No.19 Wisconsin proved that it continues to be a powerhouse in all of college football in a 68-17 blowout against Bowling Green on Saturday. Although it was an impressive team performance from the Badgers, it was Melvin Gordon who stole the show in a Big Ten record-breaking performance.
Gordon finished the game with 253 rushing yards on 13 carries. The runningback finished the day with five touchdowns tying a school record, and averaged 8.26 yards-per-carry, tying Army’s Glenn Davis’ record. Davis’ last college football game came in 1946.
Wisconsin quarterback Tanner McEvoy had a decent game throwing nine-for-16 with 112 yards and a touchdown.
The endless deluge of rushing took place before halftime, as Gordon had already racked up a mere 179 yards rushing and four scores by the time the teams headed into the locker-room.
Bowling Green managed to acquire some points, however this game was essentially over by the end of the second quarter. Gordon’s elusive running earned his team a resounding victory on a day which college football fans will remember for a long time.
No.5 Auburn squeaks by in showdown with the No.25 Kansas state Wildcats
Pretty may not be the word for Auburn and its often heralded offensive attack, but on Sept. 18, the No.5 Tigers went the distance with No. 25 Kansas State in a 20-14 victory in Manhattan.
Auburn, typically characterized by their power run game, was held in check by the Wildcat defense, forcing them to switch up their game plan and formations on both offense and defense.
Tiger’s quarterback Nick Marshall was up to the task, igniting his team’s passing game finishing with two touchdowns and 231 passing yards on the night.
In a sloppy game between power conference opponents, turnovers are what ultimately decided the outcome.. Kansas State quarterback Jake Waters threw for 245 yards, however his two interceptions killed his team’s momentum, especially when the Wildcats were in the Auburn red zone.
The crucial play of the game came with two minutes and six seconds on third and nine with the ball on the Tigers own 37. Marshall hit wide receiver D’haquille Williams for a 39 yard gain to move the chains and secure an Auburn victory.
No. 2 Oregon survives thriller against Washington State
No. 2 Oregon is accustomed to many things. Some of these include flashy uniforms, swagger like no other, and a high-flying offense to compliment an overall athletic and dangerous squad.
Yet all this into account didn’t faze the unranked Washington State, who ironically boasts the nation’s top passing attack.
The definitive drive of the game saw Marcus Mariotta drive 79 yards down the field, eventually finding Keanon Lowe, sealing this all-out war 38-31.
The Cougars stepped up to the plate and stood toe to toe with one of the top teams in the nation in high coring affair that wouldn’t be decided till the last quarter after falling to the Ducks 38-31.
Oregon had beaten its last three opponents by a combined score of 52-18, proving they have both a high scoring offense and complimentary defense, yet the Ducks couldn’t clamp down on the Washington State’s offense until late in the second half.
The night was a back-and-forth affair with Oregon going up 31-24 on a 34 yard field goal with 11 minutes, four seconds remaining in the gamer. Far from over, as Cougar stud quarterback Connor Halladay led a 75 yard drive ending in the hands of River Cracraft to tie the game at 31..
However, the lone hero for Oregon was Heisman candidate Marcus Mariota who finished 21-for-25 with no interceptions.
A scare indeed, but this stand showed the confidence and composure required by a potential championship contender, leaving the field a perfect 4-0..
Christopher Martinez can be reached at [email protected].
