Results of Last Week's Games to Watch
1. #5 Washington Huskies @ #23 Washington State Cougars: The Apple Cup (named after the state's famous crop)
Most years the result of this rivalry game is no surprise at all. The Cougars are usually at the bottom of the PAC 12 standings and harbor only the smallest glimmer of hope to upset the ferocious Huskies. But this year, the strong arm of quarterback Luke Falk has fueled a strong season and helped them to their best record in years. Plus, the Cougars were playing at home. This game looked to be a great candidate for a potentially thrilling game.
However, the Washington offense, led by accurate quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin, came onto the field raring to go. They were on fire through the first two quarters, scoring five touchdowns in the first 27 minutes of game clock. Luke Falk and his wide receivers couldn't get anything going on offense, as tight coverage and a withering pass rush by the Huskies defense ground the Cougars offense to a halt.
The Huskies led 35-10 at the half, solidly in control of the game. Washington State managed to cut Washington's lead to 17 and had a chance to get even closer, but were stopped on a 4th and Goal attempt at the 1 yard line. After that, the Cougars' hopes of clawing their way back into the game faded away. It was not long before the Huskies were hoisting the Apple Cup above their heads once again.
Final Score: Washington 45 Washington State 17
2. #15 Florida Gators @ #14 Florida State Seminoles: Sunshine State Showdown
After a heroic goal line stand against LSU, the Gators were looking to continue their winning ways against their much-maligned in-state rival. The Gators defense was looking to have success pressuring Seminoles quarterback Deondre François, who has been sacked many times this year. Although their offense had been inconsistent all season, signs of improvement made the Gators confident they could move the ball against the Seminoles.
The game was tight in the first half with neither team gaining a substantial advantage. Two plays after a missed field goal by the Seminoles, Gators quarterback Austin Appleby was sacked and fumbled the ball, which was quickly recovered by defensive lineman Demarcus Walker. Two plays after that, Florida State's star running back Dalvin Cook scored on a 17 yard TD burst. A field goal by each team in the 2nd quarter made it 10-3 at the half.
Things continued to go wrong for Florida in the second half. Although the Gators chomped into the lead with another field goal, the Seminoles carved through the Gators defense on the next drive. In 9 plays they traversed 3/4ths the length of the field, ending with a long touchdown pass from François to top receiver Travis Rudolph. Florida State scored two more touchdowns in the game while Florida only managed one on a fumble return for a touchdown. Yet again, the Gators offense, which looked terrible at certain moments of the game, let them down.
Final Score: Florida State 31 Florida 13
Things continued to go wrong for Florida in the second half. Although the Gators chomped into the lead with another field goal, the Seminoles carved through the Gators defense on the next drive. In 9 plays they traversed 3/4ths the length of the field, ending with a long touchdown pass from François to top receiver Travis Rudolph. Florida State scored two more touchdowns in the game while Florida only managed one on a fumble return for a touchdown. Yet again, the Gators offense, which looked terrible at certain moments of the game, let them down.
Final Score: Florida State 31 Florida 13
Most Exciting Game of the Week
#3 Michigan Wolverines @ #2 Ohio State Buckeyes: The Game
The most recent game in this historic rivalry to be as important as this one was 2006's matchup between #1 Ohio State and #2 Michigan. That game was played in Columbus as well as it resulted in a slim 3 point win for the Buckeyes. Would 'The Game' be that close this year?
After 25 minutes of game clock had expired, the Buckeyes looked to be in serious trouble. Their offense was stagnant, while their defense was pushing themselves to pick up the slack.
Down 3-0, Ohio State's drive was extended by a running into the kicker penalty against Michigan, Nonetheless, Ohio State couldn't correctly channel the momentum to get into field goal range and were forced to punt. Skilled punter Cameron Johnston stepped onto the field and booted a perfect punt that was downed at the 6 yard line.
On the very next play, Buckeyes defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes broke through the Michigan offensive line. He tackled Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight just as the ball was thrown. The ball flew awkwardly through the air and was caught easily by Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker. With only 16 yards of turf in front of him and nobody in the way, Hooker dashed in for the touchdown.
However, Ohio State didn't hold the lead for long as the Michigan offense responded amazingly well to the calamitous play. It seemed the adversity sparked a sudden increase in physicality of the Wolverines offense. The offensive line held off the Ohio State pass rush on every play, allowing Speight to have enough time to complete 6 passes for 50 yards on the next drive. With just seconds left in the half, Wolverines fullback Khalid Hill plunged through a mass of humanity for a 1 yard touchdown.
Coming out onto the field for the 3rd quarter, the Buckeyes offense looked as flat as they had in the first half. Senior quarterback J.T. Barrett looked out of rhythm and off his game, which is very strange considering how much experience he's had. Combine that with the fact that the running game wasn't working either gave me a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach that Ohio State's goose was cooked.
In the 3rd quarter, Ohio State went for a fake punt deep in their own territory, a head-scratching move to say the least. Johnston ran with the ball toward the first down line but was stopped short by the Michigan defense. Five plays later, Khalid Hill caught a short pass from Speight before running in for a 8 yard touchdown.
Now trailing by a score of 17-7, the Buckeyes offense still couldn't get the lead out of their pants. After another Ohio State punt, the Michigan offense had a chance to put the game away. But the Buckeyes would have none of that. On the 5th play of the drive, Michigan was handed a loss of four yards due to a solid tackle by a Ohio State defender. The following play, linebacker Jerome Baker stepped in front of Speight's pass and came up with a huge interception, returning it to Michigan's 13 yard line.
Ohio State was looking to get back in the game and were helped by a offside penalty on the first play of the drive. High-energy head coach Jim Harbaugh, already annoyed at earlier calls he disagreed with, took issue with the penalty and blew his top. He tossed his play call cards onto the field and slammed his headset onto the turf, breaking it in the process. A official saw the entire tantrum and called a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct on Harbaugh. This penalty, which Harbaugh totally deserved, pushed the ball forward to the 4 yard line. Two plays later, running back Mike Weber lunged into the endzone for a touchdown.
Now it was late in the 3rd quarter and the Buckeyes had plenty of time to tie the score or take the lead. Thanks to a trio of 3 and outs by Michigan, Ohio State had three chances to do so. The first drive ended in a punt for the Buckeyes, while the second resulted in a very short 22 yard field goal attempt from the left hash. Ohio State kicker Tyler Durbin, who hadn't missed a kick shorter than 40 yards all year, let the pressure get to him and hooked it wide left. Head coach Urban Meyer looked like he wanted to personally smack the kicker upside the head.
Fortunately for Durbin, he would get another chance. With a string of determined rushes and accurate passes, J.T. led his team deep into the redzone. A key 13 yard completion from Barrett to wide receiver Marcus Baugh set up Durbin with a 23 yard attempt from the center hash. Durbin converted this kick with one second left in regulation. Buckeyes fans braced themselves for overtime.
Ohio State got the ball first in overtime and scored a touchdown on only the second play of the drive, a 7 yard touchdown dash by Barrett. Michigan forced a second overtime, but only on a 4th down pass that receiver Amara Darboh was barely able to haul in for a touchdown. In the second overtime, the Ohio State defense didn't allow Michigan to gain a single first down. The Wolverines settled for a field goal, opening the door for Ohio State to take the victory.
But things would not be easy. After a sack of Barrett on second down, the Buckeyes were facing 3rd and 9. Barrett completed a short pass to star receiver Curtis Samuel who was soon staring down a wall of defenders. He faked to the right, broke a tackle, then looped back around to the left side. He dodged another defender and then dove for the first down. He came up a yard short but his spectacular effort set up a manageable 4th and 1. Urban Meyer decided to go for it instead of trying for a field goal (I wonder why?). Barrett attempted to run for a first down but ran into his own blocker right at the first down line. It looked to me like the ball broke the plane of the first down line by a whisker and the referee agreed. They would review the spot but there was not enough video evidence to overturn the call.
The following play, Curtis Samuel took the handoff, darted through a gap in the defense, and strode untouched into the endzone.
Urban Meyer collapsed onto the field in sheer relief that his team had found a way to win a game that had the highest stakes I can remember. The fans rushed the field, streaming around the security people trying to divert away from the players still on the field. Soon the yellow vests of were engulfed by a sea of red.
Buckeyes win!! Playoffs here we come!!
Final Score: Ohio State 30 Michigan 27 (2OT)
After 25 minutes of game clock had expired, the Buckeyes looked to be in serious trouble. Their offense was stagnant, while their defense was pushing themselves to pick up the slack.
Down 3-0, Ohio State's drive was extended by a running into the kicker penalty against Michigan, Nonetheless, Ohio State couldn't correctly channel the momentum to get into field goal range and were forced to punt. Skilled punter Cameron Johnston stepped onto the field and booted a perfect punt that was downed at the 6 yard line.
On the very next play, Buckeyes defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes broke through the Michigan offensive line. He tackled Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight just as the ball was thrown. The ball flew awkwardly through the air and was caught easily by Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker. With only 16 yards of turf in front of him and nobody in the way, Hooker dashed in for the touchdown.
However, Ohio State didn't hold the lead for long as the Michigan offense responded amazingly well to the calamitous play. It seemed the adversity sparked a sudden increase in physicality of the Wolverines offense. The offensive line held off the Ohio State pass rush on every play, allowing Speight to have enough time to complete 6 passes for 50 yards on the next drive. With just seconds left in the half, Wolverines fullback Khalid Hill plunged through a mass of humanity for a 1 yard touchdown.
Coming out onto the field for the 3rd quarter, the Buckeyes offense looked as flat as they had in the first half. Senior quarterback J.T. Barrett looked out of rhythm and off his game, which is very strange considering how much experience he's had. Combine that with the fact that the running game wasn't working either gave me a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach that Ohio State's goose was cooked.
In the 3rd quarter, Ohio State went for a fake punt deep in their own territory, a head-scratching move to say the least. Johnston ran with the ball toward the first down line but was stopped short by the Michigan defense. Five plays later, Khalid Hill caught a short pass from Speight before running in for a 8 yard touchdown.
Now trailing by a score of 17-7, the Buckeyes offense still couldn't get the lead out of their pants. After another Ohio State punt, the Michigan offense had a chance to put the game away. But the Buckeyes would have none of that. On the 5th play of the drive, Michigan was handed a loss of four yards due to a solid tackle by a Ohio State defender. The following play, linebacker Jerome Baker stepped in front of Speight's pass and came up with a huge interception, returning it to Michigan's 13 yard line.
Ohio State was looking to get back in the game and were helped by a offside penalty on the first play of the drive. High-energy head coach Jim Harbaugh, already annoyed at earlier calls he disagreed with, took issue with the penalty and blew his top. He tossed his play call cards onto the field and slammed his headset onto the turf, breaking it in the process. A official saw the entire tantrum and called a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct on Harbaugh. This penalty, which Harbaugh totally deserved, pushed the ball forward to the 4 yard line. Two plays later, running back Mike Weber lunged into the endzone for a touchdown.
Now it was late in the 3rd quarter and the Buckeyes had plenty of time to tie the score or take the lead. Thanks to a trio of 3 and outs by Michigan, Ohio State had three chances to do so. The first drive ended in a punt for the Buckeyes, while the second resulted in a very short 22 yard field goal attempt from the left hash. Ohio State kicker Tyler Durbin, who hadn't missed a kick shorter than 40 yards all year, let the pressure get to him and hooked it wide left. Head coach Urban Meyer looked like he wanted to personally smack the kicker upside the head.
Fortunately for Durbin, he would get another chance. With a string of determined rushes and accurate passes, J.T. led his team deep into the redzone. A key 13 yard completion from Barrett to wide receiver Marcus Baugh set up Durbin with a 23 yard attempt from the center hash. Durbin converted this kick with one second left in regulation. Buckeyes fans braced themselves for overtime.
Ohio State got the ball first in overtime and scored a touchdown on only the second play of the drive, a 7 yard touchdown dash by Barrett. Michigan forced a second overtime, but only on a 4th down pass that receiver Amara Darboh was barely able to haul in for a touchdown. In the second overtime, the Ohio State defense didn't allow Michigan to gain a single first down. The Wolverines settled for a field goal, opening the door for Ohio State to take the victory.
But things would not be easy. After a sack of Barrett on second down, the Buckeyes were facing 3rd and 9. Barrett completed a short pass to star receiver Curtis Samuel who was soon staring down a wall of defenders. He faked to the right, broke a tackle, then looped back around to the left side. He dodged another defender and then dove for the first down. He came up a yard short but his spectacular effort set up a manageable 4th and 1. Urban Meyer decided to go for it instead of trying for a field goal (I wonder why?). Barrett attempted to run for a first down but ran into his own blocker right at the first down line. It looked to me like the ball broke the plane of the first down line by a whisker and the referee agreed. They would review the spot but there was not enough video evidence to overturn the call.
The following play, Curtis Samuel took the handoff, darted through a gap in the defense, and strode untouched into the endzone.
Urban Meyer collapsed onto the field in sheer relief that his team had found a way to win a game that had the highest stakes I can remember. The fans rushed the field, streaming around the security people trying to divert away from the players still on the field. Soon the yellow vests of were engulfed by a sea of red.
Buckeyes win!! Playoffs here we come!!
Final Score: Ohio State 30 Michigan 27 (2OT)
Top Championship Games to Watch
1. PAC 12 Championship: #4 Washington Huskies vs. #9 Colorado Buffaloes: 12/2 at 9 p.m. on FOX
Will the Huskies be howling in victory after an all-around excellent showing by their offense and defense or will they be stampeded by a herd of wild Buffaloes?
My pick: Washington
2. ACC Championship: #3 Clemson Tigers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies: 12/3 at 8 p.m. on ABC
Will the Tigers maul the Hokies? Definitely!
My pick: Clemson
3. Unofficial Big 12 Championship Game: #10 Oklahoma State Cowboys @ #8 Oklahoma Sooners: 12/3 at 12:30 p.m. on FOX
Although not officially a championship game, this annual rivalry game happens to feature the top teams in the Big 12 Conference. Will the Sooners roll their covered wagons over the Cowboys or will the Cowboys avoid being run over and shoot the wheels off Oklahoma's outside playoff chances?
My pick: Oklahoma
No comments:
Post a Comment