For some games, the first three quarters just set the stage. The real game starts in the fourth quarter.
Below are some fourth quarters from week 5 games that have spectacular moments. Expect momentum and lead changes. There are extra points for turnovers and games that come down to the last play!
The inspiration for this article came from staff writer Andrew’s recommendation for staff writer Laura and I to catch the 4th quarter of the Georgia vs. Alabama game.
Minnesota vs. Michigan
The Wolverines dominated the first half against the Golden Gophers. Minnesota struggled with a missed field goal, a fumble resulting in a Michigan TD and a blocked punt also resulting in a TD. Two plays later Michigan intercepted a long throw from QB Brosmer. The Gophers held Michigan to a 3 and out and then put together a 77 yard drive for their first score with a field goal to finish the half at 3-21.
The Wolverines start the 3rd quarter with a field goal on their first drive for a comfortable 3-24 lead. Late in the 3rd calamity strikes. Minnesota’s Robinson intercepts the ball at their own 24. The Gophers capitalize on the turnover with a 76 yard drive ending in the 4th quarter with a TD.
To add an exclamation to the momentum change, Minnesota holds Michigan to a 3 and out and then Perich returns the punt for 60 yards to the Michigan 17. Three plays later the Gophers convert and it is a one score game at 17-24… just like that! The Wolverines manage a field goal and leave less than 5 minutes on the clock for the Gophers. Minnesota goes 75 yards in under 3 minutes for a TD and the score is now 24-27! Michigan is able to receive the onside kick and run out the clock. An outstanding 4th qtr effort for Minnesota, but it is not enough. Congrats to Michigan on the win!
Northern Illinois University vs. North Carolina State University
Northern Illinois showed up on the radar in week 2 when they had one of the biggest upsets of the season beating Number 5 ranked Notre Dame. Notre Dame attempted a 62 yard field goal on the last play for the win. The field goal was blocked and the clock ran out. Northern Illinois wins! Many of us caught the sentimental post game interview with Huskies coach Thomas Hammock expressing tears of happiness for his team.
Forward to week 5! It is the Huskies and the Wolfpack in the 4th quarter. Northern Illinois is down a score and puts together a 64 yard drive. They are knocking at the door on the NC State 34 but it is 3rd and 10 with 4 seconds left. In the last play, Hampton launches a pass to the end zone for the possibility of OT. Cooley of NC State intercepts the pass and closes the door on Northern Illinois as the clock runs out. Similar to the last play denial delivered to Notre Dame… the Huskies have to eat their own dogfood on this one! Congratulations to the Wolfpack!
Miami (Fla) vs. Virginia Tech
Number 7 Miami was favored to win this game against Virginia Tech. The hijinx started early with Virginia Tech recovering a Miami fumble on the 3rd play of the 1st drive of the game. Both teams demonstrated the ability to score and cause problems for the opposing offense in the first half. The Hokies have the lead at halftime 24-17.
The Hurricanes close the gap on the Hokies with a TD late in the 3rd. With the score now at 27-24, the table is set for the 4th quarter!
Virginia Tech extends the lead with a TD early in the 4th for a 34-24 lead. But the Canes answer back with a TD of their own to keep it a one score game at 34-31! The Hokies run into trouble on a 3 and out. Miami seizes the opportunity and responds with a TD scoring drive. Miami is leading for the first time since the first quarter at 34-38. Virginia Tech makes it down to the Miami 30 with 8 seconds left. This is going to come down to the last play of the game. QB Drones sends the ball to the endzone with players on both sides in a jump ball contest. Felton comes down with the ball for the win for the Hokies! Wait, did he have control? The official review says NO! Miami snatches the win!
Georgia vs. Alabama
The buzz on this game is that it is an instant classic. As mentioned, staff writer Andrew recommended the 4th quarter of this game. If you have not seen it, stop reading now and go watch it. I’ll wait!
Your back… worth it right? Staff writer Laura commented that she already knew who won. And true enough, Alabama has a two score lead at the beginning of the 4th at 15-33. But after watching what happened we both agreed that it was worth the time. It ticked a lot of the boxes for a great 4th quarter. You got four touchdowns, 1 out of 3 successful 2 point conversions, turnovers on a fumble and an interception and two lead changes! A great effort by Georgia for a 4th quarter comeback and a great upset win for Alabama! How’s that new coach working out? For the game overall there was a combined offense of over 1000 yards!
Honorable Mentions
- Western Kentucky vs. Boston College was a great win for BC. Western Kentucky lead the whole game up to the 3rd. The BC Eagles scored two TDs in the 4th while the Hilltoppers went scoreless. Eagles win 20-21!
- Oklahoma vs. Auburn looked interesting. I did not see the game but it looks like Oklahoma scored most of its points in the 4th quarter to come from behind.
Leave a Reply