Morning Box Score
By Marcus Gilmer in News on Nov 16, 2008 5:55PM
Northwestern Eeks Past Michigan
Quarterback C.J. Bacher tossed two third quarter touchdowns to give Northwestern a lead over Michigan they wouldn't relinquish on their way to a 21-14 win over the Wolverines. Bacher finished with 198 yards passing and two touchdowns with two interceptions. It was an ugly weather day as precipitation switched between rain and snow, forcing Michigan to go to the ground which wasn't enough as they found themselves looking at the school's first-ever eight loss season. As for the Wildcats, they're enjoying their first eight win season since 2000, which also happens to be the last time they beat Michigan (a crazy 54-51 overtime win). They close out the season next week in Evanston against Illinois.
Buckeyes Storm Past Illinois
The Illini lost for the third time in four games and remains out of the bowl picture at 5-6 after Ohio State visited and rolled past the Illini 30-20. Even though Illinois outgained the Buckeyes by over 100 yards, the Illini defense couldn't stop the Ohio State rushing game as both Chris "Beanie" Wells and QB Terrelle Pryor rushed for over 100 yars (143 and 110, respectively). Illinois QB Juice Williams threw for 192 yards and rushed for 48, but it wasn't enough to carry Illinois to victory. Illinois faces a must-win over Northwestern next week or they'll go bowl-free.
Notre Dame Survives Naval Comeback
Up 27-7 with less than 2 minutes to play, Navy almost executed a comeback seen only in video games, but the Irish held on for a 27-21 victory. Navy scored a touchdown, recovered an onside kick, scored another touchdown, recovered another onside kick, and earned what appeared to be a fourth timeout from confused officials before falling short on the ensuing drive. Armando Allen, Jr. was the offensive standout, gaining 60 yards both in the air and on the ground, and chipping in a touchdown. With the win, the Irish are now bowl eligible with Syracuse and USC still left on the schedule.
Central Michigan Edges Northern Illinois in OT
In a game played midweek (thanks, ESPN), Northern Illinois fought back from a 23-3 halftime deficit (and 30-6 in the second half) to force overtime where they fell short to Central Michigan in a 33-30 loss. Chandler Harnish threw for 287 yards and had a touchdown on the ground, but two interceptions in the effort. The Huskies sit at 5-5 and are still a win short of becoming bowl eligible. They play once more at midweek (Tuesday) at Kent State.
Bulls Push Past Pacers
Derrick Rose had another great outing, leading all scorers with 23 points, as the Bulls topped the Pacers 104-91. Ben Gordon added 19 and Nocioni came off the bench to pour in 20. Rose continues his aggressive approach in his rookie season. Said Rose, "They are giving it to me. I'd be a fool not to shoot it. My teammates want me to shoot and if I don't, they yell at me or tell the coach probably to get me out of the game. Right now I'm just taking what they give me. ... If they come up on me, I'm going to drive. "
AP Photo/Tony Ding