Playing on a rainy, cloudy afternoon at Maxwell Field, #3 Linfield survived a colossal battle with #20 Pacific Lutheran, winning 27-24 to advance to the second round of the NCAA playoffs. While Linfield's offense had their worst day of the season, the Linfield defense turned in a masterful performance. The win pushed Linfield to 10-0 on the season, while the loss gave PLU a final record of 7-3.
Now to the awards...
It was over when: Dalton Richey threw way behind Kyle Warner on fourth down with 29 seconds to go, which allowed Linfield to end the game with a knee.
Gameball goes to: Linfield's entire defense. Although they gave up 17 points and 248 yards of offense in the second half to the Lutes, the Wildcat defense forced five turnovers for the game, had the only touchdown of the second half off an interception return, and made the crucial fourth down stop with 29 seconds to go. With Linfield's offense having their worst day of the season, the defense won the day.
Stat of the game: 5 turnovers forced by the Linfield defense. After forcing only 17 turnovers in the regular season, Linfield's defense returned to their old play-making ways from the past three seasons, recovering three fumbles and forcing two interceptions by Dalton Richey.
Unsung hero: Chad Coburn. The freshman cornerback was used in a wishbone-esque formation in short yardage situations, and responded with carries for 13 yards and two touchdowns.
What it means: The win pushed Linfield to 10-0, and gives them a second-round matchup with #14 North Central (Ill), who just beat #8 Cal Lutheran 41-21 on the road. For Pacific Lutheran, they finish the season with a 7-3 record, and they really became a good team in 2012. They lived up to the pre-season hype by finishing second in the NWC, and despite having two losses (Albeit against two top-ten teams), Pacific Lutheran was rewarded with a playoff appearance. Pacific Lutheran fans can be proud of the season that the Lutes had.
Link to postgame analysis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBgCDFBs31E&feature=youtu.be
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