Big Ten SEC Week 12 Recap: Citrus Bowl favorites continue to win
Big Ten
SEC
AP Top 10
1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Notre Dame
4. Michigan
5. Georgia
6. Oklahoma
7. Washington State<
8. UCF
8. LSU
10. Ohio State
Florida cruises against Idaho
Florida scored 56 unanswered points to put the game away quickly as the Gators cruised to a 63-10 win over Idaho on Saturday. Florida’s 63 points marked its highest point total since the Gators defeated Eastern Michigan, 65-0 in 2014.
The Gators have seen huge improvements in Dan Mullen’s first year at the helm. For the second time in school history, Florida has bounced back from a sub-.500 season with at least eight wins. The other time occurring in the 1979-80 seasons (0-10-1 to 8-4).
The Gators offense was firing on all cylinders as Florida’s quarterbacks Felipe Franks and Emory Jones combined for 399 passing yards which is the highest game total since the Gators threw for 482 in the 2010 Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati.
Florida travels to take on in state rival Florida State in the final game of the regular season.
Northwestern stays hot beats Minnesota
Travel.
Win.
Repeat.The view from field level of an eighth consecutive road victory. #B1GCats pic.twitter.com/Z0olweIKVB
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) November 19, 2018
Northwestern turned three forced turnovers into ten points, which proved to be the difference as the Wildcats defeated Minnesota 24-14. With the win, Northwestern has secured an outright Big Ten West division title and has extended a program record with their eight-straight road victory dating back to September 30, 2017. The Wildcats are now 7-1 in Big Ten play for the first time since 1996.
Wildcat quarterback Clayton Thorson completed 15 of 21 passes for 230 yards without a turnover while running back Isaiah Bowser rushed for 85 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Northwestern defense again proved to be the difference makers, led by linebacker Nate Hall’s two interceptions.
Northwestern hosts Illinois next week while Minnesota travels to Wisconsin.
Penn State scores 20 unanswered, defeats Rutgers
Penn State scored 20 straight points and held Rutgers scoreless for three quarters as the Nittany Lions defeated the Scarlett Knights 20-7. Penn State now leads the series 27-2, including a 5-0 mark in games at Rutgers.
The Nittany Lions dominated throughout the game as the unit forced three takeaways and held an opponent to 60 or fewer passing yards in back-to-back games for the first time since 1976.
On the other side of the ball, Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley went 17-of-37 passing for 183 yards with two touchdowns and an interception and rushed for 39 yards on seven carries.
Penn state finishes the regular season against Maryland next week while Rutgers travel to take on Michigan State.
Kentucky starts fast, holds on to defeat MTSU
Kentucky outscored Middle Tennessee 17-0 in the first quarter as the Wildcats defeated the Blue Raiders 31-23. Kentucky moved to an 8-3 record which is Kentucky’s best in 34 years – the 1984 team went 8-3 in the regular season.
The Kentucky defense forced turnovers on the first two possessions, including a 66-yard pick six by Mike Edwards that opened the scoring on the day. The Wildcats defense also came up with two fourth-down stops with the game on the line in the fourth quarter to help seal the win for Kentucky.
Wildcat running back Benny Snell Jr. rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns as Kentucky moved to 8-0 this season when outrushing their opponent.
Next for the Wildcats, the team ends the regular season on Saturday at Louisville while MTSU take on UAB at home.
Vote for the Play of the Week!
Week 12 was filled with memorable plays and moments in the Big Ten and SEC. Here were two of our favorites. Make sure you vote for the best in the poll below
1.) Wisconsin’s Danny Davis III makes outstanding leaping touchdown catch with one hand.
Danny Davis III only needed one hand 🤚 pic.twitter.com/woB0HeF55a
— Def Pen Sports (@DefPenSports) November 18, 2018
2.) Ole Miss’s Damarkus Lodge makes one-handed touchdown grab while keeping his feet inbounds.
This catch by Ole Miss WR Damarkus Lodge is unreal pic.twitter.com/csMGptdW2b
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) November 18, 2018
Click here to check out weekly recaps from earlier this season.