Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Oct 12, 2008 3:00PM
Blackhawks Lose Second Straight
It's been a rough start to the season for the Blackhawks (0-2) after losing last night to the Washington Capitals, 4-2. The Blackhawks got off to a quick start, getting a 1-0 lead 26 seconds into the game via Kris Versteeg's goal and Jack Skille added another 11 minutes later to make the score 2-0. But from there, it was all Caps. Washington scored four unanswered goals, including two by Alex Ovechkin, to seal the victory. Nikolai Khabibulin got the start in goal for the 'Hawks, stopping 30 of 34 shots. The Blackhawks' next game is their home opener at the United Center on Monday night against the Nashville Predators (7:30 p.m.).
Northwestern Finally Loses (to Michigan State)
Northwestern's undefeated run in 2008 came to an end Saturday as Michigan State sprinted to a big first quarter lead and cruised to a 37-20 victory over the Wildcats. Northwestern racked up plenty of yardage, outgaining the Spartans 459 to 297 in total offense, but three turnovers didn't help the WIldcats' cause. C.J. Bacher attempted a mind-boggling 61 passes, completing 34 for 283 yards, a touchdown, but two interceptions. Ross Lane led all receivers with nine catches for 113 yards while Tyrell Sutton gained 139 yards on the ground.
Minnesota Ruins Homecoming for Illinois
In spite of another spectacular offensive outing by Juice Williams, Illinois failed to take advantage of his performance and lost to the Gophers 27-20. Williams was responsible for 503 of the Illini's 550 yards of total offense: 462 in the air (26 for 41, one TD, one Int.) and 41 on the ground. No matter how well they drove the ball down the field, the Illini couldn't find the endzone, having to settle for field goals and committing three turnovers. Arrelious Benn led all receivers with 181 yards on 12 catches; A.J. Jenkins had 117 yards and two touchdowns on three catches.
Northern Illinois Tops Miami (OH)
In a game of streaks, the Huskies played well enough to top Miami 17-13. Northern Illinois scored the first 10 points of the game thanks to a Mike Salerno field goal and a DeMarcus Grady TD pass. But then it was Miami's turn, scoring 13 straight points to take the lead. Chad Spann scored on a short touchdown run late in the third quarter to put the Huskies ahead for good as both teams were held scoreless in the fourth quarter. Salerno missed a field goal in the fourth that led to a Miami drive to the Huskies' 12 yard-line, but the Huskies held Miami to hold on to victory. Me'co Brown was the Huskies' top offensive gainer, rushing 16 times for 123 yards.
Notre Dame Falls To UNC
The Fighting Irish blew a first-half lead as they fell to North Carolina 29-24. QB Jimmy Clausen had another good outing, completing 31 of 48 passes for 383 yards, two touchdowns, and a pair of interceptions. But it wasn't enough as the Tar Heels rallied to outscore Notre Dame 20-7 in the second half, paced by a Clausen interception returned for a TD on the first play of the third quarter. The Irish were held scoreless for the final 25:43 of the game. Notre Dame had four turnovers in the second half (five overall) to seal their fate.