Week 13

Week 13

Most Exciting Game of the Week

1.  Minnesota Golden Gophers @ Nebraska Cornhuskers

This game would decide which of these 2 teams would remain in the running for the Big Ten Championship and which would fall to the wayside.  

The 1st quarter ended with the teams tied at 7, but the 2nd quarter would feature an unusual scoring play.  On a drive that began on the first play of the quarter, Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. and running back Ameer Abdullah teamed up to lead their offense to the Minnesota 18 yard line. Then, on the 8th play of the drive, Armstrong threw a pass to a receiver for an 18 yard touchdown. The Golden Gophers got the ball and proceeded to burrow their way down the field, relying on the running skills of quarterback Mitch Leidner and starting running back David Cobb.  However, after moving the chains 4 times, the Nebraska defense caught on to their opponent's strategy and forced Minnesota into a field goal situation.  Kicker Ryan Santoso lined up for an easy 30 yard attempt.  The ball is snapped, the hold is perfect, but the kick is blocked by a Nebraska defender!  The ball flips awkwardly through the air and is picked up by defensive back Nate Gerry who picks up a wall of friendly blockers and runs it back 85 yards for the touchdown.  The teams traded punts and soon halftime was reached.  The Cornhuskers held a 21-7 lead heading into the half where seasons are made or lost.

Nebraska got the ball first in the 2nd half, but wasted the opportunity as Armstrong got sacked 2 times within the first 3 plays.  The ensuing punt netted only 25 yards, due to a relatively short punt and a good return.  1 run by Leidner and 3 by Cobb got the ball into the endzone.  Unfortunately, Cobb injured his hamstring on the TD run.  The Gophers would have to continue their comeback without the player who generates 40% of their total offense.  Only a determined team effort could make up for his absence.

Seeing their lead cut in half, the Nebraska offense responded with a drive in which 8 rushes by Abdullah and his backup Amari Cross, got the ball into the red zone.  But the Minnesota defense clamped down, and forced a 4th down.  Kicker Drew Brown hit his 30 yard field goal, and the Cornhuskers had stretched their lead to 10.  The Gophers had to respond but in order to do so the 2nd and 3rd string running backs, Donnell Kirkwood and Rodrick Williams Jr., would have to give their all.  They did just that, and the run threat for Minnesota seemed just as dangerous as before.  5 combined runs by Kirkwood and Williams complemented by 2 key passes by Leidner, set the Gophers up with a 4 and 1 at the Cornhuskers' 18 yard line.   Minnesota Head Coach Jerry Kill decided to roll the dice, and kept the offense on the field.  The gamble paid off with a skillful TD run by Williams. Nebraska's lead had now shrunk to 4, but their offense was held down by conservative play calling and they were held scoreless in their next 2 drives.  

With 8 minutes left, the Gophers got the ball and set their sights on the endzone.  They were almost denied by the Nebraska defense, but captured the momentum thanks to a clutch (football speak meaning timely) pass from Leidner to receiver KJ Maye.  5 plays later, Minnesota got the touchdown they were looking for on a short run by Leidner.  The Gophers now had a 28-24 lead with only 3 minutes remaining.  Finally, the Nebraska coaching staff started calling some bold passing plays and soon they got the ball down to the Minnesota 30 yard line.  Looking for the win, quarterback Armstrong completed a great pass to one of his receivers at the 5 yard line.  The receiver turned around to attempt to reach the goal line, but at the last second a Minnesota defender knocks the ball loose and recovers it to seal the win. (see below)  Much to the dismay of Cornhuskers fans, the Gophers won for the first time in Nebraska since 1960.  It's as if the Gophers scurried into the cornfield and ate all the corn.

Final Score: Minnesota 28 Nebraska 24

Top 2 Games to Watch: Week 14

1.  Northern Illinois Huskies @ Western Michigan Broncos:  11/28 at 11 a.m. on ESPNU

This matchup will decide who will represent the West Division in this year's Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship Game.  It comes as no surprise that Northern Illinois is in the hunt for a 5th straight West Divison title.  Even in a supposed down year after Heisman finalist Jordan Lynch graduated, the Huskies manage to find more dynamic play-makers just waiting to step into the spotlight, such as bruising running back Cameron Stingily.  However, it is shocking for Western Michigan to be in the MAC title chase.  In one year the Broncos have gone from a 1 win season to competing for the West Division title. Running back Jarvion Franklin and energetic 34 year old Head Coach P.J. Fleck, who is a graduate of Northern Illinois, has been the fuel for this rapid turnaround. So will the Huskies stick to their winning ways or will the Broncos trample them?

My pick: Northern Illinois.  You should also know this by now.

2.  Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ Georgia Bulldogs: 11/30 at Noon on ESPN SEC Network

This rivalry game is sure to be heated as both teams will play hard for a year's worth of bragging rights.  Will the triple-option attack by Georgia Tech control the clock and the scoreboard?  Or will the Bulldogs defend their home turf with the determined running of Nick Chubb and the crisp passing of Hutson Mason?

My pick: Georgia

Special Requests

The Illinois Fighting Illini have stunned a Big 10 Conference foe once again.  On Senior Day, the last day the Illinois seniors would play at home, a senior came through. Struggling on offense against Penn State, the Illinois coaching staff elected to put in senior Reilly O'Toole to spark the offense.  He led a touchdown drive in the 2nd quarter and 3 drives that ended in a field goal in the 2nd half.  The last 3 points were the difference in the game as Illinois kicker David Reisner, dealing with heavy wind, hit the game winner with no time left on the clock.  A hard-fought 16-14 victory over Penn State had been achieved and the players and fans celebrated happily.  With this win, Illinois still has a chance to make a bowl game with a win in their final game.