Blue Hens score 30 consecutive points after falling behind 35-31. Jo Silver and Delaware Offense Finish Strong Delaware continued extending its advantage in the fourth quarter. Silver scored his second touchdown of the evening before Minicucci connected with Donovan Lewis for another passing score. The Blue Hens eventually built a 58-35 advantage before Smack added a 25-yard field goal. Missouri State closed the scoring with a late field goal, producing the final 61-38 margin. Delaware finished with 482 total yards and 26 first downs. The Blue Hens scored on nine consecutive possessions and did not punt throughout the contest. Graves also contributed 168 kickoff return yards, the fourth-highest single-game total in Delaware history. His special teams production helped create favorable field position during the decisive second-half scoring surge. Isaiah Myers Delivers Historic Performance for Missouri State Despite the loss, Missouri State wide receiver Isaiah Myers produced one of the nation's most impressive receiving performances of the season. Myers finished with 11 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns. His receiving yardage represented the highest single-game total by an FBS player during the 2026 season through October 20. It also ranked second in Missouri State history, behind Steven Rush's 249-yard performance against Illinois State in 2003. Belin completed 26 of 35 passes for 337 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Lair contributed 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns. However, Missouri State's offensive production could not overcome the turnovers and Delaware's explosive second-half performance. Delaware Ends Three-Game Losing Streak The victory represented an important turnaround for Delaware after a difficult stretch. The Blue Hens had scored only 69 combined points across their previous four games before producing 61 against Missouri State. Their scoring total tied the highest under head coach Ryan Carty. Delaware also improved to 26-1 under Carty when winning the turnover battle, reinforcing the importance of its defensive performance. The result provided renewed momentum as the Blue Hens continued their second season competing at the Football Bowl Subdivision level. What's Next for Delaware and Missouri State? Delaware will travel to face Western Kentucky on Tuesday, October 27, at 7 p.m., with television coverage on CBS Sports Network. Missouri State will return home to face Sam Houston on October 27 at 7 p.m., with coverage on ESPN2. For Delaware, Minicucci's record-tying return, Silver's balanced offensive production and Corbin's defensive contributions combined to deliver a much-needed victory. The Blue Hens' 30-point unanswered scoring run ultimately defined a memorable 61-38 Conference USA win.