Big Ten & SEC Week 7 Recap: LSU Shocks Auburn, While Michigan Survives Scare
Standings and Results
Big Ten
SEC
AP Top 10
1. Alabama
2. Penn State
3. Georgia
4. TCU
5. Wisconsin
6. Ohio State
7. Clemson
8. Miami
9. Oklahoma
10. Oklahoma State
Auburn Falls In Death Valley
After falling behind 20-0 in the second quarter, LSU rallied to knock off Auburn 27-23 at home to move to 5-2 on the season and 2-1 in the SEC. No. 10 Auburn jumped out to an early 17-0 lead after one quarter of play in search of their first win in Death Valley this century.
Auburn has lost 9 straight in Baton Rouge.
Meanwhile, other teams out of Alabama … pic.twitter.com/tPYXcasf3A
— ESPN (@espn) October 15, 2017
After adding a field goal, LSU’s offense turned it on, scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter to cut the lead to 23-14. Following a scoreless third quarter, LSU pulled within a field goal of Auburn following D.J. Chark’s 75-yard punt return.
Relive “The Comeback” staring @DJChark82, the #LSU Defense and an electric Tiger Stadium crowd: https://t.co/f94qZ3XC6d pic.twitter.com/rbyA6Btdno
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 15, 2017
A pair of Connor Culp field goals in the game’s final three minutes put LSU ahead and secured the historic comeback win for the home team Tigers. The loss also snapped a streak among AP Top 10 teams that dated back to 2014.
Auburn lost despite leading 20-0.
Entering today, AP Top-10 teams were 182-0 when leading by 20+ vs unranked opponents since 2014.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 14, 2017
Michigan Fends Off Indiana On The Road
For the second time in three years, Michigan and Indiana went to overtime. The Wolverines were led by running back Karan Higdon, who went off for 200 yards and three scores, but allowed its opponent to stay in the game yet again. Unlike last week, however, they were able to escape with a victory.
The Wolverines entered the contest with 21 consecutive victories over the Hoosiers, including a 17-1 mark in Bloomington. Indiana stayed in the game despite an impressive Michigan defense holding the Hoosiers to a season-low output on offense, and were able to cut the deficit to three poitns heading into the final quarter.
Higdon, who had been Michigan’s only source of offense on the day, appeared to put the game out of reach after this long 59-yard run up the gut pushed the Wolverines lead to 10 in the final quarter. After all, Michigan had yet to allow a single fourth-quarter point to an opponent all season.
HIGDON TO THE HOUSE AGAIN! Touchdown Michigan! The Wolverines now lead 20-10 #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/8jAt48iKqj
— Michigan Sports Zone (@MichSportsZone) October 14, 2017
Indiana didn’t catch that memo, though, as they battled back to tie the score on a 46-yard field goal from Griffin Oakes as time expired in regulation. In overtime Michigan started with the ball on offense and kept it with the hot hand — and once again, Higdon delivered.
What a run opening play of Overtime vs Indiana TOUCHDOWN MICHIGAN #MICHvsIND pic.twitter.com/dizKGykKBo
— ?Phenomenal One J? (@PhenomenalOneJ) October 14, 2017
On its first possession in the overtime period, Indiana quickly moved the ball inside the Michigan five-yard line, setting itselfup with a 1st-and-goal. After three plays with no gain the game came down to one final play, with Michigan making a game-saving stop.
October 14th, 2017: Michigan stops Indiana on 4th and goal in OT to win the game, Tyree Kinnel intercepts the pass. pic.twitter.com/poA6YsvkuB
— Michigan Moments (@UofMMoments) October 16, 2017
Gators Lose Another Tight One in the Swamp
Following last week’s close home loss to LSU by way of a missed extra point, the Gators returned to action at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium against Texas A&M. After going up 17-10 early in the fourth quarter, three straight field goal drives by the Aggies crashed the Gators’ victory plans and moved Texas A&M to 5-2 (3-1 SEC) on the season.
Prior to the game, the Gators made a splash and sparked some sartorial conversation regarding their special alternate uniforms.
Florida Gators unveil alternate uniforms for game vs. Texas A&M and they’re…interesting https://t.co/PEckkMqCwm pic.twitter.com/EMAuIRHkHK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 10, 2017
The Gator defense contained the Aggies offense early, allowing the UF offense to take a 10-3 lead into the half. In the second half, the Aggies offense improved, turning four of their six possessions into points. Young gators quarterback Feleipe Franks struggled, but was able to help Florida regain the lead in the fourth quarter following an impressive, long run.
Feleipe Franks just went 79 yards in 20 seconds.
Is that good? pic.twitter.com/C11n17U12A
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 15, 2017
Daniel LaCamera slowly chipped away at the lead with three fourth-quarter field goals, including his fourth of the game with 58 seconds to play to put the Aggies up by two. With one final shot at victory, the Gators started from their own 25-yard line but Tyrel Dodson nabbed a Franks pass on the first play of the drive and A&M ran out the clock from there.
.@tdots25 seals the Aggie win with the interception! #12thMan pic.twitter.com/bpoqX07E5c
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) October 15, 2017
Turn Down For Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Badgers hosted Purdue in a Big Ten West Division matchup over the weekend, earning a hard-fought 17-9 victory. Not only did the game keep Wisconsin unbeaten on the season and move them higher in the polls thanks to losses by Clemson and Washington — it also provided some jersey entertainment.
YEEAAAHHHH!! pic.twitter.com/wTUgUtSPVy
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 14, 2017
Team Selection Committee Recap
The Florida Citrus Sports Team Selection Committee held its latest meeting of the 2017-18 season Monday morning at Camping World Stadium, and after seven weeks of memorable college football action and dozens of campus visits logged this year, there were more than a few exciting stories to go around. READ MORE >>>
Play of the Week
Week 7 was filled with several memorable plays. We picked two of our favorites and want to see which one our readers thought was more impressive. Take a look at each and cast your vote.
1) Ole Miss wide receiver D.K. Metcalf’s crazy catch behind the head of a defender
Hey @SportsCenter … we have your No. 1️⃣@OleMissFB‘s D.K. Metcalf #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/Jt3mxA3vbZ
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 14, 2017
2) Tennessee running back John Kelly runs through several South Carolina defenders on a tackle-breaking rush for a big gain.
John Kelly said GET OFF ME. #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/tCNrE27L4r
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 14, 2017