NU needs one final stop

Michigan picks up a first down, as Steven Threet hits Greg Matthews at the Wolverines’ 37. On the next play, they try a reverse, put NU snuffs it out. Two plays later, Threet runs for a first down to the Michigan 49. Both he and NU defensive tackle John Gill come up injured on the play. After being down for a few moments, they both went off the field under their own power.

Still, Nick Sheridan comes back into the game to replace Threet. On second down, he hits Carlos Brown for eight yards into NU territory. But on third-and-2, he gets flushed out of the pocket and throws incomplete.

Michigan decides to go for it on fourth down, and Sheridan gains 11 and a first down on a draw, although he does take a massive hit from Brad Phillips at the end of the play.

But the defense stands firm on the next set of downs, as Sherrick McManis makes a great play on third-and-13 to prevent a first down. Michigan goes for it again, but Prince Kwateng knocks away Sheridan’s pass. NU takes over on its own 34 with 2:19 to play. Time to try to run out the clock.

After Simmons runs for seven on first down, Michigan uses its first timeout. Simmons gets no gain on second down, and the Wolverines spend another timeout. That sets up third-and-3, and gives NU a chance to almost ice the game with a first down.

And the defense is going to have to make another stop. Bacher runs but can’t pick up the first down, forcing a punt. Michigan stops the clock with 1:56 left, using its final timeout. Stefan Demos gets the punt away, but is returned by Martavious Odoms to the NU 46. 1:46 left.

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    1. Alabama 11-0
    2. Florida 10-1
    3. Oklahoma 10-1
    4. Texas 10-1
    5. USC 9-1
    6. Penn State 11-1
    7. Texas Tech 10-1
    8. Utah 12-0
    9. Boise State 11-0
    10. Ohio State 10-2
    11. Oklahoma State 9-2
    12. Missouri 9-2
    13. Georgia 9-2
    14. TCU 10-2
    15. Ball State 11-0
    16. Cincinnati 9-2
    17. Oregon State 8-3
    18. Georgia Tech 8-3
    19. Oregon 8-3
    20. Boston College 8-3
    21. Brigham Young 10-2
    22. Michigan State 9-3
    23. Florida State 8-3
    24. Northwestern 9-3
    25. Mississippi 7-4

    -As of Nov. 23, 2008

    Team CONF ALL
    *-PSU 6-1 10-1
    *-OSU 6-1 9-2
    *-MSU 6-1 9-2
    *-NU 4-3 8-3
    *-IOWA 4-3 8-3
    *-MINN 3-3 6-4
    ILL 3-4 5-6
    *-WISC 3-5 6-5
    x-Michigan 2-5 3-8
    x-IND 1-6 3-8
    x-PUR 1-6 3-8

    *-bowl eligible

    x-cannot become bowl eligible

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