Chris Autman-Bell makes ridiculous 4th down catch, sets up Minnesota TD
Tanner Morgan and Chris Autman-Bell might be responsible for one of the biggest plays of Friday night’s B1G West showdown between Minnesota and Purdue.
On a 4th-and-8 on the Purdue 34-yard line, P.J. Fleck sent his offense on the field in an effort to pick up a 1st down. That call worked, as Morgan delivered a pass that found the hands of Autman-Bell for a big gain.
Autman-Bell had to fight off a Purdue defender in his face and was falling to the ground while making the catch. It was credited as a 33-yard pickup, putting the Gophers at the 1-yard line.
Mohamed Ibrahim punched the ball across the goal line for the touchdown.
On 4th & 8 @T_morg2 came up with a HUGE throw for @GopherFootball 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SFn5wculBN
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 21, 2020
With the touchdown, Minnesota built its lead to 28-17 in the 3rd quarter.
It was a gutsy call by the Gophers, especially after being completely shut down on the 3rd down play. But it paid off in a big way for Minnesota and Fleck.
Could that be the difference in the game? It was certainly a big momentum booster for Minnesota.