Results of Last Week's Game to Watch
#17 Iowa Hawkeyes @ #20 Northwestern Wildcats
From the first snap it was clear who the better team was. The Iowa Hawkeyes used their strong offensive line and stable of running backs to impose their will on the Northwestern Wildcats. The Hawkeyes had only a slim 16-10 lead at the half, but turned the game into a rout in the 2nd half. Iowa running back Akrum Wadley, filling in for Jordan Canzeri who was injured in the 1st quarter, finished with 204 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Final Score: Iowa 40 Northwestern 10
With this dominating win, Iowa remains undefeated and has become the favorite to win the Big Ten West Division. Barring 2 unforeseen losses, they look to be headed to the Big Ten Championship Game to face the winner of the East Division
Most Exciting Game of the Week
#7 Michigan State Spartans @ #12 Michigan Wolverines
Much was on the line for both teams in this highly anticipated rivalry game. A potential spot in the Big Ten Championships was up for grabs. Who would emerge out of the Big House (Michigan's stadium) as champions?
Midway through the 2nd quarter, Michigan State evened the score at 7 after a touchdown run by running back L.J. Scott. A minute and a half later, the Wolverines tallied the final points of the 1st half with a field goal that gave them a 10-7 lead.
After two unsuccessful drives to begin the 2nd half, the Wolverines turned excellent field into 7 points on a short TD run by fullback Sione Huoma. The Spartans were down by 10 and quarterback Connor Cook and the rest of the offense knew they had to score on their next drive to get back in the game. Cook and his receivers went to work, completing 2 medium range passes before connecting for a 30 yard TD catch.
Fast forward to just over 9 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Michigan had scored 6 straight points on a pair of field goals and now holds a two possession 23-14 lead. Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio knows time is of the essence and calls a trick play of sorts. Cook faked a handoff to a receiver running a reverse and instead throws the ball to fullback Trevon Pendleton who raced down the field untouched until he is finally tackled at the 1 yard line. On the next play, L.J. Scott forced his way into the endzone to shrink his team's deficit to 2.
The Spartans' defense then forced the Wolverines' offense into a 3 and out, giving Cook and Scott a chance to take the lead. Unfortunately, the Spartans were forced to punt after just 4 plays. Undeterred, the Michigan State defense once again forced a 3 and out, giving their offense another chance to win the game. This time, Cook and the offense manage to reach the Michigan 36 yard line before a sack brings up 4th and long. On 4th down, Cook avoids a sack and launches a pass to a receiver in double coverage. The ball is deflected by one of the defenders and falls to the turf.
1:47 remains on the clock and Michigan State only has 1 timeout. According to those numbers, Michigan just had to run 4 plays or get a 1st down to run out the clock. The Spartans' defense stops them from getting a 1st down on 3 straight plays, meaning the Wolverines have to punt on the final play of the game.
The result of the game seemed inevitable. Some Michigan State fans were leaving the stadium, while news anchors prepared to give their comments on the game. Then, something astounding happened. The ball is snapped to the punter, but he mishandled it.
Then he tried to punt it anyway, but he's tackled and the ball flies into the air. Special team specialist Jalen Watts-Jackson was in just the right position to catch the ball. He grabbed it cleanly and began sprinting toward the endzone. He took advantage of blocking by his teammate, Jermaine Edmondson, and is tackled into the endzone as time expires.
The Michigan fans stood in stunned silence. The Spartans ran onto the field and raucously celebrated a miracle win.
My thoughts after the play went something like this: "Did that just... How did.... Oh my goodness." That play will go down as one of the most improbable finishes in college football history.
It is important to note that Jalen Watts-Jackson suffered a dislocated hip when he was tackled into the endzone and had to be carted off the field after the dust settled. He was taken to an area hospital and the surgery to repair his hip was successful. No injury can deny the fact that Jalen was the hero of the game and is certainly being viewed as such by his teammates and all Michigan State fans.
Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 8
1. #22 Temple Owls @ East Carolina Pirates: 10/22 at 7 p.m. on ESPN 2
I'm shifting my usual focus off off well-known teams to bring you an intriguing Thursday night matchup of two great teams from the American Conference. Temple is 6-0, having notched a big upset victory over Penn State in Week 1. If they finish the regular season at a perfect 12-0, they would most likely earn a spot in a New Years' Bowl Game (such as the Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, or Peach Bowls) which would be a huge accomplishment for the program. This week they go on the road to face a wily East Carolina team that has become quite adept at pulling upsets.
My pick: Temple
2. #6 Clemson Tigers @ Miami Hurricanes: 10/24 at Noon on ABC
Will the Tigers notch another win that get them one step closer to a possible spot in the College Football Playoffs? Or will Miami pull a big upset that is desperately needed to reignite their hopes of reaching the ACC Championship Game?
My pick: Clemson
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