Fourth-Quarter Covers
By Joe Nelson
Buffalo scored early in the fourth quarter after a fumble recovery to get within ten points against Ohio but the Bobcats eventually responded with a clock-eating drive resulting in a touchdown for a very slim cover with just over five minutes to go.
Western Michigan took control against Central Michigan in the third quarter going up 22-13 but Central Michigan struck first in the final frame to cut the deficit to just two points. Getting the ball back after a missed field goal the Chippewas went down the field to take the lead by four points with just over six minutes to go. Western Michigan was in position to answer but a fumble in the final minutes in scoring position allowed Central Michigan to hold on for a narrow spread win.
Michigan and Illinois went back-and-forth in an amazing game that eventually went to triple overtime. Michigan led 38-31 entering the fourth quarter but the scored was from done as Illinois would score twice in just over three minutes to get on top by seven. There was actually a scoring drought of nearly ten minutes of game clock but Michigan tied the game with less than two minutes to go. Offense dominated again in overtime and in the third session Michigan went first and connected on both the touchdown and the required 2-point conversion. Illinois was able to score but the conversion failed but it was enough for Illinois to earn the cover in the highest scoring Big Ten game ever.
After going up 21-0 late in the second quarter Northwestern appeared to be in strong position for a big road win but Penn State got some momentum with a touchdown in the final seconds of the first half and then dominated the third quarter with three consecutive scoring drives, taking a 28-21 lead to match the spread. The Lions would score again early in the fourth quarter to go up 14 and Northwestern’s final two drives ended on downs despite moving the ball well.
Purdue led Wisconsin 10-6 at halftime and certainly appeared in position for a cover, trailing by just seven early in the fourth quarter. The Badgers put the game out of reach by capitalizing on turnovers, turning an interception into a scoring drive and the returning an interception for a touchdown on Purdue’s next possession to sneak by the 20-point spread. Purdue’s final drive went deep into Wisconsin territory but needing touchdowns a spread winning field goal was passed up.
Michigan State led Minnesota 24-0 entering the fourth quarter with most books closing with the line right at -24. Minnesota scored early in the fourth quarter and made the right call by the math to go for two, connecting for a spread changing conversion. Michigan State would score again but just kicked the extra point to end up winning by just 23, short of the spread.
While it was a battle in the Big XII basement Kansas fans that stuck around were treated to an amazing comeback and Colorado backers suffered a painful defeat. Colorado led 38-10 until Kansas added a score late in the third quarter. The margin was pushed quickly back to 28 points as Colorado scored right after the fourth quarter started. Kansas answered with an efficient scoring drive and then an onside kick set up another score. It didn’t stop there as a fumble return touchdown got the Jayhawks within one score with still seven minutes to go in the game. Kansas then got an interception to set-up the tying score. Colorado was forced to punt and with all the momentum Kansas went in for the winning score, although Colorado went 67 yards in the final minute to have a chance to tie.
With Jake Locker ruled out for Washington the spread for Oregon swelled to 38 by closing but much lower lines were available throughout the week. The Ducks led by just 23 entering the fourth quarter but as usual it was another shutout final frame with Oregon adding two scores to win by 37, beating most spreads except for the very late players.
Southern Mississippi and Tulane were tied 30-30 entering the fourth quarter but the Golden Eagles were able to add a lot of points late. Southern Mississippi took the lead 37-30 early in the fourth and then with just over two minutes to go scored with a safety on a Tulane mistake. A fumble return touchdown with just 21 seconds to go provided a fortunate cover for anyone on Southern Miss.
Fourth-Quarter Covers
By Joe Nelson
With the spread bouncing between 2.5 and 3 in Toronto, the Bills trailed Chicago 14-13 entering the fourth quarter. About five minutes into the fourth Buffalo pounded the ball into the end zone to take the lead by five, missing on the two-point conversion. The Bills seemed to be in position to add to the lead before an interception set Chicago up in nice field position and the Bears delivered the go-ahead score with less than seven minutes to go. The critical two-point conversion was also good to push the lead to three and cost backers of Buffalo.
Houston led San Diego 23-21 entering the fourth quarter after settling for a couple of field goals. The Texans rolled the dice going for a few fourth down plays and it would prove costly as San Diego put together a scoring drive with a two-point conversion to go up six with just over five minutes to go. Houston had two successful drives late in the game but no points were added.
Those that played the Chiefs early in the week still caught a push in the late collapse against Oakland but Kansas City appeared to have the game locked up. Oakland led by one entering the fourth quarter and added a field goal but a 20-yard pass play put the Chiefs up by three with just over six minutes to go. The Chiefs could not completely milk the clock and Oakland got the ball back, and with a deflected long pass play the Raiders wound up in field goal range and got the tying kick and then early in overtime finished the game off with another field goal.
Philadelphia led Indianapolis by just two entering the fourth quarter but quickly pushed the lead to nine points early in the final frame. The Eagles dominated the final quarter but penalties were costly to stall what could have been a game sealing drive. Indianapolis got the ball back with less than six minutes to go and up nine the Eagles played soft defense to allow Indianapolis to get down the field. On a fourth and 18 play Peyton Manning on the outer edge of field goal range Peyton Manning was sacked, fumbling the ball and locking up an Eagles win and cover. The defender brushed Manning’s helmet on the play and the flag was thrown, giving Indianapolis a first down and setting up a score to put the Colts back within two. The Colts actually did get the ball back with very little time on the clock but an interception ended a further comeback.