Week 7 Big Ten & SEC Recap
#7 Michigan State 27, #12 Michigan 23
In one of the most dramatic finishes in college football history, the Spartans (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) defeated the Wolverines (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) in Ann Arbor. With 10 seconds remaining, Michigan was set to punt, but a bobbled snap turned into a 38-yard touchdown for Michigan State sophomore Jalen Watts-Jackson. Spartans’ QB Connor Cook went 18-of-39 for 328 yards and a touchdown, while WR Aaron Burbridge caught nine passes for 132 yards. Michigan QB Jake Rudock was 15-of-25 with 168 yards, and RB Sione Houma rushed for two scores.
#10 Alabama 41, #9 Texas A&M 23
The Crimson Tide (6-1, 3-1 SEC) handed the Aggies (5-1, 2-1 SEC) their first loss of the season Saturday in College Station. Alabama’s Derrick Henry rushed for a career-high 236 yards and two touchdowns. A&M QB Kyle Allen threw for 263 yards and touchdown, but also a career-high three interceptions, all of which were returned for touchdowns by the Tide defense. Freshman DB Minkah Fitzpatrick became the first player in Alabama history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a game.
#6 LSU 35, #8 Florida 28
In a battle of two SEC unbeatens, the Tigers (6-0, 4-0 SEC) outlasted the Gators (6-1, 4-1 SEC) thanks in part to a brilliant fake field goal that gave LSU what would prove to be the winning score. Florida quarterback Treon Harris, staring in place of the suspended Will Grier, gave the Gators one last opportunity to force overtime with a deep heave toward the endzone. However, his Hail Mary attempt was knocked away and fell to the ground as time expired. Harris finished the game with 271 yards and two touchdowns. LSU RB Leonard Fournette stays atop the nation’s rushing leaders with 1,202 yards, adding 180 yards and two scores in Saturday’s contest.
#17 Iowa 40, #20 Northwestern 10
Despite being plagued by injury, the Hawkeyes (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) topped the Wildcats (5-2, 1-2 Big Ten) to remain undefeated. Iowa turned to sophomore Akrum Wadley when starting RB Jordan Canzeri went down with an injury. Wadley stepped in and rushed for 204 yards and four scores (tied for most in Iowa history). Northwestern QB Clayton Thorson threw for 125 yards and one touchdown.
#1 Ohio State 38, Penn State
The Buckeyes (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) upped their winning streak to 20 games Saturday, defeating the Nittany Lions (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) despite giving up 194 yards rushing to Penn State freshman Saquon Barkley. Ohio State’s two-quarterback system was still in play, but J.T. Barrett saw the most action under center. Barrett rushed for 102 yards and two scores while also throwing for two more touchdowns. RB Ezekiel Elliot turned in his 12th 100-yard rushing performance with 153 yards on the ground for the Buckeyes.
Other games from the weekend:
#13 Ole Miss (5-2, 2-1 SEC) fell to Memphis, 37-24.
Auburn (4-2, 1-2 SEC) defeated Kentucky (4-2, 2-2 SEC), 30-27.
Missouri (4-3, 1-3 SEC) fell to Georgia (5-2, 3-2 SEC), 9-6.
Nebraska (3-4, 1-2 Big Ten) defeated Minnesota (4-3, 1-2 Big Ten), 48-25.
South Carolina (3-4, 1-4 SEC) defeated Vanderbilt (2-4, 0-3 SEC), 19-10.
Mississippi State (5-2, 1-2 SEC) defeated Louisiana Tech, 45-20.
Rutgers (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) defeated Indiana (4-3, 0-3 Big Ten), 55-52.
Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) defeated Purdue (1-6, 0-3 Big Ten), 24-7.