HOUSTON — Kyle Allen threw for a score early and sealed the game by running for a touchdown and throwing for another in the fourth quarter after being benched in favor of freshman Kyler Murray, and Texas A&M beat No. 15 Arizona State 38-17 on Saturday night.
Allen won the starting job in training camp, but coach Kevin Sumlin replaced him with Murray in the second quarter and alternated quarterbacks for much of the second half. Allen spent most of the third quarter on the bench before returning early in the fourth quarter and capping a long drive with a 12-yard touchdown run that made it 24-14.
Arizona State kicked a field goal before Allen connected with freshman Christian Kirk — like Allen, from Scottsdale, Ariz. — on a short pass, and he dashed 66 yards for a touchdown to make it 31-17. Kirk also returned a punt 79 yards for a TD in the second quarter.
Mike Bercovici threw for 199 yards and a touchdown for the Sun Devils.
Portland St. 24, Wash. St. 17•PULLMAN, Wash. — The Portland State football players call their style of play “Barney ball,” in honor of new head coach Bruce Barnum.
“Barney ball” made a shocking debut, as Portland State of the FCS upset Washington State in a driving rainstorm that hampered WSU’s high-flying offense.
“It’s blue-collar, tough, fundamental football,” Barnum said.
Portland State scored all 24 of its points in the second half, and won despite being outgained 411 to 294 in total yards.
No. 13 UCLA 34, Virginia 16•PASADENA, Calif. — Heralded freshman Josh Rosen passed for 351 yards and three touchdowns in a stellar debut for UCLA.
Thomas Duarte, Devin Fuller and defensive tackle Kenny Clark caught scoring passes from the 18-year-old Rosen, who went 28-for-35 with several stunning throws and no turnovers in an auspicious first game at the Rose Bowl.
The nation’s top quarterback recruit stepped in for three-year starter Brett Hundley with remarkable poise, and the Bruins racked up 503 total yards.
Cal 73, Grambling State 14 •BERKELEY, Calif. — Jared Goff threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns in one half and California returned two interceptions for scores. The Golden Bears led 52-0 halftime.
Oregon 61, E. Washington 42•EUGENE, Ore. — Vernon Adams threw for two touchdowns but left his much-anticipated debut after a scary fourth-quarter hit, and No. 7 Oregon defeated his former team, Eastern Washington.
