Play of the Game: Gordon’s third-down catch

DOWN AND DISTANCE:

Wisconsin faced third-and-13 at its 32 yard line

SCORE/TIME AT THE SNAP:

Wisconsin led 19-17, 8:59 left in the game

FORMATION AND PERSONNEL:

Iowa - Three linemen, three linebackers, five defensive backs; Wisconsin - Three wide receivers, one tight end, one running back

WHAT HAPPENED:

Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon hauled in a 35-yard pass from quarterback Joel Stave to give the Badgers a first down at the Hawkeyes' 33.

WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT:

The pass flipped field position and prevented Iowa from gaining possession with a chance to take the lead. Wisconsin scored two plays later to lead by nine points.

THE QUOTE 1:

'I was supposed to bluff (safety Jordan Lomax). We knew they were coming. I was looking at him the whole time. We drew it up and it worked like we thought. He came down, he was going to bluff, I waited for him a little bit like I was going to block him. I shed him and my coach said he was going to try to stick his foot back in the ground and try to get after me, but I knew then it would be too late.” - Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon

THE QUOTE 2:

'It was supposed to be my responsibility. I had the running back on that one, and I let him get away from me so that's on me. I was supposed to come down and pretty much make sure he doesn't come out. He ended up leaking out, and I didn't take him.” - Iowa safety Jordan Lomax

THE QUOTE 3:

'Joel made a great read, I couldn't even tell you right now if there were three or four of them coming, but Joel saw the crease and he took a good angle and was able to make a very, very good play,” - Wisconsin Coach Gary Andersen

THE ANALYSIS:

Iowa lined up in its Raider package, which is designed to create confusion and get pressure on the quarterback. Six defenders stood up across the line of scrimmage, and five rushed the passer with a stunt across the center's face. Free safety Jordan Lomax blitzed late, and Gordon stepped toward Lomax, then simply went around him. Stave backed up, threw off his back foot to Gordon at the Badgers' 44. Gordon scooted unopposed to the Iowa 33, when he was tackled by Iowa strong safety John Lowdermilk.

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