Week 14

Week 14

Result of Last Week's #1 Game to Watch

Northern Illinois Huskies @ Western Michigan Broncos

The weather for this game that would decide the MAC West Division title was cold and snowy, but which team would avoid the chill of defeat?  Midway through the 2nd quarter it looked like the Broncos would trample the Huskies and run away with the game.  Western Michigan held a 21 to 7 lead and had shut down the Huskies' offense since their first drive. Thankfully, the Huskies managed to kick a field goal before halftime to shrink the Broncos' lead to 11.  The Huskies came out after halftime looking like a different team, as the defense forced punts and turnovers and the offense capitalized on those opportunities.  Northern Illinois scored 2 touchdowns on a 4th down run by wide receiver Akeem Daniels (see below) and a short run by quarterback Drew Hare.  The Huskies now had a 24-21 lead and the defense would have to protect that lead.  The Huskies' defense forced a 3 and out early in the 4th quarter, but their teammates on offense failed to get any points after a missed field goal on the ensuing drive.  The Northern Illinois defense would have to come up with another defensive stop. They did one better as linebacker Sean Folliard simultaneously sacked the Broncos quarterback and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Huskies.  Northern Illinois would seal the win with a late touchdown and walk away with a 31-21 win and their 5th straight division title.  This week they will prepare to avenge last year's MAC Championship Game loss to Bowling Green.

Final Score: Northern Illinois 31 Western Michigan 21

Most Exciting Game of the Week

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets @ Georgia Bulldogs

This yearly rivalry game is always heated, but this year's version would have both coaching staffs shaking their heads in disbelief at some point in the game.

After 3 quarters chock full of turnovers and missed opportunities, the game was tied up at 14. Georgia settled for a field goal on a promising drive early in the 4th quarter.  The Yellow Jackets responded with a 13 play, 7 minute long TD drive that showcased the effectiveness of Georgia Tech's triple option offense in taking control of a game.  The Yellow Jackets held a 21-17 lead and got ready to kickoff.  Instead of kicking the ball toward a talented kick returner, the coaching staff elected to kick it short to the Bulldogs' 30 yard line where it would be caught by a Georgia blocker. Unfortunately, the Georgia blocker failed to remember the need to CATCH THE BALL and instead let a Yellow Jackets' player catch it.  Consequently, the kickoff actually functioned like an onside kick, and the Yellow Jackets kept possession of the ball.  The Georgia special teams coach most likely wanted to whack that player on the helmet with a clipboard.

At any rate, all Georgia Tech needed to do was to run out most or all of the clock.  The Yellow Jackets got a 1st down but soon were in a 3rd and 12 situation 2 plays later. Instead of doing the smart thing and calling a run play to set up a manageable field goal attempt, the Georgia Tech coaches foolishly called a pass play.  From the start of the play, quarterback Justin Thomas was under heavy duress.  He rolled out to the right and as he was winding up to throw the ball away, the ball slipped out of his fingers and landed on the turf where it was recovered by the Bulldogs.  Thomas could not even look as the Bulldogs drove down the field and scored a touchdown on 4th and Goal with 18 seconds left.  (24-21)

Usually, that would be the last significant play of the game, but this day was different. Georgia also elected to kick it short, but a good return by a Georgia Tech blocker set up the offense in very good field position.  Thomas faked like he was going to pass but instead ran right up the middle and cut to the left, stepping out of bounds at the Bulldogs' 36 yard line with 4 seconds left.  Kicker Harrison Butker came out onto the field to attempt a 53 yard kick that would be his career long if he made it. With the entire stadium seemingly holding their breath, Butker nailed the kick right down the middle, with only an inch to spare over the crossbar.  The Yellow Jackets erupted in celebration as they were miraculously heading to overtime.

Georgia Tech got the ball first and scored a touchdown with ease on running back Zach Laskey's 3rd touchdown of the game against a tired and frustrated Georgia defense.  But the routine extra point was blocked, meaning a touchdown and a extra point would win the game for the Bulldogs.  The Bulldogs soon were getting close to doing just that as they had a 2nd and Goal at the 9.  Georgia quarterback Hutson Mason dropped back and fired a pass toward the endzone, but Georgia Tech defensive back D.J. White stepped in front of the intended receiver and intercepted the pass.  The Yellow Jackets' players and coaches rushed the field with pure happiness and reveled in the victory that can only be described as a miracle.

Final score: Georgia Tech 30 Georgia 24 (OT)

Top 3 Games to Watch: Championship Week

1.  Oregon Ducks vs Arizona Wildcats: 12/5 at 9 p.m. on FOX

This Championship Game is a rematch of a regular season game earlier this year in which the Wildcats pulled off a huge upset of the Ducks, which I covered.  Will the Wildcats claw their way to another upset or will the Quack Attack (I came up with with this name all by myself) be victorious?

My pick: Arizona

2.  Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets vs. Florida State Seminoles: 12/6 at 8 p.m. on ABC

Florida State's last 6 wins have been downright unimpressive, achieving close victories against teams they should have dominated.  It is high time for someone to finally beat them and teach them that championships aren't won in such a fashion.  Will the Yellow Jackets sting the Seminoles by handing them their first loss in 2 years?  Or will the Seminoles eke out another win that they don't deserve?

My pick: Georgia Tech

3.  Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers: 12/6 at 8:15 p.m. on FOX

During a hard-fought victory in a rivalry game against Michigan, the Buckeyes lost their 2nd Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback this year.  They lost Braxton Miller before the season even began and J.T. Barrett broke his ankle in the game versus Michigan.  Now it falls to 3rd string quarterback Cardale Jones to lead his team in the Big Ten Championship.  Head Coach Urban Meyer and the rest of the Buckeyes' play callers will have to call just the right plays to help Jones get comfortable in the game.  Will Jones have a breakout performance and complement Ohio State's run game to overcome a talented Wisconsin team.  Or will Wisconsin hand Ohio State their 2nd straight loss in the Big 10 Championship Game?

My pick: Ohio State