Saturday, September 6, 2008

Conteh gives NU lead, 20-14

Instead of running, the Cats came out throwing on first down as Bacher hit Ward on a curl for a gain of 12. 

Bacher overthrew Josh Rooks on first down and fired incomplete to Rasheed Ward on the following play. On third down, Duke came with the all out blitz and Bacher hung in there just long enough to complete a 45-yard pass to Eric Peterman. Bacher showed some guys as the Cats moved all the way down to the Duke 14-yard line. 

Finally, with a first-and-ten inside the 20, McCall calls for a run. After a balanced run-pass attack in the first half, McCall has called for nothing but passes in the second half. The defense is paying for it big time. 

On second down, Bacher threw into tight coverage in the corner of the end zone, trying to hit Sutton on the fade. Great pass by Bacher on third down to Ward in the flat, who took the ball down to the Duke three-yard line. 

First and goal from the three, Sutton took the direct snap once again, but this time the Blue Devils were prepared. On second down, Bacher's playaction pass intended for Josh Rooks fell incomplete in the back of the end zone, but there was pass interference on the play.

After the penalty, the Cats were awarded an automatic first down from the two yard line, where Omar Conteh took the carry off tackle for a touchdown! Penalties came back to hurt Duke on this drive, extending NU's drive.

NU goes 9 plays, 72 yards and eats up 3 minutes and 4 seconds, despite passing the ball on the majority of its plays. 

With 9:04 remaining, NU leads 24-20. 

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