COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Navy’s Ricky Dobbs set the NCAA single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback with his 24th as the Midshipmen beat Army for the eighth consecutive season, 17-3, in Philadelphia Saturday evening.
Trailing 3-0, the Mids took their first lead on their first possession of the third quarter. Bobby Doyle caught a pass for 15 yards on third-and-9, Dobbs ran for three yards to convert fourth-and-inches and a wide-open Marcus Curry caught a 25-yard touchdown pass on play-action. Joe Buckley’s extra point gave Navy a 7-3 lead.
After forcing an Army punt, Navy added three to its edge. Dobbs ran for three first downs and Vince Murray picked up one more to set up a 36-yard Buckley field goal.
Midway through the final period, the Midshipmen’s defense forced a turnover, and the offense put the game out of reach. Linebacker Ross Pospisil stripped the ball from the Black Knights’ Kingsley Ehie, and Craig Schaefer recovered and ran it back to the Army 11.
Dobbs then ran for a gain of 10 before the record-setting 1-yard scoring run with 6:15 left. Buckley extended the Mids’ lead to 17-3.
Army had two more shots after that. Freshman quarterback Trent Steelman threw a fourth-down interception to Navy’s Ram Vela, then later threw incomplete on another fourth down.
The Knights drew first blood late in the first quarter. Linebacker Steven Erzinger intercepted Dobbs and ran 26 yards to the Navy 12. Alex Carlton booted a 23-yard field goal as the period expired.
That was pretty much all the offense either team generated in the first half. Dobbs completed passes of 58 and 34 yards, but both were called back due to holding penalties committed by least-penalized team in the nation.
Dobbs ran 33 times for 113 yards, exceeding 1,000 yards on the season. He completed 3 of 7 passes for 61 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Murray had 13 carries for 41 yards.
Steelman hit 7 of 20 attempts through the air for 77 yards and a pick. Patrick Mealy hit the line 13 times for 48 yards, and Alejandro Villanueva caught five passes for 62 yards.
Navy punter Kyle Delahooke and Army’s Jonathan Bulls combined for 13 punts.
NOTES: Dobbs broke the record held by former Air Force quarterback Chance Harridge, who ran for 23 scores in 2003, and Florida’s Tim Tebow, who matched that mark in 2007 … This was the teams’ 110th meeting … Navy won the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the seventh straight season, a record, and has defeated Army and Air Force 15 straight times … The Midshipmen own wins in 11 of their last 13 contests with Army … The Black Knights, who had a shot at bowl eligibility with a win, instead posted their 13th straight losing season … Army has lost nine straight times to service academies … Steelman became the second Army freshman to start against Navy. Senior Carson Williams was the first, as a freshman in 2006. Steelman is also the first Knights quarterback to start 12 games in one season … Navy has won all six games in the rivalry played at Lincoln Financial Field … Navy hasn’t allowed an Army touchdown since the last two seconds of the 2006 contest … Army led the Mids at the half for the first time since 2001 … Army (5-7) won the most games in one season since the 1996 team went 10-2 … Navy (9-4) will face Missouri in the Texas Bowl Dec. 31.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – CBS
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
ZSN College Football Week 15 Top 25 Rankings
School (Record)/Bowl opponent (Bowl, date)/Why?
1. Alabama (13-0)/Texas (BCS National Championship Game, Jan. 7)/Crimson Tide leap to top spot after putting away Florida in SEC title game.
2. Texas (13-0)/Alabama (BCS National Championship Game, Jan. 7)/Longhorns escape monumental upset in Big 12 title game with last-second field goal.
3. Texas Christian (12-0)/Boise State (Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 4)/Horned Frogs set for first BCS appearance after drilling New Mexico in regular season finale.
4. Cincinnati (12-0)/Florida (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1)/Last-minute touchdown caps Bearcats’ comeback over Pitt to seal BCS bowl berth.
5. Florida (12-1)/Cincinnati (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1)/Gators flat-out dominated by Alabama and thus relegated to what amounts to a second-tier BCS bowl.
6. Boise State (13-0)/TCU (Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 4)/Broncos take down Aggies to cap perfect regular season. Now, a shot at revenge at TCU for ending Boise’s perfect season last year.
7. Oregon (10-2)/Ohio State (Rose Bowl, Jan. 1)/Great win at home in Civil War over Oregon State to clinch Pac-10.
8. Ohio State (10-2)/Oregon (Rose Bowl, Jan. 1)/Buckeyes dominated rival Michigan … again, in regular season finale. Full steam ahead to another BCS appearance.
9. Georgia Tech (11-2)/Iowa (Orange Bowl, Jan. 5)/Jackets take down Clemson for ACC title.
10. Iowa (10-2)/Georgia Tech (Orange Bowl, Jan. 5)/Dominant defensive effort to take down Minnesota in regular season finale. Hawkeyes sneak into BCS as at-large.
11. Penn State (10-2)/LSU (Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1)/Beat down Michigan State in regular season finale.
12. Virginia Tech (9-3)/Tennessee (Chick-fil-A Bowl, Dec. 31)/Hokies take apart Virginia to end regular season.
13. Miami (Fla.) (9-3)/Wisconsin (Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 29)/Hurricanes took care of business against USF.
14. LSU (9-3)/Penn State (Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1)/Tigers knock off rival Arkansas in overtime on missed field goal in regular season finale.
15. Pittsburgh (9-3)/North Carolina (Meineke Bowl, Dec. 26)/Panthers took big lead and couldn’t hold on against Cincinnati.
16. Oregon State (8-4)/BYU (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22)/Tough come-from-ahead loss at rival Oregon with Rose Bowl on the line to close season.
17. Brigham Young (10-2)/Oregon State (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22)/Defeated Utah to cap a 10-win regular season.
18. Stanford (8-4)/Oklahoma (Sun Bowl, Dec. 31)/Cardinal come back to down Notre Dame.
19. Oklahoma State (9-3)/Ole Miss (Cotton Bowl, Jan. 2)/Blew a shot at BCS berth with ugly loss at rival Oklahoma.
20. Wisconsin (9-3)/Miami (Fla.) (Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 29)/Dominated Hawai’i in regular season finale.
21. West Virginia (9-3)/Florida State (Gator Bowl, Jan. 1)/Took down Rutgers in the snow to end regular season.
22. Arizona (8-4)/Nebraska (Holiday Bowl, Dec. 30)/Wildcats knock off USC in the Coliseum.
23. Houston (10-3)/Air Force (Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 31)/Cougars can’t complete another comeback at East Carolina.
24. Utah (9-3)/California (Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 23)/Utes fall in overtime at rival BYU’s place.
25. Central Michigan (11-2)/Troy (GMAC Bowl, Jan. 6)/The MAC champion Chippewas, who own a win at Michigan State this year and finished perfect in league play, enter the rankings for the first time this year.
Dropped out/Why?
Southern California. Trojans finish an unthinkable sixth in the Pac-10 with four losses after dropping season finale at home to Arizona.
California. Bears get absolutely manhandled in season finale by sub-.500 Washington.
Clemson. Tigers couldn’t finish the job in ACC title game against Georgia Tech.
1. Alabama (13-0)/Texas (BCS National Championship Game, Jan. 7)/Crimson Tide leap to top spot after putting away Florida in SEC title game.
2. Texas (13-0)/Alabama (BCS National Championship Game, Jan. 7)/Longhorns escape monumental upset in Big 12 title game with last-second field goal.
3. Texas Christian (12-0)/Boise State (Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 4)/Horned Frogs set for first BCS appearance after drilling New Mexico in regular season finale.
4. Cincinnati (12-0)/Florida (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1)/Last-minute touchdown caps Bearcats’ comeback over Pitt to seal BCS bowl berth.
5. Florida (12-1)/Cincinnati (Sugar Bowl, Jan. 1)/Gators flat-out dominated by Alabama and thus relegated to what amounts to a second-tier BCS bowl.
6. Boise State (13-0)/TCU (Fiesta Bowl, Jan. 4)/Broncos take down Aggies to cap perfect regular season. Now, a shot at revenge at TCU for ending Boise’s perfect season last year.
7. Oregon (10-2)/Ohio State (Rose Bowl, Jan. 1)/Great win at home in Civil War over Oregon State to clinch Pac-10.
8. Ohio State (10-2)/Oregon (Rose Bowl, Jan. 1)/Buckeyes dominated rival Michigan … again, in regular season finale. Full steam ahead to another BCS appearance.
9. Georgia Tech (11-2)/Iowa (Orange Bowl, Jan. 5)/Jackets take down Clemson for ACC title.
10. Iowa (10-2)/Georgia Tech (Orange Bowl, Jan. 5)/Dominant defensive effort to take down Minnesota in regular season finale. Hawkeyes sneak into BCS as at-large.
11. Penn State (10-2)/LSU (Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1)/Beat down Michigan State in regular season finale.
12. Virginia Tech (9-3)/Tennessee (Chick-fil-A Bowl, Dec. 31)/Hokies take apart Virginia to end regular season.
13. Miami (Fla.) (9-3)/Wisconsin (Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 29)/Hurricanes took care of business against USF.
14. LSU (9-3)/Penn State (Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1)/Tigers knock off rival Arkansas in overtime on missed field goal in regular season finale.
15. Pittsburgh (9-3)/North Carolina (Meineke Bowl, Dec. 26)/Panthers took big lead and couldn’t hold on against Cincinnati.
16. Oregon State (8-4)/BYU (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22)/Tough come-from-ahead loss at rival Oregon with Rose Bowl on the line to close season.
17. Brigham Young (10-2)/Oregon State (Las Vegas Bowl, Dec. 22)/Defeated Utah to cap a 10-win regular season.
18. Stanford (8-4)/Oklahoma (Sun Bowl, Dec. 31)/Cardinal come back to down Notre Dame.
19. Oklahoma State (9-3)/Ole Miss (Cotton Bowl, Jan. 2)/Blew a shot at BCS berth with ugly loss at rival Oklahoma.
20. Wisconsin (9-3)/Miami (Fla.) (Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 29)/Dominated Hawai’i in regular season finale.
21. West Virginia (9-3)/Florida State (Gator Bowl, Jan. 1)/Took down Rutgers in the snow to end regular season.
22. Arizona (8-4)/Nebraska (Holiday Bowl, Dec. 30)/Wildcats knock off USC in the Coliseum.
23. Houston (10-3)/Air Force (Armed Forces Bowl, Dec. 31)/Cougars can’t complete another comeback at East Carolina.
24. Utah (9-3)/California (Poinsettia Bowl, Dec. 23)/Utes fall in overtime at rival BYU’s place.
25. Central Michigan (11-2)/Troy (GMAC Bowl, Jan. 6)/The MAC champion Chippewas, who own a win at Michigan State this year and finished perfect in league play, enter the rankings for the first time this year.
Dropped out/Why?
Southern California. Trojans finish an unthinkable sixth in the Pac-10 with four losses after dropping season finale at home to Arizona.
California. Bears get absolutely manhandled in season finale by sub-.500 Washington.
Clemson. Tigers couldn’t finish the job in ACC title game against Georgia Tech.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Alabama beats Gators 32-13, punches Pasadena ticket
2009-10 COLLEGE FOOTBALL POSTSEASON SPECIAL COVERAGE – SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Alabama’s Mark Ingram ran for 113 yards and tied an SEC championship game record with three touchdowns as the Crimson Tide gained a measure of revenge over top-ranked Florida with a 32-13 win in Atlanta Saturday evening.
Up next for Ingram, who already won All-American honors? Possibly, the Heisman Trophy. Up next for his team? Almost definitely, the BCS national championship game in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 7.
The Crimson Tide (No. 3 ZSN/2 AP), who fell to Tim Tebow and the Gators in last year’s SEC title tilt, took the lead right out of the gate. Quarterback Greg McElroy, who all of a sudden looks like a seasoned veteran, hit Julio Jones for 18 yards on the first play from scrimmage and then dove for seven and a first down. Leigh Tiffin kicked a 48-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
Alabama forced a Florida punt before finding the end zone for the first time. Colin Peek caught a pass for 19 yards, Ingram ran for 15 and Marquis Maze made a reception for 14 to convert a third-and-7 situation. Ingram then ran through three Gators for a 7-yard touchdown, which stood up under review. Tiffin clanged the point-after attempt off the right upright, but the Tide held a two-possession lead, 9-0.
Florida (No. 1/1) scored its first points on the ensuing possession. Alabama’s Ali Sharrief committed a personal foul on the kickoff, Tebow hit Deonte Thompson for 18 yards and Brandon James caught a pass for nine yards on third-and-7. Riley Cooper made a reception for 12 yards on third-and-3 before a 48-yard Caleb Sturgis field goal.
The Tide responded with a field goal to begin the second quarter. Beginning on his own 15, McElroy found Maze for gains of 12 yards and then 34 on third-and-4. McElroy then made a play for the ages, hopping and tip-toeing down the sideline for just enough on third-and-5 to set up Tiffin’s 34-yard field goal to cap the 12-play drive.
Tebow and Florida woke up after that and marched to paydirt. Tebow ran for 23- and 15-yard gains before finding David Nelson for a 23-yard touchdown, finishing off a four-play, 70-yard drive. Sturgis hit the extra point to cut the Gator deficit to 12-10.
Ingram did it all by himself on the next drive, needing only two plays to reach the end zone. He caught a short pass from McElroy and took off 69 yards down the sideline, then ran for a 3-yard score.
The Gators got in one more scoring drive before the half expired. Tebow and Cooper hooked up for 59 yards to set up a 32-yard Sturgis boot. Alabama led 19-13 at the break.
Alabama began to take control for good early in the third quarter. The Tide defense forced a Florida punt, and the offense took advantage – Ingram ran for five yards on third-and-1, Maze caught a pass for 28 and Alabama got 15 free yards after Florida’s Jermaine Cunningham was flagged for roughing the passer.
McElroy then found Peek for a 17-yard score, and Tiffin made the extra point.
The Crimson Tide made the Gators kick it away again before putting together another dominating signature drive, similar to the game-winning effort against Auburn last week. After taking over at the Alabama 12-yard line, Trent Richardson ran for 25 yards. The Florida defense forced a McElroy incompletion on third-and-7, but was then penalized for offsides; given another shot on third-and-2, Ingram ran for five yards.
Jones caught a pass for 10 yards over the middle on third-and-7, Ingram ran for two on third-and-1 and Ingram hit the line again to pick up nine yards on third-and-5. McElroy rolled out and scrambled for eight yards down to the Florida 2, Ingram converted a third-and-inches and then ran behind defensive tackle Terrence Cody for a 1-yard touchdown.
When the dust cleared, Alabama had marched 88 yards on 17 plays and held the ball for nearly nine minutes. McElroy threw incomplete on the 2-point conversion attempt, but more importantly, Alabama led 32-13.
Florida had two more shots with the ball after that, but Tide All-American cornerback Javier Arenas intercepted Tebow in the end zone on the first one. Tebow then threw incomplete for Nelson at the Alabama 13 for a turnover on downs with about 7:30 left.
The Tide held the ball the rest of the way from there, picking up five first downs to run out the clock.
McElroy completed 12 of 18 attempts for 239 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. Richardson ran 11 times for 80 yards and Roy Upchurch netted 57 yards on seven carries. Maze caught five passes for 97 yards, and Ingram made two receptions for 76 yards.
Tebow hit 20-for-35 for 246 yards, one touchdown and one pick. He also ran 10 times for 63 yards. Aaron Hernandez caught eight passes for 85 yards, Cooper made three receptions for 77 yards and Nelson hauled in four tosses for 53 yards and the Gators’ lone touchdown.
Alabama rolled up 490 yards of offense against the nation’s top-rated statistical defense, while Florida managed 335.
NOTES: Florida’s nation-long and school-record 22-game winning streak came to an end … Gators starting defensive end Carlos Dunlap was suspended and did not play after being charged with driving under the influence in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday morning … Alabama has won 26 of 28 … Florida’s James did not play in the second half after re-injuring a stress fracture in his right foot … Tebow dropped to 2-6 in games where Florida trailed in the fourth quarter … Ingram tied former Florida wide receiver Riedel Anthony for the most touchdowns in an SEC title game. Anthony caught three scores in the 1996 game … Alabama’s offensive output is the most points Florida has allowed since Jan. 1, 2008, when the Gators surrendered 41 to Michigan in the Capital One Bowl … This was the first conference championship played between two undefeated teams … This is Alabama’s 22nd SEC title, the most in the conference, and first since 1999 … The Crimson Tide (13-0, 9-0 SEC) will sit back and watch Saturday night’s action play out before their national title opponent is revealed Sunday evening. Florida (12-1, 8-1) will also likely receive a BCS berth, possibly to the Sugar Bowl.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – CBS
Alabama’s Mark Ingram ran for 113 yards and tied an SEC championship game record with three touchdowns as the Crimson Tide gained a measure of revenge over top-ranked Florida with a 32-13 win in Atlanta Saturday evening.
Up next for Ingram, who already won All-American honors? Possibly, the Heisman Trophy. Up next for his team? Almost definitely, the BCS national championship game in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 7.
The Crimson Tide (No. 3 ZSN/2 AP), who fell to Tim Tebow and the Gators in last year’s SEC title tilt, took the lead right out of the gate. Quarterback Greg McElroy, who all of a sudden looks like a seasoned veteran, hit Julio Jones for 18 yards on the first play from scrimmage and then dove for seven and a first down. Leigh Tiffin kicked a 48-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead.
Alabama forced a Florida punt before finding the end zone for the first time. Colin Peek caught a pass for 19 yards, Ingram ran for 15 and Marquis Maze made a reception for 14 to convert a third-and-7 situation. Ingram then ran through three Gators for a 7-yard touchdown, which stood up under review. Tiffin clanged the point-after attempt off the right upright, but the Tide held a two-possession lead, 9-0.
Florida (No. 1/1) scored its first points on the ensuing possession. Alabama’s Ali Sharrief committed a personal foul on the kickoff, Tebow hit Deonte Thompson for 18 yards and Brandon James caught a pass for nine yards on third-and-7. Riley Cooper made a reception for 12 yards on third-and-3 before a 48-yard Caleb Sturgis field goal.
The Tide responded with a field goal to begin the second quarter. Beginning on his own 15, McElroy found Maze for gains of 12 yards and then 34 on third-and-4. McElroy then made a play for the ages, hopping and tip-toeing down the sideline for just enough on third-and-5 to set up Tiffin’s 34-yard field goal to cap the 12-play drive.
Tebow and Florida woke up after that and marched to paydirt. Tebow ran for 23- and 15-yard gains before finding David Nelson for a 23-yard touchdown, finishing off a four-play, 70-yard drive. Sturgis hit the extra point to cut the Gator deficit to 12-10.
Ingram did it all by himself on the next drive, needing only two plays to reach the end zone. He caught a short pass from McElroy and took off 69 yards down the sideline, then ran for a 3-yard score.
The Gators got in one more scoring drive before the half expired. Tebow and Cooper hooked up for 59 yards to set up a 32-yard Sturgis boot. Alabama led 19-13 at the break.
Alabama began to take control for good early in the third quarter. The Tide defense forced a Florida punt, and the offense took advantage – Ingram ran for five yards on third-and-1, Maze caught a pass for 28 and Alabama got 15 free yards after Florida’s Jermaine Cunningham was flagged for roughing the passer.
McElroy then found Peek for a 17-yard score, and Tiffin made the extra point.
The Crimson Tide made the Gators kick it away again before putting together another dominating signature drive, similar to the game-winning effort against Auburn last week. After taking over at the Alabama 12-yard line, Trent Richardson ran for 25 yards. The Florida defense forced a McElroy incompletion on third-and-7, but was then penalized for offsides; given another shot on third-and-2, Ingram ran for five yards.
Jones caught a pass for 10 yards over the middle on third-and-7, Ingram ran for two on third-and-1 and Ingram hit the line again to pick up nine yards on third-and-5. McElroy rolled out and scrambled for eight yards down to the Florida 2, Ingram converted a third-and-inches and then ran behind defensive tackle Terrence Cody for a 1-yard touchdown.
When the dust cleared, Alabama had marched 88 yards on 17 plays and held the ball for nearly nine minutes. McElroy threw incomplete on the 2-point conversion attempt, but more importantly, Alabama led 32-13.
Florida had two more shots with the ball after that, but Tide All-American cornerback Javier Arenas intercepted Tebow in the end zone on the first one. Tebow then threw incomplete for Nelson at the Alabama 13 for a turnover on downs with about 7:30 left.
The Tide held the ball the rest of the way from there, picking up five first downs to run out the clock.
McElroy completed 12 of 18 attempts for 239 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. Richardson ran 11 times for 80 yards and Roy Upchurch netted 57 yards on seven carries. Maze caught five passes for 97 yards, and Ingram made two receptions for 76 yards.
Tebow hit 20-for-35 for 246 yards, one touchdown and one pick. He also ran 10 times for 63 yards. Aaron Hernandez caught eight passes for 85 yards, Cooper made three receptions for 77 yards and Nelson hauled in four tosses for 53 yards and the Gators’ lone touchdown.
Alabama rolled up 490 yards of offense against the nation’s top-rated statistical defense, while Florida managed 335.
NOTES: Florida’s nation-long and school-record 22-game winning streak came to an end … Gators starting defensive end Carlos Dunlap was suspended and did not play after being charged with driving under the influence in Gainesville, Fla., Tuesday morning … Alabama has won 26 of 28 … Florida’s James did not play in the second half after re-injuring a stress fracture in his right foot … Tebow dropped to 2-6 in games where Florida trailed in the fourth quarter … Ingram tied former Florida wide receiver Riedel Anthony for the most touchdowns in an SEC title game. Anthony caught three scores in the 1996 game … Alabama’s offensive output is the most points Florida has allowed since Jan. 1, 2008, when the Gators surrendered 41 to Michigan in the Capital One Bowl … This was the first conference championship played between two undefeated teams … This is Alabama’s 22nd SEC title, the most in the conference, and first since 1999 … The Crimson Tide (13-0, 9-0 SEC) will sit back and watch Saturday night’s action play out before their national title opponent is revealed Sunday evening. Florida (12-1, 8-1) will also likely receive a BCS berth, possibly to the Sugar Bowl.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – CBS
Friday, December 4, 2009
LeFevour sets TD record, Chippewas win MAC, 20-10
2009-10 COLLEGE FOOTBALL POSTSEASON SPECIAL COVERAGE – MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour threw for two touchdowns to set the all-time Division I Football Bowl Subdivision record for most touchdowns to lead the Chippewas to a 20-10 victory over Ohio in the MAC title game in Detroit Friday night.
With the win, Central Michigan took home its seventh league title and third in four years.
The Chippewas scored the game’s first points on its second possession. LeFevour ran for 12 yards, David Blackburn caught a pass for 11 and Antonio Brown made a reception for 15 before LeFevour’s 14-yard touchdown toss to Cody Wilson. Andrew Aguila kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Central Michigan’s Frank Zombo recovered Ohio’s Taylor Price’s fumble at the Bobcats 36 to set up another Central Michigan score. Kito Poblah caught a pass for 16 yards on third-and-11 and Bryan Schroeder hauled in a pass for 13 before Aguila’s 25-yard field goal for a 10-0 edge.
Ohio’s special teams unit jump-started the Bobcats’ first scoring drive. Chris Garrett returned a kickoff 37 yards to the Ohio 40. Quarterback Theo Scott found Terrence McCrae for 28 yards on third-and-7 one play before Price hit McCrae again on a trick play for a 29-yard touchdown strike. Matt Weller’s extra point cut the Ohio deficit to 10-7.
The Chippewas put together a 13-play drive early in the second period to re-take a double-digit lead. Brown caught a pass for 13 yards, Poblah made a reception for 18 on third-and-7 and Brown hauled in another pass for 12. LeFevour ran for four yards on third-and-1 and found Brown for 21 on third-and-13 to set up an 8-yard touchdown to Bryan Anderson for a 17-7 halftime lead.
Central Michigan then began the third stanza with a sustained drive, but only got a field goal to show for it. Schroeder caught a pass for 26 yards, LeFevour ran for 20 and Anderson made a reception for eight on third-and-3. Schroeder ran for a gain of 12 to set up Aguila’s 19-yard field goal.
The Bobcats got those points back the next time they had the ball. Donte Harden ran for three yards on third-and-1, Scott rushed for 14 yards with a 15-yard Central Michigan personal foul tacked onto the end and Weller booted a 36-yard field goal to make the score 20-10.
That would stand up as the final score. Central Michigan never again sniffed the end zone, while Ohio’s Weller missed a 51-yard field goal and Scott was brought down by the Chippewas’ Larry Knight running on fourth down with just over 2 minutes to play.
LeFevour hit 28-of-39 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, and ran 17 times for 51 yards. Schroeder ran 16 times for 72 yards, Brown caught eight passes for 66 yards, Anderson snagged seven passes for 54 yards and a score, Schroeder caught five balls for 53 yards and Poblah hauled in four tosses for 44 yards.
Scott completed 10-of-23 attempts for 138 yards. Garrett ran eight times for 42 yards and McCrae made seven receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown.
NOTES: LeFevour’s two touchdowns gave him a career total of 148. Former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell and ex-Hawai’i signal-caller Colt Brennan each totaled 146 during their careers … LeFevour also recorded his 100th and 101st career passing touchdowns, breaking Marshall’s Chad Pennington’s MAC record of 100 … Anderson extended his NCAA record for most consecutive games with a reception to 53. He has caught a pass during every game of his career … The Chippewas lead their all-time series with Ohio 21-4-2 and have four straight wins over the Bobcats, including a 31-10 win in the 2006 MAC title game … The Chippewas have won 18 straight games against conference opponents from Ohio and an 18-game winning streak against MAC East opponents … The Bobcats’ four-game winning streak came to an end … The Chippewas (11-2, 9-0 MAC) have recorded their second 11-win season in school history. Ohio (9-4, 7-2) is also expected to make a bowl appearance.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – ESPN2
Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour threw for two touchdowns to set the all-time Division I Football Bowl Subdivision record for most touchdowns to lead the Chippewas to a 20-10 victory over Ohio in the MAC title game in Detroit Friday night.
With the win, Central Michigan took home its seventh league title and third in four years.
The Chippewas scored the game’s first points on its second possession. LeFevour ran for 12 yards, David Blackburn caught a pass for 11 and Antonio Brown made a reception for 15 before LeFevour’s 14-yard touchdown toss to Cody Wilson. Andrew Aguila kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Central Michigan’s Frank Zombo recovered Ohio’s Taylor Price’s fumble at the Bobcats 36 to set up another Central Michigan score. Kito Poblah caught a pass for 16 yards on third-and-11 and Bryan Schroeder hauled in a pass for 13 before Aguila’s 25-yard field goal for a 10-0 edge.
Ohio’s special teams unit jump-started the Bobcats’ first scoring drive. Chris Garrett returned a kickoff 37 yards to the Ohio 40. Quarterback Theo Scott found Terrence McCrae for 28 yards on third-and-7 one play before Price hit McCrae again on a trick play for a 29-yard touchdown strike. Matt Weller’s extra point cut the Ohio deficit to 10-7.
The Chippewas put together a 13-play drive early in the second period to re-take a double-digit lead. Brown caught a pass for 13 yards, Poblah made a reception for 18 on third-and-7 and Brown hauled in another pass for 12. LeFevour ran for four yards on third-and-1 and found Brown for 21 on third-and-13 to set up an 8-yard touchdown to Bryan Anderson for a 17-7 halftime lead.
Central Michigan then began the third stanza with a sustained drive, but only got a field goal to show for it. Schroeder caught a pass for 26 yards, LeFevour ran for 20 and Anderson made a reception for eight on third-and-3. Schroeder ran for a gain of 12 to set up Aguila’s 19-yard field goal.
The Bobcats got those points back the next time they had the ball. Donte Harden ran for three yards on third-and-1, Scott rushed for 14 yards with a 15-yard Central Michigan personal foul tacked onto the end and Weller booted a 36-yard field goal to make the score 20-10.
That would stand up as the final score. Central Michigan never again sniffed the end zone, while Ohio’s Weller missed a 51-yard field goal and Scott was brought down by the Chippewas’ Larry Knight running on fourth down with just over 2 minutes to play.
LeFevour hit 28-of-39 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, and ran 17 times for 51 yards. Schroeder ran 16 times for 72 yards, Brown caught eight passes for 66 yards, Anderson snagged seven passes for 54 yards and a score, Schroeder caught five balls for 53 yards and Poblah hauled in four tosses for 44 yards.
Scott completed 10-of-23 attempts for 138 yards. Garrett ran eight times for 42 yards and McCrae made seven receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown.
NOTES: LeFevour’s two touchdowns gave him a career total of 148. Former Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell and ex-Hawai’i signal-caller Colt Brennan each totaled 146 during their careers … LeFevour also recorded his 100th and 101st career passing touchdowns, breaking Marshall’s Chad Pennington’s MAC record of 100 … Anderson extended his NCAA record for most consecutive games with a reception to 53. He has caught a pass during every game of his career … The Chippewas lead their all-time series with Ohio 21-4-2 and have four straight wins over the Bobcats, including a 31-10 win in the 2006 MAC title game … The Chippewas have won 18 straight games against conference opponents from Ohio and an 18-game winning streak against MAC East opponents … The Bobcats’ four-game winning streak came to an end … The Chippewas (11-2, 9-0 MAC) have recorded their second 11-win season in school history. Ohio (9-4, 7-2) is also expected to make a bowl appearance.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – ESPN2
Ducks headed to Rose Bowl after beating Beavers, 37-33
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
One season after playing the spoiler by knocking rival Oregon State out of Rose Bowl contention, the Oregon Ducks accomplished the trick again.
This time, though, they'll be going to Pasadena themselves.
LaMichael James ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns as Oregon won the Civil War and the Pac-10 over the Beavers with a 37-33 win in Eugene, Ore., Thursday night.
Even LeGarrette Blount, the Oregon running back who was disgraced after punching an opponent following the season-opening loss to Boise State, got in on the fun with a key third-quarter touchdown run.
And now, the Ducks (No. 8 ZSN/7 AP) are expected to receive a bid to face Big Ten champion Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
Unlike last year’s 65-38 beatdown, though, Oregon didn’t dominate the Beavers. Oregon State (No. 16/13) led 33-28 late in the third period before the Ducks took the lead for good. Kenjon Barner ran for a gain of 13 yards and James took off for a 52-yard touchdown run down the sideline. James was brought down on the option on the 2-point conversion, but Oregon had taken a 34-33 lead.
After forcing a Beavers punt, the Ducks scored again on their first possession of the final quarter. James ran for 14 yards on third-and-3, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli hit Jeff Maehl for 24 and Morgan Flint booted a 34-yard field goal.
Oregon State then found itself in a fourth-and-15 situation and chose to go for it rather than a shot at a 45-yard field goal, and quarterback Sean Canfield threw incomplete for a turnover on downs.
The Ducks’ rushing attack effectively ended the game. Masoli ran through a Beaver tackler for six yards on a fourth-and-3, and Barner took a pitch on the option on fourth-and-2 and ran five yards for a first down with about 1:30 to play to end it.
Oregon State’s defense made the game’s first big play to help the Beavers draw first blood. Cornerback James Dockery intercepted Masoli to give the Beavers possession at the Oregon 22. Canfield found James Rodgers for five yards on third-and-2 before his brother Jacquizz Rodgers ran for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal. Justin Kahut hit the extra point.
It didn’t take Oregon long to respond. Barner ran for a gain of 19 yards, Masoli took off for 16 and Ed Dickson caught a pass for 17 before James’ 1-yard touchdown on third down. Flint evened the score at 7.
Canfield connected with Markus Wheaton for 25 yards and James Rodgers for 19 to set up a 40-yard Kahut boot.
But the Ducks responded by taking their first lead. Masoli floated a third-and-8 pass to Maehl, who took it 73 yards down the sideline to the end zone. Flint extended the Oregon lead to 14-10.
The Beavers put up the first points of the second quarter. Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 17 yards and took a dump pass for 48 yards before Kahut’s 28-yard field goal cut the Oregon State deficit to one.
Oregon State then dodged a bullet when Barner’s kickoff return for a touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty, and the Beavers defense produced another takeaway. Matt LaGrone recovered a James fumble at the Ducks 28, giving the Oregon State offense excellent field position.
However, the Beavers were again forced to settle for three. Kahut’s 29-yard kick gave Oregon State the lead back at 16-14.
Oregon marched right back down the field. Masoli ran for 15 yards and found Lavasier Tuinei for 12 on third and-7. James ran up the middle for a 6-yard touchdown with about 1 minute to go in the half, and Flint gave the Ducks what looked like a sure 21-16 halftime edge.
Not so fast. Oregon’s Talmadge Jackson III committed a pass interference penalty that gave the Beavers 15 yards and a first down, James Rodgers caught a pass for 10 yards on third-and-5, Joe Halahuni made a reception for 12 and Canfield found James Rodgers over the middle for a 28-yard score with 14 seconds to play in the half. Kahut made the halftime score 23-21, Beavers.
Oregon State then opened up a two-possession lead on its first possession of the third quarter. Damola Adeniji made a juggling catch for 22 yards on third-and-13, the Ducks’ Spencer Paysinger earned a roughing-the-passer penalty and Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 14 yards, powering around and through four tacklers on the way.
Canfield then hooked up with Casey Kjos on third-and-6 over the middle for a 9-yard touchdown, Kjos’ first of the season. Kahut’s kick ran the score to 30-21.
Down two scores, Oregon turned to Blount for the first time since returning from his suspension, and he did not let the Ducks down. James ran for gains of 13 and 14 yards and Masoli hit Maehl for just enough to convert a fourth-and-6 before Blount went to work, diving into the end zone on a 12-yard score on the 12th play of the drive.
The Beavers came back with yet another field goal. Canfield dumped the ball to Jacquizz Rodgers for nine yards on third-and-4 to set up Kahut’s 45-yarder to take a five-point lead at 33-28.
Masoli hit 14-of-21 passes for 201 yards, a score and an interception. He also ran for 40 yards on 10 carries, while Blount carried nine times for 51 yards and a score. Maehl caught six passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.
Canfield completed 24-of-36 for 306 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. James Rodgers caught 10 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown, and Jacquizz Rodgers ran 16 times for 64 yards and caught seven passes for 73 yards.
NOTES: Oregon has gone 25-9-1 in the last 35 Civil Wars … The Ducks have won seven of eight in the series at home … Oregon extended its home winning streak to 10 games … This marked the first series meeting when the prize was a Rose Bowl berth … Oregon’s last Rose Bowl was after the 1994 season … Blount saw his first significant action since punching Boise State’s Byron Hout after the Ducks' season-opening 19-8 loss to the Broncos … This will mark the first time in five years that USC did not clinch a Rose Bowl bid … Oregon (10-2, 8-1 Pac-10), barring some seismic shifts within the BCS, will face the Buckeyes in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 1 in the Granddaddy of Them All. Oregon State (8-4, 6-3) is also off until its bowl game.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – ESPN
One season after playing the spoiler by knocking rival Oregon State out of Rose Bowl contention, the Oregon Ducks accomplished the trick again.
This time, though, they'll be going to Pasadena themselves.
LaMichael James ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns as Oregon won the Civil War and the Pac-10 over the Beavers with a 37-33 win in Eugene, Ore., Thursday night.
Even LeGarrette Blount, the Oregon running back who was disgraced after punching an opponent following the season-opening loss to Boise State, got in on the fun with a key third-quarter touchdown run.
And now, the Ducks (No. 8 ZSN/7 AP) are expected to receive a bid to face Big Ten champion Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.
Unlike last year’s 65-38 beatdown, though, Oregon didn’t dominate the Beavers. Oregon State (No. 16/13) led 33-28 late in the third period before the Ducks took the lead for good. Kenjon Barner ran for a gain of 13 yards and James took off for a 52-yard touchdown run down the sideline. James was brought down on the option on the 2-point conversion, but Oregon had taken a 34-33 lead.
After forcing a Beavers punt, the Ducks scored again on their first possession of the final quarter. James ran for 14 yards on third-and-3, quarterback Jeremiah Masoli hit Jeff Maehl for 24 and Morgan Flint booted a 34-yard field goal.
Oregon State then found itself in a fourth-and-15 situation and chose to go for it rather than a shot at a 45-yard field goal, and quarterback Sean Canfield threw incomplete for a turnover on downs.
The Ducks’ rushing attack effectively ended the game. Masoli ran through a Beaver tackler for six yards on a fourth-and-3, and Barner took a pitch on the option on fourth-and-2 and ran five yards for a first down with about 1:30 to play to end it.
Oregon State’s defense made the game’s first big play to help the Beavers draw first blood. Cornerback James Dockery intercepted Masoli to give the Beavers possession at the Oregon 22. Canfield found James Rodgers for five yards on third-and-2 before his brother Jacquizz Rodgers ran for a 1-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal. Justin Kahut hit the extra point.
It didn’t take Oregon long to respond. Barner ran for a gain of 19 yards, Masoli took off for 16 and Ed Dickson caught a pass for 17 before James’ 1-yard touchdown on third down. Flint evened the score at 7.
Canfield connected with Markus Wheaton for 25 yards and James Rodgers for 19 to set up a 40-yard Kahut boot.
But the Ducks responded by taking their first lead. Masoli floated a third-and-8 pass to Maehl, who took it 73 yards down the sideline to the end zone. Flint extended the Oregon lead to 14-10.
The Beavers put up the first points of the second quarter. Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 17 yards and took a dump pass for 48 yards before Kahut’s 28-yard field goal cut the Oregon State deficit to one.
Oregon State then dodged a bullet when Barner’s kickoff return for a touchdown was called back due to a holding penalty, and the Beavers defense produced another takeaway. Matt LaGrone recovered a James fumble at the Ducks 28, giving the Oregon State offense excellent field position.
However, the Beavers were again forced to settle for three. Kahut’s 29-yard kick gave Oregon State the lead back at 16-14.
Oregon marched right back down the field. Masoli ran for 15 yards and found Lavasier Tuinei for 12 on third and-7. James ran up the middle for a 6-yard touchdown with about 1 minute to go in the half, and Flint gave the Ducks what looked like a sure 21-16 halftime edge.
Not so fast. Oregon’s Talmadge Jackson III committed a pass interference penalty that gave the Beavers 15 yards and a first down, James Rodgers caught a pass for 10 yards on third-and-5, Joe Halahuni made a reception for 12 and Canfield found James Rodgers over the middle for a 28-yard score with 14 seconds to play in the half. Kahut made the halftime score 23-21, Beavers.
Oregon State then opened up a two-possession lead on its first possession of the third quarter. Damola Adeniji made a juggling catch for 22 yards on third-and-13, the Ducks’ Spencer Paysinger earned a roughing-the-passer penalty and Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 14 yards, powering around and through four tacklers on the way.
Canfield then hooked up with Casey Kjos on third-and-6 over the middle for a 9-yard touchdown, Kjos’ first of the season. Kahut’s kick ran the score to 30-21.
Down two scores, Oregon turned to Blount for the first time since returning from his suspension, and he did not let the Ducks down. James ran for gains of 13 and 14 yards and Masoli hit Maehl for just enough to convert a fourth-and-6 before Blount went to work, diving into the end zone on a 12-yard score on the 12th play of the drive.
The Beavers came back with yet another field goal. Canfield dumped the ball to Jacquizz Rodgers for nine yards on third-and-4 to set up Kahut’s 45-yarder to take a five-point lead at 33-28.
Masoli hit 14-of-21 passes for 201 yards, a score and an interception. He also ran for 40 yards on 10 carries, while Blount carried nine times for 51 yards and a score. Maehl caught six passes for 138 yards and a touchdown.
Canfield completed 24-of-36 for 306 yards, two touchdowns and no picks. James Rodgers caught 10 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown, and Jacquizz Rodgers ran 16 times for 64 yards and caught seven passes for 73 yards.
NOTES: Oregon has gone 25-9-1 in the last 35 Civil Wars … The Ducks have won seven of eight in the series at home … Oregon extended its home winning streak to 10 games … This marked the first series meeting when the prize was a Rose Bowl berth … Oregon’s last Rose Bowl was after the 1994 season … Blount saw his first significant action since punching Boise State’s Byron Hout after the Ducks' season-opening 19-8 loss to the Broncos … This will mark the first time in five years that USC did not clinch a Rose Bowl bid … Oregon (10-2, 8-1 Pac-10), barring some seismic shifts within the BCS, will face the Buckeyes in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 1 in the Granddaddy of Them All. Oregon State (8-4, 6-3) is also off until its bowl game.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – ESPN
Sunday, November 29, 2009
ZSN College Football Week 14 Top 25 Rankings
School (Record)/Next game (Dec. 5 unless otherwise noted)/Why?
1. Florida (12-0)/Alabama (SEC championship game, Atlanta)/Gators appear to be hitting on all cylinders heading into showdown with Alabama after dominating Florida State.
2. Texas (12-0)/Nebraska (Big 12 championship game, Arlington, Texas)/Just able to hold off a game Texas A&M team to finish regular season undefeated.
3. Alabama (12-0)/Florida (SEC championship game, Atlanta)/Came back late to beat rival Auburn and stay perfect. Up next: grudge match with Gators with a shot at the national title on the line.
4. Texas Christian (12-0)/Regular season over/Appear to be set for BCS appearance after drilling New Mexico in regular season finale.
5. Cincinnati (11-0)/at Pittsburgh/Downed Illinois prior to de facto Big East title game against Pitt.
6. Boise State (12-0)/New Mexico State/Broncos took Nevada’s best punch and held on. Now just the woeful Aggies stand between Boise and another undefeated regular season; the question is, will that be good enough for a BCS bid?
7. Ohio State (10-2)/Regular season over/Buckeyes dominated rival Michigan … again, in regular season finale. Full steam ahead to Rose Bowl.
8. Oregon (9-2)/Oregon State (Dec. 3)/Off this past week. Huge Civil War meeting this week.
9. Georgia Tech (10-2)/Clemson (ACC championship game, Tampa, Fla.)/Came up short against Georgia.
10. Iowa (10-2)/Regular season over/Dominant defensive effort to take down Minnesota in regular season finale.
11. Penn State (10-2)/Regular season over/Beat down Michigan State in regular season finale.
12. Pittsburgh (9-2)/Cincinnati/Fell on the road to a revenge-minded West Virginia team. Still has a shot at conference title and BCS bid, though.
13. Virginia Tech (9-3)/Regular season over/Hokies take apart Virginia to end regular season.
14. Miami (Fla.) (9-3)/Regular season over/Hurricanes took care of business against USF.
15. LSU (9-3)/Regular season over/Tigers knock off rival Arkansas in overtime on missed field goal in regular season finale.
16. Oregon State (8-3)/at Oregon (Dec. 3)/Off this past week. Travels to hated Oregon for a shot at the BCS.
17. Southern California (8-3)/Arizona/Trojans hang on for defeat of rival UCLA that was closer than the final score might indicate.
18. Houston (10-2)/at East Carolina (Conference USA championship game)/Cougars absolutely crushed crosstown rival Rice to conclude regular season.
19. Brigham Young (10-2)/Regular season over/Defeated Utah to cap a 10-win regular season.
20. Stanford (8-4)/Regular season over/Cardinal come back to down Notre Dame.
21. Oklahoma State (9-3)/Regular season over/Blew a shot at BCS berth with ugly loss at rival Oklahoma.
22. Wisconsin (8-3)/at Hawai’i/Off this past week.
23. California (8-3)/at Washington/Off this past week.
24. Clemson (8-4)/Georgia Tech (ACC championship game, Tampa, Fla.)/Tigers dominated by rival South Carolina in regular season finale.
25. Utah (9-3)/Regular season over/Utes fall in overtime at rival BYU’s place.
1. Florida (12-0)/Alabama (SEC championship game, Atlanta)/Gators appear to be hitting on all cylinders heading into showdown with Alabama after dominating Florida State.
2. Texas (12-0)/Nebraska (Big 12 championship game, Arlington, Texas)/Just able to hold off a game Texas A&M team to finish regular season undefeated.
3. Alabama (12-0)/Florida (SEC championship game, Atlanta)/Came back late to beat rival Auburn and stay perfect. Up next: grudge match with Gators with a shot at the national title on the line.
4. Texas Christian (12-0)/Regular season over/Appear to be set for BCS appearance after drilling New Mexico in regular season finale.
5. Cincinnati (11-0)/at Pittsburgh/Downed Illinois prior to de facto Big East title game against Pitt.
6. Boise State (12-0)/New Mexico State/Broncos took Nevada’s best punch and held on. Now just the woeful Aggies stand between Boise and another undefeated regular season; the question is, will that be good enough for a BCS bid?
7. Ohio State (10-2)/Regular season over/Buckeyes dominated rival Michigan … again, in regular season finale. Full steam ahead to Rose Bowl.
8. Oregon (9-2)/Oregon State (Dec. 3)/Off this past week. Huge Civil War meeting this week.
9. Georgia Tech (10-2)/Clemson (ACC championship game, Tampa, Fla.)/Came up short against Georgia.
10. Iowa (10-2)/Regular season over/Dominant defensive effort to take down Minnesota in regular season finale.
11. Penn State (10-2)/Regular season over/Beat down Michigan State in regular season finale.
12. Pittsburgh (9-2)/Cincinnati/Fell on the road to a revenge-minded West Virginia team. Still has a shot at conference title and BCS bid, though.
13. Virginia Tech (9-3)/Regular season over/Hokies take apart Virginia to end regular season.
14. Miami (Fla.) (9-3)/Regular season over/Hurricanes took care of business against USF.
15. LSU (9-3)/Regular season over/Tigers knock off rival Arkansas in overtime on missed field goal in regular season finale.
16. Oregon State (8-3)/at Oregon (Dec. 3)/Off this past week. Travels to hated Oregon for a shot at the BCS.
17. Southern California (8-3)/Arizona/Trojans hang on for defeat of rival UCLA that was closer than the final score might indicate.
18. Houston (10-2)/at East Carolina (Conference USA championship game)/Cougars absolutely crushed crosstown rival Rice to conclude regular season.
19. Brigham Young (10-2)/Regular season over/Defeated Utah to cap a 10-win regular season.
20. Stanford (8-4)/Regular season over/Cardinal come back to down Notre Dame.
21. Oklahoma State (9-3)/Regular season over/Blew a shot at BCS berth with ugly loss at rival Oklahoma.
22. Wisconsin (8-3)/at Hawai’i/Off this past week.
23. California (8-3)/at Washington/Off this past week.
24. Clemson (8-4)/Georgia Tech (ACC championship game, Tampa, Fla.)/Tigers dominated by rival South Carolina in regular season finale.
25. Utah (9-3)/Regular season over/Utes fall in overtime at rival BYU’s place.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tide down Auburn 26-21, set up showdown with Gators
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Perhaps the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide were looking ahead to next week’s battle with Florida, which also sports a perfect record. Or maybe their bitter rival Auburn was just straight-up better most of the game.
Either way, the Tide found themselves behind the Tigers 14-0 early and 21-20 with 8 minutes left in the final period.
Enter Greg McElroy and Julio Jones.
McElroy led Alabama on a 15-play, seven-minute fourth-quarter drive, hitting Jones for four first-down conversions before finding Roy Upchurch for a touchdown with 1:24 to play as the Crimson Tide defeated Auburn 26-21 in Auburn, Ala., Friday afternoon.
Now Alabama (No. 3 ZSN/2 AP) can drop all pretenses and finally focus on the rematch it has been waiting for all season – a meeting with Florida (No. 1/1) in the SEC title game that will likely determine which heavyweight goes to the national championship game.
But not before the Crimson Tide had all sorts of trouble with Auburn, which drew first blood on its first possession after an Alabama punt. Onterio McCalebb took a pitch ran for five yards on third-and-3 before Terrell Zachery ran 67 yards on an end-around to the end zone. Wes Byrum hit the extra point for a 7-0 edge.
Byrum then recovered his own onside kick to give the Tigers possession again. Quarterback Chris Todd took a lateral from Kodi Burns and hit Darvin Adams for 22 yards. Todd ran for 13 yards and a third-down unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Alabama’s Justin Woodall gave Auburn a first down to set up a 1-yard touchdown pass to Eric Smith on third-and-goal in the flat. Byrum extended the Auburn lead to 14-0.
After an exchange of punts, Alabama got on the board to open the second quarter. McElroy found Darius Hanks for 15 yards and Mark Ingram ran for three yards on third-and-2. Trent Richardson caught a pass for 13 yards before running for a 2-yard touchdown. Leigh Tiffin hit the extra point.
Given a short field, the Crimson Tide then scored the last points of the quarter to tie the game at halftime. After beginning at the Auburn 45, Upchurch caught a pass for 11 and McElroy hit Colin Peek for a 33-yard touchdown on third-and-9. Tiffin tied the game at 14.
Auburn’s quick-strike offense burned the Alabama defense again for the first score of the second half. Todd hooked up with a wide-open Adams on the second play of the Tigers’ second drive for a 72-yard touchdown down the sideline. Byrum’s boot gave Auburn a 21-14 advantage.
Alabama answered with a pair of third-quarter field goal to draw to within one. Javier Arenas returned a Tiger punt 56 yards up the sideline and Auburn was flagged for a face mask penalty to set up Tiffin’s 27-yard field goal.
The Tide’s Mark Barron then intercepted Todd at the Auburn 43 and Jones hauled in a pass for 18 before Tiffin was true from 31 yards out to cut the Alabama deficit to 21-20.
That remained the score until McElroy and Alabama took over with 8 minutes left and put together a drive nothing short of epic. McElroy found Jones for nine yards to convert a third-and-3 and six yards on third-and-5. Jones pulled in passes for 11 and seven yards for first downs before Richardson broke loose on a screen for 16 yards.
Faced with a third-and-3, McElroy then hit Upchurch on play-action out of the backfield for a 4-yard touchdown with 1:24 left. McElroy’s pass on the 2-point conversion attempt was intercepted by Auburn defensive lineman Jake Ricks, but Alabama had taken its first lead.
Given one last shot, the Tigers converted a couple of first downs, but Todd’s throw from the Alabama 37 as time expired was batted away to preserve the Crimson Tide’s perfect season.
McElroy completed 21 of 31 through the air for 218 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Jones amassed 83 yards on nine catches, Peek caught three passes for 53 yards and a score and Richardson ran 15 times for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Todd hit 15 of 25 attempts for 181 yards, two scores and a pick. Adams racked up 138 yards receiving on four catches, with one touchdown. Zachery ran for 68 yards on two end-around plays, with a score, and Ben Tate hit the line 18 times for 46 yards. Demond Washington returned four kickoffs for 99 yards.
NOTES: Alabama has won two straight in the series after Auburn took six consecutive meetings … Ingram, the SEC’s leading rusher, spent much of Alabama’s final drive on the sideline with an apparent injury … Friday’s game was the first time in the past 11 years that the winning team in the series was outrushed … Auburn has outscored Alabama 97-17 in the first quarter of the teams’ last 13 games. The Crimson Tide have not scored a first-quarter touchdown against the Tigers since 1996 … Todd set the Auburn school record for touchdown passes in a season with 21. He passed Jason Campbell’s 2004 season and Pat Sullivan’s 1971 effort; Campbell and Sullivan each threw for 20 … Eighteen of the teams’ last 22 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less … Alabama beat Auburn on the road for just the third time in 10 games and the first time since 2001 … The Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 SEC) face the Gators in the SEC title game in Atlanta Dec. 5. Auburn (7-5, 3-5) is off until its bowl game.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – CBS
Perhaps the undefeated Alabama Crimson Tide were looking ahead to next week’s battle with Florida, which also sports a perfect record. Or maybe their bitter rival Auburn was just straight-up better most of the game.
Either way, the Tide found themselves behind the Tigers 14-0 early and 21-20 with 8 minutes left in the final period.
Enter Greg McElroy and Julio Jones.
McElroy led Alabama on a 15-play, seven-minute fourth-quarter drive, hitting Jones for four first-down conversions before finding Roy Upchurch for a touchdown with 1:24 to play as the Crimson Tide defeated Auburn 26-21 in Auburn, Ala., Friday afternoon.
Now Alabama (No. 3 ZSN/2 AP) can drop all pretenses and finally focus on the rematch it has been waiting for all season – a meeting with Florida (No. 1/1) in the SEC title game that will likely determine which heavyweight goes to the national championship game.
But not before the Crimson Tide had all sorts of trouble with Auburn, which drew first blood on its first possession after an Alabama punt. Onterio McCalebb took a pitch ran for five yards on third-and-3 before Terrell Zachery ran 67 yards on an end-around to the end zone. Wes Byrum hit the extra point for a 7-0 edge.
Byrum then recovered his own onside kick to give the Tigers possession again. Quarterback Chris Todd took a lateral from Kodi Burns and hit Darvin Adams for 22 yards. Todd ran for 13 yards and a third-down unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Alabama’s Justin Woodall gave Auburn a first down to set up a 1-yard touchdown pass to Eric Smith on third-and-goal in the flat. Byrum extended the Auburn lead to 14-0.
After an exchange of punts, Alabama got on the board to open the second quarter. McElroy found Darius Hanks for 15 yards and Mark Ingram ran for three yards on third-and-2. Trent Richardson caught a pass for 13 yards before running for a 2-yard touchdown. Leigh Tiffin hit the extra point.
Given a short field, the Crimson Tide then scored the last points of the quarter to tie the game at halftime. After beginning at the Auburn 45, Upchurch caught a pass for 11 and McElroy hit Colin Peek for a 33-yard touchdown on third-and-9. Tiffin tied the game at 14.
Auburn’s quick-strike offense burned the Alabama defense again for the first score of the second half. Todd hooked up with a wide-open Adams on the second play of the Tigers’ second drive for a 72-yard touchdown down the sideline. Byrum’s boot gave Auburn a 21-14 advantage.
Alabama answered with a pair of third-quarter field goal to draw to within one. Javier Arenas returned a Tiger punt 56 yards up the sideline and Auburn was flagged for a face mask penalty to set up Tiffin’s 27-yard field goal.
The Tide’s Mark Barron then intercepted Todd at the Auburn 43 and Jones hauled in a pass for 18 before Tiffin was true from 31 yards out to cut the Alabama deficit to 21-20.
That remained the score until McElroy and Alabama took over with 8 minutes left and put together a drive nothing short of epic. McElroy found Jones for nine yards to convert a third-and-3 and six yards on third-and-5. Jones pulled in passes for 11 and seven yards for first downs before Richardson broke loose on a screen for 16 yards.
Faced with a third-and-3, McElroy then hit Upchurch on play-action out of the backfield for a 4-yard touchdown with 1:24 left. McElroy’s pass on the 2-point conversion attempt was intercepted by Auburn defensive lineman Jake Ricks, but Alabama had taken its first lead.
Given one last shot, the Tigers converted a couple of first downs, but Todd’s throw from the Alabama 37 as time expired was batted away to preserve the Crimson Tide’s perfect season.
McElroy completed 21 of 31 through the air for 218 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Jones amassed 83 yards on nine catches, Peek caught three passes for 53 yards and a score and Richardson ran 15 times for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Todd hit 15 of 25 attempts for 181 yards, two scores and a pick. Adams racked up 138 yards receiving on four catches, with one touchdown. Zachery ran for 68 yards on two end-around plays, with a score, and Ben Tate hit the line 18 times for 46 yards. Demond Washington returned four kickoffs for 99 yards.
NOTES: Alabama has won two straight in the series after Auburn took six consecutive meetings … Ingram, the SEC’s leading rusher, spent much of Alabama’s final drive on the sideline with an apparent injury … Friday’s game was the first time in the past 11 years that the winning team in the series was outrushed … Auburn has outscored Alabama 97-17 in the first quarter of the teams’ last 13 games. The Crimson Tide have not scored a first-quarter touchdown against the Tigers since 1996 … Todd set the Auburn school record for touchdown passes in a season with 21. He passed Jason Campbell’s 2004 season and Pat Sullivan’s 1971 effort; Campbell and Sullivan each threw for 20 … Eighteen of the teams’ last 22 meetings have been decided by 10 points or less … Alabama beat Auburn on the road for just the third time in 10 games and the first time since 2001 … The Crimson Tide (12-0, 8-0 SEC) face the Gators in the SEC title game in Atlanta Dec. 5. Auburn (7-5, 3-5) is off until its bowl game.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – CBS
Longhorns stay perfect with shootout win over A&M
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, a Heisman Trophy hopeful, put up an outstanding individual performance in front of a national audience on Thanksgiving night.
It just so happens his night also helped the undefeated Longhorns stay on track toward the national title game.
McCoy threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns and ran for a career-high 175 yards as the Longhorns remained undefeated with a 49-39 win over rival Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, Thursday night.
With the victory, Texas (No. 2 ZSN/3 AP) finished its regular season 12-0 and now almost certainly just needs a victory over Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game next weekend to sew up a berth in the national title game.
But this game marked a stark contrast from last season, when the Longhorns walked all over the Aggies, 49-9. The win was not secure until Texas A&M kicker Randy Bullock missed a 23-yard field goal from the right hash mark just wide right with just over 3 minutes left.
The Aggies fired the opening salvo on the game’s first possession. Quarterback Jerrod Johnson hit Jeff Fuller for a beautiful 70-yard touchdown down the sideline to convert a third-and-9 on the third play from scrimmage. Bullock’s extra point gave A&M a 7-0 edge.
Texas evened the score on its second possession. Tre’ Newton ran for a gain of 12 yards, McCoy picked up a first down on fourth-and-1 and Dan Buckner caught a pass for 12 on third-and-5 before McCoy found Shipley for a 14-yard touchdown. Hunter Lawrence hit the point-after to tie the game.
After an Aggie punt pinned them at their own 9-yard line, the Longhorns took their first lead. McCoy ran for a 10-yard gain before reeling off a 65-yard touchdown dash up the middle on the second play of the second quarter.
Texas A&M came back with a 92-yard drive of its own. Johnson ran for 14 yards, Christine Michael evaded a tackle behind the line and gained three yards on third-and-1 and Ryan Tannehill caught a pass for 36. Johnson then hooked up with Fuller for a 14-yard score, and Bullock tied the game at 14.
The Longhorns responded immediately to regain the lead. Malcolm Williams caught a pass for 45 yards down the sideline, James Kirkendoll made a reception for 12 and Newton took off for 21 yards. McCoy then found Shipley down the middle for a 14-yard touchdown.
The Aggies benefited from some good luck on special teams to tie the game right back up. A short A&M punt hit a Longhorn player in the leg, and the Aggies recovered at the Texas 36 yard-line. Cyrus Gray caught a pass for 15 in the flat on third-and-8 to set up Howard Morrow’s 14-yard touchdown catch in double coverage over the middle.
Texas managed to score once more to take the lead into halftime. Shipley caught a pass for 22 yards on the sideline and then made a sliding catch for 16 before Kirkendoll’s 5-yard touchdown reception with 4 seconds to play in the half. Lawrence gave the Longhorns a 28-21 advantage at the break.
The Aggies appeared to catch a break to begin the third period when their defense stuffed McCoy on another fourth-and-1 conversion attempt. But Michael fumbled away the handoff two plays later, and the Longhorns’ Sergio Kindle recovered the ball at the Texas 42 to put McCoy and company back in business.
Newton reeled off runs of 20 yards and six on third-and-1 before powering through a few Aggie tackles on a 7-yard touchdown run to open up a double-digit advantage for Texas.
Texas’ Earl Thomas intercepted Johnson in the end zone on the ensuing possession, but the Longhorns could do nothing with it and punted. The Aggies then scored their first points of the second half. Johnson ran for 38 yards up the middle to set up a 31-yard Bullock field goal to cut the A&M deficit to 35-24.
The Aggies then forced a punt and scored again to open the final quarter. Beginning his drive at the Texas 49, Johnson found Uzoma Nwachukwu for 12 yards and Michael ran for 11. Michael then spun his way to a 16-yard touchdown, and Johnson hooked up with Tannehill on the 2-point conversion attempt to cut the Aggie deficit to three at 35-32.
Texas retook a double-digit lead on its next possession McCoy broke free for a 43-yard run before Williams’ block in the back shortened that gain considerably. Undeterred, McCoy found Kirkendoll, who broke a tackle on third-and-12 and ran for a 47-yard score. Lawrence’s kick gave Texas back a 42-32 edge.
Texas A&M methodically answered with a score. Johnson ran for 11 yards and hooked up with Terrence McCoy for 17 yards into double coverage on third-and-15. Morrow just dragged a toe in-bounds on a 10-yard reception and Ryan Swope caught a pass for 27 yards before losing 15 yards for grabbing a defender’s face mark on a stiff-arm.
No matter. Johnson hit a leaping Fuller for a 20-yard touchdown, and Bullock cut the Texas lead to 42-39.
Texas wasted no time responding. Marquise Goodwin returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to the end zone, and Lawrence made the score 49-39, Longhorns.
However, Texas A&M could muster only the missed field goal from there, and Texas was able to run out the clock to complete an undefeated regular season.
McCoy hit 24 of 40 passes for four scores, against zero interceptions. He also ran for 175 yards on 18 carries, with one touchdown. Newton reeled off 107 yards and a touchdown on 16 carried. Williams caught nine passes for 132 yards, Shipley made eight receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns and Kirkendoll hauled in four tosses for 63 yards and two scores.
Johnson went 26-for-33 for 342 yards, four touchdowns and one pick and ran 14 times for 97 yards. Fuller caught six passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns, Tannehill caught four passes for 54 yards and Nwachukwu made four receptions for 42 yards. Michael ran for 83 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
NOTES: McCoy won the 44th game of his Texas career, extending his NCAA wins record … The Longhorns won for the 10th time in 14 tries against Texas A&M since the formation of the Big 12. Texas was victorious at A&M for just the fifth time in its last 13 games there … Texas leads the all-time series, 75-36-5 … This game featured the most points in series history … The game marked 10 years since a bonfire collapsed Nov. 18, 1999 before a Longhorns-Aggies matchup, killing 12 Texas A&M students and former students and injuring 27 … The Aggies have lost 13 straight games against top-10 AP teams, dating back to a 2002 win over then-No. 1 Oklahoma … Texas A&M has lost three of four overall … The Longhorns (8-0 Big 12) face the Cornhuskers in Arlington, Texas, in the conference final Dec. 5. The Aggies (6-6, 3-5) are off until bowl season.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – ESPN
Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, a Heisman Trophy hopeful, put up an outstanding individual performance in front of a national audience on Thanksgiving night.
It just so happens his night also helped the undefeated Longhorns stay on track toward the national title game.
McCoy threw for 304 yards and four touchdowns and ran for a career-high 175 yards as the Longhorns remained undefeated with a 49-39 win over rival Texas A&M in College Station, Texas, Thursday night.
With the victory, Texas (No. 2 ZSN/3 AP) finished its regular season 12-0 and now almost certainly just needs a victory over Nebraska in the Big 12 championship game next weekend to sew up a berth in the national title game.
But this game marked a stark contrast from last season, when the Longhorns walked all over the Aggies, 49-9. The win was not secure until Texas A&M kicker Randy Bullock missed a 23-yard field goal from the right hash mark just wide right with just over 3 minutes left.
The Aggies fired the opening salvo on the game’s first possession. Quarterback Jerrod Johnson hit Jeff Fuller for a beautiful 70-yard touchdown down the sideline to convert a third-and-9 on the third play from scrimmage. Bullock’s extra point gave A&M a 7-0 edge.
Texas evened the score on its second possession. Tre’ Newton ran for a gain of 12 yards, McCoy picked up a first down on fourth-and-1 and Dan Buckner caught a pass for 12 on third-and-5 before McCoy found Shipley for a 14-yard touchdown. Hunter Lawrence hit the point-after to tie the game.
After an Aggie punt pinned them at their own 9-yard line, the Longhorns took their first lead. McCoy ran for a 10-yard gain before reeling off a 65-yard touchdown dash up the middle on the second play of the second quarter.
Texas A&M came back with a 92-yard drive of its own. Johnson ran for 14 yards, Christine Michael evaded a tackle behind the line and gained three yards on third-and-1 and Ryan Tannehill caught a pass for 36. Johnson then hooked up with Fuller for a 14-yard score, and Bullock tied the game at 14.
The Longhorns responded immediately to regain the lead. Malcolm Williams caught a pass for 45 yards down the sideline, James Kirkendoll made a reception for 12 and Newton took off for 21 yards. McCoy then found Shipley down the middle for a 14-yard touchdown.
The Aggies benefited from some good luck on special teams to tie the game right back up. A short A&M punt hit a Longhorn player in the leg, and the Aggies recovered at the Texas 36 yard-line. Cyrus Gray caught a pass for 15 in the flat on third-and-8 to set up Howard Morrow’s 14-yard touchdown catch in double coverage over the middle.
Texas managed to score once more to take the lead into halftime. Shipley caught a pass for 22 yards on the sideline and then made a sliding catch for 16 before Kirkendoll’s 5-yard touchdown reception with 4 seconds to play in the half. Lawrence gave the Longhorns a 28-21 advantage at the break.
The Aggies appeared to catch a break to begin the third period when their defense stuffed McCoy on another fourth-and-1 conversion attempt. But Michael fumbled away the handoff two plays later, and the Longhorns’ Sergio Kindle recovered the ball at the Texas 42 to put McCoy and company back in business.
Newton reeled off runs of 20 yards and six on third-and-1 before powering through a few Aggie tackles on a 7-yard touchdown run to open up a double-digit advantage for Texas.
Texas’ Earl Thomas intercepted Johnson in the end zone on the ensuing possession, but the Longhorns could do nothing with it and punted. The Aggies then scored their first points of the second half. Johnson ran for 38 yards up the middle to set up a 31-yard Bullock field goal to cut the A&M deficit to 35-24.
The Aggies then forced a punt and scored again to open the final quarter. Beginning his drive at the Texas 49, Johnson found Uzoma Nwachukwu for 12 yards and Michael ran for 11. Michael then spun his way to a 16-yard touchdown, and Johnson hooked up with Tannehill on the 2-point conversion attempt to cut the Aggie deficit to three at 35-32.
Texas retook a double-digit lead on its next possession McCoy broke free for a 43-yard run before Williams’ block in the back shortened that gain considerably. Undeterred, McCoy found Kirkendoll, who broke a tackle on third-and-12 and ran for a 47-yard score. Lawrence’s kick gave Texas back a 42-32 edge.
Texas A&M methodically answered with a score. Johnson ran for 11 yards and hooked up with Terrence McCoy for 17 yards into double coverage on third-and-15. Morrow just dragged a toe in-bounds on a 10-yard reception and Ryan Swope caught a pass for 27 yards before losing 15 yards for grabbing a defender’s face mark on a stiff-arm.
No matter. Johnson hit a leaping Fuller for a 20-yard touchdown, and Bullock cut the Texas lead to 42-39.
Texas wasted no time responding. Marquise Goodwin returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to the end zone, and Lawrence made the score 49-39, Longhorns.
However, Texas A&M could muster only the missed field goal from there, and Texas was able to run out the clock to complete an undefeated regular season.
McCoy hit 24 of 40 passes for four scores, against zero interceptions. He also ran for 175 yards on 18 carries, with one touchdown. Newton reeled off 107 yards and a touchdown on 16 carried. Williams caught nine passes for 132 yards, Shipley made eight receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns and Kirkendoll hauled in four tosses for 63 yards and two scores.
Johnson went 26-for-33 for 342 yards, four touchdowns and one pick and ran 14 times for 97 yards. Fuller caught six passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns, Tannehill caught four passes for 54 yards and Nwachukwu made four receptions for 42 yards. Michael ran for 83 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.
NOTES: McCoy won the 44th game of his Texas career, extending his NCAA wins record … The Longhorns won for the 10th time in 14 tries against Texas A&M since the formation of the Big 12. Texas was victorious at A&M for just the fifth time in its last 13 games there … Texas leads the all-time series, 75-36-5 … This game featured the most points in series history … The game marked 10 years since a bonfire collapsed Nov. 18, 1999 before a Longhorns-Aggies matchup, killing 12 Texas A&M students and former students and injuring 27 … The Aggies have lost 13 straight games against top-10 AP teams, dating back to a 2002 win over then-No. 1 Oklahoma … Texas A&M has lost three of four overall … The Longhorns (8-0 Big 12) face the Cornhuskers in Arlington, Texas, in the conference final Dec. 5. The Aggies (6-6, 3-5) are off until bowl season.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – ESPN
Sunday, November 22, 2009
ZSN College Football Week 13 Top 25 Rankings
School (Record)/Next regular-season game (Nov. 28 unless otherwise noted)/Why?
1. Florida (11-0)/Florida State/Beat a pushover handily.
2. Texas (11-0)/at Texas A&M (Nov. 26)/Drilled Kansas to clinch division.
3. Alabama (11-0)/at Auburn (Nov. 27)/Beat a pushover handily.
4. Texas Christian (11-0)/New Mexico/Dominated Wyoming to remain perfect.
5. Cincinnati (10-0)/Illinois (Nov. 27)/Off this past week.
6. Boise State (11-0)/Nevada (Nov. 27)/Beat a (conference) pushover handily.
7. Georgia Tech (10-1)/Georgia/Off this past week.
8. Ohio State (10-2)/Regular season over/Buckeyes dominate rival Michigan … again. Up next – Rose Bowl.
9. Oregon (9-2)/Oregon State (Dec. 3)/Knocked off Arizona in two overtimes to stay on top in Rose Bowl chase.
10. Pittsburgh (9-1)/at West Virginia (Nov. 27)/Off this past week.
11. Iowa (10-2)/Regular season over/Dominant defensive effort to take down Minnesota.
12. Penn State (10-2)/Regular season over/Beat down Michigan State. Waiting game for bowl season.
13. Virginia Tech (8-3)/at Virginia/Hokies take care of business against NC State.
14. Southern California (7-3)/UCLA/Off this past week.
15. Miami (Fla.) (8-3)/at South Florida/Came back to down Duke.
16. Oklahoma State (9-2)/at Oklahoma/Needed late comeback from third-string QB Brandon Weeden to knock off Colorado.
17. LSU (8-3)/Arkansas/Tigers undone by their own late mistakes and couldn’t quite pull off comeback at Ole Miss.
18. Oregon State (8-3)/at Oregon (Dec. 3)/Beavers still have a shot at Rose Bowl after disposing of Washington State.
19. Clemson (8-3)/at South Carolina/Tigers headed to ACC title game after beating Virginia.
20. Utah (9-2)/at BYU/Utes pull away early to down San Diego State.
21. Wisconsin (8-3)/at Hawai’i (Dec. 5)/Badgers fall at Northwestern.
22. Houston (9-2)/Rice/Cougars had no trouble with Memphis.
23. Brigham Young (9-2)/Utah/Took care of Air Force.
24. Stanford (7-4)/Notre Dame/Cardinal fell to bitter rival Cal.
25. California (8-3)/at Washington (Dec. 5)/Back in rankings after taking care of Stanford.
Dropped out/Why?
Arizona. Dropped a tough one at home to Oregon.
1. Florida (11-0)/Florida State/Beat a pushover handily.
2. Texas (11-0)/at Texas A&M (Nov. 26)/Drilled Kansas to clinch division.
3. Alabama (11-0)/at Auburn (Nov. 27)/Beat a pushover handily.
4. Texas Christian (11-0)/New Mexico/Dominated Wyoming to remain perfect.
5. Cincinnati (10-0)/Illinois (Nov. 27)/Off this past week.
6. Boise State (11-0)/Nevada (Nov. 27)/Beat a (conference) pushover handily.
7. Georgia Tech (10-1)/Georgia/Off this past week.
8. Ohio State (10-2)/Regular season over/Buckeyes dominate rival Michigan … again. Up next – Rose Bowl.
9. Oregon (9-2)/Oregon State (Dec. 3)/Knocked off Arizona in two overtimes to stay on top in Rose Bowl chase.
10. Pittsburgh (9-1)/at West Virginia (Nov. 27)/Off this past week.
11. Iowa (10-2)/Regular season over/Dominant defensive effort to take down Minnesota.
12. Penn State (10-2)/Regular season over/Beat down Michigan State. Waiting game for bowl season.
13. Virginia Tech (8-3)/at Virginia/Hokies take care of business against NC State.
14. Southern California (7-3)/UCLA/Off this past week.
15. Miami (Fla.) (8-3)/at South Florida/Came back to down Duke.
16. Oklahoma State (9-2)/at Oklahoma/Needed late comeback from third-string QB Brandon Weeden to knock off Colorado.
17. LSU (8-3)/Arkansas/Tigers undone by their own late mistakes and couldn’t quite pull off comeback at Ole Miss.
18. Oregon State (8-3)/at Oregon (Dec. 3)/Beavers still have a shot at Rose Bowl after disposing of Washington State.
19. Clemson (8-3)/at South Carolina/Tigers headed to ACC title game after beating Virginia.
20. Utah (9-2)/at BYU/Utes pull away early to down San Diego State.
21. Wisconsin (8-3)/at Hawai’i (Dec. 5)/Badgers fall at Northwestern.
22. Houston (9-2)/Rice/Cougars had no trouble with Memphis.
23. Brigham Young (9-2)/Utah/Took care of Air Force.
24. Stanford (7-4)/Notre Dame/Cardinal fell to bitter rival Cal.
25. California (8-3)/at Washington (Dec. 5)/Back in rankings after taking care of Stanford.
Dropped out/Why?
Arizona. Dropped a tough one at home to Oregon.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Northwestern holds on to knock off Wisconsin, 33-31
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Northwestern’s Mike Kafka threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns and the Wildcat defense held Wisconsin’s rushing attack to less than half its usual league-leading output as Northwestern beat the Badgers 33-31 in Evanston, Ill., Saturday evening.
The Wildcats scored the game’s first points on their first possession. Scott Concannon ran for three yards on third-and-1 and Kafka hit Zeke Markshausen for 21 yards on third-and-10 before Kafka found Andrew Brewer for a 26-yard touchdown. Stefan Demos kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Four possessions later, Brewer caught a pass for 34 yards to set up a 45-yard Demos field goal to open up a double-digit lead, 10-0.
Wisconsin (No. 17 ZSN/17 AP) scored its first points the next time it had the ball. Scott Tolzien hit Garrett Graham for gains of 20 and 18 yards before John Clay ran for a 2-yard touchdown. Philip Welch’s point-after cut his team’s deficit to 10-7.
The Badgers then capitalized on a Wildcats turnover to take the lead. Jaevery McFadden recovered Concannon’s fumble at the Northwestern 37. Clay then converted a fourth-and-1 one play before a 27-yard Tolzien touchdown pass to Graham. Welch’s extra point made it 14-10, Wisconsin.
Northwestern got a jump-start on special teams to respond. Stephen Simmons returned the kickoff 64 yards, Markshausen caught a pass for eight on third-and-6 and Brewer hauled in a 12-yard touchdown.
After forcing a Badger punt, Kafka hit Jeremy Ebert for 28 yards before Markshausen threw a 38-yard touchdown to Sidney Stewart, capping a three-play, 80-yard drive.
Northwestern scored once more before halftime. Drake Dunsmore caught a pass for 26 yards to set up a 38-yard Demos field goal for a 27-14 lead at the break.
The Badgers opened the third quarter with points. Nick Toon caught a pass for 25 yards and made a reception for 15 on third-and-11 before Welch hit a 25-yard field goal.
Wisconsin then made a big play of its won on special teams. David Gilreath returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown, and Welch’s extra point cut the Badger deficit to 27-24.
The Wildcats got those points back on the ensuing possession. Brewer caught a pass for eight on third-and-6 before Demos’ 45-yard boot.
The Badgers turned the ball over on downs on their next possession, and Northwestern scored once more to open the fourth period. Stewart made a reception for 49 yards to set up a 34-yard Demos kick for a 33-24 Wildcats lead.
Wisconsin came right back with a touchdown. Gilreath hauled in a pass for nine yards on third-and-2 before Tolzien’s 13-yard touchdown toss to Graham. Welch cut the Badger deficit to 33-31.
The Badgers had a couple of late chances at points, but turned it over twice. Northwestern’s Brian Peters fell on a Clay fumble, and Jordan Mabin intercepted Tolzien to end the game.
Kafka threw for 325 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, going 26-for-41 overall. Brewer made six catches for 102 yards and two scores, Stewart hauled in four tosses for 94 yards and a score, Dunsmore made three receptions for 45 yards and Ebert caught four passes for 43 yards. Simmons returned four kickoffs 155 yards.
Tolzien hit 19 of 30 passes for 235 yards, two scores and a pick. Clay ran 23 times for 102 yards and a score. Graham made six catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns, while Toon hauled in seven passes for 80 yards. Gilreath returned two punts 70 yards.
NOTES: Northwestern has won six of eight … The home team has won the last nine meetings in this series … Wisconsin had run for over 200 yards in three straight games and averaged 208 yards per contest coming in; they were held to 100 today … The Badgers defense held Northwestern to 73 rushing yards. Wisconsin did not allow a conference opponent to rush for 100 yards this season. The last Big Ten team to go an entire season without yielding 100 yards to a conference opponent was the 1998 Ohio State defense ... Northwestern (8-4, 5-3 Big Ten) is off until its bowl game. Wisconsin (8-3, 5-3) travels to Hawai’i for its regular-season finale Dec. 5.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – Big Ten Network
Northwestern’s Mike Kafka threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns and the Wildcat defense held Wisconsin’s rushing attack to less than half its usual league-leading output as Northwestern beat the Badgers 33-31 in Evanston, Ill., Saturday evening.
The Wildcats scored the game’s first points on their first possession. Scott Concannon ran for three yards on third-and-1 and Kafka hit Zeke Markshausen for 21 yards on third-and-10 before Kafka found Andrew Brewer for a 26-yard touchdown. Stefan Demos kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Four possessions later, Brewer caught a pass for 34 yards to set up a 45-yard Demos field goal to open up a double-digit lead, 10-0.
Wisconsin (No. 17 ZSN/17 AP) scored its first points the next time it had the ball. Scott Tolzien hit Garrett Graham for gains of 20 and 18 yards before John Clay ran for a 2-yard touchdown. Philip Welch’s point-after cut his team’s deficit to 10-7.
The Badgers then capitalized on a Wildcats turnover to take the lead. Jaevery McFadden recovered Concannon’s fumble at the Northwestern 37. Clay then converted a fourth-and-1 one play before a 27-yard Tolzien touchdown pass to Graham. Welch’s extra point made it 14-10, Wisconsin.
Northwestern got a jump-start on special teams to respond. Stephen Simmons returned the kickoff 64 yards, Markshausen caught a pass for eight on third-and-6 and Brewer hauled in a 12-yard touchdown.
After forcing a Badger punt, Kafka hit Jeremy Ebert for 28 yards before Markshausen threw a 38-yard touchdown to Sidney Stewart, capping a three-play, 80-yard drive.
Northwestern scored once more before halftime. Drake Dunsmore caught a pass for 26 yards to set up a 38-yard Demos field goal for a 27-14 lead at the break.
The Badgers opened the third quarter with points. Nick Toon caught a pass for 25 yards and made a reception for 15 on third-and-11 before Welch hit a 25-yard field goal.
Wisconsin then made a big play of its won on special teams. David Gilreath returned a punt 68 yards for a touchdown, and Welch’s extra point cut the Badger deficit to 27-24.
The Wildcats got those points back on the ensuing possession. Brewer caught a pass for eight on third-and-6 before Demos’ 45-yard boot.
The Badgers turned the ball over on downs on their next possession, and Northwestern scored once more to open the fourth period. Stewart made a reception for 49 yards to set up a 34-yard Demos kick for a 33-24 Wildcats lead.
Wisconsin came right back with a touchdown. Gilreath hauled in a pass for nine yards on third-and-2 before Tolzien’s 13-yard touchdown toss to Graham. Welch cut the Badger deficit to 33-31.
The Badgers had a couple of late chances at points, but turned it over twice. Northwestern’s Brian Peters fell on a Clay fumble, and Jordan Mabin intercepted Tolzien to end the game.
Kafka threw for 325 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, going 26-for-41 overall. Brewer made six catches for 102 yards and two scores, Stewart hauled in four tosses for 94 yards and a score, Dunsmore made three receptions for 45 yards and Ebert caught four passes for 43 yards. Simmons returned four kickoffs 155 yards.
Tolzien hit 19 of 30 passes for 235 yards, two scores and a pick. Clay ran 23 times for 102 yards and a score. Graham made six catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns, while Toon hauled in seven passes for 80 yards. Gilreath returned two punts 70 yards.
NOTES: Northwestern has won six of eight … The home team has won the last nine meetings in this series … Wisconsin had run for over 200 yards in three straight games and averaged 208 yards per contest coming in; they were held to 100 today … The Badgers defense held Northwestern to 73 rushing yards. Wisconsin did not allow a conference opponent to rush for 100 yards this season. The last Big Ten team to go an entire season without yielding 100 yards to a conference opponent was the 1998 Ohio State defense ... Northwestern (8-4, 5-3 Big Ten) is off until its bowl game. Wisconsin (8-3, 5-3) travels to Hawai’i for its regular-season finale Dec. 5.
BOX SCORE
Video credit – Big Ten Network
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