Big plays galore in the first quarter

ARLINGTON, Texas -- It didn't take long before Texas A&M and Arkansas started putting on a show.

The Aggies had plays of 48 and 44 yards before Arkansas got back into the game with a 68-yard touchdown.

After the first quarter, the Aggies lead 14-7.

Last week, the Aggies struggled early with Oklahoma State's offensive pace. This week, Texas A&M is doing it to the Hogs. Texas A&M's pace is giving Arkansas problems, but the real problem is Texas A&M's recommitment to the running game.

A week after becoming the forgotten man in Texas A&M's running game, Christine Michael has re-emerged with a pair of touchdowns, including his 48-yard score on an awkward exchange with quarterback Ryan Tannehill and a hurdle over a few linemen into the open field.

Michael appeared to grab the ball out of Tannehill's hand as he cocked to throw. When he does that and scores from midfield, though, everybody's happy, even if it's not pretty.

Texas A&M's defense has been solid, but the 68-yard touchdown to Jarius Wright late in the quarter was a rare bust for the unit, which has been consistently pressuring Tyler Wilson and putting him on his back.

Dustin Harris gave the Aggies their only sack with a big hit on Wilson, who didn't see the unblocked corner.

With these two offenses, expect more big plays before it's over.

View the original article here

First quarter: Pitt 10, USF 7

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

View the original article here

First and 10: Approaching the quarter pole

Published: September 30th, 2011 | Tags: First and 10, Brian Billick, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Joe Theismann, Pittsburgh Steelers, Roger Goodell

Week 4 marks the end of the first quarter of the season, a significant landmark for most coaches, and that means a lot of teams will have their first-quarter “grade” on the line when they take the field this weekend, says NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan. Get ready for all this weekend’s contests with NFL.com’s exclusive Game Center.

Here’s what else is on tap for Friday:

Former Redskins quarterback and NFL Network analyst Joe Theismann has some harsh words for Bears wide receiver Roy Williams in the latest episode of “No Huddle.”Congress has invited NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the NFLPA’s DeMaurice Smith and the chief executive of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to Capitol Hill for a discussion on human growth hormone.Quarterback stability and the presence of strong playmakers have done wonders for the Raiders’ pirate crew. Jason La Canfora breaks down the factors that have brought the swagger back to Oakland.In his latest Pick Six, Adam Rank offers an alternative to the Pro Football Hall of Fame for players who feel slighted about not making it to Canton.Most of the attention going into games is on the stars, but lesser-known players often end up being difference-makers. Bucky Brooks looks at guys to watch in Week 4.

Want to get NFL.com’s top 10 headlines sent to your inbox daily? Click here for details.

Posted in: Around The Web   comments    

Comments may be no longer than 2000 characters and will post to the site shortly after submitting.

View the original article here

Third quarter: Pitt 34, USF 17

PITTSBURGH -- The Panthers built on their lead against USF, taking a 34-17 lead into the final quarter. They continued to pound Ray Graham, but Tino Sunseri also has made some plays and is having his best game for the Panthers so far this season.

Through three quarters, Graham has 150 yards rushing and a touchdown. Sunseri is 21-of-31 for 199 yards and a touchdown but perhaps most importantly -- no interceptions and no egregious mistakes.

But remember, the fourth quarter has been a familiar bugaboo for Pitt this season, so this is the perfect opportunity for the Panthers to learn how to finish. The Panthers have allowed 49 fourth-quarter points this season -- more than double what they have allowed in the second and third quarters this season.

They blew a 24-3 lead to Iowa, and they gave up a fourth-quarter touchdown last week to Notre Dame to lose despite a valiant effort. But the Panthers seem to be playing inspired football tonight on both sides of the ball. The offensive line is just having its best game of the year, especially in pass protection. Pitt has punted just once all game.

The defense has gotten pressure on B.J. Daniels, who is having his worst game of the young season. Daniels has been harassed, and missed open receivers as a result. Because of the large deficit, the Bulls have had to all but abandon the run, which was a strength in the first half. USF only had 13 rushing yards in the third quarter.

View the original article here