The Minnesota Vikings are looking to finish the year with a win, and a pair of B1G stars helped the Vikings find the end zone early in the third quarter.

The play came on a big down-the-field throw from QB Kirk Cousins. His protection held up nicely and gave Ihmir Smith-Marsette enough time to get behind the Chicago Bears defense. The clean pocket allowed for the play to go for 44 yards and a touchdown on a long third-down play.

Minnesota has since taken a late 2-score lead over the Bears as Cousins has thrown for 250  yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception on 14-for-21 passing. Meanwhile, Smith-Marsette has set a new career-high with 103 receiving yards on 3 catches. The rookie fifth-round pick entered the game with 2 catches all season long.

Cousins played at Michigan State under Mark Dantonio while Smith-Marsette played collegiately at Iowa under Kirk Ferentz.