COLLEGE FOOTBALL - 1998 SEASON
29/08/98 - Louisiana Tech (27) @ (56) Nebraska - #3 ranked and defending National Champions Nebraska opended their 1998 season with a big win over the Bulldogs. New coach Frank Solich opened his account with a win as the Cornhuskers amassed 289 yards rushing with QB Bobby Newcombe (9-10-168-1 + 12-12-2), RB's Correll Buckhalter (19-143-2) and Joel Mackovica (10-47-0) leading the way and helping Nebraska to a 35-6 lead at the half. But the Bulldogs didn't quit and led by QB Tim Rattay (46-68-590-4) and WR Troy Edwards (21-405-3) they gave the Huskers a scare. Edwards scored on TD passes of 94 yards, 80 yards and 52 yards and the 405 yards receiving set an NCAA receiving yards record. The game also marked the first appearance of Husker QB Eric Crouch (1-3-5-0 + 1-6-0) (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Tulin/Gigantino/Clemons, PAL)
05/09/98 - Kentucky (68) @ (34) Louisville - In an offensive shootout in the 1st game at the Cardinals new stadium, Kentucky claimed the Governors cup with a record-setting performance. Kentucky rolled up a team record 801 yards of total offense behind star QB Tim Couch (29-39-498-7). His 498 yards were a team record and he threw TD's to 5 diferent receivers, inc. TD passes of 48, 56 and 57 yards. Kentucky put the game away early with a 41-10 lead at the half. Louisville were led by QB Chris Redman (25-44-368-4) who had a big game in relief, including TD passes of 60 and 65 yards (8, Missing last 6:59 of 2nd quarter - Missing 1 Kentucky TD + FG, 2 Discs, FOX - Kennedy/Matich/Horton, PAL)
05/09/98 - Washington (42) @ (38) Arizona State - In the season and conference opener for both teams, Washington won a shootout with a 63 yard TD pass on 4th-and-17 with 28 seconds to play. Both teams played out a high-scoring 1st half with Washington QB Brock Huard (27-47-318-4) and Arizona State QB Ryan Kealy (20-35-302-3) having big games and it was the Sun Devils that led late in the game before Huard threw the game winner to TE Reggie Davis (5-110-2). Davis broke a couple of tackles on his run. Washington also featured RB Maurice Shaw (15-58-0) and WR Dane Looker (11-108-2). Arizona State also featured on Offense RB JR. Redmond (22-108-1 + 4-68-0) and on Defense by LB Adam Archuleta (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Physioc/Ramsey/Slater, NTSC)
12/09/98 - Florida State (7) @ (24) North Carolina State - In a big upset, North Carolina State beat #2 ranked Florida State and handed them only their 2nd ever ACC loss. The Seminoles exploded out of the blocks with a 74 yard TD pass from QB Chris Weinke (9-32-243-1) to WR Peter Warrick (4-130-1) on the games opening play but that proved to be the only bright spot for Florida State. The Wolfpack used great Defense to intercept Weinke 6 times while the Offense, led by QB Jamie Barnette (17-32-287-2) and WR Torry Holt (9-135-1), paced the Offense. Holt had a big game, scoring on a 63 yard TD catch and a 68 yard punt return TD. Florida State also featured RB Travis Minor (18-99-0) (8, 2 Discs, ABC - Gannon/Brant, NTSC)
19/09/98 - North Carolina State (30) @ (33) Baylor - In a big upset, Baylor shocked the #24 ranked Wolfpack by blocking a game-winning FG with 13 seconds left that would have capped a huge 2nd half comeback. The Bears started strong and held a 26-0 lead at the half, thanks to the rushing attack of QB Odell James (3-7-74-0 + 19-27-1) and RB's Derek Lagway (9-82-1) and Anthony Overstreet (8-40-0) + mistakes from the Wolfpack that resulted in a Safety and an 82 yard fumble recovery for a return by the Bears. The Wolfpack re-grouped in the 3rd quarter and scored 23 unanswered points, thanks to QB Jamie Barnette (24-55-469-3) and WR Torry Holt (11-255-2 inc. 80 yard TD catch). But the Wolfpack failed to put away the Bears and the blocked FG sealed their fate (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Land/Lapham/Knox, NTSC)
19/09/98 - Florida (17) @ (20) Tennessee - #6 ranked Tennessee finally ended 6 years of domination by #2 ranked Florida, knocking them off in Overtime. Tennessee QB Tee Martin (7-20-64-1 + 8-25-0) played a big part, guiding the Vols to the upset win. Florida were led by 2 QB's alternating on every play ; Jesse Palmer (16-23-210-2) and Doug Johnson (15-26-199-0). In overtime, Vols kicker Jeff Hall kicked a 41 yard FG and watched as Cooper Carlisle missed his kick to give the Vols the win (8, 2 Discs, CBS - McDonough/Donahue/Mayock, PAL)
19/09/98 - North Carolina (34) @ (37) Stanford - In a battle of winless teams, it was the Cardinal of Stanford that won out, using a last play 20 yard FG from kicker Kevin Miller to secure their 1st win. Both teams were evenly matched with Stanford QB Todd Husak (23-38-313-1) and North Carolina QB Ronald Curry (19-34-304-2 + 13-66-1) having good games. Stanford also featured on Offense RB Coy Wire (24-77-1 + 1 TD pass) and WR DeRonnie Pitts (7-75-1) and on Defense DL's Willie Howard and Riall Johnson + LB Donnie Spragan. The Tarheels also featured on Offense WR's Na Brown (6-139-1) and LC Stevens (4-74-0) and on Defense DL Ebenzer Ekuban and DB Dre' Bly (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Tompkins/Ramsey/Clemons, PAL)
26/09/98 - Central Florida (38) @ (31) Bowling Green - Highly-touted UCF QB Daunte Culpepper (23-32-320-4) had to bring his team back from a 24-14 half-time deficit to keep his team from a 2nd consecutive defeat. Culpepper threw 3 2nd half TD passes (9, 2 Discs, FOX - Piecoro/White, PAL)
03/10/98 - Arizona (31) @ (28) Washington - In a rare hight game at Husky Stadium, #14 ranked Arizona won the game on a stunning 9 yard TD run from QB Ortege Jenkins with 4 secs left. Jenkins leaped from the 3 yard line and avoided 3 Husky defenders to score. Arizona also featured QB Keith Smith, RB Trung Canidate and WR Dennis Northcutt. Washington featured QB's Brock Huard and Marques Tuiasosopo, RB Willie Hurst and WR Dane Looker (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Physioc/Ramsey, PAL)
10/10/98 - Purdue (24) @ (31) Wisconsin - Purdue QB Drew Brees (55-83-494-2) set an NCAA record for pass attempts but is was his 4 interceptions that did in the Boilermakers, especially as 1 of them was returned 52 yards for a score. Wisconsin RB Ron Dayne (33-127-1) paced the Badger offense (9, 2 Discs, ESPN 2 - Meyers/Christensen/Blevins, NTSC)
10/10/98 - Oregon State (30) @ (23) Stanford - Oregon State exacted revenge for their last minute loss to Stanford in 1997, winning a shootout in Palo Alto. Beavers RB Ken Simonton (35-207-2) had a huge game and scored the winning TD with 5 minutes remaining. He was helped by QB Terrance Bryant (21-41-276-0) and WR Greg Ainsworth (7-60-0). Stanford QB Todd Husak (26-48-450-2) had a huge game and the Cardinal had 3 receivers over 100 yards ; Dave Davis (9-151-1), DeRonnie Pitts (9-124-1) and Troy Walters (6-159-0), but the Cardinal defense just couldn't stop Simonton (8, Network audio problems upton 7:00 of the 1st quarter, 2 Discs, FOX - Lynn/Preece, PAL)
17/10/98 - Louisville (22) @ (28) Tulane - Tulane QB Shaun King (16-29-273-3) continued his teams unbeaten streak with a big game against a strong Louisville team. But he needed the defense to win the game as they batted away a last play pass into the end-zone. Louisville QB Chris Redman (41-56-477-1) had a huge game for the Cardinals, despite suffering a cut chin on a big hit (8, JIP 14:14 1st Quarter, 2 Discs, FOX - Kennedy/Matich, PAL)
17/10/98 - Oregon (38) @ (41) UCLA - In a game of big plays, #12 ranked Oregon took #2 UCLA into overtime but UCLA saved the day when kicker Chris Sailor nailed a 23 yard FG to take the win. Oregon cameback from a 24-7 deficit in the 2nd quarter to tie the game with 22 seconds left and force the overtime period. UCLA featured QB Cade McNown (20-36-395-3) and WR Danny Farmer (7-161-2). Oregon featured QB Akili Smith (15-37-221-3) and RB Reuben Droughns (25-172-1) (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Musberger/Fouts/Arute, PAL)
24/10/98 - San Jose State (43) @ (46) BYU - In a typical WAC shootout, BYU RB Ronney Jenkins ran for 250 yards and a school record 5 TD's. San Jose State QB Chris Kasteler (22-32-319-4) tried to rally his team but ran out of time. Both teams combined for 947 yards of total offense (7, tracking line at the top of the screen, 2 Discs, BWSN - McCann/Fowler, NTSC)
24/10/98 - Penn (51) @ (58) Brown - A wild game that started out slowly, exploded in the 4th quarter as 58 points were scored. The final 11 possesions ended in TD's inc winner from RB Jim Finn (259 yards) with 4 seconds remaining (7, Slight audio ticking, 2 Discs, NESN - Larson/Norton, NTSC)
24/10/98 - Oregon State (34) @ (35) Washington - Washington survived a big fightback by the Beavers and moved into 2nd place in the PAC-10 title race. Huskies QB Brock Huard (20-40-260-4) made a return from injury to lead Washington to a 35-21 lead in the 4th quarter. But Beavers QB Jonathan Smith (17-32-469-3) led a comeback and on the last play of the game threw a 33 yard TD pass to pull within 1 point. Beavers coach Mike Riley decided to go for the win but the 2 point pass play fell incomplete and the Huskies held on to win. Washington also featured WR Andre Desaussure (7-167-2). Oregon State also featured WR Roddy Tompkins (9-210-1 inc. 90 yard TD catch) and RB Ken Simonton (17-57-2) (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Calabro/Preece/Sixkiller, PAL)
24/10/98 - New Mexico (30) @ (20) Hawaii - The Lobos heaped more misery on the winless Rainbows with a big win in Honolulu. Led by QB Graham Leigh (15-31-169-1 + 9-22-1) and a strong defensive effort, the Lobos raced out to a 24-0 lead in the 3rd quarter and despite a brief fightback by Hawaii, New Mexico held on for the win. Hawaii were led by QB Dan Robinson (21-57-247-3) who took a beating in the game and was also plagued by dropped catches, penalties and turnovers. Hawaii also featured RB Charles Tharp (9-41-0) and WR Wesley Morris (5-36-3). New Mexico also featured DL Jason Purvis (3 sacks) and LB Brian Urlacher (12 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass break-up). The game was the last ever WAC meeting between the schools (8, 2 Discs, KFVE-5 - Leahey/Goeas/Bayer, NTSC)
31/10/98 - Stanford (24) @ (28) UCLA - #2 ranked UCLA kept their unbeaten record against a feisty Stanford team, but needed a huge defensive play in the final minutes to do so. Both teams were evenly matched, with Stanford QB Todd Husak (25-45-419-1) matching UCLA's Heisman-Hopeful QB Cade McNown (19-31-254-1) but McNown had the benefit of a strong rushing attack led by Keith Brown (15-94-2) and Deshaun Foster (9-51-1) who scored the final 2 TD's of the game to put the Bruins ahead with 6:55 left. Husak marched the Cardinal back down the field and looked to have taken the lead when his pass was caught at the 5 yard line. But as the receiver reached the 1 yard line, the ball was stripped from him and was recovered in the end-zone by UCLA for a touchback, ending Stanford's last chance of an upset. UCLA also featured WR Danny Farmer (6-78-0). Stanford also featured WR Troy Walters (10-192-0) (8, Small tracking line at the top of the screen, 2 Discs, FOX - Physioc/Ramsey, NTSC)
07/11/98 - Michigan State (28) @ (24) Ohio State - Unranked Michigan State shocked the college football world with a stunning defeat of #1 ranked Ohio State. Michigan State intercepted a last-gasp pass into the end-zone with 72 seconds left to preserve the win. Spartans kicker Paul Edinger hit on 5 FG's and LB Julian Peterson made 9 tackles while QB Bill Burke (18-46-323-1) and WR Plaxico Burress (4-125-0) paced the offense. Ohio State featured QB Joe Germaine (16-34-239-1) on offense and LB Andy Katzenmoyer on defense (7, 2 Discs, ABC - Musberger/Fouts/Arute, PAL)
14/11/98 - Nebraska (30) @ (40) Kansas State - Kansas State, ranked #1 for the first time in their history, finally ended their Nebraska jinx as they beat them for the 1st time since 1969. The star was Kansas State QB Michael Bishop (19-33-306-2) and the defense, led by LB's Jeff Kelly and Mark Simoneau. Nebraska were led by Redshirt Freshman QB Eric Crouch (10-21-139-3 + 22-108-0) (7, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Cyphers, PAL)
14/11/98 - Arkansas (24) @ (28) Tennessee - #1 ranked Tennessee needed a sensational piece of luck to remain unbeaten. Arkansas had the lead and the ball with 1:43 left when QB Clint Stoerner (17-34-274-3) fumbled and lost the ball to DT Billy Ratliff. Tennessee then drove downfield to the winning TD run from RB Travis Henry (32-197-1) with 28 seconds left. Tennessee QB Tee Martin (10-27-155-1) had a solid game (8, JIP 11:34 1st Quarter, 2 Discs, CBS - McDonough/Donahue/Mayock, NTSC)
14/11/98 - Texas (35) @ (42) Texas Tech - Texas Tech denied Texas a chance of winning the Big 12 South title as a TD run from QB Rob Peters with 25 seconds left proved the winner. In the battle of the "Ricky Williams", it was the Tech version that won with 32 rushes for 148 yards. The Texas version rushed for 141 yards on 30 carries (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Thulin/Gigantino/Clemons, PAL)
21/11/98 - LSU (36) @ (39) Notre Dame - In a Wild game full of big plays, Notre Dame rallied from a 14 point deficit in the 3rd quarter to win the game on a 10 yard TD pass with 1:32 remaining in the game. Both teams scored on big plays with Notre Dame scoring on an 89 yard interception return and a 13 yard fumble return. LSU scored on an 88 yard kick-off return by RB Kevin Faulk (31-108-1) and a 53 yard interception return. Notre Dame were led by QB Jarious Jackson (13-21-276-2 + 21-80-0), RB Autry Denson (23-80-1) and WR Malcolm Johnson (4-62-1). LSU were led on Offense by QB Herb Tyler (14-21-186-2 + 9-26-0) and WR Abram Booty (8-153-2) and on Defense by DL Anthony McFarland (5 tackles) and DB Mark Roman (13 tackles + 1 Interception) (9, 2 Discs, NBC - Enberg/Haden, NTSC)
27/11/98 - Texas A&M (24) @ (26) Texas - Texas A&M fought back from a 16 point 4th quarter deficit to take the lead with 2:20 left but Texas Freshman QB Major Applewhite calmly led the Longhorns down the field to the winning FG with 5 seconds left. The game was most notable for the fact that Texas RB Ricky Williams (44-259-1) set the NCAA record for career rushing yards, accomplishing the record on a 1st quarter 60 yard TD run (8 tracking problems during brief pre-game, 2 Discs, ABC - Musberger/Fouts/Arute, NTSC)
27/11/98 - Arizona State (42) @ (50) Arizona - #7 ranked Arizona retained the Territorial Cup with a shootout win in Tucson. Both teams stars had big games with Arizona RB Trung Canidate (18-288-3 inc. TD runs of 48, 66 and 80 yards) and Arizona State QB Ryan Kealy (33-56-511-4) on fire but Arizona's Defense proved the difference, forcing 3 turnovers and blocking a punt. Arizona also featured QB's Ortege Jenkins (3-11-60-0 + 1 TD run) and Keith Smith (5-8-173-1) + LB Marcus Bell (21 tackles) and DB Chris McAlister (1 interception + 1 blocked punt). Arizona State also featured RB JR Redmond (15-71-1), WR Kenny Mitchell (9-170-0) and TE Todd Heap (4-84-2). This is a FOX Re-broadcast and is missing 1st quarter action between 9:02 and 8:09 and 6:59 to 1:01 (1 ASU TD missing), 2nd quarter action between 15:00 and 14:43 + 8:45 to 2:26 (1 UA TD missing), 3rd quarter action between 9:23 and 8:32 (no scoring missed) and 4th quarter action between 14:03 and 8:54 (no scoring missed) (8, 2 Discs, FOX - Physioc/Ramsey/Sunderland, NTSC)
05/12/98 - Army (34) v (30) Navy - Army ended up the victor in the 99th renewal of the rivalry but the game was marred by a bleacher collapse in the 4th quarter in the Army section that sent 9 students to hospital with broken bones. The highest scoring game in the rivalry saw big plays from both side with Army scoring on 69, 70 and 71 yard TD runs. Navy scored on 49 and 69 yard TD passes. Army scored 15 unanswered points in the 4th quarter for the comeback win and were led by back-up QB Joe Gerena (92 yards + 2 TD rushing) and RB Ty Amey (13-134-1). Amey's 70 yard TD run in the 4th quarter gave the Cadets the lead and the celebration prompted the Bleacher collapse. Navy featured QB Brian Broadwater (7-17-188-2 + 15-57-0), who had a big game in a losing effort (8, 2 Discs, CBS - McDonough/Donahue, PAL)
05/12/98 - UCLA (45) @ (49) Miami - Unbeaten UCLA were denied a chance to play in the National Championship game by the rushing of RB Edgerrin James (39-299-3) who won the game with his final TD run with 50 seconds left. The UCLA was unstoppable, with QB Cade McNown (26-35-513-5) putting up huge numbers, including TD passes of 59, 61 and 77 yards but the UCLA defense couldn't stop the run (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Franklin/Gottfried/Karsten, PAL)
05/12/98 - Big 12 Championship - Texas A&M (36) v (33) Kansas State - The Aggies upset the #10 ranked Wildcats in Double Overtime to claim their 1st championship in 64 years. Back-up QB Brandon Stewart (324 yards passing and 3 TD's) threw the winning TD pass on 3rd and long to crush the Wildcats chance of a BCS championship game berth. Kansas State QB Michael Bishop (341 yards passing, 101 yards rushing) had a big game but also a costly fumble that allowed the Aggies to tie the game late on (8, 3 discs, ABC - Musberger/Fouts/Arute, PAL)
29/12/98 - Alamo Bowl - Kansas State (34) v (37) Purdue - In a shootout, Purdue upset #4 ranked Kansas State and recorded their first bowl win since 1980. Purdue were led by QB Drew Brees (25-53-230-2) and he staked the Boilermakers to 17-7 lead at the half. Kansas State, led by QB Michael Bishop (9-24-182-3 + 20-7-0), staged a 2nd half comeback and led 34-30 with 1:28 left. Brees then won the game with an amazing 80 yard drive capped off with the winning TD pass with 30 secs left (8, 2 Discs, Player-to-Recorder copy, ESPN - Franklin/Gottfried/Karsten, PAL)
01/01/99 - Rose Bowl - Wisconsin (38) v (31) UCLA - In a shootout in Pasadena, #8 ranked Wisconsin upset #5 UCLA. The star for the Badgers was MVP RB Ron Dayne (27-246-4) who fell just 1 yard short of the Rose Bowl yardage record. He was matched by UCLA QB Cade McNown (19-34-340-2) but his 4th quarter interception returned for a 46 yard TD by DB Jamar Fletcher proved to be decisive. The Badgers also featured on Offense QB Mike Samuel (9-17-154-0 + 13-65-0) and WR Chris Chambers (2-26-0) and on Defense DL Wendell Bryant. UCLA also featured on Offense RB's Jermain Lewis (10-50-1 + 2-37-1) and DeShaun Foster (10-38-0) + WR Danny Farmer (7-142-1) (2 versions : 8, Full game, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Swann, PAL / 9, ESPN Classic re-broadcast, 1 hour 23 minutes hi-lites, 1 Disc, ABC - Jackson/Griese/Swann, PAL)
04/01/99 - Fiesta Bowl - Tennessee (23) v (16) Florida State - Tennessee completed their undefeated season by beating the #2 ranked Seminoles and wInning the National Championship. Tennessee WR Peerless Price (4-199-1) had an MVP game including a 79 yard TD pass from QB Tee Martin (11-18-278-2). Florida State were led by Back-up QB Marcus Outzen (9-22-145-0) and RB Travis Minor (15-83-0) (9, 2 Discs, ABC - Jackson/Griese, PAL)
16/01/99 - Shrine Bowl - East (20) v (10) West - The end of season charity match pitted Ohio State coach John Cooper against Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes. Players featured included Oregon QB Akili Smith, Kansas State QB Michael Bishop and MVP Ohio State RB Joe Montgomery (8, 2 Discs, ESPN - Waltz/Gilmore/Punch, NTSC)
23/01/99 - Senior Bowl - North (21) v (31) South - The 50th anniversary game turned into a close game that was finally settled in the 4th quarter. 2 future 1st round pick QB's, Donovan McNabb and Cade McNown, had great games and the 2 TD passes from McNown earned the MVP award. The game also featured QB's Joe Germaine, Shaun King and Scott Covington + WR Kevin Johnson and RB's Kevin Faulk and Brian Shay (8, 2 Discs, TBS - Harlan/May/Sager/Baldinger, PAL)
24/01/99 - Hula Bowl - North All Stars (14) v (34) South All Stars - In a rainy and windy Maui, the South beat the North to extend their win streak to 3 games. The MVP of the game was Texas's Heisman-Trophy-winning RB Ricky Williams (22-114-2) who helped the South to a 13-7 lead at the half and to 21 unanswered points in the 4th quarter. The South also featured QB Michael Bishop (Kansas State - 10-17-197-2), RB Cecil Martin (Wisconsin), WR's Donnie Hart (Texas Tech) and Wane McGarity (Texas) and DB's Chris McAlister (Arizona) and Darwin Brown (Texas Tech). The North featured QB's Kevin Daft (UC-Davis - 8-17-117-1) and Corby Jones (Missouri - 3-4-58-0), RB Clarence Williams (Michigan), WR's Eugene Baker (Kent State - 3-46-1) and Daniel Jones (Utah) and LB's Sam Sword (Michigan) and Bobby Howard (Notre Dame) (9, Slight Audio Buzz, 2 Discs, ESPN - Barnett/Curry, NTSC)