MINNEAPOLIS, MN, Oct. 7 — The Penn State Nittany Lions (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) escaped with an overtime win by the slimmest of possible margins over the Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten). The final score was 28–27, and in this case it really was that close. The Lions were able to capitalize on gifts of a missed extra point and a questionable pass interference call after Minnesota had easily scored a touchdown in the overtime period.

It appeared as if Minnesota had the win when in its overtime series, Penn State could not move the ball, leading to a 4th and 9 at the 24 yard-line. Morelli threw a desperation pass to Deon Butler, which looked like it was cleanly broken up by Trumaine Banks, but Banks was called for pass interference. Looking at the replay, I couldn’t see how Banks could be flagged. And so, Gift #2 for Penn State, this one at the behest of the officials, led to a first down at the 12. The Lions got the touchdown and Kelly kicked the extra point for the winning margin. And we got out of this one by the skin of our teeth.

[Read more…]

I want to say something here about the burgeoning practice of planting a flag at the center of a college football opponent’s field after a victory. Have you noticed that this nonsense is generally perpetrated by perennially second-rate teams that get lucky and beat a good team that performed uncharacteristically poorly? Planting the flag is a classless, “in yo’ face” maneuver that, I suppose, provides instant gratification for a group of live-for-the-moment losers who will go on to lose the next week. Grab the glory while you can, idiots, because it will be short-lived.

[Read more…]