So far, Saturday night's game between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 3 Oregon State has lived up to the hype.
In just over a quarter of the game, fans watched a controversial call, the ejection of an Oregon player who spat in the face of an Ohio State player, a missed extra point, and some unbelievable moments. I have seen similar receptions.
But what is the most unlikely play? On the kickoff after the touchdown, the Ducks did a great job recovering the loose ball.
Early in the second quarter, Dillon Gabriel connected with Evan Stewart for this impressive 10-yard touchdown reception.
Stewart was able to make the throw despite the defender's coverage. Adding insult to injury for the Buckeyes was the fact that the defender was flagged for a facemask penalty, a 15-yard violation that applies on kickoffs.
After Ohio State stopped a two-point try, Oregon teed up at its 50-yard line for the ensuing kickoff, still leading 14-12. Then something like this happened.
Oregon State kicker Andrew Boyle fired what appeared to be a squib kick that flew into the arms of an Ohio State man. While the player moved out of the way to let someone behind him kick the ball, the kick was still deflected into his arm, and the spilled ball remained alive for anyone to recover.
Boyle and reserve tight end Roger Saleapaga dove for the loose ball, the tight end managed to recover the ball, and Oregon once again had possession.
Here's another take on the play:
Immediately after this play, Noah Eagle dropped an incredible “Stephon” reference on the NBC Sports broadcast. saturday night livesaid the game “has a little bit of everything.”
Including the kick recovery that you don't see in everyday life like the one above.
